Forbidden

11

George wasn't kidding about the Hogsmeade trip. That following weekend he'd found me leaving breakfast and told me to go get ready as we were taking a shopping trip. I couldn't help but be excited to be spending more time with George. And he was so caring towards me.

I dressed in my black leggings, hoodie and my dragon skin coat. Hopefully Draco would be too distracted to even notice me dressed this way. But it was starting to get very cold now and I desperately needed as many warm layers as possible.

As I approached the great hall, I spotted the trio waiting for me. Fred was engaged in selling some ton-tongue toffees to a hesitant first-year, who eventually handed over the money and rushed back to his friends with the peculiar sweets.

Making my way beside George, I couldn't help but mutter, "Please tell me you warned that poor first-year about the toffees' use." George responded with a warm smile, and Fred, thoroughly entertained, laughed off my concern, "Where would the fun be in that Scarlett!"

As the unsuspecting boys chewed the toffees, their tongues swelled and protruded like giant, slimy pythons. Fred seemed unfazed by the potential consequences, but Lee, sensing trouble as the swollen tongued boys gained more attention, suggested we move along before getting banned from the Hogsmeade trip.

The pair of mischief-makers ran ahead, leaving George and me to share a quiet walk. There was a calming peace in George's presence, and his infectious energy always managed to make me feel more at ease. It might sound crazy, but being around him was a welcomed respite.

"I like when you dress like that," George admitted, his gaze on the Hogwarts design adorning my hoodie.

"I figured Draco would be too preoccupied to notice me in 'slob' clothes. I like wearing this too. A lot of my clothing is so uncomfortable, but it's for the look, not the feel," I explained, recalling Aunt Narcissa's disapproval when, as a child, I played with the tight corsets and skirts.

"Good thinking. Gladrags is just up here; they'll have some warm clothes for you," George nodded toward the brightly-lit wizardwear store ahead. I had only been in there once to buy this hoodie and leggings last year, and the memory of purchasing my own clothes was still exciting.

In the warm and inviting store, the overwhelming variety of items greeted us. As George guided me through the store, my attention was momentarily stolen by the colorful assortment of socks.

"Here we go, winter clothes!" George announced, picking up a knitted burgundy jumper. "I think this color would suit you well," he smirked.

Rolling my eyes, I scanned through the collection of jumpers and jeans. Jeans – something I had never owned before. I selected a black pair and a blue pair of slim, high-waisted jeans. They appeared much warmer than the skirts and dresses I was accustomed to. Moving on, I spotted an oversized knitted black jumper that looked incredibly cozy and decided to add it to my choices.

"What about a hat?" George suggested while perusing the vast collection on one of the side displays.

"No, there's no point. I'd never be allowed to wear it. Draco would probably end up burning it. At least with jumpers and jeans, especially the black ones, still look somewhat to their standard. And he can't exactly rip them off me," I chuckled, my thoughts briefly wandering, I wouldn't mind someone else ripping them from me though, I blushed at my own thoughts. Swiftly, I added another jumper and a fleece-lined, long black coat – visibly thicker than my dragon skin one – to my selections before heading to the counter to pay.

Upon leaving, I noticed Fred and Lee emerging from Zonko's, their hands full of pranks and tricks.

"Oi, George! If you've finished your shopping, lend us a hand with this lot!" Fred hollered as we approached. I casually grabbed my handbag, opening it up.