Redhead || George x reader || y/n Lestrange

Chapter 41

Not much had happened since the second trial. Classes went on as usual, you and George had regular meetings, and you had plenty of time to hang out with Luna and Neville without George getting sucky. It was peaceful. You didn't trust peaceful.

"And if you tie it up all nice in a bow, she'll never suspect what's inside." Fred handed the first year a awfully colourful small box. He grabbed it and examined it, lifting and turning it. Suddenly, he went to shake it.

"-hey now!" George put his hand on the box before he could.

"Gentle."

The first year nodded and tucked the box away.

"And how much?"

"Five galleons." The twins said in perfect unison.

He eagerly handed Fred and money and turned away, making sure nobody was around the corner.

You were watching the later bit of the transaction from afar. George would never tell you, but your presence often kept customers away. So Fred did.

You turned around the corner and walked up behind George. You placed your hand on his shoulder and went up on your toes to kiss him on the cheek.

"Well hello there." He slowly turned and kissed you, placing his hand on your waist to bring you in close. You smirked as your lips were intertwined.

"And where have you been?" He parted away from you, but kept your hand in his.

"I just finished up talking to Hagrid. He just wanted to know if Kiki liked tomatoes."

"And does she?"

"They're not her favourite. She prefers kale."

"Our mum cooks with kale every now and again..." George looked away from you, staring off in the distance, having a flashback of whatever meal he had been so unfortunate to eat.

"Not a fan?"

"She made this one dish..."

"Molly's an amazing cook!" You slapped his arm.

"If I may intervene," Fred came in between you two.

"That she is. But our dad wanted to try and cook with muggle recipes. It didn't go well."

"Never again have we made kale chips."

"Never again have we made kale chips with muggle pots and recipes." George corrected.

You rolled your eyes and flipped your hair to get a clear view of the boys in front of you.

"That was a riveting story, boys, but I'm on my way to the main hall. I was hoping to catch George along the way."

"I'll just go off and eat alone in the tree, like the lonely jungle man I am..." you didn't know Fred was as much of a sulker as George, possibly more so.

"And where is Angelina?"

"I don't know. She said she was going to an extra divination help class, but she also could have said charms. I forget."

You looked him in the eye, disappointed.

"Then go find her."

"She said if I bother her during class time again she'll break up with me and tell everyone I'm a terrible kisser."

"That sounds like a challenge to me."

Fred thought for a moment, and looked back down at you, wearing a smirk you mildly regret putting on his face.

"Good idea." He winked to his brother and walked off.

"She would actually break up with him, right?" You look up at George. He simply shrugged, excited to be going with you somewhere. Anywhere. He pulled you along, laughing with you as you made your way to lunch.

_________________

You both entered the hall. The tables were covered in hungry students and food for the taking. Somehow, it never got less overwhelming. George guided you both to the table in which Lee Jordan sat. He was saving seats across and next to him.

You and Lee had met before on a few occasions, and have had pleasant conversations when you would visit the Gryffindor common room. He was fun to talk to, just as entertaining as the twins, and hilarious to watch. But more than that, you were always so happy when George would light up at the sight of him. The way he talked about the pranks the three of them had pulled together. It was nice knowing he had more than you and Fred.

"Hey Lee." You smiled and sat across from him, with George at your side. Fred sat next to Lee.

"Afternoon y/n." He smiled brightly and talked through the chicken that filled his mouth.

Fred judged him and furrowed his brows.

"There is a lady present!"

Lee froze, chicken leg still hovering over his mouth.

The boys all looked to you, awaiting instruction. You waited a moment, keeping eye contact with Lee. Until finally...

"You may continue."

He scarfed the rest down and placed the leg back onto his plate.

"So kind, my lady." Lee bowed his head down.

"Rise, Jester."

He looked up, a smirk spread across his face.

"Dance." You smiled and crossed your arms, waiting to see if he'd play along.

He immediately got up and stood on the bench of the table, jumping around in circles. He spun and spun, and stopped abruptly facing you. His hands were held in the air. He inhaled deeply.

"OOOOOOOHH-"

"I didn't ask for a concert, jester. You may be seated." You and the boys were all laughing.

"Don't stifle my creativity!" Lee looked offended, but laughing with all of you just the same.

Suddenly, in the middle of your spurt of laughter, something came over you. A wave of something. Sadness, emptiness, you couldn't quite pin it. But it's been happening a lot. Everything felt off. Too good. Everything that has been built on sturdy ground will always collapse. It always has, and it always will.

Your smile faded, but you tried your best to keep up the positive energy. Whatever was happening, you could deal with it later.

George POV

Whenever you and Lee met, George was always happy. Seeing you and his best friend (outside of his malicious twin) getting along always put a smile on his face. It made him feel like he was just a little bit closer to you.

You all were laughing, talking, if you were Lee, dancing. It felt right. He looked to his side, hoping to see you laughing and happy. You are laughing, but it was off.

George swallowed and held you close to him, hoping that despite whatever you weren't telling him, you would stay close.