All I Want for Christmas - no challenge (part 6, gift exchange)
Title: All I Want for Christmas
Summary: Susan is suffering from the holiday blues. All of her friends are couples, getting married, or soon to have babies. She feels completely alone - and then along comes a redhead. Written for my kaitydid33087 Sorry it has taken so long to get it all posted. This is the end of it and I hope that you really love it.
Characters/Pairings: Susan Bones/ George Weasley, Susan Bones/Theodore Nott, Hannah/Neville, Ron/Hermione
Genre: Romance, hoping for fluff
Beta: M & Z
Rating/Warnings: T
Medium: Fic
Word Count: part 6 4474 words
Can the Order post to Tumblr?: Yes
She cuddled in closer to him just before she realized what she did. Her eyes popped open. Her mouth opened in shock. “I’m so sorry.”
He leaned in and kissed her softly. “Happy Christmas, Susan.”
She smiled at him. “Happy Christmas.”
“Nothing will compare to this present right here,” he said softly.
She looked at him confused.
“Waking up with you in my arms. I can definitely get used to this.”
Susan made a noise of disbelief. “Right. You say that until we get to your mum’s house and she has given you the most exciting present of all.”
“Yes, my traditional Weasley sweater.”
Susan laughed at him and let him kiss her again. There was no rush in the kiss, no need to push it further. He pulled back and just gazed down at her.
“Now the question becomes, do you want to have breakfast with Mum or do you want to eat first?”
“Let’s eat first. It’s not every day you know you are going to be faced with a ton of Weasleys. I need to make sure I get something to eat first.”
“Alright now.” He started to tickle her. “Just so you know you just slept with one of those Weasleys.”
“I give up! Stop! I’m going to pee my pants.” She laughed.
He stopped and kissed her. “Is that better?”
“Much better.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him back down for another kiss.
George reluctantly stopped the kiss before it progressed. He didn’t want to scare her away, even though his body was telling him that he should keep going. “We have to stop now. I don’t think you are ready for more,” he said softly. “Much as I don’t want to stop.”
They both got up. Susan went to get dressed. George went to the kitchen and began to fix breakfast. He made it light because he knew there would be a feast at home. Susan came into the kitchen looking beautiful. He handed her a cup of tea. Susan cleaned up the kitchen while George got ready.
“Ready?”
Susan nodded her head. It was now or never. She grabbed the bag of presents and walked over to him. He kissed her one last time before Apparating them to just outside of his house.
Susan took in the house. She grinned at George as he watched her. “It is fabulous. I will have to make sure that I tell Draco he had it wrong all these years!”
George laughed at her. “Maybe I will be brave enough to invite him over one day. He should see how the rest of the world lives.”
He clasped her fingers and they walked in. “George!” Molly came straight to her son and hugged him tightly.
“Happy Christmas, Mum.”
Molly turned to look at Susan. “You must be this Susan I keep hearing about. Welcome, welcome. Would you like something to eat? You must be starving.”
“No, mum we ate this morning.”
“Really?” Molly raised her eyebrow and stared at her son. “It is still early and you have already had breakfast?”
“Mum, please don’t do this. I stayed at Susan’s last night because we celebrated Christmas with our friend Justin. I slept on the couch.”
“You just better make sure that you control yourself young man.”
“Yes, ma’am. I promise I have not made any 'untoward advances' on her. I don’t think she would let me if I tried.” He turned and winked at Susan. “Now, don’t make her feel any more uncomfortable or I will take her back to her flat and convince her I need to do what my mother thinks I’m doing.”
“George! You watch that impertinent mouth.” Molly hit him on the head.
Molly looked at Susan and smiled at her. “Please excuse any lack of manners my son may have. I have taught them. He just ignored them the same way he did his lessons. Oh I have children that dropped out of school.”
“Does this mean that George is here?”
“Good morning, Charlie!” George went and hugged his brother. “It’s good to see you home. No one told me you were coming.”
“I heard my baby brother was bringing a girl home. I figured I better show up so she doesn’t get a bad impression of the family.” Charlie laughed and turned to face Susan. “You must be Susan. Hi! I’m Charlie.”
“Hello, Charlie. I remember seeing you before. You came to Hogwarts, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I’m the dragon tamer who could move a bit closer to home.”
“Want some breakfast, Charlie dear?” Molly was already fixing him a plate.
“Of course I do. Ron isn’t up yet, so I better hurry.”
George laughed. “And this is why we ate before we came.”
“Hey, I heard my name.” Ron walked in with his hair mussed.
“Couldn’t you have made yourself decent? You knew George was going to have a friend today.” Molly scolded her youngest son.
“Oh, oh yeah. Morning, Susan. You look too chipper this early in the morning.” He walked over to the stove. “Good, breakfast is ready.”
“Where is Hermione?” Molly asked.
“She will be down in a minute. Scoot over Charlie.” Ron sat down next to his brother.
Susan moved closer to George. He slid his arms around her. The house was coming to life and it could soon be scary. “Are you okay?” He whispered into her ear.
She nodded her head as Hermione came in. “Morning everyone.”
A chorus of good mornings could be heard over the food. “Honestly, Ronald, one bite at a time.” Hermione fixed a cup of tea and came to stand by George and Susan. “How are you doing, Susan?”
Susan smiled at her. “Good. I figured it may be safer over here. I have seen Ron eat too many times to want to be close.”
At that Molly walked by her son. She popped him over the head with the Daily Prophet. “See, I know I taught you manners. Even poor Susan has had to watch this.”
“But, Mum!”
“No one should be subjected to this.” Molly turned to apologize to Susan when she saw Ginny. “Good morning, Ginny dear. How are you this morning?”
“Good morning, mum. I think I may have lost my appetite.”
George pulled Susan closer to him. Hermione stood closer to her.
“Are you feeling alright, dear? You aren’t coming down with anything?”
Ginny glared at Susan and shook her head. “No, just something about death eaters in my kitchen.”
“Ginerva!”
George was in front of Susan in a minute with his wand pointed at his sister. “Did anyone call you a servant of Voldemort because he possessed you?”
Susan put her hand on George’s arm. “It isn’t worth it, George. You know the truth. Some people will never believe it.”
“That’s right, George. Some people are too stubburn to look beyond their own lives to realize that other people fought in the war in different ways.”
“Yes, some people walked around Hogwarts not suffering like those of us fighting for the light.”
“Ginerva Weasley, I am disappointed in you. George you need to control your temper as well. I’m so very sorry, Susan.” Molly was torn on where she should yell at someone.
“Mum, I love you. I hope you have a Happy Christmas. I am going to go and enjoy mine somewhere a bit more quiet. If my own sister cannot control her temper, then I don’t need to be here.”
“George!” Molly looked ready to cry.
“No one is going anywhere. Good morning, Weasleys!”
“Morning, dad.”
Arthur Weasley glared at his daughter and son and then smiled at Susan. “You must be the famous Susan I have been hearing about. Welcome to our home.”
“Thank you, Mr. Weasley.” Susan shook his hand.
“I understand you went to school with this bunch of hoodlums.” He went and sat at the table, bringing her with him. She sat down next to him. George lowered his wand and went and sat down next to Susan. Ginny followed and sat at the other end of the table. Molly brought in more plates of food.
“Yes, I was in the same year with Ron and Hermione.”
“Ah, that is good. You are Amelia’s niece, correct?” Arthur continued to question her, ignoring the glares that his children were throwing at each other.
Susan nodded looking a bit sad. “Yes, Auntie Amelia was my favorite.”
“She was a good woman, very strong. You resemble her.” He thanked Molly as she handed him a cup of coffee.
George took her hand under the table and squeezed it. “Thank you.”
“I also remember hearing about your adventures during the war.” He took a bite of her eggs.
“Dad.” George was holding her hand ready to walk out the door.
Arthur ignored George. “I remember Kingsley Shacklebolt saying that you made sure that all of the younger year Slytherins were kept from the battle.”
Susan nodded her head. “Yes sir. My fiancé was in Slytherin and we were trying to keep all of the other kids safe. He was forced into a role he did not want.”
“Ahh, so he was another of the ones that was forced to be marked.” Susan nodded her head. She would not cower, even with all of the Weasleys watching her.
“Dad, she actually had an escape plan in place to get the younger years out of the school,” George said quickly.
“It was better than that, George,” Percy piped up. “I was one of the ones that questioned her afterwards. There was a safe house they were all going to go to. None of their parents knew where it was.”
“Yes, yes, all of this bull shit came out in the trials. I don’t believe it for a second.” Ginny said from the other end of the table. “Unlike the rest of you, I was there the entire year.”
“Ginerva, settle down. I will not have you interrupting my breakfast.” Arthur glared at his daughter. “I’m sorry for her behavior. She does have manners; they all do.”
Susan smiled at him. “I know they do.”
Harry walked in at that minute. “Hi everyone!”
“Harry!”
The crazy bustle of hugs began before he sat down across from Susan. “Hey, Susan. How are you doing?”
“Pretty good, Harry.” Susan smiled at her friend.
“I was just finding out a bit more about Susan. It seems as if everyone knows her but me,” Arthur said.
“Susan is a pretty awesome girl, Arthur. She saved the Slytherin kids,” Harry responded quickly.
Arthur chuckled. “Apparently there is a bit of debate on that with Ginny, but I find that I believe that she did help them.” He turned to Susan. “You mentioned a fiancé, where is he?”
Susan’s face clouded over. “His father killed him in the battle.”
Ginny snorted at the end of the table. George glared at her. “I’m sorry you believe her lies,” she muttered.
“Oh I’m sorry to hear that. What was his name?” Arthur took another bite of food, ignoring his daughter. The others seemed to know better. Their father was passing Weasley judgment on the girl. It would decide the rest of their day.
“Theodore Nott. We were looking for his sister. A death eater had just killed her. Theo killed him and his father saw him. He then aimed his wand at me. Theo pushed me out of the way.” Susan said quietly.
George slid his arm around her shoulders. “It was not a pretty story, Dad. You probably do not want to hear it while you eat. She told me everything yesterday. I can say that right now I’m very thankful to Theodore Nott.”
Arthur noticed his son’s reaction and smiled. “It sounds like the story of a hero to me. They may not be pretty, but they do not need to be kept hidden.” He glanced down the table at his daughter. “I would hope that everyone realizes that just because you were affiliated with someone who had the dark mark, that it does not make you a death eater. Where would we have been if Snape had been loyal to Voldemort?”
“Cheers,” Harry said quickly.
There was a moment of silence and then everyone began to talk again. Susan turned her head to George and looked at him questioningly. He nodded his head and kissed her softly. “He approves,” he said next to her ear. He tightened his arm around her as a new burst of activity came running through the door.
“Oh the munchkins!” George said as he got an arm full of Victoire.
“Unkle Gerge!” She kissed him.
“Hello, my sweet Victoire, Happy Christmas.”
Susan smiled at the little girl in George’s arms. She was a beautiful blond. She glanced up to see Harry hugging Fleur. Another round of introductions was done.
“Molly, I have brought more of the chocolates. They have apparently been a big hit.” Fleur kissed her mother-in-law.
Molly put the plate on the table. “Oh, Susan you must try one of Fleur’s chocolates. They are simply delicious.”
Susan stared at the plate and turned to face George. “Do these make me more kissable, too?” She raised her eyebrow at him.
George’s face turned red. “Oh look at that, Victoire, shouldn’t we run outside and see if there are any flowers blooming.”
“George Weasley, it is winter.”
Hermione and Ron were laughing across the table. “You seriously didn’t tell her that about Fleur’s chocolate. Then you brought her home!” Ron was hitting the table.
George smirked and the turned to face the redheaded girl next to him. “Damn me to hell, sweetheart, you were so kissable just waiting and trusting. I still say they made you more kissable. Maybe you should try another one.” He leaned in and kissed her with a “Ewww” coming from Victoire.
“So, George, I assume you are not working on some chocolate for Valentine’s Day? Such a shame, with the baby coming I was craving it.”
“Baby? Am I getting another grandbaby?” Molly went over and hugged Hermione and Ron.
The day passed quickly with much laughter and tears. Susan was surprised to see that she had a Weasley sweater. “I think mom has a bunch of them hidden with all the letters of the alphabet. She pulls it out when we bring someone home.”
“Oh George, you hush.”
The surprise at George’s presents and their lack of a joke surprised more than one of them. Molly and Arthur were discussing the trip they were going to take. Ginny even managed to talk to her brother and thank him for the red and black clutch that matched a simple black dress.
George smiled. “Actually it was Susan that picked your present out. She wouldn’t let me get you the pranks from the Muggle store we stopped at. She convinced me that you have grown up and would appreciate more grown up gifts every now and then.”
“Did she?” Ginny looked as if she was about to throw the dress into the fire, but she controlled herself. “Thank you, Susan, for helping my brother to see sense.”
“You’re welcome. Being the only girl, I’m sure they tend to forget you aren’t one of the boys.” Susan turned back to talking to the little blonde child that decided she liked her.
It was late evening when people starting to leave. Fleur and Bill said they needed to get the children to bed. Ginny ran out to meet her newest boyfriend.
George pulled Susan up and began to dance with her. The wireless was playing soft Christmas music. His parents sat back and watched with a smile on their faces. Hermione, Ron, and Harry turned to see.
“They did it,” Hermione said quietly. “They got her out of her shell.”
Ron nodded, “Him, too.”
“I never would have believed it if I hadn’t seen it,” Harry said. “You are coming tomorrow night, right?”
The other two nodded.
George spun her around and held her close. “Thank you for coming today. It means more than you will ever know.”
“I’m glad you asked me.” She smiled up at him. “Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?”
“Almost, but I can be patient on what I really want,” he said quietly.
She tilted her head to the side and looked at him. “What is it?”
“All I want for Christmas is you.”
She studied his face. She opened her mouth and he bent down and kissed her. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and teased her tongue. He pulled her closer to him. She kissed him back. He ended the kiss and just watched her.
“George…”
“Shh.” He put a finger on her lips. “I know you haven’t opened your eyes yet. I just know that I don’t want to spend another Christmas without you. I don’t want to suffer though another Valentine’s Day.”
There was a lift to Susan’s lips at she gazed up at him.
“Hey you, two, stop being mushy over there. Some of us are still single.” Harry yelled from the couch. Hermione smacked him playfully.
“Well, if the rumors I hear are true, I know a great guy,” Susan said. “I would trust him with my life.”
George looked at her. “Did you look in that little book?”
“Please, I don’t need your book to hear rumors. My best friend is gay; I hear enough of them on my own.”
“I put his name in at the very top.”
Harry looked between Ron and Hermione. “Why do I suddenly feel scared?”
Hermione and Ron both laughed. “You get used to them together and then you begin to wonder why it took them so long to find each other.”
Susan turned to look at Hermione. “You get used to us?”
“Susan, I think we need to pick some better friends. Either that or rethink their presents!”
Susan giggled. “Well, we do have a party tomorrow night.”
“That is true. We should go so we can start planning.” George smirked at his brother.
“Oh Merlin, they found each other. I know I saw it, but right now it is so apparent.”
Molly came over and hugged George. “I love you, my boy.”
She turned and hugged Susan. “Thank you for bringing my baby back.”
Susan exchanged perplexed looks with George. “What?”
Hermione rolled her eyes. “We don’t want to upset either of you, but separately neither of you has been living. When the two of you are together, the life is back. The people we remember are back. I haven’t seen that smile on George’s face since Fred. Susan you never smile anymore, with your eyes. Now you are glowing.”
Hermione stood and walked over to them. She hugged George then held onto Susan’s hands. “I haven’t seen you this radiant in years. You two are good for each other.”
George laughed. “Can we say awkward?”
The rest of the group laughed. “Come on, Susan. I’m going to get you home before they scare you off. Before you ask, yes Mum, I plan on bringing her back if I can convince her you are not all a bunch of crazy people.”
She laughed. “Thank you for having me, Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley.”
George pulled her to the fire. “We shall go the fast way? Quick get away?”
Susan laughed as he grabbed some floo powder and gave it to her. She winked at Harry before she disappeared. George followed her out after a chorus of Happy Christmas.
He stepped out of the floo and found Susan putting their presents under the tree. “Susan.”
She turned to him and stood up.
He strode over to her and captured her lips in a kiss. He kissed her deeply, letting his raw emotions flow into the kiss. His tongue battled hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled back and stared into her eyes. “Help me forget the pain.”
She pulled his head back to into a kiss, braiding her fingers though his hair. He lifted her up and carried her to her bedroom without breaking the kiss. He laid her on the bed and followed her. His mouth left hers and began to kiss her neck. She moaned as he began to nip at her ear. His fingers found the edge of her shirt and began to pull it up. She rose up so he could pull it off.
She lay back down on the bed, her red lace bra staring at him. He was breathing heavily as he looked down at her body. He closed his eyes and counted to ten. He opened his eyes slowly. “No.”
She gazed up at her perplexed. “What is it?”
He ran his hands along her chest, teasing the nipple through the bra. “As much as I want you right now, I want our first time to be special and not about us forgetting.”
She smiled at him. “Well come here then.”
He lay down beside her. He lay on his side so he could see her and he could trace patterns on her skin. She crossed the distance and kissed him. “Thank you.”
She pushed him over and straddled his chest. She looked down at him with a smirk on her face. “I appreciate your sentiment, but do you honestly think I would not have stopped you if I didn’t want it?” She reached behind her and unclasped her bra. She paid attention as his gaze traveled over her body.
His hands cupped her breasts. “So beautiful.” He brought her back down to kiss him.
Afterwards they lay there wrapped in each other’s arms. George held her close. “Wow.”
“Yes, wow.” She kissed a spot on his chest.
He rolled her over so he could face her. “You do realize that you are dating me now, right? I don’t just sleep around with anyone.”
She smiled at him. “I don’t either and since you are only the second person I have done this with.”
“The others you dated?”
She shook her head no. “They irritated me from the beginning.”
George smiled. “Good, that makes me happy.”
~~*~~
The next night they were some of the last ones to arrive at the party. Their friends all cheered as they came into the pub. Hermione pulled her to the side and asked about the previous night. She had not even suspected what happened, until she noticed Susan’s blush. Hermione hugged her tightly.
“Soon you may even be my sister,” she teased.
“Let’s not get that far ahead of ourselves.”
“So, Bones, what is this I hear about you lowering your standards even further by going to the hovel?”
She turned and saw Draco with a drink in his hand. She walked over and hugged him. “I’m supposed to tell you all about it. You would have loved it! It was gorgeous. It was chaotic and so much fun.”
“Oh dear Salazar, what have they done to my friend?” He put a hand to his head.
“Susan, darling,” Justin came over and hugged her tightly. “Did you talk to Harry?”
Susan looked between Justin and Draco. “About what?”
Draco laughed. “You are so subtle, my dear. The Weasleys are ruining your education.”
“Hey, I resemble that remark,” George walked over and shook Draco’s hand.
“Apparently we are trying to find out what exactly I talked to Harry about?”
Harry walked up at that moment. “It was nothing really, just that she knew a great guy if I was interested.”
Justin’s face turned red. Susan leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Merry Christmas, darling.”
Pansy joined the little group and hugged both Susan and George. She nodded to Harry. “Lovely little party your friends throw. Apparently, Hermoine and I have more in common than we ever knew.”
Susan looked happy. “Oh I’m so happy the two of you are finally looking beyond house rivalries!”
Hermione slipped her arm around Susan. “I would say it would have more to do with watching one of our closest friends come back to life.”
Susan’s face burned. “I told both of you already, that if you ever stopped and just talked about things you would get along.”
The group laughed. “So, Weasley, I hear you have a brother that is a dragon tamer.”
George looked at him. “Charlie. He is. He lives in Romania most of the time, but he is home visiting.”
“I think I may need to discuss some techniques with him,” Draco said calmly.
Justin and Susan both laughed. “And you talk about me being subtle, Draco.”
“I must be less subtle when I am surrounded by those where it takes a brick to get through to them.”
Hannah came over and joined the group with Neville close behind her. “Susan, sweetheart, I am so sorry for the way I have been acting.”
Susan hugged her friend. “What has gotten into you?”
Neville piped up. “Let’s just say it was time for an intervention and between myself and Hermione, she has seen the light.”
Hermione looked a bit sheepish. “It was all for you, Susan.”
The party grew and grew as more and more people came out to join them. Draco and Pansy had called in the Slytherins so they would not be alone. Blaise showed up with a blonde on his arm who pointed out that Susan was under the mistletoe.
There was a collected gasp around their group. Susan looked up and smiled, not noticing three of her friends pulling out their wands. She turned to face George. “So, are you going to kiss me?”
“You bet I am.” He bent his head and kissed her. He ended the kiss slowly. “Now can someone tell me why we were all about to freak out about mistletoe?”
“Well, you see Theo kissed Susan first under the mistletoe. She has destroyed it whenever she has seen it since.”
“Oh my god, you are idiots!” George burst out. “How many of you know this and are just now telling me? My god, Hannah, you practically pushed us together. You could have warned me.”
The collective group that knew turned red. “If it helps, Susan, baby, I had no idea about the mistletoe until after he had already used it on you.”
“I can’t believe it. You two dated that long?” George continued shaking his head.
Susan turned to look at him. “What?”
“He came into the Great hall our last year there and bought that from me. He said he had a girl he wanted to get closer to.” George said. He wound his arms around her. “I’m glad he got to spend time with you and that it worked.” He kissed the top of her head.
Susan leaned back against him and the slowly flicked her wand at the mistletoe. George laughed when he saw where it landed. “I’m thinking that we need to experiment on it more, what do you think?”
“Oh, Harry, Justin is under the mistletoe. I think he needs a bit of help.”
“Damn you, Susan!” Justin said just before Harry claimed his lips.
They danced and laughed the rest of the night, eating and drinking until the early morning hours. Many lines were crossed that night. Draco learned all about the fine art of Dragon Taming. Pansy found a quiet little Ravenclaw sitting in the corner that she had to drag into their midst.
Ron looked up to where George and Susan were talking or plotting, he wasn’t sure which. He loved seeing his brother alive once more. “So, does this mean you two are really dating now?”
George glanced over at his brother and then down into Susan’s green eyes. “No, we aren’t dating. She is my new partner. Do you know half of the ideas her and Theo had? We are creating a new line. I can’t date my partner. You can only do one thing with them - but we won’t talk about that yet.” He winked at Susan. He whispered dramatically to Ron. “She hasn’t opened her eyes that much yet.”
Cyn/Slytherin 125 points
Summary: Susan is suffering from the holiday blues. All of her friends are couples, getting married, or soon to have babies. She feels completely alone - and then along comes a redhead. Written for my kaitydid33087 Sorry it has taken so long to get it all posted. This is the end of it and I hope that you really love it.
Characters/Pairings: Susan Bones/ George Weasley, Susan Bones/Theodore Nott, Hannah/Neville, Ron/Hermione
Genre: Romance, hoping for fluff
Beta: M & Z
Rating/Warnings: T
Medium: Fic
Word Count: part 6 4474 words
Can the Order post to Tumblr?: Yes
She cuddled in closer to him just before she realized what she did. Her eyes popped open. Her mouth opened in shock. “I’m so sorry.”
He leaned in and kissed her softly. “Happy Christmas, Susan.”
She smiled at him. “Happy Christmas.”
“Nothing will compare to this present right here,” he said softly.
She looked at him confused.
“Waking up with you in my arms. I can definitely get used to this.”
Susan made a noise of disbelief. “Right. You say that until we get to your mum’s house and she has given you the most exciting present of all.”
“Yes, my traditional Weasley sweater.”
Susan laughed at him and let him kiss her again. There was no rush in the kiss, no need to push it further. He pulled back and just gazed down at her.
“Now the question becomes, do you want to have breakfast with Mum or do you want to eat first?”
“Let’s eat first. It’s not every day you know you are going to be faced with a ton of Weasleys. I need to make sure I get something to eat first.”
“Alright now.” He started to tickle her. “Just so you know you just slept with one of those Weasleys.”
“I give up! Stop! I’m going to pee my pants.” She laughed.
He stopped and kissed her. “Is that better?”
“Much better.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him back down for another kiss.
George reluctantly stopped the kiss before it progressed. He didn’t want to scare her away, even though his body was telling him that he should keep going. “We have to stop now. I don’t think you are ready for more,” he said softly. “Much as I don’t want to stop.”
They both got up. Susan went to get dressed. George went to the kitchen and began to fix breakfast. He made it light because he knew there would be a feast at home. Susan came into the kitchen looking beautiful. He handed her a cup of tea. Susan cleaned up the kitchen while George got ready.
“Ready?”
Susan nodded her head. It was now or never. She grabbed the bag of presents and walked over to him. He kissed her one last time before Apparating them to just outside of his house.
Susan took in the house. She grinned at George as he watched her. “It is fabulous. I will have to make sure that I tell Draco he had it wrong all these years!”
George laughed at her. “Maybe I will be brave enough to invite him over one day. He should see how the rest of the world lives.”
He clasped her fingers and they walked in. “George!” Molly came straight to her son and hugged him tightly.
“Happy Christmas, Mum.”
Molly turned to look at Susan. “You must be this Susan I keep hearing about. Welcome, welcome. Would you like something to eat? You must be starving.”
“No, mum we ate this morning.”
“Really?” Molly raised her eyebrow and stared at her son. “It is still early and you have already had breakfast?”
“Mum, please don’t do this. I stayed at Susan’s last night because we celebrated Christmas with our friend Justin. I slept on the couch.”
“You just better make sure that you control yourself young man.”
“Yes, ma’am. I promise I have not made any 'untoward advances' on her. I don’t think she would let me if I tried.” He turned and winked at Susan. “Now, don’t make her feel any more uncomfortable or I will take her back to her flat and convince her I need to do what my mother thinks I’m doing.”
“George! You watch that impertinent mouth.” Molly hit him on the head.
Molly looked at Susan and smiled at her. “Please excuse any lack of manners my son may have. I have taught them. He just ignored them the same way he did his lessons. Oh I have children that dropped out of school.”
“Does this mean that George is here?”
“Good morning, Charlie!” George went and hugged his brother. “It’s good to see you home. No one told me you were coming.”
“I heard my baby brother was bringing a girl home. I figured I better show up so she doesn’t get a bad impression of the family.” Charlie laughed and turned to face Susan. “You must be Susan. Hi! I’m Charlie.”
“Hello, Charlie. I remember seeing you before. You came to Hogwarts, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I’m the dragon tamer who could move a bit closer to home.”
“Want some breakfast, Charlie dear?” Molly was already fixing him a plate.
“Of course I do. Ron isn’t up yet, so I better hurry.”
George laughed. “And this is why we ate before we came.”
“Hey, I heard my name.” Ron walked in with his hair mussed.
“Couldn’t you have made yourself decent? You knew George was going to have a friend today.” Molly scolded her youngest son.
“Oh, oh yeah. Morning, Susan. You look too chipper this early in the morning.” He walked over to the stove. “Good, breakfast is ready.”
“Where is Hermione?” Molly asked.
“She will be down in a minute. Scoot over Charlie.” Ron sat down next to his brother.
Susan moved closer to George. He slid his arms around her. The house was coming to life and it could soon be scary. “Are you okay?” He whispered into her ear.
She nodded her head as Hermione came in. “Morning everyone.”
A chorus of good mornings could be heard over the food. “Honestly, Ronald, one bite at a time.” Hermione fixed a cup of tea and came to stand by George and Susan. “How are you doing, Susan?”
Susan smiled at her. “Good. I figured it may be safer over here. I have seen Ron eat too many times to want to be close.”
At that Molly walked by her son. She popped him over the head with the Daily Prophet. “See, I know I taught you manners. Even poor Susan has had to watch this.”
“But, Mum!”
“No one should be subjected to this.” Molly turned to apologize to Susan when she saw Ginny. “Good morning, Ginny dear. How are you this morning?”
“Good morning, mum. I think I may have lost my appetite.”
George pulled Susan closer to him. Hermione stood closer to her.
“Are you feeling alright, dear? You aren’t coming down with anything?”
Ginny glared at Susan and shook her head. “No, just something about death eaters in my kitchen.”
“Ginerva!”
George was in front of Susan in a minute with his wand pointed at his sister. “Did anyone call you a servant of Voldemort because he possessed you?”
Susan put her hand on George’s arm. “It isn’t worth it, George. You know the truth. Some people will never believe it.”
“That’s right, George. Some people are too stubburn to look beyond their own lives to realize that other people fought in the war in different ways.”
“Yes, some people walked around Hogwarts not suffering like those of us fighting for the light.”
“Ginerva Weasley, I am disappointed in you. George you need to control your temper as well. I’m so very sorry, Susan.” Molly was torn on where she should yell at someone.
“Mum, I love you. I hope you have a Happy Christmas. I am going to go and enjoy mine somewhere a bit more quiet. If my own sister cannot control her temper, then I don’t need to be here.”
“George!” Molly looked ready to cry.
“No one is going anywhere. Good morning, Weasleys!”
“Morning, dad.”
Arthur Weasley glared at his daughter and son and then smiled at Susan. “You must be the famous Susan I have been hearing about. Welcome to our home.”
“Thank you, Mr. Weasley.” Susan shook his hand.
“I understand you went to school with this bunch of hoodlums.” He went and sat at the table, bringing her with him. She sat down next to him. George lowered his wand and went and sat down next to Susan. Ginny followed and sat at the other end of the table. Molly brought in more plates of food.
“Yes, I was in the same year with Ron and Hermione.”
“Ah, that is good. You are Amelia’s niece, correct?” Arthur continued to question her, ignoring the glares that his children were throwing at each other.
Susan nodded looking a bit sad. “Yes, Auntie Amelia was my favorite.”
“She was a good woman, very strong. You resemble her.” He thanked Molly as she handed him a cup of coffee.
George took her hand under the table and squeezed it. “Thank you.”
“I also remember hearing about your adventures during the war.” He took a bite of her eggs.
“Dad.” George was holding her hand ready to walk out the door.
Arthur ignored George. “I remember Kingsley Shacklebolt saying that you made sure that all of the younger year Slytherins were kept from the battle.”
Susan nodded her head. “Yes sir. My fiancé was in Slytherin and we were trying to keep all of the other kids safe. He was forced into a role he did not want.”
“Ahh, so he was another of the ones that was forced to be marked.” Susan nodded her head. She would not cower, even with all of the Weasleys watching her.
“Dad, she actually had an escape plan in place to get the younger years out of the school,” George said quickly.
“It was better than that, George,” Percy piped up. “I was one of the ones that questioned her afterwards. There was a safe house they were all going to go to. None of their parents knew where it was.”
“Yes, yes, all of this bull shit came out in the trials. I don’t believe it for a second.” Ginny said from the other end of the table. “Unlike the rest of you, I was there the entire year.”
“Ginerva, settle down. I will not have you interrupting my breakfast.” Arthur glared at his daughter. “I’m sorry for her behavior. She does have manners; they all do.”
Susan smiled at him. “I know they do.”
Harry walked in at that minute. “Hi everyone!”
“Harry!”
The crazy bustle of hugs began before he sat down across from Susan. “Hey, Susan. How are you doing?”
“Pretty good, Harry.” Susan smiled at her friend.
“I was just finding out a bit more about Susan. It seems as if everyone knows her but me,” Arthur said.
“Susan is a pretty awesome girl, Arthur. She saved the Slytherin kids,” Harry responded quickly.
Arthur chuckled. “Apparently there is a bit of debate on that with Ginny, but I find that I believe that she did help them.” He turned to Susan. “You mentioned a fiancé, where is he?”
Susan’s face clouded over. “His father killed him in the battle.”
Ginny snorted at the end of the table. George glared at her. “I’m sorry you believe her lies,” she muttered.
“Oh I’m sorry to hear that. What was his name?” Arthur took another bite of food, ignoring his daughter. The others seemed to know better. Their father was passing Weasley judgment on the girl. It would decide the rest of their day.
“Theodore Nott. We were looking for his sister. A death eater had just killed her. Theo killed him and his father saw him. He then aimed his wand at me. Theo pushed me out of the way.” Susan said quietly.
George slid his arm around her shoulders. “It was not a pretty story, Dad. You probably do not want to hear it while you eat. She told me everything yesterday. I can say that right now I’m very thankful to Theodore Nott.”
Arthur noticed his son’s reaction and smiled. “It sounds like the story of a hero to me. They may not be pretty, but they do not need to be kept hidden.” He glanced down the table at his daughter. “I would hope that everyone realizes that just because you were affiliated with someone who had the dark mark, that it does not make you a death eater. Where would we have been if Snape had been loyal to Voldemort?”
“Cheers,” Harry said quickly.
There was a moment of silence and then everyone began to talk again. Susan turned her head to George and looked at him questioningly. He nodded his head and kissed her softly. “He approves,” he said next to her ear. He tightened his arm around her as a new burst of activity came running through the door.
“Oh the munchkins!” George said as he got an arm full of Victoire.
“Unkle Gerge!” She kissed him.
“Hello, my sweet Victoire, Happy Christmas.”
Susan smiled at the little girl in George’s arms. She was a beautiful blond. She glanced up to see Harry hugging Fleur. Another round of introductions was done.
“Molly, I have brought more of the chocolates. They have apparently been a big hit.” Fleur kissed her mother-in-law.
Molly put the plate on the table. “Oh, Susan you must try one of Fleur’s chocolates. They are simply delicious.”
Susan stared at the plate and turned to face George. “Do these make me more kissable, too?” She raised her eyebrow at him.
George’s face turned red. “Oh look at that, Victoire, shouldn’t we run outside and see if there are any flowers blooming.”
“George Weasley, it is winter.”
Hermione and Ron were laughing across the table. “You seriously didn’t tell her that about Fleur’s chocolate. Then you brought her home!” Ron was hitting the table.
George smirked and the turned to face the redheaded girl next to him. “Damn me to hell, sweetheart, you were so kissable just waiting and trusting. I still say they made you more kissable. Maybe you should try another one.” He leaned in and kissed her with a “Ewww” coming from Victoire.
“So, George, I assume you are not working on some chocolate for Valentine’s Day? Such a shame, with the baby coming I was craving it.”
“Baby? Am I getting another grandbaby?” Molly went over and hugged Hermione and Ron.
The day passed quickly with much laughter and tears. Susan was surprised to see that she had a Weasley sweater. “I think mom has a bunch of them hidden with all the letters of the alphabet. She pulls it out when we bring someone home.”
“Oh George, you hush.”
The surprise at George’s presents and their lack of a joke surprised more than one of them. Molly and Arthur were discussing the trip they were going to take. Ginny even managed to talk to her brother and thank him for the red and black clutch that matched a simple black dress.
George smiled. “Actually it was Susan that picked your present out. She wouldn’t let me get you the pranks from the Muggle store we stopped at. She convinced me that you have grown up and would appreciate more grown up gifts every now and then.”
“Did she?” Ginny looked as if she was about to throw the dress into the fire, but she controlled herself. “Thank you, Susan, for helping my brother to see sense.”
“You’re welcome. Being the only girl, I’m sure they tend to forget you aren’t one of the boys.” Susan turned back to talking to the little blonde child that decided she liked her.
It was late evening when people starting to leave. Fleur and Bill said they needed to get the children to bed. Ginny ran out to meet her newest boyfriend.
George pulled Susan up and began to dance with her. The wireless was playing soft Christmas music. His parents sat back and watched with a smile on their faces. Hermione, Ron, and Harry turned to see.
“They did it,” Hermione said quietly. “They got her out of her shell.”
Ron nodded, “Him, too.”
“I never would have believed it if I hadn’t seen it,” Harry said. “You are coming tomorrow night, right?”
The other two nodded.
George spun her around and held her close. “Thank you for coming today. It means more than you will ever know.”
“I’m glad you asked me.” She smiled up at him. “Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?”
“Almost, but I can be patient on what I really want,” he said quietly.
She tilted her head to the side and looked at him. “What is it?”
“All I want for Christmas is you.”
She studied his face. She opened her mouth and he bent down and kissed her. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and teased her tongue. He pulled her closer to him. She kissed him back. He ended the kiss and just watched her.
“George…”
“Shh.” He put a finger on her lips. “I know you haven’t opened your eyes yet. I just know that I don’t want to spend another Christmas without you. I don’t want to suffer though another Valentine’s Day.”
There was a lift to Susan’s lips at she gazed up at him.
“Hey you, two, stop being mushy over there. Some of us are still single.” Harry yelled from the couch. Hermione smacked him playfully.
“Well, if the rumors I hear are true, I know a great guy,” Susan said. “I would trust him with my life.”
George looked at her. “Did you look in that little book?”
“Please, I don’t need your book to hear rumors. My best friend is gay; I hear enough of them on my own.”
“I put his name in at the very top.”
Harry looked between Ron and Hermione. “Why do I suddenly feel scared?”
Hermione and Ron both laughed. “You get used to them together and then you begin to wonder why it took them so long to find each other.”
Susan turned to look at Hermione. “You get used to us?”
“Susan, I think we need to pick some better friends. Either that or rethink their presents!”
Susan giggled. “Well, we do have a party tomorrow night.”
“That is true. We should go so we can start planning.” George smirked at his brother.
“Oh Merlin, they found each other. I know I saw it, but right now it is so apparent.”
Molly came over and hugged George. “I love you, my boy.”
She turned and hugged Susan. “Thank you for bringing my baby back.”
Susan exchanged perplexed looks with George. “What?”
Hermione rolled her eyes. “We don’t want to upset either of you, but separately neither of you has been living. When the two of you are together, the life is back. The people we remember are back. I haven’t seen that smile on George’s face since Fred. Susan you never smile anymore, with your eyes. Now you are glowing.”
Hermione stood and walked over to them. She hugged George then held onto Susan’s hands. “I haven’t seen you this radiant in years. You two are good for each other.”
George laughed. “Can we say awkward?”
The rest of the group laughed. “Come on, Susan. I’m going to get you home before they scare you off. Before you ask, yes Mum, I plan on bringing her back if I can convince her you are not all a bunch of crazy people.”
She laughed. “Thank you for having me, Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley.”
George pulled her to the fire. “We shall go the fast way? Quick get away?”
Susan laughed as he grabbed some floo powder and gave it to her. She winked at Harry before she disappeared. George followed her out after a chorus of Happy Christmas.
He stepped out of the floo and found Susan putting their presents under the tree. “Susan.”
She turned to him and stood up.
He strode over to her and captured her lips in a kiss. He kissed her deeply, letting his raw emotions flow into the kiss. His tongue battled hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled back and stared into her eyes. “Help me forget the pain.”
She pulled his head back to into a kiss, braiding her fingers though his hair. He lifted her up and carried her to her bedroom without breaking the kiss. He laid her on the bed and followed her. His mouth left hers and began to kiss her neck. She moaned as he began to nip at her ear. His fingers found the edge of her shirt and began to pull it up. She rose up so he could pull it off.
She lay back down on the bed, her red lace bra staring at him. He was breathing heavily as he looked down at her body. He closed his eyes and counted to ten. He opened his eyes slowly. “No.”
She gazed up at her perplexed. “What is it?”
He ran his hands along her chest, teasing the nipple through the bra. “As much as I want you right now, I want our first time to be special and not about us forgetting.”
She smiled at him. “Well come here then.”
He lay down beside her. He lay on his side so he could see her and he could trace patterns on her skin. She crossed the distance and kissed him. “Thank you.”
She pushed him over and straddled his chest. She looked down at him with a smirk on her face. “I appreciate your sentiment, but do you honestly think I would not have stopped you if I didn’t want it?” She reached behind her and unclasped her bra. She paid attention as his gaze traveled over her body.
His hands cupped her breasts. “So beautiful.” He brought her back down to kiss him.
Afterwards they lay there wrapped in each other’s arms. George held her close. “Wow.”
“Yes, wow.” She kissed a spot on his chest.
He rolled her over so he could face her. “You do realize that you are dating me now, right? I don’t just sleep around with anyone.”
She smiled at him. “I don’t either and since you are only the second person I have done this with.”
“The others you dated?”
She shook her head no. “They irritated me from the beginning.”
George smiled. “Good, that makes me happy.”
~~*~~
The next night they were some of the last ones to arrive at the party. Their friends all cheered as they came into the pub. Hermione pulled her to the side and asked about the previous night. She had not even suspected what happened, until she noticed Susan’s blush. Hermione hugged her tightly.
“Soon you may even be my sister,” she teased.
“Let’s not get that far ahead of ourselves.”
“So, Bones, what is this I hear about you lowering your standards even further by going to the hovel?”
She turned and saw Draco with a drink in his hand. She walked over and hugged him. “I’m supposed to tell you all about it. You would have loved it! It was gorgeous. It was chaotic and so much fun.”
“Oh dear Salazar, what have they done to my friend?” He put a hand to his head.
“Susan, darling,” Justin came over and hugged her tightly. “Did you talk to Harry?”
Susan looked between Justin and Draco. “About what?”
Draco laughed. “You are so subtle, my dear. The Weasleys are ruining your education.”
“Hey, I resemble that remark,” George walked over and shook Draco’s hand.
“Apparently we are trying to find out what exactly I talked to Harry about?”
Harry walked up at that moment. “It was nothing really, just that she knew a great guy if I was interested.”
Justin’s face turned red. Susan leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Merry Christmas, darling.”
Pansy joined the little group and hugged both Susan and George. She nodded to Harry. “Lovely little party your friends throw. Apparently, Hermoine and I have more in common than we ever knew.”
Susan looked happy. “Oh I’m so happy the two of you are finally looking beyond house rivalries!”
Hermione slipped her arm around Susan. “I would say it would have more to do with watching one of our closest friends come back to life.”
Susan’s face burned. “I told both of you already, that if you ever stopped and just talked about things you would get along.”
The group laughed. “So, Weasley, I hear you have a brother that is a dragon tamer.”
George looked at him. “Charlie. He is. He lives in Romania most of the time, but he is home visiting.”
“I think I may need to discuss some techniques with him,” Draco said calmly.
Justin and Susan both laughed. “And you talk about me being subtle, Draco.”
“I must be less subtle when I am surrounded by those where it takes a brick to get through to them.”
Hannah came over and joined the group with Neville close behind her. “Susan, sweetheart, I am so sorry for the way I have been acting.”
Susan hugged her friend. “What has gotten into you?”
Neville piped up. “Let’s just say it was time for an intervention and between myself and Hermione, she has seen the light.”
Hermione looked a bit sheepish. “It was all for you, Susan.”
The party grew and grew as more and more people came out to join them. Draco and Pansy had called in the Slytherins so they would not be alone. Blaise showed up with a blonde on his arm who pointed out that Susan was under the mistletoe.
There was a collected gasp around their group. Susan looked up and smiled, not noticing three of her friends pulling out their wands. She turned to face George. “So, are you going to kiss me?”
“You bet I am.” He bent his head and kissed her. He ended the kiss slowly. “Now can someone tell me why we were all about to freak out about mistletoe?”
“Well, you see Theo kissed Susan first under the mistletoe. She has destroyed it whenever she has seen it since.”
“Oh my god, you are idiots!” George burst out. “How many of you know this and are just now telling me? My god, Hannah, you practically pushed us together. You could have warned me.”
The collective group that knew turned red. “If it helps, Susan, baby, I had no idea about the mistletoe until after he had already used it on you.”
“I can’t believe it. You two dated that long?” George continued shaking his head.
Susan turned to look at him. “What?”
“He came into the Great hall our last year there and bought that from me. He said he had a girl he wanted to get closer to.” George said. He wound his arms around her. “I’m glad he got to spend time with you and that it worked.” He kissed the top of her head.
Susan leaned back against him and the slowly flicked her wand at the mistletoe. George laughed when he saw where it landed. “I’m thinking that we need to experiment on it more, what do you think?”
“Oh, Harry, Justin is under the mistletoe. I think he needs a bit of help.”
“Damn you, Susan!” Justin said just before Harry claimed his lips.
They danced and laughed the rest of the night, eating and drinking until the early morning hours. Many lines were crossed that night. Draco learned all about the fine art of Dragon Taming. Pansy found a quiet little Ravenclaw sitting in the corner that she had to drag into their midst.
Ron looked up to where George and Susan were talking or plotting, he wasn’t sure which. He loved seeing his brother alive once more. “So, does this mean you two are really dating now?”
George glanced over at his brother and then down into Susan’s green eyes. “No, we aren’t dating. She is my new partner. Do you know half of the ideas her and Theo had? We are creating a new line. I can’t date my partner. You can only do one thing with them - but we won’t talk about that yet.” He winked at Susan. He whispered dramatically to Ron. “She hasn’t opened her eyes that much yet.”
Cyn/Slytherin 125 points