Written for Morning Lilies' Connect the Weasleys Challenge at HPFC. Prompts: Fred-Dominique; punctual
WARNING: Chapter contains implied addiction. Skip if squicky.
"You're late," she told her cousin.
"A wizard is never late, Dominique Weasley," he said, grinning impishly, "Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
She shook her head. When Fred starts talking like this, odds are it's dialogue from one of those Muggle shows him and Grandpa Arthur love.
"Let me guess. It's the latest feature presentation at the, er—Cineplex near your home."
"No, it's actually a pretty old one. Came out when we were kids."
They were behind one of the greenhouses, in a corner cluttered by unused pots and shovels with broken handles. The last of the Herbology classes had ended half an hour ago, and it took forever for Professor Longbottom to go back to the castle, but he eventually did. Their Friday ritual will carry on as usual.
"You have it?" she said nervously. Fred rolled his eyes.
"No. I'm here 'cause I get kicks out of seeing worms and shit." He flipped a box her way, and Dominique caught it with both hands. She never asked where he got the fags, and she never would.
"Hey. You're trembling like a broom without a braking charm. What's wrong? Prefect duties finally getting to you?"
Dominique shook her head and lit up, giving the box back to Fred, who got a stick for himself.
Relief. It swells, from her throat down to her lungs, unfurling, brushing her inside. Her eyes blurred, and she realized with a start that it was tears.
"What in Grindelwald's—are you crying?" Fred whispered.
Dominique hastily wiped the tears, and he fidgeted. This was turning out to be quite the departure from their usual Friday. Last week, they talked about what's on the gossip columns in the Prophet, what they'd do if they saw two professors kissing, and where one might hypothetically obtain non-tradeable materials if one were hypothetically inclined. Rule number one; keep it light at the greenhouses. They have their fill of family drama everywhere else.
"Victoire and Teddy have been together for two weeks now," she said.
"So pop the champagne, Lupin finally grew a pair!"
They fell silent. Dominique leaned back against the wall surrounding the castle and took long, steady drags, letting the smoke curl around her face as she exhaled. She watched Fred get another stick, and she took another one herself.
"When you get out of Hogwarts," she began, "What'll you do?"
"Take over the shop, I suppose. Roxanne's not the type to do it."
"Aren't you tired of it all?"
Fred's eyes widened. "Are you offing yourself? Because Victoire got a boyfriend?"
She found herself laughing. "No, you prat. Nothing like that."
Deep drag, exhale. "I'm just starting over elsewhere. Maybe without magic."
Fred looked puzzled. "Why?"
She punched his arm playfully. "Maybe I'm sick of your face," she said.
He shoved her back and laughed. They killed their lights and walked back to the castle.
The quote at the beginning is from Lord of the Rings. I have been waiting forever to include it in a fanfic. Also, I was unsure whether to rate this 'T' or 'M,' but I had to decide on something. This chapter should be M, but I'm not making the entire fanfic M on account of one chapter. Anyway, reviews are greatly appreciated!