Summary: Angelina and Fred's relationship a year after the Yule Ball ( 7th
year, I think). Things aren't exactly going great.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of J.K Rowling's characters. Although, I do own Julian Casablancas of the Strokes. what's that? Sorry, I don't own him either. Just this story. * Sigh *.
A/N: Single quotes (' ') represent thoughts.
Chapter 1: Angelina and Fred
"All right, then."
That wasn't the answer Angelina Johnson had expected to use to answer her first invitation to the ball. But then, she hadn't expected to be asked by a yell across the Gryffindor common room. She had seen the muggle movies, after all, and that was never how it was done. She had always envisioned roses, kisses, and "I love you's" for something as important and groundbreaking as a date to the dance.
Angelina Johnson was a hopeless romantic.
Brown skin coupled with dark hair, her father always called her his little chocolate. Fred Weasley loved chocolate. And, apparently, he loved Angelina, too.
Not that she had ever heard it from him. It was her friends who constantly reminded her of Fred's adoration. Angelina believed them, but sometimes, considering how little had happened in the last year, it was easy to doubt it. After a quick kiss at the end of the Yule Ball, it seemed Fred and Angelina were back where they started.
Now, one year later, they had never officially started going out, never even had a date alone. Yet everyone knew they were an item. Fred ate with Angelina at meals, partnered her in class, and delivered unbelievable kisses when the two were alone. He wasn't a big fan of public displays of affection. And Angelina could accept that.
But she couldn't accept this.
* * * * Flashback * * * *
When Angelina had commented to Fred that the two of them were rarely alone, he merely laughed.
"Why would you want to be alone for? It's great hanging with the gang." He said distractedly, sorting through pages of notes.
"I know," Angelina said, slightly uncomfortable. She suddenly wished she hadn't said anything. "But.."
Fred sighed, finally looking up from his charms essay and giving her his full attention.
"What is this really about?" he shot her a quizzical glance.
"I just. want to. act more like, you know, a couple." She finally got out. She didn't really know what she was afraid of, but the words still had trouble coming out. He laughed.
"Is that all? Well, whatever makes you happy, I guess." He shrugged. " Let's meet on Saturday, an hour before breakfast. We can hang out near the lake. Alone." He added the last part with an amused smirk, as if her request to be alone was an absurd one. Angelina was ecstatic. A chance to be with Fred, to talk. But then she had another thought.
"It's supposed to rain on Saturday." She sighed. "How will we meet outside?"
Fred straightened, looking at his girlfriend seriously.
"I'll meet you there anyway."
Angelina grinned. Now that was the romantic Fred she knew was there somewhere. A scene in the rain sounded just like one of her favorite movies.
"Anyways," Fred continued, suddenly looking hurried. "I've really got to talk to George,." he continued talking, mostly to himself, shuffling papers anxiously. Before she had time to snap Fred out of his reverie, he was across the room, talking urgently to his twin. Angelina smiled. Fred's bond with his twin was an amazing one.
Sighing, she finally sat down to finish her own Charms essay, resisting the urge to sneak a peek at what Fred had written. He was much smarter than people gave him credit for, and Angelina usually loved a chance to copy.
But at the moment, she was wrapped up in a cotton candy dream of the time she would spend with Fred on the weekend.
'Finally, ' she had thought. 'Maybe life is like the movies after all.'
* * * * End Flashback * * * *
'Yes.' She had thought with a bitter laugh. 'This is just like the movies. Any moment now there will be the dramatic scene in which Fred comes out, laughing, telling me that our entire relationship has been the result of a bet. What a jerk.'
Angelina winced. No matter how hurt she was, it still killed to think of Fred in a cruel way. Besides, Angelina knew the truth. Fred had not stood her up, he had merely forgotten her. And the fact that she didn't even matter enough to him to be remembered was worse than being purposely stood up.
Sighing, Angelina walked to the lake and threw her feet in. It was Saturday, and breakfast would be over in a few minutes. Angelina had barely been able to sleep the night before due to anticipation of a real, true date with Fred. He had said to meet her at seven am. She therefore woke up at five thirty. She took a long, calming bath, let her hair hang down instead of in its usually braid, and put on just enough casual make- up. This was pretty big for her, considering she usually took all of ten minutes to get ready.
Rain pelted Angelina like sharp icicles, and similar drops fell from the clouds that were her eyes. Despite the temperature, which was below twenty degrees, and the frozen rain, Angelina did not feel cold. All she felt was the naked, ached pain of someone coming to a horrible realization.
' Maybe this is my fault,' she thought, desperately trying to find some possible explanation that would explain to her what was happening. 'Maybe I was stupid to believe that he would come out in the rain.' she paused for a moment, playing with the idea. Did Fred even like the rain? Come to think of it, why didn't she know? All of the other couples knew their significant others like the backs of their hand. Why, even George Weasley could tell you in a heartbeat what his girlfriend Alicia Spinnet's favorite color, flower, and time of the year.
She shook her head. 'I have no idea with Fred. I don't know what he wants or needs because he never talks to me.'
* * * Flashback * * * *
The end of sixth year: Train ride home
All of the gang was excited. Oliver Wood was planning to meet his girlfriend Katie Bell at the Quidditch World Cup, where he would to introduce her to his parents. George Weasley had presented Alicia with a bouquet of daffodils. Neither of the two couples were really interested in anyone else in the world.
Angelina glanced at Fred, who was looking uncharacteristically sulky, sending dirty looks at Alicia when she wasn't looking. Angelina knew that he felt jealous of someone else occupying large amounts of his twin's time. However, she felt like screaming. Couldn't he take a break from George to talk to his own girlfriend? He would usually sit down and chat every once in a while, and jump up guiltily when he realized that he was not with George.
Who loved their brother that dearly?
Never one to sit back and wait, Angelina ignited a conversation, but it was that of two polite strangers, not lovers that would be separated for three months. They talked of the weather, the winning Quidditch team. Nothing of real importance. Fred broke the awkward silence with an aggravated sigh. He walked calmly out of the compartment, and returned silently, taking up his seat. Angelina gave him a questioning look.
"Is something wrong?" she asked simply. Fred didn't look at her.
"Your damn right there is, but we can't talk about it now." He said with a smile. Angelina, instead of being offended at his rudeness, giggled. It was Fred's turn to look confused.
"I'm sorry," Angelina said between laughs. "It's just that. that's a line from Tiny Vessels, and I was just listening to that song before we left!" She suddenly stopped laughing, wondering if Fred's quote had been intentional, if he even knew the song, or if he really was angry. When she looked at him, though, she was relieved to see he was smiling.
"You listen to Death Cab For Cutie?" he grinned. "I know they aren't, like, completely obscure, but I haven't met anyone in the castle who listens to good Muggle music."
Angelina was thrilled, and the two discussed bands for the rest of the trip. Fred had even invited his girlfriend to see a concert with him this summer.
I bought two tickets and then George tells me he hates them. " Fred broke off suddenly, that same guilty look on his face, as though he had committed a serious act of betrayal.
"Oh, sorry Angelina. I d-don't think I can see you this summer after all." Fred stopped lost in his thoughts. Angelina hid her crushing disappointment behind a smile and a 'I don't mind. I'll send you an owl sometime.'
Fred had merely nodded absently at her, than walked out of the compartment and Angelina' life for three months without so much as a good- bye.
* * * End Flashback * * * *
Angelina wiped her final tears away, rang out her soaking hair, and trudged morosely up to the castle.
I can't do this anymore.
* * * * * * * * * *
A/n: So, any thoughts? Any at all? In the next few chapters, you'll find out why Fred is feeling guilty about George. Guilty enough to stand up our beloved protagonist Angelina? Better be good Fred..
Anywayz, I'm going to continue this story despite any flames, so ha. However, I am absolutely dying for feedback, constructive criticism is not only accepted, it is very much needed. If you have any ideas at all, please review.
Thanks, all!
Disclaimer: I don't own any of J.K Rowling's characters. Although, I do own Julian Casablancas of the Strokes. what's that? Sorry, I don't own him either. Just this story. * Sigh *.
A/N: Single quotes (' ') represent thoughts.
Chapter 1: Angelina and Fred
"All right, then."
That wasn't the answer Angelina Johnson had expected to use to answer her first invitation to the ball. But then, she hadn't expected to be asked by a yell across the Gryffindor common room. She had seen the muggle movies, after all, and that was never how it was done. She had always envisioned roses, kisses, and "I love you's" for something as important and groundbreaking as a date to the dance.
Angelina Johnson was a hopeless romantic.
Brown skin coupled with dark hair, her father always called her his little chocolate. Fred Weasley loved chocolate. And, apparently, he loved Angelina, too.
Not that she had ever heard it from him. It was her friends who constantly reminded her of Fred's adoration. Angelina believed them, but sometimes, considering how little had happened in the last year, it was easy to doubt it. After a quick kiss at the end of the Yule Ball, it seemed Fred and Angelina were back where they started.
Now, one year later, they had never officially started going out, never even had a date alone. Yet everyone knew they were an item. Fred ate with Angelina at meals, partnered her in class, and delivered unbelievable kisses when the two were alone. He wasn't a big fan of public displays of affection. And Angelina could accept that.
But she couldn't accept this.
* * * * Flashback * * * *
When Angelina had commented to Fred that the two of them were rarely alone, he merely laughed.
"Why would you want to be alone for? It's great hanging with the gang." He said distractedly, sorting through pages of notes.
"I know," Angelina said, slightly uncomfortable. She suddenly wished she hadn't said anything. "But.."
Fred sighed, finally looking up from his charms essay and giving her his full attention.
"What is this really about?" he shot her a quizzical glance.
"I just. want to. act more like, you know, a couple." She finally got out. She didn't really know what she was afraid of, but the words still had trouble coming out. He laughed.
"Is that all? Well, whatever makes you happy, I guess." He shrugged. " Let's meet on Saturday, an hour before breakfast. We can hang out near the lake. Alone." He added the last part with an amused smirk, as if her request to be alone was an absurd one. Angelina was ecstatic. A chance to be with Fred, to talk. But then she had another thought.
"It's supposed to rain on Saturday." She sighed. "How will we meet outside?"
Fred straightened, looking at his girlfriend seriously.
"I'll meet you there anyway."
Angelina grinned. Now that was the romantic Fred she knew was there somewhere. A scene in the rain sounded just like one of her favorite movies.
"Anyways," Fred continued, suddenly looking hurried. "I've really got to talk to George,." he continued talking, mostly to himself, shuffling papers anxiously. Before she had time to snap Fred out of his reverie, he was across the room, talking urgently to his twin. Angelina smiled. Fred's bond with his twin was an amazing one.
Sighing, she finally sat down to finish her own Charms essay, resisting the urge to sneak a peek at what Fred had written. He was much smarter than people gave him credit for, and Angelina usually loved a chance to copy.
But at the moment, she was wrapped up in a cotton candy dream of the time she would spend with Fred on the weekend.
'Finally, ' she had thought. 'Maybe life is like the movies after all.'
* * * * End Flashback * * * *
'Yes.' She had thought with a bitter laugh. 'This is just like the movies. Any moment now there will be the dramatic scene in which Fred comes out, laughing, telling me that our entire relationship has been the result of a bet. What a jerk.'
Angelina winced. No matter how hurt she was, it still killed to think of Fred in a cruel way. Besides, Angelina knew the truth. Fred had not stood her up, he had merely forgotten her. And the fact that she didn't even matter enough to him to be remembered was worse than being purposely stood up.
Sighing, Angelina walked to the lake and threw her feet in. It was Saturday, and breakfast would be over in a few minutes. Angelina had barely been able to sleep the night before due to anticipation of a real, true date with Fred. He had said to meet her at seven am. She therefore woke up at five thirty. She took a long, calming bath, let her hair hang down instead of in its usually braid, and put on just enough casual make- up. This was pretty big for her, considering she usually took all of ten minutes to get ready.
Rain pelted Angelina like sharp icicles, and similar drops fell from the clouds that were her eyes. Despite the temperature, which was below twenty degrees, and the frozen rain, Angelina did not feel cold. All she felt was the naked, ached pain of someone coming to a horrible realization.
' Maybe this is my fault,' she thought, desperately trying to find some possible explanation that would explain to her what was happening. 'Maybe I was stupid to believe that he would come out in the rain.' she paused for a moment, playing with the idea. Did Fred even like the rain? Come to think of it, why didn't she know? All of the other couples knew their significant others like the backs of their hand. Why, even George Weasley could tell you in a heartbeat what his girlfriend Alicia Spinnet's favorite color, flower, and time of the year.
She shook her head. 'I have no idea with Fred. I don't know what he wants or needs because he never talks to me.'
* * * Flashback * * * *
The end of sixth year: Train ride home
All of the gang was excited. Oliver Wood was planning to meet his girlfriend Katie Bell at the Quidditch World Cup, where he would to introduce her to his parents. George Weasley had presented Alicia with a bouquet of daffodils. Neither of the two couples were really interested in anyone else in the world.
Angelina glanced at Fred, who was looking uncharacteristically sulky, sending dirty looks at Alicia when she wasn't looking. Angelina knew that he felt jealous of someone else occupying large amounts of his twin's time. However, she felt like screaming. Couldn't he take a break from George to talk to his own girlfriend? He would usually sit down and chat every once in a while, and jump up guiltily when he realized that he was not with George.
Who loved their brother that dearly?
Never one to sit back and wait, Angelina ignited a conversation, but it was that of two polite strangers, not lovers that would be separated for three months. They talked of the weather, the winning Quidditch team. Nothing of real importance. Fred broke the awkward silence with an aggravated sigh. He walked calmly out of the compartment, and returned silently, taking up his seat. Angelina gave him a questioning look.
"Is something wrong?" she asked simply. Fred didn't look at her.
"Your damn right there is, but we can't talk about it now." He said with a smile. Angelina, instead of being offended at his rudeness, giggled. It was Fred's turn to look confused.
"I'm sorry," Angelina said between laughs. "It's just that. that's a line from Tiny Vessels, and I was just listening to that song before we left!" She suddenly stopped laughing, wondering if Fred's quote had been intentional, if he even knew the song, or if he really was angry. When she looked at him, though, she was relieved to see he was smiling.
"You listen to Death Cab For Cutie?" he grinned. "I know they aren't, like, completely obscure, but I haven't met anyone in the castle who listens to good Muggle music."
Angelina was thrilled, and the two discussed bands for the rest of the trip. Fred had even invited his girlfriend to see a concert with him this summer.
I bought two tickets and then George tells me he hates them. " Fred broke off suddenly, that same guilty look on his face, as though he had committed a serious act of betrayal.
"Oh, sorry Angelina. I d-don't think I can see you this summer after all." Fred stopped lost in his thoughts. Angelina hid her crushing disappointment behind a smile and a 'I don't mind. I'll send you an owl sometime.'
Fred had merely nodded absently at her, than walked out of the compartment and Angelina' life for three months without so much as a good- bye.
* * * End Flashback * * * *
Angelina wiped her final tears away, rang out her soaking hair, and trudged morosely up to the castle.
I can't do this anymore.
* * * * * * * * * *
A/n: So, any thoughts? Any at all? In the next few chapters, you'll find out why Fred is feeling guilty about George. Guilty enough to stand up our beloved protagonist Angelina? Better be good Fred..
Anywayz, I'm going to continue this story despite any flames, so ha. However, I am absolutely dying for feedback, constructive criticism is not only accepted, it is very much needed. If you have any ideas at all, please review.
Thanks, all!
