Fred Weasley x Reader (slow and Steady)

Ch 81: Tempting Whispers

a/n: You know, this was supposed to be two chapters, but soon became one xD they fit well together so why not.

In storybooks that I had read growing up, whenever something detrimental had happened where a character would have to make a quick decision, how slow time had felt to them, I never truly grasped the feeling then.

Tonight I had.

Internally I felt as though my mind had been moving with an intense speed, my body and world felt otherwise, my mind shouted commands for my body to move; to do anything, but my body reacted in its own time.

I saw it before they had a chance too, even if they had it'd be too late for them.

Rocks from the ceiling had separated and began falling onto the trio, Percy and George would have enough reaction time I felt, Fred on the other hand I didn't. The cluster of rocks were too condensed on his side, if they made contact, I was sure he wouldn't make it.

My mind flared, burning hot as it did when the prophecy had shouted into my mind. It did not speak this time, but it was enough of a warning that I knew why. This was the time the prophecy would finish. The life that had hung in the balance.

With every fiber of my magical essence and being, I yanked my wand from my pocket and shouted, my throat aching as I did. "PROTEGO MAXIMA!"

Within an instant, a flood of magic erupted from my wand and enveloped them in a safe white cocoon of a shield. They always taught in school that emotions were what fueled spells the most, that it could easily help one in a battle, but it was also incredibly dangerous to rely on emotions alone.

The trio halted in their footsteps, confused by my actions, seconds after the rocks from above made contact with the shield with a heavy thud, they rolled off the side leaving small specks of dust and rubble at the top. Once the rocks all finally fell to the ground, I released concentration on the shield and breathed heavily, my throat sore.

The raw emotion did not leave me though.

The fear and pure determination was swiftly replaced by unadulterated rage. A level of anger I had yet to experience in my lifetime, one I would hope I wouldn't ever have to again.

Quickly whipping around, I looked for the culprit who had sent the spell that broke apart the ceiling. There were no deep cracks or falling rocks before we entered, someone had tampered with them.

And they were going to pay.

After a singular turn, I found the culprit. Standing in the corner wounded and broken, a Death Eater leaned into the wall holding his side, wand still out.

At that moment, I did not see or feel the battle around me. At that moment I only knew rage, I only saw that man.

I did not feel the shadow sweeping over me, the intoxicating sensation, the temptation. It looked over my shoulder eager and violent, like a rabid animal poised to attack. I could get my revenge, my wand had still been raised. I did not lower it. The weight of my anger and the darkness that surrounded me felt almost suffocating, its entirety encompassed my body, nearly swallowing me whole.

Its alluring voice whispered in my ear, whispers of promises and temptation hung hovering over my ear, like another human being pressing their lips to my ear. Its voice was all I could hear, I could not move, I could only think of the rage. That's all that held me there.

Go on, do it, you know what must be done to them. They deserve it.

They did deserve it.

Of course they do, they threatened one most precious to you. You know the spell, all you have to do is say it.