Unreal

Chp 58 Closer than Before

And for the first time in weeks...

I didn't feel so alone.

•••••

We sat there quietly for a while.

The stone ledge was cold under us, but I didn't mind. My head rested on Fred's shoulder, his warmth grounding me, steadying me in a way I didn't know I needed.

He didn't move. Just sat there, solid and still, like he was afraid even breathing too loud might shatter the moment.

Then, after a while—

"How are you gonna do it?"

His voice was softer now. Almost hesitant. Like he didn't want to ask, but couldn't stop himself.

I blinked. Didn't lift my head.

"If you need help," he added, "I'll do whatever it takes. You know that, right?"

I smiled — small and tired — against his shoulder.

"I'll be fine," I said quietly. "I've been practicing."

But Fred didn't answer right away.

Just let out a slow exhale, the kind that filled the silence with unspoken worry.

I nudged him lightly. "You don't believe me?"

"I believe you," he said. "I just don't like it."

There it was again. That weight in his voice. That twist in my chest.

So I changed the subject.

"Well," I said, sitting up and turning to look at him, "what about you? Why are you out here smelling like Firewhisky?"

Fred raised a brow. "I smell delightful, thank you."

"You smell like a drunken Gryffindor at a poorly planned party."

"Exactly."

I rolled my eyes. "So... Gryffindor things."

He grinned. "Exactly."

I laughed softly under my breath, but it didn't last long.

Fred turned slightly on the ledge, facing me now.

And something in his expression shifted.

"Everyone's worried about you," he said. "Hermione. Ginny. George."

I blinked.

He didn't sound accusing — just... honest.

"You've been pulling away," he said. "For weeks."

"I didn't mean to," I said, a little too fast. "I just— I didn't want to drag anyone into it."

Fred's eyes didn't leave mine.

"I'd rather be dragged in than left out."

I swallowed.

Then he leaned in, just a little. Enough to close the space between us.

"I'd do anything to help you, Hart," he said. "Even if it puts me in danger."

My heart tripped.

I stared at him, stunned — completely thrown off by the seriousness in his voice, the way he meant it.

So, naturally, I panicked.

"Oh," I said. "Well, I guess that's what they call Gryffindor brain damage."

Fred gave me a flat look.

I tried to smirk. Tried to keep it light.

But he didn't laugh.