Loyal readers.

Saying sorry for how long it has been between chapters,

Is by far not enough.

But still,

My apologies.

This is also a short one,

But it's a chapter…

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Transfiguration was going pretty much as to be expected. Fred, Lee and I chose the back corner of the room while working on our water into wine task so we could polish off our plan for the dance. Deep in conversation, I didn't notice McGonagall behind me.

"Mr. Weasley," she states, making me jump. "That water isn't going to change itself."

"Yes professor," I reply. She continues to stare at me. "What?" I ask her.

"I'm waiting for you to make an attempt."

I smirk at her and wave my wand at the glass of water, which instantly changes to the deep crimson of wine before our eyes. "Like that?" I ask.

"Charming," she states, glaring at me. "See me after class Mr. Weasley."

She moves to the front of the class to monitor a group of Ravenclaws and Fred starts laughing. "Nice one. You're still a detention behind from being in the hospital"

"I forgot about that…I don't see what her problem is." I reply. "I know this stuff no problem. Seems a little useless if you ask me."

The rest of the class went by without incident. I told Fred that I would meet back up with him at the common room and made my way to McGonagall's desk.

When the last student had exited the classroom, McGonagall looked up at me.

"Mr. Weasley, what do you want from life?"

I stared at her not too sure what to say. "Excuse me?"

"This is your last year here," She said looking quite serious. "What are your plans after you leave?"

"Well," I start. "Fred and I are in the process of developing some more products before we go completely public with our joke shop."

She nods. "And this is what you're planning on doing for the rest of your life?" She asks me. "Jokes? I realize that you enjoy playing pranks, but you cannot remain a child forever. You have the talent to do great things, George, when you set your mind to it. You have skill, you and your brother both, but yours is natural. You are probably the smartest in your class but your work hardly reflects it."

Startled more at her use of my first name than her comments I look at my feet for a second, run my hands through my hair and then look back into her eyes. I smile slightly at her and she looks taken aback.

"Professor," I start. "Who's to say how long the rest of my life really is? You-Know-Who is back in power and he continues to gather support, both new and old. I may only be seventeen, but a fool can see the danger that lies ahead. You ask what I plan on doing with my life? At the moment, I plan on continuing on making jokes and pranks. If I can make just one person smile and forget about the surely approaching war, well then I've made some difference now haven't I? After school, I'm going to join the Order, if I'll be allowed. I'm not too sure what I would add to it, but I suppose that anything is better than nothing at this point."

I notice the tears that are forming in her eyes, but I don't stop yet. "I'm scared if you want the truth, professor. I'm scared of taking life seriously; I'm scared of what I'll see if I choose not to hide behind laughter and jokes. My parents often tell of how things were like with You-Know-Who in power, and that's all beginning again. So I'm sorry if I don't take school seriously, I just don't see how turning water into wine is really that important."

I look at her curiously as she stands up and walks around the desk so she is in front of me. "We're all scared, George, we all are." I recoil a little as she wraps her arms around me, but return the gesture. She pulls away and regains her composure. "I suppose that having your essay in on time for a change is a start, now if you'll excuse me, I have papers to grade."

I nod and make my way to the door. "And Mr. Weasley," I turn, my hand on the door knob, and face her. "You would make a wonderful addition to the Order."

"Thank you, professor." I state and make my way to the common room.

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"What are you smiling about?" Fred asks me as I sit beside him in front of the fire. "No detention?"

"No, just a lecture."

"Nice," He replies. "Hogsmeade after Charms then?"

"Yeah, I was thinking of transfiguring a flower for Hermione, but I think I'll buy her a nice one in the village."

Fred rolls his eyes at me.

"Can I ask you something Fred?" I ask in all serious which catches him off guard.

"Of course. What's up?"

"Have you thought at all about if our idea for a joke shop falls through?"

He stares at me for a second. "Where did this come from?"

"McGonagall," I reply. "But I've been thinking about it for a good while now as well. Fred, You-Know-Who is back. Mom, Dad, Bill, Charlie…they're all going to be fighting against him soon, and we're planning on a joke shop. I don't know…"

Fred smiles at me. "You worry too much sometimes, bro" He says and ruffles my hair. "I'm going to go find Lina and see if she's got a date yet. Stop sulking, you're giving us a bad name."

I watch him as he exits through the portrait hole and turn my gaze to the fire before me.

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I promise,

Reviews will make me post another chapter faster.

I also have a new story posted if interested.

OC, if you're into that.