Speed Drabble: Wingardium Leviosa
Word Count: 613
It's easy for Colin to grow frustrated. He's fourteen, and this bloody spell from first year still seems to give him more trouble than it should. "Wingardium Leviosa," he says, and he makes sure the swish and flick of his wrist is just right.
Still, the stick at his feet remains in place without budging. Colin tries not to get discouraged, but it's so bloody hard.
"Need a hand?"
He looks up to see Ginny smiling at him. Colin's cheeks heat with warmth despite the chill on the air. Somehow, he manages to nod. "It's stupid," he admits with a sigh, "but I can't perform the Levitation Charm to save my life."
Ginny doesn't make fun of him for it. That's one thing he admires most about her. No matter how hopeless someone may seem, Ginny shows them nothing but kindness—until they give her a reason not to, at least.
With a smile, she adjusts her coat before sitting beside him. "You have to relax as you focus," she tells him. "Just let go. There is nothing in this world but you and that stick."
Colin laughs, but her face is completely serious. He coughs awkwardly, adjusting the collar of his moss green shirt and wondering if Ginny notices how awkward he is. He hopes not. Girls like Ginny aren't supposed to care about boys like him, and he's so worried she'll realize that.
Somehow, he manages to relax. His bright eyes focus on the stick. Nothing else matters; nothing else exists. Taking a deep breath, Colin raises his wand again, swishing and flicking it through the air. "Wingardium Leviosa!"
By some miracle, the stick slowly begins to float in the air. Colin's thin lips tug into a proud smile. Maybe it's a skill he should have managed ages ago, but be doesn't care. He's a bit of a late bloomer, but he's managed it, and that's all that matters.
"See?" Ginny grins at him, nudging him gently with her shoulder. "I knew you could do it."
"Why are you so nice to me?" he asks as he guides the stick back to the ground.
"Do I really have to have a reason?"
Colin raises his brows expectantly. So many words bounce around his head, but they all sound so pathetic. If he says them, Ginny might realize how lame he is and focus her attention elsewhere.
He shrugs. "I dunno. I mean… You're nice to a lot of people, so I know it's not like I'm special or anything."
"You are."
"I am what?" Colin asks, confused.
"Special, you dork," she laughs. "You're amazing, and I… Well, I fancy you a bit."
Colin stares at her, waiting for the punchline. It's ridiculous. How could someone like Ginny fancy him? She's so fiery and bold, and he is nothing but timid and safe. Girls like her are supposed to fall in love with heroes.
She opens her mouth to speak but quickly turns away with a sneeze. "Sorry," she mutters as she turns back to him, offering him an apologetic smile. "Anyway, if you don't fancy me, I completely—"
"No! I've… Well, I've always noticed you, Gin," he admits.
She leans in, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "I should go. I need to study for Potions."
"I can help," he offers. "It's the least I could do."
Ginny offers him a dazzling grin as she nods. "I'll nick some grapes from the kitchen. It'll be a date."
Before he can even process it, she's gone. Colin stares after her, trying to wrap his head around everything. It doesn't make sense, but he goes with it. Life is unexpected, and that's okay.
