𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 | g. w

26. reassurance

I think I've figure out why my patronus takes the form of a red panda.

They are generally considered to be very creative, friendly and warm creatures, and they would do just about everything to protect their loved ones, which I'd like to think I have in common with them. They are also great listeners as well as advice givers, something I've been known to share with them.  I'd like to think my the few friends I have, can trust in me to be there for them whenever.

But despite their good mannered nature, the red panda usually keeps to itself, rarely traveling in pairs or families. I think this is where I feel the most connected to the animal, as I've become accustomed over the years to taking care of myself. Al though I love my friends with all that I have, I've always been somewhat of a lone wolf, never really actively seeking people out. In fact, if it wasn't for the twins' constant nagging and following me around, I wouldn't even have been where I am today. I would never have become friends with them if they hadn't continued to bug me in the hallways my first year. I guess, in a way, I was sort of forced to become friends with them.

Not that I'm complaining. I wouldn't trade their friendship for all the galleons in the world. I love them, perhaps a little too much for my own good, and I have to thank them for the person I've become. They helped me come out of my shell a little bit, making me more comfortable in my own skin, and even though I spent my first year at Hogwarts trying to distance myself from everyone and everything, I don't want to even begin to imagine where I would have ended up if I hadn't met them.

I don't think I would even be half of the person I am today.

I owe them everything, and working at Weasleys Wizard Wheezes feels like I'm barely beginning to pay them back.

"I have half a mind to hex anyone who thought it'd be a good idea to consider eighteen year olds grown ups. I don't know about you boys, but I've never felt more alive as I have helping you out here in the shop and I don't want to even think about the day when I have to trade this for an office desk."

Today's been a good day, or I guess, as good as it can get when there's a looming war waiting to happen. Kids of all ages have been frequenting the shop even though the rest of the street has been forced to close up.

Unfortunately, I think today was the last day where we are able to keep it open as usual. With everything going on, it's safer for both us and our costumers if we kept it close for awhile. We don't want to risk anything happening to those who step foot in here, it's bad enough with people disappearing everyday.

Speaking of disappearing, Luna's been taken somewhere. I don't know why or where, but I found out from Neville Longbottom a few days ago that she was kidnapped off of the Hogwarts Express, taken because of Xenophilius' writings in the Quibbler.

I can't help but feel like I should've done more to keep this from happening. That maybe if I kept a better look out for her, she wouldn't have been taken in the first place. I should've done better at protecting  her, even though we've spent the last few months in different parts of the British isles.

Still, I'm glad I have the boys to keep me busy when my thoughts go dark. They've kept me somewhat sane, getting me to laugh and making sure I'm taking care of myself.

"You don't think that will happen though, do you?" Fred smiles. "You're not destined for an office job, Rune."

"Fred's right. You're brilliant, and anyone with half a brain knows it." Alfie agrees, placing a delicate hand on my arm as if to reassure me. I find myself having to keep from crying out of pure love for these people. They truly are the best, and I don't know what I'd do if they weren't in my life.

I'd like to think they always will be. Though, I don't want to jinx anything.

George keeps his eyes on me, smiling that devilish smile of his that makes my stomach fill with butterflies and my mind go all mushy from all the thoughts of him and him only occupying it. He doesn't say anything, he simply sits there, grinning and shaking his head in agreement.

"Thank you guys." I smile, pretending to wipe away a fake tear from my eye. "I love you all so much."

"Awww", Lee places a hand to his heart, "we love you too."

"Yeah. Some more than others, though." Alfie whispers under his breath, I can just about tell what he's said.

"What was that?" I ask, staring him down. I look to George, who's currently snarling at his best friend, his cheeks glowing red. He's no longer looking at me, it's almost as if he's trying hard not to meet my gaze.

"Nothing." Lee mutters awkwardly, before we go back to talking about plans for the future. We mostly discuss the shop and what we want to add to it in terms of possibly expanding and new products and such, but we also find ourselves in heated discussions about the upcoming war. Even though none of us really fancy this particular topic of conversation, it's more than difficult to ignore. Especially when it's everywhere you look at this point, and when it's affecting each of our everyday lives.

I find myself zooming out somewhat, getting lost in my own thoughts. I'm worried—no terrified—about what's going to happen, especially to the people I hold dear. I'll do everything in my power to keep the lot of them safe from harm, but I can't help but feel like it won't be enough no matter what I do.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I just wish I had at least somewhat an idea of what to do to make sure nothing happens to them.