I really, really don't own the Harry Potter series. J.K Rowling wrote all the books, Siriusly.
Well, I don't want to bore you with my complaints of my slow writing. So I'll just apologize for the delay and get to it!
George shot purple sparks out of his wand, lighting the end of a long piece of rope. The spark snaked across the string, igniting the object at the other side.
He ducked under the table at the last moment, just managing to avoid the explosion—well, most of it anyway. The grinning inventor removed bits of confetti and sweets from his hair. Checking to make sure it wasn't one of his own, he unwrapped the sweet and plopped into his mouth.
"The exploding Voldemort piñata is coming along nicely," he said aloud as he noted it in his journal. George savored the combined sweetness of success and food, before falling back into his chair with a sigh. He stared wistfully at the clock.
A turkey burst out from its depths, noisily announcing the hour. Nine O'clock. He chewed the sweet ruefully. His stubborn brother wouldn't be arriving for a while.
Percy was a prat. Not only was he mulishly obstinate, but he hadn't noticed the opportunity for love waiting patiently by his side. Though Percy's prattishness had its uses.
Being a joke shop owner wasn't all fun and games. Sure, there was heaps of fun to dish out, and plenty games to be played, but it wasn't all like that. Arguing over prices, warding off fan girls, and coming up with fresh ideas when the classics were beginning to get boring…those were big parts of the job too. Sure, that's what George had signed up for...but he'd only signed up for half of it. Over the last couple of years, a lot of things seemed to be halved.
His joy wasn't as joyful, his pain was numbed and his laughter seemed a notch quieter. Teasing his brothers wasn't nearly as entertaining as it used to be. The jokes still came, but it was sometimes difficult to get the words out. He'd start out the sentence and wait for the thought to complete itself, but it never would. He ended up with more worried glances than amused ones.
As time passed, he learned to adjust a bit. He became quieter to make up for lack of finished thoughts. Delight came more readily, always paired with a healthy dosage of guilt. In his opinion, the guilt was worth being able to feel again. For a while, the most painful thing was the ache of his head whenever he lay down on his left side. Recently he'd been sleeping better. The ache moved its way to his chest, threatening to overwhelm him when he looked around and saw no one there. At times like this, his fingers found their way to the open wound where his ear had used to be. They swirled round and round until he calmed down. He couldn't understand why the action calmed him, but it did.
In general, that empty spot gave him more trouble than it was worth. Everyone always stared at the hole. George would argue that it wasn't the most interesting part of his body...but clearly the public disagreed. Honestly, he could always create a replacement. Then they would eventually stop staring, and he'd rake in the galleons with an invention like that. He wasn't the only one who'd lost something during the war. It'd be easy. He'd just have to make an extendable ear without the extendable part...but the thing is, he didn't want to. After all, there were just some things you can't replace...like an ear, like him...
George frowned and slapped himself over the head, forcing a grin. It was becoming easier to snap himself into clarity. That was where Percy's stupidity came in handy. He'd never thought that particular brother could do so much, but over the last couple of years Percy had undoubtedly proved his worth. He probably saved George's life, or something. A guy like Percy stuck his nose into your business and didn't let up until you were forced back into the world. After so much time spent under the covers, the outside world seemed like a strange place. Strange, but not unlikable. Percy's firm and steady attentions were different than the sort George was used to, but not unwelcome. The idea was laughable, but Percy had managed to fill the emptiness in George's head. Well no, nobody could fill that emptiness, George was sure that some of that would always remain. Still, Percy did soothe some of the emptiness, make it feel less gross and clingy. George chuckled aloud. Stupid ear, stupid Percy.
A tap on the door jolted George into his senses. He wiped his face automatically, not noticing until now how wet it had become.
"Who is it?" He choked out. He frowned and cleared his throat. "Sign say's closed, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, but I thought I could come in anyway." George blinked. Not who he was expecting at all.
"Right. Come on in Audrey," he told her, waving his wand to unlock the door.
She stepped in hesitantly. "I thought you might be busy working or something," she said, bright eyes studying the room. It was covered in brightly colored paper and sweets. George wondered how he was going to get the streamers out of the rafters.
"Now why would you ever think I was working?"
"There was a loud booming noise a couple of minutes ago."
George gestured his wand at the ceiling, causing the streamers to dance downward. "How long have you been standing outside that door?" He asked casually.
"Not too long. I couldn't decide whether it was safe to come in or not. Why do you ask?"
"Err—you know, product testing…even if you have been a temporary employee, you still might leak something to the press," he fibbed.
"You know me. I would never do that." Audrey sounded suspicious of his reasoning.
"Tsk, tsk, you're a reporter aren't you? It'd be an excellent story."
Audrey rolled her eyes. "I'm an editor actually."
"Really? Could've sworn Percy said something about reporting. He mentioned an article in his letter this morning." George was relieved that they were moving into a safer topic. Even though they had a history together, and she was currently Percy's love interest, not to mention a nice person in general...there were still things George didn't feel comfortable talking to her about.
"Percy wrote about me?" Her cheeks colored pleasantly, shocking blue eyes widening. "Well, I was previously hired as a reporter, but I was rehired as an editor, and I fill in love with the job, so I've been doing it since."
"Huh. Where else have you worked, I mean besides possibly getting a gig at the Prophet."
"Lets see...Australia was the first time I'd ever done anything like that. Then when I got back I worked at this muggle newspaper in London, but only for a short while really. Then I was assistant editor for this witch chick magazine…" Audrey shuddered. "Way too much pink. Afterwards I worked for a Quidditch paper in Ireland, until I was fired for reasons I'd rather not go into...and well, you're all caught up I think."
George smiled. "Sounds great." Then he realized something. "Australia? Coming back? What's all that about?" Audrey frowned deeply, and then burst into an oddly cheery grin.
"Dear me! I almost forgot what I came here for!" Audrey was anything but subtle. George shrugged, he had his privacy, and she had hers. However, now he was curious about something else.
"So why did you come here today? Couldn't resist the Weasley charm?" He was unable to repress a smirk.
"I thought you said you'd quit that," Audrey muttered. George winced.
"Right, sorry about that. I'm just a harmless fellow with a big ego, no need to worry."
"Uhuh." Audrey gave him a disbelieving glance before rummaging around in her pockets. "Anyway look at what I got!" She thrust her fist happily into the air.
George stared at her hand, which had two strips of paper sticking out of it. Looking more closely George saw they were a pair of tickets…and not just any tickets. Tickets to the Montrose Magpies vs. Puddlemere United match. George's eyes almost popped out of his head. Wordlessly he took the tickets in his hands, holding them up to the light to check their authenticity and praise Merlin for this gift...
"Wh-where did you get these?" He stuttered quietly.
"I have my sources!" She said with a grin.
"Oliver Wood?" George asked lightly. He suddenly recalled that Wood had made the reserve team shortly after he graduated. Fred had joked their former team captain would get booted off the professional stage for being too bossy. "Was it him?" He pushed down the memories. Even though they were good ones, they all contained a perfectly whole Fred standing by his side. It was too much.
"Yup. Ollie and I thought you might like to go, so here I am!"
"Yeah…here you are." George was slow this morning. He was seriously considering going to a Quidditch game with the girl he wanted to set up with his brother...
"Here I am," Audrey repeated confusedly. "So...I was going to get a sandwhich at the muggle deli around the corner...I think I can afford it...um...shall I pop back in about ten minutes and we can head over to the stadium together?"
"Wait," George called after her as she inched awkwardly towards the door. "I didn't say whether I was coming or not."
Audrey quirked an eyebrow. "I would have thought your speechless reaction was answer enough. Weasleys are rarely speechless after all."
George paused. "I'll give you that one...but I'm still not sure whether I should go or not.
"Should?" Audrey looked even more confused. "Since when did George Weasley care about should?" George shrugged. Probably since around the time Percy started becoming a decent person. The unexpected was bound to happen sometime. Audrey sighed.
"Well…do you think you could tell me why you shouldn't come?" She asked tentatively. George shook his head.
"Not a chance," he muttered. Audrey sighed again.
"Huh. Then I guess I'll come back in ten minutes and you'll let me know how you're feeling about it. I mean it is a great opportunity. It's supposed to be the greatest face off since the Bodmin Moor Millenium game. I thought you'd want to come. I mean, I thought we were getting along pretty well but if you don't want to sit with me then maybe I could work something out." Audrey bit her lip. George reached over and ruffled her dark curls. He didn't mean to make her think he didn't like her.
"That's not it Audrey. You're a great pal...but it's just Percy is coming over in a bit, and I haven't got a chance to see him lately, so..." George spilled half of the truth hoping it would suffice. George saw Percy all the time, but Audrey didn't need to know that. The small girl brightened considerably.
"Oh, good. I thought I'd weirded you out or something. That tends to happen with some people." She looked thoughtful. "I kinda almost maybe thought of inviting Percy to the game actually, but decided not to in the end…he's a good guy and everything, but I think he might get bored at a Quidditch game."
"You've got a point there," George agreed. Too bad though. A Quidditch game was a nice date for a normal wizarding couple. Then again, they weren't even a couple yet, and no way could they be considered normal, even by wizarding standards. Though she had at least thought of inviting him, and it was the thought that mattered. Besides, George really, really wanted to go. It's not as if Percy would get that annoyed, and even if he did, that would just prove he fancied her. "What the hell—count me in!"
"All right!" Audrey danced around excitedly. George joined her.
"Go Puddlemere!" He shouted, trying to ignore the guilt that was already sneaking up on him.
"And here comes Keller with the Quaffle! Keller to Rose—Rose to Mcknighton…Mcknighton challenges Blackwood—feints left…Now it's only him and the keeper. Oliver Wood, age 24 is being challenged for one of the first times in his official professional career—let's see how he does ladies and gentlemen! And Mcknighton scores… 40-20, Magpies with the lead! What a shame for Wood."
Audrey sat at the edge of her sit, knuckles going white as she gripped the railing at full force. "He…scored," she whispered hoarsely. "Oliver Wood you git! What do you think you're playing at! You could have saved that—stop being such a wuss!" She yelled at the top of her lungs, cupping her hands around her mouth to project the insults further. George looked away from the game, distracted by the mess of black hair bouncing around in front of him.
"…It seems like the fans are a smidgen disappointed with Wood's playing today. If I were him, I'd want some peace and quiet to concentrate." Apparently the commentator had heard her.
Audrey turned as red as George's hair and sunk down in her seat. George chuckled. "Didn't know you were so into the game love." She glanced slant eyed at him.
"You kidding, with a best friend like him, how could I not be?"
"…I'm not sure, I'll tell you when I've figured it out."
Audrey squinted from her slumped position managing to make out Oliver wiping his brow nervously. "Keep at it Ollie…you can do this," she mouthed silently. She swore loudly. George grinned. The referee got into an argument with the commentator, and then the game continued.
"Right…so here we go again—Ashford starting off with the Quaffle, he speeds forward, doges a Bludger whacked at him by Krest—Ashford passes to Davis—who passes back to Ashford right over Keller's head…ouch! What a mess… Ashford slams headfirst into Rose—that's gonna hurt in the morning for sure. Not very gentlemanly of him… Has to be a penalty…and it is! Rose takes the plenty shot—and Wood saves it by the ends of his fingertips! Never seen anything like it in my entire life!"
"Yeah Ollie! Told you, you could do it!" Audrey couldn't resist crying out again. Her throat was going to be raw in the morning, but she couldn't care in the slightest.
The commentator and George laughed in unison. "Well what about that? Those Wood fans are really something, let me tell you, a good player owes a lot to it's fan base, hope the newbie appreciates those screamers!"
The game went on. Oliver fumbled an easy save, but seemed to gain some confidence after completing a perfect back pass, and went on to make several spectacular saves and an assist. Blackwood finally scored for Puddlemere. PU was not that far behind anymore. Audrey and George were gripping at each other, stars in their eyes.
"I haven't enjoyed myself like this in ages!" George shouted in her ear. "I'm going to send you a thank you gift-maybe some new merchandise if you promise to use it against Percy."
"And that's all for now folks! Come back after half-time and we'll see how this works out!"
Audrey and George got up, slowly making their way to the bustling concession stand. Audrey's legs felt all wobbly. She was used to being overwhelmed by this sport, so didn't pay much attention to her stagger. Moments later George caught he as she stumbled backwards.
"Fell for me I see," he joked with a wink. Audrey shook her head.
"Yes, I'm enamored with you...now can you please let me go?"
George frowned concernidly at her. "You okay love?" He put on a hand on her forehead. "Hang on—you are a little warm…" Audrey couldn't tell if he was still joking or not.
"I was only calculating the chances of Puddlemere winning. Arthimacy makes my brain melt, it's nothing unusual. So can we please get a move on? We're blocking the walkway." She flashed him her most innocent expression, but he still didn't go.
"You're obviously not feeling well. I'm sorry I didn't realize it sooner," he said gently.
"I'm fine." She crossed her arms.
"What a load of—Lee!" George swung her around, Audrey catching sight of a dread-locked man as George finally set her down.
"What's a load of lee?" She wondered.
"Lee…" George repeated. "He's my best mate...I haven't seen him in over a year," George explained before the tall man engulfed him in a bear hug, laughing loudly.
"George! Shoulda known it was you causing all this trouble on the walkway. How long has it been?" Lee Jordan held the Weasley at arms length, examining him thoughtfully. "How've you been holding up?" The cheerfulness of his tone, and the worried in his eyes made an odd pair.
"Oh I've been horrible, but reasonably well considering," George answered truthfully. Lee nodded. Audrey cringed. Everyone else was so scared by the war, and here she was... She cleared her throat painfully. Her head felt dizzy for some reason. George grabbed her shoulders, steadying her. Lee looked between them.
"You two going out?" He asked curiously. Audrey and George exchanged an incredulous look.
"Not that I know of," George answered slowly.
"Definitely not," Audrey concluded.
"We're way too immature for each other. Audrey needs someone with maturity to balance her out." George was giving her a pointed look. Audrey shrugged confusedly, turning back to Lee, studying him with as much interest as he studied her.
"Lee Jordan?" She asked, to make sure.
"The one and only," he announced with a short bow. "And who might this lovely lady be?"
George cupped a hand over his face and looked around dramatically. "I don't see any lovely ladies around here."
Audrey shrugged again. "You won't hear me arguing." She held out her hand. "I'm Audrey," she introduced herself simply.
Lee shook it warmly. "I beg to differ, there seems to be plenty of lovely ladies in the area," he flattered her.
"I'm still not sure who you're talking about," George said in a serious tone. Lee chuckled.
"Besides the one standing next to you? Well there's the keeper's girl, and then two other fine women who I'm sure would be glad to see you after such a long time apart."
George paled slightly. "You...you don't mean Angelina, do you?" He glanced around frantically. Lee's eyes widened.
"Something happen between you two?" He asked after a pause. George shook his head far too vigorously to be telling the truth. Lee sighed.
"George my man, I've known you for quite some time. You can't fool your best friend when it comes to girl troubles." Lee slung his arm around George's shoulders. "Now tell your ole pal what's going on with Angie and maybe I can help you guys out." George massaged his temples.
"Trust me, 'ole pal', you don't want to know. Let's just say that I shouldn't see Angelina again any time soon, especially if I want to keep both my-"
Audrey cut him off by stepping pointedly on his foot. There were three young women rushing towards them. One girl's hands were balled up into fists, which she was brandishing in George's direction as the other two girls watched in amusement.
"Katie!" Audrey called out excitedly. She pounced and gave her a tight hug. "Ollie said you'd be around here somewhere."
"Great to see you Audrey." Katie beamed. "I was hoping to run into you." The frustrated woman was now being held back by a woman in a red, snitch-patterned jumper. "These are my best friends." Katie gestured towards the women. "Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet."
"Pleased to meet you both." Audrey smiled weakly, still feeling a little dizzy. She was more wobbly after George had let go of her and gone to hide behind Lee.
Lee was smirking as George whimpered, "Protect me!" Angelina looked about ready to burst out of Alicia's grasp. As soon as Alicia reached over to shake Audrey's hand, Angelina broke free and rushed at George.
She was stopped short by a curious Lee. "Why don't you to sort out your problems?" He suggested glancing back at George. Audrey thought he just didn't want to stand in Angelina's way too much longer. George stepped out into the open.
"I'm going to regret this," he mumbled under his breath. "Hey Angie…" His expression was thoughtful. For a moment Audrey thought he was going to say something that would take all of Angelina's anger away, and make her forget whatever had happened between them. Then he said, "Merlin you look awful." Immediately he cringed and looked about ready to run away. So much for Gryffindor courage.
"I've been thinking the same thing about you for years," Angelina retorted savagely. George laughed nervously.
"That wasn't what you were saying last time we were together." He winked shakily at her. Audrey would not be surprised if steam rose from Angelina's head.
"Clearly there was something wrong with my eyes," Angelina continued, crossing her arms. Her brown skin flushed.
"Really? I've always rather liked your eyes." George apparently did not know when to stop. Angelina scoffed.
"You've just finished saying how ugly I am!"
"Anyone can make a mistake...all there is to do is apologize," George said slowly. Everyone stared a fell silent. Audrey had a feeling he was talking about something else. "So, I really am sorry about last time. I was way out of line. Will you ever forgive me?" He pouted in Angelina's direction, and she deflating considerably.
"I hate you," she informed him, sounding rather like she was saying the opposite.
"Course you do." George beamed.
"Everyone back to their seats!" The commentator called. "The game's about to start up again, and I wouldn't want to miss this ending."
Audrey looked from George, who was rubbing the back of his neck, his ears a brilliant red... to Angelina was was studying her boots like they held the key to a secret civilization.
"Hi Angelina," she said. Angelina blinked. "I'm Audrey Green, Oliver's best friend."
"Ah, hello," Angelina greeted her, head bobbing nervously.
"Right. Well, I'm friends with George too, but after the first half of the game, I'm already sick of him…I was wondering if you'd switch seats with me for the second half. What do you say?" George spluttered into a cough. Angelina's fist clenched again. Lee and Alicia exchanged an unabashed smirk. Katie looked rather hopeful.
"I don't know." Angelina sounded simultaneously hateful and yearning.
"I'd like to catch up with Katie," Audrey prompted. "And I'm a fan of Lee's show anyway, so it'd be fun to get to know him."
"I'm serious people, get to your seats! What's with that group near the snack counter? Get moving Quidditch supporters!" The commentator was about to get another warning by the referee. "The world won't wait for you, you know!" He finished.
Angelina sighed. "What the hell. George, where are you sitting?"
"Over here next to you," George answered immediately, holding his arm out to her. Angelina rolled her eyes, but accepted George's hand as he pulled her down the stairs.
"Well done." Lee whistled, offering Audrey a high-five.
"Nothing to it." Audrey grinned.
"Hurry up!" Alicia told them, running towards the seats. Lee ran after her.
Katie and Audrey shared one last smile before rushing to their seats as the game commenced.
I'm hoping the first part of this chapter had some emotional depth to it. I've always been fond of Fred…Anyway, tell me what you think of Angelina and the gang. I'm thinking this chapter could use some editing, but we'll see. The next chapter's got the end of the game, and Percy finally turns up again. Thanks for reading!
Reviews Make the World Go Round,
AoiKuroNekoSan ^.^