𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍; george weasley

044

FORTY FOUR

The Gryffindor common room was unusually quiet for the last day of term. Most students had already headed to bed, eager to catch a few hours of sleep before the long train ride home in the morning. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the cozy space. Victoria stood by the window, gazing out at the dark grounds, lost in thought.

"Hey," Harry's voice broke through the silence, and she turned to see him coming down the boys' staircase, his trunk already packed and Hedwig's cage in hand. He looked a little anxious, like he always did before going somewhere new.

"Hey," she replied with a small smile. "Ready to go?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Ron and Hermione just left. Said they'll see me at the Burrow later this summer." He hesitated, glancing around the room. "You okay? You've been... quiet lately."

Victoria shrugged, trying to keep her tone light. "It's been a lot, hasn't it? This whole year."

Harry gave her a knowing look. "Yeah, it has. But you're sure you're okay?"

Before she could answer, footsteps echoed down the staircase. Fred and George appeared, laughing softly about something. Alicia trailed behind them, her hand resting possessively on George's arm. Victoria's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly composed herself.

"Heading out?" George asked, his tone casual, though his eyes lingered on Victoria a little longer than necessary.

"Yeah," she said softly. "Harry and I are leaving now."

Fred stepped forward first, pulling Victoria into a tight hug. "Don't get into too much trouble with the royals," he teased, his familiar grin easing the tension in her chest.

"I'll try my best," she joked back, squeezing him tightly.

When she pulled away, her eyes met George's. There was an awkward pause, a beat too long where neither of them knew what to say.

"Well..." George started, rubbing the back of his neck. "Have a good summer, Victoria."

"You too," she replied quietly, her heart sinking at the formality between them.

Alicia shifted closer to George, her smile bright but pointed. "We'll send you a postcard from the shop."

"Looking forward to it," Victoria said, forcing a smile. She glanced at Harry, who was watching the exchange with a curious expression.

"Ready?" she asked him softly.

"Yeah," Harry nodded, still watching George as if trying to piece something together.

As they left the common room, the awkwardness hung in the air. The corridors were empty, the portraits already dozing off in their frames.

Harry broke the silence as they walked. "You and George...?"

Victoria shook her head quickly. "No. It's... complicated."

"Doesn't look like nothing," Harry muttered, glancing back over his shoulder.

She let out a soft sigh, her arm slipping around his shoulder in a comforting gesture. "Let's not talk about that. Are you excited? A week in a palace isn't exactly normal."

Harry's face lit up at the change in subject. "I guess. I've never been anywhere like... well, like where you live."

"You'll love it," she assured him, giving him a gentle squeeze. "And Mum's been looking forward to meeting you properly."

They reached Dumbledore's office, and the Headmaster was waiting for them with a kind smile. "Ah, Miss Windsor, Mr. Potter. Ready for your journey?"

"Yes, sir," they both replied in unison.

Dumbledore stepped aside, gesturing to the fireplace. "The Floo Network is ready. Safe travels, and do give my regards to your mother, Victoria."

"Will do," she said, stepping into the fireplace with Harry close behind.

"Royal Outhouse, Buckingham Palace," she announced clearly, and with a swirl of green flames, they were gone.

They emerged in a grand but understated sitting room in one of the palace's many outbuildings. Harry stumbled slightly, brushing soot off his robes, and his eyes widened as he took in the grandeur around him.

"This is... wow," he whispered.

Victoria smiled. "It's just the outhouse."

"Just?" Harry repeated, his voice incredulous.

Before she could answer, the doors opened, and two guards stepped in. "Miss Windsor, Mr. Potter, Her Royal Highness is waiting for you."

Victoria led Harry through the winding halls until they reached a familiar sitting room. Diana was there, glowing with pregnancy, her hands resting on her rounded belly. Her smile lit up the room as she stood to greet them.

"Harry," Diana said warmly, pulling him into a gentle hug. "Welcome to Buckingham Palace."

Harry, startled by the embrace, hesitated for a moment before hugging her back. "Thank you, ma'am."

"And you must be tired from the journey," Diana said, stepping back. "We've prepared a room for you."

A butler appeared at the door, ready to escort Harry. Victoria gave him a reassuring smile. "Go on. Get settled in. I'll see you in a bit."

Harry looked between the two of them, then did something unexpected—he hugged Victoria tightly. "Thanks for letting me come," he whispered.

Victoria's heart warmed, and she hugged him back. "Of course. We're family, remember?"

He pulled away, giving them both a shy smile before following the butler.

As soon as the door closed, Diana turned to Victoria, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So... George?"

Victoria sighed, sinking into a chair. "Mum, it's... complicated."

Diana raised an eyebrow, sitting beside her. "Everything with boys is complicated. But you'll figure it out. Now, have a tart. You've earned it."

Victoria took the offered tart, the buttery pastry and sweet fruit a welcome distraction. "I just don't understand him. He's... different now. And Alicia—"

"Isn't you," Diana said simply. "Sometimes boys take longer to realize what's right in front of them."

Victoria gave a half-hearted laugh. "Maybe."

Diana took her hand. "And if he doesn't figure it out? It's his loss, darling. You have so much ahead of you."

Victoria smiled, the warmth of her mother's words filling the space George had left. Maybe she would figure it out. Maybe this summer was just the beginning.