Not Like The Rest - Fred Weasley x Reader

Chapter 18

     I followed Professor Dumbledore to the gargoyle guarding the entrance of the office. My mind only repeated those foul names. It felt like it was engraved in my skin for everyone to see. I still felt my tears, now stained, on my skin. The dried salty drops felt like restraints around my neck, almost as if they were chains. I could feel them tug at my soul every step I took towards the stone entrance. 

     I held my wrists firmly in attempt to comfort myself, but to no avail. The feeling of someone's grasp on me still lingered like Fred's scent on my clothes. Fred smelt of trees, fresh and peaceful, and a touch of ash from some explosion he's caused. Odd how two completely different smells could fit so well. Not just fit well together, but fit well with his personality, who he is, as well. It's almost nothing like George though.

     As much as Fred and George look alike, they're not all that similar. George is the cocky, confident type. He's always had a way with his actions to pick up any girl that tolerated his decisions and never failed to make you feel amazing about yourself. Fred on the other hand has always been the sensitive type. His words never fail him and he makes you feel like the most important person in the world. As innocent as Fred has come across to people, he could sure play dirty if he pleased. I remember one time when he attempted to charm a third year Ravenclaw. He said 'Since Ravenclaws are so smart, mind teaching me a few things in bed tonight?'. Yeah, he woke up the next day in the infirmary with goat legs and a beard longer than his bed. I remember I stayed up the whole night making sure he was safe and sound. When his eyes fluttered open, I scolded him for saying such thing to a girl. Wow, I was really insensitive. I mean, he looked utterly ridiculous. I could have given him some slack. The memory lifted my mood just enough to crack a grin on my broken wry face. 

     Professor Dumbledore recited a password involving candy to the gargoyle, allowing the gargoyle to turn, revealing the staircase to his office. I've always been fascinated by the entrance to his office. I was so fascinated at a point that I tried creating something similar at one of my old houses. The result wasn't exactly like the original idea, especially since I couldn't use magic, but I got the desired affect. I would pull some rope which would drop a staircase from the ceiling and once I was finished with it, I would use another rope the raise it back up into the ceiling. It took me a whole month to figure it out and I used almost all my savings to buy the supplies. I was so proud of myself when I finished the project. Uncle Remus loved it immensely and used it quite often. It was a shame that we had to move away.

     We traveled up the stairs as I followed his long flowing robe, mesmerized by its silky texture. I found myself zoning out quite often, allowing myself to focus on insignificant subjects. I would have thought about robes for hours if I didn't catch myself in the act just a moment earlier. I've never been this distracted. I decided to ignore the thought and continue walking upward.

     His office was filled with different trinkets, complimenting the complicity of the room. Not much really stood out to me except for the phoenix perched on an oak stand. There were two chairs places in front of the desk, which I chose the one on the left to rest in. Professor Dumbledore walked around to the other side of the desk, then gently sat down to meet my gaze. For a while, the only noise in the room was the crackling fire in the fireplace and the steady breathing from both of us. Only after a few minutes, Professor Dumbledore spoke up.

     "So, Miss L/N, we're here to discuss your possibility of being a Dariem Wielder." He said. It's nothing I wasn't expecting, but it's good to know we're on the same page. "I've heard you have been experiencing some symptoms, correct?"

     "I believe so." I replied. I wasn't exactly sure what he was referring to because I've been experiencing a lot in the past two days. I could tell he certainly heard my uncertainty by the expression on his face.