Disclaimer: It's lucky I don't own HP. You'd have to wait a decade between each book. Sigh.

A/N: Here you go, Classic Pairs Shipper! All the PMs I got from you spurred me on. And thanks, Emma. Your phone call helped a lot as well. This chapter takes place in England and Germany. Hence the title of the chapter, which translates to 'Welcome to Germany'. As you might remember, I put out a call for Germany experts. I got the best in the business. This chapter is dedicated to Meike (my tourism expert), Gina (my language expert) and Lara (my day-to-day life expert). This chapter wouldn't have been possible without your help. Well, it would have been possible. It just would have been really crap and I'd have ended up insulting any German person who read it. Ok. I'll shut up. Read the chapter. Enjoy it. Savour it.

Chapter Five

That was a memorable day for me, for it made great changes in me. But, it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it, and think how different its course would have been. Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day.

Great Expectations, Charles Dickens.

This was journalism.

Alicia looked around surreptitiously from beneath her lashes. The scratch of dozens of quills, the hum of several voices, the collective whir and click of one hundred sharp minds. Blood pounded through Alicia's ears. It was so intensely…intent. The top journalists in the world all in one room. The creativity, the professionalism –

"I totally want to shag our guide."

The tip of Alicia's quill almost snapped. She turned to glare at Jacob. "Will you shut up for like five seconds? We're supposed to be observing."

"I am observing."

"Observing the preparations, not the guide's arse," Alicia hissed.

"Uh huh. Do you think she's wearing underwear?"

"I don't know and I don't care. What are you going to show to Francis this afternoon? You've written nothing."

He peered over at her parchment. "I'll copy off you, hot shot."

"Bugger off."

"Jealous that I fancy the guide?"

"I pity her," Alicia retorted immediately. "Now shut up. People are watching us."

"People are always watching us. They're all waiting for us to slip up so they can run off to Francis and tell on us. Of course, I'm quite used to being stared at by women."

"Shut up."

"See that blonde woman over by the pot plant? I think she's from the Montreal Gazette or something. Anyway, she wants me. I can tell."

Alicia rolled her eyes. "Nobody wants you, Jacob. They all want your job. Some people in this room would literally kill for our jobs."

Jacob rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Imagine how much I could get paid for knocking you off. Hmm. I could even ask for payment in sexual favours."

"You're a moron."

"Sleep with one eye open, Spinnet."

"I seriously hate you. Go stand somewhere else," Alicia said, shuffling away slightly.

He threw his arm around her shoulders. "Hey, we gotta stick together. We're wearing huge targets. I'm not going to leave your side. Well, at least not until I can get some alone time with our guide or Ms Montreal. Then I'll pretend I don't know you at all."

Alicia slapped her hand over Jacob's mouth. Thanks to him, she'd missed everything that had been said for the past two minutes.

"So, as you can imagine, it was quite an undertaking," the German guide said. She'd obviously just finished saying something important, because everyone began writing furiously and mumbling appreciatively.

"How amazing," a nearby reporter said.

Alicia stood on her toes, waiting for their guide to say something further. All the woman did was smile and gesture towards the exit. "It is now time for lunch. In half an hour, your next guide will collect you and take you to see where the players will be staying during the Cup."

"I missed it!" Alicia snapped, elbowing Jacob sharply in the side. "She said something important and I missed it!"

"Relax."

"Relax? We're here precisely to report on the preparations for the next World Cup. She was telling us about the preparations for the next World Cup! What part of that don't you understand?"

Jacob shrugged and began to draw her towards the exit. "You stress too much. Man, look at these losers. We've been dismissed and they're still standing around writing."

"That's what we should be doing!"

"We're special, Alicia. How many times to I have to remind you that we beat all the other applicants? We're so gifted that we don't need to linger with these saps. I've already got my article half-written in my mind. It's pure gold."

"I need to make new friends," Alicia said as she was dragged from the pressroom. "I need to get to know other journalists. I don't even care if they don't speak a word of English. Anyone's better than you."

"Forget friends. You need to get some sex. That'll fix the crankiness. I saw you talking to the bloke from the Vienna Herald earlier. I think he likes you."

"He's old enough to be my father!"

Jacob held up his hands defensively. "Hey, far be it from me to judge you. Whatever floats your boat."

"That's it, I'm not sitting with you at lunch." Alicia marched towards the buffet of food that had been set up.

"I'm sorry. Let's talk about you then," Jacob said, trotting after her. "Your hair looks really pretty today. Not as frizzy as it normally is."

Alicia growled and seized an orange in her fist. "I'd shut up right now, if I were you."

"Did I say frizzy? I meant to say alive with health and vitality. Come on, Spinnet. We had a moment on the Eiffel Tower. Remember? You were upset about your lost love and I said I'd kiss you and you said you'd punch me. We both laughed merrily. Remember? You let me touch you. Such good times. Don't you remember?"

"I remember you saying I was selfish and thoughtless."

Jacob frowned as he heaped some meaty German sausages on his plate. "Well, that doesn't sound like me at all. Mistaken identity, obviously. You remember how I comforted you and you finally let down that brick wall? We connected on such a deep, sub-conscious level. I don't know about you, but I'm sure I heard choral music."

Alicia glared at him over the sauerkraut. "Now I know how you got this job. You certainly have a knack for spinning bullshit."

"Ah, so glad we could make up. Which table should we sit at?"

"The back corner. I don't want anyone to see me actually socialising with you. Thanks to this job, I have a reputation as an intelligent person. I'd like to maintain that illusion for as long as possible. Sitting with you as you build a village out of your breakfast is not going to help much."

"Hey, you said my liked my breakfast village. That croissant schoolhouse was a work of art and you know it."

Before Alicia could make a suitably dismissive noise, she spotted Cassie and the other photographers entering from the other side of the dining room. Alicia sighed in relief. Finally, some civilised company. She waved the woman over.

Cassie smiled back and said goodbye to her friends. She bounded over, her camera swinging from a strap around her neck. "Hey, kids, how has it been? Having fun yet?"

"Our guide was hot," Jacob answered enthusiastically.

"Please save me," Alicia pleaded, seizing Cassie by the arm and pulling her towards a table. "I've listened to him all morning. I need some intelligent company."

"Relax, would you? The two of you are going to have to learn to get along. You're stuck with each other for a few years yet."

"How many years exactly?" Alicia asked, giving Jacob a sharp look as he pulled out her chair for her.

Cassie snatched a strawberry from Jacob's plate and waved it in Alicia's face. "Listen, you're lucky to have another reporter to travel with. Most of the correspondents here travel alone. Same with the photographers. That's part of the reason why Daily Prophet jobs are so sought after. Their readership is big enough that they can afford to employ a team of Quidditch correspondents."

"So don't take me for granted," Jacob said.

Alicia sighed and prodded at her food. It wasn't that she disliked Jacob, he just reminded her of George sometimes. A commotion at the door made her look up. Their colleagues were pouring into the dining room. Many peered over at the trio and muttered behind their hands.

"Hi there!" Jacob called brightly, giving them a cheerful wave.

"Do you really have to encourage them? It's bad enough that we're stared at without you giving them a reason to whisper about us as well."

Jacob shrugged. "It's jealousy – pure and simple."

"They're going to think we're arrogant prats if you keep it up."

"I'm going to get my lunch," Cassie interrupted. "Do you think you two can refrain from killing each other till I get back?"

"No promises," Alicia returned darkly.

Jacob smiled and put his arm around Alicia's shoulders. "We'll be fine."

Cassie left and Alicia shoved Jacob away. She poked her food around listlessly. She didn't have much of an appetite anymore. How could she eat knowing that dozens of people were watching her, waiting for her to fall? The tiniest mistake around these vultures and she could kiss her job goodbye. Mind you, if she got fired she could go back to England…

England. Something inside her twinged painfully. Germany was certainly a beautiful country, but she still felt homesick. It was funny how she had never appreciated England when she lived there. Now all she could think about was the twinkling London skyline, the still majesty of Stonehenge, the brilliantly white cliffs of Dover, the windswept moors of Yorkshire.

"You all right?" Jacob asked softly. "You look pale."

Alicia shook herself from her reverie and turned to him. "I'd like to go sightseeing tomorrow. Will you come with me?"

"We're being guided around the city by professionals. What more could you want to see?"

"There are some Muggle places I'd like to go to. You know, stuff like Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall."

Jacob raised his eyebrows "You want to take me to see a wall?"

"It's not just a wall. It's history. It's a metaphor for independence, a landmark of humanity's continual fight for freedom."

"Sounds mildly interesting. Right, I'll go with you, but in return you have to come out tonight."

"Out?" Alicia asked worriedly.

"Yeah, everyone's going to be there. It's a chance for us to mingle with the rest of the journos. I mean, we can show them that although we're geniuses, we can still throw back a lager with the common people."

Alicia looked around at the reporters and photographers who were taking seats at nearby tables. Sure, they looked professional, but she couldn't help but remember what Cassie had said to her in Sydney. "Why do I get the feeling that this planned outing is just an excuse for certain people to get drunk and fool around."

"Are you referring to me?"

"No, I'm generalising. Cassie says that gatherings like this are a chance for – for-"

"Meaningless sex with strangers?"

Alicia shook her head wearily. "I was trying to be delicate about it, but yeah. That's what it's about."

"And I assume you won't have any part of it?"

"Of course not."

Jacob slapped her on the back bracingly. "Then I won't either. We'll grow old and prudish together."

"Ms Montreal's looking your way," Alicia said lightly.

He half leapt out his seat. "Really? Where?"

"So much for old and prudish."

"You're nasty."

Cassie returned to the table and they spent the rest of breakfast relating their experiences. So far, the reporters had been hearing about the logistics involved in organising the Cup and the photographers had gone to take photos of the stadium that was going to host the final. After lunch, the photographers were going to get some shots of the Organising Committee whilst the reporters went to see the village that was being constructed to house the players.

Not long after Alicia finished eating, a woman appeared in the dining room wearing the official robes of the Organising Committee. Jacob immediately stood up to check her out. Alicia scowled and yanked him back into his seat.

"Hallo. Willkommen in Deutschland. I am Meike, your guide for the remainder of the day," the woman said, speaking heavily accented English. "If you would like to finish up, we'll make our way to the village. We will assemble in the pressroom in five minutes."

Alicia leapt out of her seat as Meike disappeared from the dining room. Knives and forks clanged sharply as everyone else rushed to finish. Perhaps she had enough time to have a private chat with Meike before everyone else turned up. That seemed like a journalistic thing to do. If she was clever enough, she might be able to get some sort of exclusive.

"Wait," Jacob said. He shoved two pancakes into his mouth and jumped up to follow her from the dining room.

"Don't come with me. I'm trying to make a good impression and you won't help matters if you show up with food hanging out of your mouth. Stay here for a few minutes."

Jacob made a reply that was largely unintelligible "Fut ips nof lair. Waid!"

Alicia lengthened her stride, but she knew she had little chance of dissuading her partner from joining her. He seemed to think she wouldn't be able to get another lucky break if he stuck by her at all times. He was probably even hoping to snatch a story out from under her nose. Unfortunately for Alicia, it actually was proving hard to be professional with Jacob tailing her.

Meike was flicking through some papers when Alicia burst into the pressroom with Jacob right on her heels. The startled woman looked up. She raised a questioning eyebrow at Jacob, who hastily removed the pancakes from his mouth and rushed over to shake her hand.

"It's wonderful to meet you. My name's Jacob Lennox and I'm with the Daily Prophet. It's an English paper, quite a successful one, if I do say so myself."

"Also rather biased and corrupt, I hear," Meike replied, shaking Jacob's sticky hand daintily.

Jacob forced a laugh. "Nothing but industry gossip, I assure you."

Alicia cleared her throat and stepped forward. "Actually, to be fair, the British Ministry does have a lot of control over what the paper prints. Too much control, many say."

Meike inclined her head thoughtfully. "Isn't that the nature of the media today? Everything we say is run through filters, watered down and censored. Free speech is becoming more of a political ideal and less of a reality."

"Free speech isn't quite dead and buried," Alicia said, warming to her topic. She hadn't realised just how much she'd been craving intellectual conversation. Jacob could only look on and nibble intermittently at one of his pancakes.

"That is true. There are those of us who still believe that governments should not be able to control the press. It is very nice to meet you, Alicia Spinnet. I have heard much about you."

Meike held out her hand to Alicia and she shook it after a brief moment of hesitation. It was odd to think she had a reputation, let alone one that preceded her. Unless people were saying bad stuff about her. That would be awful.

Alicia swallowed her dread and smiled thinly. "It's nice to meet you, too, Ma'am."

"Please, call me Meike."

Jacob, seeing that Alicia was again trouncing him, stepped in between the pair and put on his best investigative voice. "There's a rumour going around that the Organising Committee is running low on funds. Can you comment on this? If the money does dry up, how will this affect the Cup? Are corners being cut? Are players being put at risk by shoddy workmanship?"

Meike, to her credit, stayed perfectly composed as she said, "On the record, I am not authorised to comment on financial matters. We have an accounting department for that. Off the record, you, Mr Lennox, are a pest."

"I tell him that at least once a day," Alicia said, struggling to contain her laughter.

Jacob proved hard to deter. He opted for flattery. "I have great respect for women who don't back down. I hope you'll be joining us when we go out tonight."

"I will be there."

Jacob flashed his best cute, boyish smile. "Great. I'd love to buy you a drink and get to know you better."

"I don't think my new husband would love that as much," Meike said, holding up her hand to show her wedding ring.

Meike nodded curtly to Alicia and strode back to her papers. Well-fed journalists began streaming into the pressroom as Alicia clapped Jacob on the shoulder. "I love seeing you get shot down. You'd think I'd have tired of it by now, but every rejection is as entertaining as the last."

Jacob scowled and sullenly shoved half a pancake into his mouth all at once.

xxxxx

It was panic stations in the Jordan-Bell household.

For most people, 3 months would be plenty of time to organise an engagement party, but Katie was convinced she wouldn't make it in time.

"I should have started weeks ago. Oh God, where'd I put the final guest list? Lee! Help! Leeee!"

Angelina slapped her hands over her ears and watched as Katie leapt up off the floor and sprinted from the room. She sighed and lowered her hands slowly. She loved Katie, she just didn't love her as much when she was screaming in such a high pitch that neighbourhood dogs started barking.

"I can't imagine how she's going to be before the actual wedding."

Angelina rolled her eyes and looked over at Amy. "Are you absolutely sure it's not safe to use animal tranquillisers on people? Could we book Katie in to be part of some clinical trial?"

Amy giggled and surveyed all the party related parchments and papers that were carpeting the living room floor. "I think it's cute. I'm sure I'll be just as frantic in the lead up to my engagement party and wedding. I can understand why she wants everything to be perfect."

Angelina pounced with all the agility and accuracy of a kitten leaping on a ball of wool. "Do you want to marry George? Have the two of you talked about it yet?"

Amy turned bright pink. "Er, no. We've been dating for a couple of weeks. It's a little early, don't you think?"

"Katie knew she wanted to marry Lee the day they first met," Angelina said.

"Really? I dunno-"

"Don't listen to her," Lee interrupted. "Angelina likes to make up stories to frighten people. The truth is, Katie couldn't stand me for years."

Katie came trailing after Lee, adding, "It was ages before I could even be around him without wanting to punch him. Where'd you say the list was?"

"Exactly where you left it yesterday." Lee yanked open a desk drawer and removed the missing guest list.

Katie snatched the list away and clutched it lovingly to her chest. "I didn't put it there. You must have done it."

"I've barely touched the thing. I've kept well out of your way with this whole engagement party."

"You don't want to be involved?" Amy asked, looking up at Lee curiously.

He shrugged. "I don't care either way. I was involved to begin with and Katie just yelled at me."

"I didn't yell at you!"

"Remember that scene in the florist?"

Katie rolled her eyes. "That was entirely your fault." She turned to the girls. "He wanted gerberas on the tables. Gerberas!"

"What's wrong with gerberas?" Lee asked, genuinely mystified.

"Gerberas are fine to give to your seventy year old grandmother on Mother's Day. They don't belong at engagement parties. Don't you know anything about flowers?"

Lee put up his hands in surrender. "And that's why I'm not getting involved anymore. I figure I'll just show up and smile for the photos."

Katie threw the guest list in Amy's direction and poked her fiancé in the chest. "What's that tone about? Are you upset? Do you want to be involved in the decisions? If you're going to complain, you can pick the colour of the tablecloths."

"Fine. I will."

"Fine. You do that. It just can't be yellow, pink, green, red or brown. That would clash horribly with everything."

"Thanks. That leaves me a lot of options." Lee frowned, his mind seizing upon a random colour. "All right, orange it is."

"Orange?" Katie shrieked. "What? Are you mad?"

Angelina snorted and slapped her hand over her mouth to contain a giggle. She found engagement party preparations rather tedious, but this livened things up a great deal. Poor Amy didn't know what to do. She didn't know the couple well enough to recognise pointless bickering when she saw it.

"Ok. Black, then," Lee offered.

Katie gave a frustrated sigh. "Try again. It's an engagement, not a funeral."

"White with blue polka dots."

"Right. Now you're just being ridiculous. If you can't take this seriously, I'll pick the colour myself."

"You'll end up picking it anyway. Same thing happened with the dessert." Lee turned sharply and walked away.

"We've been through this. Ice cream with sprinkles is not a suitable dessert!" Katie shouted, stomping after him.

Angelina uncovered her mouth slowly and took a deep breath. "Funny that. They already sound like an old married couple. Makes you want to run down the aisle, doesn't it?"

"Hmm. Tempting, but I think I'm fine for the moment."

"You wouldn't marry George now if he asked you?"

Amy saw no point in answering that question. She looked down at the guest list in her hand. Something caught her eye, providing a good distraction from Angelina's sudden marriage preoccupation. "Why is there a question mark next to Alicia's name? I thought she wasn't coming."

"She's not, but Katie's a dreamer. I don't think she can bring herself to cross Alicia off the list. Poor dear's in denial."

"Is there still a chance she'll be able to make it?"

Angelina arched an eyebrow. "I guess anything's possible. Why do you care? Worried she'll come back and steal George away from you?"

Yet another question that Amy would not answer. She'd quickly learnt that the best way to avoid Angelina's little traps was to give them a wide berth. Walking into them blindly only led to gloating on Angelina's part and anxiety on Amy's.

"What's Alicia like?" Amy asked, hoping she sounded only mildly interested.

"George doesn't talk about her?"

"Not really."

"That's not surprising. She was his first love. It's probably still difficult for him to talk about," Angelina said.

"He says he's over her," Amy said quietly.

"Have you completely forgotten your first love?"

Amy's mouth opened, then she hesitated. "He doesn't love her anymore. He told me that."

Angelina's eagle eye picked up on the brief moment of hesitation. "What about your first love? Do you still think about him? I'm willing to bet you do."

"George doesn't think about Alicia anymore," she offered weakly.

Angelina made a rude noise. "Of course he thinks about her."

"The bottom line is, George isn't in love with Alicia anymore. He swore to me," Amy said through gritted teeth. Her voice had picked up a slight hitch. She was becoming agitated. Angelina knew she had to back off.

"If George gave you his word, then there's no disputing it. Whatever else he is, he's honourable."

"I know. That's why I wouldn't care if Alicia came to the party. In fact, I'd like to meet her. She sounds like a…"

"Like a what?" Angelina pressed, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Like an interesting person. I've heard so many different accounts of her. You and Katie only ever speak well of her. Fred only speaks ill of her. When George does mention her it's as if she was just an old school friend."

"Fred's an idiot and George's view is a little subjective, don't you think?"

Amy's fist unconsciously clenched around the guest list. "Because she broke his heart? That's bound to colour his opinion of her. He's entitled to feel the way he does."

"And what way does he feel, Amy? You know the inner workings of his mind? You can see what's in the depths of his heart? He's not as open as he seems."

"Do you think you know George because you're dating his twin? They're not the same person."

Angelina's ire was beginning to rise. Who did Amy think she was? "I've known George as long as I've known Alicia and Fred. I've learnt a thing or two about him. It'll be years before you learn those things."

Amy smiled smugly. "I do hope to be able to take my time. Years getting to know George certainly won't be wasted. I'll still be discovering things about him when we're old and grey."

"So you do want to marry him!"

Amy dodged that trap again. "You can believe whatever you wish. I can assure you that I'm not about to leave him behind to travel the world. He means a lot more to me than that."

That shot at Alicia did not go unnoticed. Angelina set her jaw and stared at Amy. That comment was uncalled for, especially since she didn't know the circumstances properly. Angelina's nostrils flared warningly as she opened her mouth.

"Sorry, guys!" Katie said loudly as she returned at that opportune second. Her hair was all over the place and her lipstick was smeared.

"I'm glad to see you and Lee were able to make up so quickly," Angelina said, winking suggestively.

Katie patted her hair reflexively. "Shut up and mind your own business, Angelina."

"You're the one who walked back out here looking half shagged."

Amy, seeming to ignore their banter, forced a smile and got to her feet slowly. "I'm sorry to bail out. I really should be going. There's a sick Crup I need to check up on."

Katie's face fell. "Oh, it wasn't going to take much longer. I just needed some help finalising the menu. It'll only be another twenty or so minutes."

Amy was already halfway to the door. "I'm sorry. I just – the Crup and it's getting late," she stammered, looking at the ground.

"I didn't realise I was keeping you from work. You should have said something earlier. You don't even need to feel obliged to help out," Katie said.

"No! I don't mind. Really. I'll come help another time. I'll see you later."

And Amy was out the door without so much as a backwards glance. Katie didn't even have time to say goodbye. Sensing what had happened, she turned and glared at her guilty looking friend.

Angelina shuffled some parchments around and cleared her throat. "So, the menu, huh? I quite like Lee's suggestion of ice cream and sprinkles."

"What did you do this time?"

Angelina did her best to look affronted. "Are you implying I would-"

"Her face was bright red!"

"Is it my fault that she blushes easily?"

"Angelina! We've been getting along so well with her. Why'd you have to go and ruin it?"

"I didn't do it! She brought up Alicia to begin with!"

Katie closed her eyes and sighed. "Alicia? Oh, please tell me you didn't."

Angelina squared her shoulders. "All I did was set her straight about a few things. That's all. She's the one who took it badly."

"What exactly did you set her straight about?"

"George hasn't been very truthful when describing his relationship with Alicia. I told Amy the extent of it and she resented that for some reason. Not my fault!"

"Amy resented the fact that you started telling her how in love her boyfriend was with his ex? I can't imagine why that conversation would upset her," Katie said, her voice thick with sarcasm.

"She got all snippy. She accused Alicia of abandoning George to travel around the world."

"That's precisely what she did! Honestly, Angelina."

Angelina threw her hands up defensively. "I didn't do anything wrong. I told her the truth! If she can't face it, that's not my problem. If she can't accept the fact that she won't be George's first big love, then he's really better off without her anyway."

"But you're meddling. We said no meddling. It's up to George to tell Amy what he thinks she needs to know about Alicia. It can't be easy for him to talk about. Just give him a break."

"But he's practically lying to her. Doesn't that show how little he actually cares about her?"

Katie pointed at her threatening, her hand shaking slightly. "If you don't stop meddling, I'll sack you as bridesmaid."

"Yeah?" Angelina scoffed. "That'd leave you with a total of zero bridesmaids, honey."

Katie glared. Angelina smiled smugly. Katie's lip began to quiver. Angelina opened her mouth. Katie burst into tears.

"Oh God. Katie? What are you doing? Stop that. I was being stupid. I'll be your bridesmaid. I'll be nice to Amy and leave George alone. Please stop."

"I'm scared," she sobbed pitifully.

"Scared of what?"

"Scared of marrying Lee!"

Angelina's eyes widened considerably and she looked fleetingly down the hall. Lee probably hadn't heard. She took Katie firmly by the arm and led her into the kitchen. Katie immediately threw her arms around Angelina's neck and began crying into her shoulder.

"I don't understand. You love Lee," Angelina said, patting her on the back awkwardly.

"Marriage is forever and ever," Katie exclaimed. "And ever!"

"But don't you want to be with Lee forever?"

"Maybe. I don't know. Forever is just so…forever! It never ends!"

Angelina frowned to herself. It sounded like Katie had finally cracked. Alicia would know precisely what to say. She'd say something perfect and comforting and Katie would calm down immediately. Angelina looked up at the ceiling for help. What would Alicia do?

"Don't worry, Katie. If worse comes to worse, you can always just divorce Lee."

Apparently that was the wrong thing to say. Katie cried a little louder and said, "I don't want to get married with the intention of getting divorced! That's stupid! It's till death do us part. Not till one of us gets sick of it!"

"Christ. Don't marry him then. I don't bloody know," Angelina snapped, becoming frustrated with her own inability to come up with anything helpful to say.

Katie pulled away sharply. "But I want to marry him."

"What the hell? All right. Look, I don't have any idea what's going on anymore. You want to marry Lee, but you don't know if you want to be with him forever. But if you don't want to be with him forever, you still won't divorce him."

"It's just cold feet, right?" Katie asked, looking up at her friend with large wet eyes.

Cold feet! That sounded like something Alicia would say. Angelina relaxed visibly. "Oh, absolutely, Kat. That's exactly what's going on. Everyone gets cold feet, you know. I bet Lee will as well."

"Lee doesn't want to marry me?" Katie wailed, throwing her arms around Angelina.

Angelina groaned and glared up at the ceiling. Wherever Alicia was, she hoped she was having an awful time.

xxxxx

"Beer with a vodka chaser? Is that even safe?"

"Who cares?"

"I quite like my liver."

"Live a little, Spinnet."

"As much as I hate to admit it, I agree with Jacob. Give it a try."

Alicia looked across the table at Meike, not bothering to hide her shock. "You condone binge drinking?"

"The way I see it, you're going to have to pick up a bad habit or two if you're going to be stuck with Jacob for another few years."

"You're just lucky I'm too drunk and happy to scowl at either of you," Jacob said, pointing his finger in the general direction of each woman.

As Alicia stared contemplatively at her drinks, another unfamiliar German voice entered the conversation from behind her by saying, "I think you'll be saddened to discover just how many journalists turn to alcohol for comfort."

"Ah, you made it, Gina," Meike said, smiling at the newcomer over Alicia's shoulder.

"Guten Abend. Of course I came. I would never miss an opportunity like this. The world's top Quidditch reporters all in one bar. If the beer keeps flowing freely, I'm bound to stumble upon some scoops."

Alicia turned around to put a face to the voice. A pretty young woman smiled down at her. It was then that Jacob stumbled to his feet and yanked a chair away from a nearby table. "Sit down," he slurred.

Gina gave him a dubious look, but accepted the seat between him and Meike. "I see you started without me," she said, looking from Meike to Alicia.

"Oh no, Jacob started before any of us," Meike said, giving him a weary glance. "I suppose I should begin the introductions."

Before Meike could say anything else, Jacob thrust his hand towards the newcomer. "I'm Jacob and I work for the Dairly Plophet. Wait…the Dairy Poph-"

"The Daily Prophet," Gina supplied.

"Whoa! I work for them too. How come I never saw you 'round?" Jacob reached out and poked her cheek with his finger. "So pretty face."

Meike rolled her eyes as Alicia stifled giggles and Gina drew back slowly. "He's Jacob and he's had too much to drink," Meike said.

"So I see. I hope you didn't ask me here to introduce me to him."

"Of course not, darling. You're here to meet Alicia Spinnet."

Gina raised an inquisitive eyebrow as she gave Alicia a quick once over. "Ah, the next big thing in Quidditch journalism. I've heard much about you."

"Alicia, I'd like you to meet my friend Gina. She works for the Berlin Tribune."

Alicia's mind dredged up a memory from a few months ago. "Are you the same Gina who broke the news about illegal stimulants being used by some of the top players?"

The German woman smiled and nodded. "The very same Gina. Are you not the same Alicia who secured an interview with the illusive Oliver Wood and managed to get her own column after only weeks at the Prophet?"

Alicia turned and looked briefly into the depths of her beer. "That's me. But Oliver's a friend and the column's only small and it's mostly fluff. Who's dating whom, who's been seen where and when…it's not very hard-hitting."

"It's a start. You can't just leap into investigative journalism. You may think of your column as being mere fluff and page filler, but it is just the kind of exposure you need," Gina said.

"Stupid column. Wish I had a column," Jacob muttered darkly.

"Why don't we go get another drink and leave these two alone to talk business," Meike said, reaching over and patting the sickly looking Jacob on the hand.

"Another drink? Mmm. Fantastic." He got to his feet and swayed unsteadily for a moment. "Why can't I have a column? Stupid column."

"It's all right," Meike soothed. She gave Alicia and Gina a smirk before gently taking Jacob by the arm and leading him towards the bar.

"So tell me what you're looking into at the moment," Gina said as soon as they were alone.

"Oh, we're all just here to observe the Cup preparations."

"I realise that, Alicia. What are you looking into?"

Alicia frowned. "I don't know what you mean. I'm here to report on the same thing as everyone else."

"Do you want to be like everyone else? World Cup preparations are well and good, but you need to dig. Think outside the box."

"Are you talking about the rumoured funding cuts?" Alicia asked, lowering her voice and leaning across the table slightly.

"There's no need to whisper about that in here. I guarantee every other journalist in here is chasing that story. You need to go in another direction if you want to make your mark," Gina advised.

"What do I need to do?"

"Investigate, my dear."

Alicia suddenly became aware that her heart was racing. She'd found it. She'd finally found the thrill of journalism. Tracking down leads, doing research, revealing scandals, making the world talk. Her entire body was tingling with excitement. If she could find the tiniest hint of a story, if she could dig around and pull out a front-page article, she'd be set for the rest of her career.

"At least ninety percent of the leads you'll come across will go nowhere. It's the illusive ten percent that everyone in here is looking for. You're already a very capable writer, but as you begin to develop your investigative skills you'll learn to sort the useless leads from the useful ones."

Alicia nodded thoughtfully. "I need an insider. I need a Ministry informant. I wish my sister still worked for the British Ministry. Do you have a way into the German Ministry?"

"Oh, I have many eyes and ears in the Ministry. I've been building up contacts for the past three or four years that I've been with the Tribune. How do you think I broke the story about the illegal stimulants?"

"Can you give me a name? I just want to ask a few questions."

Gina smiled. "Nice try, Miss Spinnet. I like you, but journalists never share informants. You shall have to find your own. I suggest you try to have one informant in each of the major global Ministries."

That didn't sound like a very easy thing to achieve. Alicia set her jaw and handed her beer over to Gina. She then grabbed her vodka shot and held it aloft. "Here's to corrupt politicians and whistle blowers."

"Here's to beautiful Quidditch," Gina added, touching her glass to Alicia's.

xxxxx

Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in your own little world. You become pre-occupied with the details. What to cook for dinner? What to wear tomorrow? Whose turn is it to do the grocery shopping? Beyond this, there's the wider world - a world that will make its presence known every so often.

It was one such morning. The world was about to shake up the lives of those living above Weasley Wizard Wheezes.

"The bacon's burning!"

"What?"

"The bacon's burning!"

"I'm not cooking the bacon. George is. Yell at him!"

Angelina dropped her hairbrush in the sink angrily and stormed out of the bathroom. "George! What are you doing? Trying to burn the place down? I can smell it all the way down the hall."

George did not look even glance up from the Daily Prophet as Angelina joined him in the kitchen. His eyes were scanning frantically, his brain was trying to process a dozen different things at once. Burnt bacon was the last thing on his mind.

Angelina coughed and waved her hand around as she removed the frypan from the stove and turned it off. "Just look at all this smoke, George. Why weren't you watching the bacon?"

"Where's Fred?"

"What?"

"I need to talk to Fred."

Angelina's well-honed Weasley twin instincts were tingling. Something was definitely up. "He's in our room. What's going on?" she asked firmly.

George snatched up the Prophet and got to his feet. "Never mind."

"Never mind?" Angelina echoed shrilly. "What's going on? Is it something to do with Alicia? Tell me."

"It's got nothing to do with Alicia. You'll find out soon enough."

That answer was far from satisfying. Angelina jogged down the hall after George. She was brought to an abrupt standstill when he slammed her bedroom door in her face. She growled and immediately seized the door handle. It was locked, of course. She'd left her wand on her pillow, so she was effectively thwarted. Unless…

"Frederick James Weasley! Get out here right now and tell me what's going out! You know I hate being left out! Open up!" she shouted, pounding against the door with her fists.

There was no response whatsoever. Something was very wrong. Her stomach turning slightly, Angelina wandered aimlessly back toward the kitchen. The lingering smoke made her eyes water, so she went downstairs. The store wasn't due to open for another ten or so minutes, but Angelina went and opened the front door.

Diagon Alley was virtually deserted. Angelina frowned as she peered up and down the normally busy street. Most of the other stores opened earlier than Wizard Wheezes, so there was usually a healthy crowd when they eventually did open their doors. Elderly witches were usually shuffling about; harassed looking mothers usually tugged at the hands of their sullen looking children; couples should have been walking along slowly, stopping to gaze into any window that took their fancy.

The only creature currently occupying Diagon Alley was a stray black cat. Angelina watched the cat lick its paws slowly, ignorant of silly human dalliances. "Why do I get the feeling I shouldn't have got out of bed this morning?" Angelina asked the cat, who pointedly ignored her.

There didn't seem to be much risk of losing business, so Angelina closed the front door. Something major was obviously going on and, by God, she was going to find out what it was. Half way up the stairs, she bumped into Fred.

"There you are," he said, grabbing her firmly by the forearm.

"What's the matter?"

"George and I have to go somewhere."

Angelina grunted as she found herself being dragged up the stairs. "Ow. Watch it, would you. Are you going to tell me where you're going?"

"That's not really important. You just need to stay here. Don't bother opening the store, and don't leave for any reason. Do you understand?"

"No, I don't understand a bloody thing! Why can't I come with you?"

"Angelina, please don't argue with me right now."

"I have a right to know why I'm suddenly being confined to the flat. It's something George read in the newspaper, isn't it?"

Fred paused at the top of the stairs and turned to her. His expression was resolute. "Do you know Amelia Bones?"

"Head of Magical Law Enforcement?"

"She's been murdered."

"Murdered? My God."

"George and I have to go see mum and dad."

"But why? Your parents can't have known her very well. What does her murder have to do with you?" Angelina asked.

"Her murder has to do with all of us. Who do you think murdered her?"

It was lucky Angelina hadn't eaten any breakfast yet. Her stomach roiled. "You're saying that You-Know-Who killed her?"

Fred nodded. "Or at least had someone else kill her. He's attacking the government. He's taking out our leaders."

Angelina pressed her hand to her forehead. Trying to kill Harry at every turn was bad enough, but now You-Know-Who seemed to have abandoned all pretences. He wanted control and he would take out anyone who stood in between him and ultimate power. He was now powerful enough to dismantle the Wizengamot if it suited his plans. He could sit back as his minions picked apart the Ministry.

"I'm coming with you," Angelina said, squaring her shoulders against a sudden wave of dread.

Predictably, Fred replied, "I said no. You have to stay here. George is over talking to Amy. He's going to get her to come over here and wait with you till we get back. Both of you have to stay here till we can find out if it's safe."

"Safe?" Angelina asked softly. "We're in a real war, aren't we?"

He kissed her on the forehead quickly. "Yes."

"Then I want to help. I need to help. Let me come and see what's going on?"

"You know I'd prefer to have you by my side right now, but there's no way that can happen. You need to stay here and let George and I find out what's going on. Look after Amy for him."

Angelina rolled her eyes. "You're off doing something constructive and I'm stuck babysitting the vet. That's just great."

Fred clasped her face in his hands. "Don't worry, baby. I have a feeling there's going to be plenty of danger to go around. You'll get your share."

A shiver ran the length of Angelina's body as tears stung at her eyes. "Promise me you'll be careful. No stupid heroics. That goes for George as well. If both of you aren't back in two hour nobody's going to stop me from coming after you, all right."

Fred smiled and pressed his forehead to hers. "If I was in genuine trouble I wouldn't want anyone else to come rescue me. I know how brave and determined you are."

"Alicia always said foolhardy and stubborn."

"That too."

Angelina kissed him quickly on the lips. "Two hours, Fred."

"Two hours," he confirmed. "Now will you give me a proper kiss?"

Angelina threw her arms around his neck and kissed him fiercely. It wasn't the most elegant kiss they'd ever shared, but it was what both of them needed at that moment. They were interrupted by the sharp pop of someone Apparating into the living room.

"But I don't understand why I couldn't stay at my place, George."

Angelina groaned against Fred's lips. She didn't see why Amy couldn't stay at her own place either.

"I'd just feel better if you were here with Angelina," George said.

"I can take care of myself," Amy said, sounding all too unconvincing in Angelina's opinion.

"You and Angelina can look after each other," George replied firmly, leaving no room for arguments. "Fred and I will be back as soon as possible. Everything's going to be fine."

"I know everything's going to be fine. I don't even know why you're fussing so much. It's not like the Minster for Magic died."

"We'd probably be better off if You-Know-Who did take out Fudge."

Amy gasped. "Don't say things like that, George!"

Angelina pulled back from Fred and hugged him tightly around the neck. "Please don't leave me with her."

"It won't be for long. You two can use the time to bond. It'll be a good chance to get to know her better."

"She hates me."

Fred raised his eyebrows slightly. "Do you blame her?"

"Hey, whose side are you on? Remember who you share a bed with."

"It's not about taking sides, Angel. If George keeps seeing her then the four of us are going to be together a lot. It'd be easier if you actually got along with Amy. But, still, I'm not forcing you into anything."

Angelina sighed and closed her eyes. She hated it when he made sense. "Just don't take too long, ok."

"I'll be back before you know it. Come on, let's go."

Angelina followed Fred into the living room. George and Amy were kissing rather passionately and were oblivious to their presence. Angelina cleared her throat loudly to separate the couple. Fred gave her a warning look, which she ignored. There was a big difference between tolerating Amy and watching her make out with George.

George pulled away and stroked Amy's hair. "I'll be back soon."

Amy bit her lip and gave Angelina a sidelong glance. "Where are you actually going?" she whispered.

"To see my parents. Don't worry. We won't be in any danger."

Despite George's reassurance, Amy didn't relax. Her grip on George's arms looked painful. George seemed to be at a loss for what to do. He looked torn between hugging her and prying her fingers off him. Amy's eyes glistened with tears.

"It's all right, Amy. We won't be long," Fred interjected. He gave Angelina a small shove forward.

Angelina swallowed her indignation. What right did Amy have to cling to George when she was having to step aside and let Fred wander into possible danger? It wasn't fair. If she could let her boyfriend go, then Amy ought to be able to do the same.

"Come on," Angelina said firmly. She took Amy by the arm and pulled her away from George. "You and I can start preparing a nice big lunch for the boys when they get back. How does that sound?"

"All right," Amy replied hesitantly.

George let out a relieved breath. "A big lunch sounds perfect. We'll be expecting the works."

"At least three courses," Fred added, winking at Angelina.

She pointed her finger at him sternly. "Don't make me come after you."

He gave a mocking little bow. "I wouldn't dream of it."

With a pop, he disappeared. George followed suit after giving Amy one last reassuring smile. Angelina sighed and turned to Amy. The young woman's lower lip was quivering slightly.

"What's wrong?" Angelina asked, trying to be as gentle as she could about it. The last thing she needed was a hysterical vet crying all over her.

"I'll go back to my place now," Amy replied, her voice wavering.

Angelina was loath to admit it, but Amy reminded her of Alicia sometimes. The uncertainty, the lack of confidence. It was like first meeting Alicia again. Amy now waited for acceptance in the same way that Alicia once had.

"And leave me to prepare a three course meal? Yeah right." Angelina clapped her hands together and marching off to the kitchen. "I'm pretty sure we have the ingredients for a shepherd's pie. We'll do a salad to go along with it for you."

"Aren't you worried?" Amy asked, trotting after her. "How can you think about lunch when Fred is going off to God knows where to do God knows what?"

"But I know where he's gone. He and George have gone to talk to their parents. Have you met Mr and Mrs Weasley yet? They're strong opposers to You-Know-Who, but they're not going to let their children walk blindly into a dangerous situation."

"Why couldn't we go with them? I thought Fred would at least take you along."

"Well he didn't, all right," Angelina snapped. She closed her eyes briefly as she clattered around looking for pots and pans. What was she supposed to do if Fred wouldn't confide in her? Lately she'd found herself walking in on the twins having whispered conversations. Fred wouldn't tell her what they were talking about. All he said was that she shouldn't worry herself about it. "Yeah right," Angelina muttered, slamming a baking dish down on the counter.

"Angelina, does it make you feel sick?"

"What? Shepherd's pie?"

"No. Do you feel sick when you think about how involved in this thing Fred is?"

Angelina turned around to look her in eye. "The 'thing' you're referring to is a war. I don't know what you mean by sick, but I certainly don't like the idea."

"It makes me feel physically ill," Amy confided, looking down at the ground.

"How exactly do you feel? Like you're going to vomit or just dizziness?"

"Not really like either of those. When I think about what could happen to George – my stomach…it feels hollow."

Angelina felt a genuine twinge of sympathy for her. She felt her face soften as she regarded the girl who had taken Alicia's place. No matter what happened in the future, she evidently had some pretty strong feelings for George.

Angelina nodded. "It feels a bit odd, doesn't it? Not quite a pleasant feeling, but not all together bad either. Hard to describe if you haven't felt it."

"You feel it as well," Amy said, looking more than a little relieved.

"I don't feel quite the same thing anymore." Angelina smiled and shook her head gently. "Just wait till you feel it in your whole body. When I think about Fred getting hurt, my whole body feels like it's going to collapse in on itself. When you experience that, you know you're too far gone. Be thankful it's just your stomach for now."

A shy sort of smile crept across Amy's face and she finally looked up to meet Angelina's eyes. "You know what I like best? I like going to sleep every night knowing that I belong to someone. When I wake up every morning I know there's someone out there who's glad I'm around. Someone wants to see me. Someone goes to sleep every night knowing they belong to me."

"I like that, too."

Amy looked into Angelina's eyes and an understanding grew. Friendship was pushing it, but at that moment both women understood where the other was coming from. Amy couldn't help what was in George's past. At the same time, Angelina couldn't dismiss it.

Amy rolled up her sleeves and slipped by Angelina. "You said something about a salad? Let the expert have a go at it."

xxxxx

Alicia was drowning in a sea of rumoured scandals and half-heard gossip. She'd gathered as much evidence as she could to substantiate whether or not funding to the World Cup was being cut. Every other journalist was locked in their room doing the same. No doubt they'd have the same dodgy statements from mysterious 'insiders'. They'd have the same official figures from the accounting department. Everyone was on the same trail.

Gina was right. Alicia flicked all the parchments and papers off her bed. She needed to think outside the box. She needed to go her own way, to stand out from the crowd.

"How do I do that?" Alicia asked herself as she rubbed her temples.

Everyone wanted to know if the funding was being cut. What if she was a step ahead? What if she assumed that the funding had been cut? What then? Why would the funding be cut in the first place? Millions of Galleons were pumped into the World Cup every time it was held. Quidditch brought the world together at a time when it was needed most.

On the other hand, she could assume that funding wasn't being cut. But where would that leave her? She'd be story-less. Plus, it didn't look that way. She had the figures on a parchment on the floor. Money was coming in.

Alicia spun her pencil around in her fingers. Figures could be tweaked, but the money was probably being given to the Organising Committee. They'd complain otherwise. It seemed unlikely they'd sit back and watch their World Cup become a sub-standard event. By all accounts, the German Ministry of Magic was happy to pump money into the Cup. Everyone stood to benefit from a successful tournament. Tourism was set to increase exponentially; the local economy was going to receive an enormous boost. Why would the government want to risk ruining that?

They wouldn't. Alicia sat upright. In front of her on the bed lay one of Cassie's photos of the Organising Committee. There were a dozen smiling witches and wizards looking up at her. All so professional looking in their official robes. She'd met many of them personally on her tours and at her press conferences. It made her feel a little ill.

If the money was going in one end, but not coming out the other, it stood to reason that it was getting caught in the middle somewhere. Alicia had heard of similar things before. Most notably, there were stories about corrupt African governments. When people donated money to help the less fortunate, the government would intercept the money. African politicians lived in grandeur while millions of their citizens barely had enough for three square meals a day. It was bureaucracy at its worse.

Could this be happening here? Alicia's heart thumped against her ribcage. Someone in the Organising Committee was siphoning off money to line their own pockets. They were denying their nation their time in the spotlight. They were putting lives at risk. If corners were deliberately being cut, it would be an even bigger scandal. There was no way of telling how many officials were involved. The cover-up could even extend to the government.

Alicia had stumbled upon her own Watergate.

xxxxx

"This is absolutely ridiculous," Alicia growled.

It had been twenty-four hours since she first hit upon the idea that the Organising Committee was somehow diverting government funding. She still had nothing substantial. Just some vague hints that some of the Committee members lived above their means. That wasn't nearly enough. She wished she had her own Deep Throat. If only she had an informant to point her in the right direction. It would make things so much easier.

She hadn't been able to pick up a hint of a lead yet. If she was going to blow this thing apart, she needed to do it very soon. They were due to leave Germany in two days. It would become much harder to investigate from a distance. She needed to talk to people face to face.

A knock at her door sent her scurrying about to hide her work. "Who is it?" she called as she shoved a handful of Committee-related parchments under the bed.

"Who do you think it is, stupid?"

"Go away, Jacob."

He ignored her and opened the door. "Come on, princess, Meike's waiting downstairs."

"Meike? What for?"

"She's going to take us to see those stupid Muggle monuments of yours. Cassie even leant me one of her cameras so I can take a picture of that spectacular gate you mentioned."

"It's a wall, not a gate. I can't go anyway. I'm too busy."

"Doing what?" Jacob raised his eyebrows and looked around slyly. "You got a bloke hidden in here somewhere?"

"Believe it or not, but I've actually got work to do," Alicia huffed.

Jacob launched himself at her bed. She squealed and just managed to avoid being jumped on. "Everyone is saying you're a snob, you know. You didn't eat dinner or lunch with us yesterday. They're all saying you think you're better than them."

"And have you been defending me?"

"No. Why should I bother rocking the boat for your sake? Besides, it does look an awful lot like you're distancing yourself from the other journalists."

"I've been busy working."

"Wait a second." Jacob sat up suddenly and grabbed hold of her wrist. "You know something, don't you? You've made some sort of breakthrough. What do you have? We can work on it together. Cut me some of the action. We're teammates, not rivals. We both serve the interest of the Prophet. It's only fair that I should be included in your story."

"I don't have a story. And I wouldn't bring you in till I had broken it myself. I let you clean up some loose ends later, but that's the extent of it." Jacob opened his mouth, but Alicia held up her hand. "And don't bother getting indignant. We both know you'd do the same. We may both work for the Prophet, but journalism is a lonely profession. Everyone looks out for themselves first."

"Bollocks."

"You wouldn't even defend me when people were bad-mouthing me!"

"I'll go sort it out right now. I'll tell them all you're an angel. We can pretend you've just been sick. I'll go sing your praises right now. How does that sound?"

Alicia sighed and shook her wrist loose. "I don't even have a story yet, Jacob."

"Yet!"

"I'm not getting anywhere."

"Let me help."

"No bloody way. This stays with me for the moment. I'm not even going to tell Francis about till I have some proof."

"Proof of what?" Jacob asked, leaning towards her compellingly.

"Look, I could use a break now. I feel like my head is going to explode. Let's go get Meike and do some sightseeing. Just give me a minute to change."

"Ok," Jacob said, settling back on her bed.

Alicia put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. "Get out of my room right now."

Jacob grinned and rolled off the bed. "Spoil sport."

Alicia had to fight a smile. So much like George sometimes. The notion hit her full force. It knocked the breath out of her. With the new distraction of this possible scandal, she hadn't thought about George in at least a day. That was the longest she'd gone without thinking about him since she left Hogwarts.

Now that she had a second of respite, her mind was flooded with memories. They made her want to smile and cry at the same time. At that moment she'd have given anything to touch him or even just smell him. The way he always smelt nice baffled her. It wasn't a cologne she could put her finger on. If it were that simple she'd just spray her room with it. The smell was him, she couldn't replicate it.

The bang of her door closing made Alicia jump slightly. Why did she have to start thinking about George now? She had so many other things skipping and cajoling through her mind that it was surprising she even had room for him. Yet, somehow, there he was. Red hair, freckled skin, bright smile, downcast eyes.

It just wouldn't do. She had to concentrate on securing her story. This story could make or break her career. She had to be certain about her facts. She couldn't afford to have her mind wandering.

Alicia rubbed at her watering eyes and took a deep breath. She suspected she only needed to be strong for a while longer. She couldn't possible spend her entire life thinking about George. That would be insane. She'd lose her mind before long. No. There was a period of grace. She was expected to think about him now. That was normal.

She was being whisked away to Egypt next. The country's first women's Quidditch league had just been established. They were there to report on the first few matches. After a week in Egypt they'd be off somewhere else. By that time she ought to have purged all thoughts of George from her mind. By then she ought to be able to get to sleep without her knotted stomach giving her hell. She ought to be able to see people with red hair and not break down.

She'd even get a replacement if it came down to it. If she needed someone else in her life in order to push George aside, then she'd have to do it. She couldn't live like this.

"Hurry up!" Jacob called, pounding on the door.

Alicia went over to her suitcase and pulled out a pair of jeans and a top. As she changed she wondered what George was doing at that moment. He was probably working in the shop. Smiling and laughing as he talked to customers. Neighbourhood kids were probably regulars in the store. George was a natural with kids. Probably because he was a big kid himself. He'd make a great father –

"Spinnet!"

Alicia almost tripped as she pulled her jeans up. "All right! Jeez!"

An hour later, Alicia was walking beside Meike on the crowded streets of Berlin. Jacob was up ahead with Meike's husband Jan. Alicia felt a little awkward to be walking beside a member of the Organising Committee that she was investigating. Still, she was sure Meike wasn't involved. It was a gut feeling, but at the same time she hadn't discovered anything that would suggest otherwise. For obvious reasons, she still couldn't mention her suspicions to Meike.

"But what could you possibly be working on that would take up so much of your time?" Meike asked, upon hearing that Alicia had been busy.

"Oh, it's nothing much yet. I can't talk about it obviously. I need to get all my facts together before I can go any further with it."

Meike nodded and didn't press any further. "It sounds like a big story. Don't work yourself too hard, dear. Remember to make time for a social life."

"A social life?" Alicia scoffed. "I kissed one of those goodbye the day I signed on the dotted line."

"You don't date?"

"Who am I supposed to date? Jacob? Ick. Francis? Quadruple ick. They're the only men I spend time with these days. I don't have time to get to know anyone else. I'm not in any one place long enough to form even a fleeting connection."

"I used to be the same way with my work. It was my whole life." Meike smiled and looped her arm through Alicia's. "That was until I met Jan. Now I have a nice balance between my husband and my work. I don't let either one take over. It's not always easy, but the rewards make it worthwhile."

"But you met the one person for you. Should I set my career aside for meaningless flings?" Alicia asked.

"How else do you expect to meet the love of your life, Alicia?"

"But how I am even supposed to know? I have such a short time to spend with them before I move on. What if I end up leaving the love of my life behind somewhere?" Alicia asked, thoughts of George sidling into her mind.

"You'll know. Often it'll be one clear second. Call it an epiphany. You'll know that you love him. It won't fade."

"Then I forsake my career?"

Meike shook her head fervently. "Oh, darling, don't think I'm trying to bully you into quitting your job. Some people get by. Gina's personal life has suffered at the same time her professional life as flourished. She's happy. She has a full life. Everyone is different. Can you throw yourself into your work so much that you won't get lonely?" Meike squeezed her arm. "Loneliness is awful, isn't it? Feeling alone in the world, feeling as if no one cares for you."

Alicia didn't know what to say to that. She knew that there were people in the world who still cared for her. George still cared for her. Didn't he? Surely if she still thought about her, he must think about her in return. He couldn't have dismissed her from his mind so easily.

"What are you two talking about so seriously?" Jan asked, calling back over his shoulder.

"Never you mind. It's private girl talk."

"Are we there yet?" Jacob asked. "My feet hurt."

"Not much further," Meike replied.

The four of them walked along in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Alicia was trying to digest all that Meike had just said to her. That sounded fine for some people, but it wouldn't work in her case. How could she juggle a relationship and a career like hers? It sounded impossible. Unless she married Jacob.

"Are we allowed to climb the wall?" Jacob asked casually.

Alicia winced. No way could she ever marry Jacob. "No, you can't climb all over the Berlin Wall. It's not one of those rock-climbing walls."

"Then why exactly are we going to see it?"

"Just shut up and walk faster. I knew I should have brought a colouring book to entertain you with."

"You're hilarious, Spinnet."

Meike exchanged a knowing look with Jan. "See, didn't I tell you this would be good practice for when we have children?"

Jan laughed. "Right, if you two stop bickering and behave yourselves I'll buy you both an ice cream later."

"Mmm. I like ice cream," Alicia said, grinning and taking a moment to look around at Berlin. It was a beautiful city. It had that historical feeling, but with alluring splashes of modernity. Alicia especially liked the trees that lined the streets. The whole place was solemn but vibrant. Again, she wished she had more time to spend there. It had been the same with Sydney and Paris. She'd been to so many exotic places, but she hadn't really seen any of them properly.

It would also be nice to share the experience with someone.

"There it is," Meike said.

The remains of the Berlin Wall were right there. Alicia stopped and stared. The other three probably weren't as affected by the sight. She had gone to Muggle school, she'd seen footage of the Wall being torn down. She knew about Communism, the Cold War and East and West Germany.

Alicia went and pressed her hand against the Wall. Jacob snapped a photo and told her to strike a seductive pose. She ignored him and studied the Wall. Alicia spent a few minutes walking along the 140 metre long wall. This wasn't the Wall as it had once stood. This wall had been re-constructed using parts from the original.

After examining the Wall as much as she could, Alicia moved onto a nearby field. 1065 crosses had been erected to represent all those who lost their lives trying to escape East Germany. It was a harrowing sight.

"I think Jacob may have made a new friend," Meike said coming up beside Alicia. They both looked over to where Jacob and Jan appeared to be having an earnest conversation. "Jan is telling him about how witches and wizards were involved in bringing the Wall down. He actually appears to be paying attention to the story."

"Wonders never cease," Alicia said distractedly.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm just thinking."

"About what we talked about on the way here?" Meike guessed.

"Yes. I have this feeling that I left the love of my life behind in England when I took the Prophet job."

"Ah. What is his name?"

"George. George Weasley. We grew up together. There was never anyone else as special. But I hurt him – badly. Our relationship couldn't recover."

"Did you try?" Meike asked gently.

Alicia shook her head and looked at her shoes. "I left. I love him though. I know that much. I just want to be over it now. I don't want to think about him anymore. It's too painful."

"I'm sorry to tell you this, but it'll be a long time before you're over it. You may not ever fully recover. You can never underestimate the damage a broken heart can do to a person."

"One thing that really scares me is the idea that I'll never have that feeling of being in love again. That feeling when nothing else in the world matters except the other person. When you'd do anything for them. I want to be able to feel that way again."

Meike took her hand and squeezed it. "You can, Alicia."

She turned away slightly. "I understand what you're saying, but it's not so easy in my case. I'm a correspondent. My career involves extensive travelling. I can't see how I'll be able to maintain a healthy relationship."

"You are wrong about one very important thing."

"What's that?" Alicia enquired dully.

"You are a journalist, not a correspondent."

Alicia frowned. "And?"

"And you need to put things into perspective." Meike took her face in her hands. "My darling, listen to me, how many newspapers are there in the world?"

"Hundreds. Thousands if you count the Muggle ones."

Meike's eyes twinkled. "And can you tell me how many George Weasleys there are in the world?"

Alicia breath hitched. Her body felt like it was going to collapse in on itself.

"There's only one George Weasley in the world."

A/N: Gah! Ok. I won't say anything. Did you know that was the longest Castles chapter so far? I hope you enjoyed your cameos, Meike and Gina! Ich liebe dich! That's all I have to say…except – please take a moment to review! I really live for all of your reviews. Keep an eye on my Live Journal for details about the next chapter.

Aufwiedersehen!