In Between

You sat outside the Three Broomsticks taking in the sight of everyone merrily trotting along, entering and exiting shops all with the same joyous holiday spirit as everyone else. The cold wind had helped to cool you down, no longer feeling as overheated though still stirring slightly inside. Aimlessly kicking around the snow on the ground, you waited for your friends to exit the bar too and meet up with you once more already thinking of what excuse to make for your abrupt departure.

“There you are love,” announced Fred as he walked out of the bar, door closing without his other half with him.

“Where’s George?” You asked, feeling out of place with only just the one twin.

Fred smiled as he ushered a hand in the direction of the rest of Hogsmeade, “He’s just paying the tab, gonna meet us at Madam Malkin’s when he’s done.” The two of you trotted along towards the robes store, boots shuffling against the inch of snow that coated the normal stone walkway. You couldn’t help but smile to yourself at the simple moment.

“Is that why you guys wanted to come? To get your dress robes for the Yule Ball?” Fred glanced down at you admiring the tinge of pink that graced your nose, secretly wanting to spread it to the rest of your face.

“You catch on quickly, little owl.” The two of you halt outside of the store, allowing another group to head in before you.

“Little owl?” You couldn’t help at laugh at his meek attempt at a pet-name. “Are you by chance calling me creepy?”

“More like, inquisitive.” Fred holds the door open for you and you step in immediately overwhelmed with the sheer number of students waiting for their robes—you could only imagine how Madam Malkin felt.

“I think you should stick to ‘love’.” With that the two of you waited for nearly half an hour before George showed up, who weaseled his way through the crowd to the both of you. He was out of breath, face still tinged from the crisp weather beating against it on his way here, what little hair stuck out of his beanie was disheveled from the wind.

He looks so handsome.

After about an hour the three of you were able to get your robes fitted and altered to your liking—you were impressed with how fast she was, though it made it easier that the two boys were similar in stature, nearly identical. Having accomplished all they came to do the three of you headed back to Hogwarts excited for what was to come.

Christmas Eve came quicker than you had realized, waking up to the sound of rustling clothes and trunks closing in the girl’s dormitory. The ball wasn’t until the evening but your roommates who stayed were preparing early, giddy with anticipation of tonight’s events. As you sat up in bed you saw Angelina talking with one of her friends, showing off the robes she had picked out for her date with Fred—you hated to admit it, they were beautiful. You crawled to the end of your bed, propped up on your elbows as you watched the humorous show the girls were putting on dancing with each other around the room and swapping their hopes for where the night goes.

“I’m not sure how it will go, but I won’t say no if he suggests ditching early,” Angelina chuckled, earning a few giggles from the other girls.

“I can only imagine what that would look like,” shrieked another, “Johnson and Weasley sitting in a tree—” she was cut off before she could finish her pestering, and you were thankful for that. Sulking wasn’t going to get you anywhere, and you sure didn’t want Angelina to see you upset—it wasn’t worth losing a roommate over some silly little boy, no matter how much you liked him. Heading down to breakfast was your best bet so you did. Upon arrival though it was much less occupied than you expected—tables scarce with students, even the ghosts were dwindling in numbers and the twins were nowhere to be seen.

Anxiety swelled in your chest; an unwelcomed tightness relieved you of your appetite. “Why so glum?” You looked up from your plate to find Nearly Headless Nick occupying the space above the table. “It is a spectacular day of celebration! You should be joyous and celebrating like your peers!”

You’ve talked to Nick before, never for very long since his busy-body tendencies kept him always moving about the castle, but this felt much more normal.

“I’m just nervous for tonight, that’s all,” it was an honest answer even if it wasn’t a whole one.

“I suspect that is not the whole truth,” he says, voice echoing faintly. “I would go out on a limb—” pulling his hair to the side, he reveals his disconnected head, “and say it was a boy who is troubling you.” You couldn’t help but laugh at his comedic gesture.
“That’s slightly true—”

“Huzzah!” Nick interrupted before you could finish, “They do not call me the most helpful house ghost for nothing dear!” You rolled your eyes, doubting anybody called him that as he floated away proudly without another word.
Was that supposed to be helpful?

You hadn’t seen Fred or George all day and you were worried; it wasn’t like them to hide away from the world—perhaps the Ball was affecting them just as hard. A visit to their room wouldn’t be too out of character, would it? You decided that’s just what you would do and ascended the spiral stairs coming to a stop before the door, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

Then you knocked on the door.

An unfamiliar boy your age cracked open the door, eyeing you suspiciously. “What’s up?”

“Are the Weasley’s there?” you asked, trying to be open-minded about the hostile greeting.

“What’s it to you?” he continued, pressing on your patience. Before he could irk you any longer a taller figure made its presence known behind him, yanking the door open further.

“Oh would you quit it already,” George shooed his roommate away, looking back to you with an apologetic smile on his face. “Would you like to come in darling?”

You followed him in, the boys’ dormitories a lot less chaotic than yours currently was only occupied by your two friends and their suspecting roommate. Trunks askew as usual though new robe adorned their edges as they laid messily awaiting their owners to return and wear them, the beds each made to reflect the habits of their owners. Fred laid spread out on his awaiting the return of his brother with you now in tow, his jeans wrinkled and faded while his t-shirt laid against his chest lazily.

“Afternoon, love. Come to try and get me to change my mind about the Ball?” Fred didn’t open his eyes, keeping his hands tucked neatly behind his head as he hummed in an amused tone. George gestured for you to sit on his bed while he rummaged for dress socks in his luggage. You eyed the relaxed figure on the bed next to you, he was much more peaceful when he wasn’t causing commotion or teasing you mercilessly, but a thought crept into your brain, a wicked and unwise thought that was sure to get you in trouble.

You rose from your position on George’s bed and shot your hand out opening Fred’s drawer quickly before he could stop you—you saw all the things from before, the drawings of products they were building, the photo that which you confirmed was not his aunt but a family photo, and finally the lucrative item you were unable to identify last time—

“Oh ho ho,” you teased, “who are these for?” Before you could grab the foiled roll of condoms out of his drawer you were lifted up from behind, George falling backwards with you against his chest, his arms wrapped firmly around your waist. The blush rose quickly to your face as he squeezed harder.

“Didn’t we tell you not to snoop? Hm?” George said gently tickling your sides while still embracing you. As you laid flat with your back pressed against his chest you cried out with laughter at the feather-light touching, squirming against him in a way he had only dreamed. “Apologize to Freddie.”

“No!” You blurted out, laughing so hard tears began to form in the corners of your eyes. Fred had arose from his position at some point, at which you did not know, but suddenly the tickling ceased and all you could feel was the steady rise and fall of your body as George panted beneath you—and there was Fred leaning over you, wearing an expression you had never seen on his face.

“So nosey, aren’t you?” He stated, eyes flicking between yours. You were speechless.

A groan escaped from across the room as the forgotten roommate made his way to the door. “This is so gross,” was all he said before the three of you were left alone in the predicament you had gotten yourself into.

Your hands flew to your skirt, aware of just the view Fred could possibly get if you weren’t too careful. “Someone’s all shy now,” said George his head gently bumping against yours.

“Why is it she gets to keep things hidden, but I can’t?” Fred teased, egging his brother on.

“Oh hush—” you said before sitting up, scooting off of George who was thankful his jeans were baggy enough to hide the happiness that threatened to bloom further. “I’m sorry, I am nosey. Alright?” You shot a harmless smile towards Fred, as the room fell silent so did your smile. “Angelina was talking about you this morning.”

George propped himself against the headboard next to you leaving little room in between, Fred once more laid sideways on the bed looking up at you with curiosity gleaming in his eyes. He wanted to know where you were going to take this. “Oh yeah? What’d she say?”

You hummed merrily, an impish grin making its way to your face, “Hm, I don’t know if I should tell you.” Tapping your chin with your finger you looked back down at him, “Girl Code and all.” He didn’t buy your teasing for a moment you clearly didn’t do it as well as them, but he was amused at your attempt.

“I know just what she was talking about, all the ladies want the same thing from me.” He winked, and you looked to George for confirmation that this was true. All he could do was smile and turn away from you, denying any opportunity for you to read his mind.

“What do you mean?” Fred did not answer, and George followed suit silently. You pushed yourself off the headboard and leaned over Fred, hands and knees sinking into the soft mattress below as you eyed his face. “Tell me Fred.”

He ushered you closer and you leaned compliantly, with his hand on the back of your neck he propped himself on one elbow and whispered, “Meet me after the Ball and you can find out love.” You pulled your head away instantly, grabbing a nearby pillow and playfully shoving it over his face fake-suffocating him out of embarrassment. George watched silently, a smile on his face. He knew tonight was going to be a challenge, both him and his brother had their eyes on you in much the same way and after much deliberation they found a solution. They weren’t much jealous of each other, or the idea of sharing you romantically—they thought it was innovative. You had treated them as equals, neither one of them outshining the other in your eyes, but you also treated them as individuals and that they loved finding it was exhausting always being lumped together for simplicity. The dynamic between you three was anything but simple and that’s what kept them hungry for more.

“Angelina’s not going to be happy with you for that—” you barely began reprimanding Fred before a gentle touch brought your attention back to the twin behind you. The softness that graced every feature on George’s face made your heart flutter in your chest, with his legs spread open he ushered you to lean back. No longer did you feel in control, nor did you have the upper hand. You leaned back slowly, your back met his chest, your butt tucked squarely between his legs pressing against what was hidden between—it was there that you were enclosed in his embrace once again. George was grateful you didn’t put up a fight or mouth off, it only furthered his idea that this ‘sharing’ thing could work out.

“Don’t forget Fred—” he started, “she’s my date.”

“Not ours.” They said in unison, you laughed. Content with the situation you leaned back fully, allowing your full weight to press against George to which he welcomed.

You raced to get ready in your dorm, shirts flying, shoes missing—it was all a disaster, but you had lost track of time and were now racing against it. When you finally pulled yourself together and were presentable, a wave of anxiety swept over you. How would George react to your robes? How would Fred when you met him at the dance? Were you sure you wanted to go through with this? Waving your hands you rid the thoughts in your head, it was now or never, and George was waiting for you patiently in the common room. You trekked down from your dormitory stair by stair and what awaited you at the bottom took your breath away. The normally disheveled and carefree boy you knew had cleaned himself up well—his hair was combed, his black suit neatly pressed and sat pristinely against his figure, a dress robe with an ornate pin attached to the lapel tied it all together. He watched intently as you made your way to the bottom, an arm outstretched awaiting yours to greet it.

“You look stunning, darling.” He smiled. As you looked down hiding your blush his eyes swept over your figure admiring every inch of what he could and could not see. As long as he had known you it was either school robes or, in rare cases, outerwear so to see you so dolled up made his chest tighten longingly.

“Shall we go? I don’t want to make us late.” You apologized but he seemed to care not for the tardiness.

The air was light as the two of you made your way to the ballroom, giddy exchanges and flirtatious remarks bounced between the two of you. Upon your arrival George led you to where Angelina and Fred were waiting, after all the ball could not start until the champions began with their first dance. The décor was elaborate and beautifully executed, taking note of how it perfectly mirrored the winter wonderland of the outside but still keeping the warmth of the interior of the castle. It all blew you away.

“Good to see you, Fred.”

“Good to see you, George.”

The brothers exchanged greetings and whispered throughout the opening ceremony, you on the other hand stayed quiet, amazed at the robes the champions and their dates chose—hardly recognizing the ones from your house within the mix. Angelina was just as enthralled but more excited for the party to really start and the slow dancing to end. But the boys were more interested in watching your face light up whenever something spectacular caught your eye, noticing your appreciation for the elegant moves of the slow dance, wishing they had paid more attention when Professor McGonagall was giving them a lesson.

As the slow music died down an intense atmosphere took over as the Weird Sisters began their act.

“Come on,” George said grabbing ahold of your hand and leading you to an empty spot nearer to the commotion—if the Weasley twins loved anything it was definitely a rowdy crowd. As he let go and began to dance to the music you suddenly felt overwhelmed and lost, your body forgetting how to move properly. Embarrassment swept over you—how could you attend a ball not knowing how to dance? George took note of your still figure, turning to you he brought his arms back and forth, twisting and turning with a large smile on his face. You couldn’t help at laugh which is exactly what he wanted. “What’s the matter darling, got a little stage fright?”

You nodded still laughing and he turned it up a notch and danced more dramatically. Grabbing your hands in his he moved your arms back and forth, bending lower to make eye contact. You allowed yourself to twist and turn with him guiding you loosely, his shoulders rolled as he mouthed along to one of the songs head bouncing with every word. You were enthralled.

Angelina and Fred made their way to your spot on the dancefloor both in sync with each other, back to chest—you could tell she was showing off for all to see and you couldn’t blame her. Fred on the other hand looked almost stoic, whether it was the music or the atmosphere he seemed out of place, though it didn’t last long. As the songs switched up everyone began to shuffle around coming and going, to make sure you didn’t lose George you grabbed onto his sleeve and the crowd subsided once more.

George grabbed hold of you as the rock music faded and a soft piano sonata began, everyone inching closer to their respective partners, so you did as well. His hand fell to your waist instantly grabbing hold as if you were going to be snatched away at any moment, his grip on your hand was the same. Your hands found his shoulder as the crowd began to move in sync, shuffling side to side—some more intimately than others. As the music continued swelling into an emotional crescendo you felt it was now or never, you let your head rest against his chest, hearing the rhythmic beating that clashed against the soft piano.

“You havin’ fun, love?”

Love?

Your eyes darted upward toward the speaker noticing the pin on his lapel was not the same as it was earlier.

“Fred?” You asked recognizing the boys had done a switch on you now leaving you dancing with Angelina’s date instead. “Where’s George?”

“Shh,” he whispered, “he’s taking care of Angelina for me. I wanted a moment with you.” Your insides were a mess, conflicted between stealing a dance (mistakenly) with another woman’s date and secretly happy you got to dance with Fred as well. “How are you liking the Ball so far?”

“It’s amazing. I didn’t expect it to be so decorated.” He removed himself from you momentarily, spinning you in a slow circle before returning his grip on your waist. He watched you through a hooded gaze, a permanent small smile graced his face though he didn’t care if it ached forever.

“You look amazing, never seen you so well put together.” You gently patted his shoulder in feigned annoyance.

“You look nice too Fred.” Tonight was not a night for irritable jesting and back and forth, it was a celebration, and you were going to treat it as so.

“Don’t make me blush,” his head dropped low to rest against yours, coaxing you to rest it back against his chest. You could have stayed like that forever; the gentle swaying and music was a soft lullaby only escalated by the warmth of a possible lover.

George returned as the music died down and the night was coming to a close, many students still jamming out to last few notes of the set, girls here and there who were ditched by their date, and those who still wished to savor the moment a little longer with their partner. It was a typical school dance in every way.

“Bad news, lost your date.” George said as he sipped his drink offering you a glass.

“Bummer,” was all Fred said before demanding his brother’s glass and taking a heavy sip.

“How do you lose a girl?” You asked astounded, though part of you thought there may be something more to the story.

“One minute she was there and the next she was gone.” He shrugged, “Figured she ran off with another bloke. Sorry Freddie.”

“My ego is still intact, Georgie,” said Fred raising his glass in a mock toast. “Though I did hear some interesting gossip ‘bout good ole Hagrid and that Beauxbaton woman sneaking off. Reckon we go see what they’re up to?”

“We can’t spy on them!” The two began walking out of the hall with you jogging to catch up, “Hagrid wouldn’t appreciate that at all.”

The boys hummed as you situated yourself between them, only George seemed to take your pleas seriously. “Alright then,” he said, “we’ll just go have an innocent stroll through the courtyard, the three of us.”

They had roped you into walking around in the freezing cold without allowing even the slightest protest from you. It was late now, the sun setting hours ago, and the wind has ceased its incessant blowing leaving a stagnant dry coldness to the air. A small flurry had blown through coating the already present snow in a new, untouched shimmering blanket—you couldn’t help grabbing a handful as you walked by one of the schools many spruces.

“Ain’t it pretty out?” Stated Fred as he blew his breath out making small clouds. George kept his hands in his pockets as he walked along, looking out for anybody else who may have the same idea as you three. Suddenly an arm halted your movements, George had stopped the two of you, a finger pressed gently up to his lips then pointing it to his ear you listened. In the distance you could make out giggling from a woman—

“Oh Hagrid!” she said, “You var too kind!” The three of you ran away before you could burst out laughing at the intimate moment between the two adults, ending up on a snow-covered hill just outside of the castle. From here you could see the candlelight in the few windows that were occupied, the music had died down long ago but distant chatter and laughs could be heard. A sudden rush of energy overcame you and you sprinted laughing toward the woods kicking up fresh snow behind you. The boys glanced at one another and smiled running after you not wanting to miss the fun.

You threw the first snowball hitting George square in the chest, “You see that, Fred? She just tried to kill me.”

“I say we team up on her,” laughed Fred who pelted your direction with tightly packed snowballs—you were outnumbered. As the cold, wet snow made contact with your body you felt back into the ground laughing with your hands held high.

“I surrender!” It took no time for the two boys to meet up with you, looking down at your figure perfectly imprinted in the snow. George knelt down beside you, hands already nipped from the cold planted neatly on either side of your head, Fred sat back and watched hoping this would go as smoothly as it did in his head.

You smiled at George whose head shielded you from what little snow was falling. Out of breath from the wonderful night you lay there unwilling to move or fight back in any way. “What is it George?”

“Thank you, for going with me.” He whispered inching closer to your face—or perhaps that was what you wished he was doing.

“Thank you for asking me,” you replied. The silence the snow gave to the surrounding area was deafening in your ears, the only warmth now was all in your cheeks and from the boy hovering over you.

“Just spit it out already George.” Fred sighed as he laid down next to you. You sat up looking between the two.

“What? What is it?” Your hands and feet were starting to numb a bit, desperate for the warmth of your bed. Fred grabbed your wrist from his position on the ground, ushering you closer to which you obliged. However, when his hand grabbed your hips hoisting you onto his lap you were more than shocked. “Fred—”

“My brother is trying to tell you he loves you—”

“That’s not how you do it—” George tried to chime in.

“Then what are you doing—” you squeaked out at the red head under you. His hands had not moved from their place on your hips, he looked up at you as though he was looking at the stars behind you, amazement in his eyes.

“Trying to tell you I love you too.” He whispered. It all came crashing down on you at once, all the pestering and teasing they had been doing, how it was never one of them alone, always playing off each other to rile you up. You had only hoped both of the twins liked you, but you never dreamed it would be true—maybe that’s why you never saw the signs.

“You both like me?” They hummed together in agreement. Your heart began to sink into your stomach, you would have to do what you never wanted to—choose. As long as your love for them was secret and not reciprocated you never had to choose, but now the roles were reversed, and they were seeking you out. How could you break one of their hearts? “I don’t know if I can choose—”

Fred began laughing beneath you, the rumbling of his body shaking you slightly. “We never asked you too.”

“Not unless you want to,” said George patiently awaiting his turn to hold you close.

“You’re saying—”

“We’re willing to share,” they announced.

“Not like we don’t share everything already,” said Fred.

“And we mean everything,” winked George.

It was all too much for you to handle, on the one hand you were relieved in a weird way, confused on how it would work on another, but once again you weren’t in control when it came to them, and you never would be. George inched toward you, knees buried in the snow and by now probably soaked. Your eyes darted between his hoping that what was to come was what you had been hoping would for months, and, as he cupped your face you knew for sure it was.

“Gonna steal a kiss from me before your brother?” you whispered. George nodded in return and met your lips for a gentle kiss, sending an electric pulse through you. Fred squeezed your hips with his hands which were surely on the verge of frostbite by now.

“’Ay, I’m still down here,” Fred whined as you turned your attention to him leaning down to peck him as well, but he was much more eager than his brother, as he sat up to catch your lips prematurely making sure to show you he meant all he said. As you parted you began to shiver from the cold, asking if the three of you could ‘discuss’ this somewhere else. Making your way back to the castle was a pain but the two of their bickering and jokes made it tolerable, and as their voices drifted off in your head you couldn’t help but think of what lay ahead.

This is going to be a fun night.