Dandelions

30

Katie Bell POV

I woke up in the middle of the night to an empty bed. I remember falling asleep in George's arms shortly after we returned from the spectacular display of fireworks he had organized for me. Well, most of the students in the school had accompanied me to witness it. It truly had been a memorable evening.

Why isn't George in bed?

The only sounds that were heard were light snores from Lee's and Fred's beds. I waited for my eyes to adjust to the darkness.

There he was, on his study table in front of the window. George worked so hard for his joke shop. I admired that quality of his, he chased his passion and didn't care about anything else. His flaming red hair glimmered in the moonlight. He had his head sandwiched between his arms, as he read a parchment placed on his desk. I dragged myself out of bed and glided towards him.

"Babe, you need to get some sleep," I whispered but got no reply. He sat in his place, frozen.

Did he fall asleep?

I ran my fingers through his soft hair. "Babe, come to bed."

His head tilted upward and as his eyes met mine I realized something was amiss. His eyes were bloodred, and his palms completely drenched in tears. It had me imagining the worse.

"What is wrong Georgie?" I asked causing the waterworks to increase, as he struggled to breathe.

"George you are scaring me. Please tell me what is wrong." I pleaded.

"Her, her, her window is locked." He stammered in between sobs.

"Huh, who? What? Did you have a bad dream?" I was confused.

"She never locks her window. She always leaves it open for me." He said wiping the tears off his face.

His broom lay on the floor. I peeked at the parchment he was staring at. It was some kind of map. It showed the Ravenclaw tower. What is this? A map filled with dark magic? A stationary label read Maya Bagnold, presumably sound asleep on her four-posted bed in her dorm. My heart sank.

"You love her." I choked on my words.

"I love her." He wept like a baby. I engulfed his torso in a tight hug muffling his cries. "I am sorry Katie, you are so beautiful and have always been so nice. Why am I feeling this way? I can't live without her. Something...Something died in me when I saw her with Pucey. The way she looked at him. The way he held her. She is gone, she is not mine anymore. I can't let it happen. I am sorry, I am so sorry." I vigorously rubbed his back in an attempt to comfort him. I felt the a tear drop from my eye. My worst nightmare was unfolding in front of me and there was nothing I could do. I felt sorry for George. 

I don't know for how long we stayed in each other's arms but eventually, the sorrow receded. His confession had not come as a shock to me. Deep in my heart I already knew. 

All this while George's eyes had not strayed a millimeter off Maya Bagnold's label on the map. Eventually, he was in control of his emotions and I knew it was time for me to leave. I placed a gentle kiss on his forehead and walked out of his dorm for good.

George POV

The first rays of the sun falling on Marauder's map was a welcoming site. I straightened myself out, picked up my broom, and flew out the window for the second time that morning. My head throbbed and my heart ached but all I wanted, was to see Maya. I wished to confront her first. I felt betrayed, let down and lied to. On the other hand, I couldn't wait to tell her how much I loved her, and maybe ask her out on a date.