My Father's Legacy - Fred Weasley 18+

The vibrant noise of The Three Broomsticks buzzed around Sterling, but all he could focus on was Ellen's distressed gaze fixed on the table in front of her. He didn't need to be a Seer to know the pain weaving through her expression, and it ignited something primal within him—a fierce protectiveness laced with indignation. Fred had crossed a line, and Sterling had no qualms about putting him in his place.

"Ellen, you good?" he asked, leaning into her space, his voice dropping to a softer tone despite the commotion.

Her forced smile didn't sit right with him; she looked like she was holding back a tidal wave of frustration, and that was unacceptable. He could feel the tension radiating from her, and it made his blood simmer.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she lied, her voice shaky. Sterling could see the cracks beneath the surface. "Just... enjoying the atmosphere." It was a weak facade, and he wasn't about to let it slide.

"You sure? Because it looks like you're about to explode. You can't just gloss over this, especially with... those two over there," he stated, gesturing toward Fred and Katie. It was infuriating—the way Fred laughed and joked, acting like he hadn't just ghosted Ellen for weeks and lied to her. He shouldn't be able to get away with this.

Ellen's gaze darkened, her frustration bubbling over. "Is it too much to ask for him to have had the decency to talk to me? At least a letter saying he moved on? Was I not good enough for even that?" Her fists clenched in her lap, an expression of quiet fury and hurt that only fuelled Sterling's protective instincts further. She deserved so much better.

"What a prick," Sterling spat, barely containing his anger. "You deserve so much more than this, Ellen. You are good enough. Neville and I can vouch for that. I can't believe he thinks he can play with your feelings like this. Even you and Neville had the decency to iron your intentions out and get on the same page immediately! But Fred kissing you and then ignoring you? And now this? This is flat-out disrespectful."

Her nod was barely perceptible, but he could see the fire ignite in her spirit, even amidst her pain. "It makes me question everything," she murmured, fluttering her eyes and Neville who held the same level of anger as Sterling. Her voice was bittersweet as she glanced back down at the table. "Did any of those moments we shared mean anything at all? Was he just trying to get back at me because of George---was this some sick revenge? Is that what I am? Just a haunting shadow of his grief?"

Sterling felt a surge of protectiveness. "You're not a shadow, Ellen. You're so much more than that. You shouldn't have to question your worth because of some idiot who can't process his emotions properly."

He could feel his heart racing, a protective fervour coursing through him. Fred's actions were unacceptable, and he wanted to do something about it—something that would let Ellen know she was valued. Properly. Just then, Neville's gentle hand landed on her shoulder, and she placed a hand on top of his to hold it. Sterling's gaze flickered to him. He didn't want to overshadow Neville's effort to comfort Ellen, but he couldn't hold back.

"Maybe it's time to take a step back from him," he suggested, fixing both of them with an intense gaze. "You spent the whole first term trying to get through to him and when you two finally got to somewhere you could build something good, he's gone and done this. Without even a word to you about it. And he's broken every promise he made. You deserve to focus on what makes you happy."

Ellen met his eyes with a spark of determination, and it kindled something hopeful within him. "You really think that's best?" she asked, her voice softening, revealing the vulnerability beneath her fierce exterior.

"Absolutely," he affirmed. "If he wants to prance around with Katie, then let him. You need to move on. Life is too short to get stuck in someone else's shit." He felt a surge of righteousness, and a sense of urgency fuelled his words. Ellen deserved peace and happiness, not to be stuck in a situation that left her feeling like she was just an option.