Stumble - A Fred Weasley Fanfiction

Chapter 47: 105 Days Before

Addie stared at herself in the mirror, trying to search for some resemblance to her old self. Her hair had been curled, the ringlets that framed her face bouncing every time she moved her head. She couldn't remember the last time she had put any effort into her appearance. She had been lucky enough to use a shower in the past couple of months, let alone putting the time to fix her hair. The difference was outstanding.

"You look beautiful," said Charlotte from where she lay across the bed, looking up from her copy of Witch Weekly. "Fred is going to be blown away."

"You think so?" Addie asked, loving the way her dress twirled around her legs as she spun to face Charlotte. The dress was simple, a pale blue fabric that hung down to her knees. "You don't think it's too much?"

Charlotte shook her head. "No, you look great."

"Thanks."

"Why are you so nervous?" Charlotte asked. "This is nothing compared to everything you've been through."

"I know," Addie said. "I've been telling myself that all night. But this...this is new. This is a big deal."

It really was. Addie was a bundle of nerves as she got ready for her first date with Fred. They had spent almost every day of the past eight months together, but somehow, this one night had Addie undone. She felt as if breathing was harder than the day before, and her hands were shaking slightly. She knew there was nothing to be nervous about. She and Fred had been through so much together.

But this was completely new. Before, Addie had never worried about what she wore or whether her hair was in place. There simply hadn't been time for that. And now she had product in her hair, and a new dress, and none of it felt quite right. It only added to her nerves.

Charlotte had been in and out of the room constantly, checking in on Fred, who was getting ready upstairs. She wouldn't tell Addie anything he said, but she did leave little hints.

"Wear the blue dress, not the red one. It will match better," she had said as Addie held up two dresses to choose from.

A while ago, she had poked her head in, asked "Bowties or ties?" and then disappeared again at Addie's answer. When she returned, she just smiled and wouldn't say a thing about what Fred had finally decided on.

"He looks damn good," she finally said. "I've never seen him worry so much about what he's wearing. You've really done a number on him."

Addie blushed. She wasn't sure what to say.

"But from the looks of it, he's done a number on you, too," Charlotte added with a smirk.

Addie opened her mouth to respond, but a knock at the door interrupted her. George poked his head into the room. "Fred's waiting downstairs for you," he said, grinning from ear to ear. "Have fun tonight. But not too much fun!" he said.

"George!" Addie exclaimed, blushing.

"I'm just joking. Have all the fun you want." He winked at her, and then closed the door. She could hear him laughing as he walked down the hallway.

Addie took a deep breath and headed out into the hallway.

"Good luck!" Charlotte called.

Addie smiled and headed down the rickety staircase. Fred was waiting at the bottom, and when Addie laid eyes on him, she couldn't help the grin that spread across her face.

"I like the bowtie," was the first thing out of her mouth.

Fred chuckled, his face reddening. "It's not too much?"