GHOST OF YOU || Fred Weasley

• CHAPTER FOURTEEN •

»»» LAVENDER would be the first to admit she hated when people stared at her. There was something about the action that put her on edge, almost as if there was something she was missing. Was her hair looking particularly crazy? Did she have something on her face? Her clothes inside out? Questions would buzz around her head and it was only recently, in her seventh year, that she learnt how not to turn away but instead stare back. A combination of practice sessions with Pavarti and standing up against the Carrows was key. 

Although as much as she'd like to believe she was a strong ruthless woman, her memory of the year poked holes in the story. Whilst there were a couple of occasions she succeeded in holding Pav's gaze, there were many more where she would be unable to even look in her direction without squirming, let alone stand tall and stare back. And though she did stand up for Neville once when the Carrows shot a particularly nasty hex when his back was turned, the retaliation she faced was enough deterrent to prevent her from doing it again.

All the same she liked to believe she had made a difference.

But when Fred ticked through her insecurities as if they were a simple shopping list, her cool façade threatened to burn down around her. His manner was not unkind, in fact, she barely noticed it when he encouraged her to focus on something other that the mess they were both in. If he hadn't mentioned his sister, which was another artful technique to shift the attention, she would have spiraled back into her thoughts with the fear of his judgement.

Something had changed between the two of them. Their shared experience had done more for her in the space of a day than she had managed to achieve in the years she was alive. As much as that felt comforting, a nagging voice couldn't help the bitterness, claiming how it was only because they had no choice, that he would act the same with anyone because that was part of who he was.

Part of her knew that her fear was irrational and a result of the lingering anxiety, but she couldn't help herself when her smile faltered and she turned away from his gaze.

We aren't friends, she reminded herself glumly.

As his gaze shifted away from her, Fred couldn't help the frustration at the situation. He was never known for a person with ample patience, that trait had been inherited by his brother whilst he got all the impulsiveness. There wasn't much of a choice in this situation. As much as they both hated to admit it, they needed one another and part of that meant he had to deal with the strange mood swings that Lavender seemed to have.

Luckily for them, he had a lot practice in that respect from dealing with Lily in the previous year. 

Clearing his throat, he ignored the change and pressed on with their current dilemma. "Do you want to talk about it?" He started, causing Lavender to turn around, eyes wide at his question. "About your mother's prophecy," he clarified, as she visibly relaxed.