my inheritance (g.w x o.c)

chapter twenty-six: silence speaks louder

George's pov

"And then Fred had to convince them we were collecting the fur for some obscene science experience so they either thought we were mad or brilliant because they sold it to us for cheap," I finished the story, watching the stars twinkle in the sky. "I see why you like the night so much. It is sort of calming just being here with nobody expecting anything from you." She didn't respond. I looked down at her, moving her hair from her face. "Larissa?" She was asleep. "Well, how long was I talking to myself?"

Of course, I didn't anticipate a response. I carefully picked her up before apparating to our bedroom. She must have apparated more times than one could possibly track since she barely stirred from the pull.

"Now see, if I had done that earlier, I would have gotten a full show," Fred pointed out, looking up from the newspaper he was reading.

"Shut up," I glared, walking over to my bed. "It was easier to do that than to try and walk up all the stairs without waking her up." He smirked, still looking at his paper. "Shut up."

"I didn't say anything." I pulled the covers over her before going to sit across the table from him. I waved my wand so a firewhiskey appeared in front of me before taking a drink. I watched her for a moment in silence. Fred looked between us.

"What are you thinking?"

"Nothing."

"Say it."

He hesitated before setting down the paper. "Is this the right thing to do?"

"What?"

He glanced at Larissa to make sure she was sleeping before leaning forward. "She's the heir of Slytherin. She's the closest thing to You-Know-Who that he cares about besides himself. Are you absolutely certain she won't-"

"Yes," I snapped. "She isn't like that, Fred."

"Okay, I didn't mean to strike a nerve," he apologized, holding up his hands.

I sighed, taking another drink. "She's scared. Just as scared as everyone if not more. But she can't show it."

"What's she got to fear? He wouldn't hurt a hair on her head."

"You just don't get it. I barely get it." I shook my head. "She started out on the Unforgivables, Fred. All those years he wasn't capable of inflicting pain, he was using her to do it. She's been casting spells and mixing potions and flying on a broom ever since she was capable."

"Tell her to leave. She can join our side. If Dumbledore can trust Snape, I'm sure he would trust her."

"I told her that. Not about Snape, but just that we could help her, but she says it's impossible."

"Or maybe she just doesn't-"

"Stop," I demanded. "I'm telling you, that's not her."

"Okay," he nodded, leaning back in his seat. For a moment, we didn't speak. I just watched her sleep. Glad her face was finally relaxed. "I just want you to be careful."

"I'm capable of taking care of myself."

"I know, but she's keeping her distance." I finally looked away from her to see the concerned look on his face. "It's subtle, but she is. I just want to make sure you're doing the same."

"Now you sound like her." He raised an eyebrow. "Look, who knows what the hell is going to happen with You-Know-Who now that everyone knows he's back. And once he starts destroying things again, Larissa will be the first he calls to his side to help him. I just want her to be able to smile while she can." When he didn't say anything, I finished the rest of my drink before going to throw the bottle away. I was on my way to the bathroom to get ready for bed when he spoke up again.