second chance - george weasley

eighteen

NEXT DAY

I had breakfast next to Fred and Ron before heading to class on my own, I hadn't seen George today but wasn't intending on doing so either.

Last night I didn't sleep that well so I found myself wondering why I was settling down for someone who acts differently in front of others, who acts like there's nothing between the two of us until I'm the one who 'crosses' the line... That mixed with the lack of interest from my father to hear about my whereabouts was torturing me and making me lose trust in everyone.

I got to the classroom early and sat down, opening my book and leaning my head on my hand and elbow.

The gloominess was underwhelming so I let out a sigh just as Professor Lupin walked in on his own.

'' Violet? You're 15 minutes early.''

I turned to him with a smile.

'' Yes, sorry Professor...''
'' Don't be sorry for being early!...'' he said nicely ''... But something tells me that there's more to your earliness than you're sharing.''

He sat on top of my table and looked down at me.

'' Sometimes I wish life was different.'' I said.
'' And why is that?''
'' ... Nothing, really. Just silliness.'' I forced a smile.

Lupin gently pat my back and got up.

'' You know where to find me if you need me, yes?''

I nodded and smiled.

A few minutes later, a crowd of students filled the room with laughter and chatter.

The twins looked between each other as they saw I was sitting by myself on a single table instead of my usual place between them.

Fred approach as the rest of the students settled in.

'' Hey doll, are you okay?''
'' I'm okay, thanks for asking.'' I smiled.
'' Come sit with us, come on.'' He caressed my back.
'' Sorry Freddie but...'' I glanced over at George '' I'd prefer to be alone for now.''

He followed my gaze and looked back at me, nodding as if he understood what I was feeling.

He sat back with George and the class went by in a hurry, because I wasn't paying attention I didn't hear the professor dispensing us from class.

'' Violet, are you coming?'' Ron tapped my shoulder as I noticed what was going on.
'' Huh? Oh, yes, yes...''

I picked up my stuff and left the classroom with him.

'' You don't look so good Violet, are you alright?''
'' I think I'm just falling ill, it's okay.''
'' Are you sure?'' He stopped me '' I like to think of you as my best friend, I trust you, so trust me?''

I almost teared up at his words but swallowed it up and sighed.

'' Okay, I'll tell you but please don't tell anyone, ok?''
'' Of course, I'd never do that to ya.''

I looked around and pulled Ron into a storage room.

'' Okay...'' I took a deep breath and talked quietly '' I like someone.''

His eyes widened and he gasped.

'' I-is it still Draco?''
'' Draco?! No, not Draco.''

He crossed his arms and sighed.

'' Violet, if it's me I must say I'm honored but I'm alrea-''
'' Ronald! No, it's not you.'' I laughed.
'' Oof, what a scare you gave me.'' He blushed and giggled '' So who is it?''