\\Blindng Love// (Fred Weasley)
It was already the ending of fall, already was freezing. Winter would be coming soon and that also meant the closer arrival of being marked by the Wizarding World's own version of Satan; Voldemort. I woke up only because I was cold. I hurried and got dressed and sat in front of the fire place for awhile. I presumed that hardly anyone was up.
They would be reluctant to leave the comfort and warmth of their sheets. The only thing I hated about being in Slytherin was that our common room was the coldest out of everyone else's, what with being underneath the lake and absorbing all the cold from the frozen lake.
I made my way to the Great Hall to eat some breakfast. I guess I had been under eating just a smidge because of all the stress for studying my advanced class's examinations and the arrival of being marked and just the stress of thinking about what the right thing to do was. But I knew already what the right thing to do was; I just didn't know how to act upon it.
It would be very awkward and I'm not sure how they would take it. Anyways, as I read the Daily Prophet, I just felt like cracking up. This crap about Voldemort coming back being a hoax was just too ridiculous, the disappearances of people being conducted by Sirius Black? It was all really entertaining yet retarded all at the same time.
As I flipped back to the front page I saw something shocking, at least to me. Bellatrix Lestrange had broken out of Azkaban. Her picture was demented, she was just a plain nut gone cracked. And the worst part was...she hated me. Why? Because my mother was her second cousin and I had heard that Bellatrix got caught all because my mother slipped up on a mission and she escaped but Bellatrix didn't.
Before that ever happened, she was supposed to be my Godmother. She was granted that but I never really knew her and never called or considered her family. She was Draco's Aunt though and I felt bad for him. He had one messed up family circle.
My attention was snapped back to reality when Caim appeared on the bench beside me.
"You might want to get to class." I stared at him incredulously.
"Why should I go to D.A.D.A this early? So I can drive myself even deeper into madness by Umbridge's lack of teaching?"
"Just go." Caim hissed as he ran off.
I don't know why but, as I walked towards D.A.D.A, I got this sick feeling in my stomach. Kind of like the excitement you get from going down a drop on one of those Roller Coaster things. There a little further down from the classroom talking was the Potter Posse. They all seemed to be in a hushed and deep conversation and I slowly walked until they all noticed me.
"Hey Elise." Fred greeted with a cheerful smile.
I just simply waved to everyone and greeted them with a simple 'hi'. They all nodded to me or smiled or waved; whatever they saw fit.
"Well, we're going to breakfast now." Ginny announced as I waved goodbye as most of them left. Most, except one person.
"Aren't you going to breakfast Fred?" I quizzically looked at him, head quirked to one side.
"I wanted to speak to you."
"I'm sure we can talk about it during class." I stated as I began walking down the hall.
"I kind of want to get this out in the open now while no one is around." I stopped and turned to look at him with a blank face, a little intrigued.
I was going to read his mind but I thought, why should I when he's going to tell me anyways? That would just make no sense. I leaned against a brick pillar and raised my eyebrows at him.
"Ok, what is it?" He took a pause and a breath and stood right before me, only one foot separating us. I was really bored and just stared down at my shoes, examining them as he began to speak.
"Elise, I like you, I've always liked you ever since I first met you."
My eyes connected with his face in an instant.
"You're just the kind of girl I've always liked. You liked to mess with people in a jokingly way, you're smart, gorgeous, and you're different. You don't have the definition of a Slytherin, even though I don't care what house you're in. I've just always liked you. You're an amazing person."
I looked back down at my feet for a long time, remembering something.
Fred and I were dancing with each other the whole night of the Yule Ball. We hadn't hung out with each other in the longest time so we had decided to make our time up by spending time with each other at the dance. We had already hung out earlier in the gardens and talked for awhile.
The party inside was starting to die down already. Most people had left because they were tired and drained of energy. There were only a few couples left dancing to a slow song. Fred and I chatted while we rocked around in a circle.
"Ellie, can I ask you something?" Fred had asked. I looked up at him and smiled genuinely.
"Of course doofus! You can always ask me anything, anything you want." I laughed.
There was a pause for a short while. I was tempted to use my powers but, I had promised myself not to be so inconsiderate to people's privacy. He had made me tempted all night.
"Fred? Are you going to ask me that question?" I said a little pestered that he was off in La-La land.
"Oh never mind, I forgot what I was going to say." he shrugged. I rolled my eyes.
"Forgetful Fred." I giggled as I poked his forehead.
Later when the bell rang, Fred walked me down to my common room door.
"Thanks for the great night Fred. It's one of the best I've had all year." I grinned as I turned to walk away when he grabbed my wrist and spun me back around. I stared up at him with a questionable look.
"Why did you kiss me earlier?"
It was that night when the whole time I was with him, I had been thinking of how I really liked him and how he always made me laugh and smile and I was just comfortable around him. I had already 'kissed' him that night but, I hadn't a clue what had gotten into me anyways. He gave me a weird look and laughed.
"That wasn't really a kiss Fred. It was just a peck. A kiss is deeper than that."
"How would you know? From what I know, you've never kissed anyone."
I scoffed at him and rolled my eyes.
"Please, I've kissed more people than you I'm sure."
That wasn't really true because I never had kissed anyone and I made myself sound like a whore by saying so. He seemed to realize what I said and laughed at how I dissed myself.
"Well, even if you have, I doubt you're a good kisser."
"Don't start with me Fred Weasley; I know what you're trying to pull."
He laughed at me as I had figured out his game.
"But hey, maybe if you're lucky, maybe you'll find out one day but for now, I'm tired. So I will see you later."
My heart was racing when I went to bed. I was just thinking of what the outcome would have been if I had played his game.
I felt a pair of fingers lifting my chin upwards. I was staring into Fred's hazel eyes, only thinking of what I should do.
"Just go out with him already! You only have one life to live anyways. You freaking love him so just do it!" I heard my psycho pet scream into my head.
I backed away from Fred though, shaking my head all the while. "Fred I-I can't."
I could feel some tears threatening to make their way to my eyelids but, I held them back.
"Fred, as much as I like you...I just can't. Maybe you should stay away from me from now on."
"What are you saying Elise?" he stared at me incredulously as he took a step towards me.
"Fred, stay away from me from now on. I just...I can't be with you. I'm sorry." I yelled as I sprinted down the hallways and into the nearest bathroom I could find.
I leaned over a sink crying my eyes out for ten minutes. I felt like my breakfast was going to come back up. Why had I done that? My one chance to actually be with someone who cared for me, who was sweet, who liked me for me, who was a good person, and someone who once said to me that they would never hate me no matter what and I messed it up. I fixed my smeared makeup and went to my class.
I sat with my friends that day in the back; way in the back where I was almost in the shadows of the classroom. It was like this for two weeks; the same old routine. I'd sit in the back of my classes and pretend to be happy when I was really miserable. Today though, the day seemed to drag on, I was miserable, my friends didn't know what was going on with me but didn't want to ask, so I just kept playing the pretend card again; until Care of Magical Creatures at least. I needed to spill this out to someone and there were only two people I could tell.
"What?! Why?" Danni and Cheryl screamed in unison after I told them what happened when we went to our dorm to put our school things away and headed down to dinner.
"You know why!" I spoke in a hushed whisper.
"If Voldemort were to ever find out about this, he'd make sure something bad were to happen to me or him. Maybe even his family too! I don't want that. I know it would kill me inside." I could feel the sickening churning in my stomach react to the thoughts that bombarded my mind.
"Listen to me Elise." Cheryl began.
"Love is love, ok? It doesn't matter who the person is, what their bloodline is, I understand that now because I see you were happier when you hung out with him."
"Yeah, now look at you." Danni started. "You look miserable; you don't pay attention in class anymore. You need to resolve this problem. No one can break apart true love. Not even....V-Voldy."
I smirked at her. "You used his nickname." I snickered.
Cheryl cracked up and Danni giggled. "I can't say his full name...so I'll just say Voldy from now on." she smiled
At dinner, I attempted to make small talk with Draco and the others.
"Ellie, what's been going on with you lately? You've seemed gloomy these past couple of weeks." Blaise eyed me as he grabbed a roll of bread.
"I was just not feeling well. That's all. Besides, these stupid rules Umbridge is creating is ridiculous! That's more stress." Draco snickered and I glared at him.
"What is that?" I said sharply, grabbing Draco's cloak and staring at the badge.
"You didn't! Draco!" I stared at everyone else at the table. Blaise, Crabbe, Goyle, Montague, Adrian, they all had that stupid little badge.
"Of COURSE you would join that bloody Inquisitorial Squad." I huffed as I stuffed some mashed potatoes in my mouth.
"We're trying to track down the Potter Gang." Draco said disgusted.
"Why? So you can give them a ticket?" Cheryl laughed as Danni choked on her drink.
"No, they're up to something; Potter and all of his annoying little friends." I rolled my eyes.
Halfway through dinner, Caim came and snaked up my leg, making me jump.
"A little warning would be nice next time!" Hehissed at me in a laughing way.
"Why did you decline that boy? You know you love him. And don't give me that Voldemort crap either."
"Why are you even involved in my love problems?"
"Because I can hear and feel all of your emotions."
I sighed. "Caim, I feel horrible. I know I like him, I just couldn't live with myself if Baldy Voldy ever found out."
"Aren't you forgetting one thing? He can't read your mind. Nothing would happen."
"Yes something could happen! What if something happened that he would have to force it out of my friends? He would surely get it out of them."
"There's a fat chance that Voldy would suspect something. Ha, Voldy, that sounds funny actually. Voldy, Voldy, Voldy, Baldy Voldy!!"
"Come on Caim, get serious." I huffed.
"Ok ok, sorry. All I'm saying is follow your emotions." He then slithered off.
After I was done with dinner, I decided I was going to head to bed. I assured Cheryl and Danni that I would be fine. Danni had been spending a lot of time lately with Theodore Nott, more than usual. I thought it was cute how they really loved each other although Adrian had been making attempts to get with her as well, it didn't seem like it was working. Montague I guess had been trying to get with Cheryl but it didn't seem like it was working that well. I laughed to myself as I exited the Great Hall. I looked to my left and to my right when I caught a glimpse of Fred up ahead of me. Everyone's words flowed back into my head.
"All I'm saying is follow your emotions."
"Love is love, ok?"
"No one can break apart true love."
I took in a deep breath and hurried to catch up with him. I took a short cut to his common room. There was a cranny that was hidden by drapes that led from one hallway to the other. Right when he passed, I grabbed his hand and covered his mouth as I brought him into this secret place.
"Elise? What are you doing?"
"Fred, I have to get this out. Please, just listen to me."
There was hardly any room in there with only about a few inches of space between us. I stared at the ground for a moment to gather my words.
"Fred, I do like you a lot. Don't get me wrong; I've always liked you ever since I met you on the train. All these years we've been at school together I've always crushed on you. Except last year I finally realized it. The Yule Ball had confirmed my emotions for you but, my parents never would have approved, what with their...rich class."
I then looked up at him.
"The only thing that is holding me back is..." I paused, at a lost for words. My mouth was agape, I could tell.
"Cat got your tongue?" he laughed at me.
"Fred! This isn't a thing to joke about. I don't know how to tell you this. You'll definitely hate me or turn me into the Ministry or something." I frowned.
"Ellie, I've told you before, there's nothing that can make me hate you."
"Yes you will, but I'll risk the chance because I don't want to lie to you. I like you too much."
He stared at me with a blank face.
"I'm being forced to become a Death Eater." I choked out.
He didn't say anything but stared at me as I kept talking.
"The day after Christmas, I'm supposed to be marked. I don't want to follow in my parent's footsteps. I don't want to work for Voldemort. I don't want to do evil things. I used to think this mark from Umbridge was ridiculous but it was actually a symbol for me, a sign. I've never liked being in Slytherin because I know how I've been labeled by a lot of people. It's on my life if I decline. Voldemort will come after me. He'll think I'll betray him and spread out his plots. That's why; I can't be with you even though I desperately want to be. You are the only person that actually makes me happy. All the times I'm not with you I feel miserable. I just don't want something to happen to you if Voldemort were to find out about me being with a blood traitor." I cried heavily.
I buried my face in my palms, trying to silence my sobs. I felt Fred gather me into his arms as I cried.
"Ellie, it's ok. Everything will be fine." he cooed.
I shook my head in his chest. "No it won't. I want to be with you more than anything! I just don't want you to be in danger, or your friends and family either. Voldemort will use that against me." I sniffled.
"I would risk anything to be with you. I care about you too much and I hate to see you like this."
He hugged my tightly as I just sniffled away my last few tears. I felt him lean back from me and smiled.
"I see the water works are done." I giggled as I whipped out my wand and fixed my appearance.
"You're such a dork but you're my dork. I better go, there's people coming." I said scooting out of the cranny to the other hallway.
"Elise, I want you to come with me for Christmas break." I turned to look at him.
"Didn't you hear what I said? I'm being forced to be marked the day after Christmas. I have to leave with Cheryl and Danni since I have no home anymore. But, I think I can figure something out. I always do." I smirked.
He winked at me. "I'll see you tomorrow." I waved goodbye and hurried down to my common room.
"That's so sweet!!" Cheryl and Danni giggled as I settled into bed after telling them what happened after dinner.
"So what's your plan? You're going with him for Christmas right?" Cheryl said.
"I want to yes, but it might be difficult."
"Well what are your thoughts?" Danni asked.
"Well, I thought about leaving with you guys but, getting off the train with him. I'd disguise myself so you're parents Cheryl won't see or recognize me. Then you tell them that I'll be staying at school until the night of Christmas where I'll apparate to your house. That way we can all still go together."
"Sounds pretty good Ellie. I think it'll work. What do you want me to tell my parents why you're staying at school?"
"Studying for exams." I shrugged. They both laughed.
"You really should have been in Ravenclaw you smart ass." Danni giggled.
"Yeah, we aren't THAT smart to think of something like that in a short time. We're sneakier than smart I think."
"You just dissed yourself and Danni, Cheryl." I laughed.
The next day, I found Fred before going to breakfast. He was with the Potter Gang of course. They all stared at me with smiles or smirks or trying to hide something. George though spoke out.
"Aww look at the new love birds. Who would have thought it? Well, I knew for a long time, just never thought it would actually happen." he laughed. I rolled my eyes.
"Whatever, I can still crack on you and Angelina." I snickered.
"Fred told us what you said." I glanced at Fred with my look. The look that was evil yet angry.
"You weren't supposed to tell anyone! Well, I guess they have the right to know. You guys have been suspecting me for the longest time."
"What? No we weren't." Ron spoke suddenly.
"I can read minds Ron. And let me say, yours is quite strange." Everyone snickered at him as he went tomato red.
"So that's how you get ahead on your work." Fred threw up his arms.
"Yeah, if I speak to you in your mind, you just have to think back and we can communicate silently. It's handy during tests." I grinned.
"What I'd give for that." Ron said dreamily.
"Are you coming with us for Christmas?" Hermione asked.
"That's why I came to see Fred. I might have figured out a plan." I told them all my plan and they all agreed it sounded like a good plan.
"Great, only two days left." Fred grinned as he hugged me and we were all off to breakfast. I couldn't wait to see all the nasty glares I'd receive.