The sun was starting to set when Lexi appeared outside of Hermione's flat. Her nervousness nearly caused her to run back to Texas but with one last ounce of courage, Lexi knocked on the door. A brown eyed woman with wild hair appeared at the door. Hermione caught Lexi off guard as she engulfed her in a bone-crushing hug. It didn't take long for the two women to start crying into each others arms.
"Lexi why did you leave? Why didn't you come to me?" The two had spent the last few hours catching up. Lexi knew it was only a matter of time before Hermione finally asked the questions she had been hoping to avoid.
"I went to Draco because I knew he wouldn't hate me. He would understand."
"Understand what Lexi? What happened?"
"How has George been?" Lexi dropped her eyes to the ground waiting for Hermione's reply. Confusion flashed across her friends face before Hermione started to make the connection.
"Lexi what happened with George?"
"Just answer my question Hermione."
"He'd barely gotten used to Fred being gone before you disappeared. It broke him. He nearly died Lexi. Charlie had to move in with him for a long time. What happened Lexi?" Standing up Lexi starting pacing the room with a look of anxiety on her face.
"It was the year anniversary of the battle. I'd made plans to go to the pub as usual but George had wanted to spend the night together in honor of Fred. We drank a little too much. Things got carried away; emotions got the best of us and … we slept together. The next day I freaked out and left. First I went to Draco and then I left England."
"Lexi I would have helped you sort through it all. I could never hate you. I would have helped you through your feelings for George."
"Bloody Hell Hermione there are no feelings for George. He was my friend and nothing else."
"Then why did you sleep with him? He was in love with you Lexi. Everyone could see that. It was obvious in school that both Fred and George loved you. We watched them fall in love with you and we watched George's heart break when you chose Fred. That's why Ginny hated you Lexi, not because of who your father was. But because you were hurting her brother, whether it was intentional or not." Lexi stared at Hermione in shock. She opened and closed her mouth several times but no sounds escaped.
"It's late Lexi. We should get some sleep, we need to go get your dress tomorrow."
That night Lexi had a hard time falling asleep. Her mind was racing about everything that Hermione had told her. She was angry with herself for being so oblivious about George's feelings; now that she thought about it, it was obvious that he loved her. Lexi finally drifted off to sleep thinking about her life in England as a witch and her life in the states as a muggle.
Hermione woke Lexi up early the next day so they could make it to the dress shop before going to the Burrow. Lexi had tried to talk Hermione out of going to the Burrow but it was no use. She would have to face the family she left behind sooner or later. After several hours Hermione finally found the perfect dress for Lexi and let her buy it. Lexi decided to roam around outside the store while Hermione talked with the woman about her wedding dress.
Once outside, Lexi realized that they were on the same street as the joke shop. A soft sigh escaped from her lips as she stared up at the sign. Glancing back at the dress shop, Lexi made a last second decision and walked through the doors of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. The shop hadn't changed much. Children ran around the store trying out all the different inventions. George had also hired a few more employees to keep up with the busy demand.
"Alexis is that you?" Lexi turned around at the sound of her name.
"Angelina?"
"It's great to see you. What brings you into the shop?"
"Haven't been here in awhile. Was just looking around. Do you work here now?"
"Sort of. George and I are engaged." Shock coursed through Lexi's body quickly. Blinking rapidly, she tried to hide it as Angelina showed Lexi her engagement ring.
"T..that's wonderful. Congratulations Angelina. I should go, Hermione's probably looking for me. It was great seeing you." Lexi waved a quick goodbye to her old schoolmate and started to rush out the door. She glanced back just in time to see a familiar tall red-head staring at her in shock.
Lexi ran down the street nearly knocking Hermione to the ground.
"Merlin Lexi where did you go?" Lexi grabbed her bag quickly and started walking down the street again. Hermione had to run to keep up with her. "Lexi what's going on?"
"You didn't tell me he was engaged Hermione."
"Wha.. Oh you went into the shop?"
"Bloody hell Hermione why didn't you tell me?"
"After what you told me last night.. I .. I didn't think it was the right time." Lexi took a deep breath. Glancing around the street she noticed someone walking towards them. Her breath caught in her lungs when Lexi noticed the flaming red hair.
"I can't talk to him right now." With a pop Lexi disappeared leaving Hermione to deal with a very confused George.
A few minutes later Hermione appeared inside her flat. Lexi was pacing the room with a frantic look in her eyes.
"What happened? Did he recognize me?"
"Of course he did Lexi. Dying your hair blonde is not going to disguise you that much. He asked what you were doing here and why you practically ran from him."
"What'd you tell him?" The look on Hermione's face answered Lexi's question and the blonde dropped into the nearest chair. Burying her face into her hands, she groaned loudly.
"Now I can't go to the Burrow tonight Hermione. I don't want to deal with that."
"You're going Alexis. This is my wedding party and you will be there!" Several hours later Lexi found herself standing outside the Burrow.
