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"Can I please take a Polyjuice Potion or something?" Claire groaned.

"Why would you want to do that?" Ginny asked in confusion.

"Because I refuse to humiliate myself any more in front of that stupid man," Claire said stubbornly.

Ginny tried to hold back a grin. "It's him that's humiliating himself, and I'm sure he realizes it too. But how would a Polyjuice Potion help?"

Claire shrugged, embarrassed. "I don't know. I could pretend to be one of your relatives. I'm sure there's enough of you that even Fred doesn't recognize."

"I see your logic," Harry said grinning. "That way he wouldn't be tempted to snog the daylights out of a cousin." Ginny giggled.

"I wouldn't recommend a Polyjuice Potion," Harry said. "They never last long and they taste horrible."

Claire grinned as she recalled Uncle Albus' tale of the Golden Trio during their second year. "Personal experience?"

Harry laughed.

Claire sighed. "I really shouldn't have said that. It's Ron and Hermione's engagement dinner at the Burrow and I'm amazed and flattered that I was even invited. I really want to be there for them."

Ginny smiled and squeezed Claire's shoulder reassuringly. "I'll make you a deal. If you want to leave after a few hours we'll both come back and have a girls night."

Claire rolled her eyes but agreed. "After a few hours you might have to peel his charred hide off the ceiling," she grumbled.

Harry laughed out loud. "I would love to see that."

They apparated to the Burrow and were immediately assailed by the intoxicating smells coming from Mrs. Weasley's kitchen.

Harry and Ginny went upstairs to find Ron and Hermione leaving Claire in the living room. She was just about to go in and greet Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen when she heard voices from the kitchen.

". . . I'm sure she'll be here dear," Mrs. Weasley was saying. "Why are you worrying so much?"

"I just said something stupid. . ." Fred said and Claire's heart skipped a beat. "I was thoughtless and I hurt her. She ran off." He sighed. "I'm terrified that she might have gotten lost, might have been found by a Deatheater."

"I'm sure she's smarter than to go wandering off by herself," Mrs. Weasley said reassuringly. "Although I'm surprised at you." Mrs Weasley sounded disapproving. "You two dance around each other unlike anything I've ever seen. Why would you try so hard to push her away?"

Fred was quiet a moment and Claire strained to hear what he would say next.

"I'm not sure I know," Fred murmured. Fred groaned. "Although now I don't know where she is and I'll never forgive myself if something happened to her. "

Claire smiled wryly. I suppose I might as well put him out of his misery, she thought.

"I'm right here," she said quietly, stepping into the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley smiled over at her and bustled into the next room to set the table.

Fred jerked his head up. The sense of relief he felt was staggering. "You're alright, thank Merlin!" Without thinking, he ran over and tugged her into his arms, making Claire squeak slightly in surprise. Fred was embarrassed by his own actions and quickly let her go.

"Oh. . .um. . . sorry," Fred said shoving his hands in his pockets. "I'm just really glad to see you're alright." He gave her a small smile.

Claire quirked an eyebrow. "You actually care?"

"Of course I do!" Fred exclaimed. He grimaced slightly. "Ok I deserved that."

He looked away. "Truth is," he said quietly. "You should know better than anyone that I care a little too much."

They were quiet for a moment. "Then why did you say that Fred?" Claire said quietly. "Is that how you really see me? A charity case?"

Fred winced. "That's not what I meant," he said, pleadingly. "I was trying everything I could to get her to leave, and I was thoughtless." He took a step forward and took her small, soft hand in his.

"Forgive me?" he said.

Claire opened her mouth, then abruptly closed it again. He looked so honest and trustworthy but Claire was still hesitant. She wanted to believe that he was telling the truth. But she was so afraid of trusting him, afraid of trusting herself. She had promised herself that she would keep an arms length away, but somehow she was failing miserably.

She was saved from answering when she saw Harry step into the room.

"Hey Claire, I think Hermione wanted you." Harry's eyes darted over to Fred briefly and he frowned. "Something about bridesmaids dresses. "

Claire smiled. "Thanks Harry." She glanced at Fred. "I better go."

Fred wanted to stop her, but the look on Harry's face stopped him.

The silence when Claire left the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

"If I were you," Harry said slowly. "I wouldn't try apologizing just yet. Let her stew about it for a while. She has the right to be a bit upset."

Fred winced. I should have known that's where she would go, he thought wryly.

Fred sighed. "Harry, look -"

"Don't start Fred," Harry snapped. "You really hurt her."

"I know, I know," Fred ran a hand through his hair. "I'm an idiot."

"What the hell are you doing with Gwen anyway?" Harry asked.

Fred shrugged, slightly embarrassed. "I don't know," he said. "A sense of familiarity, I suppose." He turned away. "Less likely for anyone to get hurt."

"Like you just hurt Claire?" Harry snapped.

Fred didn't know what to say. He knew Harry was right.

"Harry, I -"

"Don't say anything, Fred," Harry growled. "Now I know what it feels like to be the protective older brother, and I intend to not muck that job up."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Fred said, irritated at Harry's tone.

"What I mean is," Harry said slowly and meaningfully. "If you ever hurt her again, you'll have to answer to me."

For the first time since they'd been friends, Fred was actually a little afraid of Harry. The hard, blazing look in his eye was nothing to take lightly, and Fred knew that Harry wouldn't hesitate on his threat. On the other hand, Fred couldn't blame him. He knew that if roles were reversed, and Harry ever hurt Ginny, he would feel the same way.

Fred nodded, slowly. "You got it, mate," he said quietly.

Harry nodded. "Good." Without a final look he walked back into the living room. Fred stared after him and sighed. This is all going downhill way too fast, he thought.

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Claire smiled as she examined the old dusty piano in the living room. She ran her fingers over the wood and giggled as she picked up a dust ball with her fingers.

"It looks like you haven't been played in years," she murmured.

"That's probably true," said a voice from behind her and she turned to see Sirius in the doorway.

She grinned at him. "It's nice."

"Arthur has no idea what to do with it," Sirius said smiling. "He just liked it because it was a muggle toy and I'm sure you've learned how he is." Claire grinned and nodded.

Sirius cleared his throat. "You know. . ." he said slowly. "Your mother knew how to play. Very well actually."

Claire smiled as memories sprang up in her mind. Her mother playing lullabies while she slept on the couch. They would sing Christmas carols on Christmas Eve while drinking hot cocoa.

"I know," Claire murmured, surprised that memories of her mother didn't pain her as much as they used to. They were pleasant to look back on, but she didn't dwell on the pain. "She taught me."

Sirius smiled. "I'm not surprised." He gestured to the piano. "You should play something."

Claire laughed slightly. "I don't know," she said. "It's been a long time. I'd be surprised if I remembered anything."

Sirius grinned. "There was something your mother always used to say while we were in school. ' The keys of a piano are like the keys to your heart. Play the right chords. . ."

"And the music of your soul will be revealed," they finished together. They grinned at each other.

"She made it seem a bit ominous," Claire said, making a face.

"But it was true," Sirius said. "When she played, it was real magic. Her soul flowed with the music like nothing I had ever seen." Sirius gestured to the piano again. "I'm positive you inherited her gift."

Claire smiled. "Okay," she said finally. "I'll see what I've got." She sat down at the piano, and let her fingers run over the keys, letting herself get reacquainted with the feel, greeting them like old friends. She took a deep breath, and then, suddenly, a song came to her. Smiling, she started to play.

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"So I'm guessing she hasn't forgiven you yet," George remarked as he walked into the kitchen.

Fred shrugged and moodily stirred his cup of hot chocolate with his finger. "I'm giving it time," he muttered.

George nodded. "Wise choice." He grinned. "I heard Harry giving you an earful."

"Can't say I blame him," Fred said grimacing. "He thinks of Claire as a sister and I know how we'd feel if he ever hurt Ginny."

"Well of course," George nodded. "But I know we'd all want Ginny to be with Harry rather than any of the wankers she dated at Hogwarts."

"Yeah," Fred agreed. "We know he can protect her."

George nodded. "Exactly." He grinned. "Remember that bloke that grabbed Ginny's rear in the pub a few months back? Ginny still won't tell me the whole story but I believe it involved a nasty little hex with painful rupturing boils on his...er...nether-regions." He shuddered dramatically and Fred glared at him.

"Remind me not to get on Harry's bad side."

Fred grimaced and instinctively covered himself protectively. While Harry as an Auror was pretty dangerous, Harry as a protective boyfriend (and apparently adoptive brother) was downright lethal.

Fred opened his mouth to make a snarky reply when they heard soft music coming from another room. The twins looked at each other in confusion.

"What's that?" George said, looking around Fred to peer into the next room.

As if pulled by some invisible force, Fred walked into the sitting room and found Claire playing the old muggle piano. Sirius was sitting on the couch and motioned for them to be quiet.

Claire didn't seem to even notice them; she was so intent on her music.

Fred was amazed at the transformation. The music seemed to deeply calm her and she smiled.

She has dimples in her cheeks, Fred realized. How have I never noticed that?

Then to his astonishment, her low hum, turned into a song.

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I can't believe this moment's come

It's so incredible that we're alone

There's so much to be said and done

It's impossible not to be overcome

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Her voice was incredible. He looked over at his twin and saw that George had the same awestruck expression that he was probably wearing.

Her voice started quiet and seemed to grow with confidence. She didn't seem to mind that she had an audience, she just let the music take her away, and Fred could feel himself letting go as well.

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Will you forgive me if I feel this way

Cuz we've just met - tell me that's OK

So take this feeling'n make it grow

Never let it - never let it go

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Claire barely acknowledged the large audience that she had acquired. Then again, she realized, it was nice to not care about the how and the why. She just wanted to feel. Suddenly her eyes snapped up and immediately locked onto Fred's. Fred couldn't look away. His heart slammed in his chest as he looked back at her. Back into those violet eyes that seemed so open at that moment. To Fred it seemed like that just for a few moments, she was letting down her walls. She was letting him - and only him - see her. And at that moment, Fred felt true magic. The kind of magic that was never taught to him in a classroom.

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(Dont let go of the things you believe in)

You give me something that I can believe in

(Dont' let go of this moment in time)

Go of this moment in time

(Don't let go of things that you're feeling)

I can't explain the things that I'm feeling

(Dont' let go)

No, I won't let go

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Claire couldn't look away, even if she wanted to. He was staring at her, his brown eyes soft, yet probing. She knew she was letting herself go. It was such a terrifying concept, yet at the moment, she couldn't stop the feelings rushing through her, and for once she didn't care.

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Now would you mind if I bared my soul

If I came right out and said you're beautiful

Cuz there's something here I can't explain

I feel I'm diving into driving rain

You get my senses running wild

I can't resist your sweet, sweet smile

So take this feeling'n make it grow

Never let it - never let it go

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Tendrils of golden heat flickered in the room, making it almost hard to breathe. The tendrils floated from the tips of her fingers, floating across the room, and Fred gasped as an electric shock coarsed through his body. The tendrils tightened, the connection between them growing taught. Magic flew through the connection, threatening to choke him.

He could feel everything. It was as if all of his senses were on overload. He could smell nothing but the sweet scent of roses, hear nothing but the piano and the sound of her voice, see nothing but brown hair, and violet eyes, feel nothing but the pounding of his heart.

Fred saw fear flicker in her eyes as she realized what was happening, confusion written on her face. For just a moment he wondered if she was going to shut herself down again. But she stayed strong, and allowed a small smile for him. Fred smiled slightly back at her, trying to ignore the intense feelings that were scaring the daylights out of him.

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I've been waiting all my life

To make this moment feel so right

The feel of you just fills the night

So c'mon - just hold on tight

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The song ended and the haze in his head seemed to clear. She ended the song, and the room broke out into applause. Claire was startled as she saw not only Sirius, Fred and George in the room, but also Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

"Claire, darling!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed. "That was beautiful. Simply beautiful!"

"That really was awesome," Ginny said, grinning.

Claire smiled slightly. "Thanks...I guess," she said weakly.

Before she could say anything more, Fred came up and grabbed her by the elbow.

"What just happened?" he whispered shakily. "What did you just do?"

"I have no idea," Claire said honestly, just as shaken. "I'm just as confused as you are. Some kind of...fae magick maybe."

"So you ensorcelled me or something?" Fred said, feeling somewhat panicked by the intense feelings still coursing through his veins.

"Of course not!" Claire snapped. She sighed and rubbed her forehead. "I wasn't in control of it at all."

Fred looked like he wanted to say something else but Sirius walked up to them.

Sirius smiled. "So I was right. Just like your mother."

Claire shook her head. "Hopefully not," she muttered. She looked at Sirius. "This might sound strange, but..." she stumbled over the words. "Was I... normal?" Sirius looked confused for a moment and Claire rushed to explain herself. "I mean, did you feel anything…well…strange…when I played?"

Sirius had a very far-away look in his eyes.

It can't be... he thought, dazedly. He remembered all too well when he was 16 and his life had changed. Arianna started singing, and the world had...disappeared somehow. Even now, years later, he remembered all the feelings so vividly, although the whole experience still seemed like a dream. He looked over at Fred, who looked as if he had been punched in the stomach.

Well what do you know? he thought.

"Why do you ask?" he asked carefully.

Claire looked a bit frightened. "Oh nothing. Forget I asked." Her eyes darted over to Fred and Sirius inwardly sighed.

I'm just getting used to the whole father thing, he thought. I have no clue how to deal with this. He sighed again. Who am I to deny that kind of magic? I should know better than anyone that it's undeniable..."

He smiled, remembering. "You know, she played the piano in the Gryffindor common room on Christmas one year. When she played..." he broke off. He suddenly looked over at Fred, who couldn't help but overhear their conversation. He smiled knowingly. "It was then that I knew I was in love with her."

Fred's heart raced as Claire looked over at him, an unreadable expression on her face.

I think I know the feeling. . . he thought to himself.

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Claire sighed as she leaned against the cool porch beam. She reached out her hand, feeling the cool raindrops soothe the heat of her skin. A heat she hadn't been able to get rid of since she had stopped playing the piano.

"You're going to catch a cold if you're not careful," said a voice from behind her.

Claire barely flinched when she heard his voice. Funny, how she could sense his presence now. She smiled slightly.

"I'm tougher than I look," she said.

Fred smiled slightly. "You don't have to convince me of that." He stepped up beside her, leaning against the railing.

They stood there in a surprisingly comfortable silence until finally Fred spoke.

"Everyday I learn something new about you," he said quietly. He smiled slightly. "You were incredible in there."

She blushed slightly. "Thank you," she said.

Fred sighed and opened his mouth again, but Claire cut him off again. "I know you want to apologize, Fred. But it's not necessary." She smiled at him softly. "It's all forgiven."

Fred sighed. Somehow he knew she would say that.

"I don't deserve it," he whispered. He shook his head grimacing. "I've been a prat to you these last few days." He ran his hand through his hair.

"It's just – well, I knew you had a lot to think about since we got back from Catara. I wanted to give you the space to do that without any other…" he blushed slightly, stumbling over his words. "…Outside distraction."

Claire furrowed her brow. "Is that what you think you are, Fred? A distraction?"

Fred was silent. He didn't think it was necessary to repeat what Firenze had said.

"It's not true," she said quietly, laying her hand on his arm. "If anything, you've saved my sanity." She chuckled quietly. "There are some days where I forget that I'm half-human." She smiled. "Truthfully, it's nice to feel the humanity. It's nice to remember that there is a part of me that is allowed to laugh, to cry, to hurt." She frowned. "The fae don't have that luxury. They are very…controlled." She squeezed his arm. "But now I have my human best friends, who I've come to trust and love more than anything."

Fred grimaced. "And yet I'm doing a good job of betraying that trust."

Claire smiled. "I wouldn't say that," she said. "People make mistakes. Another beauty of being human."

Fred turned to her, looking her in the eyes. "I know you don't think it's necessary, but I'm going to say it anyway." He took her hands.

"Claire," he said. "I am so sorry for what I said and what you overheard with Gwendolyn. You are most definitely not a charity case, and it pissed me off that she would even suggest a thing like that."

Claire opened her mouth to say something else but Fred held up a finger.

"I'm also sorry that I was a prat to you the other morning when you were just trying to help. I'm sorry for the rude things that Gwen says to you." He sighed. "I'm sorry for making a big mess of things."

Claire smiled softly. "It's alright, Fred. I forgive you for everything." She squeezed his hand. "Does this mean we're friends again?" she asked hopefully.

Fred smiled. "Definitely friends." He ignored the painful pang in his chest.

They heard Ginny from inside calling for Claire. Claire smiled.

"I'm glad we talked, Fred," she said.

"Me too," Fred said softly, as she walked back inside. He sighed, looking out into the Burrow's large garden.

He was glad that he and Claire were back on good terms. He was happy that he had finally gotten over his selfish impulses and let her back in.

It's not enough, a little voice in his head whispered.

He knew it was his own fault he was staring at this big mess. There were so many other things he needed to say to her, so many things he still needed to figure out himself.

He wasn't quiet sure what he should have done in that moment. But he knew what he wanted to do. He wanted to call out to her before she walked away. He wanted to pull her close and feel those sweet lips against his again. He wanted to hold her face, look into those beautiful eyes, and tell her…

Tell her what? Fred snorted. You can't even figure out what you feel.

So for now, he was just running in place, watching her take her heart and walk away.

Fred sighed. He had a bad feeling that time was going to run out for him.

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Hey guys – Ok so there's some MAJOR editing going on as you can tell. I've split this last chapter into 2 chapters and added some more Fred/Claire angst (which you can't tell me you don't love).

The song that Claire played at the beginning of the chapter was "Don't Let Go," by Bryan Adams and Sarah McLachlan.

However, in the last part of this chapter, I thought of the song "The Mess I Made" by Parachute. I was agonizing over how to finish this chapter – it just felt too rushed and incomplete to me. Suddenly this song popped in my head and I thought it was perfect for Fred's situation. I highly recommend that you listen to the song while reading the last part…I think it's effective ; )