'Ello, lovelies! So, this is my fanfiction with Freddie in it (like many of my others shall include). It is not my first one, but it is the first one I have posted on here. They aren't really separated into 'chapters', but... 'parts'? I dunno...
I have quite a bit typed up already, so I might update this every other day or every week? Let's just see how well this first part goes? c: Enjoy~
-x-
Love isn't something you find. Love is something that finds you.
-Loretta Young
It started off like any ordinary day in Flourish and Blotts when Vanessa Hayes met Fred Weasley. She was in her sixth year at Hogwarts and helping out her Grandmother for the summer in Diagon Alley. She was in Ravenclaw and adored anything that had to do with reading and writing, which was why Flourish and Blotts was the perfect place for her to be in. Her family was completely pure-blooded, except for the few Muggle-borns that had been married into the family. Her uncle, for instance, was Muggle-born and had been in Hufflepuff while her pure-blood aunt had been in Gryffindor.
Fred Weasley was in his seventh year, on the hunt for used books for his classes. George and their mother was also there with him, but over looking at the books for fifth years. He crept up beside the vaguely familiar curly-haired Vanessa, noticing the badge that indicated she worked at the store. "I believe having a job here means selling the books, not reading them," he teased, leaning against the bookshelf with an amused grin.
Vanessa jumped in surprise, knocking over a near-by stack of books. "Merlin's beard," she breathed, clutching the old, dark brown book she had been reading to her chest. Her black curls were pulled out of her dark brown eyes with a blue ribbon, and she wore a simple, pleated black skirt, white button up, dark green apron, and black slip on shoes. "Can I help you with anything?" she asked, bending down to pick up the fallen stack of books.
"No thanks, I was just browsing," Fred informed her, squatting to help pick up the books as well. "I'm Fred... Fred Weasley. Seventh year in Gryffindor Have I seen you anywhere before? A beautiful girl such as you should know a handsome guy such as me," he asked curiously, once they had cleaned up the books. Granted they could have used magic to straighten the stack, but it hadn't crossed his mind until they had each piled the last two books on the stack. He figured they had just run into each other in Diagon Alley once before.
Brushing her skirt off, Vanessa tucked the book she had been reading in the crook of her arm. "Vanessa Hayes. Perhaps at Hogwarts? I'm sixth year in Ravenclaw," she told him, extending her hand. "Are you always this cocky?" she teased, raising her eyebrows. She had recognized the Weasley twin from the time they had advertised their snack boxes to a group of Ravenclaws the year before on the train home. Other then that she had only seen him in the corridors or in the Great Hall.
Fred stood up and shook her hand. "Yes I am," he replied, winking playfully. "You were in that group of Ravenclaws George and I advertised to on the train," he recalled, scanning the title of the book she had been reading. "Pride and Prejudice? I've never heard of that one. Is it a new author?" he asked, leaning against the bookshelf once more.
"No, it's a rather old book written by a Muggle author. Gran doesn't like me reading Muggle books much so I have to come back here when she's off helping someone," Vanessa explained, glancing around the corner to make sure her Grandmother wasn't coming in search of her. She crouched down and tucked the book behind a group of rather old looking books on the bottom shelf. "Are you sure there isn't anything I can help you with?" she asked.
The amused smile returned as he watched her hide the book. "Well, my mum already found all of my books, but I'm rather hungry and I'm in need of a lunch companion... Does your shift end soon?" he asked, following her up to the front of the store, where his mother, George, and Vanessa's Grandmother emerged from the used books area.
Vanessa took her place behind the counter and leaned forward. "My cousin should be back from her break in about ten minutes. I'm free then?" she offered as Mrs. Weasley set her large stack of books on the counter and began to pull out her money pouch.
"Free to do what?" George and Vanessa's Grandmother questioned at once.
"I'm going to take my lunch break when Lila gets back. Mr. Weasley and I are going to grab a bite to eat. If that's alright with his mother, of course," Vanessa informed her Grandmother, offering a polite smile in Mrs. Weasley's direction. "I should be back in at least an hour," she added quickly.
Mrs. Weasley gave a heavy sigh and glanced at her son. "I suppose you deserve to have a bit of fun. But one hour only. We'll meet you back here then," she told Fred in a serious tone.
"Cousin? How old might this cousin be? She look anything like you?" George asked jokingly as the bells on the door chimed.
Vanessa rolled her eyes and set Mrs. Weasley's books in brown paper bags. "She has a boyfriend, she is nineteen, and if you want to know what she looks like... turn around," she told George, grinning as Fred elbowed his twin in the side. She and her cousin looked nothing alike, minus the eyes.
"What about me?" the blonde-haired Lila asked, joining her cousin and Grandmother behind the counter.
Vanessa slid the paper bag across the counter and pulled the apron over her head, passing it to Lila. "George was basically asking to try and hook up with you," she informed her, letting her hair down around her shoulders. "I'll be back in an hour. Fred and I are going to lunch for a bit," she added, moving around to join the Weasleys.
Lila smirked and slid the apron on over her head. "Have fun," she mused, giving her younger cousin a look that clearly read 'details later' before disappearing into the back.
"Ready?" Fred asked cheerfully, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "I spotted this place across from Ollivander's that smelled delightful," he added, leading her out of Flourish and Blotts.
-x-
The Quidditch game between Gryffindor and Slytherin had not ended well at all, even though Gryffindor won. By the time Vanessa had reached the Quidditch pitch, Madame Hooch had separated George, Harry Potter, and Draco Malfoy. Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, and Angelina Johnson were still struggling to restrain Fred and they looked rather relieved to see Vanessa jogging their way. "Take him and calm him down, please," Angelina gasped as Malfoy was walked up to the hospital wing.
Vanessa looped her arm through Fred's firmly. "Come on, I believe a walk around the grounds will do you good," she stated, picking up his discarded broom and passing it to Katie. "We'll get you calmed down, changed, then head onto lunch. Sound like a plan?" she asked, leading him along, her grip still tight.
Fred exhaled and glanced down at the small girl leading him along as if she knew he wouldn't struggle against her. "Right... sounds good," he replied, anger coursing through him. How dare Malfoy talk about his family like that. "At least George and Harry got a few good hits on the git," he muttered darkly, glaring in frustration at the grass.
"What did he even say to provoke you?" Vanessa asked, rubbing his back to calm him down. After the first lunch they had spent together, every lunch break (even a few suppers) were spent together until term started. Occasionally George or Lila joined them, but that was only once every week. During the hour lunches and close to three hour suppers, they talked nonstop. By the last supper they had together, they felt as if the had known each other since they were much younger.
"He insulted my family and Harry's mum," he replied, unable to meet her eyes. To her, he figured, it would sound silly. To any girl it would have seemed foolish, but that was his family.
Understanding seemed to cross Vanessa's expression as they tromped through the snow. "Malfoy can be a spoiled, rotten git. He goes around insulting parents that actually care about their children because he probably has no idea what father's love is," she grumbled, her fingers tensing on his back. The two used to be good friends, but over the summer she and Draco had gotten into a huge fight. She used her free hand to tighten her jacket around her, obviously cold.
They moved past Hagrid's deserted cabin and the Forbidden Forest. Fred slid his arm her, though he figured his slightly damp Quidditch uniform wouldn't provide much warmth for either of them. "Let's turn back. I don't think we really need to suffer this cold, let's just to go back to the Quidditch pitch. My clothes are there," he told her, turning around and leading back to the pitch.
A comfortable silence enveloped them along the way back to the Quidditch locker rooms. Vanessa rested a gloved fist on his stomach, yawning in exhaustion. She had been staying up late reading her books by Muggle authors. "I really need to stop sleeping through breakfast," she grumbled as her stomach let out a low growl. Inside the locker rooms, warmth greeted them cheerfully. She turned her back so he could change without her spotting his half-naked body.
Fred chuckled and began removing his Quidditch gear. "You could always start joining George, Lee, and I for breakfast? That should brighten your mornings and keep you awake," he teased, stuffing his Qudditch uniform in it's usual spot. He pulled on a pair of Muggle jeans and dug through his bag to find a shirt that was actually long sleeved instead of short sleeved. His jacket and cloak were both up in the Gryffindor Common Room. "You can turn around, I'm decent," he added.
Turning around, a blush formed on her already pink cheeks. "That's not decent. You're still shirtless!" Vanessa pointed out, taking a seat on the bench. "I already have lunch and supper with you, study in the Library every night, and see you in the corridors, now you want breakfast with me? You're suffocating me!" she teased, crossing her legs. "But I like your company enough that I'll join you," she added when he gave her a pleading look.
"I knew you couldn't resist me," Fred joked, winking. He pulled on his shirt and slid the bag over his should. "Don't think I didn't see that blush. I'm sure you enjoyed the view," he added, a smirk playing along his lips.
Vanessa rolled her eyes and stood up. "Come on," she told him, avoiding his teasing.
-x-
"Fred, I'm really not ready for this whole 'meet the family' thing. Not to mention you father is in St. Mungo's," Vanessa protested, leading Fred in her house, out of the snow and ice. Her mother and father could be heard in the other room, cheerily singing carols as they decorated the tree. "I'm sure he would rather you introduce me when he is healthy," she added, brushing the snow off of her head.
Removing his scarf, Fred shook his head. "I already told you, 'Nessa, Dad insisted on meeting you. You can have lunch with us and we'll have you back for Christmas dinner with your family tonight. I'll even stay for a bit if you'd like," he told her, pulling his jacket off as well. "He really wants to meet you," he added, giving his best pleading eyes.
Vanessa pursed her lips, crossing her arms. "Oh, I suppose. You used the eyes... I suppose I have to," she grumbled, unable to hide the smile threatening to cross her lips. "I just have to tell Mum and Dad then get ready. Perhaps you can help them decorate the tree and sing carols while you wait?" she teased, taking his hand and pulling him down the cheerily decorated hallway.
"I really don't think you want to hear me singing," Fred responded, chuckling. He glanced around in surprise when they arrived into the drawing room, which was covered in boxes of ornaments and other decorations. "I see you forgot to mention they are very much into the Christmas spirit," he muttered.
"Oh, relax. They're going to love you," Vanessa replied simply. "Mum, Dad, this is Fred Weasley. He was wondering if I could go have lunch with him and his family. I should be back before dinner tonight," she promised, looking very much like her mother. They had the same curly dark hair, slightly upturned nose, and height. She and her father shared the same pale complexion, brown eyes, and face shape. She was an Auror and had been for a while.
Mrs. Hayes smiled cheerfully and pulled Fred into a hug. "Oh, we've heard so much about you! You should see the look on 'Nessie's face when she gets your letters... Adorable!" she cheered, pulling back to examine him closely. She was short and slender, with wild curls like her daughter.
"Mum," Vanessa groaned, her cheeks turning pink with embarrassment.
"Well, it's true," Mr. Hayes stated, shaking Fred's hand firmly. He was a tall, thick man with a mop of dark brown hair sprinkled with grey. They were both in the Order, and had been the last time as well. "As long as she's back by supper, you can take her," he added.
Fred flashed a grin in Vanessa's direction, chuckling when he saw her blushing. "It's good to know my letters make her smile," he stated cheerfully.
Vanessa rolled her eyes and disappeared upstairs to change out of her pajamas. She changed into a white lace-and-silk skirt, a jewel neck, green, long sleeved top, red fitted pea coat, and black flats. She grabbed her black hat, gloves, and scarf before returning downstairs. Pausing outside the drawing room, she heard her father and Fred in a conversation about Quidditch and her mother humming cheerfully. She smiled and entered the room once more. "Ready?" she asked.
Adding the last two ornaments to the tree, Fred turned around. "Yes, ma'am," he replied, sliding his jacket and scarf back on. "It was very nice to meet both of you," he told Mr. and Mrs. Hayes.
"I hope you'll join us for the tea before supper? Lila and Vanessa's grandmother will be here, as well as a few other family members. Perhaps over the summer we could plan a lunch with your mother and father?" Mrs. Hayes asked, before kissing her daughter's forehead.
"I'll have my mum send an owl over so you two can plan something," Fred promised as Mrs. Hayes ushered them out. He led Vanessa along the snow-covered lawn, more snow beginning to pile up. "Hold on tight," he warned her, before apparating to the doorstep of Number 12 Grimmald Place. He place a finger to his lips before opening the front door.
Vanessa followed him through the dark hallway quietly, down to the dinning room. She stopped him outside the cracked door and bit her lip. "I... I can't do this, Fred. I know I've pretty much met everybody but it was hardly for longer then ten minutes," she whispered worriedly. Ginny, George, and Ron were the only ones she knew well.
Fred brushed a few strands of her hair out of her eyes and sighed. "If I like you, they'll like you," he promised, trailing his hand down to hers. "I promise," he added, squeezing her hand. He pulled her into the kitchen where the smells of Christmas lunch filled their noses.
"Oh, I was getting so worried! I thought perhaps... Something had happened," Mrs. Weasley cried when they came through the door. She pulled them into tight, bone-crushing hugs, kissing their cheeks. "I told you only twenty minutes, Fred, it's been close to an hour," she added, waving her wooden spoon in his direction.
"It was my fault... I had just woken up when he arrived, so I had to get ready," Vanessa apologized as she was rushed to the table.
-x-
So, now I hope you understand what I mean by 'parts' and not 'chapters'? xD
Well, that's it for now! I'd love to hear what you have to say! Freddie and Vanessa would like you to review as well!
Until next time,
AllieWeasleyxx