Golden Girl; 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

Fourth Year: Harry and Ron's Grand Entrance

It was the last night of summer break before they all would return to Hogwarts, and Mrs. Weasley had conjured up a delicious dinner for everyone. The table groaned under the weight of roasted meats, buttery vegetables, and steaming bowls of mashed potatoes. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the scent of rich, savory gravies.

"Fred, pass the gravy, would you?" Bambi asked, leaning over the table with a grin.

Fred, ever the showman, grabbed the gravy boat and pretended to spill it before safely passing it to Bambi. "Careful, it's hot," he said with a wink.

As the meal wound down, Mrs. Weasley brought out the desserts, and the kitchen fell into a contented silence punctuated only by the clinking of spoons. As soon as the last of the dishes had been cleared away, Fred and George jumped up, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Everyone outside!" George called, already halfway out the door with a box of Filibuster fireworks under his arm. "We've got a show for you!"

The family and their guests gathered in the garden, looking up expectantly as Fred and George set up their display. With a flourish, Fred lit the first fuse, and within moments, the night sky was ablaze with beautiful red and blue sparks. The fireworks bounced around the yard, leaving trails of glittering light in their trail before exploding with loud crackling pops.

Bambi watched in awe, her face illuminated by the vivid display. She realized with a warm, contented feeling that she was beginning to love the smell of the smoke. It was a scent that would always remind her of summer at the Burrow, of laughter and many failed, and breakthrough experiments.

Fred noticed her smiling and nudged her gently with his elbow. "Enjoying the show?"

Bambi nodded, her eyes still fixed on the sky. "It's perfect. You two always know how to end things with a bang."

George sidled up on her other side, grinning. "We aim to please. I say that was a job well done." He high-fived Fred and bowed dramatically to Bambi.

Long after the last of the fireworks faded, the group lingered in the garden, savoring the final moments of summer. Bambi didn't want the night to end, and she sat, her arms covered in a worn patchwork quilt, still facing the starry night above.

Fred plopped down on the grass next to Bambi, his usual playful grin replaced with a softer, more thoughtful expression.

"I'm glad you spent the summer with us, Bambi," he said quietly. "It's been... nice- I mean, we all think it's been nice." He cleared his throat with a smile.

Bambi turned to him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. "I've had the best time, Fred. I couldn't thank you and your family enough."

Fred reached out and gently tucked a loose curl behind her ear, his fingers lingering for just a moment. "Anytime," he said, his voice soft.

"You're always welcome here."

Bambi felt a slight flutter in her chest as she was caught off guard, but tried to play it off with a laugh. "Careful, Weasley, or I might just move in permanently."

Fred looked at his hand and pulled it back suddenly, clapping the air, "Er, there was a bug in your hair. Got it," He grinned.

Bambi looked off to the side a bit embarrassed. Had she really thought he was just trying to make a move or something? She shook her head, clearing the idea from her mind. She didn't like Fred that way- or George for that matter. They were friends, all three of them... good buddies. If he had made some sort of move, she would have rejected him... right? Bambi shook her head again, the first shake wasn't thorough enough. She was fourteen years old, this wasn't stuff she had to worry about anytime soon.