Euphoria ; George Weasley

Six

After a long first day of classes, I was in the library, desperately needing something to take my mind off the anxiety that had been filling my body all day.

It was anxiety about the future. This was my last year, and after that, I would step out into the real world. I'd get a job and... it scared me.

It always triggered my anxiety.

So now I was browsing the books at the back of the library.

I was the only one in here, and madam Pince was standing at her own private table, sorting through some books with the use of magic.

Those books needed to go back on the right shelves.

"If it isn't my favourite little bird, McCarthy."

I froze and my eyes widened slightly at the voice. I spun around and gasped quietly when I saw a certain Weasley twin.

I stumbled back and my back hit the bookshelves.

He was leaning against the opposite bookshelf, his arms folded over his chest and his head resting against the shelves.

I always got anxious around people I wasn't comfortable around. Not that he made me uncomfortable in the wrong way.

It's just anxiety. Social anxiety.

While it doesn't control my life like it used to, it still affects me in some situation.

Like this one, for example.

Speaking to someone I don't know.

For me to get comfortable around someone, I'd have to spend every day with them for a long period of time. I'd have to get to know them, and only then would I be able to open up and be myself.

I was scared of rejection.

I was scared of being disliked.

I wanted everyone to like me, and maybe that's because I didn't feel loved growing up.

George was watching me. His eyes were soft and he was smiling comfortably. It was a smile that already relaxed me, even though it would usually take a while for me to relax around someone new.

"I noticed something in class earlier." He smiled. "You roll your eyes quite a lot, don't you?"

I offered him a faint smile, trying my best to make it look real.

"I guess I do. I don't really notice."

"Well I've noticed." He chuckled. "Snape asks a question you obviously knows — you roll your eyes. Snape asks you a question you don't know — you roll your eyes. Snape acts like a little bitch towards someone in class — you roll your eyes."

At that comment, I couldn't help but laugh, and I was surprised that it was an actual laugh, and not one I faked for the sake of the situation.

My laugh only seemed to make George's smile grow.

How did I already feel so calm in his presence?

"What're you looking for?" He asked and pushed off the shelf, approaching me. "A certain book, or are you just browsing?"

"I'm— I—" I sighed. I hated this about myself. When I was nervous, I stumbled across my words, trying to get them out.

"Browsing." I exhaled, and George nodded once, then looked down at me.

"That group assignment we'll be starting next week for Charms, yeah? You know which one I'm talking about?"

I nodded.