Angelina Johnson, Quidditch Superstar

Prologue - What a Day

Ooh why,

Why did you have to lie

'Cause I felt the trust start to die

Why o why

When I still love you

It's so hard to say goodbye

-Celine Dion, Why oh why

July 1, 1997

It was early August, and Angelina Johnson sweated profusely as she jogged. She had been out of Hogwarts for a little more than a year, and was already a reserve chaser for the Montrose Magpies. If she wanted to become one of their regular chasers, she had to keep in shape. Thus, she could be found every morning at five o'clock running around the block near her flat in London.

After completing her workout, Angelina pushed open the door and entered her flat. Walking softly so as not to wake up her roommate, Angelina went into the bathroom and took a cold shower.

After her shower, Angelina quickly dried herself off and threw on a pair of old sweats before making her way into the kitchen to start breakfast.

"Oy, you aren't cooking, are you?" Angelina's roommate asked, running a hand through his sleep-tousled red hair.

"I'm making coffee. I can make coffee you know, it's not like I'm completely inept." Angelina's tone was sarcastic, but she smiled as she spoke.

"I'm not so sure about that. I seem to remember an incident in which a certain someone tried to poison her boyfriend..."

Angelina stuck her tongue out, which was perhaps not the most mature thing she could have done, but she didn't care. She glanced at the clock in the kitchen. "Bit early for you to be up, isn't it?"

"Yes, well, you were making so much racket that I was jolted out of my beauty sleep."

"I wasn't that loud."

"It's not your fault, you know. After all, everyone knows that athletes have no grace."

In lieu of a reply, Angelina tackled Fred - her roommate, boyfriend, and bane of her being. A tickle fight ensued, which ended with the two rolling on the floor in fits of laughter. The melee ended when a barn owl tapped on the widow. Angelina extricated herself from Fred and let the owl in.

***

Fred watched Angelina as she walked to the window. He hadn't been lying when he had said that she was lacking in grace - Angelina's footfalls were heavy against the floor and, in an abrupt motion, she threw the window open to let the owl in. Still, she was beautiful and lively and Fred found pleasure in watching her as she took the letter from the owl and sent it on its way.

Fred raised himself from his place on the floor upon hearing Angelina groan. "What's the matter, love?"

"Mr Corey wants to meet with me today." Roy Corey was the head coach of the Magpies. Angelina was only a reserve player, so it was odd that he would ask her to meet with him. Especially now, during the brief interlude between the end of the season and the beginning of training.

"That could be good, right?"

"Or bad. Or nothing." Angelina sighed.

"While you're there, why don't you ask him if you can stop running at all hours of the morning?"

Angelina laughed. "I'd be taking it up with the wrong coach. My morning jogs are not required."

Fred gasped in mock surprise. "What would possess anyone to go running at five in the morning of their own free will?" They both laughed. Fred had already known Angelina voluntarily did the extra training - she was that determined to make it as a Quidditch player. "Well, I'll just have to offer more incentive for you to sleep in," he grinned, taking her into his arms again.

Angelina smiled wryly. "That's interesting. Exactly what sort of offer are you making?"

"Why an 'indoor' workout, of course!" With that, Fred picked Angelina up and carried her to the bedroom, ignoring her meek protests.

***

A little later, Angelina found herself seated at the kitchen table while Fred made the coffee. Fred was actually a passable cook, Angelina mused, better than her, at any rate. The problem with eating Fred's victuals was that one could never be sure whether or not doing so included being an involuntary test subject for one of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes' new products.

"So, what are you up to today?" Angelina asked as Fred handed her a mug of coffee. She took a sip, and was relieved to find that there seemed to be no side effects.

"George got Alicia to go over our finances, so I guess we'll be discussing the results," Fred said in a bland voice.

Alicia Spinnet, one of Angelina's best friends, was an adept businesswoman. Only one year out of Hogwarts, and she was already the de facto head of her father's publishing company.

"Ah." Angelina knew that Fred had been against asking Alicia to help them out, although he had never said so. Fred tended to be wary of trusting others with things important to him. Angelina had first-hand knowledge of this: she, herself, had been frustrated at times by Fred's reluctance to trust.

"Yes, well, anyway." Fred changed the subject abruptly, "What are you doing for lunch today?"

Angelina smiled. "I don't have any plans. Although I am meeting my mum this afternoon to help her do some shopping."

"Perfect! I'll meet you at the Leaky Cauldron at noon."

"All right." Angelina agreed. "Well, I'd best be off. See you."

Fred kissed Angelina a quick good-bye before she headed off, then proceeded to get ready for work.

***

George paced as he waited for his brother to arrive. How typical of Fred to be late when they had such important matters to discuss, George thought to himself. Probably getting in a morning shag with Angelina, he thought snidely.

Half an hour later, Fred finally appeared. Upon seeing his brother, George sighed with exasperation.

"Finally! You were supposed to be here an hour ago!"

"Sheesh, don't be such a nag. I'm here now."

George felt his anger melt away. After all, he himself had been guilty of many such transgressions, although not on such an important day. "Where were you, anyway?"

"Angelina and I had to have a, um, conversation this morning."

George raised his eyebrows and winked. "Well, I hope your, er, conversation was good, because I have some bad news."

"Talked to Alicia, have you?"

"Yes." George treaded carefully; Fred hadn't exactly been a willing participant in this particular exercise.

"Well? What did she say?"

George sighed and dove in. "It's not looking good. Unless something changes, it's very likely we'll go under within the year."

Fred sighed. "Is anything going well for us right now?"

"The Toad-Spawn Truffles seem to be a hit."

Fred gave a hollow laugh. "Well, that's good news."

"Seriously, we have to do something."

"I know."

"We could hire someone." Fred looked as if he was about to say something, but George cut him off. "Just listen. I know how you feel about this, but what other choice do we have? Neither of us knows how to manage money." George sighed. "Maybe owning our own business wasn't such a good idea after all."

"No! Don't say that. Look, just give me a little time to figure something out. If I can't, then we'll bring someone in, okay?"

"All right, but we don't have much time. You do realize that, don't you?"

"Yes."

Just then, an owl flew in. George took its note and sent it off. He scanned the note. "It's from Dumbledore. We're needed at Grimmauld Place."

"Did he say what for?"

"No, just to come immediately." George went to the front of the little shop and turned the sign over to 'CLOSED.' "Let's go."

***

Angelina nervously chewed her lip as she waited to see her coach. She had no idea as to the purpose of the meeting, which made her automatically expect the worst. Normally, Angelina prided herself on keeping a level head in stressful situations, but she could be quite irrational where her Quidditch career was concerned. For as long as she could remember, Angelina had always wanted to be a professional Quidditch player, and now she was so close to attaining her goal. And this meeting could make or break her future.

The door to his office opened and Roy Corey grunted, "Miss Johnson. Please, come in."

Angelina warily made her way into his office and sat down in a chair in front of Corey's desk.

"Thank you for coming to meet with me."

"It was no problem, Mr Corey."

Corey grunted. "I'm sure you've heard news that one of our chasers, Omar Donnell, is retiring."

"Yes, I've heard that," Angelina said quietly.

"Hmph. Well, Miss Johnson, if it was your choice, who out of the reserve chasers would you choose to replace him?"

Angelina was somewhat taken aback by this question. She decided to answer it honestly, so she put forth uncertainly, "Well, Carter Landers has been a reserve chaser for the longest, and he's probably the best out of us. I guess I'd choose him."

"That would be a smart choice, Miss Johnson. Mr Landers will be joining the team next season."

Angelina felt her heart sink. She knew it was unreasonable, but when Mr Corey had started talking about replacing players, she had hoped he would promote her. Now, she realized, that had been unreasonable, after all, she had been a reserve player for the Magpies for less than a year. Angelina was even more nervous than she had been before. Mr Corey hadn't called her in just to tell her that he was promoting Carter.

Angelina's train of thought was broken when Corey resumed speaking. "However, this year we seem to have the misfortune of losing another one of our players. Paul Knight came into my office yesterday and announced his own retirement. Something about spending more time with his family," Corey grumbled. Obviously, he felt that this was not an acceptable reason for quitting the team.

Angelina was shocked. She knew Paul, and he had never mentioned anything about retiring. She didn't have much time to ponder this, for Corey continued, "Mr Knight suggested you as his replacement. I have conferred with our reserve coach, Mr Walker, and he agrees that you would be the best choice." Mr Corey paused to let this sink in.

"After much debate, I have decided to follow their advice. They seem to think that your spirit will supply what you lack in experience. I do have my misgivings, but if what Mr Knight and Mr Walker say is true, you will soon dispel them." Mr Corey glared at Angelina, as if daring her to prove him wrong.

Angelina realized that Mr Corey was waiting for her to say something. She was in a state of shock. It seemed like her dream was finally about to come true! She managed to utter, "I- I would be honoured to play for the Magpies, Mr Corey, and I hope that I will be able to negate any doubts that you have."

"Well, time will tell. Training begins in two weeks. The contract will be sent by owl-post." Mr Corey sat down at his desk and began to look over some papers that were on it. Angelina surmised that the interview was over, so she stood up.

"Thank you so much for this opportunity, Mr Corey. I won't let you down." Angelina extended her hand, and Mr Corey grumpily shook it, barely bothering to look up from his papers.

With that, Angelina hurried out of the office, trying to comprehend what had just taken place. Had she really just been promoted to the professional level? It was almost too much to grasp.

As she walked out of the building, Angelina was so absorbed in her own thoughts that she almost walked into someone. When she saw who it was, she smiled.

"Be careful, we don't want our new star chaser to hurt herself before she even gets on the pitch." Paul Knight grinned.

Angelina grinned back. "Perhaps if I hadn't been so shocked at someone's retirement, I would have been better able to pay attention. Honestly, why didn't you tell me?"

"Oh, you know, I figured it would be much more fun to give you a heart attack."

"Fun? Try cruel! Have you been hanging out with Fred lately?" Paul laughed, and so did Angelina. When they calmed down, Angelina continued, "I--Thank you for mentioning me to Mr Corey. I only wished I deserved your confidence."

"Oh come on, Angelina. If anyone deserves this, it's you. You work your arse off, and I'm sure you'll make us all proud." Paul smiled at Angelina. Then, he glanced at his watch and said, "Well, I'd best be off. I just need to wrap up some last minute business."

Angelina smiled. "Just make sure you don't run into Mr Corey. He doesn't seem very pleased with you, you know."

"Yes, well, if it was up to Roy Corey, we'd all be playing Quidditch until we keeled over and died on our broomsticks."

Angelina laughed, for this was very true. "Well, best of luck in whatever lies ahead."

"Thank you, Angelina. Good luck to you, too." With that, the two separated with promises of meeting again soon.

Angelina pondered what to do. She was contemplating going to Fred's shop in Diagon Alley to surprise him with her news when an owl flew in and dropped a note into her outstretched palms. Angelina recognized it as Fred's owl, and read the note, wondering what Fred wanted. While she read, the owl rested in a nearby tree.

Sorry, love, something came up and it doesn't look like I'll be able to make it to lunch after all. See you tonight, Fred.

Disappointment washed over Angelina. She had wanted to share her good news with Fred. An idea struck Angelina, and she quickly dashed two notes off and waved the owl over to take them. She would still have an enjoyable lunch, even if Fred wasn't involved.

***

Fred and George sat at the kitchen table of Grimmauld Place, pondering the mission that Dumbledore had just assigned to them. It was undoubtedly the most responsibility that had ever been placed on them, and both were apprehensive about what was to come.

George reflected on their involvement with the Order of the Phoenix. They had joined, as with most things in life, together, almost immediately after leaving Hogwarts. At the time, many of the Order members had questioned gravity of their request to join, for neither brother was known for solemnity. However, mainly because they were Weasleys, they had been allowed to join the ranks of the Order. Up until now, they had not been given a chance to truly prove themselves, rather they had been given trivial assignments to test whether or not they were ready for participation in the Order.

Thus, their new assignment signified that trust was being placed with them: trust to carry out important business for the Order and trust that they would not let the Order down. They were finally deemed ready to actually take part in the fight against You-Know-You. George wondered if they deserved this trust. Although he and his brother had insisted they could handle whatever task was thrown at them, now that the moment had come he wasn't nearly as sure.

***

Fred, too, viewed the task that lay ahead of him with misgivings. He was a prankster at heart, really, and he wondered if situations of such gravity were beyond him. How ironic, he thought, that the moment when he was finally given the responsibility he had yearned for was the moment when he realized he might be not deserve it.

Fred also worried on another count. He had never mentioned his involvement in the Order to Angelina, for she had somewhat hostile feelings towards the Order. Fred knew she would not react well to finding out that he was an Order member. However, the point had now come when he would either have to tell her or else come up with some grandiose lie to cover up his actions. And the last thing Fred wanted to do was lie to Angelina.

***

Both Fred's and George's thoughts were interrupted when their older brother, Bill, entered the kitchen.

"Why so glum?" he asked. "You've finally gotten what you wanted. Aren't you pleased?"

"What- what if we fail?" George asked, his voice hoarse.

"Then you'll do better next time. Either that, or you'll die," Bill replied, remembering the uncertainties he had harboured when he had been in their place. It was an odd experience, to see his prankster brothers stripped of their mirth. "Seriously, don't sweat it. If you worry, you'll only increase your chances of failing."

"Easy for you to say. You've already proven yourself to the Order," Fred said bitterly.

"And so will you, in time," Bill said. His brothers needed a distraction, something else to think about. He quickly changed the subject. "So, how goes it with your shop?"

Bill could immediately see he had not chosen his topic well. Both brothers looked even more dejected than they had before, if that was even possible. Bill quickly grasped for something. "Fleur loved your Canary Creams, by the way."

That, at least, elicited smiles. "She should try our Toad-Spawn Truffles. They're new, and seem to be a hit," Fred said.

"Maybe when she cools down a bit," Bill replied. "So, what's your latest innovation?"

"Mongoose Milkshakes," George said, with a wry smile.

"Do I even want to know?" Bill asked.

"Oh, they're great." George said, then frowned. "We haven't tested them yet though. We'll let you know after we've ensured their, er, safety."

"Who do you get to test those monstrosities on?" Bill asked, glad that he seemed to be distracting his brothers.

"Oh you know, whoever's handy," Fred said glibly.

"They don't mind?"

"Mind? Of course not. It's an honour to be helping Weasley's Wizard Wheezes improve our, er, product quality," Fred replied.

"If you say so."

***

Angelina entered the Leaky Cauldron and smiled when she saw her two friends waiting for her. She quickly walked over to them and sat down.

"Hey, Angelina." Katie Bell greeted her friend.

Getting straight to the point, Alicia asked, "Well, what's your news?"

"Guess," Angelina asked, wanting to savour the moment.

"You've dumped Fred for a vampire, whom you are going to elope with as soon as it's dark enough for him to come out," Alicia guessed with vim.

Angelina laughed. "Not even close."

"Well, I'm all out, then. What is it?"

"I'm going to play professionally for the Magpies next season. Roy Corey promoted me this morning." Angelina smiled.

Both of her friends stared at her in shock. Finally, Katie managed, "That's fantastic, Ang!"

"I know. Apparently, Paul Knight is retiring, and he suggested me as his replacement. Carter is being promoted too, to replace Omar Donnell."

"Congrats. We'll have to think of a good way to celebrate," Alicia winked.

"This is so exciting! Your dream is finally coming true," Katie exclaimed.

"I know. It's almost too hard to fathom. I can't believe that in a few months, I'll be playing Quidditch professionally. It almost seems too good to be true."

Alicia smiled. "But it's not. I knew you'd make it Ang, you're a superb chaser, always have been. Just make sure you don't forget your friends once you get famous."

"You're one to talk, Alicia. After all, who's the one who runs a company and is bloody rich?"

Alicia laughed. "You're right. I could never forget you guys, you're my best friends," Alicia said. Then, with a glare in Katie's direction, she added, "Even though my roommate is moving out."

"Katie's moving out?" This was news to Angelina. Alicia and Katie had shared an apartment ever since they had left Hogwarts, and neither had ever shown any desire to move out.

"Actually, Alicia's the one who's moving out," Katie said. "She's just mad that I won't move with her into her new posh apartment."

"You're moving into a new apartment? When did this happen?" Angelina was confused by this sudden turn of events.

"A couple days ago. I was going to tell you after Katie agreed to move with me, but she's being stubborn."

"I'm not going to live somewhere if I can't pay my share of the rent." Alicia started to say something, but Katie cut her off. "No, I won't let you pay my part. I know you don't mind, but it just doesn't feel right." Katie was a Trainee Healer at St. Mungo's, and, as a result, did not make very much money.

"Where will you live, then?" Alicia asked petulantly.

"I'll figure something out," Katie muttered.

Angelina quickly interceded before the argument got out of hand. "Alicia, I heard you went over the accounts for Fred and George."

Alicia looked grave. "Yes, I did. Those two are in trouble."

"Really?" Katie asked, "They're so devoted to it, though."

"It has nothing to do with devotion," Alicia said. "If it did, I'm sure they would have no problem at all. No, their problem lies in their finances. I don't know where they got their money from originally, but that's almost run out and they're going to be in major debt unless something changes."

"Wow," said a subdued Angelina, "I had no idea it was that bad."

"Yes, well, anyhow," Alicia went on, "I've got some news of my own."

"Really?" Angelina asked, "let's have it, then."

"I'm quitting my dad's company to start my own."

"What?" Angelina and Katie were both shocked.

"Why- why would you do that?" Katie asked.

"I want to have my own business, not the business my dad handed down to me. I've learned a lot about how to run a business from working for my dad, but as long as I work for him, everyone will think I've only succeeded because I've had everything handed to me. I need to prove that I can do it myself, starting from scratch. So that's what I'm going to do."

"No one thinks that you're incapable of succeeding on your own. Everyone knows that you're one of the best business people in the wizarding world, if not the best. You don't need to prove anything," Katie assured her friend.

"I need to prove it to myself. If I don't strike out on my own now, then I might never do it, and I know I'll always regret it." Alicia paused, then said, "I guess it was silly of me to expect you to understand."

"No, I think I do understand," Angelina said, and Katie nodded furiously. "Best of luck to you, then."

"Thanks." Alicia smiled. The three best friends then started to gossip as they ate their lunch.

***

Angelina waved at her mother when she saw her enter the Leaky Cauldron. Sandra Johnson waved back and made her way over to the table where Angelina and her friends sat.

"Hey, mum," Angelina greeted her mother.

"Hello. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Oh, no, Mrs Johnson. We were just discussing your daughter's career. She's been promoted, you know," Alicia smiled at Angelina's mum.

"What's this about being promoted, Angelina?" Sandra asked.

"I'm going to play chaser for the Magpies this season. I found out this morning," Angelina said happily.

"That's wonderful news!" Sandra hugged her daughter.

"Thanks, mum. Well, I guess we should get going. See you guys later."

***

Sandra had a rather long shopping list. She lived, as Angelina said it, "five hours away from civilization," and rarely left home. She ran an animal reserve, where magical animals were raised or healed, if they were injured. She didn't have much help, so there were few opportunities to leave it, and on those rare instances, such as this one, when she managed to get away, she had much to do.

She smiled as she watched her daughter buy her the books on her list. Sandra was very proud of her daughter. She was independent, confident, and living out her dream. Sandra reflected that she had been as such once, although it seemed like ages ago. She reflected that certain events change a person forever. Losing one's parents, one's husband, one's child. All of these events qualified.

***

Angelina surveyed her mother as she went about her shopping. She truly was an inspiring woman. Angelina knew she would be lucky if she turned out to be half the woman her mother was. How her mother had kept on going when everyone she loved had died, Angelina didn't know. Well, not everyone had died. Sandra's sister, Julie, was still alive, but with the way she treated her sister, she might as well be dead.

No, Angelina was all her mother had. Angelina felt guilty about this. Her mother lived all alone in the middle of nowhere, while she was gallivanting around London playing Quidditch. Her mother had never said anything short of encouraging Angelina to follow her dreams, but Angelina wondered if her mother minded her solitary life, and her preoccupied daughter.

***

Their shopping finally done, Angelina and her mother sat at the table in Angelina's flat and sipped some tea. They discussed various matters until Sandra brought up Angelina's promotion.

"I really am very proud of you, you know," Sandra said.

"Thanks, mum. That means a lot to me."

"Alicia and Katie seemed happy for you."

"Yes, they know how much I want this."

"What did Fred say when he heard the news?"

"I- I haven't told him yet. We were supposed to meet for lunch, but something came up. And I wanted to tell him in person. I'll tell him tonight."

Sandra looked as if she wanted to say something, but didn't know how. "What is it mum?"

"Oh, nothing." Sandra said quickly. "It's just, well--no, never mind, it's not important."

"I think it is, mum, or else you wouldn't be so uncertain about it. Come on, tell me."

"Well, technically I shouldn't tell you this, but I think you have a right to know. Do you know why Fred couldn't make it to lunch today?"

"Well, no. He just said he couldn't make it. I'm sure he was just too lazy to write a longer note. Why?"

Sandra looked really uncomfortable. "I feel terrible to be the one telling you this, honey, but you really should know. The reason Fred couldn't make it to lunch today was because he was, well, he was at a meeting of the Order."

Angelina became very pale. "Are you trying to tell me that Fred is a member of the Order of the Phoenix?" Sandra nodded.

Angelina said nothing for a few minutes, then abruptly got up, knocking over her chair, and kicked the wall, leaving a rather large dent. She then muttered a string of expletives as she sat down again, rubbing her foot in pain.

Sandra quietly observed Angelina's antics. She knew better than to interrupt when Angelina was this angry. Angelina was just like her father; she could turn from serene and calm to angry and violent in an instant.

Angelina finally began to speak somewhat coherently. "I can't believe he- I mean the nerve of him- oh, I'm just too angry for words!"

"Angelina, please calm down. You're not going to help the situation by getting mad at him before even giving him a chance to explain."

"Explain? What's to explain? He joined the Order, which he knew I'd be against, and instead of being a man and telling me, he lied to me about it!"

"Angelina, I am not going to try to reason with you while you are in this state. Calm down," Sandra spoke harshly.

After a few moments, Angelina managed to get a hold of herself. Subdued, she asked, "For how long?"

"As far as I know, he's been a member since shortly after he left Hogwarts."

"You mean, he's been lying to me for over a year? I can't believe this."

"Angelina, I can understand that you are mad with Fred because he didn't tell you--"

Angelina cut her mother off. "That's only part of the reason why I'm mad at him, mum. Yes, I'm mad because he lied, but I'm also mad because he knows how I feel about the Order, and yet he still became involved in it."

"Angelina, don't you think your feelings towards the Order are a bit drastic?"

"No, mum, I don't! Daddy and Tim died because of the Order! I still don't understand why you're involved with it," Angelina exclaimed.

"Angelina," Sandra's voice was strained. She wished Angelina hadn't brought up the deaths of her husband and only son. She continued, "someone has to fight--"

Angelina interrupted her mother again. "That's what Aurors are for, Mum! Dad wasn't an Auror! Timothy wasn't an Auror! You're not an Auror, and neither is Fred. He has no idea what he's doing. He's- he's going to get himself killed. Because he felt like he had to do his duty. He decided he had to fight where he has no business fighting."

Angelina cut herself off; she was in tears by now. She then continued, quietly, "And because of it, he'll die, just like Dad died, and just like Timothy died. Don't you- it's so hard Mum, knowing that you're involved with the Order, and always being afraid of receiving an owl that says you're dead. And now, now I have to worry about Fred dying too. I- can you blame me, Mum, for not wanting you, or Fred, or anyone I care about, to be in the Order? Does that make me a horrible person? I--"

This time Sandra cut her daughter off, and took Angelina in her arms. "Shhh," she soothed, as Angelina cried on her shoulder. They stayed in that position for quite some time.

***

Fred and George were now back at the shop. George was dealing with customers out front while Fred sat in the back room, staring at their account books, searching for a solution to their problems.

George came in and sat down across from Fred. "Cheer up, bro. You can't be unhappy in a joke shop, it'll scare away the customers."

Fred gave a cursory laugh. George continued, in an effort to distract his brother, "We need to test the Mongoose Milkshakes. The sooner we get them out, the better."

Fred nodded. "I'll give Angelina one tonight, and we'll put up an advertisement for a test group tomorrow."

George smiled. "Doesn't Angelina ever get tired of being used to test our products?"

"Well, sometimes if I do it at the wrong time she'll be annoyed, but she's pretty good-natured about the whole thing." Fred looked as if he was being tortured. "I don't deserve her," he added quietly.

What is it?" George asked. Fred didn't reply. George realized what was wrong. "You never told Angelina about the Order, did you?" Fred nodded. "You should have told her ages ago. You can't keep it from her forever, you know. Especially not now."

"Why do you think I'm sulking?" Fred muttered. "I don't know how to tell her. She's going to be so mad..." Fred trailed off.

"Just tell her. Don't beat around the bush. And don't forget to grovel at her feet when she gets mad," George advised.

"I could tell her that I'm going to visit Charlie in Romania," Fred said hopefully.

"Well, you could. But how much lying do you want to do?" George asked.

"I don't know. I don't know anything," Fred said dejectedly.

***

Angelina knocked on the door of the apartment that Katie and Alicia shared. She had promised Katie that she'd go look at apartments with her. After her mother's revelations, Angelina didn't particularly feel up to it, but she didn't want to wait alone for Fred either.

Katie opened the door. "Hey! I'll be just a second." Angelina entered the apartment that her friends shared. Alicia was lounging on the couch looking over some papers for work.

"Sure you don't want to come?" Katie asked Alicia, as she put on her coat.

"I may have reconciled myself to the fact that you're leaving, but that doesn't mean I'm going to help you find a way to do it," Alicia said, without looking up from her papers.

"Your loss, then," Katie replied. She then addressed Angelina, "Let's go."

***

As they looked at an apartment, Katie noticed that Angelina was distracted. "Hey, what's wrong?" she asked.

Angelina was startled. "What d'you mean?"

"You just look like something's wrong, that's all."

Angelina laughed hollowly. "No nothing's wrong. Everything's perfect as can be." Angelina's sarcasm was not lost on Katie, but she decided not to press the issue. If Angelina wanted to talk, she would. If not, it would do no good to pressure her.

A few minutes later, Angelina spoke. "What would you do if someone you cared about did something they knew you'd disapprove of, and then lied about it?"

Katie wondered what was going on with Angelina as she replied, "Well, I guess I'd wonder why the person did the thing, and why he or she didn't trust me enough to tell me about it."

"But what would you do?"

"I don't know. I'd give them a chance to explain, and try to see their side of it. What's all this about, anyway?"

"Nothing." Katie could sense that it was about a whole lot more than 'nothing,' and she hoped that she'd been able to help her friend in some minute way.

***

Angelina pondered Katie's advice as they inspected yet another apartment. Katie was right, she should give Fred a chance to explain. But she wondered, and feared, that if she confronted Fred, would he lie about it? And what would she do then?

Angelina looked around the apartment. It was nice, not exactly huge, but it would still be a good place to live. Angelina joined Katie in the kitchen.

"Nice, isn't it?" Angelina asked.

"Yes. Too bad it's a bit beyond my means. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to keep looking. Thanks for coming with me. I know something's going on, and I appreciate the fact that you came. I hope that whatever's wrong works itself out."

Startled by Katie's discernment, Angelina could not think of a reply. Katie just smiled as they left the apartment and headed home.

***

As Fred climbed the stairs to his apartment, he pondered what to do about Angelina. He didn't want to lie to her, but he couldn't tell her the truth either, he just couldn't.

Fred entered the apartment and started to make dinner. Angelina wasn't home yet. That was good; it gave him more time to think about what to do.

***

Angelina made her way up to her apartment warily. She could tell that Fred was already home by the light that had shone out from the window outside. She decided to give Fred a chance to explain himself. She didn't want to fight with him.

Angelina opened the door and saw that Fred was preparing dinner. "Hey," she said.

"Hey. Dinner's almost ready. Have a seat."

Angelina sat down at the table as Fred placed a glass in front of her. Realizing that she was thirsty, Angelina took a sip. Fred watched as she turned into a furry animal for a few seconds. When she was human again, Angelina sputtered with anger, all thoughts of letting Fred explain having flown out of her.

"Fred Weasley, you are the most immature, cowardly excuse for a man I've ever met!" Angelina could tell that Fred was shocked; she rarely got upset when Fred tested one of his jokes on her. This only infuriated her more. She went on, "You wonder why your business is failing? It's because of this! You're too immature to handle it. You don't know how to run a business, all you know is that you want to continue making pranks for the rest of your life!"

Now Fred, too, was angry. "What are you talking about? You don't know anything about my business! You've been talking to Alicia, haven't you? Checking up on me? What makes you think you can do that?"

"Well, when someone doesn't tell you something important, you have to find other methods of finding out. When someone doesn't trust you enough to tell you the truth, you tend to lose trust in that person!"

"Well maybe I would trust you more if you weren't gone so much! You're always out, training. At a certain point you cross the line between determined and obsessive!"

Angelina gasped. "You have some nerve, Weasley, turning this around on me. How dare you begrudge me my dream! And how dare you use that as an excuse for your own misbehavior! I'm not the one who's been lying for months!"

Fred had the grace to look abashed at that, but he plodded on, "Lying! What are you on about, lying?"

"I'll tell you what I'm on about. I'm talking about where you were during lunch today, Fred!"

Fred was shocked. She couldn't possibly know, could she? He recited the carefully practiced lie, "George and I had to meet with a supplier at the last minute. What's wrong with that?"

Angelina paused. He had done it; Fred had actually told an outright lie to her. She continued, her voice no longer raised, but low and harsh, "No, Fred, you weren't. You were at a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix, of which you are a member."

Fred was taken aback. He voiced his incredulity, "How did you find out about that?"

Angelina, once again angry, replied, "Oh, please, Fred. You couldn't expect to keep something like that from me forever! I can't believe you didn't tell me. I can't believe you even did it!"

"Maybe I didn't tell you because I knew that this was how you'd react! You have this silly little grudge against the Order--"

"'Silly little grudge!' It is not a 'silly little grudge!' You, of all people, should know that I have plenty reason to hate the Order--"

"That's just it - you don't!" Fred exclaimed. "Just because your brother and your father died isn't any excuse to hate the Order! I'm a member of the Order because I care about the world I live and I want to keep it safe. If you can't handle that, then you can go to Hell for all I care."

"Fine! I will!" Angelina marched towards the door, furious. "Remember this day - this is the day when I walked out of your life forever!"

As Angelina slammed the door shut, she felt as if a part of her had died. And she had never even told Fred about her promotion.