MISCHIEF MANAGED// FRED WEASLEY X READER

020. Snape's Puzzlement

Fred's Disclaimer: The author of this book does not own Harry Potter, and what do you think is going on with these strange dreams?

"So this is the only thing stopping us from entering the tournament?" George asked with a scoff, hooking a thumb at the giant Goblet that Dumbledore had just taken out of its case. He rolled his eyes, rubbing his hands together. "Piece of cake, eh Fred?" 

Fred, who looked like he'd rather be anywhere but here right now, stared at his twin with bleary eyes, nodding half-heartedly. 

"What's up with you, Fred?" Ron said confusedly, smacking his brother on the shoulder. "Lighten up, will ya?" 

Fred blinked. "Er, I haven't been sleeping well." 

I could relate to that. 

Each night was the same, repeated dream pattern. It would start normally, with something random, like eating cookies in the kitchen. 

Then it would change to some kind of intense food dream, which always made me feel nauseous. Next, there would be a dream about...Ginny? Playing quidditch, or winning the Triwizard Tournament. It varied. 

And finally, it would end the same. Walking towards myself in the middle of an empty room. Each time, I would wake up half rested, with the same pounding heart and pit in my stomach. 

"Sleeping problems?" George echoed with raised eyebrows. 

"Weird dreams," Fred said, with half a glance at me. He shook his head. "I don't really want to talk about it." 

There wasn't time for him to elaborate further, because at that point, Cedric Diggory came into the hall, approaching the Goblet with a small slip of paper. He and his friends were laughing together as Cedric dropped his name into the cup. 

"I'm going for it," He said with a grin at me. "Wish me luck?" 

I smiled at him reluctantly. "I hope you're chosen." 

"Thanks, Y/N," Cedric's expression brightened as his friend nudged him in the side. "See you later." 

"D'you reckon a couple of drops of aging potion would get us past that line?" Fred said, his expression growing defiant as he stared towards the cup. "Georgie?" 

George nodded with surprise. "Yeah, we could try that." 

"Good," Fred said, nodding curtly. "Right, I'm going to class now." He strode off without another word. 

Ever since that episode in potions last week, Fred's mood had hit rock bottom. He refused to speak to me, not even for a quill or anything. I was starting to get tired of his bipolar behaviour, but without a motive to acuse him with, I was kind of in a stalemate position. 

After he'd gone, Ron blinked with a bewildered look in his brother's direction. "He's definitely acting weirder than normal." 

"Can I have a word with you, Y/N?" George asked, his expression unfathomable. 

"Er, sure." 

"Alone?" Said George pointedly to Ron. 

Ron gave a non-commital grunt, walking off in the direction of Harry and Hermione. 

I turned to face George, waiting for an explanation. 

"There's something going on with Fred," George said finally, hands on his hips. He glanced around to make sure no one was looking. 

"Yes, I know," I said slowly. "He's been acting weird since the World Cup." 

"I know why," George said. "But you can't tell him I told you this." 

What could he possibly know? That Fred might...actually like me? Which most definitely would not justify his moody behaviour, but might be a contributing factor. 

Or maybe it's a chemical inbalance. 

"Go on." 

"He—" 

"Weasley! Potter!" Snape's voice came from inside the potions room, the corner of his robes billowing out the doorway. "Class has started! I will not ask again!" 

George didn't bother to elaborate on his thoughts. He gave me one last glance, trodding into the classroom. 

"Always late, always ungrateful—you'd think after what I promised Dumbledore, I'd see a bit more respect...Lily for sure would've—" 

"What did you say about my mother?" 

Snape's attention snapped towards me immediately, a curious expression coming over his face. His dark eyes seemed to bore into my soul.

"What was that, Potter?" He didn't look angry, just confused. 

The entire class was staring at us, watching my every move. They probably wanted to see me get detention or something. 

"I—er, heard you say something about 'Lily'," I lamented, backing up towards my desk. "It's er—nothing. I misheard." 

Snape tapped his fingers on the desk. "See me after class." 

Shit.