Ethereal ✭Fred Weasley✭

73.

Fred started with his brief tour of the shop while George was finishing off the last bits of Sophia's Polyjuice Potion. Despite her urge to stay resistant to the twins' idea, she couldn't help but be struck in awe from all the things she saw in the shop. From fireworks to enchanted sweets, the shop had anything you could ever think of and more! And for the whole tour, Fred had the biggest of smiles on his face and couldn't help the tone of excitement and pride that was laced through his voice. Sophia found herself turning to goo at the sight of him being so comfortable and experienced with what was his dream that has now become a reality. She had to remind herself that she was supposed to be looking at all the products and not the boy beside her.

"Well it's ready," George appeared from down the steps in front of the two. "We just need a hair now."

"Would you like us to pick the candidate?" Fred questioned as he turned to Sophia.

"As long as it's not some old dude then I'm good with anyone," Sophia shrugged. "But preferably a girl."

Opening time was near and Verity, the cashier, arrived through the front door. Fred had already ushered Sophia up to the flat to wait so they didn't have to worry about her being seen. They couldn't trust anyone to keep the secret so they found it better just to keep the two of them in on it for now. George turned the sign on the front door to 'Open' and people began to file in. Verity stayed on the cash register while George started to help customers when they came with inquiries and questions about products. Fred took a place on the stairs that lead up to the flat and began scouting out the crowd for a suitable hair for Sophia's potion. Most of today's customers were thankfully young people, ranging from thirteen to eighteen-year-olds. Some Magical schools hadn't quite gone back for term yet so they still ventured into the only shop open in Diagon Alley.

Fred spotted three girls who looked to be around eighteen lingering near the Self-Writing Quills. He played eeny, meeny, miny, moe and landed on the black-haired one who had porcelain skin and rather piercing green eyes. Fred tried to weave through the crowd while trying to not look too suspicious, but knew he wasn't succeeding when the three girls started to look in his direction while whispering among themselves. It didn't help that he was one of the two people who actually owned the shop, making him easy to spot and be recognised. What Fred didn't like was the giggling that was starting to erupt from the three and the fluttering of their eyelashes they started to send in his direction. He had half a mind to turn around and pick someone else, but he was reeled in before he could turn away.

"Mr Weasley!" the straight blonde haired one called out. Fred cursed under his breath but plastered on an award-winning smile, stopping in front of the three giggling witches.

"Hey ladies," he greeted and they giggled again, inwardly making his cringe. "Finding everything okay?"

"Oh yes sir,"  the black-haired candidate grinned up at him, attempting to shuffle closer. "It really is amazing in here. You and your brother really are talented."

"Oh e-er thank you," Fred scratched the back of his neck, now feeling extremely uncomfortable. The one with black hair was starting to cuddle up against his side and he had the urge to hold his hands above his head in order to show he was not going to touch her. But he realised his hand was at least a couple inches away from the tips of the girl's frizzy hair, making it a perfect chance to grab the last ingredient for the potion.

"Can you explain some of the Love Potions to us Mr Weasley?" the third girl bit her lip while staring at him.

"E-Er that's not really my expertise-"

"Oh please Mr Weasley!" the blonde whined. It was now becoming apparent that these girls were blocking off his exits and the black-haired one was now clutching his jacket in desperation. Fred started to splutter nervously and began to look over his shoulder frantically, feeling his entire being relax in relief when he spotted George nearby sorting through the last of the Headless Hats.