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Author: guruvee Story: Out of the Darkness Rating: Everyone Setting: Post-DH Status: WIP Reviews: 7 Words: 11,090
Ginny and Hermione decided to go to Diagon Alley for some last minute shopping before Ginny left to join the Harpies and Hermione left for the States with Ron. Ginny had received communication about all the things she’d need that were not provided by the team, and Hermione was just an organized planner, who refused to take an overseas trip without making sure she had all the things she might need. Their first stop was the Apothecary. Hermione wanted to see if they had a catalogue of their stock, so that if she found something unique in the States she could pick it up if she liked. The shopkeeper was happy to oblige, and presented her with a lengthy scroll listing every offering he had, and their prices. Her eyes sparkled with cheer as she unrolled it. “And you’re sure you don’t mind if I take this with me?” “Young lady, I have duplicated that scroll countless times. It would be quite nice if you could return it when you arrive back in London; however, if you don’t, I’ll not shed a tear.” He smiled and followed the girls to the door. They stepped back outside into the sunshine, and Ginny stared at Hermione with a surprised look. “I had no idea there were so many ingredients for making potions.” “Yes. And would you believe there are many more that Apothecaries don’t usually stock? Perhaps I’ll bring back a little something to thank him for the list.” Looking up before they took another step, she asked, “Quality Quidditch Supplies?” “I think that would be good. Fortunately, I don’t have to buy a broom, or robes or protective gear for the games. But it might be nice to pick up some gear for practices. And something for Harry might not be a bad idea, as well.” They entered the Quidditch shop, and browsed the store completely. Hermione found a Chudley Cannons shirt she thought Ron might like, but then decided against it; she’d save her money and buy him a really nice souvenir from Salem. Ginny picked up some practice robes and some practice gloves. And then she found a t-shirt she thought Harry would find humorous. It was green with gold lettering that read: my harpy’s a snitch. The Holyhead Harpies logo was underneath that with a golden snitch floating across the logo … charmed to fly around it. Ginny decided to walk up to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes to see George. Hermione had a quick stop to make, and told her she’d meet her there. What Hermione really had to do was pick up a gift for Ginny for making the team. She stopped at Eyelops and picked out a little scops owl. It was perfect. She took the cage from the clerk, paid her galleons, and walked up the street to George’s shop. When she entered the shop, business was slow. Only one or two shoppers appeared to be looking around the store, and Hermione could hear Ginny’s voice coming from the back room. She nodded to Verity in greeting, and followed the sound of the voices. Ginny stopped mid-sentence as soon as Hermione walked in. “Why did you buy an owl?” Hermione beamed. “Well, I know you and Harry are just getting back together, and is seems such a shame that you won’t be together as often as you’d like. And since you’ve landed yourself such a fabulous job, I thought I’d buy you a congratulatory present.” “Th-that’s for me?” Ginny stuttered, looking incredulous. “She is.” Hermione handed the cage over. “She’s a scops. And she is very friendly. I thought you and Harry might be writing back and forth quite a bit.” “Oh, Hermione! Thank you.” George smiled. His brother and sister were both off on new adventures and he was happy for them. “Well, I have some news for you two ladies.” The girls looked at him expectantly. It had been so rare to see a smile cross his face in the last year, but it was so nice when one did. “Lee and I are working on some new products. Some, uh, special products. Just for adults.” Hermione smiled. “That’s wonderful. It’s nice to see you working on something new, George.” But Ginny looked a bit apprehensive; her eyes narrowed as she asked, “And just what does this have to do with us?” “Ginny, Ginny, Ginny. Why are you always so suspicious of my intentions? I was just passing the word along. Maybe once they are ready to be sold, I’ll let you take a free sample.” “I’m not sure I’d want one, but I won’t say another word about it. Good for you.” And then as an afterthought she asked, “You don’t need me to test these products for you, do you?” “Well, I suppose if you’d like to you can. Harry might like that.” George ducked to avoid the hand that nearly knocked his head off. “But I think we have all our testers lined up already. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it.” They all shared a quick hug, and the girls headed toward the door to finish their shopping. Ginny paused at the door. “Will you be home in time for dinner?” “I just have some cleaning up to do here, and then I’ll be home. I promise.” * * * Dinner started out as a quiet affair. Molly Weasley had, of course, outdone herself in the kitchen, and the food was more than delicious. Hermione's parents had, once again, been invited to join them. It probably would have seemed odd if they hadn't, since everyone was fairly convinced that Ron and Hermione would get married. Arthur and Molly had even speculated that the engagement would come about on this trip to the States, but no one knew for sure. At any rate, they all set about the table, feasting on roast chicken, potatoes and carrots, smothered in gravy, followed by a nice treacle pudding. They had been at the table for about fifteen minutes when the familiar pop of apparition could be felt, and soon George was walking through the door, cheeks flushed and a big grin on his face. Molly's first instinct was to be suspicious. George never had a grin on his face for a good reason. But she kept herself in check, after all they had been through. "Ah, George! Why so happy?" "Well, Mum, I'm so glad you asked." The mischief in his eyes showed, where it had been absent these last long months. "I have decided to move back into the flat." There was silence around the table. Hermione's parents stared at their plates, feeling a bit uncomfortable. Ginny and Hermione shared a look, both silently asking the same question, Did he know this when we saw him earlier? Why didn't he tell us? Ron and Harry grinned at each other, for this could only mean one thing – new Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes products. Molly glanced at Arthur, and then stood up, walked over to George and gave him a big hug. Her eyes glistened with tears, but she had a big smile on her face. "I think it's time. I think it's a good idea." "So you're not upset?" "Upset? Goodness, no." Molly sighed. "I've been waiting for you to tell me you were ready. I didn't want you to think you weren't welcome to stay here. I admit, part of me wanted you to give up the flat but – " "Now, Molly," Arthur interrupted, "you know George can't stay here forever." Waving her hands to hold back his words, Molly continued. "You're father is right. And deep down I knew that. I just didn't want to be the one to push you out. Come, have something to eat." George squeezed in between Harry and Ron, and helped himself to large servings of everything on the table. "And here I thought I missed dinner." He tucked in ravenously to the generous serving Molly placed before him before continuing. "We're working on some new products, Lee and I, and we're in the process of determining what to call them, and how to test them. We think we have some testers lined up. But nothing is set in stone." George spent about five minutes describing what he expected the new line of products to be like. Hermione turned beet red when George asked her if she'd like to be a tester when she returned from her trip. With her parents there, it was all Ron could do not to burst into a huge grin, but Hermione managed to kick him under the table to stop it. "A-adult products, dear?" Molly managed to stammer out. "Well, yes. I suppose they are. We'll get around to packaging them, and figuring out how to sell them, but first we need to make sure the charms work. I can't give away any secrets though. Let's end this discussion here," he said with a wink in Ron’s direction.
A/N: Thanks, as always, to Ladybug for her endless patience, corrections and suggestions. Thanks to all of you, my readers, as well! Please continue to read and review, your input is invaluable, and constructive criticism is always welcome!
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