Iâll Always Catch You | F.W
Pairing: Fred Weasley (spiderman) x reader
Summary: a new mysterious hero at hogwarts had piqued your interest, inspiring you to write articles about him. Fred Weasley happens to be just as interested in the new hero as you are, so you both try to uncover the masked hero. This inspires new friendship, new villains, and new...feelings.
Warnings/content: spiderman!Fred, journalist!reader, Harry potter universe x spiderverse crossover, acquaintances to friends to lovers, violence, injuries, fluff, reader falls(?) off building at the end (but she's okay), yearning, mutual pining, protective!fred, features green goblin & venom, hufflepuff!reader, reader is in Ronâs year
Wordcount: 8.7k
a/n: hope you guys enjoy the few references to Andrew's spiderman and Tobey's spiderman (incl the upside down kiss etc.) hehehe <3
It was a louder day than usual, the Great Hall with its morning symphony, the clatter of spoons against bowls, the murmur of conversations weaving between tables, the occasional explosion from the Gryffindor table when someone's porridge decided to stage a rebellion.
But today, there was something else in the air, a new talk of the school.
You sat at the Hufflepuff table, surrounded by a crowd of students who'd abandoned their own breakfasts to cluster around you. Your latest article lay spread across the worn wooden surface, freshly printed, still warm from the Muggle printer you'd charmed to work in the castle.
"SPIDERMAN STRIKES AGAIN: The Venom Indicent"
The headline was bold, the ink still drying in places. Below it, your sketches captured the chaos of the fight, the black, oozing monster that had terrorised the castle, the red-and-blue blur that had saved the day.
"Another article, Y/N?" Hannah Abbott leaned over your shoulder, her eyes scanning the pages. "This one's about that gooey monster guy?"
You grinned, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "Cedric actually gave me the idea to call him Venom. Fits, doesn't it? All that black ooze everywhere."
"Your articles are getting so popular!" Susan Bones bounced in her seat, nearly knocking over her pumpkin juice. "I even saw Professor Snape reading one during his morning tea. Snape!"
"He's probably just trying to figure out who's behind all the 'unauthorised publications,'" Cedric said, settling into the seat across from you. He was all golden charm and easy smiles, the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome. "But honestly, Y/N, you've got a gift. This is real journalism."
"Imagine if you ever found out who Spiderman really was," Cho Chang added, her dark eyes thoughtful. "That would be the story of the century."
"It's already the story of the century," Luna Lovegood said dreamily, floating into the seat beside Cho. Her radish earrings dangled as she tilted her head. "A mysterious hero who appears when danger strikes and disappears without a trace. He's like a Nargle, really. You know he's there, but you can't quite catch him."
"I don't think Nargles wear spandex," Neville murmured, earning a round of giggles.
"Maybe he's a professor," Ginny Weasley suggested, squeezing in between Luna and Neville. "That would explain why he's so skilled at fighting. He's had years of practice."
"Or maybe he's a student," you countered, your fingers already itching for your notebook. "Someone who's been training in secret, who knows the castle inside and out."
"Someone who probably doesn't get enough sleep," Cedric added wryly. "Based on how often he's spotted at odd hours."
You laughed, jotting that down. "Good point! I'll add that to my profile."
The conversation swirled around you, theories, sightings, wild guesses. Some students thought Spiderman was a professor in disguise. Others were convinced he was a ghost or some kind of magical guardian. A few even thought he might be an animagus.
You soaked it all in, your quill flying across the page.
The people want to know who he is, you thought. And I'm going to find out.
Across the Great Hall, the Gryffindor table was a study in chaos, the usual state of affairs.
Fred Weasley stumbled in late, his hair a disaster of red tangles, his tie hanging loose around his neck, his robes rumpled and misbuttoned. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and he moved like a man who hadn't slept in a week.
"Merlin, what happened to you, Freddie?" George was the first to notice, his fork pausing halfway to his mouth.
"Couldn't sleep a wink last night," Fred groaned, collapsing onto the bench beside his twin. He grabbed an apple from the nearest platter and bit into it with more aggression than the fruit deserved.
"Looks like it," Ron observed, not looking up from his toast. "You look like you went three rounds with a Bludger."
"What kept you up?" Hermione asked, her eyes narrowing with characteristic suspicion. "You've been looking exhausted all week."
Fred waved a dismissive hand. "Just...restless. You know how it is."
He didn't elaborate, he couldn't. Not when the truth was so much stranger, the webs he'd been swinging through the night, the villains he'd been fighting, the constant weight of a secret he could never share.
His eyes drifted across the hall, scanning the familiar faces and then they landed on the Hufflepuff table, which was vibrating with energy. Students were packed around one spot, their heads bent together like they were sharing some great secret. In the centre of it all was you, laughing, talking, your hands gesturing animatedly as you explained something to the crowd around you.
"What's going on over there?" Fred jerked his chin toward the commotion.
"Oh, that." George squinted. "Something about Y/N's new article, I think. I read a snippet of it this morning, actually quite interesting."
"Brilliant journalist, honestly," Harry added, leaning forward. "She should work for the Daily Prophet. Her coverage of the Spiderman attacks has been incredible."
"Spider-Man?" Fred's voice came out higher than intended. He cleared his throat. "Who?"
"Spiderman," Hermione said, her eyes lighting up. "That's what Y/N's been calling him, the mystery hero who keeps saving Hogwarts. Her articles have me completely hooked! The way she describes the fights, the theories about his identity..." She shook her head in admiration. "It's wonderful, really, having a proper hero here at Hogwarts."
"Yeah." Fred's voice was flat. "Wonderful."
He wasn't sure how he felt about this. On one hand, someone was finally writing about his work, acknowledging the fights he'd been fighting, the people he'd been saving. It was validation he hadn't known he needed.
On the other hand, every article was a risk. Every theory, every observation, every sketch brought someone closer to the truth. And the truth could get people hurt.
I hope you don't get yourself in danger, Y/N, he thought, watching you laugh at something Cedric said. I hope you know what you're doing.
The corridors of Hogwarts were quiet that afternoon, the calm before the chaos of evening classes.
You were walking with your nose buried in your notebook, your quill scratching furiously as you added to your ever-growing mind map of Spiderman sightings. The sketches were messy but passionate: web patterns, costume details, a rough approximation of how his mask might look up close.
Height: Tall. Build: Athletic. Voice: Not identifiable-possibly altered.
Theory 1: Professor. Theory 2: Older student. Theory 3: Outsider with access to the castle.
You were so engrossed that you didn't see the tall figure rounding the corner until you collided with him.
"Whoops! So sorryâmy badâ"
Books and parchments scattered across the stone floor like startled birds. Your notebook landed open, its pages splayed wide for the world to see.
And the world, apparently, was Fred Weasley.
He towered over you, all long limbs and red hair and the kind of easy amusement that made you want to both thank him and punch him. His eyes dropped to the floor, to the sketches, the theories, the obsessive notes about a certain web-slinging hero.
"Here, let meâ" He crouched down, gathering your scattered belongings with surprising gentleness. His fingers brushed against a drawing of Spiderman swinging through the castle, and he paused, his lips quirking.
"I see you've taken an interest in Spiderman. I've been meaning to find you actually."
You felt heat creep up your neck. "It's like a new hero emerged at Hogwarts. All the students want to find out more and I'm here to deliver."
"Deliver." He chuckled, inspecting your notes briefly. "Oh yeah?"
"Yes." You crouched beside him, gathering the last of your parchments. "Why did you want to find me?"
"Right." He stood, offering you a hand as you stood up. You took itâhis palm was warm, calloused, surprisingly steady. "I happen to also be interested in Spiderman."
It came out more incredulous than you'd intended. But really, Fred Weasley? The same Fred who barely seemed to pay attention in class, who was always either at Quidditch or plotting some elaborate prank, who seemed to have half a dozen projects going at any given moment?
"Why is that so surprising?" He was already walking beside you, effortlessly falling into step. "I can have interests outside of general mischief, you know."
"You definitely were." He grinned, and it was the kind of grin that made you forget what you were about to say. "I read your article this morning. The one about Venom, very impressive."
A warm feeling settled in your chest, flattery perhaps? "Why?"
"Because Iâ" He paused, looking suddenly uncertain. "I thought it was interesting. The way you described the fight, the details you included...you must have been watching pretty closely."
"I was," you admitted. "I've been tracking him for weeks. Trying to figure out who he is."
"Not yet." You sighed, stopping at the entrance to the library. "But I have my theories. I think he's a student, actually. Someone who knows the castle, someone who doesn't want attention."
"Or a professor," Fred offered.
"Maybe." You tilted your head, studying him. "Why do you want to help me with this? I thought you'd be more interested in, I don't know, setting off dungbombs or something."
"I can multitask." He shrugged, but there was a flicker of earnestness beneath the usual mischief. "Besides, you need help. And I'm... curious."
"About the hero." His voice had gone quieter. "About what makes someone risk everything to save people who don't even know his name."
You felt the words land somewhere deep. "That's... surprisingly thoughtful of you."
The library was warm and quiet, students with their noses in books, a serene scene that could calm your loud mind. You settled at your usual table in the far corner, your notebooks spread out like a map of your obsession.
Fred sat across from you, his long legs stretched out beneath the table, his eyes scanning the pages you'd laid out.
"Alright then," he said, leaning forward. "What do we have?"
"Well, I was thinking, he's been kinda M.I.A recently. Not that I'm complaining, it means Hogwarts has been safe." You lowered your voice, leaning in conspiratorially. "But everyone's been asking me to..."
"Uncover his identity." You smiled, a little sheepish. "I know it's a long shot but someone has to know who he is."
Fred's eyes widened almost imperceptibly. Then he recovered, his expression smoothing into careful neutrality.
"His?" he said. "What if she's a lady?"
"Hannah doesn't seem to think so." You shrugged. "Based on his... anatomy."
You let your eyes drop briefly to his trousers before meeting his again. Fred choked on air.
Note to self, he thought, his face flushing. Redesign the suit.
"Right," he managed. "Well, that's...that's one way to look at it."
"I've been thinking about possible suspects." You pulled out a fresh piece of parchment, your quill poised. "What about Goyle?"
"Goyle?" Fred blinked. "You're joking."
"He's been missing from class a lot latelyâ"
"Ron told me Goyle nearly cried when a fake spider landed on him in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Cried, Y/N. He's not exactly hero material."
"Fair point." You crossed out the name, recalling that episode he had in class. "What about Dean Thomas?"
"Are you just naming random students?"
"I'm being thorough! He's rather tall?"
Fred's laughter erupted from the depths of his stomach, like he hadn't expected to find anything funny today. "What if he's a professor? That would explain why he's so skilled at fighting."
"Maybe." You tapped your quill against your chin. "What if he's Harry?"
"Harry?" Fred snorted. "Not likely. He's got enough on his plate without adding vigilante work."
"So maybe a professor is more likely." You began sketching a new mind map. "Alright, let's go with that for now."
"Definitely a professor."
"I still think he gives off student vibes."
"Then you clearly haven't been paying enough attention to your professors."
You looked up, catching his eye. "You seem very invested in this theory."
"I'm invested in keeping you from chasing dead ends." He smiled, but there was something softer behind it. "That's what partners do, right?"
"Like it or not, you're stuck with me now." He leaned back, his arms crossing behind his head. "I'm your official Spiderman consultant."
"I'm very good at keeping secrets."
Something about the way he said it made you pause. But then he was grinning again, all mischief and charm, and you couldn't help but laugh.
"Alright," you said. "Welcome to the investigation, I'll welcome all the help I can get."
The weeks that followed were strange.
Fred Weasley, of all people, had become a fixture in your daily routine. He'd appear at your elbow during breakfast, sliding into the seat beside you with a plate piled high with toast. He'd find you in the library, claiming he needed help with his Charms essay (which you later discovered he'd already completed with top marks). He'd walk you to class, offering theories about Spiderman that were either surprisingly insightful or hilariously off-base.
"You can't just keep naming random people," you said one afternoon, as you both sat in the Gryffindor common room. George had let you in after Fred had given him a look you couldn't quite interpret.
"I'm not naming random people. I'm being thorough."
"You just suggested Professor Flitwick."
"He's nimble! And he wears a lot of red!"
"He's also four feet tall and has a voice like a squeaky toy. I don't think anyone's mistaking him for a masked vigilante."
Fred threw his hands up in mock surrender. "Fine. What about Professor McGonagall?"
"You're the one who wanted my help."
You threw a pillow at him. He caught it, laughing, and somehow it didn't feel like a loss.
Slowly, inexorably, you found yourself looking forward to these moments. The way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, the way he'd lean close when you showed him a new sketch, his shoulder brushing yours. The way he remembered details you'd forgotten, the name of a suspect you'd dismissed, the date of a sighting you'd thought was irrelevant.
"Wow, you're actually paying attention," you said one evening, as you reviewed your notes together.
"Of course I'm paying attention." He didn't look up from the parchment. "This is important to you. It's...important to me too."
He finally met your eyes. "Because you're important."
The words hung between you, me? Important?
At first, Fred had aimed to stir any suspicion away from him, that's why he helped you in the first place, however as time went on, he found himself enjoying these meetups, and seeing the way your eyes lit up every time you thought of a suspect.
"I don'tâ" You swallowed. "I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll let me help you more." His voice was soft. "That you won't do anything reckless without telling me first."
"I know." He smiled, and it was different from his usual grin, tender, almost vulnerable. "That's what scares me."
You noticed things about him too.
The way he'd disappear at odd hours, always with some excuse that never quite held up. The way he'd sometimes wince when he moved, like he was nursing an injury he didn't want to explain. The way his eyes would flick to the door whenever someone mentioned Spiderman.
He's hiding something, you thought, but you couldn't figure out what.
And then there were the other things. The way he'd show up at the Hufflepuff common room with tea when you were up late studying. The way he'd remember your favourite snack and bring it to you without being asked. The way he'd listen when you talked about your articles, his attention so focused that you felt like you were the only person in the room.
"You're very thorough in your note-taking," he said one day, flipping through your latest sketches. "Down to the webbing pattern on his suit."
"They do." He paused at a drawing of Spiderman mid-swing. "You really captured hisâ" He stopped himself.
"His...dedication." He closed the notebook gently. "You can see it in the way you draw him. The determination, the care."
"I'm just trying to be accurate."
"Accurate." He smiled. "Right."
You had no idea why he suddenly seemed so quiet.
A new rumour spread through the castle like wildfire over the next few days.
Spiderman's been spotted in Hogsmeade!
You nearly knocked over your pumpkin juice when you heard the news. Hannah had burst into the common room, her eyes wide with excitement, clutching a copy of the Daily Prophet that had just arrived by owl.
"Y/N! Y/N, they're saying he was seen in the Three Broomsticks! Stopping some kind of fight!"
"Waitâhe was fighting again?"
"Or someone in a costume," Cedric added, appearing behind Hannah. "Hard to tell."
You didn't wait to hear more. You grabbed your notebook and bolted for the Great Hall, your mind already racing with questions.
Fred was at the Gryffindor table, mid-bite into a sausage, when you crashed into the seat beside him.
"Fred! People say he's been sighted!"
He blinked, chewing slowly. "Sighted? Where?"
"Hogsmeade! Apparently there was a fight and he stopped it."
Fred set down his sausage. "It could've been anyone," he said carefully. "Maybe a bloke in a costume."
"Isn't Spiderman a bloke in a costume regardless?" Ron asked, looking up from his breakfast.
"Not the point," you said, waving a hand. "I need to go see for myself. I can't write an article based on rumours."
"Go?" Hermione's eyes widened. "To Hogsmeade? On a weekday?"
"Of course not." You smiled innocently. "I'm going to the library...for research."
The sneak-out was easier than you'd expected, everyone was rooting for you to collect more information.
Later that evening, you'd asked Cedric to cover for you if any professor asked about your whereabouts, and he'd agreed with that easy smile that made everyone trust him. You'd slipped past the school gates with your notebook tucked under your arm, your heart pounding with excitement.
Hogsmeade was quiet, the kind of sleepy village that seemed to exist outside of time. You wandered from shop to shop, asking questions that got you nowhere.
"Heard about Spiderman in the Three Broomsticks, love?" The barmaid shook her head. "Bit of a commotion earlier, but it was just a bloke in a costume, not the real thing."
"Positive, saw him up close myself. Bad costume, thatâboots were falling apart."
Your heart sank, Fred had been right. It was just another false sighting.
You were about to head back when you heard a loud crash, followed by the shatter of glass. The sound came from near the end of the street, and before you could think, you bolted toward it, eager to collect any information you could.
The scene that met you was chaos, your eyes scanned the scattered chaotic scene.
A figure in a green costume was gliding through the air on what looked like a metal glider, cackling as he threw explosive pumpkins at the terrified villagers. The shopfronts were already in ruins, glass glittering on the cobblestones like diamonds.
A familiar red-and-blue blur, swinging through the air, landing in the middle of the chaos.
You were so busy watching that you didn't notice the small green bomb rolling toward your feet.
Strong arms wrapped around you, and suddenly you were being swung through the air, the wind whipping past your face, the villager screaming fading into the distance.
"I've got you!" The voice was muffled by the mask, but warm. "You alright, miss?"
"S-Spiderman?" You gaped at him. "You'reâyou're real!"
"Last time I checked." He deposited you on a rooftop, his hands lingering on your shoulders. "You really shouldn't be here, you know. This is dangerous. Shouldn't you be in school?"
"How did youâ" You looked down at your uniform. "Oh. Right."
"You need to get to safety. Now."
"I can'tâI'm a journalistâI need to seeâ"
He sighed, a sound that seemed almost fond. "You're not going to leave, are you?"
"I've been told that before."
He shook his head, but she could have sworn she heard a chuckle beneath the mask. "Stay behind me. And if I tell you to run, you run. Understand?"
The Green Goblin, that's what you'd call him later, was fast and relentless, cackling as he threw pumpkin bombs and dodged Spiderman's attacks. You stayed hidden, your quill flying across the page, every detail burned into your memory.
But then Spiderman stumbled.
He'd taken a hit, a pumpkin bomb that had exploded too close, and he crashed onto the rooftop beside you, clutching his side.
"Oh merlinâ" You rushed to his side. "How do I help? What do you need?"
"Nothing, it's justâ" He groaned. "My armâ"
You didn't hesitate, you'd been studying healing spells for your NEWTs, and you cast a bandage spell over the gash in his left arm. He sucked in a breath, his hand covering yours.
"Thank you..uh," he said, his voice strained. "...what's your name?"
"Y/N." He repeated it like he was memorising it. "Look, Y/N, I know we just met but I'm going to need your help with something, and you can't tell anyone about this. I need you to be my eyes and ears."
He reached into his suit, pulling out two small blue vials. "This is the antidote for Green Goblin, I need it kept somewhere safe, somewhere unassuming."
"Why are you giving it to me?"
"Because I don't know who else to trust." His eyes met yours through the mask. "You're the only one who stayed, the only one who helped. And you seem like someone who keeps their promises."
"Are youâare you serious? You're trusting me with this?"
"I'm counting on you." His hand closed around yours, warm even through the glove. "He's going to come for these, he's been meaning to destroy them. But I want to help himâto give him a choice, to heal him. So keep them safe and don't tell anyone."
"Good girl." His voice was soft, almost intimate. "Now get out of here, I'll cover for you."
You sprinted as fast as you could, back to the safe and secure walls of Hogwarts. You collapsed onto your bed, your heart still pounding, the two blue vials clutched against your chest.
He trusted me, you thought, staring at the ceiling. He actually trusted me.
You hid the vials in your secret compartment, one you'd carved into the wood beside your bed, hidden beneath a loose floorboard. No one knew about it. It was safe.
That night, you couldn't sleep. Every time you closed your eyes, you saw the fight, heard his voice, felt the warmth of his hand over yours.
Exhaling, you rose from bed and stayed up late to write the article about this incident while it was fresh in your mind. Every detail, every encounter, you had to write down before it became a blur.
The next morning, the Great Hall was chaos, no quieter than the previous day, students scrambling around you to milk every piece of information out of you, "Y/N! Your new article!".
"Did you really see Spiderman again?" A voice called out, among the crowd of students suffocating you.
"Did you get hurt?" Voices were throwing questions at you whenever they had the chance.
Hannah and Hermione had to form a human shield to get you through the crowd before pulling you to a corner, their faces etched with worry.
"Merlin, Y/N, are you alright?" Hannah demanded. "We heard there was an attack!"
"I'm fine," you assured them. "Really, Spiderman saved me."
"Spiderman again?" Hermione's eyes went wide. "You've got to be the luckiest person in Hogwarts."
"Or the most reckless," you muttered, though you were smiling.
You found yourself at the Gryffindor table later, scanning the crowd for a familiar head of red hair.
"Where's Fred?" you asked George, as you sat down beside him.
He shrugged, passing a plate of cookies to you. "Not sure, probably still sleepingâhe was out late last night."
"Yeah, something about exploring with Lee." George turned to Lee, "Right, mate?"
Lee blinked, setting down his utensils, "Exploring? I asked him if he was free and he said he was doing homework with you."
George's eyebrows shot up, "Homework? Fred?"
"Maybe he's planning another prank," Ron offered, "you know how passionate he can get about these pranks."
But you weren't so sure. You'd noticed how Fred had looked tired lately, how he'd been disappearing at odd hours. You'd noticed the way he'd winced when he moved, like he was nursing an injury.
No, you told yourself. It's impossible.
But when Fred finally stumbled into the Great Hall, long sleeves covering his arms despite the heat, you couldn't help but furrow your brows.
He was wearing a jumper, in summer.
"Morning, sleepyhead." George eyed his twin before pausing to inspect his unusual fashion choice, "Long sleeves in this weather?"
"Nothing wrong with what I wear," Fred shot back, his voice defensive as he clutched his left arm instinctively. "Didn't realise there was a dress code this weekend."
And you remembered, Spiderman's wounded side. The gash you'd bandaged, the same side. No, you told yourself again. It can't be.
But the seed of doubt had been planted.
The Black Lake was calm that afternoon, its surface a mirror of the overcast sky.
You sat on a blanket Fred had brought, your notebooks spread around you like a nest. He'd found you after breakfast, insisting that you needed fresh air after all the excitement.
"And then the Green Goblin came out of nowhere," you said, gesturing dramatically. "It was insane, Fred. He had these pumpkin bombs that just kept explodingâ"
"Wait." Fred held up a hand, "How did he fly? I mean, like, actually fly? What was he using?"
You paused, "I didn't mention he was flying."
Fred's eyes went wide, "You...you did. In the article."
"I didn't say anything about flying in the article, I said he had a glider."
"You said he was airborne."
"Airborne could mean anything."
"Airborne usually means flying."
You studied him, his expression was carefully neutral, but there was a tension in his shoulders that you couldn't brush off.
"Fred," you said slowly. "How did you know he was flying?"
"Iâ" He swallowed. "Ron must have mentioned it, or George. Someoneâ"
"Ron wasn't there, George wasn't there. No one was there except me and Spiderman."
Silence stretched between you.
"Fred." Your voice was soft, "Is there something you want to tell me?"
He looked away, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I just want you to be safe, okay?" He turned back, his eyes suddenly intense. "You could have gotten hurt, you almost got hurt. Is it really worth it? All thisâ" He gestured at the notebooks. "âthe danger, the risks?"
"More important than your safety?"
"Iâ" You hesitated. "I don't know."
"I do." He reached out, his fingers brushing your wrist. "I need you to be careful, I need you to promise me that."
His touch was warm, steady. You could feel his pulse beneath your fingers, racing just a little too fast.
"I promise," you said softly.
You should have known it was too good to be true. Hogwarts had been peaceful for the past week since the attack, and for a second, you thought that peace had finally been achieved. But that thought was soon dismissed.
The explosion came without warning, a deafening blast that shook the castle to its foundations. Students screamed, scrambling for cover as the building shook. The Green Goblin's cackle echoed through the halls, louder than the chaos.
"Everyone run!" Harry was shouting, "Get to safety!"
Using magic against Green Goblin was useless, he seemed to have some sort of magic protection spell, none of our wands could conjure a spell powerful enough to attack him.
You ran with the crowd, your heart rapidly fluttering. Fred was beside you, his hand wrapped around yours.
"You need to go to the lake," he said. "Everyone's going to the lake."
"Iâ" He looked conflicted. "I need to...grab something!"
"Justâ" He squeezed your hand. "Just go, I'll find you guys later."
"Go! And don't forget to bring the two vials with you!" He swiftly instructed, and he was gone before you could argue, disappearing into the chaos. You nodded, without thinking twice, you bolted to your room and grabbed the vials, before joining the rest of the students.
The lake was crowded with students, their faces pale with fear. You found Hermione and Ginny, their arms wrapped around each other, and you clung to them as the explosions continued in the distance.
But you couldn't stay there, not while the fight was happening. Not while people were in danger.
"I'm going back," you said.
"What?" Ginny grabbed your arm. "Y/N, you can'tâ"
"I need to see, I need to know what's happening." You were adamant, determined to get material for your next article.
"You're going to get yourself killed!"
"I'll be careful!" You were already running towards the disaster.
The Great Hall was a disaster, tables overturned, windows shattered, flames licking at the tapestries. Green Goblin was cackling as he threw pumpkin bomb after pumpkin bomb. "Can the spider come out to play?" He laughed menacingly, and you watched from a distance, taking in the details of his suit.
You quickly looked at the two vials in your hand, before shoving it back into your pockets, safely hidden. 'I need to get this to Spiderman,' you thought.
And thereâthereâwas Spiderman, swinging in to block the attacks.
"About time you showed up!" the Goblin taunted. "I was starting to think you'd abandoned these pathetic students!"
"You're not getting away with this!" Spiderman shot back, his voice strained. "I won't let you hurt them!"
You ducked behind an overturned table, your quill already in hand. The fight was brutal, Spiderman was clearly exhausted, his movements slower than before.
And then the Goblin spotted you, immediately flying towards you.
"Well, well." He grinned, his teeth too sharp. "The little journalist returns. Come to get the story of the century?"
You scrambled backward, but he was too fast. His glider swooped down, and rough hands grabbed you, pulling you into the air.
"PUT ME DOWN!" You shrieked, grabbing onto him out of fear.
"NO!" Spiderman was shouting, "LET HER GO! This fight is between you and me, leave her out of it! Put her down!"
"Alright," the Goblin said, his voice sickly sweet. "You want me to put her down? I'll put her down."
He released you from the highest point outside the castle, leaving you to fall. "Whoopsie." He sneered.
The wind screamed past your ears as you fell, the ground rushing up to meet you, you gasped, shutting your eyes tightlyâ
And then there were arms around you, strong and sure, and you were being swung to safety. "I've got you," Spiderman said, his voice hoarse. "I've got you."
You clung to him, burying your face in his chest. His heart was pounding, you could feel it.
"The vials," you gasped, "I have them with meâI never left them behindâ"
"Good." He set you down on a balcony, his hands gentle on your shoulders. "Listen to me, I'll distract him. You get the vials ready...." "Using this, shoot them at him." He gave you a small sort of lab dart gun, a technical item you had never seen in your life.
"Just trust me, okay? All you have to do, is press this button and the vials will release." He instructed softly, gently, with his hands on your shoulders, reassuring you.
You nodded, pulling the vials from your pocket and he inserted them into the gun. Your hands were shaking, but you were ready.
"Hey!" Spiderman shouted, stepping forward. "Over here!"
The Green Goblin turned, he was flying toward Spiderman, his teeth baredâ
And Spiderman pounced, attacking with no mercy, webbing the Goblin up as fast as he could. The fight was short but brutal. Spiderman landed blow after blow, driving the Goblin back. And when the moment was right, you shot the vials, "Here it goes," you whispered, aiming then releasing right at him.
They hit the Goblin square in the chest, the blue liquid spreading across his body like water. He screamed, a terrible sound, and then he was falling, his glider crashing to the ground below. He crashed to the ground and collapsed.
You exhaled, relieved that Spiderman's plan worked. The chaos was over.
Everyone was cheering, rushing back up to school. Students and professors were celebrating, clapping, and chanting in your honour.
Dumbledore and Snape were quick to arrest the Goblin, who now appeared to look like a common man beneath his goblin mask, the vials must've turned him back to normal.
You stood in the middle of the courtyard outside, surrounded by students, your hands still shaking, dust and dirt covering your clothes but you didn't mind. Spiderman was gone, he'd slipped away the moment the fight was over, disappearing into the shadows.
But now that your mind was clearer, you paused briefly, thinking back to earlier.
How did Fred, of all people, know about the vials? Not one, but two vials?
Not a single soul knew about the two vials, you had promised Spiderman and kept your secret. You caught a glimpse of his red and blue figure before he vanished. 'Fred?....' you thought as you glanced up.
Prior to that, you'd slipped a note into his pocketâjust a small one, asking Spiderman to meet you in Hogsmeade at 7 this weekend on Saturday. You'd wanted to thank him properly, to ask him a few questions.
Your mind was racing as the crowd pressed around you, congratulating you, thanking you. Hermione and Ginny were crying, hugging you tightly. George, Harry and Ron were grinning, clapping you on the back.
He was in the crowd, his hair mussed, his shirt untucked. He looked exhausted, but he was smiling. "Y/N," he said, pushing through the crowd, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," you said. "Fred, where were you?"
"I told youâI had to get something, I was with the othersâ"
"Oh there you are Freddie, merlin! Thought something had happened to you!" George remarked, playfully shoving his brother.
"What do you mean? I was with you guys the whole time!" Fred retorted. "I was just at the back...couldn't bring myself to watch the fight, it was too dangerous!" He added on.
"Right, well, at least we're all safe now." Hermione hugged you again, "Don't ever run away like that again Y/N, you gave us a fright!"
"No promises!" You chuckled, as all of you made your way inside.
Professors conjured a 'rebuilding' spell that would slowly piece the Great Hall, the courtyard, and some areas of the school back together. They gave students time off next week, no classes, just relaxation at school, to recover from the recent incident.
Over the next few days, students clustered in the corridors, their voices hushed and excited, replaying the events of the previous night over and over. Professors moved through the crowds with stern expressions, trying to restore some semblance of order. The Great Hall had been repaired by magic, the shattered windows gleaming like new, but the memory of chaos lingered in the air like smoke.
Every time you closed your eyes, you saw the Goblin's sneer, felt the wind rushing past as you fell, remembered the strong arms that had caught you.
If Fred really is Spiderman...
The thought sent you into a blushing mess. You'd already liked Fredâannoying at times, yet surprisingly sweet Fred Weasley. But if he was also the hero who'd saved you twice? Who'd trusted you with his secret vials and his life?
You'd be a goner, completely and utterly done for.
Weekend arrived, and you recalled the note you slipped in Spiderman's pocket.
"Hogsmeade. This Saturday. 8pm sharp. Backlane behind the Three Broomsticks. Don't be late. :)" â Y/N
You'd hoped he'd find it, you'd hoped he'd come.
Now, standing in the narrow backlane as the sun dipped below the horizon, you weren't so sure.
The alley was dark and quiet, you chose the most obscure location, hoping no one would catch you two, allowing for some privacy. No one passed byâmost villagers had all gone home, some shops were closing, and the only sound was the distant hoot of an owl and the rustle of leaves in the wind.
You checked your watch. 8:05.
He's not coming, you thought, your heart sinking. He probably thinks I'm crazy. Or he's busy. Or he'sâ
A soft thud behind you made you spin around.
Spiderman was hanging upside down from a web, his mask obscuring his expression, but the tilt of his head suggested amusement.
You blinked, "Thought you weren't coming."
"Sorry." He swung lightly, his voice warm. "Got caught up in something. Didn't want to keep a pretty girl waiting alone."
Your face flushed, "No, not at allâwait, you think I'm pretty?"
"Who wouldn't?" He teased, and you could hear the grin in his voice. "Have you looked in a mirror lately?"
"Iâyouâ" You sputtered, and he laughed, a low, warm sound that made your stomach flutter further.
"You're adorable when you're flustered."
"You're definitely flustered."
"I'mâ" You threw your hands up. "Fine, maybe a little but only because you're being silly."
"Silly? I'm being complimentary."
"I don't think that's how words work."
"I don't think you know how words work."
He laughed again, and the sound was so genuine, so Fred, that your heart ached.
You talked for what felt like hours.
He hung from his web the entire time, swinging gently in the evening breeze like he had nowhere else to be. You leaned against the wall across from him, your notebook forgotten in your bag, all your carefully planned questions abandoned.
"So," you said, "do you always hang around like this? Or is this a special occasion?"
"Only for pretty journalists who leave me mysterious notes."
"I wasn't being mysterious, I was being practical."
"Practical," he repeated. "Right, because slipping a note into a stranger's pocket is very practical."
"I didn't know you were a stranger."
"Technically, you still don't know who I am."
You paused at that, "True. But I have my theories."
"Oh yeah? And what theories are those?"
"Probably, but I want to hear them anyway."
You hesitated. Then, slowly, "I think you're someone I know...someone from Hogwarts, a student."
"And I thinkâ" You bit your lip. "I think you might be someone I've gotten to know recently, someone who's been helping me with my investigation."
He went very still. "Oh?"
"I think," you said carefully, "you might be Fred Weasley."
"I'm flattered, but no." He said flatly.
"You're a terrible liar."
"Then why did you just tense up?" You tilted your head.
"You definitely tensed up."
"Iâ" He stopped. "Okay, that's fair, but I'm still not Fred Weasley."
"How am I supposed to prove a negative?"
"You could take off the mask."
"I could, but then I'd be ruining the mystery. And where's the fun in that?"
You weren't sure what came over you.
One moment you were laughing at one of his jokes, he was going on about a pigeon and a pumpkin bombâand the next, you were stepping forward, reaching up, your fingers brushing against the edge of his mask.
"Y/N?" His voice was suddenly uncertain.
"Hold still," you whispered, a bold idea washing over you.
You lifted the maskâjust enough to reveal his lips, his jaw.
And then you kissed him, while he still hung upside down.
It was just a peckâsoft, brief, barely a brush of lips against lips. But the feel of him, the warmth of his mouth, the way he inhaled sharply in surpriseâ
You pulled back, your cheeks burning. "That wasâI justâthank you. For saving me, for trusting me, forâ" You gestured vaguely, "âeverything."
He stared at you for a long moment, and then, softly, "You're welcome."
"I know that was probably too forwardâ"
"âand I shouldn't have justâ"
You stopped rambling, "What?"
He was still hanging upside down, but his eyes, through the mask, were fixed on you with an intensity that made your breath catch.
"I'm glad you did that," he said quietly. "I've been wanting to do it myself."
"Since the first Goblin fight, since you stayed." He paused, "Actually, probably before that when I saw you...." He stopped, pausing before he revealed anything too detailed, "ever since I first saw you."
"Come here." He reached out, his hand finding yours. "I can't kiss you upside down, it's too complicated."
You stepped closer, close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating from him. He swung down gracefully, landing on his feet in front of you.
And then he cupped your face in both hands, tilting your head up, and kissed you properly.
It was different from the first time, deeper, slower, more intentional. His lips moved against yours like he'd been thinking about this for weeks, like he'd memorised the shape of you in his dreams.
When he pulled back, he was smiling, then he pulled down the bottom of his mask. "Sorry," he murmured. "I couldn't resist."
"You're an incredible girl."
He laughed, pressing his forehead against yours. "I'm going to need to stop calling you incredible before it goes to your head."
"Too late, already adopted it."
You stood there for a long moment, just breathing each other in. The alley was dark, the stars were out, and nothing else mattered.
"I should go," he finally said. "It's getting late."
"Of course I'd do that." He kissed your forehead. "I'd do anything for you, Y/N. I think you know that by now."
You were still floating when you got back to Hogwarts. The castle was quiet, the corridors empty, everyone tucked into their beds. You moved on autopilot, your mind still replaying the kiss, the feel of his lips against yours, the way he'd said I'd do anything for you like it was the most natural thing in the world.
You spun around, startled.
Fred Weasley was standing in the middle of the corridor, his hair messy, his pajamas rumpled. Black-and-red checkered pants and a red hoodie. He looked like he'd just woken up, but his eyes were sharp, scanning you, curious as to why you were awake.
"Fred?" You blinked, "What are you doing up?"
"Couldn't sleep." He stepped closer, "What are you doing up?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"Since when do you care about asking first?" You folded your arms.
"Since I ran into a girl in the middle of the night who looks suspiciously happy." His gaze was curious, "What's got you so smiley?"
You looked around, ensuring the corridor was empty so that no one was watching, no one would see.
And then you grabbed his arm, dragging him into the nearest alcove, a tiny crevice between two suits of armour that was just big enough for two people to stand pressed together.
"I know," you whispered, "I know it was you."
Fred's expression went carefully blank, "Know what?"
"Don't play dumb, Mr Weasley." You poked his chest, "you're Spiderman."
His eyes widened before he laughed, a short, disbelieving sound. "Have you gone mental? Me? Spiderman?" he whisper-yelled.
"Y/N, I appreciate the guess, butâ"
"âit's not me, I'm not him."
"Then why did you tell me to bring the vials? I never told anyone about those. No one."
"I don't know what you're talking about." His eyes roamed the area before finally landing on yours.
"You do." You stepped closer, close enough that you could feel his heartbeat. "I kissed you tonight, Fred. In the backlane, I lifted your mask and I kissed you."
"You kissedâ" He stopped, "You kissed Spiderman?"
"And you think that was me?"
"Walk with me." You ushered him, grabbing his arm and leading him down the hall.
The astronomy tower was cold and dark, the wind whipping through the open arches. You stood at the edge of the balcony, looking down at the grounds below. Hogwarts was a shadow, the lake a silver mirror, the Forbidden Forest a dark smudge on the horizon.
Fred stood behind you, his hands in his pockets, his eyebrows knitted together in confusion.
"Alright," he said, "We're here, now what?"
You turned to face him, "If I jump, will you catch me?"
His eyes went wide. "What?"
"If I jump from this tower," you repeated, "will you catch me?"
"Y/N, that's insane. You're not seriouslyâ"
"Everyone's asleep, it's late. You're probably tired after everything that's happenedâ"
"Exactly." You stepped closer to the edge. "Everyone's asleep, no one will see."
"Fred." You held his gaze. "I'm going to jump. And I need you to catch me."
"I can'tâyou're crazyâ"
"Am I?" You smiled. "Or do I just know something you don't want me to know?"
But you'd already turned, already braced yourself, already jumped.
The wind was cold against your face, rushing past your ears, stealing your breath. You glanced below at the ground rushing towards you, closer and closerâ
And then there were arms around you.
Strong arms, wrapped tight, pulling you against a warm chest. The wind howled past as you swung through the air, soaring over the grounds, the castle a blur below.
"I'll always catch you," Fred murmured against your hair. "Always."
You buried your face in his neck, laughing and crying at the same time. He was swinging. He was swinging without a mask, without his suit, just Fred Weasley in his pajamas, webs shooting from his bare hands.
"You're spidey!" you shrieked. "I knew it! I knew it!"
He landed on a balcony a few floors down, setting you gently on your feet. His chest was heaving, eyes wild, hair messy from the winds when swinging.
"You're insane," he breathed. "Completely, utterly insane."
"I'm a bloody good detective, is what I am."
"Pretty damn good," he admitted. "Terrifying, but pretty damn good."
You laughed, punching his arm. "You're a terrible liar." He chuckled softly, the both of you leaning over the balcony while the rest of Hogwarts was asleep.
"Why didn't you say anything?..." You slowly started, "I know it must've been hard, scary when you discovered you had these powers...but we could've helped."
"Because I couldn't." He stepped closer. "If anyone found out, it would put them in danger. My family, my friends, you. Not even George knows." He took a breath, "I tried to help you with the investigation because I thought I could steer you away from the truth. Keep you safe."
"I'm sorry." His voice cracked. "I know I should have told you. But every time I thought about it, I justâ....how long have you known?"
"Since the vials. I didn't tell anyone about them, Fred, no one. And then you told me to bring them, and Iâ" You shook your head. "You're terrible at keeping secrets."
"I'm usually excellent at keeping secrets."
"You're usually terrible at pretending not to care."
He paused. "Okay, that's fair."
"You can't tell anyone," Fred continued. "I know you want to, the article would be hugeâbut if anyone found outâ"
"Fred." You reached up, touching his cheek. "I'm not going to tell anyone, your secret is safe with me."
"I'm sure." You smiled, "Besides, who would believe me? Everyone thinks Spiderman is a professor."
"You're never going to let that go, are you?"
He laughed, and you observed him, the way his eyes crinkled with joy, his messy hair blowing loosely.
"So," he said, his voice dropping. "Now that you know, now that you've got the biggest scoop in Hogwarts history..."
"...what are you going to do with me?"
"Absolutely nothing." You stepped closer to him, "I'm going to keep your secret. And I'm going to keep writing articles about youâbut only the good stuff."
He was looking at you differently now, eyes softening as your eyes met his, as though you were something he'd been afraid to reach for.
"You were my hero before I knew it was you," you interrupted, "I liked you, Fred. I liked you when you were just the annoying redhead who kept stealing my notes. And now I know you're something more, and Iâ" You laughed, "I don't even know what I'm trying to say."
He leaned in slowly, before his lips met yours, warm and gentle and everything you'd never known you'd been waiting for. The world fell away, the castle, the stars, the shared secrets and heroes.
"You're amazing," he murmured against your lips.
"Amazingly reckless, incredibly brave, incrediblyâ" He kissed you again, "âyou."
"I thought I was insane."
"Insane and incredible, they're not mutually exclusive." He laughed, pulling you closer. "I love you."
The words came out before he could stop them. You froze, your eyes widening.
Fred pulled back, "I didn't mean toâ"
"I love you." Your smile was slow, spreading across your face like sunrise.
"I've been in love with you since you walked into the library with your nose in a notebook and told me that Goyle was your prime suspect." He continued, resting his forehead against yours.
"That was a bad theory." You grinned sheepishly, embarrassed at how you even suspected Goyle in the first place.
"It was a terrible theory." He kissed your forehead,"But you were so passionate about it. How could I not fall in love with you?"
"You're so annoying." You playfully rolled your eyes.
"I'm yours, is what I am."
You kissed him again, and there was no more talking. The stars watched overhead, silent witnesses to the secret you shared.
The next morning, Fred Weasley sat at the Gryffindor table, looking suspiciously happy. "Why are you smiling like that?" George asked, eyeing his twin. "You look like you just discovered a new kind of prank."
"I discovered something better."
"Nothing." Fred's grin was infuriating, "Just...nothing."
Across the hall, you were surrounded by your usual crowd, your notebook open in front of you. "Y/N," Hannah asked, "are you still working on the new Spiderman article?"
"Actually," you said, glancing across the hall to where Fred was watching you, "I think I might take a break. I need to...focus on other things."
"Other people." You smiled, "Lots of other people."
You caught Fred's eye across the hall. He raised an eyebrow, questioning.
You nodded. Soon, you mouthed. I'll tell you everything. And you would. But for now, you were content to watch him laugh with his family, to know that your hero was also the boy who'd been stealing your heart.
Some secrets were worth keeping.
Some heroes were worth loving.
And some loves were worth everything.
a/n: guys I'm so hyped for spider-man brand new day and avengers doomsday oh my daysss!! just watched the trailer for doomsday and i can feel my marvel phase slowly returning.
