Leave Out All The Rest, Ch. 1 (Hogwarts)

OK, so, here's the first part of the fic I wrote for hpgeorgecentric. It's complete, but I'm going to be posting it here in parts because I'm a compulsive fiddler and I'm still futzing around with punctuation and "the the"'s and "Hm... there's an adverb that can safely be dropped..."


Unrelated ETA: Also: as nobody has pointed me in the direction of a Canon!Draco survey, I'll be doing one. Suggestions for questions are welcome!

Pairing(s): George/Luna, hints of George/Angelina and George/Hermione, but mostly Gen.
Word Count: 80,000 words ::gulp::
Rating: R
Summary: Nobody expected the year after Fred's death would be easy. But nobody expected George would have to lose so much, just to live through it.
Or: George is doing his best to make his way after the war and Fred's death. Everyone is trying to help, and he wishes they would just stop. Especially Fred.
Warnings: Angst, suicide issues, and occasional inappropriate humour.
Author's Note: Thanks to twistedm, tree00faery, vanseedee for beta waay above and beyond the call of friendship.

Prologue

"I'm with Percy!" Fred called back at George as he hurried after their older brother.

"I'm coming with you," George said, running up behind them.

"No! Stay with Lee," Fred said. "Guard the corridor in case--"

"You guard the corridor!"

"Come on, Percy's just come off a desk job, he needs back-up--"

"Don't do this again, you arse," George said angrily. "I can fight as well as you can whether I'm missing an ear or not! Don't make another stupid excuse to go to the more dangerous--"

"Think I'm leaving you where it's safe? Did you see those bloody giants trying to get through?"

"Bollocks!"

There was a shout and a crashing sound from around the corner. "Bloody hell, Percy's going to get himself killed and Mum'll never forgive me," Fred muttered and they both started to run towards him, then stopped at the sound of Lee's voice.

"Erm, a little help here!" Lee was saying nervously, and Fred took the opportunity to shove George in Lee's direction and bolt off after Percy.

George growled in annoyance and sprinted back towards Lee.

( Hogwarts )