The Other Granger- COMPLETED

Chapter 42

Elaine's POV:

Right before it was time to go to the Burrow for dinner with Ginny, George called a staff meeting in his office. "Come on in everyone," he said, pushing his desk over so there was enough room for all of us. "First things first, I wanted you all to see the newest installment of my office," George said, stepping aside to reveal an empty portrait. "This portrait connects to the one at Hogwarts...so Fred can walk back and forth whenever he wants," George explained as everyone clapped happily. "And second. I need a partner. Running this business without Fred isn't easy, and I need help. So, if you want to apply for the position, I would like for each of you to schedule a meeting with me this week and explain why you'd be a good partner for me," George said, then dismissed the staff.

I hung around in George's office, staring at Fred's portrait. "You okay?" George asked when he realized I didn't leave the office yet. "I just miss him a lot today...he always knew what to say to make me feel better," I said, feeling my eyes start to water. "Did something happen?" George asked, letting me sit in his desk chair. "Draco and I sort of had a disagreement...about telling his dad we're engaged...and when we had his mother over last night she left in a hurry when Draco snapped at her not to tell Lucius about us," I said. "You don't think Lucius probably already knows that you're engaged? I mean, it was in the Daily Prophet," George said, sliding himself on his desk. "Exactly...I told him that too, but he didn't want to listen. Said it'd be putting us in danger," I said, subconsciously placing a hand on my stomach. "Why'd you do that?" George asked, smirking as if he already knew the answer. "I-uh-I had an itch," I said, scratching my stomach. "You just said 'us'...you're-you're pregnant aren't you?" George started. "God I can't keep anything from you...yes...I'm pregnant. But don't tell anyone...please," I pleaded as George's face broke out into a huge smile. He pulled me in for a loving hug...the kind Fred used to give me. "Congratulations," he said, still smiling at me. I looked at him with raised eyebrows. "I promise, promise...I won't say a word," George said, holding up his pinky to make that promise solid. "Thanks," I said, holding my pinky out for his.

"I'll see you later...I've got to be at the Burrow for dinner," I said, kissing George on the cheek as I grabbed my wand and bag. "I won't see you there," he said with a smile.  "Why not?" I asked.  "I bought Brandy and I a house...we just finished moving in...she's actually waiting for food at the Leaky Cauldron now," George explained.  I squealed with happiness for him, beyond delighted that he was finally as happy as he was before Fred died.  I congratulated him and waved goodbye before I apparated on the spot.

My feet landed in front of the giant house. I could see Mrs Weasley rushing around the kitchen to get dinner done. Hermione and Ron were tossing a quaffle on broomsticks on the field next to the house, and I waved to them. After they waved back, I made my way towards the front door where Ginny was already waiting for me.

"Elaine!" she squealed throwing her arms around me for a hug. "How are you feeling?" she asked, pointing to where I was stabbed. "Much better...the wound is almost gone," I said, lifting my shirt to reveal a small scabbed over cut. "Did they find Pansy yet?" she asked as we walked into the house. "Nothing yet...Draco went today to see if he could help them find her," I explained.

Ginny led me inside where Mr and Mrs Weasley greeted me with a hug. "Let's hang out in my room before dinner," Ginny suggested and we walked up a few flights of stairs before we reached her room. "So what is it you wanted to ask me?" she asked as she sat on her bed. "Oh right," I said, having completely forgotten the whole purpose of me coming over. "I was wondering if you'd be a bridesmaid!" I exclaimed as I saw her face break out into a huge smile. "OH MY GOD YES!" she squealed, throwing herself on top of me, crushing my stomach. "Easy you're gonna crush the bab-" I started, but caught myself a second too late. "Baby? Did you just say I was gonna crush the baby?" she asked. "Umm, no," I said, knowing right away she knew the truth. "You're pregnant!" she exclaimed loudly. I quickly quieted her down, telling her that no one else knows besides Hermione...and George. Man I'm terrible at keeping secrets.