I was running. The wind that travelled through the empty corridors from the open balcony froze my skin. The first day of winter held crisp air its touch on your face was like crunching a hard leave below your feet.

My lips tingled.

I could hear his footsteps behind me. I was angry but I didn't care anymore. I just ran. I got tired and I must've slowed down because the next thing I knew I felt two wrist grab mine and pull me back.

Fred.

He looked dishevelled once again, but this time with a glimmer of hope in his eyes, one that I knew could only meet one thing.

What had just happened in the room of requirement made me feel so many things. When my lips touched him it felt so natural. I can't lie, I had been thinking about kissing him every day this year. But my hate overpowered it. I'm sure I saw him talking to a Ravenclaw the other day. It infuriates me. he could never be happy with just be the person he always has to take and take it's not fair. I won't be another useless tool in his mind games.

I register him holding me tightly and turn to speak.

"Fred stop I need to go" he loosens his grip on my wrists still holding my hands but I can't bring it to myself to walk away.

"We need to talk about this" Fred stated.

"There is nothing to talk about" I snapped.

"I still like you Miranda" he vowed.

"And I don't. I can't believe you acted like such a player luring me in to kiss you well knowing I don't return the same romantic feelings!" I felt more aware of the whole situation now my thoughts were regrouping.

"Yet."

"WHAT" I exclaimed in surprise.

"You heard me. I only believe it is a matter of time before you fall for me"

"I-"

"Let's clear some things up before we move on, shall we? What I overheard you saying to George on Monday hurt me... a lot. But after you, so kindly showed your passion and an obvious hunger for me with your beautiful lips I can confidently come to the conclusion you were saying those things to try and push your conflicting emotions away." Fred said with sarcasm along with absolute truth.

"You let me kiss you, you-u made me go further" I blurted unable to string a coherent sentence together.

" Hold on, let's rewind a little shall we because it seems you are suffering from a serious case of memory loss." He spoke amused.

"I actually thought the kiss would make you uncomfortable and was about to offer to do the truth in your place like the chivalrous man I am until you smashed your gorgeous lips into mine. And just when I felt the kiss coming to an end you straddle me and continue to kiss me. I mean no complaints whatsoever but I can tell you right now what happened in there was completely on you Benny!" Fred let out a large exhale as he finished his sentence.

I was baffled. Was he right? Did I have feelings for him? No, I don't. He is Fred Weasley, a stupid prankster and a well-known player. No, there are no feelings there.

I look up into his eyes when a smirk creeps onto his face. A lean in a little closer and smile into my next words.

"Fuck you, Fred"

***

Last night I had gone back to my dorm to enjoy some peace and quiet ditching the annual sleepover. I woke up to go to Saturday's breakfast. I put on one of nicer outfits, my style was getting better this year, less innocent. Borrowing things from Frankie has helped the most. This morning she had picked me out a black leather skirt to pair with my booties for our trip to Hogsmeade.

The girls and I headed down to the great hall but as we walked through the doors I see Fred along with the rest of my boys.

Confidence is key.

I saw Fred trying to signal me, but I chose to ignore him. I could not bear that face.

"Hey, you okay?" Frankie whispers.

"Better then ever" I reply. "I will see you in a sec," I say before taking more steps towards my boys.

"Good morning George" George perks up with a smile on his face not used to being addressed first. "Good morning Lee" I continue. "Morning," he smirks. "Sleep well? You must have been very tired after your makeout se-" But I cut Lee off. "Very well thanks, but the girls are calling and I must go." The boys were laughing uncontrollably including Fred. By now the whole school had heard about last night's event due to Fred's popularity. Just as I was about to walk away a familiar voice piped up.

"Hey, Miranda" Fred shouted.

"Fred! I didn't see you there!" I exclaimed sarcastically.

"I just wanted to let you know to check for mail this morning." He said his devilishly handsome smirk appearing on his face.

It was surprising but the whole hall had their attention glued to us including the other schools Durstrang and Beaubaxtons and Albus Dumbledore himself who looked weirdly invested in the whole situation.

I looked at Fred dead in his perfect eyes and couldn't help myself. Public humiliation was my favourite.

I climbed up onto the wooden bench and over the crowded table. Past the eggs, bacon, and pumpkin juice. I lowered myself next to Fred and took a moment to look at him. The look on his face when he is shocked will never get old. It brings me complete joy every time.

"When will get it that I have no feelings for you?"

"I beg to differ, Benny," Fred said. He leaned into my face and cupped his hand to whisper in my ear "You are really turning me on right now." My heart jumped. He is pathetic.

I got up and left but turned around and shouted.

"Fuck you, Fred" I shouted with my middle up in the pointing at him. McGonagall caught my eye and Bellowed "Language Benson!"

The whole hall looked like they had just watched the climax of a movie. Some happy, some not.

I continued walking down the hall until I reached the part of the bench my that my dormmates were sitting at.

"You're crazy Miranda" Alica whispered to me. Most peoples' attention had faded off me and they were all gossiping with their friends instead. "I know but you love me anyway don't you." I chuckled looking at the girls.

"Yes, we do" My friends answered simultaneously.

***

A couple of minutes later the morning post started to arrive. A great grey owl flew above me dropped some beautiful sunflowers and then crashed into my bowl of cereal. He looked up at me with an apologetic hoot and flew off quickly.

I looked at the flowers with such love until I realised who they were from. Fred. A note was attached to the stem I untied it and mumbled the words to myself.

Dear Benny,

I hope you haven't forgotten about our date tonight. Midnight. You know where. Don't get caught. You are my sunshine... hence the flowers.

Love from Loser x

I smiled to myself if he wasn't such a dickhead I would be on one knee by now.

Dumbledore came to the podium and called for attention.

"Before we continue on our days and you leave the great hall I would like to announce something very special happening on Christmas Eve" Some kids looked excited and some kids looked like they knew what was coming.

"The Yule Ball will be held. It is a tradition that in honour of the Triwizard tournament a dance is held for International Magical Cooperation. In other words to bringing the schools together. Extra lessons will be held by the head of each house for skills to use on the night. Enjoy the rest of your day students and Merry Christmas."

A dance! I thought to myself. I have never been to one of those before, looked to my friends and I could see their minds racing already.

This is going to be bloody brilliant.

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