International Love | Fred Weasley

Chapter 12

Like I promised Viktor I would, I head to the library that same afternoon before dinner. As I enter, I spot Hermione immediately, seated near one of the windows. I make my way over and take the seat opposite the young witch. She looks up and seems confused for a moment before smiling at me. "Good evening, Elena, can I help you with something?"

"No," I answer, "But I do have a small question. I was wondering if you already have managed to secure a date to the Yule Ball?"

Hermione's cheeks flame up and she begins sputtering: "Oh, Elena, I'm- I- I'm sorry, I-"

Realising my mistake, I laugh and quickly assure the girl: "I wasn't planning on asking you. I just wanted to know."

Hermione lets out a relieved breath and blushes a little darker. "I have a Yule Ball date, yes. Why?"

"That's great! Who are you going with? Ron?" I ask, ignoring the girl's question. Hermione's eyes widen comically and she shakes her head.

"No, no, not Ron," she leans a little closer and whispers, "I am going with Viktor Krum."

Mission accomplished. You're welcome, Viktor.

"That's amazing! I am so happy for you," I clap my hands, "I know Viktor personally and he is a great guy. Tough looking but really sweet."

"Do you already have a date?" Hermione asks and I shake my head, "No."

The brown-haired witch frowns. She opens her mouth and closes it again. When she opens it again, she sounds confused: "No? I thought I heard Fre- ah, never mind. I am sure you will find someone to go with."

I nod absentmindedly and stand up, "I will leave you to your work. Have a good evening."

When I have exited the library and headed to the Great Hall for dinner, I bump into Lee and the twins in one of the abandoned corridors. They are standing near a painting of a man who is complaining about how they are too close and should make themselves scarce.

"Hey Elena," Lee says when he looks up and spots me, "How are you?"

Fred and George also look up from the painting. George waves but Fred doesn't even look at me. The disappointing feeling from earlier today returns and I push it away again.

"Fine, just heading back to the carriage. What are you doing?"

I look at the painting but there seems nothing wrong with it. The man is still complaining about today's youth. When I look back at the three boys, they smile at me and George makes a dismissive wave with his hand. "We were just trying something out. Nothing special. We're done anyway."

He takes a step forward and grabs my shoulder to turn me around. After wrapping an arm around my shoulder, he begins leading me out of the corridor with Fred and Lee on our heels.

"So, Elena, tell me," George begins as we walk through corridors, "You are a girl. You must have a good idea what girls like, right?"

A little confused, I look at the red-haired boy but nod slowly.

"And as a, if I may say, a good-looking girl, you must already have scored a date to the Yule Ball, right?"

"I heard you are going with Angelina, aren't you?" I question in return. George laughs and nods, "Yes, I am indeed going with Angelina, but you are avoiding my question. You must already have scored a date to the Yule Ball, right?"

I avoid the man's eyes and stare forward as we continue to walk.

"Come on, Elena, you can tell us who your date is. We will promise not to laugh at your choice, right, boys?"