Georgiana had left Draco shortly afterwards and walked down to Hogsmeade to wait for Ronald to take her on their date...and she was understandably nervous about it. Back during their sixth year when she was still Hermione, all she had wanted was for Ronald to notice her, to see her as something other than his bookish best friend. When he'd snogged Lavender after the Quidditch match against Slytherin, Georgiana remembered with painful clarity how hurt and betrayed she'd felt. For the rest of the year, and even until Ronald had abandoned them while they were on the run...she had hoped that perhaps there might come a day when the stars would align and the two of them might make a real go at having a proper relationship...despite her upbringing.

There were many things she'd liked about Ronald...and quite a few things that got on her nerves, but he tried harder than anyone she knew, except Harry, to do the right thing. He wasn't the smartest wizard...but he was kind and funny and had a good heart.

Draco had made a good point when he'd said that there would always be that 'what if' feeling, because of how things went down after the war had ended. The differences between Draco and Ronald were like night and day...but the one thing Georgiana held onto was that Ronald was her best friend, and even though her appearance was altered a bit, she was still the same person inside...she just wasn't sure if that person and Ronald Weasley were compatible long term.

Georgiana wasn't exactly thrilled about spending their first date at a Quidditch Match, but perhaps she was looking at this from the wrong perspective. There would be other people there, a cushion of sorts...it definitely might make things easier...at least at first. Georgiana knew that Ronald wasn't a wizard comfortable with showing his emotions, but the fact that he was working with Fleur and trying to move out of his comfort zone for her, said a lot. Georgiana couldn't help but feel flattered that Ronald would want to try so hard.

When she heard the crack of apparition, Georgiana looked up and saw Ronald smiling and walking towards her. He had something in his hand and as he got a bit closer, she could see it was a flower of some kind. Smiling to herself, Georgiana couldn't help but think that a year or two ago...if Ron had done something like this...she would've been a swooning, grinning idiot. Now she felt pleased, but wondered why she didn't feel more excited about the day ahead.

"Hello Ron."

"Hey Mione...I mean Georgiana..." Ron shook his head in embarrassment but Georgiana was quick to reassure him.

"Look Ron, if you want to call me Mione...that's alright with me."

Ron's face lit up as he smiled in relief. "Really?"

"Sure." Georgiana smiled in reassurance. "Or you can call me Georgie if that's easier too. Ginny has taken to calling me that and James, my brother, uses that nickname too."

Ron nodded. "I guess I could try Georgie."

"Okay."

"I brought this for you." Ron handed her a single red rose which Georgiana thought was quite romantic...and she took it with a soft smile.

"Thank you Ron, it's very pretty." Taking a small whiff of the rose, Georgiana was surprised at how potent it smelled for a single bloom.

"I placed a preservation charm on it so it will stay fresh for a while."

"That was very thoughtful of you...so where are we headed?"

"I got us a portkey to just outside of Cornwall. From there it's a small apparition jump to the stadium."

"Is Harry meeting us there?"

Ron nodded and offered Georgiana his hand, which she took, as he pulled a large bronze key out of his trouser pocket.

"This is set to go off in about a minute."

Georgiana grabbed the key and after a bit, felt the pull of the portkey as it sent them just outside of Cornwall. When they arrived, Ron side-apparated them to the Falcons stadium, just outside Falmouth...which was in the middle of nowhere.

The stadium however, and the surrounding area was filled to the brim with witches and wizards from all over. The Falcons were playing the Appleby Arrows...and Georgiana had no idea who was on what team...save for Viktor.

As they made their way into the stadium, all eyes were on the duo and Georgiana couldn't help but feel a bit awkward at the attention, although Ron didn't seem to mind at all. He'd actually taken her arm within his and kept her close to his side, which had been surprising, but not unwelcome.

When they got to their seats, Georgiana was surprised to see that they were box seats in the center of the stadium. Giving Ron a questioning look, he just grinned sheepishly before whispering into her ear, "They were a perk from the owner of the Falcons."

Georgiana nodded in understanding before her eyes settled on Harry, who was standing near the far end of the box talking to someone she didn't recognize.

"Harry." Georgiana said in excitement and saw Harry's smile widen as he rushed over and enveloped her into a fierce hug.

"Hey Georgie, how are you?"

"I'm doing well. A bit surprised to find myself at a Quidditch match, but I am excited to see Viktor after all this time."

Harry nodded. "The owner of the Falcons offered us these seats, but I had to admit...I was a bit surprised when Ron told me he'd invited you. You've never really cared for Quidditch."

"No...this is true, but it will be nice to spend some time with my two best friends."

"Ginny wasn't none too happy about not being able to come today."

"No, I don't imagine she was." Georgiana giggled softly. "Ginny misses you, you know? I think it's quite difficult for her to be in school while you're out playing Auror. Have you two discussed what you're going to do when she graduates?"

Harry shook his head. "No, not in so many words. I just want Ginny to concentrate on her schooling and have a good last year, free from all the life and death drama that has plagued our relationship."

Georgiana smiled at her best friend, shaking her head in admonishment. "Harry, need I remind you that you've chosen to become an Auror...your relationship will be filled with life and death drama. I don't think Ginny minds, as I know she loves you and will stand by whatever choices you make for your future. But you need to decide if a future with Ginny is what you want."

Harry ran his hand over the back of his neck as he contemplated Georgiana's words. "I know, and I do want a future with Ginny. I want to marry her, have a family with her...but we are so young Georgie and I just wonder if we should give it more time."

"Well, I'm not the best person to ask about that mind you...but Harry, our lives have never been normal. I think we've aged more in the past two years than most people do in a lifetime. If your heart is telling you that Ginny is who you want to be with, then you shouldn't second guess it."

Harry nodded before giving his best friend a knowing look. "What about you? You're dating Ron, Malfoy...and Ginny told me about Pucey..."

"Terence Higgs is escorting me to Slughorn's Halloween Party at the end of October too."

"Really?"

"Yes...I met him in Hogsmeade and we had a nice conversation. He's actually very funny, and if his letter is to be believed, Crookshanks used to follow him around on perfect rounds our third year. Crookshanks didn't like anyone."

"I know." Harry smirked. "I don't know much about Higgs, other than he works with the Wizengamot. Ron isn't going to be happy you know?"

Georgiana sighed and nodded. "I know."

"Are you going to tell him?"

"Tell who, what?" Ron asked, as he came over from where he had been talking to someone that Georgiana didn't recognize.

"I'll tell you later Ron, if that's alright. Let's just enjoy the game, okay?"

Ron's face took on a unsure quality but he nodded reluctantly. "Sure Georgie, we have all day to talk. The game should be starting soon and I for one am hoping the Falcons win. I have 10 galleons on the game."

Georgiana shook her head in exasperation. "Ronald! You shouldn't bet your money indiscriminately."

"It's fine...I've actually been doing pretty well this season with our betting pool in the Auror office. I've won almost 60 galleons so far, so it's all good."

Georgiana's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but she wisely decided to keep her opinions to herself. It didn't take long for the teams to be introduced and when Viktor came out on his Firebolt, the crowd cheered along with Georgiana. She had to admit, it would be good to see Viktor after all this time...she hadn't written to him al all since before they went on the run...and her thoughts had drifted to him quite a bit...wondering if he was safe. Viktor was from a noted Pureblood Bulgarian Family, and as such...she'd imagined that Voldemort might've tried to recruit him at some point had the war moved beyond Britain's borders in earnest. Thankfully, it had never gotten that far...but the fear had been there and she was glad to see that Viktor was still doing what he loved.

When the whistle sounded and the game commenced, Georgiana stood with Ron and Harry...watching the players fly around the Quidditch Pitch in earnest. She had never understood the fascination that was Quidditch, but James had been quite intrigued and had begged Harry to take him to a proper game at some point. Smiling to herself, Georgiana realized that her brother would most likely end up loving the sport. James was an excellent athlete after all...Polo, rugby, rowing, cricket...there wasn't a sport James wasn't good at.

Georgiana couldn't help but allow her mind to drift a bit as she thought about all the times James had tried to get her to engage in sport with him when they were younger, and how abysmal she had been when she'd tried to keep up with her baby brother. The only thing Georgiana had ever been good at was horseback riding. She could ride side saddle, dressage, western...it didn't matter. Her favorite horse, Bicca...was a beautiful black Arabian that her Father had bought for her eighth birthday. She had done some riding this past summer round Sandringham...and she did miss her riding time.

The cheers from the crowd brought Georgiana back to her senses and as she looked out onto the pitch, it appeared that Viktor had caught sight of the snitch and was chasing it, the Arrows seeker trailing behind just slightly. As both seekers turned their brooms downward and dove for the snitch, Georgiana felt her breath hitch in fear, but there had been little to worry about. Viktor flattened his body along his broom and did a 360 barrel roll, before he pulled up with the snitch in his hand. The crowd cheered loudly, and Ron surprisingly was clapping and cheering along with them. When Georgiana gave Harry a questioning look, he leant over and whispered in her ear... "Ron's happy cause he won the betting pool again."

Rolling her eyes and nodding, Georgiana followed Harry and Ron as they made their way down to the Quidditch Pitch to congratulate the winning team.

When the three members of the Golden Trio moved out to the team locker rooms, they were spotted by the press, which started yelling and snapping pictures. Ron pulled Georgiana closer to his side, as they moved through the fray to the other side of the locker rooms, where the Falcons team was located. After about 20 minutes, Viktor walked out, freshly showered and smiling widely as he came over and picked Georgiana up into a fierce hug, which she returned with aplomb.

"It's good to see you Viktor."

"Vors mez asv vell." Viktor said happily, as he set Georgiana down and smiled widely at her. "Youz look asz bit changed...but itz a good look forz you."

Blushing a bit, Georgiana could help but notice the way Viktor was looking at her. He had always been so sweet and kind, and he had told her many times her fourth year that he thought she was pretty...but the way he was looking at her now seemed to be a bit more heated.

"You look good too Viktor. Congratulations on catching the snitch."

Viktor shrugged like it was no big deal. "Harryz told mez you vould be here today. I thought youz vould appreciate it ifz I caught snitch quickly. I'z do know howv you feelz about game."

Georgiana laughed joyfully as she smiled at Viktor in gratitude. "Then I thank you kind sir, for sparing me."

Viktor chuckled. "Wouldz you be agreeing to have dinner wiz me soon? I vould love to see you?"

Georgiana nodded enthusiastically. "I would like that very much. I'm back at Hogwarts, but owl me, I'm sure we can figure something out."

Viktor nodded and looked up to see Ron Weasley glaring at him...raising an eyebrow at the other wizard, Viktor took his Mila's hand and gave it a small kiss. "I vill owl youz soon, my Mila."

Georgiana nodded and smiled softly at Viktor's name for her. She wasn't inclined to have him call her by her given name as Georgiana was just as difficult to say as Hermione was...and she had always been quite enamoured of Viktor's pet name for her.

"I'm looking forward to it. Congratulations again and we will talk soon?"

Viktor nodded and gave Harry a quick pat on the back before leaving with his teammates to celebrate their win. When Georgiana turned back around she didn't miss the unhappy look on Ronald's face and she couldn't help but grimace inwardly. Moving over quickly, she took Ron's hand and taking the hint, they moved out of the stadium with Harry following closely.

When the arrived at the apparition point, Georgiana gave Harry and quick peck on the cheek and made him promise to owl her soon...which he did before he left, leaving her and Ron alone.

"So where to now?" Georgiana queried softly.

"I thought we could go to Diagon Alley and say hello to George before going to get dinner?"

Georgiana nodded. "That sounds like an excellent idea."

Ron took Georgiana's hand and together they disapparated back to Diagon Alley. Once they'd arrived, the twosome made their way to George's joke shop, and Georgiana was surprised at all the shops that had reopened since the end of the war. The last time she had been in Diagon Alley was right before they had broken into Gringotts and the irony wasn't lost on her at all.

Ron, noticing her discomfort, squeezed her hand in reassurance. "It's changed a lot since the end of the war. You should have seen how awful it looked in the weeks after the final battle."

Georgiana nodded, looking down at her wand with a grimace. She still had Bellatrix's wand, as hers had been lost at Malfoy Manor when they had been taken prisoner. Bellatrix's wand was still quite stubborn and didn't want to work properly for her, and it was the main reason she hadn't been able to cast her Patronus effectively at will (except for the one time), a fact that she hadn't wanted to share with Draco.

Georgiana had been very careful in only using the wand when she needed to in class, and so far no one had seemed to notice the difference. But the truth was, she hated this wand, and desperately wanted another one.

Sighing sadly, Georgiana looked down the alley and noticed that Ollivanders shop was open. Tugging on Ronald's hand, she pulled him towards the wand shop, ignoring his questioning look.

Once they were inside, Ron pulled her into his embrace and whispered into her ear. "Why are we in here?"

Georgiana held up Bellatrix's wand with a pained look. "I need a new wand...I can't keep using this one, it doesn't really work properly for me."

Ron's face paled significantly as he looked down at the curved wand that Georgie was holding. "Blimey, Georgie! I didn't know you still were using that wand!"

Georgiana shrugged helplessly. "I didn't come to Diagon Alley before school started as Harry and Ginny got my books and supplies for me. I hadn't really given it much thought, but I've been having a few issues with some of my spells...the Patronus though as been the most obvious. I was able to cast it that one time but since then...nothing."

Ron nodded and was about to speak when Mr. Ollivander came out from the back of the shop.

"Ah, Mr. Weasley and Miss Kensington...welcome. How can I help you today?"

Georgiana walked over to the counter and placed Bellatrix's wand down and watched as Ollivander's face paled and then cleared in understanding.

"You need a new wand my dear, yes?"

Georgiana nodded. "I really do...and I know I should've come in sooner."

Ollivander smiled in reassurance. "No matter, my dear...let's try and find you something more appropriate, shall we?"

"That would be most welcome, Mr. Ollivander."

The wandmaker went into the back of the shop and levitated several boxes out for Georgiana to look through, but after 30 minutes she still hadn't found a wand that seemed to work for her. Ollivander seemed a bit perplexed as they had tried wands of Acacia, Applewood, Alder, Vinewood, Beech, Chestnut, Fir and Hazel...but none seemed to be a good match.

"This is a conundrum." Ollivander said softly as he pondered the witch before him before nodding to himself and moving back into the farthest reaches of the store, taking out a box that looked to be very old.

"This wand was made by my ancestor, Geraint Ollivander over 800 years ago and is one of the rarest wands ever produced."

When the wandmaker opened the box, Georgiana's breath hitched at the wand in the box. The Wood was dark and the handle had a beautiful Fleur de Lis on the end, which swirled towards a tapered end. Georgiana looked at Ollivander questioningly.

"What kind of wand is this?"

Ollivander sighed softly and took the wand carefully out of the box. "This is a wand made of Elder wood."

Georgiana's eyes widened and she heard Ron's breath next to hers hitch in shock. "The Wand made of Elder is a rare thing indeed. As you both know, the original Elder wand was legendary, and Elder Wood is the rarest of all. It was often rumored to be unlucky, and is said to be trickier to Master than any other kind of wand. It contains raw, powerful magic...but will scorn any owner who is not the superior of his or her company...most of the superstitions of Elder Wands are based in fallacy, but the truth remains that only a truly special and unique witch or wizard will find its match with an Elder Wand. And when such a pairing occurs, it is a sign of that witch or wizard being marked for a great destiny. The core of this wand was the rarest core ever given...a golden Phoenix feather."

The look on Ollivander's face was knowing and Georgiana felt the hairs on the back of her head stand at attention before she took the wand in her grasp and felt the power of the wand radiating up through her entire being as she gasped in wonder at the warmth and rightness of the wand. Ollivander bowed humbly and even Ron looked awed as Georgiana smiled and felt tears coming to her eyes as she gripped the wand tightly in her right hand.

"This feels..." The words got stuck in her throat as she smiled widely.

"In all my years, I'd never thought that I would be the one to see this wand given. You are destined for truly great things, Miss Kensington."

Georgiana's smile was blinding as she pulled out her beaded bag, but Ollivander held his hand up and shook his head in refusal. "The wand is yours, my dear. Use it well and remember to keep striving for greatness...and the wand will help you to achieve that which you seek."

"Thank you Mr. Ollivander and would you please dispose of Bellatrix's wand for me, as I'd rather not see it again. I'm sure you understand."

"Of course my dear, have no worry I will take care of it."

Georgiana nodded her thanks and together, she and Ron left Ollivander's and headed for George's joke shop.

"That's pretty impressive Georgie," Ron said softly, "are you going to tell anyone about getting a new wand?"

Georgiana considered the question for a moment before shaking her head. "Probably not. I need some time to work with it and I'd rather not deal with people's speculation. I'll tell Harry of course...but I don't think anyone's noticed that I've been using Bellatrix's wand. If Draco has, he hasn't said anything about it."

Ron grimaced as his lips pursed in an angry line. "Probably just as well, I doubt he'd want to bring it up anyway."

Georgiana thought about that for a moment before nodding her head. "I can't imagine it would be an easy conversation to have and we haven't really had a frank conversation about that night."

"I just don't get it Georgie, and before you get upset with me just hear me out okay?"

Georgiana nodded, wondering just how Ron was going to deal with this...and knowing that this could go one of two ways...either really badly or surprising better than anticipated.

"Malfoy was a prejudiced git, and I'm not convinced he isn't still. He's asked for your forgiveness and because you have such a good, kind heart...you've given it to him. Harry told me about the bond...and despite that, I'm not sure you and Malfoy are a good fit. He's not a good wizard, Georgie. He spent six years taunting you and watched you being tortured by his crazed aunt. I know you want to give him a chance, and I'm not going to tell you not to...but I just think that a person who's done the hateful things he's done, isn't capable of changing so quickly no matter what the reason. So just be careful and don't take everything at face value. I could get you some veritaserum you know...and maybe ask the ferret if he'd take it to prove he's not a lying git."

Georgiana smiled at Ron...knowing in her heart that he was truly concerned with her well being.

"Believe me when I tell you Ron that I've asked myself all these questions a million times. Forgiveness is hard, but forgetting is even harder. Draco's done some horrible things, and many of them were done under duress, but you're right that many weren't. You and I have a history, wouldn't you agree?"

Ron nodded, looking a bit confused by the change of subject. "Yeah, we do."

"Would you say that our history has always been positive?"

Ron thought about this for a moment and then shook his head. "No, we've had our share of disagreements."

"We have. You didn't like me at first but eventually we became friends. Third year both you and Harry turned on me over the Firebolt broom incident, Fourth year there was the Yule Ball...Sixth year, the whole debacle with Lavender and then the time we were out on the run...and you left. I know it was the horcrux Ron, but you've always been a bit mental about my friendship with Harry and I've never understood why. Harry is a brother, like James is to me...It's never been anything more than that. I've never had any expectations of Draco, at least not consciously. His behavior hurt yes, but the hurt was more superficial because I didn't allow myself to genuinely care for him like I did with you. The hard part was, I couldn't be me...not the real me and I'd often wondered what might've happened if I'd been allowed to just be Georgiana and not Hermione Granger. Being back at Hogwarts in my own skin has been liberating but confusing for me. It's like a lumos being shined onto my life and I am finally seeing things clearly for the first time. If the war hadn't happened, if I had gone through all seven years as Hermione Granger, I would've left Hogwarts and gone back to my life as Georgiana Kensington and that would have been it...but now, I get to choose my path and it's scary Ron. I don't know what to do."

Ron enveloped his best friend into a hug, realizing how difficult this had all been for her. "You're right, I was a git too. Maybe an even bigger git because on some level I knew you had feelings for me, and I went after Lavender anyway. As for what happened with Harry when we were out on the run, I am sorry Georgie. I shouldn't have left you both, and I can't take that back."

"I know Ron. I get it, I really do. That horcrux was evil and fed on our worst fears. Can you imagine what life must've been like for Draco living with Voldemort in his home for over a year? Having a father who was abusive and hateful like Lucius was? How was Draco supposed to grow up being any different than what he was? How can we judge someone based on the fact that we had loving parents and good role models? Would you and I have been strong enough to walk away from our family's if our situations were reversed? I can't answer that in all honesty and I don't think you can either. You have siblings, as do I. Draco only had himself. That's a truly lonely place to be with no one to hold you together and give you hope. I think it's easier to hate sometimes, but it's better to forgive and move on. I've seen a different side to Draco this year, and I'm trying to keep an open mind, and I'm very grateful that you've decided to put your own feelings aside for my benefit Ron. It means a great deal to me."

Ron sighed, but nodded. "I'm trying, I really am and it's not easy. I don't trust him and I don't like him and I like him being around you even less. But I care for you Georgie and I want to be with you in whatever way that ends up being. I'm hoping you'll choose to be with me, and I'm trying to do my part."

Georgiana smiled at her friend. "I know Ronald and that means the world to me."

Ron grasped Georgiana's hand softly and pulled her into his embrace. "Can I kiss you?"

Georgiana blushed but nodded, so Ron bent his head down and gave her a chaste kiss on the lips. It wasn't forced or hurried and Georgiana felt herself smiling inwardly at how sweet Ron could be when he wanted to be. When the kiss ended, Ron's cheeks were a bit pink but his smile was blinding as he took her arm into his own and led her over into George's shop from the back alleyway so they could finish the rest of their day together.