𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 | g. w

2. one handsome ginger

"Oh for heavens sake, mum. We're not going to miss the bloody train!", I shout nearly out of breath, pulling my trolley after me as we make our way to the platform.

Reagan, my mum, seemed to be convinced we'd all be late and that I'd miss the scarlet train to Hogwarts, but as usual, we're nearly half an hour early instead. "Oh, Mia. One can never be too sure", she murmurs, sending me a smile as we pass by numerous families sending off their kids for another year at school.

My dad on the other hand, is not with us. He had to make it to work earlier, leaving me and mum to take the Muggle bus to King's Cross. Not that I'm too bothered by it. I'm used to it by now. Besides, taking the bus gave my mum some more time to interrogate me on my life at school.

"How are things with Alfie? Oh you must let him know he's welcome at our house anytime!",

"Oh and about those twins? They sure seem like they care about you. One a bit more than the other..."

"Speaking of—have you told him how you feel yet?"

I never explicitly told my mum about my crush on George. I didn't have to, she made the assumption a while ago, after I excitedly told her about their plans for the joke shop and how brilliant their ideas were. Maybe I might've mentioned George a little more frequently as well... Besides, I can't really control how my cheeks flush or my eyes twinkle a little extra whenever I say his name. It's not like I made the choice of feeling this way anyhow, it just sort of happened.

As we make our way past the crowd of excited students and proud parents, I quickly spot the trio of people I genuinely consider my best friends. Al though I'm a year younger and in a different house than them, I still pride myself on knowing how much time I will get to spend with them again this year.

"Well, if it isn't little miss troublemaker? Back for more?", I can hear the grin on Fred's lips as he speaks up, turning to look at me. His flaming red hair is shorter than last year, I would assume Molly would have forced them to get it cut before school starts up again. He's smiling, embracing me in a quick yet sweet hug.

As I step away from his arms, he takes a step to the side, revealing a dark blonde, quite tall and handsome boy, grinning at me.

"Alfie!", I exclaim, jumping into his arms as he chuckles, the vibrations from his laugh tingling my skin. "I missed you this summer!".

"Yeah, I know I know—"

"Alfred here wouldn't stop talking about you. It was quite annoying really", a third voice speaks up and I'm immediately a nervous wreck. I feel my cheeks grow hot and my heart beat faster. I take notice of the other talk and lanky ginger by Fred's side, smiling down on me. He drags his hand through his hair and I'm done for.

I can't believe how a boy could have this much power over my feelings.

"You stayed at the Burrow?", I ask as soon as I gain some control over my own body again, looking between Alfie and Fred. I try to hide my flushed cheeks as best I can, hoping no one takes notice of my nervous self.

Alfie nods. I know he's been staying a lot at the Weasley's the last year or two. His parents aren't really what I would consider to be 'present' and Alfie's been under a lot of stress due to their disinterest in getting to know their son. He doesn't like to talk about it much, but I know that it's affecting him, I know that he feels alone at times. That's why I always have as a goal to try and make him laugh and get to thinking about other things than his home life.

"So how was it?", I ask, as quickly as we've said our goodbyes to Molly and my mum. "I want to hear all of it", I grin.

So the boys start telling me about their summer; how they played several rounds of Quidditch in their back yard and how Molly made them clean the house after an accident with some of their joke shop products. How Bill and Charlie came to visit and Harry Potter and Hermione Granger stayed for a few weeks. I smile at their excitement as they jokingly tell me how much fun they've had and I can't help but feel a little bit jealous of them. What I wouldn't give to spend the summer with them all...

About five minutes after boarding the train, we hear a knock on the door to the compartment. Looking up, we see none other than Lee Jordan, another one of the twins' closest friends and someone I like but haven't gotten super close to. He smiles, seating himself beside me and Alfie and opposite Fred. I'm seated by the window, next to him and opposite George which gives me the opportunity to further explore his dashing looks. Of course, I try and do this whenever he's not looking.

The rest of the train ride is spent laughing, telling jokes and Lee telling us about his summer at home. It always feels like home away from home whenever I'm with my friends, and I couldn't ask for better people to spend my time with.

Whenever he's not looking, I find myself admiring a particular ginger. The way he hangs his head back when he laughs makes me weak in the knees. His laugh is contagious to anyone who hears it, and his smile forces me to almost look away, to hide my blushing cheeks. He's gorgeous through and through, his hair catching fire whenever the sun hits it, and his crooked nose making him stand out from his brother.

To be completely honest—I don't know how I'll ever be able fall out of love with him.

Finally, we make it to Hogsmeade Station, and I'm awakened from my nap by a hand gracing my skin and speaking in a low and sultry voice.

"Mia. Mia, we're here. Time to wake up, love".

I open my eyes slowly, adjusting to the light of the train lamps. As soon as I do, I realise just who has awoken me from my slumber and I find myself having to catch my breath as I look into his honeycomb eyes.

Oh... I'm screwed.