Breakaway
Chapter 2 - Ambiance

Hermione strolled into Weasley Wizard Wheezes on a bright Monday morning. Fred assured her she wouldn't need to bring anything but herself, so she came as she was. Upon entering, she spotted George was at the counter with Verity going over the books. "Hey," he smiled at her in greeting. "Heard my brother roped you into helping."

"I wasn't busy," Hermione shrugged. "It's not a problem."

"The minute it does become one, or he does, feel free to take off," George shook his head. "Merlin knows you've earned your break. Go through the back, the lab is behind that black curtain."

"Thanks George," the girl smiled. She crossed the counter and ducked under the thick black curtain to find a larger than proportional laboratory. Maybe everything magical was just bigger on the inside. She had to give the twins their credit - it was a good lab. Bright, clean, organized. Of course, nothing could be done for the underlying acrid smell of a potions gone wrong but she'd get over it. Even the Hogwarts dungeons were like that.

And there was Fred, stirring a cauldron with far too much apprehension for her to even think about getting close. Instead she coughed into her hand, "Excuse me, I'm looking for Mr. Weasley? It's my first day on the job."

Fred looked up and grinned, "Ah yes, Ms. Granger is it? Welcome. I'm Mr. Weasley, your boss and head of research and development of Weasley Wizard Wheezes. Just a moment and I'll give you a tour." He set the spoon aside and led her to the back wall covered fully with the ingredients cased in jars and bottles.

Hermione examined the labels, "This is quite a selection. Wow it's even alphabetical order."

"We never know what we'll need to make a spell or potion or product work; so, we keep stock of pretty much everything. One of your duties will be to keep an eye on what needs to be refilled or replaced. George has the ledger with all the purchases dates. We typically use that to track what may have gone off or what we've buying more or less of."

"Clever," Hermione turned to the four tables set up with two cauldrons apiece. All of them were currently brewing something. "How do you keep track of eight cauldrons at once?"

"Well…" Fred reached into a drawer near one and threw something white and boxy to her.

"This is -" Hermione began to giggle.

"A muggle egg timer, correct," Fred confirmed. "We also have a few alarm clocks for the longer brews and we even got one of those little caller things that you can set days in advance."

"Again. Clever." She tossed the timer back. "I have to say I'm impressed."

"High praise in my heart," Fred smiled.

"Well," Hermione flushed. "What are you working on now? What do you need help with?"

"Right," Fred drew her to the potion closest to him. "This one is in honour of old Ronniekins. This will temporarily make a person look like they've got spattergroit with none of those nasty symptoms. Good for a scare."

"Or to dodge Death Eaters," Hermione nodded. "And this one?" she indicated to the brew right next to it.

"If it works, that'll be the newest addition to the Wonder Witch line," Fred explained. "Tentatively I'm calling it 'Toast'. The goal is for a couple to toast their potions, link arms, and drink, thus activating a shared daydream but it's more sensory than the daydream charms."

"Fascinating," Hermione sniffed, catching the scent of lavender and oak.

"You'll find next to all the potions their own outlines, brewing notes, and timers if needed. That way you can never mix up what you're working on."

"It seems like you have a great system in place," Hermione surmised. "Why do you need me?"

"It's pretty quiet now but this lab needs the extra pair of hands more often than not. And brewing on your own is no fun. Plus I wanted you here because -" Fred stopped.

"Because…" Hermione prompted.

"I just thought with your sabbatical and all, this might be something you'd like. Enjoy the ambiance and whatever."

"Ambiance," Hermione repeated slowly. Suddenly both were more aware of the humidity, heat, and unpleasant clustering of scents. Fred scratched his head bashfully and Hermione just shrugged. "I don't know about the ambiance but I do like it here. I rarely get to brew so I'm happy to help out."

"Good," Fred took her hand. "I'm happy you're here too." He used that hand to pull her closer, their eyes locked tenderly. "I was thinking, would you like to go out-" Hermione's widened "- for lunch? I have a place I'd love to show you. The potions will be fine for the next couple hours."

Hermione pretended to sigh, "I suppose it's bad form to turn down lunch with your new boss."

"Truly. The height of disrespect," Fred concurred.

"Naturally," Hermione bobbed her head once. "Lunch it is then Mr. Weasley."

Fred slung an arm around her shoulders, "Come with me Ms. Granger." They left the lab, passing George and Verity with a wave.

George rolled his eyes behind them, "Well he got there eventually." Verity snorted lightly. "But no way in hell is he the head of R&D."

A/N: Hello all! You know will all the serious stories I've been churning out, I'd forgotten how much I love writing fluff. Hope you're enjoying it as much as I am. ENJOY! R&R PLZ!