She was a misfit, he was a git.
Matilda Diggory enters her fifth year of school, ready to remain as under the radar as possible, only there's a catch. She's somehow managed to catch the eye of a particularly annoying redhead, who seems hell-bent on...
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Fred had to leave the Lupin household.
Waking up with Matilda in his arms, her pyjamas ruffled from the night, Fred knew he had to get out of that bed before he lost control. One more second, and he would have confessed everything—the feelings he'd been holding back, the desires that burned beneath the surface.
He would have ruined the fragile bond they had built.
But Fred was determined to stay true to his word. Today was the day he moved on.
He gently disentangled himself from her embrace, making sure not to disturb her. Each centimetre that was gained as he stepped away, he shovelled deeper. A pit for these useless feelings brewing inside his body.
The room was bathed in soft light as the sun began to rise, casting a gentle glow over the space. Fred moved to her desk, appreciating the quiet moment before the world fully woke. He grabbed a piece of parchment and quickly wrote a note:
Tilly,
Had to head home. Mum will go mental if I'm gone any longer.
Thanks for having me. Please come by before the Cup.
Ginny and Hermione will want to see you too.
Let me know your plans.
Kindly,
Fred
He looked back at Matilda, at the golden curls sprawled around her like a halo, the way she looked so peaceful even in sleep. Her pyjama bottoms had ridden up too high, and Fred forced himself to look away, gripping the desk to steady his shaking hands.
In the ditch, he reminded himself. No more of these thoughts.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself, and silently left the room, bracing for whatever awaited him back home.
✧.*
"Are you and Fred ever going to date?"
Hermione whipped her head toward Ginny, her eyes wide. "You can't just ask her that!"
Ginny shrugged, nonchalant as she tossed another handful of seeds to the chickens. "Why not?"
The two girls had come to the Lupin farm to escape the chaos of the Burrow as everyone prepared to leave for the World Cup the next day. Ron, Fred, George and Arthur were to Floo into the Dursley's home to pick up Harry, who would be – along with herself and Hermione – staying at the Burrow that night.
The three of them had caught up twice since Fred had come over for the night and suggested they see each other. The first time, she went to them and had caused utter havoc. The six Weasley kids (Percy was at work, obviously), Hermione and Matilda had decided to set up a mini tournament. Six games, all challenging muggle and magical skills alike.
