𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 | g. w

21. a happy memory

By Christmas Day, I'm throughly convinced things between me and George will never go back to being fully like normal. I catch him looking my way a few times and he even hugged me a little too long after he opened up the Christmas gift I had gotten him. The way he looked at me as I excitingly put on the dark purple knitted jumper Molly had gotten me sent shock waves through me, and I'm convinced that If I hadn't been seated, I surely would've toppled over.

I had spent an entire day in Hogsmeade searching for the perfect gift, and in the end, I had decided to help with their investment in the shop, so I gave both twins some money to help quicken the process. It's safe to say that I have never seen either one of them so ecstatic before.

"So Mia. Now that Angelina's out of the picture, what are you going to do about your relationship with my dear little brother?"

I nearly choke on the entirety of my drink when Bill Weasley, the eldest of the Weasley children, addresses me. It's well into the night and for the first time in a long while, I find myself in a room without either of the twins.

"Wha—we're not—I mean—George and I aren't—" I struggle to get the words out, and my sudden lack in confidence brings a knowing smile to Bill's face.

"I saw the way he looked at you earlier tonight. It's clear to anyone who sees it that he sees you as more than just a friend. My brother loves you, and I'm not talking in a best-friend sort of way."

I let a deep sigh escape me.

This all feels so surreal. I feel like I've been taken to an entirely different realty, where all kinds of logic seems to diminish with each passing minute. Nothing make sense, and I'm torn between what I want and what I still believe.

Everyone keeps telling me that my relationship with George, whatever it is right now, could turn into something more. Everyone keeps pushing for the possibility of him loving me back the way I love him, and yet, somewhere deep inside; I'm doubting it.

Despite his confession and despite that amazing kiss we shared before the break, I can't seem to wrap my head around whatever's happening.

So that's why I simply laugh or shrug it off whenever such a topic of conversation comes up.

(...)

Returning to Hogwarts after the break proves to be more difficult than I ever could have anticipated. It's not that I don't want to return to any of my classes or that I don't want to see my other friends again, no, it's her.

Delores Umbridge's is doing my head in. Not only has she been appointed Headmistress, but she's also continuing her torturing of students, which fuels my raging hatred for the hag.

So upon returning to school, the group which Harry Potter created in order for us to learn how to defend ourselves against dark forces, has been continuing as usual. The only thing that's slightly different, is that we've been extra careful not to let our secret slip. Every precaution possible, we've been taking.

"Think of a happy memory. The happiest you can think of. Let it fill you up."

On one of our lessons, Harry decided it best to teach us the Patronus charm, a charm which takes shape in whatever animal represents you and protects you against whatever force you might find yourself up against. It works as a sort of shield.

I was happy to learn I didn't have that much of a problem at finding a happy enough memory to use. Thanks to the twins, Alfie, Lee and Luna, I've a handful to choose from.

"What'you thinking of?" George nudges my side, sending me that shit-eating smirk of
his, the one that always manages to leave me breathless.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" I say in return, feeling accomplished that I for one managed to make him blush a little.

As I continue to say the incantation out loud, focusing my mind on all those times I've run through the courtyard and hallways, laughing until my stomach hurt, or when I finally managed to prank the boys for the very first time, using a mixture in their shampoo which then turned their hair green. I've always been the happiest when I'm with them, and I can't really imagine my life without them by my side.

"Expecto Patronum", I exclaim loudly, and finally, to my astonishment, I succeed in summoning my patronus.

"She's beautiful", I whisper under my breathe, completely astounded by the creature before me. It's a red panda, and it's absolutely adorable.

I catch George smiling my way once again, and al though it might be my brain pulling tricks on me, I can swear I hear him muttering;

"Yeah, she is."