Scotland
Hogwarts
George

George Weasley was never the jealous type. After having been born second to his twin brother, Fred Weasley, he had grown accustomed to being the mediator, the supporting role, the second twin brother. The lure of dominance and primacy had never once captured his interest.

Despite their indistinguishable nature, Fred and George Weasley were discrete. Both of them would jump on the opportunity to start a fire, however, while one could care less about the consequences, the other did.

These nuances that exist between Fred and George guaranteed no arguments fueled by envy nor discontent.

George was certain he could never be jealous of anything nor anyone, or so he thought.

"Did you see them?" asked Alicia Spinnet, sitting next to Angelina on a short, wooden bench that stood on the middle courtyard.

"Saw who?" asked Lee Jordan, gently placing his books on Alicia's lap.

"Draco Malfoy and Belinda Gaunt, of course," Alicia said in a whisper, "They were seen walking together towards the Slytherin Common Room yesterday."

George's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Why would that information demand a whisper?" asked George, who had walked with many girls to the Gryffindor Common Room repeatedly and had not once earned a whisper from Alicia Spinnet.

"Because, George," answered Alicia. "The colorless Draco Malfoy couldn't wipe off the smile on his face all the way to the bloody dungeons."

"The man couldn't even watch where he was going. He was looking at her all the time," added Angelina.

"Do you reckon they're dating?" asked Alicia as George started to feel his blood run from his feet towards his head.

"It's not entirely impossible," Angelina replied. "She's a pureblood and Malfoy's a pureblood. Both are rich beyond compare and both have known each other since they were children. It's hardly a surprise."

"They're also both Slytherins," Alicia said. "That says a lot."

George ruffled his hair in frustration as he tried to absorb the conversation. 

Pureblood wizarding families had long practiced the tradition of keeping their lineage pure by applying any means necessary. Arrange marriages were by far the most ordinary out of all of their customary measures and could be the most probable outcome between Draco Malfoy and Belinda Gaunt.

Though he'd only known Belinda for a week, George had never once felt the usual self-importance of a rich, pureblood from her. She had always remained humble; choosing to introduce herself as if everyone in the room had no clue who she was, choosing to remain unnoticed in a class where she could perfectly flaunt her skills, and choosing to talk to Fred and George like no other Slytherin in her rank had ever done.

George refused to believe that she held the same ideologies as most pureblood wizarding families. Although, he could also not refute the possibility that he could be wrong. It did not help that everyone thought the same. 

Fred turned to look at George and had immediately noticed the change in his brother's disposition.

"Are you alright?" Fred asked, softly.

George gave Fred a weak smile and replied, "Perfectly fine."

Fred saw through the lie and had decided to quickly change the subject.

"Here's something far more interesting," said Fred, looking dead straight at Alicia. "Rumour has it that Alicia Spinnet was caught snogging Kevin Towler by the Suspension Bridge two days ago."

George laughed.

Two days ago, George and Fred were speedily running away from Filch, who had been most fortunate to be the first person to witness the success of their enchanted fireworks — Wildfired Whizz-bangs. As they run-off past the Astronomy Tower and towards the Suspension Bridge, they bumped into their friend, Kevin Towler, who was busily sharing his first kiss with their other friend, Alicia Spinnet.

If it weren't for Filch and the utmost possibility of detention, which they couldn't afford, Fred and George would have thrown the remaining fireworks in their pockets to congratulate their male friend— it was after all a life-changing moment for any man.

"Curious place to share a kiss," said Fred. "I would have preferred somewhere private."

"Like the Shrieking Shack," said Fred and George in unison.

Alicia's eyes flew wide open and with swift agility, she hurled Lee's books in their direction. George picked up the books as Fred tried to hold off the embarrassed Alicia, who was determined to wrangle Fred to the ground.

"For your information," Alicia said as she went back to sit next to Angelina. "Kevin is a good kisser."

The group rose to a clamor, George and Fred whistled in mirth while Lee and Angelina held their laughter. After a few minutes of futile interrogation, everyone had grown tired of asking Alicia for details.

"Matters of intimacy should always be kept private," said Alicia.

Despite everyone's interest, everyone sighed in agreement.

As they moved on to talk about Quidditch, George caught a glimpse of a familiar someone, walking hurriedly through the corridor. Without hesitation, George threw his books at Fred and ran towards the windows, leaping over them with ease. Within seconds, George was walking next to Belinda Gaunt.

"Lovely gloves," he said as he slowed to match her pace. "If you're planning on robbing someone might I recommend Filch's office. The man has a beautiful habit of hoarding priceless items."

Belinda looked at him in wonder. "How can I possibly rob anyone now if someone has already figured out my intentions?" she said.

George looked at her and smiled. Wrapped around her finger once again.

"Goodness, Gaunt, you have no idea who I am," George replied as they rounded the corner towards the Suspension Bridge. "It's not in my nature to repel bad behavior, much more discourage it."

Belinda chuckled in response as George watched her don her gloves. "To what do I owe your company?" She asked as she turned to face him, coming to a full stop.

George was taken by surprise, promptly taking hold of the banisters and stopped himself from moving within a good few centimeters from her face.

"Next time, a warning would be nice," George said, trying his best not to crumble due to the closeness of her face.

"I'm sorry," she apologized. 

George wanted to tell her that she need not apologize. If anything at all, George should be the one apologizing for saying something idiotic when he had the perfect chance to be romantic. Nonetheless, George was left dejected as he noticed the subtle signs of weariness on her face.

"Have you eaten?" he asked.

Belinda turned the other way and replied, "Yes, of course."

She was not a good liar, he thought.

George reached into his pocket and dug out a sealed chocolate bar that he'd won from Ron. It's red and green wrapper reminded him of all the injuries he'd sustained due to Quidditch and all the times Fred had offered him the same exact one to make him feel better. Beyond doubt, George liked chocolate, however, he liked Belinda more.

"Here," he said, handing Belinda the chocolate bar. "It's Honeydukes. Take it as payment for the favor I'm about to ask."

Belinda stayed still for a moment, her eyes trained to his offer. George not taking no for an answer, took her hands and placed the chocolate bar gently between her fingers.

"I pay for my favors," he said.

Belinda smiled. "Let's hear the favor," she said.

"The Alchemy homework."

"The Alchemy homework?" Belinda repeated. "Don't you think I'm ripping you off?"

George threw his head back in amusement. "Please! Anyone would agree that I am the one ripping you off."

Belinda laughed in shared amusement. "I'd be happy to help," she said.

As Belinda started to walk, George suddenly noticed a chance and decided to shoot his shot. "Won't your boyfriend get mad?" he asked.

Belinda continued to walk ahead of him as she replied, "I don't have a boyfriend."

George couldn't fight the smile across his face. Her answer had delighted him so tremendously that if an angry Bludger were to hit him on the face, he would return its indignation with a kiss. George bit the insides of his cheeks and jogged to catch up to her.

"Don't worry, I do not have a boyfriend myself," he quipped, grinning.

Belinda laughed softly, her tired doe eyes never ceasing to concern George. He needed to remember to bring her food next time.

"When do we meet?" he asked.

"Tomorrow, of course," she replied. "If you intend to pass it on Monday."

"I never pass late homework, Belle. I just fail most of them sometimes," Belinda laughed. Dimples again.

George confessed that his initial attraction towards Belinda Gaunt was propelled largely by her superficial good looks. However, as the days passed, he had started to find himself in a much dangerous terrain. He had started to admire her heart.

"Where should I meet you?" he called out to her.

She spun around to face him, walking backward. "The library. Two in the afternoon. Don't be late."

George would not dare. "See you, Gaunt," he waved at her.

"Likewise, Weasley."

He watched Belinda run to the Quad and vanish from his sight. To say George Weasley was happy would be an understatement.

- end of chapter six -