Between the Cracks // 𝓕𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓵𝓮𝔂

59. Haven't Kissed George

Chapter 59: Haven't Kissed George

Their hands and noses were cold by the time they stepped into Weasleys Wizard Wheezes, and Leigh almost sighed in relief as she took in the familiar space.

Fred grinned faintly by her side, giving her a brief yet warm look. "Well, welcome back."

The two of them made their way up the stairs, soon encountering George lounging in the couch, still working. He glanced up at them, lowering the papers in his hands.

"Oh look, he comes bearing gifts," he joked, albeit accompanying his humorous words with a sweet smile.

"Suitable for Christmas, innit," Fred replied swiftly, soon disappearing into his room and urging Leigh to follow suit.

She briefly greeted George before trailing after Fred, stepping into the room she'd already stayed in twice before. It largely looked the same, except a bit emptier and, dare she say it, a bit cleaner. Fred soon confirmed her thoughts.

"So.., I cleaned it a bit and shoved some...shit away," he drifted off as his gaze hovered across the room, as if double checking everything was in the place and condition he had left it in. His eyes stopped as he looked towards the end of the room, parting his lips. "Don't open that door to the wardrobe," he spoke and pointed, "Took me an eternity to get that one to close. Also, new bed covers and everything, you know... And I emptied the two top drawers if you wanna put some stuff in there while you're here. Since you're here for a few days. And you can just move things around on the counters and stuff if you want."

He seemed to have run out of his planned words, and nodded to himself before he threw a glance at her.

"Thanks," she spoke. "I still feel bad about you having to sleep on the couch, though."

He shrugged. "It's fine. We're planning on going to The Burrow for Christmas dinner tomorrow and stay for a night, if that's alright with you?" he asked, and she immediately nodded. Who was she to disagree with their plans? And besides, The Burrow had always seemed like a lovely place, especially to spend the holidays, based on the words she had heard from Harry and Ron year after year.

"Sounds perfect," she said, smiling up at him, and soon receiving a pleased grin and a pat on the shoulder in response.

"Great." He faced the room again, letting Leigh's big bag drop from his shoulder and land upon the floor with a thud. "Okay, so, get all your stuff in order and feel like home, and then meet me downstairs. I still have some final gifts to get and–" he swiftly looked down at his watch "–we have two hours to go before all the stores close."

She nodded, happy to hear that being the plan given that she really did not have enough gifts by a long run, and crashing the Weasley's holiday celebrations only to have nothing to give them just made her feel prematurely mortified.

Fred started to make his way out of the door before he suddenly peeked back in. "Do you want something to eat first by the way?"

She shook her head with a smile. "No, it's alright. Ate before."

"A'ight. Cool." With a final comedic grin he disappeared from view.

Leigh smiled to herself as she looked out over room's neat interior. The counters were pretty much empty, with the exception of some quidditch equipment, which had been noticeably cleaned. She peered towards the cabinet at her side, pulling out one of the top drawers to see it being empty, just as Fred had said.

On top of the freshly made bed lay the familiar Christmas sweater, folded with a note on top. A drawn smiley face stared back at her, and she couldn't resist the grin which curled along her lips.