He'd like to say it began with the Dementor attack on the Hogwarts Express, but he's in love, not in denial.
His eyes had strayed far too often on the lithe figure of the blond boy before that, jauging him, judging him, learning his moves and moods by the tone of his voice, the shift of his feet and the color of his eyes. They were usually so pale, discolored like a forgotten piece of paper, but they could become fierce, dark as any storm, quicker than you could say "thunder".
They had imprinted on his mind as soon as he'd stepped up on the dai, dwarfed by the hat and yet refusing to let it touch his hair. Arrogance and fragility wrapped in one tiny blond package.
He disliked his personality, of course, he wasn't so gone not to see all his flaws, but at the same time, they made him more likeable. Quick to anger, slow and calculating for revenge, bright in magic and eager for recognition. They express it differently but it's astounding how much he can relate to all of these traits.
His brother knows, of course, just as he knows who's George sweetheart. They keep a tally of the time their loved ones fight each other, trying not to be too smug when they win.
But it's a one way street : hopeless young love, not reciprocated (he'd like to live another day). Fred know it will pass, when the blond takes a step too far, spew too much abuse about his family or friends.
The Dementor changes that.
It's freezing on the train, humidity turning into frost and their breath into mist. The lights are out and they both have their wands ready, instincts refined by years of blowing things up. There's a rattle coming from the compartiment door, then it opens with a bang, as something small barges into their wagon.
George is halfway through a spell before Fred pushes his wand down, swopping in to catch the teen barreling into his stomach. He can feel him shaking, small whimpers escaping his mouth as he huddles into the Beater' arms.
"Draco, what's wrong ?" His voice is urgent, tense but caring, leading the blond to a seat. George has taken his position as shield again, leaving Fred the space to care for his crush.
"There's a D-dementor on the train. It hurts." If there was any light, the redhead is sure he would see tears in the corners of his eyes. As it is, he just cups his face with one hand, lending him warmth. Draco is freezing, still shivering, probably terrified. Fred should feel worried too, scared that one of the jailers of Azkaban is here, but he's elated : the blond came to him, for help. Is still accepting his touch.
Georges moves, a silent warning, just as a wave of frost and despair passes before their door. A darker shape glides through the blackness, sending the slytherin in hysterics again. The shape pauses, as if listening to that pain, and Fred feel fear again.
"Go away !" He shouts, jabbing his wand towards the dementor, a flash of blue light that reveals the true form of the monster, rotten hands and discomposed veil reaching towards them. "Leave !"
His twin jumps to action, then, unfrozen beyond the first wave of panic they both felt, and bangs the door close on the creature's fingers. It yowls, making them flinch, but there's a sudden white light, an animal jumping in the corridor that makes the dementor finally retreat.
They stay silent until the lights flicker back to life. Draco has quieted, still huddled around Fred's side but he's wracked with little tremors that have yet to pass.
"Merlin, that was a close one." His twin is white behind his freckles but he put on a brave face now that everyone can see. "You okay, Malfoy ?"
Fred whishes he'd stayed silent, can feel Draco tense, feel the way his body works through the fear to settle back into his usual mask. He mourns the moment already, doesn't move so that the blond has to disentangle himself, sniffing with a false air of superiority.
"Of course I am, Weasley, no thanks to you. You couldn't even use your wand to close the door on that thing."
Georges' face goes stony and he takes a step towards them, fuming, but Fred stand, shaking his head. "Leave him be. Draco, go back to your friends, I'm sure they are looking for you."
The blond had stilled, mindfull of his twin's threat, but he recovers quickly, sneering at them and walking quickly to the door - that he opens with a flick of his hand. He's gone after that, without even a thank you.
"I'll never understand what you like about him." Georges complains but he's joking, crouching to recover their belongings scattered on the floor.
Fred smiles, his face red and heart hammering now that the threat has passed. "Shut up" he mumbles, before helping him clean.
"You know, he let you call him Draco." He nods, going even redder. "Bet you'd love it if he moaned your name, too, right." There's a loud thump, and a crash, as he cracks his head on the window. "Georges !"