A/N; Amazingly fast and helpful beta by MusicWritesMyLife. Also, great thanks to triniroo for her help with the characterizations.

You guys did a great job!

Crucible

There was a soft knock on the door. I didn't bother to turn my head; I already knew who it was, what words would follow next. I moved to sit on the bed, pretending to be examining my wand.

"George, dear? Come down to dinner, we've got a birthday cake for you. Even Harry showed up."

It was Mum. She always managed to sound both concerned and reassuring. I knew what happened had destroyed her, as much as it destroyed me. She would never show it though; she was a strong one, as was I.

I heard her open the door.

My eyes switched to Fred's confused face and lifted brows. "Mum still mad at me, eh?"

I shook my head and turned to Mum with a smile that I knew would easily fool her. "Down in a mo, Mum."

Looking satisfied, she nodded and left the room. I turned my head back to Fred, tilting it sideways. "Who could stay mad at you, Freddie? Dumbledore'd have booted us well into first year, otherwise."

"Point." Fred gave me his trophy grin as he moved next to me. I felt the bed creak under his weight.

"You alright, Georgie?"

I could feel his heat radiating next to my body. I took a deep breath in, holding it, and closed my eyes. My head felt too heavy. I wanted nothing more than to give in to the ache in my heart.

I breathed out. "Wicked."

"It shows." His voice filled with a familiar sarcastic tone. "Make Mum wait a bit longer and you will lose the other one." He motioned to my remaining ear.

"Stay put. I'll bring back the goods."

Fred nodded in anticipation. I left the room, almost stumbling upon my feet a couple of times as I went down the stairs. The whole family, or what is left of it, was waiting for me in the kitchen. I put on the smile I use for Mum often, and took my seat.

I had one wish in my head as I blew the candles on the birthday cake that had only one name on it.

Please, God, please. It's been 5 years. Don't want to hear him in my head, not anymore. Make it stop.