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

Chapter 19

I narrowed my eyes at the middle aged swiftly going to seed lazy arse from maintenance who I now knew was called Trevor.

"I seem to recall that I'd requested some information to be delivered last Friday and yet somehow it's not appeared. Now why can that be?"

"Well you see lo- I mean Auror Clewel-"

I did glare then as he started to mispronounce my name and he stopped himself mid word.

"I mean miss, it was an awful lot of information you needed. I need a few more days."

I mean really, he'd had over a week but I supposed the fact that it was taking this long meant there were far more maintenance reports than even I'd imagined there to be for Azkaban, and I nodded my head stiffly in response.

"Fine, you've got until Wednesday. I would simply hate to report you."

I got a queasy smile in return before I smiled sweetly and spun on my heel. I mean yes it was annoying that the information was delayed but I was so busy with the reports I'd received from the French Ministry that really, I supposed it was a blessing.

The French Ministry had been amazingly efficient. I mean they were brilliant, they put our own Ministry to shame. I'd struck up a good rapport with one of the auror's over there who was just as keen to figure out why certain goods kept falling into the hands of CMG and his gang.

Because you see what the French authorities had been able to advise me was that it was only specific cargo targeted. We'd known a bit of that ourselves from the raid a month or so back but there were specific items and ingredients in each set of goods that were going missing from the French side and appearing on the British side as smuggled goods.

Now that I had that list to go on I could review what businesses were likely to be buying up the stock. Because despite the announcement the auror department had issued that there were illegal goods being distributed not one business had come forward as yet to say that they'd been approached to buy any. Which suggested that either all of the businesses where in cahoots with CMG which was obviously highly unlikely, or CMG had worked out to make a legitimate front for himself so that once the goods were sold on they became legal. It was a bit, I supposed, like money laundering that happened a lot in the muggle world. It made sense that we would have our own equivalent.

But just what would CMG, or his cover business, need with the funds? I glanced down at the list of items again. I mean they were rare and hard to get a regular supply of, businesses would be paying a small fortune for just a small amount.

What I had discovered when reviewing the businesses registered via the Ministry was just how few of them there really were. I hadn't thought the magical world was quite that small but despite there being quite a few individual shops it appeared that a lot of them had the same overall owner. There were really only three or four independent traders still purchasing these goods themselves otherwise the rest went via the main business owners.

I'd already been to interview the Malfoy and Boot businesses on the Friday afternoon which had been a huge stress in and of itself. At least I was doing this case by myself so I didn't have to worry about making a fool of myself in front of a colleague, but it was difficult going to an established place with really only vague queries. I think both places had thought I was a fool as I'd left but I'd at least got the answers I'd wanted. Neither of them had bought any items on the list recently, the Malfoy enterprise was especially grumpy about that fact but they still had operating constraints on them following the war. I mean they could both have been lying but I didn't get the sense that they were, and really there was no motive for them to be untruthful.

I glanced at my list again and frowned. I had three places left to interview- the Parkinson's, the Greengrass' and Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. I nearly groaned aloud as I re-read the last name again. I mean it shouldn't have surprised me that George and Fred used such rare ingredients given the nature of some of their products but the fact I was going to have to interview them made me squirm. Ron was always going on about how they didn't take him seriously with his job and I mean if they were like that to their own brother how on earth would they take to me asking them some questions?

I tapped nervously at George's notepad before I hesitantly began to write.

[Hi George]

[Um, can I ask you a question?]

I set about writing up my reports from my previous business visits while I waited for him to reply. Typically George never took very long to respond at all and sure enough not five minutes later new words appeared.

[Non Non, of course. Although if it's to ask to cancel our plans for later, then no.]

[I wouldn't cansle those. I need to interview you and Fred, for work. Is that okay?]

[I'll send a formal notification of corse I just didn't want to alarm you.]

I sat back and chewed on my thumb nervously. I mean this was just awkward. Really I suppose I shouldn't even be forewarning them but how could I not have?

[An interview? Are we in trouble?]

[Are you going to arrest me?]

[Because you know, I wouldn't object to that.]

I rolled my eyes. Honestly.

[Is this your way of telling me you've broken the law George?]

[I can neither confirm nor deny. You'll need to send your requests via my legal representative Wred Feasley.]

[Noted. I'll see you later George.]

[Oi hold on, you haven't said if you liked my gift yet.]

I snorted so loudly at that a couple of the other aurors in the room looked over at me in confusion and I ducked my head down.

[Well it was certainly interesting.]

[Interesting? That it? I made you a music box that plays four different songs!]

[It burps songs at me George. Burps. I stand by interesting.]

It had also been delivered in a box that exploded with confetti that despite numerous scourgify spells I still hadn't managed to entirely clear from my kitchen. I mean I should have known the burps were coming really. The box itself was beautiful, made of clearly old wood and intricate carvings. I'd laughed myself silly after I'd opened it and heard the 'songs'.

I glanced at my watch and cursed quietly, I was going to be late to see the Parkinson's. I made a final stop at the toilets so I could check myself over in the mirror. I'd made a bit more effort on making sure my hair looked neat and put on minimal makeup. I was also dressed marginally more smartly although my auror robes would cover most of it. I'd at least had to forgo my usual daps for some small heeled boots. The Parkinson's were rich and pure blood and unfortunately were still obsessed with status and image.

As I walked up the sweeping stone steps to the front door of their manse I took my time to slow my breathing and to prepare myself. I didn't have all that many questions really, they were more feelers than anything else so hopefully this wouldn't take me too long at all. It was a bit grotesque really the size of the place. So many of the rooms must just stand empty I mean, what was the point of it? I much preferred my tiny cottage.

I was greeted in the entrance hall by a house elf who gestured I wait there for a moment. That moment turned into a half hour and I had to supress and eye roll. All of these old magical families were the same. Anything to intimidate I supposed. When I was finally allowed in to see Mr Parkinson he was sat behind a very large desk that was covered in neat pile of paperwork. He didn't get up to greet me instead simply gestured that I sit in the small chair by the desk.

There was an awkward silence before I managed to clear my throat and start my standard auror spiel. I was thankful at least I didn't have to make pained small talk, I tended to prefer situations like this one where I could just get straight to business.

"If you could just read through this list please Mr Parkinson and let us know whether any of the items have been obtained by your firm recently, I would really appreciate it."

Mr Parkinson took a long moment to review the parchment before he levelled me with a serious look.

"They are familiar. I will double check with my daughter Pansy as she's taking over that side of the business. I trust there is nothing untoward here?"

"As I'm sure you're aware from the Ministry announcement to businesses there have been an influx of smuggled goods on the market. These items are of particular interest. If I could ask that if your firm has any records of obtaining any in the last four months or you ever get approached to purchase any that you let me know? You have my details."

"Of course. That it?"

He's begun to look bored now and I wondered if he would actually check anything with Pansy but there was little I could do about it now. I'd probably have to leave it a week and then pen a letter if I hadn't heard anything further.

"Yes that's it sir, thank you."

I was dismissed with a silent nod of his head and I quietly left the room and I let out a huge sigh as I finally stepped back outside. God that had been horrible. I was no good at meeting new people and I clenched my hands into fists to stop my fingers tingling.

Breathe Non, for fucks sake breathe. You did it.

I was stopped in my tracks as I was heading down the driveway by a shout and I turned my head in confusion until I clocked the figure of a man hurrying over to me.

"Hey wait, I saw you from the front room window. Don't I know you? You're a Puffer, right?"

I scanned his earnest face taking in his floppy hair and blue eyes when I realised that I did recognise him. He'd been in Hufflepuff but about four years older than me.

"Yes, you're Rupert right? I'm Non."

"Yes that's me, sorry I couldn't remember your name. Goodness it's nice to see a Puffer face around here."

I gave him a polite smile but he must have seen I was confused.

"Oh of course perhaps you don't know. I've been paired with Pansy. Not that's she's too happy, I mean I'm muggleborn so I don't think her family like me all that much. They're frightfully stuffy, don't you think?"

"I can't say I know them that well Rupert, I was just following up some questions for work."

I tapped the badge on my robes and his eyes widened.

"An auror. Wow, what's it about? Or are you not allowed to say?"

Merlin he was like a puppy that had been starved for attention.

"Just routine questions about business supplies. Mr Parkinson mentioned that Pansy had taken over that part of the business so I expect I'll be hearing from her."

"Oh yes, Pansy's been really busy what with taking over that part and setting up her own business. Something about beauty products I think although she kept mentioning the beach. I've got to say she doesn't really tell me much."

I kept a neutral smile on my face even as I continued to make pleasantries with him. Now why would Pansy keep going on about a beach? I mean I knew it was a leap but the beach meant the sea front and the sea front I now always linked to inside out fish. Huh.

"Well it was nice talking to you Rupert but I don't want to be late for my next appointment. I hope it all works out with Pansy."

"Right you are Non I won't keep you. I can't say how nice it is to see a friendly face."

I nodded by goodbye before I hurried down the drive and as soon as I was out of sight I apparated to the Greengrass'.

Now this house while just as big seemed far more welcoming. I was still greeted by a house elf but this time I was ushered straight in to see Mr Greengrass.

"Right then young miss what's this about illegal goods? I'll not have my business associated with any such thing. Here have a seat."

I blinked rapidly as I processed his greeting before I thankfully sat. What a bloody contrast to Mr Parkinson.

"We've been liaising with the French Ministry sir. These items," I passed him the parchment, "are being illegally obtained from the French side and then smuggled over here. We just need to know whether you have been approached by anyone – an individual or a company – to purchase these goods sir."

"Well we definitely use these items but I can't say our head company deals with procurement of goods any more. We switched it all over back in May. We've got a wholesaler that does it now, supposedly it means we can get the goods for cheaper if we all pool our purchases through one place although I've yet to see evidence of it. My daughter Daphne set it up, I'll have her send you what information we have."

I had to stifle a frown. My just how convenient that neither business owner had the information I needed, although Mr Greengrass' face was at least far more open that Parinkson's had been. Perhaps he was being honest.

"I'm trying to get both my daughter's involved in the business you see, be nice for me to take a back seat Merlin knows the wife has pestered me enough. Can I get Astoria to focus though?" he shook his head in annoyance. "You know Astoria don't you? You seem about the same age."

If I was being honest I was flummoxed by how talkative he was and it took me a couple of goes to get my words out.

"Oh yes I know Astoria we were in the same year at school, she was always one of the brightest witches in the class."

He seemed pleased by my reply but his eyes were still sharp.

"And what house were you in?"

"I was a Hufflepuff sir."

"Was? Most people still stick to their houses even after they leave."

"I suppose they do."

He chuckled at that before standing up and ushering me to the door.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet me sir, if you do have any information I'd be grateful to see it. You have my details?"

"Yes, yes of course."

The door closed quite heavily behind me and I frowned slightly before shrugging. Right, I had one last interview to go and Helga knew I didn't want to do it. I paused in the entrance hall and glanced quickly to my right to see Astoria Greengrass peering out at me from behind a door. She had the decency to look a bit chagrined that I'd caught her.

"Should have known you'd notice."

She ambled out to see me, dressed immaculately and without a hair out of place.

"And how was my dear Daddy? Helpful?"

"As much as I expected."

Her lips smirked at that.

"You know Non you're surprisingly good at not actually answering questions."

I smiled in reply and she rolled her eyes.

"Oh fine, don't bite. So I hear you're being whisked away to a library later?"

I almost questioned how she knew that before I recalled she was paired with Lee Jordan who of course must have gotten the information from George.

"I suppose. Let me guess, Lee's appalled at how boring that is?"

His comments that I'd overheard from the restaurant still stung as much as I tried to ignore them.

"Jordan has no understanding of playing to a person's strengths. I'd say you're lucky Weasley seems to have a bit more about him."

I was completely baffled by her words but didn't want to show it.

"Well I better go Astoria, I've got one more interview to go."

I couldn't even stop the sulky expression I could feel settle on my face.

"Oho go on, who is it?"

"Weasley's Wizard Wheezes."

She giggled delightedly at my reply.

"Well I don't envy you that Non. You know there's a reason they say don't mix business with pleasure."

"Well you've been wildly reassuring there Astoria thank you."

She waved me off with another laugh and I kept my smile fixed on my face until I was well clear of the building. This was the thing about Astoria she lulled you in to talking but it nearly always came back to bite you in the arse, that's how she'd been at school. I wondered if she'd actually changed at all.

Shaking my head slightly to myself I mustered up my courage and apparated to Diagon Alley. As I was in my auror clothes most people gave me a fairly wide berth for which I was thankful. The streets were still busier than I liked but there didn't seem to be anything untoward going on as I surveyed the shop fronts as I strode down the street towards the glaring front of the twins' shop.

When I entered it was a lot quieter than normal although there were still a fair few customers milling about the place and I weaved through them to make a beeline for Verity who was working behind the till.

"Hello, I'm Auror Llewellyn, I've an appointment to see Messrs Weasley."

"Right you are hold on."

She departed briefly to open the door to the store room.

"Non's here Mr Weasley, Mr Weasley."

She paused for a moment before she came back towards me.

"They say you can go right on through."

"Right okay, thanks Verity."

I tried to push down my embarrassment that I'd bothered to introduce myself as an auror at all when she clearly knew who I was and I quickly hurried through to the store room only to be faced with the two headless figures of the Weasley twins.

I paused for just a second before my brain caught up and guessed that they were both wearing those invisibility hats they'd designed. I narrowed my eyes slightly. This would make it a lot harder for me to tell which was which.

"Hello." They chimed their greeting together. "Follow us will you? The office is this way."

Right okay you know, they had to rehearse stuff like this. I did as they asked though and followed a short distance behind as they led me to the right side of the storage room before one of them took out their wand to tap on the wall and a door appeared. The other twin's arm twitched towards me before they both extravagantly bowed me through the door.

Right well that one's George.

Unless of course it was Fred pretending to be George. I bit my lip and kept studying them. As the other twin walked over to the desk I noted an ink stain on the underside of his shoe.

And that one should be Fred.

Unless of course they'd switched shoes. I mean I didn't know how much they prepared when they wanted to pretend to be each other or trick people.

Both slightly creepy headless figures were stood by their desk seemingly waiting for me to begin. I wasn't really sure how to handle this situation at all and I had resorted to wiggling my toes in my shoes to try and work out my nerves knowing it wouldn't be a good look to start obviously fidgeting with my hands. Perhaps treating them as I'd treated everyone else I'd interviewed was the best option. I took in a breath and began.

"Thank you for agreeing to see me at such short notice. I don't expect to take up much of your time, we're just interested in these items and whether or not you've been approached to buy any recently."

I handed over the parchment and they both took their time to view it. Or at least that's what I guessed what they were doing.

"We have been."

The possibly George answered me and I stood slightly straighter to attention.

"Okay, that's good. Do you recall how often and when was the last time you had contact?"

"I reckon we deserve a bit more information first. Why do you need to know? As far as we can see we've been legitimately buying goods for our products. Why the questions?"

My head swung to the possibly Fred.

"They're just preliminary enquiries with regards to possibly smuggled goods Mr Weasley. We're ascertaining whether these items fall into that category."

"Are you implying that we deal with criminals?"

I took in a shallow breath. Blimey of all the people to prove to be difficult about all this I hadn't thought it would be a Weasley.

"I'm trying to ascertain whether or not you've unknowingly purchased contraband Mr Weasley."

"What, do you think we're that stupid?"

Currently, yes.

"If you could please answer my questions Mr Weasley."

I directed that to the possibly George.

"We've only purchased some items on this list just the once, it was an order about two months ago."

"And no more since? Why not?"

"Because they were bloody overpriced and of poor quality. We've been dealing direct with the French supplier instead."

"Direct? There aren't any wholesalers who could supply you?"

After Mr Greengrass' comments I wanted to at least see if the twins had heard about this new set up. I was answered with an initial snort from the possibly Fred.

"Oh we've been approached by one. Their membership fees are extortionate. I mean it's a hassle dealing direct instead of the normal market place but at least we can rely on the quality."

I nodded my head slowly while I thought.

"You don't happen to have an invoice from the person you got the order from, do you?"

"Course we do. Although…we'd have to look."

I quirked an eyebrow at the possibly George. I mean they're office looked neat enough. Maybe they'd just stuffed everything into draws for my visit.

"If you could provide me with a copy I'd be very grateful. And if you're ever approached about these items again please let me know."

"What you want us to snitch?"

"No Fred, I want you to report a crime."

"And just what makes you think I'm Fred?"

They'd both crossed their arms. I mean I thought my gut instinct was right but I'd look a bit of a fool if I was wrong. I bit my lip and decided to go for it.

"You've got an ink stain on the underside of your right shoe."

The headless figure lifted his right foot to look underneath.

"Damn."

His arm reached up and Fred Weasley's grinning face appeared.

"That's a tiny bloody stain Non."

"A stain is a stain."

I ducked my head slightly as George's equally grinning face appeared and I thought over their answers. I really, really hoped they had a copy of that invoice.

"Right is that business over with now? Can we get to the fun part of the day?"

He was bouncing on the balls of his feet and I supressed an eye roll.

"I really should go back and write up a report first."

"Nope, not allowed. We agreed from three o'clock onwards and guess what Non, it's one minute past."

I eyed George wearily before shooting a pleading look at Fred.

"Oh don't look at me. I've got to go and man the shop whilst this one plays hooky. Good luck."

And with a roguish wink he departed.

"Well. Okay George, can we stop off at your flat first though?"

"Yes of course, c'mere."

Before I could blink George had grabbed my arm and apparated us to the hallway of his flat upstairs and I took a moment to catch my breath.

"A bit of warning would be nice."

A slightly evil grin in return did not reassure me in the slightest. George hurried off to get changed out of his work robes and after a quick trip to use the bathroom I decided to hang my own robes up in the hall. I mean I didn't like leaving them there but I wasn't minded to shrink them down and put them in my bag. Merlin knew half of my wardrobe was stuffed in there already.

"Ready to go?"

"Honestly starting to have second thoughts. You're like an overexcited Teddy."

"Brilliant, you love overexcited Teddy."

You know, love was a bit of a stretch on that given that an overexcited Teddy was completely exhausting but George didn't give me a chance to reply as he was already bundling me out of the front door.

Not five minutes later we were stood on the steps outside the Magner Liber. It was clearly one of those magical buildings like the Leaky Cauldron and St Mungo's where muggles just simply couldn't see it and I saw dozens of faces just glance blankly away as they walked past. You could literally see their eyes jumping from the trees on the left to the church on the right, ignoring the quite frankly ginormous building in the middle.

"Welcome Non, to the Magner Liber."

George led me up the steep steps and the heavy doors opened before us and we stepped into the quiet hush that could only belong to a library. It was amazing. Huge vaulted ceilings were high above us and my mind couldn't even start to work out the floor space this building most cover. I breathed in deeply. Merlin I loved the smell of books, I swear it was one of the best smells in the world. And my, were there books. Everywhere I gazed, each spare crevice and cranny was full of them. There must have been hundreds of thousands. I could feel that my eyes were wide as I spun in a slow circle but even as I could see how brilliant this place was I felt a familiar pang of disquiet.

"Hey, what's the frown for?"

George whispered to me as he took a step closer, glancing around to be sure we weren't disturbing anyone but apart from a collection of library workers behind a nearby desk it was, in this part of the library at least, empty.

"I just don't know how I didn't know it existed. I mean I practically lived in libraries at one point."

"Lived in libraries? Which ones?"

My breath froze in my chest even as the war door in my mind gave a violent wobble. Oh shit. I'd completely spoken without thinking. I'd spent a lot of time when on the run from snatchers in the muggle world and there weren't a lot of places a sixteen year old could go that wouldn't attract the wrong kind of attention. Libraries though, I could spend a whole day inside one and no one would look twice. I couldn't tell George that though, it would just open up a string of other questions that I knew I couldn't answer.

"Oh um, just I meant the Hogwarts one. I did my NEWT courses over one year instead of two so yeah, practically lived in the library. I think Pince actually got a bit fond of me by the end."

"Give over Pince never liked anyone."

"She did if you bought her port and cheese George."

I got a dumb blink in response.

"That's genius Non."

I gave him a mock bow in return before I glanced around again.

"So which way are the Defence books?"

"Oh no, you are not here to work. We are here to peruse all the sections Non and I won't have you distracted. Those books will be last."

I gaped at him outraged but he seemed content to ignore me as he hurried me over to a notice board and flashed me an excited grin.

"Look, its story time! C'mon, you'll love this."

"George I am not a child."

My hissed whisper was predictably ignored and George led me through a maze of bookcases until we approached a large area. I could see children on the other side but weirdly couldn't hear them until George pulled us through an invisible barrier. It was like stepping into a bubble and once we were on the other side a crash of noise hit us as children giggled and shrieked delightedly as a middle aged witch stepped up onto a small stage with a book in her hand.

A tug on my arm had me see George was already sat on a beanbag towards the back of the area and with a firm yank on my hand I sat down next to him heavily. He flapped a hand at the glare I sent him and indicated I should pay attention to the witch at the front. I couldn't for the life of me understand why he was so insistent we be here, I mean he'd said himself magical children's books were a bit weird. As soon as the witch opened the book though I had my answer.

It was incredible. As the book opened the picture on the page sprung up to life all around us. It was like we were in the actual story. I could feel that my mouth had dropped open but I couldn't find it in me to care. I'd never seen anything like this before. I managed to send a wide eyed glance to George who was grinning at me before the witch started to read and my attention snapped forward.

It was over far too soon for my liking and I heard George chuckle next to me as I pouted.

"Pretty brilliant right?"

"Better than brilliant. Did you come her all the time when you were small? I'm so jealous."

"Nah just the once."

"What, why only once? This is the perfect place surely for your Mam to be able to leave you while she did boring parent stuff."

"Well she used to with Bill, Charlie and Percy but I suppose Fred and I were *ahem* slightly disruptive?"

The boyish embarrassed grin on his face had me trying to fight of a smile of my own even as I chuckled.

"You did yourselves out of a brilliant opportunity you know."

George mock sighed mournfully before he grinned again.

"We've made up for it now though. The kids here are the perfect group to try out our toys on. Now not our test products before you get all Hermione like on me, just the toys. I mean they're brutal in their feedback but it all helps."

"That's such a great idea George."

"Well, we thought so. C'mon, let's go see the rest of the place."

We stepped back through the bubble of the barrier and the quiet hush of the library enveloped us again as we wondered through the shelves. It wasn't always clear when we passed into different sections but the sheer variety of information in just one place made me shiver. So much knowledge right here, just waiting to be discovered.

I was running my fingers lightly along the spines of a row of books when something thwacked me hard on the bum and I spun around with a glare to see a book hovering there, but no sign of George.

I grabbed the book out of the air, noted the place it had been taken from and put it back with a glare. I had no doubt George was chuckling to himself behind one of the shelves but I refused to give him a reaction. Three books and arse slaps later though I snapped.

"Right then Weasley, where the fuck are you?"

I whispered it quietly even as I slipped into what I dubbed as 'super stealth mode' and I slunk quickly back behind a couple of rows of shelves and double backed on myself so I could get behind him. It took me a few minutes but I finally saw him peering out behind a shelf, head twisting in confusion as he looked for me and I waited until he stepped out into full view and I sent a very slight stinging jinx his way. A strangled yelp and him rubbing at the now sore spot on his bum had me giggle louder than I should have and as it echoed slightly his head whipped around in my direction and I ducked out of sight before running as quietly as I could through the shelves.

We probably played our incredibly childish game of 'tag' for longer than we should have and it was my turn to chase him when it got to the point I'd been looking for him for five minutes but couldn't find him. And while I knew it was stupid, I couldn't help the horribly familiar feeling of almost panic settle on my chest. I mean it was ridiculous. It wasn't like I was lost or that even George was lost. We could just wonder back down to the entrance hall no problem but now that I'd noticed the feeling I couldn't shift it. I spun around almost helplessly but I couldn't see the flash of red that was George's hair anywhere and I bit my lip in concern.

As I turned back to the right I let out a startled shriek even as I clapped a hand over my mouth and tried to laugh at my own stupidity as George stood right in front of me, shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

"I can't believe I managed to finally sneak up on you!"

He was far, far too happy with himself and I tried to cover my feeling of panic with a mock glare.

"That's only because I let you Weasley."

He made a very rude noise in return.

"Liar. Anyway, what did you mean by stinging me on the arse anyway?"

"Oh come off it George you know it's because you sent those books to slap my bum."

He gaped at my with such astonished outrage I felt myself waver. Did he not send the books?

"I bloody well did not. Marvellous idea though."

"Oh that's it, you used that word I so know it was you. It's not like the books would do it themselves given that they're you know, inanimate."

A snarling sound to my left has me shrinking back in alarm as a book had tried to leave the shelf to lunge towards me.

"Now Non, you should apologise, I think you hurt its feelings."

I muttered a sulky apology which weirdly had the book resting back down quietly and I glanced around me properly. Oh finally we were in the Defence and Dark Arts section and I bopped excitedly on my feet.

George stifled a groan as he saw where I was making a beeline for but didn't make any actual comment and soon enough I'd enveloped myself with a number of books. My god these books were fantastic. So many other defence hexes to learn about and practice. I mean it's not like the Ministry didn't have an exhaustive list (and we could only use approved ones) but any chance to expand on my knowledge and practice was vital. And, joy of joys, there were four whole shelves stacked with books on shields and wards. Now I didn't think there'd be much of actual use in here given Bill's books didn't have much either but there was sure to be something and that was better than nothing.

I don't know how long we'd been in this section until George tweaked at my hair.

"Sorry to disturb you Non but I'm absolutely starved. Why don't we check out the books you need and grab some food?"

I glanced in confusion at my watch and realised with some alarm it was coming up to eight o'clock. Merlin we'd been in here for hours.

"Oh right, yeah okay. I'll need to set up an account though. What if they don't let me take out the books the same day?"

I glanced worriedly at the twenty hovering books beside me. And I mean, what if they didn't let me take out that many.

It turned out I was right to worry. Whilst they were happy to set up an account for me they said it needed to be validated along with my Ministry accreditation so they wouldn't let me take out the books.

"Look, I've got an account, can I book them out please?"

George was honestly getting quite grumpy with them but the witch behind the counter simply reviewed his membership file with a frown.

"Given the condition you returned the last set of books Mr Weasley you're lucky you haven't been banned."

"That was my twin brother Fred. I'm George. I've got the one ear and everything."

The witch rifled through another file and sniffed.

"Fine. Your record is clear. They're to be kept by you mind, this young lady can't keep them."

"Right you are."

We both held a pile of books each as we hurried out of the front doors to be met with an almost dark night sky. It was easy to forget as it was still a bit warm that we were in October and the nights were really drawing in.

"George can you help me take these back to mine? I've got some food we can just heat up then, I know you're hungry."

"But she just said I had to keep them."

"So?"

I glanced at him in confusion. I mean George bloody Weasley wasn't going to be a stickler for rules, was he?

"Non Llewellyn, are you trying to get me to break the law?"

His lips were twitching with a supressed smile and I had to fight against an answering one.

"No, I'm getting you to break a library regulation."

George gasped with mock horror.

"You, an auror, breaking the rules. You know, I should report you."

"It's a stupid rule George, it doesn't count."

"That is an amazingly outrageous spin on some logic there Non. Know that I heartily approve."

I did laugh then.

"I thought you might. C'mon, let's get these back to mine."

A few moments later we were outside my cottage and predictably for this time of year it was again raining and we hurried indoors.

After I'd carefully placed the books on the table I used my wand to light the fire in the living room before I hurriedly put some left over curry on to heat. I'd had a letter delivered it seemed and I opened it as George set about making the table. It was a thick piece of card inside and as I flipped it over I felt my face fall.

It was a wedding invitation for Susan and Ernie's wedding. It was in just over two weeks time, and Susan had scribbled a note on it apologising for the short notice but apparently there was so much demand for wedding services currently that they weren't able to plan them too far in advance; you never knew when a slot would become available.

I mean it was lovely she'd invited me and I wouldn't want to miss it, it just meant it would be a day of socialising which I really wasn't overly keen on doing. And on top of that it was a day socialising with Hufflepuffs which mean inevitably we'd be talking about a lot of people who were dead. Giving toasts to the dearly departed and all that. I mean I knew a wedding would be a cheerful event it's just we'd all lost so many people, so many that should have had the opportunity of a wedding of their own, that it was bound to be a hugely emotional day. And emotions were something I really didn't feel like dealing with.

As I read to the end of an invite I let out a groan.

"What is it?"

I huffed in annoyance even as I waved the invitation at George.

"I've got an invite to Susan's wedding and I have to bring a plus one. She knows I hate having to find someone to bring to these sorts of things."

I mean it was horrible. I never had anyone to bring, and it crippled me with nerves to try and muster up the courage to ask someone to suffer through a few hours with me. George hadn't said anything else and I glanced up to see him staring at me pointedly.

"What?"

What on earth was wrong with him? He arched one eyebrow and continued to stare. I mean seriously why wasn't he saying anything I mean he- oh. OH.

I slapped a hand over my mouth to hide a laugh.

"Oh shit. I forgot."

How the fuck did I forget, holding a wedding invitation in my hand, that there was a fucking Marriage Law that meant of course I didn't even have to find anyone to ask as I would of course need to take George. Actually you know when I thought about it that was as far as I could tell the one benefit of this stupid law, I'd never have to stress about taking someone to an event again.

"Forgot?"

He had a slightly crooked smile on his face now but his brow was slightly furrowed and I flushed with embarrassment.

"I know its stupid right, I mean it's a bloody wedding invite in my hand." I giggled again nervously before biting my lip. "Er George, um would you er, be my plus one?"

I felt my stomach swoop with anxiety while I waited for an answer and that weird funny smile crossed his face again as he kept staring at me.

"I would love to be your plus one Non."

"Oh okay, good."

I didn't understand why I wasn't feeling more relieved and I frowned again at the invite before shoving it back into the envelope.

"Say did you want anything to drink with food? I think I've got a beer somewhere…"

I bustled out into the pantry even as George got up to help me and while we both pottered about a bit getting things ready for food I tried to push the knot of worry that had formed in my stomach to one side so I could capture the feeling back from the afternoon. I'd had a good day all in all really and I didn't want the prospect of a wedding to spoil it.

With beers in hand and plates levitating behind me we both finally sank into our seats to eat. After we'd finished and settled ourselves into the living room for a bit I mulled over my day even as I absentmindedly used my wand to flick aside paper projectiles George was half-heartedly sending my way as I half looked at the book in my lap.

If you had told me just a month ago I'd have managed to do a round of interviews, go to a new place and spend large chunk of my day with George Weasley with only having two minor anxiety blips I'd have said you were mad. It would have been unthinkable. I mean it hadn't been easy, but I'd done it. I was definitely chalking this day up as a win.

A/N:

Holy cow, I have 50 reviews and over 100 followers! I've never had that many followers for anything before, thank you all so much. I'm so happy you're all enjoying this story enough to click the follow button.

Big thanks again to my reviewers. Sorry if I haven't responded by PM (I don't have regular internet access currently) but I've been blown away by your words. Seriously, all the thank yous to you.

I hope you all liked this chapter, there was a lot more George in it for you but also some auror plot development too. I'd love to know what you think of it. Reviews make me happier than you could possible know!

Thanks again for taking the time to read.

Diolch,

Yav