Disclaimer: I own nothing from the Harry Potter universe, that all belongs to J.K. Rowling. Non Llewellyn however is mine. Nor for the purposes of this chapter do I own anything by Roald Dahl or Richard Adams.

Chapter 13

It was Thursday by the time I got my hands on the report from Morris and I scowled as I read the cover of the package.

'To the French Auror with sad eyes'

And then scrawled underneath was NON.

I mean honestly. I was most definitely not French and I did not for the love of Merlin and Helga have sad eyes. No wonder people didn't take Morris seriously.

I brightened afterwards though after I read through his report; it was excellent. Fully detailed noting the location of the discovery specifically its distance from the shore and proximity to the prison building itself (worryingly close) as well as the time and weather conditions. He'd added a few new scribbled comments underneath but they didn't seem connected at all and I frowned lightly before grabbing a fresh sheet of parchment and a quill to compose a message back. If I could set up a link of my own with someone on Azkaban that was all to the good. I hadn't forgotten the anti muggle born comments I'd heard there even though I'd held back on telling Beckett about them for now. Certainly there was a shift in attitude and if Morris could keep me in the loop then all to the better. I'd have to be careful though, I didn't want to make him feel he was ratting out his colleagues.

After I'd finished I sent the letter to the outgoing pile with a casual flick of my wand and I was just reaching for my notes on the staffing levels when a bellow erupted from Beckett's room and I glanced at his door in alarm. I didn't have to wait long until his door banged open and I hunkered down in my desk behind the partition divide in the hopes he wouldn't spot me.

"Where are Potter and Weasley?"

An irritated hiss from above me showed my attempts were futile.

"Monitoring the warehouse I think. That or out on a case. There a problem?"

I smothered an innocent smile on my face as Beckett shot me a nasty look before jabbing a finger in my face.

"Less of your cheek. And yes there's a problem. They're in the bloody paper again and that Skeeter woman has gotten more information about the Task murder."

I couldn't hide a wince. That was bad.

"How many times do I have to ruddy well tell them to stay out of the press unless ordered to give an interview!"

I had to bite back my reply. If any words would tip Beckett over the edge it would be these three: the golden trio. I mean it was obvious why the press were always after Harry and Ron for comment, they were guaranteed to boost reader numbers and whilst Harry could normally be counted on to avoid the press like the plague Ron still sometimes liked the attention. I blinked back into focus at a second jab towards my face from Beckett's finger.

"You're marrying a Weasley aren't you?"

I gaped at him in outrage.

"Not by choice!"

Beckett laughed, he actually laughed and I gazed at him slightly horrified.

"You keep out of the press do you hear me. No parading around with your famous husband. We're supposed to be working on covert operations here, I can't have my team plastered all over the Prophet."

I think he was waiting for me to answer back but I was still too floored by the word husband to formulate any reply. He eventually grunted at me and turned to stomp back to his room muttering under his breath words that suspiciously sounded like 'stupid girl' and I glared half-heartedly at his back. Trust me to be on the end of his outburst instead of Ron and Harry. And I mean really it's like he didn't know me at all. What on earth would I be going anywhere near the press for? And it's not like I ever socialised in large public gatherings anyway.

"Someone's stupid but it's not me."

I muttered to myself as I smoothed out the parchment in front of me. I'd made a current list of aurors as well as the retirements from the last four years. What alarmed me was that with each year since the war that passed the retirement, or in some cases career changes, had rocketed. I chewed my lip in thought. What I really was wondering, although I knew it was fuelled by my own hatred of the place, was what if there was a link of some sort between the retirement rate and the time we started guarding at Azkaban?

For me to try and figure that out though I would need auror records from before the war and I would need staffing records for Azkaban. I didn't have any business in requesting either and I frowned. I suppose I could put in for an information request but any pre-war information needed you to jump through several hoops before it was released given the fact there were still numerous inquests on going. And the staffing records for Azkaban…that was Auror Proctor's domain and my asking for it would not only get me in trouble but it would like land Beckett in hot water too. But now that I'd thought about it I couldn't ignore it.

The best people I suppose I could ask advice from for the pre-war records would be Percy and Audrey. Audrey really, she was much sneakier than Percy and likely to know the loopholes in the administration process. I'd have to drop her an owl.

"Ah there you are Llewellyn!"

A snappy, pompous voice, Merlin did he know that I'd literally just thought of him?

"Alright Weasley?"

I eyed Percy slightly nervously before glancing around the room. There were about five other aurors here so it was time to continue our Ministry façade. It was also I realised the first time we'd interacted since our conversation to agree to become friends again. I still felt so badly that I hadn't realised we even were, and that I'd missed their wedding because of it. I must have been looking guilty because he just shook his head at me slightly.

"Fine thank you, fine. You know how things are. Look I know you've been frightfully busy lately but Audrey and I feel that we are long overdue a catch up with you so you're invited to dinner this Friday, six o'clock."

I blinked. Typical Percy. I wondered if he regretted having to put on his pompous act all of the time but I could see the corner of his mouth trying not to twitch into a smile so perhaps not.

"I've a prior engagement to get to for about ten o'clock that evening but I am available before then. I'd love to come."

I finished shyly as I ducked my head. Perhaps we really could get a fresh start at our friendship.

"Ten o'clock?"

Percy sounded alarmed and I leant closer so I could whisper.

"Girls night, Ginny's orders."

He rolled his eyes in response before he straightened up.

"Excellent Llewellyn I'll let Audrey know."

"Perfect, see you tomorrow Weasley."

I watched absentmindedly as he strode from the room my mind flicking back to the letters I'd received that morning. One had been form Luna explaining she was off to Finland for the next two weeks and that she was sorry she hadn't been able to see me. She had apparently been having lunches with Ron and I bit back a slight smirk. I couldn't wait for my next shift with him to see if I could find out how they'd been going.

The second letter had been from Ginny. I'd hardly seen her for the last fortnight either as the Quidditch season had started again and she was back training five days a week with her first game being on Sunday. Because she trained up in Holyhead though it was just a short apparition jump to get to mine so she'd announced to Hermione and I to expect her late on Friday for a catch up.

Even two months ago I would have refused her, pleading I was too exhausted from work. It had been an excuse then and whilst it was a legitimate reason now I was determined to see her. Despite all of the stressful situations I had found myself in recently what it had brought home to be more than anything was how much I'd been missing my friends without even realising it. So to hell with me burning my candle at both ends, what with all of us being so ridiculously busy I was determined to see them whenever I could.

Ginny had also added a helpful post script on her letter to me which meant I had been able to narrow down my 'who blabbed to George' culprit list down to two; Hannah Longbottom (formerly Abbot) and Ernie McMillan.

Now Hannah bless her heart was a gossip but seeing as she was based up in Hogsmede to be close to Neville and none of us had seen her for months I didn't think she was the one to go blabbing to George about my having been in the school choir. No, my bet was on Ernie being the blabbermouth and I felt really quite alarmed by that. He had been best friends with Justin and I both didn't and urgently did want to know what he may have said to George about it all. I knew who was the best person to ask too. It wouldn't be Ernie himself, he'd obfuscate and pontificate endlessly without getting to the point, but there was I had realised someone better.

What I need is to go to Gringotts.

I quickly filed away my notes and momentarily felt guilty for leaving the office before I reminded myself sternly that I was allowed a lunch break and I gathered up my bag and hurried to make my way to Diagon Alley and the bank.

I paused in the entrance hall of the bank for a moment as I took it all in. The quiet clink of coins, the rustle of quills and parchments and the high arching ceiling that had been redesigned after Harry had destroyed it when he'd escaped on that dragon. I still found it mad the things he, Ron and Hermione and done during the war.

"May I help madam?"

A scratchy voice brought me back to attention and I glanced to my right to see I was being addressed by a goblin and I eyed this one wearily. I didn't like goblins and it wasn't because of any stereotype or what we had learnt about them in school. I specifically didn't like the Gringotts goblins because of how they had treated me after I had finished Hogwarts and was trying to access the family account my father had set up.

It had taken an irate Audrey for them to finally allow me access to funds and not only that by lodging a formal complaint she managed to get me a reimbursement of funds due to the trumped up admin charges they had tried to whack on to the account. No, I didn't like goblins because they had seen I was alone and vulnerable and instead of simply doing their jobs they had tried to take advantage of me.

I had to fight against narrowing my eyes in annoyance. It hadn't been this particular goblin that had worked on my account so I supposed I shouldn't be annoyed with him.

"Yes thank you, I'm here to withdraw some funds but then I would like to see Susan Bones if she's available."

"Of course madam follow me. I shall put in a request for your admittance to Ms Bones' office."

I inclined my head in thanks as I followed him to the counter, my right arm reaching for the clasp of my bag so I could withdraw my Gringotts key ready. As the Llewellyn family vault was one of the newer ones the cart ride was very brief and I eyed the goblin's carefully as they withdrew some of my money into a bag for me. I didn't have masses of funds. A lot of what had been left in my father's account had gone on my final year of schooling and to help pay my way through auror training. I had enough though that while I wasn't comfortable I knew I at least had a nest egg of galleons at my disposal should any emergency arise. I had made certain that I always had enough just in case any of the what if disaster scenarios I sometimes imagined came to pass.

Instead of being escorted back to the entrance hall a goblin led me to a side door that led to a corridor of offices. There were a few wizards and witches that worked at the bank, mainly for administrative purposes with regards to banking records and liaising with the bank's clients but also in terms of maintenance and curse work on the vaults itself.

"Here you are madam."

The goblin doffed me a short bow before leaving me outside of Susan's office door but I hesitated before knocking. Would I be bothering her? In the past when I'd visited Gringotts I'd always thought about seeing her but had ducked out every time because I didn't want to be a nuisance. But was that just my anxiety thinking? It was a startling thought for me and one I would have to give serious consideration to at some point and I stared hard at her door for long moment before I raised my right hand to knock.

"Come in."

I smiled faintly at the sound of her voice before I reached for the handle to open the door and popped my head around so she could see me.

"Hey Susan, you got time for a chat?"

Susan Bones' desk was a picture of neatness although that by no means meant it was clear. She had five large mounds of books and parchments but she seemed to be working through them methodically as she always did when she worked. Her ginger hair was tied back in a braid and her dark brown eyes seemed to brighten as she saw me. They were much darker than George's.

"Non! Of course yes, come in, oh it's so nice to see you."

She'd half risen from her seat but I waved for her to sit back down as I took my seat in front of her desk.

"Heya." I paused awkwardly. "Sorry I've not called in more often."

It was Susan's turn to wave my comments away.

"Oh don't be silly Non I know you're busy. And I know you find it hard to talk to us Puffers. I understand Non, I really do."

I felt my jaw drop slightly. No what I had been expecting at all but as she started to laugh at my expression I managed a rueful smile.

"It's not that I don't love you all…"

She held up a hand to stop me.

"Non you don't need to explain to me. I know what it's like to lose a lot of people like you did. And hey you know a lot of us Puffers love to talk things over and revisiting the war and the people that have died…they like to talk about it. I get that you don't. Not everyone does and it's okay. Although, now that I know you know where my office is you can't duck out of visiting more often you hear?"

I managed to finally shut my jaw and I gazed at Susan as though seeing her clearly for the first time in a long time. She was tapping her finger nervously against the desk and I could see a slight strain around her eyes.

"How long have you been wanting to say that to me?"

My voice was quiet and she cast me a sheepish look.

"A while. And I'm actually guessing this isn't a wholly social visit?"

Damn Susan and her all-knowingness. I tried not to look guilty.

"Well, now that you mention it….what I really wanted to ask you was has Ernie-"

"-met with George and talked about you? Yes."

I groaned.

"I know, I'm sorry. I gave him what for afterward but honestly he was so excited George had asked to meet up with him I think he got carried away. You know what he's like."

Yes I did I realised with some irritation but as I glanced at Susan I saw that her eyes had soften and she had a sappy smile on her face.

"Sweet Helga, you really love him don't you?"

A furious blush crossed across Susan's face but she couldn't stop her smile widening.

"Yeah I do. Don't know how I missed it at school but I guess maybe it's all about timing. He apparently didn't blab too much though. Just mentioned what he knew of you from school. He said he didn't mention Justin."

Susan's voice was soft now and I swallowed thickly around the lump that had appeared in my throat and I managed a stiff nod.

"Well that…that's good. Say Susan, did you want to come over mine tomorrow? It's a late one, Ginny can't get there till ten and I'm out earlier in the evening but we were thinking of a girls night, you in?"

"I wouldn't miss it."

I smiled in relief and moved to stand, shooting her a grin.

"Great I'll let Hermione know. You still like gin?"

"Of course!"

I shot her an answering grin as I left, backing out of her room backwards as I shut her door quietly and I spun around to make my way down the corridor.

"Hole shi-" I just about managed to hold on to the swear word before it left my mouth as I nearly careened into the figure that had been waiting outside Susan's door.

"Alright Non?"

I stuttered slightly to see the smiling figure of Bill Weasley.

"Oh h-hello, sorry I almost smacked right into you. I didn't see you there."

"That's alright. You had business with Susan?"

He nodded at the door behind me.

"Oh yeah, just a social call."

A slightly awkward silence fell between us and I shifted nervously on my feet before I gave Bill a second look. He was all in to curse breaking if I could remember what Ginny told me although I didn't think he still worked in that area. He would surely know about wards and protection spells.

"Actually Bill, could I ask you something?"

"I think you just did." He had a teasing smile on his face before he indicated with his head that I should follow him. "My room's just down here, c'mon."

I fiddled with the strap on my back and ducked my head as some goblins passing cast me a suspicious look. Bill's office was, in a word, cool and I felt a childish surge of resentment. Everything about Bill Weasley seemed cool and I wondered how he managed it so effortlessly. He had a truly quirky desk, not your boring bog standard rectangular fare most had, and he had driftwood shelving all across the walls completely stacked with books (all the spines facing out I was glad to note). He had photo frames on his desk although at the angle they were titled at I couldn't see them but I had no doubt they contained Fleur and Victoire.

I sank into the spare office chair and Merlin it was comfortable.

"Can I steal your chair?"

I'd blurted the words before thinking and blushed before I hurried to explain myself.

"I mean it's seriously comfy. Not like my one in work at all, that one feels like I'm sitting on a lump of rock by the end of the day."

"I think my client's would have words if it disappeared. Although if it does in the future I'll know who to suspect first."

I chuckled along with his teasing before I bit my lip and frowned at him slightly trying to figure out exactly what I needed to ask.

"Say Bill, do you work a lot with wards and shields? I don't mean individual defensive shields like protego but shields and wards for things like buildings or rooms."

"I used to. I still do a bit here with the vaults of course. What did you want to know?"

"I-I want to know if there were any types of magic that could drain the wards or cause them to stop working? All the reading I've done seems to indicate it needs to be direct brutal spell work to destroy the wards but I can't seem to find anything that seems to indicate a draining of power from the spell work itself."

Bill's face took on a distant expression and I could almost see him working through what information he had before he shook his head slowly.

"Off the top of my head Non…no. That's not to say that information isn't out there. I can have a look through my old books if you like?"

"Oh would you? That'd be great if you could Bill. Anything you have on ward spells really. I only know the basics so anything would be a help."

He nodded his agreement and I stood up, moving to stand behind the chair that I oh so wished I could take with me.

"Can I ask what you need the information for?"

I gazed at him for a moment.

"You can."

Bill opened his mouth to speak again before he paused and narrowed his eyes at me.

"Would you answer my question?"

"I would not."

My lip twitched as I tried to fight a smile and Bill let out a chuckle.

"Let me guess, Auror business?"

I hummed the affirmative and he rolled his eyes as he stood and walked me to his door.

"Well I'll pass anything on to George for you."

I nearly stumbled through the door way and I turned back to Bill in confusion.

"Oh...alright."

Why couldn't he just owl anything he found to me? Surely that would be quicker? I narrowed my eyes and I drew in a breath to ask that very question.

"Great I'll let George know he can expect to see you. Bye Non."

With a cheeky grin, Bill Weasley closed the door in my face.

"Bloody Weasleys…"

I muttered in annoyance to myself as I half stomped my way back down the corridor, and out of the bank.

By five thirty on Friday evening I was in a slight panic. I had nothing to wear. And I don't mean that in my normal anxiety induced worrying about what others are wearing so what should I wear way either. I mean I just didn't have anything.

"Fucking stupid fucking laundry."

I scowled at the mound of clothes I'd tipped out of my laundry back as I gave a pair of jeans an experimental sniff. Nope, they'd been too long in the laundry basket so while they hadn't been filthy they definitely wouldn't be clean enough now. I half-heartedly considered a quick scourgify spell before I crinkled my nose. No, that wouldn't work either it never truly got the clothes clean and I'd just be grossed out wearing them.

I stomped back across to my wardrobe and swung the doors back open with a glare. I had dress robes sure, and even some going out evening dresses but I didn't like wearing dresses and I gazed back longingly at the pile of jeans. Damn my stupid work rota keeping me from having clean clothes. I half-heartedly looked back through the dresses. There was one I supposed that was casual enough especially if I paired it with leggings and some sandals.

I drew it out slowly and held it up to me in front of the mirror. It was green with a flower pattern, a very slightly scooped neckline and short sleeves. It zipped up at the back and whilst it cut in a bit at the waist you needed to tie a bow at the back to really draw it in and the skirt of it fell to just above my knees. I pulled a face. It was just so…girly.

I sighed heavily before changing and scowled at my reflection. I supposed it didn't look bad. All the training I did as an auror at least lent me a decent figure even if my face was plain. I rolled my eyes at myself. Honestly what did it matter anyway, it was only dinner with Percy and Audrey. I hurried downstairs to check the pantry to make sure there were supplies in for later and did a quick drinks check and felt a grin trying to fight over my face. Sure we were stupidly busy but we would at least have fun. I guessed Ginny wouldn't be able to drink a lot given she had a match in a couple of days but it didn't mean the rest of us couldn't at least indulge a little bit.

At about ten to six I made my way out of the cottage and took my wand out ready to apparate and thought hard for a moment about where Percy and Audrey lived. They had a town house in muggle London on one of the quieter leafy roads near the Wimbledon area. Because it was a muggle area I knew there was a designated apparition point about five minutes from their property and I focused on it intently and a second later I opened my eyes to a disused muggle bus stop.

I hurriedly made my way down the road, now nervous that I was in fact going to be late but with a minute to spare I walked up the steps to their wooden front door that was painted a deep blue and lifted my hand to knock. And I froze. I felt absurdly anxious and I couldn't understand why. I'd been to dinner here before and yeah okay I hadn't been sociable really the last year or so but I'd been to dinner at Ginny's and at the twins' flat. This shouldn't be making me nervous. I swallowed heavily and took a steadying breath and finally knocked the door.

Enough time passed that I worried that maybe they hadn't heard me. Should I knock again? But even as I thought it I heard a scraping at the door and then it swung inwards to reveal the smiling face of Audrey.

"Hi Non, come on in."

"Hey Audrey, thanks for inviting me."

I realised nearly a split second too late that she was expecting a hug and I awkwardly hugged her before pulling back and fumbling for something in my bag.

"Here." I thrust a bottle of wine at her. I knew that was the done thing. Bringing drinks as a guest, and I smiled in relief as she took it happily from me.

"Thanks Non, you didn't have to! Here come on through, I'm just finishing up a few things in the kitchen if you want to help, Perc is just finishing off some work."

She rolled her eyes as she said it as I dutifully followed her through the house. It was a lot tidier than The Burrow but then again it was only the two of them and they didn't have hoards of family members turning up at any given point like Mrs Weasley had to contend with.

"I'm happy to help but please don't give me anything complicated, I don't want to ruin your cooking."

"Oh shush, I know you know how to cook." Audrey wagged a finger at me, "But never fear I only need help prepping the salad."

I nodded back at her but I was still worried. What if I didn't prep things the way she liked them? What if I chopped something up wrong? I had to bite back a surge of annoyance at myself. Why did I constantly, constantly seek to undermine myself like this? Of course I knew how to bloody well prep a salad. If Audrey had any idea as to my inner ramblings she didn't let on.

Audrey and I chatted happily as we worked and we had just finished on the food and I was taking my first sip from a gratefully received glass of wine when an enormously loud honking noise came from the direction of the door causing us both to jump. I could hear the thunder of footsteps rushing down the stairs.

"GEORGE!"

I choked on my wine and shot an alarmed look at Audrey.

That had clearly been an irate Percy shouting but why would he be shouting at…oh no. No fucking way. I glared at Audrey who smirked back happily sipping on her wine. I could hear Percy again from down the hall way, his voice getting closer.

"Honestly George I have muggle neighbours you cannot do things like that."

"S'not my fault. Last time I came here you left me waiting outside for nearly ten minutes claiming you and Audrey had been busy although we both know you meant you'd been shagg-"

I was frozen to the spot as George appeared in the kitchen behind Percy where he'd shut up as soon as he'd clocked sight of me, his eyes widening. I glanced at Audrey for help only to see that she'd disappeared.

I will kill her.

"Oh there you are Non I thought I'd heard you arrive. Well now that we're all here why don't we go to the dining room?"

Percy was beaming at both of us looking very pleased with himself.

I will kill Percy first.

I thought it viciously although I immediately shied away from my own thought thinking back to my nightmare. It had taken me a few days to sleep normally again but I knew better than to think such thoughts so lightly. Not after what I'd done. I took a desperate sip of wine. George still hadn't said anything to me.

"Hi George."

God bless wine and all of its liquid courage. George blinked at me before giving himself a slight shake.

"Hi Non. Didn't know you were going to be here."

His left hand fiddling with the folded up right sleeve of his check shirt that was unbuttoned showing a grey t-shirt beneath.

"I didn't know you were going to be here either."

I turned to direct a scowl at Percy who, of fucking course, had also disappeared from the kitchen.

"You want a drink?"

I gestured to the wine bottle on the counter and George pulled a face.

"I'd like a drink but not wine. You reckon Percy has any beer stashed anywhere?"

I glanced nervously around the kitchen trying to remember where they kept their own cool storage.

"Never mind, I found it."

I turned around to see George happily pulling out small bottles of bear from a cupboard in the far corner of the kitchen.

"You want one or are you sticking to wine?"

I paused for a moment trying to gather my thoughts. I was actually having a semi sort of slightly normal conversation with George. My stomach still felt like it was trying to climb out of my body though so I figured it was best not to mix my drinks. Merlin knew how I was going to be able to eat when I was feeling like this.

"I'll stick the wine."

"Aright." George twisted a cap of the bottle and took a long glug before releasing a happy sigh. "You have no idea how much I needed that."

"Rough day?"

"Rough week more like."

"Urgh, I know that feeling." I glared a bit at my wine as I said it before taking a larger sip than normal and I glanced up to see George was watching me and I flushed. Great stuff Non, sure why don't you just gulp down the wine like an ill-mannered heathen.

"I don't think I've seen you wear a dress before."

I struggled for a response. I couldn't tell him it was only because I didn't have any other normal clean clothes!

"Oh um I-"

"No I mean it's nice. The dress. And you. You in the dress that is." I saw George pause and roll his eyes at himself before he levelled me with a direct look. "You look really nice in your dress Non."

I took an urgent sip of wine hoping it would hide my blush. I thought he'd have stopped saying things like that now we'd decided to try and be friends but perhaps he just liked to compliment people.

"Oh uh…thanks. I like your shirt."

Why did I decide to blurt that out? Damn it our friendship conversation was supposed to have put an end to awkward moments like this. Although really his shirt was nice so at least I was being truthful. There was a smile tugging at the side of his mouth and he ran a hand through his hair.

"Are you two actually wanting to eat anything?"

Percy's head popped around the door and he looked at his expectantly.

"Well come on, Audrey and I have been waiting. Non, bring the wine with you will you?" he cast a slightly irritated glance at the beer in George's hand before he left shaking his head.

"After you."

I glanced at George in confusion but he just nodded his head to the door and I hesitantly made my way through trying to remember which room was the dining room.

"Here, it's this one."

The light touch on the back of my elbow almost had me spill my wine but George just steered me to the correct door and as I took my seat at the table I tried very hard not to glare at Percy and Audrey. I mean I was nervous enough just coming for dinner with them they didn't have to spring a surprise George meeting on me.

The dinner itself was nice though. Percy, who could probably talk for Britain once you got him started, carried most of the conversation with Audrey's dry humour stopping him from getting too carried away. George it seemed couldn't take anything Percy said seriously and seemed to delight in winding his older brother up. I for my part was happy to just take it in and laugh at the right places. Really I was more focused on making sure my hands weren't shaking while I tried to eat. I was feeling so anxious I had lost most of my appetite and matters weren't helped that every time George reached for seconds or his beer his arm always seemed to brush against mine nearly making me jump. It got to the stage it had happened so often that I thought he must have been doing it on purpose but when I glanced at him from the corner of my eye he was entirely focused on what Audrey was saying. Maybe he really just didn't realise? He seemed so comfortable with any sort of physical contact perhaps he really didn't.

C'mon Non, you are anxious and hyper sensitive. Stop trying to make it out to be something more than it is.

By the time dessert had finished I was on my third glass of wine and was finally feeling relaxed enough to join in the conversation although predictably for me this was just as our evening was coming to a close. I wished I knew how to relax sooner so I could actually be myself but I'd learnt the hard way that drinking wine too quickly never ended well.

It was nearing nine o'clock now and after a quick trip to the loo I started to make my excuses to leave. George was sprawled happily in his chair to my left and was on to his fourth bottle of beer so I figured he'd be staying here for a while. I helped Audrey with the dishes before I left.

"Sorry we sprung that on you."

I nearly dropped the glass I had been putting away in the cupboard and I frowned at her in confusion.

"For not telling you George was coming too. I didn't realise he'd make you so nervous."

"Oh."

I glanced at Audrey again to see that she was studying my face closely and I shifted awkwardly.

"It's okay Audrey. I mean, George and I have decided to try and be friends so we probably need to actually see each other for that to happen."

"Friends?"

"Yeah so we can get to know each other without me being so…me." I let out a half laugh. "Not that it worked today mind."

"That's our fault." She reached out and squeezed me hand. "It'll get easier Non."

"Right, shall we be off then?"

I squeezed Audrey's hand in panic as George hurried in to the kitchen, looking at me expectantly.

"Er…I thought you were staying?"

"No, no, need to make a move."

He looked like he was trying not to laugh.

"George Weasley, you better not have played one of your pranks on Percy."

Audrey waved a warning finger at him.

"Now Audrey, would I do a thing like that?"

"Yes."

Audrey's wry answer only caused George to snicker to himself as he grabbed hold of my hand and started trying to tug me from the kitchen.

"Hey wait George I have to say goodbye to-"

"GEORGE!"

Percy's bellow of rage caused George to erupt into laughter as he full on dragged me down the hall to the front door.

"Bye Percy! Bye Audrey."

He called back to Audrey over his shoulder with a grin and I only had the chance to send her a slightly panicked look before George had steered us out on to the steps and closed the door before hurrying me down the road. He waited until we'd rounded the corner before he let go of my hand and doubled over laughing.

"George Weasley what did you do?"

I felt a smile tugging at my lips, it was hard not too when he seemed so amused by something. I wrapped my arms around my midriff though and shivered slightly. The sun was setting and the wind had picked up and I hadn't thought to bring a jacket.

"Just one of our new joke products. It's like a water balloon but it grows in size depending on the amount your intended target talks. And of course Percy didn't shut up tonight so…Merlin I bet it was massive by the end. What's great is that it has a time locked invisibility charm on it so they won't ever see it until it's too late. It'll be a perfect product for revenge on annoying siblings."

I tried not to laugh.

"Poor Percy."

"Poor Percy my arse. He deserves it."

Well yes tonight he certainly did.

"Can't argue with that."

George still chortled to himself a bit before he straightened up and flung his arm around my shoulder and I stiffened under his touch. If he noticed he didn't let on he just started walking us to the apparition point and grinned at me.

"Right then Non, where shall we go? The night's still young."

"Oh um, I've got to be back by ten."

George paused and cast me a disappointed look.

"Are you trying to tell me that you, Non Llewellyn, have a curfew?"

I laughed out right at that and elbowed him softly.

"It's a girls night. And I am not facing the wrath of Ginny by turning up late."

George let out a sound of understanding before he propelled us forward again.

"Well, we've still got nearly an hour, I know just where we can go."

"Where?"

I gazed at him in apprehension. I didn't like not knowing where I was going. What if something went wrong? He squeezed my shoulder.

"Somewhere you'll like. Here, hold on tight."

We'd arrived at the apparation point and I nervously held on to his waist before I felt the familiar sensation of being squeezed through a tight tube and I blinked in surprise at our new location. We were in a park and judging by the distant sounds of traffic we were still in London. I didn't know London very well but judging by the size of the park I guessed we were in Hyde Park.

"Aren't these parks locked this time of night?"

George flashed a grin.

"Not just yet. Not in the summer. Here sit here." He gestured to a close by bench. "I just need to grab something, I'll be two minutes."

Before I could say a word he was striding off and quickly disappeared from view and I nervously sat on the bench. When two minutes had turned into ten I started to look around nervously. Had he brought me here just as a joke? Was he planning a prank?

"Sorry, sorry!"

I heard George's voice before I saw him but he quickly rounded the bend and flung himself on the bench beside me out of breath.

"Here."

He handed me a small cup of ice cream complete with a wooden spoon to eat it with.

"I didn't know what flavour you liked so I just got vanilla."

"I like vanilla."

I managed to get the words out through a slightly frozen smile. Whilst I liked the flavour vanilla I didn't in actual fact like ice cream. I mean I didn't hate it and I could eat it if I had to but really… it wasn't my cup of tea but I couldn't tell George that not when he'd just gone to the effort of getting me some. I nervously scooped up a spoonful and put it in my mouth and had to supress a shudder. It was just so, so gross.

"You're not much of a talker are you?"

George was happily spooning up his ice cream and I pulled a face around my own mouthful before I quickly swallowed.

"I guess not. Depends on the topic really."

I forced down another mouthful of ice cream.

"Alright then, what topics do you like to talk on?"

Music.

My mind threw up that answer before I could blink but I swallowed the word back down. Pre-war Non had loved nothing more than music. Post-war Non, I meant me, didn't have that as part of my life anymore. I desperately searched my mind for a different topic but apart from work I didn't bloody do anything so it was hard.

"Books."

I finally blurted the answer out and he smiled

"Blimey Non, you'd have thought that was the hardest question you'd ever faced. So c'mon then, what's your favourite book? Which I as your friend", he nudged me with his elbow, "should know."

I frowned softly. Now that really wasn't an easy question to answer. I'd had many favourite books over the years across all different ages. I was still mulling it over as I finished my ice cream and I hadn't realised I had been taking so long until George started chuckling at me and I flushed slightly.

"Sorry. Just trying to choose one is hard. I-I suppose my favourite whether as a child or adult would be Watership Down. It's a muggle book."

"Alright, what's it about?"

"Oh about rabbits. Humans are about to build houses on their home so a group of them have to travel across country to set up a new warren but it's all about the dangerous they face on the way. It's actually really good. Sorry, I bet it just sounds really weird."

I glanced at him nervously but he just frowned at me slightly.

"So it's an adventure story about escaping the destruction of your home, facing a big bunch of trouble on the way to set up a new one? That sounds good, not weird."

"What, even when it's about rabbits?"

"Non, may I refer you to Babbity Rabbity. Seriously, the books magical kids read are weird. That sounds downright normal. You mentioned other favourites though? What about when you were a kid?"

George had turned to face me on the bench now and I ducked my head down to spare myself from his focus for a moment as I thought before I brightened as I remembered a particular author I'd liked. Tucking my hair behind my ear I looked up again to see him smiling at me and I had to fight down a surge of nerves.

"Right well a particular author I loved was Roald Dahl. So he wrote loads of kids' books like Matilda, The B.F.G which means the big friendly giant, James and the giant peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox-"

"Wait, wait a chocolate factory? And Fantastic who? Those sound brilliant."

"Oh, but they are."

I rambled on for a while then, George was particularly taken with the last two I'd mentioned.

"…and of course Veruca Salt got everything she deserved in the end. Nearly all his mean characters do. I mean in his other book-"

I stuttered. Oh shit. I'd completely forgotten the title of this one and I tried to fight back an absurd blush of embarrassment.

"His other book? What is it?"

"Oh", I laughed nervously, "It's just about a boy with a horrible older relative who he decides to take revenge on."

"Ha now that sounds familiar. What's it called?"

I let out a slightly strangled laugh before couching nervously and trying to mutter the words out quickly.

"George's Marvellous Medicine."

George's face lit up.

"You what? George's marvellous medicine? Non, that's brilliant! Say, do you still have a copy? I mean you said it was one of your favourites."

I flushed.

"Technically I said the author was-"

"Same difference."

"-and I'm not sure I still do. I'll have a look. It is only a kids book though are you sure you want to read it?"

"Non, you have just told me I have a book practically based on me. Yes I would very much like to read it."

I laughed.

"Alright then, I'll see if I can get a copy. Do you want any of the others? You seemed to like the one about the fox."

George was trying to fight a grin.

"Nah, foxes are overrated anyway. Now if it had been about a coyote then that's a different matter."

I blinked at him, I really wasn't sure what to say about that.

"Anyway, we've got what ten minutes left so let's try a different question. And you have to answer right away Non, no dithering."

"I didn't dither!"

How dare he.

"Yes you did. It was text book dithering."

I scowled.

"I just wanted to make sure I got my answer right."

George snickered at me before making an effort to control himself.

"Right you are. Well here's the question and remember, you have to answer straight away. Tell me something you don't like?"

"Ice cream."

I clapped a hand over my mouth in horror. Oh God I can't believe I just blurted that out. I cast an agonised glance at George to see him looking slightly outraged, his jaw dropped slightly.

"I'm sorry!" I rushed to explain as I saw him take a deep breath to talk. "I mean I don't hate it, otherwise I wouldn't have eaten it but it's just not erm…my favourite?"

"Non! You just ate something you didn't like, why didn't you just tell me?"

He was looking at me like I was mad.

"Well you'd just gone to all the effort to get me some I didn't want to make you feel bad. Though, guess that's not worked now huh?"

I bit my lip in dismay but to my surprise he just chuckled at me.

"Serves me right for getting you something without asking first. But seriously Non, next time if you don't like something just tell me."

I felt ridiculously relieved.

"Alright."

"So it's ten o'clock, reckon if I keep you out another five minutes Ginny will hunt you down?"

"Most definitely."

"Better not risk her wrath then."

I nodded my agreement and we both stood up. I shuffled awkwardly again as to how to say goodbye and I remembered George's words.

"So about things I don't like. I don't really like hugging."

George grinned at me.

"Tough."

I yelped in surprise as he yanked me into a hug.

"But – but you just said to tell you when I didn't like something."

I'd tried to say the words forcefully but as they were muffled by his shoulder it didn't really work.

"Hugs don't count Non. Everyone hugs. Besides," He took a half step back, his hands still on my shoulders, "I don't think you don't like them if anything I think you're just out of practice."

I gaped at him. How dare he even presume that. Where on earth would he even get enough information about me to even think-. My thoughts froze. Ernie. Well fucking hell, I'd spent a whole evening with George and I'd forgotten completely about my conversation with Susan.

I jabbed an accusing finger at him.

"Ernie!"

George's smile widened.

"I think you'll find I'm George, Non. You know, the one who makes marvellous joke-"

"You got Ernie to blab to you about me."

I cut him off and scowled as he let out a laugh.

"I did no such thing. I just went for a pint with my good friend Ernie. Just so happened you came up in conversation is all."

I scoffed.

"He bloody told you about the choir didn't he?"

"Correct."

"Ha, I knew it! Right, what's my prize?"

Whatever surge of triumph I felt flickered slightly as George's grin turned slightly wicked.

"It's a surprise. No, now don't scowl. It will be wholly informative and rewarding. You can have it any day next week. Message me what day you have free, yeah?"

I gazed at him suspiciously before nodding hesitantly.

"Alright."

"Brilliant, c'mere."

I let out another squeak of surprise as he hugged me again before stepping back.

"You need me to escort you home?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Somehow I think I'll find the way. G'night George."

"Night Non."

He waited for me to apparate away and the last thing I saw was him standing there, a crooked smile on his face.

All of the lights in my cottage were on when I trudged up the path and pushed the door open following the voices to the kitchen where I froze.

"You're not a girl!"

I pointed an accusing finger at Harry who looked thoroughly put out and I cast a reproachful look at Ginny. Susan and Hermione where busy hiding smiles into their drinks.

"You know girls nights aren't fair. I haven't seen Ginny for days, how come you get to steal her away? And why are you wearing a dress?"

Ginny was shaking her head at me as I'd opened my mouth to snap back a response to Harry. Clearly he didn't know that girls night was her idea.

"I'm a girl, we wear dresses" I sniffed at him.

"Wait, did you have another date with George?"

I shot Hermione a filthy look.

"We've never had a date!"

Ginny was crowing with laughter as she brought a drink over to me.

"Wait hold on, what other dates have you had? Did you have a date tonight?"

I turned my glare to Susan.

"No dates. None. Zero. We are just friends. I mean stop-look stop laughing at me, it's not funny!"

"I think someone's protesting too much."

I was going to hurt Ginny.

The people formally known as my friends were all openly cackling at me. I huffed in annoyance as I took a big gulp of my drink before I nearly choked on it. Merlin it was strong and I saw a wicked gleam in Ginny's eye that was eerily similar to George's. It was, quite clearly, going to be one of those nights.

A/N: I've passed 50 followers! That has made my week. Thank you to all of you who have such interest in this story.

I hope you enjoy this latest chapter, it was the first chapter I've had a bit of difficulty getting started on but the second half really just seemed to write itself.

To those have been so kind to review, especially the last guest review – thank you so much. I know marriage law fics are a certain trope but I am trying to do something a bit differently here. I'm just so glad there are people enjoying it.

With regards to the anxiety aspect, I know a lot of you have commented on it being realistically portrayed and I am going to try and continue to do my best with that. Anxiety is a very individual illness but I know there are a lot of symptoms that a lot of people (including myself) recognise. I hope that I am handling it all as sensitively as I can.

As ever any feedback you'd like to give would be really appreciated.

Diolch/Thanks,

Yav