CHAPTER 4: Getting to know the Mudblood

As of the classes, none were too eventful. It's just the same routine, we endure disgustingly boring classes, and tease a lot of people, and maybe crack a few tricks. Like the years before, George and I were the center of attention every night at the common room. However, one night, I noticed that the trio wasn't there. I wasn't bothered, because I thought that maybe they were just wandering along in the castle. But when midnight struck, I became greatly worried. Ron and Harry went back to the common room by eleven, and they didn't have Hermione with them. I never asked them where she was, because that would give me away. Instead, I dared go out beyond curfew hours to search for her.

I was nearing the grounds when I saw a lone figure sitting by the lake. I approached her, and was delighted to see who it was. It was Hermione.

"Studying late into the night eh?" I said.

"Go away 'the amazing Fred'. I want time with myself. There was a hint in her voice that suggested that she had been crying. I was deeply alarmed.

"Hey, what happened? Why are you crying?"

"No, it's nothing. I just scratched my eyes…"

"Scratched your eyes? Man, they're out of their sockets and swollen. Tell me what happened, or I'll set a Dungbomb on you." I was joking but deeply bothered.

"Okay, okay. It's just that someone called me a name. I don't know what it meant, but people were really shocked when they heard it. Even Harry and Ron avoided me after hearing it."

"What name is it? And who said it?"

"Draco Malfoy of Slytherin. He called me Mudblood in front of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. What does Mudblood mean Fred? Why does it sound so bad?"

My blood boiled with rage. Next time I see Malfoy, I'll beat the living crap out of him. "Well, Mudblood's the worst name you can call a wizard. It's something purebloods like Malfoy use to make themselves look higher than the rest of the wizards of lower status. It's something you use to condemn a wizard with Muggle parentage."

"So, that's what it meant? Well, I haven't told anyone yet, I wonder how he knew? Everybody else left me alone. That's just as bad. I've got no one now…"

My heart sank as I saw her sad.

"Well, you don't have to be alone. I'm already offering you the rare chance to be the friend of the 'amazing Fred Weasley'. Be careful, one of my fangirls might get jealous of you…" I teased.

She giggled. Oh it feels so nice to make her happy.

"Well, if I wasn't so desperate to have a friend, I would consider you as very arrogant and boastful. However, thanks for the offer. I'm accepting."

"Now that we had that settled, why don't we go back to the common room? Snape might find us here, and it would be no party."

She nodded, and we both started for the common room. As we reached the doors of our dormitories, she did the most wonderful part of my night.

"Good night Fred. Thanks for making me feel better." With that, she kissed my cheek. I knew it was a friendly kiss, but it made my heart explode anyway. Much as I wanted to jump and throw my fists into the air, I controlled myself.

"Good night to you Hermione"

I opened the door to our dormitory with a smile in my heart. I was really skipping to bed when somebody suddenly spoke.

"Well, well, well. Where have you gone Frederick Gideon Weasley! It's after hours for Merlin's sake!"

I was alarmed, as it sounded a damn lot like my mother. As I spun around, I saw that it was George, spread-eagled on his four poster, apparently waiting for me.

"What was that for? I thought you were Mum, you scared the wits out of me" I snapped at my twin.

"Well, I was worried for you, and yeah, you're welcome…" he sarcastically answered. "But I'll forget about that because you're Fred and I can't get mad at you. I'm just glad you're here and safe. Good nightie Freddie!" with that, he dropped asleep into his four poster. I slept soundly that night, with an eagerness to wake up early tomorrow to spend time with my new "friend".