CHAPTER 4

Lily woke up dreading the coming night. She'd have to tell her parents about Fred.

Her worries were washed away though, when she saw Hex in her cage and two letters on her bedside table. She turned picked up and ripped open the letter on top.

It was from George:

Hey Lil,

Wow, couldn't wait one day before sending us an owl? Well I'm not complaining. Obviously, not much has happened. Hermione and Harry are here. Hermione brought some muggle games, they're actually pretty fun.

I know you and Freddie agreed on spending the holiday apart, but you really should come visit. We could teach you how to play Monopoly.

George

Lily smiled, but then looked confused. "What's Monopoly?" she said to herself. She shrugged then grabbed Fred's letter excitedly.

Lily,

I'm gonna tell mum and dad at dinner tomorrow night too (though I'm guessing it'll be tonight by the time you get this letter).

Don't be scared. I may not know your dad, but I know he lives you. He'll want you to be happy.

You and me, we're worth fighting for.

I'm not scared. My parents will love you, how can they not? No one can resist you're charm.

I miss you too. Maybe you could come visit sometime? I know I said we shouldn't, but I had clearly had too much butterbeer when I agreed to that. Maybe it would even help? Our parents might see a different side to us. The you and me side.

I love you my gorgeous girl.

Fred.

Lily grinned like a four-year-old in Honeydukes for the first time. She clutched the letter tightly to her chest and slumped back to her bed.

Eventually her thoughts of Fred were put on hold by a knock on the door.

"Come in," Lily called. Whiskey walked un carrying a golden tray. Piled on it was french toast, pancakes, a bowl of Cheerios and a glass of orange juice with a slice of lemon. The house elf placed the tray carefully on her bed.

"Thanks Whiskey," she said and took a bite of some french toast. Whiskey nodded and headed back out of the room. "Whiskey!" She stage-whispered.

"Yes Miss Lily?" He turned around. Lily ushered him closer, and he walked to her bed.

"Don't tell father," Lily said and handed him a piece of toast and a pancake. Whiskey's tennis ball sized eyes lit up.

"N-no t-thank you Miss Lily," Whiskey looked at his feet. "I must not,"

"Whiskey. Eat it," Lily held her hand out again. Whiskey reluctantly took it, then scoffed it down and smiled.

"Thank you Miss Lily. You are very kind to Whiskey,"

"You're welcome," Lily smiled and Whiskey left the room.

Lily lied on her bed for what seemed like an eternity, when in reality, it was only a few minutes. She thought about Fred, back when they were just friends. That's when she realized the exact moment that she started to see Fred as more than a friend.

It was back in third year. Lily was in the hallway. It was deserted, so she thought no one would see her cry.

Mason Williamson was the first boy Lily ever liked. He was her first boyfriend too. He broke up with her via owl post. At breakfast. While he sat five people away from her at the Slytherin table.

She broke down in tears and ran out of the hall. Everyone saw this. George told Fred to let her be alone, but Fred didn't listen and ran out after her.

Fred found her crying in the empty corridor and kneeled down next to her, slinging an arm around her shoulder.

She sobbed into his chest as he held her closely.

"Hey," he whispered "The prat doesn't deserve you. You're amazing. He's a stupid, worthless and obviously blind, /git/. He'll never find someone else as brilliant as you are. Trust me, anyone would be lucky to have you,"

Fred squeezed her hand. Lily felt her cheeks go red. He wiped the tears from her face and hugged her once more.

Lily felt a sort of tingle go through her. She thought it was just because he'd made her feel better, and he bothered to go after her. She knows better than that now.

Fred woke up in anticipation. He felt pretty confident about the upcoming evening.

"Fred! Its time for breakfast!" he heard his mum call and wasted no time jumping out of bed and taking a place between Harry and George at the table.

He took a big bowl of oatmeal and a glass of milk. There wasn't a lot of chatter at the table. Everyone was still half asleep.

When they all finished eating, it was Fred and Ron's turn to clean up. Molly made them clean without magic to 'build character'. They thought that was a load of rubbish.

Ron washed the dishes and Fred dried and put them away.

"I heard you're telling mum tonight," Ron said wiping down a plate, "about Lily, I mean,"

"Oh, yeah," Fred said putting away a few cups.

"Bloody hell," Ron shook his head, "if I was dating a Slytherin girl, whose family were friends with the Malfoys, and whose parents and mine hate each other, I'd be terrified,"

"They'll love her. Mum and dad will see the good in her," Fred assured Ron.

"I bloody well hope so, or dinners gonna be a bit awkward," Ron said shaking his head.

Fred wasn't feeling as confident anymore.