𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

017

SEVENTEEN

8 months later

The sunlight poured into the hospital wing, casting warm rays over the still form of Victoria Windsor. Months had passed since she was petrified, and though life at Hogwarts continued, there was a tangible absence that never quite left those closest to her.

George Weasley sat at her bedside like he did most mornings, his chair tilted precariously on two legs as he balanced himself against the table holding Madam Pomfrey's potions. A book lay abandoned in his lap—one of the many he'd tried reading aloud to her, even though he knew she couldn't hear him.

"Well, Tori," he said, his voice tinged with a soft melancholy, "Quidditch is in the bag again. Gryffindor crushed Slytherin last week—thank Harry for that. You'd have laughed seeing Malfoy fumble his broom."

He paused, glancing at her serene face, his chest tightening.

"I mean, I guess you would've said something diplomatic like, 'Oh, poor boy,'" he muttered with a small laugh. "But I know you'd have been laughing on the inside."

The silence that followed felt heavier than usual. George leaned forward, resting his elbows on the edge of the bed.

"Fred says I'm going soft," he admitted. "But he doesn't sit with you like this. He doesn't talk to you... not like I do." His fingers tapped nervously against the chair. "I miss you, Tori. Everyone does. Angelina and Alicia keep asking when you'll come back. Even Lee—though he said he was only asking because he needs someone to keep Fred and me in line. Rubbish excuse."

The sunlight caught her golden hair, making it glint like a crown. George's chest tightened, and he reached out to brush a strand away from her face.

"You've missed so much, Tori," he whispered. "But mostly, I've just missed you."

The sound of Madam Pomfrey clearing her throat made George jump.

"Mr. Weasley," she said, her tone gentle but firm, "it's time for dinner. You've been here long enough today."

George sighed, reluctant to leave. He stood, hesitating before leaning over to brush an imaginary strand of hair off Victoria's forehead. "Don't go anywhere, okay? I'll be back after dinner."

⠀:¨ ·.· ¨:⠀
⠀ '· . ୨୧⠀

George sat at the Gryffindor table, poking at his dinner with his fork. His friends surrounded him, but their usual antics didn't lift his spirits. Even Fred had toned down his usual jokes, though he tried to catch George's attention.

"Mate, you've got to eat," Fred said, nudging George's plate toward him. "Starving yourself isn't going to bring her back any faster."

George glared at him but said nothing. He pushed his food around his plate, barely listening to the chatter around him. Across the hall, he could see Harry, Ron, and Hermione sitting together, their faces equally subdued.

Suddenly, a ripple of gasps echoed through the Great Hall. Heads turned toward the entrance, and George's heart stopped as he saw what was happening.

One by one, the previously petrified students were walking into the hall, their expressions ranging from confused to overjoyed as their friends rushed to greet them. The room filled with cheers, hugs, and laughter, and the Gryffindor table erupted into applause.

Fred leaped to his feet, his face lit up. "They're back!"

"Where's Tori?" George whispered, his eyes scanning the group desperately. He stood, craning his neck, but she wasn't there.

The applause in the hall suddenly grew louder, and George turned toward the source.

At the far end of the hall, Victoria walked in. Her usual grace was tempered by a tentative smile as she looked around at the sea of faces. Slowly, applause turned into a standing ovation, and to George's astonishment, students and staff alike began to bow.

Fred grinned, clapping George on the back. "Well, go on, then!"

George didn't need to be told twice. He bolted from his spot, running toward her, weaving through the crowd as cheers filled the room.

"Tori!" he called, his voice cracking slightly.

When he reached her, he didn't hesitate. Wrapping his arms around her, he lifted her off the ground in a tight hug, spinning her in a circle.

"You're back," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You're actually back."

Victoria laughed as he set her down, her cheeks pink from the attention. "Wow, you both need haircuts."

Fred, who had followed close behind, let out a bark of laughter. "Oh, she's still got her sass! We're in trouble now, George."

Angelina and Alicia rushed up, joining the reunion with matching grins.

"Don't ever do that to us again," Alicia said, her voice trembling. "We were terrified."

"You mean petrified," Lee giggles as they all look at him pointedly.

"We missed you so much." Fred smiled.

Angelina nodded, pulling Victoria into a hug. "You've got a lot of catching up to do."

"Good to see you, Tori," Lee said, clapping her on the shoulder. "Though I'm sure you'll use this whole petrification thing as an excuse to get out of helping with my commentary notes."

Victoria rolled her eyes but laughed. "I would never."

As her friends surrounded her, teasing and fussing over her, George stayed close, his hand lingering on her shoulder as though he was afraid she might disappear again.

"Seriously," he said quietly, leaning in so only she could hear, "don't scare me like that again, okay?"

Victoria smiled, her eyes softening. "I missed you too, George."

Fred's voice cut through the moment. "All right, enough of this emotional nonsense. Who's ready to cause some mischief?"

Victoria laughed, her heart lighter than it had been in months. For the first time in what felt like forever, she was home.