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WITH SPRING CAME good weather. The snow had melted and most students spent their free time outside. Fred loved the season, as it was great for playing Quidditch — although, unfortunately not that year due to the Triwizard Tournament. Nevertheless, Dumbledore had consented to let the students organise a few inter-house games on quiet days. There was nothing official about it, and few spectators were present. Only the presence of a prefect or teacher was required, and it was a lot less stressful than the official games, reminding Fred of the Burrow holidays.
On a Saturday, Cedric of all people, had proposed to the Gryffindor to make mixed teams, in an attempt to break the divide between houses. It had actually been a good idea, one that Fred and George both agreed to. Madam Hooch even agreed to officiate the match, quite intrigued by the idea that broke the traditions of the houses.
Fred and George were on opposing teams, which had never happened before. Though, it did not deter them, and they still managed their average number of jokes per match. It was Harry's team that took the win with 20 points. Although a little disappointed to have lost, Fred's team showed good sportsmanship, and almost all had forgotten that little detail because the match had put all in a good mood.
"I can't believe Fred and George just willingly played a game with Diggory," Alicia Spinnet muttered as she sat with Katie and Angelina in the stands, watching as the group of players shook each other's hands.
"I wonder which of the two are most vain," Katie mused, changing the subject as she watched George like a hawk whilst he talked to a Hufflepuff seventh year.
"Fred," Angelina said immediately, "Not a question about it."
It hadn't been so bad between the two — since Christmas little had really changed between the Chaser and the Beater. Fred knew fully well that the relationship they had was far from satisfying her completely. He couldn't say that were together, but couldn't say they weren't. It was something ambiguous, oscillating between sincere friendship and thwarted love. Basically, Fred continued to be himself and put George and their antics before everything else.
For Fred, it had been quite the compromise. He wasn't about to complain about the relationship that only brought him benefits in the end. The wizard had his freed, his brother, and some intimate moments with a charming girl with whom he got along very well. He had no desire for real ties and was desperate to avoid all the serious conversations Angelina sometimes tried to have.
George had told him that it wouldn't be a bother if he dated Angelina and in result spent more time with her. He was a big boy, and knew very well how to cope without Fred. However, the complicity with his twin had been the best excuse Fred could conjure. As for the reason behind his inability to date Angeline, Fred tried not to think about it. Unfortunately, fate would not be on his side it seemed.
Fred was heading to the change rooms when he glanced up at the stands, which were mostly deserted. Ron, Hermione, a few Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were the main spectators, all sat in close proximity to each other. However, in a corner of the stadium stood a girl that Fred recognised immediately. Emilia was alone, much like she had been in the library, and appeared to not have been paying enough attention to realise the match had just ended.
"I'll meet you in the common room," He said to his brother before rushing toward the bleachers, too obsessed with the unexpected chance that might not happen again anytime soon.
"Where's Fred?" Katie asked George.
"No idea." In truth, George knew very well. He hadn't been oblivious to his twin's more than obvious crush on his Herbology partner. Angelina scowled sharply, and headed back to the castle without a word.
It had only taken Fred moments to reach the Ravenclaw, who, as per usual, ignored him and kept reading the book she held. He sat next to her and waited for an acknowledgement. Silently, he watched her for quite a while, secretly hoping she would send him even a glance, which did not come.
"I see you're enjoying Quidditch more and more," He said sarcastically, but Emilia made no move to reply, "You should relax. . . it's a nice day, and the first day of the weekend. No time to be reading. What're you reading anyway?"
"I was relaxed," Emilia murmured, her eyes not leaving her book, "Until you interrupted."
"You're the one reading a book during a Quidditch game," Fred pointed out, "Which, if I remember correctly, would have been your first Quidditch game!"
"Why are you here, Weasley?" Emilia asked exasperated, "Go off and hang out with your friends. I'm quite fine on my own."
Because I'd rather be spending time with you, Fred thought, but didn't dare let the words leave his lips. Instead he said, "It's my guilty pleasure watching you read, my dear Emilia!" He plucked the book from her hands. "Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them? Hmm. . . did you find them?"
Emilia sighed, before extended the palm of her hand. "My book," She requested, perfectly unmoved by Fred's teasing.
With a mischievous smile, he got up slowly, twirled the book between his hands before stuffing it in the waistband of his pants and running down the stars of the grandstand.
"Weasley!" He heard her call out from behind him and heard her footsteps following.
"Yes, I'm crazy!" He exclaimed, referencing a past conversation, "And you too, Gleeson!"
It didn't take long for Fred to reach the Quidditch field and Emilia to catch up. He huffed, slightly out of breath, and turned to face the shorter girl. Their eyes connected, brown on brown, and Fred was suddenly speechless. Despite her currently glaring at him, he found them captivating.
"I think I'm in love," He joked half-heartedly.
Emilia, upon hearing his words, rolled her eyes and ran a hand down her cheek in annoyance, sighing loudly. "You're exhausting, you know that?"
Fred suddenly felt the urge to hold her hand, something he managed to repress. He was sure she wouldn't react well if he tried — the whole idea was wrong, a bit like wanting to bring a dead person back to life. Never going to happen.
"Will you keep me company until dinner?" He asked instead, handing back her book.
"No."
He wasn't upset by her response, as it was to be expected. The wizard had already anticipated the refusal by the time he had formulated his question.
"I'm leaving. Don't follow me," Emilia stated and Fred went to speak, but she cut him off, "And for once in your life, don't say anything!"
Fred obeyed her words and watched as she left around the side of the change rooms and disappeared. He dropped onto the ground and placed his arms under his head. The sky was clear, it was late afternoon, and a light breeze was blowing in the air; Spring was a wonderful season to fall in love with. It was not a good idea, however, to fall in love with the wrong person. That night he would go talk with Angelina. He may be daft at times, but he wasn't cruel. He couldn't decently inflict pain on such a good friend.
He was also certain George would not be too far behind as to console her, and that reassured him greatly.
