Switching Sides | Cedric Diggory vs. Fred Weasley

Chapter 16: Killian's Limit

"She was my best friend first."

Millie was awoken by the soft vibration from George's chest as he whispered. 

"You're not the one in love with her," Fred's voice quietly rebuttled. "I should be the one comforting her,"

"You were asleep and she was crying. What was I supposed to do? Go upstairs and get you?" George scoffed. "And besides...I know Millie, and in times like this she'd rather have a friend. Especially since you're half the reason she's crying,"

There was a slow moment of silence in which Millie could tell Fred was rocking his head back, thinking of the right thing to say.

"I just want to be able to be there for her," he finally whispered. "Even if it's just as a friend. I- I need something. Some type of contact with her. It's driving me bloody mad not talking to her,"

"I know, mate," George said. "Next time, you'll be there,"

A minute or two after Fred's footsteps disappeared up the stairs, Millie felt George shake her slightly. Pretending to wake up, she opened her eyes groggily and slowly sat up.

"Morning," George whispered, revoking his arm from around the girl.

"Morning," she said back, wiping her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Around 7:00, I'd say," Millie turned to look out the window behind them and she was met with the warm golden rays of the rising sun over the lake outside. "Do you want to go back to sleep in Ginny's room or should I make some tea?"

"Tea would be nice," Millie said with a soft smile.

George stood shakily from the couch, stretching his long limbs before sauntering towards the kitchen. Millie sat for a a few moments, finally allowing herself to fully wake up before standing and following George's footsteps into the kitchen. They sat for a bit, drinking their tea and chatting until people slowly flooded into the kitchen. By 9:00, Molly, Arthur, Bill, and Ginny had joined the pair and were all sitting around the table in light conversation.

"But Arthur, tomorrow is Christmas Eve!" Molly exclaimed. "They shouldn't make you work the day before Christmas Eve,"

"it's just a half day, Molly," he stated, standing up and giving her a kiss on the cheek while she continued making breakfast. "I'll be back before you know it,"

"Oh, alright," she sighed. "Will you pick up the alcohol before you come home?"

"Of course," he smiled before saying his goodbyes and apparating to the ministry.

"Why's dad buying alcohol?" Ginny asked. "You guys never drink,"

"That's a surprise," Molly answered.

"For me? Aw, you shouldn't have," George smirked.

"Not for you," Molly spat with a small laugh. 

Molly left to do the laundry, leaving Bill, Ginny, George, and Millie in the kitchen. Bill was rather quiet as the other three discussed the reasoning for Arthur purchasing alcohol, as the Weasley's never usually had drinks in their house. Eventually, the subject was dropped and they were all focused on more pressing matters

"When will they get up?" Ginny scoffed. "I'm starving,"

Just then, they heard creaking and rumbling from the staircase along with muffled voices.

"Sounds like someone's awake," George stated.

Fred soon appeared, holding Ron by his collar with an angry expression on his face, Harry following in pursuit close behind. The two ginger boys didn't so much as look at anyone at the table as they passed; however, once they were at the door leading outside, Fred turned towards George and just nodded, prompting him to stand up from his chair and follow them at once. Harry stopped once he was at the table, running a hand through his hair and looking distressed.