Changes: {George Weasley}

XXII: We Eat

That night, I thought about everything. Literally everything. My mind wandered into various places, some not so nice. I thought about my parents and how they made mistakes that put their life on hold. I didn't want to choose the wrong thing and that to happen to me. I really didn't, if I stay here I might never have a chance to do what I love, I might never get married as I have literally no single friends except George, the few friends I had were back in America.

I thought about Teddy, Andromeda is young but I want him to grow up with another adult that can be a mother figure to him and I know he has Ginny but I just love him so much, he gives me purpose. I wouldn't want to just leave him alone after how much we've bonded the last few months. I also thought about Andromeda who lost so many people she cared about, I didn't want her to lose me too. She could always leave with me but that means Teddy would be far away from Harry. I thought about Draco and Narcissa who had been especially nice because of what happened to me, who were like a mother and brother to me. My family, whom I love with all my heart. I thought about all the Weasleys who despite our rocky beginning had learned to accept me but especially about George whom I grew incredibly fond of.

To think that my parents were fighting for the causes that made all of these people lose something or someone. Draco, Narcissa and Lucius, who fought for the same cause, lost my parents and Bellatrix; the Weasleys lost Fred, Andromeda and Teddy lost Ted, Nymphandora and Lupin all at once. What if I was signing my loss warrant by going to Ilvermorny? What if I lost them in the process? I fell asleep at about 6 am after speculating for so long. I didn't bring myself to tell Andromeda yet or Narcissa. George and Ron knew by default. I woke up to someone loudly knocking at the door but I didn't bother to get up. I just overheard.

"Good morning, Mrs. Tonks." I heard George say. "Is Gianna here?" Oh no.

"Yes, dear." Andromeda said. "She's in her room, second one on the right." I heard George's footsteps getting closer. Suddenly I realised I was wearing an oversized Beatles shirt, courtesy of Daniel and Wampus pajama bottoms. George knocked on the door but opened it before I could answer.

"Hey." He said. "Were you asleep?"

"As a matter of fact, yes."

"Sorry. I got worried when you didn't come to work." He said. "It's way past noon." My eyes widened.

"I'm so sorry, George." I said. "I just could barely sleep yesterday."

"It's okay. No need to apologise." He said. "Would you like to go for lunch/supper with me?" My eyes widened. "You know, offer's only valid if you change clothes." I chuckled.

"Sure, why not." I said. "Why?"

"I think it'll help you." He said. "We could talk about your future in the shop if you decide to stay. Or we could talk about your feelings. I don't know what's it like to go out with a real girl anymore." I chuckled.

"I certainly don't want to talk about my feelings." I said. "I'll just change and meet you outside." Was this a date? I changed into a rather pretty long-sleeved dress with a trenchcoat and boots and met George in the living room. We apparated into Griff's.

"I didn't know you liked it here." I asked.

"Actually, I've never been here. Draco told me you loved this place."

"Hm. Were you asking about me, Weasley?" I asked.

"I mean, I just asked this. I wanted to come here with you to let you know that I care about you and that you can trust me." He said. "I'm ready to put my serious face." I chuckled. He cares.

"That's very sweet of you." I said. "So, my future at the joke shop?"

"That." He said. "Well, to me you're family. You know that. So I'm willing to make you highest position after Ron with pay and everything." I smiled at him.

"Look, George. As flattered as I am, I would love to keep working at the joke shop; Nevertheless, I don't do it for the money. And eventually I'll have to leave the shop. It's your dream, not mine."

"That's what I tell Ron." He said. "It's my and Fred's dream.. not his..I just want someone to want to share the shop with me, you know, forever." I felt bad then.

"I'm sorry." I said. "Ron loves it too, George. I know that for a fact but you'll find someone to run it with full time eventually."

"I guess." He said. "Anyways, we're here to talk about you."

"Look, I don't want to think about that for a minute. Let's just talk about something fun. I promise that I trust you but I'm tired." I said.

"Okay." George said. "What do you like to do?"

"I like to read." I said. "And play guitar. And go to muggle shops and buy weird things."

"Let's do all of that, then." He said. "Well, I'm not going to read but you can talk to me about a book you like."