Blood Magic ✤ George Weasley ✓

36 - Estrangement

musical mood: when you were young - the killers

"Cassie Crouch-"

"Fuck off." Cass glared at George, who had approached her as she exited the Great Hall. It was nearing the last days of school, and she'd just finished her potions OWLs. It hadn't gone terrible, but she hadn't gotten used to using her left hand yet, which made for some sloppy brewing.

"Damn, you didn't even let me ask." He pouted, and she rolled her eyes.

"Didn't have to. I know what you're going to say."

"Have I ever told you that you're a genius?"

"It doesn't take a genius to recognise a pattern. You've been asking me to be your girlfriend for weeks, just to win this stupid bet. Also, flattery doesn't work with me, so don't bother."

"Doesn't hurt to try." He shrugged, continuing to chase after her as she speed-walked through the halls. "I don't think you understand how badly I need to win this thing. I refuse to let Pretty Boy Diggory have a girlfriend before me."

"And you truly think I'm your best chance? I've certainly made my thoughts clear on this silly bet of yours. I'd be eaten by the giant squid before I say yes to the likes of you."

"The giant squid is an herbivore."

"Precisely."

"Harsh. What has you all cranky anyways?"

"Well, other than, you know, possibly failing my potions OWL because of my hand, I really am not looking forward to going back to Stromness for the summer, and I have to tell Henry he can't come back with me, which will be absolutely heart breaking. Oh, and of course, I have the most irritating redhead alive asking me to be his girlfriend so he can win a bet!"

"Sounds rough. Maybe you need a boyfriend to support you through this rough time."

"I am going to kill you."

"In all seriousness-"

"Seriousness? I wasn't aware that was an ability you possess."

"As I was saying, if you really don't want to go back to where you live, you could spend the summer at the Burrow. I doubt my parents will mind - they love you, and my dad has more questions about muggle pop music. My knowledge on Elton John and Michael Jackson only goes so far."

Cass shook her head. Clearly George didn't understand where she grew up. "Bold of you to assume I possess any more knowledge on them than you. I think you're forgetting how isolated my muggle community is to the rest of the world. We're about thirty years behind pop-culture-wise. I don't think they've discovered The Beatles yet."

George's brow furrowed together. "Your town hasn't learned about bugs?"

"I stand corrected. Though, I will take you up on your offer, as long as it's okay with your family."

"I'm confused. Do you not have bugs in Scotland? If so, I'm jealous."

She didn't dignify him with a response.

The pair exited the castle and walked into the breezy afternoon outdoors. Even with dementors floating around the grounds, the weather was spectacular, quite unusual for the typically dismal Highlands. Most of the Hogwarts students were sprawled across the green landscape, chatting amongst their friends, seeming relieved that exams were over.

Cass's usual group was easily spotted, with Lavender chatting so loud she could hear every word from metres away, as she ranted about her crush of the week - some Hufflepuff boy called Ernie. An unfortunate name, in Cass's opinion.