Forbidden

16

The common room was quiet the next morning, a vast contrast to last nights festivities. While most people still slumbered in their dorms after the busy night before, I found myself up and ready to meet George and Fred for breakfast.

Dressed in a cozy burgundy knitted jumper, snugly tucked into a chic black skirt and complemented by thick tights and sturdy boots, I couldn't help but smile at my reflection in the mirror, anticipating George's reaction to my choice of colour.

Entering the very empty quiet hall, I found Fred surprisingly animated for the early hour, regaling the group with animated tales of the previous night's Ball. Angelina and George occupied seats beside him, while Lee sat opposite, accompanied by Alicia and Katie.

George's gaze met mine the moment I stepped into the hall, his eyes alight with admiration as they lingered on the rich hue of my jumper. A reciprocal smile tugged at my lips as I made my way to the seat beside him, the warmth of his presence enveloping me in a sense of contentment and belonging.

"Morning," George murmured, his hand finding its way onto my thigh under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm loving the color choice today."

I chuckled softly. "Well, we did have a deal. And I have to admit, red does suit me."

Fred leaned in, peeking around George. "Red! And you're in red! You should've been a Gryffindor," he quipped, eliciting an eye roll from me.

"Good thing Gryffindor doesn't take Death Eaters," Katie Bell muttered under her breath, prompting a sharp nudge from Lee, who shot her a warning look.

"Shut it, Katie," Fred interjected, his tone firm, before quickly returning to his previous cheerful demeanor. "Anyway... Happy Christmas everyone!"

"But Fred, Christmas was yesterday?" I remarked, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"I know! But we didn't get to celebrate it yesterday!" Fred clarified as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"We're having a get-together in the common room soon, if you'd like to join?" George's gaze made me feel weak, and I almost didn't catch his invitation.

"Yeah, we're exchanging gifts! What have you got me, Red?" Fred teased, wiggling his eyebrows at me. My eyes widened as I realised I completely forgot about gifts this year, with the Yule Ball and everything else occupying my mind.

"Shit..." I muttered under my breath, feeling a pang of guilt. Katie Bell burst out laughing.

"Of course the rich kid hasn't bought anyone anything! Too stuck up her own arse to think of anyone but herself!" she sneered, her eyes narrowing at me.

Instead of retaliating, I stood up abruptly, turning to leave. George's hand caught mine before I could go. "Scarlett, don't listen to her," he reassured me, his voice soft but firm.

"I'm fine, George. What time should I be there?" I offered him a smile, determined to show that Katie's words hadn't affected me.

"12, I'll wait for you outside," he replied, giving my hand a gentle squeeze before I left the hall.

In all honesty, her words didn't affect me. In that moment, I realised the best gift I could give these boys. But I needed to sort it out straight away!

~~~

George stood waiting for me as he always did outside the Gryffindor common room. His smile infectious as he saw me walking over, a box wrapped in my hand.

"Hello beautiful," he hummed, pulling me into his gentle embrace. He quickly looked around before placing his lips upon mine. Every kiss was just as explosive as the next. Even these small sweet kisses, full of all the emotions we felt for one another.