Catch Me, I'm Falling | Fred Weasley

Chapter 26

"As you wish." Fred sprawled himself over her legs, trapping her underneath him.

"Fred! I can't breathe. Get off," Olivia hissed. Fred clutched her legs harder.

"No."

"Fred!" she whacked him over the head, sending his long hair flying.

"Ah, alright, alright. Enough with the hostility." Fred said, dramatically settling himself beside her. They barely squeezed onto the narrow cot.

"Can't you find your own?"

"Not a chance." She could hear the grin on Fred's face. Olivia sighed. This man was stubborn.

"Fine. But if you push me off this bed, I will kill you," she threatened.

"Relax, Sparks. Goodnight."

Olivia rubbed her temples, exasperated. "Night." she blew out the candle and settled into the pillows. She and Fred were knocked out in minutes, subtly curling towards each other in their slumber.

-

When Olivia was finally released from the hospital wing, the rush of the Yule Ball had worn off. Instead, everyone was making predictions about the next task. Olivia, however, still felt down. It was why Fred and George decided to cheer her up.

"Hello, love," George hummed from behind Olivia. She turned, books in hand, and gave him and Fred a smile.

"Hey George, Fred." Fred skipped over and looped an arm around her shoulder.

"Now darling, we've been thinking," he gestured wildly, "that we could take you out for a bit of a... rendezvous."

"What do you mean?" Olivia's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. The twins shared a look and George stepped in, charm turned up to the max.

"Would you like to go on a walk around the grounds with us?" Again the frown resurfaced.

"Now? It's late. Bloody hell, it's black as pitch out there. And if we get caught-"

"We won't," Fred interrupted. "Trust me, Sparks. Please." Olivia looked into his eyes. That deep, soulful brown, pleading. It was always his eyes that got her.

"Fine..." she started and Fred gave a hoot. She stuck a finger in his face, "but if anything happens it's all your fault." He grabbed her wrist.

"That won't be a problem." Again with that grin. A flick of George's wand had her books flying out of her hands and to her room. Olivia made a startled sound, but she didn't have time to protest as she was pulled down the hall. Fred led her at a surprisingly brisk pace down the stairs and out into the courtyard.

"Wait, Fred. Slow down." Fred stopped completely and Olivia nearly crashed into him.

"Oh," she gasped, mouth forming an O. The entire courtyard was lit with floating orbs of light. Little streamers decorated the place and flowers adorned every nook and cranny.

"H-how did you- What is this?" Olivia sputtered, completely in shock. The twins looked at her expectantly, eager for a reaction. A voice sounded from behind and Olivia turned.

"It's your very own Yule Ball, of course," Lee said, emerging from nowhere, Katie, Angelina, and Alicia on his heels. They were all in dress robes, the ones they had worn to the Yule Ball.

"Wha-" Olivia turned her head, but the twins had disappeared. Alicia stepped up and gave Olivia a hug.

"We wanted to do something for you. You missed out on the Yule Ball, for Merlin's sake. Why not have one of our own?"

Angelina joined in, "It was Fred's idea. Thought it might cheer you up."

Lee gave a bow. "Now m'lady, time for your dress."

Olivia giggled, "I only have my robes on, there's really no need to-"

"No," Lee interrupted her. "Let me have my fairy godmother moment."

He flicked his wand and muttered a spell Olivia didn't recognize. She looked down to see her clothing rippling. In the blink of an eye, her Ravenclaw robes became a stunning burgundy gown.

A few more spells from Alicia and Katie had Olivia's hair twisted up in a low bun, strands framing her face. Olivia looked down at herself in awe.

"How did you do that?"

"Ah, it was nothing. Just did some research. A wizard created it after hearing a muggle fairytale," Lee answered.

The twins reappeared and bounded over. They were all dressed up, bouquet in hand. As if it was rehearsed, the group of six kneeled before Olivia.

"Will you be our Yule Ball date?" Fred asked, to which Olivia leaned her head back in mirth.

"All of you?" Everyone nodded enthusiastically.

"I-" another chuckle. "Yes, I'd love to."

"Wicked," the twins chorused. A spell from Lee had an enchanted guitar playing a soft melody.

So, Olivia danced. George pulled her in for a dance first. He twirled her around and around. He was a surprisingly good dancer. Olivia had to try very hard not to step on his feet. Fred stole her away next. He was less elegant than his brother but made up for it in spirit. For some reason, Olivia couldn't stop laughing when she danced with him.

Lee followed, boisterous as ever, and the girls finished it off, grabbing hands and twirling Olivia in a circle as the guitar picked up a lively melody.

When they'd danced half the night away, Olivia could barely walk. Pulling her heels off, she sat on the steps and watched her friends, but they, too, were tired now. Fred came over.

"May I help you back to your room?" he asked, putting his hand out as if he were a gentleman.

"I'd like that," Olivia said. "I can barely walk."

Fred grinned, "Well, in that case," he picked Olivia up and flung her over his shoulder.

"Fred!" she shrieked. Not a gentleman, after all.