The Language of Flowers | Fred Weasley

32: H E L L E B O R E- anxiety

I took my time walking to Hogsmeade, I knew where Fred was, I didn't have to rush over there to find him. I needed time to think about what I was going to say.

I knew I was going to apologize first, for being a git, but then where did I go from there? Did I tell him that I just wanted to be friends for a little bit or that I could see him as being something more than just a friend? Or did I tell him that I am still confused and that I want to know where he stood on the topic before I make my final choice?

I let out a sigh, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I guess I would apologize and see how the conversation went from there. I knew this conversation was going to be a long one, and incredibly uncomfortable, but it needed to take place. I had to give Fred a chance, and I could only hope he was willing to give me a chance too.

It began to snow when I was halfway to Hogsmeade so I sped up my pace, pulling my jacket tighter around myself. I loved the cold usually, but not when I was walking alone in the cold.

The snow swirled prettily around me but the wind flicking my hair harshly into my face. Bloody hell, my hair felt like a whip against my face. I pushed my hair back, tucking it into my jacket. Hopefully that would hold it for a while.

"Ellie! Is that you?" A melodic voice sounded, waving at me. I noticed the green Slytherin scarf and smiled, it was Abby.

"Hey Abby! Yes, it's me." I laughed. She was alone, walking back to Hogwarts with a large bag in her arm. "What's that?"

"Oh you know, just enough candy to feed a small army, or to bribe the first years to prank Filch. Only maybe of course, and if it does happen, you didn't hear it from me." Abby grinned, flipping her long braid over her shoulder. "This weather is awful! Why does it have to snow again? I know it's been cold all day but at least it was sunny this morning." She whined.

"I agree, hopefully it will stop soon. I know your candy is for an important cause, but do you have any candy to give to a poor, hungry soul?" I joked, giving her a pout.

"Oh of course!" She laughed, pulling out chocolate toads, my favorite.

"Really?" I asked, taking the candy from her.

"My treat!"

"Thank you," I grinned. I opened up the wrapper immediately, popping one of the toads into my mouth. I loved dark chocolate. I offered the package back to Abby, refusing to take the whole box, and she rolled her eyes at me as she put the box into her bag.

"So, how have you been? You've been awfully quiet this week."

"I have, yes. This week has been a week of reflection and thought. I haven't really been a good friend as of late, so I'm hoping to fix that today, or at least begin the fixing process."

"That's good, I'm glad you're doing that. It's good sometimes to reflect. I had a week like that last year and it was absolutely refreshing." Abby laughed. "If you ever need to talk about anything, I'm always up for chatting with my favorite Gryffindor, and I hope your fixing process begins well but I must go for now. It is too cold out here for me. See you around!" She walked around me, walking backwards down the path back to Hogwarts.

"Yes, thank you! Bye!" I waved. She waved and then turned around, sprinting towards Hogwarts. I laughed, shaking my head at her. She was hilarious. It wasn't that cold, but she hated the snow.

Pushing a stray piece of hair back into my jacket, I turned back around to continue my way to Hogsmeade, wanting to get there before weather turned into a full-blown blizzard. I had only walked a few yards before I noticed another person walking towards me. Fred Weasley, to be exact. I stopped walking at the same time he did, and we observed each other for a moment. He was regarding me with a face that was impossible to read.