We will meet again ~ Fred Weasley

- You're My Constant -

"The worst part wasn't the silence—it was the thought that somewhere out there, the girl I loved might be hurt... or gone, and I'd never get the chance to show her how much of my heart belonged to her"

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The next morning, Katherine was in dangerously good spirits.

Harry had called her insufferable at least twice already.

Katherine only considered that proof she was having an excellent day.

The three of them walked through the corridors toward Potions, Katherine happily walking backwards in front of Ron and Hermione while attempting — and failing — to force them into acting normal after the disaster of an argument they'd had the night before.

"Oh, come on," Katherine groaned dramatically. "You're both being ridiculous."

Ron scoffed loudly.

"I'm not the one secretly fraternising with Viktor Krum."

Hermione looked deeply offended.

"We were talking!"

"You were dancing for hours!"

"You danced with Padma and then pouted all night!"

"That's completely different!"

"Do you not realise how obvious you both are?" Katherine interrupted, pointing between them accusingly.

Neither listened.

Honestly, Katherine was too happy to care very much anyway.

Every time she thought about last night, warmth curled embarrassingly through her chest.

Fred's hands around her waist.

The way he'd looked at her.

The way she'd fallen asleep beside him feeling happier than she had in months.

It felt terrifying.

And wonderful.

Their argument was abruptly interrupted by the sharp sound of heels against stone flooring.

Professor McGonagall approached them quickly, expression unreadable.

"Could I borrow you three, please?"

The sudden seriousness in her tone immediately wiped the amusement from Katherine's face.

Harry slowed beside them.

"What's this about?" he asked cautiously.

McGonagall's expression didn't shift.

"Mr Potter, continue to class."

Harry looked unconvinced but nodded reluctantly before disappearing down the corridor.

Katherine exchanged a quick glance with Ron and Hermione as they followed McGonagall silently through the castle.

"What's this about?" Katherine whispered finally.

Ron shrugged.

"We haven't done anything."

"That you know of," Hermione muttered nervously.

None of them liked where this was going.

By the time they reached Dumbledore's office, Katherine's stomach had tightened painfully.

The office felt strangely tense when they entered.

Dumbledore stood beside his desk, hands folded neatly in front of him, though the sadness in his expression unsettled Katherine immediately.