MISCHIEF MANAGED// FRED WEASLEY X READER

016. The Failure of the Carriages

Fred's Disclaimer: The author of this book does not own Harry Potter, but she would say that I'm a hero, which is why this chapter is all about me. 

While the journey to Hogwarts was most uncomfortable, a disaster even, I had hoped that entering the castle would be a bit more pleasant. 

I was severely mistaken. 

It was nearly pitch black outside, and rain bucketed down from the sky. My robes were completely soaked through to the skin, and I could feel the water sloshing around in my shoes. The carriages were filled about ankle deep with water and it didn't help that we were traveling right beside the lake. 

"Shove over, Potter," Fred said, opening his mouth for the first time in three hours. I scooted over to the very edge of the carriage, until I was nearly falling out of it. 

"Wouldn't fancy traveling by boat today," Harry commented, shivering in his damp robes. The First Years, who were currently making their way to the castle in a flock of tiny rowboats, looked severely terrified at the sight of the nearly black water. 

Just as I was thinking about the horror-like state of the lake, our carriage hit a bump, causing everyone to slide to the side. The carriage tipped precariously, and--what luck--the door on my side swung open. 

Grasping at nothing, I tumbled out the side of the open door, landing in the water with a splash. 

Did I mention I can't swim? 

No, my lack of water-abilities comes from the fact that Dudley tried to drown me when I was 8 years old, in the Miller's pond. 

The water lapped at my face and I paddled madly, hopelessly attempting to get to the surface. I vaguely heard voices shouting at me, but none of the words were legible. The water was icy cold, and I felt it tugging me in every direction. 

So this is how I'll die. 

Some kind of slimy reed brushed against my ankle and for a second, I thought I was about to be eaten by the Giant Squid. The moon was reflected against the lake's ripples, and I had the odd passing thought about how wonderful it looked tonight. 

The time seemed to be going really slowly as the endless depths closed over my head. Bubbles escaped my mouth, floating in orbs towards the surface. 

And then the water stirred as someone jumped in beside me. They swam towards me, grabbing my waist to lift me towards the surface. 

"Are you an idiot, Y/N?" The voice of Fred Weasley gasped, out of air as he pulled me towards the shore. He helped me onto the cold rocks, brushing hair out of my face. "What were you thinking?" 

"Gee," I spluttered, coughing up water. "I didn't realize that falling into the water was such an inconvenience for you." I heaved in deep breaths, relieved to have actual land underneath my feet again. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm eternally grateful for Fred rescuing me. But, on the other hand, I hate to be the damsel in distress. 

"Is she alright?" Harry asked, hurrying down towards the shore. He knelt in front of me, looking extremely worried. "George went to get a teacher." 

"She nearly drowned," Fred said, talking to Harry as if I wasn't even there. "How come she can't swim?" 

"Dudley traumatized her," Harry said offhandedly, as if that explained everything. "Are you okay, Y/N?" 

"Just peachy," I said weakly, shivering. Fred's face was white, out of cold or fear I don't know. His robes were drenched as well, but somehow, he looked dryer than Harry. "Er--thanks for jumping in," I blinked at Fred. 

"I wasn't about to let you die," Fred scoffed, casually resting his hand on my arm. "You didn't inhale any water in there, did you?" 

"Not that I know of," I said. "Don't worry, you won't have to perform CPR or anything." 

Fred wrinkled his nose. "The last thing I want to do is mouth-to-mouth." 

"Can we not discuss that right now?" Harry said with a relieved sigh. "Er, are you cold?" 

I sat in freezing wet robes, after being rescued from falling into a lake. It was nighttime, beginning of September, and the first frost of the year was approaching. 

"No, Harry," I said sarcastically. "I'm not cold."  

"Oh, okay." 

"Sarcasm." 

"Oh." 

"Let's get to the castle," Fred said, wrapping an arm around my waist to help lift me to my feet. "Blimey, it's freezing out here." 

As we approached the road again, the figure of Professor McGonagall came hurrying towards us. Her mouth was tugged down in a worried look, and she was carrying her wand high in the air. 

"I heard someone took a swim," She said with a concerned expression. "Are you okay now, Miss Y/N?" She shook her head. "I'll have to have a chat with Albus about the state of our carriages." She gave the lake a disapproving glance, as if it was somehow the water's fault. 

"I'm, er, fine now," I answered, my teeth chattering. 

We walked back to the castle in the dark, most likely missing most of the sorting. The entryway was empty, which meant that all of the students were probably gathered in the Great Hall. 

Professor McGonagall raised her wand, quickly flicking it. In an instant, I felt my clothes completely dry off. It was like a giant ball of warmth had ignited in my stomach, spreading outwards towards my fingertips. 

"Thank you, Professor," I said gratefully. 

"Er, not to be rude—" Fred said, clutching his sopping wet robes. 

She turned to Fred and Harry, performing the same spell. 

"Quite the hero, aren't you?" Professor McGonagall lifted an eyebrow at Fred, smiling slightly. "Off to dinner, all of you."