ho·kum
noun
1) out-and-out nonsense; bunkum.

True to her word, there was a time when Fred and George's many experiments did indeed get out of hand. It just happened at different times within the same week, and both were at a loss to explain to one another just what Luna meant by "all the help they'd need."

Fred sighed, patting his new companion affectionately on the head. It was time to face the music now that his brother was home from his trip abroad. George had a left a few days ago to look for new suppliers of a particular ingredient they were slowly running out of. Settling his nerves, Fred quietly closed the door to his room behind him just as his twin did the same. They sat down next to each other on their couch and were equally hesitant to proceed.

"Gred."

"Forge."

They both began at the same time, but stopped to let the other continue.

"Gred, I know we said we'd limit our partners to ourselves and Harry-"

"Forge, I understand. I've added someone to the company. She's a marvelous thing-"

"Oh Merlin, you too? I've done the same. He's been remarkably helpful with running the shop during my breaks-"

"We'll have to talk living situations, though. It shouldn't cost too much to alter the spare room-"

"I hope yours doesn't mind sharing-"

"But he can only live in an icebox for so long."

"I can't keep her in my custom luggage forever."

Both brothers shared a long, slow blink with one another before their expressions cracked into a grin.

"You too, eh Forge?"

"Nearly blasted my eyebrows off and when I came to, there he was. He had on an apron and had an ice pack ready. Bless that little bugger's heart."

"Brilliant! I ate some bad shellfish on a dare and the sweet thing cared for me even when I soiled myself."

"That's disgusting, Gred."

"You have no idea, Forge."

They shared a brief laugh before waving their wands at their bedroom doors to let their helpful friends waddle out into the sitting room. Fred's companion slid on his belly and popped up to sit on Fred's knee. He waved a fin in the manner of a salute and let out a cheerful squawk.

"I call him Captain Cook," Fred said proudly.

George's new friend timidly peeked from around George's side and, when seeing Captain Cook, let out a quiet "meep!" and flushed pink to her delicate beak. George laughed and lifted her onto his lap.

"I named mine Greta."