A/N: Some of the dialogue here belongs to J.K. Rowling. And of course I
don't own anything else, either. Etc., etc.
Chapter Twenty Three: Return
"Here's your parcel, miss, and your change," said George brightly, handing the pretty blonde witch her purchase. "Thanks for stopping by and do come again." He flashed her a charming Weasley grin and she smiled back.
"Thanks," she said, or rather, purred, and she glided gracefully out of the shop.
"Don't let Alicia see you doing that," said Fred, grinning, as he emerged from the back office.
"Hey, a flash of the old Weasley charm for appreciative customers means they come back and spend more money," said George, as opened the till and removed the piles of Galleons, Sickles and Knuts inside. He poured them into a leather satchel; they would count the money later that night and tomorrow morning George would go to Gringott's to make the weekly deposit.
"Yeah, well, we need to close up now," said Fred. "King's Cross at half past five, remember?"
"Of course," said George, and he pushed past Fred to go to the back office. "As if I'd miss the chance to meet and greet our brave little brother and sister and my lovely girlfriend."
Fred smiled to himself. In less than an hour he'd see Angelina again. He'd written her several times in the last week, to make up for the weeks of being unable to; now that Dumbledore was reinstated as Headmaster there was no fear of his letters going astray. She had written back, and reading her funny, sexy letters had made the ache of missing her lessen a bit. He hadn't been able to go to her graduation, either; producing a steady supply of Weasley's Wily Writers for the Order had kept him and George very busy. But Angelina had mentioned in her last letter that she felt she had done well on her N.E.W.Ts, something she attributed to their "decadent evening" after the Quidditch final.
Fred joined George in the back office and opened the coat closet, pulling out his latest clothing purchase: a rather flashy but stylish dragon skin jacket.
"That one's mine," said George.
"You're right," said Fred, handing George the jacket and fetching its twin from the closet.
They slid the jackets on.
"Looking good, Twin," said George.
"You, too," said Fred, grinning. "It's like--like looking in a MIRROR."
"Ha ha," said George, punching Fred lightly in the arm.
Fred ran a hand through his hair and checked his face; he really should shave but there wasn't time. His two-day-old scruff, his slightly mussed hair and his clothing--the jacket, his fitted black t-shirt and his jeans and boots--gave him a decidedly rock star look. He hoped Angelina would like it. He hoped her parents wouldn't think he looked like a delinquent.
"Hello?"
"Coming, Mum!" Fred called, and he headed out of the back office into the shop itself, followed closely by George, to see their parents waiting for them.
"Dear god, what ARE you wearing?" said Mrs. Weasley, as she noted their matching dragon skin jackets.
"Dragon skin," said George loftily. "The latest in hip men's fashion."
"Oh, really," said Mrs. Weasley, shaking her head. "Arthur, this is Bill's influence."
"Molly, dear, they are--"
"--of age," Mrs. Weasley finished. "Yes, everyone keeps telling me that. Well, I suppose that means I can safely deny responsibility for my sons dressing up like a circus act. Let's go."
She turned on her heel and headed out of the shop. Mr. Weasley turned to his sons and grinned sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders, then followed his wife.
"Don't think she likes the dragon skin, bro," said George.
"I'd worry about her if she did," said Fred.
"You have a point."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Dear lord, look at us," said Mrs. Weasley fretfully. "Between the twins and Tonks' pink hair and Alastor's outfit--"
"Just more of the circus act, Mum," said Fred brightly. They had arrived at King's Cross to discover that Lupin, Tonks and Mad-Eye Moody had arrived as well. Moody informed the twins in gruff tones that they were all there to give Harry's relatives a "talking to."
Fred thought this was well overdue. He'd only met Harry's relatives once, but it was enough for him to know that they were absolute prats.
Just then Fred saw the first trickle of students appear between the barrier to Platform 9¾. Mrs. Weasley gave a little squeak and rushed forward as Ron, Ginny, Harry and Hermione came, one by one, through the barrier. She crushed Ron, Ginny and Harry in her usual bone-crunching embraces before releasing them; they and Hermione walked slowly toward the twins, Mr. Weasley, Moody, Lupin and Tonks. All of them looked surprised, but none so much as Harry. Fred met his eyes and gave him a quick wink.
"What are they supposed to be?" said Ron, pointing to his brothers' jackets.
"Finest dragon skin, little bro," said Fred jovially. "Business is booming and we thought we'd treat ourselves." He clapped Ron on the back and hugged Ginny tightly; George followed suit.
"Hiya, Harry," said George, shaking Harry's hand; Fred did the same.
"Hi," said Harry. He looked bewildered, exhausted, sad, but also a bit heartened to see everyone else. "I didn't expect...what are you all doing here?"
"Well," said Lupin, "we thought we might have a little chat with your aunt and uncle before letting them take you home."
Harry looked apprehensive when he said, "I dunno if that's a good idea."
"Oh, I think it is," said Moody, in a growl. He pointed over his shoulder. "That'll be them, will it, Potter?"
Fred turned round to see Harry's relatives, who had appeared on the platform and were gazing at the group of wizards and witches with a mixture of horror and contempt.
"Ah, Harry!" said Mr. Weasley. "Well--shall we do it, then, Alastor?"
"Yeah, I reckon so, Arthur," said Moody. And with that Moody and Mr. Weasley headed directly toward the Dursleys, followed closely by Tonks and Lupin, then Mrs. Weasley and the twins, and finally, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
"Good afternoon," said Mr. Weasley. "You might remember me, my name's Arthur Weasley."
Mr. Dursley gave Mr. Weasley a look of deep disgust. Fred glanced at Dursley's skinny, horse-faced wife and his massive son. The son was no longer fat but hugely muscular, with almost no neck and shoulders like a boulder. The son could have taken out half the group with his bare hands, but he was standing behind his mother and his lip was trembling just slightly. Fred met his eyes and gave him a smug wink, then stuck out his tongue and pointed to it; he heard George snigger. The boy's eyes widened in horror and he shrank further behind his mother, as if trying to become smaller.
"We thought we'd just have a few words with you about Harry," Mr. Weasley was saying.
"Yeah," Moody snarled, "about how he's treated when he's at your place."
"I am not aware that it is any of your business what goes on in my house--" Dursley began hotly.
"I expect what you're not aware of would fill several books, Dursley," Moody rasped.
Fred bit back a laugh and his mother swatted his arm.
"Anyway, that's not the point," said Tonks. "The point is, if we find out you've been horrible to Harry--"
"--and make no mistake, we'll hear about it," said Lupin.
"Yes," said Mr. Weasley, "even if you won't let Harry use the fellytone--"
"Telephone," murmured Hermione under her breath.
"Yeah, if we get any hint that Potter's been mistreated in any way, you'll have us to answer to," finished Moody.
"Are you threatening me, sir?" said Dursley in a loud voice. George had begun to make kissy faces at the Dursley's son; he was whimpering silently behind his mother.
"Yes," said Moody.
"Do I look like the sort of man who can be intimidated?" said Dursley.
Moody pushed back his bowler hat, to reveal his spooky magical eye, and Dursley yelped and leapt backward.
"Yes, I'd have to say you do, Dursley," said Moody.
Fred watched as everyone took their turns saying goodbye to Harry. He felt incredibly sorry for the kid, having to spend even a moment in the company of those Muggles, but at least Harry had Fred's family, Lupin, Tonks and Moody (and a whole lot of other people) on his side now, backing him up.
He shook Harry's hand and watched for a moment as The Boy Who Lived headed out of the station, his relatives following him. Nobody said anything for a moment. Then Moody nodded to everyone and started off. Fred noticed Tonks and Lupin walking closely together out of the station.
"Let's go home, shall we?" said Mrs. Weasley, her arm round Ginny.
"Yeah," said Ron, "I'm starving."
"You go on ahead," said Fred, his eyes already scanning the crowd as more students trickled through the barrier.
"Yeah," said George. "We're just waiting for--"
"Their girlfriends," said Ginny.
"Ah," said Mr. Weasley. "Of course. Uh, boys, you'll join us for dinner?"
"You bet, Dad," said Fred, grinning.
"Don't be too long," said Mrs. Weasley, and she was already leading Ron and Ginny away. Mr. Weasley waved and they were off, and Fred and George were left to search the crowds.
"Found my girl," said George, and he jogged off in the direction of Alicia.
Fred's eyes returned to scanning the crowd. Where the hell was she?
And then he saw a tall, broad shouldered wizard come through the barrier; he had graying hair and beard and coffee skin and had an arm around a beautiful young woman who could only be his daughter.
Angelina.
Fred's feet froze in place. He wanted to run to her, crush her in a hug, but he didn't want to intrude on her family. He noticed the woman next, who had to be her mother; her hair was short and neatly styled and she was very pretty and elegantly dressed. They were admiring the framed diploma in her hand. She turned just a little then, and saw Fred.
She smiled, and Fred was suddenly reminded of the day they met, at the Sorting, all those years ago, when she'd been gangly and awkward and had cornrows with beads on the ends, how she'd giggled at him because his stomach was growling, how he'd wanted to pull her hair but didn't.
He was vaguely aware of his feet moving, and that she was coming toward him. They met halfway and Fred suddenly didn't care that her parents were watching them; he pulled her into his arms and held her as if he never meant to let go of her.
"Angie," he whispered.
"You're here," she said, her voice muffled as she spoke against his neck.
"Of course," he said, smiling against her hair. "Your first letter insisted I be here, remember? So here I am."
She pulled back from him. "It's good to see you," she said.
"Congratulations, graduate," said Fred, chucking her affectionately on the chin.
"God, don't remind me," said Angelina, grinning. "Now I have to go and get a job like you."
"It's not so bad, this 'real world' stuff," said Fred.
"Angelina, aren't you going to introduce us?"
Mr. Johnson and his wife were suddenly a few feet behind their daughter; both of them smiled at Fred, but Fred's stomach began to dance nervously all the same.
"Oh," she said, disengaging herself from Fred's arms. "Uh, Mum, this is Fred Weasley. Fred, this is my mum, Nadine Johnson."
"How do you do, Fred," said Mrs. Johnson, holding out an elegantly manicured hand.
"How do you do, Mrs. Johnson," said Fred, his voice feeling a bit strangled.
"You know my dad, of course," said Angelina, rolling her eyes at her father.
"Yeah, we've met," said Fred. "How do you do, sir?"
"Just fine, Fred," said Mr. Johnson, as they shook hands.
"We've heard so much about you from Angelina," said Mrs. Johnson warmly.
"All bad, I'll bet," Fred blurted, then mentally kicked himself. This was hardly the time to act like his usual self.
"Sense of humor," said Mr. Johnson. "I knew there was a reason I liked you, Fred."
"Oh," said Fred, a bit overwhelmed. "Uh, thank you, sir."
"Business going well?" said Mr. Johnson.
"Very well, sir," said Fred, unable to hide the pride in his voice.
"Nice jacket," said Mr. Johnson, grinning.
"Oh, yeah," said Fred, blushing a bit. "Thanks."
"Fred, you really must come over for dinner sometime," said Mrs. Johnson. "So we can get to know you better."
"I'd enjoy that," said Fred, and he meant it. Even if it did mean he'd have to be on his best behavior.
"Angelina, we'll...wait for you upstairs?" said Mr. Johnson, and he winked at both of them.
"Okay, Dad," said Angelina.
Her parents headed off and Fred was alone with her. Not really alone, as they were on a train platform. But alone all the same.
"My god, Fred," said Angelina. "What ARE you wearing?"
"You don't like it?" said Fred.
"I do," said Angelina, running her hand along the scaly sleeve of the jacket. "I think it's quite...sexy, actually."
"Really?" said Fred, grinning, taking her hands in his.
"Yeah," said Angelina, arching her eyebrows. "You know, there was another part of my first letter that you haven't done yet."
"Oh, right," said Fred. "The part where I kiss you until you can't breathe." He put his arms round her waist.
"That part," said Angelina, pulling him closer to her. "But if you don't want to kiss me in public--"
He silenced her with his lips. They kissed slowly, tenderly, on the train platform, for a long time, not hearing the sounds around them, not aware of anything at all, until an annoyed porter shouted at them to get a room. They broke apart and laughed.
"I really should get going," said Angelina reluctantly. She held his hands in hers.
"Me, too," he said. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Have dinner with me tomorrow night? At my flat? Seven o'clock?"
"I'll be there," she murmured, and she kissed him one last time before she headed toward the escalator. Fred watched her go, in a bit of a daze, wishing they could be together right now instead of having to wait until tomorrow.
"Hey," said George. Fred turned.
"Alicia left?" said Fred.
"Yeah, you know having dinner with her parents," said George. "Just like us, in fact."
"Right," said Fred. "Guess we'd better get over there and see if Mum needs any help with anything."
"If you're planning on cooking we should bring antidote," said George.
"Piss off," said Fred, punching him in the arm.
"Ow," said George, throwing his own punch at Fred's arm. "That hurt, you sod."
"Ow," said Fred, returning a punch. "Prat!"
"Tosser," said George, swatting Fred on the back of the head.
"Oi! Twins!"
They turned and saw Lee Jordan jogging toward them; his presence was probably a good thing, considering that Fred and George had been about to descend into another of their wrestling matches.
"Lee, we were wondering what happened to you," said Fred.
"Oh, you know, just saying 'bye to Katie," said Lee, grinning. "So, you still have room for me at the shop?"
"Are you kidding?" said George. "You start tomorrow."
"What about space in your flat?" said Lee eagerly.
"Oh," said Fred. "Well, the third bedroom is an office right now but I s'pose we could turn it into your room."
"Gee, thanks," said Lee. "Don't put yourselves out on our account."
"Just kidding, Lee," said George. "Of course you're living with us. We'll have the Hottest Bachelor Shag Pad in London."
"Minus the bachelor part," Fred pointed out.
"Oh yeah," said George. "Well, okay, the hottest Monogamous Boyfriend Shag Pad in London. That better?"
"Excellent," said Lee, still grinning. "Feels weird. Being out. You two like it?"
"Love it," said Fred.
"Best thing ever," said George.
"Yeah, I'm thinking it won't be so bad," said Lee. "Making our own rules."
"Just as long as we break them regularly," said Fred.
"Naturally," said Lee. "I missed you two gits."
"Aw, that's so sweet," said George.
"Piss off," said Lee, punching both of them in the shoulders. "Listen, I'm off. Dinner with the parental units. I'll be at the shop tomorrow morning, yeah?"
"Looking forward to it," said Fred, and he chuckled as his best mate hurried off to meet up with his parents.
"We've come a long way, haven't we, Twin?" said George. Fred looked at his twin and felt, at that moment, that all was right with the world.
"Yeah," said Fred, grinning. "Sometimes we amaze ourselves."
Chapter Twenty Three: Return
"Here's your parcel, miss, and your change," said George brightly, handing the pretty blonde witch her purchase. "Thanks for stopping by and do come again." He flashed her a charming Weasley grin and she smiled back.
"Thanks," she said, or rather, purred, and she glided gracefully out of the shop.
"Don't let Alicia see you doing that," said Fred, grinning, as he emerged from the back office.
"Hey, a flash of the old Weasley charm for appreciative customers means they come back and spend more money," said George, as opened the till and removed the piles of Galleons, Sickles and Knuts inside. He poured them into a leather satchel; they would count the money later that night and tomorrow morning George would go to Gringott's to make the weekly deposit.
"Yeah, well, we need to close up now," said Fred. "King's Cross at half past five, remember?"
"Of course," said George, and he pushed past Fred to go to the back office. "As if I'd miss the chance to meet and greet our brave little brother and sister and my lovely girlfriend."
Fred smiled to himself. In less than an hour he'd see Angelina again. He'd written her several times in the last week, to make up for the weeks of being unable to; now that Dumbledore was reinstated as Headmaster there was no fear of his letters going astray. She had written back, and reading her funny, sexy letters had made the ache of missing her lessen a bit. He hadn't been able to go to her graduation, either; producing a steady supply of Weasley's Wily Writers for the Order had kept him and George very busy. But Angelina had mentioned in her last letter that she felt she had done well on her N.E.W.Ts, something she attributed to their "decadent evening" after the Quidditch final.
Fred joined George in the back office and opened the coat closet, pulling out his latest clothing purchase: a rather flashy but stylish dragon skin jacket.
"That one's mine," said George.
"You're right," said Fred, handing George the jacket and fetching its twin from the closet.
They slid the jackets on.
"Looking good, Twin," said George.
"You, too," said Fred, grinning. "It's like--like looking in a MIRROR."
"Ha ha," said George, punching Fred lightly in the arm.
Fred ran a hand through his hair and checked his face; he really should shave but there wasn't time. His two-day-old scruff, his slightly mussed hair and his clothing--the jacket, his fitted black t-shirt and his jeans and boots--gave him a decidedly rock star look. He hoped Angelina would like it. He hoped her parents wouldn't think he looked like a delinquent.
"Hello?"
"Coming, Mum!" Fred called, and he headed out of the back office into the shop itself, followed closely by George, to see their parents waiting for them.
"Dear god, what ARE you wearing?" said Mrs. Weasley, as she noted their matching dragon skin jackets.
"Dragon skin," said George loftily. "The latest in hip men's fashion."
"Oh, really," said Mrs. Weasley, shaking her head. "Arthur, this is Bill's influence."
"Molly, dear, they are--"
"--of age," Mrs. Weasley finished. "Yes, everyone keeps telling me that. Well, I suppose that means I can safely deny responsibility for my sons dressing up like a circus act. Let's go."
She turned on her heel and headed out of the shop. Mr. Weasley turned to his sons and grinned sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders, then followed his wife.
"Don't think she likes the dragon skin, bro," said George.
"I'd worry about her if she did," said Fred.
"You have a point."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Dear lord, look at us," said Mrs. Weasley fretfully. "Between the twins and Tonks' pink hair and Alastor's outfit--"
"Just more of the circus act, Mum," said Fred brightly. They had arrived at King's Cross to discover that Lupin, Tonks and Mad-Eye Moody had arrived as well. Moody informed the twins in gruff tones that they were all there to give Harry's relatives a "talking to."
Fred thought this was well overdue. He'd only met Harry's relatives once, but it was enough for him to know that they were absolute prats.
Just then Fred saw the first trickle of students appear between the barrier to Platform 9¾. Mrs. Weasley gave a little squeak and rushed forward as Ron, Ginny, Harry and Hermione came, one by one, through the barrier. She crushed Ron, Ginny and Harry in her usual bone-crunching embraces before releasing them; they and Hermione walked slowly toward the twins, Mr. Weasley, Moody, Lupin and Tonks. All of them looked surprised, but none so much as Harry. Fred met his eyes and gave him a quick wink.
"What are they supposed to be?" said Ron, pointing to his brothers' jackets.
"Finest dragon skin, little bro," said Fred jovially. "Business is booming and we thought we'd treat ourselves." He clapped Ron on the back and hugged Ginny tightly; George followed suit.
"Hiya, Harry," said George, shaking Harry's hand; Fred did the same.
"Hi," said Harry. He looked bewildered, exhausted, sad, but also a bit heartened to see everyone else. "I didn't expect...what are you all doing here?"
"Well," said Lupin, "we thought we might have a little chat with your aunt and uncle before letting them take you home."
Harry looked apprehensive when he said, "I dunno if that's a good idea."
"Oh, I think it is," said Moody, in a growl. He pointed over his shoulder. "That'll be them, will it, Potter?"
Fred turned round to see Harry's relatives, who had appeared on the platform and were gazing at the group of wizards and witches with a mixture of horror and contempt.
"Ah, Harry!" said Mr. Weasley. "Well--shall we do it, then, Alastor?"
"Yeah, I reckon so, Arthur," said Moody. And with that Moody and Mr. Weasley headed directly toward the Dursleys, followed closely by Tonks and Lupin, then Mrs. Weasley and the twins, and finally, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
"Good afternoon," said Mr. Weasley. "You might remember me, my name's Arthur Weasley."
Mr. Dursley gave Mr. Weasley a look of deep disgust. Fred glanced at Dursley's skinny, horse-faced wife and his massive son. The son was no longer fat but hugely muscular, with almost no neck and shoulders like a boulder. The son could have taken out half the group with his bare hands, but he was standing behind his mother and his lip was trembling just slightly. Fred met his eyes and gave him a smug wink, then stuck out his tongue and pointed to it; he heard George snigger. The boy's eyes widened in horror and he shrank further behind his mother, as if trying to become smaller.
"We thought we'd just have a few words with you about Harry," Mr. Weasley was saying.
"Yeah," Moody snarled, "about how he's treated when he's at your place."
"I am not aware that it is any of your business what goes on in my house--" Dursley began hotly.
"I expect what you're not aware of would fill several books, Dursley," Moody rasped.
Fred bit back a laugh and his mother swatted his arm.
"Anyway, that's not the point," said Tonks. "The point is, if we find out you've been horrible to Harry--"
"--and make no mistake, we'll hear about it," said Lupin.
"Yes," said Mr. Weasley, "even if you won't let Harry use the fellytone--"
"Telephone," murmured Hermione under her breath.
"Yeah, if we get any hint that Potter's been mistreated in any way, you'll have us to answer to," finished Moody.
"Are you threatening me, sir?" said Dursley in a loud voice. George had begun to make kissy faces at the Dursley's son; he was whimpering silently behind his mother.
"Yes," said Moody.
"Do I look like the sort of man who can be intimidated?" said Dursley.
Moody pushed back his bowler hat, to reveal his spooky magical eye, and Dursley yelped and leapt backward.
"Yes, I'd have to say you do, Dursley," said Moody.
Fred watched as everyone took their turns saying goodbye to Harry. He felt incredibly sorry for the kid, having to spend even a moment in the company of those Muggles, but at least Harry had Fred's family, Lupin, Tonks and Moody (and a whole lot of other people) on his side now, backing him up.
He shook Harry's hand and watched for a moment as The Boy Who Lived headed out of the station, his relatives following him. Nobody said anything for a moment. Then Moody nodded to everyone and started off. Fred noticed Tonks and Lupin walking closely together out of the station.
"Let's go home, shall we?" said Mrs. Weasley, her arm round Ginny.
"Yeah," said Ron, "I'm starving."
"You go on ahead," said Fred, his eyes already scanning the crowd as more students trickled through the barrier.
"Yeah," said George. "We're just waiting for--"
"Their girlfriends," said Ginny.
"Ah," said Mr. Weasley. "Of course. Uh, boys, you'll join us for dinner?"
"You bet, Dad," said Fred, grinning.
"Don't be too long," said Mrs. Weasley, and she was already leading Ron and Ginny away. Mr. Weasley waved and they were off, and Fred and George were left to search the crowds.
"Found my girl," said George, and he jogged off in the direction of Alicia.
Fred's eyes returned to scanning the crowd. Where the hell was she?
And then he saw a tall, broad shouldered wizard come through the barrier; he had graying hair and beard and coffee skin and had an arm around a beautiful young woman who could only be his daughter.
Angelina.
Fred's feet froze in place. He wanted to run to her, crush her in a hug, but he didn't want to intrude on her family. He noticed the woman next, who had to be her mother; her hair was short and neatly styled and she was very pretty and elegantly dressed. They were admiring the framed diploma in her hand. She turned just a little then, and saw Fred.
She smiled, and Fred was suddenly reminded of the day they met, at the Sorting, all those years ago, when she'd been gangly and awkward and had cornrows with beads on the ends, how she'd giggled at him because his stomach was growling, how he'd wanted to pull her hair but didn't.
He was vaguely aware of his feet moving, and that she was coming toward him. They met halfway and Fred suddenly didn't care that her parents were watching them; he pulled her into his arms and held her as if he never meant to let go of her.
"Angie," he whispered.
"You're here," she said, her voice muffled as she spoke against his neck.
"Of course," he said, smiling against her hair. "Your first letter insisted I be here, remember? So here I am."
She pulled back from him. "It's good to see you," she said.
"Congratulations, graduate," said Fred, chucking her affectionately on the chin.
"God, don't remind me," said Angelina, grinning. "Now I have to go and get a job like you."
"It's not so bad, this 'real world' stuff," said Fred.
"Angelina, aren't you going to introduce us?"
Mr. Johnson and his wife were suddenly a few feet behind their daughter; both of them smiled at Fred, but Fred's stomach began to dance nervously all the same.
"Oh," she said, disengaging herself from Fred's arms. "Uh, Mum, this is Fred Weasley. Fred, this is my mum, Nadine Johnson."
"How do you do, Fred," said Mrs. Johnson, holding out an elegantly manicured hand.
"How do you do, Mrs. Johnson," said Fred, his voice feeling a bit strangled.
"You know my dad, of course," said Angelina, rolling her eyes at her father.
"Yeah, we've met," said Fred. "How do you do, sir?"
"Just fine, Fred," said Mr. Johnson, as they shook hands.
"We've heard so much about you from Angelina," said Mrs. Johnson warmly.
"All bad, I'll bet," Fred blurted, then mentally kicked himself. This was hardly the time to act like his usual self.
"Sense of humor," said Mr. Johnson. "I knew there was a reason I liked you, Fred."
"Oh," said Fred, a bit overwhelmed. "Uh, thank you, sir."
"Business going well?" said Mr. Johnson.
"Very well, sir," said Fred, unable to hide the pride in his voice.
"Nice jacket," said Mr. Johnson, grinning.
"Oh, yeah," said Fred, blushing a bit. "Thanks."
"Fred, you really must come over for dinner sometime," said Mrs. Johnson. "So we can get to know you better."
"I'd enjoy that," said Fred, and he meant it. Even if it did mean he'd have to be on his best behavior.
"Angelina, we'll...wait for you upstairs?" said Mr. Johnson, and he winked at both of them.
"Okay, Dad," said Angelina.
Her parents headed off and Fred was alone with her. Not really alone, as they were on a train platform. But alone all the same.
"My god, Fred," said Angelina. "What ARE you wearing?"
"You don't like it?" said Fred.
"I do," said Angelina, running her hand along the scaly sleeve of the jacket. "I think it's quite...sexy, actually."
"Really?" said Fred, grinning, taking her hands in his.
"Yeah," said Angelina, arching her eyebrows. "You know, there was another part of my first letter that you haven't done yet."
"Oh, right," said Fred. "The part where I kiss you until you can't breathe." He put his arms round her waist.
"That part," said Angelina, pulling him closer to her. "But if you don't want to kiss me in public--"
He silenced her with his lips. They kissed slowly, tenderly, on the train platform, for a long time, not hearing the sounds around them, not aware of anything at all, until an annoyed porter shouted at them to get a room. They broke apart and laughed.
"I really should get going," said Angelina reluctantly. She held his hands in hers.
"Me, too," he said. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Have dinner with me tomorrow night? At my flat? Seven o'clock?"
"I'll be there," she murmured, and she kissed him one last time before she headed toward the escalator. Fred watched her go, in a bit of a daze, wishing they could be together right now instead of having to wait until tomorrow.
"Hey," said George. Fred turned.
"Alicia left?" said Fred.
"Yeah, you know having dinner with her parents," said George. "Just like us, in fact."
"Right," said Fred. "Guess we'd better get over there and see if Mum needs any help with anything."
"If you're planning on cooking we should bring antidote," said George.
"Piss off," said Fred, punching him in the arm.
"Ow," said George, throwing his own punch at Fred's arm. "That hurt, you sod."
"Ow," said Fred, returning a punch. "Prat!"
"Tosser," said George, swatting Fred on the back of the head.
"Oi! Twins!"
They turned and saw Lee Jordan jogging toward them; his presence was probably a good thing, considering that Fred and George had been about to descend into another of their wrestling matches.
"Lee, we were wondering what happened to you," said Fred.
"Oh, you know, just saying 'bye to Katie," said Lee, grinning. "So, you still have room for me at the shop?"
"Are you kidding?" said George. "You start tomorrow."
"What about space in your flat?" said Lee eagerly.
"Oh," said Fred. "Well, the third bedroom is an office right now but I s'pose we could turn it into your room."
"Gee, thanks," said Lee. "Don't put yourselves out on our account."
"Just kidding, Lee," said George. "Of course you're living with us. We'll have the Hottest Bachelor Shag Pad in London."
"Minus the bachelor part," Fred pointed out.
"Oh yeah," said George. "Well, okay, the hottest Monogamous Boyfriend Shag Pad in London. That better?"
"Excellent," said Lee, still grinning. "Feels weird. Being out. You two like it?"
"Love it," said Fred.
"Best thing ever," said George.
"Yeah, I'm thinking it won't be so bad," said Lee. "Making our own rules."
"Just as long as we break them regularly," said Fred.
"Naturally," said Lee. "I missed you two gits."
"Aw, that's so sweet," said George.
"Piss off," said Lee, punching both of them in the shoulders. "Listen, I'm off. Dinner with the parental units. I'll be at the shop tomorrow morning, yeah?"
"Looking forward to it," said Fred, and he chuckled as his best mate hurried off to meet up with his parents.
"We've come a long way, haven't we, Twin?" said George. Fred looked at his twin and felt, at that moment, that all was right with the world.
"Yeah," said Fred, grinning. "Sometimes we amaze ourselves."