Whoa. So, so, so sorry about the long life has been completely bonkers since the beginning of this year, romance, tragety, more drama than I care for. I swear my life could be a frickin sitcom. Anyways! I recently told one of you that I would be updating within the week. Sorry about that, plans for that changed drastically I know. In any case here I am!

Also, appologies if this chapter seems a bit rushed/dragged out, I've been gone so long and this chapter was giving me major problems so I really just wanted to get to the next part! I'm trying to get a feel for the twins and what they are like one on one, you know? When they are together its so easy to feed off each other, alone they need to be similar but different too. I promise to improve in time!

Previous Chapter notes:

No Alicia will not be the jealous girlfriend type. But she really didn't appreciate being snubbed either. Seriously, who does?

Allow me to introduce the: Tag-team: Thoughtfully brained stormed between me and my brother. It looks kind of like a fake tattoo in the shape of a 'W' for Weasley of course. If you stick it on someone they have no choice but to stay within 4ft of the person wearing the matching one for a limit of three hours (when perfected). If you try, its like pulling an unbreakable rope taunt.

Onwards!

Chapter 26: So...we are, but we're not. And that...works?

"Will you? C'mon Lyra, I won't bite."

The coaxing is what sliced through silence, the reference to her own bite causing her to blush. But it seemed to do wonders to encourage a response because Lyra was quick with her reply this time. "I don't think that's such a good idea George." Despite the longing to take him up on the offer of quality time, Lyra was proud of her holding resolve.

"How do you know its not a good idea?" The red head marveled at her nerve as she narrowed her eyes in warning. "George." Lyra was positive he could be reasoned with. It wasn't as if she wanted to be on her own again. Besides, this friendship thing was a little empowering once you got the hang of it. "The mark won't fade if you're with me. And at this rate, your mark will last longer than Fred's. That's..not fair." To have one mark fade while the other remained? Just the thought of it made her jaw throb in near agony from the urge to remark what she'd chosen as hers.

Despite her valid argument, George replied with a calm: "Not if we do this right." And left it at that without as much as batting an eyelash.

Honestly, what? Were those six words supposed to be a sufficient explanation? She probably shouldn't ask but..."What?" The small yet enigmatic smile was enough to ward off any more questions. It looked like the earth-scented wizard was going to keep his secrets. Well that was just fine with her.

"Right. Not until the mark fades." Lyra repeated, with her firmest tone. "Rabbit." "No." Turning while her will was still intact, she turned away to march away.

Even though the dramatic effect was ruined by the heavy footfalls behind her. "Geo." Pulling out her favored name she frowned practically feeling the enormous grin he was sporting. "I just want to have a bit'o'fun, is that so much to ask?" Geo murmured in a tone that would rot sugarcane given the chance. Sweet as it was Lyra bit her lip; silently telling herself to remain strong.

"Well.." Pulling out that saucy tone the twins had her practice, Lyra turned to face him. "When you put it that way...yes." Her fists were drawn up to her waist. "Now please, wait until the mark is gone. It shouldn't take that long. Then you can go back to stalking me in the hallways." Lyra teased gently becoming more comfortable with her barbs. The grin her adversary returned was one of teasing approval. "As long as you know I'm your favorite stalker." She tisked softly, scanning the walls. ''Peeves is my favorite stalker, sorry Geo. Maybe next time."

Attempting to sidestep the seventh year she wasn't surprised as his hand darted out to try to catch her. "Cruelty seems to be a secret weapon of yours, love...can't wait until you see what mine is." The last part was said hardly a hair above a whisper, but her ears twitched as if he had called them out to her. Lyra was quick to dodge the hand he reached out to her. "Geo." His eyes twinkled at the challenge as he lunged for her yet again. Just like at Grimmauld place, Lyra only twisted out of the way with little effort.

"Geo, come on." Lyra muttered, their game of cat and mouse continuing down the hallway. George blatantly ignoring her pleas as he lunged for her. Lyra burst into fit of giggles as she dodged greedy hands. Somehow they switched direction back up the hall with Lyra trailing up the marble stairs backwards.

So attuned to the game, the pair was hardly prepared for the sudden jerk of the stairs. Grandfather would have lectured her on being more vigilant Lyra thought bitterly as her spine flashed heavy and hot for the impending impact. Fortunately George had fair reflexes managing to clear her from smacking her head on the magicked marble. Relief was sweet as George helped to stabilize her against his chest.

Disappointed their game of catch was over with, Lyra attempted to free herself from the hold. "Geo! No. Touching!" "C'mon rabbit! I was just helping you get sorted!" George grinned, his fingers wiggling in her direction. "I can sort myself." Lyra growled playfully as he backed off with his hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright. No need to sound so terrifying. You have me shaking in my pants!" Though he did dare reaching out a slender finger to pull her tie free. "I do not-Not the tie!" Her exasperation caused him to chuckle as he finally backed off. Why was it always the tie? Stuffing her tie down her vest in its proper place she sighed. Honestly the fabric would hardly sit right as it was because of her blasted necklace.

"I can't help it if you look adorable when you're all out of sorts." Lyra was trying her best to ignore the comment focusing completely on straightening her uniform. The last thing she needed was another detention due to something as ridiculous as a crooked hem. Finally presentable she puffed out her cheeks with an exasperated sigh while he clasped his hands behind his back rocking back on his heels watching her with that secret little smile that was as endearing as it was unnerving.

"A few days isn't the end of the world. I'll see you then." Nodding firmly, proud of herself for resisting the delicious scented prankster, she turned to walk away only to freeze in growing horror. The looming hallway of darkness and cobwebs had Lyra backing up into George's chest wearily. "George!" Those cheeky stairs! "This is the forbidden corridor!" Having been more focused on the bird, George blinked in recognition.

Normally he wouldn't mind being caught up here. Either waiting for the stairs to correct themselves or taking the hidden passageway. But that was all before the terrible reign of Umbridge. Doubtful she'd believe they waited on the stairs like good-little Gryffindors and probably punish the two severely. Especially them since the twins had played quite a few pranks to ah..liberate their fellow students and Lyra had certainly taken Umbridge down a peg when she went all 'MacKade Heiress' on her. The pair were probably further up on her hit list than Harry!

"Bollocks. If Umbridge catches us here we'll be stuck in detention forever. C'mon." With her own burning sense of urgency Lyra grabbed his hand. Despite the situation she smiled softly at the comforting touch to her inner wrist. Until another thought crossed her mind evaporating the ease from moments before. "It's almost curfew.." She murmured as they hurried down the dank hallway, taking care not to damage so many cobwebs lest they leave an obvious trail.

" 'Know a pass, love. Don't worry.." George murmured his eyes searching for the correct pillar that marked the entrance. Not that he would allow her to go back to the common room just yet. He had a plan that was waiting to be set in motion. Not that it would be easy to convince Lyra. Proud as he was of her growing ability to stand up for herself, he wished she was just a little more timid in this instance. Luckily the new product he was testing would help out immensely...in a less tense situation. At the moment he had to get them out of his hallway right under Filch's nose.

Surprisingly it was Lyra that pulled him to an abrupt halt. Before even a syllable could pass she was pressing a finger to his lips. "Mrs. Norris." The brunette explained nose twitching at the scent of cat as it closed in on their location. "Blood hell.." George groaned around her fingers looking for a place to hide. "This way." Grasping her hand he was quick to tug her through a small door to their left. Which oddly enough led to another hallway.

Barely four feet in and Lyra was tugging him to a halt once more. "Filch!" The scent of stale ale and cat wasn't completely masked by the smell of damp mold. "We're nowhere near the passage!" George whispered back quickly.

The drag, tap of Filch's limp was echoing in the halls as an ominous warning.

What is it my dear? Did you find someone?" The raspy glee was drawing closer as Mrs. Norris mowed in affirmative, leading Filch to their location. Lyra panted wondering how they were going to get out of this one. She hated to panic, her panic would probably get them caught which was the exact opposite of her desired outcome.

'What to do, what to do...'

"Sing then." Her favorite voice warmed her ear with the thought. Lyra shook her head. She couldn't sing! That was...against the rules! The MacKade Heiress had sworn to Dumbledore she would not put student, or teacher, under her song as long as he was headmaster and she would keep her oath!

'He's not headmaster now, is he?" Lyra stopped short only to mindlessly follow George's lead as he was tugging her in the opposite direction.

At the moment, Dumbledore was not technically headmaster. That much was true. Umbridge had been given power in his her voice to her advantage was certainly allowed.

'And let's not forget, little one, you've already used your voice to your advantage..." Lyra was feeling dreadful. Had she? The color drained from her face as George valiantly searched for a hiding spot. She had! It was when she was sick, completely out of it from the transformation her little voice had caused! Feeling the weight of guilt lift, Lyra shook her head. She could hardly be responsible for that! It was almost a sure thing Grandfather had smoothed things over with the easy-going headmaster.

"Lyra? You alright? We need to get ut of here, this really isn't the time to be dozing off." His humor was strained but Lyra smiled weakly anyways. She supposed...to keep them from adding to the scars on their hands turning away a squib and his cat was a slight offense. A steadying breath before her eyes lit up much to George's continued fascination. Only to be cut off by another welcomed voice.

"Lie!" The teens turned in relief to spot Wicky waving his worn fingers as he poked his head out from behind a tattered moth-eaten tapestry both were positive hadn't been there before. . Without wasting another moment, George tugged her behind the fabric casting a non verbal notice-me-not charm which would hopefully by them time.

"Waits here for the signal! Wicky will lead you to safety when time!" The elf murmured before dashing off into the hall. Elves weren't that big to begin with so his disappearance didn't free up much of the space. Cramped was the small corner, causing George to heft her up onto the window ledge steadying her with an arm around her waist. Unfortunately this meant the seventh year was standing between her legs- a position she was trying not to think about.

"Is this the fun you had in mind?" Lyra whispered frantically in his ear. George pulled back enough to raise a brow at her choice in words. "I meant...not that..er. this! The running from Filch!" His pleased smile was enough to say he didn't mind the change in plans on bit. Oh! Blasted pranksters and their thrills! Lyra cursed in the safe silence of her mind.

"Where are they precious?" Filch hummed to Mrs. Norris, closer now as the slinky tabby rubbed against the walls prolonging their discovery. The notice-me-not charm may have worked against the squib but the feline would not be fooled by the same trick.

Lyra hugged George closer, burying her face in his neck as if that would help hide them. Really all it did was force her to inhale the soothing earthy in such a tense situation was not ideal. Jaw throbbing she could practically feel the moment her teeth lengthened to accommodate the primal urging to bite, bite, bite this possible mate. In preparation, she purred nuzzling deeper into his neck. "Lyra?" Having been trying to peek around the tapestry the youth was unprepared for the soft pants and vibrating purrs against the suddenly to sensitive skin of his neck.

"Rabbit? You okay?" Twisting his head gave him the most enthralling sight, the minstrel flushed prettily with wide transformed eyes. "Lyra.." George whispered falling under the heavy weight of the new tension blanketing over them. Suddenly the Weasley was all too aware of the lush little body pressed far too intimately against him. His answering swallow was a might too loud for their forced silence. Her lips parted, full and moistened from the gentle glide of her tongue. "We need to figure something out..." "I know.." Humming she tilted her head just the barest amount easy enough for him to slant his lips across hers and muffle any noises she was most likely to make.

"Merlin's beard!" George pulled himself back staring stubbornly at the wall above her head. No, this was not what he caught her for. He would not treat her like some bit of fun just because she was wrapped around him so sweetly. Not until they talked, because she wasn't ready for this. Godric sakes, he barely ready if his lack of control was anything to go by! This was hardly a time for a snog when Filch was three feet away! He had to figure a way to get them out and soon lest they be caught.

A rooster call was the answer to his silent prayer to Merlin. "Peeves!" Lyra grinned the only evidence of the moment was her rising blush. The curtain was pulled back to reveal Wicky's gnarled smile. "Come, come! The ghosty has taken care! Come quickly Wheeze and Lie."

George chuckled. "Wheeze and Lie, huh?" Lyra shook her head firmly. "Don't even think about it." "Has quite nice ring doesn't it?" "Geo you call us that and I'll sic Peeves on you." Wicky led them to the passage George had been looking for to begin with. Opening the bit of wall, Wicky waved off after receiving a satisfying head pat from Lyra just before she ducked inside the narrow hall.

George withdrew his wand for a illumination spell, keeping it extended to light their path. His other hand dedicated to holding Lyra's and helping her around pieces of masonry that had fallen years ago. "George?" Waiting for his answering hum, Lyra continued. "How did you and Fred find all of these passages?" His blue eyes darted back in surprise. The twins had used the passages so often for the past seven years he could barely remember not using them.

"We found a map of Hogwarts and all of its passageways. I filched it from Filch's office in first year I think? Could have been second. Anyways' Teachers an' Prefects don't patrol them so they're safe enough. Makes a good escape when a pranks been pulled." She giggled as was his intent and plucked her up and over a larger pillar that had collapsed some time ago.

"Did you scent Ms. Norris the way you did Fred and me?" Lyra nodded, patting his arm in thanks once he set her down. "Yeah. The scent thing isn't something I can turn on and off at will anymore." The collar while a substitute for her ocarina, it did not uphold all of its duties as her grandfather led her to believe. At the moment it only kept her appearance human, yet her eyes still transformed, her eyesight was still perfect and her nose was still taking in different scents.

"Hm...worse scent?" He questioned causing Lyra to cock her head to the side. It still gave her a moment's pause when any of her friends spoke of her abilities so easily. "I've ever scented or here?" George rolled his eyes cuffing her chin gently. "Here of course."

Good question. There were so many scents here at Hogwarts. New scents, old scents, thousand year old scents. All of that combine could give her a headache if she wasn't careful. But the worst scent at Hogwarts? Let's see...Lyra stopped in the middle of the dusty passage and George allowed her the moment to ponder.

"Professor Snape." The declaration came after a moment's debate. Yes, Professor Snape had the worst scent here. "Really?" George asked, interested but not all that surprised.

"You said worse, not most disgusting. Professor Snape actually smells like olives to me. But the scent is...tainted. It's weighed down by heavy despair, longing for something that will never come. He suffered a great loss and there is a scar deep in his soul song which is why his notes are never in harmony..." Lyra explained solemnly her eyes transformed halfway through her speech, lost in a trance.

In that moment George found himself oddly pitying his strict professor. Perhaps that's why he always looked like he had such a large stick up his arse. To be honest, he wasn't so moved by the minstrels words that he wouldn't relish seeing a blonde Snape traipsing through the halls tomorrow.

"Here we go." Pushing open the wall, George took a chance to peek behind the knights statue. "Dodged them we did!" Cheerfully he bounded into the hall, helping Lyra out from behind the statue. His mum did teach him manners after all.

With a large sigh of relief, Lyra brushed herself of debris. If she never saw a cobweb again it would be too soon. "Right. Now that we got that out of our system." George smirked a bit at the choice of words. "We can continue on with what I have planned."

"Oh, no!" Lyra even went as far as to stomp her foot. "That was adventure enough. I'm going to the common room..." George gave a gloomy sigh Lyra was willing to bet was just an act. "Fine, rabbit. I guess this means I'll have to wait until the mark fades to bask in your company..."

The only way she could even think about replying was to stick her tongue out at him or roll her eyes. But alas, her confidence for the evening was nearly shot with all the liberties she'd taken to tease him; she just decided to walk off with little more than a nod. Not that it helped with what happened next.

Just as she came upon the four foot mark away from George, however, her wrist flew behind her as if it had a life of its own. Twisting, to free herself from George's grip, she was surprised to see the bigger standing casually in the middle of the hall nowhere near her. "Lyra?" He tread closer. Close enough where the iron grip on her wrist loosened causing her to fall backwards on her bottom at the absence of the pull. "Bugger, I forgot about that. That was my fault." George said in concern, bending down to wrap a hand around her arm helping her stand.

"George." Lyra said trying to hide the edge of panic dipping in her tone. "What did you do?" Giving her a toothy grin, George nodded to her wrist. "New Product. Not sure what it would be used for, other than catching Half-Minstrels with a penance for the disappearing' act." Lyra twisted her wrist, gaping at the small purple 'W' etched in her skin. When had that gotten there?! She squeezed her eyes shut remembering the touch to her wrist in the forbidden corridor. It had been a familiar move the minstrel hadn't even suspected! "We call it the 'tag-team'" He told her matter-of-factly, followed by a snicker. "Lavender gave us the idea..." She moaned in embarrassment, remembering the day Lavender had told her one particularly popular rumor that involved a good shag behind Honeydukes. This had to be some kind of joke! Product intended use notwithstanding. "That's not funny.." Lyra whimpered covering her blossoming face. "Yes it is." George chuckled, flipping his own wrist over to show a matching mark. "I have to wear one too. It should keep you within four feet of me for about three hours."

"And you were going to use this on me!?" "I am using this on you." Lyra puffed out her cheeks irritated. "You know what I meant." George chuckled herding her toward down the familiar path to the Room of Requirement, which was swiftly becoming a favorite hangout of the groups. "Yes, I couldn't risk you running off."

"I'd say it'll last a while longer. Sorry love, looks to me you're stuck with me..." "Cheeky pranksters, and brilliant embarrassing inventions..." She grumbled sending one longing glance toward the Gryffindor Common room. Raising her eyes toward the vaulted ceiling, Lyra almost whimpered. And she was doing so well with her resolve to stay away! Though it seemed the fates, in the form of the Weasley twins, were very much against that idea.

When George laid a hand on the wall to bend the room to his will, Lyra wasn't sure what to expect.

It most certainly wasn't a large open field with a few trees and a twilight sky. "George?" Turning to the prankster as the door shut, he soothed with a soft smile. "I thought we could go flying."

"Flying?" Lyra repeated. Surely just showing her this space was grand enough. She hadn't even realized the room could produce an outside scene so beautiful. "Yes, flying." He repeated just to tease her.

"But how, I thought you were banned from flying?" George slipped his bag strap from over his head. Huh, she'd forgotten all about that. "I am. Had my broom locked up and everything."

"Then how?" George dipped his hand inside the bag pulling out another broom that had been well used and well cared for for what seemed like many years. But it would do. "I liberated this from the broom closet. It's a practice broom for first years but I thought it would work out just as well." He held it out as an offering, which Lyra took reverently. "George, why are you taking me flying?" Stroking the worn wood of the broom Lyra barely had the guts to look up at George to see his face. "I remember you watching us practice. You were studying Harry's moves on the broom. I thought you'd like to try them."

"And that's it?" Lyra questioned, holding her breath.

Silence devoured them for a few moments as Lyra gathered the courage to look up at George. He was bathed in the red-orange of the perpetual twilight, his baby blues cast in gold looking like liquid courage. "No. That's not it."

She was tempted to ask what it was.

But apparently the subject was closed as George took up the broom from her hand and climbed on, inviting her to do the same. "We're sharing!?" And the squeak was back. George tossed his head back, full laughter echoing across the tall grass stretching out in an illusion of forever. "Get over here." Growling playfully he lunged for her only to catch her successfully this time hauling her up on the broom side-saddle.

Lyra clung to his arm. She loved flying, but why were they flying? And why were they sharing!? He could have filched two brooms instead of one right? Right!? Although two would be more noticeable and it was just easier to store with one and..

No! No excuses! What was going on!? Lyra was terribly confused, nearly driving herself in a panic before George splayed a warm hand across her stomach. Her thoughts silenced at his touch. "You need to relax Rabbit. Just fly with me." George whispered in her ear. Lyra flushed,not sure if he meant it to sound as seductive as it did, but nodded all the same. "Okay.." The half-minstrel whimpered wrapping an arm around his neck as she swung her leg over -of all the time to wear a skirt! She slammed her leg back down keeping her position. "Wait a minute! George I'm in a skirt! I can't fly around like this!" George chuckled. "Lyra, no one is going to be looking up your skirt."

Lyra tossed him a look of disbelief. "It's the principle of it all!" In reality she was grasping at straws...But that seemed to break the tension as she felt more relaxed against him. "George.." The wizard gave an melodramatic sigh bringing out his wand using a soft transfiguration spell to fix her pleated skirt into shorts. Beaming, Lyra twisted her neck to reward him with a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks Geo!" "Your welcome." He said quietly, his eyes swirling in a way she'd never seen before. The emotion was gone as quick as it had arrived shaking her and exciting her.

Why were their reactions to each other so potent?

Forcing the question to a deep part of her brain she didn't ever visit, Lyra turned forward realizing they were still levitating. "I'm flying us?" She clarified, wondering if he was being infected with the sheer delight pouring from her. His answering hum was enough as she zoomed off across the field.

"How do you fly like that!?" George asked around a spoonful of pudding. His cheeks were flushed and his hair was wind-swept sticking in all directions. Lyra didn't think her own hair fared much better.

"Like what?" Lyra asked innocently, scooping up her own mouthful of pudding. She popped the spoon in her mouth with a sigh of pleasure. It seems the prankster hadn't been just carrying around a broom in the satchel. He'd stalked it will cups of pudding, sweet bread, and pumpkin juice much to her surprise. Apparently George was always hungry after a fly, or so he'd claimed. With pudding in front of her Lyra didn't dare look closer at his reasoning.

George narrowed his eyes playfully, ripping the spoon from his mouth to point at her. "Flying like a loon you were. I've never even tried to fly that fast. Thought I might'f fallen off." His eyes sparkled with an idea. "You should play Quidditch." "Quidditch!?" She laughed nervously. All the people? The intensity of the game? Everyone chanting her name to get a goal or find the snitch? No, no...she wasn't ready for all of that attention.

"I don't know the game all that well.." Lyra finished lamely, stuffing her mouth full of pudding. His expression was hardly believing George saw right through her excuse and was kind enough not to mention it. "We can teach you the game if you ever need it." The older boy offered lightly. Despite the white lie, she smiled softly nodding her head. "I'd like that."

"Geo.." Lyra murmured a sudden question popping up in her head. With all that had happened, she'd completely forgotten! ."Hm?" "Did Freddie and Lee really turn Snape blonde?" The question caused George to burst out laughing. Her nose wrinkled curiously. Did that mean yes? "Is that a yes?" If anything her second question sent him further into his fit.

Wondering how to stop the giggle fit, she glanced down to see just a spoonful of pudding left. Could she waste it? Glancing up to the howling hyena, Lyra nodded solemnly. It would be well used. Watching fascinated as the pudding landed on his jaw with a sickening splat, it slid down staining his neck and white shirt. It certainly silenced him, Lyra thought proudly licking her spoon.

George narrowed his eyes. "Did you just throw pudding at me?"

"And if I did?"

He slid his finger through the confection bringing it up to his mouth to lick off the remains. "Well played." Smirking he grabbed another small tin of pudding slowly opening it.

"Geo.." Well maybe it wasn't as funny as she originally thought. Dragging herself backwards, Lyra completely forgot about the mark still on her wrist. "What!?" More than three hours had passed! She was sure of it! And she told him so, eyeing the pudding wearily.

George shrugged. "Minor detail. Probably not enough slug-slime." Lyra stared at him in disbelief. Slug-slime!? She was about to be covered in pudding because of a minor miscalculation!? Impossible! George was in charge of…

She groaned. George was in charge of measuring ingredients. It was unbelievable he'd made a mistake! Unless….it was on purpose….

"You're not funny." Lyra complained scooting back as much as was allowed as he drew closer. "I thought you said I was brilliant?"

'"Are you brilliant enough to spare me?"

"Not a chance, love. Not a chance."

"I was afraid you'd say that."

"You know this means war right?"

"I was afraid you'd say that too."

Making it back to the Gryffindor tower, way past curfew, George gently pressed his companion toward the girls dormitory. "Go on up."

"Night, Geo." Half asleep and sweet as a lily she leaned up to peck his jaw. "Night." Watching until she disappeared into the tower, George turned jogging toward the boys dorm and up the stairs. Making it to the door to his room, he was barely surprised to find Lee and Fred still waiting up for him, thoroughly surprised they were lounging about reading from the Quibbler and Witchplay respectively.

"Freddie, I don't think Lyra would appreciate you ogling other woman..." George teased pulling the strap to his bag up and over his head. "Georgie!" "George!" Fred and Lee flocked around him in a tizzy, though they were distracted by a minor spat.

"How did it go?"

"Did she run?"

"Did the tag-team work?"

"Did the what work? What the hell did you two do to her now? I thought we agreed no products-"

"Can-it Jordan, it was just a little binding spell to make sure she couldn't run so Georgie here could have some one-on-one time with her."

"The fact you used a binding spell on her concerns me."

"Your face concerns me."

"Fred?"

"Yeah, Jordan?"

"Not one of your best.."

"Everything that comes out of my mouth if like felix felcius. Lucky and liquid gold."

"Really? And how do you fit that big head of yours through the door, might I ask?"

"I'm a wizard, Lee-my-boy. I just make the doorway bigger."

"Prat."

"Coconut."

"This again?!"

"If you're both quite finished." George said pointedly, loosening his tie as he wandered over to his bed. "He started it." Fred and Lee muttered in unison, before Fred bounced on George's bed with a wide smile. "And how is my lovely rabbit today? Soft and lovely as ever?"

Lee shook his head sitting on the edge of the bed. "You know, if I didn't know Lyra was the one you were referring too I'd be a little freaked out right now." Fred snorted dismissively. "Please, like you have any right to talk. Need I remind you of that product test on September 23-" "Alright!" Lee snapped, face palming himself. Those events were never to be spoke of again. "I get it, I get it, you devil. Really though? How was Lyra?"

"Yeah, coming back awfully late there twin of mine.." Fred narrowed his eyes. George rolled his eyes shucking off the charcoal vest and divesting himself of the clean white button up. Magic was great, especially for stain removal. "Not my fault."

"Well don't leave us hanging, George! Tell us what happened!"

"Yeah, keeping secrets isn't nice. Where did you go? What did you do?"

George stared at his twin and best friend oddly. "Should I get the hair curlers and the nail polish out first? Maybe a few snacks?" Fred barked out a laugh, reaching under George's pillow where he knew his twin kept the cauldron cakes. "Perfect. I haven't had my nails done in ages." Lee deadpanned as Fred tossed him the treat.

"Just tell us what happen, mate." Lee demanded, breaking open the box to steal a cake.

George sighed but gave in, telling the events of earlier with as much nonchalance as he could muster despite the urge to chuckle over the chaos they found themselves in. Fred and Lee weren't much better, snorting and chuckling at the appropriate and inappropriate moments. "Chocolate pudding? Did you at least offer to lick it off?" Fred asked finishing the last of his cake. Only to have the back of his ears boxed by George then graciously allowed Lee his turn. "Ow! What! I was joking! Jeez...can't a bloke joke anymore?"

Lee rolled his eyes. "So you're both really doing this?" The twins nodded licking their fingers clean from the cake residue. His dreadlocks shook as he tried to figure out what to say. "Look. Just be careful. This whole thing is more complicated...maybe you should wait. Without all this..."

"It's to late to back out." George pointed out logically. "Besides, you seemed all for it a moment ago." Fred tossed out. Lee held up his hands in surrender. "I'm just trying to look out for all three of you. We're Lyra's friends too. Just...go slow." He cautioned.

Fred ran a hand over his hair. "Look, we're not pressuring her." "She doesn't even know what your doing!" Seeing Fred struggling to keep his temper George held up a hand between them. "It's not anything binding, we're just hanging out with her one on one. Like you did earlier during dinner."

"Only difference is I'm not trying to get into her knickers." Lee argued.

Fred's temper was quick to ignite over the insult. "It's not like that." "Easy Fred." George cautioned gripping his shoulder. Lee stared solemnly at the twins. Clearly this was hard for them, but Lee was still perhaps he was being a bit hypocritical? Hadn't he just praised Lyra for telling the twins her true feelings? "I just want to make sure...she seems so...fragile, you know?" The wizard explained to the twins carefully.

Fred shook his head, snorting at how one little bird got the three biggest pranksters in Hogwarts all up in arms. "One of the most dangerous creatures in the magical world and we're saying how fragile she is.." "But we get it." George finished for him. "Everything will be on her terms."

"Good. Now get some sleep, prats. And remember, if you make her uncomfortable or make her cry I'm thrashing you both." Lee threatened while the twins offered identical smiles. "Wouldn't have it-" "Any other way, Jordan."

Until next time,

NightzSong