Chapter 53 - Ruby Encrusted
A few days had past, and Bill had let his guests pick their rooms. Hermione, Ron and Harry (who was now sat out by Dobby's grave) had taken up residence in the living room with Luna. The latter was returning home within the next few days, George had offered to drive her. Olivander had been put up in the largest guest room. The old man was weak and had been flitting in and out of consciousness. Griphook, the goblin that had been in Malfoy Manor, was in the other guest room.
Shell Cottage lacked size, but George and Adie had opted just to stay in the small attack on a campbed. Fleur and Bill had felt guilty, but didn't refuse.
Adie and her friends had recounted their stories the previous night. She was sat in the kitchen, at this moment, mug of tea between her hands. George was sat next to her, hand resting on her knee, whilst the other lay fidgeting on the table. Hermione and Ron were whispering in the living room, while their hosts tended to the other guests. The blonde felt cut off from her friends, and it stung.
Harry had barely spoken to her and, after finding out about her accident, even Hermione was giving her worried looks. She knew, that they wanted her to go with them...and part of her did, but...there was a huge chunk of her heart that couldn't leave the person next to her, who was drawing circles on her knee.
"What are you thinking about?"
George's voice was low, and concerned. Adie raised her eyes and shrugged, biting her lip. The scar on her shoulder stung a little, prickling under the fabric of her top. Something must've shown in her face as George didn't look away. Her boyfriend gave her a look and then stood up, tugging her to her feet.
"They are just shocked, Adie. You heard Hermione last night. She thought you were dead...think how that must've been for her?"
She bit her lip and nodded. Tears welled in the corner of her eyes and she lent her forehead on his chest. Her arms hung limply at her side as George wrapped his arms tightly around her.
"I..j-just...they...they..."
"Shh...I know...sweetheart, I know."
He whispered this into her hair. He knew what she meant: they didn't understand how hard this was for her. She had been through a lot, by herself and had to keep it together, although he had heard her crying in her sleep and had hugged her that little bit tighter. He squeezed her and lifted her off her feet. She sniffled before he popped her down on her feet.
"Thanks, Georgie."
"Anytime...and it's ok...if you want to...you know...go with them...I..."
Adie silenced him by pressing her lips to his and putting her hands to the back of his neck, pulling him down to her height. George was a little bit stunned, but responded quickly by wrapping his long arms around her waist and once again lifting her off the ground. Her fingers slid into his hair and she pulled back, leaning her forehead against his own.
"I guess that was goodbye?"
"I'm not going with them..."
She was dropped in surprise and George's hazel eyes widened.
"But...I thought-"
Adie shook her head, some of her blonde locks falling into her eyes.
"I can't risk us again...I can't risk losing it all again."
Fresh tears pricked in her gaze and she lowered her eyes, but George lifted her chin.
"Adie..."
"Please don't argue...please. I couldn't bear it. It's my decision and-"
This time it was George who shocked Adie with a harsh kiss. Her back hit the workbench and she wrapped her arms around his neck. One of George's hands was pushing her closer to his abdomen, whilst the other cupped her cheek. He pulled away and hugged her close again, kissing her neck softly and burying his nose in the crook of her collarbone and shoulder. She let out a sigh.
"Thank you..."
"Anytime..."
She stepped away and raised the heel of her hand to dab her eyes.
"I bloody love you, George Weasley."
He let out a laugh and tilted his head.
"And I bloody love you too, Adrian Haw."
She blushed, but didn't speak as Harry entered the house again. He didn't say anything, deep down he knew that Adie wasn't going with them. Hermione and Ron appeared from the living room. They peeked into the kitchen and spotted Adie and George. Hermione ran in and gave her best friend a tight hug. She whispered into her ear.
"We'll see you as soon as we can, ok?"
Adie nodded.
"Sooner than you think."
Hermione smiled and then went after Ron and Harry up the stairs to speak with Olivander and Griphook. George took his girlfriend's hand and gave it a squeeze.
"You sure about this?"
Adie nodded as Bill and Fleur entered the room. George slung an arm lazily around her shoulders and pulled her into his side. She smiled up at the Mr and Mrs Weasley of Shell Cottage.
"Thanks Bill...for the advice."
"Anytime..."
Bill smiled warmly and kissed her cheek, as well as giving his younger brother a hug. He muttered into his ear.
"Make sure you keep her, Georgie. You'll not find another girl like her and you will regret every second you waste."
He pressed something into George's hand and stepped away towards his wife.
"Well I'm sorry that we can't keep you two longer..."
Fleur nodded.
"Oui, I feel terrible, zat ve cannot 'ave you 'ere anymore."
Adie shook her head and smiled.
"Do not worry, it's time we got back to Molly and Arthur before they start worrying."
She and Fleur left the room, taking the bags to the car. Bill followed after them and this gave George the opportunity to check out the box that had been stuffed into his hand. It fitted into his palm neatly and was a smooth velvet box. His stomach sank as he opened it and saw a small silver ring with a small crystal and two rubies mounted into it. It glittered as he tilted it into the sunlight and he bit his lip.
"George?! C'mon dude, don't leave Adie waiting here or she'll drive off without you!"
Author's Note:
WHOOP! I have actually updated! YAY!
