Disclaimer: I own nothing.
A/N: Ah, so it's finally over. Are you sad, because I have to admit, I'm feeling a teeny bit sad. Haha. All right, so here's like the ridiculous amounts of fluff I've been denying all of you from the very beginning. I hope you like it. I don't know when I'll start posting the sequel. I'm VERY busy right now. It's a wonder I even find time to sleep, let alone post stuff. I'd like to get it up within the next 2 weeks, but I can't promise anything. Anyway, thank you for reviewing and enjoying this story. I love reading your reviews and your comments.
With much love,
Gene
December 22
Dorms
Today was the last day of term. Classes ended half an hour early. Only a few days until the Yule Ball! It's rather odd to think that everyone in our circle of friends is dating each other. This year for Christmas, we decided to do a Secret Santa. We were all sitting around in the common room, discussing gifts. Alicia was complaining that she didn't know what to get any of the boys, including George, because the three of them practically owned Zonko's. Myself, on the other hand, had a pretty good idea on what to get George and Lee but was stumped as to what to get Fred.
I mean…usually I'd get him a bunch of candy or maybe some broom polish; something practical that I know he'd use. But now after the whole closet episode, I was totally confused. Getting him some broom polish just didn't say "I love you" quite as nicely as I'd like. Katie came up with the idea. She said her sister and her friends did it during the holidays. We all wrote down our names on scrap pieces of parchment. Then Katie borrowed one of Lee's hats and threw all the papers in it. After she shuffled them around a bit, we all picked a name. I got George.
We're not allowed to tell anyone who we got, even if it's not that specific person. The day before Christmas, we leave a little gift for our person, like a small bag of jellybeans or something. Then the actual day of Christmas, we give them our big gift and reveal our identity. This is actually a good thing, because I had decided before hand that I'd get Fred something regardless if I picked him or not.
Fred and I were taking a walk around the grounds, even though it was just above Arctic Conditions. I was wearing my scarf, gloves, two pairs of pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a fleece sweater. And over all of this, I had my school robes. My body was pretty warm but my face and ears were turning bright red. I was really regretting that I didn't bring a hat because it went from freezing to burning cold in a short matter of minutes.
Fred was dressed in a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, a thick sweater, a scarf and gloves. Over this, he had his school robes. Both of us were also regretting the fact we'd decided to wear sneakers, because some of the snow was so deep, it sunk into our shoes. But neither of us wanted to turn back and go inside.
To his advantage, Fred had been the smart one and was wearing one of those hats that had the earflaps. On most people, this would appear ridiculously goofy but for some reason, Fred looked quite cute. Maybe it was because he was just so darn tall and had all that bright red hair spilling out from under the hat. Whatever it was, I thought he looked positively adorable.
We were walking hand in hand towards the lake. I was leaning up against him, to stay warm. He didn't mind at all. We had been silent for some time, until Fred started talking.
"You cold?" he casually questioned.
I rolled my eyes.
"No, I'm sweating," I lightly mocked.
He smirked.
"Hey, I was only asking because your ears are a lovely shade of pink. I was going to therefore ask if you wanted to use my hat, but since you're apparently drowning in buckets of your own perspiration, I won't bother," he teased.
I heartily laughed. You see what kind of sarcasm I have to put up with?
"Now that you mention it, it is a bit nippy out," I answered, feeding into his banter.
He grinned.
"I'm going to go out on a limb here, but would you like to wear my hat?"
I nodded with gratitude, enjoying our teasing.
"I'd be very much obliged."
He chuckled and we both stopped for a moment. Fred whipped off his hat, causing some of his hair to stand straight up. I giggled at this and he quickly patted the hair down, but without much victory.
"Oh, shut up," he joked.
He carefully arranged the wool hat on my head, fixing the flaps over my ears and brushing the hair out of my eyes. The hat was still warm from his body heat and I smiled, reaching for his hand again. If he wasn't Prince Charming, he sure made a good alternative.
"You're a sweetheart," I teased, though fairly serious. I paused from walking to give him a swift kiss him on the cheek.
He laughed, shook his head and we both started walking again.
"Hey, I have a reputation to uphold," he kidded.
I rolled my eyes, gripping his hand tighter.
"Your secret's safe with me, Casanova."
He peered at me from the corner of his eye.
"What?" I demanded, fidgeting around with the hat with my free hand.
"That hat suits you. I think you should wear my clothes more often."
I snorted, though blushed at his bold innuendo.
"Ah, in your dreams Weasley."
He smirked.
"That must be one good dream, then," he remarked, briskly poking me in the side.
I playfully shoved his hand away and threw him a false frown, though my eyes were sparkling with mirth.
"If it's your dream, then it must be my nightmare."
He copiously laughed and a block of silence overpowered us once more. Neither of us minded though, because holding hands was just enough for us. It was so odd to think that just a week ago, I was wishing that Fred would notice me in a way that didn't tempestuously scream, "HI! I'M YOUR BEST FRIEND SO YOU MUST NOT REALIZE I'M A GIRL AND DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT DATING ME, OK?" I don't think he really realized how ecstatic I was that we'd finally confessed our feelings for each other. A part of me that I didn't even know had been broken was flawlessly glued together again.
"So, who'd you get as your Secret Santa?"
I playfully hit him on the shoulder with my free hand.
"You dolt, you know I can't tell you. That's the whole idea of it," I scolded, laughing at him.
He pouted.
"Aww, c'mon Angel. I swear I won't tell anyone. I'll tell you who I have."
I shook my head, laughing harder at his child-like pleading.
"Nope. My lips are sealed, dear Frederick."
He threw me a cunning grin and stopped in place. I was forced to halt as well. With his free hand, he grabbed a fistful of snow. I let out a squeal of surprise and instantly let go of his hand, taking a few steps to distance myself. Getting slammed in the face with cold snow wasn't my idea of winter fun.
"Angelina Yasmine Johnson. I'm giving you five seconds to tell me or I will be forced to go to drastic measures," he strongly warned.
I shook my head and took a few steps back.
"I'm not telling," I repeated, smirking at him.
He rose an eyebrow, still grinning.
"Five."
I shook my head, giggling.
"No is no," I replied, crossing my arms over my chest.
"FOUR."
"Sorry, but you're not getting anything out of me!"
"Three….two…ONE!" He gleefully announced.
Before I could think, Fred pelted me in the stomach with a snowball the size of a bloated volleyball. Unable to resist, I quickly packed together some snow and heaved it at him. He chuckled and facilely ducked behind a tree.
"I'll get you Fred Weasley!"
Snowballs tumbled through the air like arrows. It was safe to say that Fred was winning. Having enough of my losing streak, I aimlessly threw the snowball I was holding and intently chased after Fred. He roared with laughter, confident that I couldn't catch him. It was true that because of his lanky legs, he could easily run away from me. But I'm pretty tall as well, so when I was in decent range, I rendered a move that would make any American Football player proud. I sprung off my feet like a Slinky and latched my arms around Fred's waist. I tackled him with all my might and we both toppled to the ground.
We both were consumed with blissful laughter, just having fun by being purely silly. I had successfully pinned Fred to the ground but my success soon turned into a defeat. Fred rolled out from under me and I was the one lying on my back.
"So, you think you can beat the master of snowball fights? Think again, Angie!" he vainly declared.
I could only laugh in response, my stomach shaking from the action, as he snatched up a handful of snow and enthusiastically rubbed it in my hair. I tried to move but he remained in place. By now, I'd totally forgotten how cold it was.
"Let go Fred!" I screeched, giggling all the while.
He shook his head and sat on top of me, grinning down at my amused face.
"I think I rather like this position," he suggestively admitted, waggling his eyebrows.
I rolled my eyes, but my broad smile stayed unshakable.
"Get your mind out of the gutter."
He snickered.
"For that little comment, I think I'll have to tickle you."
I let out a shrill squeal of laughter.
"Don't you dare!" I roared.
"Oh, I will," he slyly opposed.
Before I could make a threat about not snogging him for a month, Fred reached down and started tickling my sides. I'm very ticklish on both sides of my stomach for some odd reason. And once I start laughing, I can't stop for awhile. I squirmed and I gasped out pleas of surrender but it was to no avail. Just when I thought my sides were going to explode, Fred sat back up, his arms at his own sides.
"Although that was amusing, I can think of a better idea," he slyly proposed.
"Oh?" I simply asked, regaining oxygen.
"A way better idea," he mumbled, slowly leaning down.
I smiled and his lips met my smile. He wrapped his arms around me in a big bear hug and I melted into him. I just love it when he holds me. There's no better feeling in the world.
Snow was everywhere and more flakes fluttered gracefully to the ground. They clung to everything and anything, like thin ballerina dancers floating across the stage. Snow clung to my nose and my eyelashes. He kissed them away and I couldn't tolerate not having his mouth against mine, so I put my hands on his red cheeks and forced his lips to mine once more. He didn't even try to resist and the kisses turned more passionate with each parting of his lips.
If I had thought hearing him say "I love you" was utopia, this was just like heaven. Then I realized we were kissing in the snow and I do think it was the most romantic thing he's ever done.
December 24
Dorms
ONE DAY UNTIL YULE BALL
Today I ventured into the world of espionage and deception. In other words, I anonymously and secretly gave George his Secret Santa gift. I had Ron sneak me into the boys room so I could leave George his gift. I got him a small set of Sugar Quills, since I was running out of time and figured it was the best possible gift choice. I left the package on George's bed, unsigned of course. Ron was all suspicious and was like, "Aren't you going out with Fred?"
But then I explained the Secret Santa thing to him and he got the picture. You know, he really is cute, in a sort of kid-brother way. That Hermione girl really doesn't realize what she's missing. Haha. I just hope he doesn't spill it to Ginny or either brother. Tomorrow is the day we reveal who our Secret Santa is and I want George to be surprised. Fred is still bugging me about who I have. Of course, I have been resisting his pleas.
All during breakfast, he wouldn't shut up about it, until I stuffed a few pieces of bacon in his mouth. After that, he took the hint. Fred and I spent the morning together, just hanging around. We played three games of Wizard's Chess (even though I'm horrible at it). Then we walked around the castle. Fred made me go down to the kitchens with him, to sneak some food. I got a few biscuits with strawberry jam and Fred ended up eating three slices of chocolate cake.
We got into a flower fight and the house elves weren't too happy. We both departed to take showers, which was just before lunch. After lunch, I hung around the girls because Fred said that he needed to work on some joke product with George and Lee.
I talked to the girls about my dilemma. We were wandering around the castle, eating an old bag of potato chips that Alicia had found under her bed. It hadn't been opened and was only a day past the expiration date. Alicia had asked George if they were ok to eat and he said he didn't see why not. Then again, the boys eat anything that isn't moldy and doesn't smell like an old shoe. Anyway, we were enjoying our bag of chips when I brought up the topic.
"So, girls, I have a tres big problem," I began, swallowing the hunk of food in my mouth.
"My God, woman! You've just hooked up with Fred and you still have problems?" Katie teased, daintily munching a large chip.
I laughed.
"Unfortunately, they never end."
"So, what's eating you then?" Alicia demanded.
"Well, Fred and I haven't established what our relationship is. I mean, I don't know if I'm his official girlfriend or not. He never told me," I informed.
Both the girls groaned.
"Angie, honestly. Do we have to spell everything out for you?" Katie strongly demanded.
I threw her a sheepish grin, feeling quite foolish.
"Just ask him. I'm sure he'll give you a straightforward answer. I mean, isn't that what blocked your relationship in the first place; a lack of communication?" Alicia firmly insisted, as though she was a cheesy talk show host.
But I had to admit; the girl had a point.
I guess the only thing to do is ask him...
December 26
Common Room
The Day After Christmas/Yule Ball
WOW. What a day! So yesterday, as you know, were Christmas and the Yule Ball. Alicia and I woke up around nine and were graciously greeted by a handful of presents. We both dove for our Secret Santa gifts, which was on the top of the pile. Alicia got a set of bath toiletries, such as shower gel and body mist spray. There was a card, which said:
To: Alicia
Merry X-mas!
Yours Truly,
Your Secret Santa
The handwriting definitely looked like a male's. But we weren't sure who. My secret santa gift was a new journal, which I am writing in now. It's quite pretty. It's a lavender color and came with a new pen. The note attached said:
To: Angelina
Love Always,
Your Secret SantaI had no idea who it's from. After opening the rest of our presents, there was a loud knock on the door. Alicia opened the door and Katie instantly barreled in, still dressed in her pajamas with the toe socks. After showing us what her secret Santa left her (a bottle of Burberry Brit perfume), we had a quick discussion on who the senders could be. Katie is sure that hers was Alicia and after much denial, she finally confessed.
By then, it was nine-forty five so we headed downstairs to meet up with the boys. The boys didn't amble down until ten. All of them looked equally drowsy, especially Fred. He's not a morning person. After discussing our Christmas presents, we revealed the identities of our secret santas.
It's kind of confusing to write it all out, so I'll display it in a list form. The first name in the column is the sender and the second is the receiver.
Fred Me
Me George
George Fred
Katie Lee
Lee Alicia
Alicia Katie
When this was all completed, we headed to our separate rooms to get changed. In a group, we headed down to breakfast around eleven. It was a little late to be eating breakfast, but thankfully, service was still going on. We were all joking around and laughing, having a great time and all. Lee was doing his best impression of his eccentric grandmother by holding up a piece of sausage that posed as her bushy mustache.
The rest of us were about to literally explode with outrageous laughter. Fred was cracking up; his head was resting on my shoulder and he was clinging onto me so he wouldn't collapse to the floor. I had quite a few tears in my eyes, as well. But then Professor McG rushed over and threatened to take away house points, because we were causing a "terrible commotion."
After all of that died down, I was about to ask Fred about our relationship but then he said he had to send an owl to someone. Fred, Lee and George all scrambled from the table and bid us farewell. The girls and I finished up our breakfast, then headed back up to the common room. I still was undecided about how to fashion my hair for the evening, so I needed their advice. After an hour of pouring through Lavender Brown's set of hairstyle magazines, we finally came to the consensus that a French Twist would be a brilliant idea.
During the afternoon, we met up with the boys and headed outside. The snow was still deep and the air was so crisp, you could feel it stab at your lungs whenever you breathed deeply. Harry, Ron and Hermione happened to be outside and the boys took this as an idea to start a snowball fight. Hermione and Harry didn't' join in though.
I really creamed Fred, though. It was payback for the last time we'd ventured out in the snow together. George really nailed Alicia with just about every snowball he could mold. Her back was practically soaking. At four-thirty, Alicia decided to go in and take a shower. Katie and I stayed until five, then headed in. The boys were still engaged in the fight when we left.
The ball started at eight, but there was a feast before hand. We headed up to our dorm room. Katie brought her robes and hair accessories with her. I changed into my dress robes, which did go quite well with my complexion. Alicia had already changed into her robes. Katie and I went into the bathroom and got changed, then we all attacked the hair department. Alicia borrowed Katie's curling iron and I helped her curl her hair, while Katie worked on my French Twist up-do. Alicia's hair came out quite nicely. The curls were jumbo and bouncy; perfect, corpulent corkscrews. Katie really worked wonders with my hair.
First, she blow-dried it straight, so it would be easier to put up. Then, she pulled it back and twisted it up, then clipped it with this diamond barrette she had handy. She used some spell so it would stay up and not frizz during the evening. I think she learned it from Parvati Patil. Anyway, it really looked elegant and classy. I thanked her about a zillion times after she'd finished.
Katie ended up pulling her hair back in a white barrette. It's very simple but looked really cute on her. By the time we were done with our hair, it was just a few minutes before six-thirty. We had about an hour and thirty minutes to do our makeup and a last minute checkup. We all decided that our eyes would be the best features to really play up. We didn't want to look like we'd dipped our face in blush. It was smoky eyes all around. When we were done, it was seven-forty five.
So after a quick dab of Katie's new perfume, we all headed down to the common room. It was a sea of vibrant colors. It was odd to see everyone out of his or her black school uniforms and into bright colors. The boys were already waiting for us. Fred was in dark blue robes, Lee was in dark green and George was dressed in a hue of a red a bit lighter than mine.
"M'lady, may I say you look absolutely marvelous" Fred greeted, in a cheesy aristocratic tone.
He took my hand and kissed it. I laughed, rolling my eyes.
"You're such a weirdo."
He chuckled and slung his arm over my shoulder.
"Ah, love you too, honey," he sarcastically replied.
At eight-o clock, everyone located in the common room headed down to the entrance hall. We all found seats together and the champions and their dates walked up to some table where the judges were sitting. The tables had been replaced with many small tables, accompanied by a lantern. The twin's older brother, Percy, was seated at the judge's table and both twins started to jokingly gag at the sight of him.
There was no food at the tables, but menus. To order your food, you had to read whatever you wanted aloud and then it would appear on your plate. I had a large helping of mashed potatoes with gravy, roasted chicken, and garlic bread and pumpkin juice. Fred kept ordering mashed potatoes and molding them into different shapes with his fork, then eating it.
It was rather disgusting and we all made fun of him for it. During dinner, I remembered that I still hadn't asked Fred if we were an official couple. A few times I was going to but I didn't want to ruin the mood. We all were so wrapped up in having fun and being our usual silly selves, so I didn't feel like asking such a serious question.
While I was eating my chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, Fred gently poked me in the side. His lips were close to my ear and I wondered what he was going to do.
"You know, since I didn't mention it before, you really do like stunning tonight."
I smiled, swallowing the chunk of ice cream in my mouth.
"Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself," I whispered back.
He smiled and gave me quick peck on the cheek.
When everyone had finished eating, Dumbledore stood up and everyone followed. All the tables flew to the back of the wall and the dance floor was cleared. He materialized a raised platform along the right wall. Various instruments, such as drums, a cello and guitars were placed upon it.
Then the Weird Sisters came out. They were hairier than a pair of grizzly bears and their robes were purposely torn. The champions and their partners stood up and started to migrate down to the dance floor. The lights were fixed upon the dance floor. My eye traveled to Harry and it looked as though he'd rather be burned alive than be dancing with his date. Pretty soon, the dance floor was bursting with bodies.
"Care to dance?" Fred questioned, raising an eyebrow.
I put my hand in his and giggled. Fred really is a good dancer. Not the best in the world mind you, but he at least he didn't step on my feet. Alicia later told me that we were dancing so enthusiastically that people had started to back away, in fear of serious injuries.
Anyway, The Weird Sisters were playing a slow, sentimental song called, "Wonderwall" and I soon found myself in Fred's arms. We were dancing cheek to cheek, my head slightly resting on his shoulder. I surveyed the dance floor and immediately spotted Lee with Katie. Lee was whispering something into Katie's ear and she was giggling. My gaze then rested on George and Alicia, who both had their eyes closed, enjoying the moment.
Then I realized how crazy the year had been so far. In the beginning, I'd thought getting together with Fred would stay a far-fetched dream. And now…
"Fred?" I anxiously wondered.
"Yes?" he murmured.
I figured now was as good a time as ever.
"What are we?"
He met my gaze, confused. I threw him a nervous half-smile.
"Well, I'm a wizard and you're a witch?" he responded, more so a question than a fact.
I laughed and shook my head, shifting my grip around his neck.
"No, I mean…relationship wise. I know we're not just friends anymore…Oh, I know I sound like a big prat but it's been bugging me all day," I confessed, controlling my raging blush.
He studied me for a minute, then grinned. He let his lips rest by my ear and I could practically feel his smile.
"I've told people that you're my girlfriend. Is that all right?"
I felt absolutely relieved.
"I suppose that's all right."
He chuckled and brushed his lips across mine. We spent the rest of that dance in silence and I started to wonder if this all had been some figment of my twisted imagination. After the ball ended, the six of us headed up to the boy's dormitory. It was (surprise, surprise) messy and the girls and I had to stumble through piles of dirty clothes to find the bed.
Lee brought out a package of butter beer and we all drank it, while reminiscing about the past and making fun of random couple's dancing.
"Oh Gods, did you see Felicia Tatters from Hufflepuff? She moved like a dead fish flopping around on dry land," Lee commented, taking a swig of his beverage.
Lee was on his own bed, along with Katie. Katie was lying on her stomach; her feet propped up against the pillow. I was sitting on Fred's bed with Alicia and the twins were sprawled across George's bed.
I sniggered. She really had been a horrible dancer.
"Hey, hey what about Freddie and Angie? I thought they were going to knock someone out," George snickered.
Alicia enthusiastically laughed, along with Lee. Fred and I were the only ones scowling.
"Oh, sod off George," Fred snapped; though I could tell he wasn't angry.
Then, we played a game of truth or dare. It was Alicia's idea. It was actually quite entertaining. Alicia was dared to serenade Professor Flitwick, George was dared to go streaking down the hall and through the common room and Lee had to tell his most embarrassing moment. When it was my time, I unfortunately was at the clutches of Fred's demands. We were all hanging around the hall outside the portrait of the Fat Lady. (Thankfully, George had put his clothes back on.)
"All right, Angel, truth or dare," Fred slyly proposed.
I thought for a moment. I could take the easy way out and pick truth, but I was feeling unusually bold.
"Fine. Dare."
We were all silent; wondering what Fred would come up with. It felt like years before he responded.
"I dare you kiss me."
Everyone else groaned.
"Right here?" I asked, my mouth spreading into a grin.
He eagerly nodded.
"Right now."
I sauntered over to him, wrapping my arms around his neck. His hands found my waist and he dipped me low, like one of those fancy ballroom dancers.
"I think that can be arranged," I seductively whispered.
And then we kissed, our first kiss as an official couple, while the rest of our friendsgagged in the background.
After the truth or dare session had run its novelty dry, we all headed back to the boy's dorms. Fred and I ended up falling asleep together on his bed.
All in all, when you think about it, the entire reason we really got together is due to a big accident. Well, a planned accident but still an accident. If I hadn't gone into that closet, I still might be secretly pining over Fred and be forced to stand in the shadows as he went out with other girls. I might have spent the rest of the year chasing after him, never knowing his side of the story. It's serendipity, I tell you.
You know, I really don't give Katie and Alicia enough credit. There are good intentions in all of their giggling insanity…….. Well, I'd better get some sleep. It's almost twelve. Tomorrow's another day and for some reason, the prospect seems even better than today. But maybe that's because it'll be another day of being Fred Weasley's official girlfriend.
Merlin, I can only imagine what will happen next year!
Until next time,
Angelina Johnson