𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 | g. w

46. a second chance

"We made a massive profit and were given the chance to expand, so we did."

"Ah."

"Weasley's Wizard Wheezes has become so much bigger than we could ever have hoped it would."

Fred smiles knowingly at me, seemingly amused by my unfounded freak out. He tilts his head to the side, his lips quirking in a mischievous grin.

"You know, I would have thought you'd have a bit more faith in our ways of running the business. You haven't changed all too much, have you Rune?"

I can't help but let the corners of my mouth twitch just a smidge, the mask of indifference I've been trying to keep up since coming back finally wearing off.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what's going on with me. " I chuckle nervously, placing a hand on my clammy forehead and sitting down. "Coming here, seeing you—seeing George again—it—it's messed with my head. I've missed you both so much that I can't even fathom the idea of you two forgiving me. I don't understand how you're even standing here talking to me if I'm honest. You should hate me, Fred. I left. I abandoned the both of you when you needed me the most, and for that I am so so sorry."

I barely notice the tears as they start to leak from my eyes. Wiping them away before he notices, I take a step back. I don't want anyone to see me like this. I'm a wreck. A shell of the person I used to be. The one who always used to know what to say and do.

"I've already forgiven you. I forgave you a long time ago, Mia. I understand why you felt you had to leave all of this behind, and I know George does too. He's just too scared to let people in. Especially after Percy and Alfie... He's not been dealing with it the way he should."

"I wish I knew how to help him. I care about him so much. I never stopped. Not for a second."

"And he knows that. Deep down he knows that. You just have to figure out how to make him understand you won't make that same mistake again. Appeal to the side of him that's still clinging to the way our friendship used to be. The side of him that could never turn you down."

I clear my throat, so many thoughts fighting for dominance in my head at the same exact time.

"What do I need to do?" I ask, hope finally blossoming in my chest.

"I have a plan. Do you trust me?" His smile grows and I'm a mere seconds from throwing my arms around him in absolute gratitude.

I answer, "Always."

(...)

My heart flutters nervously as I stand outside Fred and George Weasley's familiar door, my palms slightly clammy with anticipation. I take a deep breath, inhaling the crisp scent of autumn that hangs in the air. The vibrant bouquet of flowers I hold tightly in my hands mirror the kaleidoscope of emotions swirling within me. Their colors, an array of crimson, golden yellow, and vibrant orange, mirroring the magic I'd shared with him during our time together.

Fred had finally convinced George to move back in to their shared apartment, and after a day of planning exactly what to do when I see him, I'm finally stood outside the door to George's room, working up the courage to press my clammy knuckle against the hard wood separating us.

With trembling fingers, I reach up and lightly rap on the door, the sound echoing through the empty hallway. Moments tick by, stretching into an eternity until finally, the door creaks open, revealing a tired but familiar face. George's eyes widen in surprise, his disheveled hair matching the disarray of his emotions.

"Mia? What are you doing here?" he asks, his voice a mixture of astonishment and curiosity.

I take a step forward, my gaze steady and unwavering. The soft, golden sunlight spills over me, casting a warm glow on my features. My heart beats with determination, my voice laced with a mixture of vulnerability and conviction.

"George, I've come here not only to ask for your forgiveness, but also to ask for a second chance," I begin, my words carrying the weight of my emotions. "I know I did something horrible, leaving you, and I can't change the past, but I want you to know that I'm here now. I want to prove to you that I'm not going anywhere, that I'm committed to us, to our future."

George's eyes holds a mixture of surprise and longing as he gazes at me, his guard slowly lowering. He leans against the doorframe, as if needing its support to steady himself amidst the storm of emotions that rage within him.

"I never stopped caring for you, Mia," he admits, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "But I'm scared. Scared of losing you again."

My heart swells with empathy, and I take a tentative step forward, bridging the gap between us. With a gentle touch, I reach out, my fingers brushing against the back of George's hand, the warmth of our connection slowly thawing the walls he has built around himself.

"I understand your fears, George," I whisper, my voice filled with tenderness. "But I promise you, I'm in this for the long haul. We've both been through so much, and together, I know we can find our way again."

Our eyes lock, and in this moment, it feels as if time stands still. George searches my gaze, seeking the sincerity and love that shines within me like a guiding star. A slow smile spreads across his face, his heart feeling lighter, the weight on his shoulders easing.

"I don't know how to trust you again."

"All I'm asking is for you to give me a second chance. To prove I'm never making that mistake again. I want you to be able to trust me, and I think, with a little time and effort, that you will be able to again."