Dana continued into the Great Hall. Neville, she noticed, was still surrounded by admirers, but it was okay. His time of fame had come, and anyway, there were some people she needed to talk to first.
Sitting to what was normally the Hufflepuff house table was George. Although he was also surrounded by others, he looked utterly alone. "Hey," Dana greeted as she smushed herself in next to him.
"Hi there," he replied. Dana wanted to just come out and say how sorry she was, but she was sure he had heard that too many times tonight, and she didn't want to make the situation akward.
"I never really got to express how thankful I was for you letting me stay and work in your shop, despite the fact that it put you in danger."
He chuckled. "I've seen danger before, and ussually not in a joke shop. Besides, you could have stayed longer."
"I know, but it made me too anxious. YOu were really welcoming though, and I appreciate that.
"Feel free to come visit anytime. We'd-" he paused. "I'd like to see you again."
The air betweenthe two of them was heavy. As Lee Jordan came by Dana got up to let George talk to his best friend. "I'd like that too," she said goodbye, squeezed his arm in a friendly, comforting way, and nearly ran into Ginny. They looked at each other for a split second, then hugged. Her shirt started to feel damp, and she couldn't help but start to cry as well. "I know, I know," she whispered. What else cold she say?
"I'm just so confused," Ginny sniffled. "I'm so happy that it's over; everyone is celebrating. Buyt at the same time I feel guilty."
"They'd want us to be joyous. They know we feel pain, but we shouldn't think of that now. enjoy."
"You're a really great friend Dana."
"You are too Ginny." Their embrace ended and Ginny's expression was strong. "You should get some rest."
"Yea, you too." Ginny replied.
"I will. Just have to do something else first."
