Disclaimer: I own nothing from the Harry Potter universe, that all belongs to J.K. Rowling. Non Llewellyn however is mine.

Chapter 5

I could hear the buzzing sound of many whispering voices the closer I got to the Wizengamot. I fumed inwardly that the appeals were being held down here, even more so when I paused at the open door to see that whilst members of the public hadn't been allowed in the press had been given free access.

I had been running late this morning, my anxiety exhaustion had made it very difficult to leave my comfy bed. I had wanted nothing more than to bury my head under my pillow and pretend like this marriage law just wasn't happening. I hadn't been in the right frame of mind either when I had showered and gotten dressed, catching sight of my plain reflection and wondering just how on earth a popular war hero such as George could ever be happy with a non-entity such as me.

I bit my bottom lip lightly as I considered the room in front of me and what my next steps should be.

Hermione, Ron and Fred were stood in a line facing the appeals panel. Harry I could see was stood just behind and to the side of Ron. On the far side sat along one of the benches were Mr Weasley, Percy and George. I studiously ignored the surge of nerves I felt as I clocked sight of George and continued scanning the room. The benches to the right side of the appeal panel were full of the press but I quickly noted the only way they could get down to the main floor was via a small set of stairs. There were two clerks guarding that but they would be completely ineffective against the rush of the press should they surge down to try and interview Hermione, Ron and Fred. That then would be the best place to stand.

I took a moment to straighten my auror robes before making my slow way over there. Technically I should be going to sit with the three Weasley men as the aurors hadn't been asked to provide any sort of security but I knew I could be far more help if I could delay the press than any simple hand holding would do. I ducked my head slightly, tucking my hair behind my ear as I came to a stop by one of the clerks and gave them a polite smile before I stood before the stair well entrance, my back to the press as I faced the room. I had learnt fairly early in my auror training that my small figure and plain demeanour made me appear very unthreatening to most people that I often went unopposed when I placed myself in places I really shouldn't be. I didn't know if it was because I was so unforgettable but people generally never seemed to see me, not truly. Which really in this instance was all to the good.

I let my eyes scan the figures stood in front of me. Hermione looked very wan with dark circles under her eyes. I doubt very much she'd gotten any sleep. Her hands were white as she gripped her bundle of parchment tightly in front of her. I managed to catch her eye and give her a small smile of encouragement. Ron looked lost. His skin was scarily pale and I could see his freckles quite clearly from where I stood. His blue eyes he kept gazing down at his feet, hands in his pockets. Fred stood straight, arms folded and his square jaw clenched angrily as he gazed dead ahead at the panel as though he could intimidate them in to changing their mind. As I glanced at Harry he caught my gaze before his eyes noted where I was standing and he gave me one, very small nod of approval.

I finished my perusal of the room by looking again at the three Weasley men. Mr Weasley was looking uncharacteristically serious as he stared at Ron as though willing him on to stand strong. Percy was distracted by the parchment in front of him before he leant across to whisper something to George. My eyes followed his movement and I felt a surge of adrenaline shoot through me when my eyes reached George to see he was already looking at me. We were far enough apart that I couldn't see his expression clearly but I gave him a small nod of acknowledgement before I turned my gaze ahead waiting for the appeal to start. I hadn't even wanted to do that but given that he'd obviously seen me it would have been far too rude to ignore him.

It was difficult to keep my gaze dead ahead when I could swear I could still feel eyes on me but I refused to look back towards the Weasley's side of the room. The murmuring of the press behind me finally quietened and the appeal began.

The clerks either side of me were scribbling away furiously as Hermione set out their arguments. To her credit her voice hardly waivered, cracking only once and I could see Ron half put his hand out to comfort her before strangely he returned his arm to his side. The arguments Hermione had managed to put together were actually better than I thought she could have managed but I should have known better. This was Hermione, she made the impossible seem possible often. I felt the mood shift in the panel as though they were seriously considering the points Hermione had made.

"And what points would you wish to make Mr Weasley?"

The lead panellist was staring intently at Ron who just goggled back at her, utterly taken aback.

"That is Mr Ronald Weasley, for clarification." I could see her smiling encouragingly at Ron. That was good, the panel were sympathetic.

I glanced back at Ron though and my heart sank. He looked utterly stunned and kept glancing towards Hermione nervously. He clearly hadn't thought he'd have to say anything.

"Erm, well, I agree with what Hermione said."

"I see."

I had to hide a wince at that, fearing Ron had missed a clear opportunity. Part of the report on them had been that their relationship was too one sided, that Ron placed too much weight on Hermione to do things and his inability here to say anything of his own only reinforced that. I had to fight not to bite my lip when it was Fred's turn to speak.

"All I can say is that it's clear for anyone who knows them that my brother loves Hermione and she loves him. This law should not come between them. Pair me with Luna Lovegood, that way there will be four people with a chance to move forward."

There was only a slight roughness to his voice that betrayed the strong emotions he was clearly feeling but otherwise Fred's voice rang out clearly. He'd even offered to switch pairings with Ron, oviously thinking of Luna through all of this as well and at that I did bite my lip. I had messaged Luna but had received no response and I felt a surge of guilt for not having yet sought her out. Now seeing how thoroughly unprepared Ron was I doubt he had taken the time to see her himself.

The three panellists above me were muttering quietly amongst themselves and they were taking so long I could hear the press start to fidget and mutter. Thinks were going to come to a close soon I could sense as I carefully lowered my arms and let my wand slip into my right hand from where it had been stored under my right forearm. As quietly and with as little wand movement as I could I sent a small shield spell to the entrance to the steps, invisible to the eye.

"Miss Granger, Mr Weasley and Mr Weasley. We are not unmoved by your appeal and are most sympathetic to your situation. Given the formula the Ministry has produced to ensure the best possible pairings we have to place our faith in that system. Please be assured that it has been researched thoroughly. Whilst your statements were all, er, moving", I bit my lip at the hesitation "we have decided on a majority of two to one to stick with the Ministry's findings. Your appeal is denied."

The shocked gasps from around the room were audible and I watched in dismay as Hermione visibly crumpled, bent over as though she'd received a heavy blow, trying to cover her face with the parchment in her hands. I gazed frantically at Ron hoping he would go to her but he looked like he'd been stunned. The seconds ticked by before I could see colour start to flood his face and he was soon bright red, a sure sign his temper was close to the surface. I could hear the press behind me struggling to get past my shield but I didn't dare turn my attention to them just yet. I watched as Ron let out a strangled gasp before he turned to leave the room. He hovered agonizingly by Hermione.

Oh please, please just hold her.

But he didn't. I could see his eyes tear up as he shook his head silently before storming out of the room. Harry paused for moment by Hermione, hand on her shoulder before he sped after Ron. I just had time to see Fred walk over to Hermione and put his arms around her before I felt the first nudge at my back and I spun around to face the greedy press. I plastered a neutral expression on my face.

"Sorry everyone, there'll be no comment today."

Keep calm Non, just breath, get Hermione out of the room unscathed.

I repeated the mantra to myself as I stared the press down. Many were ignoring my words as they raised their camera's up to snap as many pictures as they could. Soon the pressure of them surging forward saw my small shield falter and I had to deal with them one by one. Strategic blocks from my elbow and a couple of feet being accidently stamped on saw them get a bit nervous to move around me, but I cursed silently to see some of the more industrious members of the press scramble over the front of the bench, heedless of the long drop beneath them to the floor.

"Really everyone please, allow them their privacy, you've got enough to write your articles."

I kept my voice light and polite and thankfully a number did sink down. I could not stop however the gossip rags photographers and reporters from rushing forward. Their numbers however were more manageable.

I trailed two photographers and a reporter that were making a beeline for Hermione and Fred. I glanced to my right and managed to catch Percy's eye and gestured with my head for him to head towards Hermione and Fred and he nodded his understanding. It would be far easier for me to protect one group then worry about the press harassing them all individually for comment. I felt a lurch of worry. What if they started questioning George about his own pairing? It wouldn't do for yet another auror to be thrust into the spotlight as I would inevitably be given the Weasley's status as famous in the magical world. Beckett would throw a hissy fit; he hated having high profile members of staff.

Thankfully Percy and George joined them quickly and I could see Mr Weasley slip out through the door, no doubt going after Ron. I walked quietly up behind one of the photographers and just as he was about to take a photo I casually yanked on the back of his robes, jerking his camera up and ruining his shot. I ignored his protestations as I quickly stepped in front of the second photographer keeping my back to him again spoiling his shot.

"Everything alright here?"

I kept my voice neutral, and Hermione peeped a look at me as she finally lifted her head from where it had been buried in Fred's shoulder. She did not look alright.

"Of course we are! Fred here was just going to answer my little question, I can call you Fred, can't I?"

The woman's voice was grating and as I turned to look who it was I had to bite back a sneer. Rita Skeeter. Of course. She looked like Christmas had come early as she took in Hermione's tears and Fred's angry face. Her disgusting green quill was already writing furiously on the parchment hovering beside her.

"Pardon me Ms Skeeter I must stop you. The press were supposed to stay on the benches. There's to be no interviewing of the appellants."

Now technically I wasn't sure that was strictly true but given the majority of the press had stayed seated I would place a strong bet that I had guessed right.

Skeeter sent me an irritated glare but I could see her pause when she clocked the auror badge on my robes. Good.

"Now now, I'm sure one teensy question won't hurt surely, Miss…?"

She tried to fish for my name but there was no way I was giving it to her.

"No questions I'm afraid. And please tell your photographers if they take any more pictures I'll be forced to confiscate their equipment."

I said all of this in a gentle voice and a soft smile.

"Hey you can't do that!"

I heard one of the photographers huff as he tried to push past me but a strategically placed elbow paused his momentum and he glared at me, rubbing at his side. I smiled sweetly.

"How about this sir, I confiscate your camera, you take a nice little walk with me to the auror department while we process your complaint. Either way it will take at least twenty four hours for you to get your equipment back. Suppose that scuppers your deadline hmm?"

"Well I think that's a bit extreme hey Roy? We've got what we need anyway."

Skeeter sidled up talking to her photographers and placing her hand on his arm, her long fake nails a hideous violet shade sinking in to grip.

"Although quite why the aurors have sent in reinforcements I don't know. A bit heavy handed?"

She directed that barb at me and I bit back my annoyance.

"Unfortunately Ms Skeeter if we could trust the press to stick to their limits then we wouldn't need to be here."

I smiled as I said my delivery, deliberately keeping my tone calm and reasonable but I could see by the narrowing of her eyes and slight pursing of her lips that she caught my returning barb. She grabbed the other photographer and dragged them off a short distance, whispering furiously and shooting looks at us over her shoulder.

I spun back around and mindful of Skeeter still being so close I decided it best to keep up the act.

"Right Weasley, where do you need to go? I'll escort you there but be quick about it, I've got things to do today."

I directed this at Percy allowing feigned irritation to lace my voice. Percy drew in a breath and puffed his chest out slightly, taking on his pompous role.

"Just up to our department please."

His tone was snappy and completely impersonal and I was pleased to note he hadn't used my name. Even better.

"Right, head down to the lift then please."

I gestured with my arm the direction for them to walk. Fred, Hermione and Percy needed no prompting but George hovered momentarily by me and I glanced up at him. His brow was furrowed and he actually opened his mouth to say something. I narrowed me eyes before slightly inclining my head in the direction we needed to be going. His brow smoothed but I could still see the confusion in his brown eyes. Thankfully he seemed to take the hint and started walking without any further delay.

I cursed silently at how busy it was at the lift with more people arriving to appeal and just the general hubbub of ministry workers moving to different departments. It was a bit of a squeeze getting in to the lift. I could see Hermione wedged firmly between Percy and Fred at the back of the lift, she looked like they were the only things holding her up. George pushed forward as much as he could but neither of us could get close to them. As the lift doors closed and a cool female voice announced 'Level Four' I quickly turned to face the front and set myself to relax into the jolting movements of the lift as I fought to keep myself calm.

There were far too many people in the lift for my liking and each time I was jostled I could feel my anxiety rising. I tried to focus on keeping my breathing calm but it seemed every time the lift changed direction or speed I was knocked into and I was uncomfortably aware of the presence of George behind me who was just as frequently being pushed against me. Thankfully at the next stop most of the other inhabitants vacated the lift and I quickly moved away from the centre to stand near the side. There was just one other person remaining besides our group.

My relief was short lived as the cool female voice spoke again

"Level 2 – Department of Magical Games and Sports."

Oh shit.

"Hold on!" I cried out as handles automatically appeared on the walls of the lift and I latched on. A freckled hand clamped down on top of mine and I didn't have time to object as the lift gave an almighty lurch. Whoever had designed the lift in years gone by had clearly had a twisted sense of humour as the route to the Department of Magical Games and Sports was the worst one in the whole Ministry. High speeds, twists, lunges, emergency stops and turns it was almost impossible to keep your feet. Sure enough after blasting off at high speed there was a sudden change in direction and I found myself squashed up against the side of the lift before the momentum shifted and I was spun back out again, the death grip of the hand on my hand on the handle the only thing keeping me upright. As the lift decided to shoot backwards an arm clamped around my middle.

I scowled in annoyance but had to bite back a shriek as the lift plummeted downwards. I was so light my body started lifting in the air, the toes of my shoes just scraping along the floor and I found myself weirdly glad for a moment of the anchoring weight of the arm around me but the moment was short lived as the lift came to a jarring halt and I just about managed to stay on my feet as the doors pinged open.

The wizard that was destined for this floor got up slowly from where he'd fallen, groaning quietly. I let out a heavy sigh and was glad when the arm disappeared from my middle and I chanced a glance behind me. George Weasley was out of breath but had a huge grin on his face.

"That was amazing!"

What a lunatic.

"That's not quite the word I would choose."

I heard Percy snort in agreement as he clambered to his feet before moving to help Hermione and Fred who had also fallen. I wiggled the fingers on my left hand and George snatched his hand back finally releasing mine as the handle disappeared back into the lift wall. I was almost sure a blush was starting to appear on his face but the voice of the lift distracted me and I turned to face the front again for the next part of the journey that would take us to our destination in the legal department.

Finally.

The legal department was blissfully quiet compared to everywhere else and I guessed that many members of staff were still making the most of making up their leave after doing so much overtime to process the marriage law. We all trailed after Percy and the moment we entered his office and the door had closed I turned to Hermione who all but flung herself at me. I wrapped my arms tightly around her and I could feel her shoulders shuddering with suppressed sobs. I hadn't a clue what to say but perhaps this moment wasn't meant for words.

I glanced behind her to see Fred was leant against Percy's desk, arms folded and his gaze fixed firmly on Hermione and I wondered just what the hell he could be thinking. Ron hadn't gone to Hermione to comfort her at the verdict, Fred had. That was a mark of the kind of man he was I supposed. I just wished Ron had stopped to hug Hermione, just to have done something but then I remember the absolute anguish on his face. Perhaps he really couldn't have done it without breaking himself.

Hermione sniffled as she moved backwards wiping her face.

"He didn't…"

"I know."

I squeezed her hand not having needed her to finish the sentence to know she was talking about Ron.

"I don't…I don't know what to do."

None of us in the room could answer her, because what on earth was there to say? Hermione true to her character though took a deep shuddering breath before straightening up. Her eyes were now dry and I could see a burning anger start to form.

"He didn't do anything."

"He was…"

I trailed off as she shot a look at me.

"Don't defend him. Just don't."

I chewed on my lip. This was going to get a bit tricky. Hermione was my friend but I worked with Ron every day and that in itself instilled loyalty as all of us aurors had to trust each other.

"Okay, I won't." I said it more firmly than I felt it. "But if you need time or space or what have you, you can always stay at mine if you want."

I hadn't planned to say that but now the words left my mouth they seemed right. Hermione and Ron were renowned for their fights and I couldn't imagine they'd get much peace in their tiny flat going forward. Hermione bristled.

"I am not giving up the flat."

"No! no of course not, I just meant if you needed a break. That's all."

"Yeah of course. I should have known you'd side with him. He just did nothing Non, nothing. But sure lets have me leave the flat, it would be horrible to inconvenience him."

"What? No Hermione, I didn't mean it like that!"

The flat glare she sent me said she didn't believe me and I bit my lip.

"You're just like Harry. I should have expected this really, you aurors do love to stick together."

Hermione's tone was scathing and I tried to hide the hurt I felt. She was my friend but I couldn't but help to see how Ron was hurting too, even if I did think he'd blown their chances.

She's just upset Non, she doesn't mean it.

"Hermione please, that's not true."

She wasn't listening though, she was busy sorting through her pieces of parchment and straightening her robes.

"I've got to go, why don't you run along and see how Ron is doing."

"Wha-? Hermione no! Please!"

But she was already half way out the door.

"I'll go."

Fred's voice stopped me after I'd taken two steps to the door to go after her and he stormed past me, the door shutting with a bang behind him.

There was a strained silence in the room and I huffed out a heavy sigh.

"Well, fuck."

"Language Llewellyn. Honestly, do you always have to swear?"

I shot Percy a half- hearted glare.

"If the situation calls for it, yes."

He rolled his eyes in response.

"Well I have to deal with this quickly," he brandished a piece of parchment at me, "but can you wait here? I need to go over something with you before you head back down to work."

"Alright," I agreed, wondering just what favour Percy was going to ask me for this time.

"I won't be long George", Percy called over his shoulder as he left the room, shutting the door quietly.

I felt my shoulders stiffen at George's name. I'd almost forgotten he was in the room but now he was the only one left in here with me. I turned to him with a pained smile.

"Hello."

"Hi."

Silence stretched between us and it felt unbearably awkward. I didn't have anything to say to George. I only wanted to either go after Hermione or given the death glare she'd sent me perhaps my better bet was to go down to the auror department to help Harry manage Ron. Given the shade of red Ron had turned I had no doubt he was currently in the process of trashing one of the training rooms and the senior aurors would make our lives hell if the damage wasn't contained. I really did not want to be stuck in this room.

"You really don't want to be here, do you?"

My heart gave a lurch and I thought for one stupid moment he had read my mind and I ducked me head as I glanced across at him.

"That obvious?"

A crooked smile lifted one corner of his mouth as he leant back against a filing cabinet, arms crossed.

"I'm afraid so, although I'll admit" and here he leant forward towards me and made a show of checking the room was empty before throwing me a wink "I don't want to be here either."

I felt my own mouth twitch into a smile as I leant back against Percy's desk, my arms crossing to mirror George.

"Well at least it's not just me."

"We can be in awkward solidarity together. Say, we should start a club."

"A club?"

George nodded his head enthusiastically as he let his arms fall to his side.

"Yes. The Non And George Awkward Silence Solidarity Society."

"NAGASSS?" I snorted out a laugh.

"Of course. Hey, I'll even let you be chairman."

"You're too kind."

"Don't tell anyone else that, I've a reputation to uphold you know."

George winked at me again and I rolled my eyes but I couldn't help a fuller smile appearing. Silence descended again but at least this time it was partially less awkward.

I felt a nudge at my foot and forced my gaze back to George who paused to look at me for a moment before nodding his head slightly.

"I've been told to ask you something, but I wanted to say first that I'd have asked you myself anyway, alright?"

I nodded slowly as I looked at him warily.

"Good. Well mum is having a family lunch on Saturday and she wants all of our well-" George stuttered for a suitable word.

"I know what you mean." I said quickly and he looked at me gratefully.

"Yeah so, she wants you all to come too. So will you? It'll just be lunch, really informal and you know most of us anyway."

I didn't want to, but how on earth could I say no? He was right I did know most of them, and it would be childish in the extreme to avoid going even though the thought of a family gathering was already sending anxiety surging through me. I bit on my lip to try and calm myself.

"Yeah, alright."

George released a heavy sigh at my words.

"You thought I'd say no?"

"Well, yes. I mean you didn't seem so friendly downstairs so I thought perhaps you'd prefer to stay away."

I felt absurdly guilty.

"Oh that", I waved a hand vaguely in front of me, "that was just work. Ministry politics, don't worry about it."

"Alright." He didn't seem so sure but I saw a quick grin pass over his face before he spoke again. "So I take it you don't actually hate Percy?"

"Despite public appearances to the contrary, no. Although he does drive me a bit mental sometimes."

"Ah that's his unique skill. No one can out Percy, Percy."

And speaking of Percy the door to his office opened then with the bespectacled Weasley making a re-appearance and he looked very perturbed to see us both staring at him so intently.

"I don't even want to know what you two were discussing."

"We couldn't tell you anyway, top secret NAGASSS meeting and all that, right Non?"

I ignored the twinge of anxiety at him saying my name.

"Right, George."

"I'm not even going to ask what that is. Shouldn't you be back down in your office?"

I gaped at Percy.

"You said you had something to ask me so told me to wait!"

"Did I? Huh, can't have been important, I don't remember it. I'll send you a memo if I do."

I narrowed my eyes at him and the top of Percy's ears started to go red. A clear sign of guilt. The little shit, he'd made it up so I'd have to stay stuck in his office to talk to George. I shot a look at George only to see him trying to cover up a grin on his face with his hand. I felt a light blush form, amazingly my first one of the day, and I huffed quietly.

"I may need to reassess my answer to your earlier question George."

He nodded understandingly, not even bothering to hide his grin now.

"Right you are. I'll amend the minutes."

I hummed my agreement to that before I made my way to the door.

"Right well, I best go see what damage Ron has done downstairs."

"Good luck." Percy and George chimed to me.

"Thanks." I said dryly as I turned to leave.

"See you Saturday?"

I paused and shot George a confused look, as I'd already agreed to go. I glanced at Percy to see he was pretending to read a piece of parchment, smirking to himself.

"Uh yeah, see you then."

"Okay great. Bye Non!"

If it had been anyone else I'd have said they were starting to blush but George was one of the Weasley twins and when the hell did they ever get nervous or embarrassed?

"Bye."

I left the room and closed the door quietly and I stood for a moment just to gather myself. It had been a hectic morning and I hesitated as to which direction to take. I wanted to go and see Hermione but as Fred hadn't come back yet and I didn't want to disturb them. Chewing on my bottom lip I turned left instead and made my way back to the lift to head to the auror department.

The main office was eerily quiet when I got there so I quickly headed towards the training rooms. The first two rooms were being used for standard practise and I rushed towards the third. The door was slightly ajar but there were no sounds of crashing or cursing which made me doubtful Ron would be in there. I eased the door open slightly and took in the sight of decimated training dummies so at least this confirmed Ron had been in here. I poked my head around the door to get a full view of the room but I whipped it back immediately at what I saw before I hurried off back down the corridor.

Ron had been sat on the floor with Mr Weasley's arms wrapped around him and Harry stood to one side awkwardly. I had no doubt he was crying but I didn't want to be there to see that and I knew Ron would have hated to know I'd even seen just that brief glimpse of his grief. I blinked repeatedly as I returned to the office trying to keep a check on my emotions. Seeing such pure heartbreak from both Hermione and Ron today was just unbearable. I wiped a weary hand over my face before I hurried over to Ron's desk to deal with his incoming memos. We were a team and we were currently an auror down; it was down to the rest of us to pick up the slack.

As I buried myself in work again I tried to quell my own feelings and anxiety about the situation. Saturday was now looming large in my mind but I tried to force thoughts of it away and to stop the what if disaster scenarios from playing on a loop in my head.

A/N: Hello lovely people, thanks for taking the time to read my story. If you want to leave me feedback via a review then please do, I know my writing has loads of room to improve so any hints and tips are gratefully received.

If you have left a review before then thank you SO much. You have no idea how encouraging they are.

This is a bit of a shorter chapter. I'd wanted to add in the Saturday lunch but it would have turned it into a mammoth chapter so that'll be coming up next instead and should be up within the next one to two weeks.