Heart of Gold, Heart of Stone (Post-War)

Chapter Seven

      Athenadora hadn't really talked to Harry since the dinner, but that was to be expected. She never really talked to him unless she had to, which was normally when he came to see Teddy. He also visited Mona, since he didn't want the little girl to feel less important than Teddy. He wanted them to feel equal, even though Teddy was a little different than her. Mona wasn't a metamorphmagus, but Teddy was.

"How are you feeling, dear? You look tired." Mrs Weasley commented, causing the girl to sigh.

"I know, but I'm fine. I had a late night with Mona, since she didn't feel very well." Athenadora answered, trying to avert the attention away from herself.

"Oh no, how's she this morning?" She asked, looking at the sleepy toddler in Athenadora's arms.

"She's fine now, mostly tired." Athenadora said, as she ran her fingers through the child's soft hair.

"Well, next time just bring her over here or I'll come to yours, for you to get some rest, yeah?" Mrs Weasley commented, and Athenadora nodded slightly.

       Athenadora didn't like asking for help, especially since Mrs Weasley had many different ideas in ways children were supposed to be raised. She believed in things that Athenadora didn't feel were too formidable in her home. She knew Mrs Weasley was a great mother and grandmother, but sometimes Athenadora wanted things to go her way and not be a push over for others.

         After saying goodbye to her children, Athenadora headed straight to the shop. George had just opened the doors when Athenadora arrived. He smiled at his friend, but frowned slightly when he seen the dark circles encasing her eyes. He didn't like that she was getting less sleep, but there really wasn't much he could say about it. He still had his own lack of sleep he had to come to terms with before he could ever bother someone about theirs.

"How are you this morning, 'Thena?" George asked, as he handed the girl a cup of coffee.

"I'm fine, just a bit tired. Mona was awake for most of the night because she didn't feel good. She's better now though, but tired a bit as well." Athenadora answered, and George simply nodded.

     George loved his niece, more than anything in the world. Mona reminded him of Fred, which hurt some days and helped other days. He loved Teddy as well, since the boy was practically his nephew. Athenadora, the girl he loved like a sister, was Teddy's new mother, so George loved Teddy as if he was his own nephew, same as he loved Mona.

"Angelina come around?" Athenadora asked, looking over at George.

"Yes, but not since the other day. I think she's starting to feel a bit hopeless when it comes to pulling me out of my shell." George answered, causing the girl to frown.

"George, I know you're hurting and you're scared to find any chance at a normal life, but Fred wouldn't want you to throw away your happiness because you lost him." Athenadora said, making George nod slightly.

"He wouldn't want it for you either, 'Thena." He retorted, causing the girl to furrow her eyebrows.

"What are you talking about?" She asked, her voice showing that she was becoming defensive.

"Oh, come off it, 'Thena, you know exactly what I'm talking about. You haven't even tried to put yourself out there, not even to find a potential friend. You've closed yourself off from the world, other than from me obviously. You barely talk to Angelina, Lee, or Alicia. I know you miss Fred, almost as much as I do, but you have the chance to move on, at least a little bit. You can find someone who could make you as happy as Fred did, but you won't let yourself be that happy again." George stated, his arms crossed across his chest.

      Athenadora knew he was right, but she didn't know what to do. She was scared that she'd disappoint Fred in some way, even though she knew he was never coming back. She didn't want to replace Fred, not in her life and not in Mona's life. Her kids meant everything to her, so she didn't want to allow anyone into their lives that could potentially leave them heartbroken like Fred had left her, though his leaving was due to unforeseen circumstances.

"I'll think about it, George, but I can't promise you that I will move on. Honestly, it hurts to even fathom the idea of moving on, so I will really need to think it through." Athenadora said, causing George to nod.

"I understand, and all I ask is that you think about it, 'Thena. I want you to finally be happy, for yourself, for your kids, for Fred, for me. Maybe if you're happy, I can finally learn to be happy, too." He replied, before he walked away and began to restock one of the items on the shelves.

        Athenadora felt terrible knowing George hoped her happiness would make him happy. She hated that he was always sad, though she understood why he was. She loved seeing him smile and laugh, even though it was only to make his mother happy. He didn't want his mother to see that he was still upset, so he covered his sadness with fake happiness. Athenadora could see right through it, as could Bill, Charlie, Ginny, Hermione, Angelina, Lee, and Alicia, but his mother and father couldn't, which made his life easier.

        There were many things Athenadora wished for, but happiness wasn't exactly the top wish. Athenadora wished for Fred to come back. She wished she never had a falling-out with the Weasleys. She wished George would finally be happy and show a genuine smile. Those wishes were far fetched, but she couldn't help but hope for them. Athenadora also wished for her kids to be happy and healthy, even if that meant she had to sacrifice her own happiness for them. There were many things in life she understood, but happiness was beginning to be one of those things she stopped understanding...

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A/N: I hope you guys liked this chapter. This one seemed a little boring to me, but I digress. Anyhow, what do you guys think? Will she eventually be happy?

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