That morning, Aria sneaked off of her common room to go for a run and see the sunrise. She was careful to not wake up anyone and slowly exited the Slytherin common room.

After ten minutes she was outside the castle and exhaled fresh air with a smile on her face.
It was so quiet and calming.
As she run around Hogwarts, she only heard birds singing and the leaves move because of the wind.
She was at her peace and when she reached the forbidden forest, she stopped to catch her breath and admire the sun that was almost rising.

As Aria was standing there all alone, she was melting with the nature around her, it was so quiet, but there was something from afar that was making some noises, and she kept listening to it. She heard like leaves and sticks being trampled on. Aria was confused because there was no one else around her, but the noises were little by little closer. She gazed into the forest to see what was that when a magical and dangerous creature jumped outside the forest.

The creature lunged at Aria with sharp teeth and claws. Her heart raced as she took her wand and tried to defend herself with magic, but her spells were no match for the creature's strength. The creature even hit her with one of his claws, making her loose the grip on her wand, that flight away.
"What- My waaand" Said disappointed as the beast roared showing his sharp teeth covered in blood.
Aria steeped back and lost her balance, falling on the ground, her icy eyes fixed on its yellow ones.
Just as she was about to be attacked, a voice yelled a spell from behind her.
As the creature run away, Aria looked up from the ground at the mysterious figure in front of her, with her heart still racing.

After the adrenaline-filled encounter in the Forbidden Forest, Aria and her savior found themselves catching their breaths, their hearts still racing from the danger they faced.

Aria looked around for her wand and with her voice filled with gratitude, said: "I can't thank you enough for saving me back there. You truly have a knack for being in the right place at the right time"
The mysterious figure, with his usual mischievous grin on his face, replied: "Ah, no need to thank me. Just doing my part to keep the Hogwarts adventure alive"

As the sun rose, the light showed Aria the mysterious figure. He was a tall boy with red hair and deep brown eyes and both finally looked at each other for the first time. She thought he was a Weasley because through all Hogwarts, they were the only ones with those red hair. It was their distinctive feature.

Aria and Fred's eyes met and for a moment, time stood still.
In that moment, they both felt a pull towards each other, an unusual connection that they couldn't ignore.
Aria's instinct felt something towards the guy she met for the first time and Fred was captured by her deep blue eyes.
Fred shook his head and helped her up, handing his hand and clearing his voice.

"Well, that was quite unexpected. But I must say, you handle yourself quite well in a dangerous situation"
Aria smiled while dusting herself off, then she raised her head back up to him and with eyes sparkling with curiosity, leaned in closer and asked: "So, what brings you to the Forbidden Forest? I didn't expect anyone here, especially at sunrise"
Fred chuckled and replied to her with his best smile.
"Well, you know what they say about me, always up for a bit of excitement. Rumor had it that there was a rare magical creature lurking around, and I couldn't resist the temptation to investigate. And lucky for both of us, I stumbled upon you instead"
"Looking for a dangerous creature all by yourself is irresponsible" Said Elodie provoking him, but Fred was smiling at her sharp personality.
"Even running alone around the forbidden forest, isn't it?"
"You were spying on me?"
"Of course not, but it happened you were in my way and I had to make sure you were okay. Can't have the prettiest girl at Hogwarts getting hurt on my watch now, can we?" He grinned mischievously.
"But seriously, running through the forbidden forest? You're a brave one, may I know your name? It's the bare minimum for saving your life"
Aria's smile faded away, she was surprised by the fact that he didn't know her.

She was very popular and everyone always talked about her, she was always at the center of attention and it was surprisingly strange that someone didn't know who she was.
"You don't know my name?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"Should I?"
"Well then... I'm Aria Heeler"
Then Fred's eyes lit up and snapped his fingers, like he remembered.
"Oh right, I heard your name several times but I've never really knew who you were. I'm Fred Weasley, the prankster of Hogwarts, my pleasure" Said winking.
Aria smiled.
"Well, now that I've saved the prettiest girl at Hogwarts, can I at least walk you back to the castle?" He winked playfully.
For the first time, Aria felt a strange but positive feeling towards someone, and it was strange because she met him just two minutes ago and she wasn't the kind of girl letting her guard down easily.
"Alright, let's go"

They walked back to the castle in the quiet and calm autumn morning.
"It was nice to meet you, Aria. You seem different from the other Slytherins, more... Approachable. I like that"
Aria did something unexpected, she laughed at his statement.
She was always so collected and now she was laughing like they were old friends.
"How did you expect Slytherins to be exactly?"
Fred was surprised by her reaction but was happy to hear her laugh, so he simply smiled lovingly to her and looked up at the sky with a thinking expression.
"I guess I expected them to be a bit more stoic, serious and well, scheming. But I'm glad you're not like that. You seem more genuine and down-to-earth. And did I mention you have a beautiful smile?"
She continued walking behind him and hid a hint of blush. No one ever said that about her, she was used to be described as a cold, wit and collected girl.
"Well, and I must say that even you are not as people say. You aren't just a mischievous boy that only jokes, I mean, you saved my life just a minute ago" said Aria.

Fred was surprisingly happy to hear from someone that he was a responsible and courageous man and not only a kid that wants to play, and smiled in his had at the girl's words.
Surprisingly, they were feeling good next to each other even if that was their first time meeting. That was unusual for both of them.

"I'm just glad I could help. And honestly, Gryffindors aren't that different from Slytherins. We're all just people trying to find our place in this crazy world. And hey, maybe we found each other for a reason"
She shook her head smiling.
"Oh, you are that kind of a boy that believes in destiny? I think that the universe might have something more important to do than putting people together" Said the girl.
She didn't believe in destiny, love or at coincidences.
Fred blinked surprised by her words.
"Maybe you're right. But I like to believe that everything happens for a reason, even if we can't see it. And maybe the universe just wanted to bring us together"

They stopped by the main corridor of Hogwarts, it was still empty because was very early in the morning. Aria placed a hand on her waist and raised an eyebrow.
"And why the universe wanted to bring us together?"
"Maybe because we're meant to learn from each other. I can show you not all Gryffindors are reckless and you can show me that not all Slytherins are cold-hearted. Plus, I just really enjoy your company"
She smiled involuntarily at him and her cheeks had a slight of pink on them.
"We have walked together for just ten minutes, how can you assume that you enjoy my company, we don't know each other after all, we are kind of strangers for each other"
He shrugged.
"But sometimes it only takes a few minutes to feel a connection. And besides, I can't resist a challenge. It's like something drew me to you"
Aria blushed at his words but tried to look away to not let anyone notice, even if it was just the two of them.

Everyone knew how mischievous and curious Fred could be. Well, when it came to our beautiful Aria, Fred was absolutely captivated.
He couldn't help but be drawn to her enigmatic nature and the air of mystery that surrounded her.
Fred saw her now as a challenge, someone who could keep him on his toes and provide an exciting adventure. Probably, in his mind he was already planning a prank or a clever scheme to get her attention. But he also felt like she was the one able to know the real him, not only the playful Fred, but also the responsible and clever one.

"I can't explain it, but I feel like I've known you forever. And call me crazy, but I think you feel it too"
Aria hit a pebble and kept looking at the ground. He was acting so bold. It was crazy that a guy met by accident had such an impact on her. She wasn't used to blush, laugh and let her guard down with people, but somehow Fred was doing all of that in just ten minutes. Her wolf instinct was telling her he had something different from others, even if she wasn't sure about what was it.

"I don't think it's a great idea, you won't spread rumors and being the main topic on the new mysterious author's article, do you?"
He chuckled.
"Rumors? Who cares about those when I'm having the time of my life with you, Aria"
Fred wasn't the kind of guy who gave up easily if he thought something was worth it, and Elodie noticed that.
"Fred, I must admit, you have a knack for saving damsels in distress and for having your own charm. But I wonder, can you handle the cunning and allure of a Slytherin?" Asked Aria provoking him with her cold attitude, usual of her.
Fred, never one to back down from a challenge, flashes a mischievous grin and replied:" Ah, Aria, you underestimate the wit and charm of a Gryffindor. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something about you that intrigues me. I want to get to know the real Aria, not just the one everyone talks about. So, are you up for a challenge?"
As he leaned closer, Aria stepped back, trying to hide her hint of blush. Then she cleared her throat.
"You know what? If it was destiny, we will meet again, but for now let's go back to our usual lives. It was nice to meet you, and thank you for saving me earlier, Fred" Said the girl walking back to her common room before all the students came out for breakfast.

As Aria walked towards the Great Hall, her thoughts were consumed with the encounter she had with Fred. She couldn't deny the pull she felt towards him, but she also couldn't ignore how different they were. Could she open up to someone like Fred, or was it just a fleeting moment?