Hey George, what are you doing out here? It's sort of a gloomy place to spend your birthday, isn't it?
I had to come - today would have been his birthday too, Angelina.
I know: I was trying to cheer you up. I brought a balloon.
You brought a balloon? You're going to leave a balloon by Fred's grave?
Yes, actually – it's a bit of an inside joke between me and him. See, on our first date during the summer Fred was going to take me to this muggle French restaurant, and he arrived to pick me up wearing formal clothes with his hair combed. Everything was perfect, except that instead of a bouquet, he was holding the string of a massive orange helium balloon.
That's wicked…
Don't worry, it gets better. After he arrived and I stared at the floating monstrosity with obvious horror, he proceeded to tie the thing around my wrist, and ask me if I liked it.
And?
And I, idiot that I was, smiled and said I did. He made me wear it for the rest of the evening.
Even at the –
Even at the fancy French restaurant, yes.
Brilliant.
Yeah well, now I'm sort of returning the favor. Your brother was really something, George.
I know.
I can't imagine how it must be for you…
Only a little worse than it is for you, I reckon. You were his girlfriend.
That's true, and I miss him like mad, but not like you. You're so consumed by grief that you can't see what's right in front of you.
What?
George, you missed your brother's wedding. This very minute you're missing your own birthday party, and you haven't even noticed that I've been spending all of my free time with you, trying to help you be your old self again!
I noticed. Thank you.
No, you bloody idiot, I don't want to be thanked! I'm doing it because I love you!
What?
You heard me. Now… now how about we get back to your birthday party?
… I've got a better idea. What do you say we go and check out that French place you mentioned? Right now…
Really? I'd love to, George!
Fantastic. Now come here so I can snog you senseless, then help you tie on that balloon.
Of course I wi- Wait, what?