Fic: Semper Vigilans (10/20)
Author's Note: And with this chapter, we begin our crossover. I'm unsure of how many of my readers are familiar with the Japanese anime Yu Yu Hakusho and the character of Kurama, but those of you who are familiar might finally understand what is going on with the twins. Those who are not familiar, fear not. I will do my very best to explain everything that needs explaining when the time comes. I hope that you can continue to enjoy this story despite throwing this curve ball at you. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me. I won't mind answering anything you are unclear about. Also, this chapter and the following one marks a turn toward the angsty side of things regarding Fred and Hermione. You'll see as everything begins unfolding, but just thought I'd give everyone a head's up about the angst.
Semper Vigilans
- Chapter 10 -
The Twins' Flat - Sunday Morning
The twins managed to get in about six hours of sleep before George awoke as if an internal clock had been set. Time to go get our Kit, it rang, and the red head quickly rose from his bed. Shaking off the last vestiges of sleep, he made his way to Fred's bedroom, carefully navigating the random piles of clothes and other varying objects that littered the floor. Reaching the side of the bed, George reached out to nudge his brother's shoulder. His efforts were greeted with an indignant groan, followed by Fred pulling the covers up over his head as he shifted so his back was towards his bothersome twin.
"Go-way!" he muttered from beneath the covers.
"Fre-ddie... Wakey-wakey, eggs and bakey..." George sing-songed as he tugged at the blanket, inching it down until he revealed the glare that Fred was shooting over his shoulder at him.
"Really, George?" Fred growled as George grinned down at him. He finally rolled his eyes and tossed back the covers. George stepped back so his brother could rise from the bed.
"Sorry, brother-mine, but if we plan on getting anymore research done before going to fetch Hermione, then we need to get up now."
Mentally Fred cursed George's ability to be reasonable with so little sleep, which greatly amused his twin, seeing as he could literally read his thoughts. They managed to get in a couple of hours on the internet, though they still hadn't made any progress in their search by the time it came for them to leave. It appeared that they were going to have to resort to books after all.
~*~*~*~*~
The twins arrived at the Lovegood residence shortly after one o'clock. When Luna answered the door, she greeted the boys with her usual dreamy smile.
"Hello, Fred. George." she said airily, nodding to each twin in turn.
Aside from Hermione, Luna was the only girl, outside their little sister who could truly tell them apart. Even their own mum had gotten them mixed up on occasion. The twins had even asked her once how she was able to tell them apart. She had responded by telling them that they each possessed different auras, and that their scents differed as well. They never made the mistake of asking her what she meant by the scents comment.
“Hello, Luna love, how was your ladies evening?” George replied with a smile.
"It went very well, however, I feel that Hermione may have missed you both quite a bit."
“Well, of course she did, who wouldn’t miss us.” Fred said with a smirk.
“Would you both like to come in? I fear if we leave the door open for too long all the negative energy will invade the house.” the blond said stepping to the side to allow them entrance.
Luna lead them to the living room where Hermione sat on the couch she and Luna had sat in the previous night, an open book in her lap. She raised her head up at their entrance and gifted them with a bright smile.
"I wondered when you two were coming. We never discussed it yesterday and I forgot to call this morning." she admitted.
"Yeah, I can see you were thoroughly distracted by...." Fred glanced at the cover of her book. "White Fang."
"It's a classic," Hermione defended. Placing her book aside, she rose from the couch and approached the twins, giving each a hug and a kiss on the cheek apiece.
A loud growl emitted from George’s stomach that had all in the room looking at him before busting out laughing.
“Did you two eat yet?” Hermione asked them, knowing that there were times the two would forget to eat breakfast or lunch.
"Er..." George began, looking to his twin to take up the sentence as he normally would.
“You see, Kit, we were in such a rush to get over here to see you, that... well, we might have forgotten to eat.” Fred said with a slight embarrassed look.
"Honestly," Hermione chided gently. "What am I going to do with you two."
"I'm sure they both have a few ideas." Luna replied with a cheeky grin.
The twins waggled their eyebrows at her suggestively and Hermione rolled her eyes, swatting at their arms playfully. "Incorrigible, the both of you, I swear! And you," she turned to look pointedly at Luna. "Stop encouraging them."
"I always knew I liked you, Lovegood. However she doesn't have to encourage us too much." Fred informed them.
"No, not much, just enough." Luna quipped back at him.
When Luna and Fred shared a conspiratorial grin, Hermione knew it was a lost cause. She shot a pleading look in George's direction.
"Alright, Freddie, I think we've caught up to our quota of "Kit Teasing" this morning. What say we treat these ladies to an afternoon meal?"
“No such thing as too much 'Kit Teasing'," Fred replied to his brother. "However, I agree that an afternoon meal with two lovely ladies would be a great idea.”
After the meal and a couple hours of friendly chit-chat, the twins and Hermione dropped Luna back off at her house before returning to the twins' place. The rest of the evening was spent watching a random film, or Hermione tucking herself into the armchair to read a book while the twins worked on a project for the shop. The day ended with Hermione whipping up a quick meal around eight o'clock. Once they had all eaten their fill, they took turns at the bathroom to wash up and prepare for bed. Once again, Hermione commandeered George's room, while he bunked with Fred.
"Goodnight, guys." she bid them with a soft smile.
"Goodnight, Kit." she heard them both say before shutting the door.
~*~*~*~*~
Flourish & Blott’s Bookstore - Monday Morning
When Monday morning came, the twins brought her to work, as was planned. However, when Fred insisted on he and George hanging around while she worked, Hermione hadn't known what to say. It was a bit disconcerting for her to be working at her job -- a job that she loved dearly, mind you -- and be accosted every time she turned around by one or both red headed menaces. She was sure the twins didn't mean to be a bother. She rather enjoyed the fact that they were taking an interest in books. As far as she knew, Fred and George Weasley had never stepped foot inside the school library, aside from that one time they had comforted her in the Restricted Section and their friendly bond had been forged. They had not had much interest in actually studying, despite the fact that their test scores had been fine, though not due to cracking open a textbook. She could only guess how they had managed to graduate.
But that was how the day went. One twin, or the other, at any random point in time throughout her shift, would pop up asking where a book on this or that would be located. Mostly, they inquired about myths and legends, or the supernatural. It was rather odd, to be honest. It also got Hermione to thinking. Why were they interested in this sort of thing? It didn't pertain to anything they sold in their shop, so why the sudden interest? Was it strictly for entertainment purposes or something else entirely?
Regardless, Hermione pointed them in the direction she thought would best serve their needs and went back to helping other customers.
Fred craned his neck in order to peer over the top of the bookshelf, assuring that Hermione was distracted by another customer before turning back to where George was sifting through a row of books.
"Find anything useful?" he asked his twin, who shook his head in the negative.
"Nah, nothing. Just a bunch of children's books." George's voice held a disappointed tone. "This is an old store; you would think they would have some interesting books about this subject. About anything really."
Before Fred could reply, the sound of a small child begging drifted over to them from two isle over.
"But Muuuum, I really wanna read this one!" the voice of a small boy pleaded, drawing closer as he and his mother walked in the twins' direction.
"And I said, no, Tommy, dear. The cover looks too scary. It would most likely give you nightmares. Now put it away, we really need to go so I can finish my shopping." the mother replied.
By now the woman and her son, who appeared no older than eight or nine had made it to the isle in which Fred and George stood. The little boy stomped his foot in protest.
"Pleeaaaase!" he tried one last time, but his mother's mind was made up.
"I said, no!" Plucking the book from her son's hands, she shoved it towards one of the twins, obviously mistaking them for an employee. "Would you please mind putting this back where it goes? Thank you. Now come along, Tommy and I promise to buy you some sweets at Honeydukes if you're good."
The bribe seemed to work as Tommy quit whining about the book Fred still held in his hands and followed his mum obediently out of the store.
"Well, Freddie looks like you've found your calling. It appears you're destined to work in books, not pranks." George said in jest as he clapped his brother on the shoulder.
Fred wasn't listening, however. The other jokester was too distracted by the cover of the book that had been thrust into his hands. When George noticed his brother's lack of response to his jibe, he looked over his brother's shoulder and gasped in shock.
It was thicker than most, but it was a children's book, for sure. However, the cover depicted a very detailed and extremely realistic image. One that looked eerily similar, in every aspect but color, to their Foxy Forms. No wonder little Tommy's mum hadn't wanted him to get it.
"Georgie..." Fred began in awe.
"I think we've found our book." George ended his twin's thought, the two looking at one another, delighted grins stretching across the width of their faces.
It took them less than a minute to be standing at the front counter, money in hand to purchase the book. The shop owner gave them a funny look. The fact that two grown men, who he just happened to know through acquaintance via Hermione, were not married and had no children, were now buying a book for kids, just seemed odd to the old man.
Shaking his head, he carried through with the transaction anyway, bagging the hard covered item and presenting it to the twins. Once they had it, Fred and George looked for Hermione. They found her near the back of the store, having just finished helping an old woman find a book on knitting patterns.
"Well, I see you found what you were looking for." Hermione smiled as she eyed the parcel George clutched in his hand. She could tell they were quite happy with their purchase, if the way they were practically bouncing on their heels was anything to go by.
"Indeed," Fred informed her.
"Indubitably," George added, nodding for emphasis.
"We were just wanting to let you know that we'll be going back to the flat for a bit," Fred continued, "But don't worry, one of us will be back tonight to usher you home, safe and sound."
Hermione chuckled. "Honestly, guys, you don't have to do that-" she began, but upon seeing their sharp look, altered her reply. "-but if you feel that your presence will be needed, then who am I to turn down an escort by a handsome red head?"
In response, the twins bestowed her with a kiss, Fred on her left cheek, George on her right.
Twenty minutes later found the twins entering their flat. They sat close together on the couch as George withdrew the book from its plastic wrapping. The hardback book sported a very beautiful image of a creature that resembled what they had come call their own Foxy Forms. A giant silver fox was racing across an open field, its lithe body stretched out in the midst of an elegant leap.
The title, emblazoned across the top, read: A Kitsune's Tale. In the bottom right corner, was the name of the author, Shuichi Minamino; a foreign bloke apparently.
With eager anticipation, George opened the book to the first page and, taking turns, they began to read aloud from it.
"Our story begins, as most tales of fantasy do, in another world." George began. "This world is unlike the one you, dear reader, are used to. It is a realm filled with fantastic beasts; some, fierce and dangerous, predators to their very core. Others, intelligent and stealthy in their trade of choice. And still some, not so much."
Fred took up the next paragraph, continuing for his brother. "The protagonist for this tale, the silver Kitsune, Youko Kurama, was a master thief known throughout the Demon World as the Legendary Bandit. Though his true form was humanoid in shape, Youko preferred to perform his craft in his fox form."
For the next couple of hours the twins took turns reading passages from their book. It regaled the story of a fox demon who was famous in his world for his mischief and mayhem. His thievery skills were legend and he had many adventures. Until one pivotal moment...
"The hunters were drawing close. 'They are clever,' thought Youko, 'But I am more so.' How arrogant of the spirit fox to think such a thing. It was not until he found himself cornered that he realized he could not escape his fate."
By now the twins were on the edge of their seat. This simple children's book had garnered their attention to the utmost, so much so that they had lost track of time. The sound of a phone ringing brought both of them to the present again. Fred glanced at the clock.
"Shit!" he exclaimed, leaping from the couch. "We were supposed to pick Hermione up over an hour ago!"
George glanced at the cell phone that lay on the table by the couch. Sure enough, Hermione's name was lit up on the screen.
"What are you waiting for, Forge, answer it!"
George shot his brother a resigned look before hitting 'accept' and putting the phone to his ear.
"Kit! So glad you called! We're running a bit late, you see-" George began, but the sound of Hermione's voice coming from the other end of the line cut him off.
"Don't bother, I'm almost home now anyway. I caught a ride." her voice sounded a bit icy and George winced at the implication of her mood. Then her words registered.
"With who?"
"Oliver Wood. You remember him, right? He was a year ahead of you in school, I think. Isn't that right?" George got the impression that the last question was not directed at him. An assumption that was proven correct as a male voice sporting a Scottish brogue spoke in the background on Hermione's end. "That's right, Hermione. I seem to recall those two being quite the pranksters."
Hermione's warm laughter filtered through the phone in response. "They still are. Thank you so much for the ride, Oliver, I really appreciate it."
"Any time, lass."
The sound of a car door slamming shut jolted George out of his stupor just as Hermione, who seemed to remember that he was on the line, finally replied. "Well, I'm home now, so I guess I'll let you get back to whatever you and Fred were doing. Goodbye."
Before he could respond or even ask how she had known it was him and not Fred on the line, she had hung up.
George slowly lowered the cell phone from his ear, his stomach churning with a strange mixture of guilt at forgetting about Hermione, anger at himself for getting distracted enough to do such a thing and jealousy at the knowledge that Oliver Wood had been the one to give Hermione a ride home.
'I bet that's not the only ride he wants to give her.' he thought bitterly. Despite not intending it to, the stray thought slipped through the link to his twin.
Fred didn't even need to look at his brother to know something was wrong. The guilt and anger were both emotions he himself was feeling, however there was another that had spiked within George halfway through the seemingly one sided conversation with Hermione that had him puzzled. Then his brother's bitter words seeped into his mind and he became worried.
"What's going on, Georgie?" he asked, but received no reply, verbal or otherwise.
Fred watched as George threw the cell phone back onto the table, the little device making a clattering sound as it bounced on the surface that made him wince. George paid it no mind as instead he began to pace back and forth before Fred like a caged tiger, teeth practically bared in a near snarl, fists clenching and unclenching at his sides as the sense of jealousy and anger began to slowly outweigh the guilt.
Upon his third pass by him without saying anything, Fred finally took initiative and stepped in front of his brother, physically stopping him mid-step. He was surprise when George's eyes met his own. The normal, light blue eye color that they shared was now tinged with a hint of amber.
"George! What's the matter?" Fred nearly shouted in frustration as his brother's emotional whirlwind became his own.
"Oliver Fucking Wood. That is what's the matter Fred. The sodding bastard is moving in on our Hermione!"
Suddenly, Fred was all too clear on what that extra emotion was as he too was swept into a state of jealousy and loathing. Oliver Wood had been their captain on the Rugby team at Hogwarts Academy, not to mention the star player. He remembered how obsessed with the game Wood had been, having them practice relentlessly before each game to ensure their constant victory. But if there was one thing Oliver Wood loved besides the sport, it was women. He'd had the reputation of a lady's man for sure and had on occasion been known to steal other blokes' girls. He had been the reason that Fred and Angelina had broken up rather spectacularly.
Fred wasn't aware of it, but his own eyes had begun to take on the same golden hue as his brothers.
-Flashback-
Fred paced the length and breadth of his dorm room nervously as he awaited the arrival of his girlfriend, Angelina Johnson, the head cheerleader for their Rugby team. They had been going steady for a few months now, and he was sure he was falling head over heels in love with her.
There was a slight nudge at the back of his mind, that made him feel uncomfortable every time he thought about his beautiful girlfriend, but he chalked it up to being nervous about relationships, as she was his first love.
He heard a soft knock on his door and running his fingers through his red hair a few times, winked at his reflection in the mirror, before moving to let Miss Johnson in. As he opened the door, his jaw dropped from the stunning sight of Angelina, who was clad in a form-fitting red dress that accentuated her curves rather fetchingly.
"You look gorgeous, Ange." he whispered, his breath hitching in his throat.
The dark skinned knock-out grinned saucily at him and stepped inside his room, shutting the door behind her, and leaned in for a proper welcome. "I missed you so much, baby." she purred as she crushed her lips to his in a scorching kiss, her hands grabbing onto his rather fine arse.
Fred kiss her back, but then pulled away in confusion. She tasted off somehow, like she had been inhaling a whole brewery, and she smelled of an aftershave that was not his. His heart sank into his stomach as he looked at her intensely.
"What's wrong, babe?" she asked, as she pressed her breasts and hips into his firm body. "I thought we could have some fun."
The tall boy stiffened. "Honestly, it smells and tastes like you’ve already had your fun." he gritted between his teeth, and Angelina visibly blanched, looking like she had just been slapped.
"Freddie..." she whined. "It was just a mistake. I had a little too much to drink, and Ollie helped me get straightened out... What does a drink or two and a little fun hurt?"
Fred was completely heartbroken at her words. "Get. Out." he whispered, his brain going completely numb at the thought of Angie cheating on him and thinking it was normal.
-End Flashback-
The twins shared a look so intense that if it were tangible it would have set the flat ablaze. Though it had happened years ago, the anger and betrayal that Fred had felt at losing Angelina to that pillock was still present. He had actually cared for Ange, had thought he was in love with her if he were honest with himself. Even after she had done what she had, he'd still carried a torch for her. Up until the time they had left school and accomplished their dream of opening their own business, Fred had often thought of what might have been. Until the connection that had always been present with Hermione had morphed into what they were now, that is.
And now, that stupid, arrogant, womanizing playboy was after their Kit!
"Fuck!" it came out as more of a growl than an actual word.
George felt the anger and jealousy draining away as if Fred were siphoning it all into himself. The once jilted twin was now the one seething.
"I'll kill him!" Fred’s voice deepened into a guttural growl as he suddenly made a dash for the door.
"Fred, stop!" In a flash, George was off the couch and positioned between his twin and the door leading from their flat. "You don't even know where he is. He's already dropped Hermione off and left."
Fred's nostrils were flared as his breathing was labored with the amount of fury that consumed him, yet George's words managed to reach him and pull him back from the verge of whatever it was that he had been about to do.
It was only when Fred appeared to be calming down that George allowed himself to relax somewhat. He was still upset about the thought of Oliver Wood setting his sights on Hermione, but his worry over his twin’s elevated fury allowed him the ability to put it on the backburner. He was aware of the circumstances involved in his twin’s breakup with Angelina in their final year at school. It was no wonder that Fred was being affected more by all of this.
Gripping Fred by the shoulders, George led him back to the sofa and sat him down before picking up their forgotten book and settling beside him. “She’s safe at home now, even if she’s a bit miffed. We’ll just give her time tonight to cool off and apologize in the morning when we take her to Lee’s to pick up her car.” he waited for Fred to nod before relaxing completely. “Okay, let’s say we finish this book, hm? And afterward, I think perhaps it would be a good idea if we reached out to the author. I mean, he must know something about our situation, given the contents of this book thus far.”
Fred gave a resigned sigh as, thankfully, the rage that had momentarily filled him finally abated completely. The thought of finally getting some answers gave him hope that perhaps they could finally take the next step in completing this bond they had with Hermione. Focusing on the open book between them, Fred began to read where they had left off before receiving their ill-gotten phone call.
“Mortally wounded by the hunters, Youko could feel his life’s essence draining away. For once, the famed spirit fox felt the stench of death encroaching upon him and knew that there was only one solution to his predicament.”
George took up from Fred, as they once again were drawn into the story unfolding before them within the pages of their book.
“Using his fastly waning Demon Energy, Youko shed his physical form. Passing through the Barrier bordering the Demon World, he retreated to the outer lying Human World in search of a vessel in which to house his soul. In doing so, he could assure that he might hibernate in peace, during which time he could heal and regain his strength.”
“His search ended in success, as he secured his safe haven within the womb of a human woman, heavy with child. And so began the new life of Kurama only two scant months later…”
~*~*~*~
Semper Vigilans
- Chapter 10 -
The Twins' Flat - Sunday Morning
The twins managed to get in about six hours of sleep before George awoke as if an internal clock had been set. Time to go get our Kit, it rang, and the red head quickly rose from his bed. Shaking off the last vestiges of sleep, he made his way to Fred's bedroom, carefully navigating the random piles of clothes and other varying objects that littered the floor. Reaching the side of the bed, George reached out to nudge his brother's shoulder. His efforts were greeted with an indignant groan, followed by Fred pulling the covers up over his head as he shifted so his back was towards his bothersome twin.
"Go-way!" he muttered from beneath the covers.
"Fre-ddie... Wakey-wakey, eggs and bakey..." George sing-songed as he tugged at the blanket, inching it down until he revealed the glare that Fred was shooting over his shoulder at him.
"Really, George?" Fred growled as George grinned down at him. He finally rolled his eyes and tossed back the covers. George stepped back so his brother could rise from the bed.
"Sorry, brother-mine, but if we plan on getting anymore research done before going to fetch Hermione, then we need to get up now."
Mentally Fred cursed George's ability to be reasonable with so little sleep, which greatly amused his twin, seeing as he could literally read his thoughts. They managed to get in a couple of hours on the internet, though they still hadn't made any progress in their search by the time it came for them to leave. It appeared that they were going to have to resort to books after all.
~*~*~*~*~
The twins arrived at the Lovegood residence shortly after one o'clock. When Luna answered the door, she greeted the boys with her usual dreamy smile.
"Hello, Fred. George." she said airily, nodding to each twin in turn.
Aside from Hermione, Luna was the only girl, outside their little sister who could truly tell them apart. Even their own mum had gotten them mixed up on occasion. The twins had even asked her once how she was able to tell them apart. She had responded by telling them that they each possessed different auras, and that their scents differed as well. They never made the mistake of asking her what she meant by the scents comment.
“Hello, Luna love, how was your ladies evening?” George replied with a smile.
"It went very well, however, I feel that Hermione may have missed you both quite a bit."
“Well, of course she did, who wouldn’t miss us.” Fred said with a smirk.
“Would you both like to come in? I fear if we leave the door open for too long all the negative energy will invade the house.” the blond said stepping to the side to allow them entrance.
Luna lead them to the living room where Hermione sat on the couch she and Luna had sat in the previous night, an open book in her lap. She raised her head up at their entrance and gifted them with a bright smile.
"I wondered when you two were coming. We never discussed it yesterday and I forgot to call this morning." she admitted.
"Yeah, I can see you were thoroughly distracted by...." Fred glanced at the cover of her book. "White Fang."
"It's a classic," Hermione defended. Placing her book aside, she rose from the couch and approached the twins, giving each a hug and a kiss on the cheek apiece.
A loud growl emitted from George’s stomach that had all in the room looking at him before busting out laughing.
“Did you two eat yet?” Hermione asked them, knowing that there were times the two would forget to eat breakfast or lunch.
"Er..." George began, looking to his twin to take up the sentence as he normally would.
“You see, Kit, we were in such a rush to get over here to see you, that... well, we might have forgotten to eat.” Fred said with a slight embarrassed look.
"Honestly," Hermione chided gently. "What am I going to do with you two."
"I'm sure they both have a few ideas." Luna replied with a cheeky grin.
The twins waggled their eyebrows at her suggestively and Hermione rolled her eyes, swatting at their arms playfully. "Incorrigible, the both of you, I swear! And you," she turned to look pointedly at Luna. "Stop encouraging them."
"I always knew I liked you, Lovegood. However she doesn't have to encourage us too much." Fred informed them.
"No, not much, just enough." Luna quipped back at him.
When Luna and Fred shared a conspiratorial grin, Hermione knew it was a lost cause. She shot a pleading look in George's direction.
"Alright, Freddie, I think we've caught up to our quota of "Kit Teasing" this morning. What say we treat these ladies to an afternoon meal?"
“No such thing as too much 'Kit Teasing'," Fred replied to his brother. "However, I agree that an afternoon meal with two lovely ladies would be a great idea.”
After the meal and a couple hours of friendly chit-chat, the twins and Hermione dropped Luna back off at her house before returning to the twins' place. The rest of the evening was spent watching a random film, or Hermione tucking herself into the armchair to read a book while the twins worked on a project for the shop. The day ended with Hermione whipping up a quick meal around eight o'clock. Once they had all eaten their fill, they took turns at the bathroom to wash up and prepare for bed. Once again, Hermione commandeered George's room, while he bunked with Fred.
"Goodnight, guys." she bid them with a soft smile.
"Goodnight, Kit." she heard them both say before shutting the door.
~*~*~*~*~
Flourish & Blott’s Bookstore - Monday Morning
When Monday morning came, the twins brought her to work, as was planned. However, when Fred insisted on he and George hanging around while she worked, Hermione hadn't known what to say. It was a bit disconcerting for her to be working at her job -- a job that she loved dearly, mind you -- and be accosted every time she turned around by one or both red headed menaces. She was sure the twins didn't mean to be a bother. She rather enjoyed the fact that they were taking an interest in books. As far as she knew, Fred and George Weasley had never stepped foot inside the school library, aside from that one time they had comforted her in the Restricted Section and their friendly bond had been forged. They had not had much interest in actually studying, despite the fact that their test scores had been fine, though not due to cracking open a textbook. She could only guess how they had managed to graduate.
But that was how the day went. One twin, or the other, at any random point in time throughout her shift, would pop up asking where a book on this or that would be located. Mostly, they inquired about myths and legends, or the supernatural. It was rather odd, to be honest. It also got Hermione to thinking. Why were they interested in this sort of thing? It didn't pertain to anything they sold in their shop, so why the sudden interest? Was it strictly for entertainment purposes or something else entirely?
Regardless, Hermione pointed them in the direction she thought would best serve their needs and went back to helping other customers.
Fred craned his neck in order to peer over the top of the bookshelf, assuring that Hermione was distracted by another customer before turning back to where George was sifting through a row of books.
"Find anything useful?" he asked his twin, who shook his head in the negative.
"Nah, nothing. Just a bunch of children's books." George's voice held a disappointed tone. "This is an old store; you would think they would have some interesting books about this subject. About anything really."
Before Fred could reply, the sound of a small child begging drifted over to them from two isle over.
"But Muuuum, I really wanna read this one!" the voice of a small boy pleaded, drawing closer as he and his mother walked in the twins' direction.
"And I said, no, Tommy, dear. The cover looks too scary. It would most likely give you nightmares. Now put it away, we really need to go so I can finish my shopping." the mother replied.
By now the woman and her son, who appeared no older than eight or nine had made it to the isle in which Fred and George stood. The little boy stomped his foot in protest.
"Pleeaaaase!" he tried one last time, but his mother's mind was made up.
"I said, no!" Plucking the book from her son's hands, she shoved it towards one of the twins, obviously mistaking them for an employee. "Would you please mind putting this back where it goes? Thank you. Now come along, Tommy and I promise to buy you some sweets at Honeydukes if you're good."
The bribe seemed to work as Tommy quit whining about the book Fred still held in his hands and followed his mum obediently out of the store.
"Well, Freddie looks like you've found your calling. It appears you're destined to work in books, not pranks." George said in jest as he clapped his brother on the shoulder.
Fred wasn't listening, however. The other jokester was too distracted by the cover of the book that had been thrust into his hands. When George noticed his brother's lack of response to his jibe, he looked over his brother's shoulder and gasped in shock.
It was thicker than most, but it was a children's book, for sure. However, the cover depicted a very detailed and extremely realistic image. One that looked eerily similar, in every aspect but color, to their Foxy Forms. No wonder little Tommy's mum hadn't wanted him to get it.
"Georgie..." Fred began in awe.
"I think we've found our book." George ended his twin's thought, the two looking at one another, delighted grins stretching across the width of their faces.
It took them less than a minute to be standing at the front counter, money in hand to purchase the book. The shop owner gave them a funny look. The fact that two grown men, who he just happened to know through acquaintance via Hermione, were not married and had no children, were now buying a book for kids, just seemed odd to the old man.
Shaking his head, he carried through with the transaction anyway, bagging the hard covered item and presenting it to the twins. Once they had it, Fred and George looked for Hermione. They found her near the back of the store, having just finished helping an old woman find a book on knitting patterns.
"Well, I see you found what you were looking for." Hermione smiled as she eyed the parcel George clutched in his hand. She could tell they were quite happy with their purchase, if the way they were practically bouncing on their heels was anything to go by.
"Indeed," Fred informed her.
"Indubitably," George added, nodding for emphasis.
"We were just wanting to let you know that we'll be going back to the flat for a bit," Fred continued, "But don't worry, one of us will be back tonight to usher you home, safe and sound."
Hermione chuckled. "Honestly, guys, you don't have to do that-" she began, but upon seeing their sharp look, altered her reply. "-but if you feel that your presence will be needed, then who am I to turn down an escort by a handsome red head?"
In response, the twins bestowed her with a kiss, Fred on her left cheek, George on her right.
Twenty minutes later found the twins entering their flat. They sat close together on the couch as George withdrew the book from its plastic wrapping. The hardback book sported a very beautiful image of a creature that resembled what they had come call their own Foxy Forms. A giant silver fox was racing across an open field, its lithe body stretched out in the midst of an elegant leap.
The title, emblazoned across the top, read: A Kitsune's Tale. In the bottom right corner, was the name of the author, Shuichi Minamino; a foreign bloke apparently.
With eager anticipation, George opened the book to the first page and, taking turns, they began to read aloud from it.
"Our story begins, as most tales of fantasy do, in another world." George began. "This world is unlike the one you, dear reader, are used to. It is a realm filled with fantastic beasts; some, fierce and dangerous, predators to their very core. Others, intelligent and stealthy in their trade of choice. And still some, not so much."
Fred took up the next paragraph, continuing for his brother. "The protagonist for this tale, the silver Kitsune, Youko Kurama, was a master thief known throughout the Demon World as the Legendary Bandit. Though his true form was humanoid in shape, Youko preferred to perform his craft in his fox form."
For the next couple of hours the twins took turns reading passages from their book. It regaled the story of a fox demon who was famous in his world for his mischief and mayhem. His thievery skills were legend and he had many adventures. Until one pivotal moment...
"The hunters were drawing close. 'They are clever,' thought Youko, 'But I am more so.' How arrogant of the spirit fox to think such a thing. It was not until he found himself cornered that he realized he could not escape his fate."
By now the twins were on the edge of their seat. This simple children's book had garnered their attention to the utmost, so much so that they had lost track of time. The sound of a phone ringing brought both of them to the present again. Fred glanced at the clock.
"Shit!" he exclaimed, leaping from the couch. "We were supposed to pick Hermione up over an hour ago!"
George glanced at the cell phone that lay on the table by the couch. Sure enough, Hermione's name was lit up on the screen.
"What are you waiting for, Forge, answer it!"
George shot his brother a resigned look before hitting 'accept' and putting the phone to his ear.
"Kit! So glad you called! We're running a bit late, you see-" George began, but the sound of Hermione's voice coming from the other end of the line cut him off.
"Don't bother, I'm almost home now anyway. I caught a ride." her voice sounded a bit icy and George winced at the implication of her mood. Then her words registered.
"With who?"
"Oliver Wood. You remember him, right? He was a year ahead of you in school, I think. Isn't that right?" George got the impression that the last question was not directed at him. An assumption that was proven correct as a male voice sporting a Scottish brogue spoke in the background on Hermione's end. "That's right, Hermione. I seem to recall those two being quite the pranksters."
Hermione's warm laughter filtered through the phone in response. "They still are. Thank you so much for the ride, Oliver, I really appreciate it."
"Any time, lass."
The sound of a car door slamming shut jolted George out of his stupor just as Hermione, who seemed to remember that he was on the line, finally replied. "Well, I'm home now, so I guess I'll let you get back to whatever you and Fred were doing. Goodbye."
Before he could respond or even ask how she had known it was him and not Fred on the line, she had hung up.
George slowly lowered the cell phone from his ear, his stomach churning with a strange mixture of guilt at forgetting about Hermione, anger at himself for getting distracted enough to do such a thing and jealousy at the knowledge that Oliver Wood had been the one to give Hermione a ride home.
'I bet that's not the only ride he wants to give her.' he thought bitterly. Despite not intending it to, the stray thought slipped through the link to his twin.
Fred didn't even need to look at his brother to know something was wrong. The guilt and anger were both emotions he himself was feeling, however there was another that had spiked within George halfway through the seemingly one sided conversation with Hermione that had him puzzled. Then his brother's bitter words seeped into his mind and he became worried.
"What's going on, Georgie?" he asked, but received no reply, verbal or otherwise.
Fred watched as George threw the cell phone back onto the table, the little device making a clattering sound as it bounced on the surface that made him wince. George paid it no mind as instead he began to pace back and forth before Fred like a caged tiger, teeth practically bared in a near snarl, fists clenching and unclenching at his sides as the sense of jealousy and anger began to slowly outweigh the guilt.
Upon his third pass by him without saying anything, Fred finally took initiative and stepped in front of his brother, physically stopping him mid-step. He was surprise when George's eyes met his own. The normal, light blue eye color that they shared was now tinged with a hint of amber.
"George! What's the matter?" Fred nearly shouted in frustration as his brother's emotional whirlwind became his own.
"Oliver Fucking Wood. That is what's the matter Fred. The sodding bastard is moving in on our Hermione!"
Suddenly, Fred was all too clear on what that extra emotion was as he too was swept into a state of jealousy and loathing. Oliver Wood had been their captain on the Rugby team at Hogwarts Academy, not to mention the star player. He remembered how obsessed with the game Wood had been, having them practice relentlessly before each game to ensure their constant victory. But if there was one thing Oliver Wood loved besides the sport, it was women. He'd had the reputation of a lady's man for sure and had on occasion been known to steal other blokes' girls. He had been the reason that Fred and Angelina had broken up rather spectacularly.
Fred wasn't aware of it, but his own eyes had begun to take on the same golden hue as his brothers.
-Flashback-
Fred paced the length and breadth of his dorm room nervously as he awaited the arrival of his girlfriend, Angelina Johnson, the head cheerleader for their Rugby team. They had been going steady for a few months now, and he was sure he was falling head over heels in love with her.
There was a slight nudge at the back of his mind, that made him feel uncomfortable every time he thought about his beautiful girlfriend, but he chalked it up to being nervous about relationships, as she was his first love.
He heard a soft knock on his door and running his fingers through his red hair a few times, winked at his reflection in the mirror, before moving to let Miss Johnson in. As he opened the door, his jaw dropped from the stunning sight of Angelina, who was clad in a form-fitting red dress that accentuated her curves rather fetchingly.
"You look gorgeous, Ange." he whispered, his breath hitching in his throat.
The dark skinned knock-out grinned saucily at him and stepped inside his room, shutting the door behind her, and leaned in for a proper welcome. "I missed you so much, baby." she purred as she crushed her lips to his in a scorching kiss, her hands grabbing onto his rather fine arse.
Fred kiss her back, but then pulled away in confusion. She tasted off somehow, like she had been inhaling a whole brewery, and she smelled of an aftershave that was not his. His heart sank into his stomach as he looked at her intensely.
"What's wrong, babe?" she asked, as she pressed her breasts and hips into his firm body. "I thought we could have some fun."
The tall boy stiffened. "Honestly, it smells and tastes like you’ve already had your fun." he gritted between his teeth, and Angelina visibly blanched, looking like she had just been slapped.
"Freddie..." she whined. "It was just a mistake. I had a little too much to drink, and Ollie helped me get straightened out... What does a drink or two and a little fun hurt?"
Fred was completely heartbroken at her words. "Get. Out." he whispered, his brain going completely numb at the thought of Angie cheating on him and thinking it was normal.
-End Flashback-
The twins shared a look so intense that if it were tangible it would have set the flat ablaze. Though it had happened years ago, the anger and betrayal that Fred had felt at losing Angelina to that pillock was still present. He had actually cared for Ange, had thought he was in love with her if he were honest with himself. Even after she had done what she had, he'd still carried a torch for her. Up until the time they had left school and accomplished their dream of opening their own business, Fred had often thought of what might have been. Until the connection that had always been present with Hermione had morphed into what they were now, that is.
And now, that stupid, arrogant, womanizing playboy was after their Kit!
"Fuck!" it came out as more of a growl than an actual word.
George felt the anger and jealousy draining away as if Fred were siphoning it all into himself. The once jilted twin was now the one seething.
"I'll kill him!" Fred’s voice deepened into a guttural growl as he suddenly made a dash for the door.
"Fred, stop!" In a flash, George was off the couch and positioned between his twin and the door leading from their flat. "You don't even know where he is. He's already dropped Hermione off and left."
Fred's nostrils were flared as his breathing was labored with the amount of fury that consumed him, yet George's words managed to reach him and pull him back from the verge of whatever it was that he had been about to do.
It was only when Fred appeared to be calming down that George allowed himself to relax somewhat. He was still upset about the thought of Oliver Wood setting his sights on Hermione, but his worry over his twin’s elevated fury allowed him the ability to put it on the backburner. He was aware of the circumstances involved in his twin’s breakup with Angelina in their final year at school. It was no wonder that Fred was being affected more by all of this.
Gripping Fred by the shoulders, George led him back to the sofa and sat him down before picking up their forgotten book and settling beside him. “She’s safe at home now, even if she’s a bit miffed. We’ll just give her time tonight to cool off and apologize in the morning when we take her to Lee’s to pick up her car.” he waited for Fred to nod before relaxing completely. “Okay, let’s say we finish this book, hm? And afterward, I think perhaps it would be a good idea if we reached out to the author. I mean, he must know something about our situation, given the contents of this book thus far.”
Fred gave a resigned sigh as, thankfully, the rage that had momentarily filled him finally abated completely. The thought of finally getting some answers gave him hope that perhaps they could finally take the next step in completing this bond they had with Hermione. Focusing on the open book between them, Fred began to read where they had left off before receiving their ill-gotten phone call.
“Mortally wounded by the hunters, Youko could feel his life’s essence draining away. For once, the famed spirit fox felt the stench of death encroaching upon him and knew that there was only one solution to his predicament.”
George took up from Fred, as they once again were drawn into the story unfolding before them within the pages of their book.
“Using his fastly waning Demon Energy, Youko shed his physical form. Passing through the Barrier bordering the Demon World, he retreated to the outer lying Human World in search of a vessel in which to house his soul. In doing so, he could assure that he might hibernate in peace, during which time he could heal and regain his strength.”
“His search ended in success, as he secured his safe haven within the womb of a human woman, heavy with child. And so began the new life of Kurama only two scant months later…”
~*~*~*~