Author's Note: Well, this is the last chapter of the story, also known as an epilogue ; ) That was rather obvious.. anyway- thank you all for your reviews- reading them just makes my day!! : )

GEORGE's POV

The Quidditch Pitch was always had a peculiar scent once one would step across. Besides its tang of recently cut grass, it had a scent of victory and defeat. It reeked of struggle, sweat, and perseverance. It held every team's smile and every team's concentrated frown. The golden hoops raised proudly in the air, glinted in the sunlight, winking conspiratorially down at me.

Stepping onto the pitch, again I heard the beautiful sound of cheering and saw the crowds of students running out, lifting us onto their shoulders. It was Fred, our leader, our captain, who came to his senses at first as Dumbledore presented us with the Quidditch cup. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

But it could never compare to that beauty out on the Quidditch pitch. She had a broomstick in her hand as she gazed up at the golden rings respectfully. I made my way towards her.

"Alicia," I put a coarse hand on her shoulder. "It's time for dinner." Wonderful, George, completely tactful, too. But she didn't seem to mind; jerking out of her trance, she nodded vaguely and took my hand, leaning her head across my shoulder. I couldn't help but grin as she displayed her affection so openly. A far cry from all those intrigues we had in the beginning.

I looked back at the pitch, our last game recommencing our last Quidditch game in my head. Our team was certainly what Lee called, "The best Gryffindor Team since the legendary Charlie Weasley." And Ron thinks he's the only one who feels overshadowed by his brothers. He doesn't seem to realize that Fred and I have our insecurities as well, though we are quite inconspicuous about it. Our future is an example. Our future. I smiled. Fred and I were finally ready to start our joke shop we've been working on for so long... although Fred received an owl this morning that had a strange seal, a seal that looked suspiciously like one from the Ministry-

"Anya McDowell and Stephan Summers are getting married this summer," she said abruptly. "Anya was telling me about it at breakfast-"

"But they've only just turned eighteen!"

She shrugged. "She said it felt... right. She said she'd never been more sure of anything in her life." I tensed up, not knowing where this will lead. Was this some sort of sign? Her way of saying, "I'm waiting..."? Did she want to marry me? Did I want to marry her? My heart was telling me, "Go for it, you great, stupid prat! You know you love her!" but my head was telling me the opposite, to wait.

"Alicia, I can't ask you to marry me." The words were out of my mouth before I could help it. Confusion was etched across her face.

"George, I wasn't-"

"Not now, not like this," I continued. "I know you love me, and you know love you, but I could never forgive myself if you were unhappy with me because you fell in love with- with someone else."

"George, when I mentioned Anya's wedding, I never meant to relate it to our relationship," she shook her head. I let out a sigh I never knew I was holding in. "I know we're not ready for commitment... yet." She tiptoed up to brush my lips with hers.

Yet. I smiled. Yes, we have our whole lives to look forward to, no sense of rushing everything. Besides, there was so much I wanted to share with Alicia, so much I want to know about her. And though I love her, I know there is no way I will have enough money to support the us, especially if we start a family. This I told her weeks ago.

I remember she had laughed. "George Weasley, if I had cared about money, I would have gone ahead and married Lee Jordan," she had said. "Is there anything I can do to convince you of that?" An hour or so later in the broom closet got me convinced.

And there's also the matter of her mother. As charming as Alicia is, her mother is... let's just say if her Mum caught me in the broom closet with Alicia, she would have it arranged so that I would never be able to have children, and I don't mean ostracizing me in an asylum or something. Yeah. Ouch.

"If your mum doesn't really approve of me.." that's the understatement of the year, "D'you- d'you think your dad would?"

Alicia kissed the tip of my long nose. "He'll love you." Another kiss. "You'll see."

I pulled away. "I will?" I squeaked. She laughed, pulling me back for another kiss.

"They're coming for the graduation ceremony next week, remember?" she murmured against my mouth.

"Oh, right," I winced. "That's perfect."

ALICIA's POV

"George, stop fussing, you look fine," I slapped his hand and straightening the collar of his dress robes myself.

"Bloody dress robes," he muttered distractedly, brushing non-existent dust motes off of his arm. I smiled reassuringly at him.

"I never thought you'd be this nervous for your graduation day."

"Ha." He smiled wryly as he held his arm out. "You know very well that's not what I'm worried about." I took his arm without answering.

With a butterflies in my stomach, I climbed over the portrait hole. Katie, Lee, Fred, and Angelina were ahead of us, laughing and talking. Fred leaned over to whisper something in Angelina's ear and her eyes widened considerably as she elbowed him sharply in his ribs. I stifled a laugh; some things never change.

We entered the Great Hall to find most of the seventh years already present, hugging and talking with family members. My eyes scanned for my own family, but George was already dragging me over to the Weasley clan where Fred and Angelina were already talking with.

"Hello, George, dear," Mrs. Weasley was up on her tiptoes to peck him on his cheek. She straitened his robes, smiling proudly up at him. She turned to Fred bringing both of them close to her.

"Mu-um!"

"I'm sorry," she let go, dabbing her eyes, "It's just that I'd never thought to see the day you two looked so- so grown-up!"

"Er, thanks," Fred replied raising his eyebrows at George. "I think." Ginny giggled.

"Well, I'd never thought to see the day Gred and Forge would have sweethearts," Charlie smirked.

"You two must be out of your minds," Bill smiled at Angelina and I.

"Yes, I thought so, too," Angelina failed to look dubiously at Fred. I laughed not answering him, but smiling secretly at George.

"Alicia, there you are!" I turned to find Adrianne and Brianna hurrying over to me. "Come on," Brianna grabbed my arm, "Mum, Dad, and Patricia and Dale are here!" George turned red, scanning the Great Hall for my family.

"You too, George, come meet Dad," Adrianne tugged at his elbow, grinning. I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. It seemed like yesterday she was following us around school (possibly under my mum's orders) a deep scowl on her face. Being the sweet person that he is, George made it his personal goal to befriend my sisters. Brianna was easily won, but eleven year old Adrianne, who always thought Mum was right, remained angry with me. It took a rotten day in Potions, several loads of dungbombs, an angry and confused Snape, and a quick get-way until Adrianne looked upon George in a new light.

"Er-all-all right, then," he stuttered, raking a hand through his red hair. Fred and Angelina sent us sympathetic looks as we waved good-bye to the Weasleys. I turned to George who was muttering something that sounded suspiciously like, "How d'you do, Mr. Spinnet.. nice to finally meet you?! no, no, no..." I smiled, squeezing his hand reassuringly.

"Alicia!" Patricia greeted me, stopping her conversation with her husband to wrap her arms around me. I held her close, taking in her usual smell of peppermint. Good ole Patty. "Long time no see!" I smiled at this. When she received the letter I had sent her about George, she had insisted on meeting him. She adored George from the beginning, and she and her husband Dale met us at the Three Broomsticks almost every Hogsmeade weekend. She was very supportive, especially when dealing with Mum.

I let go of Patricia to hug the rest of my family members. Mum's hug was rather light and short, but Dad patted my back enthusiastically.

"Um, Dad, since you're the only one who hasn't met him yet, I'll introduce you..." I gave a half-glance at George who was standing awkwardly to the side. "This is George Weasley," I tugged him into view.

"Good evening, Mr. Spinnet," George managed a small smile.

"So, you're the lad who dares to steal my little girl's heart?" His tone was unreadable, but as I looked into his eyes, I saw they were dancing with amusement. George, however, was far from amused. Terrified seemed to be a good word for it. It was actually comical to see George Weasley look so serious, if you get what I mean.

"Y-Yes, sir," George spluttered, "That is, I mean-"

"Dad, you're evil, really!" Patricia laughed at George's apprehensive face. Seeing Dad grin at him, George relaxed visibly and managed to crack a smile.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, George," Dad shook his hand, "No need to fret, lad, I don't bite often."

Getting his spirit back, George opened his mouth to answer but was cut off by Professor Dumbledore calling everyone's attention. I led my family to the Gryffindor table, next to the Weasley's. I caught my mother's eye as she sat in front of me. I turned my attention back to Dumbledore as he began his speech.

"Good evening and welcome to-" But that was all I heard of his speech. The soft pressure of skin came 'round my hand on the table, and I started. Glancing to the side without turning my head, I caught my mother's eye. Her face was unreadable and I gave her a questioning look. What happened next was something so unexpected and so wonderful that it left a permanent mark in my memory. It was a memory I looked back to when she was gone from my life, at least this one on this Earth. The edges of her mouth curled upward ever so slightly in the smallest smile possible. Glancing down, I saw her hand inching towards a familiar, freckled one. As they touched, George looked down startled. His eyes widened as he caught the look on my mother's face. She held our hands for several moments, letting her thumb run across our fingers gently; it had been her only sign of affection in months. Slowly, she brought our hands together, putting George's on top of mine. Wrenching my gaze from our hands, I looked into her eyes.

"I'm trying, Alicia," she told me without words. "I really am trying." And it was enough for me.

THE END

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I just couldn't let Alicia and her mum end in a sour note... : ) i'm sorry for not including Fred and Angelina... i figured my story "Fred and George or Gred and Forge?" got a lot of them so i wanted to balance things out... thank you so much for reading! Hope you liked it: )