Flourish and Blotts//George Weasley

16 ~ Gryffindor Dorms

Aurella trailed slightly behind George and Fred, who were both holding their product. They were shouting at the students passing, advertising various magical candies and tricks. Most of the student population was headed toward the lake, ready for the second event. 

She kept her hands tucked in the pockets of her cloak, trying to ward off the mid-February chill. George and she hadn't had an actual talk since their argument in the library. The words they exchanged were shallow, all for appearances, and in spite of herself, Aurella knew he was right. Even now, she had gotten used to George and the sense of chaotic normal he brought. She wanted the comfort he brought with him back. 

Kira jogged up to her and linked her elbow around hers, immediately stepping in time. There was a rosy flush on her friend's tan skin and Aurella smiled at her. She watched Kira wave to Alicia.

"What have you been doing?" Aurella teased, nudging her friend in the side. 

Her friend's Italian accent weighed on her French as she responded. "I have been waiting for the event to start. What have you been doing?"

Aurella shrugged and glanced back at Fred and George's backs. How she got roped into this, she'd never know.

Kira sighed and nudged her. "You still haven't had a conversation with him, have you?"

Aurella ducked her gaze away as George glanced back. "No, I don't want to."

"Hasn't anyone ever told you that avoiding your feelings will only make everything worse?" Kira offered. "Besides, I like George. He's better for you than Henri."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Kira shrugged, adjusting the wool mittens she wore. "Don't get me wrong, Henri is fine, and you and he were okay as a couple, but George makes you happy, and excited to be alive. He gives you a gleam in your eyes. Henri never did that." 

Aurella squashed down the ugly beast threatening to rise in her stomach. "I don't like George though."

Kira hummed, her response non-committal. Her friend's dark eyes were focused on the boys ahead. 

Aurella nearly asked what that meant, but was interrupted as Henri appeared. 

"Can I join?" He asked. Aurella scanned him briefly. His dark hair was tucked under a toque, his face tinged pink by the wind. 

"Yes," Aurella responded, and Henri fell into step on her side. Kira nudged her slightly and Aurella ignored her.

"How are things?" Henri asked. "Your English boyfriend seems...interesting."

Kira elbowed her again, and Aurella elbowed her back, glancing at Henri. "Yes, he is. He's nice though."

Henri nodded slightly, shoving his hands in the pockets of his pants-- he was still in uniform, wearing the powder blue suit pants-- but he had a thick cloak of fine make over his shoulders.

They picked their way down the hill, keeping an eye out for damp patches from the rain last night. The last thing Aurella wanted was to slip and end up in the mud or soaking wet. Especially when it was so cold. 

"How serious are you and him?" Henri asked.

Aurella's eyebrows twitched upwards. Maybe her and George's plan was working after all. Was this a sign that Henri wanted her back?

"They are serious," Kira responded, pinching Aurella's inner arm to keep her from responding. "George is good in bed."

Aurella's eyes widened and she stared at Kira for a moment. A tiny smile had graced her friend's face. A glance back at Henri showed that he was turning pink across the face, his eyes widening.