homesick ☆ f.weasley

.:33:.

Emmeline could truly feel happy once all the champions were out of the lake. To Fleur's relief, Harry had rescued not only Ron, but her sister as well. The judges decided he would be promoted to second place, which still secured Emmeline in first place.

Just before the Gryffindor celebrations began, Emmeline was in the toilet cubicle as she heard a few girls talking about her.

"She was so brave! I'd never go in that lake," Katie Bell said.

"I know, I hope she wins. Her or Harry could easily do it," added Alicia Spinnet, house pride blossoming on her face.

The friend group departed towards the party and Emmeline was left grinning. People actually knew who she was, and liked her! More than liked her, in fact, they admired her. She could barely believe it.

Her smile was infectious as she left the bathroom. She could actually, genuinely truly win this. Daisy greeted her with a fierce hug. She was also smiling widely. She told her big sister about what happened when she was chosen to be a hostage. She allowed her younger sibling to absorb the glory, eager first years hanging off her every word. Emmeline was occupied, watching her sister grow more and more animated with a smile, she didn't even notice Fred appeared behind her.

"Where's my favourite champion?" he smirked, making Emmeline jump and then blush.

"I think Krum will be back on the boat..." Emmeline joked in response.

Fred smiled. "Ah yes, I had been meaning to address a little deal I had with my favourite champion."

Emmeline arched her brow, faking intrigue. "And what was that?"

"Nosey, aren't we? I was going to suggest sneaking off into woods, maybe have a nice picnic and watch the stars-"

"FRED! We can't break the rules!" Emmeline bellowed, attracting the attention of all the Gryffindors.

"It's a bloody good job Krum isn't boring like some people."

"Krum didn't come first in the second task!" Emmeline boasted. She couldn't believe that her statement was actually true. She could genuinely win this, and beat a word champion Quidditch player!

"Maybe Krum didn't have a devilishly handsome sidekick to basically hand him the perfect spell to get him to breathe under water..."

"I don't think the Gryffindors would be too happy if George was working for the other side, would you?"

"Me and George look the same!" snapped Fred. The rise in tone suggested an immediate spout of jealousy.

"Not quite. You are slightly taller, with bigger hands and bigger feet. And your nose bridge is way thiner. You have more freckles around your eyes and they are bluer than George's. Oh and the mole on your neck."

Fred gasped and glanced at the floor. "You noticed all that?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

Fred's eyes, that were shining brighter than usual due to their recent comparison with George's, scanned the floor thoughtfully as they tried to find the right words. "Because I'm me," he offered weakly.

"Exactly."

"There's two of me and well we're not exactly the most personable of people and-"

"Fred Weasley shut up, of course I notice you so stop being so self deprecating."

"Noted," said Fred, slightly taken aback by her sudden aggressive tone. "So is that a yes to the date?"

"I thought you were taking Krum?"

"He said no so I guess I'm asking you now. Next best thing and all."

Emmeline smiled. "Of course."

"I'll meet you here at seven?"

Emmeline hesitated. Seven at night was already past their curfew.

"Oh come on," urged Fred. "Where's your sense of adventure?! Don't tell me you've just completed the second task of the Triwizard Tournament and you're scared of sneaking out?"

"I'll be there," she confirmed, locking eyes with Angelina, who was beckoning her over.

Fred grinned from ear to ear. "Wear something nice."

As she walked away, she turned and said "I'll wear what I like, Weasley!"

She joined Angelina, who was still very much ecstatic from her best friend's win. She handed her a drink, spalshing it slightly with her enthusiasm. Emmeline waved her wand and cleared up the spillage.

"You and Fred looked cosy."

"We were just talking. It was his idea...the bubble charm."

Angelina nodded as if she knew her friend was witholding some information from her. She kept Emmeline under her predator like gaze until she cracked.

"Okay, okay he's taking me on a date. Tonight, for a picnic."

Angelina squealed a horrendous scream that sounded like a she had stubbed her toe whilst also finding out her birthday and Christmas were coming all at once.

"I'm not so sure, I feel bad sneaking out-"

"Emmeline you are not missing this! Come on, we have to decide what you're going to wear!"

*

At approximately 7pm, Emmeline was smoothing down her tarten dress and tucking her hair tighter into her ponytail.

"Are you sure I look okay?" she consulted her best friend anxiously.

"Yes!" Angelina insisted, impatience laced in her voice.

Emmeline took a deep breath. A girl she barely recognised stared back. She was beautiful. If she could go back to September and tell herself that she made up a quarter of the Triwizard champions, actually stood a chance at winning and was about to go on a date with the school's class clown she would have laughed in her own face. It's crazy how life just works out sometimes. She was happy.