You Owe Us One

Morning had come, though it was impossible to tell within the secret passageways of Hogwarts. The fire had died out sometime before you fell asleep, so the room was pitch black. You woke still tangled in George's arms, his soft breathing tickling your ear. You hadn't anticipated spending the entire night with him, just a few hours at most like always.

George's chest was flush against your back, with one arm under your head and the other over your waist. He was radiating so much heat that the cold air that nipped at your exposed skin was bearable. If you had the choice, you'd lay like that forever with him. Your fingers traced his knuckles gently as you stared into the darkness.

You never expected such tenderness and understanding from either brother. It wasn't that you thought they were incapable of it, but it was hard to understand where you fell with them. So far it had only been late night rendezvous and sneaking around to hook up, but George stayed with you all night and made sure that you were okay.

Not just that, but he actually asked you to the Yule ball. Which meant that you'd be in public with him for the first time in just a week or so.

George's wrist rotated and his long fingers laced with yours. With a yawn, he pulled you in tight against him and nuzzled his face into your hair.

"What time is it?* He asked with a raspy voice before another yawn escaped him.

"I haven't a clue," you responded as you melted into his embrace.

You felt him shrug and tighten his grip around your waist. "Oh well," he muttered and rubbed his cheek against your temple.

You laid there together for a while in each other's warmth, the floral blanket wrapped around the both of you. The idea of going back to sleep lingered, until George reached for his wand and lit the fire. He propped himself up on one arm and looked down at you with a smile.

"Well, I guess we can't waste our Saturday in bed all day," he said sadly. "Best get up anyway, I'm sure Fred is looking for me."

You twist your torso and give him pleading eyes. The fire made shadows on the stone walls dance, the familiar crackling flames and scent of smoke fill the room. The feeling of gratitude grew in your chest as you stared into his handsome face. You lifted your hand and ran your fingers through his messy copper hair.

"Thank you," you whispered.

George landed a quick peck on your cheek. "Nothing to thank me for, darling." His gaze lingered on your lips then flicked away as he pushed himself upright further.

You grabbed the collar of George's wrinkled shirt and pulled him into a kiss. This knocked him so off balance that he had to quickly catch himself before he landed directly on top of you. He let out a surprised laugh, and you took that opportunity to probe his mouth with your tongue. With one swift movement, you hoisted your leg over him and pinned him to his back.

Something in George's eyes changed as he laid under you, his fingers digging into the sensitive flesh of your ribs and hips. His grasp became so firm that you let out an involuntary gasp, and he took that opportunity to hold your jaw firmly with his shaking left hand.

"Look at you being brave this morning," he said breathily. You responded by grinding against his already hardening bulge.

George bit his lip and breathed out sharply. Just inches from his face, you saw his pupils fully dilate before pulling you back into a hungry kiss. He held onto your slender hips and attempted to flip you over, but you kept yourself firmly on top of him. You wondered if he had ever let someone take control of him like this before.

Either way, you couldn't help yourself. He looked so perfect beneath you with his reddening freckled face and messy ginger hair. You felt like you were on fire. All of the bitter cold in the room ceased to exist when your bodies were pressed together.

George tangled his fingers in your hair and pulled you in flat against his chest, his mouth close to your ear. "You're incredible," he whispers, lust thick in his voice. "Do you need me to fuck you, y/n?"

You gave a quick nod and you felt his stomach shake as he chuckled.

He wrapped his arm around your waist and pressed his erection against you. "Please?" You begged.

Within seconds he had you on your back again. He hovered over you and carefully caressed your cheek, a devilish grin appeared at once. "I'd love to, darling." He tilted his head and backed away. "But, we must be on our way."

You laid there dumbfounded as he got out of the bed and began stretching his arms. "Are you serious? What's more important than this?"

George spun around and laughed. "Oh nothing, trust me. But I have other engagements to attend to."

"Like with someone else?" You asked quickly, then shrunk back under the covers in embarrassment.

"Yes," he said seriously and watched with a grin as your face dropped. He winked and explained, "Fred and Lee Jordan are expecting me in the common room." He straightened his collar and attempted to flatten his tousled hair.

After throwing the covers to the side, you begrudgingly get to your feet and follow suit with fixing your attire. Once your blouse was fully buttoned and your ponytail adjusted, the excitement of the Yule Ball proposal sank in.

"George," you began softly, and he turned to you. "You're sure that Fred won't mind that you asked me to the dance, right?"

"Merlin's Beard, of course not," George insisted and continued his inspection of the map by tilting it towards the fireplace. His tall silhouette spilled onto the wall, the edges dancing from the flames. "If we leave now, the coast will be clear."

Both of you left the secret room, and headed down the damp and dark passageway. He clutched your hand in his, squeezing as you got closer to the exit. You wanted to dig your heels in the ground and beg for him to go back with you, imploring for just five more minutes of his time. Waiting until the Yule Ball felt like an eternity away. Would you even get the chance to see each other before then? You weren't sure if your heart or your body could wait that long.

George hesitated at the threshold before the main hallway. He stared ahead wide eyed, like something very important just dawned on him. With a quick peck on the cheek and a farewell, he disappeared down the corridor with quickened steps.

Something about that interaction didn't sit right with you, but you just couldn't place your finger on why. With the thoughts of the Yule Ball in the forefront of your mind, you head towards Hufflepuff's quarters.

—-----------

"Well, well," announced a smirking Fred Weasley. "Look who decided to show." Lee Jordan glanced up from the scattered pieces of parchment paper that were laid out on the table.

George joined them, plopping himself next to Lee and avoiding Fred's eyes. "Sorry I'm late," he said before he took a large bite of a muffin that he nabbed on the way back to the Griffyndor common room.

"It's no big deal," Lee murmured. "We've barely even gotten started."

Fred added, "we couldn't because we were waiting for you."

"I said I was sorry," George replied nonchalantly. He lifted one of the papers and lifted it to his face. "Jinxing the boys toilets, classic."

Fred snatched the parchment from his fingers and slapped it on the table. "Why are you being so coy about your rendezvous?" He propped his chin up on his wrist and watched his brother intently with curiosity written all over his face. "Come on now, tell me. How was it?"

George took a lazy bite of his muffin and shrugged. "Nothing happened," he stated simply.

This didn't satisfy Fred. He adjusted in his seat and leaned forward even further. "You're telling me you had y/n to yourself all night and nothing happened? I find that hard to believe."

Lee looked between both brothers and softly butted in, "Y/N from Hufflepuff?"

George nodded and popped the last piece of food in his mouth. "We just talked."

Fred twisted his face like he just ate something sour. "Just talked?"

"Is there an echo in here?" George laughed and went to grab another page of parchment, but Fred took it from him. "Blimey, what's gotten into you?"

"I just think you're holding back something," Fred remarked and the side of his mouth twitched.

"I'm not," George laughed. "Really! She had a bad night, so I stayed with her until we both fell asleep. We kissed in the morning, but that's it." His attention darted to Lee, who was beyond dumbfounded from the entire conversation.

"Is this your girlfriend or something?" Lee asked.

Fred answered with a quick, "no."

Whereas George replied at the same exact time with, "not exactly."

"Not exactly?" Fred repeated back. "We agreed from the beginning on what things were to be with y/n."

"I know!" A frustrated George blurted out. "'No' and 'not exactly' are essentially the same thing, you're looking way too far into this."

Fred scowled at his brother and tapped a finger on the table. George knew he'd have to tell him eventually, he was just hoping he'd have a little more time to devise a plan on how to ease him into the situation. Asking Y/N to the Yule Ball seemed like a natural thing to do at the time, but he had forgotten about their promise to one another - no relationship, no official dates, and absolutely no romantic feelings.

They weren't planning on staying too much longer at Hogwarts with their business slowly on the rise. Getting involved with someone outside of physical was just not a smart move for the long term. Nothing mattered to them more than their future.

"Alright fine," George started carefully. "I may have asked y/n to the ball."

"You what?" Fred hissed.

Lee tried to lighten the mood with a cheerful, "well that's not so bad, is it?"

Fred shot him a quick glare before standing up, towering over his twin. "We both agreed-"

"I know!" George exclaimed, then softened his voice. "I know. I just thought since you asked Angelina that it wouldn't matter."

"Of course it matters," Fred scoffed and sat back down with his arms crossed. "There's a huge difference between our friendship with Angelina and what we've done with Y/N. George, you can't possibly play dumb with me right now."

George decided to back down and snatched some parchment to hold up to his nose. He couldn't bear to look at his brother any longer. He was being even more childish and hotheaded than normal.

The rest of their meeting was silent. Lee Jordan spent most of his time glancing between the twins, trying to figure out just what in the hell just happened.

—--------------------

The Yule Ball was here before you knew it, with all the decorations in the castle bringing a sense of excitement and giddiness to all the students. The anticipation of seeing Fred and George is what was making the butterflies in your stomach turn as you slip into the light pink dress.

Even if Fred has another date, at least you'll be able to speak with him. It took some time to come to terms with this. Fighting off waves of jealousy when seeing him and Angelina in the halls together was not an easy feat. Especially because he seemed to go through lengths to not look at you. George, however, had even stopped by a few times in the Great Hall to say hello. The looks you both got from your fellow Hufflepuffs was a bit unnerving at first, but that was easily replaced by the fact that he was finally acknowledging you.

Once you are satisfied with your curled hair and makeup, you find your way out of the dorm and through the crowded Hufflepuff common room. You are pleasantly surprised to find George already in the hall waiting for you with his bright shoulder length orange hair gleaming in the lantern light.

"Blimey," he beams with a raise of his brows. "You look.." he trails off as he approaches you, his eyes traveling down the curves that the pink gown so graciously accentuates. He reaches you and takes both of your hands in his. "You look perfect," he says, finishing with a quick bite of his lower lip.

George seems different, a tad awkward even, which is surprising considering everything you've been through together. Yet he looks more mature than ever. The black dress robes show off his broad shoulders and slender waist. The horde of butterflies in your stomach flutters again as your eyes meet his.

"You look nice as well," you say sheepishly. He smiles and your heart skips a beat.

Before you can think of what to follow up with, a group of Hufflepuffs with their dates stride by. The high pitch giggles from the excited girls echoes around them, and George nods his head in the direction they are walking.

"We should get going, yeah?" He says and guides your hand to the crook of his elbow.

You walk side by side, your wrist being lightly squeezed by George's lower bicep. A new soft earthy scent floats around him, and you guess it's a new cologne he picked out for the occasion. Your footsteps are in sync as you reach the threshold of the corridor that leads to where the Yule Ball is. You make small talk, trying to ignore the twisting anxiety in your chest. Even though you were still a bit of a distance away, you could already feel the music vibrate through your heels.

This was a dream of yours, to be here with George Weasley, yet you can't place why there was a heaviness that you just couldn't shake. As you probe your mind further on why, the answer hits you at once.

"There you are," a familiar voice calls from behind you. George tenses his arm and you both come to a stop. You turn to see a smug Fred walking with Angelina.

Your stomach lurches, like you just missed a step on the stairs and you look up at George. His expression is blank as his brother approaches. Something is definitely off between these two You try to pull away, but he just squeezes your arm tighter against his ribs.

"Here I am," George says with an undeniable bite in his tone.

Fred's attention remains locked in on his twin, his jaw cocked to the side and his brows furrowed.

You and Angelina look between the two of them, both taken aback by the scene. For the time you've known the boys, you never once saw them disagree - let alone fight.

With a quick tug of his arm, George turns his attention to you. With a quick clear of his throat he says, "well, shall we then?"

Fred strides by, only reaching for Angelina's hand once they were completely in sight. You scowl as you watch them. You lean even more into George as the hall widens and the Yule Ball comes into view.

The jealousy that plagues you fades as you step into the ballrooms polished floors. The ceilings are garnished with elegant white and silver decorations. The walls sparkle like they are coated with the finest of ice and glitter. Round tables are scattered around, groups of students already claiming a few as their own. Three large trees are on the farthest side of the entrance, where a band is playing.

Fred and Angelina disappear within the crowd on the dance floor, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth. You ask promptly if George would like to dance, which he agrees. Part of you feels guilty as you lead him through the crowd. Of course you want to dance with him, but it was impossible to deny the leading factor of wanting to spy on his brother.

The band, The Weird Sisters, end one of their songs and slow their melody. The couples around them push together, some nervous, others a bit too enthusiastically. George steps forward and wraps his arms tightly around your waist, his hair falling in his face as he looks down at you. While following his lead, you lift your arms to his shoulders and lace your fingers behind his neck.

The lights dim, small fractals of light spin and sparkle around the floor and paired students. It was as if the stars from the sky had fallen and were dancing amongst them. Like moving with the waves of a calm ocean, you turn and sway in sync. Your eyes lock with George's and both the crowd and any thoughts of Fred holding onto Angelina drifts away into the abyss.

He beams down at you then swiftly leans forward and dips you backwards. He secures your torso as you curve your spine against his palms. His hands travel up your back, and once you are upright he squeezes your fingers. Without any practice or verbal commands, he spins you graciously and catches you against his chest.

You are impressed, to say the least. You let out a quick gasp as George's pale face inches closer to yours, the edge of his lips curl into a grin. He's going to kiss you in front of everyone. You hadn't expected this to happen, at least not so quickly. He leans you back again, his strong arms keeping you stable as his soft and warm mouth finds yours.

You melt instantly and wrap your arms tightly around his neck. George pulls you against his chest and tilts his head to deepen his kiss. His tongue finds yours and you instantly are greeted with his familiar sweet taste. You gently twirl around each other, the rest of the room disappearing all together now. You are in a world alone with George, your heart and body full of so many emotions at once that it almost left you completely in a haze.

Just as you thought you had somehow apparated into another dimension, the lights around you came back into focus. The red headed boy breaks the kiss and holds your face gingerly in his palms.

That's when the crowd comes back into reality. There is a mixture of teasing 'ooohs' and judgemental whispers surrounding you both. You go to turn your head, but George keeps you focused on himself. With a quick eye roll and then wink, you know that he's telling you to ignore everyone else.

"Let's go get some drinks," he says and leads you off the dance floor.

You feel feverish with everyone's eyes on you as you pass by. A group of Ravenclaws have their faces screwed into disgust, a pretty girl you recognize as Hermione was watching you with surprise, and her date Viktor Krum seems completely unphased by the entire scene. One person, however, stood out from the rest. His cheeks burning the same color as his flaming hair, Fred stood transfixed on his brother with a hardening scowl.

Once you are out of ear shot, you pull on George's sleeve and ask hurriedly, "Is everything okay with Fred?"

He keeps his attention on the glimmering ice punch bowl in front of him. He answers immediately with, "'course he is."

You glance back, thankful to not see Fred in your line of view. "Are you sure? He seems off."

"Yes," George mutters and turns with a drink in both hands. "Now, don't worry about Freddie and let's just have a good time. Alright?"

You take the drink from him but keep your attention fully on his face. He was avoiding making eye contact, which wasn't like him. "You're hiding something," you say with such a matter of fact tone that it made his lips tighten. "Please, just tell me. Did you have a fight or-?"

George furrowed his brows and bit at his lip. He lets out a deep sigh and places his palm on your shoulder. "I'll tell you, but later. Okay?" You remain silent, so he adds, "I promise."

"Alright," you agree with hesitation and give him a quick peck on the cheek.

His voice jarringly changes back to his normal upbeat tone. "Fantastic! I think I saw my little brother with Harry over there, I'd like to introduce you."

You follow him to one of the large round tables covered in an elegant white table cloth. George happily announces that you're his date, and he introduces you one by one to the entire group. Ron and Harry shot looks of disbelief at each other. His brother asked if this was one of his jokes. As they banter, you notice that two of the girls seemed absolutely miserable and were staring off into space during the entire interaction.

With Hermione's entrance came a silence from Ron that was almost deafening. He scowls and his cheeks flush, and it reminds you at once of Fred.

George's little brother was very unhappy with his friend's choice of date. Through their quick argument, before Viktor came by to sweep her away, it became clear to you what the real problem was at heart.

Ron is jealous.

If that was the case, then is Fred jealous as well? George had stated so many times that his brother did not care at all if you went to the Yule Ball together.

You try to not make any more assumptions as the night goes on. It was a beautiful time, even if the lingering questions were digging at you from the back of your mind.

You and George dance until your feet are sore. He offers to carry you back to the Hufflepuff common room, but you decline. It was still early, and you really don't want this night to end.

When George and Ron end up in a heated argument about Quidditch, you excuse yourself to get some fresh air. Out the back, you pass by two students kissing behind a bush. You peek only long enough to see that neither one of them has red hair, making the heaviness in your chest lighten.

You look up at the night sky, admiring the bright constellations above. It wasn't often that you went out after dark, and the view from Hogwarts castle was beyond magical. As you pause your walking, you hear quick footsteps echoing behind you. You turn and see a tall and lanky figure with bright copper hair approaching.

At first, you are surprised that George was able to escape the heated conversation with Ron. Then, as he approaches further, the recognition of this being Fred dawns on you. His eyes were narrow and face still flushed with anger.

Before you can think of an appropriate ice breaker, Fred blurts out, "so you sleep with us both and decide on my brother, huh?"

You blink at him and take a step backwards, your heart pounding in your chest.

"Well isn't it just great," he hisses. "And then you go and.." He trips up on his words as he flails his arms in the direction of the ball. "Snog him right in front of everyone. Really, I can't believe it." He paces back and forth with his fingers pulling at his hair.

"I didn't think you'd care," you say softly, your arms are weighted to your sides now. "George said-"

"I know what George said," Fred snaps. "I've heard it all over the past week. It's like something in his brain got unscrewed since, well-" he eyes you and then straightens his posture.

"Since you fucked me," you finish for him and his freckled cheeks redden even more. "And how is that my fault?" You shout and step forward digging your heel in the ground.

Fred mimics you and moves towards you, only stopping about a foot away. "How is it not your fault? Flaunting yourself around with my brother. Now everyone thinks that you-"

You scoff and shake your head in disbelief. "You're mental. You were going with Angelina before George even asked me. You had your chance and it's not my fault that you regret it." You're furious hearing his reasoning. You can feel the heat from your chest rising up your neck. The pain from your heels is just a memory now.

You turn to leave and he grabs you by the forearm. There was something different about his expression now, his brows are furrowed but his pupils are large as they search your face. A stifling silence suffocates the air around you both.

You aren't sure what to say or even what to think. Fred never went out of his way to show that you were anything more than someone he'd sleep with from time to time. You were fine with it at first, but you knew in your heart that it couldn't stay that way. There was more you both wanted and needed from the twins.

Fred releases you and returns to tugging at his hair in frustration. "It wasn't supposed to be this way." You tilt your head and go to inquire further, but he continues with, "it was only supposed to be a one time thing. I figured then we could focus on our future, rather than our growing interest in you."

Your heart ices over. To learn that they had already planned ditching you from the beginning was almost unbearable knowledge.

"George and I agreed that it would get it out of our system, and likely yours as well. Then we could move on as friends, or acquaintances if you preferred. But you see.." He approaches you and delicately caresses your neck. "Once we had you, it was like a floodgate was opened. Bloody hell, we tried everything, but it can't be stopped."

Fred reaches up and places his thumb under your chin to keep your eyes locked with his. "Now I just can't get you out of my head."

With this revelation the ice in your chest melts. The heat travels through your limbs in waves, allowing you to finally move again. Was this a dream? You can't think of what to say as Fred inches closer.

"And you were right," he says coyly. "I do regret not asking you first."

With that final admission, he grabs you by the hips and lifts you in one swift movement. He stumbled forward holding you, his mouth hungrily meeting yours. He presses your bare back against the cold and rough stone exterior of the castle. You gasp and tangle your fingers in his already messy hair.

His tongue rolls against yours as he grinds between your thighs. Your bare legs wrap perfectly around his waist. His fingers dig into your sides and you know that they'll likely leave tiny bruises all over your body. This idea only sets your soul even more ablaze. You love that Fred is marking you and finding his own way to claim you.

You shudder against him as he kisses down your neck, leaving tiny bites on his way to your collarbone. He stops, grabs you by the back of the hair and forces his tongue back into your mouth. His erection presses rubs against your stocking covered panties, his fingers threaten to rip them as he both pushes and pulls your thighs.

There is no doubt that you will have marks from the rock wall as he thrusts you against it again. You let a cry out and he smiles through a sloppy wet kiss. Your nails rake down his back and he breaks the kiss at once. He watches your face closely with your hair still clenched in his fist.

You try to grind your hips against Fred, only for him to angle away from you. His red and swollen lips curl into a Cheshire cat grin.

"Kiss me," you beg, trying to lean forward and are promptly yanked back by your hair.

"Listen," he says softly. "Meet me in our spot tonight, after lights out. I think we should all have a nice long chat." He looks your face up and down. "Don't you agree?"

You try to nod, but he still remains tangled deep within your hair.

"Don't worry, I'll tell George myself," he explains and backs up to allow you to find your footing. "And one more thing."

Your legs wobble as you stare up at him, too dazed to think straight.

"Don't take off that dress," he smirks and turns, then walks the way you had initially come.