A/N: I hope you enjoy this chapter. Just a reminder to pay attention to the warnings in chapter 1, because this chapter deals with a few harder topics. For more details, you can go all the way to the bottom where I put a few warings. Otherwise, enjoy, and drop a review :)

Friday, December 31st, 1999 - New Years Eve

Let it be known that it was not George Weasley's idea to have a New Year's Eve party, especially considering he didn't drink anymore, and he lived in an 800 square foot apartment.

Still, at Parvati's insistence, George closed Weasley's Wizard Wheezes early and moved his shelving out of the way. Parvati helped by hanging decorations and casting cleaning charms over the floors and counters. For a shop, they managed to make it fairly cozy, with a large round table in the centre for some card games and visiting.

"How many chairs should I set out?" George asks. They'd invited most of their family and a few friends, but one convenient part of marrying a seer is that they are never surprised by unwanted guests.

"Harry and Ginny aren't coming, the owl will be here any moment," Parvati answers, straightening out the tablecloth. "Percy's working late, but Astoria will come with Daphne and Charlie. We'll need eleven chairs, total."

George rolls his eyes fondly; while their marriage consisted of platonic friendship, George was glad he'd matched with Parvati. She was clever and sneaky, in a Gryffindor way, the same as him. She was also as stubborn and terrifying as his mother, as evidenced by his current 65 days long sober streak. He's almost looking forward to starting out the new year without a drink in hand. It's a big difference from the way he had rung in the year prior, laying on Fred's unmade bed as the clock ticked slowly towards midnight, wasted, miserable, and alone.

Tonight, he is surrounded by family and friends, and despite being forced into a marriage he had neither wanted nor chosen, George is happier than he's been in a long time.

Parvati sweeps by him and opens the front door to the shop; within moments a familiar barn owl swoops down and lands gently on the counter beside her. He extends his talons with a letter.

"Hi Julien," Parvati greets, pulling an owl treat from her pocket and handing it to the owl. "It'll be Harry and Ginny, now. Ginny's not been feeling the best."

George watches his wife as she informs him of the letter's contents without opening it. Small things — inconsequential things — seem easy for her to predict. She can always tell moments before owls arrive, always knows if it's going to be a busy day in the shop, or slow.

It makes him more nervous when she can't see anything regarding the WPG or the Wizengamot. Hermione had mentioned she had a meeting with them in a few days, and Parvati had spent nearly an entire morning laying on the floor and focusing, but she saw nothing.

She's consumed now by thoughts of him in blue, to the point where she's even purged the colour from her wardrobe. Her dreams of Hermione burying Draco in small stones continue, and although she is still sleeping in their living room on her transfigured bed, he can hear her cry most nights when she wakes up.

A loud knock sounds moments before the shop door opens and Luna's lilting voice rings out. "Hello! Happy New Year!"

She comes into view only moments later, and while she has chosen a muted black dress, she's paired it with glittering silver tights decorated with stars. Her hair falls nearly to her waist in long waves, and George can see she has braided silver tinsel throughout the strands. It's actually a rather lovely effect, and it's obvious to see that Theodore Nott is entranced, judging by the way he doesn't take his eyes off of his wife, even when he says hello.

"Good to see ya, come on in." George greets. Luna hands him a large platter of what looks to be misshapen cookies.

"They're dirigible plum tarts," Luna explains sweetly, "They keep Doxy Fairies away."

George nods aimlessly because he'd long ago been told by Harry that it's simpler to just accept Luna than to question her. He sets the platter on the main table next to the other foods and desserts Parvati had prepared. They've prepared a little bar to the side for their guests, stocked with firewhiskey, butterbeer, and Elven wine. They only skipped the champagne, because of Parvati's increasing paranoia regarding it and Draco Malfoy.

"Can I get you a drink?" George asks their guests. "Wine, perhaps?"

Parvati is currently sipping her own wine out of her glass, and George has finally, finally, stopped staring every time she has a drink when they're out. On the days where he feels ready to climb out of his skin, Parvati orders only water and says nothing about it.

Luna grins, "I'm sure Theo would happily take a firewhiskey, but I'm not drinking."

Parvati appears with Theo's firewhiskey, and the bell above their door rings again, only for Blaise and Padma to turn the corner.

Until George married Parvati, he had barely known Padma Patil, who had been younger than him in Hogwarts, and part of Ravenclaw house. Now, he sees her fairly often, usually with Blase Zabini in tow. While it's obvious to anyone with half a brain that Blaise and Padma have absolutely no interest in each other, Blaise is unfailingly polite.

Padma Patil, as it turns out, is a joy. She and Parvati have the same kindness that radiates out of them, and where Parvati talks to fill any silence she finds, Padma is content to sit and observe. He watches them when they play their weekly card games, and while Parvati almost always wins, Padma sometimes sneaks a win out of her sister.

"Hello George," Padma greets. "We brought some sticky toffee pudding and a few pastries." She hands the plates to him, and he places them on their big table with the other foods. Parvati is already handing them drinks, and Blaise has found his seat beside Theo Nott, who immediately engages him in conversation regarding some French property Zabini is considering selling.

George sits on the other side of Padma, who sips at her wine gently. "How was your Christmas?"

"Oh, it was good," Padma replies. "Blaise gave me a few books I'd been wanting, so that was nice. Thank you for the gift, by the way. Parvati brought them over the other day, and I won our card game."

George laughs out loud. Weasley Wizarding Wheezes has been developing glasses that allow the user to see through certain materials, however, they've been stuck in the development phase because George has yet to figure out how to make them useless on clothing.

"I hope they continue to prove useful," he grins.

Padma's smile turns mischievous, "Yes. I'm glad you're not selling them yet, though. I had the shock of my life when Theo Floo'd in to ask Blaise something." She raises her eyebrows suggestively, and George nearly chokes on his water when he realizes sweet, quiet Padma got an eyeful of Theodore Nott.

The tinkling bell draws his gaze, and this time it's Daphne, Astoria, and Charlie Weasley, followed shortly by Ron and Hannah.

"Oi, George," Ron shouts, looking around at their shop which has been transformed for the evening. "You better be cleaning this mess up on your own!"

George stands up to hug both his eldest and youngest brothers, who return the favour easily. Daphne and Astoria find seats quickly, and George doesn't miss the fact that Astoria has brought a tray of appetizers and set it on the table.

He's watched her closely since the moment Parvati had mentioned she was sick. Although she is always pale and slender, there has been no further signs that she is ill. Astoria remains condescending, quiet, and miserable at every turn; however, George has noticed that her words don't always match her actions, such as when she plays with Victoire when she thinks no one is around with endless patience and gentility.

Conversation has erupted at all ends of the table, and George is glad that, unlike Theo's Christmas party, their group seems to have gotten over the awkward stage. He can see Charlie describing some sort of Dragon encounter, and Luna and Ron staring avidly as he gestures. Astoria and Daphne are speaking quietly, and Astoria has a small smile on her face, something that only happens around her sister.

Hannah, on the other end of the table, looks lovely. She's pulled her hair into a gentle updo and is wearing a grey sheath dress. She looks far better than she has for the past few weeks, and George rolls his eyes when he notices his brother has absolutely not put the effort into this evening as she has. Ron's got on his ragged jeans that are slightly too short for him, and his new blue knitted Christmas sweater with the large "R" on the front.

The bell tinkles and their final guests of the night arrive. Hermione's got rosy cheeks from the cold, and her gold sweater shines under their lights. Draco follows her in, wearing perfectly tailored wizarding dress robes. George wonders if he ever dresses for comfort, or if he always looks this put together.

Hermione heads to the bar and sets down a bottle before returning to the table and finding her seat beside Draco. Parvati stands once they are seated, and she clinks her silverware delicately on her glass, a ringing chime echoing through the shop.

"Thank you all for coming," Parvati says clearly. "George and I thought it would be a nice way to end what seems to be a very difficult year with our friends and family. Please help yourself to the food and drinks, and we'll ring in the 2000s the way they ought to be!"

Everyone cheers and sips at their drinks, conversation once more bursting out. Parvati finds her way around the table and sits beside him. He's bookended by either twin, and George muses that this is probably what his siblings had felt growing up with Fred and him.

"Did you notice?" Parvati asks in a hushed voice. She's got a smile on that's almost manic, and George has absolutely no clue what she's on about.

"Um… no?"

Parvati laughs. "The stars, George! Remember — the stars? Look at Luna!"

George swivels to watch Luna Lovegood — no, Luna Nott, now, as she sits beside her husband. She's grinning widely, and sipping at what appears to be water. Her hair is twinkling, and Theo is watching indulgently. He catches George's eye and lifts his firewhiskey glass in a silent toast.

It's only then that George realizes what Parvati is on about. Luna — the stars all over her leggings, Theo's green eyes, her water glass.

"The two stars…" George says.

"Exactly!" Parvati slaps the back of her hand against his shoulder. "She's pregnant, George. I saw it — I just didn't know I saw it. Theo's green eyes, two stars falling. They're having twins."

George sighs. "Merlin, Parv. How in Godric's name were you supposed to understand that from what you saw? How do you ever figure out anything?"

Parvati rolls her eyes. "That was vague, I'll admit. But, remember, I normally see people I know really well. I don't know Theo at all, and I only know Luna through Padma."

"At least this means we only have to worry about the blue and the champagne," George grumbles.

George has spent the past few hours watching people he never imagined getting along do exactly that. Draco Malfoy had even laughed at something Ron had said, and Hermione had lit up with joy at the sound.

Astoria has even cracked a few smiles, mostly at Daphne, but beggars can't be choosers. Draco had sat by her for a while, and she had spent some time talking to him as well. Parvati has been bustling around like mad, refilling drinks and food trays amid the chaos.

"George, may I ask you something?" Padma says quietly. She's still beside him, and although Luna had moved to their side of the table briefly to chat to her, he's noticed Blaise hasn't looked her way once.

As far as George is concerned, Blaise is a fool. Padma is lovely — as lovely as Parvati, obviously, but in a much more subdued way. Her dark hair hangs to her waist, and her dark eyes shine with intelligence.

"Ask away, little Ravenclaw," George answers easily.

"Do you love my sister?" Padma's voice is very quiet, but it's obvious by the way she never breaks her stare that she expects an answer.

George winces, but he forces himself to answer her honestly. "No, Padma, I don't. I respect your sister, and she's become one of my closest friends. I'm sorry that it isn't more."

Padma shrugs one shoulder but doesn't seem angry. "It's fine. I didn't expect more, I just wanted to ask."

"Do you love Blaise?" George asks. He's not sure why he's said it — he knows Padma doesn't, but it only seems fair that he ask her the same.

She laughs. "No. Blaise isn't a bad guy, but we have nothing in common."

"Well, you're always welcome over here if he's being a git." He's teasing, but he's also telling the truth. He knows that Blaise is harmless since he's sure that Parvati would see anything that ever endangered Padma, but he can't imagine Padma's enjoying herself, sitting alone in the Zabini estate with a man she has nothing in common with.

"Thanks, George," Padma says sweetly, patting his hand gently. A shadow falls on him and he glances up to see Hannah Abbott. She's not even holding a wine glass, though her expression does seem strained.

"Hi George," she greets. "I'm leaving a bit earlier tonight. I know I'll miss the countdown, I just… I just feel like being home. I'm sorry."

George stands up, watching Hannah carefully. She'd begun her drinking nearly the same moment he had stopped, and even though he doesn't really know her, George knows this. He knows that she's sober in the way her hand is shaking minutely against her hip. In the strain around her eyes, and the pain that he would have to be blind to ignore.

"Hannah, I'm glad you came," George says gently. "I know that it's hard — the drinking, I mean. It's absolute shite, actually. If you ever need someone to… talk, or something? You know where to find me."

"Thank you," Hannah smiles, and George glimpses the girl that Ron has told him is kind. She swallows hard, and her voice is soft when she speaks again. "I mean it, George. You've got a really wonderful family. A really wonderful brother. Ron deserves better than what I've been doing. I know that."

George softens — he can't help it. Hannah Abbott went through the same hell they all did in the war, and then was slammed with the WPG, and losing Neville. It's hardly surprising that she hasn't been holding it together. It's nice to hear, however, that she's aware of how good Ron is. How much he's trying.

George squeezes her hand, and she squeezes back just as hard before dropping it and heading for the door. Everyone waves goodbye, and she returns the sentiments before the bell jingles and she is gone.

Silence falls quickly after she leaves, and George frowns.

"She took that well," Hermione says. "Much better than I expected."

Ron is scowling and still watching the door. "She didn't drink at all. Not one drop, tonight."

"That's a good thing," George interrupts. "Right?"

Hermione nods, but her expression is still worried. "It is. But… Daphne mentioned she ran into Pansy at Madame Malkins, and Pansy mentioned that Neville's accepted a position to teach at Hogwarts next year since Professor Sprout is retiring. Pansy and Neville have purchased a home in Hogsmeade."

George winces. "Bloody hell."

"She took it well, though," Daphne says softly. "She seemed happy for Neville."

Ron nods. "You're right. It's a good thing. Let's play a hand of cards, what do you say?"

Hermione summons the cards and shows off using Pansy's trick from Christmas. By the scowl on Draco's face, she still hasn't shared the secret with her husband, and when she catches George's gaze she winks mischievously.

George doesn't bother putting his all into playing, and Parvati sweeps them easily, winning the first two hands. Padma manages to win the third round, and then when Parvati leaves the table to tidy some of the food plates up, Theo Nott wins for the first time.

George finally gets to show off the clock face he's charmed to levitate above the table and count down the moments until the new year turns. Instantly, Hermione asks him all the questions she can think of regarding the clock, and George indulges her. He knows Hermione could never be persuaded to work at the shop with him and Ron, but he picks her brain every chance he gets since she's bloody brilliant and nearly as sneaky as he is.

"Did you know Muggles also celebrate the New Year?" Luna says dreamily.

"Do they really?" Blaise asks.

Hermione smiles at his curiosity and nods. "They do! And some Muggles believe that whoever you kiss at midnight is who you'll spend the year with. It's not real, but it's a nice tradition. My parents always stayed up to kiss at midnight."

Hermione's expression goes thoughtful, and the clock begins counting down.

Midnight strikes and George watches how Draco Malfoy tugs Hermione towards him and kisses her easily, as though it's natural. He watches Luna and Theo do the same. Hermione leans away from Draco to plant a kiss on Ron's cheek since he'd looked a bit maudlin. Charlie has managed to disappear to the other side of the table, but Daphne presses a kiss to Astoria's forehead, and the sister's embrace tightly.

Parvati appears and leans down, pressing kisses to both his cheek and Padma's, who is still beside him. George laughs and leans over to kiss Padma's cheek soundly as well.

"Happy New Year!" George yells — and then the part he has been looking forward to since Parvati told him they were having a New Year's Party — the fireworks he has charmed begin to explode. They burst from his charmed clock and light up the entire inside of the store; his friends' faces go from shock to amusement, and George knows that the fireworks he'd set to go off above the store are currently lighting up Diagon Alley as well.

For the first time in over a year, George thinks that Fred would be proud. Fred would be proud of what he's doing, of his sobriety, of his jokes and inventions and joy. George wishes fiercely that his brother were here to see it, as he always does, but for the first time in a long, long time, George is okay.

When the light show ends, everyone is smiling, even Astoria.

Ron stands. "That was bloody brilliant, Georgie. Really, truly. I'm going to head home, make sure Hannah is doing well, but thanks for this."

George stands and yanks Ron into a one-armed hug. His blue knit sweater is itchy against him where he brushes it, but Ron's smile is a balm all its own. He heads out of the shop, the bell jingling cheerily, before the crack of apparition echoes. George has hardly found himself back in his seat when Parvati begins screaming.

She falls to the floor, and the thud her head makes on the ground is sickening. Padma is beside her even before George. The speed at which their New Years' celebration switches from partying to battle is disturbing — Hermione is already casting shields and protection charms, while Draco looks ready to avada anyone who comes near them. Theo Nott has disillusioned Luna so well that George can barely notice her shimmering form against his shelves.

"George!" Padma shouts, and George realizes she's been yanking on his shirt as hard as she can to get his attention.

Parvati is nearly seizing beneath them, and George casts non-verbal cushioning charms under her head as fast as he can.

"George," Padma says again, "We can't let—"

This time, it's Ron Weasley who interrupts them. He crashes into Hermione's shields with force, and Hermione stumbles in her haste to take them down.

He's absolutely coated in blood — his red hair stands out against his white face, but his hands are dripping onto the floor. His blue sweater has long turned into a sick shade of scarlet, and he's screaming.

"—St. Mungo's, NOW!" Ron shouts, and then he's apparating away again, faster than George can follow.

"Go!" Padma shrieks at everyone left. "All of you, go! I'll stay with Parvati."

Everyone begins apparating away quickly, the exception being Theo and Luna. George realizes that they must have portkeyed or flown, as apparition isn't recommended while pregnant.

"George, listen to me," Padma says, and George snaps his attention to her. She's got one hand under Parvati's neck, and a very serious expression on her face.

"What, what's wrong?" George's heart is pounding — it's been so long since he'd seen any of his brothers coated in blood, and it brings back horrible memories.

"She saw something," Padma hisses. "That's why she was screaming. Do you know what it was?"

George realizes with sinking certainty exactly what it is that his wife has seen.

"It's Ron," Parvati's voice chokes out, and both Padma and George snap their gazes down to her. She's gone sallow and pale, and her hand when she raises it is shaking.

"It was Ron the whole time, wasn't it?" George says furiously. "He's wearing blue."

Parvati nods, tears streaking down her face. "I thought it was you — you look so alike from the back. The red hair. Everything. His hands, though. They were coated in blood, just like I saw, weren't they?"

George swallows hard, and Parvati doesn't need an answer.

"It's not him, George," Parvati says, gentle and serious. "He's not hurt. He's not going to be hurt. The blood isn't his."

"Then who the fuck is it?!" George yells. When both Patil sisters stare at him with piteous eyes, George apparates away.

The St. Mungo's waiting room is as chaotic as always, and George joins the majority of his party in the chairs. Ron is sitting closest to the door, coated in blood and misery. Hermione is beside him, with a palm on his back. Draco is standing by the window, obviously on alert.

"Theo and Luna went home," Charlie says. "I sent Daphne and Astoria to the Burrow as well. They don't need to be here."

"Why are we here?" George asks, dreading the answer.

Ron lifts his head from his hands and stares at his brother.

"It was just like the war all over again." He says quietly. "She was lying there, so fucking pale, drowning in all this blood."

"Who hurt her?"

The noise Ron makes is somewhere between a sob and a laugh, and George realizes exactly what has happened. He doesn't need Ron's answer, but it doesn't stop him from saying the words.

"No one hurt her. Hannah went home," Ron swallows. "And she tried to kill herself. Bloody might have succeeded, too. Guess we'll find out."

George feels his legs go out from under him, and he sinks slowly into a chair while his youngest brother drops his face back into his hands and begins to cry.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TW: Suicide, blood, violence, seizures