CHAPTER 36 – PROPOSITION
It was a little after nine in the evening. I had managed to covertly sneak out of my common room without being noticed by my fellow Hufflepuffs. Most students were in their dorms now, most likely studying for the pending exams that were to take place after the weekend. The remaining students were scattered half hazard in front of the roaring fire in Hufflepuffs cosy main living area; gossiping with friends, playing board games, reading.
The soft glow from the fire and mounted candles on the walls ensured that my subtle stumbling attempt at a stealth escape was not blatantly obvious to those who bothered to look behind them. The room's orange glow cast shadows that blanketed my path to freedom.
Not that it was exactly forbidden that I was to leave at this time, curfew wasn't for another hour but the fact remained that I did not want to be seen leaving in the first place because I wouldn't be returning before curfew began.
I wasn't planning on returning at all this evening.
After dinner and after George had left Fred and I in peace at the table. I was able to frustratingly poke my big mouthed boyfriend in the side repeatedly for his inappropriate over share with his brother on my libidinous affairs that I had hoped would have been kept between us.
Fred's defence was to attack my weakness; he bore those huge brown eyes of his into mine imploringly, beseeching forgiveness.
I of course caved.
I loved his eyes.
But I wouldn't forget, as soon as we were properly alone the subject would be brought up once more.
Before we parted ways in order for me to get some of my own studying done he'd asked me one question.
"Tonight...your place or mine?" he whispered suggestively in his delicious velvet voice.
My heart did a little nervous flutter.
I'd asked him with wicked fascination how I was supposed to sneak myself into his dorm never mind Gryffindors domain?
But Fred only laughed in light amusement at my naivety.
He had no intention of me crossing the threshold of Gryffindor, 'too risky' he'd insisted.
Instead I was to report to somewhere that no one would find either of us in a compromising position. I was to report to Weasley HQ.
That is how I found myself standing outside his secret headquarters, dressed in black denims and black hooded top, I'd even went as far as black ballet flats, overacting just a tad perhaps. My desperation to not be noticed would in fact do the opposite if one of the teachers were to pass me on the way as I'd scuttled along passageways guiltily.
Glancing behind me more times than necessary, I did what needed to be done to grant myself access to Fred's hidden quarters.
When I heard the door click behind me and the sound of the gargoyle slip back into place I finally relaxed.
Mission accomplished.
Pulling my wand from my pocket I uttered the word that would ease me along the dark damp passageway to Fred.
"Lumos" I whispered and the white glow guided me effortlessly.
When I saw the orange glow ahead of me after a short walk I distinguished the light from my wand.
On entering Weasley HQ I could see that the crackling fire offered the only light available. It was enough though, it was comforting and romantic.
I was not alone either, seated in one of the two seats I saw Fred. He was facing the dancing flames, his hair hung like liquid gold to his shoulders in the rich firelight.
I slowly approached him from behind, holding my breath. I paused only inches from him and as I leaned in to inhale him before resting my lips in his hair he spoke...
"I'm not Fred, but feel free to kiss my hair all you want..." George's familiar deep voice rang, catching me off guard.
I stumbled back awkwardly and smacking my elbow off a book case in the process.
"Ouch" I wailed.
George whipped his head around sharply but only laughed when he realised I hadn't done myself any real damage.
Damn him. He looks just like Fred from the back, well of course he does Knight! I mentally lectured myself.
George stood and approached me tentatively; he still had a big grin on his face.
"Seriously Knight, you are ridiculously clumsy" his voice was light hearted and relaxed.
"What are you doing here?" my question came out a little too clipped, more like an accusation.
George glanced at me bewildered.
"I mean, you scared me..." I emphasised, clutching my chest. "I was expecting Fred" I finished.
"Don't worry Knight, I won't tell him you tried to make out with my hair, we'll keep that little gem between us..." he teased sardonically while tapping his index finger against the side of his nose.
I frowned at him.
"You're an ass" I laughed in frustration.
"Yeah I know..." he shrugged, still smiling.
He grabbed my elbow and gave it a squeeze.
"You'll live" he muttered, before gently releasing it.
I rubbed it a couple of times before glancing up at him once more.
"So where's Fred?" I asked curiously.
"Oh he's coming, and I'm just leaving" he winked.
"Sorry" I apologised. "I didn't mean to be rude, I mean this is your place and I don't want you to feel like you have to leave, and..."
"Knight" he cut in sharply, silencing me in the process.
"Zip it" he motioned his fingers across his mouth. "You know you think too much" he smiled.
"I do?" I asked in confusion.
"Glad you agree with me..." he teased back, making me smile.
"You're an arse" I laughed and swatted his arm.
He put his hand up in defence.
"Right, I'm off before you assault me any further. I don't want the wrath of Fred, besides, I'm sure you two have lots to discuss" his mouth turning up at one side, revealing a crooked grin which looked exceptionally like his brothers.
He turned abruptly making his way to leave.
"Hang on...not so fast" I barked gently.
He paused and glanced over his shoulder at me.
"Lot's to discuss? What's that supposed to mean?" I asked curiously.
He just shrugged.
"Don't ask me Knight, ask your boyfriend" he beamed a little too much for my liking.
"Sharing secrets again are you?" I accused, trying my hardest to appear agitated but it was impossible to think that way about George.
He was so infectiously amusing and mischievous. I don't think he had a bad bone in his body.
George surprised me by biting his lip and looking a little sheepish.
"We're twins...we talk about things, what do you expect?" he muttered.
My lips parted into an 'o' when I realised what he was actually saying to me.
Fred confided in George about everything...everything that went on between us. That meant whatever we did in private, George new about it.
I felt my face flush because he was more or less confirming all my previous suspicions.
Okay this was awkward
"Don't go all weird on me Knight...it's not a big deal" he shrugged, trying to lighten the mood.
"What does he tell you...?" I mumbled, curiosity getting the better of me.
George gave me an incredulous look.
"You don't seriously want to have that conversation with me do you?" he asked cynically.
Did I?
"I just...want to know what he's thinking." I whispered embarrassed.
"About you?" he reiterated.
"About what he wants, and um...when he wants it..." by the end of the sentence I was barely coherent.
I can't believe I was trying to have a conversation with George about sex.
This was so awkward and maybe really inappropriate.
George paused and then turned to fully face me. He glanced over his shoulder quickly to ensure there was no one, most likely Fred approaching before he decided to carefully proceed.
"Look Claudia...he tells me things, he doesn't tell me everything in excruciating detail so stop looking at me like I'm some kind of pervert" his tone was light, he didn't seem offended.
"I don't think you're a pervert George" I stuttered.
George sighed and looked at me like I was so delicate, so innocent.
He scratched his temple a couple of times before proceeding.
"He cares about you deeply. He's not in a rush to push you. This is your first serious relationship..." he began.
"It's his first serious relationship too" I cut in boldly.
I wasn't the only learner here
"Yeah, you're right. But I'm talking more physically speaking..." he emphasised before chewing on the side of his mouth.
My tummy was twisting anxiously at discussing such things with Fred's own twin of all people. But not only that, I wasn't used to talking about such personal issues with someone other than Sophie or someone of the opposite sex who was not my actual boyfriend. But who else could I ask? I wasn't really up to having a sex talk with Bobby to discover the male's perception of the situation.
Despite how overwhelmingly uncomfortable this was, the one thing I could trust from George was his discretion and him not to judge me in any way, based on our strange but treasured friendship to date.
"What is it you want to ask me Knight?" George encouraged as he watched me patiently.
"I don't know what I'm doing sometimes..." I mumbled in frustration.
"Yes you do" he smiled subtly.
I rolled my eyes but continued.
"Sometimes I'm in such a rush for more and he's always trying to stall me...says I'm not ready for him. That he needs to hold back and then he gives me this look like I have no idea what he's actually capable of" the words began to pour from my mouth in a sudden verbal purge.
George seemed to think for a minute.
"Maybe you don't have any idea what he's capable of. He's changed a lot for you Claudia. Fred has an excessive personality in all aspects of his life; you should know that more than most. It wasn't so long ago that I came across the two of you in here and the place was torn apart and you were covered in ...well, I think we both know what I'm talking about" he was suddenly very serious now.
"But he was different then, he was volatile but he's a lot calmer now, he would never do something like that now..." I answered confused George was even bringing it up.
He shook his head at me and pressed his lips together.
"Claudia, he's a volatile person. He hates hard and loves hard. He's excessive and you are...you're so fragile. If he wants to take things at his pace then let him do that one thing, because it won't always be that way for him" he explained.
I stared at him with wide eyes; the meaning of his words was beginning to sink in. He was trying to tell me that Fred was rapaciously domineering. George was warning me.
And then everything was clearer and I saw them both for who they were as twins and realised how they actually balanced each other out.
George was quiet, gentle and patient. He thought before he spoke, he was the thinker he was the guardian.
Fred was emphatic, rough and passionate. He was brave and leapt into situations feet first, he didn't pause and he fought hard for what he wanted and was avidly hungry for it.
They were like two sides of the one coin; both very different but the same.
"You're very quiet?" George asked concerned, as he eyed me suspiciously.
"I think I get what you're saying..." I breathed.
"And what is that?" he verified.
"I'll get what I want but it will be when he wants it..." I shuddered.
George shook his head.
"You'll get more, and you won't know what hit you" George smirked but there was an anxiousness in his eyes that was barely visible.
He was anxious for me because ultimately he saw me as the vulnerable innocent Claudia.
George suddenly froze, his whole body going ridged and then he blinked slowly.
"And that is my queue to leave..." he sighed.
"Huh?" I mumbled. I wasn't ready for him to leave. I wanted to talk more.
Why was it that every single time I had a conversation with George that he made my world make sense, it's like he forced me to open my eyes and understand a situation clearly and calmly.
I worried what kind of person Fred could have become if it wasn't for his moral and guiding brother who in turn was becoming a guide to me.
"Sometimes I think you're like 105 or something, you always make sense to me" I smiled timidly.
George returned it.
"I feel 105, Fred's my brother, what do you expect... And he's incidentally making his way along the passage behind us right now..." he grinned
"He is?"
"Twin intuition..." he chuckled, attempting to explain. "It's been a pleasure as always Knight..." he bowed his head politely.
I suppressed a laugh and smiled.
"Thanks" I mouthed silently at him.
He gave me a pointed look as if to take heed with his previous warning regarding Fred.
I nodded in return and then he was gone.
A couple of minutes later Fred's tall imposing figure entered Weasley HQ, his dark eyes instantly falling on me.
He took in my form slowly and appreciatively; a studious glare seemingly eating me up.
"Well don't you look dark and delicious..." he grinned.
I glanced down at my covert black clothing.
"Didn't want to get caught" I explained in a breath.
My stomach was pulled taught inside, Fred's eyes were drinking me in tonight and I knew that he wanted things from me this evening.
Perhaps I was in for some more skin on skin.
A nervous thrill shot down the length of my body at the mere thought of it.
"Who says you didn't get caught?" Fred taunted a dark glint in his eye.
I bit my lip and swallowed hard.
His crooked smile appeared which meant nothing but mischief.
Fred glanced around the room carefully.
"It's been a while since I had you alone here little one" he murmured quietly.
His emphasis on 'had' didn't slip past me.
I wondered what plans he had for us tonight.
But I decided to stall him.
"Did you pass George, he just left..." changing the subject.
It worked, whatever wicked thoughts Fred were thinking suddenly left his eyes.
"Yes, I saw him. Don't worry, he won't be back tonight. We won't have any interruptions..." and he took a step forward.
So much for stalling him
"I didn't expect any interruptions" I refuted boldly.
"Good...as long as we are on the same page" he smiled.
He took a few more steps, not many because it only took his long athletic legs a couple of strides to reach across the room to me.
"I like you in black" he muttered quietly as he wrapped his large arm around my waist pulling me flush against him.
My arms and hands went instinctively up to rest on his chest.
I gasped and my insides seemed to convulse then melt when his chocolate eyes seared down into mine.
"I thought you'd still be mad at me..."
Mad...Why would I be mad?
"Huh?" I mumbled.
Fred's whole body felt strong and hard and I was suddenly distracting with the overwhelming need to have his lips on mine.
"Before...at dinner?" he affirmed.
Was I mad at him?
Oh yeah...dinner...George.
"Mmmm...Its okay" too distracted now to care.
Fred shook his head at me in bemusement.
"You seem thirsty...can I help you with that?" he breathed, lowering his lips until they hovered dangerously above mine.
Yes please
All the heat in my body seemed to gravitate downwards and towards the area between my thighs.
How did he do that to me?
I merely nodded in response to his earlier question, begging him for that kiss.
He brushed his lips against mine but then suddenly pulled back.
Next thing I knew he'd unwrapped himself from me and was making his way to the other side of the room.
I stared at him confounded and a little hurt until I saw him pick up a bottle of what looked like fire whisky and then begin to pour a generous serving into two crystal glasses.
He turned, glancing back at me. I knew that look. He was an exasperating tease.
I shook my head at him.
I would get him back for that later.
He slowly approached me, a guilty smile on his handsome features and handed me the glass of dark orange liquid.
I took it from him carefully and stared into it.
"Have you ever drunk it before?" he inquired his voice was heavy and sounded seductive.
"No..." I gasped fascinated by the alcoholic beverage in my hand, "never" I added.
He held his own glass in his hand.
"Come sit with me by the fire" he ushered as he stepped backwards, placing himself in one of the old armchairs.
I did as instructed and moved to sit in the chair George had been only a short while earlier.
"No!" Fred cut in.
"Not there, here" he ordered gently as he sat down.
He wanted me to sit in his lap, with him in his chair.
I approached carefully, not wanting to spill any of the drink he'd bestowed upon me. Fred's thighs were slightly parted and he motioned for me to sit between them side on, so I could semi face him.
His muscular thigh was taught and hard, it felt like stone beneath me. The heat from the fire danced across Fred's features making him look so serenely beautiful.
I watched in fascination as he swirled the liquid in his own glass and then took a long large gulp, almost draining the entire contents.
From what I knew fire whisky was very strong.
I bit my lip nervously as he waited for me to take a sip of my own.
"Don't be afraid, it will burn a little when it runs down your throat but it will feel good..." he encouraged.
"I might get drunk" I quibbled.
"I won't let you" he whispered gently "I promise"
I brought the cool crystal to my lips and Fred watched on utterly absorbed even engrossed in my actions. I think part of him found it delightfully arousing that I was doing something I shouldn't be and he was the one who was enticing it.
I inhaled and the scent of the alcohol it assaulted my senses, it was dark and smelled like burning peat.
I tipped the glass back and the second the liquid touched my mouth I was shocked at how smooth it was. Nothing as hard as I'd expected, it tasted like earth and very smoky but when I swallowed and the fire burned down my throat I coughed abruptly.
Fred chuckled and rubbed my back.
"You okay?"
I think it was the surprise at the sensation that made me cough. I sat there and could still feel the fire working its way down my insides. It felt strange but amazing. My whole body was warm from it.
I nodded, letting him know I was fine.
He took another sip of his own, finishing the last dregs of the glass before placing it on a side table next to the chair.
It took me about four more sips before I had managed to swallow down all of mine, then I placed my empty glass next to his.
Fred watched me in silence as I did so, his dark eyes enjoying my first experience with alcohol. I stared back at him, feeling the palm of his hand rubbing circles on my thighs.
My whole body began to buzz from a mixture of the whisky and Fred's touch, I was suddenly very hot. I didn't know the true source, whether it was the fire, or Fred or the drink.
I wanted to unzip my black hooded top but then I remembered what exactly I had underneath it.
My eyes widened guiltily...nothing, nothing but a black bra.
And this time, Sophie had nothing to do with it.
I bit my lip.
"What's going on in that mind of yours little Claudia, I know that look on you" Fred threatened darkly.
I took a deep breath through my nose and out through my lips.
My pulse seemed heavy and was steadily increasing in tempo.
"Nothing..." I shuddered.
Fred smirked, his eyes appraising me.
"It's never 'nothing' with you..." he whispered.
Then he brought his hand and arm under my knees, scooping my up until I was sitting fully on his lap now, my legs hanging over the side arm of the chair.
He pulled me closer towards him as he relaxed into his seat.
"You'll taste like fire now..." he muttered.
And then he leaned forward and pressed his full lips to mine, they parted immediately because his tongue demanded entrance. He slipped it into my mouth and slowly lapped against my own, tasting his precious fire whisky.
My head fell back slightly and he brought the palm of his hand up to cradle it as he leaned forward to deepen the kiss even further.
Fred seemed to breathe into me as he kissed with fervour. I began to feel dizzy and wondered if it was the alcohol affecting me.
I felt good and relaxed, my mind was at ease and I wasn't over thinking and over processing like I normally did. I was just feeling and enjoying what he was doing to me.
I moaned into his mouth and Fred responded by pulling away only to bite gently at my bottom lip.
"Hmmmm, you taste amazing" he sighed.
I felt like I was melting into him.
My skin was flushed and I was becoming too hot.
"I'm warm" I mumbled.
Fred reached out for the zipper on my hoody, pulling it downwards before I had a chance to warn him.
He inhaled sharply when he saw what was underneath, his eyes fixated on my cleavage and then he smirked when his gaze flickered upwards and stared at me excitedly.
"Claudia Knight...are you trying to seduce me?" he teased ardently.
But his eyes burned with desire.
"I wouldn't dare..." I breathed.
"Good, because you're not ready for what I want" he groaned lowly, almost painfully.
"I wish you'd tell me what you want so I'd be better prepared when it finally came" I prevailed in a sigh.
I usually wasn't so forthcoming but with the alcohol and my conversation with George, I couldn't help myself.
Fred tilted his head and exhaled very slowly.
He brought his fingers up to just below my throat and dragged them downwards until the rested lightly between my two breasts. His touch left a trail of fire along my flesh. I was acutely aware that my breathing had become ineptly erratic.
"Let me make one thing clear to you Claudia, I will have you, I will make love to you but it will not be here...it will not be in Hogwarts"
I frowned not understanding his words.
His fingers continued to dance along my skin, stroking back and forth along my collar bone.
"I have a proposition for you...I want you to do one thing for me and I promise you that I will no longer hold back. I will give all of myself to you and take all of you in return, and I will not stop until I am satisfied...do you understand what I'm saying?" his words were carefully articulated, he was extremely serious and his eyes were soberly determined.
I wanted to say yes but in all honestly...I had no idea what he was saying.
He understood by the look of confusion that must have painted my face.
He sighed and closed his eyes slowly before focusing on me once more.
"Exams are next week and I know what your involvement with me has done to your studies..."
I opened my mouth, about to protest but his dark ominous eyes immediately silenced me.
"I want you not to tempt me Claudia...I want you to study and I want you to pass your exams. We will still spend time together for the next week or so but do no tempt me or distract me. I'm doing this for your sake" he explained.
My insides twisted, I did not care for exams and study. All I wanted was to be with him, to do wickedly ardent things with Fred.
We were running out of time. After exams, we would be finished school for the summer and I wouldn't see him, we wouldn't be together.
Before I had a chance to voice my concerns he continued calmly.
"If you do this for me then when I take you home to spend the summer at the Burrow, then I promise you we will have the freedom to do as we please, and believe me Claudia I will do whatever I please to you..." he pledged fervidly.
I gasped.
My insides lurched towards him, my eyes wide with excitement and my heart thud heavy inside my chest.
He wanted me to spend the summer with him. He promised me he'd not hold back, I was utterly terrified and intensely provoked with eagerness at the mere prospect.
"You want me to spend the summer with you...you want to take me home?" I asked, needing to hear him validation, just to ensure that it was real.
"If you agree to my terms then I demand it" he promised darkly.
I inhaled sharply.
He wasn't in a hurry because he wanted to talk me home, where he made it clear that he would have the privacy to do as he pleased.
I wondered briefly the exact details of what that would comprehend; the implications of his demands.
I didn't care. I wanted him so badly and I'd give him anything he asked for as long as we were together.
"Yes" I breathed "I promise not to tempt you, I promise to concentrate on my exams".
He nodded, and I could see in his eyes the satisfaction of my acceding to his terms.
"Good" he groaned.
Then he pulled me roughly against him.
"But we still have tonight Claudia and I'm still thirsty..." his lips were on mine a moment later.
Authors Note
I was originally not planning on updating today. It's been a hectic week and a hectic weekend. I'd not even processed the next chapter never mind began writing it but you can thank 'birthday girl' for making me squeeze this one out. She had to go make me feel all guilty and shit...lol; asking for an update on her birthday. Geez who can resist stuff like that? Not me! So happy birthday...I hope you appreciate it. I'm now hungry and want some wine. But we know its Sunday and that means work tomorrow. No wine!
Damn it.
Hey don't you little monsters start using emotional blackmail on me to make me produce chapters, this is a onetime thing...maybe, okay whatever...
Why do I have to have a conscience?
You can always try reviews...we all know that I love reviews as much as red wine. So off you go my naughty little Fred addicts and tell me your thoughts and wishes. I'd really love to hear from you.
I'm away now to consider all the dark delicious things Fred's cooking up for my dear innocent Claudia...poor wee petal won't know what's hit her when she finally gets her virginal butt to the Burrow.
Pixie