A/N: Sorry for the delay. I was away for a couple of days last week.

As always I want to thank everybody who's reviewed. You all help me a lot!

Thank you, Katy, for betaing this and encouraging me!

XXX

January 8th, 2000

It was an exceptionally grey and dark Saturday afternoon. The weather had Alicia wondering where all the colours in the world had gone? Had there ever been any? Even the shops' windows looked colourless and grey as she passed them by, walking down Diagon Alley to get some last minute shopping done before the weekend. Wizard shops didn't open on Sundays.

The window of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, however, was an exception. Bright and colourful as ever, it was in sharp contrast to its surroundings. Alicia remainding standing in front of it for a while. Past the merchandise displayed in the window she could see George standing behind the counter. For a split-second Alicia considered stopping and going into the shop.

But there was nothing Alicia could think of to say. So she simply walked on, kicking a small stone ahead of her as she went. Not much later another bright colour attracted her attention. It was a bright scarlet skirt, and it was very short, showing off a pair of long slender legs.

Legs that belonged to one of Alicia's least favourite people in the world. A person she had almost forgotten about, but who had come back to her mind just now. She was walking in opposite direction to Alicia – possibly heading towards Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes.

It was Linda Abbott.

Clearly Linda had recognised Alicia too. As she passed by she looked up to meet the other woman's eyes with a somewhat challenging expression, making Alicia's stomach contract with suppressed anger. But she didn't have time to dwell on it – she still needed to get to the apothecary's and the post office before meeting for a coffee with Angelina.

They hadn't seen each other since the party at Lee and Katie's – although Angelina had kept sending her owls to find out what had happened after she had seen Alicia and George kiss on Lee and Katie's balcony. Alicia hadn't found the courage to answer those questions yet. But then she had thought that Angelina was her best friend, and she was probably worried about her. So she had owled Angelina back to arrange a meeting.

At least Angelina wasn't likely to judge her for what she had done.

Especially not for sleeping with a Weasley twin despite knowing better!

When Alicia reached the post office she still hadn't quite got Linda Abbott out of her mind. Was she really on the way to the joke shop? Was she still interested in George? Did she maybe even have a date with him?

A voice cut through her thoughts. "Alicia?"

It was Ginny Weasley.

"Oh – hey Ginny," said Alicia awkwardly. "How are you?"

"Better than you look," replied the redhead dryly. "It's good to see you, though, Alicia."

"You too, Ginny, but unfortunately I don't have much time. I really need to send an urgent owl. Sorry."

Ginny just stared at her, as though she wanted to say something but couldn't quite bring herself to say it.

"See you, then," said Alicia hurrying past her and up the stairs towards the big wooden doors.

"Alicia –"

"Yes?" She turned around reluctantly.

"Can I ask you something?"

Alicia sighed. She wanted to say no, mainly because she was scared – scared of what Ginny might have to say. The girl did have a temper much like her brothers', and Alicia was sure that Ginny hadn't forgiven her for leaving George. But the pleading tone in Ginny's voice and the look in her eyes reminded her of George and she had never been able to resist anything that had to do with him. "Sure, go on. Ask."

"What did you do?"

"Excuse me? What do you mean what did I do?"

Ginny nodded, reluctantly. "What did you do with George?"

"Ginny, what is this about?"

She was regarding Alicia contemplatively. "Do you have time for a coffee?"

Now Alicia was really surprised. The very last thing she had expected from Ginny was asking her to get a coffee together. She had been sure that Ginny was going to tell her off her for breaking up with George but right now she was looking anything but hateful.

"Not really," Alicia stammered, "I need to get this done and then I'm meeting Angelina."

"Please," said Ginny and that was enough to win Alicia's guilty conscience over.

"Okay," she sighed, "the Saucy Saucepan? Angelina's going to meet me there. I can owl her to come a bit later –" She pointed her thumb over her shoulder at the post office.

Ginny nodded. "Okay. Thanks."

Minutes later they were sitting opposite each other at a small table in a corner furthest from the door. Ginny seemed to be absorbed in reading the menu but when the waitress appeared she only ordered a simple cup of coffee. Alicia chose a chocolate cappuccino.

"So," said Alicia finally into the uneasy silence that had come over them. "Tell me, what were you talking about?"

Ginny put the menu aside and started speaking slowly, "Yesterday – yesterday George came home for the first time since Christmas. Home to The Burrow I mean. He never comes home voluntarily. But yesterday – he even went into his and Fred's old room. He hasn't been in there once since – since the battle."

Alicia nodded encouragingly, feeling some sort of excitement. "What did he do in there?"

Ginny shrugged. "He wouldn't say. But he came out with an old box and although I didn't get to see its contents I am sure that there were some reminders of Fred in it. Photos, I guess. Or some of their old joke stuff."

"That sounds like a real improvement, doesn't it?"

At that moment their drinks arrived and Alicia started stirring her cappuccino nervously.

Ginny took a drink of her coffee and pulled a face. "Ugh, that stuff's way too strong," she commented.

"Order something else," said Alicia who was eager to get back to their main topic, "my treat."

Ginny shook her head. "No," she said, "I don't have that much time anyway. And you needn't invite me. I have money."

"What are you doing now by the way?" asked Alicia who had only just realised that the last time she had talked to Ginny Weasley she had still been at school. "Professional Quidditch?"

Ginny smiled. "That was only a childhood dream. Mind, I have been to a tryout for the Cannons just after school. But I wasn't good enough for the position I tried out for – Chaser by the way –" She pulled a face. "They prefer male players, I guess."

"Stupid idiots."

Ginny giggled. "Well, Mum was thankful they didn't want me. She was never too fond of my idea of playing professional Quidditch. Anyway, I wouldn't have been able to play all my life. No, I decided to become a Healer for animals and magical creatures." She grinned at Alicia. "Maybe, one day, I will get a position for teaching Care Of Magical Creatures at Hogwarts. Even if it's hard to imagine – don't you think?"

"You, instead of Hagrid? A bit maybe."

"At the moment I'm working part-time in the Magical Menagerie."

"Really? I used to work there before I got the job at the ministry."

"I know. That's actually where I got the idea."

"Is Mr. Saunders still there?"

Ginny sniggered, "Yeah – and he's as crazy as ever. He still talks with the animals – last week he asked one of the cats to pay the owl that brought his Prophet. But then suddenly he shakes his head and goes, 'What was I thinking – you can't pay the owl, Boris, I haven't given you your pocket money, yet.'"

They both laughed.

"So – Boris the cat is still there, too."

"Yeah, he'll probably survive Mr. Saunders."

They shared another hearty laugh, but all too soon they became serious again. Alicia couldn't help wondering why Ginny had wanted to speak to her. "So what makes you think that I caused that change in your brother?"

"He said that you two met at the New Year's party at Lee's. And something you told him had him think about his behaviour. But that was about all I could get out of him. – So I was wondering. What did you tell him?"

"I told him to stop lying to himself. He hasn't really dealt with Fred's death and I told him that he needs to. Mind, it wasn't the first time I have said that to him. But somehow as it seems I might have finally gotten through."

"He has never been good at talking problems, has he?"

Alicia shrugged. "I guess, it's just because most of the time he didn't have to when Fred was around. They could always understand each other without words. But he needs to learn confiding in somebody else, and I don't think he's been trying hard enough over the past one and a half years. I told him that, too."

"Well, maybe he's finally starting to make an effort."

At that moment the door opened and a wet and cold looking Angelina came into the restaurant. She stood in the middle of the room, taking off her cloak, her eyes travelling across the tables most of whom were unoccupied until she spotted Alicia and Ginny. With a couple of long, quick strides she came over and sat opposite Alicia.

Not long after Angelina's arrival Ginny excused herself and left, not without throwing Alicia one last, grateful glance. As soon as she was out of earshot, Angelina leaned forward across the table and said in a low voice, "So what happened on New Year's Eve? Don't tell me nothing's happened – I saw you two."

"No point denying it then?" said Alicia, half serious half joking.

"Don't even think about it."

Alicia told her friend everything, including what had happened at and especially after the Hogwarts reunion. Angelina listened quietly not interrupting her once, which was very unusual for her. Only when Alicia had finished the story, repeating the conversation had taken place between her and George on the morning of the first of January, Angelina spoke.

"You slept with him because you wanted to, didn't you?" she asked, sounding concerned.

"Of course," said Alicia indignantly. "What did you think – that he forced me? Why would he?"

"I didn't know what to think of it. I was just worried. He has hurt you before. One should think that you would know better than to –"

Alicia interrupted her friend quickly. "Don't. I told you because you wanted to know, not because I wanted a lecturing."

"Well, you do want my advice, don't you?"

"Yes – but don't tell me things I know myself. I know it was stupid but I couldn't help it. I mean, look at you – when did you ever manage to say no to Fred?"

Angelina didn't answer. Alicia saw her narrowing her eyes, a sure sign that Alicia's words had hit home. "Sorry. I didn't mean to –"

"Well, you have. But don't worry, it's fine. You're right anyway. But that's not why we are here so let's not talk about it."

The waitress brought Angelina's espresso. When she had left them alone again Alicia told Angelina the news she had just received from Ginny.

"So, what do you think?"

Angelina considered the question for moment. "Well, it seems like it's up to him now," she finally said. "You told him what you expect from him and what you need him to do to make it work again. Now it's his decision whether he wants oblige." She saw the look on Alicia's face and sighed. "That is not what you wanted me to say, is it?"

"Not quite," admitted Alicia. "I can see your point but –"

"– but you feel like there should something more that you can do."

Alicia nodded.

"Well, in the end it's your decision. I can't tell you what to do. But if it were me – I dunno. I think I would wait. See if he makes an effort – and if he doesn't I would try to move on. Believe me, I know how deep your feelings for him are, and that you want to help him. You're a good person, Leesh, but you cannot let yourself get hurt too many times."

"I know. I just – I can't help myself. Being with him is what I want."

Alicia went to bed early that evening. Talking to Angelina had helped her. In the light of the street lamps outside she could see that the rain that had fallen all day had turned into snow. But it was nice and warm in her bedroom. She slipped under the covers exactly at the moment when she heard a knock on the door.

Alicia groaned.

She slipped into a pair of sweat-pants and pulled a jumper over her night-gown. Then she went to open the door, ready to sneer at whoever it was.

In front of her, wet hair dripping water over his face, stood George. He was clutching a box. "I need to tell you something," he said looking into her eyes.

"Tell me what?"

"Can I come in?"

Alicia's could feel her heart thumping against her ribs, as she moved aside. "You've got five minutes," she said.

They sat at the small table where they used to eat together so many times. George seemed nervous. He put the box down on in front of him and subconsciously pushed it around on the table for a while before he said, "I need to tell you something. About what happened the day Fred – died."

Alicia had made up her mind to stay cool and distant towards him but that was before – To hell with it! He's finally ready to talk.

"Tell me," she said, almost too eagerly. But he hesitated long enogh to make her nervous. "George."

"Okay, okay. Don't hassle me. I'm trying to find the right words."

"You don't have problems finding words. Just tell me now or go home and let me sleep."

"Okay, fine. Here goes then. The day when we were at the battle – I left Fred and Percy to find you."

"I know."

"I remember having a feeling that I shouldn't have left them. I don't know what it was or where it came from – but it felt wrong somehow. And I think that Fred felt the same way. He gave me such a strange look before I went of into the other direction. And I knew that – that he wanted me to stay with them. With him."

"He let you go, though, didn't he?"

"Yes."

"And you think that it was a mistake?"

"Yes."

Alicia leaned back on her chair putting some more distance between herself and George. Part of her wanted to reach out to him, take his hand and comfort him, but she knew he had to say it all, and until he had she needed to keep up the distance.

"Do you think that if you had stayed with your bothers you would have been able to save Fred?"

George shook his head. He was looking about to cry now. No sooner had she realised it that the first tear was rolling down his cheek. "No. No, I don't think I could've saved him. Nobody could have. But he wouldn't have had to die, thinking that I chose you over him."

XXX