But What If

by Yavanna and SunStar

It's the summer of 2002 when Non Llewellyn, an anxiety riddled PTSD suffering auror, is just struggling to get through the days. Hot on the case of dark wizards who evaded capture after the war, she doesn't have time for any additional stress but when a new Ministry of Magic law gets put into place her world will never be the same again. *AU as FW lives*

6. Chapter 6

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

Chapter 6

The magical community was pissed off.

That was the one solid thing I could take from the rest of my working week. The auror department was suddenly inundated with domestic call outs. Normally if there had been a theft or an assault then sure we would go and investigate unless it fell under the remit of one of the other Ministry Law Enforcement Departments such as Mr Weasley's but the sheer number of call outs meant that even Harry and I had to go and break up domestic fights. Ron should have been there with us but Harry and I had agreed on the Tuesday afternoon that we would cover for him. Ron was volatile enough on his own without having to deal with furious or distraught members of the public.

Actually there was one other thing I could take from the rest of my working week, and it was just how inventive people could get when seeking to hurt one another. The number of witches and wizards having to go to St Mungo's to rectify the most curious and quite frankly outrageous injuries was enormous. The particular one involving a fire poker I think would take me a while to forget but perhaps the less said about it the better.

Being around such highly emotional situations all week was really taking it out of me and as I got home on Friday evening I sat quietly in my kitchen for a long while trying to let the adrenaline leave my body.

I'd had to stop multiple people from attacking each other due to the fall out of this stupid Marriage Law, it was like seeing my own anger being acted out in front of me but of course I couldn't show such levels myself, not with my job. I was supposed to keep the peace not break it. When we'd been forced to arrest one wizard, Auror Tobin had confided in me that she had been paired with a wizard some twenty years older than her and I had to fight to hide my horror. What if I had been paired with someone who was forty one? Forty one! Two whole decades older. I mean I know some couples did have big age gaps but twenty years? I shuddered again just thinking about it. Tobin had decided to ignore the whole thing for now and I'd felt a pang of envy. Ignoring and avoiding things were my favourite go to options but I couldn't do either not when I was paired with George. I mean I worked with three members of his family and was good friends with his sister. I couldn't just up and start actively ignoring or avoiding him, it just wouldn't work and I had to fight off a surge of annoyance whenever I thought of it. Even my minor attempts at a slight ignoring had already been noticed.

It's not his fault.

I'd had to remind myself of that a lot throughout the week. When Tobin has asked me who I'd been paired with and I'd said George Weasley she'd looked envious and I wasn't sure it was just because he was closer to me in age than her pairing was and I didn't quite know how to process that. I mean sure I know when I'd told George that any witch would be lucky to have him I'd meant it but…

I felt a blush forming on my face as I remembered what I'd said and then scowled to myself in annoyance. I really needed to get a grip on my response to embarrassment. I just didn't know how to process that George was apparently such a catch when he was being paired with me. Someone who struggled to function socially whereas he was completely outgoing. I was someone with zero confidence whereas he just oozed it. I just didn't see how we could possibly work as a couple.

I let out a heavy sigh, something I'd been doing a lot of this week, and moved to make myself a restoring cup of tea as I chewed on my lip trying to push thoughts of George from my mind.

Hermione hadn't responded to any of my letters and I hadn't had a chance to call in to see her either at the Ministry or at her flat because work had kept me so busy. To say that this week had been awful would be an undersell really and throughout it all I was doing everything I could not to have a meltdown of having to go to this stupid Weasley family lunch that was arranged for tomorrow. It had loomed like an axe ready to fall over my head all week and now it was Friday evening a heavy lump had settled in my stomach that no amount of calm breathing seemed to be able to shift.

I decided an early night might be the best thing for me and lord knows I'd earned it. I deliberately avoided my reflection when getting ready for bed. I'd been on enough of a downer this week I didn't want to slip into the habit of criticising myself again like I always seemed to. I didn't want the reminder that I was hardly pretty enough for a wizard like George. I cringed a bit at my own thoughts knowing that if any of my friends even got wind that I was speaking to myself like that they would likely give me a bit of a talking to but I couldn't help it.

I couldn't help my dreams either.

I was living in a permanent fog. I seemed trapped in this cold stone room as I looked with bleary eyes, looking but really struggling to see. Some of the other women and girls seemed to leave and come back on a regular basis and when they returned they somehow always seemed…less. Like they had lost a part of themselves. Even in my muted stated I could see that.

I couldn't push through the fog on my mind. The wizard that had put it there had control of me utterly. I felt crushed, squashed down into a small corner of my mind as outwardly I blinked slowly. I had no free will, I had no fight in me, I was conquered, controlled and at the mercy of the will of someone who was evil.

Move.

The voice rang in my head and I complied, body automatically moving to the door as what small spark I had left tried to fight back, uselessly. A door opened and I was standing placidly in front of a row of masked wizards and witches, their wands raised, ready to use me for practice. I knew that, but I could do nothing, nothing but huddle down in the small corner of my mind, repeating a mantra in a last ditch effort to save even a small part of myself.

I am Non Llewellyn. I'm sixteen years old. I'm a Hufflepuff. I am Non Llewellyn. I'm sixteen years old. I'm a Hufflepuff.

When the curses hit me, I could only half hear the screams coming from my mouth.

I greeted Saturday morning bolting upright in bed, drenched in sweat as I struggled to breathe. Fighting with my covers for freedom I stumbled from my bed before staggering out of my bedroom to head to the bathroom. Clutching at the edge of the sink with one hand I fumbled to turn on a tap so I could splash water in my face. The cold water shocked me enough to force me to take one huge gulping breath before I could try and breath normally again. It took long moments to try and piece myself back together. The curling trends of terror, that unrelenting fear of not being in control of myself seemed to have settled into my very bones as the memory stayed with me. Ever since the Marriage Law had been announced I'd felt the fear clawing at me each day but it had taken this memory for the true depth of my fear to be felt. I felt my eyes burning with unshed tears as I splashed more water on my face trying to hold back a sob.

It was not the same as being under the Imperius curse. I knew that. Every day I could go about my business, my thoughts my own and make choices that I wanted about everything apart from that which was one of the most important; who I was to share the rest of my life with. The choice over that aspect of my destiny was taken from me and I didn't know in that moment if I would ever be okay with that. How could anyone, truly?

I bit my lip, harder than I normally did, and the sharp pain was enough to jolt me from my thoughts. Both of my hands now gripped the sink as I focused on my breathing, waiting for my heart rate to slow, for the sweat to cool on my skin. When I finally felt calmer I moved to look through the slat in my window blind and saw that dawn was only just breaking outside. I didn't dare risk another couple of hours sleep, not with that memory waiting for me so I decided to shower before trying to force down some breakfast.

Despite waking so early the morning hours slipped away far too quickly for my liking. I'd had to take a second shower as I was sweating so much with nerves and I'd agonised over what to wear. Sure George had said it was really informal but this was still some sort of weird introduction to the family. Should I wear a summer dress? Or those cream trousers I had with a flowery top? What if I dressed up and no one else did?

You see this was another reason why I didn't socialise. Honestly it was a minefield of choices that always made me doubt myself. I checked the clock for what felt the hundredth time and felt my heart lurch when I saw it was almost noon. George hadn't said what time to get there but I knew it was for lunch so I figured any time from twelve onwards was right. Oh Merlin, what if it started at twelve and I was going to be late?

I felt the panic pulse through me and letting out a frustrated huff I decided to dress in what I would find comfortable. I quickly changed into my dark wash jeans and slipped on my black daps. I searched through my draw until I found my teal coloured t-shirt, it was looser than my usual ones which I knew I needed today given how much nervous sweating I was doing.

I took one final quick look at my reflection in the mirror on my dresser, I'd actually bothered to put on minimal make up but I had no doubt I'd sweat most of it off the rate I was going. I just hoped my mascara wouldn't smudge.

Without letting other negative thoughts cross my mind I picked up my small bag and headed out of my cottage to apparate to The Burrow. I found myself in blazing sunshine and cursed my choice of clothing. Back in west Wales it had been sunny but with a cool breeze, here in the south west of England it was glorious sunshine, clear blue skies and no hint of wind. I was going to be boiling in my jeans. I took another deep breath before I shrugged the worry over my clothes away as much as I could as I walked up to the Weasley's home. My knock at the door yielded no reply so I hesitantly made my way around the right side of the house and paused by a small open gate by an enormous rose bush as I surveyed what I could see of the Weasley's back garden.

There was a row of tables half laden with food off to one side of the garden, and I could Mr Weasley, Ginny and another red headed man with his long hair tied up in a ponytail who I assumed to be Ginny's eldest brother Bill who I had yet to meet. I could hear more voices but it all seemed a bit subdued. Hopefully that meant I wasn't late.

The skin on my neck prickled slightly and it was the only warning I had that someone was approaching. Even so the voice sounding in my right ear still had me jumping in alarm.

"Ready for the big introduction?"

It was one of the twins. I'd grown alarmingly familiar with the sound of their voices in the last couple of weeks and I felt the spin of nerves in my stomach that always appeared when I thought of them. I hesitantly turned my head to the right to see one of them standing rather closer than I'd thought staring at me with bright brown eyes. A quick scan revealed two ears and I felt my nerves dissipate somewhat.

"I'm not so sure that I am, Fred."

He nodded in exaggerated sympathy.

"I can understand that. After all meeting your mother in law for the first time only happens once. Mum of course will be wonderfully nice to you but just you remember she'll be seeing if you measure up for her darling Georgie. She's awfully protective of him since his debilitating injury you know."

I shot an alarmed look at Fred. He was scratching nonchalantly at his ear, eyes sparkling at me in what was deeply hidden amusement. He was clearly meant to be joking with me but the twist in his mouth showed he knew it hadn't come out quite right. I saw him clench his jaw slightly, an indication if anything that he was feeling tense so I offered him a huff of a laugh despite the nerves I felt as his words.

"Thanks for the advice."

"You're welcome."

We both hovered by the side gate, neither of us appearing to want to head into the garden and I scrambled to keep the conversation going.

"How will I know if I measure up?"

I'm not sure why I asked that particular question. I wasn't aiming to measure up, I still hadn't even wrapped my head around that I would one day have to marry George let alone meet the approval of his mother.

"For mum? I'm pretty sure she never thinks anyone is good enough for her children going by how she is with Fleur and Audrey."

I was a bit thrown by his answer. Why had he qualified that I was asking how to measure up for his mother when it was her we'd been talking about? I thought over what he had said so far and looked at him again, closer this time. He was studying me intently, a smile hovering on his face but I saw it this time for the cover that it was.

"And for you?"

I can't believe I dared ask the question. I'm sure as George's twin that he would be the same as Mrs Weasley; no one would ever be good enough for George.

His face split into a grin, a true one this time.

"I suppose we'll find out."

With a ruffle of my hair he sauntered ahead, leaving me stood at the gate feeling very perturbed.

"Non?"

I jolted in surprise, heart surging as I spun around to see George standing a few metres away. I put a hand to my chest as though that gesture would slow my racing heart.

"Oh, hi."

"What are you doing stood here?"

He had a puzzled smile on his face, a slight furrow in his brow.

"I tried knocking on the door but there was no answer so I thought I'd see if anyone was out back and…"

I trailed off and waved my hand vaguely as though that was explanation enough. George's face smoothed out and he nodded once before walking closer. I was ridiculously pleased to see he was in simple long shorts and a plain t-shirt.

"Well, shall we?"

He indicated his head to the garden and I swallowed heavily before nodding.

"Sure."

"Alright, follow me. I'll take you over to Dad first. Says he has a question for you about TDs or something."

His eyebrow was lifted in a question and I felt my first true smile of the day cross me face as I started to walk after him.

"He means CDs. It's a device muggles use to store music on. You can put it in a machine that will play the songs that are stored on it."

I saw George's second eyebrow join his first as he mulled that offer before shaking his head.

"That sounds a bit mad to me."

We'd rounded the side of the house and were just about to step out into the back garden properly when George hesitated slightly.

"You look really nice, by the way."

He continued on immediately and I stumbled slightly as I followed, a flush creeping up my neck and across my cheeks and timed it so I came into view of everyone in the garden while I was blushing furiously.

"Um thanks, you too."

I managed to mutter it out and a smirk passed over his face as he gave me a gentle nudge with his elbow.

"C'mon, let's get this over with and put you out of your misery."

I suppose I should have protested against that out of politeness but judging by his face he clearly wasn't offended that I was finding this difficult and I supposed he was right, the quicker we got the introductions out of the way the better.

I was hyper aware of everything as we crossed the garden to where Mr Weasley was setting out something on one of the tables. With a jolt of what felt a lot like fear I clocked Mrs Weasley bustling about on the rear porch with a stunningly beautiful witch that had to be Fleur, Bill's wife, who was holding a red headed toddler in her arms. Ginny and Harry were at another table arranging what looked like cupcakes. Fred was in conversation with Bill and I felt another jolt, this time of trepidation, shoot through me when I saw that Hermione and Ron were stood down at the far end of the garden looking to be in deep conversation. It seemed that everyone was here save for Luna, Percy, and his wife Audrey. I felt relieved I wasn't the last to arrive.

"Hey Dad."

At George's words Mr Weasley, spun around with a distracted look on his face.

"What's that now George, oh Non! Lovely to see you!"

Mr Weasley beamed as he bustled the short distance over to us. Normally he greeted me with a shake of the hand but today he gave me a swift hug before he steered me towards the table.

"You are just the person I needed to see. Look I've got the TDs machine, but I can't for the life of me figure how it works."

He looked adorably happy as he gazed in confusion at the CD player that was on the table.

"Can you help?"

He looked at me expectantly and I quickly glanced at George but he gave me a smile before he too turned to look at the machine.

"Uh sure Mr Weasley, I'll see what I can do."

"Oh you can call me Arthur dear, no need to stick to Ministry manners when we aren't in work eh?"

I blinked a bit in surprise.

"Um, okay. Arthur. Do you have any CDs you want to play?"

Mr Weasley sorted through the piles of CDs he'd managed to accumulate and I checked each one, trying to find one that wasn't hopelessly scratched. George hovered nearby occasionally asking questions about how muggles processed their music and I did my best to answer. Fred and Bill soon joined us.

Bill was rather intimidatingly handsome even with the scars covering one side of his face after his encounter with Fenrir Greyback. I remember Ginny having told me all about that. I supposed given that I was faced with Beckett's severely scarred face each day in work that the, in comparison, small amount of scarring on Bill's face didn't really seem that noticeable to me. He wore a fang earing that I thought was ridiculously cool and I shyly offered my hand to shake in greeting when George introduced me. He had a firm grip but his eyes were kind as he smiled down at me and I let out a little sigh of relief that this was one introduction over and done with as I turned my attention back to the CD player.

"What you really need to get this to work Mr Weasley is a power source. Muggles use electricity. It allows the play buttons to work and the device to open and close so you can insert or remove a CD."

"Yes I thought that would be the case. There's one thing I want to try, if I can modify it properly we should be able to power it up then you can show me how the buttons work?"

I did a double take at Mr Weasley's words. Had he really just said he was going to modify a muggle artefact. Didn't he work in the misuse of muggle artefacts department?

I heard two identical chuckles.

"There's a loop hole" George and Fred said in unison having apparently read my thoughts and I had to hold back a laugh at the flicker of mischief that crossed Mr Weasley's face before it returned to a look of artful confusion.

"Right. I don't want to know. But sure Mr W- Arthur, I can help you with that."

I don't think it was ever going to be normal to call Mr Weasley by his first name.

"Oh Arthur what ridiculous thing are you tampering with now?"

I could actually feel my back stiffen as a new voice joined us and turned apprehensively to see the figure of Mrs Weasley rushing over to us, eyes locked on me.

"You must be Non dear, it's lovely to meet you. Someone" she shot George a glare, "Was supposed to introduce you to me." She was all smiles as she enveloped me in hug. I froze slightly, I couldn't recall the last time I had been hugged like this. It was a proper mother hug and I hesitantly brought my arms up in return but by that point she was thankfully pulling back.

"It-it's nice to meet you too."

I managed to stutter the words out and she smiled at me and her eyes were twinkling. She didn't seem to be judging me at all and yet I couldn't quite forget Fred's earlier words.

"You must accept my apologies for my son's lack of manners. Honestly George, showing me up like this."

George's jaw dropped in outrage.

"I was about to introduce her to you, Dad just needed help with something first."

"Her? Non has a name dear."

George was spluttering at a loss for words and I could see Bill and Mr Weasley trying to suppress their laughter. Fred had no such qualms and was happily chortling away as George gave him a shove.

"I know that mum."

He was somehow managing to scowl at his mother whilst sending a pleading look at me.

"He's really been very nice Mrs Weasley."

I said it quietly as I placed me hand on her arm and she seemed to visibly preen at the compliment I'd just paid her son. She also however latched her other hand on to mine.

"Oh call my Molly dear."

She was attempting to steer me away from George and the others. She didn't have a strong grip on my hand but I couldn't dare remove it for fear of being rude. I tried to hide my alarm as I started to slowly turn around with her.

"Is-is there anything I can help you with Molly?"

"Oh no dear", she patted my hand comfortably, "everything's ready. How about we have a nice glass of lemonade while we wait for Percy? After all I know nothing about you! What is it that you do?"

Clearly her first question was rhetorical as I didn't appear to have a choice about the lemonade.

"I'm an auror."

Mrs Weasley froze.

"Don't be silly dear."

"Mum!"

George looked absolutely mortified. Fred was nearly creased over laughing. I stared at Mrs Weasley in shock and she blushed as she rushed to speak again.

"Well surely a nice lovely girl like you isn't possibly in such a dangerous job?"

I supposed there was a compliment in there somewhere but I was struggling to know what to say. I didn't like the implied assumption that as a girl I couldn't do the job.

"Are you really an auror?"

Bill's gentle voice interrupted the slightly awkward silence as George tried to hide his face in one hand as he pushed Fred over with the other. Bill didn't look disbelieving but he certainly seemed confused. I inwardly sighed. I always got this, I don't know why people didn't think I looked like an auror. It irritated me that I always got this reaction but it also had its benefits. You could catch criminals more easily by surprise when you are what they least expected.

"Yes I am. I'm on the investigations team. I work with Harry and Ron."

Bill seemed to be fairly impressed by that but I was more concerned with what Mrs Weasley was going to say next.

"And a very good auror she is too."

I could have kissed Mr Weasley. I shot him a very thankful smile as his comment at least seemed to placate his wife somewhat.

"Well, that's, well it's nice to know who you work with. Now, let's have that lemonade. George, help setting out the dishes will you?"

Her instruction stopped George in his tracks as he'd made to follow us and he clenched his jaw as he only half hid the glower he sent his mother.

"Yes mum."

I couldn't decipher the look he gave me. I was too busy trying to understand why Mrs Weasley didn't know I was an auror. I'd have thought at least at some stage Ginny, Ron or even Mr Weasley would have mentioned it but, I supposed, she had so many children and so many of their friends to keep track of perhaps she only retained what she deemed was important.

I was spared any further interrogation from Mrs Weasley while I was introduced to Fleur. She was stunningly beautiful and I felt even plainer than normal stood next to her. She welcomed me warmly though, and happily introduced me to the toddler in her hands called Victoire. Although Victoire had the symbolic red hair of a Weasley in all other aspects she seemed to have taken after Fleur. She was utterly adorable. Fleur beamed at me as I told her so.

"Ah you are too kind Non I thank you. But why is it that you are called Non? Your parents called you 'no'?"

I had to hide a smile at her confusion.

"Non is not a French name. It's a Welsh one. Although it does seem to confuse a lot of people."

"That makes more sense then. Fred had been trying to tell me you were French but I can see now that is not so. Those twins, you cannot believe what they say!"

She sounded slightly exasperated but her eyes were happy and I could tell she was genuinely fond of them.

Mrs Weasley was at my side then, thrusting a glass of lemonade at me and I could see a question forming when thank Merlin Percy and Audrey arrived.

I really liked Audrey. I had met both her and Percy after I had graduated Hogwarts and was trying to sort out a place to live. They had only just started seeing each other at the time but they'd both been a big help to me. She had thik dark brown hair that was perfectly straight and hazel eyes that smiled warmly at me as she hugged me hello. She raised an eyebrow in question at how tense I was clearly feeling but I just shrugged at her. Audrey had been a Slytherin at Hogwarts so I could at least rely on her subtlety. I made a note to myself to seek her out later without Mrs Weasley in ear shot.

"What's Luna doing there all by herself? Non, go take her a drink will you?"

My eyes opened in alarm slightly at Percy's abrupt questioning as I found another glass of lemonade shoved at me. A quick wink clued me in and I didn't hesitate to make my escape.

"Oh of course, that is if you don't mind Mrs W – Molly?"

Please don't mind.

"Of course not dear, we'll have that chat later I'm sure."

I wasn't sure how a sentence said by such a smiling person could feel quite so threatening. I tried to walk slowly towards Luna who had magically appeared at one of the tables. Harry and Ginny were nowhere to be seen and I could see Fred and George whispering furiously at each other on the opposite side of the garden.

"Luna! Thank goodness you're here."

I hadn't seen her since the Marriage Law had been announced and despite having a few notes from her I wanted to reassure myself she was alright. Her silvery eyes were as wide as ever and her dirty blonde hair fell in tangled waves. She looked very much like herself. She still hugged me fiercely after I'd placed the glasses of lemonade down on the table. I wasn't much of a one for hugging but Luna was one of my exceptions.

"I'm alright."

I hadn't asked her the question but Luna always seemed to know what to answer.

"Are you sure?"

"I think so. Ronald hasn't actually spoken to me yet but I am very sorry that he and Hermione hurt so badly."

"It's not your fault."

I murmured that to her softly all the while saving an inner scowl for Ron. How could he not have even spoken to her yet? Idiot, idiot boy.

"Are you alright, Non?"

Luna's soft voice made me pause before I parroted out my normal automatic fine, as I truly considered her question.

"Yes and no I think. I just can't get my head around the whole thing."

"You seem very tense."

Her silvery gaze had strayed to my hip and I looked down in confusion before cursing myself silently. My feet had found their way into a defensive pose I only used when working and my right hand was actually hovering over my wand that was in the holster at my right hip. I immediately crossed my right arm over my middle, by fingers loosely gripping my t-shirt by way of comfort.

"Oops." I felt a mirthless chuckle leave me. "It's been a bit of a confrontational week. Habit I guess."

Luna hummed in agreement before taking a sip of her lemonade. Raised voices distracted me before I could think to drink mine. I looked up and could see at the end of the garden that Ron and Hermione were now stood facing each other, arms gesturing as their voices slowly got louder.

"Ah, shit."

I muttered the words as I hesitantly made my way down the garden after I'd clocked Fred stomping his way over to them. I'd seen too many arguments this week to not suspect that this one was about to get just a bit out of hand.

"Stay out of this Fred."

Ron's tone indicated just how angry he was and I winced. This was almost a red alert.

"I was just seeing if Hermione was okay."

The taunting tone in Fred's voice raised the warning flag. This was red alert all the way.

Hermione for her part was trembling, her face quivering but I couldn't tell if it was rage or suppressed tears. It was likely both.

"It isn't any of your business if she's okay she-"

"Yes it is. It is in fact my business completely."

"SHE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE YOURS!"

Ron's roared words seemed to take them all aback but now that he'd said them it was like he'd unblocked a flow of words that now spilled out of his mouth.

"She was only ever supposed to be mine. Not anyone else's. Throughout everything she always come back to me that's how it was supposed to be forever."

"Is that all I ever was to you Ron? Something for you to claim; to own?"

Hermione's quiet words seemed to puncture Ron's rage.

"Mione no, that's not – that's not how I meant it."

"Isn't it? Did you ever actually love me? Or just the fact you could claim me as yours?"

Rage was spitting from Hermione's eyes but there was a worse emotion underneath. It felt as though everything would hinge on Ron's answer. And he didn't say anything.

A chocked sob left her and she turned blindly toward the house, walking quickly, still holding on to her pride and not daring to run. I put a hand out to comfort her but she swerved around me and I felt a sting as I realised she was still angry with me. I hesitated on whether or not to follow.

"Not my concern hey Ron? Face it brother. You were never good enough for her. And now she knows it."

Fred's words were low and taunting. I could understand his anger at Ron, I was furious with him myself, but I cursed at his timing.

"And you think you will be?"

Ron was starting to turn red, always a tell that he was about to lose his temper and he was just looking for a suitable target.

"I'll be better than you. Now you can live in the knowledge that it'll be my name that she calls."

I sucked in a breath at Fred's implication. He could argue that he meant it innocently, that he meant Hermione would call on him for help but the insidious tone to his voice meant he was clearly implying something else. Something far more personal.

I could see it in Ron's face the moment that he snapped. His wand was in his hand before Fred could even blink and I acted without thinking. Ron as a trained auror could hurt Fred badly regardless of how competent a wizard Fred was.

"Amddiffyn!"

I shouted out my shield spell just in time as the red of Ron's spell bounced back off it. I had also apparently been a bit tenser than I'd realised and had overpowered my spell somewhat as it also sent Ron and Fred flying back in opposite directions to land in crumpled heaps. I cursed aloud as I waved my shield away and ran over to check on Ron. I shot a look over my shoulder to see George helping Fred to his feet.

My momentary distraction nearly proved costly and I felt my hair ruffle slightly as I spun back to see Ron's fist gliding past my face. I sucked in a breath and quickly assessed the situation. Ron had gotten to a stage so angry he was forgoing his magic for brute strength. He always bested me in muggle fighting in training but he wasn't normally this angry. He'd over balanced with his punch and I dropped down to the ground, sweeping my leg out to knock him off his feet and he landed heavily. I had to finish this quickly. I pinned him down on his front, wrenching his right arm behind him but I couldn't escape his flailing left arm and I let out a grunt of pain as his elbow smacked my ribs.

"For Merlin's sake Ron calm down!"

I hissed the words at him as I finally managed to pin his other arm. It was taking all of my strength to keep him stationary and I gave his right arm another twist, hoping a shot of pain would quieten him.

"Calm. The. Fuck. Down."

I bit out each word coldly, hoping he would realise just how angry I was myself. I was inwardly seething at how both he and Fred has spoken about Hermione.

"Let go of me."

He'd growled the words out, breathing heavily through his nose and I could see his face has gotten less red but he still seemed far too angry.

"I will. But first I want you to listen."

I leant in closer so I could speak directly in to his ear. I wanted him to hear every word.

"Hermione is not your possession. She is not something you can claim, or can own. Hermione was willing to share herself with you and if you had even a modicum of understanding of what a relationship or love should be then perhaps the Ministry would have ruled differently and you would still be together. You cannot own a person, Ron. You couldn't own her and you sure as hell won't be able to own Luna."

I leant back slightly and could see Ron's face screwed up in anguish. Perhaps I had gone a bit far.

"I know you're hurting. I know it's not fair. But you can't just lash out at those closest to you to make them hurt as much as you because Ron they are hurting just as much on their own. Hermione's one of your best friends. Do you really want to lose that too?"

Ron was taking in gulps of air, still refusing to open his eyes.

"Are you done?"

His words were dull and gritty.

"Yes Ron, I'm all done."

I loosened my hold on him then and he shot up to his feet so suddenly I landed flat on my bum. He stormed off down the garden and was soon out of sight.

I sighed heavily as I tried to calm my racing adrenaline. I could have really done without this on my first day off this week. Wearily I moved to get to my feet when a hand appeared in front of me. I glanced up to see Bill and I gladly accepted his hand as he helped haul me up. I stood awkwardly not quite knowing what to say after I'd thanked him.

"Interesting shield."

"Oh uh yeah, I over did it a bit."

I winced slightly as I remembered it but he just quirked a smile at me and clapped me on my shoulder.

"I'm going to go and find Ron."

I could feel a lot of eyes on my but I tried to ignore it as I turned to go and see if Fred was okay. My shields could pack a bit of a punch even at normal strength and not the over powered one I'd done today.

Fred and George were stood side by side, watching me approach.

Because that's not intimidating at all.

"I'm sorry my shield flung you back. I didn't mean for it to be that strong."

"You couldn't wait to check on Ronniekins though could you?"

I did my best to ignore his childish barb and took in Fred's appearance. He was still furious. It seemed it was a Weasley trait to try and lash out their pain on others, or perhaps that was simply how anger worked.

"I wanted to make sure he wouldn't hurt anyone actually."

"Yeah right. I guess Hermione was right. You do care more about him than her don't-"

"I heard what you said about Hermione, Fred."

He stopped abruptly at my snapped words and I was pleased to see a flush of what I hoped was shame appear on his face and I stepped closer, trying to ignore that both he and George tensed and crossed their arms. A united front clearly.

"Let me say this clearly. You ever speak about her like that again you'll have me to answer to. And you know nothing of my friendship with her. If you truly think you are that much better than Ron then why the hell don't you prove it, instead of goading someone with a broken heart?"

I continued to glare directly at him for a moment before I turned to walk off. I truly in that moment didn't care what Fred Weasley had to say to defend himself and I didn't dare look at George. My first family gathering and I'd fought with his beloved twin. There was no doubting whose side he'd be on.

I turned my thoughts then to Hermione. I knew she was still upset with me but I only hoped she'd let me at least offer some form of comfort to her today and I walked up to the house intent on going to see her, only to see Harry rushing down the garden.

Oh yeah great, now he shows up.

"Have you seen Ron? We've just had a floo message, we're both an call and have to go."

"Ron is not up to going anywhere Harry."

He grimaced at my words and expression.

"I can go though", I continued actually glad for a reason to be able to leave. "What's the call out?"

"A warehouse raid is all. But are you sure Non? What about your PTSD, are you even able to do an assignment like this?"

I froze. I could see Harry was distracted and frustrated but he had never mentioned my PTSD to me. Not once. And he'd asked me here now, and loudly. He hadn't lowered his voice at all. I was ridiculously, painfully aware of the twins behind me and that both Percy and Mr Weasley were still in the garden. Harry seemed to realise slowly what he'd done and a flush appeared on his face but his green eyes never left mine. He clearly wanted an answer.

I tried to mask the hurt I was feeling that Harry would even dare question it. I may have my own doubts about myself but Beckett had said in no uncertain terms that I was field ready and given my own lack of confidence I had relied heavily on that. Harry should also have known that I would never put my colleagues in a situation where they were reliant upon me to be capable if I clearly wasn't. I would not endanger them like that.

I sucked in a breath trying to control both my anger and hurt.

"Yes I'm sure. But if you're so concerned, why don't you ask Beckett, Potter."

I spat that out a little harsher than I meant and I saw his eyes flash guiltily. I was annoyed at myself that I'd used his surname. It clearly meant I was furious and I needed to be calm if I was to go on my first raid in over a year.

"Where are we meeting?"

"Oh, at the Ministry first."

Harry mumbled the words out and I managed a curt nod.

"Alright, see you there."

I apparated immediately. I couldn't face seeing what the Weasley's now thought of me. The more I thought on Harry's words the more angry I was getting. Whilst a part of me understood his concerns, he'd made me sound like I was pathetic, like I was completely incapable. It rankled that it hadn't been that long ago that I'd thought that way about myself, sometimes still did, but it wasn't something you should be hearing from what was effectively a team mate. What I should have been able to rely upon was his support.

Harry arrived not long after me and we walked in silence to our department to take our instructions from Beckett. It was a standard raid. They'd been tracking smugglers who had been flooding Knockturn Alley with illegal goods and had a tip off as to their latest unloading. We would go in, arrest them and confiscate the contraband. It was as simple as it could be for my first raid back in the field.

I shrugged into my aurors robes before our team, six of us in total, made our way to the apparition point.

The raid had gone off without a hitch really, up until the explosion. We'd apprehended four of the five smugglers, secured the illegal goods and were just about to arrest the final person when the crates in the industrial warehouse exploded. The shock of it had sent me flying through the air and my body had skidded badly on landing, even now I could feel the friction burn on my arm underneath my robes and I let out a pained hiss of annoyance. My cushioning charm had been next to useless. It had always been one of my worst ones and Beckett was bound to have noticed. He'd all but kill be in training next week going over it I bet.

I was back at the auror department now and I paused to consider the one smuggler that had gotten away. He'd been wearing a mask. Not a death eater mask, just a plain white one, completely expressionless.

Creepy.

It was the only word for it really, and I suppressed a shiver of unease as I finished writing up my report. Thankfully the rest of the team would be dealing with the paperwork and processing the arrests considering I wasn't even supposed to be on call.

"Er, Llewellyn, er can I ask something?"

I glared up at Harry who was stood over my desk.

"Fine."

"Would you be able to call at The Burrow to let Ginny know I'm going to be a bit late?"

"Fine."

I'd planned on going back anyway only to see Hermione but Harry didn't need to know that.

He looked like he was going to say something else but just shook his head slightly and walked off.

I shrugged out of my auror robes and hung them up in my locker before I made my way back to the atrium. The friction burn on my arm was mostly fine except near my elbow where the skin had been rubbed raw. That would sting like crazy when I put healing balm on it.

Suppressing my annoyance at my inability to do a cushioning charm properly I apparated to The Burrow. It was still bathed in sunshine but it was a lot cooler than earlier and I guessed it to be coming on towards five or six o'clock in the evening. I hadn't thought to check the time when at the Ministry. I knocked on the front door and a few moments later it was opened to reveal Fred Weasley. He glared at me. I glared back.

"Is Ginny here?"

I finally snapped out the question as he seemed determined not to speak first. He shot me another glare before he turned back into the house.

"Ginny! Visitor!"

He left the door open for me which I supposed was as much a welcome as I would get from him and as I walked into the hallway as he disappeared from view. I heard shuffling footsteps and soon enough Ginny appeared.

"Hi Gin, sorry I missed you earlier. Er, Harry says he's going to be a bit late, he's just finishing up the report."

Ginny smirked a bit at that before raising an eyebrow at me.

"So on a scale of one to ten just how pissed off with Harry are you?"

I flushed slightly. I thought I'd hidden my annoyance with Harry in my words but clearly not. I shot Ginny a quick grin.

"Oh I dunno, about a seven? Maybe an eight…"

I felt my smile drop as I remembered what he'd said in front of everyone. Revealed one of my biggest weaknesses.

"Hey, I'll kick his arse for you."

"Thanks Gin, you're the best."

"Just you remember that. Now c'mon, you look like you've skinned your entire arm you prat I'm sure mum's got some healing balm somewhere."

She'd grabbed my hand and was trying to propel me into the kitchen but I froze as I heard voices.

"Na you know Ginny I just need to see Hermione really, I can sort out my arm at home."

"Hermione is sleeping off a calming draft she'll be out for another hour yet, stop being so stubborn."

I scoffed at that seeing as it was usually impossible for anyone to out stubborn Ginny but I did hesitantly follow her into the kitchen. Fred and George were sat along one side of the table and Ron was stood rummaging through one of the cupboards.

"Where's the healing balm do you know?"

Ginny announced her question to the room. Fred ignored her, Ron turned around took one look at me and snorted out a laugh but George looked genuinely concerned once he clocked sight of my arm.

"It should be in the bathroom Ginny."

She nodded her understanding before leaving to get it.

"Fucked up the cushioning charm again?"

Ron sounded surprisingly calm, and I blinked in slight surprise. I was sure he was still going to be pissed off with me.

"Uh yeah, pretty much."

I saw George staring at me in confusion so I decided to elaborate as I moved to take a seat at the table.

"I'm not very good at the cushioning charm so instead of landing softly I kind of erm…skidded."

"It looks painful."

"It's alright."

I shrugged thinking about it. Friction burns was one of my more common injuries from training so really it was something I was used to. The snort of laughter from Ron was something that did not surprise me.

"She injures herself like that all the time George. Beckett's going to kick your arse over it one day Non, you know that right?"

"He's going to kick yours too Ron, we can't cover for you next week."

I said it lightly, ignoring his question, and was glad to see he took my words in calmly.

"I know. Say…what tea does Luna like?"

So that's what he'd been looking in the cupboard for.

"Herbal teas Ron. Jasmine or Chamomile are her favourites but she pretty much likes all of them."

"Alright, thanks."

He busied himself with pouring hot water into two mugs before he went out the back door into the garden, leaving me alone with the twins. I wished Ginny would hurry up.

"What's PTSD? Ouch!"

I glanced up in alarm at the question to see Fred rubbing his side.

"May I apologise for my nosy, interfering, prying , snooping, rude and ugly twin?"

"Ugly? We're identical. Well aside from the fact you're now lopsided."

"Please Fred, I have a battle scar which makes me, I have on good authority, very attractive. You can't win."

Fred scoffed at that and shoved at George which quickly escalated into a scuffle.

"On whose authority?"

George paused mid shove to shoot a grin at me and waggle his eyebrows.

"I don't kiss and tell."

I rather wished I hadn't asked. At least it seemed that despite my earlier misgivings that George wasn't angry with me, and I was ludicrously grateful he'd turned the conversation away from me having to answer Fred's question. Ginny then thankfully made a reappearance although I was soon cursing her as she got to work on my arm.

"Ouch! Ginny! For the love of Merlin that stings."

"Oh stop being such a baby, I've hardly put any on yet."

"You have an appalling bedside manner."

"You're a terrible patient."

"It really hurts Ginny."

"I'm being as gentle as I can."

"Ouch! You are not you liar, Merlin if I'd known it would be this bad I'd have asked for a safe word."

"What's a safe word dear?"

I froze. Mrs Weasley had appeared in the doorway to the kitchen and was looking at my expectantly. I felt my face start to get very red as I heard Fred and George unsuccessfully hide their laughter behind me.

Oh dear Merlin I've just talked about safe words in front of Mrs Weasley and George.

"Oh it – it's um it's - ouch! Ginny!"

"S-Sorry".

I shot a look at her to see her face bright red with suppressed laughter. She wasn't sorry at all but I was ridiculously glad that she'd provided a distraction.

"Oh Non dear have you hurt yourself? Honestly that job of yours…"

Mrs Weasley huffed as she hurried across to take over from Ginny and work on my arm, although really Ginny had all but finished. My face was fading back to its normal colour when my stomach gave an almighty growl and I immediately blushed again. Mrs Weasley tutted at me.

"You haven't had anything to eat have you? Now you move and sit here dear," she pulled me up only to gently shove me into a seat by George, "and I'll dish you up some leftovers. Tiny thing like you are you need feeding up."

I couldn't bear to look at George, I was still so embarrassed, and I set to eating the soup Mrs Weasley put in front of my with gusto by way of distraction.

"Wow, this is delicious Mrs W – Molly," I caught myself just in time, "thank you."

"Oh it's just something simple dear but thank you. I can't have you sent back home to your parents hungry now can I."

I almost choked on my mouthful of soup. Firstly, I was twenty one, why on earth would she assume I was living at home with parents? Secondly, and well actually this probably should have been firstly, I didn't have parents anymore. I swallowed the soup down heavily as I struggled to know what to say.

"Oh I don't um, I." I took a deep breath. "My parents died during the war Mrs W – er, Molly. I live on my own."

Mrs Weasley froze in the process of dishing up a dinner plate of food and I felt George go abnormally still beside me. I hated having to say it like that. It was one of the reasons I hated meeting new people. It always made everything so awkward.

"She owns her own cottage mum, it's really nice."

Thank you thank you Ginny.

Mrs Weasley snapped back into movement at her daughters words.

"Well I'm sorry dear about your parents, so many people lost…well, it's lovely to hear you have your own place. But surely the rest of your family all like to look after you?"

"Mum, stop it."

Ginny tried to quietly hiss the words but I still heard her as I set my spoon back down in my bowl. I wasn't, I decided, really hungry any more.

"I don't have-" I stopped, swallowed and tried again. "It's just me Molly."

Mrs Weasley looked at me in confusion.

"But who looks after you dear?"

I did my best not to glare. I'm not entirely sure I succeeded.

"I look after me."

Mrs Weasley blinked rapidly at my words and I realised with some alarm that she actually looked tearful as she rushed over with the plate full of food. She scooped the bowl away from me and set the plate down in its place.

"Of course you do dear of course. Now you eat all of that up, every last bite and I'll just go and get a few things together for you…"

She trailed off, absentmindedly reaching out a hand to comfort me. It was a purely instinctive motherly action but her arm froze and I noticed I had automatically leaned away. I flushed in embarrassment.

"S-sorry I-"

"Don't be silly dear," her arm changed course and she patted my hand instead, "I'll be right back."

She sniffed loudly as she left the room.

I stared at my plate without really seeing the food. That had to be one of the strangest conversations of my life.

"Well, you've really done it now."

I blinked in confusion and then turned to see Fred had leaned forward to look at me from around George.

"Seriously," he continued, "I think you're going to even usurp Harry."

"Huh?"

"Help me out here George."

"Well you see Non you have now presented our mother with the fact that you don't have family-

"-which sucks by the way, sorry about that-"

"-which means she is going to feel obliged to take care of you-

"-smother you with unwanted attention-"

"-which means she will quite literally mollycoddle you."

"It's like the word was made for her."

I blinked rapidly as I processed George's words with Fred's helpful translations.

"Ah okay…not good?"

Ginny giggled.

"You probably should have invented some fake relatives."

"Damn."

George waved a fork in my face and I glanced at it in confusion as he presented it to me, handle first.

"You really should eat you know, she won't let you leave until you do."

I decided to take his advice and silently ate, as my eyes got more and more alarmed as Mrs Weasley kept bustling in and out of the kitchen because she was putting a damned hamper together for me. How on earth did she think I'd been feeding myself? I knew she meant it kindly but I could feel myself starting to bristle at the unwanted help.

"Can I offer you some more advice?"

George said the words quietly and I glanced up at him. He looked oddly serious so I nodded once. He took a breath but stilled as his mother made another appearance in the kitchen, so he leaned down to whisper in my ear instead.

"Mum really likes to take care of people, if you fight her on it she only gets worse. Accept the food, trust me, it'll make things easier."

His breathe tickled my ear and I had to suppress the shiver that wanted to make its way down my spine. I nodded my understanding and turned to smile my thanks as he straightened back up in his seat.

I'd just finished eating when Hermione emerged into the room, rubbing blearily at her eyes. She stilled as she saw me.

"Non."

I glanced at her nervously, what if she was still angry with me? I searched her face but I couldn't see any anger, in fact she actually looked tearful still.

"Hey Mione."

Her lip quivered.

"I'm really sorry Non."

"What on earth do you have to be sorry for?"

"I was, what I said to you at the Ministry, I was horrible and I-"

"You were hurting."

She nodded, wiping at tears before they could run down her face and I stood up quickly to give her a hug.

"You've nothing to be sorry for Hermione. Nothing."

She latched her arms around me as she hugged me back fiercely and I had to bite back a hiss of pain as she squeezed my ribs. It seemed that Ron's elbow had clobbered me earlier harder than I'd thought.

She pulled back after a moment.

"Do-do you think I could still come and stay at yours?"

"Of course, my home is yours."

And I meant it. I thought perhaps I'd have misgivings of sharing my own space, I'd actually been a bit relieved when Hermione had turned down my offer previously but whether it was because Mrs Weasley had made me realise just how alone I was, I found myself that I'd actually be glad to have someone else at the cottage.

"Thanks Non. I'll just go and get my things."

"Alright."

Excellent. This meant I could make moves to leave. Mrs Weasley was surprisingly easy to convince that having Hermione stay at mine was a good idea and I thanked her profusely for the hamper, trying to ignore the grin George was shooting me.

"I'm just going to go wait outside for her."

I was starting to feel claustrophobic in the small kitchen after having sat through a sustained period of Mrs Weasley's attention.

"I'll walk you."

George had already leapt to his feet so I just nodded my agreement. I said my goodbyes and couldn't help the deep breath I took as soon as I stepped outside and I heard George chuckle behind me.

"Are we really all that bad?"

I blushed lightly and prayed that the dusky light would hide it.

"Not at all, I'm just not used to being the focus of so much attention."

"Well thankfully you had such a nice calm introduction to my family."

I looked at him in disbelief and he started laughing again as I realised he was joking.

"Yeah breaking up a fight was a great way to start."

He laughed louder at that.

"You should have seen my mum's face. She was half torn in horror that her sons would dare fight at a family gathering and half shock that the smallest person there could break it up so easily."

"Oh Merlin. Can you tell her I've just had a lot of practice? Honestly that was nothing compared to what I've had to deal with this week."

"Oh yeah, Marriage Law going down well is it?"

"Like you wouldn't believe…"

We'd paused at the end of the Weasley's drive and as we stood waiting for Hermione I decided to tell him about some of the fights Harry and I'd had to deal with. George was soon hooting with laughter.

"Wait, wait, she shoved the fire poker where?!"

George's face looked like it couldn't decide whether he was amazed or horrified. I grimaced as I recalled that particular incident.

"Honestly George, I can never un-see it."

That just set him off laughing again.

"I'm sorry I shouted at Fred, earlier."

George's laughter stilled and I could have kicked myself for blurting those words out. I couldn't honestly understand why I did.

"Don't be."

He said it firmly but I still opened my mouth to argue.

"Seriously don't. I'm not going to say I think he deserved everything you said but he did need to hear some of it."

"Right." I nodded my understanding but I cursed the slight awkwardness that had settled between us. He nudged me with his elbow.

"Looks like we're going to have another NAGASSS meeting."

I giggled and just like that the silence changed from awkward to comfortable. It seemed like George was good at that.

"Can I ask you a question?"

George had turned to face me fully and I quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Sure."

"And you know feel free to not answer it or you know, wrestle me to the ground in annoyance…."

"George Weasley you just sounded hopeful."

"Can you blame me?"

I ignored his beaming grin and just shook my head as I crossed my arms to wait for his actual question.

"What…what is PTSD? Percy got seriously pissed off at Harry for having said it."

I couldn't hide my grimace. So Percy had heard and of course Percy would know what it was he always seemed to know everything. I wasn't looking forward to my next conversation with him. I glared down at my feet as I pondered whether or not to answer. George had already said I didn't have to but then Harry had already blabbed about it and perhaps it would be best coming from me and not George trying to find out about it on his own.

"It's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. It can cause things like flashbacks, nightmares or insomnia. Sometimes the symptoms get so bad it affects your day to day life."

My words sounded strange to my own ears and I realised I sounded like I'd just swallowed a healer's text book. George seemed to be waiting for me to continue.

"I um, I got a really bad bout of it just over a year ago now which is why up until literally the start of this month I'd only been doing desk work for the past year. I'm a lot better now, but I was supposed to be easing back into field work in like a measured and un-stressful way. The Marriage Law pretty much put paid to that."

"Shit Non that's…that's rough."

I shrugged.

"I guess most people who went through the war have had some sort of PTSD, it's just mine crept up on me when I wasn't expecting it. The anxiety part is the worst, the rest I have no problem with."

Non Llewellyn you are a liar.

"It's why you get so nervous meeting people?"

"Yes. Although, I'm pretty shy anyway so…"

I shrugged again. I was good at those.

"Well, thanks for telling me. I'm sorry you've had to go through it."

I shrugged.

"It's alright. I'm not so great talking about it. It makes me feel….well whatever, I only told the girls about it a couple of weeks back, Ginny's still pissed off with me a bit about that, and Harry only knew because of work protocols."

I realised I couldn't look at George as I spoke and my right arm was clamped around my midriff. I made a conscious effort to relax my arm.

"So Harry blabbing about it in the garden…"

I scowled at George's words.

"He shouldn't have said anything. I get why he was worried but it wasn't his place."

"Like if it was Quidditch." George said in understanding but I found myself glancing at him in confusion.

"Quidditch?"

"Yeah. Like if you have been injured for a while but have gotten better and the coach has decided you are ready to be back playing. You might be a bit unsure but it's your coach that calls the shots. It's not up to a teammate to question you in front of everyone and question whether you're fit to play right? Coach's word is law."

I blinked, dumbfounded.

"Huh okay yeah. That's exactly it. Like it was Quidditch."

"Harry's a prat."

"You won't find me disagreeing."

The sound of a door closing broke the following silence and I glanced up relieved to see Hermione finally making her way down to us.

"Sorry, sorry! I could only just esc-I mean say my goodbyes."

"Hermione Granger were you trying to flee my mother?"

George asked this in his most pompous Percy sounding voice. Hermione looked like she was going to fumble for an answer before she shrugged.

"Quite frankly George, yes."

She was rewarded with a snort of laughter.

"Alright, I can understand that. Well then I'll leave you to it. G'night Hermione, Non Non" he nudged me with his arm and threw me a wink and I snorted lightly.

"Yeah good night Um."

George Weasley beamed at me before he walked back up to the house.

"Um?"

Hermione shot a confused look at me and I just rolled my eyes.

"Urgh, long story, c'mon let's go home."

And with a swish of our wands and a loud cracking noise, we did.

A/N: Well this turned out to be a bit of a longer chapter than I expected! I had wanted to make the warehouse bit a tad longer but I figured the family introduction dynamic was the more important part.

Next chapter should be another mix of auror and family dynamics and I fear it might be another super long chapter. Hope you don't mind

Thanks as ever to those of you that review – you really do make my day. If anyone wants to leave me a comment or drop me a line – go for it.

Also Amddiffyn is a proper Welsh word. It means something along the lines of 'to shield, to protect or to defend'. In a sporting match it is often used to describe defence.

Cheers,

Yav