The Battle of Hogwarts was raging. People yelled curses over their shoulders, pointing their wands and hoping for the best. Older students called out for their younger siblings, pleading that they would be all right, that they'd gone to Hogsmeade with the others. A few people darted around, acting as Healers while they waited for the real ones to join the fray; trying their best to help the wounded who were scattered around the ruins of the castle.
In one of the classrooms that had looked derelict even before the conflict had started, George Weasley was stirring. He opened his eyes slowly, a pounding sensation in the back of his head causing him to groan weakly. He glanced around the room. The wall opposite him was caved in, desks smashed across the room – more broken and scattered than when he and Fred had let a firework off during Charms.
He could just about make Lee out, getting shakily to his feet. The boy's face appeared to be drained of colour, yet there was already a weak bruise forming on his cheek. His hair was a mess that George was sure would take at least a day to sort out again, the idea brought a weak smile to his face.
A panting to one side of him caused him to turn around sharply, his head spinning slightly though. Darkness threatened the edge of his vision, but he blinked it away. Hope was bend double in the doorway, her dark brown hair falling to hide her face. She was clutching her sides, probably trying to massage stiches away, and her wand was lying between her feet.
'H, you OK?' George asked weakly, he felt as though all the air had been knocked out of him.
Hope gave a sharp intake of breath before swiping up her wand and standing up quickly. There was something of concern burning behind her eyes though, which sent a worried shiver down George's back.
'Never' – a cough cut her off though, and there was an odd gurgling sound about that that made George's hackles stand to attention – 'better, Georgie-boy. How're you, Lee?'
Lee groaned, causing George to look towards him. The other boy was rubbing his forehead wearily, taking small steps towards the duo.
'Oh yeah, just spiffing,' said Lee deadpan.
'Now,' said Hope, and George knew from the tone of voice that she was beginning to ramble on about something, 'the Death Eaters were called off? It's thingy and his lot, I doubt it was real. A bluff, maybe? Wait. What if they come back?'
Hope continued to babble, talking over Lee whenever he tried to interject something. But George couldn't help but think that she was having a panic attack for no reason. He was certain that even You-Know-Who, even a Wizard who was that evil, would let them pay their respects to the fallen. Even he couldn't be that heartless, surely?
George rested a hand on Hope's shoulder. She instantly fell silent, looking between him and a slightly grinning Lee.
'C'mon, let's go see where…' George paused though, a slight panic flaring in the back of his mind. He wanted to say Fred; wanted to find his brother so they could laugh about something before finding the others. The name caught in his throat though. He tried to suppress the worry, but by the concern furrowing Lee's brow and the wide, concerned eyes of Hope, he knew that he'd failed. 'C'mon.'
George quickly let go of Hope and rushed out of the room. He couldn't help but question his own thoughts. Why had he been scared to say his own twin's name out loud? Why did it feel as though there was something wrong, something that he couldn't quite place?
He was vaguely aware of Lee and Hope walking behind him, Hope whispering to passers-by while Lee practically ushered George on. There was a buzz of something under all of the conversations though, something that reminded George horribly of remorse as he rushed through the crowds.
A thought was trying to worm its way into George mind. A horrible thought that made a lump form in his throat. He refused to let it settle though, thinking about seeing the others. Holding onto the happiness that it'd bring to see his family again.
He took two stairs at a time as he made his way swiftly down the Grand Staircase. Yet, when he reached the bottom, he came to an abrupt halt. The doors into the Great Hall were pulled shut, and a feeling of terror washed over George. What would he see when he pulled open the doors? He closed his eyes, the dust from the fallen walls beginning to burn behind his eyes. He rubbed his palms against them in an attempt to calm the irritation.
He was vaguely aware of Hope and Lee coming to a stop behind him. He felt Hope slid her arm tightly around his arm, making him look towards her. He noticed the tear in the jacket, and a memory came to his mind.
He and Fred had been trying to figure out the best plan for moving to Hogwarts. Lee was flitting around the tent, trying to figure out the best way to get people to join them.
Fred's attention, however, had been on what the twins were going to wear. He was holding up the different suits, comparing them before putting one down and casting a critical gaze over another.
'What're you doing?' George had asked, raising an eyebrow.
'C'mon, George,' Fred had said, grinning over at George, 'we've gotta look our best for the Death Eaters.'
George's brow furrowed in confusion as he straightened his cuff idly.
'Yep, 'cause we're gonna be the last thing they'll ever see!'
George had chuckled, he even heard Lee scoff slightly.
Now, however, George struggled to blink back the tears at the memory.
'Hey, George?' Lee's voice was soft. There was a distinct tone of worry behind it that sent a terrifying shiver down George's spine.
He felt Hope give his arm a light, comforting squeeze. He didn't know why he needed it, but the concerned mutterings of the passers-by suddenly filled his mind. A sombre buzz of sound that he wanted to block out.
'He'll be all right, won't he?'
'Quite a shock it'll be.'
'How will he cope?'
'Give them all our love, dear, won't you?'
George finally looked over at Hope. There were tears welling up in her eyes, but she was fighting hard to keep them at bay. He could see Lee standing slightly behind her, his attention flicking quickly around the Entrance Hall, his jaw set in a way that George had never seen before. His eyes were shining.
George's heart sank. Something was very wrong, something that he couldn't put his finger on. But, one word finally managed to escape his lips:
'Fred?'
Lee's attention snapped towards the duo, and Hope opened her mouth slightly. No words came out though; her eyes shone apologetically.
The realisation that she couldn't say anything without breaking down was something which made George's heart ache. He couldn't fight the buffering of sadness which finally crashed over him. His knees went weak, and he fell to the floor. He ignored the sheering pain that flooded away from his kneecaps. He finally let the tears fall. He needed to get it out now, with two of his closest friends beside him. He needed to let it out now, so that he could be strong for his family… like he knew Fred would have done.
After a few minutes, however, George took a shaky breath and wiped his eyes. He stood up slowly, noticing that Hope and Lee were standing in front of him, concern easily readable on their faces. Tears glistened down Hope's cheeks, but George tried to ignore it. He moved forward, taking Hope's hand – he knew he needed her there with him – and patting Lee on the back. He was grateful that the boy gave his shoulder another squeeze, before following them closely.
The trio walked slowly towards the doors into the Great Hall. George extended a shaking hand to pull the things open, Lee moving to open the other one. George's gaze flittered around everyone in the hall, other than the crowd of red-haired people that were at the back of the hall. He saw a man and a woman, her head resting on his chest while he had his arm around her. There was a small golden heart shaped locket hanging around her neck, the words 'Baby's first curl' engraved into it. He looked to the other side, wondering who was there to mourn for them. His heart sank. The bench nearest them was empty.
Hope gave George's hand a weak squeeze, and he noticed that she dropped her head slightly in respect for the fallen couple. George followed suit before moving on.
His eyes found Tonks and Lupin, and his heart sank even further. He lifted his gaze though, unable to see more of his friends for the last time. He looked straight ahead, hoping that he wouldn't see anyone else that he recognised. Knowing that he wouldn't see their eyes glow again as they laughed.
Hope stopped though, and George was pulled to stop, too. She lightly let go of his hand.
His eyes fell upon Percy. There were tear track running down his paler than normal face. Not that George had long to look at him before he was pulled into a tight embrace.
After a few awkward moments, George patting Percy lightly on the back, while groping the air behind him for Hope's hand once more, Percy finally let go. He moved away, slipping his arm around Ginny's shoulders, and she instantly buried her head into his chest.
George looked around at his family, unable to lower his gaze just yet. Surely if he didn't see it he could think it all a sick joke. That Fred would jump up any minute and tell them how silly they were all being for thinking a silly old Death Eater could really do him in.
None of his family met his eyes. Ron was standing stiffly to one side, looking blankly ahead, Hermione had an arm lightly around his waist, pulling tightly towards her. Bill was hugging Fleur, but she was the one stroking his head slightly, cooing at him weakly. Their father was standing by Charlie, his face looking more haggard than before. There were a few small cuts on Charlie's face, standing out against his pale skin. And then, when he could do nothing else, George finally lowered his gaze down to the floor. His mother's head was on Fred's chest, she was shaking him slightly, as if willing him to stand up or something.
George's gaze finally wandered towards Fred's face. His twin was smiling, and George was almost able to fool himself in to thinking he was going to jump up. That he would call him, George, a baby for crying. But the more George focused on the smile, the more anger built within him. He knew this was no joke.
He slowly let go of Hope's hand, and fell to the floor beside his brother.
' "I will always be here", you promised… you…' George gulped. He felt a hand rest lightly on his shoulder, but he didn't look up to find out who it was. He wanted to yell at Fred, to blame him for the gaping hole that was now growing in his heart. But he couldn't bring himself to do it. He felt weak. He just wanted his brother back to help him.
