We will meet again ~ Fred Weasley

- I'll Look After You -

"War had a way of ruining ordinary moments. It never seemed content to wait for a tragedy."

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"Fred."

No response.

"Fred."

Still nothing.

Katherine stumbled forward for what felt like the hundredth time, her hand trapped firmly in his as he continued leading her through what she assumed was half of the countryside with absolutely no regard for her dignity.

The blindfold covering her eyes had long since stopped being amusing.

Now it was simply irritating.

And dangerous.

Particularly dangerous.

"Please let me take it off," she groaned dramatically, attempting to tug her hand free. "I've nearly fallen over three times."

"Nearly."

"That isn't reassuring."

"You didn't actually fall."

"Yet."

Fred laughed somewhere ahead of her.

The sound immediately made her want to push him into a hedge.

"You are supposed to be guiding me, you know?"

"I am guiding you."

"Poorly."

"I'm doing an excellent job."

Katherine felt another uneven patch of ground beneath her feet and immediately tightened her grip on his hand.

"You're unbelievable."

"And you love me."

Unfortunately, he wasn't wrong.

The smugness in his voice only made her roll her eyes beneath the blindfold.

Despite her complaints, she followed him anyway.

Because she trusted him.

Entirely.

Even when he was being annoying.

Especially when he was being annoying.

After another few moments of walking, Fred finally slowed.

Then stopped completely.

The sudden stillness made Katherine freeze.

The air around them felt different.

More open.

The wind brushed gently against her face, carrying the sharp scent of winter and something faintly familiar she couldn't quite place.

Silence settled between them.

For the first time since leaving the Burrow, Fred wasn't laughing.

Wasn't teasing.

Wasn't saying anything at all.

A small knot of curiosity twisted inside her stomach.

"What have you done?"

No answer.

"Fred."

Still nothing.

"Have you accidentally set something on fire?"

"Not today."

"That isn't a reassuring answer."

A laugh escaped him.