AN: A brief interlude in the action. I wanted to get at least a little something out before I disappear for a long weekend of shows. Nods to irish_angel on AO3 for the idea. We'll return to our regularly scheduled chapters next week.
Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from Harry Potter or its related properties.
Meanwhile
George paced his living room impatiently waiting for a return owl. He was fairly certain Fred would be at Hermione's, as that was who he said he was with when he'd opted to skip out on their birthday dinner the night before. He was mildly irritated that his twin had not even bothered to come back to their flat even when the party at The Burrow was long over. He could forgive him not showing for dinner, he'd let mum be angry about that one, but he wasn't a fan of not knowing where his brother was now. They'd agreed to leave the shop to Verity and Lee to handle for the day since April 2nd was generally a slow business day for them. They were meant to spend the day hanging out and getting up to their usual brotherly mischief. George had been looking forward to a slight bit of normalcy to their interactions now that Fred seemed more in control of himself than he'd been since the war.
He sighed and continued to pace, ruffling his hair with his hands as he huffed to himself. It wasn't much longer before the owl reappeared. He rushed over to the living room window, letting the animal in and setting the entire bowl of owl treats in front of it to pick at while he impatiently unfurled the short letter.
George,
I'm fine, I promise. More than fine, actually. I'll tell you all about it later. I have a surprise to show you, and if you're agreeable I'll take you to get your own. I know mum will be right angry with me not showing for dinner last night. I don't suppose you'll have done anything to try and smooth that over? Of course not…
I am indeed at Hermione's, I needed a bit of a night away. Nothing to concern yourself over, dear brother. We'll both be there to take you to dinner as we'd originally planned. I know this isn't what he initially agreed to, but I think you'll like why I missed our day out.
-Fred
"Good Godric, they've finally done it. About time too." George smiled to himself and busies himself making a spot of lunch, he could be angry at the change of plans later.
Bill was startled to find a rather large bouquet of flowers sitting in the middle of his desk when he came back from work. Generally, when this happened it was because he'd ordered something to bring home to Fleur, but he couldn't remember doing that recently… He pulled the card out from among the vibrant mix of blooms and tipped his head back uproariously at what it said. He couldn't wait to show it to his wife, she'd certainly love the sentiment. He flooed her immediately, asking her to pop over for a moment.
"What is this all about, Bill? You interrupt my day to come by your office when I have one million things to get done…" she chastised, trailing off when she saw the flowers.
"What is this?" she knit her brows in confusion, Bill didn't generally have her come fetch her own flowers if he bought her some.
"Someone has sent me flowers." he laughed, handing her the small card before she could ask who.
"Oh, it has no signature… 'Dear Bill, the women of the world thank you for your attempts to make the Weasley men less clueless about the wants of women. Might I suggest you pass this particular knowledge on to your youngest brother? I do not believe the twins have done so. With appreciation, a satisfied customer.' This is hilarious!" She tipped her head back with a laugh and handed the card back to her husband.
"Whoever Fred spent last night with appears to be benefitting from my brotherly knowledge." He smirked and handed the bouquet to her to take home.
"You'll not let him live this down will you?" She smirked, kissing him on the cheek and preparing to floo home.
"Not a chance!" He shook his head with another laugh as he settled in behind his desk.