It's Nice To Have A Friend

12 - Winterlude

Mallory pulled away from Freddy, her fingers tangled in his hair. "I see that you didn't cut your hair," she stated with a smile. When she'd spoken to Freddy a few days before, he had mentioned that he wanted a haircut. 

Freddy let out a chuckle and rested his forehead against hers. "Yeah, well, I have a bossy girlfriend who wouldn't let me," he replied.

Mallory let out a small laugh. "She sounds rad," she remarked before pressing her lips against his once more. 

"Yeah, she sure seems to think so," he joked, making her laugh.

"Hey— Oh!" Mallory pulled away from Freddy, her cheeks burning as she looked over at her brother, Anthony, as he entered the room. "Dinner's ready."

"Sorry, Anthony," Freddy apologized. Slowly, he stood from the couch and offered a hand to Mallory. Mallory smiled at him as she took his hand, letting him pull her beside him. An awkward silence fell over the three teenagers as they climbed the stairs together. 

Mallory's family was already gathered around the table as they approached. Mallory took a seat with Freddy and started to dish out her food. 

"Mallory, how's that sport you play?" Mallory's mom questioned. 

"Quidditch? It's a blast. We won our first game of the season. James is positive that we'll win the tournament," Mallory replied with a smile. 

"That's good. I'm glad you're having fun."

"Sirius and I are beaters. James said we..." Mallory trailed off as she felt Freddy watching her. She glanced over at him. 

"Sirius?" Freddy asked, poking at the food on his plate. 

"Yeah. We work brilliantly together. They claim we—" Mallory studied Freddy's face, realizing he wasn't smiling. "Never mind." Mallory poked at her food as silence fell over the table.

Anthony let out a soft cough from across the table while Mallory's mom asked Freddy to pass the corn. 

"How's work, Dad?" Mallory asked, trying to get the attention off of her, Freddy, and Sirius. 

"Good." 

Mallory nodded. "Anything new?"

"Nope." 

Mallory glanced at her mom. "What about you? Anything new?"

Mallory's mom shook her head. "I don't think so," she admitted. "I bought a new pair of shoes. Oo! Speaking of which, we need to go shopping tomorrow, Tony." 

Anthony groaned and looked up at his mom. "Really? I'm busy tomorrow."

"With what?"

"Homework." 

Mallory's mom sighed. "You need new shoes. Yours have holes in them." 

Anthony let out a dramatic groan. Mallory let out a small giggle, taking a bite of her mashed potatoes. 

Once dinner ended, Mallory led Freddy to the basement where they would exchange Christmas presents before he left on his trip to New England. "You okay, Mallory?" Freddy asked as Mallory sat in front of him on the couch, the present she had bought for him in her lap. 

"Yeah. I'm fine," she replied, faking a smile.

His eyes flickered across her face for a second before he let out a sigh. "Here," he said, handing her his gift. Mallory smiled as she handed Freddy his gift. "Three, two, one!" he exclaimed as they both ripped open their present. 

Freddy held up the hoodie and T-shirt that Mallory had bought in Hogsmeade. He beamed at her. "These are awesome!" he said with a laugh before he pulled her in for a kiss. 

Once they pulled away, Mallory peered into the box Freddy had given her. She smiled, gently picking up the Spider-Man ring placed on a comic book. "This is beautiful," she admitted. "Where'd you get it?"

"My sister made it. Do you like it?" he asked, taking the ring from her and gently slipping it onto her ring finger. 

Mallory threw her arms around Freddy. "Thank you," she mumbled. 

"Is there any PDA in here?" 

Mallory sprang away from Freddy and spun around as Anthony's girlfriend, Diane, entered the room. "Dee-Dee!" Mallory shouted. She jumped off the couch and ran over to Diane. Diane laughed as she pulled Mallory into a tight hug. 

"We should watch a movie together. I want to spend time with you before you go back to your fancy boarding school," Diane said as she pulled away.

"I'm home for a few weeks," Mallory replied as she started for the shelf lined with movie Mallory immediately agreed and ran over to the remote to turn on the television.

"No Elvis!" Anthony barked.

Mallory groaned, looking over her shoulder at Diane. Diane let out a laugh. With a groan, Mallory sat on the couch beside Freddy. Diane slid into the spot between Mallory and Anthony. It took several minutes for all four teenagers to agree on what movie they'd watch. Once it was decided, Anthony turned the lights off while Mallory snuggled into Freddy's side. 

Freddy wrapped an arm around her and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. His other hand found her left hand where the Spider-Man ring rested. "I'm going to marry you, Mal," he whispered. 

Mallory looked up at him. "Pinky promise?" she asked, holding up her pinky to him. 

He let out an airy laugh. "Pinky promise," he agreed as his pinky interlocked with his. 

"You can't break a pinky promise, y'know?"

"I would never dream of it."

.

"I gotta go home, Mal," Freddy whispered as he shook Mallory awake.

Mallory groaned, rubbing her eyes as she looked around the dark room.

"I have a flight in the morning."

Mallory groaned again. "Stupid vacation," she muttered.

Freddy laughed as he brushed the hair out of her face. "I'll see you after Christmas," he reminded her.

Mallory slowly got off of Freddy and stood up. "I'll walk you out."

He nodded and let her pull him to his feet. Hands entwined, they ascended the stairs and walked to his car. Freddy tucked his T-shirt and hoodie in the backseat before turning to face Mallory. 

"I'll miss you," Mallory told him.

"I'll miss you too," he replied. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Fredald."

Freddy couldn't help but chuckle at the ridiculous nickname. He gently rested his hands on her hips, pulling her closer and placing a gentle kiss to her lips. Mallory looped her arms around his neck. Headlights flashed on the couple, followed by a weak honk. Mallory pulled away, watching as Anthony pulled into the driveway. They were interrupted as Anthony returned from dropping off Diane. He pulled into the driveway, his headlights flashing on the couple.

"Bye," Mallory whispered to Freddy.

With one last kiss, he opened the door to his car. Mallory stepped back, waving goodbye as he pulled out of the driveway. Anthony approached Mallory, gagging dramatically. 

"Shut up," Mallory grumbled as she shoved him. "Don't think I've forgotten how you and Diane used to be."