George gawped, he couldn't help it he was talking to him. The guy he had spent so many sleepless nights picturing.
'Hey look George it's been a year now since we've talked, look mate you have no idea how sorry I am about what happened. It was all really stupid especially as I'm…..'
'You're what?' quizzed George.
'Well er…oh you know I'm really sorry. Look mate I've gotta go help the whining warlocks set up their equipment but we definitely have to talk later we've got so much to catch up on.'
Katie nervously surveyed the George and Lee's awkward moment from afar. She knew she had no right to try to stand in between this friendship, especially as she had been the one to separate them in the first place but she really didn't want to be anywhere near Lee Jordan tonight.
As the Great Hall began to fill up with guests George and Fred began to see many familiar faces. Oliver Wood their old quidditch captain came bounding up to them hand in hand with a pretty blonde who turned out to be his fiancé. Oliver informed them gleefully that he had just been signed up to play as keeper for England at the next word cup. Next up to was Darcy Fiennes, a good looking guy who had been in their year but in Ravenclaw enquiring as to how business was. The twins were careful not to divulge too many of their future plans as they had a feeling he worked for the ministry, in the department for the disposal of dangerous artefacts. An unusually single Ginny came rushing over not long after to enquire after Darcy and ask for an introduction.
'Shame Ron couldn't be here eh Ginny' said George.
'Well him and Hermione were hardly going to rearrange their honeymoon were they?' Ginny laughed.
'Yeah but Ron didn't have a great time at the last Hogwarts ball he went to, he might of enjoyed this one a bit more now he's got some half decent dress robes'
'Oh I wouldn't say that George he still looks like a rather lanky penguin' chuckled Fred.
'Anyway boys I'm sure he and Hermione are making their own fun if you get my drift!'
'Bloody hell Ginny there's a mental image I really didn't need, you've put me right off my pumpkin juice' said George as he gingerly pushed his goblet aside.
'Never mind George' smirked Fred 'I've a feeling you'll be in need of something a little stronger tonight.'
As Fred went off to get them shots of firewisky George hung back from the crowd he had just spotted someone he very much wanted to talk to.
'Wotcha Harry'
'Alright mate, how you doing long time no see' exclaimed Harry.
'Not too bad, you here with anyone only Ginny's single again in case your interested.'
'Er Blimey I thought you knew well….er...I've sort of hooked up with someone and well I'm not gonna beat around the bush this is gonna be a shock enough for you, its Draco.'
'Jeez Harry how the hell did that happen? I mean I know he sort of changed after you defeated you know who but you two were sworn enemies.'
'It's a very long story, but basically you know he ended up working in the same department as me in the ministry well we did a lot of overtime together and I guess we just grew closer.'
'Well er congratulations mate I mean I never expected it but….hey you used to date my sister' George added as a sudden afterthought, Harry had certainly never shown any sign of being gay while at school.
'And I can name at least five girls you've dated but that doesn't stop you being in love with Lee.'
George was momentarily speechless, how had he known he'd told no one not even his own twin. Harry must have seen the shockwaves his comment had sent through his friend for he simply reached out and patted his shoulder. At the same time he was still reeling from Harry's own shock revelation, of course he'd heard rumours in the shop but thinking they were malicious rumours he had secretly palmed off all the faulty stock on such gossipers.
'How did you know?' George said grimly
'Guess it must be the old gaydar kicking in' joked Harry. 'George you've wasted too much time hiding in the dark from your true feelings, trust me I know, you have to reach out and think of yourself for once.'
George didn't have time to answer as at that moment Fred came back from the back precariously levitating a tray piled high with shots of firewisky and bottles of butterbeer.
'Ah Harry come and have a drink with us, to Angelina and Katie may a fine night be had by all!'
George downed his shot quickly trying to block out Harry's deep and meaningful stare.
