Spells and Visions; A Harry Potter story

Chapter 13: Jynx Aria

After working at the Ministry for almost two years, Neville got the offer to work as Herbology Professor at Hogwarts, and he accepted. That would mean I wouldn't see him every day anymore.

"You'll be great," I said, tears flowing, again, when we stood at platform nine and three-quarters, again. Only this time, I wouldn't go with him. It was so weird, we had never been separated.
"I need to go, please let go of me, J," Neville pleaded, because the Hogwarts Express was about to leave.
"Sorry," I said, wiping my eyes, letting go of my twin. "Good luck, Nev."
"Thank you," Neville smiled. "You too. Bye!"
He sprinted to the train, and I continued to stand on the platform a minute longer.

I sighed, and decided to visit Fred and George's shop, to cheer up. But it went quite the other way.
"Hey, Jynx!" George said. "How are you?"
"Good, yeah, just said goodbye to Neville. But, I'm fine. How about you? Where's Fred?"
"Not far," I heard a whisper, but I was startled anyway, since Fred stood so suddenly behind me. He chuckled, and I sighed.
"Sorry. Is it weird, though, being so far away from your brother so suddenly?"
"Yeah, actually," I said. "Of course you wouldn't know."
"Thank goodness," George grinned. "Still so grateful that you saved him."
"Don't mention it," I said shyly.

George went upstairs, while I looked around so see if I wanted something.
"Hey, Jynx," Fred said hesitantly. "I was wondering, maybe, I don't know, would you go with me, erm- to get dinner? As a date?"
My eyes grew wide, and my mind was blank for a second. I had not expected that in any way. I had tried not to think of Cedric anymore, but I couldn't say I was entirely over him. Of course, Fred wouldn't know that.

"I-" I stuttered. "I don't know- I don't think- I don't think I'm ready for that- I- I didn't even know you were interested in me-?"
Fred looked confused for a second.
"You didn't?"
I shook my head.
"Why would I? I had a- a boyfriend."
"Yeah, I know. I just- I thought you'd have seen the signs."
"What signs?"

Fred looked quite conflicted.
"Why do you think I was such a git towards Cedric?"
"I thought it was because of the Quidditch match-"
"I didn't care about that match! We won hundreds of matches, and he even offered a rematch! I was jealous of him! He was the nicest guy out there, but he claimed you before I could! I would've asked you to the Yule Ball, but I knew you would go with him. Why do you think I asked you for a dance at Bill's wedding? Why do you think I was more around you than George? You're pretty, sweet, funny, brave, and on top of that, you helped to save Ginny's life, as good as saved my father's life, healed George, saved Percy, and saved me! I just- I like everything about you, Jynx. I kind of- thought you would've noticed by now."

I continued to stare in shock at Fred.
"I- I never thought about it. I always just saw you as a friend, I-"
I needed some air.

I ran past him, not caring at the moment if I hurt his feelings, not thinking about everything he had said. I wasn't ready to move on.
At the end of Diagon Alley I stood still, catching my breath, and then breaking down in tears. I didn't know what to feel. If only Cedric was still here, then this never would've happened...

I didn't go back to apologise to Fred. Instead, I avoided him for the next couple of weeks, and everytime we walked into each other, I came up with an excuse to go the other way, since he wanted to talk to me.

Neville wasn't around to ask him for advice, and I found that it was a silly thing to send him an owl for it. At last, Tonks noticed that something was up with me.
"You can't ignore him for the rest of your life, you know," Tonks told me, when I told her what happened.
"I know," I said.
"He'll understand why you need some time, I'm sure. You know how difficult it was between me and Remus. Just talk to him, tell him what you feel, and take it slow."
"Okay."
"It'll turn out fine," she smiled.
I nodded.