Previously on Making The First Move: Chapter 36

Lee shook his head. He wasn't angry with Verity for regurgitating things she overheard and repeated, but he was annoyed. "I'm well aware of what George thinks about me talking to the owls, so stay in your place. Questioning my every move or action does not sit well with me."

Being a bit on the slow side, Verity looked to her left then to her right before replying to Lee. "I am in my place, so don't you be short with me."

Lee snapped right back to his normally genial self. "I would never be short with you gorgeous. I'll try harder to contain my craziness. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Verity smiled shaking her head no just as the chime over the door announced new customers. "I'm fine Lee. You'll have to excuse me. I have customers."

Thirty minutes later, Lee was gazing at the Patented Daydream Charms wondering if he could skive off for a bit to enjoy a quick daydream about a certain witch. But there wasn't time for him to try anything. A standard, loudly squawking, business owl had appeared with a message.

Grabbing the envelope from the owl, Lee started grinning even before he opened the message. It was from Millie. Lee knew Millie would hit him back with something as funny as what he'd sent. And he was right.

Lee laughed so loud that Verity took a minute from her customer to roll her eyes at him.

Still laughing, Lee raised his hand in surrender at Verity. "I need to go to the back for a bit. Be back shortly."

Once in the back, Lee cast a silencing charm so he could laugh as loudly as he wanted. Speaking to the air around him, Lee confirmed his decision. "Yup. I'm interested."

/

Making The First Move: Chapter 37

Severus had sent a quick Owl to Lucius to let him know he was coming. However, it was Narcissa who greeted him in the foyer.

"Hello Severus. Lucius is indisposed at the moment. He'll be down shortly. Why don't you wait for him in his den."

"Thank you Narcissa. I think I will."

"I hope you found everything satisfactory during your stay."

"What stay would that be Narcissa?"

"You're speaking to me Severus. There's no need to be coy. I know exactly what is going on in the Manor every minute of every day. Isn't that what house elves are for? To keep one informed."

There it was. The answer to the question. There was no need to ask Lucius anything. "I came here to ask Lucius why he would share information I asked to remain between us. Your revelation has answered my question. I shall not stand here and debate your decision to discuss my business with that shrew Lila Grant. However, I will make it clear to Lucius he does not know what is going on in his own home. In the future, if you have information pertaining to me, please keep it to yourself. Miss Grant made it her business to visit my shop to pretend she knows more about my life than my fiancée. She's very lucky Hermione didn't hex her arse to there and back. I'll wait for Lucius in the den."

Unaware Lila had used information given her in confidence to cause problems at S L & G. Narcissa was perturbed by what would happen when Lucius found out what she had done. Lucius did not look kindly on anyone gossiping about business that went on at the Manor, including her. He would be livid when he found out she had shared information with Lila Grant.

"Severus." Narcissa said plaintively. "My apologies. I did not realize Lila would cause a problem with Hermione. No one got hurt or hexed. I'm asking that you do not repeat this to Lucius."

"I've known you a very long time Narcissa." Severus replied frigidly. "Although I do not believe you to be a gossip. I believe you still harbor ill will toward muggleborns in general and Hermione in particular. I…."

Lucius stepped into the den. "What's this? Why are you browbeating my wife in her own home Severus?"

"Lucius." Severus replied. "I'm not browbeating your wife. I'm simply stating facts as I see them. I came here seeking solace. Which you extended. I have since found out that your wife was aware of my presence and thought it reasonable to share her knowledge with Lila Grant. When I walked through your doors tonight, I was here to inquire why you would do such a thing. To my surprise, Narcissa was more than willing to let me know it was she who spoke to Lila. I feel betrayed. Nothing to do with you Lucius, but Narcissa leaves something wanting. You, of all people know how I feel about Hermione. We are to be married. I will not stand by and let your wife interfere in my life."

"Calm down Severus," said Lucius. "This can be rectified. I don't believe Narcissa had any malicious intent."

"I've had my say Lucius. There's no need to delve into this any further. Your wife went out of her way to see that Lila knew facts that would embarrass Hermione. That won't happen again as Hermione trusts and loves me. Ill meaning twats such as Lila Grant do not affect her. However, I'm fairly sure Hermione does not want this type of bull shite at her wedding. Therefore, I suggest, rather than attend our wedding you take your special friend out to dinner where you can dissect mine and Hermione's life at your leisure. I'll take my leave now. Because as hard as I'm trying to keep my temper under control. It's not working. Please run and tell Lila what I've said. My hope is that she will show up at my shop while I'm there. Goodnight."

Severus strode out of the room and headed to the door.

"Severus." Lucius called out. "You have accused my wife of ugly things. I am offended."

"Be offended Lucius," shouted Severus so forcefully that spittle shot out of his mouth as he came back to face Lucius. "You will only be joining my club. Your wife has offended me and Hermione. Truth be told. You need to get your household under control. Neither of you will get another chance to insult Hermione."

After Severus disappeared from the Manor, Lucius turned on Narcissa in a fury. "Just what the hell has gone on here? You have cost me a stalwart friend. Explain yourself before I drag you around this room by your hair."

/*/

Narcissa was frightened. This wasn't her Lucius speaking. She had purposely Owled Lila to let her know Severus had left Hermione. What she didn't know was the simple twit would go straight to S L & G to harass Hermione. Now she had to face Lucius.

Grabbing Narcissa by the arm and swinging her around to face him, Lucius asked for an explanation. "My good friend of over twenty years just left here in a vicious snit. I'd like to know what is going on. And I'd like to know now."

"Lucius," whispered Narcissa. "Please don't be upset. One of the house elves mentioned that Severus was here and I told Lila Grant. Evidently Lila took it upon herself to go to Severus' shop to insult Hermione. I didn't know it was…"

Lucius was raving. "Severus spending time here had nothing to do with you. If I wanted to involve you, I would have." He growled at Narcissa. "And his whereabouts definitely had nothing to do with the Grant woman. Since when has it become permissible to share what goes on in the Manor? You disappoint me Narcissa. You have put me in the middle of bull shite. Watch yourself from here on out. Hermione might not want to hex you when she finds out, but I might. Please get out of my sight. If I see Lila Grant in my home, I might hex her stupid arse for shites and giggles. If you repeat any of my business ever again, I'll rip that mouth off your face. Now leave me."

Narcissa scurried from the room hurrying to the empty East Wing where she would be out of Lucius' way. This was not good. Lucius got angry, but never this angry, and never with her. All because that simple Lila Grant couldn't keep her mouth shut.

With a sharp clap of her hands, Narcissa called for her personal house elf. When the house elf appeared, Narcissa gave strict orders regarding her stay in the East Wing.

"I will make myself scarce until Lucius regains his senses." Narcissa remarked haughtily. "And I shall be comfortable while waiting."

/*/

Severus was in a less than stellar mood as he approached The Club. Narcissa Malfoy had taken most of the joy from his night out. The thing which was keeping him balanced was it hadn't been Lucius speaking out of school. Severus somewhat regretted uninviting Lucius and Narcissa to the wedding, but it was done and over. He was fairly certain Hermione wouldn't mind if the Malfoys were absent from her big day.

Brandishing his wand at the club door as a means of identification, Severus stepped through the door and immediately headed for the Barrister Bar. There were two decent sized bars situated on either side of the main floor. There were two bars downstairs as well. One fairly small geared to more intimate meetings and conversations. The other the same size as the bars upstairs.

The Barrister Bar wasn't really named as such. The name had gradually come about because it was the bar most frequented by solicitors, other professional wizards and business owners who wanted to discuss business or the news of the day. Witches were not a common sight in the Barrister Bar. The bar on the other side of the building was more couple friendly. Both downstairs bars were of a more discreet nature.

Severus planned to have a few drinks then, depending on who was available, a few game of chess. He was sitting in one of the club chairs sipping his second whiskey when he looked up to see Neville and David heading in his direction. He stood up and extended his hand to both men. "Have a seat. I'm imbibing before heading downstairs for a few games of chess. I know you play David. Are you up to a game or two?"

"I most certainly am." David replied enthusiastically, raising his glass to Severus.

"How was the trip?" Severus asked turning to Neville. "I imagine you've turned up tons of items which will benefit our shop."

Nodding and grinning, Neville tipped his glass in Severus' direction. "Our excursion was more than fruitful. We found several items which will be of great interest to Hermione. She loves the rare and hard to find. In fact, I intend to spend Monday and Tuesday sorting our finds and have great hope Hermione will assist me."

"Sounds like you and David will be very busy for the next several days. As far as Hermione assisting you, you will have to speak with her. At the moment, she has a bee in her bonnet about special salves, but I'll let her tell you about that."

"Fair enough Severus. I'll speak to Hermione on Monday."

Turning to David, Severus complimented him on the way things were going in Florae. "From what I've seen of Florae so far. I think you have a winner. If you need assistance from Ethan or Allen, please funnel your request through Hermione. Additionally, if things work out well, and you need permanent assistance. We'll look at hiring a part time person. That, you will funnel through me."

A small frown passed over Neville's face as he finished off his drink. Even though he and Luna hadn't gotten everything entirely straightened out between them. He still felt a bit annoyed over the way she had been pushed out of S L & G, but remained silent on the subject.

David replied to Severus. "Thank you Severus. We'll see how it goes. I was informed Hermione is threatening to scrap the entire project if anything else goes wrong."

Severus smiled. His volatile fiancée had indeed threatened to do that very thing. However, she had only done so because of the issues with Miss Lovegood. "I'm sure Hermione wants to see Florae flourish. Are you ready for our game of chess David?"

"I'm ready. I feel as though I just might beat the trousers off my superior."

Neville laughed, clapping David on the back. "Idle dreams I'd say, but give it the old wizard try."

"Will you be challenging me as well Neville, or will you remain upstairs to mingle with a younger crowd?"

"Actually Severus, I believe I spotted Randy Jordan and Harry when I came in. I'd like to find out the results of Saturday's Quidditch match. Even though I may already know the answer. Randy plays chess, so I might find myself downstairs after all. See you both later."

Severus and David nodded to those who nodded to them on the way out of Barrister. David went on ahead when several people stopped Severus to offer their congratulations on his engagement. More than one wizard also spoke highly of the staff at S L & G which put Severus in a very decent frame of mind.

Their exchanges also reminded Severus that the Club was an excellent opportunity for David to talk up Florae. Severus shared his thoughts as soon as he and David had their game set up.

Sitting there pondering his first move, Severus suggested to David the next time he came to the Club he should bring flyers about the grand opening of Florae.

"Of course Severus. We think alike." David remarked a bit smugly. "I did up some flyers this afternoon. Some of which I left with the Security Wizard at the door, and some of which I left with Raymond the Bar Wizard in Barrister. I plan to leave a few down here as well. Not to be too self promoting, but I had a word with Dexter Willis. Who, as we all know, cannot keep a piece of news to himself. Florae will be on the lips of everyone by the end of the night."

Severus nodded as he moved his first piece. "Good man. There was probably no need to leave flyers if you mentioned Florae to Willis. As you say. He's never heard a piece of information he didn't pass on. Can't abide the man myself. However, for this. I am in his corner."

"Too right," replied David as he countered Severus' move.

"Ah," remarked a surprised Severus. "Typical muggle move. Nicely done."

"Thank you, but just so you know. That move was not an invitation for you to wipe the floor with me."

With his hand on the piece he planned to move next, Severus glanced at David and responded. "Unfortunately for you. It was."

David gave a brief smile and mumbled under his breath. "Shite."

/*/

As she closed her book, Hermione unconsciously gave her stomach a little pat. Having just about devoured every chapter and page. Hermione now felt she was well equipped to face the one thing she couldn't control. Although, being Hermione Granger. She believed she had an answer for anything which would come up during the next seven months.

Hermione decided not to make an OB/GYN appointment until after she and Severus returned from their honeymoon. Perhaps it was silly of her, but she wanted her first appointment to be under her married name.

/*/

Severus didn't care much for telly, but Hermione found it a nice diversion for those times she couldn't quiet an overactive mind. This being one of those times. Hermione sat quietly watching a movie where a girl was doing nasty things with a very handsome guy behind the back of his girlfriend. It was only a telly movie, but the seamy plot had driven Hermione's self righteousness into hyper drive. So much so, she began shouting unflattering things at the telly about the backstabbing girl.

/*/

Hermione was so intent on shouting. She didn't realize Severus had come home.

"It's late love. I thought you would be in bed by now. If that muggle contraption is upsetting you enough to shout at it, I suggest turning it off, or at least turning to another station."

Hermione smiled at Severus rising from the couch to greet him. "Hello love. Did you have a nice time out? I was shouting. Wasn't I? What started out as a bit of distraction turned into a lesson in bad behavior. I can't imagine someone acting that way in real life."

Severus cleared his throat, but said nothing. He was remembering something called the drool game as explained to him by Hermione.

"What?" Asked Hermione as she watched Severus strain to remain silent. "What are you thinking?"

Walking over to grab Hermione in his arms, Severus gave a response Hermione wasn't expecting. "It would seem your girl in the movie is acting out the drool game."

Hermione rolled her eyes then burst out laughing. "I think I share too much with my wizard."

"Ob-vi-ous-ly," drawled Severus pulling Hermione back into his arms. "We are to be married. Isn't that the way it should be?"

Hermione didn't know if she regretted explaining the drool game to Severus. He was not the wizard who forgot even the tiniest tidbit.

"Yes love. It is. And you are right. The movie does have something in common with the drool game. I'm so glad you arrived home in time to save me from myself."

"And who will save you from me?" He asked rubbing her back while kissing the top of her head. Let's have a tea."

While they had their tea, Severus tried to explain a bit of what went on at Malfoy Manor and with David and Neville at the club as well. However, he gave up after ten minutes of Hermione interrupting him at every turn.

"You have the irritating habit of interrupting me when I speak. It's impolite and annoying. Don't look so surprised Hermione. We've discussed this before. Let's just finish our tea."

"No need to be rude Severus." Hermione snapped. "I realize we've discussed my faults. I am, and always have been, naturally inquisitive. I apologize for interrupting you. Why don't you write it all up in a memo so I can read it later? I'm finished with my tea, and this conversation."

"Now who is being rude? If you recognize your faults, correct them. Then I will not have to say these things."

Hermione jumped up in a huff shouting. "Well, I've heard enough. Thank you. I'm just going to take my imperfect arse into the other room and leave you to talk to yourself. Mr. without fault. Mr. perfect wizard. Mr…. reformed Death Eater. Mr. wizard who coveted another man's witch."

Severus gasped at the words coming out of Hermione's mouth and jumped up as well. Also raising his voice.

He was cognizant of Hermione's condition, and didn't want to upset her and cause injury to their child, but she had crossed the line from outrageous to offensive. He was astounded. They'd had this same discussion in the past, and come away laughing. He didn't understand where all this hostility was coming from. How dare she throw things in his face they had discussed during the most intimate times in their relationship.

As Severus stood there reeling over Hermione's hateful remarks. The stalwart and stoic part of him left the building without permission. In his place was another man. A wounded man who lashed out without thinking. The old and impenetrable cloak of self protection he'd worn during the ugly part of his life suddenly wrapped itself around him, and he responded.

"You are at a level of anger which makes you unstable. Will I next have to dodge your wand, or should I fear for the life of my child?"

Severus' words hung in the air between them for several seconds before the repercussions began. Hermione's face paled so much it appeared transparent. He had gone at her the way she had come at him. While Severus immediately regretted his words. A small part of him was shouting touché. However, every bit of tension and animosity disappeared from the air when Hermione fell back onto the couch releasing loud sobs.

As angry and hurt as he had been a few seconds ago. Hermione's sobs grabbed him by the heart. He was across the room holding her in his arms in a flash.

"We are being foolish with words we do not mean." He said, conjuring up a cloth and putting it in Hermione's hand. Hermione didn't move. The cloth remained where Severus had placed it.

Hermione's sobs were now so deep, Severus became alarmed. "Please stop crying Hermione. You aren't doing yourself or the baby any good. You were upset, as was I. It is now time to bring some reason back into any further conversation."

Hermione continued to sob without acknowledging Severus' remarks.

"For the record Hermione, I will again admit I'm at a loss over what precipitated this entire thing. My presence obviously continues to anger and upset you. I think for tonight. It is best we sleep away from each other. I'll sleep on the couch in the den. Hopefully, we can have a proper discussion in the morning. I'll leave you to yourself. Goodnight."

/*/

Severus could still hear Hermione's sobs even through the closed door. It was killing him not to be out there comforting her. However, he felt it necessary they put a bit of space between them for this night. On Sunday, they could assess their behavior and address why a simple statement had turned into a war of words and insults.

Severus laid there straining to hear if Hermione had stopped crying, but all was quiet. After a few minutes, he slipped into a restless sleep which turned into a dream about Lila Grant holding him at wand point while chastising him about taking up with Hermione.

/*/

In the living room, Hermione's loud sobs had been reduced to whimpers. She had instigated an argument then said things that would have put any other person at the business end of Severus' wand. Why had she done it? That was the question. Severus was correct. He had told her on numerous occasions about her proclivity to constantly interrupt when he was speaking. Putting it down to being naturally inquisitive was rubbish. It was an annoying habit which she needed to rectify.

Hermione cringed when she thought of what had come out of her mouth. Death Eater, coveting another man's witch. What is the matter with me? Those things were sensitive subjects she and Severus had discussed when they realized how serious they were about each other. They didn't need to relive old shite. Yet, she had thrown it out as casually as calling his name. She had started the shite. It would be incumbent on her to clear the air.

Hermione wasn't a coward, but she was fretting about what might happen if she approached Severus too soon. Would he turn away from her? As embarrassed as she felt. She also felt a sense of well being knowing her husband to be had remained true to his word. He hadn't slammed out of the cottage when he could have.

As despicable as she had been earlier. Hermione felt she shouldn't let any more time go by before approaching Severus. She didn't want any of the foolish bull shite to sink in.

/*/

Hermione quietly opened the door to the den, but stopped short in the doorway. Severus had just turned from one side to the other. Unsure if he was awake, Hermione softly called his name. When she didn't get an answer, Hermione quickly moved to the enlarged couch bed and quietly climbed in beside her wizard. Snuggling up to his back, Hermione whispered that she loved him, and surprisingly, he replied he loved her too.

"I thought you were sleeping."

"Too many things circling my mind to sleep."

"I started an ugly argument tonight, and said some ugly things as well. Will you accept my apology?"

"Of course I will accept your apology Hermione. I apologize as well. I know our baby means as much to you as it does to me. I don't think we should dwell on certain things that were said tonight. We just don't repeat them. However, my opinion hasn't changed. You need to practice restraint. Answers you seek will eventually come."

Hermione raised up to look over his shoulder. "What?"

"Just a bit of information that was in one of your Chinese fortune cookies. Sounds relevant to me."

"You're a git. Hopefully, your gitness won't rub off on the baby."

"You're making up words Hermione Granger. Gitness is something you pulled out of the air." Severus answered, turning so he was facing Hermione. Looking into her eyes, Severus ran a hand through her lovely bush of hair. "I request that we forego arguments while you are pregnant. Save it all up until August. We can argue then."

"Alright. I'll make an effort." Wrapping her arms around Severus' neck and pulling him close, Hermione whispered. "I love you more than words can say. You complete me. Even when I'm being a shrew."

They shared a passionate kiss before settling down for the night.

There were several second of complete silence before Hermione muttered. "Sleeping on this couch is shite. I will never argue with you again if it comes down to this. Goodnight."

"You'll sleep on this couch and like it. It's punishment for us both."

/*/

Allen's date with Valera had gone well. She had been thrilled and delighted with the movie. She talked of little else as they waited on queue to be seated at a small coffee shop located not too far from the movie house.

Allen smiled at Valera as she paused to take a bite of the muffin on her plate. "Sounds like you enjoyed yourself, and I will remain in the delightful category for one more night."

"Are you making fun of me Mr. Wilson?" Valera asked waving a piece of muffin in front of Allen's face. "Because if you are, I will find it necessary to set every last one of my Kneapas on your heels the next time you enter my shop."

"Kneapas? You've just made that up." Allen replied good naturedly.

"I have, but I haven't." Valera answered as she popped the last of her muffin into her mouth.

"Really? What in bloody hell are they then? And how did I miss them?"

"You missed them because they are too young to be put out just yet. Some idiot crossed a Kneazle with a rare, muggle Pampas Cat. I combined their names and came up with Kneapas. The bastard who cast the mating spell left the litter by the side of the road to perish after one of his friends threatened to call Regulation and Control. Idiot. I tracked his arse down, got all the pertinent information then gave him the telling off of his life." She huffed ferociously.

Allen was enjoying Valera's outrage. He thought she was even more lovely sitting there in full rant.

"Crossbreeding is illegal unless sanctioned by the Ministry, and prohibited between magical and muggle animals. I have registered the litter with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, so they are technically considered legal. However, they can only be bred within the litter if I choose to do so. Which I do not. I have had some success teaching the little blighters some manners. Which they will need if they ever want a home."

Allen sat there dumbfounded. Kneapas? They sounded like nightmares. Who'd want one? "No offense Valera, but the mixture sounds a bit disquieting. Even so, I would like to have a glance at them the next time I come by the shop."

Valera laughed as she watched Allen cringe. "So, you sit there cringing, yet you want to see them. I'll be glad to show them to you. You'll be surprised. They are rather handsome. I won't say it too loudly, but the stupid git did mate the cats up well. I don't think there is any cat or kneazle in the magical world that resembles the ones in my litter."

Allen was fascinated. By the woman and her passion as well. "How many are in the litter?"

"There are eight." Valera replied beaming. "And they are all gorgeous."

"I look forward to seeing them. Another reason for me to pop by even more frequently."

A great blush appeared on Valera's cheeks as she suddenly found her lap very interesting. "You don't need an excuse to come by the shop Allen. I welcome your visits."

It was Allen's turn to beam. "Thank you. That's nice to hear. If you are finished, we can be on our way. I wouldn't want your father to be standing on the porch waiting when we round the corner."

"Hush," remarked Valera with a smile, knocking against Allen with her shoulder. "Please don't conjure up my dad. He's bad enough without help."

Allen grabbed Valera by the hand, and tucked it beneath his arm. "Let's go see if Aaron is up waiting."

Valera couldn't smother the giggle that bubbled up in her throat. Allen might be kidding about her father, but she knew too well he would probably be up waiting. Perhaps not on the porch, but he would be waiting.

/*/

If Aaron Williams was up waiting, he wasn't on the porch, for which Allen was grateful. He wanted at least a few private moments with Valera before leaving her for the night. She was a lovely witch whom he'd like to ask out again.

Taking Valera by the hands, Allen leaned in. "I hope you won't think I'm being too forward, but I'd like to kiss you."

"Feel free Mr. Wilson." Valera whispered moving closer to Allen. "I'd like nothing better."

Their lips met, and they both moved even closer. They were still standing together savoring their first intimate moment when they heard a noise. Allen quickly let go of Valera's hand and stepped back. Just in time. Aaron opened the door to scold them about lolling about in full view of the neighbors.

Valera went bright red.

Fearful she would take her temper out on her father and make him unwelcome in the future, Allen spoke before she could. "My apologies Mr. Williams. I only wanted to make sure Valera got in safely. She's in good hands now, so I'll be taking my leave." Turning to face Valera, Allen thanked her once again for accompanying him out. Then he turned to leave.

He had gone down two steps when Aaron called out. "Come back here boy. I didn't come out here to run you away. I came out to invite you in. Neighbors don't have to know all your business." Standing away from the door, Aaron gestured for Allen to come through.

An involuntary sigh of relief escaped Allen. He wasn't being sent away. He was being invited in. As he passed by a still beet red Valera, who had remained rooted to the spot. Allen grabbed her hand before stepping into the house.

To use a muggle word, thought Allen. This is weird.

/*/

When George and Angelina returned to WWW, it was close to closing time. George had a short conversation with Verity during which, she kept looking over George's shoulder at Lee.

Pulling on a screw face for Verity, Lee laughed to himself. I believe my partner is going to rake my handsome arse over the coals for things real and imagined. Perhaps I'll make myself scarce.

"I'm leaving George. Tell Angelina goodnight. My aunt is serving macaroni and cheese tomorrow. Why don't you and Angie stop by. Don't bring Verity though. She doesn't know how to act."

"Behave yourself Lee, or I'll reveal all your secrets." Verity answered with a wide grin moving through the shop to close down for the night.

"Like you haven't revealed them already. My impatient witch. I still love you though. I'm not otherwise engaged this evening Georgie, so I'll open the shop tomorrow. Have a goodnight everyone."

"Hey! Oi! Stay right where you are Mr. Jordan. I have a few things to discuss with you. You may leave Verity. We'll see you on Monday."

"Alright then," replied Verity. "I'll see you Monday morning."

/*/

After Verity left the shop, George turned to Lee with a very serious look on his face.

"What is that look for? I've done nothing." Lee volunteered quickly.

"Ha! Gotcha! Aren't you the one who was talking to owls, arguing with Randy and laughing too loudly? Or, was it your ghost?"

Lee grinned as George broke out in a howl. "I do love Verity, but if she comes to me with any more tales or injustices suffered by your hand. I will pull every strand of hair from this ginger head. Behave yourself Lee. Will you?"

"No problem dad. I'll behave as soon as Verity stops ratting me out. Which of course will be never. Are you and Angie in for the night, or would you like to hit Leaky for a few?"

"Angie isn't feeling well. I think mum annoyed the shite out of her asking about when did we plan on making her a grandmother. Same old shite every visit. Pretty soon, I won't be able to drag Ang to the Burrow. Oh well. You said you didn't have anything planned for tonight. Are you sick, or have the birds turned on you?"

"Funny mate. There isn't a witch in London who can resist these charms. Well, maybe one. However, I intend to put some wheels in motion, and she too will prostrate herself at my feet."

"Hello! Who is this brilliant witch that is immune to the Jordan charms. Do I know her? If I do, I'm going to Owl her to stand her ground."

"Never you mind who it is." Lee replied smugly. "You'll see her on my arm soon enough. Maybe. Probably. Now that I've been thoroughly chastised. May I go?"

George ignored the latter part of Lee's statements to concentrate on the first. Lowering his voice so Angelina wouldn't hear him swear, George replied with awe in his voice. "No fucking way you've found the one. May I tell Angie, and mum and…..? Does Randy know? Is Verity aware you are now off the market? She'll be devastated."

"Fuck you Weasley." Lee replied in a low growl. Angelina didn't like to hear swearing from him either. "No one said I was off the market. Can't a bloke want to date outside his comfort zone without being questioned to death?"

"Bloody hell mate. Are you are trying to date a witch who is not of the blonde persuasion? Who is it? I can help." George added, wiggling his eyebrows up and down.

"I'm leaving now George. I know there's no use in me asking you to keep this to yourself."

"None whatsoever mate. None whatsoever."

"That's fine. You slimy git. She doesn't even know I'm after her yet."

George yelled so loud that Angelina shouted for him to finish closing up and get his arse upstairs.

With a finger to his lips as though Lee was the one who had done the shrieking, George whispered. "Her, I want to meet. I mean, after you get her prostrating herself at your feet."

Lee smiled sheepishly. "Don't repeat that shite George. I didn't mean any of it."

"Still want to see who this is." George called out as Lee headed for the door.

Lee didn't turn around, but did respond under his breath. "You'll see her. As soon as I can get her to see me. Out loud, Lee simply remarked. "It's a work in progress mate. One day at a time.

Then he was out the door.