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*

17. Chapter 17

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

Chapter 17

I supposed it was a good thing work was now keeping my mind so occupied that it gave me very little time to stress over anything else.

Since our discovery that it was the CMG that was doing experimental magic and that this linked the Task murder to the smuggling I had thrown myself into the case reports again, re-reading the interviews with the smuggling gang in the hope of finding any sort of clue to CMG's identity but also what possible reason they had for performing such strange magic and in such seemingly random locations.

The smuggling seemed like your standard case of importing and shipping contraband and I'd sent off a request for information from the French Ministry of Magic to see if they had any traces of who was supplying the goods from their side of the English Channel. From the British end it was time for me to compile a list of stockists, or to look at the bigger companies to see who had vested interests. In the past the well-known families had been obvious, like the Malfoys, who made no secret over their funding and influence over things at the Ministry. Since the war however the prominent families were no more, their assets for the most part stripped as the surviving members set about getting on quietly with their lives. They wouldn't be forgiven any time soon.

A part of me wondered if that didn't give them the right motivation to be dealing with illegal goods but I quickly dismissed that. They wouldn't have the funds nor the capabilities of being able to do so. The war was still too recent and their actions still viewed with far too much suspicion, it would just be plain stupidity on their part.

This then led me to consider the so called 'second tier' of magical families. The technically half-bloods although they followed the pure blood ideals and were for the most part (bar the odd random ancestor) pure blood themselves. These were the likes of Parkinson, Greengrass, Boot, Bones, Macmillian, McClaggen, Patil…each Hogwarts house had them although as usual the majority were Slytherins. None of these second tier families had outwardly backed You Know Who, they had kept themselves neutral and out of the fighting but that didn't mean they were without influence.

That was the one thing that I had never understood during the war. You Know Who had his vision of the future that was enough to sway so many people to his side but his methods had been divisive. He'd succeeded in taking over the Ministry but the set up with the snatchers, with the muggle born internment on Azkaban…it was a form of fascism and hatred that was too much to take unless you were one of his brainwashed. He never actually got the support of the majority of the magical community, although it was generally those who were friendly with muggle-borns, or anomalies like the Weasleys that publically fought against him.

But these groupings of families gave me pause because they still had influence and they were still trusted. I set about securing the information of those families connected to the Wizengamot and all of the heads of department as well as those one or two levels below. Sometimes it was those highest up that would seem to be the culprit when really it was those just on the level below them that were pulling all of the strings.

It was a lot of information for me to compile, and I also added a quick scribbled note to my papers to check whether any of them had any connection to the auror department while I was at it, but it would at least give me a clearer picture. Even if it ended up that I was following completely the wrong thread this was handy information to have. I didn't like politics, it was one of the worst things about the Ministry, but just because I didn't like it didn't mean I could ignore it because more often than not when a new bit of legislation was passed, or a new directive issued, then it was invariably politics and personal interests as the driving force.

"Hey Non, we're due to meet the twins in twenty minutes, are you nearly ready?"

Hermione's voice called up to me where I was ensconced in my bedroom and as I hastily stuffed my notes away I tried to ignore the feeling of nausea. I really didn't feel well but I knew it hadn't been because of anything I'd eaten and I'd finally started to realise at the start of this year when I'd cried off so many social engagements because I felt unwell that it was my anxiety making me feel like this. I took a small sip of water, struggled to swallow it down then let out a heavy sigh.

I think I was ready, just about. I'd stressed myself out about what to wear. Were we going somewhere super posh, did I have to get properly dressed up and God forbid wear heels? Or were jeans and a pretty top enough? I'd nearly been too embarrassed to ask Hermione but she'd prized the information out of me. Truth was, I didn't want to wear the wrong thing and just be an embarrassment to George. When Hermione had pointed out that it was more likely George and his own questionable fashion sense that was bound to raise eyebrows I'd started to feel a bit better.

"I mean, would you be embarrassed by what George wears?"

That question had flummoxed me. Because no; I wouldn't. I mean I may not like what he wears, his lime green dragon skin jacket was a prime example of that, but if it was what he liked then what did it matter? When I'd finally mumbled out a no she'd given me quite a stern look and told me just to wear whatever I wanted.

So whilst she'd calmed me down it hadn't really fully stopped me stressing. I mean what if I was just wearing completely the wrong thing? I'd agonised over whether or not I should wear a dress before I'd decided, as I most often did, to go for comfort. So I'd wriggled in to some black jeans, paired it with a strappy blue top and finished the look off with some sandals. I glared half-heartedly at my sandals. Whilst I could see they went well with what I was wearing, they weren't the best for running in.

Because of course there'll be lots of running when you go to dinner.

I rolled my eyes at myself. I supposed it was part paranoia from my job that made me want to prepare for everything although deep down I knew that wasn't the case. The war door in my mind gave a gentle wobble that I firmly ignored. I knew all too well about being unprepared to run.

I gave one last critical look at myself in the mirror before I tucked my hair behind my ears, grabbed up my bag and jacket and hurried down the stairs to see Hermione waiting for me in the hall. She'd opted for a pretty tunic dress that cinched in at her waist and I had to fight against biting my lip. Shit maybe I really should have gone with a dress.

I could see Hermione about to open her mouth to reprimand me so I beat her to it.

"I know, I know, I was stressing over nothing."

I got an eye roll in reply before she led the way out of the house. A quickly muttered spell had the door locked before Hermione took hold of my arm to side along apparate me to the Leaky where we were to meet the twins.

Plans had changed somewhat for Lee Jordan's birthday when Fred had clocked it was also Hermione's birthday this week. So we'd moved dinner forward by an hour so we'd all have time for a big group gathering in the Leaky later on by way of a double celebration. Now the Leaky part I felt I could cope with, after all I'd managed to go there to celebrate the passing of Hermione's law, but the dinner part…I felt almost as nervous as I had the first time I'd had to go to The Burrow for a family lunch. I was already sweating too much and I was worried my hair, fine as it was, would start to stick to my forehead and get greasy.

You can just charm it clean again Non if it gets that bad.

I'd tried to make a list of what I knew I would worry about in the morning so I had set answers to calm myself down. It wasn't helping much but it was better than nothing.

I saw the twins before I heard them although honestly they were hard to miss. I almost wished I had my sunglasses on to protect my eyes. Their hair was as flaming red as normal which always made them easy to pick out in the crowd. No what really drew the eye was the bright turquoise short sleeved shirts they were wearing. George's was patterned with parrots whilst Fred's was covered with flamingos. I could see Hermione's eyes narrow, only minutely, but she otherwise didn't comment on Fred's apparel.

I on the other hand was actually quite happy with George's very loud choice of shirt because as it certainly drew the eye it meant there was no way on earth I was the worst dressed. I bit my lip at that thought. I mean it wasn't that George even looked bad but I supposed what I meant was that people would be talking about him and not me. And talking of people, I cast a furtive look around the Leaky but thankfully it wasn't busy. Just in case though I made sure my hair wasn't tucked behind my ear so that it would fall forward to cover a lot of my face.

"You're early!"

George loudly greeted me and enveloped me in a bear hug and I immediately flushed. That was not the quiet low key greeting I had wanted at all. I still had to abide by Beckett's warning about avoiding the attention of the press and as George pulled back slightly I made no move to step back because the closer I stood to him the harder it was for anyone to see my face. George's arms froze before he ducked his head down to whisper in my ear.

"You alright?"

I risked a glance up and could feel a tight smile on my face.

"Sure. I'll be better when we get there though."

For two reasons really. One to get away from gossips and two just to get this whole meal thing over and done with. My fingertips were already starting to get to the tingly stage which I knew meant I wasn't breathing calmly. I could feel George's gaze on me even as I stared intently at his shirt.

"Understood."

I'd only just managed to pick out George's murmured word before he'd straightened up again and spun around to pull me with him, one of his arms firmly placed around my shoulder as we now had our back to most of the pub.

"We're heading over, no harm getting there early."

George called out cheerily to Fred and Hermione even as he used his arm to propel me alongside him and out of the pub. I didn't even have time to say anything although I did see that Hermione was frowning heavily at George.

Once we were outside instead of letting go George pulled me in tighter and before I could blink he'd apparated us. As soon as we reappeared I managed to shrug from underneath his shoulder and take a step back to just breathe.

"Thanks George."

"No problem. Did you want to explore the place first before we get to the restaurant?"

I gazed at him in confusion. Was he making fun of me? I mean it was actually a really good idea, I did like to acquaint myself with a place that was new to me but I wasn't quite sure how to tell him I'd already checked this part of London out after my shift on Sunday. The street that the restaurant was on had seemed perfectly normal really. It wasn't in the best part of London but it also wasn't in what you would describe a rough area either. The only thing that had been remotely of note was a car with tinted windows that was parked about fifty metres up the street from the restaurant window but given that it had been gone midnight when I'd got there I figured that someone had just left it there for the night.

"Non?"

Oh shit, he was still waiting for a reply. I flushed in embarrassment.

"Sorry, I just, I may have called by here after my shift on Sunday…"

I trailed off. Helga, he was going to think I was so strange. I risked a glance at him to see him trying to fight a smile.

"Did it help?"

I frowned slightly as I considered his question and I glanced around me to take in the bustling street, there were about three different restaurants all lit up and I could see they were nearly all full. My anxiety swirled as I took in the laughing and happy faces but at least it wasn't wholly new to me.

"You know I think it did."

"Well good, c'mon let's just head there and we can make sure Alicia actually booked the table properly." He grinned at me then even as he casually slung and arm around my shoulder again. I didn't quite have it in me at that moment to shrug it off, I was too busy trying to keep calm. "Blue really suits you Non."

I nearly stumbled as I glanced at him in alarm.

"Erm, what?"

"The colour of your top Non. You look very pretty."

I had to fight against rolling my eyes, he was as bad as that stupid charm he'd put on my parchment planner.

"Oh uh, thanks?" Honestly I was a bit confused. "Anything's better than yellow on me I guess."

"Hold on, a Hufflepuff not liking yellow? That has to be a first."

I scoffed lightly even as I elbowed him gently in the ribs.

"You don't have to like a colour just because it's your house colour you know. I mean, my favourite colour is green."

I just managed to catch George pulling a face at my words and I laughed lightly.

"Seriously George, you don't like green because of Slytherin?"

"I don't like Slytherin green. All other shades are fine."

I really did roll my eyes then.

"Well I like all shades of green."

"Surely you have a favourite?"

We'd finally reached the front of the restaurant and we both came to a stop as I considered his question. I mean, did I? George started chuckling at me.

"What?"

I started to panic. Why was he laughing?

"You just take so long to answer the simplest questions."

Ah of course, he'd found that funny before.

"I can't help it. Anyway, I reckon the green I like best is when the sun catches on a Welsh Green. I don't know what green you'd call that though."

I was spared from any further teasing by the arrival of Fred and Hermione and I couldn't help but take in a deep breath as Fred led the way into the restaurant. As I did I glanced around the street once more and paused, a frown appearing on my face. At this time of the evening there were a fair few cars dotted around but the same car from Sunday was there. I quickly scanned the registration number; yes, it was definitely the same one. I glanced around the street again looking at it with my auror eyes on and my frown deepened.

There was a small kiosk at the far end of the street which didn't seem in keeping with the rest of the area, and on the opposite side of the street, three buildings along there was clearly an empty shopping unit but I clocked movement across a window on the second floor. What on earth…?

"Hey Non, you coming?"

I glanced back around feeling slightly guilty that I was thinking and acting like I was still in work to see George glancing at my expectantly and a group of people huddled together just inside the door. I drew in a shallow breathe and nodded.

There was a gentle murmur of voices inside the restaurant and glancing around I could see that about three quarters of the tables were full. Of course Fred was noisily greeting the rest of the group and there seemed to be a bit of an uproar about the fact that he'd just discovered Angelina Johnson was paired up with Cormac McClaggen.

"McGlaggen? McClaggen?! By Godric now I know why you wouldn't bloody tell me Angie."

I briefly wondered if Fred was jealous. He had such an outraged if not downright offended expression on his face and I knew of course that he'd used to date Angelina. I never had heard why they'd broken up. Hermione had a strangely brittle smile on her face as a very tall and broad shouldered man was talking animatedly at her with large sweeping gestures of his hands.

"That's McClaggen. An absolute pillock of the first order. Poor Angelina."

I nearly jumped at George's quiet voice. He was also wearing a look of disgust. So perhaps Fred wasn't jealous just more upset on Angelina's behalf.

"C'mere Non let me introduce you to the others, although I think you know one of them."

First up was Alicia Spinnet . I was familiar with her name and smiled when George wrapped her up in a bear hug by way of hello. She playfully slapped his arm away before she tugged on the arm of the man next to her. He looked to be a few years older than her and by the way he was critically looking around at the interior of the restaurant I was guessing he was either a former Ravenclaw or Slytherin. George tugged me closer by the belt loop so he could introduce me. It turned out Alicia's partner was indeed a former Ravenclaw by the name of Gerald Brallow. George near sniggered at his name but managed to cover it up with a cough while I just waved timidly at them both.

Merlin I hated introductions. I never knew what I was supposed to say or how to act. Was a wave okay? Should I shake their hands? Did people hug each other in greeting? I had to fight against bighting my lip and as George darted off with a laugh to greet Lee Jordan I caught Alicia sending me a sympathetic smile.

"Well he seems like he's back on good form. How are you coping?"

There was a gentle teasing to her question but she had a kind face I decided and I sent her a nervous smile back.

"Oh alright I guess, he's just very…well…George." I trailed off with a bit of a cringe, god I couldn't even describe him. Why were words so hard at social gatherings?

Alicia though seemed to find my reply funny and she was still chuckling at me when she linked her arm through Gerald's and suggested we make our way to the table. I was stopped again en route by George who introduced me to Lee Jordan.

Lee was just as loud and jovial as the twins. They must have been hell together to teach in a classroom. He had a big beaming smile and his dreadlocks swung wildly as he flung his head back with a laugh before turning his attention to us.

"You must be the Non I've heard so much about! Have they given you a medal yet? Imagine, being stuck with George. You have my sympathies." He chucked me a roguish wink even as he grabbed the back of my hand to extravagantly place a kiss on it. I could feel myself gaping at him in confusion as I actually cast George a slightly panicked look. What did he mean 'heard so much about'?

"Um I…yes. Er hello. It's nice to meet you?"

Oh god, why had I made that sound like a question .Shit Lee was even looking at me weirdly now. I had to fight against the urge to twist my fingers, I really needed to find a better outlet for my nerves.

"Well I understand you actually know my delightful wife to be. Oi Tori, c'mere."

"I would prefer it if you didn't order me around like I was some sort of kneazle Jordan."

"Right you are love, right you are."

Lee Jordan didn't seem repentant in the slightest and I had to fight against taking a step back as the very familiar face of Astoria Greengrass appeared from behind his shoulder.

"I was enjoying the show." She clearly meant what appeared to be the on-going very awkward conversation between Fred, Hermione, Angelina and McClaggen. "Oh, hello Non. My, it's been a while hasn't it?"

I managed to get one of my polite smiles to materialise on my face.

"Hi Astoria, goodness yes it has been a long time. Not since school right? How've you been?"

Urgh, polite small talk. I hated this. Why did people even like socialising. I had to introduce her to George too now didn't I? How was I to do that?

"Oh I've been fine. Daddy's trying to talk me into getting into the business although I'm sure he knows that's more Daphne's cup of tea than mine. I must say Non, I was so sorry to hear about Anna and Chloe."

I had to physically stop my shoulders from stiffening, even more so when she reached out to gently squeeze one of my hands.

"I mean what Anna, murdered by You Know Who himself because of her parents and then Chloe in Azkaban? It was terrible."

She'd added the last part as an aside to Lee Jordan and it took all that I had to keep a smile on my face at the look of pity he was directing at me. I hated being pitied. To cover what was quickly becoming an awkward silence and swallowing down what felt like some bile, I turned to George.

"Astoria was in the same year as me at school. She was always very nice."

To my face. Everyone at school had learnt one way or the other that Astoria Greengrass could say one thing to your face, quite sincerely, before heading off to talk behind your back. She certainly hadn't been one of my favourites.

"I see."

Oh Merlin it was still awkward. What was I supposed to do? I never knew how to respond when anyone mentioned Anna and Chloe. My heart had given a sharp stab of pain at just the mention of their names and I glanced around the room looking for some form of escape when I accidently caught the eye of Angelina Johnson.

"Oh, it's YOU!"

My insides actually quivered. What did she mean, oh it's me? Had I even met her before? I supposed I must have at some point through Ginny's links with the Harpies but I wouldn't have thought anyone like Angelina would have remembered me. She however clearly thought I was someone and she was hurrying over.

"George I can't believe you didn't tell me you got paired with –oi, Fred let go!"

Fred and intercepted her and was quickly dragging her over to the bar area of the restaurant where they seemed to descend in to some sort of argument. I gazed up at George in bewilderment.

"I have no idea what's going on."

George had been looking equally as baffled as me but he chuckled at my words.

"Me either. C'mon, let's go join Alicia and Gerald."

I rolled my eyes at his childish amusement at the name before I nodded my agreement. George seemed to hesitate for a moment and darted a quick look between Astoria and me but he quickly closed his mouth when I shook my head at him. Whatever he wanted to ask I really didn't want to hear it at that moment.

I never did get to hear the end of Angelina's question as Fred had placed her down the far end of the table from me. Dinner itself seemed to pass in a bit of a blur with me mainly preoccupied about not hyperventilating and trying desperately not to sweat with nerves. The only bit that stood out had been the mortifying moment when the waitress had asked me for my ID before they would serve me wine. Just me, none of the others. With my face flaming I'd fished out my provisional drivers licence that my mam had insisted I get back when I was sixteen and I thanked whatever deities that were out there that I still had it otherwise I don't know what I would have done. We were in a room full of muggles so magic would have been out of the question.

That cringe worthy moment aside I had spent most of my time trying to keep control of my breathing as I focused on analysing potential escape routes from the restaurant and keeping an eye on the customers that were coming in through the main door. It actually appeared that this wasn't just a sit down restaurant but they had a take away order area too which seemed a bit weird to me given the type of restaurant this had seemed to be from the outside. The customers inside all seemed pretty normal boring muggles. There didn't appear to be any sort of threat. There was one man at a table for two sat on his own, and by the time our dessert course was starting I had assumed he had been stood up. The way his table and chair were positioned though gave me pause. It was almost as though he was monitoring the restaurant himself. Given the weird things I'd seen outside, and the type of people coming to the takeaway counter, my mind began to whirr. It was almost as though this restaurant was under surveillance…

"Non? Hey, Non?"

George's hand on my arm had me glancing up in confusion only to see the whole table, and a waitress, looking at me.

"Oh s-sorry, what?"

Oh God how long had they been staring at me?

"Did you want an after dinner coffee or anything?"

The waitress could barely hide her annoyance at me and I had to fight against ducking my head in embarrassment even as I felt my face burn.

"Oh, no thank you."

With a tight smile the waitress headed off to get whatever drinks the others had asked for and I mumbled a quick excuse to George as I hurried from the table to the toilets where I promptly locked myself in a stall, closed the lid on the loo, sat on it and shoved my head in my hands.

I was now in the situation where I knew I had to really calm myself down but I also knew that I couldn't take too long to do it otherwise they'd send someone in to find me. I'd only really half done it when I knew I had to return to the table. I shakily washed my hands and tried to ignore my pale reflection in the mirror.

As I made my way back to the table I could see Alicia, Gerald, Astoria and Lee all loitering near the bar where it looked like the twins were settling up the bill at the far end. Shit I hadn't given any money to anyone yet for it and I started to make my way over to George, and as I got closer I could start to pick out what Lee's group were saying.

"…bit bloody quiet isn't she?"

"Oh behave Lee she's just shy."

"Boring if you ask me. Not exactly a looker either - Ouch! What did you do that for?"

"You Lee Jordan, are a prat."

The way I had been walking meant that I was one set of tables over from them so I could make my way passed without them seeing me and I fought to keep my expression blank as I heard Lee's words, even if I was thankful it seemed that Alicia had just punched him in the arm.

I mean, I wasn't a looker was I? I'd thought exactly that myself, that I wasn't pretty enough for someone like George although it was something else to hear it from one of his best friends. It wasn't even that I thought I was ugly, most of the time I didn't think I was, but there was a big difference between just being okay looking and pretty. All the other witches here tonight were definitely in the latter category. And I already knew I was too boring for someone as exciting as George. It was one of the reasons I knew we were poorly matched. I felt a heavy weight settle in my stomach even as I plastered a smile on my face as George grinned over to me. What did it matter truly when all we were going to be was friends?

"Alright Non?"

"Yeah all good. How much do I owe you?"

"Nothing."

By George's cheeky grin I think he'd guessed I was about to take issue with that but some movement outside caught my eye and I frowned, completely distracted.

"What's up?"

George was looking between me and the window in confusion.

"I think there's going to be a raid."

Nothing else made sense to me although George looked baffled by my words. The restaurant was clearly under surveillance from outside, the bloke at the table by himself was clearly an undercover muggle police offer given how he had been meticulously following who was entering and leaving and the take away counter could be the perfect cover for either the sale of something like drugs or even just plain simple money laundering. It could be that I'd thought the matter over too much to calm myself down when I was in the toilets.

As our group noisily exited the restaurant we had only made it about twenty metres down the street when the sound of sirens burst forth followed by the screeching of tires before at least ten police officers materialised, with half of them entering the restaurant.

George started laughing loudly.

"What on earth is funny about that George?"

"Nothing 'Mione, just that Non called it. How did you bloody know that was going to happen?"

I ducked my head slightly as the whole group looked at me.

"Er well, it was under surveillance from that empty shop across the way, the parked up car and that kiosk. And there was a plain clothed police officer inside, you know the man that looked like he'd been stood up?"

"So that's why you kept staring at him."

I glanced at George, this time it was my turn to be confused. I hadn't been staring, had I?

"Wait, wait, how the hell did you notice all of that? I didn't even see there was a bloke on his own."

Lee Jordan had a fierce frown on his face as he tried to puzzle it out.

"Because dear, she's an auror."

Lee burst out laughing at Astoria's words and I glanced down at my feet at the reaction. Of course he wouldn't think I was one although I was surprised Astoria knew. I would have to try and find out how.

"Ha that's a good one Tori! Honestly, I never thought you would be this funny. Oi- ouch! Why does everyone keep punching me today?"

I glanced up in surprise and wondered which of the group had punched him this time.

"What wait you mean she is-" Lee paused to glance at me incredulously "You mean you are an auror?"

I just gave him a tight lipped smile and a nod. I mean I could see why the twins got on with him, and I guessed for the most part he was harmless but I could still hear his words from by the bar. I didn't think I'd ever forget them.

"Jordan even if it kills me you will one day learn some manners."

"Hey now I have manners, right guys? Right?"

We as a group started moving on again then.

"Sorry about Lee. He can be a bit of a prat."

I stopped chewing on my lip as I glanced across to George who was ambling along beside me although I was thankful he'd refrained from slinging an arm around my shoulders this time.

"Oh don't apologise. He just reacted like most people do."

"Well, are you alright though? It wasn't all too bad?"

"It was fine George. Look can you not…not ask too much about it tonight? I just…" I trailed off unsure how to explain myself. Why were words always so hard? "I'd just like to not have to acknowledge it all."

I frowned at myself. That hadn't quite come out right and I could see George looked confused but his normal half smile was still there.

"Right you are." He flung an arm around my shoulder and I had to suppress a sight of annoyance. "Last one to the Leaky buys the first round!"

Of course by the time we did all get to the Leaky it turned out that Lee was last in and as it was his birthday he refused point blank to buy the drinks.

The twins had managed to convince the landlord Tom to let them book out the Leaky for a private function so I let out a pent up sigh of nerves I hadn't even realised I'd been holding on to when the relief hit me that I wouldn't have to be worrying about random photographers or members of the press.

Given this was a joint birthday celebration there were a lot of people in the pub, but the majority of them were people I knew and as the drinks started flowing I managed to have reached the point where I'd drunk enough wine that I was happy to catch up with some friendly faces that I hadn't seen for months as I managed to free myself from under George's arm to mingle.

I finally found myself in a group with Ginny, Susan and Hannah Longbottom and as I gazed about the pub I felt for the first time that evening both happy and comfortable. Everyone was enjoying themselves, Lee and George seemed to be involved in some sort of drinking competition while Fred and Hermione were bizarrely in some sort of dance off with Angelina and Cormac. I felt a bit bad that I hadn't spoken to him during the meal but then again, I'd hardly spoken at all. There was a live band playing, and occasionally someone from the gathering would go up to sing a song, sort of like muggle karaoke. It was a nice idea although Ginny had had to forcibly remove Harry from the stage. He'd arrived late and in the process of playing catch up had gotten too drunk too quick. Everyone knew he couldn't sing a single note let alone a song so the fact that he'd actively chosen to get up on stage spoke volumes. He was currently being kept at a table in between Neville Longbottom and Terry Boot.

"Oi Non, when can you come and meet me for lunch?"

Ginny's eyes were bright with merriment, given it was still early in the week she was allowing herself to indulge in a few drinks as she still had plenty of time to recover before her match for the weekend.

"Oh Gin I don't know. Work is so busy. I think this week? Or maybe I could come over for dinner?"

I pulled a face. My work rota really was making everything impossible.

"Well you should. You've been seeing more of bloody George than me."

"Oh has she now?" Hannah gave me a nudge in the side with her elbow. "And just how is that going dear Non?"

I eyed the three of them wearily not liking the wide grins that were slowly spreading across their faces and I rolled my eyes.

"I don't know how I'm supposed to answer that. We're only trying to be friends."

Hannah laughed as though I'd said the funniest thing in the world.

"Why is that so funny?"

I scowled at her heavily but that only seemed to set Susan and Ginny off laughing too and I huffed.

"I don't think I like any of you. I'm going to go and find some nice people to talk to."

I left them laughing behind me as I snagged another glass of wine and made a beeline for Luna who I had just seen. She was looking very pink in the face.

"What's up with you?"

"Oh hello Non." Luna sounded even dreamier than normal. "What a lovely evening this is. I was just saying good night to Ronald, he's had to leave now as he starts work early in the morning. You know, he's a wonderful kisser."

I had been in the process of taking a drink of my wine but at Luna's words I choked on it so hard it came out of my nose. I was still spluttering at her in shock when a hand grabbed my arm and started to tug me away. I glanced around in annoyance.

"Ernie what on earth are you doing?"

"Here she is gents, she'll close the show for us. One last song before we're booted out."

I gaped at him in confusion and then glanced around me. Sweet Merlin he'd led me to the band area and the group that were comprised mainly of goblins were looking at me expectantly. I glanced in desperation towards my friends to come and rescue me and felt relieved when Hannah caught my eye.

"Oh is Non going to play? Brilliant!"

She'd shrieked it so loudly that others who had been busy with their own conversations broke off to look at me. I shot Hannah a fierce glare before Ernie pushed me over to the piano. Despite my buffer of wine I could feel panic smashing against the inside of my chest.

"Ernie I haven't played any songs for years."

I hissed the words at him but he jovially laughed me off.

"Don't be silly Non, just play the one you used to at our Puffer parties."

Before I could say anything more he'd hurried off. It had now been quite a while since any music had been playing and people were starting to get a bit restless.

"Play louder love, we can't hear you!"

I couldn't be sure who had shouted that but I thought perhaps it was Cormac. I decided to add his name to Ernie and Hannah's on my list for revenge. I darted another slightly panicked look around the pub to see that nearly everyone was now looking. Shit I should have just played something nice and quick before people noticed, now I bloody well had their attention. I couldn't just run off now either could I and spoil the evening. I bit my lip as I sat myself at the piano and tried to take a steadying breath as I ducked my head down.

I mean, it's not like I'd never played in front of an audience before. Every summer I used to participate in the Eisteddfod. That's what having a music teacher for a mother did to you. And hey in the Eisteddfod's people weren't just watching, you had to perform in front of a panel of judges. Now that was proper pressure. In the past the crowd in the pub wouldn't have bothered me that much at all but I hadn't played in years and I didn't even know if I could still actually sing. A few notes sure, but a whole song? I swallowed heavily as I placed my fingers on the keys and sent a prayer to Helga that I got through this.

After the opening couple of lines I managed to get my voice to stop wobbling and I was amazed to find that I could still sing. My vocal chords felt a bit funny, like there was some weird extra vibration, but I was still carrying a tune. I'd never had the most powerful voice so I made sure not to play the piano too loudly, which turned out to be a good thing as I hit quite a few dud notes. I hoped no one would notice.

As soon as I finished I let my shoulders slump as I let out a huge breath of air and passed a steadying hand over my face. That had been horrible. Thank god I was actually a bit drunk I think I'd have passed out if I was sober. I managed a quick smile at the band as they set about packing up and I made a beeline towards Hannah and Ernie where I hoped my annoyance showed on my face. Before I could even snap out a word though she'd flung herself at me in a hug.

"Oh Non you were wonderful. It was just like being back at H-Hogwarts!"

Oh dear lord she was crying. She always had been very emotional. I patted her on the back awkwardly and shot a panicked look at Susan who just shrugged at me as she tucked herself into the crook of Ernie's arm. Ernie looked like he couldn't wait to speak to me.

"Not bad Non, not bad at all. I mean, I get why Anna and Chloe did most of the solo singing at school but you know, your voice isn't half bad on its own."

I blinked. Was that…a compliment? An insult?

"…thank you?"

"Don't mind him Non, you were great. I could never have done anything like that. I reckon I best get him out of here before he forces someone else to perform."

I smiled at Susan's words as she managed to get Hannah to release me too and she led the two of them out of the pub.

Fatigue hit me then. It had been such an intense evening and I recalled Luna's words that Ron had left early because he had an early shift because I now remembered I was working that shift with him. I probably should have left at least an hour ago. Although I couldn't wait for the morning actually. He'd bloody well kissed Luna! Merlin did I have questions to ask him.

"Oi Non, come and help!"

I glanced about in confusion to see Fred beckoning to me before he nearly tipped sideways as he tried to maintain his hold on a swaying Hermione and George. I hurried over to them.

"What's up?"

"This prat is completely pissed."

Fred gestured with his head towards George and I giggled to see George staring blearily down at me, his eyes most definitely not focusing properly.

"And well 'Mione is too. I'm just going to see she gets home safe, can you walk my light weight twin back to ours for me?"

"Sure thing Fred."

He sent me a grateful smile and started to hurry Hermione towards the front door of the pub when a thought hit me and I frowned.

"Hey wait Fred – Fred!"

I was too late though, he'd already left. I mean why didn't I just take Hermione home given she lived with me and Fred walk George home given they lived together? That would have made far more sense. I huffed slightly in annoyance before I turned my full attention to George.

"Ready to go home George?"

The only answer I got was a goofy smile and with a small sigh of acceptance I grabbed hold of his arm and led him to the entranceway to Diagon Alley.

You know if I'd have known it would take half hour to walk an absolutely drunk as a fart George Weasley up the road I think I'd have just let him pass out in the pub. We couldn't walk past a single shop front without him dragging me over to it and talking at the top of his voice to explain things to me. For some reason he found the window display at the apothecary especially important to point out.

By the time we got to the door of his flat his arm was around my shoulder and he kept giggling into my ear. I could feel a small smile tugging at the corner of my mouth despite feeling so tired. He was harmless really if not a bit annoying.

"You walked me home."

He crooned the words at me and I giggled slightly as he nearly fell through the door.

"That I did George. Why don't you get changed for bed and I'll go and get you some water."

I gave him a small shove and he stumbled off down the landing towards his bedroom and I hurried into the kitchen to get him a drink. If he could manage even one glass before he slept it would be something. I glanced at my watch and winced. It was nearly one o'clock in the morning and he'd have to be opening the shop at nine. He was going to suffer I had no doubt.

I hesitantly made my way towards George's room. I didn't know if I should go in but then again how was he to get the water? I shrugged to myself as I poked my head around his open door and I snorted out a laugh.

He'd managed to get half undressed before he'd clearly fallen on the bed and he looked like he was currently passed out, flat on his back. I hurried over to the bed and placed the glass of water down on his bedside table. It was quite a small room but every available surface was covered with books and scrolls and I smiled lightly. It seemed that George Weasley was a studier. I grabbed hold of his arm and tugged so that he rolled to be sleeping on his side. It was weird to see George sleeping where for once his face wasn't animated. I shook my head at myself before I opened my bag and murmured a quick accio to bring my small chest of potions to my hand. I opened it carefully and quickly extracted a hydrating potion. It wasn't quite as effective as a full hangover cure but it was better than nothing, and I placed it ready for George next to his glass of water.

I tiptoed my way back out the room and after a muttered nox I quietly shut the door only to turn and find myself face to face with Fred. I drew my breath in so quickly to almost scream I started to choke on it and Fred chuckled quietly as he patted me on the head.

"There, there Non, I didn't mean to startle you."

Liar.

"Yes you did."

"You're right, I did. Now I take it you're done ravishing George you're going to head home?"

"Ravish? I didn't ravish him!"

"A likely story Non." He bopped me on the nose and I blinked. Huh perhaps Fred hadn't been as sober as I'd thought. "After you seduced him with your song I'm sure he didn't put up a fight."

I thought back to mine and George's walk back to the flat. He hadn't mentioned my singing at all, in fact he'd been babbling on about sneezewort and sopophorus beans most of the time. Fred was clearly talking rubbish.

"Um, I don't think I've ever seduced anyone before in my life Fred."

Fred laughed like I'd said something very funny and I felt slightly perplexed. You know, a lot of people had done that to me today and I didn't quite know how to process it.

"Well I'm going to head off, early start 'n all and you," I thrust a finger into Fred's startled face, "had better not have taken advantage of Hermione."

Fred attempted to plaster an innocent expression on his face.

"I would never do such a thing. I mean I couldn't speak for 'Mione though. She could very much take advantage of me."

Could or had I wondered as a wicked smile was appearing on his face.

"I'm going to file that under information I don't want to know. G'night Fred."

"'Night Non. Ha, night Non. That's funny."

I just shook my head at him as I made my way back outside and apparated quickly home. As I settled into bed I tried to take stock of the evening. The amount of wine I'd had meant I didn't currently feel too dreadfully about everything and really the Leaky part had passed in a bit of a blur but what made me feel happiest was that I'd actually managed to sing a whole song. Not the performing to an audience part but just the singing. I mean I hadn't done that since before the war. Perhaps, perhaps my voice wasn't broken. I sighed happily as I snuggled my head into my pillows. Because you know, that meant something. If I could actually sing again…that would mean the world.

A/N: Hello to all my new followers and to all you lovely readers, I hope you liked this chapter. It was a tricky one to write so not sure it worked.

If you've reviewed - thank you SO much. I'm sorry I haven't had chance to reply by PM this week.

Eisteddfod – this is a Welsh language festival of the arts. There are competitions in writing, poetry, drama, singing, dancing, music etc. For children in Wales we typically all take part in the Urdd Eisteddfod (which is for children of schooling age – which is why Non has competed in them before), the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol is for typically young adults and above with the highest honour being to win the Chair – this is for the best poet. Poetry and song are hugely important to Welsh culture. If you're interested in learning more a quick search on the internet should provide you with a lot of information. Or if you have any particular questions feel free to drop me a line.

Diolch,

Yav