Fred Weasley x Reader

Chapter 26

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Readers Pov

Life had become increasingly difficult for Harry when Rita Skeeter had published an article on him. It embarrassed him greatly and the awful woman even claimed that him and Hermione were a couple. 

Ron still wouldn't talk to Harry and hung out with either our group or Dean and Seamus. Hermione was taunted and teased by the Slytherins even worse than before, Harry couldn't walk through the  halls without someone shouting out a quote from Skeeters article, and 'POTTER STINKS' badges flashed anytime a Gryffindor walked into the room. All in all, the students of Hogwarts were losing their minds.

It was the Saturday before the first task and we were allowed to go down to Hogsmeade. The November air had a deep chill in it so we were bundled in coats. I still had Fred's knitted cap so I put that on while we discussed where to go. Of course the twins and Lee demanded to go to Zonko's Joke Shop and Honeydukes. I agreed and we were leaving the castle when Ron jogged up from behind us.

"What now?" Fred grumbled before shooting an annoyed glance at his younger brother.

"What d'ya mean?" Ron asked as he fell into step beside me. 

"Where's Harry and Hermione?" Lee asked bluntly. 

"I thought I'd just go with you lot today."

"Ron... I think you and Harry should just apologize to each other. Honestly, it's getting a bit ridiculous at this point," I said while pulling Fred's cap down over my ears.

"No." he said stubbornly before staring straight ahead and letting the conversation drop. 

After spending a few Galleons each at Zonko's and Honeydukes we stopped by the Three Broomsticks. After getting our Butterbeers and finding a table in the crowded inn we finally sat down. 

"Is that Hermione? Sitting alone over there?" George asked.

I looked over and saw Hermione thumbing through a notebook in a booth by herself. I glanced at Ron to see him become incredibly interested with the bottom of his empty glass.

"I'll go talk to her for awhile. I've been spending too much time with you three anyways," I said while sliding out of the booth and pointing at the twins and Lee. 

Fred scoffed, "If this is how it's gonna be, then I want my hat back."

I fake gasped, "I'll have you know, Frederick, we have joint custody over this hat!" 

He rolled his eyes while I turned on my heel and walked over to Hermione. She was mumbling something under her breath when I slid into the empty seat across from her. Only, the seat was already taken. I quickly stood again and sat next to her this time. 

"Harry? Why on earth are you wearing the cloak here?" I hissed but turned my head towards Hermione to make it seem like I was talking to her.

"People don't make fun of something they can't see," the empty space across from me mumbled.

"Oh, Harry..." I sighed.

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The day of the Tournament had arrived. The school practically buzzed with anxious excitement. Our lessons stopped at midday, giving us time to get to where the competition would be. 

During lunch, McGonagall had rushed up to where I was sitting with Hermione and Harry. 

"Potter, the Champions have to come down to the grounds now... You have to get ready for your first task."