Payback [Fred Weasley]

Trouble already?

Fred's eyes sparkled with mischief as he declared, "Well, now that we're officially boyfriend and girlfriend, I reckon it's time for another proper date, don't you? None of these random, funny meet-ups or casual walks to different commitments. No, no. We're talking about a classic, romantic rendezvous, Charlotte. What do you say to that?"

I smiled at Fred's playful enthusiasm. "A proper date, huh? I suppose I could be convinced. What do you have in mind, Mr. Weasley?"

He leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "How about a Friday night picnic on the Hogwarts grounds? We'll grab some treats from the kitchens, set up a cozy spot by the lake, and enjoy the evening under the stars. What do you think?"

The idea sounded delightful, and I nodded in agreement. "Sounds perfect. Count me in."

As Friday night arrived, the castle was bathed in the soft glow of torchlight. Fred and I met near the entrance hall, both dressed casually for the occasion. Fred had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he produced a blanket and a basket from behind his back.

"Ready for a magical evening, Charlotte?" he grinned.

"Absolutely," I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me. We strolled through the castle corridors, occasionally sneaking glances at each other until he finally reached out to grab my hand.

Once outside, we made our way to the shores of the Black Lake. The moon reflected on the water's surface, creating a serene atmosphere. Fred found a secluded spot, and we laid out the blanket under a large, ancient tree.

The basket revealed an assortment of delicious snacks, courtesy of the Hogwarts kitchen. We enjoyed pumpkin pasties, chocolate frogs, and butterbeers, sharing stories and laughter as the night unfolded. The air was crisp, and the stars above twinkled like a thousand enchanted diamonds.

Fred, always the prankster, pulled out a small box from the basket. "I've got a surprise for you, Charlotte."

Intrigued, I opened the box to find a collection of enchanted fireflies. They buzzed around us, creating a soft, mesmerizing glow. It was a simple but added to the magic of the evening.

We spent the rest of the night talking about everything and nothing, enjoying the quiet beauty of the Hogwarts grounds. As the night grew darker, Fred leaned in, his eyes sincere.

Charlotte," he said, his voice soft, "I'm really glad we ended up here, together."

I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest. "Me too, Fred. This has been a perfect night."

He gently intertwined his fingers with mine, and we sat there, content in the simplicity of the moment. 

After a while, Fred's gaze shifted upward, and he nudged me gently. "Look at that," he whispered, pointing to the sky.

I followed his gaze and was met with a breathtaking sight. The night sky was clear, and the stars glittered like diamonds against the deep, velvety backdrop. We laid back on the blanket, hand in hand, and stared up at the celestial display.

"Isn't it amazing how the universe just goes on forever?" Fred mused, his voice soft.

"Yeah," I replied, my eyes fixed on the vastness above. "It makes you realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things."

Fred turned his head to look at me, a playful grin on his face. "But hey, we might be small, but we've got our own little universe right here."

"That was cliche." I laughed, earning myself an eye roll, but it didn't stop him from leaning closer.