Lost & Found ~ A George Weasley Love Story

13 ~ Calm Before the Storm

Monday 17 August 1998
Diagon Alley, London

George Weasley stood in the middle of products he used to love with all his heart. His eyes scanned the shelves half packed with practical joke objects invented by him and Fred. During previous weeks he had went through them and removed all the expired items together with Lee and Angelina. His two friends had offered to help him and to even his own surprise he had agreed. Together the three of them managed to get the job done just in time for the actual preparations.

Being in the shop still caused him anxiety but he had to get his feelings under control before the reopening. George had reasoned that the start of the new school year at Hogwarts would be the only suitable time to do that. There was exact one week left before the date he had informed in Daily Prophet. He was sure the advertisement in the paper would attract journalists, but that was something he needed to accept in order to get the business back running.

His thoughts were interrupted by a tap on his shoulder. Turning around he was met with a familiar set of brown eyes. He smiled at Angelina.

"Are you okay?" Angelina had a list of shortages in her hand, "Verity just came."

"Oh, sure", George answered deep in thought, "I'll go to her, thanks Angie."

George grabbed the list from Angelina and headed towards the front of the shop. Soon enough he saw the short blonde leaning to the counter. When Verity saw him, she immediately straightened her composure.

"Mr Weasley, thank you for taking me back", she gave him a forced smile, switching weight from one foot to another.

"Of course", George tried his best to mimic her expression, "Here's a list of missing products. could you take a look at it and find out which ones we can order or make before the reopening?"

Verity nodded and took the list from her boss's hand. She turned on her heels to head to the backroom.

"And Verity", George stopped her before her small frame could disappear behind the nearest shelf. Her hazel eyes turned back to him. "Thank you for coming back. I wouldn't manage without you."

Verity's lips formed a genuine smile this time. She nodded curtly before scuttling to the backroom.

Looking after her, George rubbed his freshly shaved chin, yet again, deep in thought. For the first time after the war, he had a feeling that everything would turn out well.

~

Monday 17 August 1998
The Burrow – Devon, England

After a long but rather rewarding day in the shop, George headed to the Burrow. His mother had apparently invited the family together to celebrate Ron and Harry's first day in auror training. Or so George thought, but when arriving to his childhood home, he was met with someone he was not expecting.

"Charlie!" George exclaimed, rushing to embrace his older brother.

"Lil' Georgie, how are you?" Charlie managed to breath out in George's tight hug.

When finally unwrapping his hands around Charlie, George answered, "The real question is; what are you doing here?"

"Aren't I allowed to visit my family anymore?" Charlie shot him a cheeky smile.

Before George could answer, Molly hurried from kitchen to greet the newcomer, "George dear."

George could not help but notice how his mother's eyes lighted up when she saw his neat appearance. Besides maintaining shorter haircut and shaving his stubble regularly, he had even ironed his striped button up shirt before putting it on. He still struggled with seeing his reflection in the mirror, but it had become easier each time.