Not Like The Rest - Fred Weasley x Reader

Chapter 21

     The chilling breeze blew my hair into my face making it difficult to see Fred's freckles in front of me. His cheeks were dusted with pink from the fall weather. The temperature outside has been gradually plummeting, but it's no surprise since weather like this occurs every year. I've never been excited for dead leaves scattered on the forest floor and heavy uncomfortable clothes, but I brushed aside the strands from my eyes and continued with my conversation.

     "You're having health problems?" He asked. "How come you didn't tell me this sooner?"

     It pains me to do this. Lying to Fred wasn't my favorite idea, but I didn't feel ready to tell him yet. I already told one person, and one is enough for now. I didn't have many other options either way, despite my discomfort in deceiving him. 

     I sighed, releasing a cloud of my warm breath into the air. "I thought it would worry you like this and I didn't want you to have to worry about me more than you already do."

     His eyebrows furrowed as he tilted his head in confusion. "Y/N, I worry because I care. For me to worry about you isn't a bad thing." He came closer to me. I can feel the heat radiating from his body. "I wish you'd told me sooner. Then I would have been less worried."

     I look away letting myself gaze at the ground in shame. This isn't right. I should be telling him the truth, but it's too late for me to do anything. I was already committed. "Sorry, I just didn't know how to get my point across."

     "I mean, at least you told me now. Now I won't be as frightened when you faint during class." He said jokingly.

     "You know I've always had a problem telling people things like this." I sighed. 

     His eyes were locked on my shivering body. "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable talking to me about these things. I know I tend to overreact but you know I'm always here if you need me."

     "Thanks Freddie, but I think I've known that since second year in the library." I giggle. His face flushes. 

    Towards our second year at Hogwarts, Fred and I were hiding in the back of the library. It was roughly 5 hours past curfew during the weekend and we were waiting for George to arrive with snacks since we knew the prank we were developing would take all night. While eating some tarts and sketching out plans for our next 'grand event', I got a paper cut and started bleeding out quite a bit. Once Fred saw, he picked me up bridal style and rushed me to the infirmary. 

      "When will you guys forget about that?" Fred said shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans.

      "I don't think that'll ever happen, Freddie. It was pretty memorable." I smiled. "Besides, we all know you were only concerned. There's nothing wrong with that."

     He looked down at me with his glossy brown eyes. Merlin, that look gives me chills. The way he says so much to you in one glance could leave anyone unconscious. That thought led me to question why I didn't faint. How come I'm still standing right in front of him shivering in the cold? How come I didn't fall at his glance? And most importantly, what is he trying to say to me?

     His look gives me the impression that there's something more going on than I know. He seems very sympathetic and open yet so reserved and closed up at the same time. Usually I'm very good at reading body language but this was almost foreign to me. Fred is usually so easy to read as well. He's easier to read than an open book, but today it's different. He's hiding something. Something big.

    "Maybe we should go back." His voice brings me back to reality. I look up to him, nod, then follow him back up to the castle. 

     I wish I would read his thoughts at this moment. The anticipation slowly starts to eat at me the more I think about it. How much does he really know? How come he's keeping this from me? Will I ever know? Is this all in my head?

     I couldn't help but continue to question and overthink his expression in my room. On my bed, I began thinking of all the possible things it could be but my mind was blank. Fred is so open that I couldn't think of anything he would hide from me. With that, I decided to call it a night.

     

     Hey guys. I'm so sorry I haven't updated in months but I've had so much happening that I couldn't. This is a relatively short chapter but I reassure you that more will come in time. I'll try to update more often since I know my schedule better but I can't guarantee that I'll update regularly. I hope you guys enjoy what I can put out at the moment and I'll try to make the next chapter better and longer. You all deserve so much more for sticking with me this long, like damn, 9K veiws? That's crazy man. I thought that this book would get maybe a few hundred, not nearly this much. I can't express how thankful I am to have you all stick with me this long and I'm so excited for the chapters to come. I love you all and I'll see you next time. Best of wishes!