Orange Trees | Fred Weasley

Chapter Thirteen

September 1st, 1994

A few train cars down, Fred walked animatedly away from Jericho. He walked with meaning, a giddy smile spreading across his face as he bounded down the aisle. His steps quickened, each one filled with an urgency that bordered on desperation. The realization of what he had just asked Jericho to do hit him like a wave, and the reason behind his invitation became painfully clear. His heart pounded as he navigated the crowded aisles of the train, his mind racing through the list of people he could talk to.

George was the first person who came to mind, but Fred hesitated. He hadn't spoken to George about his feelings or the current situation at all, and he wanted to wait for the right moment to have that conversation. George would understand, of course, but this felt too raw, too immediate. Fred needed advice, and he needed it now.

His mind then jumped to the next best person. Someone he knew would be somewhat sympathetic to his plea. He sped through the cart aisles, peering into cabins, searching for the right group of students. Finally, he came across the cabin he was looking for, long red hair catching his attention like a beacon.

Ginny was sitting with her friends, chatting animatedly while she laughed. Without hesitation, Fred opened the door and barged in, his usual confidence replaced by a rare vulnerability.

"Ginny, I need to talk to you." he said urgently.

She looked up, clearly annoyed at being interrupted. "Get out, Fred! Can't you see we're in the middle of something?" she snapped.

Fred rolled his eyes. "Please. It's important."

"Fred!"

"Please."

His sister gave him one last look, as if she attempted to will him out of the cart with her mind. Her brother, however, stayed still, the waiting look in his eyes unchanging. She sighed dramatically, but got up, following Fred out into the hallway. The rain outside pounded against the windows, a relentless reminder of the storm brewing inside him.

"What is it?" Ginny asked, her tone still dripping with annoyance.

Fred hesitated, struggling to find the right words. His hands played with the hem of his shirt, fiddling with the loose strands he would snap off later. "I need help with something." he began, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant.

"Obviously," His sister replied sarcastically. "Now, spit it out."

Fred took a deep breath, reading himself to explain the situation. "So... there's this person... that I've known for a while..." he said slowly.

Ginny nodded, urging him to continue with a wave of her hand.

"And I... I've come to realize that..."

"That?" She finished his sentence, trying to get him to the point.

"... that I... that I have feelings for this person." He confessed, his words getting quieter near the end.

She blinked as she took in his words, almost as if he spoke in another language. "Wait... you're asking me for help with a crush?" she clarified, her tone incredulous.

Fred scratched the back of his head and nodded, looking embarrassed that he was asking his little sister about something like this.

Her eyes softened immediately. The initial sisterly annoyance melting into understanding and empathy. A smile formed on her lips, one that felt comforting to Fred in his sporadic state.

"Aw, Fred!" The younger girl gushed, opening her arms as if to hug him. The boy rolled his eyes, swatting away her arms as he rejected her advance.

"Don't make me regret this."