MISCHIEF MANAGED// FRED WEASLEY X READER

013. The One Bed Trope

Fred's Disclaimer: The author of this book does not own Harry Potter but there was an extra bed that we forgot to mention. 

"That was cruel of Mr. Crouch to do such a thing," Hermione said indignantly, her arms folded tightly across her chest. We finally made it back to the tent after watching Winky get freed. The only way to free an elf is by giving them clothes. Dobby, the first house elf I ever met, was quite happy to be freed by the Malfoy's, however Winky seemed so distraught, I wondered if she would ever recover. "The way everyone was treating Winky, it's like she's not even a real being." She scowled. "Mr. Diggory constantly calling her elf." 

Percy, who'd overheard the whole conversation, stepped in to defend his lord and saviour, Mr. Crouch. 

"Now, now, be reasonable," He said haughtily. "Mr. Crouch was quite right to fire the elf. She never should've disobeyed him in the first place. Embarrassing him in front of the whole ministry, and how might that have looked if she was brought up in front of Regulation and Control of—" 

"She was just caught in the wrong place at the wrong time!" Hermione argued impatiently, shooting a dirty look at Percy. "Mr. Crouch shouldn't have made her sit in the Top Box; she was clearly terrified of heights." 

"A house elf's job is to serve their master," Percy said pompously, while also managing to look quite taken aback at Hermione, whom he probably thought would have more sense. "She should not have had that wand, nor should Mr. Crouch keep an elf who's going to run amok!" 

"She didn't run amok!" Hermione retorted. "She just picked it off the ground!" 

"Look, can someone explain why this is such a big deal?" Ron rolled his eyes. "It was just a giant skull thingy; it wasn't hurting anyone." 

"Ron, that's You-Know-Who's sign," Hermione said loudly, as if he should've known. "I read about in the Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts." 

I yawned. 

"But he hasn't been seen in thirteen years," said Ron. 

"You-Know-Who and his followers sent the Dark Mark into the air whenever they killed," said Mr. Weasley. "The terror it inspired. . . you have no idea, you're too young. Just picture coming home and finding the Dark Mark hovering over your house, and knowing what you're about to find inside. . . ." Mr. Weasley winced. "Everyone's worst fear. . . the very worst.."

There was silence for a moment. Then Bill, removing the sheet from his arm to check on his cut, said, "Well, it didn't help us tonight, whoever conjured it. It scared the Death Eaters away the moment they saw it. They all Disapparated before we'd got near enough to unmask any of them. We caught the Robertses before they hit the ground, though. They're having their memories modified right now."

"Death Eaters?" said Harry. "What are Death Eaters?"

"It's what You-Know-Who's supporters called themselves," said Bill. "I think we saw what's left of them tonight - the ones who managed to keep themselves out of Azkaban, anyway."

"We can't prove it was them, Bill," said Mr. Weasley. "Though it probably was," he added hopelessly.

"Yeah, I bet it was!" said Ron suddenly . "Dad, we met Draco Malfoy in the woods, and he as good as told us his dad was one of those nutters in masks! And we all know the Malfoys were right in with You-Know-Who!"

"But what were Voldemort's supporters -" Harry began. Everybody flinched - like most of the wizarding world, the Weasleys always avoided saying Voldemort's name. "Sorry," said Harry quickly. "What were You-Know-Who's supporters up to, levitating Muggles? I mean, what was the point?"

"The point?" said Mr. Weasley with a hollow laugh. "Harry, that's their idea of fun. Half the Muggle killings back when You-Know-Who was in power were done for fun. I suppose they had a few drinks tonight and couldn't resist reminding us all that lots of them are still at large. A nice little reunion for them," he finished disgustedly.

"But if they were the Death Eaters, why did they Disapparate when they saw the Dark Mark?" said Ron. "They'd have been pleased to see it, wouldn't they?"

"Use your brains, Ron," said Bill. "If they really were Death Eaters, they worked very hard to keep out of Azkaban when You-Know-Who lost power, and told all sorts of lies about him forcing them to kill and torture people. I bet they'd be even more frightened than the rest of us to see him come back. They denied they'd ever been involved with him when he lost his powers, and went back to their daily lives. . . . I don't reckon he'd be over-pleased with them, do you?"

"So. . . whoever conjured the Dark Mark. . ." said Hermione slowly, "were they doing it to show support for the Death Eaters, or to scare them away?"

"Your guess is as good as ours, Hermione," said Mr. Weasley. "But I'll tell you this. . . it was only the Death Eaters who ever knew how to conjure it. I'd be very surprised if the person who did it hadn't been a Death Eater once, even if they're not now. . Listen, it's very late, and if your mother hears what's happened she'll be worried sick. We'll get a few more hours sleep and then try and get an early Portkey out of here."

"I'm exhausted," George stretched his arms out. 

"Y/N, d'you mind—" Mr. Weasley stopped to yawn. "Bunking with the twins tonight?" He looked towards the retreating backs of Hermione and Ginny. "There isn't an extra bed in the girls' room and I didn't think you'd mind. I could always take the couch and you could have mine, but—" 

"It's not a problem, dad," Fred said cheerfully. 

"I wasn't asking you," Mr. Weasley said pointedly. "We all know your opinion on Y/N's sleeping situation." 

Fred and I both went scarlett. 

"Yeah, sure," I answered quickly, wanting to escape the room. "I don't mind." 

"Thank you," Mr. Weasley said, looking quite relieved. "I'll see you all in the morning." 

I shuffled towards the twins' room. 

"Who's sleeping on the floor?" Fred said, hands on his hips. He looked at the two beds. One was a queen, the other was a single. 

"Dude, there's two beds," George said, winking and taking the single. 

"I'm sorry, why can't you two share the bed?" I asked, raising my eyebrows. "Why do I have to share with Freddie?" 

Fred hopped into bed, pulling the covers up to his chin. "Sleep on the floor if you will." 

I rolled my eyes, mentally imagining the conversation Hermione was going to have with me in the morning.