Chapter Ten: The Invitation

~Natalie~

Fall had dissipated and we now entered the bitter cold of winter without one word from Dumbledore and plenty more visits from Nicolette and Neville. Bliss tossed around the idea of George and her getting engaged so much that I was surprised George didn't just ask her already. It was obvious he wanted to.

One cold December morning, someone grabbed me from behind, slipped their hand over my mouth and dragged me into the back room.

''I'm going to let you go now, but don't scream and please don't yell. I needed to talk to you in private.'' I knew it was George, because his voice was slightly deeper then Fred's.

''What the bloody hell, George?''

''Quiet! I wanted to ask you something!''

''Then ask me!''

''Well… you're a girl…'' He said.

''Very observant. Your question?''

''So, you know what Bliss would want me to do to propose to her… right?''

''You-you're actually- you're serious?''

''Very observant.'' He mocked.

''Alright, alright, yes, I would know. When are you going to do it?''

''As soon as possible. I need a ring… the money isn't important. I've been saving Galleons for months, so I can get her the best ring, and get us the best wedding.''

''You're so sweet, George. When you're not being a prat, of course.'' George rolled his eyes at the backhanded compliment.

''So… how are we doing this?''

''I was wondering if you would come with me… to pick the ring out… today. Please?''

''Yes, yes, alright. How can I say no to you? Which store did you have in mind?'' I was thinking about some of the Muggle stores, and I was wondering where we could find rings… George seemed to be reading my mind.

''There is a jewelry shop in Hogsmeade… most of the students don't go there because a lot of the jewelry is made for weddings. We can at least start there.''

''Alright. How are we going to leave without Fred and Bliss realizing what's going on?''

''Don't worry, I've got that covered. I told Fred to keep Bliss distracted somehow… I told him I was going to get the ring today and I needed your help.''

''Well, what are we waiting for?'' I took his hand in mine and concentrated on Hogsmeade, the snow swirling around the Three Broomsticks, Hogwarts in the distance…

That horrible gut wrenching feeling set in as we were yanked from one placed and dropped in another. Then, there was silence. We were standing in front of the Three Broomsticks.

''Come on, this way.'' George led me through the quiet and nearly empty streets of Hogsmeade Village until we reached a small brightly lit shop beside Madame Puddifoot's Tea Shop. It was called Mystical Jewels and Gems. I liked it already.

We stepped inside and instantly, warmth seeped into our bones.

''Hello. How may I help you?'' The slender witch with frizzy hair at the counter asked.

''We are looking for a ring for his girlfriend. He wants to propose.'' I pointed at George.

''Ah, then you've come to the right place. Just go down that last aisle of display cases there and see what you like.'' She pointed them out. We walked along the cases until I spotted it-a simple but elegant diamond ring. The band was pure silver, there was a pretty big diamond in the center (probably seven times smaller then a sickle) and two little diamonds shaped like hearts rested next to it. There was a breathtaking beauty about how simple and sweet it was. I looked at George.

''That's the one.'' I told him.

''Are you sure?''

''My dear Weasley, I've never been wrong. Especially when it comes to jewelry.'' We bought the ring… for almost a hundred galleons and fifty sickles (for you Muggles out there, that's A LOT of money) and once we had it all paid and set in it's beautiful blue velvet box, we left the shop.

''Want something to eat? I'll buy this time.'' I nodded in the direction of the Three Broomsticks.

''Sure. Thanks, Talie.'' He beamed.

We were eating quietly at first, then I said something he didn't expect.

''Are you just doing this because she's getting annoying, or because you love her?''

''Because I love her, of course… and she's getting a little annoying.''

''She's been hinting it for months now. I'm surprised you're even getting her a ring for it.''

''I want everything to be perfect just as much as she does. It's why we haven't slept together yet-oh, too much information.'' He put a hand to his forehead. I reached out and gently touched his arm.

''Sweetheart, I think that's the most wonderful thing any guy has ever done for their girlfriend. Any girl would be lucky to have you, George. And I'm not your sister anymore, so I can say that without you feeling like I'm supposed to say that.''

''Thanks you. I just.. I don't want to lose her. I've been trying so hard to find the right time, and well… Christmas at the Burrow seems like the right time.''

''You'll propose to her there?''

''At dinner. In front of everyone.'' He smirked.

''She's going to turn pink again.''

''I know. I love it when she turns pink.''

''Well, here's to you and Bliss then. May she accept your ring and not die of embarrassment.'' I lifted my glass of Butterbeer and we clinked glasses before gulping some down.

''Hear, hear.'' George whispered cheerfully after he set the glass down.

When we got back, it was a rush trying to hide the ring upstairs and also, Natalie's owl Cole had been sent back by Mrs. Weasley. Poor Cole had been bounced back and forth constantly between Hogwarts, the Burrow and our shop the last few months. Now it looked as if he were here to stay. That was, until I noticed the small envelope clutched tightly in his beak. I opened it up.

Dear Fred, George, Natalie and Bliss,

I just wanted to see how things are there at the shop. Been pretty busy, so I've heard. I wanted to tell you all that Katie Bell was cursed not too long ago. Someone had put a curse on an ancient necklace. Of course, Severus, Albus and Minerva are looking into it, but it s still very hard to figure out who did it. I'm sorry, I know the boys were very close with her. Don't worry, she's alive and well. They say she will recover fully and be back on her feet in no time. I am writing not only to check on you and make sure you knew about Katie, but to remind you all about Christmas. I'm inviting all of you to come to the Burrow for Christmas. Remus is coming, he might stay a night or two, I'm not sure yet, Bill will be there, so will Fleur… Bill supposes we ought to get to know Fleur some more before their wedding next summer…. I believe we have enough room for everyone. Send me back an owl with your reply please. Stay safe, dears.

Love,

Mum

''Christmas at the Burrow. There's nothing like it.'' I sighed, already getting a little excited and emotional.

''Of course, Charlie won't be coming. Too busy with dragons, and Percy won't be coming because he's such a foul git-''

''I know… I can't believe the way he's treated us. Simply ridiculous.'' I sighed, sitting down to scrawl a reply with a spare bit of parchment I found nearby.

Mum,

It's horrible, what happened to Katie. I'm so sorry. The boys are really shocked, so is Bliss. We would love to join you for Christmas, of course. We will see you on Christmas Eve. Until then, take care.

Love,

Natalie

I gave the letter to Cole, who promptly hooted and flew out the window with it clamped in his beak still.

''Well, there we go. That's done.'' I was excited to go to the Burrow again. Now all I had to do was help George plan how to ask her… and if that was as awkward as picking out the ring, we were going to have some serious problems…