Friends? Fred Weasley x OC

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

Chapter thirty five

Amelia and Hermione found seats on the crowded Tube, surrounded by the steady hum of morning commuters and the occasional rumble of the train. The city outside their window flickered past in a blur, buildings and lights merging into one as they got closer to the center of London.

"First stop, Covent Garden!" Hermione announced, glancing over at her sister with a grin. "Ready to find something fabulous?" Amelia smiled back, her excitement rising. "Absolutely! There's always something magical about Covent Garden this time of year. Let's see if we can find a few treasures for ourselves."

When they arrived, Covent Garden was bustling with energy. Street performers entertained small crowds while strings of twinkling lights adorned the nearby market stalls. They wandered around, ducking in and out of boutiques, eyeing everything from cozy scarves to sparkly holiday ornaments. Amelia paused in front of a small jewelry stand, captivated by a delicate silver bracelet with tiny charms dangling from it. "What do you think, Hermione?" she asked, turning to her sister. "It's simple, but it has a bit of sparkle."

"It's perfect," Hermione agreed, admiring it. "It's very you—subtle but elegant." Amelia laughed, slipping it on her wrist. "Alright, you talked me into it!"

They continued their stroll, eventually ending up at a small bookshop with warm lights and walls lined with everything from old classics to new releases. "Let's go in here," Hermione said, practically tugging Amelia through the door. "I'm curious to see if they have anything interesting in the rare books section."

While Hermione browsed through the dusty shelves, Amelia picked up a small, intricately illustrated book on London's hidden gems, skimming through pages that highlighted secret gardens, quirky cafes, and little-known historical sites.

"This could be fun!" Amelia said, holding up the book for Hermione to see. "Maybe we could explore some of these places before the holidays end." Hermione's eyes lit up as she reached for it. "I'm so in! We could make it a whole adventure and see how many places we can find."

They both purchased their small treasures before heading toward the Tube again, their next stop being the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus. When they arrived, the crowds were even thicker, tourists and locals alike filling the square, all captivated by the towering screens and vibrant shop windows. "Piccadilly really knows how to turn on the charm," Hermione remarked as they wandered through the bustling streets. "Right? It's hard to resist," Amelia replied, eyeing a sparkling dress on display in one of the windows. "One day, I'm going to wear a dress like that and attend the fanciest ball in London!" Hermione laughed, nudging her playfully. "Maybe next year's winter ball at Hogwarts, or perhaps we'll find a reason to come back here next holiday season!"

After a long day of shopping and browsing, the sisters' stomachs growled in unison, leading them straight to the vibrant streets of Chinatown. Lanterns swung gently above the shop fronts, casting a warm glow over the bustling crowds. Amelia's face lit up as the scents of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce filled the air.

"Now, this is what I've been waiting for!" she exclaimed, her eyes scanning the restaurant fronts. "I'll never get over how incredible Chinatown smells." Hermione laughed, her own excitement building. "You and your endless love for Chinese food," she teased. "Alright, pick the place. I trust your taste."

Amelia led them to a small, family-run restaurant tucked away from the main street. They ordered a spread of their favorites: dim sum, crispy spring rolls, spicy Sichuan chicken, and a big pot of jasmine tea. When the food arrived, Amelia's eyes widened with joy.

"Oh, this is amazing," she sighed, taking a bite of the dumplings. "Nothing like Hogwarts food, that's for sure." Hermione laughed, digging into her plate. "We should come here every break," she said between bites. "Imagine if we could just take a Floo to places like this on weekends!"