Golden Girl; 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

Fifth Year: Fred's Unconventional Way of Saying Thanks

CW for some not very nice stuff Bambi recalls being said about her.

***

"You got called into a meeting with the Headmaster?" Fred asked, his eyes widening as they walked down the corridor after Transfiguration that Friday. Bambi had been asked to stay behind by Professor McGonagall, and Fred and George had been waiting just outside the classroom, clearly concerned.

"That's what she said," Bambi replied, chewing her lip nervously. Her fingers fidgeted with the strap of her school bag. "You don't think it's something really bad, do you?"

Fred scratched the back of his neck, his usual bravado slipping just enough to let his uncertainty show. "Well, the only time I got called in to meet with Professor Dumbledore was when–" He hesitated only for a moment, "You know, when Snape marched me up there for punching that Ravenclaw prick last week."

Bambi blew out a breath of air, Fred stuffing his hands into his pockets. She knew how that meeting went. Snape had immediately filed a case for Fred's expulsion, accusing him of two violent outbursts in less than a month. The case was now in the hands of the school board, mostly made up of wealthy parents, the weight of their decision majorly affecting Fred's whole future. Fred's 'Formal Disciplinary Hearing' was set for less than a week away now, something that they tried not to think about.

"Don't worry," George chimed in as he joined them from behind, his tone lighter than the weight of the conversation. "I'm sure it's... I mean, it can't be anything like that. You haven't gone around getting in fights or anything." He shot a pointed look at Fred. "And it's not like you're being forcefully dragged by the ear like he was," He added.

Fred rolled his eyes, kicking a pebble down the corridor with his toe. "Very funny, George. Keep that up and I'll make it 'three violent outbursts '," He said, imitating Snape's tone, then turned back to Bambi, his demeanor softening. "What about you? Want us to stick around? We can wait outside for you."

"No, it's alright. You two will be late for Potions, and I don't think giving Snape any other excuses to use against you during the meeting is a good idea,"

Fred frowned, reluctant but unable to argue with her logic. "Yeah, alright," he muttered, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "But you'll let us know what happens, yeah? As soon as it's done?"

"Of course," Bambi replied, trying to muster a reassuring smile.

They came to a halt in front of the ugly stone gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the Headmaster's office. It loomed over her, silent and unmoving, but somehow still intimidating. Fred and George exchanged a glance, and for a moment, the usual mischief in their eyes was replaced with genuine concern.

"Well, er, good luck then," George said, seemingly unsure what else to say.

"We'll see you," Fred added with a slight nod.

The two turned to leave, but just as Bambi took a nervous breath to face the statue and give the entrance password, something stopped her mid-pivot—a hand catching hers. She froze, startled

When her eyes met his, she saw an expression she didn't often see on Fred Weasley– a quiet, serious softness. He didn't say anything, and he didn't have to. There was something unspoken in the way his eyes searched hers, something steady and unwavering. The quiet weight of his gaze seemed to settle her nerves, like he was silently giving her the reassurance he knew she needed.

His thumb brushed lightly across her knuckles, his fingers lingering for just a second. Then, with a faint, almost undetectable squeeze of her hand he let go, stepping back to catch up with George.