alluringly entwined | f.w, d.m

29

"I don't fucking know how to work this," Ron spat annoyedly as he fumbled with Arthur's projector.

"Let me see, Ronald," Hermione said sharply, and pushed him out of the way to kneel in front of the projector that rested on the ground.

Oshun sat on the bottom step of the staircase, watching as they all tried to work Arthur's projector.

They had hung up a white bed sheet against an empty wall in the living room to watch a film Harry had brought.

"Takahashi!" came Fred's voice from the kitchen.

Oshun stood from the steps and strolled around the coffee table to the kitchen. "Mhm?" she hummed, approaching the redhead.

"Help me make popcorn?" Fred turned to her with a cheeky grin, holding up a clear jar of organic popcorn kernels.

"Sure." She just had to smile at the simple sight of his pretty face.

"Come." His head tilted at her to come closer as he stood by the stove. "I broke Dad's Muggle popcorn machine last week, so we're doing it on the stove."

"Of course you did," she mumbled with an awed smile. She stood next to him and took the jar from his huge hands to open it. "Are we using butter?"

"Obviously." He gave her a look that said his exact word as he crossed to the fridge. "You've been quieter than usual today. Are you alright?"

"Freddie, come here." Oshun put the jar on the counter before she turned, eyes resting upon him.

His brows creased into a frown as he shut the fridge. He walked to her, placing the tub of butter on the counter. "Is everything alright, Oshun?" His hands found hers, threading their fingers.

"Yeah. But I just wanted to ask you how you're feeling." She lowered her voice in a hushed tone for him only. Her dark eyes observed him carefully. "Because Granger's here and... you know."

Fred's mouth upturned into a fondly smile. "Your concern does something to my heart, you know that?" he said in a mere whisper to her.

She shrugged sheepishly.

"I'm fine, really," he said evenly. "I guess after being in a dead relationship with her for so long after it happened, I got, um, sort of accustomed?—if that's what you can call it—to her presence. Even after what she did. I mean, I'm not saying I fancy being around her. Trust me, I loathe being around her more than I loathe crunchy peanut butter. But if I've got to deal with it for a couple more days before I can come clean to my siblings and be rid of her, then I will."

She nodded slowly, understanding.

"Besides, I've got George with me. My other siblings. And you," he said in a silky tone. "I know I'll be fine if I've got you guys here." His lips pulled in a small, vulnerable smile.

She smiled softly back, nodding. "You're so strong," she said sincerely, giving his hands a gentle squeeze. "I'm so proud of you."

He tugged her in by her hands and dipped his hand down to meet her mouth in a messy kiss.

But was soon interrupted by the arguing coming from the other room about the projector. "Fred, come here and tell him they're doing it wrong!" Ginny shouted angrily towards her other brother.

"You've been summoned," Oshun mumbled into his bottom lip.

"Unfortunately, I have," Fred droned as he pulled back. "We shall pick up where we left off later." His upper body sagged exaggeratedly as he walked dramatically to the other room.

Oshun couldn't help but chuckle to herself as she turned the stove on to make the popcorn.

"I thought I told you to pick the other option," Hermione spoke as she walked into the kitchen.