Chapter Four

Chatper Four! I hope you're enjoying reading this as much as I am writing it. Let me know please, by reviewing! This chapter starts with Angelina's point of view, ending with George's. ENJOY! REVIEW!

Thanks to Dark Child Productions, Ninna Boo (x2) and CynCity for reviewing! Thanks to CynCity for adding this to your favorites, and (again) to CynCity and 14 for added this to their alerts :)

"I already told you, Katie," said Angelina exasperatedly. "There is nothing romantic going on between George and I."

"But you're going to live together," protested Alicia Spinnet. The three girls, who remained close friends even after graduating, were walked down the crowded streets of London, hoods pulled over their heads to fend off the fierce wind.

"It's merely for convenience," Angelina said with a dismissing wave of her hand. I'm just going to help George out. And besides, his place is much closer to work, and Mum and Dad are both moving, so I can't very well stay with either of them."

"Ange, don't you think it'll be weird 'cause, you know, you and Fred used to…" Katie broke up, not knowing if she had crossed a line bringing up Fred's name.

"Maybe it would be, if George and I meant anything more to each other than friends. But we don't. We are just trying to help each other get through a hard time. Get it?"

The two had decided the previous day that this arrangement suited both parties best. Not a lot had been said, but somehow they had come to the same conclusion. At least for the time being, Angelina would be staying in the spare room, helping George with the shop, and—subtly—monitoring his alcohol usage. Both were equally glad to have someone to talk to, someone who understood what they were feeling without having to say anything.

"Oh, this is it," Angelina said, stopping abruptly at what looked like an abandoned sports stadium. "See you guys later?"

Katie and Alicia nodded and waved, continuing on as Angelina tentatively walked into the building, watching as it transformed before her eyes. The rusty bleachers repaired themselves and raised high into the air. The concrete phased to grass, and broken basketball hoops shifted into three tall hoops on either end. Angelina breathed in the familiar scent of the Quidditch field, and jogged to the center where she could see the rest of the team gathered.

"You must be Angelina Johnson," said a woman. She was tall, with long brown hair trailing in a thick braid to her mid-back. Her green eyes shone with anticipation, and she possessed an aura of command, making Angelina assume that she was the captain of the team. "My name is Caroline Darcy, but you can call me Carrie."

"I'm Angelina."

"Right, team, this is our newest member. Angelina, she's a Chaser. These are Jackson Lindgren and Aurora Wilde, fellow Chasers," she said, gesturing to a slight man with thick blonde hair, and a tall, slender woman with bright red curls. "Emmett Solem and Erik Willis, Beaters." Two burly men with black hair nodded at her. She pointed at another strong young man, this time with brown hair and freckles, "Timothy Weber, Keeper. And I'm Seeker. Welcome to the Chudley Cannons."

"Mum, please," George said, dodging his mother's arms as they tried to pull him into a hug. "It's not like that!"

"What do you mean it's not like that, George? You're moving in together!"

"Yes, but not because there's, er, anything going on between us. We're just friends. She needs a place to stay, and I need help with some…things."

"Yes, but still," protested Mrs. Weasley, her eyes glittering at the thought of perhaps another wedding, "There's possibility."
George sighed and, recognizing a lost cause when he saw it, turned away and walked to the living room, where Ron, Hermione, Percy and Mr. Weasley sat chatting. They all turned to smile at him, and George noted with some disdain that the sad twinge of pity to their faces hadn't yet disappeared as they looked at him.

"Hello, George," said his father, moving over on the couch to give his son room. "I think that's great about you and Angelina," he said, then grinned sheepishly. "We could all hear you from in here. You know, Molly's not exactly quiet." George laughed a little.

"Really, George, I think it's a good idea," said Hermione from where she was sitting, leaning on Ron's legs. Her voice had adopted that knowing tone she had used to use when she lectured Harry on how to ask Cho out, or how best to apologize to Ginny when they had had a spat. "Angelina's been having a rough time, too. I'm sure she's glad to have someone, you know…" Hermione's voice trailed off as she saw the look on George's face.

"Right," stated George, who was staring off into the fireplace.

"So, er," Ron, began, trying to change the subject. "Have you heard from Bill lately?"

"No, why?" His family exchanged glances, apparently deciding whether they should tell him or not. "What? Is everything okay?"

"Well, I'm sure Bill would want to tell you himself, but as it is…Bill and Fleur are going to have a child."

"What—Blimey. Well. That's great!" he said, his thoughts a little scattered. He was contemplating how he was supposed to welcome a new member into their family when the wounds hadn't even closed from the one they had just lost. "Right. Um. I think I'll take a walk. You know, get some fresh air."
"George," asked Mr. Weasley, concerned. "Is everything alright?"

"Yea. Good, thanks. I'll be back in later."

Heading out the back door, George aimed for the broom shed, hoping to grab his Cleansweep and go for a bit of a fly. Instead, he found something quite unwelcome.

"What in the bloody hell do you think you're doing?" George exclaimed, He had thrown open the door, looking up at first to dodge any spiders that might be falling down. When he had gazed back down, he saw his baby sister locked in a fierce embrace with none other than Harry Potter. They broke apart quickly at the sound of his enraged voice, Harry blushing slightly, but Ginny's face turning red for another reason. The infamous temper was arising.

"What, George?" she said irritably.

"What? What? I think you know what!"

"It's none of your business, George," Ginny stated defiantly, crossing her arms and sweeping her long red hair back behind her shoulders.

"Ginny," he said, trying to calm his voice. "Would you please leave Harry and I alone for a brief moment?"

"Yeah, right. And have you, what, murder him?"

"Gin, it's okay," said Harry, giving her hand a little squeeze. She gave him a glare, but nevertheless, left the shed. Harry gave George a half-hearted smile, gesturing to an empty crate to sit on. "I've actually been waiting for this. Ron, Bill, Charlie, Percy, and your dad have already lectured me."

George didn't laugh. He ran a hand distractedly through his hair. "Harry…My sister…" he murmured.

"George, you don't have to worry. I'd never hurt her. She's the most important thing to me." Harry leaned forward onto his knees, his face shining in earnestness. George glanced at him for a brief moment, before looking away. He couldn't help seeing him snogging Ginny whenever he looked at him.

"Harry, you don't get it. You don't understand what it's been like for us! For me, for her, for our family. I just-," George was cut off by Harry's voice, which had grown angry.

"I don't understand? I don't understand? I've lost both my parents, my godfather, Remus, Tonks, Dobby, Hedwig, Moody, Fred, Dumbledore! You think I don't understand? How thick are you?" Harry's voice choked as he spoke, as he remembered those he had lost.

George sighed, trying to sedate his anger. Harry was right. He had known pain as George had. "I'm sorry, Harry. That was stupid of me to say. I was already having a bit of a bad day, and seeing you two together, it just shocked me, I guess. Just, don't hurt her, okay?" Harry shook his head vigorously. "And, well, I guess I'm glad she has you."