Intact, a George Weasley drabble
Fireworks. When George closes his eyes, he sees fireworks. Brilliant yellows, shocking reds, all dancing across the darkened sky, his brother at his side, grinning devilishly and laughing. Feeling invincible as they teetered on the edge of school and their dreams, preparing to leap forward, leaving what Hogwarts had become behind.
“George? Are you listening?” Ginny asked carefully, leaning forward and putting a hand gently on George’s knee. She looked on sadly as George slowly turned away from the mirror perched on his living room wall to face her, looking dazed. “I was just saying that… that I was hoping you could make it to the quidditch match this Friday. We’re doing really well this season, and I just… wanted to see if you’d like to come.”
With a sigh, George shook his head. “Ginny, I don’t know-“
“You need to, George. You hardly ever leave, and it’s not… it’s not normal, George.” George looked to the floor, ashamed. “I used to be your friend, too. Maybe not as good a friend as he was, but I was still your friend.”
Looking back to the mirror, a deep frown formed on George’s face. “I think you should leave.”
Ginny sighed. “Right. See you next Christmas, then,” she muttered as she got to her feet and left.
George didn’t flinch; not when the door slammed, not when the loud crack of apparition sounded. But he hadn’t wanted her to leave. George wanted more than anything for Ginny to stay. She was the only one who truly knew what they had lost when Fred died.
As the tears began rolling down his freckled face, George stared on at that reflection facing him which smiled sadly in return, and he cursed the day that he realized his reflection had both ears intact.