Isn't He Lovely • A Fred Weasley Story

d r a c o m a l f o y

The following morning I'm feeling a bit better, but a pit remains in my stomach.

After quietly returning to the common room last night, Fred, George, Lee, Ginny, Harry, Ron and Hermione all helped me calm down and keep my mind off of what happened. We sat around the fire until around 2 am as I listened to Fred and George joke about their new products, Lee tell me funny stories to make me laugh, and felt Hermione gently running her fingers through my hair as my head laid in her lap. But even when they were making me smile and feel more comfortable, my mind remained bothered.

I didn't sleep much last night. But luckily, it's a Saturday morning, so I haven't any classes to get to. I finally fell asleep at around four am and wake up to the sound of Hermione's gentle footsteps around the room.

I open my eyes slowly and roll over, checking my bedside alarm clock. It's ten in the morning.

"Oh no, did I wake you up?" Hermione says softly, and I lift my head to see her looking at me with a worried expression.

"No, it's alright," I say, my head falling back on the pillow. She walks over to my bedside and places a hand on mine above the blankets.

"Are you alright, Elle?" She says. "You look exhausted."

"Just a little tired, that's all," I assure her, and she hesitates before standing back up and nodding.

We each get dressed for the day as I try to keep my mind away from last night. It doesn't matter... it's not that big of a deal. He was drunk. Malfoy was drunk.

After arriving in the common room, we meet up with the group. I walk slowly up to Fred, who gives me a gentle smile.

"How are you, darling?" he asks quietly, pecking my cheek.

"I'm okay," I say, immediately feeling a comforting warmth as Fred wraps his arms around me. "Ready for breakfast?"

"Of course," he replies, and slips his hand into mine as our group walks towards the portrait hole. I feel much better with everyone around me, knowing they've got my back.

We arrive at the entrance of the Great Hall, the tables not being too busy due to the day being a Saturday. I take a breath and grip Fred's hand before we begin to walk down the aisle to a spot at the Gryffindor table. I look to the left as we make our way down and my eyes fall on Malfoy sitting at the Slytherin table.

I feel a wave of queasiness hit my stomach as I see him. His eyes are almost glazed over, staring at nothing as his chin rests in his palm. His expression is blank... almost depressed. He's clearly ignoring his fellow Slytherins chatting around him, and not eating, either.

Last night was something I thought would never happen. I never saw it coming, and I wish it had never happened.

Why did he do this? Why?

I quickly dart my eyes away from Malfoy as I breathe in deeply through my nose. Fred leads me to the table and I quietly sit down as Lee begins passing a plate full of toast around the group. I eat and pretend to be fully invested in the cheerful conversation that arises within our group, flashing a small smile here and there and laughing at whoever's jokes.

Later that day, I decide to get some air on my own and head out for the clocktower courtyard. Walking alone in Hogwarts helps me think, so I tell the group I'll meet up with them later and begin a brisk pace down the corridors.

I'm reading my book of short stories alone in the courtyard, seated on the stone ledge surrounding the fountain when I hear a voice.

"Eloise?"