Gained A Couple Battle Scars (Second Installment)

Chapter 16: Hogsmeade and Sirius

I’m in the library like most fifth years are. Our O.W.L's are coming up right around the same time as the last triwizard task. I've been spending most of these past two weeks in library, surrounded by books, refreshing my memory on everything.

All of the tables have been taken up, so I've been spending my time in one of the aisles, I have stacks of books so high, you can only see the top of my head from afar.  George is sitting next to me, leaned against the wall, thumbing through a charms book, quizzing me on things ranging from color changing spells to shield charms.

“George…” I whine, he pauses at his spot in the book and looks at me and smiles. “Am I gonna fail?”

George closes the book and sets it on the ground. “you wont fail. You’re doing wonderfully.” He says. “charms is one of the easier ones. It's potions you've got to look out for.” He admits.

“I'm good at potions.” I say.

“Yeah, and you being slytherin there might be some leeway.” George begins to mess around with my loose Slytherin tie.

“What do you mean?” I say, watching him play with my tie.

“Snape always makes sure Slytherins pass potions.” He puts my tie down and suddenly it’s a bit hotter in this library.

“You’re forgetting the part where he hates me. After what happened…” my mind goes back to the dark place of thinking I was laying in my own blood, I shudder, George wraps an arm around me.

“If he knew who your father was, I’m sure he wouldn’t say another bad word to you.” George says. “Which reminds me,” he pulls me closer so my head is resting on his shoulder. “Sirius is going to try and visit in Hogsmeade.”

“Hes mad.” I look at George in disbelief.

“Well, you’re not wrong there.” He smiles.

“Come on, I’ll give you a sugar quill if you answer these next ten questions right.” He pulls a sugar quill out of his pocket and winks.

“You’ll give it to me either way.” I smile and he raises his eyebrow at me.

“Yeah…probably.” He says kissing my cheek.
George and I spend the rest of the night in the library studying and quizzing me on what seems like a lifetime of information.

After studying until my brain exploded, George thought it would be a good idea to go to Hogsmeade the day before exams. I told him I still needed to study, and he promises I will have time to study.

But, walking into the Three Broomsticks and seeing a collection of fifth years frantically studying, ignoring the Butterbeers they’ve ordered made me very nervous. George looks at me as we walk to a table.

“Um, love? You’re squeezing my hand a bit hard.” He gives a smile, and I release my hand from his as we sit down at a table.

“Sorry…” I say, I scan the room, looking at all the fifth years, I faintly hear George say something about butterbeer and fish and chips. Anxiety begins to set it when I feel a hand on my cheek and move my hand to face George who’s smiling at me. I don’t feel the anxiety anymore.

“Pay attention to me, love.” He gives me a smile.

“we're on a date.” He winks and removes his hand from my cheek, but I’m not sure if I want
him to stop touching me.

“Okay, clingy.” I roll my eyes pretending to be annoyed and obviously blush at his words, making him smile wider.

He reaches across the table and opens his hand, I take my hand from my lap and place it on his, he runs his thumb along my fingers, and I look up at him, hes staring at me.