Love Ridden-Fred Weasley

4

December 1995

"I feel like my balls are gonna fall off from the cold. Why are we out here anyways?" Theo couldn't help but complain, like he did with everything.

"If you don't want to go to Hogsmeade with us, you don't have to. Actually, if you're going to complain the whole time, I would prefer if you didn't."

"So feisty today Maeve, if I bought you lunch, would that help?"

"Only if you buy Daph lunch too, it's only fair."

"Oh of course, I could never forget about my lovely Daphne." He planted a big kiss on her cheek, which caused it to turn red. I could tell he flustered her easily.

We arrived at the Three Broomsticks, per Daphne's request. I took off my scarf and hat and made my way to the open table.

"Looks like Weasleys been getting busy." I looked up at Theo and then followed his stare. Fred and his little group were sitting down, his arm around Katie Bell. I always thought she seemed sweet; she was a brilliant chaser, too. I haven't spoken to Fred since we bumped into each other in the kitchens. During class, he either doesn't speak to me or switches spots with George. He seems repulsed by me.

Me and Theo got up to walk to the bar to order another round of butterbeers. I glanced at their table, giving them a small smile. In return, I received a dirty look from Katie. She seemed to be the only one; the rest gave a quick smile back.

"The fucks her deal" Theo whispered a bit too loudly. We both grabbed our drinks and began walking back to our table.

As I walked in front of their table, I fell right on my face. I didn't know for sure what tripped me, but I had a good idea.

"Oops, better watch where you're going bitch." Katie started snickering. Theo helped me up, I've never felt so embarrassed. They weren't laughing, though, they seemed to be upset with Katie. The last thing I wanted was their pity. I had two options, I could run out of here and go cry, or, I could beat this bitch up.

I went with the second option.

I walked over to her and slapped her hard. I could hear a mixture of gasps and 'oh shit' coming from everyone. She took a minute to process, then tried to tackle me to the ground. We were on the floor kicking, slapping, and pulling hair.

I felt like I had a thing for slapping, first her boyfriend, now her.

"You're a fucking crazy bitch, just like your family!" I got on top of her and began hitting her over and over. I felt a pair of hands pick me up and hold me back.

"Put me down, Theo! You know she fucking deserves it." I was struggling to get out of his grip. Fred was Holding Katie back with a grin on his face. What did he find so amusing about all this?

"Right, all of you out now. Before I march down to that damn school and tell the headmaster." No one bothered to plead with the bartender. Everyone got up and headed outside, mostly blaming me.

Theo and Daphne couldn't stop laughing and talking about what just happened. I found it all to be a bit annoying. I knew I shouldn't have done it; it only made my reputation with them worse.

"Oh please, Mae she deserved every slap! I mean, you really gave it to her, it was quite impressive."

"Theo shut up, everyone's going to think I'm a bitch now."

"I mean..."

I rolled my eyes; I just wanted to crawl up in bed and forget about this day.

"C'mon hun, let's go to the common room, and I'll make you some hot cocoa." Daphne put her arm over my shoulders as we began walking back to school.

~

"Have you decided if you're going home for the holidays?" Me, Daphne, and Theo were all sitting by the fireplace in the common room, sipping our hot drinks.

"I would rather it, but I don't have much of a choice."

"Well, I would offer you to stay at mine, but I don't want to be there either."

Theo's home life was....rough. His mum died when he was just a baby, and his dad blamed him for it. His dad was abusive, everyone knew. Staying at Daphne's wasn't an option either. Her mum took her and her sister to a retreat every Christmas. Daph thinks she does that so they can get away from her dad. She adored her dad, but her parents fought all the time.

"I'm sorry Mae, I wish there were more options for you. You could always stay at school."

"It's okay, but I'd rather not. Holidays here alone are depressing."

I was dreading going home. I missed my mum, but I was scared to see my Dad and Grandpa. The estate wasn't big enough for me to get away from them. I was counting down the days till my 18th birthday. Me, Theo, and Daphne made plans to get a flat somewhere close.

I felt that until then, I couldn't truly be happy.