No Tricks (George Weasley x OC)

Chapter 1

Leaning by the window, half hidden behind a curtain, George Weasley was watching. His gaze was fixated on the other side of the street as people walked in and out of a shop, carrying boxes. A new neighbor was moving in, replacing the old ice cream parlor now that Florean Fortescue had officially retired.

A young woman in particular piqued his attention. She pointed left and right, giving indications to the people accompanying her. Her hands stood out to him, oddly covered with lace fingerless gloves. A peculiar choice for such an active task as moving.

"Heard anything about the new neighbor?" George asked his brother without turning.

Looking up from his seat behind the counter, Fred only shook his head: "Not much. Only that she's an artist."

"An artist?" George asked, brows furrowing.

"According to the old Olivander at least," Fred explained as he walked over to the window to look outside. He nonchalantly pushed his hands in his pockets.

"What kind of artist?"

"Hell if I know," Fred answered with a shrug. "Why don't you go ask her yourself, since you're so curious?"

His twin had a mischievous and knowing smile that George did not like.

Frowning and shaking his head, he defended that he would go greet her after she was done moving in, so as to not bother her.

"How very considerate of you," Fred teased.

Rolling his eyes, George turned back to the other side of the street. Running her fingers through her dark, short hair, the woman looked up and met his gaze. Offering a smile, she briefly waved before returning to the matter at hand.

George was tempted to remark to his brother that their new neighbor seemed like a nice person, but decided against it. He knew this would only provoke Fred into teasing him more.

The rest of the day ran smoothly and was rather uneventful. Fred left early, having promised Angelina a special date night. George had closed the shop at the usual time, and as he lowered outer blinds, he noticed that the light across the street was still burning. No doubt that their mysterious artist was still busy organizing everything. He wondered if it would be wise to ring the doorbell to their shop.

As if on cue, the door to said shop opened and out exited the young woman who had greeted him earlier. George figured now was as good a time as any to present himself.

Clearing his throat, he started: "Busy day?"

"Hm?" she said looking up from something in her hands. "Oh yes!" she continued, realizing the words were indeed addressed to her, "Very busy, but very worth it."

George noted a small accent in her voice.

"I'm sure," he said with a smile before presenting himself.

She walked towards him and leaned in, presenting her empty hand. George shook it. That is when he realized that her hand was not covered in lace, but rather an illustration. He made a mental note to ask her about this later.

"I'm Oli."

"Holly?" George wondered, cocking his head sideways.

"No, no Oli. Short for Olivia, but please just call me Oli."

"Oli it is then," he nodded, smiling.

Both looking in the direction of the relatively empty street, he wondered: "Am I holding you up?"

"Oh no, don't worry," Oli reassured him. "I'm only going to get food, I'm starving."

"Oh really, you didn't wine and dine?" George joked, nodding towards her shop.