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Chapter 12

"Don't tell me you are buying that crap," Fred asked, practically fuming as he packed back and forth across the dental office. They had decided as long as they kept the wards up there was really no point in moving. This organization, or whatever it was, was clearly onto them and at least for the present there did not appear to be any imminent threat. Hermione shuddered at what might happen if that changed. "Those people are crazy, Hermione. Radicals! You can't possibly be taking them seriously."

"I'm not buying into anything, Fred, but some of that stuff they said back there is true. You wouldn't understand as a pureblood, but they are right. Everything I knew and held dear for so many years was taken from me when I left for Hogwarts and now adding the thing with my parents…I can see why people would resent it."

"I have no choice for now but to go along with them if we are going to find out what is happening to the others," she continued. "I wonder how many have been affected? Definitely your family. I think we need to go back to the Burrow and see what is going on…this…this poisoning or whatever it is, it has clearly done something to them. Maybe that is why they haven't wanted to look for George. As scary as it is, it could at least finally give us an explanation."

Fred contemplated what she was saying for a few moments, still pacing back and forth across the room in a manner that was becoming maddening to Hermione, but she knew how delicate this topic was and said nothing.

"Why all of them and not me and you? We have all lived under the same roof for months, ate the same food, breathed the same air…what is so special about us?"

"I don't know. Maybe because they need me? Or at least want me to help their cause."

"Yes, I can see that, but they made it pretty clear tonight they find me to be indispensable. And you are muggleborn. In case you haven't noticed, I am not."

"I think you represent what they are most afraid of and therefore most against and I don't think it is that difficult to see why-"

"So that's it then?" he asked. "You think your time in the wizarding world isn't worth it? Do you wish it all had never happened? That you had never heard of the Weasleys? Or Hogwarts? Or even Harry? C'mon, Hermione, if anyone fits in this world it is you. You were meant to be a witch."

"Yeah, maybe, but at the expense of everything I held dear? I have nothing from my former life, Fred. Nothing but this quickly crumbling dental office." She looked around, spying a slow leak in the ceiling that all but made her point. "Not everyone has had the experiences I have had. I have been both blessed and cursed in the wizard world, but I made my choices and now I have to live with them. I can see why some people don't feel the same way. The secrecy of our world has always been an issue for a lot of muggleborns.

"Do you think Louis was right about muggleborns being stronger than purebloods and half bloods?"

"I don't know. The most powerful witches and wizards in history have not been muggleborn that I am aware."

"Maybe they haven't been given the opportunity given Voldemort, Grindewald and their followers. It sure seems like it could be true if you are the example." Her expression softened a little at his compliment and she took a deep breath to remind herself that Fred was not the enemy and up until a few days ago she had not even realized she had these hidden emotions bubbling at the surface. It certainly wasn't his fault.

"Well, I have also seen Seamus Finnigan burn off his eyebrows, so…" she laughed, hoping to help ease the tension growing between them.

"Yeah, but even McGonagall admired his talent for pyrotechnics."

"You would appreciate something like that."

"Naturally." He smiled at her, almost a shy smile if there was such a thing from a Weasley twin. "That's not important right now," he said. "What's important is that we don't argue and work together to figure out what is happening to the people that both of us love. After that, I've already told you I will help you find your parents, but if there is anything else we can do to help you feel more comfortable, we will. I guess I've never thought much about what it must really be like to be suddenly thrust into a whole new world. We'll help you find your way, Hermione. Just like we're going to find George and Angelina."

"Thanks, Fred," she said, settling into one of the couches in the office's waiting area with a couple of blankets her parents always kept in the closet for patients. It brought at least a small sense of comfort thinking of how considerate they always were of how nervous most muggles were to go to the dentist. "So the Burrow tomorrow?" she asked.

"Yes, I think that's a good idea. And even if Mom is on something she's still a pretty good cook."

Hermione smiled fondly to herself before her eyes fluttered close. "Good night, Fred."

"Good night, Hermione."