Just Friends (Fred Weasley Love Story)

Last Day of Summer Break

A few days had passed since the Quidditch World Cup scare and Fred refused to leave Lacey's side. It was as though Lacey and Fred were joined at the hip.

"Fred, what's going to happen when we're back at Hogwarts. We can't be together 24/7 then."

"We'll figure it out," Fred relied, winking at her.

Lacey giggled and suddenly she remembered about her date with Cedric. The first Hogsmeade trip would be the second weekend after school started so it was approaching fast. She wasn't sure if she wanted to go on the date with him anymore. Not after the way things have been going with Fred.

"Hey, Hermione, Ginny, can we talk for a bit?" She asked the girls.

They nodded and Lacey told Fred she'd be back soon and that she just needed to speak with the girls for a bit. Fred pouted a little but nodded his head.

She headed up to Ginny's room and they bombarded her with questions.

"Are you and my brother dating?"

"Are you and Fred together?"

"Oh my goodness, what about Cedric?!"

"Have you guys kissed!?"

"Woah, woah, woah!" Lacey laughed, "calm down! That's why I wanted to talk. I really like Cedric, but this thing with Fred is really, really great too."

"Pretty sure Fred saved your life so he's the better choice, then we can be sisters!" Ginny said excitedly.

"Yeah, but she likes Cedric too, so she needs to explore that option. It's only fair to her and the guys." Hermione added.

"I think you're right Hermione. I'm going to try and push Fred to the back of my mind while I sort out my feelings for Cedric and go on that date with him. If I'm not as interested in him as I am with Fred then we'll just stay friends. You guys rock," Lacey said smiling.

The three girls hugged, completely oblivious to the fact that Fred had caught part of the conversation and was now sulking again. He had heard Lacey say she was pushing him to the back of her mind and was still going to go on that date with Cedric. Fred went out into the yard to think about what this means for him and Lacey. While doing so he felt his heart break into a thousand little pieces. He had to let the blonde beauty go to save their friendship.

Lacey came outside and began looking around for Fred. When she spotted him she ran toward him and just as she was going to jump into his arms he smiled sadly at her and put his hands out to stop her.

"What's wrong?" She asked him.

"Nothing. Just need some time to think if that's okay?"

"Oh! Yes. Of course. I'm sorry," she said quickly.

Lacey went back in the house to help Mrs. Weasley with her giant end of summer feast. She was setting the table when the back door slammed shut and Fred grabbed her gently and hugged her from behind. She giggled and spun around to face him, still in his arms.

"I thought you were mad at me again," she said.

"I told you I'd never be mad at you again. I just needed some time to think."

She smiled to him and stepped back, passing some cutlery to him so he could help her set the table, and also to get him away from her because his scent was intoxicating in the best way.

They finished setting the table in silence and Mrs. Weasley called out for everyone to come and eat.

Mrs. Weasley started off with her usual speech, "Fred, George and Lacey are going into their 6th year at Hogwarts. Ron, Harry and Hermione are going into their 4th year. And Ginny into her 3rd year. This will be a very interesting school year for all of you and you will find out why shortly, but it is not for me to tell. Please be safe and be good," she said, looking straight to the three 6th years, "enjoy the year!"

Everyone raised their glasses and began eating. The Weasley household is never as quiet as when all members are eating.

"When you're all finished, please go up to your rooms and pack your bags if you haven't done so already. We have a special guest coming over to say goodbye to you all."

Lacey followed the others upstairs and grabbed all her stuff, shoving it into her trolley. She carefully chose her outfit for the train ride and left out everything she'd need to use in the morning. Once she was done she helped the twins pack and then went to see if anyone else needed any help.

There was a knock on the door and Mr. Weasley yelled her name to come down. She was confused, but went downstairs.

"Dad!" Lacey exclaimed, running to him.

"I've missed you so much. I'm sorry I haven't been around, it won't happen ever again."

Tears sprang to Lacey's eyes, "I hope not. You never replied to any of my letters."

"I was on a secret mission. I'm sorry."

She took in his appearance. He looked ragged and tired so she hugged him tight.

Lacey had been a surprise to her mother and she was scared so she fled away from Remus and didn't tell him about the pregnancy. Remus could never forgive Aurora for hiding his daughter from him for all these years. As soon as he found out he had began a relationship with Lacey, hoping she would accept him and love him like he did her, but due to work he had to take a step back and finish the mission. The only thing that kept him going was the letters from her. She was always so understanding and persistent. Even though he didn't reply to one letter she wrote him every couple of days.

The two spent the rest of the night chatting and catching up. Remus couldn't go too into detail about what he was doing and that was okay with Lacey. She was just glad he was here now. She had thought briefly that he decided he didn't want anything to do with her. When she voiced that to Fred and George they went to speak with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to find out if that was true. The twins couldn't bare seeing Lacey sad so as soon as they found out that that wasn't the case they told her.

"It's 3AM Lacey, you better get to bed."

Lacey nodded and hugged him tight, not sure when she'd see her father again.

"I'll be here for Christmas. Enjoy the school year. I hear something exciting is going to happen."

"With Harry at Hogwarts something exciting happens every year," Lacey said, causing them both to laugh.

Remus left the house with a last hug to his daughter and Apparated home. Lacey headed up to Fred and George's room to go to sleep. When she got in there she noticed Fred was awake waiting for her and moved over so she could sleep next to him.

"I couldn't sleep without you," he said sheepishly.

"I'm sorry, if I'd have known I would've come to bed earlier."

Before she even finished the sentence she could hear Fred's soft snores. She smiled at him and snuggled close to him, kissing his cheek.

"I love you, Lacey," Fred said quietly.

Butterflies erupted in her stomach and she knew he'd have no recollection of saying that to her tomorrow, so it was a thought she'd keep to herself. She drifted off to a dreamless sleep.