Changes: {George Weasley}

XXV: Defense

    The next day I woke up rather early as well. I really didn't want to get out of bed but after soul searching that night I had to send George an owl. I told Draco that I was done with the joke shop and I was completely serious. It's not because of what George said rather than me wanting to spend my time with Teddy in case I decided to go. Of course, us, Slytherins, tend to be on the dramatic side so it sounded more of like a breakup letter than a resignation. But, coming clean, I was trying to hardcore avoid George until I made my decision so in the letter I nonchalantly said that I didn't want to speak to him until I made up my mind. As I finished the letter, Draco apparated there. I let Sienna go, carelessly.

"So I'm guessing you've resigned?" Draco said. I nodded.

"You know it..." I said. "Want to do something afterwards?" He shook his head.

"I do have a girlfriend, you know." He said. "She does expect to spend time with me."

"She can come." I said. "I just don't want to be alone right now."

"I'll ask her." He said. "What are you going to do meanwhile?"

"Mope." I said. "That felt like a breakup."

"What did he say that was so bad?"

"Nothing." I said. "I don't wanna think about it."

"Have fun moping." He said.

"Thanks." I said. "I'll start brooding too and it'll be a party." Draco laughed and apparated out. I started making breakfast (which is not my specialty so it was just eggs and toast) and a few minutes later Andromeda came to the kitchen.

"I thought I'd heard you." She said. "Was Draco here too?" I nodded.

"We're planning to go out." I said. "You should come, Astoria's probably coming."

"That's lovely." She said. "I'd be glad to go."

"It's settled." I said.

"What's the occasion?" She asked.

"I quit the joke shop."

"What?!"

"Yeah. No more working for me." I said. "Anyways, you know George is kind of nosy and has no trouble in coming here but if he does can you please excuse me."

"But why, Gianna?" She asked. "You guys were getting along so well."

"I need to have my mind clear when I make my decision." I said. "I'm having a hard enough time leaving you and Teddy and Draco and Aunt Cissy so I don't want another person to influence my choices."

"Is that so bad?"

"Andromeda, it's bad because he doesn't like me back." I said. "I know I sound like a twelve year old but it's true. I don't want to keep getting attached to him."

"If you really think so, Gianna." She said. "I just hope you make the right choice."

"There are no right or wrong choices." I said. "You make the best of each of them." I served the two plates of food. "There's food for Draco if he comes." I took mine and ate it in my room. About an hour later Teddy came into my room.

"Aunt Gianna!"

"Teddy!"

"Let's fly!"

"Really?" I said. "I'm sort of tired."

"C'mon!" He said. I stood up reluctantly and grabbed our brooms after feeding Howl who was loose now. "We should go visit Uncle George!"

"Nope." I said.

"But Aunt Gianna, Harry's meeting me there."

"No, you little liar." I said. "Mrs. Weasley is picking you up at noon." He frowned at me.

"I thought you liked Uncle George."

"Nah. I only like you and when you're not lying." I said and stuck my tongue at him. "Did you pack your things for Weekend at Harry's?" Teddy shook his head. "Then we have to cut this short. Just one more race." By race, it was me pretending to lose to Teddy while flying five feet above ground. Then we went to Andromeda's house and Draco was already there with Astoria.

"Hey you." I said to them.

"Hello, Gianna." Astoria said. "It's been a long time."

"I know." I said. You see, Astoria was my age. "I apologise that I couldn't talk to you much at the ball."

"It's okay." She said and smiled. "You're here now. We can catch up today." I smiled. I wasn't really friends with Astoria when I was at Hogwarts, she was quite popular and I wasn't at all.

"Yes, I'd love that." I said. "I'm just going to change and I'll come right down." And I did but when I came down Mrs. Weasley was already there talking with Andromeda and there was a knock on the door. Draco opened it to see George. I hid back to the corridor.

"Where's Gianna?"

"She doesn't want to see you." Draco said. "Don't take it personally."

"I took you out once; I can do it again, Malfoy."

"Is that a threat, Weasley?" Draco said with a sly look on his face as he started to take out his wand.

"GEORGE WEASLEY." Mrs. Weasley shouted angrily. "SHE'S GOING THROUGH SOMETHING DIFFICULT RIGHT NOW. GIVE HER SOME SPACE. Go back to the shop."

"This is between me and her, Mum!" George said. "I just need to speak to her. We're good."

"Listen here, Weasley. She said she'd contact you when she wants to talk to you." Draco said.

"I just want to apologise."  George said.

"She's not here anyways." Draco interrupted. What? "She left to meet with mother. So just go." With that he cursed and left. I came back to face them.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Weasley." I said. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

"He cares about you a lot." Mrs. Weasley said coldly. "If you care for him as well please don't leave him alone." I nodded and sank into the couch next to Draco.