Dating Advisor, On thin ice, In the future.
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I was at mum's this morning she insisted that I come for breakfast alone. Which was odd, the whole gang of them were still there and would be till September, so why would having Fred over make the slightest bit of a difference? The house was chaos; people were all over the place noise was booming.
"Mum" I called out, the others just smiled at me when they noticed there was a new person in the room, it was Saturday morning and Fred really did need me in the shop. We needed to get the shop ready for the day and then open at ten for a long day's work of people jumping in and out; it was the weekend after all.
"She's in the Kitchen George" Bill explained shaking his head "She's been like this all morning since she remembered" He laughed. I glanced at Charlie he was chuckling to himself also neither of them telling me what exactly she remembered.
The three of us walked towards the kitchen "Poor mum just remembered that 'Our little Elizabeth' is back from Italy today" I felt my body go cold and the hairs on my neck stand up, She was back? No it couldn't be? I glanced at the calendar on the wall, shit!
I sighed and walked into the kitchen rubbing the back of my neck. Mum was sitting at the head of the table, paper spread all around her, while Ginny and Hermione was busy at counters and stoves getting breakfast ready. It made me laughed slightly thinking how Hermione was really just like another sister to me.
"Morning mum" I greeted slowly, she looked up and smiled quickly, her face brightening just at the sight of me, I frowned what was going on in her crazy mind.
"Good you're here George! And no Fred just like I asked! You need to write a letter to Elizabeth" She ordered pushing a piece of parchment and quill down the table as I watched her warily.
I rolled my eyes, was this why she wanted me over? To try to trick me into writing Elizabeth a letter? Really, that was evil plan and no wonder she didn't want Fred here, he would have grabbed me and apparated straight back home to the flat mumbling how this was a major waste of our time "Don't you dare roll your eyes at me George Weasley" She snapped her fierce eyes on me.
"Mum I'm sure she'll be by the shop sooner than later" I pleaded, I really didn't see the point in writing to her, I was sure she had things to do. She was only back after all.
"You can't expect anything of us women, if you want to see us you should ask us, not expect us to turn up when you want us" Mum tusked, while looked out the window it was a dull morning. Grey clouds and mist.
Mum laughed at me, never stopping to look up from her own neatly written letter, "You should write to her George It's the gentlemanly thing to do" I sighed again and sat down, around the middle of the table, opposite everyone else, alone and under attack in my own old home.
Hermione whispered to Ginny "Why is your mum so excited about Elizabeth? She's just George's girlfriend" I glanced up at Hermione; she looked away quickly, going back to chopping onions.
"Elizabeth is calming George down, mum says" I heard Ginny's short, snappy reply "I don't see what the drama is about, she's just another O'Connor, they're all cocky, rich and they just know they're beautiful" I glared at the table, Ginny was wrong, Elizabeth wasn't cocky was she? She was only sixteen, so she had no money of her own and never seemed to come off arrogant.
"Yes, do write to your girlfriend Georgie..!" Charlie teased "Wouldn't want to hear that she's left you, a well-bred Englishman for some sly Italian!" Mum shook her head chuckling.
I sighed "We've never written to each other" I tried, Hermione giggled, as if I was being funny, maybe she thought I was lying. "And besides Mum our generation doesn't write to each other anymore" I tried, Charlie and Bill scoffed. I knew it was a lie, but I really didn't remember the last time I wrote a proper letter, if I ever needed to tell someone something I would go see them or send them a quick note. And mum wouldn't accept that a quick note would be nearly good enough for Elizabeth.
"I think a letter can be romantic" Hermione smiled at me "I think Elizabeth would appreciate it" I glared at the table as if it had just insulted me. How would Hermione know if she would like it or not she knew as little about her as I do?
"Yeah well I think it's weird, we haven't been going out that long" I snapped back at the bushy haired witch, I knew she didn't know about the arrangement and it unnerved me to know mum planned this so I wouldn't have any excuse not to send her a bloody letter.
"Hush George, and write the poor girl a letter" Mum pushed the parchment into my arms. Growling I grabbed the quill and ink and scratched the bothersome teen a letter.
The letter was short and by no means personal, I asked, just like mum wanted, if she would like to come visit the shop and tell me all about Italy. I was slightly interested in the feast of beasts but my guilt had been drowning me lately. It wasn't like I could tell her what I had done. How could I have been so stupid to kiss someone else? I hadn't told anyone not even Fred, he didn't suspect anything either thank Merlin, But if he had known he would celebrate it. I wondered if Elizabeth would do something like that to me. I hoped she wouldn't do it to me and if she did I would understand.
Sitting through Breakfast, after our letters were sent, everything was normal apart from Harry; he seemed to be distant, sending me questioning looks and frowns. Maybe it was just my guilt driving imagination but he seemed to be disappointed in me.
When I got back to the shop I threw myself into my work, hiding my guilt and pushing myself as hard as I could to figure out the clinches to the new product we were working on. It was a sweet that you suck and if you're telling a lie your nose grows. Just like that muggle fairy tale, Pinocchio. The work was a great distraction from the guilt eating me up inside from Lee's Party.
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Blaise, Theo arrived home from Italy two hours ago and Molly Weasley had already sent me a lengthy letter asking me various questions, simple questions but plenty of them to make up for the few days I was gone. –How was the weather in Rome? And OH! I hope dear that nothing bad happened; did you take many pictures…? –
Sure, something bad did happen, that night with Darragh all I could call it was something bad. And I did take photos but I doubted that Mrs Weasley would want to see photos of Theo, Blaise and I at a wet tee-shirt competition or be being thrown into a pool in a bikini. I grinned, I let Blaise be the keeper of them, I can only imagine what my mother would say if she found them.
George had sent me a letter also. But it was short and no doubt only written because of his mother. It was mostly a request to see me sometime today, Molly had asked me to Sunday dinner tomorrow but I smartly left that little information out of my reply to her in hope she'd forget about the offer.
I don't think I would survive two such gathering in such a short period of time. When I told mum of the letters through the floo she demanded and I go see George at his work straight away. It was a Saturday and all I wanted to do was either lie on the couch and read.
But I did what as I was told or I would pay the price. And I didn't want to know what my mother could have up her sleeve. As I strolled down Diagon alley I glanced into the windows and shop doors. I was staying with Jason again, and Dylan sent me a letter from Denmark telling me that all was well and that they all arrived safe and the small fund-raising quiddage competition in had went well but Sean had been sick twice on the train; that made me laugh. He really was an awful drunk.
Standing outside the colourful shop I glanced at my outfit; skinny, ripped, black jeans, a tight blue tang top and because it was sunny today so I wore my tan sandals and no jacket. My hair was tied up in a high pony tail, my playfully messy curls flicking at the back of my neck. It was the most casual I had worn while planning to see George.
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Around one during the Lunch hour the shop always gets busy so I went out to man the till, but I still brought my notes, not really in the mood to help customers today. I would glance out the window every now and then and look at the passer-by's and then While chewing on the end of a sour quill I glanced out and standing outside staring at her feet was Elizabeth. I rolled my eyes at the pretty teen, was she insane or just stupid? Everyone knows that lunch hour is our busiest time. It's anyone's busiest time around Diagon alley.
My tummy turned when she looked up but not at me. I frowned, a sixteen year old girl shouldn't look like she did; she could easily pass for 19 or 20 if she really wanted to. I put down my quill decided that She wouldn't come in alone and I would have to go out and get her, but her head picked up and she smiled at someone, arching my neck I spotted Malfoy smirking and walking towards her. I could tell he was teasing her, she laughed, I slouched on the counter and I watched the two of them intrigued by them.
When he looked over and spotted me he glared, I waved playfully at him. He sneered and turned and hugged Elizabeth that wiped my face clean. I thought they weren't friends, she said they weren't. When he was pulling back he had the nerve to kiss her cheek. I didn't know why I was angry, I had no right to be I had cheated on our fake relationship already and beside it wasn't Elizabeth who had been the one to kiss Malfoy. But Elizabeth didn't blush, which I thought was odd; she always blushed around my family. Maybe we just make her nervous.
"What ya looking at?" Fred asked, walking over with a handful of products, when he looked out at Malfoy and Elizabeth he snorted "Should have guessed" he spat "Great Company O'Conner keeps… Snakes of all people" I laughed at his annoyance with the girl.
"I think she's coming here to see me" I explained in my most bored voice I could muster, Fred Awed, I glared at him. I was just telling him what I thought.
"What did she get your letter and come straight away!" He claimed with a knowing grin, I frowned, I suppose I didn't leave a pacific time on it. Glancing back outside I spotted Elizabeth and Malfoy walking off their arms linked. "Guess you're not who she was coming to see then after all" Fred teased before going off to help someone. For some reason the thought of Elizabeth and Malfoy annoyed me more than Charlie's teasing or Fred's hatred for the youngest O'Connor.
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"Elizabeth?" I heard a low voice call out, looking up I found someone I rather have not seen only after being back in England for a few hours. Draco Malfoy stood tall and proud wearing black jeans and a clingy white tee. It was very casual for him. As much of a horny ass he was, he was an extremely sexy ass and nothing was going to be taking that away from the young Malfoy.
He wanted me, he always made that clear, but before I had Paddy and now I have George. Oh how life was evil. "Draco!" I smiled up at him, flashes of the club zoomed through my mind; hot and horny memories. We both knew before the only reason I had choice Paddy was because Draco lived here and I was in residents in Ireland it just didn't make scene. My best guess now was that he wanted me all to himself.
"What brings you to dirty old London? On such a sunny day" He teased walking up to me. He quickly glanced at the twins shop and frowned, but before I could see what left him glaring he bent down and hugged me. I hugged all my friends, kiss them too so when he pecked my cheek I wasn't shocked but Draco and I weren't friends he was practically my rapist.
"I'm just stopping by for a visit" I claimed, not showing him any fear, bullies live on fear. I smiled brightly at him and he smiled back, smiles are contagious.
"Do come to Lunch with me, it feels like I haven't seen you in weeks!" he laughed joining our arms. "Now that I think on it, I haven't seen you since you came to England first, remember you came and met us at the café" I smiled weakly, he didn't remember the club. He doesn't remember that he's on my top list of perverts.
Draco gave me a million watt smile, a smile that I know he only takes out for special occasions like wooing a girl he likes, or wants to fuck. "Well I suppose I could…" I mumble not really thinking as the handsome teen smiles his hypnotizing smile at me.
"Great" Draco smiled "we'll go to Lily's right now, I'm starved" I laughed at his eagerness as he takes my arm in his. He led us back down the street to 'Lily's' which was a quiet, elegant, posh restaurant. Someplace where a Malfoy could eat; I rolled my eyes, someplace expensive.
"Draco really..?" I asked this was not where I wanted to eat when I was dressed in skinny jeans and sandals. This was a place where you wear a sun dress and heels.
"What?" He asked innocently, I laughed as we walked into the restaurant, the bewitched violin seem to pause at our interruption of the delicate peacefulness. I frown at my black nail vanished toe nails.
The host frowned at us, "Table for two" Draco grinned at me.
"Do you have a reservation?" The host sneered at us.
Glancing over at the tables I noticed that the place was quiet full, I didn't even realise it was so late into the lunch hour. That made me frown more, George and Fred could be gone for their lunch by the time I get back.
"The name is Malfoy" Draco stated smirking, his hand slowly took mine and he gently squeezed it. I smiled brightly, yet completely flakily at the host pretending not to care that Draco was touching me inappropriately or that both of us were severely underdressed.
"Yes Mr Malfoy this way" the frowning host had changed in an instant, now he was happy, open and cheery almost. It was weird how fast a person could change. As we walked around the host's stand I snatched my hand back not at all playing along with Draco's little act of 'love sick teens'
We walked through the diner until we reached a private table for two in one of the few corners. It was one of the most secluded tables in the place, I wondered if it was the host trying to hide us 'reckless kids' or Draco wanting privacy. I really hoped it was the first.
After we sat the host took our drink order, after he came and left with Draco red wine and my lemonade, Draco near demanded that I try his red wine and when I said it was a great wine he got me a glass. After he knew that I didn't want to drink. I had George to see after and I could only imagine what Fred would tell his family and more importantly his if I stank of wine in the middle of the day, I know she didn't like the idea of teenagers drinking.
Draco spent most of the time talking about himself, - how he had gotten into 'Stone's Quiddage summer Camp' that year, I didn't have the chance to tell him I had been there before also. Then he went on about his mother fashion line and how we should do this again sometime.
By desert I was sick of him; there was NO way I was going to be having dinner, breakfast, lunch or tea alone with Draco Malfoy ever again. I mean I've been on some seriously bad dates, but this wasn't even a date! This was just a lunch with a friend supposable. I sighed and slid my finger around the edge of my win glass, glancing at Draco he was smiling that smile again only this time all it left was a bad taste in my mouth. He was an annoying spoilt boy; just like Paddy.
"So, what have you been up to for the past few weeks, Ivy?" He asked, using my nickname again. I sighed and swirled my second glass of wine staring out at the other diners.
"I went to Rome, Blaise and Theo joined me and then we went to Blaise's for the end of festival" I explained, happy to get a word in but when Draco ever moving foot was trailing up and down my skinny jeans I shivered it made me so very uncomfortable.
"Rome? And then Blaise's family" He grinned "There a lot of fun, half of them refuse to speak English and if you try to communicate with them they just laugh unbothered and walk away" He chuckled "You should have invited me to Rome for the feast, I've never been" He pouted playfully, I faked a laugh again, Draco wasn't that funny, just a Cocky Confident Arsehole who had a smile that could make girls panties wet; but not mine, not after this dramatically wrong lunch.
"I went with Dylan and his quiddage buddies and then when they left Theo and Blaise arrived" I explained, not really caring if I was interesting enough to keep his attention anymore at least Paddy listened and remembered this boy is just a jerk.
"So we would have never been alone" He frowned staring out behind me, for a few moment it was silent I was to tired of him to talk and he was calculating something in his busy mind.
"I don't think we should ever be alone Draco" I stated finally interrupting the silence that had come over us; I finished my second wine while he stared at me confused.
"And why is that?" He asked his face hard I smiled lightly at him, almost taunting in my opinion.
"I'm with George now, I don't want to mess that up" I said grinning, hiding the fact that I would do anything to mess it up. Anything!
I mean it's not that I don't like George, but I didn't like him in the way I should, I mean we're arranged to me married. I should want to be with him whenever I can, I should always have him wondering in my mind day and night, he should set me flowers and chocolates, his family should love and accept me, his twin should at least like me. We should have inside jokes and farewell passionate kisses. We should have everything! But instead we have nothing but a hopeless marriage between pureblood families. And know nothing of each other really.
Draco leaned back into his chair for the first time, he shook his head unhappily, "The Weasley twins are well known players in this city" He stated, I wanted to laugh, has he ever looked in the mirror? "How do you know he's not playing with you?" I had known this already, Blaise had mentioned it once that George had given up going out I had come to the conclusion that that was a big deal for one of the twins to do. So it showed he was trying at least not to hurt my feelings.
I laughed, deciding to take a page from Draco books and pretend to be a self-centred and cocky arse hole. Grinning I leaned back in my seat, mimicking him "Who would leave me? I mean looking at me Draco! Would you?" I questioned his eye brows shot up and smirked at me "You're the biggest man slut I know, and would you leave me if you could get me?" I teased.
"Oh I can get you Elizabeth there is no question about that!" He said securely, I let a laugh out shaking my head at his confidence, this was amusing at least "and No if you were mine I'd never let you go" I smiled at him, that was the cocky answer I was waiting for but the end was kind of sweet, I mean for Draco it was 'sweet'.
"Well please don't waste your time, Mr Malfoy I'm taken" Draco laughed, but I was being deadly serious.
"For now" he claimed, I rolled my eyes smirking, I couldn't mess around with anyone unless George and I agreed to that first. I was either going to be a loyal 'Girlfriend' or it was going to be an open relationship for the both of us.
"Are you ready for the bill?" Our host asked smiling at the pair of us.
"Yes" we replied together, neither of us breaking our stare. Draco paid for the lunch, as any gentleman would. One thing about the rich pure blood community; they're brought up right. Something must go wrong when we hit seventeen I thought with a grin.
Back at outside the twin's shop Draco stood beside me after he insisted that he walked me back. As if I was a child or some disobedient dog that'd lose themselves on the short walk from the café to the twin's shop.
My mood was down, and the wine hadn't helped at all. I needed to go see Mike at the Mellow Café, and get myself a big girl drink, maybe I'll owl Theo and Blaise to meet me there late, Might end up being a good night after that horrid lunch.
"Well I would like to do this again" Draco sighed staring down at me; I often caught him glancing at my lips and even my breasts, horny fucker can't even control himself on the public street. "But I know you don't want to be 'alone' with me" He took a step closer to me, there was too many people walking around us for me to take a step back, he wrapped his arms around my waist, hugging me close; way too fucking close.
I hugged him quickly and took a step back, walking into a tall wizard with an old wrinkled face, with a quick sorry he nodded and walked off his face set in a frown.
"Well maybe you can convince Theo and Blaise to a meal or a night out and we can all meet up" I teased, as I walked backwards towards the shop.
"I'll work on that" He grinned down at me before walking back the way we had just come and I lost him in the rumble of wizards and witches; little did he know that neither Theo or Blaise would ever agree to that after what happened at the club.
Turning from Draco's lost body I found one of the twins closing the shop door. "You're going to eat?" I asked softly, the boy turned around and frowned and I wasn't sure if it was Fred displeased to see me always or if it was George just upset in seeing me hovering around again.
"Have a nice time with Malfoy?" he snapped sharply at me, this confused me. Maybe it was George- a jealous/angry George or a normal Fred.
"Well, No I didn't actually" I claimed crossing my arms over my chest, making my already tight top protest from the strain of the fabric over my large breasts.
He scanned me for a second, his eyes lingering on my ripped jeans. Suddenly I felt very much underdressed in front of him in his brown suit, red shirt and zebra tie. I was dressed my age; but my mother always said 'teenage is never really acceptable Ivy' He sighed "George is doing lunch hour while I go find us some food" Fred Explained.
"I could get the pair of you something" I jumped in, dropping my arms. Hoping to do something, anything, to bring Fred over to my side, he flattered for a few seconds before shaking his head 'no'
"Nah I have a particular taste" he claimed; it was a bad excuse in my opinion, I sighed knowing Fred and I were never really going to be friends. That left me wondering what hope is there for George and I if he's twin already hates me.
"All right" I nodded walking towards the door he just closed "See you in a while" I smiled extra sweetly; he sorted at me and waved before leaving for the Leaky Cauldron.
I slipped into the twins shop nervously, glancing at 'my stool' I sighed; today was going to be a long one. "Hello there missus can I hell-l-l-l-l-p-p-p" I heard George's voice echo over to me, I turned to face him "Elizabeth" he sighed glancing me over; I was dressed so very 'teen' compared to my other outfits he'd seen.
"Fred told me you've got lunch shift" I distracted him hopefully, smiling slightly "But do you have a few minutes?" George's body froze for a few moments as he stared over my head into the busy street, and then glanced around the shop I counted three teens in the back.
"Sure" he nodded walking behind the shop's service counter and slouching over it.
"I got you something" I explained pulling out a small box and handing it to him "something small" I added. He picked up the hand size box and examined it.
"You didn't need to get me something" I nodded knowing he would say something like that "But thank you" he smiled his amazing sea blue eyes at me before started to unwrap the paper only to find a little black box tied with a red string, pulling it open I stood a long step back while George got a bomb of blue goo explode on his face. I watched his reaction carefully; the teens came running then bursted out laughing which made me join in also.
"Master jokester just got owned" One laughed and George finally laughed along and turned the box upside down to find a leather wrist band; it was black and was cursed with a burn proof spell.
"You can't burn the hand the band is on" I claimed taking a step closer to him "but I wouldn't advice testing it" I smirked, George smiled as he whipped the goo from his face.
"Well you got me" he laughed shaking his head in an unbelievable manner, it made me grin wider. I knew this would be a perfect way to entertain him.
One of the slowly quieting boys noticed me and I felt his eyes wonder over me "Dude you're girlfriends cool" he smiled honestly, I smiled a small smile at him, it was fake and forced. I was not George's girlfriend, we had to be friends I was hoping that my little prank would help him loosen up a little, and I needed us to be friends.
"Yeah, I wish Trixie would mess about more" another admired "imagine having a girl who you can prank as well as snog" he laughed nudging his mates arm.
"And is very pretty" the third one charmed cheekily, I laughed at the younger boys. They were only one or two years younger than me, shaking my head I realised I wasn't interested in younger lads at all.
"I got a special box for Fred too only his is a thumb ring" I watched as George face went from amused to curious slowly.
"You probably shouldn't have bothered" he whispered as the teens wondered off. "He's very touchy these days, I think he's on his period" I laughed.
"Oh it's an inching ring, once he puts in on his head starts to inch sometimes your back does too" George laughed. "Crazy right, he'll end up jinxing me or worst"
"Does his box explode too?" he mused watched me with an amused gaze.
"And sings loudly" I grinned "I was hoping the shop would be full when I give it to him, public is safer than private right?" the bell behind up rings, looking behind me I spotted a few fourteen or fifteen year old girls wonder into the shop George waves big at them before grinning down at me.
"That's very evil of you Elizabeth" he chuckled, that made me smile brightly.
"Only some fun" I joke teasingly. He laughed and shook his head. We heard something crash and fall in the back and he sighed. "I'll man the cashbox" I explained quickly trying to help out "Or well make sure no one else does" I said confused since I really can't do anything with the cashbox yet.
George laughed "I'll be back in a second" he murmured wondering down the aisles. I pulled my stool behind the counter and a little from the cashbox so I wouldn't be in George's way when he got back but still in a close enough position to tell someone to piss off. Putting my bag on the counter I gazed out the window and smiled at anyone who looked threw the shops glass or wondered into the shop.
George came back and slide into his place slouching over the counter again as he totalled the girls up. "Sorry for knocking down the poster …Feorge" she giggled after reading his name tag "that's an odd name." I laughed and glanced down at my toes when they looked at me.
"Fred and George combined makes Feorge and Gred" He explained all cheery and happy for the customers "and here's your change" He grinned giving the little red head some coins.
"Thanks" the girl smiled before following her friends out of the shop. The three boys came wondering up the isles seconds later and paid for their new pranks as I searched my bag for my wand.
"Hey" one of the boys asked, I glanced up "Who are you?" He smiled brightly at me as he shoved his wallet in his back pocket.
"It's Elizabeth" I smirked dropping the bag on the counter then I jumped up onto the wide counter pulling my legs up and over so I was on the customers side of the wall, glancing at George I made sure he didn't mind. I had always sat on the kitchen counters at home; something my parents hated, but from a young age I had siblings who liked to place me on the counters as they showed off their cooking skills.
"Your George Weasley's girlfriend" one helped, George laughed shaking his head again; they wanted to know who I was. I grinned wider, how wrong he was.
"Come on now, what to do three fifteen year old Hufflepuffs want to do with Elizabeth here" George cocked an eye brow at them, I laughed at his defence.
"Just curious" one shrugged scanning me, it was a little uncomfortable, and it made me shift under his intense open gazing.
"Jealous more like" the second teased. I laughed a little forcedly hoping it would embarrass the boy staring at me enough for him to look away.
"Wanna spill some more info there Elizabeth" the last one asked with his eye brows rose waiting for my response I grinned at the three of them.
"Tell you what I'll give you my surname; and you three can figure it all out then" I teased, glancing at George who grinned at the now scowling boys.
"How will that help us!" one frowned deeply, the one who was scanning me opening. I rolled my eyes at the boy
"Oh it will" George laughed, encouraging the boys to take the offer. I cock an eye brow at the group of them.
"Well then who are you?" the charming one smiled, I shook my head the three of them were amusing to say the least.
"Elizabeth O'Connor" I explained with a flick of my hand "Obviously" I teased, George chuckled gazing at me. One of the boys looked confused while the charming one and the quiet one stared at me shocked. It was like someone shook the bells in their heads and they started to recognize the blond hair and green eyed witch that was me.
"As in Quidditch O'Connor?" One asked, I laughed at them "really?" then the bunched together and started to chatter loudly. I sighed and looked at George who glanced at the clock above the door.
George interrupted them chatting or drooling at me "Sorry too rush you boys but I was hoping to close for a half an hour," I smirked the opportunity of getting Dylan or Darren O'Connor signatures didn't even enter their minds. I just laughed well humoured at the gang of boys as they made their way to the huge orangey-red door.
"I'm sure you were" the charming one winked cheekily at the pair of us. My breath got caught in my throat, what on earth was he implying.
"Ha, Ha" George faked as he closed the shop door behind them and turned the 'open' sign to 'closed' "so…" he began turning to face me slowly.
I kicked my feet from the countered, acting like a 6 year old in a too big seat. "We should talk about it" I explained, trying to be mature. It didn't work, my face heated up and my palm got sweaty at the thoughts of it. Last time was horrible, outside in the garden and then his dad called for us leaving everything out in the open.
"Yes" George nodded quickly, my heart sped up a little "Would you like to come up to our flat? You can hang out there today if you want. Ron, Harry and Hermione will properly be around later "I glanced at the clock, it was barely half two. "It's just Fred will be back soon, and it's impossible to talk while working especially about something so…." He rubbed the back of his neck then threw out his arms "This way we can go out later and talk, alone" My heart stopped and my wit quickly came back.
I smirked at George he watched me warily "Are you trying to ask me out George?" I teased; his eyes went wide with realisation and probably shock. Not what he was expecting me to say?
"No I just thought" He frowned, I laughed quickly as he fumbled "Yeah, it is a date" he claimed. I jumped off the counter.
Smiling I look up into his sea blue, stormy eyes, they were captivating. He was fun to be around I noticed "Our first date" I grinned.
"I think we skipped a few steps" he stated with a finger running over his lips in fake thought. He nodded towards the back room so I grabbed my bag.
"Like meeting the parents" I laughed, as he opened the door for me, I passed through O.K in to the store room but I don't know if their charm to keep unwanted people out was over the space for the door or if it was the door itself. I let it go, not really bothered. I mean I'm sure if I asked George would lift eh charm for me.
"And families" He said with a chuckle leading the way through the dark room, I noticed the work space at the desks was tidier than the last time I was in here.
"Don't forget the friends" I joked remember meeting his intimidating model-like 'quiddage' friends on my first week in England and the looks the twins gave Blaise when he came to get me for the club.
I followed him up the stairs as he hummed in response, at the top of the stairs there was a little hallway with two doors, one led into the apartment the other to an emergency exit or maybe an outdoor entrance. "And now you're getting to see my apartment" he grinned unlocking the door.
"And all before the first date…!" I scolded playfully. He chuckled shaking his head as he walked into his home. I followed him and took in the twin's flat for the first time. It was in easily described in two words as; Bachelor's pad. It was open planed and had black leather couches, a black marble counter top kitchen, the floor and furnishing were accessorized with dark than dark woods. The lights were all low or dimmed. And it weirdly was where I could feel relaxed. I wanted to be like Dylan; a lady killer, only in reverse. So a guess if I had to have my own way and moved to Australia my apartment would resemble this, dark, dimmed and mysterious.
"So what do you think?" George asked from the other side of the Kitchen's Breakfast bar where he watched me intrigued in my reaction to his home.
Instead of saying what I really felt which was adoration I said "I'm shocked Mr Weasley all this accomplishments and not a book insight" I teased, he didn't laugh like I had hoped so I panicked and smiled sincerely at his "But yes, I do like it. It's relaxing"
"Book shelves is in the spare room, but don't be going there for a stimulating read, because you won't find it" he grinned and I laughed.
It wasn't long till Fred arrived back food in bags for the twins. He wasn't happy to see me but he let it pass. After they ate I got a short tour of the apartment by George, I seen the main bathroom, a glimpse into his and Fred's bedrooms, and then finally the spare room which was clustered with odd bit and bobs. My heart leaps when George walked in.
"I guess this is your room really" he mumbled. My heart bounded, he was making space for me in his flat, and maybe we are making progress. "But we'll talk about that later when we're alone" he said nudging his head backwards where I heard Fred smashing dishes together. "And that's it. Oh Fred and I both have our own bathrooms" he shrugged as he trying to remember things.
I gazed at him lost in thought, he really was handsome. In an oddly strange way, I remember I used to make fun of gingers when I was younger but there is something different about George. Something special, I cursed myself, of course there was he was my future now. He wasn't like the people I teased; the natural Irish beauties that my golden locks could never be. He was a strong, tall, blue eyed, funny, smart man with his dream already true and fun around every corner he turned.
He looked at me after he surveyed the room, blinking I looked away from his pink lips "Where are you going to put this stuff" I asked softly, George shrugged "I can work around it" I smiled not really liking the idea of sleeping in a room with a desk with smut on it in the corner but I'd survive. He shook his head 'no' with a chuckle.
"We'll throw stuff out and throw the rest up into the attic" his eyes lit up, remembering something "Oh yeah we have an attic too!" he walked back to the door turning off the light.
I laughed "You're doing well for your first place" I smirked stepping back into the narrow hallway "Lorry lived in a one bed, one bath shared apartment with two other girls when she started out first"
He laughed "Well some of us are just lucky" he teased crossing his fingers in my face childishly I stuck my tongue out at him, my mother's scolding voice echoing in my head to put it back in my mouth were it belonged.
"Some of us are just exceedingly talented George" I teased grinning at him before walking away from the room and my future.
*&^%$£"*&^%$*&^%$£*&^%$£*&^%$£
Fred and I had to go back to the shop for the afternoon since our half an hour was up. I quickly set up the flat screen for Elizabeth and she seemed content with watching some programmes for the afternoon. I told her not to be shy and invade the kitchen if she was thirsty or whatever but I really had to get back to work.
I still sat at the cashbox flicking threw my rough paper work. But thankfully now that I'd seen Elizabeth the nagging feeling of guilt was edging away slowly. I didn't need to tell Elizabeth, it would just ruin our first prober outing together, not to mention my chances of really being her friend.
Glancing at my new wrist band I smirked, I couldn't wait till she gave Fred his ring. That was going to be funny. Grinning I looked out the window glancing briefly at the people passing by; the last thing Fred would think was making him outrageously itchy would be a ring from Elizabeth.
"Oi!" Fred called half an hour after we left Elizabeth upstairs. Glancing up at him on the balcony "I don't like it" he claimed as if I was supposed to know what he was thinking. And sure maybe if I wasn't laughing at the joke Elizabeth was going to pull later I might have.
"What don't you like now Fred?" I asked with a chuckle "that the wonder witch products are the first thing you see when you walk in? 'Cause I'm seriously getting bored showing girls around the shop because they can't find them"
"No" he snapped walking down so he was closer "That she is upstairs" he hissed pulling his tie off and throwing it on the counter "In our home"
"You know it's going to be…" He held up a hand, stopping me mid-sentence.
"I don't care how many times you tell me she's going to have to move in eventually. Because she just isn't!" he snapped frustrated "I mean what good will it be if you two are living together?" he asked rhetorically "None! She'll learn things about you she doesn't like you'll realise how irritatingly annoying she is" I was about to disagree when he cut over me with wide eyes "and what if she changes things in our own home!"
"No she won't Fred" I sighed, tired of fighting with him; while Elizabeth was gone we had an argument about the spare bedroom. Fred and I never really fight, sure we argue about little thinks like going out or what to eat but nothing as serious as a disagreeing on a new roommate. Either she was going to take our old room in the burrow or she could live with us. And life in the burrow is something I wouldn't wish on her any day, not that I was happy with the fact she'd have to move in eventually. "She likes the flat"
"She's lying then" Fred laughed shaking his head "None of our friends that are girls like the flat they think it's too dark, too 'play boy' you know that!"
"Well she likes it" I challenged, the customer bell rings "And that's what matters, isn't it"
"No, what matters is that she's upstairs alone in my apartment and I don't like anything about her" he snapped. Turning and helping the youngster find his way around the shop. Trust Fred to hate Elizabeth, even I don't hate her. She's funny, cute, entertaining, sexy, sporty, talky, arty, and pretty and not to mention she's dealing with the whole arrangement a whole lot better than me in so many ways.
*&^%$£"&^%$£"*&^%$£*&^%$£*&^%$£
It wasn't an hour later when Ron, Harry and Hermione arrived with Fred at the flats front door, Fred had snapped it open with a bang, scaring me half to death calming my heart I jumped up seeing the three of them.
"Oh yeah and she's here" Fred snapped glaring in my direction. I rolled my eyes at him, but he didn't see because he was already leaving closing the door behind him, I heard the familiar click of a locked door.
"Elizabeth!" Hermione greeted happily walking over and hugging me "How was Rome, you have tell me everything!" she smiled big and bright. I smiled at the two boys who rolled their eyes at their best friend.
"If you wanted to go you three should have told me, I would have got you a portkey" I said with a chuckled, Ron's jaw dropped while Harry slide onto the couch, so I dumped myself beside him in the middle "Oh and Italy was amazing!" I grinned at the trio of teens "First Dylan, his friends and I hit the town. Then when they left for Denmark Blaise, Theo and I did the more crazy things. Fancy dress, races, duels, competitions, karaoke you name it we did it!" I smiled as Ron chuckled.
"Too bad George couldn't have gone" Hermione sighed sitting down on my other side.
I swallowed and glanced at Ron who was still laughing at my rant "Yeah he had to work" I lied while still smiling sweetly.
"First time up here…?" Harry asked, turning to face him I smiled and nodded "like it?"
"Yes..." I grinned, looking around again at the dark woods and black leathers "...a lot"
"What are you doing later?" Hermione asked curiously "We're going into muggle London to the cinema do you want to come?" I furrowed my eyebrows at her confused.
"What the hell is a cinema?" I asked with a laugh and Ron chuckled along.
"Exactly what I said" he shook his head "'Mione says it's like a huge television" he shrugged pointing to the flat screen in front of us "I still don't know why Fred and George got one" he stated eyeing the flat screen with detest.
"Because the magic world is becoming more interactive with the muggle one" Hermione sighed rubbing her temple, I could tell she had been through this already with Ron. I smiled at the pair of them, still wondering which one of them were going to make the first move to get their relationship out of the 'friend' zone.
"Thanks for the offer but I'm busy this evening" I said poker faced picking at my jeans.
"Cause you're hanging with Zabini and Nott again?" Harry asked his voice a little colder than I was used to. I laughed and shook my head no. "Who then?" he asked interestedly.
"George of course….!" Hermione guessed right, it made me blush hotly "I bet he plans the best dates" she taunted.
I laughed good-heartedly at the fact I've never been on a date with him, not Hermione "Well I have a feeling you'll be demanding a step by step analyses of this date won't you" I rose an eye brow at her. Now it was her turn to blush and nod. I laughed along with Harry while Ron was distracted by the loud, colourful adverts on the television.
"How many dates have you been on" Hermione gushed. I inhaled a long breath thinking of an answer that it's horrible for George.
"Ehh" I frowned eyeing my toes again "I guess this is our first real date" I smiled looking up at her patient brown eyes.
"He was over at the burrow this morning" Hermione grinned at me, she was all full of information today, I smiled knowingly at her.
"I guessed, we're not the letter sending type" I explained when she cocked her head to the side. Ron finally sat down in one of the two armchairs, I assumed it was one of the twins usually which was why he was so nervous about sitting in it.
"That's what George said earlier" Harry laughed "New generation of couples"
"So how do you know when to meet?" Hermione said eye brows furrowed, her long lashes caught my attention for a second; she really was a hidden beauty wasn't she.
"I come to the shop" I explained softly, my hands knitting together on my lap "we hang out then" I mumbled.
"While he's working?" she asked shocked. I was growling at myself on the inside I'm lying to one of my few friends in England. "I guess that makes sense" She shrugged letting it go thankfully.
"Yeah" I coughed glance a sneaky glance at Ron who was staring at me confused with laughter hidden deep in his sky blue eyes. "So what did you three planning on doing this afternoon?" I asked leaning back into the soft leather.
"Fred asked me to come the shop today" Ron explained quickly, before Hermione could open her mouth again "but Ginny came along and she took the hours instead" he shrugged his frustrated eyes dazzling me slightly.
"Yeah, and when Fred said we could hang out her, we opted for this instead of wondering town" Harry explained "So how have you been?" he asked, glancing at him I noticed something new in his eyes but I couldn't figure out what it was maybe it was sincerity or just the glare from his glasses.
"I'm good, I mean I just got back from a few days in Italy what could be wrong with me" I laughed with Hermione "Oh but I did have a horrible lunch" I shivered at the memory of white blond hair and straying eyes.
"What why?" Ron asked confused "Mum told Fred to be nicer to you" he added honestly, and then blushed obviously not meant to tell me Freddie was getting given out to by his mother.
"Why would she do that?" Harry asked confused, I glanced at him; he didn't notice how cold Fred was towards me. Wow, he needed to clean his glasses.
"Cause he hates me" I joked "It's so obvious" I laughed lightly, making it all into a joke to save Ron.
"Well was that it, Fred?" Hermione asked all interested in the gossip. I shook my head 'no'
"Malfoy dragged me to 'Lily's' dressed like this" I said stretching out my legs showing off my casualness "Not to mention that boy is the biggest fan of himself ever!" I closing my eyes sighing loudly "He goes on and on about how he's so brilliant"
"Why do you put up with him?" Hermione huffed standing up and started wondering around the living area of the twin's flat.
"He's friends with my friends" I explained shortly "And since I really have no friends in England I'm not going to start rejecting anyone. But Draco and I aren't going to be friends, ever" I shivered "not after that horrible lunch"
"Lily's is really expensive" Ron commented a distracted look playing on his facial features.
"Yeah I know!" I stated tiredly "I would have much rather starved till tonight" I sighed my hands running up and down my arms.
"Well you don't need Malfoy" Harry grinned at me "You have us three and Zabini and Nott" he assured with a shy smile.
I smiled brightly at him "Brilliant!" I grinned excitedly, then a clock caught my eye "Oh, What time you three leaving at?" I asked Hermione simply because she seemed to be the most organised of the three.
"Any time, the cinema in London stays open late" Hermione offered
"We could play team-chess" Hermione made a face at Ron; he frowned at our less than excited response.
"Or we could watch some Television" I teased him, Harry and Hermione quickly agreed.
"Sure we could do that either" Hermione laughed and sat down in the other armchair opposite Ron's frowning body. Handing Harry the remote I quickly pulled off my sandals and lay down in the long three seater couch stretched out, I was tired from the travelling.
The three of us sat around the T.V laughing at random comedy shows from the Simpsons to the Big Bang Theory all evening until six ticked along and the twins arrived up to their flat. Fred was first and Ron slide out of his chair and onto the couch, I moved so he could sit between Harry and me. George wondered in after, and both of us felt Hermione's hawk like eyes on us so I stood up to greet him.
"Tired?" I asked facing away from Hermione.
"Nope" he said popping the end and rolling on the balls of his feet while his eyes glanced at the seats, there was only the seat I vacated left. "I'll grab a chair" he said walking away from me. I nodded and slowly face the Television to see Hermione frowning at the T.V while everyone else laughed; obviously she was pretending to be watching it while really she was watching the supposed to be 'happy couple'.
"George" I sighed spinning back again and grabbing his forearm I pulled him over to the couch and sat him down in my old seat and I sat on the arm of the couch. He glanced at me confused, so did Ron and Fred. Harry was too engrossed by the television and Hermione was smiling while she fake watch Awkward. I sighed leaning down to George my lips almost touched his ear.
"Hermione is watching us still" I whispered, he chuckled and grabbed my legs and pulled me onto his lap, I squealed very girly. Ron's gasp was heard loudly around the room. I'd say he was as shocked as I was at George actions.
"Then we better look like we're a real couple" He mumbled into my hair. I pulled my legs up so my feet where flat on the couch next to Ron's thighs but the back of my legs were pressed up against George's legs.
The five of us watched the end of Awkward laughing at all the right places and during the break Hermione decided to break the silence "So where are you taking Elizabeth later?" Hermione smiled sweetly at George. Fred snapped his head towards the pair of us.
"It's a surprize…" George explained as the television flashed with adverts.
"Obviously since I didn't even know about it" Fred snapped. George shook his head in defeat but he was hidden from Fred with my body I held in a laugh with Ron who spotted George's reaction too.
"Well I doubt you're invited" Harry laughed smiling brightly at Fred "It is a date after all" Fred's eyes widened.
"But you two never go on dates" he got out through clenched teeth. I could have sworn his ear were turning pink.
"Yeah George you need to take her out more" Hermione advised seriously "hanging out at the shop isn't going to cut it" she snapped
I laughed "Hermione Granger; dating advisor" I teased, she flushed while Ron and Harry chuckled.
"Elizabeth O'Connor; bored date-ee" she teased, George tensed under me, I gasped at her flakily but humoured. This was the most freely I had been myself around the Weasleys since the day I had meet them.
"Ms H. Granger; on very thin ice" Hermione laughed pulling out her wand twirling it casually in her hands.
"Mrs Weasley; In the future" the Weasleys and Myself stopped laughing. Harry chuckled lightly and Hermione blushed crimson.
"Are you sure I'm the Mrs Weasley to be in the room Hermione?" I cocked an eye brow at the reddening teen. She gasped and threw the red cushion at me while Fred, George, Harry and I laughed at her embarrassment. Ron sat there confused gazing at his hands.
*&^*&^%$£&^%$£*&^%$£*&^%$£(*&^%$£&^%$£%$£"!*
We spent an hour watching television before, Ron, Harry and Hermione decided they had better to head into muggle London for their film. After they left, Fred left shortly after also with a bothered growl, he had told me before he stormed up the stairs earlier that he was going out tonight with Lee and Oliver and he had asked if I wanted to join the and I suppose when I declined he didn't think twice that I had made plans with Elizabeth just that I didn't want to go out.
So that left Elizabeth and I alone on the couch, she slid out of my lap and into Ron's old spot and for some reason I didn't like her leaving my lap. She smiled at me.
"So is this outfit enough for my surprize" she teased, I laughed eyeing her curved body trying not to linger on her large breasts.
"It should do perfectly, unless you want to change, you can always use our Floo network if you want" I explained pointing to the fireplace "We're going into muggle London" I smirked at her shocked expression "and that's all the spoilers you're getting"
"Is the dress code more like heels or flats?" she asked, I cocked a head at her not really knowing myself. She laughed "I'm going back to the triplets' house to change O.K?" She laughed standing up. "I'll be back in an hour" she said seriously glancing back at me quickly.
"Sure" I shrugged standing too "We'll leave around half eight" I grinned "and have a few drinks beforehand somewhere"
She laughed "Oh he dares drink with me again after the Mellow café" she teased "Brave you are" she laughed grabbing her bag.
"We Gryffindors are the true Brave of men Miss O'Connor" I laughed, she is so light and easy to be around when she has none of her family around or any parents hanging around.
"Well you're going to have to be brave Mr Weasley" she stated, the humour leaving her eyes quickly as she grabs some floo powder "Because we have a lot of talking to do later" She sounded so much older than a sixteen year old right then and there. My heart stops, does she know about Lee's Party? No she couldn't!
"Yes, that we do" I agreed just as seriously "Talking and drinking, I think we'll cope" I teased, her laugh returns which makes me smile. And I know for sure that I think of her as an equal now in all this mess not just some teenager who dove into my life from some mysterious cliff of hell.
"That we will" she grins and steps into the fireplace "See you later" she waves shyly.
"Bye" I whisper and she was gone in a burst of flames in greens, yellows and blacks.
Making my way into my bedroom I am determined to make this work. We are to be married for Merlin's sake the least we could be is good friends. My mind wonders to her in my lap and how content I felt with her there, how her hips moved as she walked down the street in front of me after we went to the 'Golden Sword', how her eyes lights up when she really laughs like today, how much she makes me laugh; she's in competition with Fred at this stage. Glancing at my reflexion in the mirror I'm a grinning mess. And then it hits me like a tonne of bricks and my smile flatters as it dawns on me.
I like her, I like Elizabeth Ivy O'Connor. And she's arranged to marry me. Sighing I fall to the bed, I better not fuck this up. Then I laugh, glancing at the ceiling, Fred's going to just love this.
A/N:
I worked really hard on this Chapter so I would really like to know what you think, have any new ideas to hit me with for George and Elizabeth and overall what can I do to make it better! Please and Thanks you!A/N: