A/N after many days, here it is Chapter 4. There seem to be a lot of comments in reviews about the Prologue and how it corresponds with the rest of the story. Things may seem okay now, but Fred and Angelina's relationship will definitely evolve over time, but I will say it is going to take awhile to get there. To be brutally honest the story will move a lot faster once I get out of canon territory. I honestly don't know how JK does it. Obviously I'm still muddling through 1996-1997 (Book 6), but the story is sketched out and like JK I already have the last chapter written. But from the reviews I've been getting everyone seems to enjoy the story. As a special gift, the next installment (not this one but the next ;)) will be a two chapter upload, so read relax review (and if you haven't reserved your special edition copy of Book 7 do it now!!!)---LadyWave

Chapter 4

"I'm worried about Angelina."

"Not responding to your sexual advances as quickly as you would like?" George winked at him from across the table that he along with Lee and Fred were occupying. It was another Friday night at the Dastardly Wizard and for the second weekend in a row Angelina had refused to come out.

"She's having a hard time with this Katie business."

Bringing up Katie Bell had the effect of sobering the mood as all three men were reminded of a girl whose condition had not improved since her attack. The healers were stumped and hoped that time might allow her to heal, the Katie they knew had always been a fighter but she seem to be losing the battle for her life.

"Has Angie been spending a lot of time down at the hospital?" Lee offered.

"It's not just that, she's become obsessed down at the shop too and she's moody. Everything has to be just so, she's scaring a majority of the clientele for just for taking products off the shelves. I mean it's hard to sell things when the customer can't even take a look at what he's buying."

"You know Katie was like a little sister to Angie" said Lee.

"I told you to just let her run the books for a little bit, we can afford the extra help twin." George stressed.

Fred's response was to send a weary eye to his brother as if this was a subject they had spoken of a thousand times before. As Angelina had made clear they were making enough money to take on extra help, but he was adamant about waiting until he and George joined the Order. Fred wanted to save as much money as possible to make sure things would run smoothly in their absence. Of course they hadn't really told anyone they would be joining up as of yet.

"Wait a sec! You blokes are up to something." Lee seemed offended; he knew when the infamous Weasley twins were up to something and this time was no different. The twins may have been able to communicate without words but Lee was at least aware that there was a conversation going on over his head.

George quickly finished his pint. "Don't worry about it Lee."

"Dammit George that shit got old around the third week I knew you guys."

"Really it's nothing Lee." Fred tried to skirt the issue. It wasn't as if the twins would not be overjoyed to take Lee into their confidence, but if there was one true thing about Lee Jordan it was the fact that he was a walking megaphone and Angelina's largest source of information on the twins.

"Well this is promising." Lee pushed back from the table rubbing his fingers together. "Let me guess, you don't want Angelina to know. Look men this is a time of war, no use being tied to the girl's apron strings, besides I'm already not going to be on her good side when she finds out I'm joining the Order."

The table was promptly drenched by a shower of beer, the twins with mirror images of amazement turned to their friend, obviously dumbfounded.

"I figured now was as good a time as any to tell you guys, but Katie was the last straw. I can't sit down at the Network everyday knowing that these bastards are out there terrorizing innocent people." Lee had gotten a bit flushed; everyone thought he may have at one point taken a fancy to Katie.

"Good on you mate." George congratulated him, looking askance at Fred. He received the non-verbal confirmation he needed. "Fred and I are joining up too."

While the world around them was all raucous partying, the devil may care attitude that had been attributed to the Weasley Twins and Lee Jordan during their school days was nowhere to be found. In this moment of understanding the drastic undertaking they were about to pursue, the era of carefree childhood was over. Their outward appearance may not have changed, but there was a resolve to stand and fight for the world they had known.

"I have a feeling we're gonna need another round." Fred smirked. "Especially because I'm probably going to be the one tell Angelina."

"She's your bird" said George with a knowing grin.

"She doesn't want you to join up Fred? I'd have thought this would have been right up Angie's alley, giant adventure with you two blokes."

"You're spot on Lee and that's exactly what I'm afraid of." Fred finished as the next round found its way to their table. "Well gentlemen…a toast to the newest enterprise, may it be as successful as the rest of our crazy endeavors."

"Hear, Hear!!!"

"So it appears that Witch Weekly is proclaiming yellow as the color for spring. I mean Kates, can you honestly imagine me in yellow. You'd never lose me in a crowd that's for sure." The laugh that flowed from Angelina was hollow and strained. She had been keeping up this vigil for the past two weeks and it was beginning to take its toll. She would visit and talk with almost as if she were awake, the healers believed it might be good for her, but Angie was beginning to allow doubt to shadow her thoughts.

"Miss, visiting hours are over in 15 minutes." The medi-witch had come in to check Katie's vitals.

"Thank you." Angelina sighed. It worried her that Katie hadn't made any improvement. She moved to put on her cloak while still keeping an eye on Katie's still form. For a girl with so little family, Katie had always been to Angelina that slightly annoying younger sibling you simply adore.

"You're still here Angelina" a matronly voiced jerked her attention.

"Good evening Mrs. Bell."

"Angelina, it's a Friday Night." It was surprising how all mothers had the ability to send that stern look.

"I know…it's hard for me to go out and have a good time, while she's cooped up in here."

"You should be young while you still have a chance, my dear." She patted Angie on the cheek and moved towards the bed to resume her nightly vigil with her daughter. Angie, deciding to walk the few blocks home made her way to the exit.

Mrs. Bell's words struck a cord in Angelina, frankly it pissed her off. She was a girl incensed. The streets outside of St. Mungo's blurred together as tears of pure frustration fell down her cheeks. She felt like flying, she felt like going to Aruba and never coming home. Life simply wasn't at all fair.

Katie was the homebody; she never went out looking for trouble. While she and Alicia had always been willing participants in their group's escapades, Katie never dared risking it. They called her the sane one and now she was lying in a hospital bed missing out on quidditch, school, parties, and quite possibly her damn N.E.W.T.s. They were all being robbed of their youths by a monster hell-bent on destroying their world and Angelina was working in a joke shop, simultaneously trying to figure out when she would fool around with Fred again. She hadn't accomplished any of her old school goals, hadn't played or even thought about quidditch for months, hell she hadn't talked to her parents for awhile either.

Life was playing out around her and she had no part in it. The wind was only a precursor to an impending storm, but Angie stood there her hair whipping across her face, the light reflecting off the stony expression of her eyes. She knew what she had to do, she had to fight, she had to protect those she loved, had to ensure that the world of her dreams that involved caramel-colored children with red hair would exist.

With the rain drenching her, Angelina looked out into the night and knew that she had to join the Order of the Phoenix. It felt right, but she could only wonder what Fred would think.

George had decided to spend the night over at Gwen's, the girl who had managed to keep his brother occupied for longer then his typical two week period of shag 'em and leave 'em. Fred knew he was clearing out before Hurricane Angelina struck and he really couldn't blame him.

Ideally, Angie would probably piss and moan and in about three weeks when she started talking to him again be resolved and let the twins head out for war. Both he and George knew that she would be able to keep the shop running successfully until they came back. They'd give her full proxy power, she'd hire some help, and she would be safe. Fred didn't let himself consider the obvious option that maybe WWWs would be a target.

Opening the front door he was surprised to see what appeared to be a semi-drowned person sitting on their couch. When he closed the door, the shape didn't move but it did know his name. It was amazing how she could sense him, knowing the difference between him and George far beyond the physical.

"Hey Fred" her voice was soft, barely even a whisper.

Once he removed his cloak, he moved to the couch to join her, muttering a quick drying spell as he sat down.

"Thanks."

"Katie not getting any better?"

"Nope."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes."

Alright something was definitely the matter; he knew it was time to try a different tactic. He moved his hand up her back to rest on her nape subtly massaging the knots she gathered there when she was under heavy stress. He felt her respond to him, yet he also watched her clench her face as if she could will herself to stop the warmth that started in his hand and flowed throughout her body. Gathering her close he dared to ask again.

"Angelina…"

"It isn't fair Fred." Her mood was like the wind swiftly changing course. She jumped up from the sofa, poised like a tigress "I mean this should never have happened to Katie, we shouldn't have to make decisions like this I mean we're barely 18 for Merlin's sake."

"What decisions…" he ventured but she continued as if hadn't said a thing.

"I mean its all flippin luck that you and I and our friends were born when we were, to have to experience this abnormal maturation process. This is supposed to be the best time of lives, we should be able to party every weekend without a care, but we have to visit friends in the hospital or worry because one of your parents is a Muggle. You have to sit there and believe some 16-year-old kid who can barely comb his hair is going to save all of us."

"There's no need to bring Harry into this…"

"Its about responsibility, its about a war that we have to fight. I won't let this happen again….no… I will not sit here at some stupid shop while my whole world falls apart."

"Now wait just a minute…"

Suddenly she was back on the couch next to him. She looked at him in a way that sent all his blood to his groin but definite warning synapses off in his head.

"I won't lose you Fred." She whispered just as her lips met his. Her hand reached into his trousers to free his shirt so she could then caress his chest, it was enough to drive a bloke insane. He pulled back.

"Angie have you been drinking?"

"No, whatever gave you that impression?" She purred.

"Okay wait a second, not that I don't find it ridiculously hot with you being the aggressor for a change, but seriously what is going on with you?"

"Aww Fred don't be that way."

He chuckled earnestly "Angelina Johnson I know you too well for your own good. You're up to something I can feel it."

With a glance down she arched an eyebrow "Really? I hadn't noticed."

"Angie, look me in the eye." He knew that would always be her undoing, because when it came down to it, his angel could never lie to him.

"I'm joining the Order."

Now it was his turn to jump up from the couch. "WHAT?"

"I'mm j-j-joining the Order."

"Dammit Angelina…what exactly was your plan get me all bothered and then tell me….oh wait that's exactly what you did."

"Don't get all put out with me, you and George have been planning to do the same!"

"Turning the tables will get you nowhere."

"But I'm right and you know it. Its not like I have to ask your permission. I've already informed my parents and their fine with it."

"I find it hard to believe your father is fine with it." His voice inflection mocking hersb

"I'm of age, it really doesn't matter what he feels about me joining up…or you for that matter!"

"For goodness sake woman! Keep your voice down, not every inch of Diagon Alley has to hear you."

"Fine…but enough about me Fred. How long did you plan to wait to tell me you and George were joining?" Her voice was now a dangerous whisper, he was safer when she was yelling.

"How did you even figure that out?"

"Unlike you, I'm not a complete idiot. I noticed that you guys have stopped developing marketable products, making cutbacks, saving up so I could hire more people. What did you think I was going to do….baby-sit the shop while you two are out there fighting?"

Now Fred was pissed, only because he could never get anything by her. Didn't she understand that it would be hard enough knowing that his entire family would be wrapped up in this business? Ron and Ginny would follow Harry to the end of the world. His father and mother were already members of the Order, Bill and Charlie were doing their part. He tried to temper his anger, but the reddening of his ears, that classic Weasley trait had given him away.

"Look I just want you to be safe, the 'stupid' shop needs someone to run it. You've been great here these past couple of months. Do you really want me to be excited about my girlfriend deliberately putting herself in harms way. I was your beater for six years so I know how you are…"

"What does that mean?"

"You're impulsive! You make ridiculous decisions in the heat of the moment."

"Are you saying I was a shite chaser?" Now she was really incensed.

"No, I'm saying you were a brilliant chaser. Those were the qualities that made me fall in love with you. Wartime is different though, those same qualities will get you killed."

His last comment sucked the wind out of her sails completely, gone was the anger. Her features softened, closing the gap between them.

"You are the sweetest of men."

"You're still going to join?"

"You know I am…but I'll be extra careful. I can't promise you anything more than that, but you damn well better promise me you'll be careful as well."

"I always am…" he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

"So that's it then?"

"I guess so…" he wasn't sure if he had forgotten something because she was looking at him funny.

"I never thought it would happen during a fight, I mean maybe over candlelight or soaring over a field playing quidditch…oh or maybe in the garden at my parent's house…"

"Angelina what are you on about?"

"You Fred Weasley…" she stepped into his easy embrace poking him lightly on the chest as she grinned up at him. "You just said you love me."

Her sing-song voice forced him to rise to the challenge "Why Miss Johnson I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Oh Fred I love you too…"He took this moment to kiss her again, knowing now that her response would be completely genuine, no demons soaring through her mind this time.

In that moment they couldn't get enough of each other. Clothes were hastily flung in every direction. He worshipped her body like a man possessed taking her full breasts in hand, hearing her moan his name making him want to take her right there on the floor, fulfilling years worth of desire...

"Oi!!! Don't you two have bedrooms!"

A shriek elicited from Angelina as she, clothed in only a bra and knickers used Fred as a human shield to hide from his twin who, as usual, had horrendous timing.

"Cripes sake George I though you went home with Gwen tonight?"

"I did and I proceeded to shag her and then end it. It has been almost three weeks, didn't want the bird to get the wrong impression."

"Oh George, you are such a pretentious bastard" said Fred's back.

"Why thank you Angie and may I say that quidditch has done wonders for you and I never knew that you had such large…"

"SOD OFF GEORGE" said Fred and Angelina in unison.

He responded with a laugh "Well I guess I'll leave you two alone then…Did you tell her about the Order."

"Yes" Fred ground out.

George cocked an eyebrow "Not the response I was expecting, maybe I should have been the one to tell her."

"Fred, if you don't do something you might have to actually use a mirror to see what you look like in the morning."

George sent his brother a wink and headed off to bed. Fred turned to look at Angelina who was hurriedly putting her clothes back on.

"Angie c'mon don't let him ruin this."

"Fred we have to be up early tomorrow, shop opens at 9."

"I'm fully aware of that." He ran a hand absently through his hair. "You are slowly driving me crazy, I mean a guy has needs…wait, I didn't mean that like it sounds."

"Well what did you mean?"

"Its nothing…look will you at least sleep in my room tonight?"

"I don't know Fred…."

"I swear I'll be on my best behavior although you are the embodiment of temptation." Fred may not have been able to see it, but Angelina was blushing to the tips of her toes.

"Alright then."

"I swear that phrase is music to my ears every time you utter it!"

That night they fell asleep in each others arms, weary of all that was on horizon but safe in the knowledge that they loved and were loved in return.