Golden Girl; 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

Fourth Year: Christmas 1992

A Few Days Prior:

Fred sat on the edge of his bed, the album resting in his lap. He stared down at it, tracing the cover with his fingers, a furrow of uncertainty creasing his brow. "You really think I should still give this to her?"

George leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed as he studied his twin. "Well, it's not like you've got any other gift lined up, right? You started that album ages ago, before she and Oliver got together. It wasn't meant to be romantic."

Fred sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Yeah, but now... I don't know. You think she'll see it that way?"

George shrugged casually. "I'm not sure about her, but Oliver might. He's a good bloke, but still..."

Fred raised an eyebrow, a hint of defiance creeping into his voice. "I'm not giving it to Oliver, am I?"

George let out a small laugh. "True enough. But listen, mate, you've put a lot of thought and effort into that album. If you don't give it to her now, you're going to regret it later."

Fred nodded slowly. "Yeah, you're right. It's just... complicated."

George tilted his head, curiosity piqued, "What do you mean?" 

Fred shook his head with a chuckle, back to his normal self. "Nothing Georgie," 

***

December 25th

The next morning, the sun had barely risen over the frost-tipped trees outside when a loud rattling knock woke the three gingers up from their slumber. The door banged open, and Percy stormed into the twin's dormitory, his eyes scanning the room with a look of fury and disapproval.

"Well, well, well," Percy began, his voice brimming with indignation. "Look who decided to finally wake up. Did you all sleep well after your little escapade into the Forbidden Forest?"

The trio stirred, blinking groggily at Percy's harsh tone. Fred and George exchanged sleepy glances while Bambi tried to stifle a yawn.

"Honestly, how could you all be so reckless?" Percy bellowed, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? And- Bambi, what are you doing in the boy's dormitory?"

Fred groaned and sat up, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Happy Christmas, Percy. You do realize we're all aware of the consequences, right?"

Bambi sat up in bed, her hair tousled from sleep, "We were just–"

"No excuses!" Percy snapped. "Do you have any idea what kind of trouble you've caused? You three have jeopardized Gryffidnor's standing and endangered yourselves. And Bambi, you shouldn't be in the boys' dormitory. This is completely unacceptable."

Fred, groggy but defiant, rubbed his eyes. "Percy, calm down. It was a mistake, but it was also an adventure. We didn't mean any harm."

"Adventure?" Percy scoffed. "You call sneaking into the Forbidden Forest an adventure? It's a dangerous place, and you could have been seriously hurt. And Bambi, you being here, in the boys' dormitory..."

Bambi cut him off, her face showing a mix of annoyance and confusion. "I stayed at The Burrow all summer, Percy, I spent more time in the twin's room than Ginny's- It's not like I'm a stranger-"

"That's not the point," Percy retorted, his face flushing with frustration. "You're not supposed to be in here, and it's not proper!"

"I'm here because I didn't want to be alone in my dorm," Bambi argued, her tone firm. "And honestly, I'm more concerned about the detention and the house points we lost."