Disclaimer- These characters belong to JK Rowling, Warner Bros, and so on, rather than to me, more is the pity. I play with them and you see the results. No copyright infringement intended, no profit is made.

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Chapter 25

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George settled back into his favorite chair, and propped his feet on the coffee table, sighing in satisfaction. Fred grinned at the sight.

"Just the two of us. Been ages, eh?" George said comfortably.

He then jumped as he heard Hermione's voice sternly say, "Feet off the table!" before realizing it was Fred performing an eerily accurate impression of his wife, given away by his inability not to laugh at his brother's reaction.

"Trying out the new Mockingbird Mints, eh? Glad to see you worked out the kinks of cross-gender mimicry," George said dryly, a rueful grin on his face.

"Indeed, brother. Need to lengthen the amount of time they last, though. Never realized you were that frightened of my wife, mate," Fred said, not bothering to hide his amusement, his voice already returned to normal.

"It's not that I'm afraid of her, exactly," George said defensively. "I just don't see the need to antagonize her all the time."

"Sure, if that's what you want to tell yourself," Fred laughed, and then reached for the pizza box on the coffee table.

Hermione was at Shell Cottage with Angelina, Ginny, Molly and a handful of Penelope's colleagues and friends for her hen night, leaving the twins alone in the flat for the evening, Percy's stag do having been held over the weekend. It was pleasant to spend time just as they used to do, even down to George's making a trip to a run-down pizzeria on the muggle side of London because he'd burned the eggs he was doing up for dinner.

"You seem in good spirits, it's a nice change," George said casually, taking a swig of the lager in his hands.

Fred's mouth turned down at the corner, and he grunted. "I know. We've been off since she went to King with her theories."

"Still hung up about Umbridge?"

Fred nodded and sighed a bit. "Yes. She tries, really she does. She tries so hard not to let it bother her, but there is something there, some reason she can't just let it go and I can't understand it. It's illogical, which is just oddly out of character for Hermione . Even if she is right, and mind, we have no actual reason to believe that she is, but even if she is right, what possible difference can it make at this point in time?"

"You are married, no going back now," George confirmed.

"Precisely my point to her! It's not as if we aren't happy! But she can't let it go and the longer it goes on, the more, I dunno, resentful I feel that she can't just be content with me," Fred said, a frown on his face.

"It is still Hermione, Forge. She's got to process things until she's really comfortable," George said knowingly.

"I know. I'm trying to be patient," Fred said, slumping a bit in his chair. "But it's not easy. It's like she simply can't trust in us, that she is afraid of being happy or something, I dunno."

"That sounds pretty serious, brother. I hadn't got the sense it was all that bad. You've seemed relatively normal these past few days."

"I know. And we are, mostly. It's just not quite the same as it was. Not like we're having big dramatic scenes or whatever, it's just that something is there, between us, that wasn't before." Fred shook his head abruptly and said, "Enough. It's not bad. Just a bump to work through, right? Like you said, she'll toss it over until she's sorted it out for herself and we'll be fine."

He finished off his beer and reached for the firewhiskey, but was forestalled by George's hasty change of subjects.

"So, what are we going to do to Percy, then? I thought about leaving him be, but I think he'd just be hurt. It is his wedding, after all."

"Being round the muggles makes it harder," Fred mused. He and George both looked thoughtful, then mischievous, and they looked at one another with evil grins and said in eerie synchronisation, "Shrinking pants."

"Brill. But not too quick, mind," Fred warned.

"Oh, leave it to me, brother. He'll be furious and pleased. And uncomfortable." The twins laughed together and drank to their admittedly childish prank.

Quiet fell, and George broke the quiet, broaching a topic that they hadn't really spoken about recently, though both knew it was coming. "So, Alicia is moving in with Lee next."

"Right. I understand they finally settled on green for their bedroom," Fred responded, some of the light and humour slipping off his face.

"I was thinking, if it's not bad timing for you, that I would probably take Friday morning off and get my stuff moved over to Angie's. That'll leave us the weekend to get things ordered, like, since she's off then. I'll be back before noon." George carefully didn't look at his brother as he said this.

"Right, yeah, no problem," Fred said, keeping his voice light, pretending they were discussing who would take the next round of brewing catch-up. His effort fell flat, and they were quiet.

"I'll still see you every day, y'know," George said quickly. "I mean, we'll eat two meals a day together, and I'll still stay over on my nights to brew and when Ange's out of town."

"Right, I know, Gred. Not really different from now, is it? You spend half your nights at Angie's anyway. Just moving some clothes and things over, then, aren't you?" Fred tried to smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.

"Precisely. Though I'm sure you'll appreciate having more time alone with your wife," George offered.

"That is true. She doesn't trust silencing charms, won't generally get terribly wild when you're about," Fred agreed.

"There you go then," George said cheerfully, tipping his drink towards his brother in toast, and Fred couldn't help but grin. They ate and drank in companionable silence for a short time until Fred remembered something important.

"You never did tell me because of the little bugger trying to knick the whizbangs, but what did Percy tell you earlier when he stopped by?"

George rolled his eyes. "Just Percy being officious, giving Hermione and me an update on the status of the investigation. As if I couldn't just ask Dad like you did Sunday. Not much has changed. They are still gathering intelligence on Ron and on both the Canons and the Greengrasses. It's slow going because they are trying to limit access so it can't be pieced together."

"This is really frustrating, this sitting and waiting. Nothing has happened in over a month now. Maybe we've been wrong all along," Fred mused aloud, his gaze unseeing as he considered this.

"That box was real, as were those dead weasles and the attempts to breach the wards," George said, totally serious. "Just because there hasn't been incident since we put up the Fidelius and Bill got that archway in place doesn't mean that there wasn't and isn't something fishy."

"I know," Fred sighed. "I'm just tired of it all dragging on. It seems like nothing has happened except for talking round in circles of paranoia."

"Well, Percy seemed optimistic about their research into the Greengrasses, so maybe something will turn up there. He's encouraged us to continue thinking about how control over Ron could be broken, because he thinks that may be our best chance in the end."

"Right. Well, we'll get on that, eh? It's just hard to spend a ton of time on experimental antidotes to potions or spells we're only speculating about, particularly with Christmas right round the corner," Fred said wryly. Lazily, he banished the now empty pizza box to the kitchen.

"True, but I did make a start," George said. "Ran into problems when I tried adding orange oil. Thought it might work to counteract thistle, but it congealed immediately. I saved it, because it smelled so nice, but it'll do fuck all as a block to the Imperius curse."

"Orange oil? Interesting. Maybe we should try lemon zest instead, still has the essence of invigorating oil, but will take longer to draw it out of the peel."

And with that, the brothers fell into a discourse revolving around various potions ingredients and preparation, a familiar and friendly argument with just a touch of brotherly rivalry. Any lingering distress Fred had felt about being confronted with Hermione's doubts and the imminent departure of his twin to a new life in which Fred would play a smaller role evaporated with the reminder that though things changed, they also stayed the same.

-o0o-

Despite the reunification with his family, only his parents attended the actual ceremony that bound Percy to Penelope. He had explained, in person, to each family member that he felt it was only fair because none of Penny's family were allowed to attend, since they were muggles. Barring, of course, the special dispensation they had received from the Minister for her parents.

For Hermione, it was something of a relief. Try as she did, there was still a piece of her that was unreconciled to the news they had heard. Something about watching two people who had the choice offered to them bind themselves did not suit Hermione's mood at present. Maybe that is all this was for her, lingering resentment and rebellion about the fact that she'd been forced to marry at all, which was completely separate from her feelings about her husband.

She knew Fred did not understand her disquiet, but he didn't speak of it. Nor did she. It was undeniable that a coolness had entered their relationship. Oh, it wasn't so overt, it was barely even enough to register consciously, but it seemed to her as if Fred had drawn back just the tiniest bit from her, that her inability to let the past simply be the past had hurt him in some small, undefinable way. It was such a tiny crack that she didn't begin to know how to address it or fix it. Hermione wasn't sure there was anything properly to fix, or if it might only be a projection of her guilt over it all. Fred did act the same as usual, was as affectionate as ever, as interested in sex and as gently teasing and sly and warm as before.

There was just the slightest of hesitations at odd moments, strange expressions that crossed his face which were the only indicators of a mind with any trouble beyond the obvious threats that still hung over them. Hermione didn't pursue it, however. The more time that passed, the less she hoped any of it mattered.

Shaking herself from her reverie, she finished pulling up her stockings. It was far too chilly in December in London to go about bare-legged, and she did wish to wear the lovely plum wool suit she'd picked out when she and Ginny had enjoyed an increasingly rare girls afternoon to ensure Ginny had appropriately muggle attire to wear to the luncheon reception that Penny's parents were hosting. She had ultimately been consulted by nearly every member of the family about wardrobe, just to be sure. The Weasley's knew that in muggle surroundings, they were likely to stick out as a strange lot, and any attention they could deflect by means of wearing appropriate attire was to their benefit.

"Hermione, have you any idea where my blue tie is?" came Fred's disembodied voice.

"Probably in the wardrobe, would you like me to look?" she called back.

"Yes, please and ta," he replied. Hermione stepped over to Fred's wardrobe and began flipping through the ties until she located the one she thought he wanted, which she carefully withdrew and laid on the bed. That done, she slipped into her skirt and pulled on the lavender silk camisole that she was wearing beneath the suit jacket. She started a bit when Fred's arms snaked around her and he nuzzled her neck.

"You look good enough to eat," he murmured.

"Mmm, thanks," she replied, twisting in her arms so she could admire his charcoal suit trousers and pale gray shirt. "You're looking quite smart."

"I had good help picking this out, y'know," he said, a trifle smugly.

Hermione smiled at him. "Well, you are quite the lucky fellow, aren't you?"

"Indeed, I am," Fred said, holding her close for a moment, then almost against his will, releasing her. "We're going to be running low on time if we don't hurry. You nearly ready?"

"Yes, just need to finish my hair and make-up."

Fred began tying his tie, as Hermione slipped into the bathroom. By the time Fred was done with his tie, Hermione's hair was tucked into a modest up-do, and she was quickly lining her eyes. She was blotting her lipstick as he found his shoes and he couldn't help but appreciate the efficient way Hermione managed cosmetic charms.

She slipped her shoes on, and then her suit jacket, before turning to Fred for his opinion. She was pleased when it came in the form of a long, low whistle, and couldn't hide her smile. George and Angelina were waiting in the lounge for them, looking dapper as well. Quickly, they donned appropriate outer wear and Fred carefully set the wards, and they apparated to a conveniently out of the way alley near the Armoury House.

Bill and Fleur had already arrived, and were making pleasant conversation with some of Penelope's relatives. As the group approached, they saw Charlie and Victor had likewise arrived, and were talking in the corner of the room with Harry and Ginny, no doubt about Quidditch, judging from their clear isolation and low tones, but clear excitement. Hermione rolled her eyes a bit, but smiled when Harry waved excitedly. The wedding couple and their parents were not yet present, and Ron and Daphne were likewise absent.

"Which way do you want to go then?" Fred whispered, nodding between the group in the corner and his eldest brother.

"Oh, honestly, I know which direction you'd prefer. You go ahead. I'll be fine with Bill and Fleur," Hermione said with an indulgent smile, before reaching up on her toes to kiss his cheek. "Go on, I'll catch you up when it's time to eat."

Fred hesitated a moment, but then joined his twin and brother and sister, along with their significant others. Hermione stepped over to Fleur, and they brushed each other's cheeks with kisses, and she received a hug from Bill before being introduced to a young couple who introduced themselves as Penny's cousins. There was some chat about where in London they lived, though Hermione glossed over Diagon Alley, and what sort of work they did, just saying she worked with her husband in their shop which she vaguely said sold specialty items. They had a genial discussion about the prices of petrol, about London weather and were getting round to which football clubs they supported when Percy and Penny arrived.

The room had filled while the small group had been talking; Hermione noted warily that Ron and Daphne had arrived, and several other people who were clearly related to Penny. There was a general cheer when the couple appeared, flanked by their parents. Penny was wearing a smart cream suit and hat, carrying a small bouquet of blue hydrangeas and creamy roses, and Percy looked quite neat and proper in his crisp, black suit with cream tie and rose boutonniere. Arthur and Molly were beaming, even as Arthur looked about him with unconcealed delight at the thoroughly muggle setting, and Penelope's parents looked happy, though a bit overwhelmed. Hermione could well imagine the trip through the Ministry's offices and the binding ceremony they had witnessed could be a bit much to take in.

Hermione felt a presence slip in beside her, and leaned back into her husband, even as he slid an arm around her waist. Percy had one of Penny's hands clasped in his, but he raised the other and the crowd quieted.

After clearing his throat a bit ostentatiously, he said, "Welcome everyone! Thank you all for coming to celebrate our marriage. Penelope and I are grateful you could make it, despite our small civil ceremony. I hope you can find your seats and enjoy lunch."

That said, Percy and Penny made their way through the crowd gathered to congratulate them and wish them well. Hermione saw George and Fred exchange tiny nods, and saw George slip his wand out into his hand as unobtrusively as possible, and as Fred and Hermione greeted the newlywed couple with hugs and kisses, she knew George had cast some sort of nonverbal spell and pocketed his wand before anyone else could notice. As Fred led Hermione towards their seats (mercifully near Charlie and Victor), she leaned in to whisper to her husband.

"Don't think I missed that. What did you two do?"

Rather than looking at all chastised, Fred gave her a wholly unrepentant grin. He quickly whispered back, "Shrinking pants, course."

"At his wedding reception? For Merlin's sake," Hermione hissed in his ear, shooting George a dirty look which he pretended not to see. He was given away, however, by his inability to keep his face still, when a smile threatened to break through.

They took their seats and Fred leaned over, to all appearances, nuzzling her neck in a gesture of affection, while whispering, "If we didn't prank Percy at his wedding, he'd be hurt and take it as a sign that we were indifferent to him. It's a long history, love. It shows our affection."

Hermione gave a small sigh, and said, "Fine." But secretly, she was touched by the gesture. Remembering the large mural of family pictures behind Percy's desk in his office, she rather thought they might be correct about that. Giving up the scolding, she turned to her brother-in-law and his boyfriend and asked how things were going with their new living arrangements. Conversation was pleasant, as Hermione and Victor chatted about his home, and Charlie weighed in on the changes he was making to the décor. Hermione was pleased by how much more relaxed Charlie seemed with Victor this time round, and how much more at ease they seemed with each other.

Lunch was filled with an abundance of good food, and Percy had wisely kept the two groups as quietly separate as possible to avoid his wife's family finding his own too terribly odd. Hermione noticed a raised eyebrow or two, but on the whole, the families seemed to be comfortable enough together, and the celebratory mood eased any tension. She had to look away to keep from any expression when she noticed Percy start to shift uncomfortably in his seat, and she couldn't meet Fred or George's eyes when she saw Percy begin to glare at them, because as juvenile as she found their prank, she couldn't help the laughter that tried to burble up into her throat.

The glee on the twin's faces was a dead give away to the rest of the family, who began to watch Percy's clear squirming in an effort to figure out what was going on. Penelope noticed too, and whispered to him, and had to hide her smile with her napkin. The look she gave the twins was soft and approving, even as Percy finally excused himself to find a way to cancel the charm.

Hermione leaned into her husband and whispered, "You did make it so he could end the shrinking, didn't you?"

Fred gave her a full, happy smile and shook his head. "Now, where is the fun in that? No, I expect he will find that finite incantatum is likely to make them shrink more quickly. He'll probably have to do without pants entirely."

"Fred, you two are horrid," Hermione said, but her voice lacked conviction and Fred merely put his arm around her and kissed her cheek.

Percy returned, with a faint blush on his cheeks, and a glare for George, who gave him a big wink and smug grin. Try as he might, Percy couldn't keep his lips from twitching in response, but instead, he clinked his knife against his glass, and gathered everyone's attention to himself.

"I just wanted to thank everyone again for coming to celebrate with us today. And since we were limited on our guests at the ceremony, we thought it might be nice if Penelope and I repeated our vows before all our family here, because you all are so important to us. Penny, do you want to go first?"

She gave him a brilliant, gentle smile, and allowed him to help her up. She took both of Percy's hands in hers, and facing him, said in her clear, gentle voice, "Percival, you are my own noble knight, courageous and seeking truth and justice. You have always sheltered me and cared for me, and I am proud to be bound in marriage with you. I promise to be your friend and partner, through all the fortunes of our lives."

Hermione felt her eyes mist, and her hand crept along towards Fred's, who gave it an understanding squeeze as his brother spoke.

"Penelope, you are my steady beacon after long travels. You are as cunning as Homer's creature, as loyal and steadfast and serene a woman as I could ever find. I love your sweetness and your creativity, and I am proud to be bound in marriage with you. I promise to be your friend and partner, through all the fortunes of our lives."

There was a beat of silence, as the couple had eyes only for each other, but then the room exploded with applause and cheering. In the midst of it, Hermione felt a lump in her throat, and as if he knew, Fred turned to her, and pulled her to him reassuringly.

"I love you so much, Mione, never forget it," he said in a low voice only she could hear. She could only nod, and give him a smile that was free, for a moment, of any anxiety or concern – a glowing, loving, happy expression, which he could feel echoed on his own face.

The applause seemed to recall the newly wedded couple to their surrounding, and Penelope blushed, but turned to the assembled guests. "I want to repeat what my husband said. Thank you all for coming here today, and for your love and support. Percy and I are blessed and lucky to have such wonderful family surround us every day. Now, then, who wants cake?"

Laughter filled the room, and Percy and Penny cut the cake and carefully fed it to each other. As they were laughingly cutting cake to distribute to everyone else, Hermione was distracted by Fred and George whispering to each other, and then by Fred leaning into Hermione to share George's information.

"Oi, Angie can get extra tickets for the family box at Wimbourne for Thursday, when Chudley plays them. I know Mum and Dad are going to see Ron, and sitting in the visitor's family box with Charlie and Viktor. Bill and Fleur are on for it too. You want to come? I'd like to go, but not without you. George reckoned we could have drinks with everyone before the match, and maybe dinner after. What d'you think?"

Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment, then shrugged. "I don't mind a Quidditch match now and then, and I haven't seen Ron or Angie in a real match. Sounds a good excuse to get out and about for an evening."

"Brill," Fred replied, and he did look genuinely pleased. Hermione found herself feeling a flicker of excitement at the prospect. If nothing else, it would be nice to spend an evening out. Nothing had happened for some time, and something to distract from the worry and theories sounded just the thing.

-o0o-

"Dress warmly," Fred warned. "There are climate charms, but it's still outdoors. You'll want layers."

Hermione gave a sarcastic little salute in response. "Thank goodness, I'd never have thought of that myself."

"Right, sorry, just trying to be helpful," Fred muttered.

Hermione closed her eyes and took a slow breath. "I'm sorry. That was snappish, and unnecessary. I appreciate the advice, I will wear layers."

"I just want you to enjoy yourself. I know Quidditch isn't your favorite thing," Fred said, a bit timidly.

Hermione stepped over to Fred, and slipped her arms round his waist. "I don't hate Quidditch! I really enjoyed the World Cup. I just don't understand a lot of the intricacies of it, and was always worried about Harry or Ron being hurt. And I don't follow the league closely, and I am the only person besides Percy and Penny who didn't play at Hogwarts or beyond, so I just don't have anything to add to the discussion. But even if all of that weren't true, I would enjoy it because it is a nice change to get out of the house and spend an evening with you and George, and Bill and Fleur, yeah?"

Fred kissed her forehead and smiled. "Yeah, all right. I'm looking forward to it as well. You'll be ready in a few?"

"Yes, just need to finish dressing and fix my hair," she responded.

"Right, then I'll leave you to it." Fred moved away, pulling a jumper over his head on his way out of the room. Hermione changed into a long sleeved shirt and added a jumper, braided her hair quickly to keep it out of her face, and located her gloves, which she shoved into the back pocket of her denims before joining Fred in the lounge.

"You look nice. I like your hair like that," he commented idly, doing up his outer coat. "Got your Wimbourne scarf?"

"Yes," she confirmed, looping it round her neck after she'd buttoned up her overcoat. "Where are we meeting for drinks?"

"Three Broomsticks. See you there?" At her nod, he turned on the spot and disappeared with a crack. She made certain the wards were set and then followed suit.

They met at the end of the street, and Hermione shivered in the frigid Scottish air. Fred wrapped his long arm about her shoulders, pulling her close and rubbing her arm bracingly as they walked briskly to the cheerfully lit pub. Fred greeted Madam Rosmerta, as they skirted the tables to the booth where George and Charlie sat, half-finished drinks before them.

"Oi, 'bout time you lot appeared," Charlie boomed in greeting. "George said you were probably shagging in the workroom again, and he wasn't about to walk in on that."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Not shagging in the workroom. Just trying to bottle up the elixirs I brewed this afternoon so we didn't have to wake at the crack of dawn with terrible hangovers to do it, as George well knows." She gave her brother-in-law her trademark stern glare, but it worked no more on him than on her husband and he merely chuckled and winked at her.

"Where's Viktor?" Fred inquired.

"Be here shortly," Charlie said, his cheeks tinged with pink. "If I'd realized sooner how ridiculously convenient the international floo would be, I'd've shacked up with him sooner. This is nearly as good as being at the reservation in Wales."

"So we'll be seeing you at Sunday dinners then, eh?" Fred teased.

"Er, probably not every week. But maybe more than once in a blue moon," Charlie said.

"So, you're off to support Ron and Chudley tonight then?" George asked. "Angelina told me to tell you she feels horribly betrayed by your switching allegiances."

Charlie laughed. "Not at all, even for baby brother. I support him, of course, but mostly it's a chance for Mum and Dad to get to know Viktor a bit more. Besides, it would get a bit crowded in your box and I didn't want to put Angelina out for tickets. We'll come another game to show support. I'll even wear yellow."

"Such sacrifices he is willing to make for family," came a new voice, in a tone of mock despair.

"Hullo, Bill! Fleur!" George called. "Glad you were able to come!"

"And how much have you consumed already?" Bill asked in a friendly way.

"Oi, big brother, none of your concern," George said cheerfully. "I can apparate well enough. Have a drink, we've got a half-hour yet before we need to be there."

"Red wine for me, cherie," Fleur said. "Are Molly and Arthur joining us?"

"No, they've had dinner with the Greengrasses, and will go with Daphne to the box," Charlie said, and then his face lit up as he saw his boyfriend enter the pub.

Fleur greeted her former competitor with pleasure, and Hermione kissed Viktor's cheek with a friendly smile. A well matched group, conversation was lively and everyone seemed to enjoy this time together. Pleasantly warm and tipsy, they left the pub together, calling cheery good-byes to Rosmerta, and this time, Hermione remembered to don her gloves. They apparated in pairs, as Hermione, Fleur and Viktor had not ever been to Wimbourne, but it was a short, if uncomfortable journey.

George waved Charlie and Viktor off in the direction of the visitor's boxes, and then guided his brothers and sisters-in-law around to the home boxes, and into one of the lavish boxes reserved for family. The view was spectacular and Hermione could appreciate the set-up. They were located half-way up the stadium, and it appeared their box was connected to several others of similar size and privacy.

"They keep four of these in reserve, and they link up to a central reception area there, d'you see?" George said enthusiastically. "Angie swapped tickets so we could all pile in, everyone gets a certain number per season."

"It's a nice stadium," Bill said appreciatively. "Don't think I've been here since they renovated things after the cup."

"These boxes are top, as well," George nodded. "Help yourselves to the spread. I'm going to say hullo to the others and I'll be back before the start." He made his way into the other boxes and Bill, Fleur, Hermione and Fred helped themselves to warming drinks and nibbles, and gathered their omnioculars so they could watch the action up close. George returned just as the teams were being announced, as he'd promised, and everyone generally made themselves comfortable in the oversized chairs and couches provided for the luxury boxes.

Fred pulled Hermione onto a couch beside him, whispering, "Here, now you can ask if you've any questions as the play is happening, and maybe I can explain some of the strategy a bit more. Might make it more enjoyable, like."

Hermione shrugged. "Sure, why not? I understand the basics, of course. I've read Quidditch Through the Ages, and I watched all the matches at Hogwarts."

"It's a lot more enjoyable when you know more. Then you can really appreciate the play, see? Otherwise, you're mostly just watching people fly about, which would get boring eventually. There is a lot to watch with Chasers, but beaters have some tricksy plays too."

"Right," George chimed in, though his gaze was glued to the pitch, where the teams were flying a final warm-up lap and maneuvering into place for the start of the game. "Obviously, we like to watch the beaters because we know more about what is possible and what good bludger play looks like. Least, I like to when Ange isn't in the air. Wasps should take the Cannons, but there is no denying the Cannons are far better than recent years and they need the win more to have a chance at the winter finals. They haven't been this far up the table since Ron was a titchy little thing."

"I was always partial to the chasers," Fleur contributed. "It looked like the most fun and some of the passes are magnifique."

"Keepers have a unique place as well, to be fair to our baby brother," Bill said. "It takes a lot of nerve and strong intuition to guess which hoop they'll aim for, and athleticism to move quickly enough to block in time and get the quaffle back to your team. And dodge bludgers as well."

"And they're off!" George muttered, all attention now intently focused on the Wasps' chasers. The chasers quickly stole possession of the quaffle, and Hermione was impressed to see their tight formation flying, the quaffle a mere blur as they attempted a dangerous game of keep away that delighted the home stadium.

Angelina ended up with the quaffle approaching the goals, and was squaring off against Ron. She had the advantage of years of back-yard games over him, though, and knew how best to fake him out, and managed a neat toss through the hoop at a backwards angle. Through the omnioculars Hermione could see the anger on Ron's face. Possession passed back to Chudley, but a well-timed and beautifully placed bludger broke up their formation, allowing Angie's fellow chaser Harris to dart in and snatch the Quaffle again. Though they quickly reached the goals again, this time Harris had the quaffle and was unable to get free for a clear shot, and Ron had a good read and quick responses to make the save. Chudley scored shortly after, thanks to one of their beaters forcing Wasps keeper McLeod back and clearing the left hoop for an easy shot. All of that had taken place in about a minute and a half, and Hermione found it was more engaging as Fred maintained a low commentary, pointing out to here how the players positioned and repositioned themselves, how the beaters for the Wasps worked in tandem, and how the Keepers gauged their opponents, and even how the seekers systematically searched for the snitch while at the same time doing their best to interrupt passes and distract the beaters from the chasers.

From what Hermione could tell, Ron's beloved Canons were indeed better than previous seasons, but it was clear they were outmatched against the Wasps; she supposed being consistently in the top third of the league would create that effect. She was impressed with Angelina, and told George so. Her brother in law beamed at her. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the match, though it was clear that the only hope Chudley had was that their seeker tumbled onto the snitch quickly, despite Ron keeping out at least twice as many goals as slipped through.

"Well, he's a damned sight better than Smythe-Jones. Against a chaser group that were less elite than Angelina and the lot, Ron's quite good," Bill said as the Wasps called for timeout to asses their beater, who had just taken a bludger to his beating arm, which both twins had winced to see.

"Yes, he's improved a great deal since Hogwarts," Hermione said thoughtfully. "His confidence is much higher, for one thing."

"How long do you think it'll go, Bill?" Fleur asked, looking a bit tired.

"Haven't spotted the snitch at all, so it could be a long one, but that's the luck of it," Bill said with a shrug.

Play quickly resumed with a substitution so that the wounded beater could be healed by the team's healer, and there was nothing spotted over the next hour, until a murmur when through the crowd. The golden snitch had been spotted, near Ron's goals, no less, and the seekers were in pursuit. The remaining team members quickly made way, but play never stopped just because the seekers were on the move; there was too much uncertainty with the snitch. Angelina stole the quaffle, and holding it close to her body performed a tight maneuver to circle round on her broom. Just as she was reaching back to throw the quaffle towards Ron's center hoop, the snitch appeared seemingly from thin air, and Angelina was slammed into by Chudley's seeker as he reached for the game-ending piece. The move was unexpected and she was off-balance and unable to avoid the collision.

The crowd gasped in horror as Angelina Johnson fell from her broom, while at the same moment, at the middle of the pitch, the Wasps' seeker held a golden snitch tightly in his hands. Hands clapped over her face in horror, Hermione looked at George's ashen face, as he watched his fiance plummet towards the ground.

-o0o-

A/N: Oh dear. Well, something has finally happened now, hasn't it?

I am rolling towards the end. It looks like, based on current outlines, this is going to end up around 34 chapters, so we're in the home stretch. I hope you have enjoyed this. It's going to be a wild ride to the end. Please take a moment to let me know what you are thinking. I'm still swinging back into the saddle after a long hiatus and feel a bit self-conscious about my writing at times. I so appreciate everyone who has added this story to their alerts or favorites (I am in absolute shock that this story has broken 200,000 views. Mind-boggling!) - however, the only way any author can be certain about how their work is received is by receiving reviews. We authors are needy for them! I hope very much you've enjoyed this, and aren't terribly angry over such a cliff-hanger. Cheers, all! I hope you enjoy a spooky (but treat filled) Halloween!