Forbidden

10

It's the day of the first task. As I made my way towards the stands, I shivered slightly as a cool breeze swept my hair over my shoulder. Draco was sat right at the front with all his cronies, more then likely having pushed his way to the best seats.

Attempting to find a space, I encountered Pansy's hostile glare, making it clear I wasn't welcome among them. Sighing, I noticed the only seats available were right at the top. The Hufflepuffs from 3rd year reluctantly shifted along the stand, distancing themselves from where I stood at the end. Another instance of prejudice, something I had grown accustomed to.

"Bets! Place your bets here!" A familiar voice echoed through the stands. Fred appeared two rows down, making his way toward me. Spotting me alone, he smiled and approached, "Alright Scarlett?"

"Hey, Fred," I greeted, returning his smile and leaning forward on the bar in front of me. He stopped on the row below, nearly eye level.

"You all alone up here?" he asked, glancing toward the disapproving Hufflepuffs.

"Can't you tell? They're my best mates," sarcasm laced in my voice, prompting a laugh from Fred.

"Now, Scarlett, if you want to sit with your best mates, you best follow me," he winked back. I laughed as we made our way down through the rows, finally reaching the space he had saved while taking bets.

"Look who I found!" Fred called out to the other two lads. As he turned, I came into view, greeted by smiles from both of them as Fred gently positioned me between him and George.

"Hey, Scarlett!" Lee's voice cut through the chanting and cheers around us.

"Hi, Lee," I replied kindly.

I turned towards George, his gaze already fixed on me. He smiled, speaking softly in my ear, "You look absolutely stunning today, Scarlett."

A blush crept up my cheeks, and I blinked a few times to regain composure. "Oh... uh, thank you, George. You look rather dashing yourself." We hadn't had chance to speak since our little cupboard situation a couple days ago. I was beyond confused by my own feelings, and now he's complimenting me?

He smiled at me as our conversation was interrupted by the commencement of the first task. I couldn't believe it was dragons, but the experience of seeing them up close was truly breathtaking. Charlie's expertise fascinated me, and I wished I had more time to ask him questions about the magical creatures. I hoped for another opportunity to see him and the dragons again, as magical creatures were a subject that never failed to captivate me. It is one of my favourite classes along side potions and muggle studies, although Muggle Studies lost its appeal after Lucius banned me from taking it anymore.

As we observed, Viktor Krum effortlessly retrieved his egg from the Chinese Fireball. Cedric showcased remarkable skill against the Swedish Short-Snout, living up to the excitement generated when his name was called. Fleur, facing the Common Welsh Green, displayed incredible knowledge that certainly caught Fred's fancy, though he was likely not the only one enchanted by the Veela's charm.

A sudden chill sent a shiver down my spine. George clearly noticed as he took off the hat from his own head and placed it on mine. It was way to big and as he put it on, I couldn't help but giggle as the materiel covered my eyes. George joined my laughter as he rolled the excess up.

"You really need to invest in some warmer clothes Scarlett!" His eyes lingered on my face.

"Unfortunately, George, I'm not allowed," I spoke honestly, seeing no point in hiding the truth. His smile faltered, and a hint of anger flashed behind his eyes.

"You're not allowed to wear warm clothes? That's ridiculous! Malfoy can!" He gestured towards my cousin who was quite clearly explaining to Goyle what he would do to a Veela, including hand gestures. George's face turned slightly red, not from embarrassment this time.