Golden Girl; 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

Fifth Year: Broomsticks and Bootlaces

Bambi and Fred hadn't found a moment to talk about what had happened– not properly, at least. The excitement swirling around them made it almost impossible, and once George had announced the news with the rest of their friends, any chance for a private conversation was swept away by the whirlwind of laughter and celebration that followed. Bambi, Fred, George, Lee, Alicia, and Angelina all piled into their usual corner of the Gryffindor common room, raising silly cheers and toasts for the occasion.

Through it all, Bambi couldn't help but notice the glances Fred kept throwing at her. His brown eyes would meet hers briefly before darting away, his expression somewhere between grateful and sheepish, nothing like the usual bold Fred Weasley she knew. Each glance sent her stomach flipping but for once, she didn't mind the butterflies. She smiled back, her eyes bright with excitement, and felt her cheeks warm every time he looked at her.

The night wore on, filled with Exploding Snap, half-eaten snacks, and endless chatter. It wasn't until Oliver Wood stomped down the dormitory stairs, his hair sticking out in all directions, that the celebration came to an abrupt halt.

"For Melin's sake, it's late! Do you lot even remember there's a match tomorrow?" His Scottish accent was somehow even sharper than usual, "GET TO BED. Now. Or so help me, I'll drag every single one of you there myself!"

The group grumbled but obeyed, shuffling towards the stairs while exchanging muttered jokes about Oliver's legendary seriousness. Bambi started to head up with Angelina and Alicia when she noticed Fred lingering by the fireplace, hands shoved into his pockets.

She hesitated for a moment, glancing around to make sure no one was watching, before quietly approaching him. "You all right?" she asked, her voice low so it wouldn't carry to the others.

Fred looked up, startled for a second, then gave her a small, lopsided grin. "Yeah, just... soaking it all in, I guess." He paused, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's been a bit of a day."

"That's putting it lightly," Bambi said with a soft laugh, stepping closer. "I'm glad it worked out."

Fred's grin softened into something more genuine. "That's thanks to you."

Before she could respond, he reached out and brushed some of her hair from her face. Her breath hitched, and she suddenly felt all silly, blushing like mad.

"I meant what I said earlier," Fred said softly, his usual lopsided smile pulling higher on one side, his deeper dimple showing. "Thanks for everything, Bambs."

Before she could think of a reply, he pulled her into his arms, wrapping her in a firm hug. His chin rested lightly on the top of her head, and she was enveloped by the faint smell of firecrackers and clove.

Bambi didn't pull away from him, feeling her face heat up more at their close proximity. "You'd have done the same for me," She replied, hand lightly brushing against the purple bruise on his eye.

Fred chuckled, his usual cheekiness creeping back in as he pulled back just enough to look at her. "You know, you're not wrong. I am a rather heroic bloke, after all."

Bambi laughed, rolling her eyes. " There's the Fred Weasley I know."

He grinned, holding onto her for a moment longer before letting her go. "Goodnight, Bambs."

"Goodnight, Fred," She replied, her heart still fluttering as she turned to join Angelina and Alicia in their room.

If it hadn't been for Oliver's insistence that they all go to bed and the looming early wake-up for the match, Angelina and Alicia would have stayed up all night grilling Bambi about what had happened downstairs. As they climbed into bed, they did try, of course, tossing her a flurry of teasing questions and speculative grins. Bambi deflected them with half-laughs and vague answers, claiming she was too tired to think straight. But she didn't tell them about the kiss—not yet. It was a sweet little secret she wanted to keep to herself, at least for one night. She needed time to savour the memory, to let her mind replay every second of it.