Hello You

No one had seen Aine Murphy in 3 days.

After students had came back from Hogsmeade they were ushered to the great hall because the Gryffindor commons was broken into and a student was attacked.

Jameson had noticed first while setting up his sleeping bag with Theodore Nott. He accounted for Corrine and Connell but no Aine, he walked over to Corrine who had commandeered a corner to herself.

“You can’t sleep with me. I’m saving a spot for Aine~” Corrine cooed as she got comfortable in her makeshift bed.

“Right. But have you seen her?” Jameson asked as he searched the great hall again.

“Well she has to be here because everyone is here except for the student.. who was attacked” mumbling the last bit she shot up.

They both walked over to closest teacher who happened to be Snape. 

“Roberts. Knight. I hope you know it’s bed time, I do not have time to tuck you in” Snape sneered at them. Corrine for once kept her mouth shut and let Jameson so that talking.

“Sir. Please was Aine Murphy the student who was attacker? She out best friend. Did you even tell Connell?” Jameson asked as his eyes flashed to colonel and Oliver talking to each other. He was still up since he was going to be doing watch with other prefects.

If you were to ask Corrine she would say ‘I never knew Snape could show another face that’s wasn’t disdain’ as he turned back to his student with a softer expression that immediately hardened again.

"Murphy is being taken care of, her brother will be informed later. We still have a killer in the castle.” He said in a bleak tone and the whipped his cloak as he left.

Corrine had her hand on her mouth, holding in tears. Jameson grabbed her hand and gently led her back to the corner. He noticed that people were watching so if no one knew before they did now. It was only a matter of time before Aine would be subjected to another round of rumors 

“Would you like to be alone tonight, or should I shift over here? “He asked her gently, wiping away the few tears that escaped.

Corrine shook her head yes and buried herself into her sleeping bag too hide her emotions. Jameson grabbed his sleeping bag from Theo, on his way back he could see the eyes of George Weasley on him.When he came back to Corrine, he laid down next to her and rubbed her back. 

“We can get up early and see her. Just sleep now” Jameson comforted as Corrine quietly sobbed.

The next morning Jameson, Corrine and Connell were standing outside the infirmary arguing with Madam Pomfrey

“I am sorry but she doesn’t want visitors. “Pomfrey stated once again 

“I’m her brother! I am allowed to know!” Connell hissed out annoyed from this situation and lack of sleep.

“I am sorry. Mr. Murphy” Pomfrey replied 

“Are her injuries that bad?” Corrine worriedly asked. 

Madam Pomfrey sighed and looked around, she gestured for them to come closer.

“Her physical injuries aren’t severe, but she was in quite a state when professor Lupin brought her, we had to give her a calming draught. We are just observing her for the next day. She so scared that she had a nightmare, woke up crying, and needed another draught” she explained in a low voice trying to have her friend understand. Jameson understood but he knew the nightmares wasn’t anything new, she had been suffering from them since the summer, a secret he was promised to keep.

“Please, tell her it’s us!” Connell pleased again.

“Try again tomorrow she needs to rest.” Pomfrey suggested as she shooed them away, they eventually separated to their respective common rooms but still missed their friend.

Now 2 days later Jameson stood behind a wall i front of the infirmary, 2 bags slung over her shoulder waiting for Pomfrey to leave for lunch. When she stepped out, she locked the door and headed towards the great hall. Jameson headed over quickly and muttered the unlocking charm.

“Alohomora” The locked clicked and he pulled the heavy door open. He quickly assessed the beds and noticed the farthest one in the corner had the current shut. He headed over, and grabbed the white sheet and pulled it back.

Surprisingly, Aine looked at him but turned around seeing it was Jameson. He noticed that she was wearing what looked like an oversized jumpsuit and had slippers on. She had a bandage on her arm and looked exhausted.

“Hey” he started but she just stared at the wall.

“Everyone’s worried about you... you know you can talk to me?” He continued taking a seat next to her. 

“Alright well if you don’t wanna talk, I’ll just eat this bag of candy Professor Sprout gave me~” Jameson said as he placed Aine bag onto the bed and slowly reached in. She slapped his hand and pulled it from his reach.

“I’m fine” she finally replied in a short tone.

“Okay. I believe you.so you’ll be at dinner tonight?” He asked leaving back in the chair. 

Aine sighed deeply and turned fully turned Jameson, she bit her lip as if she didn’t know what to say. When it came to this, he knew to that she would come undone on her own terms, to just wait. 

A few more moments passed. 

“I don’t want people to look at me, I don’t want Connell to tell ma, and I-“Aine had started to tear up but quickly blinked them away

“I’m scared that another thing has been ruined for me” Aine mumbled out. 

Jameson reached and grabbed her hand.

“Ruined?” He asked.

“This year was supposed to be different, and I thought we were gonna be safe and now I don’t wanna goto the greenhouses again.” She confessed. Logically, she understood that nothing would happen again since Dumbledore reassured her but the idea of going back there felt ugly now

“It’s not ruined.” Jameson started reaching his hand over to rub her back. 

“I was doin so well” she whispered out leaning into his hold.

“Maybe you can just take a break for now and when you feel comfortable again, Sprout will have you back. She is like totally in love with you.” He comforted listening to her breathing change as if she were trying not to cry. 

After a few minutes she pulled away and wiped her face, she looked into his eyes and he gave her a small smile. 

“Connell didn’t send you, did he?” She joked standing up.

“No. I came to see my best friend” he replied. 

Eventually Jameson was able to coax Aine out of the hospital wing, when pomfrey came back he was lectured for sneaking in but he just stayed quiet to the matriarch, He walked her back to her dorm and promised to pick her up for breakfast. As Aine smiled at him entering her commons he decided to head to dinner. 

-

George Weasley had been hearing the rumors of what happened to Aine Murphy for 3 days.

That she was walking down the hall and black randomly attacked her, that he beat her so badly she was sent to st mungos, and another that she was pulled out of school.He wanted to ask Connell, but he seemed unapproachable about the matter. In the common room he glared at anyone who talked about it. He tried to go see her himself but was kicked out multiple times. He decided to goto Corrine who said that she didn’t know much but was also worried.

He also felt incredibly guilty, if only he wasn’t late maybe black wouldn’t have thought it was empty or maybe he would be hurt instead of her. 

Walking into breakfast he had looked over toward Aine usual spot, a habit he had picked up over the last few days . He let out a heavy sigh realizing she wasn’t there and sat with Hermione, Ron and Harry. 

“You alright George?” Harry asked. 

He just shrugged his shoulders and looked at the door, as if he was trying to conjure Aine to appear. His eyes kept darting between his half-eaten breakfast and the entryway 

it seemed like forever had passed but in reality only it was only minutes Aine had walked into the great hall along with Connell, Corrine, Jameson and Oliver. Connell had his hand on her lower back and guided her to Hufflepuff table in a corner, George watched as he coaxed food on her plate and she just stared blankly. As if she felt his gaze their eyes met and George jumped from his seat, making his way towards her.

Aine sighed as she saw George make his way across the dining area, she was too tired.

“I’m going to class early” she said as she pushed her plate away and grabbed her bag trying to make an escape before George could come. Corrine eyes widened and began to scramble her things together.

“It’s okay. You can finish eating” she gave Corrine a soft smile, as Corrine slowly sat back down.

Aine rushed out, making her way down the hall with no direction in mind. She could hear George behind her and he caught up quite easily.

“Aine..” George started as he caught up to her, she kept her head down. 

“Are you alright?” He asked walking in front of her trying to get her to at least look at him. She hummed a small noise of affirmation, and began to slow down.

“I’m sorry.. I know you’re upset with me-“ George started again as Aine finally looked at him. 

“Upset with you?” She asked in a surprised tone. 

“Yes I wasn’t with you when I was supposed to. I got you hurt” he continued as they stopped walking. 

“Sirius Black hurt me” Aine replied gently.

“But if I was there- maybe he wouldn’t have or-“he continued feeling all the guilt come forward 

“He could have hurt us both. I’m not angry with you George.” Aine cut him off and grabbed his hands.

“You should be” he replied. 

“I’m not I’m just tired” she looked up at him and he looked at her, it clicked in his head what she was trying to say. He studied her face, her eyes full of worry and fear but she was beautiful to him. 

“Aine.. please be honest. Are you alright?” He asked holding her hands tighter. 

“I’m alright, I guess I just feel small” she replied as honestly as she could. George moved his hands to her face and rubbed his thumb down her cheek gently. Aine get her eyes well up with tears, as she began to recount what happened in the greenhouse. George listened carefully holding her gently, and when she mentioned her arm being cut, he felt himself boil in rage.

“if I ever see Black. I’m gonna kill him” he muttered angrily.

“Don’t say that” Aine lectured sternly 

“But I mean it” George replied hotly as he stood to his full height, letting go of hers and Began pacing, he did mean it. 

Aine noticed the time, classes were about to start soon. She let out a breath and looked up at George as he walked in a small circle and grabbed his hand.

“Walk me to DADA?” She questioned softly, George looked down at her and began to melt at the sight of her.

For a moment He couldn’t resist, he imagined he leaned down and softly kissed her. That It was gentle and it felt safe, that she was surprised by it. But instead, he just admired her and said:

“You’re beautiful” 

“George” she blushed embarrassed and smiled at him finally. 

“I can’t help myself. I haven’t seen you in 3 days.” He tugged her arm leading her to Professor Lupins classroom. 

“I’m sorry about that” She answered. 

“Don’t apologize, You were recovering. I just wished I could’ve seen you in the hospital wing. I was just worried, and missed you.”  He answered honestly. She nodded silently as they continued their walk, holding hands she didn’t need have anything to say but she missed him too.

“Here we are” George sighed as they reached the classroom entrance still holding onto her hand. 

“Thanks.” She said lightly still staring in, she felt embarrassed to face Professor Lupin too. 

“You don’t have to go we can ditch. You didn’t eat breakfast.” He said as neither them moved yet. George tugged her hand jokingly away from the classroom.

“Maybe plan that before a teacher hears” Corrine glared at him as she gently pushed Aine inside the classroom. 

“See you later” George waved as they entered and Aine gave him a small smile.

Corrine and Aine took their usual seats in DADA and began unpacking their books.

“Still feeling alright?” Corrine asked her, Aine held in a sigh and nodded her head. It was probably the 100th time she’s been asked that today. It was annoying her, but she couldn’t be annoyed they were concerned but it reminded her of last year. Corrine squeezed her hand as Professor Lupin walked in and the lesson started.

When the lesson ended Aine packed her things and began to walk out.

“Ms. Murphy do you mind staying behind a minute?” Professed Lupin stopped her in her tracks and she looked back at him.

“I don’t wanna be late for herbology” she mumbled edging closer to the door.

“Don’t worry I just wanted to check in with you. Sprout won’t mind.” He reassured her as she sighed and sat back down.

They stared at each other for a few seconds before Lupin decided to start.

“So Professor Dumbledore wanted me to inform you that this situation won’t happen again. The castle had been checked and security has been upped.” He started as he paced. 

“And that we want to make sure you feel safe. You were very distressed if you need to talk to someone my door is always open.” He continued 

“I’m feeling much better sir, I promise” Aine lied but wanted this to be over. 

“Right, we’ll the offer is still there. And we have written your parents about the incident. We had no response yet but I just wanted to inform you in case they write you directly.” He finished as he leaned against his desk. This stressed Aine a bit, she has already convinced Connell to wait till the holidays to tell their mother about it and then slowly she would tell her dad but she wouldn’t go into details, she didn’t want them to worry.

“My parents are muggles..” she began quietly 

“Oh” Lupin sighed 

“Is that all sir?” She questioned politely. Professor Lupin nodded and she got up as he began to write a note out for her, when handing it over to her he hesitated.

“Please if you ever need to talk, I hope you come to me” he said softly as he let go of his end of the parchment. Giving one more forced smile she headed to class.

Aine felt her mood worsened throughout the day, people asking her if she was okay, the whispering around her and the people bold enough to ask about it. She noticed that her brother and her friends were being cautious around her too which wasn’t helping 

“Alright dealer choice. We could hang in the courtyard until dinner, or we could lay by the lake” Corrine suggested as they all met up at the end of of classes.

“The courtyard might be a bit too crowded. I need fresh air so lake.” Jameson voted as Aine followed. 

When they arrived at the lake Corrine had dropped down and began studying almost immediately, while Jameson and Aine moved closer to the edge and slowly circled it. 

“I think one day I’d like to swim in here. It’s a shame that we don’t have a pool.” Aine began as the cool air helped her head feel clearer.

“Maybe we do this school is so big” Jameson mused. It was true it was big and full of secrets, something was always happening. 

“Maybe.” She sighed looking back at the castle, she saw more students walk the grounds it was like a painting almost.

“How’s your nightmares?” He asked cautiously knowing the truth.

“Better now” she lied, Jameson held his tongue and  they headed back to where Corrine was sitting.

At dinner that night Connell had them sit at Gryffindor table. As she scooped some beef pie on to her plate, she noticed George and Fred walk in, she saw George look over at the area she usually sat.

‘he’s looking for me’ her heart fluttered a bit. When he noticed her, they made their way over to them - George squeezing himself in between her and Corrine who was annoyed and Fred who sat directly across from George but squeezed in between Oliver and Jameson. 

“Hi guys” they sang together as Connell rolled his eyes. 

“Hi Aine.” George said to her directly and placed his arm around her shoulder.

“Hi George.” She smiled and put her head on his shoulder. Oliver began chatting as the rest of the table listened, something about new plays for quidditch. Aine zoned out as they talked, she noticed her thigh being nudged by George. She looked up at him as he began to make funny expression as Oliver talked. She quietly giggled feeling much happier and less worried, something George noticed. 

As the week continued, he noticed her cling more to him, which he welcomed but he noticed she was still a bit on edge. On Friday, He decided on a plan for how to cheer her up officially.

“Come to Gryffindor commons tonight” he said softly as he walked her to her morning classroom.

“Oh?” She questioned. 

“Yeah, after curfew. There’s gonna be a party.” He answered casually.

“What for?” She asked 

“It’s a birthday party for a 7th year. “he answered

“But -“Aine didn’t know how to answer she wondered why Gryffindor would hold a party right after the castle was broken into but they were sometimes stupidly brave.

“Don’t worry. It’s a closed-door party. Small and I want you to come.” He comforted.

“Okay... can Jameson and Corrine come?” She asked as George nodded vigorously. 

“Okay I’ll come.” She confirmed finally as they arrived to class.

“Brilliant! The passwords Balderdash” He beamed, when she smiled at him, he grabbed her face gently and kissed her. It was soft and gentle; she kissed back and wrapped her arms around his neck standing on her toes. George pulled her closer causing her to open her mouth and he deepened the kiss. 

‘I missed this’ they both thought embracing still.

“Mr. Weasley I’m positive you have potions across the castle.” Professor McGonagall said in an unamused tone causing them to break apart.

“Right, don’t wanna lose points. See you later Minnie” he replied sarcastically turning back around he winked at Aine and started running in the opposite direction 

Aine blushed and headed to class.