Before you (Fred Weasley)

CHAPTER 4

I was up at 7 AM because of a strange dream that had twisted its way into my sleep.

My mother stood in front of me, hands on her hips and her lips turned into a frown. It appeared as if the sky had been obscured by a thick, woollen blanket, not a star was to be seen.

"It is bad enough that I have a daughter who is of no use, now, she's proven herself to be even more worthless"

"Mum, I'm standing right here, why are you talking like that?"

"Don't you call me 'mum'. I am not your mother" She narrowed her eyes.

"You cruel, evil, stupid little girl. You have tarnished the name of the Malfoy/ Malvolio family. A Hufflepuff in a family of Slytherins? I can't believe you're my daughter"

As she spoke, I felt something wrap around my neck, my breath began to hitch and I could barely speak.

"M-mum, h-help me-"

"Help you? You deserve to die" She spat before turning her back and disappearing into the darkness.

Droplets of sweat formed on my head as I reminisced the feeling of being left alone to die in my dream.

I couldn't stay in bed any longer so I grabbed my toothbrush, towel and uniform and walked towards the showers. Once I reached a cubicle, I stripped myself completely and turned the faucet, letting the cool drops fall on me. I felt hot and uncomfortable, I felt as if the ropes were still bound tightly around my neck.

Once I had dried myself, changed and brushed my teeth, I gathered my belongings and headed back to the my dorm. I took whatever books I needed for the day and stuffed them into my bag. I was determined not to let this dream ruin my first day back at school.

When I reached the Great Hall, it was almost empty as it was only 7:30 and classes didn't start till nine. I poured myself a cup of tea and sipped it slowly, letting the hot liquid warm my insides, it was a very cold morning and I was beginning to feel the after-effects of a cold shower. After a piece of toast and some cereal, I opened my Arithmancy textbook to try and prepare for my first class of the day.

"Hey Clumsy!"

I jumped at the sudden cheerful voice calling out to me.

"Fred? George?What are you doing up so early?" He was wearing a maroon sweater with an 'F' stitched on it. He sat next to me and grabbed a toast from the dish.

"Nothing, just wondering how you could abandon me for the Hufflepuffs"

"It's not like I asked the Sorting Hat to put me there, besides, Padma and Cedric have been really nice to me, I like hanging out with them"

"Cedric's a slimy git" He said, his mouth stuffed with toast.

"What makes you say that?" I asked.

"He-he, I don't know he's just so-so"

"Save it Fred, I bet you can't think of one bad thing to say about him"

"His cheeks are too red, he looks like a fruit"

I gawked at Fred before bursting into laughter.

"A fruit?" I said, in between laughs.

"We came here to ask you for help. Hermione told me that you told her that you were really good at concocting potions. Fred and I need you to help us make something that we aren't able to perfect on our own" George said.

"Make what, exactly?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

He contemplated his answer before finally deciding on one.