Plot Twist [GEORGE WEASLEY]

14.

Lee and Gina hiccuped.

"Ah. She doesn't want us. She just wanted the candy. The seductress," Fred gestured dramatically to Amara.

"Sorry for breaking your hearts," Amara smiled apologetically. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"All the compartments are taken," Lee said with a sad smile. "We're willing to exchange all our licorice wands for your hospitality."

Amara met Gina's eyes. Still hiccuping, she nodded. "We don't want your licorice wands, still come on in!" Amara sat where Gina was.

Happily, the trio sat opposite, grinning. Lee was squished in the side. "Do you want to sit with us, Lee?" Amara asked, concerned. Gratefully, Lee nodded. When he sat next to Amara, he held out a hand.

"I don't think we've officially met. I'm Lee Jordan," He grinned.

"I'm Amara Shacklebolt," She accepted his handshake. "I have to say. I find Quidditch boring when it's furiously long. But, your commentary is so funny!"

Lee pushed Amara's shoulders bashful. "Oh. Stop it! The fans encourage me to keep on being the comedian I am," he beamed.

"You want to be a comedian? That's really cool. Is that what you're doing after Hogwarts?" Gina asked.

He blushed, finding interest in the floor.

"I do. My parents though are worried I will become like a rockstar and become an alcoholic or something," he made a dismissive wave. "I like making people laugh. That's all I know."

"I think it's terrific. Gina and I would watch your shows. Do you know they do stand-up comedy at the Three Broomsticks? I went once with my family. It was really good," Amara explained.

Lee's face lit up. "Really? Maybe, I should do that in the summer. I will send you an owl if I do, okay?" Lee told.

"We'll keep an eye out," Gina nodded.

"I thought you would join us in our joke shop," Fred lifted an eyebrow.

"I know mate, but the world needs comedians too," Lee winked.

___

Their train compartment had been drowning in guffaws and laughter. Gina was clutching her stomach. Amara was tearing up. Fred and George had fallen on the floor, laughing. Lee's body was shaking. When it was announced they arrived, the odd group wondered how they had ever lived without each other's humor.

"This was fun guys," mumbled Amara, playing with a strand of her navy curls.

They were standing in a circle. Dazed from the bus ride, they had rapid-fire pleasantries. The usual stuff like "What are you doing for your holidays?", "Can we all hang out?" and "Send me letters".

They finally detached from each other. Gina bid farewell to Amara before running out of the barrier. Her parents were waiting on the other side. Amara's hand tightened around the handle of Athena's cage and her trunk. Amara found Madeline, grabbing her by the arm. A glimpse of Zane's bald head could be seen above the crowd.

"Dad!" Amara bolted to him. Zane buried his daughters' heads into his chest. "Aw. I missed you so. We're going to have so much family fun now. Emily is waiting on the other side. She doesn't like crowds, much," he taking Amara's and Madeline's trunk, effortlessly.

They stood behind the line for the barricade. The 9 3/4 sign was just a foot from them. The line progressed quickly. Meanwhile, Zane told them about his date with Emily. They had taken a romantic trip to this forest in Britain. He had even taken some pictures on his camera. "Emily, she," Zane smiled, eyes closed. "She makes me feel like a character in a romance book."