AN:: Hello All, sorry for the wait! Okay... A few things before we begin. This chapter complies almost completely with the beginning of chapter 22. I've skipped some of the dialog, but if it's that important to you, you can go back and read pages 473-478 (of the American text) And then it picks up again on page 506 & 507 for a little bit.

Also, I've changed the rating of the story. Just a precaution, really, but if there's anything rated 'R' I'll give you a warning, okay!??! I just really don't want to get into any trouble!

As the Christmas holiday approached, George and Alexandria started spending more and more time together. It was a rare sight when they weren't holding hands, and they were always seen together at mealtimes, talking and laughing. If there was a free period that they shared, it was spent together, (and some they didn't share, thanks to the Skiving Snackboxes.)

"It's good that you've got a girlfriend I can stand," Fred said one day. "Or I'd really have to murder the both of you." In fact, Alexandria proved to be an indispensable resource when it came to the research of magical effects on people.

"How do you know all of this?" demanded Lee one day after she had just explained the common reaction to consuming a Draft of Daftness. (It was a sort of anti-Veritaserium). The group was sitting in the Library three days before the end of term, the girls doing homework, the boys doing research.

"My Aunt Annette is a Healer for St. Mungo's," answered Alexandria simply. "She teaches me everything she knows. I'll be staying with her over break, so if there's anything else you need to know write it down and I can find out." Fred and George immediately began on a list, while Dani and Alexandria returned to their Potions homework. Professor Snape had assigned a mountainous essay, to be complete with diagrams and detailed explanations on the effects seen after adding each ingredient to the potion.

"What color would you say that is?" Alexandria asked, gesturing to her cauldron.

"Chartreuse," answered Dani. The blonde sighed and set down her quill. "I can't concentrate on this, I'm too worried about not being able to Transfigure humans properly. I could barely do it in class." Without looking, Alexandria flicked her wand at her bag and a battered, leather-bound book floated to her friend, and fell open in front of her. Dani glanced around her before pouncing upon it.

"What's that?" inquired George.

"This, my friend, is our secret weapon," Dani whispered, looking at him slyly over the yellowed pages. "Our success can be directly attributed to this wonderful book." She patted the cover fondly, and then disappeared behind it.

"It's a book of shadows," explained Alexandria, idly. "Sort of like a spell diary. My mother and Aunt kept it during their stay at Hogwarts. Now it belongs to me and Dani."

"Is it any good?" Asked Fred, coming around and reading over Dani's shoulder.

The girl scoffed, and turned to look at him. " 'Is it any good'. It's perfect!" She pointed to an almost indecipherable line near the bottom of the page. "See that? That is the complete instructions on how to transfigure an animal into a teapot." Dani flipped furiously, and stopped on a page with a complicated diagram of a person bursting into flames. Fred recognized the handwriting to be their's instead of that seen on previous pages. Dani's and Alexandria's eyes met, and a flicker of secrecy and excitement passed between them.

"What is that?" Fred asked, looking from girl to girl.

"That," Dani punctuated the word by snapping the book shut and standing up. "Is complicated and dangerous." Yawning and stretching, she gathered her things. "I'm getting pretty tired. See you back in the dormitories?"

"Yeah, I'll be there in a while," Alexandria answered. "I'm just going to finish this. You can copy it tomorrow morning."

"Thanks, Alex!" Dani called over her shoulder. She turned a corner and was gone.

"You two keep getting more and more interesting the more I get to know you," George said as the rest of them began to pile up their things twenty minutes later. (Madam Pince was hovering frightfully close to their table)

"Yes, well, not everything is always as it seems," Alexandria replied, cryptically.

"I'm beginning to notice that," said her boyfriend, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"So, what are your plans for the Christmas holiday?" she asked the boys as they made their way upward.

"I'm going home," Lee said, unexcited.

"Same with us," said Fred. "I suppose mum will feed us too much food and give us sweaters as usual."

"At least you have something to count on," said the Ravenclaw. "I'm never quite sure what is going to happen. When it's mum's year I usually spend two excruciating weeks listening to old Rufus lecture me on the importance of my becoming an Auror and doing well in school. Prat," she hissed, as was her custom after speaking about her stepfather. "Or dad will take me on some sort of pity vacation. His heart's in the right place, but...he tries too hard.

"OH! I didn't tell you, he and that tramp, Rachel, have been getting more and more serious. He told me so in his monthly letter."

"How did he get it here?" George asked, confused. "Isn't he a Muggle?"

"Yes, but I send him an owl, and then he sends a reply." Alexandria laughed. "I remember when I first got Gwen, he was terrified of her. Now their good friends. She knows when he needs to send me gifts and such for my birthday or Christmas, and she'll fly off. She's very smart."

"No need to brag, Alex," Lee said, jokingly. She shoved at him, but he side-stepped it.

"Anyways, I'm really going to miss you. All of you," she added, looking at Lee and Fred as well as George.

"Aw, we'll miss you too," Fred cooed, wrapping her in an awkward one-armed hug.

"Don't go getting all sentimental, Fred," George laughed at his twin. "People will start to think you're going soft." Fred made a rude hand gesture, and George kicked at him.

"Well, this is where we part," Alexandria said, stopping. Kissing her boyfriend hastily, she bid them goodnight and went her own way.

As the boys began their journey back to Gryffindor Tower, Fred lowered his voice.

"I think they're inventing spells," he said, his hushed tones almost frightful.

"What?"

"In that book of theirs, towards the back, they've been writing and re-writing instructions on spells. I think they're inventing them."

"What kind of spell?" Lee asked, intrigued.

"I'm not sure, but the picture was like someone had set themself on fire from the inside out." Fred looked a little panicked, as he continued. "I dunno, but whatever it was made me nervous. It was a really complicated spell, dangerous even."

Lee looked at his friend, surprised. "What do you care if they're inventing spells? If I recall correctly, you and George have invented spells too."

"Hey! George and I don't mess with magic like that! We always knew where to draw the line." snapped Fred. "I just don't feel comfortable with them toying with that kind of magic. They could really get hurt."

"They're smart girls," Lee said. "They can take care of themselves."

"I hope so," George said. He shared his brother's feelings, it made him extremely uneasy to learn that his girlfriend was experimenting with magic. As he climbed through the portrait hole he was certain that he wasn't going to get much sleep that night.

Late the next night George was roused out of a deep sleep by a bony hand shaking him forcefully.

"What?" he snapped, not opening his eyes.

"Up, Weasley!" Barked Professor McGonagall. He heard her rouse his brother in the same manner in the bed next to his, and then walk to the door. "Both of you, in the common room, now." George's mind raced, trying to remember recent works of mayhem that Fred and he had committed as of late, but none came to him. As they reached the bottom of the staircase, McGonagall had just disappeared up into the girl's dormitories.

"What d'you reckon?" Fred asked, but George shrugged before he could finish. Seconds later, Ginny and the professor emerged from the doorway, and the Weasley children hurried to follow their head of house out of the common room and into the corridor.

"Professor?" Fred called, walking briskly beside the older witch. "What's this all about?"

"You're father's been injured," McGonagall said quickly, rounding a corner.

"What? How?" Ginny's voice came from his right.

"Harry Potter saw it happen. I cannot explain it now," the professor said, quickening her pace. "Please, hurry." They hurtled down another corridor, and then they were face to face with a stone gargoyle. "Fizzing Whizbee," Professor McGonagall said hastily, not slowing down. The statue jumped out of the way and the three Weasleys climbed onto the revolving staircase which lead them to the door to the headmaster's office.

"Harry---- What's going on?" Ginny asked, spotting the boy. "Professor McGonagall says you saw Dad hurt..." Dumbledor cut off any reply from Harry.

"Your father has been injured in the course of his work for the Order of the Phoenix. He has been taken to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. I am sending you back to Sirius' house, which is more convenient for the hospital than the Burrow. You will meet your mother there."

"How are we going?" Fred asked. George recognized the panic in his voice. "Floo powder?"

"No," Dumbledor answered him. "Floo powder is not safe at the moment, the Network is being watched. You will be taking a Portkey." The Headmaster gestured to a small, blackened kettle sitting on his desk. "We are just waiting for Phineas Negellus to report back," He continued. "I wish to be sure that the coast is clear before sending you..." A flash of fire from the middle of the room interrupted him, and a single golden feather floated to the floor.

"It is Fawkes' warning," Dumbledor said, catching the feather in a long fingered hand. "She must know you're out of your beds...Minerva, go and head her off—Tell her any story—."

"He says he'll be delighted," said a clever-looking wizard, as he re-appeared in his portrait. "My great-great-grandson has always had odd taste in house guests..."

"Come here, then," Dumbledor said beckoning them forward. "And quickly before anyone else joins us..." They all gathered around him, and were about to depart then a voice came from under Dumbledor's desk.

"Professor?"

"Just a moment, Annette, I have something to attend to," Dumbledor answered.

"I'm just letting you know that Arthur arrived, and I will be personally seeing to him for now," Said the voice.

"Very well, thank you."

"Er...Is George Weasley leaving the school, then?" Asked the voice. George was shocked to hear a desk say his name and inquire about him specifically. Dumbledor looked equally surprised.

"Yes," he answered, bewilderment in his voice. His twinkling blue eyes flickered over the young man before him, as if surveying him for some sort of hidden secret.

"Okay. Tell the kids to let Molly know that I'll be at the Burrow in two minutes..."

"They will be going to headquarters, Annette, not the Burrow."

"Very well, I'll be there as soon as I can to give them news." And with that the desk fell silent again. Shaking himself slightly, Dumbledor addressed the Weasleys and Harry once more.

"You have used a Portkey before?" inquired the Headmaster. They nodded, all of them reaching out to touch the little black pot. "Good. On the count of three then. One...two...three."

Moments later, they all slammed into the floor of the kitchen at 12 Grimmauld Place. The dimly lit room was familiar to them, but not a comfort. Sirius appeared, and quickly began to ask questions as he helped them settle at the table.

"Ask Harry," Suggested Fred, in answer to the man's inquiries.

"Yeah, I want to hear this for myself." Fred, George, and Ginny were staring at him and it was supremely obvious that Harry was uncomfortable. As he told his story, everyone in the room listened intently, and even after he finished George couldn't tear his gaze away from him.

"Is mum here?" Fred asked Sirius. He said that she would know shortly, but Dumbledor had to get them outside of Hogwarts before Umbridge knew anything.

"We've got to go to St. Mungo's," Ginny said, an urgency in her voice. "Sirius, can you lend us cloaks or anything—?"

"Hang on," protested the unshaven man before them. "You can't go tearing off to St. Mungo's." George felt his anger rise so suddenly, he was surprised he didn't explode.

" 'Course we can go to St. Mungo's if we want!" burst his twin, mirroring his own thoughts. "He's our dad!"

"And how are you going to explain how you knew Arthur was attacked before the hospital even let his wife know?" demanded Sirius.

"What does that matter?" George shouted, his fear and anger clouding his judgement. They continued to argue, Sirius defending that they would draw too much attention to the Order and thus jeopardize the operation, Fred and George not giving a flying Flobberworm about any of it.

When it seemed that they would be getting no where, they all sat down, and Sirius got them drinks. What seemed like an eternity later, a sudden burst of flame and a single golden feather arrived out of thin air before them.

"That's not Dumbledor's writing— It must be a message from your mother — here —" Sirius gave the parchment to George, who read it aloud.

"Dad is still alive. I am setting out for St. Mungo's now. Stay where you are. I will send news as soon as I can. Mum." He looked up and into the faces of his siblings. "Still alive... But that makes it sound..." He returned his gaze to the parchment, not being able to bring himself to say what he knew everyone else was thinking. Something else was written at the bottom of the parchment.

"Hang on," he said. "P.S. Tell Sirius that Annette will be coming within the hour." Fred tore the letter out of his hands, as George looked up into the face of the man sitting opposite him.

"Who's Annette?" Ginny asked, her voice strained.

"She's a member of the Order," Sirius said, hastily clearing away the scattered remains of his dinner. "She's also a Healer at St. Mungo's, and a very good one at that. If she's coming here that means she'll be looking after your father." George's mind went back to Dumbledor's office, and the desk that seemed to speak. Something told him he knew this woman from before that, but where he couldn't place. All he could think about was the panic he felt for his father's health.

For the longest time they all sat in silence, tense and anxious. Then a soft knock came from the door, and, surprisingly, Mrs. Black wasn't roused. Sirius jumped up, looking thankful for a reason to leave the room, and disappeared down the hallway. Moments later he reappeared, a short, cloaked person behind him.

"Everyone," Sirius said, making them jump. "This is Annette Strean."

The short woman before them looked almost familiar. She wore dark-rimmed glasses, and the blue eyes behind them were strangely intense. Her brown hair was cut very short, and she had high cheekbones. She had a warm smile that lit up her eyes before her mouth, and she came into the room like a comforting hug. George thought that she smelled vaguely familiar, and felt a rush of affection wash over him that he could not explain.

"Hello," said the woman. Her voice was low and smooth, and had a musical quality about it.

"How is he?" Asked Fred before anyone else could say a word. "You've been looking after him, haven't you? Is he alright?"

Annette sighed. "He's still in critical condition. Your father sustained intense bite marks to his torso, and arms. If it had been a regular snake, they would have been healed in no time, but I'm afraid that it wasn't. Luckily, we got him when we did, or he would have been dead within the hour." All of the Weasley's and Harry jumped at the bluntness of her statement. "I'm having him transferred to the care of the Head Healer as we speak. He should be able to do more for him than even I can."

"Will he be alright?" croaked George. He seemed to have lost and regained the ability to speak.

"We're optimistic for his recovery," Annette said. "We expect to know for certain by morning." She re-fastened her cloak, and readied herself to leave. "I have to return to the hospital. You should be thanking your lucky stars for that boy," she gestured to Harry. "Without him, you would probably be fatherless right now. If anything major develops I shall return and inform you." She turned around and marched of the kitchen, bidding them all farewell.

While listening to her retreating footsteps, something struck a chord in George's mind, and he hurried after her.

"Wait," he called to her, without thinking. In an instant, the portrait of Mrs. Black began to wail and screech. Sirius came hurrying forward and seized the curtains, trying furiously to close them. The short witch whipped out her wand, and shoved the man away from the screaming painting.

"Morendum!" cried Annette, and the curtains threw themselves together, silencing the portrait, and all of those awoken by it's maddening shrieks. Finally, Annette turned to George. "Yes?"

"Er...Sorry," he muttered, embarrassed.

"Think nothing of it. You called?" The eyes behind the spectacles surveyed him with mild amusement.

"You're Alexandria's aunt, aren't you?" George couldn't believe he hadn't picked up on it sooner. The soft, warm smile behind her eyes was identical to her niece's. And he recognized the scent of Alexandria's perfume on the older witch.

Annette's face broke into a toothy grin. "Ah, and you must be George. Yes, Alex told me about you." The woman's face darkened, and her tone became menacing. "You best treat her well, or you'll have me to answer to."

"I will," said George quickly, taken aback. "Could you tell her where I am? Or at least let her know what happened?"

Once again, the witch before him smiled. "As you know, only Professor Dumbledor can reveal the whereabouts of Headquarters, so no, I cannot tell her where you are. And she already knows what happened." George looked at her questioningly. "There are other ways of communicating than Owls, as I'm sure you are well aware. Alex knew you were leaving Hogwarts shortly after I was through speaking with Dumbledor." Then it dawned on him, it was Annette's voice that came from Dumbledor's desk. "Actually, I'm supposed to give you this." The Healer reached into her robes and extracted a folded piece of parchment. "Have a nice day, George. I have to get back to your father." And with that, Annette turned on the spot and left the house, leaving Sirius and George standing there, speechless.

"Shall we go back to the kitchen then?" Sirius asked, once he had regained his senses. Still numb with confusion, the boy nodded and followed him back to where his siblings and Harry were waiting.

"What's that?" demanded Fred, seeing the parchment in his twin's hand.

"It's from Andrie," George explained, looking down at it. It was almost as if he could still feel her cold fingers on the paper instead of his own.

"Now is not the time for love letters!" cried Ginny, exasperated. Frowning, George sat down and opened the note. It was torn at one end, and altogether shabby-looking. He was fleetingly reminded of the Marauder's Map, but pushed the thought aside. Was Annette playing some sort of trick? After turning it over several times, he handed it to Fred, who also examined it.

"She wanted you to have a blank bit of parchment?"

"How should I know?" burst George, his anger rising again. He tore the paper from his brother's hand. "For all I know she went crazy and transfigured herself!"

"Now, is that any way to talk about your girlfriend?"demanded a voice. This caused most of them to jump and look around for the source of the noise. George looked at the parchment, and nearly dropped it in surprise. There, as if someone had just sketched it, was Alexandria's face, beaming up at him.

"Alex?!"

"Yes, it's me. How are you doing?" asked the parchment.

"Er, I've been better. What..."

"It's a Communicator," explained the drawing of his girlfriend. "This is how my Aunt and I keep in touch. Parchment was the most inconspicuous thing we could think of at the time, but not the most indestructible." Alexandria's face frowned, then looked up at him again. "Listen, I can't talk much now, but I'll contact you as soon as I can. And George?" The familiar eyes looked straight into his. "Everything will be fine, you'll see. He's in the best of hands if Annette's taking care of him."

"She's transferred him to the Head Healer," Ginny said from his elbow.

"Really?" Again, the drawing frowned. "Then it must be for the best. Anyways I have to go. Umbridge is in a fury because you all left right under her nose. Take care, and I'll see you soon." And with that the lines making her face faded and disappeared.

Even the appearance of Alexandria (in drawing form) hadn't lightened George's mood. He sat up that night with his siblings in the dingy and dark kitchen, anxious and tense. No one spoke accept to inquire about the time or wonder out loud if anything was happening. At ten after five, a pale and tired looking Mrs. Weasley entered the kitchen. Everyone held their breath for a split second before she gave a small, uneasy smile.

"He's going to be alright. He's sleeping. We can all go and see him later. Bill's sitting with him now, he's going to take the morning off of work."

Relief flooded throughout the room like a tidal wave. George and Ginny both went and hugged the plump woman, while Fred sank into his chair, hands over his face and Ron downed the rest of his butterbeer in a gulp. Sirius immediately began to busy himself with breakfast.

The rest of the day was a happy one. They all ate a hearty breakfast, and it was decided that they would be staying there at Grimmauld Place for Christmas to be closer to the hospital. Then they napped, and after lunch, they went into London.

George didn't give a thought to his girlfriend until later that evening, after everyone had gone to bed. It was odd, and certainly unexplainable, but, he needed to talk to her then. After that day he was emotionally exhausted, and wanted nothing more than to just listen to her speaking to him. Carefully, he extracted the grubby bit of parchment from the pocket of his discarded jeans, and sat down on his bed.

Fred's breathing was even and deep in the bed next to him, and George was certain that he was asleep. It was safe for him to contact her.

He looked down at the piece of paper in his lap, racking his brains on how to activate the Communicator. It had just occurred to him that he had never used one before.

George had spent a half an hour tapping the paper with his wand, and had come up with nothing.

"Andrie!" he whispered, exasperated. Suddenly, something happened. He felt a strange foggy sensation, and his vision clouded. Shutting his eyes tightly, a strong smell of parchment and ink surrounded him, and when he opened his eyes again, he wasn't at twelve Grimmauld place. It was a most curious sensation, he was fully aware that he was sitting on his bed, but he didn't see his bedroom there. In fact, George didn't recognize the room that he saw before him at all.

He was gazing up at the ceiling of an airy room, the light of a single candle flickering on the walls draped with blue hangings. Far to his left, he heard the soft, even breathing of many people sleeping, not just Fred.

"Er...Hello?" he whispered. "Andrie?"

"George?" Asked a groggy voice. His line of vision changed as the parchment at the other end of the Communicator was lifted and the familiar face of Alexandria came into view. Her long hair was swept over her bare shoulders, and her eyes were half-closed. She rubbed at her face gently, and then looked at him, blinking furiously.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing," George said, quickly. "I just wanted to talk to you." Alexandria smiled, and then looked at something on her bedside table.

"It's very late, George, and we're leaving tomorrow evening. Besides, you should be asleep. You've had a long day."

"I'm sorry. I'll be quick." He suddenly felt a terrible jolt in his stomach as he realized that he was 'in' the girl's dormitory in Ravenclaw tower.

"That's alright. I understand. How is your father?"

"Didn't your aunt tell you?"

"No," Giggled Alexandria, lying back down on her pillow, and propping the parchment up next to her. "Seeing as you've got her communicator, she really can't tell me anything. So," she asked sleepily, "Will he be alright?"

"Yes. He'll make a full recovery. It's just that the poison in the snake won't allow the wounds to close properly."

"Ah, I see. You saw him, then?"

"Yes. He's as chipper as ever. Can't wait to get home." George smiled in spite of himself. He may have said many things about his father being a bit of a nutter, but he was still his father.

"Good. Dani and I were worried all day!" The brunette girl yawned. "Umbridge had us in for questioning, you know. Dumbledor told her everything, but she asked us about it anyway."

"What did you say?' He asked.

"That we didn't know anything. I even managed to cry a little bit when she told me your father was in the hospital," Alexandria said, smiling at him sleepily. "It was very convincing."

"I'll bet. Why are you so tired?"

"Dani and I had some extra work to do, and stayed up all night last night working on it. It's no big deal, really." Even as she said it, the Ravenclaw girl's eyes closed.

"Would you like me to go? We could both use the sleep." George went to tap the parchment with his wand.

"No," whispered Alexandria. "Stay." She turned her face 'toward' him, eyes still closed, as her fingers wound idly through her hair. She said nothing for a time.

"Andrie?" George asked softly, assuming she was asleep.

"Hmm?"

"Are you asleep?"

"No," she said, her voice barely above a breath. "Are you?"

George chuckled. "No. But you're falling asleep."

"I'm falling? Fallen is more like it. Don't go."

"Why not?"

"Because I want to listen to you breathe." He wasn't sure how long he sat there watching her sleep, it really didn't matter. He was happy.

Christmas day came, and brought the customary mountain of presents for the twins at the foot of their beds. After spending most of their morning opening gifts (and then hiding from the severly distraught Mrs. Weasley), the large group finally departed for St. Mungo's after lunch.

Mr. Weasley was as cheery as ever, yet he seemed a bit keen to not discuss his new dressings for his arm with his wife.

"Arthur, you've had your bandages changed. Why have you had your bandages changed a day early, Arthur? They told me they wouldn't need doing until tomorrow." Mrs. Weasley looked particularly sever, and gaining in anger every second that passed.

Finally, Arthur Weasley caved and told his wife the truth. "Well— now don't get upset, Molly, but Augustus Pye had an idea...He's the Trainee Healer, you know, lovely young chap and very interested in um...complementary medicine...I mean, some of these old Muggle remedies...well, they're called stitches, Molly, and they work very well on— on Muggle wounds—"

Shortly after that, Bill, Fred and George, sensing the danger of their father's blunder, left to 'get a cup of tea'. It just so happed, that as they were on their way to find the tea room, George heard a very familiar laugh from behind him. He turned, but the owner of the laugh was no where to be found.

George decided not to think too hard on it, and settled himself next to his brothers and tucked into a cup of tea and some biscuits.

"So, George," Bill said at length. "What's this I hear from Annette about you and her niece?"

"Oh, er, you mean Andrie?" George felt oddly embarrassed. It was not longer that he wanted to hide his relationship with Alexandria, but that he didn't know how to tell everyone.

"Alexandria, yeah."

"Er. Well, she's my, er, my girlfriend." Bill's eyebrows raised, and he looked to Fred, who seemed to have more of an authority on the subject than George himself.

"They've been together for a couple of months. Well, they broke up, on a count of George was being a prat." Fred shoved at his twin and continued, "But now they're together again and sickeningly happy."

"Well, well, well," Bill said, smiling to himself. "What's she like?"

"She's taller, brown hair and eyes, very pretty. Smart, funny too, that's not a common combination in girls we know," said Fred, thoughtfully.

"She's perfect." George had found his voice again.

"How do you figure?" Bill asked, his eyebrows raising higher toward his hairline.

"When she smiles, her eyes light up before anything else. She smells amazing. Her fingers are always cold, like the snow. Andrie loves the snow, too. Her laugh is the most incredible thing I've ever heard. And I could spend the rest of my life listening to her breathe and be happy." Fred was staring at his twin as if he needed immediate medical attention, and Bill was laughing softly.

"What?" Demanded (a very red) George.

"You've got it bad, little bro," Bill said, ruffling his hair. "Sounds to me like you're in love with this girl."

"I am," George said simply.

"Blimey, George!" Fred said, still staring at him. "I didn't know all that!"

"Didn't know what? You know how I feel about Andrie!"

"No!" Fred rubbed at his mouth. "All of those other things! You sounded mushy, and the worst part...I completely fell for it!" His brother's began to laugh at him, and Fred fell silent for a time.

Then, George heard the sound again, Alexandria's soft, familiar giggle. He stood up, and walked to the door.

"Where are you going?" demanded his twin. Fred didn't see what he saw. There, at the other end of the corridor, was Alexandria. She stood, facing him, a mischievous look in her eyes, and then pressed her finger to her lips. With a flash, she turned the corner and was gone.

"I need to find a toilet," George called back into the tea room. "Be back later." The brunette had just peeked around the corner, and beckoned him to follow her. George quickened his pace, and by the time he reached the spot where his girlfriend had vanished, he was sprinting. Rounding the corner, he nearly bowled Alexandria over.

"Andrie! What are you doing here, I thought you were with Annette?"

"Shh." She pressed one of her cool fingers to his lips, and peeked around into the adjoining corridor again. "I am with Annette," whispered Alexandria. "She works here, you know that. I'm visiting." Taking his hand, she lead him away. "Follow me."

Together, they hurtled down five corridors and up one flight of stairs.

"Where are we going?" George asked her once.

"Someplace where we can be alone," She answered. "You'll see."

Finally, after what seemed like miles of running, Alexandria threw open a door on their right, and rushed inside. It was a small sitting room, with a fireplace at one end of the room, and a sofa at the other.

"What is this place?" He asked.

"A private waiting room. Families can wait here instead of in the main office," Explained Alexandria. "It's easier on them that way." No sooner had she finished her sentence, had she pulled him into a kiss.

"What was that?" Asked George, shocked and pleased.

"I missed you." She lead him to the sofa, and they sat together for a time, Alexandria's head resting on his chest in the small crook between his shoulder and collar bone. She fit there like a piece of a puzzle. George's arm was around her waist, resting on her hip, while his other hand held hers at his side.

"I missed you, too," He said softly, running his hand from her shoulder to her hip and back.

"How is everyone?"

"Good. Mum's furious at Dad for getting stitchers—"

"You mean stitches?"

"Yeah, those. And Percy's a prat, as usual. Charlie's in Romania, Bill's here, but he works a lot. Ron and Ginny spend most of their time with Harry and Hermione, the usual, really." He turned to get a better look at her. "What about you?"

"About the same as you. Nothing worth talking about anyway." She yawned heartily, and clung to him a little tighter. "I'm glad I got to see you."

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes," Alexandria said through another yawn.

"You seem tired. You were fine just a minute ago."

"Hmm?" Her voice was getting sleepier by the second. "Oh. It's nothing really, I just haven't been sleeping too well lately. I'll get over it."

"What do you mean, 'haven't been sleeping?' Do I need to have your aunt check you over?" Something dawned on him, then. "It doesn't have anything to do with that book does it?"

"No!" She said, too quickly. Alexandria sighed. "Okay, yes. But I promise, you don't need to worry. I can handle everything. This just comes and goes." George looked at her sternly. "I'll get a full night's rest today, promise." This was good enough for him.

"Good." He lifted her chin so that he could see her face properly. "Now, then." He kissed her gently. "Anything else you want to talk about?"

AN:: If you are not of 'mature audience' DO NOT READ THE NEXT PART OF THIS STORY! I MEAN IT! This portion of the chapter is rated R for mature content! Skip over it if you are under seventeen, please. If you don't, and you read something that you don't like, You read it at your own risk. That being said...

But there was something different in the way she looked at him now. It wasn't how she normally looked at him, her gaze was usually sweet, and tame. This was hungry and more intense.

Alexandria's breathing quickened, and her heart began to hammer in her chest. A strange sensation spread behind her rib-cage, like pain, only sweeter. She craved him, it was as if she needed to feel every inch of his warmth. She wanted to be close to him. Hell, she wanted to crawl inside him so she could feel him wherever he went.

Their lips connected with such a force, George was surprised he hadn't started to bleed. The taste of her was amplified somehow, and all he could feel was how warm she had become. The only sound was the noise of their breathing, and the only smell was her sweet perfume. Suddenly, she lie beneath him on the sofa, and her cool hands were on his bare back as she removed his sweater. The tips of her fingers were like cold drops of water over his warm skin, and it was as if she had many more than ten.

Her head swam in a pleasant fog. The feeling behind her ribs flowed over her, to wherever the warmth of his body was on hers. Alexandria was vaguely aware that she was shaking with the frenzy of that moment. It was bittersweet, and terrifying, and beautiful. Right, wrong, good, bad, all were lost in the taste of his kiss and the movement of his muscles. His hand connected with the skin of her stomach, and slowly slid it's way up and around to her back. Seconds later, her Muggle blouse and under-shirt lie on the floor next to his discarded sweater. His hands were so warm, and so gentle, as they caressed her bare skin.

Finally, his fingers found their mark. Cupping her breast in his hand, his thumb began to explore the new territory of the flesh at her chest. Alexandria moaned deeply, and arched her back. His own breathing quickened, as her hands slid down his back and around to the front of his navel. For a moment, the cool sensation of her touch left him, then reappeared as he heard his belt thud to the floor, and the unmistakable sound of a zipper. It was his own.

A sudden thought entered his mind while they lie there, so close together, mouths and hands moving over one another as if they had many. They could be closer. He could feel the warmth emanating from her, and the blood rush through his veins so quickly to accommodate her. They could. Right there. His eyes looked into hers and he knew that she was sharing his thoughts. They could make love for the first time.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice deeper and more gravely than usual. She nodded, and that was all that they needed. Her skirt was bunched up, and the essence of her flesh was damp. He could think of nothing else but her. Nothing else in the world mattered. Cold fingers fumbled at the waistline of his jeans, sliding them downward. The pressure of him on her inner thigh. Anticipation causing her to shake.

"Please," she whispered to him.

Then, as he was about to enter her, George heard his name. But it wasn't Alexandria who called him.

"George! Mum's furious! We're leaving soon!" Fred opened a door on his right, and nearly choked on the air in his lungs. "George— MERLIN'S PANTS!" It was as if an invisible force knocked him from the room. There, almost completely naked and in the most compromising position possible, lie Alexandria and George. Fred heard her shriek, and hurry to cover her exposed chest, as his brother rolled off of her and thudded on the floor. Shocked and embarrassed, Fred slammed the door shut, and took a large gulp of air, trying to shake the image from his mind.

Knocking this time, he opened the door again.

"Mum'sdownstairsandwe'reallwaitingforyousohurryupsowecanleaveplease!" he said to the tile on the floor two feet in front of him.

"Er, yeah, give me a minute," George said, hastily putting on his belt and sweater. Seconds later, the duo emerged. Although they were clothed, they rather looked like they had been attacked by a pack of rabid wolves.

"Right, yeah, so, er...I'll show you where they're all waiting." Fred didn't look at his brother or his friend the whole way back to the main lobby.

George's day seemed to get worse as he saw the group waiting for them. Along with his mother, siblings, Harry and Hermione, was Lupin, Tonks, Mad Eye, and (George's heart plummeted) Annette.

"Ah, good, you're here!" Annette said, spotting her niece. Striding over, she went to strap an arm around her shoulders when she got a good look at two of the three newest arrivals. Alexandria wouldn't meet her aunt's eyes. She only looked up when Annette cleared her throat. The older, bespeckled witch cocked a thin eyebrow, and then winked.

"Everyone, this is my niece Alexandria, who has recently been caught in a hurricane by the looks of her."

Despite her aunt's comment, the girl greeted everyone politely, and managed to make a good impression.

"Is this her?" Bill asked George as Alexandria shook his hand. He nodded quickly. "Where were you two anyway—"

"Okay!" Annette cut off any speculation with a cheerful farewell. "Well, Merry Christmas, everyone! Have a great break, and we'll see you soon!" She grabbed George's arm as everyone was leaving, and whispered into his ear. "You missed a belt loop." The boy's eyes got to be the size of saucers, and he hurried away with the rest of his family. Both Alexandria and George were interrogated, humiliated, poked, prodded, laughed at, and hugged over the course of that day, but otherwise, the same.

AN:: FIRST!! Sorry for the false advertizing at the beginning of the chapter. I didn't want to give anything away.

More (Less important, Drabble-filled) NOTES!! Annette Strean is actually the singer for the band Venus Hum, and the character in this story is dedicated to her. Also, they are pretty much identical in looks, so if you should want a clearer visual of the character, look the person up. Her personality and her voice are not the same ,though, so don't go getting any Ideas. (Well, if you've heard her talk it's different... Fanfic Annette's speaking voice is actually based on real Annette's singing voice...yeah and her personality is loosely based on Lorelai Gilmore..confusion..)

Question of the day; Would Madam Pince really allow people to brew things in the library? Probably not...Shame on you Alexandria!!

And, If Severus Snape can make up spells, so can Dani and Alex...(As Annette and Marilyn, Alex's mom, did before them) As a note..Annette is only a couple of years younger than the Marauders, and she had a bit of a crush on Sirius then...hmm...do I smell a fan-fic?

Rachel was mentioned in the first chapter as the 'new girlfriend' that the girls compared to the infamous secretary. Just to clear that up... (And for the record, any man who dates her father is a tramp in Alexandria's eyes...)

And lastly! I apologize for forcing you to wait so long for an update. I got lazy and stuff just kind of happens. Yeah. Okay, off you go!