The Space Boy and The Red Head

32 - Between the Lines

Wednesday - 10th April 1996

"Remind me boys, why did I agree to take a Charms this year?" Fred grumbled as he dipped his quill into ink once again. Ready to start yet another piece of parchment for Flitwick's essay.

"Because it will help us with the shop. Enchanted wands, spinning tops, teddy bears. You name it we've got to be able to make a joke product from it." George said, checking his Potions essay for any errors. "That's why I'm taking potions after all. To make more of the skiving snack boxes and other devious little treats."

"Remind me never to accept another gift of either of you" Lee remarked. Also doing his potions work. "I couldn't stop sneezing blue clouds for an entire month last time you offered me a sweet." A thought crossed his mind.

"And why do you never test your products on Apollo. Why just me?"

"Hey. Leave me out of this. I don't want to be their guinea pig." Apollo looked alarmed, as if he was about to fall into a trap.

"I like him too much." George said at the same time as Fred said, "George would kill me".

The twins looked at each other and burst out laughing. Getting angry looks from others in the library.

"Plus, Apollos too hard to prank. And even if we managed he'd just kill us in our sleep" Fred continued.

The group's discussion was broken when an upset Ginny Weasley ran past their table. Trying to duck her head as to not be seen but the twins protective instincts took over and they were out their chairs in a flash.

"We'll be back lads. Gotta go beat up whoever hurt Ginny" they said and left. Leaving just Apollo and Lee at the table.

"So, how's it going with you and George?" Lee had a mischievous twinkle in his eye. His suggestive eyebrow wiggle made Apollo scoff.

"Good. What about you and Lottie?" He retorted.

"Good? Just good? You can do better than that Apollo. No changing the subject either. Lottie is great but I've told you all the details already. This is about you" Lee scooted his chair closer so they could gossip better.

"What is this? An intervention?" Apollo laughed, "I mean it's not good. It's great Lee, honestly. He's perfect in every way. Too good for someone like me. And look, I know we've been friends for ages, and I hope this doesn't make anything weird between the four of us, but he just so ughhh... great. I can't describe it properly." He was a blushing mess. Head hidden in his hands.

"I don't think it'll be weird really. We kinda thought it would have to happen sooner or later. Neither of you were very subtle. And don't get me started on the chat I had with him in 2nd year when he first started thinking he liked boys."

"Why? What did he say?" Apollo sat on the edge of his seat.

"Just kept talking bout you honestly. How he thought everything about you was just so pretty. infuriatingly dense he was. Tried to explain to him that he had a crush but he was in denial. Month later, coming back from visiting you in the infirmary and he breaks down. Says he hates how sick you are, how he definitely likes you more than a friend." Lee explained, doodling intricate designs on the edges of his parchment as he did.

"Really?" Apollo could hardly believe it. George had liked him since 2nd year? Lee just nodded in response.

"You ready for the next moon?" Lee whispered. Apollo shrugged.

"I don't have much option do I?" He sighed "and I don't know how many more of them I can take. It's getting worse every time now. I take longer to heal, and i feel the changes starting a week before instead of just a day. It's too much"