Disclaimer: Any characters also seen in J.K Rowling's Harry Potter series are not mine. Everyone else is, along with the twisted plot.
Author's notes: Oh my, it's been a while since I updated! Sheesh, sorry! I've been horrendously busy with a project my friends and I are working on and this chapter did not want to come out of my head; I've had to rewrite it a couple of times. But it's finally finished and I hope you like it, nothing major happens in it I'm getting there though so bear with me :D.
Thanks again to all my reviewers, I adore you! You're comments really make my day and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
Faith, Tyler, Heaven&Earth_Girl, mushroom: I'm glad you like it! I hope you keep reading, you're comments are awesome
curly29: The time for Fred telling his family will come, he's waiting a bit for good reason ;)
Maikafuiniel: Not that gang…
Now on with the story.
When you're gone chapter 5'…A rough looking boy in ripped jeans and a studded jacket stepped forward, cracking his knuckles.'
George glanced around warily and took a small step backwards. Tightening his hand around the strap on his school bag he turned to leave.
"Where do you think you're going pretty boy?" The boy sneered, "We're not done with our little chitchat."
George could feel the panic creeping into his mind as he sized up his opponent. Even without Fred, he'd be able to fend off this boy, the sullen pimple faced boy beside him, and maybe two of the smaller boys; however, there were just too many to face at once. As his brain continued to assess the situation, he made his reply.
"I didn't know my actions were any of your business." George kept his head high although he was dying to act meek and obedient under the weight of the stares, his pride wouldn't let him.
"Well well well, little boy thinks he's got fire! Whip!" The boy shouted. George forced himself not to flinch, and not to show any reaction to the looming threat. The sullen, pimple faced boy stepped forward. George almost sagged in relief when he realized this boy must be Whip. 'Strange names these muggles give their children,' George thought absently.
Whip's harsh, grating voice shattered George's private thoughts and he returned to reality. "You boy are trespassing on private property belonging to Preston."
"I was under the impression that this was a public area." George wracked his brain, trying to remember anything he had learned about muggle property.
"Are you trying to be smart with us mate?" 'Preston' snarled.
"I don't think so…" George replied with uncertainty.
"I don't like your tone. I think you need to be taught a little respect." Preston replied. The crowd behind him began cheering and shouting taunts as Preston stalked towards George.
George's anxiety grew as Preston backed him up against a building. He was torn, he knew the odds were against him, but he didn't want to make the first offensive move; but the thought of staying defensive worried him as well. He didn't have to wait long; he felt the wind rush past his face as Preston slammed his hand to the wall beside George's face. Barely a split second later, an uppercut to his solar plexus forced George to double over. Instincts kicking in, he dropped to a crouch and swept Preston's legs out from under him. Throwing himself forward George pinned Preston's hands with his knees and punched him. Preston sputtered indignantly, spurring his gang to life.
Whip dove into his right side, sending them both crashing to the pavement. George rolled left to duck Whip's incoming punch and sprang to his feet. Whip lunged again; George faked right and swung his foot into Whip's stomach. Whip fell to his knees and groaned out an order to a tall scrawny boy behind him. George eyed him warily and moved to intercept an on coming blow. He stopped, stunned as someone caught his arms from behind and threw him to the pavement. The last thing he saw before his face was pressed into the pavement was six of the boys stalking towards him. He felt a sharp pressure to the back of his head, and a warm liquid seep down his neck. 'At least Fred gets his wish,' George thought absently before he passed out.
With a groan George stirred into consciousness and opened his eyes. Blinking, he fought to adjust to the brightness of the room.
'Where am I?' George thought wildly, struggling to a seated position. A hand across his chest pushed him flat against the mattress he was lying on.
"Easy, you'll really hurt if you reopen an injury," an amused voice chided from the air to the left of George.
"Where am I? What's going on? Who are you?" George rattled.
"Easy! My name's Eric – but everyone calls me Tag. You're in the house where my boys and I live. You're here because Preston's boys don't like losing to one guy, so they all jumped you." Tag grinned shaking his head, "Man, we arrived in time to pull them off you before they killed you. You must have been some threat – and those moves you did on Preston and Whip? Bloody brilliant!" Tag seemed to look at George in awe. Puzzled, George studied Tag; he was tall – about George's height, thin but muscled, with steel blue eyes and short golden blonde hair.
"What were you doing there?" George inquired.
"Coming to find you naturally, although we were a bit late – sorry 'bout that," Tag took a moment to look sheepish and run his hand through his hair.
"Um…" George had no clue what was going on, or how this guy even knew him. Tag, noticing the look on George's face, began to laugh. "Sorry, I forgot you have no idea what's going on."
George nodded slightly and Tag continued merrily, "Laura called me – she's like me mum you know – said she had a lost young man she was taking under her wing. She said I'd best look after him. She was also going on about not wanting to lose her new employee before she gets work out of him."
George was speechless, but he felt familiar warmth in his heart at Laura's mothering. He saddened slightly, remembering his own mother and her feelings. 'No George! You won't dwell on this; you're not going back. Besides, she has Fred, he's the better half anyway.' George turned from his thoughts and faced Tag.
"So um, what are you guys? A gang?"
"We don't call ourselves one," Tag chuckled, "But I suppose that's the closest term yeah. Don't worry though; you'll fit in fine here. If you're worried about crime and corruption – we keep it quite petty for Laura's sake." Tag grinned widely.
"I've never done crime before, but I never was one for the rules at school." George confessed.
"Where'd you go to school then?" Tag asked.
"A private boarding school in Scotland," George replied vaguely.
"Right! No worries, soon you'll be just like anyone of us. I'll do introductions tonight but now we've got to go – Laura's expecting you at nine."
"How long was I out?" George asked astonished.
"All night, but it was no big deal. We've dealt with worse." Tag shrugged, moving around the room, collecting items. As the two boys walked out the door, Tag stopped suddenly, causing George to walk into him.
"I almost forgot! You need a name."
"It's George. George Weasley."
Tag shook his head smiling, "No you need a family name – you know, like my name is Tag."
George nodded, "Well what sort should my name be?"
Tag rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Well, I've had mine since I was small. It was kind of lame to begin with but it's grown on me. I got it because when I was named at five I was wicked good at tag. I could out play everyone, even the older boys. So we'll stick with that theme – what are you good at?"
Without missing a beat, George replied, "Pranks. I used to pull them with my twin all the time."
"You have a twin?" Tag asked, interest piqued, "Where is he now?"
George lowered his eyes and brought his hands together, "Gone." He whispered.
"Sorry George," Tag looked nervous, he coughed to break the silence, "I know! How about Trix then?"
George tested the name on his tongue. Brightening considerably, he nodded, "I like it."
"Awesome! Now let's go before Laura kicks my ass." Tag flung his arm around George's neck and all but dragged him from the room.
The walk to Laura's restaurant was moderately long, but George found it pleasant. The walk had been filled with friendly conversation, and good-natured ribbing. George was momentarily saddened by the exchange that was so similar to the interaction between his brother and himself. Tag stopped; looking up, George noticed they were outside the diner he had eaten at the day before.
"I'll come get you tonight and show you the way to the main compound." Tag promised, and with a wave to Laura through the window, he was gone.
George pushed open the door and entered the homey diner. Laura immediately rushed over to him, clucking over his cuts and bruises.
"As much as I love Eric, the boy will never be top of his class at first aid," Laura chided, "Come on dear let's get you cleaned up before I put you to work. Oh! Before I forget again – what's your name luv?"
"George Weasley" George replied, allowing his cuts to be fussed over and re-bandaged.
"George, that's a lovely name hun, and what does Eric call you?" Laura smiled gently at the mention of Eric.
"Trix, Ma'am" George replied with a lopsided grin.
"Come now! None of this ma'am stuff George. Call me Laura." Laura huffed.
George nodded his agreement as Laura bandaged the last cut. Putting her first aid supplies away, Laura disappeared into the back room. She re-emerged holding a cloth and an apron.
"I thought we'd start you out cleaning dishes and tables," Laura began, "Now pay starts at six pounds per hour and you get a one hour break for lunch. I provide lunch because I like to see my boys get a real meal. At the compound I know what you'll be eating and processed food is just not nutritional. Any questions so far?"
George wanted to ask what processed food was but he restrained himself by remembering that he was supposed to be muggle born and know the answer already. George shook his head no. Laura smiled and began showing him where everything was situated. She left him to get started, while she helped the people who had begun coming in to eat.
George grinned as he washed his first load of dishes. 'If everything is this easy it'll be a breeze surviving in this world' George thought happily. His thoughts turned dark as an image of Ginny flashed across his eyes. 'Well, if I stop thinking about home that is…'
At lunchtime, Laura called him over to the main counter to eat. George's eyes nearly burst out of his head at all the food she expected him to eat. She had laid out a roast beef sandwich on sourdough, a bowl of soup, a house salad with extra dressing, a stuffed bun, a slice of apple crumble, and a large glass of chocolate milk. Laura noticed the look on his face, "You need to eat it all now sweetie, you're much too thin." With an affectionate pat on the arm, she was gone into the sea of tables again.
After his hour break, he returned to work very full and very cheerful. The rest of the day's work flew by and before he knew it, Laura was locking the doors and Frank, the cook, had gone home.
"Well George, you worked really hard. I'm proud of you and glad my instincts were right. I think you'll get on marvelously with the other boys. You'll have not trouble fitting in to our family." A soft rap on the window interrupted Laura, "it looks like Eric is here, I'll see you tomorrow morning. Have a good sleep." Laura ruffled his hair and gave him a warm hug before moving to unlock the door for Eric and engulf him in a hug of his own.
The way back to the compound was shorter, as George's mind was buys memorizing the landmarks Tag pointed out for him. When they reached the front sidewalk, George looked up incredulously. This was nothing like he had imagined, from the interior of the place, he had expected a large well-designed manor. Staring back at him was a dilapidated warehouse. 'How did I not notice this place this morning?' George pondered.
"You look shocked. Don't worry the inside is nice! You remember right?" Tag grinned.
"Why didn't I see this earlier?" George wondered aloud.
"Simple, we came out through a back tunnel onto the street. You can't see the building from the back streets. Don't worry, it only looks like this to keep a low profile." Tag grabbed his arm and pulled him along excitedly, "Come on. It's time to meet the guys! They can't wait to see you conscious!"
They entered through the large creaky double doors and stepped into a dingy room. Tag went to the far wall and moved some hanging insulation to reveal a door. Crossing the threshold behind Tag, George took in the features of the room. It was large and round, with a soft green color theme. There were numerous cushions and soft couches sprawled across the room. The décor of the room was impeccable, all the colors matched perfectly. George raised an eyebrow at Tag who shrugged, "Laura decorates."
George noticed the other boys in the room when one cleared his throat. There were eight of them, seated various places throughout the room.
"Boys," Tag nodded to them, "This is George Weasley. That's the last time you'll hear that name unless Laura is talking. May I introduce to you – Trix."
The boys started whistling, a few pumped their fist in the air and cheered. George smiled and nodded to them. Tag stepped up beside him and began the introductions. Flint was a small blonde boy with hard eyes and friendly smile. 'Nothing like Marcus Flint from school...' Lopes was taller than George with dark skin and hard eyes. Cash was a fidgety boy with curly brown hair. Jigsaw was a quiet African boy that George immediately liked. Mozart had long black hair and headphones on. Flame was a Latino boy playing with a lighter, who gave George a wicked smile when Tag introduced him. Key was a solid boy, sprawled across a footstool, playing a gameboy. After introducing the last boy Owl, a wide-eyed, pale boy with red hair, the boys began moving about the room. Flame sauntered over to George first and slapped a hand on his back. "Welcome home, brother."
TBC
Hope you like the chapter. Feel free to tell me what you think. Until the next time!
