Delyth Snape

The Old Flame

Freds POV

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The chatter of excited students filled the air as we made our way through Hogsmeade, the sweet scent of warm pastries and the crisp autumn breeze mingling together. George and I settled at a table outside the Three Broomsticks, our mugs of butterbeer frothing in front of us. With every sip, I felt the warmth of the drink seep into my bones, making me forget about the challenges of the school year.

"Best day ever, don't you think?" George said, grinning as he took a hearty gulp of his drink.

"Are those two dating?" asked Lee Jordan, one of the boys at our table, his brow raised as he gestured towards Delyth and Cedric.

"Seems like they're always together," said Oliver Wood, chiming in with a knowing smirk. "Diggory is one lucky guy."

"Yeah, you should ask her on a date then, Wood!" another Gryffindor boy said, nudging Oliver with a grin.

Oliver's face turned a bright shade of red as he stammered, "W-what? Me? No, that's not—"

The table erupted into laughter, and I felt a pang of something I couldn't quite place. 

"Let's get some new prank supplies," George said, breaking my reverie. "Zonko's has just the thing for our next batch of inventions."

"Right behind you," I replied, forcing myself to focus on the fun ahead rather than whatever thoughts were spiraling in my mind.

After picking up a few new items at Zonko's, I stepped outside, ready to enjoy the rest of the day. To my surprise, I found Delyth standing by herself a few feet away, gazing into a shop window.

"Hey, Delyth!" I called out, approaching her.

She turned, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Hello, Fred," she replied, a smile breaking across her face.

"Are you looking for something specific?" I asked, hoping to keep the conversation going.

"No, just wandering around. It's nice to take a break from classes," she said, her voice light and easy.

I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Heard you and George are making inventions," she continued, her curiosity evident.

"Yep! I'll even give you one to try if you want," I laughed, relishing the thought of seeing her reaction to one of our latest creations.

"Really? I'd love that!" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Great! We don't take responsibility for any side effects though!"

Delyth laughed, and we fell into a comfortable rhythm, our laughter mingling with the lively sounds of Hogsmeade. As we strolled through the cobbled streets, it felt like the world around us faded away.

"So, how's your family?" she asked, genuinely interested.

"They're good! Mum is still making that awful experimental food, and I swear George is plotting to steal all her recipes for pranks," I replied, chuckling at the thought.

"Sounds like your home is just as chaotic as ever," 

"And how is your father?" I asked.

"He's... well, you know how he is," Delyth said, her voice losing a bit of its lightness. "Busy with work and always in that serious mood."

I nodded, understanding the burden she carried with that name. "You're doing alright, though, right?"

"Yeah, I'm trying to make the best of it," she replied, looking thoughtful for a moment. 

We continued walking, the conversation flowing easily as we shared stories and laughed about silly things that had happened at Hogwarts. But soon, I noticed that we had wandered quite far from the main part of Hogsmeade.

"We should head back," Delyth said, glancing around, a slight hint of concern in her voice.

"As you say, my lady," I responded with a mock bow, making her laugh again.

Just as we turned to head back, a rustling sound came from the nearby bushes, causing us to halt in our tracks. A black dog emerged, its eyes piercing and focused.

"I've never seen that dog around here," Delyth remarked, her brows furrowing in curiosity.

"Probably just a stray," I said, trying to sound casual, though I felt a strange chill run down my spine as the dog watched us.

After my walk with Delyth, I made my way back to the bustling streets of Hogsmeade, still feeling the warmth of our conversation lingering in my chest. As I rounded the corner, I spotted George leaning against the wall of Zonko's, a smirk plastered across his face.

"Well, where were you, Weasley?" he teased, crossing his arms. "Making out with Snape's daughter?"

"Ha ha, very funny, George," I replied, rolling my eyes.

"Honestly, you'd better hurry before Diggory and Wood act on their 'luck'," he said, laughing as he pushed himself off the wall. "I wouldn't want you to lose your chance."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his ridiculousness, shaking my head as we headed back toward the rest of our friends. "You're incorrigible, you know that?"

"Of course! It's what I'm here for," he grinned, nudging me playfully as we walked back into the bustling crowd, the sounds of laughter and excitement filling the air.