Dear readers,

Merry Christmas and happy new year!
The Whispering Quill, L.V.

The next day, Aria was on her bed, looking at the letter that Fred sent her. She sighed, thinking that probably was a bad idea.
"Alright bestie, see you after the holidays, what will you do during these days?"
"Uhm... I was invited to someone's house... But I don't think I will go"
Pansy stopped at the door.
"You must be crazy, you have to go! Who is he?"
Aria blushed.
"W- Who?"
"The one who invited you, is it a boy right? A slytherin?"
"Y- Yeah!
"I knew it! Who is it? Theo? Blake? Is it Draco?" Asked smirking.
"I- It's a boy... Older than us... Yes! He is an ex student, you probably don't remember him"
Pansy thought for a moment before shrugging.
"I approve, older men are chef kiss. You better go Aria, you seem to have a lot running through your mind, maybe he can help you chill" Said winking before leaving the room.
Aria blushed and looked back at the letter, hiding her face into the pillow.

Fred was tidying his room and the whole house, he wanted everything to be perfect for Aria.
Their house wasn't a mansion, it was always messy and full of strange and magical objects.
Fred wasn't ashamed of it, but for the first time he wanted to hide everything and make a good impression on Aria.
George, his siblings and his parents looked at him, confused by yet amused by his behavior.
"That girl must be special for your brother" Said Molly giggling.
"Oh mum, don't embarrass Fred, they are just friends... For now" Replied George winking and walking towards his twin.

"Oh, so Aria's coming, eh? Well, we'd better make sure the place is up to a Slytherin's standards then. I'll let you handle that, Freddie"
"Yes, she's coming over... Let's hope she doesn't expect us to have fancy china and silverware. I mean, we're more of a 'bash the dirt off your boots before coming in' kind of family" Said Fred nervously.
"Oh, don't worry about it. Aria's not that stuck-up. It's not like she's a Malfoy or something. Just focus on being yourself, and everything will work out"
Fred nodded, nervous and unsure.

Aria finally arrived. She looked at the big house in front of her and took a deep breath before knocking on the door.
I can do this.
"Welcome to the Burrow, Aria. This is my dad and mum, and that over there is my crazy family, you already know Ginny and Ron"
She smiled shyly and greeted everyone, shaking his parent's hands confidently.
As Fred showed Aria some of his famous pranks in the backyard, making her laugh, Molly looked at them.
"I kinda like her, she seems harmless and nice. Are you sure she is a Slytherin? Or is it just a prank of yours?" Said to George, who simply shrugged.
"Maybe that stupid hat put her in the wrong house five years ago, like it did with Percy"
Molly hit his arm with the wooden spoon.
Percy was the most ambitious of the family and for the twins he had to stay into the Slytherins house, but Molly didn't like the idea of his children talking like that.

After dinner, they all played games and chatted until was time to go to sleep.
It was now midnight on Christmas day, Aria was sat in front of the fireplace alone, since all the others were asleep.
She decided to do some training with her wandless magic. Aria was focused on the fire in front of her, trying to turn off and relight it with the spell in her mind.
"Couldn't sleep either, huh?" Fred's voice distracted her.
He sat next to Aria looking outside the window.
"It's a beautiful night, isn't it?"
She looked up at him as he sat next to her.
"I thought you were sleeping"
"I couldn't sleep without knowing you were alright. My family is a bit crazy... Want to take a walk under the stars?"
She nodded and followed him outside for a night walk.
"I'm glad you're here, Aria. I never thought a Slytherin could be this much fun"
She blushed and put her hands close her lips to warm them up.
"Me too, you and your family are really funny"
Fred smiled as they stopped in the frontyard and the snow started to fall.
"Look, it's snowing" Said Aria looking up into the night sky, but Fred couldn't stop looking at her.
"You have snow in your hair, Aria. Let me help you - he brushed off the snow and looked into her eyes with a smile - Perfect"
She lost her blue eyes in his deep brown ones.

They stared into each other eyes for a time that seemed forever.
Fred still had his hand in Aria's hair and slowly placed it on her cheek.
Both heart raced at the intimate and romantic moment.
"Thanks" Whispered Aria as Fred leaned in.
"So, back to the room of requirement where we were interrupted... Would you mind..?" He leaned in and softly kissed Aria on the lips before pulling away with a smirk.
"Merry Christmas, Ary"
She blushed and smiled shyly at his kiss.
"Is that your Christmas gift for me?"
He nodded.
"I hope you like it. It's the best I could come up with for someone as special as you, Aria"
She smiled again and leaned in, gently cupping his cheeks in her hands.
"May I give you mine too?"
Fred's heart raced at her touch.
"I-I would love that, Ary"
Aria slowly pressed her lips on his in a gentle yet passionate kiss.
Fred run his hands on her waist, pulling her closer. Their breaths intertwined in the cold of the night as the snow fell over them.
When they stepped back from the kiss, still panting, Fred reached for her hand and she intertwined their fingers.
"I hope you liked my gift too" Said Aria smirking.
"That was the best gift I've ever received, Aria. I can't wait to spend more time with you"

Aria spent Christmas Day with Fred, his family and friends too and when it was New Year, she was in New York with her own family, counting the days until she would see Fred again.

When the winter break finally was over, everyone went back to Hogwarts. Aria was nervous and excited to see Fred after their little kiss on Christmas Day, and Fred was feeling confident and happy.

The students resumed their secret lessons in the room of requirement, guided by Aria.
Aria and Fred, to be honest, didn't define their relationship after their kiss on Christmas day and after that, they acted very strange to each other.
George noticed how Fred was acting strange and clumsy near Aria and facepalmed walking next to his twin brother, then whispered to him.
"What happened during Christmas break, you are acting embarrassing towards Aria"
Fred scratched the back of his head.
"A-Aria and I shared a kiss... And things have been weird ever since. I'm trying not to mess it up"
George gasped not sure how to feel about it. He was happy and excited for Fred, after all he liked Aria too and approved their relationship, but on the other hand, he was curious to know more about it.
"Fred, you are messing it up. What exactly are your intentions? Earlier you literally tripped her to the floor and laughed, is that how you give signs to the girl you like? Because you like her, right?" Asked George facepalming.
"I like her, George. But I don't know if she feels the same way. I'm afraid of getting hurt"
"But you two kissed, so it means she feels something too"
"But what if she only kissed me because she was caught in the moment? I don't want to get my hopes up"
"So what are you going to do?"
"I don't know, George. I just need to figure out if Aria really likes me or if it was just a spur of the moment thing"

Aria was standing in front of a bookshelf at the library, looking for a forbidden book.
"Hey Ary, mind if I join you? I could use some help studying for our Transfiguration quiz" Said Fred appearing from behind with a smirk.
She turned around and smiled softly.
"Hey Fred, you don't need help, you already know everything and are going to pass the quiz, don't worry"
He bit his lips.
"I know. I just wanted an excuse to spend time with you - said with a grin - but I'm also curious about what really happened on Christmas between us" Added in a whisper.
Aria bit her lips and gulped, then turned to the bookshelf with her back to him.
"W- What happened?"
"Oh, come on Aria. We had a moment on Christmas. You know you liked it - said leaning closer - I could show you again if you need a reminder"
She blushed feeling Fred's hands gently placing on her waist and turning her around to be face to face, their faces almost touching.
"I wouldn't mind, actually..."
"Then let's make it happen" He smirked and pulled her closer.
"I've been wanting to kiss you again since Christmas"
She blushed and looked into his brown eyes with a small smile, placing her hand on his cheek, waiting for that kiss.
"Then kiss me, Fred"
"As you wish, darling" He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers, a feeling of warmth and happiness washing over both of them.
She smiled on his lips and Fred's hand wandered up her skirt.
"I've missed kissing you, Ary" Whispered as his hand continued to wander.
Aria let out a moan at his touch and quickly covered her mouth embarrassed.
Fred giggled and kissed her forehead.
"I think you quite enjoyed that - said with a mischievous grin - Maybe we should do it again sometime"
"What if people find out about it" Asked her stepping back from Fred and collecting herself.
"Who cares if people find out, Aria? I've been waiting for a chance to kiss you again. It's worth the risk"
"Look, Fred, about what happened on Christmas Day..." Said Aria with a sigh.
"It's okay. I understand. You were caught up in the moment" Fred smiled softly and caressed her cheek, feeling his heart sink.
"What? No! Don't think that I've kissed you just because you did and I wanted to please you..." Said Aria looking into his eyes with sincerity.
"Well if that's the case, then I apologize" He gently took her hand and she looked at it.
"It's just complicated between us... What's happening?"
Fred looked into her blue eyes with love and smiled sweetly.
"Aria, over the last few months, I've fallen completely for you... Now, obviously this was gonna happen, b- because you are a goddess... And I'm sure you have probably suspected this because you are smart... But I wondered if, by any chance, you might share my feelings?" Said nervously as Aria was speechless. Her heart was racing and her hands were sweating.
"I do, Fred"
He smiled brightly.
"Then let's make it uncomplicated. Aria, will you be my girlfriend?"
Her eyes widened in surprise.
"What?"
He looked at her with a hint of nervousness.
"I know we come from different worlds, but I can't imagine my life without you, Aria. But, if you're worried about what others will think, then-"
Aria didn't let him finish because she cupped his face and kissed him passionately.
"Sorry, I felt like doing it... You were talking too much"
A small smiles spread across his face.
"I'll take that as a yes then?" He chuckled and pulled her into a hug.
She smiled and snuggled her face into his chest.
"Yeah, it was a clear response, wasn't it?"
"I'm glad you feel the same way, Aria. I can't wait to show you how much I care about you, in my own mischievous ways, obviously"
"Thanks, for choosing me... But are you sure?"
"You had me at hello, Ary. I'm sure about us, no doubts"