Twin Dilemma

C25: The Flaming Deception Part 2

If you have come this far with my story no doubt you understand all the former disclaimers. I own nothing but I may have J.K.'s kneazle living with me and he does contribute now and then but no money is exchanged- just Mr. Tasty Bits.


Fred was gloomily trudging along with Angelina and Katie on one of their shopping larks. The girls usually liked having Fred along because he was a good manometer when it came to any purchases they might make that needed to affect their current flames. Normally They really liked toting him along to the lingerie store for his reactions. He usually had some funny take on their attempts at sex appeal. That was before the big fight with George. Now he was just dead weight, slowing them down, constantly complaining and pouting. As the girl's tried on various outfits, Fred stood in a corner with his arms crossed and a sullen expression pasted on his face.

The girls finished with their purchases and they all headed outside. Katie and Angelina were debating on which restaurant to go to. A soft flapping of wings swept over the threesome and circled around landing on Angelina's head. It was an express owl. Angelina reached up and took the parchment strapped to the raptor's leg. She read it twice, paid the owl and sent it off. She looked over at Katie, smiled and nodded.

Fred asked," What's up?"

Angelina just shrugged. "An owl from a friend of mine concerned about a potential misunderstanding. All cleared up now." She glanced at Katie and winked.

"Lets take some tea and a bite to eat, shall we?" Angelina took Fred's elbow and steered him to a nearby tea shop. Fred started to protest but Angelina and Katie insisted on eating now.

Once inside Angelina excused herself to go to the loo. Once there she activated her old D.A. coin. In moments Hermione apperated into the room and handed her a potion.

"Is this really going to work?" Angelina asked Hermione.

"Of course, I tested a version on Ron and Harry. It will last about 30 minutes. Long enough to get the players on the game board. The rest is up to them."

"Let's just hope they come to their senses. I miss my two funny pals." she added wispily. Angelina took out her wand and transformed the potion into a couple of sugar cubes.

"Lucky for us, Fred has a sweet tooth." She grinned at Hermione.

"Good luck!" beamed Hermione before she apperated away.

Angelina walked back out to the table and sat down. The tea service arrived at their table and she nudged Katie. Katie began fiddling with her new shirt which was a Muggle style - tight fitting and rather low cut tee. Quite effectively she drew Fred's attention away from Angelina who slipped the cubes into Fred's cup.

"How many lumps will you be taking Fred?" Angelina asked all innocent.

Fred replied, "Hmm, three Angie, you should remember that."

Angelina added another lump to his cup. Fred absently picked up his cup and drained all of the tea. A familiar thrill coursed through Angelina as she suppressed a giggle. She had been one of a very small number who had successful pulled off pranks on the twins. She hid her grin behind her tea cup as Katie continued to attract Fred's attention by gesturing loudly and bouncing up and down in her seat between sips.

Angelina cleared her throat. Katie glanced at her and she nodded slightly.

Katie took another sip of tea and turned to Fred and said casually, "Hey old chap, thinking about George and Chloe? Is that why you are so gloomy?"

"Absolutely not!" barked Fred. "Why would you think that?"

"Just that I stopped by the store on my way to meet you to get something for my little brother and I saw Chloe and George at the counter, and, well, they looked quite cozy."

Fred went off. "What?! That back stabbing sneak! He'll be sorry! I got to go. Speak to you later..."and he popped out of sight.

Angelina and Katie burst out laughing. When they could breath again Katie said, "Let's keep our fingers crossed this works."

Angelina wiped tears from her eyes as her face turned solemn. "Oh I truly hope so," she said.



Lee looked at his Muggle watch. "Showtime!" he announced to himself. He shooed out the few customers mumbling something about new Ministry regulations flame drill. When the store was empty he took out his wand and a large orange tube which he set on the floor. He mumbled the activation charm and stepped outside. He carefully locked the doors and apparated to a nearby meeting place.