Forbidden

7

Today's the day we meet the two other schools joining our school in the Triwizard tournament. The last few weeks have gone by quickly. I've been consumed with lessons, helping Snape with making potions for madam Pomfrey, and spending time with the Weasley twins. They seemed to have become less bothered about Quidditch being cancelled for the year, and focused more on their business plan. I don't quite know if it will ever go anywhere, but it is bloody fun creating product ideas with them.

I stood alone by an archway, watching and waiting with all the other students. I wonder how they were going to get here. The air is starting to get cooler and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I only wore a thin, long black cardigan over my clothes. Narcissa and Lucius never bothered with warm winter attire, claiming it didn't suit our style. While Draco had a hat, I went without, as per Aunt Narcissa's decree that it would 'ruin my hair'.

I felt something soft and warm drape over my shoulders, causing me to jump slightly. A familiar scent, vanilla, surrounded me. When I turned, George stood beside me, now without his jacket. "You looked cold," he said with a kind smile, gesturing to his thoughtful act. Thanking him, I wrapped the jacket around me, the scent triggering memories of happiness, laughter, and... Amortentia.

It was the same fragrance that puzzled me in class that day. Vanilla, a hint of smokiness resembling post-fireworks, the aroma of home-baked cookies, and the freshness of newly cut grass. Had I really smelled George? Sure, I knew I was attracted to him – who wouldn't be? He's tall, broad, kind-hearted, and incredibly funny. But was it more than just a simple attraction?

George snapped me out of my thoughts, pointing excitedly to the sky. "Look, Scarlett!" Following his gaze, I saw a blue carriage gracefully gliding through the air, pulled by two magnificent Abraxans. It was a breathtaking sight, and I could easily envision the elegance within.

Shortly after, a derelict looking ship emerged from the black lake. It sailed across the water towards us. This one was not so breathtaking for me, however I saw many of the boys mouths gaping at the sight. For me it was slightly eery.

"This is gonna be a year to remember!" George spoke, an excitement in his voice that I loved to hear. He walked with me as we made our way back to our common rooms to get ready for the welcome feast tonight.

"I wonder what the school will be like," I remarked, taking off George's jacket as we entered the castle, his scent still lingering on my cardigan.

"I know, Fred's excited about the French girls!" George laughed, triggering a hint of jealousy within me. I suppressed my emotions as I questioned, "And are you? Excited for the French girls, I mean?" Worried I sounded too obvious.

He pondered for a moment, furrowing his eyebrows. "You know what? No, not really. Haven't even thought about it. Don't think they're really my thing... prefer a girl with a bit of backbone," he said, winking at me. My face turned rosy, and I quickly looked away. Was he flirting with me?

Clearing my throat, I added, "Well, yes, you do need someone with a backbone if they're going to cope with yours and Fred's constant pranks!" George chuckled in agreement.

"You seem to cope just fine," he nudged me gently as we came to a stop, his common room being one way whilst mine the other.

"It took me years to get to this point George. Don't forget the hatred me and Fred had for each other..." I raised my eyebrows as he again agreed with me.

"True. But now I'm quite happy with our friendship. I wouldn't have had it any other way," George spoke with the same warm smile. My lips tugged down at the term 'friend,' a bitter realization sinking in. Yes, that's all we were and all we could ever be – friends.