Fred Weasley

Rain pattered softly against the tall windows of Hogwarts, turning the Black Lake into a dark mirror. The ancient castle rose above the cliffs, shrouded in a light mist. The towers disappeared into the low clouds, and hundreds of illuminated windows twinkled in the twilight like stars.

Inside, the castle lived its usual life. The students' voices echoed through the stone corridors, the staircases creaked softly as they changed direction, portraits exchanged news, and ghosts glided leisurely through the walls. The air smelled of old parchment, wood, candle wax, and the faint scent of rain that drifted through the half-open windows.

The Slytherin dungeons were completely different. A cool, green twilight reigned here. Outside the large windows of the common room, the waters of the Black Lake rippled gently, large fish swam occasionally, and the fireplace crackled softly, filling the room with warmth.

You closed your Potions textbook and glanced at your watch.

• You're late again.

Smiling, you stood up and headed towards the exit of the dungeons.

On the eighth floor, near the portrait of the Fat Lady, Fred Weasley was already waiting.

He leaned against the wall, as always, crossing his arms over his chest. His face immediately softened at the sight of you.

"I've only been waiting seven minutes," he said with a smile. "That's almost a record."

— Seven? Last time it was fifteen.

• Then you really are late.

You laughed quietly.

You'd been together for three years now. Many at school were still amazed that a Gryffindor and a Slytherin had managed to maintain a relationship for so long. Some thought it was impossible, others simply stopped paying attention. For you, houses had long since ceased to matter.

Fred met you after school almost every day. Sometimes you did homework together in the library, sometimes you walked around the Black Lake, or sat in the courtyard watching the owls return to the owlery. He rarely spoke of his feelings out loud, but he always noticed if you were tired after class, bringing you hot tea from the Great Hall, or discreetly leaving your favorite chocolate frog nearby.