Healing Shadows | Harry x George

[ Steps Forward ]

The summer days continued to roll by, filled with the laughter of the Weasley family and the comforting presence of friends. George and Harry found their footing in their new relationship, each day bringing them closer together.

One afternoon, George and Harry were working at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, the shop bustling with customers. Business had been booming, and their collaborative ideas were a big hit. They were restocking shelves when Ron and Hermione walked in, hand in hand.

"Hey, you two," Ron called out, a broad grin on his face. "How's business?"

"Couldn't be better," George replied, his eyes sparkling with pride. "Thanks to Harry's brilliant ideas."

Harry blushed, waving off the compliment. "It's all teamwork."

Hermione looked around the shop, clearly impressed. "You've both done an amazing job. Fred would be so proud."

A sombre but warm silence followed, each of them thinking about Fred. George gave a small nod, a mix of emotions crossing his face. "Yeah, he would be."

Ron broke the silence with a cheerful tone. "So, we were thinking of grabbing some lunch at the Leaky Cauldron. You two want to join us?"

Harry glanced at George, who nodded. "Sure, that sounds great."

They closed the shop for lunch and made their way to the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was lively, filled with witches and wizards enjoying their meals and catching up on the latest gossip. They found a quiet corner and settled in.

As they ate, Ron and Hermione shared stories from their work at the Ministry, and Harry talked about some of the new products they were developing for the shop. George listened, feeling a sense of normalcy and contentment he hadn't experienced in a long time.

Halfway through their meal, Ginny walked in with Luna Lovegood. They spotted the group and joined them, the table filling with laughter and conversation. George watched his family and friends, a smile playing on his lips.

After lunch, as they were walking back to the shop, Ginny fell into step beside George. "You seem happier," she said, her tone gentle.

George nodded, glancing at Harry, who was walking a few steps ahead with Ron. "I am. It's been a long time coming, but I think I'm finally starting to heal."

Ginny smiled, her eyes filled with understanding. "I'm glad. Harry's good for you, you know. You both deserve to be happy."

"I know," George replied, his voice soft. "He's been amazing. I'm just trying to take it one day at a time."

Ginny squeezed his arm. "That's all you can do."

Back at the shop, George and Harry continued their work, the atmosphere light and filled with the buzz of customers. As the day drew to a close, they found themselves alone in the shop, tidying up and preparing to head back to the Burrow.

"Today was nice," George said, breaking the comfortable silence. "It felt... normal."

Harry nodded, a smile on his lips. "It did. It's good to have days like this, where everything feels right."

George glanced at Harry, his expression serious but tender. "Harry, I want you to know how much you mean to me. You've helped me in ways I can't even begin to explain."

Harry looked at George, his eyes softening. "George, you mean the world to me. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I'm just glad I can be here for you."

They stood in the quiet of the shop, the unspoken words between them creating a bond stronger than anything George had ever known. He reached out and took Harry's hand, pulling him close.

"Thank you," George whispered. "For everything."

Harry leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to George's lips. "Thank you, too. For letting me in."

As they locked up the shop and made their way back to the Burrow, George felt a sense of peace. The future was still uncertain, but with Harry by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came their way.

That night, as they lay in bed, George found himself reflecting on the journey they had taken. From the depths of grief to the beginnings of new love, they had come so far. He knew there would still be hard days, but with Harry, he believed they could overcome anything.

He turned to Harry, who was already drifting off to sleep, and whispered, "Goodnight, Harry."

Harry murmured a sleepy reply, his hand finding George's in the darkness. "Goodnight, George."

As sleep claimed them, George felt a deep sense of contentment. He knew that, step by step, they were building something beautiful together. And for the first time in a long while, he felt truly hopeful for the future.