Finding Happiness

Chapter 22

"Ready?" Hermione asked, putting on her beanie.

I nodded and we walked out of the Common Room.

"I'm meeting Ron and Harry at the Three Broomsticks, do you want to join us?" She asked, as we made our way down the Grand Staircase.

"No, its ok, I'll probably just go shopping." I didn't want to intrude on the trio. They were close friends and I understood they were going through things together.

We walked out into the chilly winter air. It was snowing lightly and the grounds were already covered in a thick blanket of white.

The walk from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade wasn't far, thankfully. The temperature was so cold that my teeth were chattering and my nose felt like it was going to freeze off

"You should come into the Three Broomsticks, warm up." Hermione suggested as we were getting closer to the pub.

"Nah, it's fine, really. Once I start shopping I should warm up." I declined.

Hermione tugged at my arm, "Come on, just have a butterbeer. I insist."

I groaned and let her pull me into the pub. The blast of warm air hit me as we walked through the door, it heated me up almost instantly.

Hermione looked around and found Ron and Harry sitting in the corner, "I'm going over there, order yourself a butterbeer." She laughed at my confused expression, "Just go." She shoved me over to the counter.

"What can I get you dearie?" Madam Rosmerta asked.

"Just a small butterbeer please." I answered, rubbing my hands together to warm them up.

"Make that two." A familiar voice added behind me.

I spun around, and there standing, covered in snow, his face pinkish from the cold, was George.

"George!" I exclaimed, literally pouncing on him.

He chuckled and hugged me tight, "Fancy seeing you here."

I stepped back, "What are you doing in Hogsmeade?"

"Hermione told me everyone was going this weekend so I decided to surprise you."

"That's why she was acting so strange!" I realised aloud.

George nodded and looked over at Hermione who was smiling at us.

"Two butterbeers." Madam Rosmerta had returned with our warm drinks.

George pulled some sickles out of his pocket.

"Don't be silly!" I pushed his arm out of the way and tried to hand my money to Rosmerta but George grabbed it and quickly paid with his.

"I could've paid." I pouted, picking up my drink.

George smirked, "I couldn't let a lady pay."

I shoved him playfully, "You know I hate being called a lady."

"Fine, I couldn't let a handsome, very manly girl pay." He teased.

I laughed loudly and poked out my tongue before sitting down at a spare table. George followed and took a sip, ending up with a froth moustache.

"You got a little..." I pointed to his mouth and he took another sip, this time purposely making a bigger moustache.

"I don't know what you're talking about." He said in a high, proper accent.

I grinned and leant forwards to wipe it off. As I was running my index finger over his upper lip, his tongue darted out and licked my hand.

"Ew!" I laughed, pulling away and wiping my, now slobbery, hand across my jeans.