It started slowly.

A lingering look from Fred across the common room.

A playful nudge from George in the corridor that lasted just a second too long.

You didn’t think much of it at first. Fred had always been flirty. George had always been sweet. That was just how they were.

But then things changed.

Fred began saving you a seat next to him during Breakfast.

George started walking you back to your dorm after late-night study sessions.

Fred would tuck a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

George would carry your books even though you insisted he didn’t have to.

They never made you uncomfortable. If anything, their kindness felt familiar, safe — like home. You just didn’t understand what it meant.

Not until tonight.

You’d just come in from the library, arms full of parchment, when you found both of them sitting together by the fire. Fred looked up first, that familiar spark lighting in his eyes. George looked up second, expression gentler but just as warm.

Fred patted the empty space between them. “Sit with us?”

You did, feeling your heartbeat in your throat.

George glanced at Fred, who nodded almost imperceptibly. Then George spoke first.

“So,” he said softly, “we need to tell you something.”

Fred let out a breathy laugh. “Yeah. Because apparently we’re both absolutely rubbish at hiding things.”

You looked between them. “What things?”

Fred leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “We both like you.”

George added, “A lot.”

Your breath hitched. “Oh.”

Fred reached out, gently brushing your hand with his fingers. “But before you panic or run or do anything dramatic, listen.”

George nodded. “We’re not fighting. We’re not angry with each other.”

Fred gave you a soft, lopsided smile. “We’ve talked about it. Properly. Like adults. It surprised us too, but… it’s not some competition.”

George’s voice lowered, warm and sincere. “We just wanted to be honest with you. And we don’t want you to feel like choosing one of us means you lose the other.”

The reassurance sat between you like something fragile but real.

Your chest tightened. “Are you two really okay with this?”

Fred gave a small smile. “Strangely, yeah.”

George’s fingers brushed your knee. “We just want to know what you want.”

A gentle silence fell, not heavy but full. Suspended.

Then Fred tilted his head, gaze searching yours. “So… if you had to pick,” he asked quietly, “who would it be?”

George didn’t look away. “You don’t have to answer right now,” he added softly. “But we’d like to know.”

No matter what you said next, you knew one thing for certain.

You wouldn’t lose either of them.