"I want to do more," Lucy protested as Fred waved at her to get into position. "I'm sick to death of looking over my shoulders waiting for someone to attack. I want to pay them back for it."

"We don't have time to argue. You're supposed to be the level headed one."

She groaned. "How'd I know you'd have an excuse?"

"Please just do as I said." He pushed her toward the stairs. He waited for her to get in position beside the stairwell before he moved toward the back door. The stairwell kept her out of the line of sight of both doors. Most importantly, it would keep her away from the fighting at the front of the house with the Death Eater he expected would be the hardest to take down. His head knew the man wasn't his brother, but it was still difficult to stomach fighting him. Hurting him would feel like hurting George and that was enough to mess with his head and nerves.

He rolled his neck, working a kink out as he readied himself. Mum had warned them to not attack Voldemort or his followers in their ad campaigns. They hadn't run any in over two years, but it was no wonder he and George were on their shit list. Back then he'd been riding the anger and angst following the Hogwarts battle and had been eager to keep fighting them. To make them feel his pain.

But now… now he didn't feel the same. Angelina and all his other problems suddenly didn't seem so important compared to the threat of losing George. If he could just have his brother back home and safe, he felt like everything would be okay. In truth, he felt a bit like an arsehole for letting himself wallow for so long when so much was going well, the shop included. Funny how a threat on George could shift his perspective so quickly.

"Fred?" the Death Eater called, impatience ringing loud and clear in his voice. The man wouldn't wait much longer.

"Coming!" he called to the faux George before rushing into place. He held up his fingers to count down for Lucy to open the door. He avoided looking at her, not wanting any distractions. He couldn't afford to let his mind wander or he'd lose his edge. Fighting to protect others was enough pressure. He couldn't risk any missteps or silly mistakes.

He began the countdown, his muscles tense. He was betting on the man at the back being the backup, the one who was listening for a cue or some reason to throw himself into the fray. He wouldn't expect to be taken on first. He held up two fingers, then three as he mouthed the numbers.

On three Lucy flicked her wand and the back door sprung open. White light shot from Fred's wand and into the man hiding on the other side. The man thudded to the ground, frozen stiff and eyes wide in surprise. The man never managed to make so much as a single noise. Perfect. One less man should make this much easier to deal with.

Fred took a breath for courage then stepped outside, creeping alongside the house. He listened for the telltale sound of the door clicking shut as he'd ordered. Right on cue the door shut. Good. She was listening. She wasn't supposed to do anything until he returned or a Death Eater got inside. If he had his way, that wouldn't happen. If he was quick enough he could get around the house in time to surprise the other man. He'd sneak up on him from around the corner, a direction the man wouldn't expect, but as he neared the corner of the front of the house, a loud crash echoed across the yard. The front door. The man's patience had finally run out. How much longer would the poly juice potion last?

His heart skipped a beat as he sprinted toward the front door. He didn't savor the idea of fighting George's doppleganger. No matter how hard he tried to push the doubt down, part of him couldn't let go of the worry he wouldn't be able to take down the Death Eater. That at the last moment he'd lose his nerve because of the man's appearance. By the time he rounded the corner the faux George already stood in the doorway. The door lay on the floor beneath the man's boots, the hinges bent and the wood at the center of the door cracked. Fred noticed the man had dressed like George, right down to one of his favorite brown suits, but the boots were mismatched to the outfit. They looked old and battered and very much not George's style.

"Expelliarmus!" Fred shouted.

The Death Eater turned in time to block the spell, his arm striking out as fast as a snake and leaving no doubt that the man was an experienced duelist. A man like him wouldn't go down easy. Fred's grip on his wand tightened a moment before he reminded himself to ease up lest his hand cramp. He didn't waste time in retaliating, flinging spell after spell at the Death Eater, forcing him to stay on the defensive as Fred left him not time to get any of his own attacks in. Thoughts of Lucy fell away as his attention zeroed in on the Death Eater, his rage bubbling. The man continued to block each attack, the yard lighting up like a Christmas display. Neither man let up or gave any ground.

Fred's attacks slowed enough for the man to get one of his own in, the white light flying at Fred as he rushed to block the spell. Sweat beaded on his forehead. The muscles in his arm begged for a break. Seeing no other way and nothing to hide behind other than the house, which he didn't want destroyed, Fred took a step forward between each attack. If he couldn't outwit the man with magic he'd have to get physical before his body tired enough to let his enemy get the upper hand.

He fell into a new rhythm. Attack, step, attack step. The man stood his ground, gritting his teeth as he blocked each of Fred's spells. He was good, but the usual fighting thrill didn't sweep over Fred. This felt too much like the Hogwarts battle all over again with too much to lose. Except this time instead of George, he risked the Death Eater getting Lucy. He'd rather give his own life than let a Death Eater get someone close to him.

The hatred on the Death Eater's face fueled Fred, reminded him he wasn't fighting his brother. The look didn't fit George. The way the light of the spells played off his face made the Death Eater's face look twisted. The red light of Fred's stupefy charm made the man's face look demonic as he let out a growl.

Fred took a step and flung a fresh attack at the man. A second spell rocketed out of the house, taking them both by surprise. The man blocked Fred's spell, but couldn't move fast enough to stop the second. The spell slammed into him, his wand flying from his hand. A blur followed as Lucy tackled the man and they both hit the ground. She flailed on top of the man, slapping as his chest and face.

"What did you do to George?" she demanded as she reared back to land a punch against the man's jaw. The man's hand patted the ground in growing desperation as he searched for his wand, but it had fallen too far out of reach. Unless he bucked Lucy off he'd never be able to reach it. Her punch landed, shoving the side of the man's face into the grass. "Tell me!" She shoved her wand against the man's chin. "Tell me where he is."

Fred shook off the surprise, feeling as shocked as the Death Eater looked. He started for the man's wand. Noticing Fred, the man threw himself back into the fight, rolling as he tried to shove Lucy off. She held on, her nails digging into the man's arms. The man gave up his rolling and reached for her throat. Fred paused in his quest long enough to cast the stupefy charm on the Death Eater. Then he snatched the man's wand up, pocketing it.

Lucy growled as the man lost consciousness. She gave the man a shake before dropping him. "I wasn't done with him!" She climbed onto her feet, stumbling when her foot caught on the man's arm. Frustrated, she kicked the man in the side.

"Stop." Fred grabbed her by the shoulders, holding her still. "Don't go down this path."

"What do you mean?" She tried to wiggle out of his grasp, but he tightened his hold. She let out a groan of frustrated as she tugged against him one last time. "I think we deserve to know what he did to George."

"We'll find out when the Ministry comes. But this—" he jerked his chin toward the Death Eater "—this is similar to what happened to me at Hogwarts. That anger your feeling, I felt it too. It's what led me down a dark path you don't want to walk."

"He needs to answer for what he did." Her voice came out weaker this time, doubts playing across her face.

"He will, but not by your hand. Vengeance feels good in the short term, but eventually you'll have regrets. You'll wonder if what you did makes you a monster and you'll spiral from there. Let the Ministry deal with him." He swallowed. The words might not be perfect for Lucy, but he wished he could have warned his past self. He'd had no choice but to kill once to save George, leading to regrets and then a lack of regret for saving his brother and no matter how he felt he worried it was wrong. And yet if he could go back in time, he'd make the same choice. He'd always choose George and it was time he stopped agonizing over the hand dealt to him.

She stared at him, her wiggling finally stopping. Her mouth opened and then closed as she struggled to find her voice. Worried he'd overdone it and scared her, he let go and took a step back. Silence passed between them. A breeze kicked up a few early fallen leaves, swirling them around his feet.

"You're not a monster," Lucy said. "You saved him and I wish I could save him too I just…" She chewed on the inside of her cheek as she gathered her thoughts. "I'm tired of being afraid all the time. The weak one. For a moment all I could think was I wished they'd fear me for once instead and next think I knew my body was acting. Is it so bad to want to not live in fear? To want to protect those we love?" Her bottom lip trembled as her bravado rushed out of her.

"No. But I feel like you're supposed to keep me out of trouble, not vice versa."

She gave him a watery smile, her shoulders slumping. "I've never felt that angry before in my life.

The sight of her looking up at him in earnest made him want to kiss her, a feeling that sent waves of panic through him. He stepped away from her just as a Ministry worker apparated onto the driveway. Two more quickly followed, quickly sweeping him up into the commotion of the workers arresting the Death Eaters and questioning him and Lucy. He didn't protest, grateful for the interruption and a way out of the conversation.

As the woman asked him a last few questions about the fight, he looked over her shoulder. Lucy looked tired. The same man who interviewed her at the hospital questioned her now. She sighed at whatever he'd asked and reached up to rub at her eyes. Sparky twined around her ankles. Down the driveway the last Ministry worker prepared to head back to the Ministry, the poly juice potion finally beginning to wear off the faux George, revealing a wiry man with greasy hair shorter than George.

"Fred Weasley, can we have a word inside?" a woman with frizzy hair reminiscent of Hermione's asked last.

"About what?"

"I think it's best if we sit down while we talk in private."

Dread curled in his stomach. "Okay."

He didn't miss the worry in Lucy's eyes as she watched them step inside.

At least the woman fixed the door when she followed him inside. As soon as he sat in the closest armchair she plowed ahead without bothering to soften her news. "We had some trouble at the ministry the last few days. We believe at least two of our workers were Death Eaters and they caused quite the headache. The problem is they attacked the Ministry this morning."

Fred straightened up, his hands tightening on the armrests.

"Have you had any recent communication with your brother?"

"Not since he left. Why?" His nails dug into the fabric of the chair.

"We think a few messages may have been intercepted. Your brother appears to be the trigger of this mess. He presented too much temptation for the traitors and since he was due home soon, they didn't want to lose their chance. If you notice any unusual activity, please report it. He can provide you more details when he is released tonight or tomorrow morning." She closed her notebook and headed for the door.

Fred jumped to his feet. "That's it?"

"Afraid so, Mr. Weasley."

"Is George. Okay?"

"I'm afraid I've said all I can, but yes, I believe so."

He sank back onto the chair.

"Fred?" Someone shook his right shoulder. He raised his head. Since when had Lucy come over? She bent down to meet his gaze. "Are you okay?"

"I should have been the one to go."

"The guy who interviewed me said George is all right, so please don't sit around moping all night blaming yourself." Dried tears streaked her cheeks.

"Come here," he said, opening his arms without thinking.

Lucy clambered onto his lap, followed moments later by Sparky who took a perch across the back of the chair. Lucy curled up, resting her head on his shoulder. The position felt too intimate, but he felt too worn out to care.

"I'm sorry if I upset you. I hope I wasn't too rough." Behind his head Sparky laid out, purring away.

"Don't apologize. You were right to stop me and I can't believe I did that."

"The way you tackled him makes me think you should play American football instead of Quidditch."

"You think?" She cracked a smile. "That's the first time I've ever tackled someone." A dark bruise blossomed on her arm from her struggle and she gently rubbed her arm. "I don't think I want to try it again." She wiped a fresh tear away. "Please don't tell George what I did."

"I don't think he'd care outside of being upset you put yourself in danger, but make me a banana cream pie and you have a deal."

"Deal." She climbed off his lap.

"Where are you going?"

"To make the pie. Not like I'm going to be able to sleep any time soon."

Sparky climbed down to take her place on his lap. He couldn't help himself, he hugged the cat, letting the purring soothe him. If Sparky noticed the tears making his fur damp, he showed no complaints, too elated by all the attention.

Come the shop the next morning he felt dead on his feet. Luckily the slow morning weekday traffic of Diagon Alley didn't seem to notice the shop opening two hours late thanks to him sleeping in. He manned the cash register, sitting on a stool behind it and staring off into space when no one was checking out. George hadn't come home last night and he didn't want to consider what that might mean. Staring off into space and forgetting himself was much easier than focusing on the fact that he couldn't do anything for George. Although with each passing hour the idea of marching into the Ministry and demanding answers sounded better and better even though he knew they'd just kick him out.

Lucy worked harder than him, keeping herself busy to stay distracted. Sales of their defense products had skyrocketed since the Diagon Alley attack with special orders coming in every week. She wandered about restocking and putting orders together. She set a box down on the counter and stared across it at him. "I can't stand watching you mope. Can't you do something more useful?"

"Mmm, no," he said as he leaned down, letting one arm rest on the counter as he leaned against it. "I'm on register duty."

She stayed in place, bouncing on her heels. He watched her go up, down, up down, until he couldn't handle her stare anymore. "Do you need something?"

"All the orders are filled and shelves stocked. Slow day. What now?"

"You can go to the bookstore or something, I guess."

"Wow." She stopped bouncing. "You really are out of it if you are going to just let me wander off on my own. Where has your overprotective brother side gone?"

He blew out a breath. "I'm not your brother. All I want to do is sleep for another eight hours." He hummed to himself. "Maybe I should work on writing a help wanted ad." Despite his words he made no move to do so.

"Sure you are," she said slowly. "Good, productive talk here. Are you sure I should go to the bookstore? A Death Eater might snatch me right off a street. Or that group of old people who walk laps up and down the road will run me right over and I'll get trampled to death."

Fred straightened. "You really do want my brotherly side to come out, don't you?" Her using brother on him made him feel gross. He'd had too many unsisterly thoughts about her for it. He needed to convince her to stop using it.

"Maybe."

His nostrils flared. "I'll show you brotherly." In seconds he was around the counter with her in a headlock while she flailed about. "How's this for you? This is how I win my disagreements with Ron."

"You asshole!" she squealed as she tried stomping on his foot. He jerked his foot away in time, tightening the hold to keep her from flailing around so much.

"This is what you asked for, isn't it? Every time you call me your brother I'm going to put you in a headlock or hold your books over your head so you can't reach them. It's the brotherly way."

A throat cleared and Fred's head jerked up. George stood a few steps away, eyeing them both warily. A bandage covered his left eyebrow, ending at his hairline. He wore a suit that made him look ready to get to work. Fred let Lucy go and she made a sound of indignation as she straightened back up.

"Things are going great, I take it," George said, his uncovered eyebrow raising.

"See what you did?" Fred hissed at Lucy. "You got me in trouble. You timed that on purpose, didn't you?"

She stuck her tongue out at him then rushed to George, enveloping him in a hug. George swept her up in a bear hug and she turned her head just enough to glare at Fred as if to say "mine, stay away."

"That's enough," Fred said, pulling them apart. "It's my turn." He pulled George into a crushing hug and mimicked the glare Lucy gave him. When they pulled away Fred stayed on one side of George, Lucy the other.

"Okay, okay, no fighting over me you two. Can someone please explain what is going on to me?" He put on his stern voice that Fred always thought of as George's dad voice.

"Maybe you should give us some answers. Seems you had quite the adventure at the Ministry," Fred suggested.

"Yeah!" Lucy added, backing him up. "Tell us the details." She reached up to brush his hair out of the way to get a better look at the bandage.

"It's just a cut," George said. "My fault. I got it when I knocked the Death Eater who came after me down a flight of stairs and he landed on top of me. In retrospect I should have moved faster or thought that one out longer."

Both Lucy and Fred stared at him, speechless.

George continued on, ignoring their reactions. "Lucy, can you get me a glass of water? Or maybe some tea?"

"Of course. I restocked the Darjeeling yesterday." She took off into the back room, eager to do his bidding.

Fred rested a hand on George's arm. "I need to talk to you later. In private." He gave his brother a pointed look and George nodded in understanding. "Death Eaters came to the house. Did the Ministry tell you?"

"Yeah. Told me this morning. I think they waited because they knew I would leave as soon as I found out. Apparently the attack gave the Minstry enough leads to flush a bunch of the remaining Death Eaters out." He paused. "You okay?"

"Yeah. You?"

"Just need a good night's sleep. A long one."

"Same." Fred pulled his brother into a side hug. "Glad you're back."

"Me too." George's gaze wandered to the back door. "So…did you tell her while I was gone?"

Fred froze. "Tell her what?"

"That you're in love with her."

Fred jerked away. George tilted his head, waiting for an answer, but Fred couldn't tell how he felt. George looked tired and not much else. To think he'd been hiding his feelings so well, dreading telling George, and here he already knew. He'd known and hadn't said anything until now.

"Woah," George said as he grabbed Fred. "Don't pass out on me. You are wobbling too much. I take it that's a no."

Lucy stepped back onto the shop floor, a glass of water in her hand. She beamed, unaware of the tension between the brothers. "I brought you some water while the tea steeps."

"Thanks." George let go of Fred to sip at the water.

Lucy frowned at Fred. "You okay? You look pale."

"Just need to sit down for a minute." He walked stiff legged into the back room, leaving them to man the shop. He headed into the small office and shut the door behind himself. He didn't turn the light on. He slid down the door, curling his knees up to his chest. It was like hiding in his closet as a kid all over again.

Somehow George already knowing felt worse. How long had he been watching everything unfold? And had he been waiting for Fred to slip up? Thinking about it brought a fresh headache on. He sighed and rested his head on his arms. Sitting like this made it hard to keep his exhaustion away. His mind whirled through all the worst-case scenarios, like George waiting to see if Fred would betray him. As his sleepless night caught up with him, his thoughts drifted into a jumbled mess before merciful sleep took him.

"Freddie, you in there?" George's voice called through the door.

Fred jerked awake. His stiff back and neck creaked when he straightened out. He winced. He'd need to do some stretches later to get rid of the aches. In the darkness of the office he couldn't tell how long he'd been out.

"Fred?"

"I'm here," he said, his voice coming out groggy. He groaned as he rolled his neck, a popping nose bringing him relief.

"Can I come in?"

Fred ran a hand through his hair. It was time he had a talk with George. No use in avoiding it before it became worse. He slid away from the door. "It's unlocked." He regretted his words as soon as the door clicked opening, sending a wave of panic over him.

He was very much not looking forward to this.