Catch Me, I'm Falling | Fred Weasley

Chapter 29

It was the perfect solution to her problems. A secret relationship. Well, Olivia couldn't exactly call what she and Fred had a relationship. Perhaps a fling? No, even that didn't feel right. But Phebe was right, it had to be secret.

Olivia told herself that it was to preserve the flow of time, to ensure that she didn't mess up the future. But truly, she wasn't ready to face the reality of the situation. She could pretend that this meant nothing, that it was insignificant. The truth was, well, it meant everything.

Olivia couldn't have anything with Fred. He was a constant in her visions, a key player. His friends, too. If Olivia got involved, she'd risk altering the future. Risk the entirety of the wizarding world. And she'd risk her own sanity, too. She wasn't ready to face what he truly meant to her. To face her love for the boy who was doomed to die. So if she did this, if she pursued Fred, she'd have to be very careful. 

Turns out she didn't have that much of a choice, because it was Fred who pursued her. Because Fred was done waiting, done pretending to be 'just a friend'.

Olivia was walking in the hall when she was grabbed out of nowhere and yanked into an empty classroom. She immediately recognized Fred, who'd quickly shut the door and pressed her up against a wall.

"What are you-" Olivia was abruptly cut off by Fred's lips on hers. She let out a startled sound, shocked at first, but it didn't take long for her to melt into his touch. He smelled like sugar and gunpowder. It was intoxicating. Olivia wanted more, more, more. She couldn't help herself around him. She'd never been able to. She hadn't even been able to refuse his friendship, despite the risk.

They made out for a minute before Olivia came to her senses and put both hands on his chest, pushing him away. 

"Weasley. What is this?" she asked between gasps.

"Fun," he answered, lips stretching into a grin.

"I'm serious."

"So am I. What's the problem, Sparks?" Fred seemed confused.

Olivia gave a sigh and answered, "I don't know if this is a good idea. The future- Fred, anything I do could put the world in jeopardy."

"I thought you said that was just a theory," Fred frowned.

"It is but- it's not a risk I can take," Olivia bit her lip, eyes falling to the floor.

"I've told you before, Sparks. You can't take this burden upon yourself. You can't let this stop you from living," Fred's eyes were bright, fiery, protective.

"I- I don't know," Olivia's lip trembled.

Fred put his hands on Olivia's shoulders and lowered his voice. "Please, Sparks. I want this. I know you do, too." Olivia was quiet for a moment before she met his pleading gaze.

"Promise me one thing."

Fred was already grinning. He knew he'd won. "Anything."

"No one can know," Olivia stated.

"A secret?"

"Yes, Fred. A secret."

-

Olivia and Fred weren't dating. No, what they had was fiery, passionate even. But the insecure voice in Olivia's head kept telling her that this didn't mean anything, that she was just another of Fred's girls. It was fun. That's all it was.

Wasn't that what she wanted? Didn't she want fun. It seemed Olivia was determined to lie to herself.

Olivia forced herself to tamp down her feelings, to forget the crush that had slowly and steadily built up inside her. She fancied Fred, more than she'd ever admit. But for some reason, she found it exhilarating to sneak around with him.

Fred spent stolen moments with her everywhere for the next few weeks. Hogwarts was busy preparing for the final task of the Triwizard tournament/ It was the perfect diversion. No one noticed the two hiding in forgotten closets and making out in the secret passageways.

Fred showed Olivia parts of Hogwarts she'd never seen before. It was like a whole new world. In turn, Olivia showed Fred the places he rarely bothered to visit. The library and it's many nooks and crannies soon became a favorite of his, and Olivia even managed to get him hooked on a book series.

Olivia sat huddled in a blanket in the library, laying her head on Fred's shoulder as he read. It was nighttime and the library was dark, but Fred had spelled little fairy lights to cast a warm glow over them. It was just enough light for him to read.

"Reading suits you, you know," Olivia whispered.

"Hmm. I'm not so sure. I'm not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed," Fred hummed.

"What?" Olivia was startled by his response. She sat up and glared at him, frowning.

"Come on, Sparks. I barely passed any of my O.W.L.'s last year. I can be quite the plonker."Fred set down the book. 

"Rubbish," Olivia hissed, defiance lacing her expression. Fred silenced her with a kiss.

The conversation took a pause as they finished up. Fred walked Olivia back to her dorm. Once they were in the hallway before the Ravenclaw dormitories, Olivia turned back to Fred.

"You were wrong, earlier. You're no plonker, Fred." Fred pulled her in by her waist, earning a little shriek from Olivia. Fred chuckled.

"Oh come on, Sparks. You can admit it, I'm a nutter. I'm proud of it, too," Fred said.

"You don't give yourself enough credit. You are smart," Olivia argued. She wouldn't give up on this.

"Not quite sure I agree," Fred scoffed.

"Well, that's because you're a lazy arse. But, if you really want to do something, you're quite capable."

"Mmm," Fred hummed in her ear, pulling her close. "Then you should be grateful because I really like doing you."

Olivia blushed furiously and shoved him away. "Fred!" They hadn't actually done anything yet, but they'd gotten close a few times. Fred was just teasing her. It worked, considering her quick reaction and the heat on her face.

He only laughed and shoved his hands in his pockets, taking off down the hall.

"You know you love me," he called back, winking over his shoulder. Her eyes were glued to his back, her imagination fantasizing about the surprisingly muscular back under that robe.

Olivia leaned against the wall and watched him stroll off victoriously as if he'd just won the Quidditch cup. The stone was cold against her burning cheek.

"I know, Fred. I know," she thought as she waited for her thundering heartbeat to slow.

She didn't quite know it yet, but Olivia was falling. Hard. She was in trouble. Soon, the harsh reality of the cold ground would hit her. Even so, Fred would be there to catch her. Always.