A/N: The entire Potterwatch conversation is directly from the book, pages 438 to 444 of chapter Twenty-Two of the Deathly Hallows. Therefore it belongs solely to J.K.R.

Chapter 6/Potterwatch

Sneaking downstairs in the middle of the night to get a glass of water is hazardous to your health. Seriously. Especially when you neglect to turn on the light while you are doing it. What happened was this: I had awakened in the middle of the night thirsty and wanting some water. Not wanting to use the Accio Spell and have a glass bust a whole in the door, I crawled over Ginny, tripped over Tonks, and let myself out the door.

I tip-toed down the stairs, trying my best not to wake anyone. I know now that I should have turned on some lights or even used my wand but I had forgotten my wand upstairs and turning on the lights might have disturbed someone. I made my way cautiously into the kitchen. Moving towards where I knew the refrigerator was I was unprepared to trip over something lying in my path. I fell to the floor with a grunt and then yelped as something heavy landed on top of me.

I scrambled around in the dark trying to rid myself of the muffling body that was threatening to suffocate me. Unfortunately that body was also scrambling around. I hit my head on the leg of the table and yelped again. I heard muttered curses and something else fell on me. I gave a loud "oof" and then the room was full of shouts of "grroff of me," "move over," and "watch it, that was my face!" I recognized Fred and George's voices.

"What's going on?" I heard Tonks's voice ask in the dark.

"Help me Tonks!" I yelled. "They're going to kill me!"

I heard her feet shuffle towards us. I reached out for her. Finally grabbing her ankle I startled her and she squealed, plopping down into the pile. I groaned, the weight crushing my chest. Hair got into my mouth and I spit it out disgustedly. George or Fred pushed up against me to stand but hit his head on the underside of the table and fell back with a cry.

"What in Merlin's beard is going on here?" I heard Ginny shout.

"Don't come in Ginny," Fred or George yelled. "It's not safe!"

I could almost hear Ginny rolling her eyes as she spoke. "Oh honestly, guys." I heard the flipping of a switch and suddenly we were bathed in light.

Ginny was looking at us with a mixed expression of amusement and exasperation. I could just imagine how we looked. Fred was next to me, he had a large red spot on his forehead and our legs were tangled around each other. George was splayed across both of us with his head on my stomach and his legs across Fred's chest. Tonks was sitting on George's stomach.

"Wotcher," she said cheerfully.

"Get off of me," I groaned as loud as I could.

Tonks quickly stood and helped George up. George then helped Fred up and Fred helped me up. I noticed stupidly that Fred held my hand a second longer than necessary before letting go. I rubbed my head where I was sure a bruise was forming.

"What the bloody hell were you all doing?" Ginny asked. I could see spending time with Ron had not helped her vocabulary.

"I was getting a drink," I said ruefully.

"We were—"

Fred cut off his brother. "—Just getting some wood for the fireplace."

Ginny looked at them skeptically. "In the middle of the night in the dark?"

Fred shrugged. "It seemed like a good idea at the time."

"We didn't want to wake anyone." George continued.

Looking around the room I noticed a small radio on the floor. Fred stepped in front of it. When I raised my eyes to his, he shook his head slightly. I frowned and turned away. Ginny shook her head.

"What a bunch of idiots." She then turned and flounced out of the room.

Tonks gave us a small smile before following. Halfway out the door she tripped and stumbled forward a few steps before she regained her balance. She then laughed ruefully and hurried out. I turned to the refrigerator and opened it, pretending not to notice George swiftly pick up the radio and hide it behind his back.

Pouring myself a glass of water I drank it slowly, knowing fully well that Fred and George were waiting for me to leave so they could use their radio for whatever they wanted it for. They shifted uncomfortably as they watched me. I finally drained the glass and set it in the sink. Then I turned to the twins.

"Goodnight, boys," I said sweetly. "Enjoy your listening." I nodded to the radio.

George brought it out from behind his back. "Angie, I—"

Fred interrupted his twin by nudging him sharply. George frowned slightly at Fred and Fred shook his head faintly. I chose to ignore this and moved on, exiting the room. Even as I was walking away my brain was scrambling to figure out what it was they were hiding from me.

I crawled back over Ginny who grunted slightly in annoyance but did not speak. I pulled the covers up to my chin and thought hard. What could they possibly be listening to that they did not want me to hear? After thinking for thirty minutes and not coming up with a reasonably good answer, I drifted off back to sleep.

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Ginny and Tonks left for the Burrow the next afternoon. They both liked my scarves and Fred and George each thanked me heartily. Aunt Muriel commented on how the colors clashed and the fringe was lopsided on hers, but that was all she said and I could tell she appreciated it.

I had been given a box of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes from the twins and Aunt Muriel had given me socks. She had also given Fred and George socks. They made faces at me simultaneously behind her back once they opened them. I had to stifle a giggle.

New Years came and went but the twins kept acting as strange as ever. I knew now that what they were hiding from me was whatever station they were listening to on their little radio. Once when I was walking past their room I could have sworn I heard Lee Jordan's voice, but when I opened the door, the radio was shut off and hidden underneath the bed. It was driving me crazy.

On Valentine's Day the twins both gave me a valentine that exploded when you opened them into a confetti of red and pink hearts. Then a firework spelled out the words "Two weasels in the hand are worth a ferret in the bush. Happy Valentine's Day." I had to laugh at the mixed up metaphor but I made up for my weakness by sending them Howler valentines that I made say "Shut your trap."

It wasn't until March when I found out about Potterwatch. I had just come downstairs to breakfast and the twins were already there. I was pouring myself some corn flakes when Fred spoke offhandedly from the stove where he was retrieving some pancakes.

"Oh Angie, Kingsley, Lee Jordan, and Lupin are coming over tonight. They've got something they need to do that can't be done anywhere else. Death Eaters have already checked the place out, right?"

I nodded. Back in October we had had an unpleasant visit from the Death Eaters, combing the place for Harry. I was almost frightened out of my wits but Fred went as far as to shout "Have a nice day!" right before they Disapparated. They hadn't returned and Aunt Muriel had reinforced the protective charms.

"Why are they coming?" I asked, confused.

George glanced at Fred and Fred glanced at George. Three seconds of silence ensued. Finally I couldn't take it anymore. Slamming down my spoon I stood abruptly.

"Look, you two have been acting strange since December and I want to know what's going on. What have you been listening to on that radio that you don't want me to hear?"

Fred sighed. "You'd better sit down."

I sat. George cleared his throat and looked at Fred.

"There's this radio program that Lee Jordan has set up," Fred explained. "It's called Potterwatch and he reports on the news the Daily Prophet neglects to tell us or write truthfully about. It's secret, and you have to have a password to listen in. Lee's latest station was almost found out by the Death Eaters, so he's asked if the next show could be given from here. I said yes."

I stared at him open mouthed. "And you couldn't tell me all this because . . .? I would have liked to listen to that!"

George spoke up. "They also talk about recent Death Eater activities. And, well . . ." he trailed of but I knew what he was getting at.

I placed my hand over my mouth. "Not Draco?"

Fred shook his head. "Thankfully no. He hasn't done anything that we know of."

I sighed in relief and dropped my hand. George patted it. I set my jaw tightly. "I don't care. I want to listen to Potterwatch too. And I'm going to tonight."

Fred and George exchanged a look. "Well, Lee wants me to be a guest, so I suppose you and George could listen in."

I grinned. "Right, it's settled then."

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Lee Jordan was happy to see me again. That was more than I could say for myself. Lee had always been flirting with me during my seventh year at Hogwarts. He would try to do it subtly of course, but it was still flirting and I disliked it. As soon as he saw him a big smile lit his dark face and I was almost crushed in an enthusiastic hug.

"Hey Angela, how are you doing? I haven't seen you in a long time. How's you like to grab a cuppa with me?" He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Hey Lee," was all I could get out before Fred stepped in between us.

"She's taken Lee," he said sternly.

Lee's eyes widened. "Seriously? Fred, why didn't you tell me mate?" He grinned. "Afraid I would try to take her from you?"

George stepped in rolling his eyes as Fred's jaw worked back and forth.

"Not Fred, you idiot." George supplied. "She's engaged to Malfoy."

Lee turned mournful eyes at me. "You would rather marry that ferret instead of me? Really, Angela. I'm hurt!"

I swatted at him. "Just get upstairs and start your program, Jordan."

He dodged my hand and headed for the stairs. "You know you love me, Angela!" He called over his shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah," I snickered slightly as I followed Fred and George up after Lee.

Lupin and Kingsley arrived shortly afterwards. When everything was set up, me and George took chairs in a corner of the room while Lee, Fred, Lupin, and Kingsley sat in a circle in the center. Lee fiddled with a strange looking contraption for a few seconds before mouthing, "we're on" and lifting three fingers. He settled in his chair and dropped on finger after another before starting to speak in the announcer voice I had grown accustomed to during Hogwarts' Quidditch matches.

"Good evening everyone, this is your host, River, and you're listening to Potterwatch. We apologize for our temporary absence from the airwaves, which was due to a number of house calls, in our area by those charming Death Eaters."

George and I sniggered in our hands.

"Thankfully we have now found ourselves another secure location," Lee continued, "and I'm pleased to tell you that two of our regular contributors have joined me here this evening. Evening, boys!"

"Hi." Kingsley said abruptly.

"Evening, River." Lupin said.

"But before we hear from Royal and Romulus," Lee went on, "let's take a moment to report those deaths that the Wizarding Wireless Network News and Daily Prophet don't think important enough to mention. It is with great regret that we inform our listeners of the murders of Ted Tonks and Dirk Cresswell."

I gasped and clapped my hand over my mouth in horror. Beside me George turned slightly green.

"A goblin by the name of Gornuk was also killed. It is believed that Muggle-born Dean Thomas and a second goblin, both believed to have been traveling with Tonks, Cresswell, and Gornuk, may have escaped. If Dean is listening, or if anyone has any knowledge of his whereabouts, his parents and sisters are desperate for news.

"Meanwhile, in Gaddley, a Muggle family of five has been found dead in their home. Muggle authorities are attributing the deaths to a gas leak, but members of the Order of Phoenix inform me that it was the Killing Curse—more evidence, as if it were needed, of the fact that Muggle slaughter is becoming little more than a recreational sport under the new regime.

"Finally, we regret to inform our listeners that the remains of Bathilda Bagshot have been discovered in Godric's Hollow. The evidence is that she died several months ago. The Order of the Phoenix informs us that her body showed unmistakable signs of injuries inflicted by Dark Magic.

"Listeners, I'd like to invite you now to join us in a minute's silence in memory of Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, Bathilda Bagshot, Gornuk, and the unnamed, but no less regretted, Muggles murdered by the Death Eaters."

Silence fell. I could not speak even if I had wanted to. I had known something bad was going on in the outside world, otherwise Fred, George, and I wouldn't be locked up here, but hearing about people dying, especially people who were close to friends of yours, was disconcerting.

"Thank you," Lee said. "And now we turn to regular contributor Royal, for an update on how the new Wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world."

"Thanks, River," said Kingsley in his unmistakable voice, deep, measured, and reassuring. "Muggles remain ignorant of the source of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties. However, we continue to hear truly inspirational stories of wizards and witches risking their own safety to protect Muggle friends and neighbors, often without the Muggles' knowledge. I'd like to appeal to all our listeners to emulate their example, perhaps by casting a protective charm over any Muggle dwellings in your street. Many lives could be saved if such simple measures are taken."

"And what would you say, Royal, to those listeners who reply that in these dangerous times, it should be 'Wizards first'?" asked Lee.

"I'd say that it's one short step from 'Wizards first' to 'Purebloods first,' and then to 'Death Eaters,'" replied Kingsley. "We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving."

"Excellently put, Royal, and you've got my vote for Minister of Magic if we ever get out of this mess," said Lee. "And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature 'Pals of Potter.'"

"Thanks, River," Remus Lupin said.

"Romulus, do you maintain, as you have every time you're appeared on our program, that Harry Potter is still alive?"

"I do," said Lupin firmly. I let out a breath of relief. "There is no doubt at all in my mind that his death would be proclaimed as widely as possibly by the Death Eaters if it had happened, because it would strike a deadly blow at the morale of those resisting the new regime. 'The Boy Who Lived' remains a symbol of everything for which we are fighting: the triumph of good, the power of innocence, the need to keep resisting."

"And what would you say to Harry if you knew he was listening?"

"I'd tell him we're all with him in spirit," said Lupin, then hesitated slightly. "And I'd tell him to follow his instincts, which are good and nearly always right."

"And our usual update on those friends of Harry Potter's who are suffering for their allegiance?"

"Well, as regular listeners will know, several of the more outspoken supporters of Harry Potter have now been imprisoned, including Xenophilius Lovegood, erstwhile editor of The Quibbler," said Lupin. "We have also heard within the last few hours that Rubeus Hagrid, well-known gamekeeper at Hogwarts School, was narrowly escaped arrest within the grounds of Hogwarts, where he is rumored to have hosted a 'Support Harry Potter' party in his house. However, Hagrid was not taken into custody, and is, we believe, on the run."

"I suppose it helps, when escaping from Death Eaters, if you've got a sixteen-foot-high half brother?" asked Lee, his mouth twitching.

"It would tend to give you an edge," agreed Lupin gravely. "May I just add that while we here at Potterwatch applaud Hagrid's spirit, we would urge even the most devoted of Harry's supporters against following Hagrid's lead. 'Support Harry Potter' parties are unwise in the present climate."

"Indeed they are, Romulus," said Lee, "so we suggest that you continue to show your devotion to the man with the lightning scar by listening to Potterwatch! And now let's move to news concerning the wizard who is proving just as elusive as Harry Potter. We like to refer to him as the Chief Death Eater, and here to give his views on some of the more insane rumors circulating about him, I'd like to introduce a new correspondent: Rodent."

I stifled a giggle at the incredulous look on Fred's face.

"'Rodent'?" He yelped. "I am not being 'Rodent,' no way; I told you I wanted to be 'Rapier'!"

Lee rolled his eyes. "Oh, all right then. 'Rapier,' could you please give us your take on the various stories we've been hearing about the Chief Death Eater?"

I leaned forward eagerly. This I had to hear.

"Yes, River, I can," said Fred. "As our listeners will know, unless they've taken refuge at the bottom of a garden pond or somewhere similar, You-Know-Who's strategy of remaining in the shadows is creating a nice little climate of panic. Mind you, if all the alleged sightings of him are genuine, we must have a good nineteen You-Know-Whos running around the place."

I stifled anther snicker and I could hear George doing the same.

"Which suits him, of course," said Kingsley. "The air of mystery is creating more terror than actually showing himself."

"Agreed," said Fred. "So, people, let's try and calm down a bit. Things are bad enough without inventing stuff as well. For instance, this new idea that You-Know-Who can kill with a single glance from his eyes. That's a basilisk, listeners. One simple test: Check whether the thing that's glaring at you has got legs. If it has, it's safe to look into its eyes, although if it really is You-Know-Who, that's still likely to be the last thing you ever do."

My ribs were aching from holding in laughter. George made a weird snorting sound that made me start laughing harder. Fred looked over at us and winked. Lee glared at us and we struggled to quiet down.

"And the rumors that he keeps being sighted abroad?" asked Lee, turning back to Fred.

"Well, who wouldn't want a nice little holiday after all the hard work he's putting in?" asked Fred. "Point is, people, don't get lulled into a false sense of security, thinking he's out of the country. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't, but the fact remains he can move faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo when he wants to, so don't count on him being a long way away if you're planning on taking any risks. I never thought I'd hear myself say it, but safety first!"

I snorted quietly.

"Thank you very much for those wise words, Rapier," said Lee. "Listeners, that brings us to the end of another Potterwatch. We don't know when it will be possibly to broadcast again, but you can be sure we shall be back. Keep twiddling those dials: The next password will be 'Mad-Eye.' Keep each other safe: Keep faith. Good night."

Lee reached over and turned off his piece of equipment. Fred stood and stretched his arms above his head, Lupin and Kingsley began speaking quietly together. Lee frowned at me and George as we stood.

"Next time, you're not allowed to watch. You could have been heard!"

I snorted. "I doubt it, we were being quiet." I turned to Fred who was now coming to join us. "Excellent job, I couldn't have said those things better myself." He grinned. "Of course, I didn't know those things about You-Know-Who, and I don't live underneath a garden pond." I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow at him (something I had been practicing these many months, evidence of my dull experiences). He shuffled his feet.

"Well, I meant everyone who should know."

"I shouldn't know?" Now both eyebrows were up.

Lee quickly stepped in. "Before this turns into a fight, may I say, Angela, that you are looking prettier than usual this evening?"

I waved him off. "Oh posh, Lee, I'm dressed like a school girl. Don't interrupt." I turned back to Fred and George. "Boys, I don't see why you had to keep this a secret from me."

George piped up. "I wanted to tell you!"

Fred nudged him into silence. "Look Angie, it's just unpredictable what they're going to talk about and I really didn't want you to hear if Malfoy killed someone or something."

"Don't you think I would have found out later? I'm not stupid, Fred, if Malfoy had done something that terrible I would have figured it out once we were married!"

"But don't you think that that would be cause for another fight between you two?"

I couldn't believe we had gotten ourselves into another fight. I tried to calm down.

"It might've, but that is between me and him. You have no business meddling."

Fred's jaw was clenched tight. "Fine, next time I think your wellbeing is threatened, I'll just mind my own business and let you suffer. Sure, I can do that."

I finally realized what he was getting at. I sighed and slumped forward, all the fight gone from me. His words had hit me hard. It's because he loves you, a part of my mind said. No, said the other part, it's because you're his friend and he doesn't want to see you hurt.

"It's the same difference," I whispered softly to myself.

I looked up into Fred's taut face. I did not say anything but stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his waist, placing my head right above his heart. It was beating quickly, probably from the argument. He stiffened slightly in surprise before putting his arms around me.

"I just don't want you to get hurt in any way," he said gruffly.

"I know, I know," I said softly. "I'm sorry." Tears pricked the corner of my eyes.

George put his arms around both of us and held us tightly. Lee cleared his throat after a while.

"Uh, not to break up the mushy, sweetness of this moment, but we've got to get going and you're standing in the front of the door."

We broke apart and I smiled as Lee opened the door.

"It was nice seeing you again," I said brightly.

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, so you say. But will you go out with me? No. Sheesh."

I grinned. Lupin and Kingsley followed after brief goodbyes and we led them out the door. Once again the house was empty save for us three and Aunt Muriel. I collapsed on the couch and Fred and George sat beside me. Each put their arm across the back of the piece of furniture so I found myself snuggly tucked in between them. I leaned my head against Fred's shoulder, trying not to glance at the black hole in the side of George's head.

"I love you guys," I said abruptly.

George grinned. "We love you too, Angie," he said. "What brought that up?"

I shrugged. "I know that we bump heads sometimes but you two are like the brother's I never had. And with everything with You-Know-Who going on, I just thought I'd let you know."

George nodded but his smile had disappeared. Fred shifted slightly and I lifted my head off his shoulder and looked at him. He was staring off into the fireplace. I poked his side. He jumped and looked at me.

"What?"

"What are you so pensive about?" I asked, leaning back against George in order to see Fred's face.

"Nothing. It's late, you should get to bed."

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, mother."

His mouth twitched. "Go on."

I stood huffily. "Fine then." As I marched away I called back over my shoulder, "Don't stay up too late!"

"Yes, mother!" They called back.

I laughed.

My bed suddenly felt warm and comfortable. After changing into pajamas, I snuggled under the covers and suddenly felt exhausted.

"Goodnight, dearie," the portrait lady said.

"'Night," I mumbled.

My dreams that night were full of garden ponds, tea, and rodents.