Bahahaha, it seems the chapters get super long now. That's because I don't want this story to drag on forever, and I figure long chapters are nice. There's probably going to be five chapters altogether, but that's a very rough estimate. I guess we'll see what happens. :D Reviews are loved.
Also. Saw the final Harry Potter movie last night. Goodbye childhood! 3
Warnings: Boy love and a little OOCness
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
"How are you feeling?"
The voice belonged to Ginny and he opened his eyes to look at her.
"Bed's rubbish," he mumbled.
He was at St. Mungo's. The use of a Forbidden Curse had drawn the Ministry to his shop within a minute, though it had felt much longer to him. The Death Eater had slipped away before they had arrived and no one had caught his identity.
"You would complain about that," she said. "They said you'll be released soon, but the Aurors want to take you into custody for protection. At least until they find out who tried to murder you."
"Tell them to hop off. I'll protect myself, thank you," George drawled.
"Because that worked so well the first time! Can't you must make their job easier and do what they ask?" Ginny demanded. "We can't lose you too George!"
"Fine. I'll stop by their office."
Ginny shook her head. "One of them is here already. She's going to talk to you, and you won't object."
She stood up and walked out the door, holding it open for his Auror.
"Katie?"
The dirty blond crooked an eyebrow at him. "Hi George."
"Since when did you want to be an Auror? I thought-"
"Shut up and let me talk. You were attacked by a death Eater. There are only three Death Eaters we know of that haven't been caught. As you can imagine, we want to capture these three before they do anymore damage. So, you will be allowed to go home," Katie Bell said.
"I thought you wanted to take me into custody?"
"We did, but I argued against it. The Death Eaters obviously want you dead. That makes you the perfect bait, in my eyes."
George's eyes narrowed. "Since when did you get so ruthless?"
"I've always been this way, Weasley. It only shows when I'm really pissed off. You were tortured. That pisses me off."
George was a little startled by Bell's words. Who figured she cared so much about him? "So what's hte plan?"
"Two Aurors are going to live with you. No, I will not be one of them. You will be living with Hermione Granger and Blaise Zabini."
George was pretty sure his eye was twitching at this point. "Zabini? He's an Auror?"
"He's a very capable wizard," Katie said, her tone daring George to protest.
He accepted the challenge. "He's a Slytherin!"
"Dammit George! I would not put him in charge of your safety if I thought he was helping the Death Eaters! Now go home. Granger and Zabini are already there."
"Lovely. Breaking and entering is illegal, Bell. Thought you knew that."
"Do you want to die?"
George remained silent.
"I'm trying to protect you."
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry."
"Just try not to get killed. It looks bad on me."
"Yes ma'am."
(break)
"Mum! Can I go visit a friend?" George called, peeking into his study where Hermione was.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'll be going with you."
"Do you have to?"
"It's me or Zabini. I only have to be close enough to protect you, so you can have your privacy and have your own conversations without be eavesdropped on." Hermione set her book down and stood up. "Where are we off to then?"
"Oliver Wood's. He's been wanting to see me since the attack," George said.
"Alright. Let's go. Don't try and trick me either," Hermione said, pointing her wand in his face.
He pulled out his own and Apparated away, appearing at the doorstep of Oliver's house with Hermione a heart beat behind him. Oliver opened the door before he even had a chance to knock.
"That eager to see me, mate?"
Oliver shrugged. "I was heading downstairs to grab some water and saw you appear. Come on in."
Oliver had done well for himself. The house wasn't huge, but the emptiness made it feel lonely and bigger than what it actually was. Everything was pristine and neatly packed away on shelves and in cabinets, but Oliver didn't allow much time for exploration, instead leading both him and Hermione upstairs.
"Feel free to go wherever you'd like," Oliver said. "I have a rather extensive library."
"I bet I've read everything in it too," Hermione said with a mischeivous glint in her eye, before bouncing off to the study.
"Would you like a grand tour?" Oliver asked.
"I want to talk," George said, the light in his eyes dying away instantly. "I can't do this."
Oliver's expression became serious as he grabbed George's arm, dragging him into his bedroom. Unlike the rest of the house, Oliver's room was dirty and messy, and the walls were plastered with posters of Quidditch teams.
"Sit," he said, gesturing towards a chair. "What's going on?"
George sat down in the small chair, suddenly finding it impossible to look Oliver in the eyes. "Have you ever felt a Cruciatus curse, Oliver?"
"Can't say I have. Almost, a few times during the battle. George, are you okay?"
The red head gave a short, barking laugh. "No. I haven't been. And then that whole incident just...it threw me. I wanted to die. I wanted him to kill me, and not just because it hurt. I...I felt like I was getting what I deserved."
"George..." Oliver's hand came down on his shoulder, shaking him lightly until he looked up. "Fred's death was not your fault. You do not deserve any pain for what happened at the Battle of Hogwarts."
"I can't even go home, Oliver. My mum, she just stares at me. She never talks to me. She just stares, like she wishes I was gone. Bill hasn't spoken to me since the funeral; in fact, Ginny is the only one I've seen. If I go home, all I get is empty stares. They don't want me. They want Fred."
Oliver grabbed George's hand and pulled him to his feet, grabbing his chin to force him to look into his eyes. "I want you George. I miss Fred. I do. But I want you. I want to spend time with you. I want you at my games, I want you at my parties, I just want you around. They'll get over it eventually."
George twisted out of his grip. "I..."
Oliver sighed and sat down on his bed, leaning against the back wall. "Sit down. Next to me, George."
George obeyed. Since when did he become so obedient? He did everything Ginny asked of him, everything Katie demanded, and everything Oliver wanted. He was just living for other people, a willing puppet to their whims. He hadn't even realized he was crying until Oliver was wiping away his tears.
"Georgie. Talk to me."
"Don't call me that. Only Fred calls me that."
"I called you that. That time you got your teeth knocked out by a bludger. I called you Georgie," Oliver said.
"That's different," George grumbled.
"Of course it is. You're getting me side tracked. What's wrong George? Tell me. I want to be here for you, but it's hard when you keep locking down your feelings like this," Oliver said.
"That's the whole point," George spat, jerking away from Oliver once more. "I don't want to feel anything. If I feel, I start thinking. You know, those are the first tears I've shed since Fred died? Just then. I haven't cried about him being dead, and cold, and feeding the bloody worms. If I do, it means he's really gone."
He froze when a pair of lips touched his neck. "George. Let him go."
George didn't move as Oliver's arm moved around his waist to tug him closer. He only swallowed as Oliver peppered his neck with light kisses. "I can't."
"Yes you can. It'll be hard, but you have to start feeling again, otherwise you won't learn how to function on your own," Oliver whispered, his lips moving against George's skin as he spoke.
"I don't want to. I've always had someone else. I can't live without someone else."
Oliver pulled back, guiding George's face towards his. It was hard to make George look anyone in the eyes, and it seemed that to even come close, Oliver would have to hold him there. "You can't live dependent on someone forever George."
"Why not?"
"Because look at how you are when there's no one there. You need to stop locking everything up, you need to start feeling again. You need to cry that Fred's gone and never coming back, because if you don't it's still locked up and you can't move on," Oliver whispered.
George leaned forward, resting his head against Oliver's shoulder. "I don't want to move on."
"You have to. Sooner or later."
Oliver didn't say anymore. He didn't need to because George was already crying again and feeling like a total pouf while doing it in another man's arms. He tugged Oliver closer so he was practically on the man's lap, but they didn't do anything, only holding each other as a way to bring comfort.
"Oliver?" George mumbled, pulling away and rubbing at his eyes, as if that would stop Oliver from noticing.
"Hm?"
George shifted away from him completely, keeping a large distance between them. "Did you lose anyone during the war?"
Oliver shrugged. "My dad. Some Death Eaters killed him for being a blood traitor. My mum killed herself soon after."
"I'm sorry. Was it...recent?"
"No. It was a month after they seized control of the Ministry. I've been living here since they died, as the house was left to me and I was not considered a blood traitor," Oliver said.
"I've been such a selfish git." George ran a hand through his hair, sighing. "I haven't been thinking about anyone else at all."
Oliver snorted. "No, you haven't. Your family wants to see you George, so don't avoid them forever."
"Come with me, if I go visit," George said.
Oliver shook his head. "I can't let you become dependent on me George."
"So what? Do I just shy away from every possible relationship and friendship so I don't become dependent?"
"That's not what I'm saying," Oliver muttered. "But they're your family. You need to talk to them yourself. It's something you have to do for yourself, by yourself. You have to learn to be strong. It's hard but..."
"I guess you're right."
Oliver chuckled, causing George to look over at him. "You pouting. It's...cute. And a little funny."
Did Oliver just call me cute? "Oliver, are you a pouf?"
Oliver leaned forward, his eyebrow crooking up with an all too familiar smirk on his face. The smirk he made whenever he had just won something big. "You think I am?"
"I don't know. You were making a mess of my neck a second ago."
Oliver leaned back again as he laughed. "You're so dense, Georgie." When he moved in again, their lips met. George felt his breath stop, and when he didn't respond, Oliver pressed closer, pushing him down on the bed. Only a few seconds later, he pulled back, forehead pressed to George's.
"I think...that answered my question," George said. "But I'm failing to see how this helps me become less dependent."
"Yeah, I probably shouldn't have done that," Oliver murmured.
"Do it again."
George wrapped his arms around Oliver's neck, bringing him close. He would never tell Oliver, but it was his first kiss. He had never kissed anyone while he had been at Hogwarts, having never found someone he was attracted to. Actually, Oliver might've been the only person he had ever thought of in a romantic sense, and even then it was only in passing.
"Damn, I really do fancy blokes," George muttered, stopping a mere inch before their lips met.
"Huh?"
"I...I need to think about this," he said.
Oliver smiled, pulling back. "Think as long as you want. I've always fancied you a little."
"I just figured you were asexual to be honest," George said, crooking an eyebrow at him.
"Ah, so I've heard many times." Oliver pushed himself up so he was once again sitting. "Look, George. I want to spend more time with you. I want to get to know you more, and I want to help you get over the pain of having someone so close gone. I want...I want to help you in any way I can. So let's just...let it go as it wants. If something more comes of it, then we'll deal with it."
"I would like that," George said. "But I should go now."
Oliver moved close again, hovering over George before he could sit up. "Just let me do one last thing, okay?"
George felt his heart pounding as he nodded, and when Oliver pressed their lips together once more, he responded. Oliver's fingers feathered over his cheek as they kiss continued, growing deeper and deeper until Oliver's tongue lightly touched his lips. He pulled back then, breathless.
"That's far enough. From now on, we're friends," George said quietly.
Oliver nodded, getting up and then helping the red head up as well. "Go home and think. And visit your family, George."
"I will."
"And one more thing," Oliver said. "Don't run away from me. Or I'm going to chase after you."
"I'm alright with that," George said with a grin, hopping off the bed before Oliver could hit him. "But I won't run."
(break)
"Hermione, you can't do this to me! At least my family likes you!"
"George, stop being a child." Hermione sat across from George on a stack of boxes, arms folded across her chest. "I have to be somewhere, so Blaise is the only one who can go home with you. You'll be fine, and I promise Blaise will be on his best behaviour. He won't make any snide comments about you, or anyone in your family, so relax."
George paced around the storeroom as Hermione spoke. When he had told Hermione his plans to visit his family, he had thought the witch would be going with him, but it seemed that she had another mission she needed to deal with, leaving him with Blaise. Who he had yet to talk to in the three days he had been living with them.
"Ah, you're probably right Hermione. I'm just..."
"Nervous." The brown haired woman smiled and hopped off the boxes to grab both of George's hands in her own. "Don't worry George. You let them know you're coming, and you're just going to have a family dinner. It'll be just like it always was."
"But it's not."
Hermione sighed. "I know. I'm sorry."
"Well, I guess I better go get the stupid git now. Good luck on your mission, Hermione, and try not to feel too guilty about me being a total prat."
The witch laughed.
(break)
"Remember, don't say anything-"
"Offensive. Yes, yes, I know. Let's just go inside," Zabini said, eyes raking up and down the Burrow as if it were the most disgusting thing he had ever laid eyes on.
George knocked and then opened the door, peeking inside. He was instantly tackled by Ginny, who threw him so off balance he nearly ran into Zabini, causing the Auror to make a noise of discontent. Neither of the red heads paid him any mind.
"Come on inside. Mum's just finishing up in the kitchen, but she might have some work for you."
"But I'm a man! Men don't cook! That's what women are for!"
"George," Ginny sighed, dragging him inside.
They entered the kitchen where Mrs. Weasley was. She turned and gave a strained smile, holding her arms out for a hug. George accepted it gingerly, clamping down hard on his emotions. He had to be strong, even if his mum looked at him with eyes that said she wished he was someone else.
"You won't have to do any work. Percy and your father will be off work soon, and Ron's up in his room if you want to see him," his mum said.
George looked at Zabini, crooking an eyebrow up. "Can I go up by myself, oh wonderful keeper?"
Zabini glared at him but nodded curtly. George resisted the urge to sneer at the Auror, and turned to bound up the stairs to Ron's room. He paused at the door, taking in a deep breath. Would Ron look at him with the same eyes as his mum?
He knocked on the door and when it opened, Ron was there with a grin on his face. Before he could react, Ron tugged him forward into a tight hug.
"Bloody hell, I missed you man. Why'd you leave?"
George chuckled, pulling back so he could muscle his way into his baby brother's room. "I have a business to run, to support myself, Ronald. I'm not a free loader like you."
"You could've stopped by for dinner. Or something. Mum's been going crazy worrying on about you."
George shrugged, flopping on to Ron's bed and knocking off a few pillows in the progress. "She looks so haunted all the time. Makes me feel guilty."
Ron hopped up onto his desk. "She's adjusting. You being away makes it harder for her."
"She makes me guilty, so I want to stay away but...I realized that was selfish."
Ron snickered. "Yeah, you were. But so was I. I should've reached out to you like Ginny did, but I was so wrapped up...never mind. It's stupid now. Let's just have a good dinner, okay?"
"That'll be a little difficult seeing as how my body guard's here," George said, rolling his eyes.
"Oh right, the little prat, Zabini, right?"
"Yup. My little shadow," George said. "I can take care of myself perfectly fine."
Ron was silent, looking down at his hands as he wrung them, gnawing on his lip. "You know, Mum was really scared when she heard you'd been attacked. By a Death Eater no less. It really worried her. She doesn't want to lose you too."
"Yeah. Yeah I know. It scared me too Ron," George muttered. He sat up when he heard the door downstairs open. "That Percy and dad?"
Ron nodded, getting off the desk. "Come on. Dinner will be ready."
When they got downstairs, his mum had prepared a large meal, much like the ones George was used to. He and his father had hugged but when he looked at Percy...all he could feel was hate. If he could chose, Percy would be the dead one, and good riddance. As soon as he thought those thoughts though, he regretted them and gave his older brother a tight smile.
"So how was work today?" Ginny asked, passing the rolls down to Zabini who accepted them with a small nod.
"The usual. Wizards in and out, trials every five minutes. Non stop work," Arthur said. "How are you George? Is the shop running well?"
"Very much so," George said as he spooned some mashed potatoes onto his plate. "I'm thinking of opening another store, once I take on some more workers. If I do. It's really just a rough idea now but we-I have the money to do so."
"I have some connections. I mean. If you want," Percy said quietly. "I know some people who would be willing to rent out their stores to you in Hogsmead."
George looked over at him. "Thank you, Percy. I'll let you know."
"Ah, Fred, could you pass the potatoes?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
George nearly dropped his fork at his Mum's words, his throat tightening. Silence reigned over the table, and George found he couldn't meet any of their gazes, instead just staring down at his plate in shock. He set his fork down and wiped his mouth with his napkin before standing.
"Thanks for the meal, Mum. I need to go."
Before anyone could protest, he had Apparated back into his flat, Zabini appearing next to him right after.
"You are not going anywhere else tonight," Zabini said firmly. "I don't care how your'e feeling, I'm not chasing you around."
"Shut up, ya bloody prick. Go suck yourself or something," George growled, shoving past the man and into the kitchen. "I'll I'm going to get is a drink and go to bed so fod off."
"As you wish." The words were dripping with sarcasm.
Zabini walked back to where the bedrooms were, leaving George alone in the hallway. George looked down at his wand, wondering if Zabini would try and follow him if he really did vanish.
"No time like the present," George mused, and vanished with a pop.
(break)
George rested his head on Oliver's shoulder, tucking his face into the Keeper's neck and sighing. The man's fingers trailed lazily through his hair and George could tell the man was on the edge of sleep. When he had first shown up, Oliver had been a little shocked but once George had told him what happened, he had taken the red head into his arms and just held him. And nothing more. They had ended up in Oliver's room, snuggled together and only rarely did they speak.
"She doesn't want me," George mumbled.
"Yes she does. She loves you."
George shook his head. "I tried. I really did. But she just...she can't even see me as my own person. I can't even see me as my own person. I was talking about starting another shop, expanding you know, and I said 'we'. Like Fre-like he was still here or something."
Oliver tugged him closer, somehow. Silence reigned over them again, and for awhile, George thought that maybe the Keeper had fallen asleep on him. But then,
"So how pissed is Zabini going to be?"
"Probably going to kill me or convince Katie to lock me up," George said. "Not that I care what that prat does."
"They're just trying to keep you safe-"
"And being followed around definitely won't attract attention. Which I guess is the point." George sighed, rolling away from Oliver and looking up at the ceiling.
"What do you mean?" Oliver asked, turning on his side to look at the redhead.
George avoided his gaze. "Katie Bell. She's in charge of this case, and she's using me as bait to draw out the remaining Death Eaters, or at least the one that tried to kill me. Zabini and Granger are around to stop me from actually dying."
"You serious?"
George nodded. "Don't know why he'd even bother trying again if I'm never alone anymore. Bloody Death Eaters aren't so suicidal they'll go in, three to one."
"You'd be surprised," Oliver murmured. "There was only one when they killed my dad. And everyone was home when that happened."
"No offense, but your parents weren't Aurors. It's a little different," George muttered.
"You should probably go back, George. It's for your own good," Oliver said. "Just stay safe, please, or at least until this has all blown over."
George pushed himself up so he could stand up, running a hand through his hair. "I seem to be getting ordered around a lot lately."
"George, you know that's not what I'm trying to do," Oliver said, grabbing his wrist.
George jerked away. "Everyone keeps telling me what to do, telling me it's for my own good. Like I can't think for myself or something. I'm not a child, and I'm not some delicate, grieving idiot who needs to be pampered so he doesn't become overcome by his own grief and off himself."
Oliver's expression became angry and the next time he grabbed George, the red head found he could not break free at all. "Shut up, you bloody prat. You're being damn selfish. Maybe you don't need to be coddled, but we all still care about you so we're gonna keep at it until we know you're safe."
George struggled against the Keeper's grip once more, but the wizard just shoved him up against the wall. "Let go."
"No. Not until I'm done talking. You need to get out of this self-obsessed rut of yours and man the fuck up. I do care about you, George, I really do. But all your self pity and wallowing isn't going to help anyone. Your mother loves you. Your family loves you. Even if they mess up and make mistakes, you should still make an effort to stay with them and help them through their own grief. It's damn lonely trying to be strong all by yourself."
"I-"
"Stop making excuses. So your mum said something without thinking. I know it hurts but at least she's there to say it."
George leaned against the wall, relaxing in Oliver's grip. "You're right. I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize to me," Oliver said, letting to of George's shoulders to press his hands onto the wall. "Apologize to Granger when she finds out you broke the rules. And apologize to your mum and everyone else too."
"Should I apologize to Zabini too?" George asked, rolling his eyes.
"Nah, Zabini's a prick," Oliver said as he pulled away so he could look George in the eyes again. "Stop by again if you can. If not...send an owl my way."
"Hey Oliver?" George looked at his feet.
"Yeah?"
"You won't lose me. I would bring your parents back if I could but...the only thing I can really do is promise that I won't leave you alone in this world."
"Thanks, George."
(break)
Zabini was pacing in front of George. The red head was expecting to see anger, or hate, or some other negative feeling on the Auror's face, but instead, all he had to go on was a blank slate. Absolutely nothing showed on Zabini's face which made George more nervous.
"I wish Bell had the will to lock you up and be done with it," Zabini said coldly. "You have done nothing but break the rules we set in place to keep you safe."
"I won't break them anymore. Now stop acting like your my bloody father," George said.
"Maybe you should stop acting like a child and I will. Granger is away until tomorrow morning setting certain plans in place. If you stay obedient in that time, then I will not mention your actions."
"I will be a positively darling child. You won't hear a peep from me," George said, getting to his feet and heading for the door that led out of the study.
"Don't make this any harder than it has to be, Weasley. I would like this matter to be cleared up so I can deal with more important things."
George paused and then turned. "Are you implying that capturing a Death Eater is not important?"
"No, I'm implying that guarding you and keeping you alive is not really something I care too much about," Zabini said.
"Mmm, I feel so safe now." George leaned against the door. "Why did you become an Auror, Zabini, if you didn't want to protect people and take down murderers."
"Get out of my sight, Weasley."
"This is my house, in case you didn't notice. I'll stay here if I damn well want to."
"I suggest you remove yourself before I force you to. Leave, Weasley."
George smirked and then bowed, opening the door and disappearing into the hallway, but not before dropping a dungbomb on the floor. He was pleased to hear Zabini shout his name in anger before making his way to Fred's room. He slipped inside and into the connecting bathroom to wash his hands free of the unpleasant residue the dungbomb had left behind. Perhaps it was not appropriate to treat Zabini in such a way, but he really was a prat so in George's mind, he deserved every bit of unpleasantness that came his way. He might've felt guilty about playing tricks on the wizard, if he knew Zabini actually wanted to keep him alive, but since the pure blood probably didn't care if he lived or died, he felt absolved of any regret.
(break)
George flipped the closed sign to open, rubbing his forehead as he did so. It was that time again, when all the wizard and witches hit up Diagon Alley for last minute shopping before Hogwarts reopened for the year. As a result, he would rake in a large amount of profits, but for some reason he couldn't pep himself up at the idea. The profits of today would probably get him the last bit he needed to open another shop but...
"Hey."
George turned to see Hermione descending the staircase from the flat above, a small smirk on her face. "Good morning."
"I should probably yell at you for what you did to Blaise last night but...he had it coming," Hermione said, sitting down on the steps. "He told me you snuck out. But he also told me why you did it and...I'm going to let it slide. Just this once though. Anything after this and I'll let Katie deal with you, and I'm sure no one wants that."
George grinned. "Of course not."
"Do you want help with the shop today?" Hermione asked, head tilting to the side.
"Your help would be lovely," George said. "Though I don't know if you're the right person to help me corrupt all those young souls. I'll be teaching them the best ways to get around Filch you know."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'll just stay at the counter and you can slip people all the tips you want."
George winked, extending a hand to help her to her feet. "I dare say, this is progress. I have corrupted you a little bit it seems."
"Oh?"
"Now you'll be turning a blind eye instead of harping on us," George said. "Certainly an improvement."
Hermione's hand slackened in his. "You said...never mind." She pulled away and headed towards the store room. "Is there anything we should stock before people start showing up?"
George winced. He had said 'us'. There was no us. Not anymore. "Uh, yeah. I'll grab it."
He moved past her and into the store room, trying to remember what he would need to bring up to restock the shelves. Normally, it wouldn't be that big of a problem to leave the shelves as they were, but on days like today, it was best to be fully stocked before anyone arrived. When he emerged again with a box full of items, Hermione was sitting on the counter chatting away with Ginny.
"Hey George. Need some help?" Ginny asked.
"Is everyone going to come out today?" George shot back, handing the box to her. "Hold that and follow me."
Ginny stuck her tongue out at him but obeyed anyways. "So I'll get a family discount right? I need to buy some things for this year."
George stuck his hand into the box and began to restock the supply of Skiving Snackboxes. "Is our sister finally crossing over to the dark side? Ready to pull all sorts of pranks?"
"No, I just wanna get out of Potions," Ginny said. "I have no interest in harming other students like you did."
"Aw, Mum would be so proud," George said.
Ginny stumbled suddenly, knocking into George as Zabini brushed past her. He didn't say a word of apology, vanishing out the door before anyone could say anything to him. "What's wrong with him?"
"He's just being a prat," George said. "Grumpy that I was so rude to him last night, not that I care."
"Mum says she's sorry." Ginny set the box down on the ground so she could look George in the eyes easier. "She says she wants you to come for dinner again, before I leave for school."
George leaned forward, grabbing Ginny's shoulder and pulling her forward to kiss her forehead. "I'm sorry too. I'll come."
Ginny smiled but before she could say anything else, the door opened and Oliver rushed in, looking like he had death on his heels.
"Oh bloody hell, what now?" George snapped.
"I need your help George. I need a Beater."
"Um...what?"
Oliver rubbed the back of his neck. "Colin has a family emergency and is going to be gone for our next game. We have no one else to put in, and we have a game in two days. Chris said to ask you."
George looked at Ginny and then back at Oliver. "I uh...you are aware I haven't played since my 7th year, right?"
"That's not the point!"
"Aren't you supposed to have reserves for this sort of thing?" Ginny asked.
"We never have for Beaters. I mean, we should, we just never did. George, please?"
"Absolutely not," Hermione said, rounding the corner. "You playing Quidditch is way too dangerous. It would be so easy for someone to kill you there."
"Because you know, a Death Eater is going to show up at a Quidditch match," George said. "Hermione, people would recognize one of the only Death Eaters left roaming. I'll be fine."
"And the field is protected by shields against that sort of thing," Oliver piped up.
"Don't tell me you're actually considering this?" Hermione threw her hands up in the air. "George, you haven't played Quidditch in years. What good will you be to them?"
"In all fairness, while George is not up to professional standards, he's still a damn good Beater. Can you at least go to one practice and see if you can do it?" Oliver asked. "We need to win this match."
"Please Hermione?"
"Please?" Ginny threw in.
Hermione stared at the three of them, hands on her hips as she gnawed her lip. "Alright fine. You win. But I'm checking the shield before hand and if it's not up to my standards, no deal. Understand me?"
"Aw, Granger, you're a life saver!"
Hermione shoved Oliver away before the Keeper could hug her. "I'll be by to check the shields tonight. Is it at your field?"
"Yeah, it is. Bring George with you, 6 o'clock sharp. That's when practice starts," Oliver said. "But while I'm here-"
"No, I don't need any help," George interrupted. "Thank you though. I'll see you tonight."
Oliver grinned.
(break)
George entered the locker room with his Cleansweep 5 in hand, only to have it Chris yank it away from him.
"Nu-uh. No partner of mine is using one of those. Here," Chris said.
George glanced around the empty locker room as he took the broom from the female Beater. "Where is everyone?"
"Already on the field. They're warming up while I explain somethings to you and while you're Auror checks everything over. We have a minor league team playing with us so we can actually see what your skill level is. So just treat it like a real game, alright?"
"Uh, right," George said, nodding as he looked over the Firebolt Chris had given him. "Did you guys do this just because Oliver asked you too?"
Chris sighed, straddling the wooden bench. "No. To be honest, you made an impression on us, and we rather like you. Oliver did say you were a fantastic Beater, and we really don't have any reserves. We could ask another Beater, and we probably will, if you don't prove up to the task. And that's okay, none of us will think anything less of you if that's how it turns out."
"I feel a lot better knowing that," George said. "I just...don't like the idea of Oliver giving me special treatment."
"I follow," Chris said, getting to her feet and shaking George by his shoulder. "It's something we all approve of, and if you suck...well we won't be afraid to tell you. Just cuz we all like you doesn't mean we'll let you ruin the team, even if it is only for one game."
"I'll show you how good I am," George promised.
"You better." Chris handed him his bat and then hefted her broom over her shoulder. "Off we go now."
Once they were on the field, they mounted their brooms and took to the air. The red head was startled by how easy flying came back to him, and by how familiar the weight of the bat in his hand was. He heard the whiz of the Bludger heading towards him and smacked it instinctively, noticing Chris give him a thumbs up. They were still warming up, allowing George to get the feel of the field again. Finally, the referee blew the whistle, drawing in all the players, save the Keepers, to the center of the field.
"Better not fuck up Weasley or I'll knock you off your broom," Fredrick said over his shoulder.
The whistle blew and then the Quaffle was tossed into the air. Lauren darted forward and snatched it, slipping around the opposing Chasers and dashing for the other side of the field. George peeled away, mimicking Chris's movements to follow after Lauren at a distance so as to protect her if needed.
His eyes darted to where the other team's Beater had just hit the Bludger, sending it hurtling towards Lauren. George leaned forward, startled by the speed of the Firebolt but went with it. He intercepted the Bludger just in time, sending it right back at the other Beater. He was pleased to see it hit the man in the chest, sending him careening off behind one of the towers. A bell tinged as Lauren tossed the Quaffle through the hoop. As it was thrown back into play, Chris drew her broom up beside George's.
"Next time you get a good shot, make sure you knock out their Keeper. We're gonna end this quick."
Before George could reply, Chris had moved away, smashing a Bludger to hit one of their Chasers. It was intercepted and shot back at Li. George didn't glance at Chris for the go ahead, instead dashing after it. Li twisted in the air, but the Bludger nicked her broom, disorienting her. He reached the Bludger eventually, pulling out in front of it and taking careful aim at their Keeper, more than half the field away. With a grunt, he smashed the bat into the Bludger, sending it hissing through the air and taking off one of the flags on top of a tower in the process. He watched as it hit the Keeper square in the chest with enough force to slam him against the hoop, tossing him through it and onto the ground below.
In the next moment, the whistle blew, signaling that the Snitch had been caught. George flew closer to see that Li had it gripped tightly in her fist, though she was holding her stomach in pain. One by one, the team members landed, including the opposing team.
"You okay?" Chris asked, jogging over to the Seeker. "I'm sorry I didn't stop that Bludger, Li. I was too slow."
"It's fine," Li said, waving her hand. "It'll bruise but I'll be fine."
"Okay everyone," Fredrick said. "Let's all vote now whether or not we ditch Weasley. Weasley, turn around, this will be anonymous voting."
George obeyed, twirling the bat in his hand. He hoped they let him stay. It had been a thrill to play Quidditch again, even in a fake match. Sure it wasn't a career choice but just one game would be amazing.
"All in favor? And all not? Okay, turn around," Fredrick said. "You get to stay Weasley. You did just fine. We've got one more practice tomorrow morning and then a game the day after. I'll let Oliver give you the details."
"Thanks," George said, breaking into a grin as he shook Fredrick's hand.
The Chaser snorted. "No, thank you, Weasley. Almost no one could make that shot at a Keeper."
George grinned, and then jumped when Hermione tapped him on the shoulder.
"I tested the shields. You'll be safe. So I'll let you play."
"God, what are you, my mother?"
"Pretty much," Hermione said with a shrug. "Now hurry up, I want to go to bed."
"Yes, Mum."
(break)
"You actually weren't that bad," Hermione said as they entered the shop.
George waved his wand to turn on the lights, walking backwards so he could face Hermione. "Have some faith in me Hermi-"
"George, duck!"
Hermione's scream and horrified expression had George rolling to the side, and a green light shot through the space he had been standing in moments before. It was stopped by Hermione's Expelliarmus spell, the red light smashing into the curse to set off a hiss of sparks.
"Stay down!"
George flattened hismelf to the ground and with a shout, Hermione jerked both spells to the left, smashing the tops of his shelves off and sending bits of wood raining down on his head. He rolled away and stood up against the wall. The Death Eater stood at the front of the shop with his arm around Zabini's neck. His wand was pressed to Zabini's temple, and the Auror hung limp in his grasp.
"Drop the Auror and your wand. Now," Hermione said, eyes blazing.
The Deather Eater flicked his wand and Hermione collapse, a harsh scream passing through her lips.
"Come with me, Weasley, and I'll stop the curse."
"George...no!"
"Crucio!"
Hermione's back arched as the curse hit her again.
"Come now or I will resort to something a bit more drastic," the Death Eater hissed. His wand flicked and Hermione jerked again, her wand slipping from her grasp and rolling across the floor, out of reach. He shoved Zabini away from him and the wizard fell with a thud and didn't stir.
"Alright!" George growled, putting his hands up. "Just stop hurting her."
"When you are at my side, we can discuss."
George approached warily, blocking out Hermione's whimpers as he neared. Once they were face to face, the Death Eater ordered him to turn around, and though it went against his better judgment, he obeyed. The man jerked his hands behind his back and tied them with a piece of rope. Hermione reached for her wand when he was distracted, but the Death Eater summoned it forward and letting it clatter to the ground at his feet. The witch tried to push herself up only to collapse as she began to cry.
George took a deep breath and then snapped his head back. It cracked against the man's mask, startling him enough that he released the red head from his grasp. He spun on his heel and brought his tied hands forward to whip them into his head. The Death Eater stumbled but before he could fall, George rammed his knee into his stomach and elbowed him in the shoulder, forcing him down. Furious, he drove his heel into the man's wrist until he released his own wand.
"Who are you?" he hissed.
The man's mask melted away slowly to reveal the face of Amycus Carrow.
"Oh. It's you," George said softly. "What a shame. I might be willing to play nice if you hadn't used an Unforgivable Curse on my sister. They are, as I'm sure you know, unforgivable."
"What're you gonna do, Weasley? You're just a coward," Amycus spat. "And it's not as if I'm really trapped either."
"Oh?" George crooked an eyebrow up.
The Death Eater dissolved into black mist faster than George could see, and when the mist cleared, Amycus was gone, and his wand with him. George swallowed thickly, stopping to pick up Hermione's wand before moving over to her. She grabbed her wand tightly and undid his binds, never fully sitting up.
"Hermione...are you okay?" he asked quietly, reaching forward to touch her shoulder.
She jerked away and nodded. "Yes. I'm fine. W-we need to report t-to the Ministry. You c-can't stay h-h-here George."
"Shush now. You're going into shock," he said, pulling her up so that she could lean on him as they sat. "We know who it is now, so don't worry. Just sit tight, the Ministry will be here soon."
She began to cry in ernest, clutching his sweater as she soaked it with tears. "Oh god, I can't do this."
"Stop saying stupid things, 'Mione. You did just fine. Sure he's not caught but you're alive, I'm alive, and I'm pretty sure that prat Zabini is too. It'll be okay," George said. "Now get yourself together. Can't have your coworkers seeking you in this state, now can we?"
Hermione shook her head and wiped her eyes. "No, of course not."
George continued to rub her shoulder until a hoard of Aurors arrived, including Bell and Harry. "Fancy seeing you here."
"George, you've gone insane," Katie grumbled, seizing his wrist and pulling him up. "You're coming with me now."
"I'll handle things here Katie. Let me know what you decide to do," Harry said, moving to kneel beside Hermione.
Katie nodded curtly and then Apparated away. The shock sent George's stomach rolling but the ex-Chaser had no mercy, tugging him through several hallways before opening a thick oak door. She shoved him through and then slammed it shut.
"Sit. Now."
George obeyed, sitting in the only chair in the room. "So-"
"Shut up, George. Just answer my questions, alright? Where were you before you got home?"
"At the Puddlemare United Quidditch field."
"And when you arrived home, what did you see?"
"There was a Death Eater, Amycus Carrow. He had Zabini by the neck and he looked unconscious."
"Did he say anything to you?" she asked, pacing across the small room.
"Only that he wasn't trapped by me. And then he turned into mist and disappeared," George replied.
Katie sighed and leaned against the wall. "Merlin, this is very annoying. Do you know why he's after you George? Did he say anything at all?"
"No. At least, not anything regarding why he wanted me dead," George said.
"Okay then. So you succeeded as bait but Zabini and Granger have utterly failed in capturing him. Brilliant. You're going back to bait. Amycus isn't the most sane person and in his eyes, he probably thinks he's beaten down two Aurors as well as another wizard. So you're easy bait, and he's obviously very determined to kill you again if he showed up to the same bloody spot he tried to murder you before," Katie said.
"So I'm back to being baby sat?" George mused.
"Yes, and you better not complain," Katie growled, moving towards him. "I will rip your bloody head off if you do."
"Just one thing. I have a match I need to be at the day after tomorrow," George said. "Hermione checked over the barriers and she said nothing can get through them. I'll be perfectly safe."
Katie's eyes narrowed and she looked as if she were going to yell at him once more. "I can't believe you're that single minded. But I'm going to say yes. That is the perfect opportunity for him to strike so I'll have some undercover Aurors there on the lookout. Now, where shall I send you, George?"
"I'm guessing home is out of the question," George said.
"Take this seriously, dammit!"
"I would love to but I'm afraid if I do, I might go into shock as well," George replied coolly.
Katie's hard eyes seemed to soften considerably at his words. "I'm sorry George. I'm just...stressed. I shouldn't take it out on you. Is there anywhere you can go?"
"Oliver's. He wouldn't mind me crashing there," George said.
"Good. I'll be accompanying you. We'll raise up shields around his house for tonight as well and just...deal with everything else in the morning," Katie muttered, waving her hand dismissively.
"So...do I just go now?"
"Yeah. I'll be there in a few. I figure you'll be safe enough," she muttered, turning away from him.
George stood up and then hugged the ex-chaser from behind. "It's gonna be alright, Katie."
"You better hope so."
(break)
George knocked on Oliver's door, trying to keep down his shaking. Twice, he had almost been killed. Knowing that would wear down on anyone's nerves.
"George?" Oliver asked, opening the light and blinking at him in surprise.
George shouldered his way in and shut the door behind him, not bothering to lock it. Not like a lock would stop a Death Eater from killing him. Oliver touched his shoulder and he jumped, hugging his arms around himself tighter to try and stop the shaking as he leaned against the wall.
"Hey, what's going on?" Oliver asked, rubbing his arm.
"I don't wanna die," George mumbled as he leaned into the Keeper's touch. "It's Amycus. He's the one trying to kill me. He tortured Hermione. I don't wanna die."
"Bloody fucking hell. Come here." Oliver pulled him close.
"Kiss me Oliver. Do it," George ordered against his neck, fingers clutching at the man's shirt. "I don't want to feel like I'm already a dead man."
"I don't want you to die either," Oliver murmured, brushing their lips together. "But you need to calm down."
"Stop fucking ordering me around," George hissed.
His fingers twined into Oliver's short hair and he pulled the man close, pressing their lips together in a tight kiss. He tasted better than he remembered, and he nipped at Oliver's lips until they opened, slipping his tongue in for a better taste, pressing him into the wall, pressing so close to him he could've melted into the Keeper if he really wanted to. Oliver let him dominate this kiss, accepting everything George did until the red head was calm enough to pull away, cheeks flushed and eyes dilated.
"Feel better?" Oliver asked.
"Yeah. I'm-"
"Don't say you're sorry," Oliver said. "You say it too much, and it's never a problem."
"I could've died tonight," George repeated, leaning away from him. "I can't get over it. Twice. I could've died, in my own damn home. I am so bloody terrified."
"It's going to be okay."
"I keep telling people that. And I keep hearing it. But I don't believe it. I'm just destined to die," George mumbled.
"Why would you say something like that?" Oliver asked, stepping forward and wrapping an arm around George's waist to lead him towards the stairs.
They walked up them, side by side, and silent. George didn't want to say anything else, because he knew anything else he said would sound crazy or suicidal, and that would only worry Oliver more. So instead he just curled up beside Oliver and fell asleep shaking.
Fred...where are you?
(break)
When George woke up, the space nex to him was cold and empty. He turned over onto the space that Oliver had been, breathing in the Keeper's comforting scent just as the door opened. He flipped back over to see Oliver there with a plate of food in his hands.
"Feeling better?" he asked.
"I guess," George said, accepting the food as he sat up. "We have practice right?"
"In an hour," Oliver said, sitting down at the end of the bed. "Take your time. Your story's already in the papers and I notified Fredrick that we might be late."
George shoved a forkful of food in his mouth, realizing that it was scrambled eggs when the taste his hits tongue.
"Katie is staying here, and she's the one who made those, so don't thank me. She's the one who's a good cook."
"Figures. You don't look like you'd be a good cook," George said.
"I'm going to pretend that isn't offensive," Oliver said, stealing the fork from George and taking a bit of his food. "Are you really okay?"
George set the plate aside and flopped onto his back. "No. I feel like shit. Knowing that it was Amycus just makes it worse."
"Why?"
"He and Alecto taught at Hogwarts when Snape was headmaster, and their punishing methods left Ginny in a state for awhile," George muttered. "It wasn't until after the war that we all realized the effects it had on her and while she's better now, I still want Amycus dead in the most painful way possible."
"So, isn't it a good thing it's Amycus? All the more reason to stay alive so you can get revenge," Oliver said.
"I...wanted to kill him. I wanted to torture him to death. He brings out ugly feelings in me that I'm not used to feeling, things I'm not comfortable feeling. And I can't get revenge on him. Killing him in cold blood is murder and that's Azkaban for me." George sat back up and finished off the last bit of food before standing. "I'm gonna go take a shower. Care to show me the way?"
Oliver stood up, closing the door and folding his arms across his chest. "Sit down George. We're going to talk about this."
"About what? That I'm crazy and want to kill a bloody Death Eater?" George snorted.
"No, about the fact that it isn't wrong that you want to kill Amycus. You have every right to want to, so don't say it like it makes you a bad person," Oliver said. "You understand that right?"
"No. I don't. Wanting to kill someone is never right," George murmured. "It makes me too much like them. It makes me the bad guy."
Oliver sighed. "You wanted to kill Augustus Rockwood, didn't you?"
The air went from tense to dead. George instantly shut down, a hard barrier coming up in his eyes. "Augustus Rockwood is dead. That's not important."
"Dammit George. Don't lock up on me. Rockwood caused the explosion that killed Fred. But he didn't actually-"
"Shut up. I know he didn't actually kill Fr-him. I know that. But he was my other bloody half so of course I'm glad he's gone, and dead, and rotting!"
"Amycus hurt your sister! On purpose! So why isn't it the same?" Oliver asked. "Why can't you be okay with hating Amycus as much as you hated Rockwood? How is it any different?"
"Because I will never care about anyone as much as I care about Fred, okay? Because maybe I don't hate Amycus because he hurt Ginny, but I hate him because he was part of the group that killed Fred. And maybe that makes me feel guilty because I don't care about my sister, my living sister, as much as I care about my dead twin!"
Oliver moved forward, his hand coming up to brush the skin under George's eyes, and he realized a few tears had leaked out. "You have got to let him go George."
"I can't."
"And don't say you don't care about your sister either. I know you do. I know you do because you are a caring person, whether you realize it or not. Whether other people see it or not. I just don't think you like to admit that you care about anyone," Oliver said quietly.
"I..."
"It's okay to care about people. They aren't going to disappear."
George backed away so that Oliver's touch no longer burned his skin. "I should get ready."
"Alright. You gonna be okay?"
"Eventually."
(break)
The hot shower had done him some good and by the time they arrived at the Quidditch field for practice, he had his facade of happiness back up. Oliver gave him the occasional look that saw right through him and when break rolled around, Chris ushered him to the other side of the field, leaning against the wall as she stared at him, arms folded across her chest.
"You look pissy," she said. "Hopefully you'll be able to get your anger out during the second half of drills. I can tell you're pulling your hits. You can hit harder than that.
"I-"
Chris waved her hand. "Maybe no one else notices but you're trying too hard to actually be happy."
"Way to see right through me."
"It's what I'm good at," Chris said. "Now, whatever Oliver said to piss you off, forgive him. The idiot thinks he's amazing with emotions, but he isn't, so he probably said something that made him sound like a total prat. And if you're mad at yourself, it's probably for a good reason, but try not to beat yourself up too bad over it."
"Oh, don't you think you're so wise," George said with an eyeroll.
"Damn straight I do. Now stop whining. We have drills to do," Chris ordered, punching him in the shoulder hard enough to make him stumble.
"Yes ma'am."
After practice, when George emerged from the locker rooms with a tense Oliver at his side, he was surprised to see Katie and Ginny waiting for him.
"Gin? What are you doing here?"
"Oliver, you'll have to return home without us. We have business to conduct," Katie said, her voice stiff.
"We do?" George asked.
"Yes. Now come on."
She snatched up George's hand and with a pop, they reappeared in the cell she had questioned him in the night before.
"I'll wait for you outside, okay?" Ginny lightly touched George's shoulder and then exited the room, leaving him alone with Katie.
"So what is this about?"
"We figured out why you're being targeted. I thought it would be a good idea to inform you," Katie said. "We were looking through our files and came across one of Amycus's sister, Alecto. She was killed by falling rubble, which you dislodged with an Expulso spell. Amycus blames you for her death, or at least that's the only motivation to come after you as he has."
George blinked and then began to laugh, not caring that Katie probably thought he had completely lost it, judging by her expression. "Your report's wrong; that was...that was Fred, Bell."
"Are you sure? We have an eye witness account-"
"You honestly think someone could tell us apart in the heat of battle? Trust me. Alecto's death was not my fault."
"Would he know that?"
"Probably not. He probably thinks it was me, which just makes it better. Of course, someone would try and kill because they thought I was Fred. That is just my bloody luck," George said. "It doesn't change anything at all, now does it?"
"I suppose not. We'll have to change the record, then, and list Fred as the one who caused Alecto's death," Katie said. "You can go now, then. I'll be shadowing you and Ginny to make sure you stay safe, but I'll give you your space."
"I've got one more question," George said as he turned towards the door.
"Oh?"
Without turning around, he continued. "Who else is free? Which other Death Eaters haven't you caught?"
"It's public information, George, why haven't you checked the papers?"
"I don't like reading the papers," George said.
"Travers and Thorfinn Rowle," Katie answered. "Why?"
"Just curious," George said.
He met Ginny outside the Ministry a few minutes later, and she didn't hesitate to link arms with him and begin to walk along the sidewalk.
"Mum and Dad want you to come home," she said quietly as they walked along. "And I agree with them."
"I'm not going to go back to the Burrow, Gin. I can't live there. If I live there, Mum will never let me go. The only reason you guys want me back anyways is so you can protect me," George said. "I'm a big boy, I can protect myself."
"George, stop saying that. You would've died if it weren't for Hermione," Ginny sighed.
"You don't know that," George said. "I protected myself just fine, even with my arms tied Ginny. Stop worrying about me."
Ginny sighed and leaned into him, wrapping her arm around his waist. "You're a bloody idiot, I hope you know that."
"I'm very aware, thank you. Now, is there some other reason you're here to see me?" he asked.
"We need to go to Diagon Alley," she said. "I'm certain Oliver has neglected to tell you in light of recent events, but there's a charity ball after the Quidditch match tomorrow that you absolutely have to attend. It's to donate money to St. Mungos. Puddlemere United is one of the teams sponsoring it."
"Is this one of your ploys to get me out again?" George asked.
"That and Katie wants to use you as bait. You know, I think that's all she sees you as," Ginny mused. "Which is stupid because you're a living, breathing human that I care about very much and would rather not have dead." She stopped, turning to face George. "You don't have to go, you know. I guess...I realized we've been ordering you around a lot and it's probably driving you absolutely mad."
"You are right on that account. But I will go to the ball, if only to escort you of course."
Ginny bit her lip, eyes darting down to look at the ground. "Well, you see, I already have an escort."
"I was kidding Gin. My feelings aren't hurt. Who is it?"
"Uh...you'll see. It'll be a surprise," Ginny said. "Now, we need to get you proper dress robes. Come on."
"You are not avoiding the subject very tactfully, little sister," George said.
"Just...it's a surprise, and I'm not telling you anymore," Ginny said.
"Oh fine. He better be a nice bloke or I'll hex him."
"Uh...maybe I should take your wand away."
(break)
When George arrived home, Katie was nowhere in sight, and he didn't find Oliver until he had trudged upstairs and knocked on his door. Oliver opened it, eyes bleary, as if he had just woken from a nap.
"Ah, you're home," he commented. "Did you eat?"
"Yeah, while I was shopping with Ginny," he said. "Am I...am I sleeping in here tonight?"
Oliver looked wary. "Do you want to?"
George's mouth suddenly felt dry. "Yeah, I do."
Oliver opened the door wider and let him inside to the darkened room, the only light being the moon coming in from the window. George stripped off his jacket and shirt, leaving his pants on as he climbed into bed beside Oliver. The Keeper's arm wrapped slowly around his waist, and then tugged him close.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, his lips moving against George's neck. "I said some really stupid things."
"So did I. I'm sorry too."
"Sleep well, George."
"You too."
(break)
"So who are we against?" George asked as they mounted their brooms.
Chris looked at him, eyebrow crooked up. "Really? No one told you?"
"Uh, no."
"The Holyhead Harpies," Chris said. "Now let's ride, shall we?"
She held her bat out and he clicked his against hers before they took off into the stadium. Oliver brushed past him, knocking shoulders together and giving him a small smirk as he headed towards the goal posts. George followed after Chris, settling in beside her as the referee balanced the Quaffle. Everyone was tense as he bounced it a few times in the air, as if teasing the player's reflexes. Finally, he threw it.
Lauren darted in but was smashed aside by a Harpy Chaser. The Chaser held the ball close and darted down the field. George peeled away from Chris, circling up towards one of the Bludgers which was whizzing around aimlessly. He cranked his arm back and smashed the bat against it, watching as it hurtled towards the Chaser. An opposing Beater slipped in out of nowhere and hit the Bludger right back at him. George rolled to the side and then stretched his arm out at the last second, hitting the Bludger as it tried to fly by him. It headed straight for Chris and the woman twirled her bat once before whacking it with all her strength, sending it back down the field.
This time, the Bludger met the intended mark, smashing into the Chaser's wrist as he brought his arm back to throw the Quaffle. The scarlet ball rolled out of his hands and Fredrick snatched it out of the air. George moved after him, flanking him with bat in hand. Fredrick leaned slightly to the right, and George moved with him, shadowing the Chaser while keeping his eye out for incoming Bludgers. Fredrick swerved suddenly and George snapped his head around to see what the Chaser had been trying to dodge, seeing a glint of gold. It was the snitch, hovering right by an audience member's face.
"Amycus," he breathed.
It was surreal, watching the wizard lift his wand and point it right at him.
"Fred, dodge!" he shouted.
The Chaser obeyed without question, swerving again to the right as the spell left the Death Eater's wand. The green light sprung forward and George flipped back, watching as the green light passed a bare inch away from his face. The shrieking began then as audience members realized what was happening and George whirled his broom around, drawing his wand as he did so. Before he could even focus in on the Death Eater though, the wizard was tackled to the ground by the famous Harry Potter himself. The crowd scattered as George landed on the hard wood platform beside Harry, throwing the broom aside with his wand out.
Amycus was flat on his back after Harry's tackle, and Katie was on the ground beside him, holding his arms down as Hermione ripped his wand away from him.
"You are under arrest for the attempted murder of George Weasley, as well as the murder of several witches and wizards during the First and Second Wizarding War. You are also under arrest for the use of an Unforgivable Curse on Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley. You have the right to remain silent," Harry said, holding the Death Eater at wand point. "Katie, Hermione, lock him in one of the protected cells. George, you're coming with me."
"But what about the-"
Harry glanced around, as if noticing the panicked crowd for the first time. "It'll be taken care of. Come on. Your killer has been caught." The Auror grabbed his wrist and with a flick of his wand and a stomach churning movement, they were back in an all too familiar cell, this time with a table and two chairs.
George sat down in one and waited impatiently for Harry to take the other. "Harry?"
"Yes?"
"What the bloody fuck just happened?"
Harry leaned back in his chair, looking at George with a thoughtful expression on his face, as if gauging what George's reaction would be to what he had to say. "We took down the barriers guarding the field, not that they would have stopped an Unforgivable curse to begin with. We wanted to give Amycus a clear shot at you so we could take him down."
"Are you out of your bloody mind? Fredrick could've died, and he would have if I had just dodged without warning him," George growled, getting to his feet.
"But you did warn him and no one's dead. Now, we'll be putting Amycus Carrow on trial as soon as possible, so you and Ginny will be there to testify," Harry said. "You're a free man now, George. No more Aurors will be hounding you, and you're free to reopen your shop."
"Has ministry work driven you mad?"
"Why would you suggest that?"
"The Harry Potter I know would never risk so many lives to take down one person," George said quietly. "Taking down...Voldemort was one thing. Everyone wanted to be there. This is different."
"It wasn't my plan, it was Bell's."
"You still had to approve it. You're the head of the Aurors, Harry. You're supposed to protect people from dark magic. Allowing a god damn Death Eater into that sort of situation is not protecting anyone," George snapped.
"There was a reason we let it play out as it did. Don't tell me how to do my job. You're alive, and no one is dead, so why are you still complaining?"
"You're fucking sick."
"And you're going into shock. Calm down, take a few deep breaths, and go home. To the Burrow. You're family will take care of you, and they need to know you're alright now," Harry instructed.
"I-"
"George. Go home."
George glared but obeyed.