Thanks for your reviews of the last chapter. This is a shorter filler chapter, as I really want be getting to Hogwarts where the drama really will begin, and if all goes to plan I should be getting there in two chapters time.
JK Rowling owns everything...that woman is just so greedy ;-)
The rest of the week passed by too fast for George's liking. His bizarre dream of Kings Cross Station had returned every night; a constant reminder that his time with Luna was getting shorter and shorter. The fact that he had only been able to spend one day of the holiday alone with her didn't help.
For the rest of the week the group had gone too apparent tourist hotspots that had not interested George in the slightest. The only part of the weekend George had enjoyed was when the group took a trip on a tour bus; believing that they drove the bus themselves, Arthur had sat in the driver's seat and began to start the engine. It was funny until they realised that Arthur genuinely was going to attempt to drive the bus, thankfully the driver came on board in time...and kicked Arthur off.
Apart from that; holidaying as a muggle had not impressed George one bit.
They finally arrived back at Ottery St Catchpole on Friday afternoon.
''Where are you going?'' Molly watched Ron dash straight through the house as soon as they got inside.
''To go ride my broom. No offence Hermione, but living like a muggle is as dull as hell.'' He slammed the back door shut behind him.
''Him and his magic, honestly...no wonder he never wants to wake up in the mornings; he's hoping someone will wave their wand and do it for him.'' Hermione commented, wondering how long her boyfriend could ever last without using magic.
''Oh I know dear, thank goodness not all of my boys are like that; I used to send Fred and George in to wake him up.'' Molly said, as she checked that the charms on the house plants had kept them healthy.
''Yeah, we used to get a spider from the garden; Fred would hold it in front of his face, and I yelled in his ear to get him to wake up. One look at the spider and he nearly went out the window.'' George chuckled from his seat on the sofa.
''That's so cruel George.'' Despite her words, Luna smiled as she spoke; thanking Merlin for the fact that she was an only child.
''I'm his big brother. Being cruel is a part of the job description.'' George looked cheekily at Luna, who had taken the seat on the sofa beside him.
''Hogwarts letters have arrived.'' Percy called from the kitchen.
''Yours is here too Hermione.'' He walked into the living room and passed Luna and Hermione their sealed envelopes. ''Where's Ginny?''
''She's outside with Harry and your father. Just leave it on the table Percy, she can have it when she comes inside.'' Molly replied.
George leaned forward and looked over Luna's shoulder as she unfolded the envelope and read the letter;
Dear Miss Luna Lovegood,
I have received your reply and I am happy to welcome you back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on September the 1st. Enclosed is a list of all the equipment required for your NEWT year and a permission slip which must be signed by your parent/guardian for you to attend Hogsmeade visits; the dates for these visits are also enclosed. The Hogwarts Express will depart from Kings Cross Station at eleven o'clock exactly, on the morning of the 1st, and I hope that you look forward to your return to Hogwarts.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Minerva McGonagall, Hogwarts Headmistress
''It's as if nothing's changed.'' George commented as he slumped back into his seat.
''I'm sure it will be very different once we are there. The Prophet spoke of a significant number of students not going back.'' Luna said as she read over the equipment list that had come with the letter.
''I'm not surprised. Most of the Slytherins wouldn't dare show their face in that castle anymore.'' George said with a scowl; remembering the likes of Pansy Parkinson shouting about turning Harry over to Lord Voldemort.
''George we cannot have that attitude anymore. I'm certain Minerva will be encouraging friendship and cooperation between the four houses more than ever now.'' Molly pondered, before looking at the slip in Luna's hand. ''Oh I'll sign that for you Luna.''
''I think I should be heading home now. I'll see you soon.'' Hermione waved and walked towards the back door so that she could say goodbye to Ron. The others gave their various farewells.
''I'm going to call for Errol, I want to start looking through the Prophet for any new job vacancies.'' Percy began making his way upstairs.
''Blimey, Perce you take your time don't you.'' George spoke sarcastically. Molly chuckled as she walked outside too rescue Harry and Ginny from whatever discussion Arthur had trapped them in.
''So, not long now.'' George said, reading over the departure date on Luna's letter again.
''No, but there are many weekends in Hogsmeade.'' Luna waved the sheet with the dates on in front of George's face. He snatched it from her hand and looked it over.
''Well I'll be there for all of them.'' He said, not actually caring if he had to abandon the shop for several hours if that's what it took for him to see her.
''It's come so fast.'' Luna looked down at her shuffling feet. ''I'm not sure I want to go anymore.''
''Luna, look at me.'' As she did, George brushed his thumb along her cheek. ''I not going to sit here and pretend that I want you to go, but I know that going back to school is important to you, and after it's over...you'll have the qualifications to get a great job, and not be stuck in the shop with me. But I must warn you; the job you can get rid of, but me, I'm not going anywhere.''
Luna smiled. ''I wouldn't mind not getting rid of you.''
''Well that's good to hear.'' George cupped her face with his hands and kissed her. After a few moments of bliss, he pulled away but kept his face close to her's. ''I love you Luna.''
''I love you too, I just wish you could come with me.''
George chuckled. ''Luna. Me and Fred flew out of that school with the very good intention of never learning a bloody thing in that place again; if I go back, Fred's going to be sat on his high perch somewhere calling me every name ever invented.''
''I know, but still it was a thought.'' Luna smiled softly at George.
''Yeah I know'' He ran a hand through her hair. ''By the way, if you don't want to; you don't have to work in the shop anymore if you would rather be getting ready for school.''
Luna violently shook her head, with a grin on her face. ''I don't think so. I'm spending every possible second with you for the next two weeks George Weasley.''
''Well in that case.'' George jumped up from the sofa and picked Luna up by the waist.
''George what are you doing?'' Luna squealed as he threw her over his shoulder. ''Where are we going?''
''If you're going to spend every possible second with me, then you're going to have to come and play Quidditch; I'm challenging Ron to a match.''
''Why are you carrying me then?'' Luna asked as she dangled over George's shoulder while he walked to the back door.
''I just thought it would be fun.'' He chuckled as he carried Luna out to the garden.
Next chapter; It's Luna and George's last few days together.
I understand that their isn't any big events going on at the moment- but I am getting there. So please bear with me, hopefully it will be worth it.