Notes and Disclaimers: This story is about Eileen Pierce's summer between "Father Figure" and "Eternal Knight", she visits several of her friends and learns some interesting things about them in the meantime. Each chapter of this story will be about a different person she's staying with and the secrets they indulge. The characters starring in this short story are: Eileen (of course), Cheryl and Gregory Applegate, Artemis Prewett, Lucas, Page, and Roderick Beowulf, Fred and George Weasley, Remus Lupin, and Severus Snape. Special thanks to Starr and Otaku for helping me find my inner New Yawkah! XD Enjoy and make sure you read it, some of this might be referenced in the next story! ~_^
Chapter 9: George
Several days passed since the showdown with Mrs. Weasley. Fred was grounded for the rest of the week for speaking ill of his father and eldest brother's work, causing him to miss out on any trips out of the house. Luckily, his twin had avoided such a punishment and was free to go out whenever he wished to...so long as his mother approved it. One such occasion came when Mr. Weasley made a trip out to Diagon Alley for supplies.
"Dear, I have to pick up some supplies from Diagon Alley, do you need anything?" Arthur Weasley called out as he stood by the fire place, Floo Powder in hand and ready to go.
"Yes! Could you be a dear and get me some scarab beetles and bubotuber pus?" Molly called back from upstairs where she was collecting laundry.
"Of course, I'll be back in a few!" Just as he was preparing to toss the powder, George skidded in from the backyard like his trousers were on fire.
"Where you going, dad?" George grinned, his cheeks flushed from his excursion outdoors.
Eileen came teetering in shortly after him, trying to catch her breath and pick corn hush debris out of her hair.
"I'm going to Diagon Alley to do a bit of shopping, I won't be long." Arthur replied, again grabbing up some powder.
"Can I come? It's so boring being cooped up in the house all week!" George begged as he danced about his father anxiously, "Eileen's dreadfully depressed with all this country life too! Weren't you just telling me how much you wished you could see some magical people again?"
Catching on, Eileen nodded, "I really do. Plus I need to acquire more parchment for my letters before I go abroad again."
"That's right, you're going to...Ireland, is it?" Arthur mused.
"Scotland, sir, to visit my friend Lucas." Eileen corrected, managing to put herself together and right her hair.
"Splendid. Well, if your mother says it's alright, I don't see why you two couldn't come. Your brother will be left all alone though..." Arthur glanced up at the stairs.
"Oh, Fred won't mind, he's busy studying!" George said as he trotted over to the bottom of the stairs and craned his neck to look up, "Hey Mum, can Eileen and I go out with Dad?"
"If you behave yourselves and stay with him! No buying anything to further your mischief!" Molly replied in her usual shrill tone of scolding.
"Yes, Mum!" Grinning broadly, George looked back at Eileen, "Come on, let's get our stuff!"
The pair clambered up to the twin's room to retrieve their bags and explain the trip to Fred who was scribbling something on a piece of parchment.
Youre going without me? Fred looked just a bit envious of his brother getting to spend time with Eileen outside of the house.
I can make some arrangements for new supplies for our business, since Mums on our case all the time. George hissed as he checked his pack for the essentials before shouldering it.
Sighing, Fred turned and slouched in his chair, Alright, but make sure Dad doesnt catch on.
Of course, I could fly a car under his nose and he wouldnt notice. George gave a playful wink and nudged his brother, Well get this business going yet! Lets go, Eileen!
Giving the sulking twin a final glance, Eileen trotted after George as he barreled down the stairs to rejoin his father by the hearth.
Everything set? Alright then, off we go! Arthur threw a fist-full of silvery powder into the fire, causing it to explode into green flames. Passing off the flowerpot, Mr. Weasley stepped into the flames and clearly announced, Diagon Alley! before being whisked away in a tornado of flames before settling down again into a normal fire.
Ladies first! George held out the flowerpot.
Smiling, Eileen took a handful and followed Arthurs steps. George followed soon after and the group entered into the busy street of Diagon Alley. Throngs of witches and wizards - and questionable other magical beings - surged through the marketplace. Many families milled about the cobblestone street enjoying the culture and idly shopping for deals, their children begging for treats from nearby cafes or ice cream from Florean Fortescues Ice Cream Parlour. Wizards and witches rushed by, in a hurry to purchase ingredients for potions brewing at home or simply running on a tight schedule. Peddlers roamed up and down the street selling their wares, some offering homebrewed potions, others cheap knockoffs of wizarding necessities like cauldrons and wands. All together it made a sight of magical proportions, full of life and color that Eileen found enthralling and a little intimidating.
Arthur headed to the right of the bank that stood at the center of the shopping district. At the end of the alley near the Leaky Cauldrons hidden entrance were several shops of interest. The Apothecary stood at the very end, traffic flowing in and out with parcels some that moved and twitched ever so slightly. Arthur turned to the teens and gave a cautious sigh, I have some business in the Apothecary, if youd like to do your shopping while Im busy we can get everything done before lunch.
Sounds like a plan! Lets get your parchment, Eileen. George grinned and ushered her off to the stationary store. Inside, they roamed through the shelves of quills and paper to find what she needed.
You sure do like writing letters, dont you? I never really understood why girls were so obsessed with writing about everything. George mused as he fiddled with a hawk feather quill.
How else is my godfather going to know how my summer is going? Eileen asked as she absently collected some scrolls.
I dont know, why do you have to tell him about everything? I mean, I know hes nosyno pun intended. George playfully elbowed her as he crossed to a shelf of Muggle stationary.
Making a face at him, Eileen replied, Because I want to. Hes my guardian; I want him to know where I am and what Im doing.
Do you tell him about how youve been spending time alone with Fred in the trees? A teasing glint twinkled in his eyes.
Eileen blushed and almost dropped her armful of scrolls, What?
I should feel threatened by you, stealing my brother away from me, George grinned, But youre a great girl so I dont mind too much.
What do you mean, stealing him away? Im not taking him anywhere. Eileen looked confused as she adjusted her load.
You like him, dont you? George asked curiously, taking some of her collection to ease her burden.
Sure, hes my best friend, so are you. Eileen frowned, walking through the store to find the mailing envelopes.
Right George scratched his head awkwardly, deciding it wasnt the best idea to bring it up with her since she seemed clueless to such things. Instead he changed the subject, I gotta get some more parchment for our order forms since Mum made off with the stack we had.
Youre still going through with it? But she was so upset Eileen stared at him with a confused frown.
Did you stop doing magic when your father did everything in his power to stop it? George looked serious.
She had forgotten that she had confided in the twins about her rough past, at least as much as her magic was concerned. Looking down gravely, Eileen shook her head.
With a smile, George chucked her under the chin, Its the same thing with us, we were born to do this. Ever since we were kids shopping at Gambol and Japes, we wanted to open our own joke shop and be the best in the business. Its always been our dream, not to work at the ministrythats our folks dream. As fun as it would be to sit at a desk all day and file paperwork, Id rather be inventing new and amazing jokes that would wow the pants off the likes of Dumbledore. Granted, thats not much of a feat, he enjoys our pranks more than most of the teachers.
He does seem to enjoy a good laugh; he always gets a twinkle in his eye even if hes handing out a punishment. Eileen smiled up at George, feeling a little better.
Exactly! And as terrifying as our Mum can be, this is our future and we have to live it the way that we are meant to. If we got stuck at the ministry, wed probably end up with jobs in separate departments and wouldnt get to work together. Were a team, you cant split up geniuses. George grinned, collecting his own supplies, Do you mind pretending this lot is yours too? Dont worry, Ill pay for it.
Sure. Eileen smiled, knowing how important this was to them now. She admired his courage and determination, laughing in the face of adversity even in the grimmest situations. As she picked up a bundle of envelopes, she said softly, I wish I knew what I wanted to do with my life like you do.
You havent made any plans? George blinked in surprise, I would have thought youd want to work at St. Mungos or be an Auror.
I havent really considered it. Ive been too busy running from my past to think about the future. She replied dismally, finishing her shopping and heading for the front counter.
George followed, brow furrowed, You shouldnt focus on the pastits called the past for a reason. Why dont you talk to the teachers about it, see what they think. Im sure theyd be able to give you some job ideas based on how well you do in school.
Only problem with that is I exceed at everything I do, so I could do anything.
Careful, your ego might suffocate me. George grinned, waiting for his turn at the check out.
I wasnt trying to be egotistical, its a fact. Eileen looked confused, paying for her purchases and taking the bags, If I ask the teachers what they think I should do, theyll all suggest positions similar to their own. Professor Flitwick would tell me to go into the field of charms, Professor McGonagall would say I should be a transfiguration expert, Professor Sprout would insist that I work with magical plants
And Professor Snape would say you should become his evil minion and work in the dungeons with him? George hazarded a grin in her direction as he pulled out some coins to pay for his share.
Dont be ridiculous, he wouldnt want me to go into his field, Id be far too dangerous if I got mixed up in that business. I could even become the next You Know Who. Eileen scoffed mildly, ignoring the questioning look the cashier gave her as she picked up her purchases.
Laughing, George collected his own before scooping her bags out of her grip and slinging them over one shoulder with a smirk, Well one things for sure, if you did, youd be a lot easier on the eyes than he is.
Blushing, Eileen swatted his arm and left the store by his side, Thats not funny. I was being serious.
George frowned at her, I doubt you would, youre a good person. You have people you love and care for, why would you turn to the dark side?
I can feel itdeep in my heart, theres a darkness there that scares me. Even the Sorting Hat sensed it; why else would it place me in Slytherin? Eileen sounded concerned as she absently followed in his wake.
George stared at her thoughtfully before reaching up to ruffle her hair, We all have that little voice in our heads that urges us to do wrong, obviously Fred and I listen to ours more than we should but we dont mean any harm by it. Dont worry about managing your magic, Dove; it was only your second year. Everyones uneasy their first couple years, give yourself a break.
Gazing up at him, Eileen looked worried, ButGeorge, I was moved up to fifth year. I took my O.W.L. exams and everything!
Then you must be doing something right if you passed, even if it makes me sad that youll graduate before we do. George grinned, heading toward an ice cream parlor, Youll just have to make sure you dont forget us when you become famous and everyone wants your attention.
George Eileen couldnt help but smile at him as she settled into a chair at the parlor.
Sitting across from her, he settled their bags into a pile at his feet and waved to a server, ordering some ice cream before smiling at her, You mean a lot to us, Fred and I, even that old curmudgeon Snape seems to care about you. You cant be all that bad if so many people love you. I say you do whatever you want to do, not what other people want for you. Think about it, youve got plenty of time to decide.
No, I dont, this coming year Ill be a sixth year student. I have a year before I graduate, this is the year I have to decide what Ill do with my life, Eileen sighed and slouched a bit in her chair, Maybe I should have stayed where I was, I dont have enough time to think about it.
Youre going to see Lupin and Snape before school arent you? Ask them what they think; at least Lupin doesnt have any ulterior motives about his opinions. Snape seems to know you better than the rest of us do so he can help as well. George mused.
I never thought Id see the day that youd actually suggest I take Severus advice. Eileen shook her head in disbelief.
Im pretty surprised I suggested it toomaybe Im coming down with something. George felt his forehead for a fever.
Giggling, Eileen smiled at him and said, Maybe hes just rubbing off on you.
I hope not, Im liable to slip on the cobblestone with all that greasy residue. George grinned mischievously.
Eileen scoffed and chucked a roll of parchment at him as he laughed, having a brief kicking match under the table before their ice cream arrived and they put aside their differences for the sake of creamy dessert goodness.