Callidora ☆ Fred Weasley

[chapter 65]

Partners in Crime

Fred was still trying to recover when George leaned slightly toward him.

"Blimey." George murmured under his breath, quiet enough that Calli couldn't possibly hear. "You hugged her for a very long time."

Fred muttered through clenched teeth. 

"Shut up."

Across the table, Bill was still watching them with open curiosity.

Calli stepped a little further into the kitchen, brushing some travel dust from her sleeve.

"So..." Bill said pleasantly, resting an elbow on the table. "Beater, right?"

She nodded.

Fred brightened immediately.

"She's brilliant."

George added, "Terrifying, actually."

Bill tilted his head with interest.

Calli glanced at the twins.

"They exaggerate."

"No we don't." Fred said instantly.

There was a short silence and Fred attempted to regain control of the conversation.

"So- uh... your hair looks different."

Calli blinked.

"My hair?"

"Yeah." Fred said quickly.

George covered his mouth with one hand.

Fred gestured vaguely.

"It's shinier."

There was a brief pause.

Calli tilted her head slightly.

"Shinier?"

Fred nodded far too enthusiastically.

"Yes."

George made a choking noise that he disguised as a cough.

Bill's mouth twitched.

"And your eyes..." Fred continued, apparently unable to stop himself, "look bluer."

Now George had to lean forward and rest his forehead against the table to hide his laughter.

Calli blinked again.

"My eyes?"

"Yes."

Fred ran a hand through his longer hair, clearly realizing how ridiculous he sounded but unable to stop digging the hole deeper.

"They're always blue, obviously, but they're more blue."

George whispered, barely audible. "Incredible recovery."