----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Readers Pov
"There you are- How are your hands?" Fred asked at lunch.
"They're better now," I mumbled, looking down at the potion-soaked bandages.
After Hermione had been released from the Hospital Wing, I had sat for another two hours soaking my hands in the potion. Pomfrey had to change the potion about three times, and each time I took my hands away, they began to sting again. Finally, Madam Pomfrey had gotten most of it off. She decided that I could go to lunch if my hands were wrapped in potion-soaked bandages.
"You had us all worried," George said.
"Thought you were a goner for sure," Lee chirped, stuffing his face with mashed potatoes.
"Your concern is overwhelming, Lee." I said sarcastically and sat by Fred.
"I know," He agreed happily.
"By the way, thanks, Freddie. For getting most of the potion off when it first spilled on me."
"Didn't like seeing you hurt," He shrugged and I thought I noticed a small bit of pink on the tips of his ears.
"Has anyone seen Hermione?" I asked, changing the subject.
They shook their heads but George spoke, "I saw Harry and Ron earlier. They said something about her being alright."
I nodded, "That's good. It looked so painful."
Fred gaped, "And you weren't in the slightest bit of pain?"
"Oh, no, it was terrible- still is. Just wanted to check on Hermione. I know she'll get most of the hate."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey, 'Mione. How're you?" I asked the next day.
I was finishing a Charms essay in the library when I saw her browsing a nearby shelf. She looked up from the book and smiled before sitting next to me.
"I'm okay. A lot better than yesterday. What about you?" She held up her hands; they had nearly returned to normal.
I held up my own bandaged ones, "Much, much better. Pomfrey said they should be completely healed by tomorrow morning. So, has Harry found out what the third task is?"
"Has Fred asked you out yet?" She asked with a smirk.
"What? No!" I shouted, flustered at the sudden change in conversation.
"Same answer for your question."
I groaned, "Couldn't you have just said 'no' like a normal person?"
She shrugged, "Just checking to see if he's made a move or not."
"No, he hasn't... See how easy that was? Just answering the question?"
She chuckled, "At this rate, you two will never get together. I'm telling you, Y/n, you need to be the one to make the first move."
I flushed, "No! No, there will be no 'move-making' because I don't fancy him, and he doesn't fancy me."
She gave me the 'really?' look, "Sure, and what's the real reason you won't confess your feelings?"
I mumbled under my breath.
"Speak up, Y/n/n," She sighed.
"What if he doesn't like me back? And then I'd of made a fool of myself, and our friendship would be over. He did ask someone else to the Yule Ball if you hadn't noticed." I said quietly.
"That's what you're worried about?" She smiled and rested a hand on my arm, "Y/n, the boy adores you. If you don't believe me, ask George. And if you don't believe his best friend since birth, ask his mum or dad. Literally ask anyone who's seen you two in the same room together. Maybe he's scared of the same things that you are."
"Maybe, 'Mione. But I'm not risking it, sorry."
She groaned, "You're impossible!"
"Whatever. Has Ron asked you out yet?" I asked with a smirk.
This time heat rose to her cheeks. She squeaked a small "No" before scurrying off.
I laughed lightly and returned to my essay.
"So... waiting for Fred to ask you out?" A voice asked from behind me.
I turned around so fast I nearly fell out of my chair. Lee was leaning against a shelf looking extremely pleased.
"What? No. Why would you think that? What are you doing here anyway?" I rushed.
He grinned and moved to sit across from me, "You don't talk very quietly for someone sitting in a library."
"How much did you hear and what do you plan to do with the information?" I asked and laid my head on the table, avoiding eye contact.
"All of it and nothing."
I glanced up, "Really? You won't say anything to Fred or George?"
"Of course not. I'm not that mean, Y/n/n. But now I get to be your wingman," He grinned.
"What?" I quirked an eyebrow.
"I heard some muggleborns talking about being each others 'wingmen'. I asked them what that meant and they explained that a wingman is someone who helps their friend get together with another person," He paused, "At least, I think that's right."
I nodded, "Yes, that's what a wingman is. But why do I need one?"
He rolled his eyes, "Because everyone has been waiting for you and Fred to get together for forever. Seriously, there are bets going around."
"Really?" I asked loudly.
He nodded, "Yeah, and if you two could become a couple before September 31st, that'd be great."
"How much money have you bet?!"
"You don't need to know that. But let's just say, it's more than Mrs. Weasley has."
"His parents are in on this?" I asked with a small hint of amusement.
"Don't be surprised, yours are too."
"My parents?" I gaped, "B-But they're muggles!"
"Muggles who care about their daughters love life and are tired of Errol slamming into windows at three in the morning because Fred promised him extra crackers if he could deliver the letter faster than the time before." He deadpanned.
"That was one time," I mumbled. Mum and dad had never let that go.
"Twice actually. Anyway, let me be your wingman, please, please, please," He begged.
"Lee, I don't think this is a good idea. What if-"
"Nothing will go wrong, I swear. Please, Y/n, and if it doesn't work, I'll never interfere in your love life again."
"I still don't think this is a good idea..." I said, looking up. Oh no. The puppy dog eyes.
"Pleeeaaassssseeee..."
Besides Fred Weasley, Lee Jordan has the strongest puppy dog eyes. This is a known fact by everyone remotely close to him.
"Lee- Really? Fine! Just stop looking at me like that. It makes me feel like a horrible person."
His sad, puppy dog face was instantly replaced with a wide grin, "You won't regret this, Y/n/n. This is gonna be gr-"
I held up a hand, "I'll let you be my 'wingman' on one condition."
"What?" He asked curiously.
"You tell me who has the most money in the betting pool."
Without hesitation he answered, "It changes between McGonagall and Dumbledore."
"What!?"
"They try to outbid each other. McGonagall is currently the highest bet."
A/n: Hey guys! Here's a long awaited chapter. Tbh, I'm gonna have fun writing Lee in the next few chapters so be warned. Sorry I couldn't update last week, but I was really busy. Anyway, hope you enjoy. I guess that's all. Happy late Christmas! See you next Wednesday, lovelies.