The common room crackled with the warmth of the fire, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls.You paced in front of the hearth, arms crossed tightly over your chest, frustration swirling inside you like a storm.

Ginny sat on the couch, one knee drawn up, watching you with an expression that hovered somewhere between amusement and disbelief. She twirled a loose thread on the sleeve of her jumper before huffing, exasperated.

"I can't believe you’re getting so worked up about… my brother!" she said, throwing her hands in the air.

You stopped mid-step, whipping around to face her. "He is different!" The words came out more forceful than you intended, but you couldn’t help it. Your heart was pounding, and the thought of someone not seeing Fred the way you did felt ridiculous. "He’s honest, and he’s so sweet—"

Ginny snorted, flopping back against the cushions. "Please," she drawled.

You felt your face heat up, but you pressed on, determined. "He would never break my heart," you insisted, voice softer now, like you were trying to convince yourself just as much as her.

Ginny let out a short, sharp laugh, shaking her head. "He is a guy!" she pointed out, as if that alone was enough of a reason.

You let out a frustrated sigh and collapsed onto the couch beside her, running a hand through your hair. "So?" you challenged, frowning at her.

Ginny turned to face you fully, studying your expression. For a moment, her teasing demeanor faltered, replaced by something more cautious. "So… just don’t go thinking he’s some kind of fairytale prince, alright?" she said, her voice softer this time, almost hesitant.

You didn’t answer right away. Instead, you stared into the fire, watching the embers glow and dance in the grate. Maybe Fred wasn’t a fairytale prince. Maybe he wasn’t perfect. But when he looked at you with that mischievous glint in his eyes, when he made you laugh so hard your sides ached, when he stood just a little closer than necessary—none of that mattered.

To you, he was something even better.