It's difficult to live a normal life, when you're known as "Hogwarts' saviours". Will our main characters be able to balance their social lives and their studies, when love gets added to the equation? Will they manage to protect Hogwarts from any up...
On a Friday afternoon, Mia and I were relaxing by the Belltower Courtyard, watching the sunset's beautiful hues decorate the sky. She was filling me in on her latest date with Eric Northcott.
Apparently, she wanted to keep things casual, and she was not sure if she wanted an actual relationship with him. She claimed she liked his company and found him fun, but every time we talked about it, I could see a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. In my opinion, she was simply not over Garreth. Every now and then she would cry in her dorm thinking about him and their past relationship.
Next to us, an intense Summoner's Court match was taking place between Leander and Sacharissa. Aren't they tired of playing this boring game?
"Jess, are you even listening?" Mia's voice pulled me back to the present moment. "I feel horrible for spilling the truth to George and lying to Poppy about it" she admitted.
"Look, you spend a lot of time with both of them. It's normal for something to slip out" I expressed, trying to be understanding.
Mia sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. "I feel like I've betrayed my best friend, I-"
"You did her a favour" I cut her short, raising my eyebrows to reinforce my point. "And after all, isn't George your friend too?"
"Of course he is" she let out firmly.
"Then you did the right thing" I reassured her, "but you shouldn't get further involved. George is smart, he can figure out what to do with your information."
My advice appeared to have a calming effect on Mia as she seemed somehow relieved.
Then unexpectedly, I noticed Adelaide strolling around the castle grounds with Lenora Everleigh, and an idea crossed my mind.
"Now we just need to find a way for little sweet Adelaide and loser Andrew to pay" I externalised my thoughts with a hint of underlying mischief.
Mia shrugged. "Should we have George and Sebastian beat him up?" she suggested.
"No, that would be too easy, and it would probably get them in trouble like last time" I declined as I looked around, my mind racing with possible options. "I think we need to be sneakier"
"Looks like you've got something on your mind" Mia's expression mirrored mine.
"Exactly" I replied with a sly grin. "Once I'm done with that bitch, she won't even exist"
George's pov
Another day, another gruelling practice with the Slytherin team. As the date of our first match got closer, Imelda pushed us even harder.
It was worth it, though. My technique and precision with the bat had tremendously improved. And, admittedly, hitting Bludgers was a great way to let off steam.
Once Imelda dismissed the team, Sebastian and I made our way back to our dorm. Hurriedly, I took a nice cold shower and after getting ready, I left the Slytherin Common Room.
Whilst wandering through the castle grounds, I managed to pick a red rose before heading to the Beasts classroom. Knowing Poppy well enough, I was pretty sure I was going to find her there.
Indeed, she was behind the classroom, leaning against a fence and feeding some Kneazles with her wand. She looked amazing, her brown hair resting comfortably on her shoulders.
With the red rose in my hand, I walked over to her, feeling uncharacteristically nervous. "Hey" I called out, trying to sound gentle yet firm.
Startled by my sudden presence, she turned to face me. Her eyes widened in surprise as she gasped. "George!"
"Mind if I join you?" I questioned confidently, holding out the rose.
Poppy gave me a suspicious look, but she made no move to take it. "What's going on, George?"
"I wanted to apologise" I said, my voice unwavering. "I know I messed up"
Poppy folded her arms across her chest, her gaze piercing. "Messed up? That's putting it mildly?"
I nodded, accepting her remark. At that point, honesty was all I had. I needed to own up to my mistakes, to make things right.
"You're right, but you should know...I never meant to hurt you" I expressed, my voice earnest.
Poppy's eyes narrowed, the fury in them unmistakeable. "You did more than hurt me, George. You broke me! You talked about trust, but you didn't trust me. You believed the worst of me without letting me explain"
I felt a pang in my chest at the sound of her words, but I kept my gaze locked on her. She was right, I had been a complete dick, jumping into conclusions.
"I know...and I'm sorry" I expressed, my voice sincere. "I can't change the past, but I want to make things right"
Tears welled up in Poppy's eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. "Oh no!" she said, her voice trembling. "You don't get to waltz back into my life with a rose and an apology, George"
I took a step closer, the rose brushing against her arm. I wanted nothing more than to pull her into a hug, to erase the pain that had been caused by this misunderstanding. But I held back, knowing it was not the right time.
"I'm willing to work things out, Poppy. For us!" I stated, the determination evident in my tone.
Poppy shook her head, tears spilling over. "How do I know you won't just walk away the next time something happens? Trusting you again won't be easy."
She looked away, avoiding eye contact at all costs. "I need some time" she let out.
"Take all the time you need" I nodded, softly placing the rose in her hand.
Poppy stared at the rose and then back at me, her expression a whirlwind of emotions. Then, without saying a word, she walked away, her steps loud and fast.
I watched her go, the feeling of determination rising within me. I liked the idea of the challenge, the idea of fighting to win her back.
As she disappeared from sight, I leaned against the fence, gazing at one of the Kneazles that Poppy had named. "Well, Persephone...at least she took the rose with her"
Author's note: Art of George & Poppy.
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