Jinxed - Fred Weasley

Chapter 8 - Chocolate Frogs

As Jinx and Lee settled into their compartment on the Hogwarts Express, the familiar sounds of the train filled the air, accompanied by the comforting sense of returning home for the holidays.

Lee, with his perpetual mischievous grin, looked at Jinx and said, "I've heard the trolley witch has a special batch of Chocolate Frogs for the holidays. We should definitely get some."

Jinx chuckled, her brown eyes sparkling with amusement. "You and your Chocolate Frogs, Lee. I swear, one day they'll start delivering them directly to your bed."

Lee laughed, rubbing his hands together. "That would be a dream come true, wouldn't it?"

Just as they were about to discuss their holiday plans further, the compartment door slid open, revealing a tall, dark-haired boy with an air of confidence. It was Roger Davies, just the person Angelina had been speaking about.

"Hey there," Roger greeted, flashing a charming smile. "Mind if I join you? Looks like I'm in need of some company for this journey."

Jinx hesitated for a moment, her guard instinctively going up. However, she decided to give him a chance and offered a polite smile. "Sure, take a seat."

Roger settled into the empty space left by Lee, and Jinx, always one for humor, spoke up. "So, Roger, what's your plan for the holidays? Going to charm all the girls under the mistletoe?"

Roger chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, I can't give away all my secrets, can I? But I do enjoy a good holiday gathering. How about you?"

Jinx leaned back in her seat, a touch of sarcasm in her tone. "Just looking forward to some peace and quiet at home. The holidays can be a bit overwhelming sometimes."

Lee sent her a grin. "But hey, anyway, Roger, you're quite the Quidditch player. Any big games coming up?"

Roger's eyes lit up at the mention of Quidditch. "Well, we've got a few matches coming up and all. Your commentary makes me crack up. I mean, that time with Hufflepuff when you were screaming down the mic? McGonagall looked like she was about to throttle you."

"I wouldn't blame her if she did. I wouldn't mind it either." Lee winked as he enjoyed a mouthful of pumpkin pasty. Lee's eyes suddenly widened, and a mischievous grin spread across his face. "Oh, wait a minute," he said, his tone lighthearted and teasing, swallowing the last of the pasty. "I think I left something with Alicia. You know, something very important. I better go check on that."

Jinx looked at him, a playful glare in her eyes. She knew Lee well enough to recognize what he was doing. "Oh, really? Something important, huh?" she replied, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Don't keep us in suspense. What did you leave with Alicia this time? A secret love letter? A stash of Chocolate Frogs?"

Lee chuckled, his expression brimming with mischief. "Well, it's a top-secret item that requires my immediate attention," he said, giving a playful wink. "But don't worry, I'll be back before you even have a chance to miss me."

With a final wave, Lee made his way out of the compartment, leaving Jinx and Roger sitting together. Jinx couldn't help but notice that she and Davies were now alone in the compartment, and a mixture of anticipation and curiosity began to fill the air.

Jinx turned her attention to Roger, a small smile playing on her lips. "Well, it looks like it's just the two of us now," she said, her tone light and friendly. "Any ideas on how to pass the time until we reach our destinations?"

Roger returned her smile, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Hmm, let's see," he pondered. "How about we engage in a friendly game of Exploding Snap? Or maybe share some interesting stories? I'm open to suggestions."

Jinx tilted her head thoughtfully, considering his suggestions. "Exploding Snap could be fun," she replied, her smile widening. "But I warn you, I'm quite competitive. Are you up for the challenge?"

Roger chuckled, his gaze meeting hers. "I never back down from a challenge, especially when it comes from someone as intriguing as you," he said, his voice laced with a hint of flirtation.

Jinx raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, intriguing, am I? Good to know."

Roger's playful smile deepened. "You still haven't kicked Mrs. Norris down the stairs, have you? Which means you lost our bet."

Jinx let out a laugh. "Oh, Merlin, I forgot. So... what happens now that I've lost?"

Roger grinned mischievously. "Well... unfortunately I'll be having to take you out on Valentine's Day," Davies said with a wink, as he pulled out the pack of Exploding Snap.

"Maybe I'll hold you to our little bet," Jinx said, a smile on her lips. "I expect nothing less than an impressive Valentine's Day date."

Roger stepped closer, a confident grin on his face. "Oh, don't you worry, Jinx," he replied, his voice filled with assurance. "I have something in mind that will not only impress you but leave you completely captivated."

Jinx's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at him. "Is that so? Well, now I'm even more intrigued."

Roger leaned in closer, his voice barely a whisper. "Prepare to be swept off your feet, Jinx. I'll make sure our Valentine's Day is unforgettable, filled with surprises that will leave you breathless."

Jinx couldn't help but smirk. "All the flattery is making my head hurt," she teased. "This is the best you can come up with?"

Roger rolled his eyes, before winning the game. "Is the best you can come up with?"

"You little git!" Jinx cackled, "I missed that."

The card exploded with a bang in her face, and Jinx laughed as she wiped away the remnants of it. Just as she was catching her breath, the compartment door slid open, and Lee entered with a raised eyebrow, taking in the scene.

"What have I missed?" Lee asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

Roger glanced at Jinx with a sly smile before answering, "Oh, Jo here is just experiencing a little taste of what's to come on Valentine's Day."

Lee's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Valentine's Day?"