Sugar : Fred Weasley

53: Long Time No See

Christmas Eve, 1996

Just like Mattheo had said, I did not see him for the past four months. In those four months, I also chose to not take his word seriously. He was a boy–who I learned was not much younger than me and not much older than Harry.

Because of Dumbledore's lack of responses to my letters, I chose to not tell Fred, as I was afraid he'd think I was overreacting. We had not had any serious conversations since we talked about my trip to Scotland to see Cedric's grave but he said it was not the right time since he didn't want me to go alone either.

None of it was working out the way I planned it to.

Harry seemed to have forgotten about the topic of Mattheo, as he was now interested in what Draco was doing the same day we were in the alley. But I couldn't blame him. The trio apparently saw him doing suspicious activities and it now proved to Harry that he was also a death eater. So for the past four months, that's all Hermione would complain to me about in her letters.

Ginny, on the other hand, had been briefing me about Dean Thomas and Quidditch. With the direction this was all going, I suspected my suspicions would be confirmed later on.

Though Hermione's letters were always kept brief, we suspected the ministry was keeping their eye on us–Dumbledore's Army. Or, "previous" army. Many times, she had also encouraged me to tell Fred about Mattheo because if there were ever a situation to make him misthink things, it wouldn't go well. And she was right, but I was also discouraged more and more as time went by.

It was the last thing Fred needed on his mind.

The Burrow was frosty, lightly coated with snow as part of the Weasley family and I waited for the arrival of the Order of the Phoenix. Everyone but Hermione (who was spending the holidays with her family) arrived just a few days ago, seeming relieved and distraught. Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, and I had decorated the home with the usual festives: garlands, beaming gold stars, and dazzling red ribbons. Though she had more experience, considering the years she spent decorating and loving the holidays. Her smile had never been brighter.

Though only the twins, Harry, Ron, and I knew the "angel" on the tree was actually a garden gnome that had bit Fred earlier today when he was picking carrots for dinner. I had petrified it without my wand out of fear that it had been Mattheo, but the situation was brushed off as an incident.

I didn't want to discuss Mattheo without Hermione, as I felt like she'd understand me more as to why I hadn't told Fred yet. Not to mention, I didn't want to spoil the holidays.

It was Christmas Eve as we (almost everyone in the order) were listening to a broadcast of Mrs. Weasley's favourite, "A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong, Love." The twins, and Ginny had started an exciting game of exploding snap, which caused Ron to snap his head in their direction every now and then.

Harry seemed to have been distraught as he spoke to Lupin about trusting Professor Snape. At the same time, I was making the eggnog–I'd never made it before, but Mrs. Weasley had given me the recipe, assuming I could get it done easily. Fred offered to help, but I laughed and refused to give him credit for the hard work.

"Oi, you didn't help me with kitchen duties this morning!" Ron exclaimed when he heard Fred offer me help.

"Well, brother, that's because you still have so much to learn!" Fred answered happily as George laughed. "And after chucking that knife at me, I don't think I'll be offering help to you anytime soon."

I grinned, remembering that.

As I prepared the last of the eggnog, I noticed how short I was on the eggs. After all, Fred and George enjoyed eggnog just as much as they enjoyed pranks. Not to mention, Charlie and Magnus were unexpected company.