Orange Trees | Fred Weasley

Chapter Twenty

September 5th, 1994

As soon as they stepped behind the tapestry, the bricks slid back into place with a soft thud, leaving the two of them in complete darkness. The sudden change made Jericho's breath catch in his throat, and for a split second, a wave of panic fluttered in his chest. He whispered Fred's name, his voice uncertain and edged with nervousness.

Before he could worry too much, Fred's hand found his, the warmth of his palm instantly calming the storm in Jericho's mind. "Right here." Fred's voice came softly through the dark, and with a quiet flick of his wrist, the tip of his wand lit up with a gentle glow.

The dim light cast long shadows on the stone walls, but it was enough to reveal the narrow, winding staircase ahead of them. Fred's hand remained in Jericho's, giving him a reassuring squeeze as they began their ascent, the soft echo of their footsteps the only sound apart from their breathing.

Jericho wasn't fond of dark, enclosed spaces, but with Fred beside him, the usual fear didn't take root. Instead, he focused on the steady rhythm of Fred's steps and the comforting weight of his hand in his. Every few steps, Fred would squeeze Jericho's hand again, silently reminding him that he wasn't alone, that he was safe.

With each step upward, Jericho felt the lingering sadness from earlier slip further away, replaced by a sense of wonder and curiosity about where Fred was taking him. There was something almost magical about this moment - the dim light, the warmth of Fred's hand, the quiet intimacy of it all. It was as if the rest of the world had faded, leaving just the two of them climbing higher and higher into their own little secret.

Jericho glanced up at Fred, catching sight of his profile illuminated by the soft glow of his wand. Fred looked focused, but there was a small, contented smile playing on his lips. It wasn't a smirk, the kind Fred usually flashed when pulling off a prank, but something softer. Jericho couldn't help but smile too, feeling his heart swell with affection for the boy leading him through the dark.

"Where... are we going?" Jericho finally asked, his voice a hushed whisper in the quiet staircase.

Fred glanced back at him, his smile widening slightly. "You'll see." He teased, his voice warm with promise.

As they neared the top of the staircase, Jericho noticed a soft, golden light spilling from the cracks around a door just ahead. It stood out against the darkness of the stone walls, a warm invitation. His heart fluttered with curiosity, anticipation building as they reached the landing. Fred let go of Jericho's hand, the absence of his touch making Jericho feel strangely aware of the chill in the air. Fred stepped forward, placing his hand on the worn brass handle before glancing back at Jericho with a small, playful grin.

"Ready?" Fred asked, his voice hushed, as if they were about to unlock some ancient secret.

Jericho nodded, eyes wide with curiosity. Fred pushed the door open slowly, and as it creaked, a soft breeze kissed their faces. What lay beyond the door was nothing like Jericho had expected.

A breathtaking mini greenhouse terrace unfolded before him, bathed in the warm, amber glow of the sun filtering through the glass ceiling. Jericho's eyes widened in awe, his breath catching in his throat as he stepped forward into the magical space. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming flowers, fresh earth, and a faint trace of something sweet he couldn't quite place. It was peaceful, almost otherworldly - a hidden oasis tucked away from the bustling life of the castle.

His gaze swept over the plants. Some were familiar, like the bright lavender bushes that lined the stone path, but others looked strange and exotic - magical plants mixed with ordinary ones in a chaotic, yet beautiful harmony. A small tree in the corner had golden leaves that shimmered in the light, and nearby, flowers in brilliant shades of purple and orange seemed to pulse gently, as if alive with their own magic. Jericho could hardly believe that such a place existed within Hogwarts, and more than that - that Fred had brought him here.