Between the Cracks // 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

48. Stupid Questions Get Stupid Answers

Chapter 48: Stupid Questions Get Stupid Answers

After a way-too-long shower and quick nap, Leigh felt decent enough to actually be seen by other people again. The Saturday had instilled a joyful air in the castle, and she did her best to enjoy the day along with her classmates.

The thought of whether or not to visit the shop tomorrow nagged in the back of her head, and after chatting with Nova, who really, really, wanted to come with, it was decided. A Sunday study session.

No one except George knew of her tumultuous Saturday morning and the nightmare which caused it. They hadn't been that close before, but now Leigh all of a sudden felt like he was the one who had seen the worst side of her. While she normally felt panicked and ashamed after a vulnerable moment like that, those feelings never happened after that morning. After thinking about it for way too long she finally pinpointed why that was the case – nothing in his words or actions stemmed from pity. Instead, he seemed almost humoured by her chaotic circumstances, in the most understanding and empathetic way possible. A strange mix, but he seemed to master the combination perfectly. And as a result, Leigh could say that she actually felt a tiny bit better knowing she didn't go through that morning alone. Strange, really.

Not to say that either Hermione or Fred did anything wrong – the few times Hermione was there to comfort her she always had that maternal and sympathetic look in her eye, and the times Leigh had been vulnerable in Fred's presence he approached it with an openness, simplicity and embrace she really was starting to find comfort in. She supposed George's effortless and light presence was refreshing, and, judging by how surprisingly okay she was feeling, seemingly well-needed.

Leigh spent plenty of time getting ready that Sunday morning before she eventually started her journey through the snow down towards Hogsmeade. Nova took her sweet time as usual, and they decided that she would catch up once she's ready – probably in about half an hour or so.

The weather whipped in Leigh's hair as she stomped through the snow, holding her jacket tightly shut and her bag close to her chest. The icy air nibbled at her exposed skin, and plenty of snow resided in every crevice of her clothing as she reached the familiar building with the orange sign. The store looked rather empty today – it seemed like not a lot of people wanted to fight the natural elements out in the wintery landscape. Quite understandable really. Leigh currently had too much melted snow dripping down her neck for her own liking.

Still, despite the cold and harsh weather, Leigh remained standing as if frozen in front of the familiar door to the shop. She chewed on her bottom lip in thought, feeling her heart beating in her chest.

She was nervous about going inside. She normally wasn't, but there was something nerve-wrecking about seeing Fred after yesterday's nightmare and the stress it caused her. She wasn't exactly sure what she was anxious about, but she couldn't shake the feeling no matter how hard he tried.

She took a shaky breath. Glanced down at her clothes, flattening her skirt and quickly combing her fingers through her hair. She didn't particularly care about how she looked, having just come out of a storm, but the nerves needed their outlet somehow.

With another inhale and a steady air she pushed the door open, soon seeing the familiar and joyful interior as the warm temperature of the shop enveloped her.

Her eyes almost immediately found a silhouette standing by the counter, soon seeing George's face as he turned his head towards her.

"Well, well, well, look who it is."

For some reason the view of his faint smile immediately calmed the anxious beating in Leigh's chest, and she instinctively let the corners of her mouth tip upwards at the view as her bag slid down her shoulder, meeting the floor with a thud.