The Past's Echo

010 - Red Dress

As Clara settled into bed, she placed the pocket watch gently on her nightstand. She glanced at it one last time before turning off the light and curling up under her covers, hoping for a restful night.

Meanwhile, in Hermione and Ron's home, Ron was sprawled on the bed, his face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Hermione," he began, "me and Harry were coming back from work, and we passed by a pub that had a poster up. They're hosting a party soon, and it looked pretty lively."

Hermione's eyes brightened at the mention of a party. "Oh, that sounds like fun! We haven't been to a party in ages."

Ron nodded, clearly excited. "Yeah, I thought it'd be a great idea. We could invite Clara and George too. It might be good for them to get out and have a bit of fun."

Hermione considered this for a moment. "That's a good idea. It would be nice for all of us to enjoy ourselves for a bit."

Ron grinned. "I'll talk to them about it in the morning. I'm sure they'll be up for it."

Hermione tilted her head slightly, considering Ron's suggestion. "Is Ginny going too?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Ron chuckled and shrugged. "Probably, since Harry's going. You know how it is—when Harry's invited, Ginny's usually not far behind."

Hermione giggled at Ron's playful comment and leaned over to give him a kiss on the forehead. "Night, Weasley," she said affectionately, her tone light and teasing.

Ron grinned, looking pleased. "Good night, Granger," he replied, settling down with a contented sigh.

The next morning, Clara and George were seated at the table, talking about the pocket watch. The watch lay on the table between them, its ornate dragon design catching the light. George reached over and grabbed it, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"It didn't bite you in your sleep now, did it?" he joked, his grin widening.

Clara laughed, shaking her head. "No, it didn't."

"Because with that dragon on there, I would be careful," he continued, mockingly imitating Hermione's cautious tone.

Clara giggled, appreciating the light-heartedness after the previous day's tension. "You're terrible, you know that?"

George chuckled, spinning the watch around in his hands. "Terrible? Maybe. But I did make you laugh, didn't I?"

"True," Clara admitted, smiling. She reached for the watch, their fingers brushing momentarily as she took it back.

Their moment of laughter was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Molly entered the kitchen, giving them both a knowing look. "What's so funny?"

"Just George being George," Clara said with a smile, holding up the watch.

Molly left the kitchen, smiling to herself. A moment later, Ron came through the door, followed by Hermione. He looked around, noting the pocket watch on the table.

"Morning," Ron said, nodding to George and Clara. "What's got you two in such a good mood?"

"George is just being his usual self," Clara replied, still smiling.

Ron raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What's he up to now?"

George picked up the pocket watch, displaying it to Ron. "Just admiring Clara's new purchase. It's got a dragon on it, so I'm making sure it doesn't bite."

Ron laughed, shaking his head. "Always the joker, aren't you?"

Hermione, standing beside Ron, added, "I still think you should be careful with that thing."

Ron chuckled. "Hermione, not everything with a dragon on it is dangerous."

Hermione gave him a look. "Better safe than sorry, Ron."

Ron shrugged and turned back to George and Clara. "Anyway, We.. and Harry were talking about a party we saw a poster for. Thought it might be fun to check out. You two interested?"

George's eyes lit up. "A party, you say? Count me in."

Clara looked at Hermione, who nodded in encouragement. "Sure, why not? Could be fun."

Ron grinned. "Great! Ginny and Harry are going too. It'll be like old times."

"Oh, I cannot wait to hit the butterbeers," Ron joked, a wide grin spreading across his face.

Hermione laughed, shaking her head. "Oi, Ron, don't overdo it again. Remember when you puked all over yourself?"

Ron flushed, clearly embarrassed. "Hey, you promised you wouldn't bring that up again," he protested, trying to maintain his dignity.

George, never one to miss an opportunity to tease, leaned forward with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, Ron, I know worse things about you," he said, his voice dripping with playful menace.

Ron glared at him, a mix of amusement and threat in his eyes. "Don't you dare," he warned.

The entire room erupted in laughter, they couldn't help but giggle at the sibling banter.

"So when is the party?" Clara asked, her curiosity piqued.

George interjected with a playful grin, "When doesn't matter. Where is it?"

Ron answered both questions, "Tonight, in a pub in the city."

"Tonight?" Clara lifted her eyebrows in surprise.

"Yes, that's great!" George said enthusiastically, nudging Clara.

She let out a breath, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Yeah sure, can't say no to a nice party," Clara said with a determined smile.

"We meet up a few buildings before the pub, okay?" Hermione said, making sure everyone was on the same page.

"Sounds good," Clara agreed, nodding.

Later that day, as evening approached, Clara was getting ready to go meet up with her friends. She stood in her room, unsure of what to wear. Her open closet revealed two dresses lying on her bed, while she held up a top and pants to herself in the mirror, trying to gauge how they'd look together.

Just then, George happened to pass by her open door. Seeing her indecision, he poked his head inside and said with a grin, "Can't decide?"

Clara dropped her pieces with a laugh. "No, not at all," she admitted.

She started to show him the outfits she had in mind, holding the clothes up to her body. George watched with interest until he stopped her at a red dress. "Why not that one?" he suggested.

Clara hesitated, a hint of doubt in her voice. "I don't know. I don't want to be too overdressed."

George shook his head with a reassuring smile. "No way, it'd be perfect for a party. Go put it on."

Encouraged by his enthusiasm, Clara grinned and headed to the bathroom to change. A few minutes later, she emerged in the stunning red dress. With a playful smile, she turned to George and asked, "Can you zip me up?"

George's fingers worked deftly as he zipped her up, his eyes lingering on her with admiration. "You look amazing, Clara. Absolutely stunning."

She blushed slightly, looking at herself in the mirror. "Thanks, George." 

George stepped back to admire her. "You're definitely going to turn some heads tonight."

Clara rolled her eyes and said with a playful smile, "Argh, don't be silly. I'm just hoping to blend in and have a good time."

George chuckled and gave her a reassuring nod. "Well, blending in or not, you're definitely going to look great."

With that, Clara gave him a grateful smile before heading out to meet the others.