Disclaimer: The characters, history and universe utilized here are borrowed from JK Rowling et al; my writing is solely for enjoyment and no profit is made or copyright infringement intended.

-o0o-

Chapter 20

-o0o-

Hermione stretched languidly, feeling sated and content. Fred chuckled beside her, from the tangle of the sheets, propping his head up with a hand to get a better view.

"You know you always do that after a fantastic shag," he said.

"Do I?" she asked innocently.

"Mmm, yes, it's become quite the ritual. I don't mind, it's a nice boost to my ego," he said, eyes twinkling at her. She huffed, but Fred had learned that her huffs of annoyance often concealed her amusement when she didn't want to encourage him.

"I hardly think an ego as massive as yours needs any help in staying afloat," she said tartly.

Fred merely winked in response, reaching out to twine his fingers round hers, and they rested together in companionable silence, finally broken by Fred.

"Open book?" he asked. Hermione twisted so that she could lay on her side and see his face, their hands still securely held together.

"Of course," she said, curiosity obvious.

"When do you think you'll want children? It's been a long time since we discussed it," he said softly. A look of alarm passed over her face, and he hastened to add, "I'm not suggesting we change our agreement to put them off a bit, I'm just wondering when you see it at this point."

"Right. Good. Well, if I'm being honest, I'd never considered having children before I was thirty or so. I do think that it's important that we have time together as a couple, to establish our relationship, before we seriously consider having children. There are things we both want to do that would be difficult with a baby." She bit her lip, wondering if she was disappointing him. "Really, I don't think it's something I'd want to do for three or four years at least."

"That's about what I was thinking too. If we're going to get serious about splitting the product lines or opening another store, it will take some time to develop things. Something George and I, and you now, really, need to sit down and discuss."

Hermione nodded. "Of course. But I think that has to be delayed for the moment."

"Until we figure out what is happening, you mean? Yeah," Fred said darkly.

"I didn't even think to ask you; did you make any headway when you met with the supplier?"

Fred frowned a bit. "Not really. Dodgy sort of chap too. Slippery like Dung is, y'know? I think George and I may need to begin making regular appearances at the Leaky again. Be a good excuse to eavesdrop, be familiar. Actually, getting married will help a bit with that."

"How so?" Hermione inquired, eyebrow raised.

"Both of us have avoided it a bit since we returned to Diagon Alley. Now it'll be an easy excuse to say we're meeting up for a pint away from the wives. Probably be less suspicious than simply showing up, given everything that's happened. And then again, there are places we could visit, you and I and George and Angie, for some reconnaissance as well."

"Oh, rather like a proper date, that? I don't believe we've really had one, not since that first evening after we were matched," Hermione mused.

Fred looked startled. "That's true. I hadn't even realized. We've been rather domesticated from the beginning, haven't we?"

"Not surprising. I'm not much for going out, and you've not seemed terribly keen on it either, despite your former reputation."

"No. I suppose I've been a bit less interested in company," he said thoughtfully. "Though it does show how lamentably stodgy I've become that I've never taken you for a proper date. Haven't even taken you out for drinks with everyone." Fred shook his head in exaggerated disgust.

"We'll make it a point to do that soon then. Or maybe have some people over for drinks? Perhaps after George has moved out and the flat is redecorated. Maybe for Christmas."

"Worth considering." They fell quiet again, and Fred finally stirred. "Are you feeling peckish at all? I was thinking of getting an early lunch, so we'll have the afternoon to roam about the city some more. I know you've been longing to play tourist again, and we've got that Order meeting tomorrow evening."

"And here I thought I'd have to beg and cajole to get outside today. I rather thought you'd say we should stay in and shag all afternoon, since we've got to be back for that Order meeting tomorrow evening," Hermione said, releasing Fred's hand with a squeeze, and sitting up in the bed.

"Oi, I can be an agreeable husband! Least, after a morning like this," Fred laughed. "Besides, I figure you're going one way or another, and I'm not about to let you go alone, am I?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and began dressing herself. One thing she knew from experience; when a Weasley was feeling peckish, it was a very bad idea to deny them food for long. And she did very much wish to see what she could of the city before their too-brief escape from the world ended.

-o0o-

The hotel was a bit of a walk from the center of the city, but neither of them minded. The fall air was crisp, it was a lovely day; quite chilly, but not really cold. Hermione and Fred spent a companionable afternoon exploring the major sites of the city they hadn't seen in previous days; neither of them had been before, and there was something almost freeing about walking anonymously through the streets, hands entwined or arms around each other. For a moment, they were simply two young people in love with each other and pleased with the world. There was no lingering threat of violence, no worry over their relatives or fretting over a wedding, or a business, or upcoming tests. All that existed was the warmth and love of each other and their simple happiness at sharing a pleasant afternoon together.

Perhaps the glow of the afternoon dulled their senses, perhaps they'd not have noticed, even if they'd been on alert. The shadow that followed them, sliding into alleyways, melting into the crowds in the market, was quite good at what he did, after all.

-o0o-

Early the next morning, Hermione lay awake. She couldn't be certain what had woken her. Fred was sleeping peacefully on his stomach next to her, arms thrust akimbo. No matter the source, she was awake, though sleepily so, as if she could drift back at any moment. Her thoughts trailed pleasantly with no conscious direction, simply flowing like a river over a small band of pebbles. Her mind replayed their lovemaking in luscious detail; she had been shy and hesitant, but she overcame that to play out one of Fred's fantasies, binding him to the bed and ravishing him. She had greatly enjoyed the feeling of power and the sensation of looking down on him as he moved inside her.

From there, the feeling of warmth and love and safety took her drifting thoughts to the Burrow, to the bonfire that had roared in the meadow during their wedding reception, the feeling of dancing in Fred's arms, the fireworks, and then she was drifting slowly back to sleep, swaying, swaying, back and forth in a lulling rhythm, shadows dancing at the edges of their vision, darkness flitting through, sleep claiming her . . .

And then she frowned, again, suddenly awake, though more so than before. Something was there, just at the fringes of her awareness, something small, but potentially significant. If only she could think, could recapture the idea that was niggling into being. It seemed important, somehow, but she wasn't sure she even knew what the thought might be connected to, what events triggered it. By process of elimination, she could deduce it was likely to be about their unknown assailants, but she couldn't be sure. How irritating to be thwarted so. But there was nothing for it; all she could do was try and return to sleep and hope that the thought worked itself out when she was more consciously aware of what it could mean.

Sighing a bit, Hermione reached over and shook Fred's shoulder, until he was roused enough to move and sleepily snuggle up against her, an arm holding her close. Feeling more comfortable, she allowed herself to fall asleep again.

-o0o-

A grinning George greeted the pair from his perch in an armchair, a book in his lap.

"Well, hello there, lovebirds. Have a nice honeymoon, then?" he asked.

Hermione waved at him, but left Fred to answer as she levitated the unshrunk luggage towards their bedroom. Fred made his way into the kitchen, and retrieved two butterbeers.

"It was bloody fantastic. The hotel was excellent, the city was interesting and the food was indescribably good. You want anything while I'm in here?"

"A butterbeer's fine, mate. And the sex?"

"Was blissful, and any further than that will be left to your own imagination, George. Least while I'm in the room," Hermione said, reappearing, her face wearing a look of disapproval. "Really, you boys can have a gossip later, when I'm not about." She flopped onto the couch beside Fred and took a butterbeer from his hand.

"Oi, we do not gossip!" George said, pretending to look outraged.

"You lot gossip like housewitches," Hermione affirmed, her eyes crinkling in mirth.

"What I think my wife intends to say," Fred began, but was interrupted by George.

"That sounds so weird, Forge. Your wife."

"Yes, well, be that as it may, I think she's still annoyed with you referencing our tryst downstairs in your wedding toast, brother."

George laughed. "I'd apologize, but I wouldn't mean it. As I told Fred that morning, next time, try the table that's bolted into the wall, or his old favorite standby, the silencing charm."

Hermione simply blushed and took a swig of butterbeer to hide it, while Fred looped arm around her shoulders and kissed her cheek.

"If you're quite finished," Fred said, voice filled with humor, "then fill us in. Anything odd happen while we were gone? Anything we should know before the meeting?"

George suddenly looked thoughtful. "No, not as such. No major issues, obviously, or I'd have had Harry contact you on the telley-thingum. Another odd report down the Alley; I spoke with Jiggers about the back-order of bicorn horn and asked about when he expected the next crop of fluxweed. Normal talk, like. He mentioned that there've been some disruptions down in Knockturn. Obviously, King's had MLE sweeping through, but it sounds like this is beyond the norm for Knockturn. And then Jiggers mentioned it was a good job we'd placed the last order for lacewing flies when we did, because he's had a run on them."

"Lacewing flies?" Fred confirmed with a frown.

"Yeah. You know well as I do that outside of Polyjuice, there isn't much that should cause large-scale orders like that."

"How hard is it to get hold of boomslang skin?" Hermione asked. The twins exchanged guilty glances.

"It's not as easy as a lot of things, because boomslang aren't native and the Ministry has restrictions on trading in goods like that. Like to make their own tidy profit off it," Fred said. "Can be done though, without too much fuss, if you look in the right places."

"Like Knockturn Alley?" Hermione questioned in a wry tone.

"You could probably find someone there to sell it, but it shouldn't create a disturbance. No, I expect Percy or Dad will have some insight into that," George said. "It occurs to me though, that a little work trying to figure out what sorts of large-scale orders have been placed is a good idea. Perhaps it's time to expand our suppliers, brother."

"I was thinking Jiggers is a bit small to meet some of our needs," Fred said with a knowing smirk. "I also think we need to start having a pint out to complain about the women. Perhaps invite Lionel out once or twice, Lee certainly."

"Married all of, what, four days and you're ready to start whinging? The sex can't have been that good," George said slyly, as Hermione shot him a glare that could melt candles, making him laugh. "All right, I'll leave off. Just don't send those bloody birds of yours pecking after me, yeah?" Her eyes narrowed dangerously as Fred laughed. "I get the idea, think it's a good one. If nothing else, I can complain about your wife, yeah?"

Hermione reached for her wand, even as George ducked, still laughing, and Fred quickly distracted Hermione by the expedient of tugging her body closer to him and kissing her thoroughly. He released her and smiled at her with a hopeful sort of look.

"That won't always work. Bear that in mind, Georgie," Hermione said, settling back with her butterbeer. "Anything besides your chat with Jiggers?"

"Nothing that I heard about, no."

Hermione frowned. "You know, it's very odd. There were a number of wards tampered with, but none more than once. Really, you know, you are the only group targeted more than once, that we know of anyway."

"That hadn't escaped our notice," Fred said dryly.

Hermione made a noise of impatience. "Yes, but why the two of you? The shop has been targeted three times now. That doesn't count the bag of weasels, but I think that was just dramatics anyway."

"Dramatics?" George asked disbelievingly.

Hermione nodded slowly, her face a mask of concentration. "Yes. Really, in itself, what was it? A malice-filled message, but no real harm to anyone. It was meant to cause alarm and frighten us. Why else do it when they did? Could've been done anytime, but they waited until the house was full, which provided maximum upheaval; but after a big event, when real mayhem or harm or fear could have happened."

"How do you know they waited?" Fred asked, leaning forward some.

"The monitoring spell that didn't trigger an alarm. That had been in place, I think for awhile. Think about it for a moment, your wards and the Burrow's wards were similar. Why weren't the wards at the Burrow triggered by the monitoring spell? That leads me to think that maybe the question to ask is why were yours?"

"So you think they were intended to be triggered," George said, suddenly very serious.

Hermione nodded. "Yes. If so, then we were to be set on our guard, warned that you are being targeted. The question becomes whether it is you being targeted, or me, or all of us."

"So we're back to where we were originally. Why are they targeting us?" Fred said with a sigh.

"Not exactly," Hermione replied, her voice thoughtful. "The question isn't simply why are they targeting us, but are they targeting us?"

"That makes no sense. You just argued that we're being targeted!" Fred said with some exasperation.

Hermione looked apologetic. "I know. I should say, are we, or you, the main target? Or are you being targeted as a distraction from what is really being targeted? Much as the sack of weasels is a ploy, in my opinion, is the stuff happening meant to be a diversion or are we the prime targets? There seems to be a good deal of diversion until you consider the trapped box of charms. That seems far more serious than anything else, and I don't have an explanation for that."

"So we have to ask whether we are the primary targets or not. Because the reason we'd be a diversion is obvious enough. We've pulled enough pranks to see that clearly. But if we aren't the diversion, then we ought to go back to considering why we would be targeted."

Hermione nodded at George's words. His eyebrows were drawn together and there was a look of concern not often seen on his face before the war. "So, then, we have to think over why people would be after us, to try and figure out who is behind this nonsense and why."

"Well, we know there are still a handful of Death Eaters unaccounted for, and plenty of sympathizers about. We're a pretty prominent family of blood traitors, members of the Order of the Phoenix, and helped run Potterwatch."

"That's what is bothering me," Hermione said. "You two specifically seem to have been picked out from your family. Bill should be easy enough to trace, and he's considered a werewolf by some, and he married a part-Veela, so he would theoretically be a higher target than you lot. But there have been no attacks on Shell Cottage. Percy is visible in the Ministry and his flat in London is around other wizards, and was engaged to a Muggleborn before the Marriage Law came out. He seems the easiest target, frankly, unless you count the Quidditch players."

"What do you mean?" George asked, a flash of fear running across his face.

"I know that the pitch is protected against spell casting, but Quidditch players necessarily spend more time around the public. There are press and invited guests watching their practices, they often sign autographs before or after games. High visibility, and means of access. Given that none of them seem to have been targeted by this point, I doubt they would be. It always seems to come back to you two, maybe me." Hermione was frowning.

"Delightful," Fred sighed. "I wonder if there will ever be a time again when we aren't looking over our shoulders and living under a Fidelius."

A strange look crossed Hermione's face and she said slowly, "Say that again, Fred."

"What?" he asked, confused.

"Say it again, what you just said. There was something there. . ." she said, a faraway look in her eyes.

"I wonder if there will ever be a time again when -" he began, but was cut off.

"That's it!" Hermione exclaimed. "That's what was bothering me last night. None of us have asked this yet. And it's so obvious! The time. Or timing, rather. Why did this all start when it did?"

A knowing look passed over Fred's face. "That's a really good point, Hermione, actually."

George was frowning. "It's true, I'd not considered it before, but it is pretty odd. You'd think that the immediate aftermath of the war would've been good cover for someone. Why wait for the fall? It's been, what, six months? Yeah, there were things happening over the summer, but nothing major like what happened here."

"It's something for Percy, Ron and I to track, anyhow," Hermione said. "Something more concrete, anyway, than sifting through reports of every attack since the war ended and trying to make connections without knowing the motivations. I do believe that you lot were right to think there are connections out there, but I don't necessarily think they are the main things."

"Well, if you are going to share your devastating logic with everyone, then we probably ought to be on our way in a bit," Fred said, glancing at his watch. "You know we have to stop by the Burrow before we go to Harry and Ginny's. Mum's kept all the prezzies for us and wants to watch us open them while she fawns over us. Coming, Georgie? Or are you going to continue hiding up here?"

"Hiding? I'll have you know I was researching! I'd have stayed downstairs, but Lee is in a right foul mood because Alicia went and charmed their new bedroom lavender because she thinks it's a soothing color."

"Lavender. Now there's an idea, Fred darling," Hermione said with a thoughtful look on her face.

"Absolutely not," Fred said in a bored tone.

"What about a nice shade of rose pink?" she asked, her lips twitching slightly.

"Clashes with my hair," he replied, taking their now empty bottles to the kitchen and dropping them into the Vanishing cabinet.

"Your hideous work robes also clash with your hair, and yet you persist in wearing those," Hermione pointed out.

"That, darling, is a matter of honor. A pink bedroom is not going to happen," he said with a peck to her cheek. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go unpack the bags and put on a different pair of trousers and we can go."

She waved him away, turned back on the sofa to see George looking at her with a half-smile on his face. "What are you smiling about, George?" she asked.

"Just enjoying watching the pair of you. It's really good to see you getting on so well. You seem to make each other happy," he said seriously.

Hermione rested her chin on her hand, and considered that. "I think you are right. Things ought to settle down a bit now we're married. Still feels a bit odd. Like I'm only spending the night and will be back in your old room at the Burrow tomorrow."

"I'm sure things will feel more real when you get into a routine. Which reminds me, did you want to start on the shield charms tomorrow? I should be free in the morning, if you'd like me to teach you. It's quite simple really. Defense items are still selling really well, and probably will be popular at Christmas, given how jumpy people still are."

The remainder of their time at home was spent discussing the processes George had developed to attach charms to stationary objects while retaining their power. When Fred reappeared, George waved them on, saying he'd catch them up at the meeting. So they made their appearance at the Burrow, where Molly fussed over them appropriately until it was time for the meeting.

-o0o-

Harry and Ginny had redone Grimmauld Place; it looked completely different from what Hermione remembered. Kreacher had arranged the lounge so that there were seats to accommodate everyone who was expected and the dining room was lined with more food than could possibly be eaten even if every remaining member of the Order made an appearance.

Ginny whisked Hermione upstairs for a quick tour, and she giggled over Hermione's account of her honeymoon and made plans to have lunch later in the week when Ginny had a break in practice. Harry gave her a crushing hug and began quizzing her on her latest theories, which Fred had mentioned to him. Kingsley appeared shortly into her recitation, and the meeting was called to order.

Each of the subunits gave a precis of the information they had obtained or devised, and it was briefly discussed by the general assembly. Arthur and Bill Weasley outlined the new codes of communication and handed out sickles charmed with the Protean charm that Hermione had developed for the DA. It had been done before, but remained the most discreet and convenient way to communicate they could think of. Though Hermione had not shared her line of thought with Ron and Percy, much of it having been discovered lately, she found that they were of a similar or at least agreeable mindset and it was determined that they should redirect their efforts in examining the timelines of the events in addition to the possible linkages. Fred and George outlined their plans to expand their listening ears and reinsert themselves into the business of Diagon Alley, which met with approval, and others made similar offers and plans to gather information.

Once the general reports had been completed, Kingsley presented the findings from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement on the cursed box found in the shop, as well as the final reports on the ward breaches. It was brief; unfortunately very few traces were left behind. Tracks had been well covered. The only useful sort of information to arise was the knowledge that of the seven powerful curses placed on the box, only one was a curse of uncommon origin or knowledge. That was suggestive, both in lines of inquiry into the curse and elimination of potential suspects. That it could potentially be a ploy wasn't lost on the group either.

Little had been discovered, but at least there were new avenues to pursue; something concrete to trace that might lead them to uncovering who was behind the attacks. Perhaps equally importantly, why they were being targeted.

Following the reports, the subunits divided once again, so that they could strategize and formalize the divisions of labor. Fred and George split off to talk to Kingsley a bit more in depth, while Hermione turned to Ron and Percy and asked with a resigned air, "So how do we divide this up? I'm not even sure where to begin looking."

Ron looked thoughtful. "If the question is about timing, then maybe we should start by asking why they waited so long."

"Someone who was captured and released? Someone who had been injured? Someone who went into hiding?" Percy immediately suggested, resituating his glasses on his nose with a frown.

"Possibly. Those are the most likely avenues to research, anyway," Hermione said. "Percy, you'll probably have the best luck with going through the arrest records and releases, though if you can get them out of the Ministry, I can do as well. Then going through hospital reports to check for injuries and releases. But of course, we need some sort of starting date, don't we?"

Ron was frowning, a look of concentration similar to the one he wore during a difficult chess match on his face. "I went through that timeline you created, Hermione. I reckon that not all the events are tied together, but to be safe, we can start with the ward breaches. That was the earliest event, and those started back in late June or early July, not long before the Marriage Law was passed. Before that, things devolve too much. Too much action related to the pushes to round up Death Eaters and sympathizers to pick anything out that might be a pattern."

"Ronald's correct. Though I'd not noticed before that the tentative start to the actions could be traced to that point. Peculiar." Percy frowned in his turn, evidently turning something over that had caught his attention. "Yes, well, I think perhaps Ron can go through hospital reports. If the twin terrors are going to occupy themselves with studying potions ingredients and other magical oddities for purchase, perhaps you can do some background research and categorize what has been purchased and further investigate that line."

Hermione looked thoughtful and glanced across the room to where her husband was standing, arms crossed, listening intently to whatever Mundungus Fletcher had to say. It didn't occur to her to wonder how she'd known where he was without looking; she simply nodded her agreement to Percy's plans, and the three of them agreed to meet for lunch later in the week at the flat to share their findings.

-o0o-

At home again, this time carrying bottomless bags containing their wedding gifts, Fred and Hermione settled into their bedroom. George apologetically informed them that Angelina was spending the night, though she was running late from today's unscheduled practice. A moment of awkward silence descended; though all four had shared the flat before, it felt different now. Though it had been his home since leaving Hogwarts, George felt as if he were imposing, and though it was now her home, Hermione felt a bit out of place in a way she never had when she was just visiting Fred.

Fred broke the moment of tension by offering a game of Exploding Snap, over which they could further discuss tactics. George eagerly agreed and Hermione smiled at Fred, relieved that he had broken the tension. A full round had been played before the floo activated, spitting out Angelina, bearing bags of fragrant food.

"I'm in an utterly foul mood," she warned. "Took a bludger to my thigh because of that bloody idiot Matheson, and the potion hasn't completely healed it. So I thought horrid, greasy takeout was the best possible option, especially since I knew it was George's night to cook. Welcome home darlings." She kissed Hermione on the cheek and gave Fred a big hug.

Fred took the food from Angelina and Hermione began retrieving plates, while George hugged his fiancée tightly and offered to get some bruise paste for her. Hermione looked up in surprise when he asked that question.

"Does it really work for deep tissue bruises?" she asked.

Fred looked at her oddly for a moment. "Course, that's how we came up with it in the first place. Bludgers leave nasty marks and can be pretty painful. Works quite well for that, really, but I'd say my wandless healing abilities aren't so bad. Just less marketable," Fred concluded with a wink at Hermione, who pursed her lips at his oblique reference. He quickly turned to his old friend. "Angie, you want some wine or firewhiskey?" She asked for red wine, and Fred turned towards Hermione. "For you, dearest?"

"Red as well, please. That's terribly interesting, Fred. I wonder if it could be combined with a heating element or altered to be useful for something like arthritis," she mused aloud. Fred chuckled and handed her glass to her with a peck on the cheek.

"That's my girl. Georgie always said you'd be brill to have around for inventing. Now then, dinner everyone?" Plates filled with standard take out fare were levitated to the table and they ate comfortably together.

During the course of the dinner conversation, George caught Angelina up on the Order business she'd missed with the impromptu practice. She chewed on some naan thoughtfully and considered everything. The she turned to Hermione and said with a gleam in her eye, "Well, that can be played several ways. If the lads are going to have a pint and if we're going out for dates with the intentions of surveillance, then there is no reason not to have a girls' night as well. We can meet for tea, go shopping more regularly, visit some of the shops that might be curious to see blokes visiting."

Hermione's lips twitched, but the reasoning was sound. Scheduling their visits with each other and around the Alley and Hogsmeade would give them the widest flexibility to overhear something and to plant their ideas. Another thought occurred to Hermione, though. "How much marketing of your other lines do you do? Lee's rather genius with that sort of thing, but expanding your marketing can give you an excuse to visit some of these places, you know."

George grimaced a bit. "Like taking the Wonder Witch products to Madame Lavache's Relaxation and Day Spa? Oi, that might be carrying things too far!"

Angelina just laughed. "Wouldn't do you any harm to visit the place. Maybe even get your loving fiancée a nice prezzie."

"When you put it that way," George began, and then turned to Fred. "You can go!" Fred laughed and Hermione shook her head in amusement.

Conversation lulled a bit as everyone ate, but George wasn't one to leave things quiet too long, finally asking the question that both Fred and Hermione had been waiting for. "So, how does it feel to be married?"

"HA!" Hermione cheered quickly, glancing at her watch. "Five galleons, Fred. I was right!"

Fred made a face, but dug through his pocket and handed her the small stack of galleons, which she pocketed in turn. George looked unabashedly amused, and even Angelina was smiling.

"You bet on when I would ask you that question?" he asked.

"It was pretty standard, George," Hermione said unapologetically. "Fred didn't think you'd last so long. I said at least four hours." Her eyes gleamed at Fred, who couldn't be too grumpy, given how excited she was to have won the bet.

"Yes, well, to answer the question," he said loudly, as if he couldn't bear to be shown up by Hermione, though he was smiling broadly at her, "It's not terribly different from being not married. Not yet anyway."

"Hermione? What about you?" Angelina asked.

She shrugged a shoulder. "We've only been married four days, and haven't even spent a day in the shop or a night here. The honeymoon was lovely, being alone, just the two of us. There are some subtle changes. I find myself wanting to be physically near him more often, and there's a sort of, I dunno, relief that it's done and over with, you know? It's nice to be able to see him all I like." Hermione gave Fred a soft smile, and he reached over to take her hand in his and squeeze it.

"That's a fair statement, I noticed it too. Wanting to be closer, and wanting to touch more. Not surprising, really, since she's just so squeezable. On the whole though, given the small sample size, I'd say it's pretty brilliant," Fred added with a wink.

"Ahhh, me! Young love!" George said with an exaggerated sigh, before laughing at himself. "Well, enough sweetness and light for the evening. Back to reality tomorrow morning, and plenty to do."

"Yes, but it's probably worth it to begin outlining your strategies for moving about the Alley. Percy wants me to compile your data, so some planning will help," Hermione said. "Perhaps we should make a general chart, and charm it so that whenever any of us goes out for surveillance, it updates and randomizes the other scheduled visits so that there is no discernible pattern." Her lips pursed in concentration and her eyes glazed over with a faraway look as she was clearly creating this chart in her mind and working out the mechanisms with frightening quickness.

Fred tilted his head and tapped his chin thoughtfully. "You know, brother, Harrikins and ickle Ronnie warned us."

George smirked, and nodded sagely. "Too right they did. About this very thing, brother."

Hermione's attention had been pulled back to her present surroundings, and she narrowed her eyes at the twins.

"And it's not as if we had no idea, mind," Fred said.

"Oh, no, we were around for most her OWL year, after all," George agreed.

"Sorry to have missed the event itself," Fred mused.

"Truly, brother, but the point remains," George stated.

"Loath as I am to interrupt," Hermione said, voice dripping with sarcasm, "I would love to hear the actual point here, gentlemen."

Fred grinned and wrapped an arm around carelessly around her, and George chuckled. In that eerie unison they managed they said, "You are a bloody brilliant, and bloody scary witch."

Hermione rolled her eyes, and Angelina snorted with laughter. George asked who wanted more wine, and Fred smiled down at his wife, feeling completely content despite the unknown threats looming outside.

-o0o-

A/N: I swear I've been trying to post this unsuccessfully for about 4 days now! Ugh. I'd apologize, but frankly, you'll have to get in line behind my husband, my family, my pets, my filthy house and several other things. I knew things were going to get crazy at work, since summer is the end of our fiscal year and there are other issues, such as a looming centralization of business staff (read, layoffs are coming. we're 14 months into the original 12-18 month timeline for this 'efficiency' effort). But none of us expected the perfect storm that's actually happened. I've been working 60 hour weeks and weekends. In fact, today is the first weekend in awhile I'm not working - only because I am going in during tomorrow's holiday. It's exhausting, frustrating, tiresome and I come home feeling battered and beaten and desirous of not seeing a computer for a few short hours.

I do promise that I am not abandoning this or any other fiction. I'm just not able to work on them as much as I'd like at this point in time because of my other obligations. I refuse to throw up something that doesn't meet my standards as filler, and unfortunately, that means more time. I know how frustrating it is to get into a story you like only to have to it drop off suddenly and for updates to come trickling in over a remarkably slow period of time, if at all. It's the hazard of posting pieces in progress, unfortunately. Please know I understand and share the frustration, but until you lot are able to pay all my bills, work and other things have to come first. I do hope everyone is well and enjoys this offering. Cheers.