Hullo again! The first part seemed to turn out rather well, though I would very much like some reviews, please?
Special thanks to and XxX Fred Weasley's Wife XxX for being the first two to add my story to their 'Story Alerts'. I hope you enjoy what's to come! :D
Enjoy~
-x-
Valentine's Day was two days away, which meant the second trip to Hogsmead. Vanessa was rushing from the Library to the Great Hall for lunch. She had spent her free period before lunch in there writing an essay and had accidentally stayed halfway through lunch. Her growling stomach was the only hint that she was missing lunch and she was hoping to get their in time to at least to eat something small.
"Vanessa! There you are!" Cho Chang cheered, hurrying towards her friend. "Fred... He want's to see you. George told me he's at the clock tower," she added, smiling cheerfully.
"The clock tower? What is he doing...?" Vanessa trailed off and shook her head, chuckling. "Thank you," she added before rushing off to the clock tower. Her stomach was still growling angrily, but she figured she could last until supper. Up in the clock tower, she glanced around. "Fred?" she called, heading towards the front.
Fred was sitting on a grey blanket with a basket in the center of it. "I thought you'd never make it," he stated, motioning to the seat across from him. "Get caught up at the library?" he asked, grinning.
Vanessa laughed and took the seat opposite of him. "What is all this?" she asked, gesturing to the basket and blanket. It was set up so they could see out the clock tower, but the snow wasn't landing on them. Granted it was still cold, but it was nice.
"Lunch," Fred responded, pulling two butterbeers and two bowls of warm soup from the basket between them. With a flick of his wand, the butterbeer lids popped off and landed neatly in the basket. "That and I figured I could charm you into going into Hogsmead with me... like a date," he added, sipping his butterbeer.
Hiding a pleased smile, Vanessa sipped her butterbeer, pretending to have to think about it. "Well, since you went through all of this trouble, I guess I have to go with you," she decided, stirring the vegetables around in the soup. "How did you get all this up here without Umbridge noticing?" she asked curiously.
Shrugging, Fred swallowed a bite of soup. "I have my ways," he teased, winking. He had happened to get Dobby the House Elf to set this up before lunch had started, nicking a basket, blanket, and meal. "Umbridge never comes up here during lunch. She's too busy staring everybody down in the Great Hall... The great toad," he added, shaking his head slightly.
"This is absolutely brilliant. I was afraid I was going to miss lunch, but thanks to you I didn't," Vanessa cheered, leaning over and kissing his cheek. "You should have known I wo-"
"Mr. Weasley, Miss Hayes, detention! Students are not to have food outside of the Great Hall and they are not permitted to be within eight inches of each other. My office at five p.m. tonight." Umbridge's shill voice rang out as she stepped out from behind the clock tower. She flicked her wand and the soup, butterbeer, and blanket stuffed themselves into the basket before flying into her left hand.
Vanessa jumped up before the blanket was ripped from under them. She glanced at Fred, who was looking extremely apologetic. The two of them had been in detention with Umbridge twice since term had resumed. Their hands were still slightly pink from the foul 'special' quills. Once Umbridge had stalked away, she bit her lip.
"'Nessa, I'm sorry... I honestly didn't thi-"
"Oh, hush up. It was worth having lunch and knowing we get to go to Hogsmead together... like a date," Vanessa responded, shouldering her school bag. "Come on, we better get to class," she added, leading him towards the stairs.
Around seven o'clock that evening, Vanessa and Fred emerged from Umbridge's office, their hands reading 'I must obey the rules'. They walked in silence until they were a safe distance away from her pink office. "She's wretched, absolutely horrible. I can't believe she's making you return tomorrow because you called her a toad earlier. Why won't Dumbledore just fire the old hag and teach Defense Against the Dark Arts himself? Or get someone from the Order?" she hissed under her breath.
"Dumbledore is probably busy with Headmaster duties and things from the Order to even notice what's going on," Fred muttered grumpily. His hand stung worse then before, the two having been kept longer then the last time. They reached the corridor where Vanessa would have to turn to head to her common room for the night, but Fred pulled her along by the hand. He shushed her when she asked where they were headed. He pulled her into the Room of Requirement.
The Room of Requirement had adjusted itself to look like a common room, but with only a couch, table, and fireplace. On the couch was a warm looking quilt and two fluffy pillows. "What are we doing here?" she asked, looking around in disbelief. Two goblets of hot cocoa settled themselves on the table along with a plate of cookies.
"I wasn't ready to go back to the Common Room," Fred explained, stretching out on the comfortable couch. "Plus, I figured this would make up for earlier. Umbridge won't be interrupting us this time,"he added cheerily, picking up a cookie and wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
Vanessa laughed and took a seat a the couch. She set her shoes neatly by the couch and kicked her feet up on the couch. Her legs stretched along side his body and her back leaning against the fluffy pillow.
Fred spread the blanket over the both of them and grinned. "See, much better then going back to our Common Rooms alone," he cheered, before taking a bite of his cookie. "Why couldn't you be born a year earlier? Then we could at least have a few classes together and I won't have to wait to see you during the Holidays or Hogsmeade trips next year," he muttered, obviously disappointed at the fact he wouldn't be able to surprise her between classes or sneak off for secret lunches.
"We'll write down everything, no matter if it's just 'I stayed in bed all day'," Vanessa replied simply, sipping the warm cocoa. She absentmindedly ran her fingers along the black uniform trousers. She watched as he drew a random pattern on her bare shin, the blanket only covering two inches more then her uniform skirt, which went to her knee. "This summer I'll spend the month before term resumes with you at the Burrow," she promised.
"Sounds brilliant," Fred responded, sitting up to grab another cookie. "I'll visit for a week the month before that. George and I will be getting things for the joke shop set up that month, so it will probably be early morning or late in the evenings," he added thoughtfully before sinking his teeth into the soft cookie.
Vanessa had been one of the only ones that Fred had told about Harry giving the Triwizard Tournament winnings to the joke shop. She finished the cocoa and sighed. "This is all assuming You-Know-Who doesn't start attacking. My aunt was a Death Eater, Lila's mother. According to Lila, she hasn't returned home since the night Cedric died," she told him quietly, ashamed to even be related to her aunt. "My mum told me that the last time You-Know-Who was at large, my aunt was sent to kill us the week before Harry's parents were killed. The Order sent my mum, dad, me, Lila, and my grandmother into hiding," she added.
Fred moved around so he sat next to Vanessa, both now leaning against the pillow. He draped his arm around her should and hugged her close. "At least they kept you all safe," he murmured, resting his chin on her head. He inhaled the small of strawberry-banana shampoo and a grin played along his lips.
The door opened quietly, neither of them hearing it or the footsteps coming in. George glanced at his good friend, Lee Jordan, and smirked as if to say 'I-Told-You-So'. They crept up behind the two, waiting to see if they noticed. "Cookies and cocoa? How come we weren't invited?" George asked, causing the two to jump apart, Fred falling onto the floor. George cracked up as two squashy armchairs popped up for himself and Lee.
"Merlin's beard! What are you two doing here?" Vanessa gasped, helping Fred off of the ground. She moved to sit properly on the couch, as Lee and George helped themselves to the cookies and Fred stretched out on the couch once more. She chuckled when Fred settled his head in her lap and grinned boyishly up at her.
Lee rested his feet on the table and swallowed his mouthful of cookie. "Fred never skips supper-"
"And he usually is in the common room if he's not with us," George added. "So we figured he was off trying to romance you or something. We looked in all of our usual hiding place, but then Lee here pointed out the fact you probably didn't want us finding you," he continued, chuckling. "And what better place to hide out then the Room of Requirement?"
Vanessa rolled her eyes, her fingers sliding through Fred's hair absentmindedly. "Right, so you tried finding us even after you considered the fact that we didn't want to be found?" she asked, raising her eyebrows slightly.
"Well, 'Nessa, love, you have to remember this is George and Lee you're talking about," Fred pointed out, yawning.
"We didn't want Freddie being a bad influence on you," George told Vanessa, smirking slightly. "But, I see we're already too late to stop that. Lee, I believe we're unwanted here. I think there's time to get a few first years rounded up to test the products before curfew."
The two left, taking a few cookies with them. Vanessa continued to run her fingers through his soft hair, shaking her head at the two. "Freddie isn't going to run along and talk business?" she teased as the door shut quietly.
Fred sat up slightly so she could lean against the pillow with him once more. "Not at the moment. I'd much rather spend time before curfew with a beautiful girl instead of listening to Hermione's speeches," he responded, tucking one of her stray curls behind her ear.
"And how many girls do you say that to every evening?" she asked, propping herself up on her elbow to mirror his position.
Raising an eyebrow, Fred chuckled. "None, Miss Hayes. My heart solely belongs to you," he responded seriously. He tilted her chin up slightly with his index finger, searching her face for any sign of her wanting him to stop. Instead, she surprised him and met his lips halfway for a soft, innocent kiss.
Vanessa rested her fingers on the back of his neck, enjoying the feel of his lips against hers for the first time. When they pulled away, her lips were still tingling from his kiss. Their first kiss and her first kiss couldn't have been any better. "Unexpected, but absolutely perfect," she murmured, tracing the outside of his ear, down his jaw.
Fred grinned and dropped his hand from her chin, to cover hers. He brought her fingertips to his lips and gave them a gentle kiss. "I told you my heart belongs to you," he teased.
Valentine's Day came with a cold, grey sky and a fresh layer of snow covering the lands. Students gathered excitedly around Filch, anxious to get free of Umbridge and her rules. After getting up early, and clothing advice from Cho, Vanessa had made it down to the gates. She wore a pair of Muggle jeans, black suede boots, a dark blue long sleeved shirt, and a black jacket. Just outside the gates, she saw Fred waiting.
Fred immediately grinned cheerily when he spotted Vanessa handing her slip to Filch. Once she was let though, he pulled her into a tight, bear hug. "For a while there I didn't think you would make it," he teased, lacing his fingers with hers. They headed off towards Hogsmead, their feet dragging along through the snow.
"I would never miss our first official date. Not even if I had to suffer through George's teasing afterwards," Vanessa replied sweetly, kissing his cheek. After their first kiss, they had stayed in the Room of Requirement well past four in the morning simply talking and occasionally stealing kisses. They probably would have stayed until breakfast, but they both had to freshen up for classes.
"George gave me hell the other afternoon," Fred muttered, sniggering quietly. When he had finally made in up to the dormitory, the guys were all already stirring and getting ready. He had ignored all of their questioning gazes and slid into his bed, sleeping until his first class, having a free period during first period.
Vanessa laughed and led him towards the Three Broomsticks. "I was late to History of Magic. Made some excuse up about having a bit of a headache. Then Anna wouldn't stop questioning me," she told him, referring to her close friend Anna Reed. "I finally gave in and told her that I had been with you and she flipped," she added.
Fred laughed and held the door open for her. "She probably thinks I'm a horrible influence on you," he mused, leading her to a comfy corner in the back. "Two butterbeers with some cinnamon in both," he told the waiter who practically flew down upon them before they could even remove their jackets.
Sliding into the cushioned bench, Vanessa unbuttoned her jacket slowly. She was slightly surprised, but pleased when he slid into the spot next to her instead of across from her. "I think we may end up getting the teasing a bit earlier then simply tonight," she whispered when Lee and George made their way over to the table.
Two butterbeers were set in front of them as George and Lee took the seats across from them. "Figured as much," Fred replied, lacing his fingers with hers under the table. He took a sip of his butterbeer as George and Lee ordered themselves a butterbeer and settled themselves in the chairs.
"Morning, lovebirds, I see you two had another late night last night. I can't decide who to call the bad influence. Fred never stayed out this late, but I'm sure Vanessa's never broken a rule until Fred came in the picture. She's the picture of innocence," George teased, shrugging off his grey jacket and the Gryffindor scarf.
"Yeah, I'd go with Fred being the bad influence on Vanessa. She probably went to every class on time, was in her common room an hour before curfew, and turned in all her essays a week early. Now, she's missing classes, out way past curfew, and not to mention..." Lee lowered his voice, "the D.A."
Vanessa and Fred shared an amused look. "Honestly, boys, you make me out to seem like the most innocent girl at Hogwarts. I've had my fair share of being late to class and staying out past curfew," she told them, taking a sip of her butterbeer.
Fred chuckled and shook his head. "Only to be in the library or helping out one of the professors," he pointed out, siding with George and Lee for once. He had talked to Vanessa long enough to figure out she had been almost as innocent as George and Lee depicted her. "I would have to take the title of bad influence," he added.
"So what are you two up to today? Will there be a time we can steal Fred away to do some important shopping for the shop?" George questioned, leaning back in his chair. His butterbeer was already halfway gone, signaling he was anxious to get out of there.
"Of course," Vanessa responded, cutting off Fred's protests. "We won't have another Hogsmead trip for a while and with Umbridge watching the mail, you won't be able to order anything," she explained for Fred's questioning gaze. "I know how much the business means to you two and I'm not going to try to pull you away from that," she added, squeezing his hand.
Lee raised an eyebrow slightly. "Fred, I believe this one's a keeper. Anyway, we're going to get going. When you're ready to release him for a bit, Fred will know where to find us," he stated, finishing off the last of his butterbeer and standing up with George.
They called their goodbyes, then Fred turned to face Vanessa. "You really didn't have to do that, I'm sure George and Lee would be perfectly fine on their own," he told her quietly.
Vanessa chuckled and shook her head. "Fred, I don't mind, really. You won't be able to get the shop up and running without products," she pointed out, letting her fingers trace a random pattern on his hand. "If you'd like, I'll tag along, but I don't think I'll be of much use except a distraction," she added, smiling sheepishly.
"You never know, I may need a distraction," Fred teased, winking. He finished off the rest of his butterbeer and set the cup with George and Lee's empty ones.
Leaning over, Vanessa gave him a tender kiss. She let her lips linger on his longer then usual. "You had a bit of... whipped cream on your lip," she explained when the pulled away.
Fred smirked at her excuse. "Right, whipped cream," he replied, sniggering quietly when she blushed. He pressed his lips to her forehead before she finished off her butterbeer. "Ready to brave the cold?" he asked, sliding on his jacket.
Wrinkling her nose, Vanessa shrugged. "I suppose," she replied, sliding her jacket on as well. She laughed when he insisted on letting her wear his scarf. "You know, I think it's a bit odd wearing a Gryffindor scarf when I'm in Ravenclaw," she teased once they were outside.
"Shows where your true loyalties lie," Fred teased, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "Honestly, 'Nessa, don't deny the fact you want to be in Gryffindor with me," he added, leading her through the large groups of Hogwarts students. They followed the empty path that led by the Shrieking Shack and the Forbidden Forest.
"I dunno, I think I like our sneaking around in the Room of Requirement. We would never be able to be alone if we were in the same House," Vanessa pointed out moving so she walked backwards in front of him. She took both of his hands, pulling him along. "It's kind of exciting, breaking the rules," she added, lowering her voice a bit.
Fred laughed and raised his eyebrows. "George and Lee were right, I am a bad influence on you," he responded, snow beginning to fall again. "Watch o-"
Vanessa bumped right into Draco Malfoy, who was also walking backwards to talk with his usual gang- Crabbe, Goyle, and Pansy Parkinson. She fell backwards onto the snow-covered path, as did Draco.
Draco turned to see who had bumped into him, a scowl in place. "Oh... 'Nessie. I... I'm sorry," he stuttered, scowl immediately falling from his lips. He scrambled to stand up and help her up, shocked expressions on Fred and Pansy's face. "Are you okay?" he asked curiously, offering his hand.
Laughing, Vanessa took his hand. "I'm fine, Draco," she promised, waving away his concern. "C'mon, Fred," she stated, pulling the red-head along. She waved slightly towards Draco before wrapping her arms around Fred's waist.
"What was that? Malfoy was actually half-way decent to someone?" Fred asked, surprise still etched upon his face. He glanced back at Draco, who was staring dumb-founded after them. "Since when were you and Malfoy on a first name bases? Nickname, no less."
Rolling her eyes, she fiddled with the zipper on his jacket. "The Malfoys have always been good friends with mine. Draco and I were practically raised together," Vanessa informed him with a slight shrug. "The Draco you know is just an act to please his parents. He's not all bad," she added, glancing up at Fred.
"Yeah, but... He wasn't just nice, he acted like being around you made him nervous. Parkinson looked like she was kind of jealous too," Fred pointed, unable to comprehend what he had just witnessed. It was as if Draco generally liked Vanessa.
"Just forget about it, Freddie. I would honestly prefer to tell you about all of this later, okay?" Vanessa asked, giving him a pleading look. The Malfoys had been close friends of her aunt's, the Death Eater, who was also good friends with the Black family. Narcissa and her mother had grown up together, so it was obvious she and Draco would too.
Fred nodded and drew her close to him. "Alright, but only because you used the eyes," he replied, kissing her forehead softly.
-x-
D'aw, isn't Freddie such a sweetie?
What did you think of this piece? Draco's... nice? o:
Review, please!
Until next time,
AllieWeasleyxx
