A Tree called Life
Characters: George & Lee
Word Count: 904
Summary: Lee gives George something to think about.
Author's Note: It seems that there's a recurring theme going, of George, Neville, George, Neville, George. It's weird- I didn't plan it like that at all, it's just how I was inspired. Anyway, I'm sorry I haven't updated in ages, I've been horrendously busy with school and life and stuff. I wrote this quickly because I really wanted to post something- I'm going through a bit of a writer's block period, unfortunately. Hope you like it, even if it is a bit boring- feedback is appreciated!
Number 67:
"Dude, you're loaded!"
Lee comes with George to Gringotts, even though he'd told him not to. It's bustling with fraught shoppers inside, and George almost walks straight back out if it wasn't for Lee stood behind him, pushing him forward to the counter.
There's a goblin at the counter with greasy black hair and an unconvincing smile. "Key, please."
George fumbles in his pockets for a moment before producing it, the key he hasn't touched since Fred died- their joint account consisting of the remainders of Harry's 1000 galleons and their own profit. As George hands it over the key screams loudly at suddenly being in the wrong hands and George remembers the charm he had devised much to Fred's delight for exactly that purpose.
Several people are staring now and Lee is laughing his head off so George snatches the key back (the screaming stops instantly) and mutters a spell. He hands it back and this time, the key doesn't scream and the goblin's unconvincing smile is missing.
Lee claps his back. "Who thought of that one?"
George looks down at the key as the Goblin gives it back to him and begins to lead the way to the carts. They follow, Lee waiting patiently for George to answer. "I think... I did," George says, still looking at the key.
"Great idea, mate. Thought of selling it?"
"I- no," George says honestly as they sit down and the cart begins to move. "Maybe I should."
"Definitely." Lee grimaces as the cart starts moving faster and faster, whipping his dreadlocks back. "Which reminds me," he says, shouting slightly over the noise of the wind rushing past them, "I think it's time for you to start inventing again."
George doesn't say anything, just closes his eyes as he starts to feel a bit queasy. The goblin rolls his eyes and mumbles "lightweight" under his breath.
"'Cause mate, if you made up that key-screaming spell on your own, there's no stopping you." Lee says, holding on tight to the side of the cart.
Suddenly the cart draws to a halt outside the vault and George clambers out immediately after the goblin, eager to drop the conversation. He hands the key to the goblin and waits patiently for him to open the vault.
"You know," Lee says as he struggles out, relief evident on his face, "just because you're ignoring the issue doesn't mean I'm going to drop this. You're a successful inventor, you don't need Fred's help- and besides, you've got us, you know, me, Ange', Alicia, Ron-" Lee's eyes widen as the door opens, revealing stacks and stacks of golden galleons and several piles of sickles and knuts. "Dude, you're loaded!"
George looks at the gold sadly. "Yes," he says, and then, as he bends down to collect some in two drawstring bags, he mumbles, "except now I have no one to share it with."
"I can help you there," Lee says, grinning, unable to take his eyes off the glittering mounds.
George closes the vault door suddenly and Lee blinks, his attention back on George.
"As I was saying," Lee starts, watching George and the goblin climb into the cart, "well-"
"Lee," George says. "Shut up and get in the cart."
"Right you are," Lee says, jumping in and sitting down, rocking the cart slightly to the goblin's displeasure. George nods to the goblin and the cart starts to move.
When they get out of the cart they thank the goblin and begin the walk back to the shop, neither of them saying a thing. Every so often Lee looks at George out of the corner of his eye and George pretends not to notice, instead using the time to think and grit his teeth and wish for Lee to go.
"You coming in?" George asks as he unlocks the door of the shop. He'd closed it for the day seeing as he had some errands to run and Lee had offered to come and help.
"Actually I can't," Lee lies. It's obvious George isn't up for company right now. "My mum, she's having this whole family lunch thing- I said I'd go, I hope you don't mind..."
"No, not at all," George says straight away with a small smile. "Enjoy yourself."
"Thanks, I will," Lee says, putting a hand on George's shoulder. "I'll see you later."
"Sure," George says, nodding. "See you." He watches as Lee starts walking away up the street, dreadlocks swinging.
"Oh, and George?" Lee shouts, turning round.
"Yeah?" George asks.
"Think about what I said. You know, starting to invent again? Be a shame to waste your talent." Lee smiles and then turns away before George can tell him that he won't be thinking about what he said because it's a stupid idea and besides, he can't do it on his own.
But as he takes his keys out of the lock and lets himself in, the Gringotts key swinging on the chain blatantly, as if mocking him, he can't help thinking that maybe he should try. After all, he has nothing to lose anymore.