Safe With Me ~ Fred Weasley

DeGnoming

I felt the small red pendant bounce against my chest as I pulled on a hoodie over my pajamas. This was the first necklace I had worn since last Christmas, but it felt so different. Not like a chain around my neck, but more like the gift that it was intended to be. It could practically feel it burning through my skin as I laid in bed that night after cake, after my conversation with Fred, after he called goodnight across the room and I saw his eyes linger on me as I shut the door with Ginny.

It had been nearly two weeks since Fred had put the necklace on for me, and I had really only taken it off to shower. Also during the brief 'flying lesson' the twins had given me in preparation for my likely fall that never came.

Tomorrow was Harry's birthday, the entire house knew from Mrs. Weasley's constant reminding that the boy never receives any presents or letters for his birthday and that it was their job to change that, as well as Ron's excitement for Harry's arrival coming closer.

After shutting the door silently behind me, letting Ginny continue her sleep, I tiptoed up the stairs, stopping every few feet as the wood creaked under my weight. Not that anyone in this house expected quiet, even at this hour, but still a part of me always seemed to fall back into habits I had acquired from home.

Finally, I reached the twins room and tested the handle. It was unlocked, thankfully, although I didn't know why it wouldn't be, since the two couldn't prank themselves. I let myself in, noticing the morning sunlight leaked under their drawn curtains and looked at each of the boys. George was sleeping somewhat peacefully, the blankets slightly wrapped around his body as he laid on his back facing the ceiling. Fred however was nearly hanging off of his bed which was already barely long enough for him. His arm was dragging along the floor and his head was hanging off the edge of his mattress. Almost inaudible snores were coming from both beds, and I felt slightly guilty for waking them.

I stepped over to Fred's bed and sat down on the floor next to his outstretched arm, reaching out to brush my fingers through his hair and watching a light smile appear across his face.

"Cass." He mumbled, his eyes still shut.

"Yes?" I whispered back, wondering when he had woken up.

He blinked open and his eyes found me, widening in shock. "Cassy? What the hell-" He scanned the room as if he might have been dreaming.

"It's Harry's birthday tomorrow, we're going to make him sweets to send." I explained.

"And that's all fine and good, besides that you're in my bedroom waking me up far too early." He chuckled, laying back on his pillow and pulling up the blankets that had fallen onto the ground.

"I couldn't sleep! I want to bake!"

"I want to sleep!" He mimicked my tone, reaching to the side of the bed and latching his hands on either side of my waist, pulling me up into the bed with him.

"Fred!" I giggled when his fingers brushed my skin underneath my sweatshirt, but he just pulled me in closer and shut his eyes, fake snores filling the room.

"Fred, come on! Wake up!" I tried to squirm from his grasp to no avail. "Let me go! We've got things to do!"

"I can go if you two need the room." George muttered, Fred and I both sitting up in the bed to look at the twin.

"Sorry Georgie. Glad you're up though! We've got loads to do today." I smiled, trying to leave Fred's bed once again but he held me there, my back pressed to his chest now.

"Count me out. I'll be in this bed until Mum says otherwise." He shot me a cheeky smile, turning over in his bed and covering his face with the blankets.