Disclaimer: JK Rowling, Warner Bros Studios, etc. own the characters in this. Sorry it took a few days to post this..I got started on the wrong foot. I had to delete the whole thing and start over. Its still halting, but at least I was able to write it! :) Let me know if timing, wording and stuff is wrong. I think its fine, but I'm a bit confused now and then.
Bounding down the staircase to Dumbledore's office, Fred had grin on his face. He was back at Hogwarts! Sobering, he knew he was here under extenuating circumstances, but he was still here. He emerged from behind the statue and grinned at Angelina. "Shall we?" he said, as he offered her his arm. Angelina took it. "Of course!" returning the grin. Fred glanced around the hallway. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Mr. Granger were all a couple feet ahead of them. Fred got a silly feeling in his stomach. It made him happy that Angelina had waited for him.
"Where are we going?" Fred inquired.
"I believe we are going to the Great Hall. It is after all, breakfast time." Angelina responded. She looked so good this morning. A good nights sleep really did wonders. Fred thought. What was he thinking! This was Angelina. His good friend from Quidditch. The one who screamed at him because he got kicked off the team for fighting two years ago. Boy, did she have a temper. It was rather scary to have seen her in 7th year. She seemed to have been given Wood's spirit. Now, it seemed, she was normal again. "Sooo...what happened to Wood's spirit? Did you give it back to him?" Fred asked.
Angelina glared at him. "For your information, Mr. Weasley, I never got Wood's spirit. I simply had a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, what with NEWTs and being captain. I had a short fuse, and I regret to say, that you bore the brunt of it. I must remark that you came out of it rather unmarked." "Oh I am marked. Just where you can't see it." Fred leered at her. "Oh Stop it!" Angelina said, shoving him away.
By this time, they had reached the Entrance hall. Fred and Angelina smiled happily, looking around at their surroundings. The last time Fred had been here, he had been flying out after quitting school because of that witch with a b instead of a w Umbridge. They had left the school in quite an uproar, if anything Ron and Ginny said was true. "Fred! Angelina! What are you guys doing here?" came a voice from behind them. They turned around to find themselves looking at Neville Longbottom, a chubby 7th year, who had also been in Dumbledore's Army, affectionately known as the DA. He had developed his skills as a wizard considerably within the club. It was a startling change. He had even fought very well at the ministry, according to Harry. They could see that his confidence had grown quite a bit. "Erm, we're here on Order business, Neville." Fred said. Brilliant, he said to himself, Neville will never question that. He knows about the order.
Just then he caught Angelina looking at him carefully. Oh no..Fred thought..she doesn't know about the order. "Order of the Phoenix, Angelina, I'll explain later, you might want to join." He muttered. "Neville, it has to do with Hermione's parents. That's her dad, there." he nodded towards Mr. Granger, who was with Hermione and Ron at the moment. "Its her mum who's in trouble." Fred didn't bother to explain what kind of trouble. "Anyways. How's 7th year. Those NEWTs are coming pretty fast aren't they?"
"Yeah..The DA's going well. We're learning all sorts of curses and stuff. Even Harry is learning some of them. The teachers have started to drop by, and they let us know about different spells that are useful. We have a meeting tonight, actually. You should drop by." Neville said, brightly.
Both Fred and Angelina had been in the DA. They looked at each other and grinned. "What time?" they chorused. "7 pm, The room of Requirement of course." Neville answered, grinning. "Are you going to eat with us?" he asked.
"Well..we already had breakfast, but...I think we could probably take some of that pumpkin juice." Fred said. Just then, they entered the Great Hall. Suddenly, their was silence. Fred glanced around, he noticed that Mr. Granger had entered, just after them, with Hermione. It was evident that it was her father, and everyone knew that Hermione was muggle-born. He grinned. Loudly, he said, "Well. Look at the greeting I'm getting. I thought you guys loved me." He pretended to pout a little. The whole Hall, with the exception of the slytherins, burst out laughing. Fred grinned. "Aww I knew you guys loved me, after all." His performance had the desired effect of taking the attention away from Mr. Granger and onto him. Hermione and Mr. Granger looked at him gratefully. It appeared that Mr. Granger had just had his taste of the magic world.
"Let's go sit with the Gryffindors," he muttered to Angelina. He grinned at Mr. Granger and beckoned him to follow. Fred and Angelina worked their way over to some free seats, constantly greeting various students from different houses. "I wonder what Malfoy thinks, with Mr. Granger here. Bet he acts like he has a stick up his ass." he muttered.
"You have a weak memory, Weasley, Malfoy always has a stick up his ass!" Angelina muttered back. Fred looked startled, and then he laughed long and loud, glancing at Malfoy, who was scowling heavily at them. "Let's hope he doesn't start anything." he said. They slid onto the bench. Leaning over to Hermione, he said "Hermione, Malfoy looks particularly grouchy, Watch your back. Angelina and I will watch your father's and ours. Alright?" He glanced towards Harry and Ron. Suddenly he brightened. "You guys. I forgot completely, but I brought some of my new spying equipment. Sort of works like a camera and tv thing that muggles have. It's in the form of a lightning bug, but I doubt Malfoy would realize that. Trouble is," Fred paused for drama, smiling wickedly, "They blow up at any point. Who says we send one over to Malfoy? Angelina here can testify to the noise and mess they make." Fred glanced at Angelina who was glaring at him. "Hey! You can!" he said. Raising his arms in protest.
"Yeah..Only 'cause you were spying on me!" Angelina retorted. Everyone looked interested at this. "She was walking down Diagon Alley and I was testing it." Fred said defensively. "Anyways, I'll send it on over to Malfoy, because, as an ex-student I doubt I can get in too much trouble. I can handle a detention, if its possible to give them to me. I have for years." Taking the device out of his robes, he muttered "ennervate" and guided it over to the slytherin table. He made sure to keep it close to Malfoy, at first moving it around his ears, but then just around him in general. Malfoy looked particularly annoyed. He tried to banish it, but it didn't work. "Did I mention that since it is under my control, it can't be banished?" he said under his breath. He kept looking at Malfoy, who suddenly looked at him. Malfoy narrowed his eyes. Fred grinned. The firefly exploded with a loud bang. Startled, Malfoy looked down, in time to catch some of the pieces of it in his face, and the wind the explosion created rumpled his hair significantly. The whole Gryffindor table burst out laughing, along with the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables. Even some slytherins not well acquainted with Malfoy, mostly first-years tried to hide their smiles. Malfoy whipped his gaze to Fred. He rose to his feet. Suddenly the Hall went silent. Malfoy stalked towards him. "You will regret this, Weasel One! I'll make sure of it." Malfoy snarled. "Really. Seeing as how I am a full wizard and you are only a student, I don't see how I will. Besides how can you prove I did it?" Fred grinned. "The rumpled, just rolled in the mud becomes you Malfoy." Malfoy let out a snarl. He whipped around and stormed out of the Great Hall.
"Fred you're gonna regret that." Hermione said, worriedly.
"Never. Whatever he does, this is worth it. I got Malfoy, in front of the entire Hogwarts Population." Fred said. "Fred..you don't know...Malfoy, he's powerful. He's fully intending to get the darkmark as soon as he gets out. His father..Fred...be careful!" Hermione said. Fred's smile vanished. "Don't worry, I'll watch my back." Fred assured her. Slowly, everyone turned back to eating. Fred caught Dumbledore's eye. He could swear that he saw the man half-smile. Fred grinned. He was back at Hogwarts, creating chaos. It had been so long since he had done that. He only wished his brother were here. They could scheme together. Suddenly a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Fred Weasley! How good to see you!" Professor Flitwick stood behind him. He was barely up to Fred's shoulder, while he was sitting. "I just wanted to say, you and George, that was an impressive swamp that you charmed in the hallway two years ago. I hadn't seen you until now. I hope you tell your brother that." he squeaked.
"Erm..Thanks Professor. It was quite simple actually. We just wanted to annoy Umbridge. We were doing our best to create havoc since Dumbledore had gone. George and I are quite loyal to him, you know." Fred said. "Of course you are. I had no doubt. In fact, the majority of teachers made it especially difficult for her. We claimed ignorance to things." Flitwick winked.
"Interesting. I had no idea." Fred said. "Yes, well, I have a class in a half hour so I really must be leaving. Once again, I must say how impressed I am with the swamp you two created." Flitwick squeaked and hurried off. Fred grinned. Flitwick had always said that they were good, but now he knew that Flitwick truly admired their ability. He was thankful they were talented in that area; it is what made them so good at creating their jokes. Angelina and Fred stood up at the same time. Losing his balance a little, he put his hand on Angelina's shoulder. She flinched. Fred frowned and glanced at her face. A confused expression lay there. He wondered what was wrong. He had barely touched her. "Mr. Granger, Angelina, I'd like to find our rooms for now. I know Hermione and the others have to get to class. We'll go to the rooms, and then, perhaps Angelina and I shall give a tour of Hogwarts to you, Mr. Granger. I know you're curious, since this is your daughter's school." Fred commented. Angelina and Mr. Granger rose. Mr. Granger hugged his daughter tightly, as if he was afraid to let her out of his sight. That was, perhaps, because he felt guilty for not being there when his wife was taken.
As Fred walked past the professors' table, he nodded to Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall. He had always had quite a bit of respect for Professor McGonagall, despite the fact that he and George had always gotten into loads of trouble with her. He knew she liked them. She was just a stickler for rules. Although they didn't see eye to eye, he enjoyed grousing at her about detentions and such. He grinned outright. He was rewarded with a slight smile and a nod in return.
He, Angelina, and Mr. Granger left the Hall. Fred immediately headed for the staircase to their right. Bounding up them, he grinned happily. "It is soo good to be here at the origin of our greatest pranks. I hear part of my swamp is still in tact. Angelina, I must insist we tour that particular hall of Hogwarts. I wish to see for myself." Fred said, happily. Mr. Granger looked at Fred. He hadn't seen him this playful and happy since that time in Diagon Alley. Hogwarts must be some place to have that kind of effect on someone after two years of being away. He glanced at Angelina. It seemed that she, too, was entirely ecstatic at being here, once again. Then again, Fred was here, and she seemed perfectly happy when he was around. He wondered if something was going on between the two. He shook his head. If it was, it wasn't his business. Besides, he had his wife to worry about. He didn't need to be thinking on how to get a young couple who were obviously made for each other together. Perhaps he could hint to Fred later. Suddenly, they were in a hallway with a statue of an ugly old woman in the middle of the hallway. Next to it was a painting, that moved! He had been lost in thought so he hadn't noticed that all the paintings moved. How interesting. He gazed at the portrait of a hideous looking man, who appeared to be quite tall since he dwarfed the setting he was in. Fred walked right up to it and said, "hello Bilius. Long time, no see."
"Yes, I heard you graduated two years ago. What are you doing back here?" Mr. Granger jumped, he had not truly expected a response. However, it was magic, and if the painting moved, it could certainly talk.
"...anyways, I hear you guard the guest chambers. Never woulda guessed."
"Password?" the big man in the portrait rumbled.
"I believe its lark spur." "That it is laddie, that it is. Come right on in." With that, the painting swung open, to reveal a cozy looking sitting room with three doors leading off it. He cautiously stepped in after Fred and Angelina.
"That was so nice of Dumbledore, to decorate it in Gryffindor colors!" Angelina exclaimed. "I would have hated to be living in green and silver." She shivered. Walking over to the middle door, she opened it to reveal a cozy bathroom. Opening the door on the right, she found a four poster bed, with an armoire and mirror inside. The room was, again, decorated in Gryffindor, with lush golds and reds. "I get this room," she called Fred walked over and poked his head in.
"No fair. You get the best room. Mr. Granger and I just get to share a room." Fred pouted.
"Buck it up. I'm a girl remember? I deserve some privacy around two men." She grinned in his face. He went red, and looked down. "You're right. I give up." He said after looking up, putting his hands up for good measure. Angelina laughed. Fred looked at her intently, searching her eyes for something. Instantly she sobered. His eyes, she thought, I never noticed them before. They were brown, but they were so light, with only hints of darker, deeper brown. Wow. They were so..intriguing. Suddenly, Mr. Granger coughed. He was looking at anywhere but them. They jumped, guiltily. They both ignored the fact that they had been staring at each other.
Angelina neatly sidestepped Fred, and said to Mr. Granger brightly, "Why don't we freshen up a bit and then we can wander around Hogwarts. We should visit Hagrid at some point." She smiled. Turning, she found Fred still standing in her doorway. However, he had at least turned around. Cocking an eyebrow, he looked at her. Angelina flushed. She shoved past him. Angelina stomped to the bed and hugged herself. Why did she react like that. Sniffling, she turned and found that there was an entrance to the bathroom in here. She walked over, curious about it, and looked in. Wow. It was a pretty cool bathroom. A bit better than the ones they had to use in the dorm rooms. Perhaps Hogwarts tried to impress its guests? She sighed. Walking over to the mirror, she looked at herself. Her eyes weren't bloodshot or anything, and for that she was thankful. She never like looking bad, even with just friends. She didn't really care, as long as it didn't look like she was a complete slob.
Fred, at least, didn't know what to make of what had just happened. He turned around in the door way in time to hear the door being slammed and a locking charm performed. He could easily break through it with 'Alohomora' but it was the symbolism of the locking that was meant to keep the person out. He decided to respect it. What could he do, go in there and be screamed at? Turning, he grinned at Mr. Granger. Shaking his head, he said, "Girls," with as much disgust in his voice as he could muster. However, deep inside, his guts were wrenched up. Odd, how their fights had never been hurtful. Rather, he had enjoyed them. They got so much attention. He remembered fondly the arguments that had taken place in the common room. He supposed that had been part of the thrill. Screaming at each other with everyone looking. Fred had lived for drama at that point. He supposed it had been part of the motivation to play jokes and stuff. "Well..While we're waiting for Angelina to 'freshen up' would you like to play a game of cards?" Fred smiled wickedly. Mr. Granger studied him carefully. His eyes narrowed. "Is there any sort of hitch, with magic." He asked. "Just one." Fred answered smiling sweetly. "I think it will surprise you, but it shouldn't be much of a problem." He took the exploding Snap cards out of his pocket. They went and sat at a table near the fireplace. About two minutes into the game, one of the cards exploded. Mr. Granger started and glared at Fred. "That's all. They explode sometimes." Fred said. "It adds spice to the game." "I suppose. I guess it gets boring to play cards when you have magic." Mr. Granger admitted grudgingly. He looked suspiciously at the cards that were in his hand. Fred laughed. Suddenly, the door to Angelina's room was flung open and she walked out of it quite calmly. "Well? Shall we?" Angelina asked.
Fred looked at her, mildly surprised. He was surprised that she was so calm. "Erm, Are we going to see Hagrid?" Fred asked.
"If you still want to." Angelina said, not quite meeting his eyes.
"Of course. But after, we must go look at my swamp." Fred said proudly. As they walked through the halls, their footsteps echoed through the halls. This had always been one of his favorite times at Hogwarts. You knew you could find relative peace and quiet, however, there was always the thrill of eluding Filch. Of course, there was that cat of his, Mrs. Norris. Suddenly, something struck him. He tugged on Angelina's elbow. "Angelina, do you think if we take Mr. Granger to Hagrid's hut, that he'll not be able to see the castle?" Fred whispered, urgently. "Oh, Fred, you are such a prat. Did you think the charms were only on the castle? They surround the entire grounds." Angelina said, laughter not very well hidden in her voice. Fred grinned sheepishly and raised his shoulders once. "I'd love to fly while we're here. Speaking of which, how long do you think we'll be here? I kind of need some clothes."
Fred groaned. Then he brightened. "Well, if you need clothes, you can certainly get them in Hogsmeade. But, you could probably save, by borrowing from Hermione or Ginny. They're close to your size, aren't they?" Angelina brightened. "Yeah, I think they are." she said, thoughtfully. "I'll ask Hermione at some point. She's about my height. Well? What are we waiting for?" They had been standing just inside the door. She walked over to the door and pushed it open, allowing the sunshine to cover her face. Fred smiled. She looked really happy to be outside having the sun on her face. It was such a simple pleasure. It amazed him. 'I really should take part in simple pleasures more often.' He shrugged. 'Maybe it'd give me more ideas..probably not...' He blinked. The sun really was quite bright, coming from the dark castle. He scanned the grounds. His face lit up when he saw Hagrid, who was sitting in front of his hut. He skipped down the steps. "Oi! Hagrid! How are ya?" Fred yelled, grinning. He had always respected Hagrid. Even though he wasn't a full wizard, he was still cool to talk to. "Fred. I 'eard ya came." Hagrid smiled, behind his bushy beard. "Hagrid, this is Mr. Granger, Hermione's father." Fred said, turning to allow the two men to shake hands. "Mr. Granger, this is Hagrid, he's gameskeeper for Hogwarts, he's a close friend of Harry, Ron, and Hermione." Hagrid stood, and offered Mr. Granger his hand. Mr. Granger gaped for a second, at Hagrid's height. Idiot! Fred said to himself, Why didn't you warn Mr. Granger that Hagrid's half giant. Ah, well, nothin' you can do about it now, mate. "How are the Care of Magical Creatures classes going, Hagrid?" Fred asked. He cringed. He knew he would be hearing Hagrid in raptures over some atrocious beast.
"Pretty well..I'm teachin' a class in half an' hour. Professor Dumbledore..best man tha' ever lived." Hagrid said. "Well, I shoulda been preparin' a while ago, I'll talk to ya later then?"
"Er, of course, Hagrid." Fred said. He turned to Mr. Granger, who still looked startled by Hagrid's height and breadth. Gesturing across the grounds, he said "I can't wait to see the Quidditch pitch. I wonder if the ickle firsties are getting their flying lesson?"
"Yeah...wonder if we could give 'em a hand." She said, thoughtfully. "Then again, I am here with YOU, Fred. Doubtful she'd let you anywhere near those kids. She knows you too well." Angelina smirked.
"Hey! I'm a good flyer! Why shouldn't she?" Fred asked, acting hurt.
"HA! Even I wouldn't trust you with them. You'd be too likely to play a prank on them." Angelina spat back.
"I would never try to hurt someone!" Fred said, looking genuinely hurt.
"Yeah, I know, Fred. Unfortunately you have a tendency not to think about the dangers of something before you do it. No wonder Hermione gave you so many detentions. Actually, I'm quite surprised that Ron didn't finally blow up on you too, despite you being his brothers. I'm sorry. You tend to think of the fun first and the danger second. In other words, you act before you think." Angelina said, looking concernedly at Fred.
"Gee, really sympathetic to me, aren'cha?" Fred said, sarcastically.
"I'm sorry. I thought you might want some truth to the matter. It might make you grow up!" Angelina bit her lip, she looked nervous.
"Yeah, well, Angelina, I've grown up!" Fred said. "Despite the fact that I still play jokes, I can be serious, if need be. You know I can. All that we've been through the last few days, I'm surprised at you." Angelina's eyes flew open.
"Yeah, well, you've a hell of a history to back it up, Fred." she snapped.
"Oh look, they are actually being given flying lessons. Come on, I want to watch." She dragged Fred over. "Hi Madam Hooch! Fred and I are here, with Hermione's father!" She gestured at Mr. Granger, who was trailing along behind the two young adults with such tempers.
"Oh hello, Angelina, Fred. My, I remember when you two had your first lessons. Kids, these two happen to have made up two sevenths of the best Quidditch team Hogwarts had seen in years. Fred here was half of a magnificent pair of beaters along with his identical twin, George. Quite the pair they were. Oh and Angelina, you are on a professional team, I hear?" Angelina nodded, grinning.
"We just thought we'd stop by, see all the new possibilities for the team." Fred spoke up. He was still very loyal to the Gryffindor team. All the little first years looked extremely nervous at having met these two. Then again, half of them sneered at them. Ah yes, Fred remembered. Gryffindors were always put with Slytherins in their flying lesson. So the sneering ones must be slytherins. He grinned and waggled his fingers. All of them narrowed their eyes at the same time. Fred threw back his head and laughed. Angelina shot him a suspicious look. "Look Angelina," he whispered in her ear, "they're slytherin through and through! They know enough to hate me on first sight!" Fred grinned. "And the little Gryffindors are looking up at us in awe. I wonder if there are any trouble makers in the bunch?" Angelina snorted.
"Madam Hooch, I wonder if we could just fly around? For old times sake?" "Of course! It might give these youngsters a demonstration." Madam Hooch beamed at them. "Who am I to back away from a performance. Angelina, come on! Lets fly!" Fred looked totally ecstatic.
"Well, I would love to fly here, one last time.." Angelina trailed off. "Fine." The two of them grabbed two brooms and mounted them. With a swift kickoff they soared up into the air. They flew almost as one. They turned swiftly after reaching one goal post of the quidditch pitch and flew towards the other. Fred grinned. It made him unbelievably happy to be on a broomstick again, after two months. He and George had been so busy that he hadn't had time to fly lately. Sighing, he realized that he and Angelina had been up there for a full 5 minutes and they shouldn't monopolize anymore of the kids' time at class. Signaling to Angelina, he descended. Landing with a soft thump, Fred got off the broom and handed it back to the youngster who had let him use it. Angelina had done the same with hers. All the Gryffindors burst into applause. The Slytherins tried to hide their awe behind scowls. "Well, now, I didn't do any damage there, now did I, Angelina?" He whispered to her, his head bent down to her.
Angelina scowled. "Only this time." She said. "Look at the time! Mr. Granger, we should get in, if you want to see your daughter at lunch. I'm famished!" Fred, Angelina, and Mr. Granger headed for the castle. Once inside, they blinked several times because of the sudden darkness.
Suddenly a silky voice interrupted the quiet of the Entrance hall. "You'll pay for this, Weasel One. And Johnson, just for being with him, you'll pay too. Why! My father-" Malfoy said.
"Your beloved Father, Malfoy, is a DeathEater and he's in Azkaban, may I remind you? What could he possibly do to protect you from the big bad Weasley twin?" Fred interrupted harshly. Motioning Mr. Granger and Angelina ahead of him, Fred walked towards the entrance to the great hall.
A/N: I'm going on vacation for about three weeks, and I don't know how much access I'll have to a computer. Also, sorry if this chapter is a bit choppy and stuff, I wanted to go further, but decided that I could save it for the next chapter as it would have taken a while.