-Fred's POV-

It was the day before the names got picked, and I was starting to really worry about Jess getting picked. I knew George could tell I was worried, he pointed out to me a few times.

"Why don't you just tell her?" he asked.

"If I do, then she'll tell me not to worry. Even if she does get picked; she'll be fine."

"Ever explained to her why you're this worried?"

"Only you know I'm this worried. She only sees half and it's probably because we're like family."

"You've been holding it off for way to long now. You should have told her when Percy gave you the chance."

"I know, I know… Why don't you tell Michelle then?"

"That's different! Michelle isn't as out-going and dense as Jess is. She's also shy."

I sighed, dragging my hands down my face.

"What is it now Fred?" Ron asked.

"Where's Harry?" we asked.

"Somewhere with Jessie. He wanted to talk to her before tomorrow. Words gets around fast, there's reporters here for both her and the tournament."

"That might explain why he's with her," George said.

"And why we can't find them. What about Michelle?" I asked.

"With Hermione," Ron answered.

George and I nodded.

"How do you feel about tomorrow, with her name in that cup?" Ron asked. I sighed again.

"I just hope she doesn't get picked…"

"And as for Cedric?"

"He can get picked. It's not him I'm worried about."

"You should really tell her. This might be a good time to," Ron poked. I shrugged. Seemed as though they all said the same. Tell her. But how? I don't even know how to approach it. Maybe I'll talk to her in the common room about it… Tonight.

~Jessica's POV~

"Could those reporters be any more personal," I sighed, pretending to be tired as I walked with Harry.

"I hope they won't be. It'd be awful."

"Least it was this year. They're all here getting double stories."

"Yeah, what are you going to do after this year though?"

"Well, the twins were thinking opening a joke shop after their last year. I might join them."

"But they graduate next year."

"I'll just help Molly around the house. She could use an extra pair of hands."

"And if something comes up?"

"Maybe, depends on what it is."

"Alright."

"I'm glad this was before dinner. Let's meet the others there," I said, smiling. He smiled back as we walked.

"Does your scars ever hurt sometimes?"

"You mean when something bad is about to happen? Yes. It's terrible isn't it?"

"Yeah… Gives me headaches."

"My arms and hands go numb… Have you felt that yet this year?"

"No. Not yet."

"Good."

We walked into the cafeteria and sat down with the others. I took my usual seat beside Fred and Michelle.

"So how was it?" Michelle asked.

"Long and boring…." I admitted.

"We have a few more to do next week also," Harry said.

"Oh wow. Good luck with that," Hermione followed. We nodded. Someone kicked me under the table.

"Ow! Who was that?!" I yelled. Ron's face got worried.

"Sorry! I meant to kick Fred! He has something to ask you," he blurted out. I looked at Fred.

"And that would be?" I questioned.

"I, uh, was wondering if I could talk to you later in the common room about something," he answered.

"What something?" I pushed.

"Just something that I've been thinking about lately. A secret," he smirked. I smiled and nodded.

"Alright. After dinner then?"

"Yeah."

We continued talking and eating until it was time to start leaving. I stood up and started walking out of the doors. Fred caught up, linking his arm with mine.

"So, about this secret. What's it about?" I asked as we waited for the stairs.

"Not what, but a who."

"Oh not the riddles again Fred. Come on! I don't want to play that game right now," I whined. He laughed.

"Impatient, are we?"

"Kind of, yes."

"After you," he said when we reached the common room painting. I stepped in, him following behind. There was no one in the room, and I jumped onto the couch. He sat next to me, playing with his fingers.

"So, tell me. What's bugging you? Is it me entering in the tournament?" I asked. He took a deep breath and took my hand, looking me in the eyes.

"That's only a part of it. I'm trying to be as serious as I can; but we both know that's not easy for me at all. We both also know I've liked you for as long as I can remember, which makes me certain that you'll understand me when I say that I care about you more than a friend, more than a brother should love a sister. It's tearing me apart inside knowing your name is in the goblet and may be drawn tomorrow night. I want you to know now, because anything can happen in that tournament, that I… I… Gah why is this so hard?!" he shouted, standing up. I raised a brow, knowing where he was going; but I couldn't help but giggle. He looked at me, flustered and his face slightly pink. I stood up and hugged him tightly, resting my chin on his shoulder.

"Fredrick Gideon Weasley; I told you, if my name gets picked, everything will be okay. I understand where you're coming from and what you mean. Don't force it out of yourself until you're ready, despite what others say. I'm glad you've said that much," I told him.

"Thank God," he sighed, hugging me back, "I just don't want anything to happen to you. How has Cedric reacted toward all of this?" he asked, leaning back to look at me. I looked at him slightly annoyed.

"He doesn't seem to care we may get seriously injured in this. I don't know what's gotten into him, but I don't like it. Before we know it, he'll be turning his friends into enemies."

"Agreed. I've tried asking him about it, but… He just tells me to keep to my own."

"How so?" I asked.

"Let's just say he wasn't nice about it."

"Is that why his hair was pink today?"

"As long as he showers tonight it'll be gone."

"What'd he do?"

He broke eye contact to lift up his shirt to show a bruise on his stomach. My eyes went wide.

"Why that little…. I hope his name gets picked and he ends up making a fool of himself! So much for you two trying to call truce," I said, gritting my teeth. He put a hand on my shoulder.

"It's alright. I'll be fine. He'll be angry, but I'm not going to try to start a fight," he told me.

"You may not try first, but don't think this is the end with him."

"I'm not. He's not the prankster remember?"

"That's what I love about you. Always prepared for something that comes out with a laugh," I smiled. He smiled back, his face tinting pink again.

"We should probably head to bed. Tomorrow is a big day for the three schools," I suggested. He nodded, giving me another hug.

"See you in the morning," he said, kissing my cheek before going to the boys' dorm. I walked slowly to the girls' dorm, my hand on my cheek. When I walked in, Michelle and Hermione were the first to greet me.

"So? What'd he say?!" Michelle asked excitedly. I laughed lightly.

"He tried; but I feel like you guys have been pressuring him to. He kissed my cheek though… Hasn't done that in a while. This whole tournament thing must really be worrying him."

"Well duh! Lives are at stake in this game, and your name is in that cup!" Hermione exclaimed. I shrugged.

"Did you see how many others put their name in?" I asked.

"Not very many; so we're all worried about you," Michelle said.

"Can we all just go to sleep already?" Angelina groaned. I laughed.

"Night Angie," I said, climbing into my bed.

It took me a while to fall asleep; but I kept thinking about Cedric and Fred. Cedric was right. We have drifted apart, and my feelings for Fred… Just as he was just explaining… and more.