because i liked a boy • fred weasley

Chapter 26 - Saturday, December 21st

Our midyear exams were absolutely brutal, but they're finally over. I spent so long studying my ass off with Talia and it definitely paid off; I got full marks on everything.

This morning, everyone is leaving for Christmas break, including myself. There was one year when I tried to stay here during the break because I didn't want to go home, but Luna cried until I got on the train. We didn't even speak to each other while we were home, so I'm not sure why she cared so much that I was there.

Talia and I sat in an empty compartment, saving it for Nathan and no doubt Fred and George. While we wait, we chat about her plans.

"And why America?" I joke, knowing she goes to America every couple of years.

"We're meeting Aunt Beth there for skiing I guess. Dad said he likes the muggle lodges there better than over here, too. I haven't any idea why though," Talia shrugs as she examines her bare nails.

"Ladies," Nathan greets us as he slides open the door. He walks in with his gingers in tow.

Nathan takes his usual spot next to Talia. My skin itches with anticipation to see if Fred is going to try to sit next to me, but it settles when George comes and sits between us.

George throws and arm over my shoulder and pulls me closer. "Why does it feel like I haven't seen you in ages?"

"Because she's avoiding m-" George cuts off Fred with an elbow to the rib.

"I've been busy," I chuckle, leaning into him.

Della jumps into my lap from her spot on the floor. I absentmindedly pet her until the train starts moving. Once we've left, and the hallway looks void of students, I put her down so she can go find Crookshanks. Nathan slides the door open for her to leave, and closes it once Della's sprinted off.

The train ride is spent making small conversations and taking naps. I manage to sleep for about an hour on George's shoulder, but the train movements continue to startle me awake.

When there's only about an hour left of the ride, all of us are alert and talking about each other's plans.

George says his family only does trips in the summer, so him and Fred are just going to be hanging around the Burrow and making new products to sell once school starts up again.

"I'm going to be sitting at home hopelessly wishing that my girlfriend doesn't fall in love with an American boy," Nathan teases, covering his face with his hands and fake crying.

"Anything special happening with you, El?" George bumps his shoulder into mine.

"Nope."

George looks at me, "Just, nope?"

"Yup."

Nathan chuckles, and Talia says, "Haven't you realized that Ellie has pardoned herself from family talk for the rest of eternity?"

Once we land at King's Cross station, we wait for the train to empty a bit, but eventually get up and head onto the platform.

I hug Nathan and George, Fred was just awkwardly standing feet away and pretending I wasn't there.

"Have the best time," I say as I hug Talia.

"Try not to be too miserable," Talia squeezes me back.

After saying goodbye to my friends, I see Xenophilius and Luna talking near the clock. I begrudgingly make my way towards them, but my blood runs cold when I see the look Xeno's throwing my way.

As soon as I approach them, I know that this break is going to be horrid.

"How could you do this to your sister?" Xeno spits as I stand in front of him.

"Do what?"

"Make her life miserable!" He shouts, but realizing he's going to attract attention, he lowers his voice, "You ruin everything. You can't seem to let anyone be happy, can you?"

I groan, "I didn't do anything to-"

Xenophilius grabs Luna's hand and says, "We're leaving." They begin to walk off without me.

"And how am I supposed to get home?" I shout towards his back. He doesn't answer. He just leaves without me. "At least take Della!"

Luna stops in her tracks and turns to face me. I tell Della to go, and she runs into Luna's arms. I stand dumbstruck for a moment before composing myself. I could take the Knight Bus, but it will only take me to town.

"Need a ride?"

Of course when I'm stranded, the only person who comes to my aid is the man I'm trying not to see.

"Don't say no, Ellie," Fred says as he comes next to me. "We have a car. Don't say no to getting home safely just because you don't want to talk to me."

"Yes, please," I respond, putting my desire to be petty behind me. It does get exhausting after a while.

Fred grabs my suitcase and guides me to where his family is waiting. None of them ask any questions as the car drives itself to our destination. I don't talk much to anyone during the ride, except when I'm directly spoken to.

We make it to my house rather quickly, and even though I told them I could walk from their house, Mr. Weasley was insistent that I be dropped off at my door. As we're driving down the windy road to my house, I turn to Fred.

"Thank you. I don't know what I would've done-"

"It's no problem, Ellie. Really," Fred squeezes my hand.

I didn't expect him to be so nice to me after I was an asshole when he saw me with Cormac. I still shudder at the thought of that night. It makes me nauseous.

"I'm sorry for being a dick the other night," I apologize now so that we don't have to have another thing sitting in the air between us.

We pull up to my house and Fred gets out with me. I thank the Weasley's and wish them a happy holiday. Fred goes to the trunk and pulls out my luggage.

"You don't have to apologize for that. I deserved it. I hope you know that my feelings for you remain the same. I don't care what you did, and I will not do anything to make you hate me again," Fred pours out to me as I fiddle with my handle.

I offer a small smile and say, "Have a nice break, Fred."

"I will. And so will you."

I ignore his last comment and head inside, waving to the bunch of redheads as I head inside to my doom.