#forbidden forest

Fred and George crept through the dark corridors, hearts racing with excitement. It had taken weeks of planning, but tonight was finally the night. George was crouched in front of Filch’s office door, expertly picking the lock, whilst Fred stood a few feet away keeping guard, wand raised and eyes darting up and down the hallway. “Hurry up,” Fred hissed. “Almost there...” George whispered, tongue darting out in concentration. Then, the lock clicked. "Won't be a minute," he grinned. He slipped inside while Fred stayed outside as lookout. Less than two minutes later, George emerged victorious, the Marauder’s Map clutched in his hand. “I can't believe it's real,” Fred whispered, eyes lighting up. “Now, let’s get out of here before Mrs. Norris shows up.”

Back in the Gryffindor common room, the twins sprawled across the rug in front of the low-lit hearth, the newly stolen map spread open between them. “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good,” they chorused, tapping the map with their wands. Ink spread across the parchment, revealing the entire layout of Hogwarts. “This is going to change everything,” George murmured, grinning widely. They spent the next few minutes exploring the map, locating teachers and finding secret passages they’d only heard rumors about. Then Fred’s finger paused. “Hey, look… is that Y/N?” George leaned in. Sure enough, your name was clearly visible, but you weren’t in the castle; you were making your way into the Forbidden Forest. Fred frowned. “What the hell is she doing there? It’s nearly one in the morning!” “She’s been acting weird all week. Skipping meals, disappearing at odd times… we should go check on her," George added. Fred didn’t hesitate, stuffing the map into his pocket. “Yeah. Grab your cloak and let’s go.”

The Forbidden Forest was dark and oppressive, ancient trees blocking most of the moonlight. The twins moved carefully, following the map’s guidance with their wands lit low. They spotted you almost immediately in a small clearing ahead. At first, they thought you were kneeling beside an injured animal; then the scene became horrifyingly clear. You were crouched over the body of a young doe, teeth sunk deep into its neck. A thin trail of blood ran down your chin. Your eyes were closed, a faint silver glow catching your hair under the moonlight.

You sensed a presence immediately: your head snapped up, blood staining your lips and teeth. For a terrifying second, your eyes flashed with an unnatural glow before recognition hit and shame flooded you. “…Fred? Georgie?” you whispered, hoarse. The twins stood frozen, wands still raised, eyes wide with shock. George spoke first. “Y/N… what’s going on?” You wiped your mouth with your cloak sleeve, standing slowly. Your gleaming fangs were visible to them for the first time. “I didn’t want anyone to know,” you said quietly. “I thought you'd see me differently...I’m only half-vampire," you added. "My father is...you know… but my mother is a witch. I can walk in sunlight, eat normal food most of the time... but after a while, it gets too much." You paused, trying not to cry with embarrassment. "I try to hold off as long as I can, but I have to… feed eventually. On animals. Never people.”

Fred lowered his wand, staring at you. "Wicked," they said in unison, looking at each other with that awful grin that was reserved exclusively for truly interesting things. You blinked, surprised. “You’re not... scared?” “Obviously not," he scoffed. "So is where you disappear to? We always thought you were just going off to... clear your head when you'd had enough of us.” You nodded, looking down at the ground. “I’ve been doing this alone since I got here. I thought maybe there'd be more like me, but I'm the only one, as far as I know." You ran a hand over your face, covering your eyes. "I was scared that if you found out you’d think I was a monster.”

George stepped forward carefully. He stopped a few feet away and crouched down so he wasn’t towering over you. “You’re not a monster,” he said firmly. “You’re our best mate.” Fred moved closer too, his usual mischief replaced by something gentle. “You’ve been dealing with this by yourself the whole time?” he asked. “That’s rubbish, Y/N. You don’t have to do that.” “Though the glowing eyes and super senses are a majorly unfair advantage in hide and seek,” George added.

You let out a watery laugh, some of the heavy weight lifting from your chest. Fred reached out and gently wiped the remaining blood from the corner of your mouth with his sleeve. “No more going out here alone,” he said seriously. “Next time you're coming, tell us. We’ll keep watch. We’ll make sure nothing sneaks up on you... it's dangerous out here. Even for a vampire.”