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raven-dor · 2 days ago

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in which fred weasley and his best friend are oblivious to each other's feelings

PAIRING: fred weasley ii x gryffindor!reader, fred weasley ii x fem!reader

WARNINGS: fluff, angst, obliviousness!!, arguing, misunderstanding, poor theodore nott jr

WORD COUNT: 3.0k

“Godric.” James groaned, holding his head between his hands. “They’ve been arguing for hours.”

Roxanne laughed. “You think we’d be used to it by now.” She crossed her arms. “What are they arguing about this time?”

James scoffed, leaning back into the plush Gryffindor common room couch. “Oh, you weren’t listening?” Roxanne shook her head. He smirked, sighing as if he was disappointed. “Allow me to enlighten you. Your darling brother brought up the fact that Ophelia Scamander was going alone to the Yule Ball.”

“Alright?”

“I’m almost certain he brought that up to get a reaction from Y/N.”

Roxanne laughed. “Is that what started this then?”

James shook his head, thoroughly entertained that Roxanne hadn’t caught on yet. “What started this was that Y/N brought up she already had a date.”

Roxanne’s jaw dropped. “You’re joking.”

“I wish I was. Your brother overreacted…”

“Typical.”

“Hence the argument we’ve been spectators to for roughly-” He checked his watch. “Ten minutes.”

“That’s it!”

They looked over, surprised that steam wasn’t hissing from Y/N’s ears. Her voice was shrill, ringing through the otherwise empty common room. “Come find me when you become an adult.” She stormed off, her gaze fixed on the exit.

Fred scoffed, yelling after her. “Jokes on you. I already am!”

The portrait door slammed shut, and an uncomfortable silence fell over the room. James coughed. “Trouble in paradise?”

Fred glared, plopping on the couch beside him. “Shut it, you.”

Roxanne sighed. “Freddie, why do you think you were so upset about this?”

“I assumed we were going together.”

James grinned. “And why’s that?”

“I know where this is going, James. We’re best friends.” Fred almost looked dejected as he said it. “Nothing more.”

Roxanne laughed. Godric, it was a miracle he survived day to day with how thick he could be. “Do you ever stop and think that perhaps the reason you and dear Y/N/N argue so often is because you fancy each other?”

“Rox…”

James sighed, looking at his cousin guiltily. “She’s not wrong, Fred.”

Fred groaned. “Not you too.” He stood up, his hands on his hips. “I’m off to find Y/N.”

“Have fun!”

“Bugger off, James!”

The library was quieter than the Gryffindor Common Room, that much was evident. The majority of the student body could be found there at any time of day staring at textbooks, committing their information to memory. She smiled to herself, it was nice to have the solitude the library offered compared to the chaos her home brought contained. It almost made her laugh: Fred had no right to be that upset, but she couldn’t help but feel butterflies erupt in her stomach whenever he had an overprotective stint. He was gorgeous, anyone with eyes knew, the way his eyes lit up when he was passionate about something. And the fact he was so annoyed with her choice of date made her dare to think that-

“Y/N.”

“Fredrick.”

He sat down, carrying a look that mirrored that of a kicked puppy. “I shouldn’t have reacted that way. It wasn’t fair.”

Ah. She felt disappointed. “That’s very… responsible of you.”

“Do you, do you have anything to say?”

“Do I?” She scoffed, setting down her quill to see if he was being serious. “Am I supposed to be apologizing as well?”

He sighed. “I didn’t mean for it to sound like that. I just-”

“What?” She snapped. “What did you just-”

“I can’t stand you being mad at me.” He hissed. “I know it’s my fault, love.” He reached out, holding her hand and rubbing the back with his thumb. “You’re my best friend, and we can’t be mad at each other forever.”

It was like a bucket of cold water thrown on her face. Why had he always felt the need to break her heart? “I don’t know what gave you the impression I was mad at you Fred.”

“Oh, I don’t know.” He laughed. “The fact that you stormed off and have been avoiding eye contact this entire conversation.”

She stuck her tongue out. “You’re my best friend too. And trust me, I could never be mad at you.”

“Good.” He smiled. “Have you found a dress yet?”

She shook her head. “I haven’t, actually. Would you want to come along? Roxie already got hers, and the rest of the girls had them shipped in.”

“Sounds like you've already planned my Saturday.”

She shoved his arm, glaring. “Oh, because you had such compelling plans.”

“Godric, woman, stop pulling me,” Fred whined.

She rolled her eyes, pushing open the door of Gladrags. “Would you rather have frozen? Really, you should be thanking me.” She let go of his hand to remove her coat, and Fred almost outwardly whined from the loss of touch. “It’s not my fault you walk slower than a flobberworm.”

They strolled through the aisles, and every so often Y/N handed Fred a dress to hold. “Are you excited?”

“To watch you play dress up for two hours?” He smiled sarcastically. “Ecstatic.”

“Guard my room will you.” She yelled through the curtain. “Do you swear?”

He nodded, smiling to himself. “I solemnly swear.”

She rolled her eyes, laughing to herself. “Is that a reference to that stupid map?”

“Love, they’re all starting to look the same.”

Y/N glared, visibly defeated by the many hours of trying on dress after dress after dress. “If I knew you would be so unhelpful I wouldn’t have brought you.”

He held his hands up in surrender. “Do you trust me?”

“You know I do.”

Fred stood up, and she naturally followed after him. “You need something different. Not something you find at first glance.” She smacked his arm, obviously taking offense. “I wasn’t saying you have bad taste, I’m just-” Her eyebrow raised impatiently. “Getting to the point.” He stopped, pulling out the most stunning dress she’d ever seen in her life. “I know that I don’t have the best taste-”

“It’s perfect.” She squealed, kissing him on the cheek. “You’re perfect.”

He laughed, handing her the dress. “Go on, then.”

She ran to the dressing rooms. The dress he'd picked was white, with (what looked like) a thousand layers of tule, all coming to an end at an empire waistline. Jewels had been expertly sewn in, and as she looked closer, she realized they were snowflakes.

The back would prove to be an issue, she thought as she closed the curtain. She could lace most of it herself, but- Godric, she would need someone else to help her. “Fred.”

A beat of silence. “Everything alright, love?”

She took a deep breath. “I need your help.”

“With?” His voice sounded tight.

“I can’t-” She huffed, picked up the front of the dress, and walked out of the dressing room. “The lacing...” Fred stared, and her heart skipped a beat, there was that look again. “Stop looking at me like that.” He stepped forward, whispering gently.

“Turn around.”

“Excuse me?” She tilted her head.

“The lacing.” He reminded her why she'd even called for his help. “Turn around.”

She obliged, smiling to herself as his fingers grazed her back. “You picked the perfect dress, Freddie.”

His cheeks felt like they were on fire, tightening the laces once more before tying a bow. “It’s nothing…” She turned around, and he realized how serious this moment really was. “You know, you look like the moon itself.”

She laughed, actually laughed. He almost glared, here he was complimenting her, and she laughed at him. “What’s so funny?”

“I’m sorry, it’s just that you looked so serious when you said it.”

“Oh really?” He raised an eyebrow, a smile creeping on his face. “Well, remind me to never compliment you again.”

“No!” She begged. “Please, don’t.”

“Fine, fine.” Somehow his arm had found its way around her waist, and time seemed to stand still. It felt natural almost, like her waist had been made for his arm to be draped around it. “You’ve convinced me.”

“What are we doing? This is-”

“Y/N." He swallowed, his mouth felt dry. "I need to kiss you now. Is that- okay?”

She nodded, her eyelids lulling in anticipation. “Yes.”

“I- I’m going to-”

“Fred, just kiss me!” Her voice was ruder than she intended, her eyes widening. “Sorry, I-”

“I don’t think we should.” He whispered. “It would only-”

Tears pricked at her eyes, and she felt like she could die right there. Her voice broke as she spoke. “Can you undo the laces please?”

He nodded. “I’m sorry-”

“Fred, just do it.” Her voice was harsh, and his fingers fumbled with the strings. “Don’t apologize to me. We both wanted to, just…” The dress was loose, and she crossed her arms, barely holding it up as she turned around. Her eyes were glassy, and Fred had never felt this guilty in her life. Tears were steadily streaming down her face. “Promise me you won’t tell anyone about this.”

“I-”

“Promise me!”

“I promise.”

She shoved past him, pulling the curtain shut. “I think you should leave.”

“Y/N…”

“Fred, go away.”

Her tone dripped with venom. He’d never heard her sound that betrayed, more angry, and it made him want to stay even more, to help her and make up for his cowardice. “Love, let me-”

“Just stop!” She screamed. “I think it’s best if we take a break.”

“A break?” His voice sounded nervous. Good, she wanted him to squirm like she just had. “From what?”

“Whatever this is Fred. I’m tired of it. You- You coward.” She walked out of the dressing room, glaring at her best friend. “I have feelings for you and I can’t- I can’t be around you like this. So please just don’t talk to me.”

She stormed out of the shop, leaving Fred alone with his thoughts. He was empty, he realized. It was stupid: honestly, the most foolish thing he’d ever done, backing out of something he knew he'd wanted to do for ages.

She was right, he was a coward. How many, he asked himself, could stand in the face of perfection itself and not crumble? He pushed open the curtain, frowning at the dress that had been thrown on the ground.

“Excuse me?” He stood up, turning around to see an older witch looking at him with blatant concern. “Is everything alright, dear?”

“I’d-” He took a deep breath, folding the dress delicately. “I’d like to buy this dress please.”

The older witch nodded, leading him to the register. “She’s very lucky.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “I’m the lucky one.”

“Y/N!” Roxanne called out from the bottom of the stairs. “There’s a package for you.”

Her mother wasn’t due to send her a care package for another week. Her eyebrows furrowed as she climbed out of bed. She’d wanted to sleep as long as she could before getting ready for the ball, but the universe had other plans for her. “Who’s it from?”

Roxanne shrugged. “Don't know.”

Y/N laughed. “A lot of help you are. There’s no note?”

She shook her head. “It’s a pretty big box.”

Y/N nodded. “Thanks, Rox.”

“Can I-” Roxanne smiled. “Can I come with you?”

“Do you even need to ask?” Y/N wiggled her eyebrows, racing up the stairs, with Roxanne hot on her tail. They jumped onto Y/N’s bed, ripping the box open eagerly.

“A note!” Roxanne grinned. “Any idea who could be your secret admirer?”

“Not a clue.” She was lying through her teeth of course, but she couldn’t tell Roxanne this secret. This one had to be just for her and Fred. Taking the note from her friend's hand, she carefully opened it, her cheeks flushing at its words.

“You were right?” Roxanne murmured. Y/N turned around, glaring. “Sorry. It’s just so interesting.” She pulled the dress out of the box, smiling softly. “It’s a beautiful dress.”

“It is.” Y/N stood up, holding it against herself as she looked in the mirror. “It really is.”

“I’ll see you down there, yeah?” Roxanne squeezed her hand. “You look radiant, truly.”

“Thanks, Rox.” Y/N squeezed back, taking a deep breath. “I’ll see you soon.”

It was a few moments later before she felt brave enough to walk down the grand stone steps. She could hardly breathe, and wearing this dress- Merlin, she hoped tonight was perfect. She rounded the corner, gripping the railing with all of her strength. The crowd at the bottom of the stairs hadn’t turned around in awe, which did wonders for her nerves. She would have hated for people to fuss over her.

What had made her nervous was the fact that ever since she’d stepped out from behind the corner, Fred had been staring at her so intensely, that she thought she would burst into flames.

Behind Fred, was her date, Theodore Nott. Much like his father, he was stoic and knew what he wanted. When he’d asked her, she thought it had been a joke. But he'd proven to be a kind man underneath it all, and she knew she would have a nice time with him.

Now, she was dreading seeing his face; there was no way that he'd see past her evident feelings for her best friend.

When she finally reached the bottom of the stairs, they was practically standing face to face. Her heart lept, frozen in time. Fred was just standing there, staring at her as intently as before. She quickly stepped around him, making her way to Theo before she would do something she'd regret.

Her date was rather cheery, which made her cheery as well. He bowed, taking her hand and kissing the back gently. “Your beauty rivals that of a veela, Y/L/N.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere.” She grinned, standing on her tiptoes so that she could kiss his cheek. “But thank you.”

He smiled, extending his arm. “Shall we?”

“We shall.”

“She looks perfect,” Fred murmured, watching her walk into the ballroom.

Roxanne nodded. “She does.”

“I’m an idiot, Rox.”

The girl smiled. “We all make mistakes, Freddie.”

“I should’ve kissed her.” He whispered so quietly she almost hadn’t heard him. “Has she-”

She shook her head, and Fred laughed. “How did you know?"

“She’s my best friend, and you're my brother. I know you two better than I know anyone." She smiled, hooking her arm through his. "I knew something was wrong the minute she came back without you."

“I love her.” He practically whined. “Do you know what it feels like to not be with the person you love?”

She shook her head once more. “I don't. But I can imagine that it’s painful, and it hurts. But then you realize that you would go through it all again…” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Just for the chance to be with them.”

“Are you having a good time?” Theo felt helpless as he watched his date stare at another man. “I’m sorry if I-”

“What?” She shook her head. “Sorry, you were saying?”

“Are you having a good time?”

“I should ask you that.” She frowned. Theodore hated it when she frowned, she was too beautiful for that. “I haven’t been a proper Yule Ball date.”

He smiled, murmuring to himself. “I should have known.”

“I’m sorry?” Her heart stopped.

“I never should have asked you.”

“I’m confused.”

“Well, it’s obvious you wanted Weasley to ask you. Right?”

“I-” She looked out at the dance floor, smiling faintly at his horrible dancing. “Unfortunately.”

He nodded, standing up. “You won’t mind if I-”

She shook her head, “I’m really sorry, Teddy.”

He laughed. “You’re the only person that calls me Teddy.”

“Go talk to her.” Roxanne nudged her brother. “If you keep staring at her from across the room she’s going to think you’re obsessed with her.”

“I am.” He corrected. “Obsessed with her.” He looked back, tilting his head. “You think I should?”

“Freddie…” James groaned. “Go talk to her before I do. I’m getting sick of this back and forth. OW!”

Fred looked over, laughing as Roxanne smacked their cousin over the head. “Fine, fine. I’ll go. Just stop fighting.”

“She’s waiting for you.” Fred tensed at the familiar voice. “Nott.”

“Weasley,” Theodore responded. “I need you to swear to me that you won’t hurt her.”

“What are you-”

The Slytherin’s eyes looked dark, and a chill ran down his spine. Theodore stepped forward, whispering. “Swear it, Weasley.”

“I swear.”

Theo smiled, not bothering to address Fred any longer, and waved goodbye to the two spectators. “Roxanne, Potter.”

James glared at their peer as he walked away. “What an odd bloke.”

She looked radiant. The wind elegantly blew what hair had fallen out of her updo. She looked straight out of that muggle film she’d forced him to watch.

The dress was glowing in the moonlight, she looked like pure magic, but he knew there was no way she wasn’t cold. She always had a shiver, even if it was bright and humid outside. He shrugged his suit jacket off, walking beside her and draping it over her shoulders.

“Thank you, Freddie.”

Merlin, her voice was like music to his ears. “Anytime, love.”

She hadn’t bothered to look over, and it brought comfort to him that she knew it was him without looking. He took a side step closer to her, whispering so that only they could hear. “You wore the dress.”

She nodded. “You have great taste.”

“I do, don’t I?” She rolled her eyes, finally looking at him, and he smiled, even if her look was a glare. He held his hands up in surrender, which seemed to be a common theme between them. “All jokes, love.”

“Did I-” She sighed, turning toward him. “Did I read it wrong?”

He shook his head. “No.”

“And if I want to kiss you again-”

He lunged forward, he couldn’t help himself any longer. He was a coward then, but Godric help him if he was a coward now. Their lips were still touching when he spoke next. “I love you.”

Her eyes were teary. “Fred…”

“I know you love me too.” He smiled, kissing her again lightly. “In my soul, I know it.” Grabbing her hand, he pulled it up to his chest, placing it directly over his thumping heart. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize it sooner, I’m sorry that I ignored it, but I’m here now, and I-” He grinned, kissing her again. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Yeah?” He nudged his nose against hers. “You do know you’re stuck with me, right?”

“Freddie…” She laughed. “We've been stuck together for eighteen years. The chance to lose me has passed."

"I have never..." He whispered. "And will never want to lose you."

Her heart fluttered, caressing his cheek gently. “It’s snowing.”

He nodded, placing his arm around her waist, swaying back and forth. “It is.”

She giggled. “My, you’re smooth.”

“I pride myself on my charm.” He whispered, leaning down.

Her eyes fluttered shut. “As you should.”

He smiled, their lips barely touching. “You know, you really do look like the moon.”

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