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The Brightest Star.
In Fred and George's eyes, that's what Draco Malfoy is.
To them, he is and forever will be their brightest star in the night sky, the sun during the day...
Beautiful, mysterious, unreachable.
And like moth to fire, they burned.
–
When the Twins were thirteen, they were ecstatic about a lot of stuff!!
They were striving to get better at thinking of pranks to do, getting better at doing it behind their brothers' backs. Well... One older brother's back!! Percy's threats can be scarier than Charlie's but Percy doesn't act on it too much. They just need to run very well if Percy's decided to do it. And they can run very well, you know, that's one of the perks in being part the Quidditch team.
It was a very joyous moment that Charlie graduated from Hogwarts last year. Ronniekins took Charlie's place as another Weasley to set foot in Hogwarts grounds! Certainly, Minnie is delighted now that there are four Weasleys in Gryffindor again. She must've been lonely when it was just three. Anyway, the twins were very happy that the new school year seems like a treasure chest they've yet to open!
"Did you hear, brother? Ron's gotten into a quarrel the first night in." Fred said to George as they were getting ready for breakfast.
"Really? With who? Some Pureblood again?"
"Ronniekins do attract a lot of trouble."
I mean, there was a reason why the Twins didn't let Ron inside their compartment back in the Hogwarts Trains. He'll set off the firecracker prototypes Lee's brought in just by breathing. Prefect Percy doesn't even have time to take care of the youngest Weasley when the moment they set foot on the train, he was dragged away by the Head Girl. Frankly, they're glad Ron's found some kid who made sure their little brother didn't fall over the boat ride to Hogwarts. Merlin knows Ron doesn't know how to swim!
"Some Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."
"Sounds like Ron and his new friends are getting along."
"Not likely." Lee Jordan cut in, spelling the Twins' sloppy ties straight. "I heard Malfoy getting rejected by Harry Potter when he offered his friendship. So your brother and his new friend, just singular by the way, are getting into trouble because there is no way a prideful Pureblood would ever stay silent when they've been humiliated."
"Point taken." The twins quipped, locking arms with their friend and dragging him towards the door. "Breakfast time!"
The twins excitedly questioned their Ronniekins and introduced themselves to Harry; sweet and precious Harry that Percy's already tucked under his wing if the mountain of food that the bespectacled boy received from the older Weasley was any indication.
Seriously, the twins made a mental note to smother Harry in love and pranks just as they do to their Ronniekins! What a year. First day in and they've got themselves an honorary brother!
Bright eyes filled with mischief scanned the room, looking at the new, cherubic faces of the Great Hall. They've dozed off during the Welcoming Feast and only got startled awake when Harry Potter was sorted to Gryffindor. Lee Jordan was quick to tell them who's been sorted where because he's a trusty well of information.
"And lastly, there, the one with blonde hair on the head of the table. That's Draco Malfoy."
Fred and George stared at the sight of Draco Malfoy enchanting the entire circle of first years with just the movements of his utensils as he talked and laughed. They were too far away to hear it but it must've been melodical with how the others seem to hang onto his words.
"Draco Malfoy, huh."
From their left, Harry and Ron exchanged frowny faces.
"He's such a prick."
"Seems so." The twins agreed, drinking the pumpkin juice.
Fred and George glanced at each other and immediately knew that there is more to Draco Malfoy than just being a prick. Before they could voice that thought, however, the bell rang, signalling the end of breakfast.
At thirteen, the only thing they remember study-related during the first school day back in Hogwarts, was Professor McGonagall telling them that the Red Strings of Fate was real.
–
At fourteen, the twins are as usual, surrounded by chaos.
Having an insatiable amount of curiosity can lead to utter chaos!! Not that the Gryffindors lack it, in fact, chaos is part of everyone's daily routine if you look at the Golden Trio's way. Their baby brother does have a questionable taste in friends (who he is very loyal to, at that.)
This year is probably the most peaceful year they've had now that the people nagging them are reduced significantly. Finally, their previous Head Boy and Girl were such nags! Speaking of nags, the twins can't wait until next year, when Percy's graduating. On another sidenote, Wood better move quickly before some Ministry suck-up snatches their beloved brother. Percy's obliviousness is amusing to watch, though. There was a bet when they would get together and their two galleons were riding on "After Quidditch Cup".
At fourteen, the twins are obsessed with experiments as well!
Alas, experiments are also their bane of existence.
They've got tons of ideas, and after weeks of library research, they've got the right spells.
The only problem is that they don't have the right materials.
And they suck at conjuring something other than a blanket. They've mastered blankets a long time ago because their baby siblings are weather-sensitive. The twins tried to master other things but they need more practice! Practice! Practice! Ugh, how tiring.
At fourteen, the twins found out they're really good at wandless spells.
It unlocked a whole new world of pranking now that they can do things practically untraceable. It got to the point that Hogwarts was amused by all the students tripping out of nowhere that it also started tripping gossiping people not looking at what they were doing. Chaos breeds chaos.
The twins had also taken to protecting the Golden Trio from a bunch of dumbasses, shielding Harry from contempt when he's being blamed about the petrified students. Even Ron had to evacuate to their dorm room because Percy is in full mother hen mode. It was frustrating how the student body can be influenced by fake information immediately. You could say you could fart pixie dust and someone's going to believe you if it wasn't corrected immediately. Merlin, the twins have a newfound respect towards their Head of House during the realisation.
And Lockhart.
Oh Merlin, that walking red flag!!
The man was subjected to their different kinds of mischief since the term began but he is resilient as he is stupidly vain. They were still researching on how to overthrow the good for nothing professor for good as a side project just so Harry could have a peace of mind away from the dramatic person.
Not to mention, the Heir of Slytherin...
They surely hope it's not Malfoy. Somehow, it sounds ridiculous but at the same time it is fitting. There's always something about the blonde that seems special. They just haven't figured it out yet. Whatever it is, hopefully it isn't connected about the attacks around Hogwarts.
When everything was resolved, the twins insisted that there was a collective sigh of relief from all the Houses.
The one thing that stuck the most when the twins were fourteen was that if someone cut their red string, they'd never be connected to their Fated ever again. For some reason, the idea terrified them.
–
At fifteen, Sirius Black threw all of Hogwarts into chaos and the twins were too busy keeping the Golden Trio and Ginny safe to think about soulmates.
Their Fated wouldn't be running into Sirius Black, right?
After all, Sirius Black is not in Hogwarts.
Nevermind, Sirius Black is indeed in Hogwarts and Ron is officially sleeping in their dorms because the Twins will fight Professor McGonagall if she ever so much say that Ron's sleeping in his destroyed bed.
It got the twins thinking why the murderer attacked Ron's bed rather than Harry's. They're certainly not alike in any features rather than being danger magnets.
"Obviously, Potter is not his target." Fred heard Draco Malfoy say to two burly boys when they passed him in the hall.
And maybe Draco is right!
"But who? Certainly not Ron." George asked, once Fred told him of Draco's theory.
"The only other living creature on Ron's bed is…"
"Scabbers!!" The twins yelled in unison.
"That's right, Scabbers doesn't really appear in the Marauder's Map." Fred frowned. Harry says he uses the Map to look for Trevor sometimes so pets were trackable. Not Scabbers, though.
A plan was brewing and they needed to tread lightly.
George was the one who heard Draco Malfoy saying there's a chance Professor Lupin is an animagus or a werewolf to Zabini and Parkinson when he was browsing a book about rat traps in the library.
That's another one to investigate!!
Telling it to Fred, they began the operation.
Months later, they've successfully confronted Remus Lupin and found out he was one of the Marauder's! How cool is that!
The story of the Marauders was enchanting and definitely answered numerous questions they had. Sirius Black is an animagus who targeted Ron because of Scabbers who is most likely an animagus and is the bait to lure Sirius Black!
"Where would someone hide in Hogwarts?" The twins asked out loud at the courtyard, during free period.
"At the Forbidden Forest, duh." Draco Malfoy answered, rolling his eyes at the twins as if the answer was obvious. Somehow, Fred and George's hangout places coincides with the blonde Slytherin's huh.
"Thanks!" The twins called out as Malfoy walked out of the courtyard.
Taking Scabbers was easy peasy, the rat scuttling and squirming away from them but Ron trusts his brothers and gave the rat to the twins willingly. Not taking any chances, Fred and George stunned the rat and put him in a bag they put spells and runes in to secure that he won't scurry away.
If Scabbers really was Peter Pettigrew, then Sirius Black is not a murderer!
They sent a letter to Professor McGonagall and somehow gained permission to Fire call some Aurors (from the emergency floo). They were set to arrive twenty minutes after the call.
And yet Harry, Ron and Hermione still got involved in danger!
Professor McGonagall had been alarmed by their super serious letter and had come bearing Ministry officials and Aurors in tow. The Dementors were called away and finally, the Hogwarts fog cleared up.
Long story short, they got Moony locked in the Whomping Willow because it's still a full moon, the Golden Trio in the hospital wing, Peter Pettigrew in custody and Sirius Black was free.
At fifteen, Fred and George found out that Sirius Black is Fated to Remus Lupin and he can see the Red String of Fate. This year, they found out from Sirius Black that they share the same Fated and their Fated is someone from Hogwarts.
–
At sixteen, the Triwizard Tournament was announced. The twins were ecstatic, there were other people to meet and more people to prank!! Not even a week later, the twins had successfully surrounded the Durmstrang ship with bubbles and the majority were convinced that the Giant Squid did it.
It was at this year that they dabbled on potions related experiments and pranks. In preparation for the O.W.L.S, a government-mandated school tour to the Saint Mungo's were arranged in order for the students to witness firsthand the going-ons whenever they don't take magic seriously (in the Twins' opinions).
The twins were very invested during the Potions and Poisons Area. There were a lot of conditions that struck an inspiration in their brains.
Ten melted cauldrons later, they were really considering putting the Potions-related experiments on hold. Their allowance is suffering even when pooled together.
Then they met Draco Malfoy.
The blonde was brewing an Aging potion for anyone brave enough to challenge the Age Line around the Goblet of Fire. He looks like he knows what he's doing! How brilliant!
"Hiya Malfoy, how much for the Aging potion?" Fred asked. "I'm George, by the way."
"Fred." George introduced himself. "We could trade some treats and tricks for the potion."
"You don't need to confuse me with the name change, it's not going to work." Malfoy raised his brow. "Hmm, you both look stupidly brave enough to try an aging potion for nothing."
"We actually wanted to try entering our names in the Goblet of Fire. 1000 galleons is no joke, you know!"
"We considered the aging potion but we suck at Potions!"
Draco Malfoy looked bored. "I was actually just practicing my brewing skills but you're the fourth to inquire about the Aging potion so before I charge for something, how about if you pick the right answer, I'll give it to you for free?"
They must have stumbled into Malfoy in his good mood then!
"Alright! We wanna try!" The twins said in unison.
"Two truths and a lie, which one is the lie?" Draco prompted. "One, I am actually brewing an aging potion for a commission by a Durmstrang student. Two, Professor Snape lent me the potions lab for brewing this potion. Three, this batch of potions is already the second one."
"Well, that is confusing." Fred frowned.
"How are we supposed to know?" George complained.
"You don't, it's just a matter of guessing the lie." Draco shrugged. "You only get to answer once, by the way."
Fred and George turned back to whisper their choices and discuss the pros and cons of every answer. They faced Draco with a grin.
"The first one!" They said simultaneously.
Draco hummed, ladling the finished potion in two test tube-like vials. "Why was that your answer?"
"Well, we don't really know how long you've been brewing the aging potion for."
"And Professor Snape approves brewing potions to students good at potions."
Draco accepted the answer, smirking as he handed the Aging potion to the twins.
"I can't guarantee that it'll get you over the Age Line but if something's going to happen, just go to the Hospital wing. I already gave Madame Pomfrey the counter-potion."
The twins accepted the vials, whooping in excitement.
"Thanks, Malfoy!!"
Okay, so the potions worked but their names were rejected. Their hair turned white and they got beards for their efforts, though!!! After they scuffled, they begrudgingly went to Madame Pomfrey.
Draco Malfoy was also there, a potions delivery most likely. He was also there to laugh at the twins' predicament.
He has a nice laugh, the twins thought. He should laugh more often.
The twins found themselves drawn to the blonde, asking him potions ingredients and recipes not found in books. They corner him in hallways, sometimes. Greet him while passing the courtyard but the best ones were the times they see him in a room alone.
Without anyone watching, they found Draco to be more approachable. Fred and George were fascinated with the mind games Draco usually plays with them. Their favourite was "Two truths, one lie." where their mind really goes into overdrive thinking about which one's the lie.
The Triwizard Tournament first task and second task came and went, Fred and George noticing Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students were now also vying for the blonde's attention.
Feeling selfish and wanting to monopolize the Slytherin's attention, they've invited Draco in trying and co-making their experiments. It was a blessing that the blond loves challenges the Twins presents him. It also warms their heart that Draco keeps buying tricks and treats from them!! They didn't expect that but Draco did say their products and transactions were much more fun than the Tournament.
Fred and George try not to look too fond at the confident smirks Draco does whenever he solves the problem in the experiment, the small genuine smiles as the spell they're working on works the way it's supposed to. They suppressed their hearts not to skip a beat whenever Draco looked at them with sparkling eyes, delighted at the sight of their successful inventions.
The year was ending all too soon for their liking!
"Two truths and a lie," Draco prompted, getting the Twins' attention. "The tournament is rigged, Harry's going to win, Fleur will come second."
"But the Third Task is tomorrow." Fred protested.
"Just guess." Draco rolled his eyes. "I don't know the outcome yet, either."
"Fine, the lie is the third one." George replied, frowning.
"Do you have Seer blood or something?" Fred asked, eyeing Draco putting ingredients in a blood replenishing potion.
"I don't have Seer blood." Draco chuckled. "Luna does."
Cedric dies, and all Fred and George can think of as they process that information was the "Two truths and a lie" the night before. George was right.
At sixteen, they didn't really think about their Fated that much. It was much more fun thinking about what activities to do next whenever Draco's free for their shenanigans.
They might have wanted Draco to be their Fated. But they're still too scared and cowardly to admit that.
–
At Seventeen, Fred and George learned that even if soulmates are Fated, it takes a lot of work to balance a relationship.
Mum was against the relationship between Fleur and Bill stating that it was too sudden and love is not like that. She was utterly convinced Fleur somehow entrapped Bill. Dad was quite concerned when they learned Ron is interested in dating, to two people at that. The rumors went out of hand but they did visit Romania for Charlie and to get away from the Daily Prophet for a bit. It just so happens that Fleur's parents are also in Romania for the Dragon Event and it turned into an impromptu 'meet the parents'.
Apparently, relationships take a lot of work. Especially when you're Fated! They've seen firsthand the hours of comfort and discussion Bill and Fleur had. It must be nice though, to weather through other's opinions together.
All in all, quite an eventful summer! The tea will be scorching hot once Fred and George spills the details to Lee Jordan.
For their last year in Hogwarts, they can't have nice things, the twins concluded as they lamented on the new staff member. Dolores Umbridge, the person who is giving the twins immense pain and suffering, wears pink and has an impressive collection of cat plates situated in their office.
They would've liked to showcase their talents and hard work through putting up random stalls and selling their merchandise but with the hundreds of rules and regulations Madame Pink Menace liked to enforce, it's proving quite difficult.
Draco Malfoy solved that particular problem by availing a monthly subscription of their Weasley Wizard Wheezes! They're so delighted to be able to give him all their inventions inspired by the blond Slytherin himself! Other students interested availed a monthly subscription as well!!!
They're particularly proud of their Weather Ball series they've completed before the holidays. It started from the 'Sunny' ball, Draco's request a few months back. They've packed five most powerful Sunny Weather Balls into the Monthly subscription box and gave it to Draco just before they departed from Hogwarts. Fred and George didn't need to ask to know Draco will be pleased with that gift!
They made it from the warmest warming charm George could create and Fred's refreshing charms to add to it!
Their holidays weren't so exciting when their Dad was bitten by Nagini, but they were still thankful he lived.
Months passed and their Skiving Snack boxes were a hit! Umbridge didn't even know where it came from and that made the twins laugh. Lots of students were using it during DADA claiming it was "Umbridge-itis".
Once, Umbridge fell victim to the treats and had to go to the Hospital Wing. After a thorough investigation where they found out that the twins were the suppliers of the treats, they got kicked off the Quidditch team as punishment.
When Draco found out about it during his monthly pickup, he looked enraged (which was so out of place since he's one of the Inquisitors, right?).
"Hey, two truths and a lie." Draco prompted which had the twins perking up.
"What is it?" Fred and George asked, smiling. It's been a while since the last one.
"One, I created a song about Ron saying he's our King because he's so bad at being a keeper during official games. Two, My favorite is Nosebleed nougats. Three, I was the one who put the Puking pastilles in Professor Umbridge's snack plate."
The twins stared at Draco, dumbfounded. Surely not!! The Slytherin couldn't be this underhanded, right??
"Wow, if the lie isn't the first one, I might want to slug you, Draco." Fred frowned, worrying about Ron.
"But we both know your favourite is Fever fudge so brace yourself."
Draco laughed at their pissed off looks, passing them a piece of parchment paper.
"I only did what I had to do to survive on my end. Do yours." Draco drawled, "Consider this an apology for getting the most talented players in the Gryffindor Quidditch Team kicked off."
They stared at the counter-lyrics of the demeaning song Draco had prepared.
"Imagine getting kicked off the team because Umbridge hated the puking pastilles." Fred mumbled.
"Draco pranking the Pink Bitch sort of softened the blow." George admitted, fighting off a fond smile.
That night, they gathered the entire Gryffindor in the commons for an impromptu musical practice.
When the D.A. was found out and Dumbledore took the blame, Umbridge suddenly became Headmistress which enraged the students, mostly Gryffindors at the disrespect the Ministry did, bypassing Professor McGonagall who is the Deputy Headmistress.
From then on, Fred and George solemnly swore they are up to no good. They disrupted everyone, what they're doing, every minute and everyday!
They made sure not to get caught and they've mastered their innocent looks by now.
"Two truths and a lie," Draco prompted behind them after successfully completing a prank. No, they didn't startle. Of course, not.
Fred and George turned around, innocent smiles already in their faces.
"One, Fred and George Weasley pranked everyone straight for two whole weeks and haven't been caught yet. Two, Fred and George Weasley just completed a prank. Three, Fred and George Weasley are solemnly going to accept their detention."
"The lie is definitely the third one." The twins immediately said.
"I'm allergic to detention, which gives me a bad case of rash." Fred said, scratching his cheek.
"We solemnly swear we're up to no good." The twins grinned.
They watched as Draco's eyes twinkled with mischief, walking off and intercepting Montague.
"The hall is clear here, let's move along." Draco's clear voice sounded, prompting the twins to access the secret passageway straight to the Gryffindor tower. Safe!!!
They've planned it for months, steeling themselves for what they were about to do. They couldn't stand for how Hogwarts and the students suffered under the reign of the Pink Menace.
She had to go.
And they'll make it so.
They've discussed it with Lee Jordan, who even though he protested about it, begrudgingly said their idea was good.
Fred and George hoped their Fated would forgive them for leaving Hogwarts so suddenly. It hurt thinking about it so they didn't bring it up too often.
At seventeen, Fred and George brought together Hogwarts better than anyone could ever do so.
Deeming it a good reason to release their recent invention, they showcased the Weasley Whiz-bangs Fireworks and set it on Umbridge!
Their trusty Cleansweepers flew them all around the Great Hall, yelling and whooping as they high five their friends and laughing at Umbridge trying to Vanish the fireworks.
The Weasley Twins absolutely enjoyed the chaos they were brewing as students threw away their papers, joining on the yelling for freedom.
The Weather Balls were tossed in random directions across Hogwarts, their newest creation which is The Swamp was tossed in the corridors students all walked to and from classes. The Blizzard Ball in the staircase, the Spring Ball outside the Great Hall and the Sunny Ball in the Hogwarts staff table inside.
Fred and George set off more fireworks, forming the WWW logo outside, holding their beater bats and hollering below as students burst forth and jumped and clapped and waved at the Weasley Twins.
Fred and George bowed at the Hogwarts student body, creating sparks at the end of their wands as a salute and one by one everyone followed.
To their Fated, they will meet once Fate deems them ready.
For now, they're off to fly for another adventure of a lifetime!
–
At eighteen, Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes became a sensational hit!
Their mum was disappointed that they weren't following their Dad's footsteps and be a ministry worker but supported them as they took on the challenge of owning a Jokeshop.
It turned out their mum shouldn't worry because their products are selling like her morning pancakes and they're ecstatic!!
Putting Harry's money to good use, they've managed to rake in a good amount of galleons from the first week alone. Even Hermione had been impressed by some of their products!!
There was one person they wanted to come even though they knew they wouldn't be caught coming inside here at all. They know that. So there was only one thing they could do which was wait. Months later, they've successfully saved up to open a small store in Hogsmeade just in time for the Hogwarts weekends!!
Their opening there was a hit as well and the twins were more than happy that they believed in themselves that they can do it and success never tasted so sweet!
It's been a while since Fred and George have seen Katie Bell and Angelina Johnson, the power couple of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. They were both touchy and years of training with them vanished all sorts of personal boundaries between the four of them. (Harry and Ron were regularly drowned in affectionate-teasing from all of them because of it.)
If platonic soulmates exist, then George and Angelina were a match made in hell like Fred and Katie were. Fred and George never really thought much about how it would look in an outsider's view when Katie kissed Fred's cheek and Angelina, the needy woman she is, asked George for a forehead kiss because Katie's being affectionate. (Fred and George blame the whiskey shots they did in the backroom).
Fate is such a cruel thing.
The one person they wanted to see for months saw the display of affection and abruptly turned on his heel and left.
Fred and George's eyes widened in shock, fight or flight system in overdrive as they asked Katie and Angelina to look after the store, legs jumping out of the counter and dashing out of their small establishment.
Fred and George did everything. A point me spell, a probing spell, a search spell but no results of Draco Malfoy turned up.
"Do you think he took the forest way?"
"That's too dangerous!"
"He doesn't know the secret passageways, right?" Fred panted, looking at the direction of the Shrieking shack.
Before they could continue their pursuit, Katie came running.
"Fred! George!! Verity's going crazy and she says she's one customer purchase away from blowing the counter up." Katie's eyes bulged as she heard the harshest swear words Fred and George uttered as they fell hands and knees on the snow filled ground.
They didn't know if it's Fate or whatever, but the twins couldn't help it as tears fell down their cheeks and they released a sob, their chest heaving as they found it hard to breathe.
They didn't even know if Draco Malfoy is their Fated, okay?
Draco Malfoy just got away and took their hearts with him. They just saw him for a few seconds but they'd know that shade of blonde anywhere. They'd know Draco Malfoy anywhere!!
And it hurts.
It hurts so much.
They wanted to see Draco Malfoy the most, damnit!
They want Draco Malfoy to be their Fated!!
Bloody hell.
When was Fate kind?
Fred and George stood up slowly, walking back to the store like a zombie, Katie's fussing unheard by both of them.
They walked as if they're being sentenced to be Kissed. They felt like the most pitiful losers of the whole Magical World, they couldn't even chase after the one person they wanted to pursue and treasure the most.
The bright and flashy storefront of the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes greeted them and their tears fell at the sight. Right. Priorities.
At eighteen, success never felt so bittersweet. That was also the last time they'd ever see Draco Malfoy for a long time.
The twins pined and hoped and prayed that Draco is their Fated.
Merlin, heed their wishes from their souls.
–
At nineteen, War is happening and Draco Malfoy is still missing.
Harry's been hysterical since that news came to light. He shared his memories through a pensieve and they've seen firsthand how the Malfoy heir exposed Dumbledore's manipulative ways when Draco rejected his offer. Harry had been one step into becoming a puppet before Draco stepped inside and confronted the Headmaster. The Order of the Phoenix all watched as Dumbledore admitted to every wrong deed due to Draco splashing him a whole bottle veritaserum. They also watched as Dumbledore fell to his death when Draco disarmed him. The old fool tripped on the carpet and went straight out of the window. Merlin's pants, they still couldn't believe it. He could've used magic to cushion his fall!
Draco Malfoy saved Harry's life. He found his stunned body, healed Harry and forced him into hiding moments before the Death Eaters swarmed inside the office to personally see if Draco's done his duty. Harry clutched the bag Draco handed him as he silently walked out of the room, Draco's words echoing that the Chosen One is nowhere to be found.
"Listen to me, Harry. You need to calm down, we've only got a minute. This bag contains basic necessities for five people. It can last you a month, at least. Go find Blaise by the Room of Requirement, he's supposed to be with Granger and Weasley by now. Ask him what's my favorite creature and if his answer is not unicorn, I need you to run to the kitchens where there's floo. If the answer is unicorn, that's really Blaise. Ask him for a galleon and keep it. You think of what questions to ask for your best friends. Never follow anyone blindly, I brewed polyjuice for Aunt Bella so you need to be vigilant. Hogwarts is no longer safe for the four of you, you need to go. Keep Blaise safe for me and don't doubt you're soulmates because I know, okay? That vibrant red string on your finger is going to stay like that so stay alive, you dumbass. Now, go!"
That was the last time the twins had seen Draco Malfoy. And it hurt to see their brightest star dim, to see the pallor of his skin paler than ever as if he's sick, he looked like he hasn't slept in days as well. That had been months ago and now, Harry's on the run. Ginny and Neville's information about the Death Eaters' movements in Hogwarts also conveyed that Draco did not return. So the twins had their eyes peeled from their post at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley to see if they could identify the blonde.
At nineteen, the twins realized that Draco Malfoy could see the Red Strings of Fate.
There were nights where they lie side by side, whispering and hoping if Draco can be the one they're tied to. There must've been a reason why the blonde boy never left their minds.
"What if, brother?" They always asked as they looked up to their constellation covered ceiling.
"What happens, then?"
Thinking of all the possibilities always brings a smile on their faces.
"That's easy." Fred grinned, "We show our Darling he's loved."
And they'll do it everyday until they've convinced Draco Malfoy that they love him. They've loved him for years. And they already made a promise that they'll ensure he's happy.
But before that, they needed to end the war soon.
–
Sooner rather than later, Bill sent a coded message to the Burrow. Once Remus deciphered it, it said that Harry and the others got captured, got some help and raided the Malfoy Manor and saved the people held prisoner there.
"What a foolish thing to-"
"They also took Draco away from there."
"What a brilliant thing to do!!"
Remus pinned a deadpanned stare at the twins. They beamed back with grins.
"Apparently, Draco saved them when Blaise was almost tortured for choosing Harry than following their master. They couldn't leave because Harry clung to the blonde, then Dobby arrived and they're now in Shell's cottage."
"We should go there now!!!" The twins said, energy thrumming. It's been a while since they felt like this.
They can see Draco.
He's not missing anymore.
They can see Draco!!
"No."
The twins visibly deflated as they flopped back on the couch.
"The Death Eaters are eyeing your movements, there's not doubt that they got eyes and ears around your shop right now."
"They can't get inside. We've drawn runes around the perimeter."
"The shop can burn down. We've got enough funds to start back up and the stocks and merchandise are all hidden by Lee by now."
The twins weren't able to go despite the arguments they've presented and they mourned at the possibility of never seeing Draco Malfoy when they got there. Bill had firecalled a day later, a coded message saying they've left resonating in the room.
The Firewhiskey in the Burrow's cellar was empty by the time Sirius checked in on the twins.
–
War was over.
Harry is alive.
All of the Weasleys were accounted for.
Remus and Sirius are injured heavily but they'll live.
Unfortunately not everyone can have a happy ending. Tonks, Cho, Crabbe, the Creevey brothers, Lavender Brown were all the ones the twins knew among those who died.
The Aurors were swarming the Death Eaters, apprehending them.
"NO! GET OFF HIM! I WILL BITE YOU!" Harry's growly voice sounded across the hall and everyone automatically rushed towards him. He's supposed to be in bed by now!
The sight the twins got to had them rushing in once more, separating the aurors away from Harry who was clutching Draco Malfoy tightly.
"Hullo Harry. Let's not bite anyone, okay? You have a wand."
"Hullo Malfoy. Do you come here often?"
Harry and Draco looked at the Twins. One in appreciation and one in confusion.
"Harry, how did you get out of the hospital wing?!" Hermione shrieked, clutching at Draco Malfoy too.
"Draco, bloody hell, man. You are supposed to be in bed too!" Ron nagged as he and Neville joined the Twins form a tall barrier to keep the Aurors away.
"Your Mother is in the hospital wing, Draco. I thought you were going there as well." Neville commented, the Sword of Gryffindor intimidating in his hold.
They all glared at the Aurors trying to apprehend Draco Malfoy as if daring them to do it.
A put upon sigh sounded before the person chuckled. The Gryffindors all looked at the Slytherin leaning his head on Harry's hair, looking amused.
"Since when have I collected a gaggle of Gryffindors fussing over a Slytherin like me?" Draco asked, his hand messing Hermione's hair and the other flicking Ron's ear.
"Since you saved our lives, dumbass." Harry grunted before cuddling up to the blonde.
Somehow, the twins want to trade their positions. Harry's more intimidating if he isn't cuddled up to the blonde.
"I'm sorry, good sirs. I've been accosted by creatures worse than Devil's Snare somehow during the war. One of them happens to be The Boy Who Doesn't Want To Let Go." Draco acknowledged the Aurors and gesturing to Harry who was doing his best to mold himself on the blonde's sides.
Finally, Kingsley stepped in since he saw the crowd of people and connected the dots before he even walked over.
"We need Draco for trial, Harry." Kingsley started to bargain.
Harry had pouted at the Head Auror, "but Draco's not a death eater, he's not Marked and he saved my life, and he didn't kill Dumbledore and he saved my soulmate's life, and he didn't kill anyone during the battle, he's healed tons of people–"
"How about you go to Blaise, Harry?" Draco coaxed the raven still clutching at him tightly. "I think I saw him go to the kitchens and he's supposed to be in bed, right? He just got surgery."
Successfully distracting The Boy Who Is Whipped for His Soulmate, Draco patted Hermione and Ron before dragging them towards each other. Ron held Hermione before they could crash into each other.
"I need you all to calm down. Honestly, we've been through this already, haven't we? This is one of the scenarios we've discussed."
"But Draco, you shouldn't have a trial. You've saved us!"
"This is just a formality." Draco and Kingsley said in unison. Utterly convinced, Hermione and Ron hugged the blonde but settled on glaring at the Aurors. Fred and George never knew Ron could have such a scary face.
Draco held Neville's hand and poked the Sword of Gryffindor.
"Take care of them, won't you? You seem like you've finally got out of the Pureblood mold you've taken forever to be baked in."
Neville headbutted Draco gently, nodding. "Don't worry, I think I can handle babysitting."
"After this, I'd introduce you to Pansy properly." Draco whispered but the Twins heard it perfectly. The blonde snickered as Neville flushed bright red.
Finally, the Aurors walked over and placed magic handcuffs on Draco.
The twins stood, defeated as Draco didn't even acknowledge them.
"Hey." The blonde called out. The twins looked at the blonde, a soft smile on his face. "Do you want Two truths and a lie before I go?"
The twins smiled. He remembered! "Sure."
"One, I see the Red Strings of Fate. Two, I cut them off. Three, Fred and George Weasley are my soulmates."
…
…
…
"...what?.."
Before anyone could react, Kingsley's taken Draco away.
What did Draco just say??
"Are they breathing?" Someone asked but they couldn't hear it properly.
"They're not breathing!"
Did they hear that right?
Which one is the lie?!
Draco Malfoy can see the Red Strings of Fate. They knew it was true, Luna confirmed it the last time they saw her.
Draco Malfoy cut the Red Strings of Fate off.
Draco Malfoy's soulmates are Fred and George Weasley.
Which one?!
"Fred?!"
"George!!!"
Which one!?
Fred and George's eyes rolled back in shock and everything went black.
–
Draco left the Ministry of Magic a few days later as a free man. He gave them all he knew about the Death Eaters' in exchange for his freedom. Harry Potter and a lot of people he's saved testified on his behalf, enough to pardon him with a light sentence of probation, scheduled civil service work and a generous amount of paid bail.
Outside the telephone box, waiting for him, stood Fred and George Weasley looking at him with emotions Draco couldn't even begin to decipher.
"Hey." Draco greeted.
"Hey." The twins greeted back, grinning. "We're your escort."
"My escorts are quite dashing." Draco observed, a smirk quirking up his lips at the sight of the two most attractive Weasleys in suits.
"For you." The twins said, offering a hand out. With a 'poof', two bouquets appeared and were presented to the blonde.
"For what?" Draco chuckled, accepting the rose bouquets as they walked towards the park near the Ministry.
"We love your haircut, by the way." Fred and George grinned.
They both locked their pinkies around Draco's left pinky, the blonde standing frozen in shock. The short blonde hair was tousled by the wind, no longer forearm-length like the Twins had last seen it.
"I wanted to say my answer as truth this time, as a change of pace." Fred said, continuing their last conversation as if days hadn't passed. "One, you can see the Red Strings of Fate."
"And two, your soulmates are Fred and George Weasley." George finished, stepping closer to Draco who had looked down at their intertwined pinkies with wonder.
"I…" The twins looked at each other fondly as Draco choked in his words, eyes still locked at their hands as if what he's seeing would disappear.
Fred and George encased Draco in a warm hug that no Weather ball can compare, burying their faces on the blonde's neck and hair respectively.
"We've waited years for this." The twins whispered as Draco leaned heavily on the hug, sobbing and clutching at them, the bouquets crushed between the three of them.
"I love you so much." Draco whispered, the longing and pain can be heard.
"We love you too." The twins replied, simultaneously kissing Draco's tear stained cheeks.
There was so much they needed to talk about but for now, this is enough.
Fred and George Weasley didn't need to look at their pinkies to see the Red Strings of Fate.
They already got Draco Malfoy in their arms and they'll never let him go anymore. They'll always be there for him, too.
It's a pinky promise and a Vow.
"Is this a dream?" Draco wondered out loud.
"If this is a dream…"
"I'd never want to wake up!!"
Draco's laughter resonated across the park, bright and carefree. It tugged on the Twins' heartstrings again, wanting to hear their favourite sound in the world again.
Their Brightest star is shining brightly once again.