Disclaimer: I never write disclaimers, but I decided to make this clear: George is JKR's (not mine – I wish!) but anything that you don't recognise is mine!
Chapter One
Monday again. Thoughts of hatred went through George's mind as he pulled on his t-shirt, two sizes too big. Maria, his grandmother was already in the kitchen, organising his lunch as he made his way down the hall, his nose smelling toast.
"Hi Grandma." Even though George was in a bad mood, he tried to be cheery for his grandmother.
"Good morning George."
"Thanks for lunch."
"That's quite alright." "Now sit down and eat your toast before it gets too cold."
After breakfast, George shoved his lunch and books into his bag. It's only one week. Just five more days, then I have the weekend free, he assured himself. Five is not too bad. At least it's not ten. Grumbling to himself, he grabbed his bag, shouted a quick goodbye to his grandmother, then left, slamming the door. It was a horrible, misty morning. Ugh. George breathed out a white cloud, proof it was too cold and started his fifteen-minute walk to school, trudging along.
George arrived at school, the bell ringing in the background. Perfect. He would not have to wait around. Heading for English, he remembered he had forgotten to do his assignment. Crap.
The rest of the day went by slowly. Running around for what seemed like an age in Sports, then a pile of even more boring subjects afterwards, teachers droning on for centuries, their voices monotone.
Later, in detention, George considered his day. It had been okay. Mr Gardens had not been too angry and didn't punish him too much for the non-existent assignment. It must have been one of his good days. There had also been this new boy, Trevor, who had showed up in most of his classes, clinging to George like a sheet of glad wrap. George had been happy to see him go, but then, he was someone to talk to, to make his days that little bit less boring.
George's late homecoming did not surprise Maria. George was often in detention, due to his lack of organisation of his homework. Maria did not want to sit him down and force him to do the work, but how would he survive when she was not there to support him financially if he couldn't get a proper, paying job? Ever since she had accepted full responsibility for George, after his parents' death, she had hoped that she would live until he was at least old enough to live by himself legally. Maria had known she would have to work extra hard with George and their relationship, due to the situation, but she had never incorporated his total failure in school. She was going to have to sort something out soon.
George entered the kitchen and sat down for his afternoon tea. Maria put down a plate with a few pieces of her shortbread and two glasses of milk. Pulling up a stool, she sat down by George.
"How was your day today?" Maria asked
"It was actually quite good." "There was this new boy in my class, he sat next to me." George left out the part about his detention.
"Oh." "What is he like?" Maria was pleased. George had finally found a friend.
"He's quite nice." "A bit clingy and attention-seeking though." George was relieved his grandmother had not said anything about him coming home late. She's getting older, George thought. She must be forgetting the time.
"Great." Maria answered. George was jolted out of his thoughts. "Maybe he can come here for tea sometime." Maria was already planning. This was the best news she had heard all day.
"Yeah, maybe." George replied, and, on finishing his shortbread, left for his bedroom.
Maria was left to scheme. Excellent. Maybe this new boy could come over for the afternoon one day. Or should she possibly get his mother over for biscuits and tea first? She was all ideas.
A/N: Review please! I always like updating quickly when there are reviews, as I know people are out there waiting for more! (Hopeful!) I don't mind criticism or fixing up my mistakes, so you're welcome to point them all out!