Payback [Fred Weasley]

Hogsmede Plans and Not So Secret Admirers

Fred Weasley's proposal certainly added an unexpected twist to the evening. The party continued around us, the music and laughter providing a lively backdrop to our conversation.

"You really want to go on a unicorn-chasing adventure right now?" I asked, still chuckling at his audacity.

Fred nodded enthusiastically, his fiery hair bouncing with every movement. "Absolutely! Life's too short for boring parties, don't you think?"

Before I could respond, Eloise returned from her conversation with the love-struck Hogwarts boy. She had a radiant smile on her face, and the boy was still gazing at her with starry eyes. It seemed that Eloise had made a new friend.

"Charlotte, meet Henry," Eloise introduced him with a flourish of her hand.

I nodded and smiled at Henry. "Nice to meet you, Henry."

Henry blushed and stammered a greeting, clearly overwhelmed by Eloise's presence.

Fred, ever the charmer, leaned over to Henry and whispered, "Mate, she's quite the catch, isn't she?"

Henry nodded fervently, a goofy grin spreading across his face. "Yes, she is."

Eloise and I exchanged amused glances. It was clear that Henry was completely smitten, just as we had suspected.

As Fred and I continued to plot our daring adventure into the Forbidden Forest, our conversation grew more animated. We discussed potential disguises, secret codes, and even the possibility of recruiting other students for our mission.

Amid our laughter and excitement, Fred suddenly leaned in closer and, with a hint of seriousness in his eyes, said, "You know what, Charlotte? I've had a better idea."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A better idea than chasing unicorns in the Forbidden Forest? I'm listening."

Fred flashed me a charming grin. "How about we save the unicorn hunt for another time and, instead, I take you to Hogsmeade next weekend for a date?"

I was taken aback by his proposal, a mixture of surprise and curiosity washing over me. "A date in Hogsmeade?"

His offer was unexpected, but it sounded like a delightful alternative to our original, joking plan. Hogsmeade was cute according to my uncle, and it wasn't like Fred was particularly bad company.

I couldn't help but smile. "Fred, that sounds like a great idea. I'd love to go on a date with you in Hogsmeade."

Fred's grin widened, and he let out an exuberant whoop. "Brilliant! It's a date, then. I promise it'll be the most memorable trip to Hogsmeade you've ever had."

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Much to my surprise, Fred actually remembered our conversation at the party and proceeded to continue going out of his way to talk to me.

On Monday he found me at quidditch practice with Mia and Viktor. He sat in the stands then offered to walk my back to the carriage afterwards. We chatted, but he didn't specifically bring out the Hogsmede trip.

Tuesday, he found me in the dinning hall and sat with my friend and I. Mia and him talked about Bill and the rest of the Weasley's. She was planning on visiting over the summer. Very exciting both for her and Molly, if you asked me.

After practice, Mia and I walked back to our room together to finish up some work before class tomorrow. As we sat in our room together, I realized I never actually told her about my plans for the weekend.

"Mia," I began, not really sure how to broach this subject out of the middle of nowhere, "I have something exciting to tell you."

Mia looked up from her Charms textbook, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Hit me! What's got you so excited?"