Photograph | fred weasley x reader

Making Plans

Your first year at Hogwarts blurred by quickly. The friendship you'd formed with the Weasley twins grew stronger and stronger, until you'd completely forgotten what life without them was like. The three of you spent most of your time releasing fireworks in corridors, messing up each other's cauldrons in Potions class (that often led to gooey explosions and lots of house points getting taken away) or trying, and failing, to sneak into the Forbidden Forest. 

Although you cared for the boys more than anything, you were partially grateful that you didn't share a house- as Charlie had said, it gave you the chance to study in the common room without disruption. The Ravenclaw common room had become a home to you, and had taken your breath away when you'd seen it for the first time; it was large and circular, with the furthest wall from the entry covered with full length, wide windows that looked onto the grounds of Hogwarts, the view stretching over the beautiful Great Lake and the bustling Forbidden Forest. The walls were adorned with billowing, heavy curtains; dark wood bookcases reached from floor to ceiling- which mirrored the Great Hall's, as it had a clever enchantment to replicate the night sky, dotted with tiny twinkling stars nestled in a velvety blue backdrop.

It was always calm and quiet, with the only sound being the crackling wood of the heavy stone fireplace. It was a stark contrast to your loud, laughter-filled life with the Weasleys. After a day of lessons and, admittedly, pranks, you often curled up on the plush sofas with Selene and Ishani, your two dormmates, reading your notes and quietly quizzing each other.

As the year progressed, you unearthed your love for your studies, but specifically Herbology, Astronomy and Transfiguration, and later discovered that you had quite a knack for Flying.

"You've never flown a broom before?" Fred exclaimed, as you walked over to the awaiting group on the grounds.

You shook your head. "Not even once, Freddie," you replied. A tight knot in your stomach formed as you took in the brooms that were laid out neatly in rows.

George scoffed from your other side, "well, don't worry, if you fall off, we'll try and catch you before you go splat."

You and Fred laughed, "why thank you for that glowing reassurance, George," you said sarcastically.

Madam Hooch was a tall woman, with cropped white hair and beady yellow eyes. She had a stern voice and wore stark green robes that matched the hue of the grass perfectly. The Ravenclaws stood in line next to the Gryffindors, with the Hufflepuffs and Slytherins opposite. You leaned into Fred, whispering,

"Don't you think she looks like a plant?" You said quietly, and Fred stifled a laugh.

"Welcome to your first flying lesson!" Hooch called, her voice cutting through the chatter. "I expect you all to pay close attention. Brooms are not toys; they can be dangerous if mishandled."

You heard the clutter of wizard-born students disagree quietly. You focused on Madam Hooch's instructions intently, just desperate to, at the very least, not fall flat on your arse. Your eyes dropped to the broom beneath you, an old rickety thing with no doubt splinters and odd twigs.

"On the count of three," the Professor continued, "I want you all to place your hand above the broom on your right, and say 'up.' Say it firmly and strongly- the broom will not obey if you're unsure. Ready?"

You all nodded, taking a deep breath to steady your racing heart. "One... two... three!"

"Up!" you called out, your voice a bit shaky but determined.

To your surprise, the broom didn't budge at first. You glanced over at Fred, who had a triumphant grin as his broom leapt into his hand with ease. Next to him, George struggled, his broom wiggling slightly but refusing to cooperate.