The Space Boy and The Red Head

23 - Real Talk

Tuesday - 12th March 1996

The date had been wonderful. Apollo couldn't deny that. He knew deep down he didn't deserve it though. After what he did to Luna, Apollo didn't deserve the nice moments. He still remained sad and mopey, but now George was constantly around it made being sad a little bit less, well sad.

He couldn't deny that it had been so amazing to be speaking with George again. Although he was still certain that George was only doing this as a platonic, friend kind of date. Apollo thought it was nice to imagine, this is what his future could look like if he wasn't a monster.

During the date George had told Apollo all about how he'd completed the next few steps of his attempt at becoming an animagus. He'd brewed the potion. It had been brewed in a crystal phial, using the mandrake leaf he'd held in his mouth for a month, one of his own hairs, a teaspoon of dew that had been undisturbed (by sunlight and human feet) for 7 days, the chrysalis of a Death's-head Hawk Moth. Finally he'd put the mixture in a quiet, dark place' and leave it until the next electrical storm. He'd been saying the necessary incantation every sunrise and sundown too, keeping his wand to his heart as he did. 'Amato Animo Animato Animagus.' George seemed really excited about it. Saying Lee had been doing the same, even though they weren't on proper speaking terms just yet. Lee had apparently already told George that Apollo couldn't keep the mandrake in for a full month due to his constant illnesses.

It made Apollo feel really guilty that he had cut his friends out, thinking they'd be better off without him. Especially when every few minutes George would mention how much he missed their chats, or their silly little pranks, inside jokes, even telling Apollo how much he missed watching him read at night. Apollo decided that no matter what happened, he would always make sure to keep George close for as long as George wanted him around. But always to give him space to leave if he needed it.

Apollo had apologised to Lee for his absence the past few days when he returned that night. But now he was sat in the common room. The morning after his date. The space beside him occupied by someone else he'd been neglecting since returning to Hogwarts.

"I just don't know what to do. Every time I open my mouth around her I say something stupid. I turn into a gigantic prat." Cormac said, hiding his face in his hands.

"It can't be that bad, I'm sure of it." Apollo tried to soothe his younger brother.

"I heard her talking to Ginny the other day. Called me a snobby, arrogant git. I'm not like that really, I don't know why I can't just be myself around her." He fussed. Apollo felt a protectiveness within him when he heard what the girl had said, taking a breath to relieve the tension in his chest.

"I'm sure Hermione will warm up to you. Just maybe try talking to her as if she's not your crush first, pretend she's me or something" Apollo hadn't expected such a pointed look from his brother after offering advice.

"No offence, but don't try to give me advice on talking to girls again. You kind of suck at it." Cormac cocked an eyebrow at his brother. "But if I ever need guy advice, I'll come to you. How's it going with George?"

Apollo's jaw hung open, "how did you.. what? I mean there's nothi... Is it that obvious?" He was flustered.

"Is it obvious you like him? Yes. Obvious that he likes you? Also yes. Now answer the question are you banging him or not?" Cormac's bluntness could always shock Apollo.

"No I'm not banging him. We're just good friends" his face was bright red as he said this.

"Yeah sure. Just glad I don't need to worry about little pups running around. Just make sure I don't hear you howling each others names or anything" A smug grin on Cormac's face, pleased with his werewolf puns. Though right now they were the last think Apollo wanted to hear.

"Heard anything from mum and dad yet?" Cormac asked, shifting the mood to somber. Apollo shook his head no. It had been a while since any letters had arrived for the brothers.

"Ok enough moping. I need advice on the Fred situation. Is it smart to be friends with him if he hates werewolves, I mean what if he ever found out about my condition? That I'm the monster he hates. Ugh but Godrick, I still miss him. It doesn't feel right not being the four of us" Apollo said, shifting the tone of the conversation once more.

Cormac hummed, thinking of a response, "Do you think he really feels that way?" He asked. The older boy had to stop to think for a moment. Then Apollo shook his head no.

"Ok, well do you think he maybe just felt embarrassed that his friends didn't back him up? Not trying to excuse it. Just trying to understand"

"Maybe. That would probably make sense." Apollo thought about it.

"You should talk to him. Tell him you didn't want to do that in front of Angelina but that you felt upset by his words since you guys all seem to idolise Moony so much." He suggested. "One other thing Apollo, answer me honestly now. Swear it?"

Apollo stuck out his pinky, intertwining it with his brothers. "Ok. I swear I'll answer honestly"

Cormac took in a big breath. Readying himself for what he had to ask.

"You don't believe anything Fred said about werewolves is true do you? You didn't take his words to heart, right?" He asked, inspecting every inch of his brother's face for reaction. When Apollo's eyes widened he knew his answer. The two shared an awkward hug.

"You aren't a monster, Apollo. Never have been, never will be" the younger McLaggen said. Though Apollo still couldn't quite believe it himself. If Cormac knew what had happened surely he'd change his view.

"If only Hermione could see you like this, she'd be head over heels" Apollo said back. Trying to act tough for his brother who just rolled his eyes.

"Now get out of here and talk to Fred. I'm fed up of seeing you four moping around."

Apollo did go talk to Fred. Each boy explained their reasons and apologised to one another. Fred had told Apollo he didn't really mean anything he said, that he was ashamed of it as soon as he said it. That he'd even wrote to Professor Lupin, apologising, who had wrote back confused about the whole situation but grateful for the gift of chocolate that had been sent along with the letter. Fred had promised to talk with Lee at dinner. Saying he wanted the gang back together again.

Fred was true to his word. That day all of the boys had spent hours laughing and joking in their dormitory.  Sweet wrappers all over the floor, acting as if the fight had never happened at all. They were all glad it was over. With exams coming up and a possible war on the horizon, the boys knew they'd need strong friendships to keep afloat.