Summers at The Burrow - Fred Weasley

Chapter Fifty-eight - The Second Task

School had started up again and with that came the spread of rumors about Fred and I. everyone was now sure of our relationship seeing as Reeta Skeeter had plastered photographs of us kissing at the ball all over the school to get back at us for not answering her questions months ago. that woman really holds grudges.

the twins, Lee, and I were in the courtyard waiting for Angelina and Alicia to get out of class so we could go flying. all the stone garden benches were being occupied since it was commonly crowded in this particular courtyard this time of day. i was working on a research paper i had picked up as extra work from McGonagall since the twins and i were still trying to come up with new products. i was looking at animal to edible transfigurations and how to successfully translate the culinary art of baking into the art of potion making and then transfiguration. 

"Chloe!" a familiar voice called from across the courtyard. i looked up and saw Cedric hurrying towards me with his robes billowing behind him as his friends tried to follow. he shook them off and sent them away as he knelt down in front of us and cleared his throat, "i need to talk to you about the next task."

"go on then." i said handing my parchment and self inking quill to Fred.

"it's better if we speak alone." he said as he grew annoyed, grimacing at those around him.

"why?" i questioned so the others wouldn't have to.

"Have you opened the egg yet?" he asked as he lowered his voice forcing me to lean in to hear.

"yeah, i don't think it screeching like a madwoman is what the clue is supposed to be though." i replied.

"Precisely. look, im going to right the password to the prefects bathroom and send it to you by owl so no one accidentally hears it. you should try taking your egg and slipping it under the water then opening it." he explained and my eyes went wide as i realized what he was telling me.

"why are you helping me?" i questioned.

"look, Chloe, before all of this you were my friend. i will never look at you and think you are competition unless were playing quidditch. this isn't quidditch so i want you to have a fighting chance even if you are in the top right now. i told Harry too, just so you know." he explained patting me on the shoulder before getting to his feet. 

"thanks." i said as i also got to my feet nodding at him respectfully.

"I've got to go to the owlery and write you that password now." he said with a chuckle as he turned awkwardly back to his friends.

"bet he still likes you." George said as i sat back down taking my things back from Fred.

"no he doesn't." i retorted.

"then what was that all really about?" George continued.

"he told Harry too and you don't go around seeing Cedric trying to swoon him now do you?" i pointed out and Lee began laughing causing the rest of us to fall into a fit of giggles as well.

"you do realize she's in love with me, right?" Fred asked his twin.

"fair point, only because I've caught you two kissing more times than i care to admit." George replied.

"are you spying on us?" i inquired as i leaned towards him suspiciously.

"i liked it better when you two were hiding your relationship." he scoffed.

"you knew?" Fred and i asked loudly in unison.

"I'm psychically linked to you, mate. what, did you think i wouldn't notice?" he said defensively.