Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the waffle I am eating. Yay waffles!

Chapter twenty: Along the road to recovery.

Darkness. It was all around me. Up. Down. Left. Right. It was hugging me tightly, but cradling me gently. It was just there. Black. Dark. Cold. Lonely. I was slipping farther down into it. Even though it was dark and foreboding to most who met it, I found it welcoming and comforting. No more responsibilities. No more pain. No more expectations.

Yes. I smiled as I sank farther and farther into the darkness. I closed my eyes to welcome it closer. I was too weak to fight. Too weak to live.

I was going to die.

No you're not. My eyes popped open and my fall paused.

But I want to.

No you don't. What about everyone who cares?

Like whom?

Luna. Ginny. Hermione. Fred. George.

"Echo?"

Oh… but how do I get out of here?

You'll know Echo… you'll know. You don't need me anymore Echo. I'll be leaving you now.

Wait?! Why can I hear you? Who are you anyways?

"Echo?"

It matters not. Just remember this: people do stupid things for the right reasons. It's the last advice you need.

What? That makes no sense! What does that mean?

Time to go Echo. He needs you.

"Echo Love, please wake up."

Wait- tell me who you are!

Good-bye Echo.

"Echo?" His voice pulled me from my descend into death's dark waters. I tossed slightly in the warm blanket that held me. I felt a touch on my hand. "Echo? Love? Are you awake?" I groaned softly before turning my face towards the noise. Such a nice sound… such a nice voice… so warm and soft

"Mhm," I answered, not wanting to speak words. I heard him chuckle softly.

"Will you open your pretty eyes for me?" I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Mm-mm," I replied, a sound that I hoped meant no. His smile burned into my flesh in a comforting way.

"Please Echo?" I crinkled my nose in discontent, but opened them anyways… only to have them snap back shut at the light. I feebly pulled the blanket over my face.

"Too much light… too… bright…" I murmured. He laughed. I heard a slight shifting noise and then a rearranging of fabric.

"Okay. Light's all gone," his voice cooed, taking my small hand and stroking it softly. I tugged the blanket away and opened my eyes again. The sight of George's smiling face in the dim light that barely snuck through the curtains melted my heart, and butterflies fluttered through my stomach.

"Hey," I whispered after looking at him. He grinned.

"Hey." He leaned forward and kissed my forehead. "Don't do that again Echo, okay?" I didn't much care what I did, but I knew I wouldn't do it again if it would make him happy. I decided to ask anyway though, just to make sure...

"What did I do?" He frowned slightly.

"You've been out for three days. We didn't think you'd make it."

"H-How long was I down there?" He smiled sadly at me.

"A month Love."

"How bad am I?" I asked, scared I wasn't pretty enough for him anymore. He chuckled, and stroked the top of my hand with the pad of his thumb.

"You're not. You're okay Echo, and you're going to stay that way. We're going to get you healthy again."

"Who's 'we'?"

"Fred and I. Mum'll be popping in once in a while too to check up on you."

"So we're not at the Burrow?" He shook his head.

"Nope. We're in mine and Fred's flat above the shop."

"Oh…" A comfortable silence stretched on in front of us. George looked at me before smiling again.

"Do you feel well enough to walk Love?" I frowned slightly, not really knowing the answer. I decided to answer him with something I did know.

"I want a shower," I said, grimacing. "So I guess I'm going to have to say yes." He smiled.

"Okay, let's try that." I sat up. The joints in my back popped like a chain-reaction. While it was the most disgusting sound ever, it felt really nice. I sighed in relief and George smiled. I pushed the blanket off of my body and flinched at my skinniness. Though it wasn't too bad, it was still kind of weird.

"I'm going to eat like a pig…" I murmured again. George laughed.

"Eat all you like." I smiled and placed my feet to the floor. I took George's hand and he helped my up. I was a bit unsteady, but I managed fairly well. I released George's hand, and made my way to the door. I paused when I reached it, realizing something.

"George? I don't know where your bathroom is…" He laughed again.

"Anything else?" I thought for another moment before looking down at my tattered clothing.

"Clothes?" He chuckled, walked over to a dresser, and pulled out a pair of light blue boxers and a black shirt. He walked back over to me and handed them to me. I smiled sheepishly at him. He took my hand gently and led me down his hallway till we made it to a bathroom. I smiled again at him, telling him I'd be okay, and shut myself in the bathroom.

I looked at my reflection and nearly started crying. I looked a mess… My eyes were lined in purple and were sunken into their sockets slightly. They lacked life and light, and the rest of what I saw wasn't much better. My hair looked limp and greasy, and my skin was marred with dirt. I lifted my shirt and grimaced at the few ribs that were showing. I quickly left my reflection and started the shower, peeled my clothes off, and stepped into the steamy water.

I swear I showered for two hours. George and Fred were constantly knocking on the door to make sure that I was still alive.

I shampooed and conditioned my hair three times, brushed my teeth at least four time, and scrubbed my body more than six times.

Needless to say, I felt quite refreshed when I stepped out of the shower and pulled George's clothing on. I looked at my reflection again and felt a little better.

I was definitely cleaner, but my eyes were still dull and lined with purple. I decided that it was a start, and left the bathroom, determined to find food.

I made my way down the hallway and walked into what I hoped was a kitchen. Luckily, I was right. I found Fred and George hovering over pieces of parchment, writing quickly, sitting at a small table. The kitchen was small, but cosy, and the curtains were drawn. A dim light lit the room softly. I smiled. They were so considerate.

When they heard me enter, the stood up. Fred quickly came over to hug me gently, but firmly, as George went to the fridge to get me some food. Fred led me to the table and I sat down as George levitated dished of food over to me.

Delicious aromas filled my nose and my mouth started watering. I consumed almost everything that was put in front of me happily.

The twins smiled at each other when I finally sat back, nice and full. They each leaned a bit closer to me.

"How are you feeling Echo?" Fred asked gently. I smiled at him.

"Better-ish. I'm still in a lot of pain, and still look pretty… bad, but I'm a lot better than I was."

"So you're not going crazy then?" George elbowed his twin and told him to shut up. I chuckled.

"No… I don't think I am anymore. There's no more voices." They both looked at me worriedly, but I laughed softly again. I took a small bite out of a piece of chocolate cake and looked back up at the boys.

"And guys," I prompted. They raised their eyebrows.

"Yea?" They said at the same time.

"Thanks. You know, for saving me. I would've died down there if it weren't for you."

"Don't forget about Harry."

"And Ginny."

"And Ron."

"And Luna."

"And Hermione."

I smiled widely.

"Where are they anyway?" I asked, suddenly eager to see all of my friends.

"Oh, don't worry."

"They'll be here-"

"-Soon enough."

Sounds of apparation filled the air as people began echoing through the room. Ron, with Ginny holding onto him, stood over near the fridge. Harry stood behind George's chair, and Hermione with Luna stood by a sink. A wide smile danced on Luna's lips and she quickly made her way over to me. She hugged me softly.

"Oh Echo, I missed you so much! I was so scared and worried for you," she said. I smiled and hugged her back.

"Thanks Luna." I let go of her and addressed everyone else. "Thank all of you. I'd probably be dead soon if it weren't for all of you." They all grinned and took turns hugging me. Being hugged and knowing that people cared about me made my heart leap in joy. I had the best friends' in the world.

My strength returned more and more each day. I felt immensly better within just two weeks. Yay Magic!

Fred and George got my wand replaced, which I was ecstatic about. I got new clothes to replace my tattered ones, and the circles under my eyes slowly faded. I gained my lost weight back, and soon felt brand new. Sure, a few scars remained on my skin here and there, but none of them were too bad.

I still had a bit of trauma from my time in the cellar. Lights couldn't be too bright, and I had to wear sunglasses if I wanted to go outside. I cringed and my heart started beating rapidly whenever I heard footsteps on stairs whether they were coming or going. Nightmares corrupted my dreams, so I became a bit of an insomniac. I slept, just not a lot anymore. I actually considered myself quite lucky.

I swore that if I ever went home, I wouldn't go near that cellar.

I also decided that I wouldn't go back to Hogwarts for my seventh year. It was simply too dangerous. Death Eaters popping in every once in a while wouldn't be good for my health.

And you never know when your own twin brother is going to snitch on you…

Things were generally back to normal. Well, as normal as they could get with the current circumstances. I ate, slept, and hung out with all of my friends. No Draco. No Voldemort. No crazy Death Eaters.

Yep, pretty okay.

Only one thing really nagged at my mind at the time.

I still didn't know where George and I stood. I mean, he told me he loved me, and I returned the feelings, but what did that mean exactly? He hadn't mentioned it since they saved me, however long ago that had been. He never asked me out or spoke about it or did anything to confirm it.

Maybe he just loved me as a friend? But why wouldn't he have said that? Did he love me any more than that? If so, why hadn't he done anything about it yet?

Those are the questions that really made my head spin.

I didn't know the date, nor did I know the time. All I knew was that I was completely and utterly bored.

I was lying on the twins' sofa listening to the hustle and bustle downstairs in the shop. I would've joined them, but they said that they didn't want to risk Draco or somebody seeing me if they randomly walked into the shop.

So there I was; conjuring up stuffed animals and making them dance the can-can. Too bad that can only sustain you for so long before you feel like ripping your eyes out again.

"Fred! George! I'm bored," I whined loudly when I heard them walk through the door. The next thing I heard was their laughter. I looked over to the doorway just as their grinning faces appeared. They made their way into the room and sat down on either side of me. I smiled and plopped my socked feet into Fred's lap and snuggled my head onto George's.

"Mmm. Have I ever told you two how comfy you are?" I asked. They chuckled.

"No, I don't believe you have."

"But we'll keep it in mind." George gently stroked my hair and I contentedly closed my eyes, enjoying his touch.

"So how was work?" I asked quietly.

"Good," George replied just as quietly.

"Booming! We're gonna be rich Echo!" Fred said excitedly, not so quietly. I cringed at the noise, but quickly settled back down. I yawned quietly, snuggling more into my 'George-pillow.'

"That's great guys. Really great," I said sleepily. They chuckled.

"Tired Love?"

"Mhm."

"Then go and take a-" He didn't get to finished his sentence because there was a sudden scratching sound at the door. I sat up with a start and my heart pounded against my ribcage. George put his hand on my shoulder. "Calm down Echo. I'm sure it's nothing."

Fred made his way over to the door and opened it a small crack. A flash of white rushed through the crack and over to me. It promptly jumped onto my lap and started licking my face.

"Snowdrop!" I shouted. I had completely forgotten about her, and suddenly felt really bad about it. I hugged her tightly. "Oh Snowdrop, I'm so sorry for leaving you. I didn't mean to. Where have you been this whole time?" She held out her black paw to me, and I noticed there was a small note on it. I pulled it off and opened it.

Echo,

I took care of Snowdrop while you were gone. I knew you would've wanted me to. I decided to send her over since you've been feeling better. I hope it wasn't too soon. I also think she may have gotten in a fight with a Crumple-Horned Snorkack, but I'm not sure. See you soon.

--Luna.

I chuckled at the note, making a mental reminder to thank Luna profusely the next time I saw her. I hugged Snowdrop again. I was going to make sure to spoil her. I laughed as she continued licking my face.

"I swear that thing's not a fox... no crazy bloodthirst... just a lap dog..." Fred muttered, probably jealous because Snowdrop wasn't giving him any love. I grinned widely.

"George?" I said, looking over the top of the book I was reading. I was sitting cross-legged on a sofa reading said book, and he was in an armchair working on some pranks that had been malfunctioning. I wasn't sure if I should've been sitting that close to a possibly explosive item, but oh well.

"Mhm?" He replied, not looking up from his work.

"Remember that night you got me out of the cellar?" He smirked.

"No Love, of course I don't remember the night I saved your life," he replied sarcastically. I grinned and threw a pillow at him. It hit him in the face and knocked him backwards slightly. The prank fell from his hands and exploded. I grinned. It didn't cause any damage, but left a black mark on the floor. I knew it was explosive!

"Shut up you git. I'm trying to ask you a serious question here," I replied, laughing softly. He stood up and grabbed the pillow off of the floor. He then bowed in an exaggerated manner.

"My dearest apologies madam. Please do continue with your questioning," he said regally. I grinned again.

"I'm serious George." He quirked an eyebrow and grinned boyishly.

"So am I Echo." I rolled my eyes, and looked down to my hands.

"That night… when you saved me… you said you loved me… wh-what did you mean?" I asked softly, not looking up at his face. He was silent for a moment before he knelled down and took my hands in his. Warmth rose to my cheeks.

"I meant it exactly how it sounded Echo. I wish we had never broken up. I really do love you... with my whole heart." he said softly. I looked into his eyes. They were so full of admiration and love; they made my insides melted. How long had it been since he looked at me like that? Had he always, but I was too blind to notice? It didn't matter because at that moment, he was looking at me as if I was the only girl in the world. I did the only thing I could think of doing.

I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his.

He didn't hesitate on kissing me back. A tingling sensation spread through my lips. He let go of my hands and trailed his up and down my back before settling them on my hips, causing small jolts of electricity to course up and down my spine. I shivered slightly at his touch.

After what had seemed like an hour, but had only been thirty seconds, he pulled back and rested his forehead against mine. I opened my eyes, and I'm pretty sure they shared the same dreamy, half-glazed over expression as his.

"So is that a yes?" he whispered. I smirked.

"To what?" I teased. He grinned.

"Everything." My smirk turned into a soft smile.

"Yes," I said determinedly. He smirked and pulled back a bit farther. He picked up the pillow from the spot he had dropped it, and grinned evilly.

"Good." My eyes widened, and I scrambled off of the sofa and into the hallway. He chased after me with the pillow held high above his head.

"I'm gonna get you Malfoy! You can't run forever!" He laughed maniacally.

"I can try!" I shouted back before veering into a random room and shutting the door behind me. I locked it and leaned against the wall. I heard it click unlocked and smirked. He walked into the room and shut the door behind him quickly. I lunged, spun him around, and pinned him to the door. I grinned widely.

It was a reversed Déjà vu two and a half years later.

How ironic.

A/N: Yay fluff! Liked this chapter. Not a lot, but liked it. Reviews!