intriguing (fred weasley x fem! reader)

Chapter Forty-Four: Helpless

*Y/N's POV*

     I woke up a little earlier than intended the next morning but it was actually quite convenient as I realized that I never wrote back to Hermione or my aunt, still unsure of what I'd even say. I rolled over, Fred was still snoring softly as the minimal light from the sunrise splayed over his sharp features, accentuating the flaming color of his hair. I reminisced of our fight from last night, my hand stroking his hair back before kissing his nose. I sighed as I moved carefully to get out of bed. I headed to the bathroom, doing my usual morning ritual which included a shower and getting myself ready for yet another workday.

     I made my way to the kitchen, deciding I might as well make everyone breakfast since I'm up. But I rounded the corner and was greeted by George reading a letter and sipping some tea.

     "Morning, George," I smiled softly, "Didn't think anyone else was up."

     "Morning," he replied quickly, his eyes staying on the letter.

     "New product orders?" I asked, pouring myself a cup of tea from the kettle on the stove.

     "No, actually. It's from-" he cleared his throat, straightening up, "It's from Angelina."

     "Angie? How's she been? I haven't spoken to her in a bit," I asked, taking a seat across from him at the table.

     "She said she's good, stressed a bit but everything with the season has been going pretty good considering everything that's going on," he answered.

     "Did she say something else?" I asked, noting his awkward aura.

     "She said she looks forward to seeing me, well, all of us, at Lee's birthday tonight."

     "I'd almost forgotten about Lee's party. It's at his flat, innit?" I asked.

     "Yeah, I-I didn't expect to see her there is all. I thought she'd be too busy with Quidditch and all that," George stuttered.

     "Well, it's sort of a happy coincidence, is it not? You guys can finally see each other after all this time, maybe talk things over," I hinted.

     George finally set the letter down, "It's been so long. I wouldn't even know what to say."

     "You run a pretty successful joke shop with Fred and me, and she plays professional Quidditch for an international team. I'm sure you'll both find something to talk about," I teased as I took our empty mugs to the sink.

     "Do you know if she's seeing anybody?" he turned to me.

     "She didn't mention anybody last time we spoke. But, suppose things are always subject to change, right?" I smirked.

     George let out a dry chuckle, "Right."

     "I'm only kidding, George. Angie seems too focused on her career to be dating anybody new. But who knows? Maybe she'll be willing to rekindle something old," I winked, moving to a drawer and taking out some parchment and a quill.

     George scoffed, letting out a soft laugh, "Who're you writing to now? Granger or your aunt?"

     "Hermione," I muttered as I began writing.

Dear Hermione,

     Thank you for the updates. I like to be as caught up as I can be. I'm glad that Ron is making a strong recovery, and I'm glad you've been there to help him through it. And I hope Harry was successful with his Slughorn mission, must be important if Dumbledore insisted on it so strongly.