Hey everyone. Okay…I'm really sorry it's been so long since I updated this. But, I began another story dealing with Twilight and had to get that ball rolling. So, I haven't had a chance until now to write this. Also, I've had a bit of writer's block on how I wanted this to flow. This chapter is about some reactions. The Plan will come up in the next chapter or two.


Fred walked into The Witches Brew, accompanied by a gust of wind. The weather had been down right nasty. Which could also be said for the rumors and actions of most of the Magical Community these days. The reaction to the newspaper article had been insane. Fred had expected that the news would not sit well with people. But he had no idea how close-minded they could be.

And Harry. He was not taking another round of ostracism well. One would think that he'd be used to it. The boy had had his share of scrutinizing over the years. But this was different. This was about as private as a subject could get.

A shiver ran through Fred, but it had nothing to do with the cold that he had just escaped. It came from the part of him that longed for the boy about whom all the stories and idiocrasies were circulating. It had been a few days since he had had the talk with George. And Fred had yet to express his feelings to the raven-haired boy.

'I will talk to him…eventually,' he thought.

'Sure you will," he answered himself skeptically.

"Oi! Fred!" He heard George call, breaking his internal conversation.

He turned to his right to see his brother sitting at a booth across from their long-time friend, Lee Jordan. Lee was one of the only people that knew the twins' true orientation. And more importantly, one of the few people who knew yet accepted it and still talked to them. Sure, others who had stumbled across the truth "talked" to them. But a person knew if someone was being false about the whole thing.

Fred smiled and walked over to the join them. He shrugged off his coat and removed his gloves, shivering from the loss of warmth.

"Hey bro. Hey, Lee," he said.

"Hi, Fred."

"Hiya, twin."

Fred plopped down beside his brother. It was then that he noticed the extra menu.

"Who are we waiting for?" He asked

Before George could answer, there was a fresh gust of wind as the door opened, this time producing Hermione. She caught sight of the three men and headed towards the booth.

"Hey 'Mione," they chorused as she took the remaining seat beside Lee.

"Hey guys," she said breathlessly.

"You alright? Fred asked

"What? Oh, yeah, just a little out of breath. That wind is horrible. It almost drove me back down Diagon. It took all my strength to push though it to get here.

"Same here. Think it'll die down?"

"No clue. It's so unpredictable these days. Almost like the way some people react to a bit of news. Honestly, these people are so narrow-minded," she scoffed. Though she didn't specify, they knew what she was talking about. That was made clear by the flush that was spreading its way through Fred's face. Everyone was quiet for a moment.

"So, how's our lil' brother these days? We don't get to see him much." George asked, breaking the silence and changing the subject for Fred's sake. He really didn't want to bring up the fact that his brother had yet to talk to Harry. He'd leave that conversation for later, when they got back home.

"Neither do I for that matter. They've got him really busy with training. You'd think that another Dark wizard was going to pop up any day now, the way they're working them. Harry's lucky he didn't want to be an Auror. He'd…" she started. But she stopped when she saw the looks that Lee and George were throwing her. She looked down and began boring a hole in her menu.

"How is Harry?" Fred asked suddenly, causing her head to shoot up and gaining odd looks from the other two.

"He's fine," she said hesitantly. But then she continued, her voice more even, "He's really fitting in with Puddlemere United. I think it's the best decision he's ever made. He really didn't need to see any more violence than he already has. And he has it to distract him from all this negativity now surging unremorsefully throughout the community."

"I just feel so bad for him" agreed Fred, "He's always been such a great friend to me, to all of us. And now he's being slandered, once again. And for what, so people can get their jollies by exposing a boy that they should be on the brink of worshipping. Without him, this world would not exist. We would still be in a fight with the supremacy of evil, be enslaved, or worse, dead. Merlin, could they cut him some slack!" He finished loudly, causing the people around to look up and at them.

"What are you looking at?" Fred barked at them. Everyone suddenly found their food more interesting than the raging man. Hermione, George, and Lee had started at this sudden, very un-Fred-like behavior; and were now speechless. Lee was the first to find his voice.

"Fred," he began warily, "mate. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, sorry. I don't know what's come over me," he said, with a bit of remorse in his voice. But it was visibly obvious that he really wasn't okay.

"I do. You've trapped all these feelings inside you. This is just your way of getting it out. And it's about damn time. It's hurt me to see you moping about. Now all you need to do is talk to Harry," George stated. Later, schmater. He realized that the conversation needed to be done now. Before Fred did further internal damage.

"For the last time, George. He doesn't want to be with anyone like me. I'm not talking to him about that. I will talk to him. But, it won't be about professing my undying love for a boy who won't reciprocate. Besides, right now is not the best time to be uncovered. Harry's article, if nothing else, has proven that."

"But, that's different. It won't blow up like that," George continued. Lee and Hermione had suddenly gone unnoticed.

"No it's not any different. We may not get as much recognition now. But we were strongly involved in the Final Battle, George. I would get thrust right there beside Harry. Paired with Harry. I really don't think either he nor I can deal with that at the moment. Maybe I'll talk to him. But, not right now. If nothing else, I'll wait 'til this blows over. But, that's looking really slim. Now—I'm going back to the shop. Lee, Hermione, I'm sorry. Enjoy your lunch. George, I'll see you at home later."

He grabbed up his coat, jerked it on, and walked away. He opened the door against the wind, and pushed himself outside and into the howling swirls.

"Well…that was bad," Lee finally said. George put his face in his hands and groaned.

"George, look on the bright side…" Hermione started.

"Bright side?" George exclaimed, looking at her, "Hermione, there is no bright side. Harry's suffering; my brother's suffering—and being idiotic. And I feel like I'm stuck in between them. But, the worst part is that maybe Fred's right. Maybe now is not a good time for confessions. Though, Merlin knows it needs to be done." He took a deep breath to even his sudden temper flare-up. He didn't like acting like this. This behavior was normal for Ginny and Ron, but not him.

"Yes, it does. And it needs to be done soon. Before, either boy acts in a way that could be detrimental to any possible relationship between them."

"But, how?" Lee asked.

"Well. Ron and I have a plan," she said impishly and smiled at the sudden look of mischief on George and Lee's face.


Again. Thanks to all those who have reviewed. Branwen is my first back-to-back reviewer. More cookies to you. And goodies to all my loyal followers. Though, I do encourage more. Not to be a review-slut, but it really helps my self-esteem if nothing else. Have a happy new year and keep reading. Thanks.