You move quietly through the corridor, wand light dimmed to almost nothing, heart beating too loud in your chest. The stones beneath your feet are cold, familiar, comforting in a way only Slytherin corridors ever are. You know every turn. Every shadow. You know exactly where you are not supposed to be.

Behind you, the door to the Slytherin common room remains shut.

Draco is inside.

You had seen him sprawled on the sofa with his friends when you slipped past earlier. He had barely looked up when you muttered a tired goodnight. Had only hummed and told you not to stay up too late. He thinks you are asleep now. Curled up in your bed behind green curtains. Safe. Predictable. His little sister where she belongs.

If he knew where you were actually going, there would be shouting. Questions. Anger sharp enough to cut stone.

You do not let yourself think about that as you climb the stairs.

You only think about the way someone is waiting.

Fred is waiting where you told him to be, tucked into a shadowed alcove near a tapestry that shifts lazily as you approach. He looks up the moment he hears you, grin already forming like this is his favorite part of the night.

“There you are,” he whispers, eyes bright. “Thought your terrifying brother might have locked you in.”

“He thinks I’m asleep,” you murmur, slipping into his space. “In the dungeons, plotting the downfall of everyone who breathes too loudly.”

Fred snorts softly and reaches for your hand, thumb brushing over your knuckles. “Brilliant. Nothing like a bit of danger to make sneaking around with a Slytherin worth it.”

You roll your eyes, but you lean closer anyway. Being this near him always feels unreal. Gryffindor red against Slytherin green. Fred WeasIey’s warmth pressed against you.

“If Draco ever finds out,” you whisper, “he’ll lose his mind.”

Fred’s grin softens. “Then it’s a good thing he doesn’t know.” His forehead rests against yours, voice dropping. “And I’m quite enjoying being your terrible little secret.”

Footsteps echo faintly somewhere in the distance. You both freeze, breath held, until the sound fades. Fred squeezes your hand once, reassuring, like this is nothing more than another thrilling game.

You know better. But when he pulls you closer and kisses you quietly in the dark, you decide some secrets are worth keeping.