Luciscura / Fred Weasley

The first week back at Hogwarts was always the same—professors piling on work, students grumbling about the cold, and rumors spreading like wildfire.

Lettie was unfazed.

She fell back into her usual rhythm: acing her classes, dodging unnecessary social interactions, and ensuring Noir didn't steal anyone's breakfast at the Slytherin table.

What was new, however, was Fred Weasley.

He was everywhere.

It wasn't obvious at first. Just small moments—a brush of shoulders in the corridor, a teasing remark as he passed by her table in the Great Hall, an unexpected appearance in the library where he had absolutely no business being.

Lettie noticed.

And she was fairly certain he knew she noticed.
—
Hogsmeade Weekend

The pub was packed.

Students huddled in groups, warming their hands around mugs of butterbeer and talking over one another in the lively atmosphere.

Lettie sat at a corner table with Theo, Daphne, Blaise, and Tracey, sipping her drink as she skimmed a copy of The Daily Prophet.

"Alright, Selwyn."

A familiar voice interrupted her focus.
Lettie glanced up. Fred.

Standing beside her table, hands in his pockets, smirk firmly in place.
She raised a brow. "Weasley."

"I have a proposition for you."
Theo, beside her, leaned back in his chair. "Should we be worried?"

"Probably," Blaise muttered.

Fred ignored them, his focus locked on Lettie. "I need a chess partner."

Lettie blinked. "You play chess?"

"Not particularly well," he admitted.

"But George and I made a bet. I lose, and I have to test one of his new inventions. I'd rather not end up growing an extra limb."

"And you think I'll help you win?"

Fred grinned. "I think you like to win, Selwyn."

She narrowed her eyes slightly. He wasn't wrong.

She set her butterbeer down and leaned forward, voice smooth.

"What do I get out of it?"

His smirk widened. "The satisfaction of knowing you helped a helpless Gryffindor?"

Lettie snorted. "Try again."

"Alright, how about this?" Fred leaned forward, matching her intensity. "You win, and I'll owe you a favor. No questions asked."

Theo muttered, "This is a terrible idea."

Lettie tapped her fingernail against her mug, considering.

A favor from Fred Weasley.

Potential for chaos: high.

Potential for amusement: higher.

Finally, she smirked. "Deal."

Fred's grin was victorious. "Perfect. See you tonight, Selwyn."

And with that, he strolled off, leaving behind a table full of curious Slytherins and a Lettie who was, for once, genuinely intrigued.