The loud clutter of the Great Hall filled Fred’s ears as he made his way to the table decorated in maroon and gold. Chaos as always, something the freckled boy had found comfort in since his first welcoming feast at the young age of eleven.
It was routine at this point: sitting beside his twin and Lee, discussing what mayhem they were planning that week. What was new, however, was the way his eyes couldn’t help but drift to a certain, greener table.
Fred could feel the air escape his lungs as he found what he was looking for. There he was, in all his posh glory. Platinum locks, falling into his bright slate gray eyes- A new development from his previous slicked back hair. Milky white skin, a blank canvas just begging to be used. And his smile. Merlin, would Fred give up the world just to see those pearly whites aimed towards him, laughing at something he had said.
“I’m gonna marry him.”
A pregnant silence followed, as George and Lee immediately ceased talking. His brother’s features twisted in a mix of confusion and shock- A stark contrast to the longing look in Fred’s own copy of the same face.
“Who are you talking about, Fred?”
It was Lee who spoke, The ginger boy knew that for sure. Because even though Fred had never said his snake’s name, it was clear to George who it was. Of course he’d be aware, for it was him who had to deal with Fred’s gushing every night. But, George would have never guessed his crush to be so serious.
Still training his eyes on his brother, Fred replied, “Draco Malfoy, obviously.”
“Like he’d ever agree. A perfect, little pureblood letting a redheaded blood traitor taint the family line?”
It was George this time, because someone had to play devil’s advocate.
“He will, I’m sure of it.” There was no question in Fred’s voice as he spoke what seemed to be the truth. It was odd, for the slightly taller boy had always been the pessimist, as George spoke his own dreams for them.
“How can you be so confident? We’re young, we’re poor, and he barely acknowledges your existence beyond the Room!”
“I’m going to marry him,” Fred began, breaking off momentarily to dreamily smile at the very boy who owned his heart,
“He will accept, because it was him who told me that I’m destined for greatness, destined to live a long and happy life. Right now, I’m certain that nothing will make me happier than having him beside me as I do it. And when had Draco ever been wrong?”
The twins had always been close, inseparable even. ‘Two of the same person,’ their mother had always said, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Because, George had always been the leader- the one to guide them into trouble, into success. Fred was that of a follower, someone to listen and help.
This was the first time George heard him disagree, heard Fred tell him he was blatantly wrong, and you know what?
Maybe he was.
“So, when’s the wedding?”
Fred laughed, shoulders relaxing in relief. The twins may not have been the same person, but they would never stop supporting each other.
“Eh, I gotta get him to realize that he loves him first.”
As if he knew he was being talked about, Draco had turned his attention away from his own little followers and met Fred’s gaze. Sparkly silver met mocha brown, as the Slytherin gave a graceful wave.
Draco wouldn’t know until years later, when George would tell the story in his Best Man Speech, but he’d just accepted Fred’s silent proposal of marriage.