Harry Potter: One Shots

A Cheer-Up (George x Reader)

(A fanfiction for a friend.)

***

Snow is falling outside of Hogwarts, grazing the large windows of the school. The heavy clouds block rays of light, leaving the white-covered surface of the courtyard in shadows. Benches and paths are covered in heaps of snow. Trees and bushes have lost their colors. And there, on the small steps, among the crying, sniffling girls, you've planted yourself down. Your arms are wrapped tightly around your legs, protecting your chest from the cold. But the wind finds its way through the thin fabric of your dress anyway, blowing the black color through the breeze and exposing your skin to the cold. Leaning your head against the stone wall next to you, you can't stop shivering.

"The steps seem more comfortable than the seats inside, hm?"

You wipe your tears from your cheeks, as if by instinct. "No, I..."

"Sure."

Your eyes find a pair of two black leather shoes in front of you, followed by legs that slowly bend down towards you. That's when your gaze meets two familiar brown eyes and a smile, trying to form a word before you speak. "George?"

"George," he repeats with a bigger grin.

You loosen your arms. "What are you doing outside?" you ask, your eyes drifting to the falling snow behind him. "I just wanted to ask you the same thing."

"That's why I'm here," he adds, still looking at you. He leans against the cold wall next to you, his arms folded together. "And you?" You took some time before replying, "Waiting for the day to finally end." Then you look at him again. "Besides, isn't your date waiting for you, George?"

"If I were you, I wouldn't want to keep her waiting any longer." He lets out a snort. "I'm being serious!" You join in his laughter, an offended tone between your laughs. "George!" The twin quiets down, scanning the area around you two in a playful way, before asking you, "Well, what about your date? I don't see him keeping you waiting here." That's when you stop giggling. "He..." You shake your head. "...isn't."

George raises an eyebrow, his smile still present on his face. "Then where is he? Leaving you out in the cold isn't very..." For a moment, he's silent, searching for a word that would fit his statement. But he fails when he realizes the expression on your face. "Right," he sighs. "Sure." His gaze mimics yours, fixating on the snowy ground below your feet. Neither of you seem to know what to say. And considering your stubborn personality, which George so often finds difficult to deal with, his only response is humor. And sometimes, just sometimes, when your stubbornness breaks, George earns that small smile of yours. That is what he likes the most about you.

"You know you shouldn't be outside, (Y/N)." The Weasley nudges you slightly with his elbow, watching your eyes lift once again. You frown as you mumble, "You shouldn't be either." George shrugs. "So, then how about we both go inside then?" he suggests. "None of us would have to sit here any longer." Your eyebrows furrowed at the thought. "And then see my date snogging Hannah? I'm sorry, but no way."

"Getting colder is the better option?"

"I can handle it."

"And a cold?"

Your hand curls into a fist and rises to your mouth to simulate a bad cough. George can't help but grin again, which makes it harder for you to not replicate it. He shakes his head, admonishing you, "You're so unbelievable." Before you can snap at him, you notice something in the courtyard catching George's attention. When you try to keep track of what exactly he's seeing, you suddenly feel arms around your body, lifting you off the cold ground. "What are you doing?!" you shriek, catching the attention of the female audience on the other side of the steps. "George?!" The Weasley looks down at your petrified face. "There's still enough people to impress. And I won't let my brothers have all the fun." Unfortunately, there's not enough time for you to answer, as he has already begun walking down the steps. And even though you love how unpredictable your friend can be, you're still surprised every time he is. So instead of whining about it, you stay silent and save yourself from the embarrassment of arguing with the boy. Perhaps this time he's not getting you two into trouble.