Great story. Can't wait to see what she'll do about her lunch with Mrs. Hamilton.

Happy New Year Everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And Pams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year Everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And Pams!!!!!

Dude, you guys are so amazing! And so many new readers: welcome!

Hm, so how about another fact?
Let's see...
Random Fact #12: Capitalization seems so basic; it's something we learned back in grade school and thought we mastered. No matter how well you write, the simple fact remains that it looks amateurish if you don't capitalize the first word in a sentence and the pronoun "I."

Just look at it:

in the penetrating darkness, jake's voice seemed like the far-away call of an aimless ghost, and many moments passed before i realized it didn't resound only in my head. however, even if i had wanted to, i could not have followed it in the right direction, towards him, where my heart might find solace.

In the depths of the forest, Jake's voice called to me from far away. But it was so hard to place, I simply could not figure out where it came from, so I couldn't follow it to him. I felt lost.

The first part is MUCH better written in the sense of an author portraying a story; the style is more sophisticated and the passage more eloquent. Yet, when you first look at them, your eyes are immediately going to indicate to you that the second passage is better written. So take this little bit of advice: If you're going to spend all that time and energy writing a story, the least you could do is capitalize the basics to ensure that it looks good, and that it's right!

Now onto the slightly more complicated parts of capitalization that I've seen even very good writers fall flat on their faces doing. (Following points courtesy of Purdue University).


1. The names of God, specific deities, religious figures, and holy books
- Exception: Do not capitalize the non-specific use of the word "god."
2. Family relationships (when used as proper names)
- For example, Aunt Elba.
3. The first word in a sentence that is a direct quote

If you're further interested, look here: Capital Letters - The OWL at Purdue

Anyway, here's the story!
When lunch time rolled around, Camila remembered the promise made to Mrs. Hamilton. Tension seemed to grip her heart again. After all, how was she supposed to tell George about this? She couldn’t just go up to him and declare, “You have to accompany me to lunch and pretend to be my boyfriend because I accidentally let slip that I think you’re extremely special to this old lady.”



Her heart hammered loudly in her chest. After almost dropping one of their items and hastily shoving it back into the shelves, she made her way towards George. Fred had left a few hours earlier to meet Katie for lunch and discuss something or the other about their marriage.


Before he left, he made a face and debated the prospect of creating a clone of himself to do all the dirty, getting-ready-for-marriage-work for him. “Better yet,” Fred had said. “Why don’t I let the clone hang the noose instead of me?”


George had rolled his eyes and taunted, “If you’re so unwilling to marry Katie, then why don’t I?”


Fred had glared daggers at his twin (mockingly). “No, only my clone can have that privilege.”


Trying to hold in her laughter, Camila had said, “He could pass off as your clone.”


When she saw the shock across Fred’s face at this, she couldn’t hold in her laughter anymore. He looked absolutely horror-struck. “What? You think I look like…him?” He pointed an accusing finger at George, and then shook his head. “I’m disappointed in you, Camila.” Saying so gravely, he had walked out.


She shook herself back to the present, the smile instantly disappearing from her face when she remembered her task. Camila swiped her hands against her pants – a compulsive nervous habit.


“Uh, George?” She ventured tentatively.


He smiled down at her. “Yeah?”


“Can I ask you a favor?” She hated how her voice sounded so...vulnerable.


“Sure,” he replied easily.


She couldn’t help it: “Only a fool would agree before hearing me out.”


“Hey!” he protested. “Insulting me is probably not in your favor if you’re trying to get me to do something for you.”


“Probably,” Camila agreed gravely.


“So what’s up?” George asked.


This lighthearted exchange with him had loosened her tongue and she forgot (for the moment) that he was her boss.


“Well, you know the old lady I went to meet for tea yesterday? Well, she invited me again for lunch today – and she called you as well. I mean, I mentioned that…that I had lunch with you yesterday and she seemed to get the idea that, uh, that – you know, that we, were-” Camila could feel herself turning completely pink.


George smirked at her (which didn’t make things much easier, since it caused a tingle to run down her spine). “Anytime in the next century or so would be good.”


She scowled; he was milking it for all it was worth, wasn’t he? Well, she wasn’t going to humor him. “She thought that we were dating,” Camila stated bluntly.


“Oh.”


“Yeah,” she said, for lack of anything more intelligent.


Just as she was about to marvel at how this news had made George Weasley at a loss for words, he grinned. “Well, this should be a lot of fun. We’re going to give a live performance – without rehearsal! Unless…” he looked down at her, eyes sparkling mischievously, “you want to practice?”


He jumped out of the way as she reached out to hit him playfully. Inside, she felt immensely relieved that he’d taken it so well.


“All right, all right!” George conceded. “No practicing. But you know, don’t blame me when you trip over your lines and miss your cues…”


Camila couldn’t help but grin back at him. “I think you’re confusing me with yourself.”


“Well, we’ll just have to see, won’t we?” He replied confidently.


Her murky eyes looked challengingly back into his warm brown ones. “Yeah, and you better be ready.”


A few minutes later, as he tinkered in the back storeroom, trying to figure out what item they should showcase next week and Camila tallied up the sales for that morning, he ventured to ask, “So why didn’t you just set her right? I mean, why didn’t you tell the old lady that you have a boyfriend and that we were just having lunch as friends? Or better yet, why didn’t you just ask that boyfriend of yours to go with you?”


A part of Camila warmed at hearing him call them friends. However, another part of her was saddened by the fact that it was all they were. Of course, Camila was not used to looking inside herself for answers – so although these feelings were present, they remained unacknowledged and hidden, even from her.


How should she answer this? She wasn’t sure what she could say to excuse it. It was out of the question to tell him the truth about Henry. He wouldn’t understand her need. How could she explain that her boyfriend would consider it an insult to have lunch with an old lady?


Just as she opened her mouth, not knowing her answer, the chimes tinkled merrily once more.



--

Right, kind of a filler, I know. I promise the next one will have a more action though!

Great post, and I love your Random Facts they help me а lot.

aww. that was so cute. i wonder what she will anwer........

Thank you for all your responses! I'm glad everyone likes George - I do too!

Random Fact#13: Then vs. Than.

Then means next, than is a comparative.

Correctly used in the following sentences:

Then, she began drawing circles on his palm.

Although she was a head shorter than him, her stature still intimated the heck out of the young man.

--
Fred and Katie walked in – or rather, rushed in. Fred was running flat out and Katie was chasing him, brandishing her wand. Dashing behind Camila, he used her as a shield and yelled, “Nooooooooo! I won’t! You can’t make me!”


His twin, on the other hand, was watching this entire scene with a bemused eye.


“Come on Fred, it needs to be shorter,” Katie said, slowing down and changing her tone of voice.


The engaged couple took no notice of George and Camila as they exchanged amused glances over the top of their heads.


“I’m told I look handsome like this,” Fred boasted, slowly creeping out from behind Camila.


Katie rolled her eyes, “And you actually believed them?”


“Hey!” Fred protested, rushing forward and holding her wrist. With his other, he grabbed her wand and danced out of the way.


“Fred…” Katie said in a warning tone.


He looked up guiltily. “Yeah?”


“Let me cut your hair. Now.” Her tone left no room for argument.


Meekly stepping forward, Fred submitted. By this time, both Camila and George were in peals of laughter. She had stepped back behind the counter and was now holding his shoulder as she doubled over, clutching her stomach. He was in no better condition.


As Katie performed some charms to cut his hair, Fred shot them both glares. When the two finally managed to calm down a bit, they left Fred and Katie in charge of the store and left to go meet Mrs. Hamilton at the Tipton.


They had decided to walk there, as it wasn’t too far. There was also the problem of Camila not being able to disapparate – it hung over them, unmentioned but ever-present.


Trying to keep George from reverting back to his old queries, Camila started chattering nervously, describing Mrs. Hamilton and how they met in greater detail. However, she needn’t have worried because George seemed perfectly content to let things be as they were and did not ask any difficult questions. In truth, he wasn’t inclined to ruin the comfortable chatter they were engaged in.


The same man who had showed her in yesterday led Camila and George to the Chinese restaurant Mrs. Hamilton had mentioned the day before. He left them at the entrance.


Taking a deep breath, Camila felt her nerves flutter as she turned towards

George, “Do you really think we can do this?”


“Well, you’re the one who didn’t want to rehearse.”


She scowled back.


“Just kidding,” he winked. “After you, milady,” he said, gesturing for her to enter.


He took her hand as they stepped inside, entwining their fingers gently. She nervously squeezed his much larger and oddly reassuring hand. He squeezed back.


The décor complimented the Chinese theme. Colorful hand-fans and pastel paintings adorned the walls. Small figurines of cats stood in glass cases along the walls as well. Spotting the old lady, Camila led George towards her.


“Take a seat, Camila,” Mrs. Hamilton welcomed them. “Ah, I’m Maria Hamilton.”


“I’m George Weasley. Enchanted, Madame,” he said, dropping a kiss on her hand.


Mrs. Hamilton laughed and Camila felt much more at ease. George always seemed so casual, so comfortable; she wondered if anything could upset him.


“Well, I can see why a wonderful young lady like Camila would find you attractive,” Mrs. Hamilton said as she sat down. “She seems quite taken with you.”


“Oh, really? I never would have guessed,” George stated, sending a sly glance towards Camila.


Blushing, she picked up the menu and buried her face in it. The other two laughed lightheartedly before the topic moved on.


After they had ordered the entrées, a live pianist started playing. Although the music was Chinese, it was soft and melodious. Camila closed her eyes. She very rarely had the chance to enjoy simple joys such as music because her life had turned so hectic.


George watched her, a soft smile playing around his lips. A sudden scraping of a chair jolted Camila out of her reverie and she started.


“Would you honor me with this dance, milady?” He asked, his accent impeccable.


Her eyes widened. “Here?”


George surveyed the room critically. There was a lot of space near the buffet table, since it was closed today. “Why not? We’re still waiting for the food to arrive.”


“I don’t dance,” she whispered fervently to him.


He leaned in very close and whispered back very softly, “C’mon, you want to keep up the charade, don’t you?” His warm breath sent her mind reeling and she couldn’t think, much less reply.


Hesitantly, she put her hand inside his. Heat crept onto her cheeks as he led her towards the buffet table. Other diners were turning towards them curiously.


Although neither of them knew the music, the beat was not difficult to follow. George placed a large, warm hand on her back and she tentatively got herself into position as well.


“Where did you learn to dance?” Camila questioned. It was clear from his confident movements that George had received formal instruction.


He grinned, “Dear old Minerva.”


At Camila’s confused look, he clarified, “Professor McGonnagal.”


“You had a dance teacher at school?”


“Hogwarts. Well, no, not really a dance teacher. McGonnagal actually taught Transfiguration, but we had a Yule Ball, and the Heads of the Houses had to teach us ballroom dancing since most of the guys were lacking in the coordination department, Ron included.”


Camila couldn’t stop her smile. “Ron is your youngest brother, right?”


“Yeah. You know, when we were little, we would never have guessed he would be the famous one in the family. But he really surprised everyone with the way he stuck with Harry and Hermione.”


She thought back to what Ginny had told her. “Wait, is that how Ginny met Harry Potter? Through Ron, I mean? Because she mentioned that they were going out - he’s the Head of the Department of Mysteries now.”


George nodded. “Yeah, ickle Ronniekins is Harry’s best bud. You know though, we saw Harry when he was first boarding the Hogwarts Express – and even Mum said – it was a shame to see a kid like him making this entire journey alone. I mean, he didn’t even know how to get onto the platform!”
She felt her heart warm at George’s empathy. Even then, he’d looked past the fame to see a lonely 11-year-old.



“Didn’t he have any family? I know his parents died…but I never really thought about where he grew up…”


“Yeah, the Dursleys.” George replied, a look of severe dislike crossing his face. “They were horrible. In the summer before third year, me and Fred…” Camila opened her mouth to correct him, so he fixed it himself, “I mean, Fred and I…we took Dad’s car to their house – he’d bewitched it to fly – because Ron was worried about him. He hadn’t replied to his letters. Those muggles had turned his room into a jail cell; there were even iron rods on the windows! It was damn lucky we managed to escape, though Mum wasn’t too happy about us taking the car.”


“I would imagine not,” Camila replied, smiling.


She spent a few moments contentedly in George’s arms, feeling nothing but pure oblivion surround her. Dancing with him took no effort, no thought – they just flowed and the steps seemed to come from her feet of their own accord. Only when the song changed did she realize she’d been dancing with him for a while. To her surprise, when she looked around, she saw a few other couples had joined them!


“We should probably head back,” Camila said resignedly. She wanted to remain in his arms, surrounded by his reassuring presence. “Mrs. Hamilton is waiting.”


“Maybe not just yet,” George answered. “I don’t think she’d appreciate us intruding.”


Camila looked over her shoulder to see what he was talking about. An old, dignified looking man sat with Mrs. Hamilton and they seemed engaged in a very intimate discussion. Indeed, Mrs. Hamilton was behaving very oddly. She was sending sly glances towards the old man, looking absolutely enchanted, and even giggling.


“Shall we dance, then?” she turned back to George, biting her lip shyly. His eyes suddenly flickered with emotion and, on a whim, he leaned down to lay a kiss upon her cheek. It was as light as a butterfly, but left her cheek tingling.

“We shall,” he stated, pulling her just a bit closer.

--

This is one of my longest posts, but also one of my favorites! Hope you liked it as well.

Amazing!!
that is all i can say!!
oh and also WONDERFUL!!!
~Abby~

Awesome, pams pams pams pams

omg! This is a great story I read it all tonight but it is great !Im definetly gonna follow it!

-Molly<3

new reader!!
wow this is amazing!!!!

Usually, I'm not too concerned with guys...I'd be just fine if they dropped out of my life for a while...

But this story...it always makes me wonder if I could find a George in the world...because OMG he's incredible

Love this story and you're doing great!

.:Adrienne:.

POST! POST! POST!! it's been too long! haha

SNOW DAY! Hurrah!

Wow, thank you guys for all your responses. You're right, it HAS been too long. Anyway, I decided to do individual responses this time instead of a random fact. Hope you don't mind

Heather: I'm glad you like George. After all, how could he be the love interest if my readers didn't even understand his allure? =D Thanks!

Abby: Aw, you're such a flatterer. Thanks, sweety!

eric_2007al_2006: Thanks, Eric. Sorry you had a wait a bit for this one, but hope you like it!

D/hr4evr: I'm sorry you keep have to waiting for the posts, but it's really hard for me to find time to write. On the bright side, I've decided that I'm going to make sure to finish this entire story, no matter how long it takes (and I'll try to not let that be too long!)

Molly: Wow, thanks. I know what it feels like to read a story all night (considering the number of times I've skipped doing tarea to read). But it's still flattering to know someone else liked my story enough to do that!

meatball10: Welcome aboard, matey! I'm really glad you're enjoying it so far.

Adrienne: Aw, you're such a dear (as Mrs. Weasley would say). For you to say that, there must be SOMETHING right about the way I'm writing George. Seriously, you have no idea how much I appreciate this sincere comment of yours!

hpfan5: You're right. It HAS been too long. So here I am!

-~-

As they walked back to the table towards Mrs. Hamilton, fifteen minutes later when the old man had finally left (after handing taking a suspicious slip of paper from the woman), Camila felt the beginnings of guilt chewing away at her. What was she doing? Henry was her boyfriend, not George. The fact that she didn’t love him and never had didn’t matter. Just the principle of cheating was really low and repulsive, no matter whom one was cheating on or with.

Still, the part of her that had always been deprived of what it desired because of reason protested. She knew she had liked George more in the instant she saw him than she had ever liked Henry. Although that wasn’t saying much, just the fact that she let herself acknowledge this fact was a great leap for her.

Her internal dilemma was temporarily put on hold as the delicious food arrived. The alluring aroma wafted towards her. Moments later, she couldn’t help but stare in awe as George ravenously ate.

“How much can that one stomach hold?” she asked incredulously.

He glared at her in reply and shoved a large spoonful of rice into his mouth.

“It’s a wonder you’re not fat,” she said, poking his stomach. All she encountered was solid muscle.

“Bleurgh-shedhdy-yu,” George responded.

Camila made a face, “Gross.”

He shrugged and continued eating. Smiling slightly, Camila was about taste a delicious-looking piece of chicken when she caught the smirking face of Mrs. Hamilton.

Temporarily forgetting about the fact that she was an old lady, Camila scowled at her and asked, “What?”

“No need to get grumpy, dearie, I was just going to say that you two are quite adorable. Hold onto each other, won’t you?”

At this, Camila felt her face become hot and she glanced at George out of the corner of her eye. To her surprise, redness had crept into the back of his neck as well, and he emitted a rather strange, strangled noise.

“Is something the matter?” Mrs. Hamilton asked.

While Camila was racking her brains for an appropriate explanation, George erased her worried by placing a reassuring hand over hers on the table and shaking his head at Mrs. Hamilton. “We just haven’t become that serious…yet,” he explained.

Following these words, George and the lady exchanged a significant look, but the depth of its meaning was lost on Camila. Not wanting to intrude and rather embarrassed, she continued eating quietly for the rest of the meal.

“Thank you for your company, madame, the meal was wonderful,” George said in a grandiose manner, bowing over Mrs. Hamilton’s hand as she walked with them outside.

She laughed, and Camila was surprised to hear that despite her age, her laugh was still youthful and carefree. Briefly, she thought, “I want my laugh to sound like that when I become old and wrinkled.”

“It was a pleasure to meet you, young man. In fact, if I were a few years younger, I might consider snatching you up for myself,” Mrs. Hamilton flirted, sending George a wink.

Not to be outdone, George easily replied, “Well, it wouldn’t be that easy, you know. I mean, I am a sought-after guy, and I’m attached to this pretty lady here.” Saying so, he snaked an arm around Camila’s waist and pulled her small form closer to him. As Camila’s internal dilemma began again, she assured herself by thinking, “We’re just acting – it’s all just a show.” However, doubts were forming in here mind about whether or not it really was just show, at least on her part.

“Good thing I’m not a few years younger then – it would be too much effort attaining you. Plus, who could break up such a lovely couple?” Mrs. Hamilton smiled. “Take care, and make sure to ring me sometime, dear. I’d love to meet you both again.” With those words, she got into the car her chauffeur had pulled up.

George and Camila began to make their way down the street towards the joke shop as well. As they walked, George didn’t bother removing his arm from its loose position around her waist, and Camila didn’t ask him to.

awwwwwwww, thats so sweet. Pams Pams Pams
~*Michelle*~