Over Parchment Burned By Fireworks (Fremione Fanfic)

Chapter 13: An Unfair Game

Not everything we go through in life is fair, that's a definite. Sometimes we try our best to make it fair, to make everything seem right...yet that just doesn't make a difference.

And that's the tough part.

She had made herself believe that everything she had done with him was somehow okay, but none of it really was. She knew that deep down but she pushed that feeling so far down that she couldn't even let herself think it anymore. However when she listened to him tell her everything he had been holding in, that feeling she pushed down came right up to the surface and it stayed.

It's all she's been feeling since he said 'Goodnight' to her.

While fixing up her hair in the mirror, she thought about that night on repeat, and then her mind wandered to the kisses they shared and her heart only sank further. Then she thought about Ron and how he made her feel like a trophy for winning a competition. Constantly showing her off as if she had no feelings, telling her to smile more, telling her she could do better. It had only been a short time and already she wanted out.

She knew her worth, she wasn't something to be won, but someone to be earned and loved. Yet the motivation to put those thoughts into action wasn't there. She just put up with it...and she was beginning to hate herself for it.

"Mione! Come on, you're really missing out. The music is starting now and I'm missing having you around!" Lucy bounced into the room, energetic on butter-beer. "I'm on my way... Is it busy?" Hermione asked quietly, "Yes and it's only getting busier." Lucy giggled and pulled Hermione's hand, dragging her down the stairs to the common room.

The thumping of the music rushed through her body as they got closer to the common room, not to mention the echos of cheers and chat. It all brought her back to that night when Ron practically blackmailed her and she froze. "Lucy wait!" Lucy looked back concerned, "Mione? Are you alright?" She held her hand more carefully now.

"What if it happens again...with Ron...you know..." Hermione tried to control her nerves. Lucy looked at her adoringly, "It won't happen, but in the unlikely case it does, you have me and George and Harry and everyone else on your side and to protect you...even Fred...especially Fred."

Hermione felt her breathing hitch. Her mind ran wild with thoughts of Fred and their shared moments again. It was all crashing down on her...he meant so much to her...too much.

Lucy brought her back to reality, "Come on, I promise all will be okay. Just stick with me if you need." She smiled encouragingly. "Okay." Hermione took a breath and continued down the stairs finally entering the main part of the common room.

***

Clouding the thoughts that whirled in his head seemed like the best idea. What better way to do that then to drown one's sorrows in a constant refilling cup of butter beer and a bit of people-watching. Something he definitely didn't do very often but when he did he found it awfully entertaining. Although he would never admit it to anyone.

Fred leaned on the mantle piece of the grand fireplace and watched students dance, drink and talk nonsense with each other. He saw people forget how to walk straight and even saw a few of the 'popular' girls start unnecessary drama at one point.

"Trying to find someone new?" He heard someone ask beside him. He recognised the snarky tone like it was the back of his hand. He turned to see Ron smirking as he took a sip of his drink. "I don't blame you." He looked in the direction that Fred had just turned away from.

"There's plenty of beautiful girls here-"

"Careful," Fred cut his younger brother off, "You're in a relationship now Ron, don't go dropping your boxers for the world like you're a cherished prize to be won." Fred kept his face emotionless and stern. Ron took major offence, but tried his best to hide it.