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The atmosphere in Hogwarts had never felt like this before. The familiar halls, once filled with laughter and bustling energy, were now eerily quiet, save for the occasional sound of hurried footsteps and whispered conversations. The weight of what was coming—of the battle that loomed on the horizon—was inescapable. It clung to the air, to every stone in the castle, to the faces of those who were preparing for it.
Fred Weasley and Y/N stood near the entrance of the Great Hall, watching as students—many of whom were far too young to face what lay ahead—tried to steel themselves for the fight. Y/N had been helping Professor McGonagall organize, setting up defensive charms and teaching the younger students basic protective spells. Fred had been bouncing between groups, cracking jokes, offering reassurance, trying to lift spirits in the only way he knew how.
But now, as the final preparations were being made and the quiet moments between the storm settled in, Fred found himself standing still, staring at Y/N as they worked with Professor McGonagall. They were so focused, so steady, and it hit him then—like a punch to the gut—that this might be the last time he would see them like this.
He hadn't let himself think about it before. He couldn't. Not with everything that needed to be done. But now, with Y/N standing in front of him, their back to him as they finished their task, the thought hit him hard.
He could lose them.
Fred shook his head, trying to push the thought away, but it clung to him, making his chest tighten. He didn't want to be dramatic—Fred was always the one with a joke ready, the one who made everyone laugh even in the darkest moments. But this wasn't funny. Not in the slightest.
Y/N turned to him, their eyes meeting his across the hall. There was something in their gaze, something unspoken, as if they could feel the same heaviness weighing on his heart.
Fred took a deep breath and crossed the space between them, slipping his hand into Y/N's. Their fingers curled around his without hesitation, their touch grounding him in a way that nothing else could.
"Hey," Fred said softly, trying to keep his voice steady. "You doing okay?"
Y/N gave him a small smile, though there was an underlying tension in their expression. "I'm alright," they replied quietly. "Just...trying to keep everyone else okay, you know?"
Fred nodded, pulling them a little closer. "Yeah. I know."
They stood like that for a moment, their hands clasped, the rest of the world falling away as they found comfort in each other's presence. Fred looked down at Y/N, taking in the familiar features of their face, the way their eyes shone with determination despite the fear they both carried.
He didn't want to think about it being their last moment together. He didn't want to even entertain the possibility. But deep down, he knew that this was war. And in war, there were no guarantees.
"I've been thinking," Fred started, his voice low, almost hesitant. "About...what happens after this."
Y/N looked up at him, their brow furrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"
Fred swallowed hard, glancing around the hall before turning his gaze back to them. "I mean...we don't know what's going to happen tonight. We're preparing, we're doing everything we can, but..." He trailed off, the words stuck in his throat.
Y/N squeezed his hand gently, their eyes softening as they looked at him. "Fred..."
"I just don't want to lose you," he blurted out, the vulnerability in his voice raw and unguarded. "I know I'm supposed to be the one keeping everyone's spirits up, cracking jokes and all that, but I can't...I can't lose you. I don't know what I'd do if I did."
Y/N's eyes filled with emotion, and they took a step closer, pressing their other hand to his chest. "You're not going to lose me," they whispered, their voice steady but filled with warmth. "We're going to get through this. Together."
Fred's heart twisted at their words, and he pulled them into a tight embrace, holding them close as if that could somehow protect them from everything that was coming. Y/N wrapped their arms around him, resting their head against his chest, their heartbeat steady against his.
He closed his eyes, breathing them in, trying to memorize the feel of them in his arms. It felt too much like a goodbye, and the thought made his stomach turn. But he couldn't let go. Not yet.
"We've been through so much together," Y/N murmured against him, their voice soft but strong. "And we'll get through this too. We have to."
Fred pressed a kiss to the top of their head, his arms tightening around them. "I don't want this to be the last time I hold you," he whispered, his voice cracking slightly. "I can't...I can't even think about it."
Y/N pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, their hand reaching up to cup his cheek. "It won't be," they said firmly, their eyes shining with determination. "I promise you, Fred. Whatever happens, we'll find each other again. This isn't goodbye."
Fred searched their face, his heart aching with the weight of his love for them. He nodded, though the fear still gnawed at him. "You promise?"
"I promise," Y/N whispered, their lips curling into a soft smile. "We'll get through this."
Fred leaned down, pressing his forehead to theirs, his eyes closing as he let their words sink in. He could feel their breath against his skin, their hand still resting against his cheek, and for a moment, the world felt a little less heavy.
"I love you," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "You know that, right?"
Y/N smiled, their thumb brushing gently across his cheek. "I know. And I love you too, Fred. Always."
Fred let out a shaky breath, pulling them into another tight hug, as if he could hold onto them forever. He wished he could freeze this moment, keep them safe in his arms, away from everything that was about to happen. But he knew that wasn't possible.
All they could do now was face it together.
As the night deepened and the preparations continued around them, Fred and Y/N stood there, holding each other, their hearts beating in time. Neither of them knew what the next few hours would bring, or what the future held. But in this moment, they had each other. And that was enough.
