A girl's tragic past. A boy's lacklustre life. Can these two lovers save each other? From rags to riches, read more about Fred Weasley's upcoming nuptials to one of Britain's wealthiest families. Odile's holiday plans revealed! Finally, meeting the parents? We can't wait until the wedding! Read all about this and more on page 3A!

After the latest article's nonsense, Fred Weasley was utterly exhausted. He'd had a pretty lousy week overall; they'd lost the Quidditch match, he'd lost the latest gambling venture, and Odile was still ignoring him. However, all that culminated with a summoning to Headmaster Dumbledore's office. He racked his brain for the reason he'd been called there. He'd gone under the radar lately, the occasional prank, but nothing detention worthy. Merlin forbid he'd get caught in that gaudy pastel room again, clenching his teeth with the searing pain of his hand being slashed open by his own hand.

"Fred?" He turned at his name being called, and his heart jumped to his throat. Odile was staring at him in surprise, her lengthy locks tumbling down her sides. He was so used to seeing it up; it always surprised him when it was down. It was always well cared for, soft and silky with slight natural waves.

"Odile? What are you doing here?" He asked, eyeing her in confusion. She sighed and leant back against the wall next to him.

"Merlin only knows. I got a summons, and here I am. Can't tell you why, though."

"Me too." Fred mumbled, deflating against the wall beside her. There was a pause for a moment, a comfortable silence before Fred looked over at her.

"I have to admit something." Odile raised her eyebrows, glancing over at him.

"Do tell."

"Look, it's uh- I wasn't trying to pry, but uh, well, um-"

"Just spit out Fred."

"Fine! Williams, he um, he told me some things about your past. I just, well, I'm sorry about your Mum." She froze at that, her eyes icing over. He raised his eyebrows as she stood up straight up and took a step away from him.

"I don't talk about that." She finally said, avoiding all eye contact.

"Oh, yeah, we don't have to. I wasn't trying to-"

"Then don't." She said shortly, eyeing him with fury. He held up his hands in surrender and mimed zipping his mouth closed. There was a pregnant pause before she sighed and leant back against the wall once more.

"Sorry," she mumbled finally, "I just… it's not a thing I like even thinking about, let alone." She waved her hand between the two of them, and he nodded.

"It's ok, we don't need to. I'm sorry for bringing it up." He murmured, putting on his best apologetic puppy dog eyes.

"It's not your fault. I guess with my family, I have to get used to my past following me everywhere. It's just-"

"Not something you want to talk about." He finished cheekily, and she shot him a small smile. There was silence once more before he looked over at her.

"You can, though. I'm not forcing you to or even really asking but, if you ever want to, I'm here." She tensed a bit before softening again and gave him a slight nod.

"Thanks." She said finally, and he smiled, gathering up his courage to finally address what had been weighing on his mind for weeks when the entrance rumbled, and a doorway appeared between the two.

"Guess that's our cue?" Odile prompted, and Fred sighed, the conversation cut short once again.

"After you." He finally said, sweeping his hand out in a gentlemanly fashion.

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The ticking of the grandfather clock was slowly driving the two mad. The silence between them that had once been comfortable now became thick with anxiety and uncertainty. They exchanged glances as the Headmaster finally entered the room, sitting up a bit straighter. He smiled warmly at them both, and Odile felt a bit more at ease.

"Would either of you like a lemon drop?" He asked kindly, and they both shook their heads quickly. He sighed at that before picking one out of the bowl himself.

"I'm beginning to wonder why I even ask at this point; no one ever seems to want one." He muttered to himself, and Odile couldn't stop the quirk of her lips. Then, finally, he walked back over to his desk but stayed standing, causing her nerves to rack up.

She hadn't had much interaction with the Headmaster since she'd first come to the school, not even after her brawl in the Great Hall. She couldn't help but wonder if he had finally made a decision on how to punish her, and it seemed Fred had the same vein of thought. He fidged for a moment before sitting up straight.

"Professor Dumbledore, if this is about the fight, Odile and I have wholly reconciled and-"

"Forgive me, Mr Weasley, I should have clarified. Neither of you are in trouble. We all have tiffs, and given neither of you were gravely injured, I believe that the matter can be laid to rest." Odile felt relief slump her body slightly; she could imagine how her father would murder her should she be expelled. Well, that and the small fact that she finally had a little goodness in her life, even if she wasn't ready to admit it. There was silence for a moment before Odile cleared her throat, her fingers twisting on her lap.

"So, why are we here, Sir?" She ventured, and Dumbledore sat at his chair, spreading his hands conversationally.

"It seems you two have caused quite a stir in this school," he held up his hand as they opened their mouths to argue their case, "By no fault of your own, I'm sure. Sadly, in amongst these stories about Mr Potter and I's "downfall", the wizarding world seems to need a happy story of love to latch on to. Quite why they chose you two, I'm not sure."

"My stupid family name, that's why." Odile sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her forefingers. Dumbledore nodded sagely, steepling his hands in the desk.

"Family names are quite important in the wizarding community, as I'm sure you both well know. Ms Reisinger and Mr Weasley, you must understand, there are people out there who don't wish for this relationship to continue. A pureblood and, in their words, a "blood traitor" should not be together by their moral, or I suppose immoral views."

"I can't understand it; we're not even in a relationship." Odile muttered offhandedly, missing the look of longing from Fred. Dumbledore did no such thing, a small smile appearing on his lips. He too, had been in Fred's place, although long, long ago. His was not a pleasant tale; he hoped the boy would have better luck.

"Be that as it may," Dumbledore continued, not missing a beat, "If today's paper has any truth to it, I do believe it wise for you to join Mr Weasley's family for Christmas. We have ties with aurors that can help protect you both, ones that know the Burrow well. They can ward off any miscreants." Odile paled slightly when she realised that people genuinely wanted to hurt her. The unease followed with a strike of panic, and she turned to the man with a bit of urgency.

"I was hoping to visit my family this year, Professor Dumbledore, will that still be possible?" She asked, fingers drumming against her knee. He cocked his head in thought before nodding.

"I'm sure we can devise a meeting with your father-"

"No," she cried, a little too quickly. The man's eyebrows raised in surprise, and she cleared her throat before continuing, "I mean, uh, my father will be in Geneva so I'd rather not bother him; I was rather hoping to be able to see my American side of my family." Dumbledore paused for a moment, brow furrowed in thought. She squirmed in her seat slightly, the silence seeming endless.

"As much as I would like to fulfill your request Ms Reisinger, I'm afraid it would be out of the question. It's simply just too risky." He finally said, and her crestfallen expression tugged at Fred's heartstrings.

"What if I go with her?" Fred, surprising the girl, she'd almost forgotten his presence. "I mean, I'll go with her as support." She couldn't help but look at him in shock, the offer so alien to her. She rarely met anyone who stuck out their neck for her, no one outside her family, that is. She felt a smile tugging at her lips as he looked Dumbledore in the eye, stubbornness etched into his features. She liked this side of him, well to be fair, she enjoyed most sides of him. She had finally accepted that her feelings for Fred were not just friendly. Still, she wasn't sure if her feelings were one-sided or not. Fred had obviously shown interest, but she didn't want to be just another name on his list. Something about him standing up for her sparked a little hope in her chest as if maybe she wouldn't be. Still, she couldn't be sure.

"While the gesture is appreciated Mr Weasley, it would still be unwise-"

"We'll bring an Auror for extra back up. I'm sure Tonks will be up for it. You know how she loves to travel." Fred continued, cutting across the Headmaster. Dumbledore sat there for a moment, just watching the two. He had rather hoped to put the matter to rest, but it seemed that that wasn't going to be an option.

"I suppose there is no way I can convince you to forget this idea." They shook their heads in unison, causing him to let out a tired sigh.

"Alright. I should remind you that you must be very careful, listen to everything the Auror has to say. I do not say these things lightly, there is more at stake here than you might think." The two exchanged looks before nodding. It was finally setting in how dangerous their lives had just become.

"Now, Ms Reisinger, we have some things to discuss before you go home with the Weasleys. Tell me, have you ever heard of the name Sirius Black?" Odile's eyebrows shot up, and Fred sat back with a small sigh. This was going to take a while.

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The two exited the office, both lost in their own little worlds. Odile had just discovered the existence of a secret society that consisted of a former criminal who wasn't really a criminal, a werewolf, and several Aurors. On the other hand, Fred was figuring out that his life was changing more abruptly than he imagined it ever would. He glanced over at the girl, who seemed to be lost in her thoughts. He racked his brain for something that would even offer the modicum of support.

"Well, it's not all bad, Mum's cooking is fantastic." Idiot. She raised an eyebrow at him, lips quirked up.

"That's your comment, after all of that?" He shrugged, sticking his hands in his pockets.

"Well, none of that was news to me. Besides, you know what they say, always look at the bright side of life." He sang the last bit, a familiar tune that caught Odile's attention. Her eyes twinkled, and she laughed suddenly, drawing a confused look on Fred's face.

"Did you just quote Monty Python to me?" He wrinkled his brow as she continued chuckling, suddenly feeling a bit awkward.

"Uh, no. Something Dad always sings, who's Monty Python?" She grinned easily and shook her head in amusement.

"I think I'm going to like your Dad." The words were said in jest, but something about them took the breath out of him. The idea that she was meeting his family, the fact she would be his, even if only by a matter of convenience.

"I hope so." He'd meant to say it as a joke, but something about the breathlessness in his voice leant into something different. If Odile noticed, she didn't say anything, merely turned to stare at the statue. He smacked himself inwardly, missing the flush on her cheeks.

"He's feeling better I take it?" He stopped at that, a chill going down his spine. He'd barely thought of his father's accident all day, and the reminder felt like a bucket of ice water over his head.

"It was a bit touch and go for a moment there, but he's recovering alright. Bloody terrifying though, I don't know what I'd do if…" His sentence trailed off, and Fred felt raw and exposed. He had meant to make light of the situation like he did with everyone else, but something had stopped him. His eyes pricked with tears, and Fred quickly cleared his throat. He jumped slightly when he felt a hand squeeze his.

"I know. It's the worst feeling on Earth. Just sitting by and waiting for news. The uncertainty and not being able to do anything." He nodded, glancing over at her, not trusting himself to speak. She had a far off look on her face, but the hand still held his tightly. Then, finally, she looked over at him, and the vulnerability in her eyes floored him. He'd seen many sides of Odile, but this was a new one. He liked most of her sides, but the trust in this one made his heart sing.

"Just use this as an opportunity, Fred. He's going to live, and you're going to have hundreds of sunrises with him. Take all the time you can, send him all the letters you can. Just let him know how much you love him, you never know when…." Her voice tightened, and Fred felt himself move on autopilot, wrapping her in a tight hug. She froze, stiff as a board in his arms. He didn't linger, not wanting to make her feel awkward. He wiped his eyes, trying to play off the moment as one of weakness instead of one of necessity.

"Good advice." He finally said, and she smiled wryly at him. She relaxed a bit, seemingly also trying to play off the awkward moment.

"Voice of experience here, Fred." He nodded, and the silence blanketed them for a moment. Odile's mind was racing, her body still tingling from his touch. As a rule, Odile hated hugs. Or at least, hated receiving them. Hugs for her had always meant pity, or ones solely allowed from family. Fred's hug… well, it felt more than that. It wasn't pitying, it was a mutual desire for comfort, and she wasn't entirely sure how to take it.

"Odile, look there's something I wanted to talk to you about. I need to talk to you about. I-"The clock beside rung loudly, alerting them to the fact they had little time to return to their houses before curfew. She sighed, and he closed his eyes in frustration.

"Sorry Fred, can it wait? I don't want to be caught outside after hours. You know how it is." She murmured, fear lacing her tone. He sighed but nodded, smiling cheerfully as possible.

"Don't worry Odile, it's nothing that can't wait." Nothing indeed.

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Odile sighed as she headed into the bathroom, prepared for relaxation. Myrtle's haunting spot made for a quiet location; few people ever entered the bathroom out of fear. There was a spacious bathing area full of bathing salts and oils that were rarely touched. Myrtle gave her a glare when she entered, still not pleased over her last visit. It didn't bother her much; she simply nodded in lieu of a greeting and set her things down. Myrtle huffed and whizzed out of sight, leaving her in peace. She was startled when she heard a soft sob from one of the stalls and released a deep breath of annoyance. Myrtle really tested her patience at times. Still, she tried to do the right thing and wandered over to the stall.

"Myrtle, are you-" She stopped short when she saw a red-headed figure crouched in the corner. It was a young girl, but the facial features were very familiar. She felt a tug at her heart at the sight; it had not been so long ago since she'd been in the same place. Crying in the bathroom that no one entered, weeping in solace to release the emotions that swelled inside of her.

"I'm fine, just leave me alone." The girl's broken voice choked out. Odile studied her for a moment before exhaling and smiling softly. She entered the stall, scanning the girl's form. The girl's eyes were pink and puffy, looking raw and tender from being rubbed so often. Her face was blotchy, nearly matching the red on her head.

"Ginny, right?" The girl was silent but nodded, still not looking up. Odile slid down to the floor on the wall opposite the youngest Weasley.

"I'm Odile." Ginny's head peeked up slightly at that and observed the girl in front of her. Odile smiled easily at her, hoping that a friendly face would put her at ease. It seemed to do the trick, and the girl relaxed slightly. Ginny sat up a bit straighter, eyeing her with a bit of suspicion.

"You're the girl that broke Fred's nose?" Odile winced a bit before letting out a small chuckle.

"To be fair, I wasn't trying to break it. Not my fault the boy has brittle bones. I mean honestly, for a beater he can be a bit of a baby." Ginny let out a watery laugh at that, and Odile preened slightly at the noise. Laughter always sounded far better than tears. Ginny sat up a bit straighter, finally looking the other girl in the eyes.

"You know, not many people pick a fight with my brothers. They're kind of known for getting their own back. Though if George has anything to say about it, you managed to get your own as well." Odile snorted, hugging her knees closer to her chest.

"Well, you know what they say, revenge is a dish best served cold. I managed to out trick the tricksters. I did have to sit in the same room as Umbridge though. That was punishment enough." Ginny smiled before her face fell once more. Odile was glad the redness in her face was paling once more, but the silence felt a bit uncomfortable. Odile cleared her throat, regaining Ginny's attention.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Odile ventured, and Ginny shot her a look. It was clear that the girl was skirting around the issue, but Odile knew that she needed to get it out.

"Talk about what?" She asked in a tight voice. Odile rolled her eyes before sending Ginny a genuine smile.

"Whatever's bothering you. Unless you make a habit of crying in Myrtle's eternal haunting spot. Which, no judgement here, doesn't seem your speed. From what I hear, you're kind of a badass at this school. So let's talk. I'm just here to listen." Ginny sent her a slight grin, but the silence still sat. Odile was almost about to speak again when the girl let out a soft sigh.

"There's just been so much happening, and I'm so tired." Odile nodded sagely but didn't say anything. Odile hadn't been lying when she said she was just there to listen; she knew Ginny needed that right now, not futile attempts at advice.

"The attack on Dad, which… well, I don't even want to think about. Then this whole thing with Umbridge, and the amount of Gryffindors who come back to the common room with tears and bloody hands. I mean, I'm trying to help them the best I can, but it's just been so overwhelming. Then there's Harry which-"She cut off her rant suddenly, hand clasping over her mouth as if she hadn't meant to go that far. Odile smiled softly as if trying to prove she wasn't judging her.

"Potter trouble?" Ginny blushed and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

"Am I that obvious?" Odile chuckled and shook her head. She patted the girl's knee, and Ginny's flush began to recede a bit.

"No, you're really not. I hope you know that kid is blinder than a bat though, have you seen those glasses?" Ginny chuckled, and Odile joined in.

"I just don't know how to get him to notice me." Ginny sighed, pulling a hand through her hair.

"If you don't mind me giving a little bit of advice here, I'd say remember who you are. I don't know much about you Ginny; but if you're anything like the rest of your family then you're funny, wickedly smart, and kind. Pretty sure your house is known for being brave too. Don't wait around for some guy to notice you, you're too good for that. You either make him notice, or you get a guy who will. Either way, you're above pining over men who can't see a good thing in front of them. Know your worth and don't settle. Trust me, a woman with confidence and security will have people begging at their feet." Ginny grinned at that, some of the light coming back to her eyes.

"Is that what you did with Fred? That's why he talks about you so much? Glad to see the feeling is mutual." She teased, and Odile flushed immediately. Ginny raised her eyebrows in amusement as Odile scrambled for words, coughing slightly.

"I uh, I don't know what you're talking about." It was Ginny's turn to roll her eyes, looking at Odile with an evident expression.

"Anything like my family? Funny, smart, and kind? I know you haven't met my other brothers so it kind of narrows down the list. For some reason, I'm guessing your not talking about George, so it comes down to one." Odile floundered, and Ginny took pity on her, nudging the girl's leg with her own.

"I just told you the feeling was mutual, you turnip. That man is head over heels for you, and won't bloody shut up about it. Honestly, it's a bit pathetic. Please put him out of his misery." There was a pregnant pause as Odile took in the girl's words. This is what she'd been debating for weeks. Did Fred feel the same way? This was her answer, staring her in the face.

"I'll… think about it." She finally said, thoughts racing. Ginny nodded her approval; Odile's face spoke far more than her words.

"Just don't take too long. Don't get me wrong, he's not getting over you anytime soon, but he is impatient. If you don't say something soon he might drag you back into that closet and snog you until he's sure."

"You say that like it's a bad thing." Odile joked, laughing as Ginny wrinkled her nose in disgust. Odile grinned as Ginny attempted to stifle a yawn, patting her knee before standing.

"Come on sleepy, I think it's time you headed off. I still want to get my bath in here, unless you want to join?" Odile raised her eyebrows as Ginny flushed, a startled laugh falling from her lips.

"Bed sounds good. Besides, can't have you bewitching all the Weasley's can we?" Odile laughed heartily at that, and Ginny grinned as she waved her goodbye. Odile settled into the water not long after, a smile still on her lips. Life was good.

(UPDATED A/N) Ok, y'all will never convince me that Ginny Weasley is not a bi queen; I'm sorry, thems the rules. I've also been on a Monty Python binge and somehow managed to work it in here. I've been putting off updating Take Flight until I can finish these updates, but between work and doing my friend's schoolwork, it's becoming a bit more of a task than I intended. Either way, hope you enjoyed it!

THANK YOU TO monkey87 AND appsngamesetc AND amber-wa FOR FOLLOWING THIS STORY

THANK YOU TO monkey87 FOR FAVOURITING THIS STORY

THANK YOU TO monkey87 FOR THE AWESOME REVIEW

EDITED= 11/1/21