A/N: One-shot. Fred watches the golden trio from distance while contemplating on his own feelings towards Hermione. Not set in any particular book.
One line he wouldn't cross.
A homely fire was illuminating the Gryffindor Common room along with several spluttering torches. It was raining much outside, and big raindrops fell heavily against the windows. In deep armchairs by the fire sat Harry, Ron and Hermione finishing up on some homework. The Common room was well visited this evening, as several people sat placed around the room in arm chairs playing wizards chess, doing home work or playing cards.
A lonely figure stood by himself near the staircase to the boy´s dormitories. No one seemed to notice him, as everyone was busy with their own activities. The figure had been standing in the same spot for a while now, not quite decided yet what to make of himself this evening. As often before, he ended up watching her from a distance. It wasn't something he planned. He usually just ended up that way. He knew he should stop. It always made him so sad. And yet, somehow, he couldn't help himself.
He usually watched her when she was in the Common room with Harry and Ron. He watched them do homework, bicker, play wizard chess or simply just talking. Lately he´d noticed how she and Ron were slowly falling for each other. He noticed their nervous glances and the blushing that would result from it if neither of them caught the other´s glance. He noticed how they gradually changed behavior around each other. At first they had acted overtly polite in each other´s company. Then – gradually – they would blush more and more in each other´s presence. Ron would make sure to place himself next to Hermione. It was clear to him now, even though it hurt him. Ron and Hermione were beginning to perceive each other as more than friends. Sometimes he would notice Harry look at them in the same way. He´d noticed too. Heck, he was sure that everybody had noticed except themselves.
Leaning against the rough, cold wall he let his thoughts drift further away as he followed the Golden Trio with his perceptive eyes. What he felt was wrong. He was intruding into territory where he did not belong. In every other matter he´d crossed that line, dealt with the consequences later.
But this… well this was different. The consequences would be devastating. He´d ruin everything between Ron and Hermione.
As he watched them, they looked so perfect. Voicing his feelings, letting her know how he´d changed his view on her would ruin that. He would split them up, before they ever really got anywhere.
At that point his attention was turned towards the trio again. Ron had said something that made Hermione blush. As Ron looked down at his homework, Hermione stole a quick glance at Ron, smiling at him.
Fred tore his gaze away from the three friends, feeling he was intruding too much with his persistent glance.
As he knew it would happen, he now felt sad and somewhat depressed. He couldn't voice his feelings for Hermione, as that would be wrong. He would betray his own brother, if he chose to do so.
No. This was one line he neither could nor would cross.