Chapter 7

Fred rolled over in his bed and stared up at the ceiling, his arms stretched out beside him. He knew he needed to get out of bed, but he really wasn't looking forward to the day. It was a bit disheartening he had to admit. Sure, he hadn't always been an early riser or anything, but he had always loved life and looked forward to getting into the shop.

He'd lost his touch lately though. He didn't care what anybody said, the whole thing with George and Angelina had made him look like a fool. Yeah, he could be happy for them, but there was no way around it that he didn't come out of the whole thing looking like a bit of an idiot. Even the meaningless dates he used to go on were almost nonexistent at this point. He wasn't sure why he cared so much. He had always been perfectly content with that area of his life, never needing to settle down, but now he was finding that was leaving him unsatisfied. It was probably having all these couples around now. Their weird, "couple-y" vibes were getting to him through osmosis or something. Yet, here he was and the only successful date he had managed to secure lately was between Neville and Luna. At least he still had matchmaking skills.

He sighed and pulled himself out of bed. Even Granger had Wood now it seemed. He was certain that would never work out. Those two were far too much alike. He could just see them trying to out boss each other. He almost laughed out loud at the thought of their first argument.

Well, he needed a distraction. That much was obvious at least. But what? Maybe he would see if George wanted to go to Ginny's Quidditch match that night. They had always been some of her biggest supporters, but with George dating Angelina now, he had been watching her play more and more, leaving little time for their little sister. That's what he would do, guilt George into going to watch the Harpies. A night out with his twin was just what he needed. He pulled on his magenta work robes and made his way downstairs, not bothering to stop for breakfast.

Naturally, the the Harpies were playing United again. How many times could they play the same team? Anyway, he supposed that was alright. George could watch Angelina and hang out with him at the same time.

They arrived to the special section reserved for family and friends of the players to find Harry and Hermione already there. "I guess you're outnumbered then, Georgie," Fred teased his twin. "Three against one for the Harpies."

"I wouldn't be so sure," said Harry. "Hermione isn't here for Gin tonight."

"Hermione?" Fred asked, clearly confused. "Did you and my sister have a row or something?"

"Oi, Fred," said George. "Clearly she is here for Olllliiiiiverrrr." George batted his eyes playfully at Hermione before winking at her.

Of course. Fred fought to keep the grin plastered across his face. Why should he care that Hermione was here with Wood? He knew they had started dating shortly after Seamus' party. She was certainly allowed to date anyone she pleased. It didn't change the fact that he didn't care at all for the blush filling her cheeks at George's teasing. Wasn't it a bit soon for her to be sitting in the family section? They couldn't have been out more than once or twice, after all. He was going to give the poor girl the wrong idea. Maybe he should talk to him, make sure he knew that Hermione was different. She wasn't one of his little groupies.

Realizing he was still standing, he sat down next to her, with George on his other side. He glanced over to see her watching him, a strange expression on her face. "Are you okay, Fred?" she asked. "You seem a little tense."

"Fine," he mumbled. "Big game is all. Feeling nervous for Ginny."

"Oh, I don't think you need be worried about Ginny," Harry said. "Something about looking forward to pummeling the old fogies. I think she is looking forward to the chance of taking down Angelina and Oliver. Especially after the last match."

Fred just nodded in response. He knew Harry was right. There was no way Ginny was anything but completely fired up for this match. The last one had ended badly for the Harpies, their seeker losing the snitch at the last possible second. It had been an extremely close match even with United gaining the extra 150 points and he knew his sister would be out for revenge this time around.

"So, you and Wood?" he asked Hermione, trying to act as casual as possible.

"Yeah, I guess so," she said, not really meeting his eyes. He wasn't surprised. He knew Hermione didn't exactly date a lot and had a tendency to be extremely embarrassed about such things.

"Is it serious?" he teased. "Should I tell Mum to start preparing for another wedding?"

"No," she said, a little too quickly Fred thought, "of course not. We have only been out a few times."

"Ah, well, Oliver's a good bloke," he said. "You could do worse."

She nodded, eyeing him thoughtfully for a moment before turning her eyes back to the match. "Yeah, he's a good guy."

Right. He tried to settle in, pay attention to what was happening in front of him. He joked around with his brother, cheered for Ginny, chatted with Harry and Hermione a bit. It wasn't working. He still felt a little on edge. Maybe he needed to see a healer. He was feeling quite funny If he was perfectly honest. He kept feeling oddly possessive of Hermione which was obviously not healthy and he had stopped going out almost entirely. He didn't care at all that George was dating Angelina even though he knew he should have given that he was supposed to have fancied her and she was now snogging (shagging?) his twin brother. Maybe he needed therapy. Didn't Hermione say one time that was what muggles did when they had problems? Talked it out?

Whatever it was, he needed to pull himself together. The game was ending. The Harpies won, thank goodness, and Ginny and the others would be meeting them any second. He could barely remember half the match. Oh Merlin, it was going to be just him and bunch of couples any second now. Maybe he should just go home.

"Hey, Georgie," he said, "I'm pretty tired, I think I am going to head back to the flat."

"Fred Weasley, you will be doing nothing of the sort! It has been ages since you came to one of my games and you are going to help me celebrate."

Naturally Ginny had picked that exact moment to walk up. He looked around uncomfortably at Angelina and George, Oliver and Hermione, and Harry and Ginny. Forget third wheel he was the seventh. But Ginny was giving him his best Molly Weasley glare and he figured that he could tolerate anything for one night for his little sister. It wouldn't be too bad. He was sure they would do their best to make him feel included. At least he hoped so. They probably would. He sighed. "Fine, but no funny business. In case you hadn't noticed I'm the odd man out here."

Ginny grinned and George patted him on the back. "Wouldn't dream of it, mate. Oi, if we're lucky maybe we can find you a special lady tonight. I bet the place will be crawling with groupies hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite Quidditch stars. They would probably be at least a little impressed that you are related to one of them."

Fred scowled, but said nothing. He would do this, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

Notes: Thanks to all who are still with me. I really appreciate it.