Hi all! Here's a new story from me. This one won't be as long as I usually write, but hopefully it'll be just as good. I own nothing. Still. Sad.

The First Time

The Burrow was alive with excitement and laughter. The yard was illuminated with fairy lights and fireworks as the Weasley family and their closest friends celebrated the marriage of the mischievous twin, George. He and his bride, Angelina Johnson, danced excitedly as more and more liquor flowed. The revelry continued late into the night, long after Arthur and Molly retired to bed.

Fred Weasley, the groom's identical twin, stationed himself next to the buffet table with a small tumbler of firewhiskey in hand. He wasn't sure if it was the amount of alcohol he had consumed or the lack of sleep, but he could have sworn he saw the tablecloth of a vacant table move. He shook his head to clear his vision, but the fabric rustled again. It was a cool, clear night with no breeze. His curiosity was piqued, so he moved closer to the abandoned table.

"Hey, Freddie, come dance with us!" George called from across the yard. A large, toothy smile graced his face as his wife kissed him for the millionth time that night. Fred politely declined and took a seat at the empty table. The movement stopped as soon as he sat down.

Someone must have been under there. Fred smirked at the thought of breaking up a couple of guests' under-the-table activities. Bored with waiting for them to emerge, Fred pulled up the tablecloth to reveal a very red-faced Hermione Granger.

"Um, hi," she said quietly, tucking a stray curl behind her ear.

"What are you doing under the table?" he inquired, one eyebrow raised.

The color in her cheeks rose. "Hiding. Would you mind?" she asked, indicating that she wanted him to lower the cloth.

Blue eyes darted around the crowd as he made sure no one was watching. Then he slipped under the table to join the embarrassed witch. Her sanctuary once again restored, Hermione allowed a small smile to pull at her lips. "Who are we hiding from?"

Hermione would not allow her eyes to meet Fred. "Ronald," she mumbled. Silence permeated their small space as the seconds ticked by. Fred wasn't pushing for any further explanation, though, deep down, they both knew he wanted one. Eventually, she realized he deserved it. "Ever since we kissed, he's been...insufferable. The touching and the hugging and handholding; every time we're around each other he tries to kiss me. I just...I'm not sure if I share his feelings anymore."

"Has some other bloke stolen your romantic attentions?" Fred joked, nudging her side with his elbow. Hermione shook her head adamantly. "The Hermione Granger I know wouldn't hide under a table from a boy."

"I've done it before," she argued. "Cormac McLaggen, sixth year, the Slug Club Christmas party."

The redhead laughed. "Now that's the Hermione Granger I know." For the first time, possibly all evening, Hermione laughed. They sat under that table and talked for awhile. They discussed everything from their favorite books and songs to the joke shop and Hermione's plans for the future. Her hand rested on Fred's knee as they laughed loudly when someone exposed their hiding place.

"What the bloody hell is going on?" Ron Weasley demanded.

Quickly, Hermione pulled her hand away from Fred and let them drop into her lap. Fred shot her a reassuring smile before shrugging. He moved to his hands and knees and crawled out into the open air before drawing himself up to his full height. "Come dance with me, Granger," he suggested when she too emerged. His hand caught hold of hers before Ron could pull her away.

"Hermione," Ron said, his blue eyes pleading.

"I haven't had a chance to dance with Fred yet," she explained. Ron's face reddened. "It's just one dance."

Fred was pulling her onto the dance floor before Ron could reply. A slow song played as Fred and Hermione swayed gently to the soft rhythm. Fred pulled her closer as the music continued to play.

"So, I take it you and Ron aren't a couple?" Fred asked softly so the other couples around them wouldn't hear.

Hermione shrugged, tightening her grip on his hand. "He wants to be," she replied. The song ended, to be replaced by something more fast paced and upbeat. Hermione pulled away and made her way off the dance floor.

"You and Fred looked awfully cozy," Ron spat as she passed by. "I wasn't even aware that you two were friends. When did that happen?"

Hermione whirled around, dislodging more curls from the bun she had styled it in hours before. "Since first year, I'd wager, when he walked me to my first Potions class because I couldn't find the dungeons. I've spent every summer and most every school break with your family for the better part of the last seven years. Fred and I have managed to become friends in that time."

"The way he was holding you seemed more than friendly if you ask me," he retorted, his voice angrily low.

A small guffaw escaped Hermione's lips. "I don't recall asking you." She began to walk away again until Ron caught hold of her arm.

"Wait, Mione, I'm sorry," he relented. "I just thought you were my date."

She took a step back, wrenching her arm out of his grip. "Then you should have asked me."

Ron stood there, dumbfounded, as Hermione stormed into the house. He watched as the light in the room she and his sister, Ginny, turned on and then off. Fred sidled up beside him, staring at his younger brother.

"Piss off," was all Ron grumbled before making his way to the bar. Fred watched to make sure his brother was occupied before slipping into the house.

Quietly, he entered Ginny's room just off the second floor landing. The lights were off; a lit wand tip the only thing illuminating the cozy room. Hermione looked up, a look of bewilderment on her face at the sight of the intruder. "What are you doing here?"

Fred moved over to sit on Ginny's bed, across from Hermione. His elbows rested on his thighs as he played with his hands. "Wanted to make sure you were okay. Ron was a bit out of line."

Hermione turned on the bedside lamp and extinguished her wand before closing her book. "I have to tell him," she said with a sigh, moving to sit on the edge of her bed. "Whatever Ron and I were, it's over now."

Fred nodded. "Probably better that way," he agreed, smoothing back long locks of red hair. "I'll let you get to bed. It's been a long day." He stood, stooping momentarily to kiss her cheek.

She moved back to pull back the covers. "Good night, Fred. Thank you...for everything tonight."

The redhead smiled. "So, the way I look at it," he said, standing in the doorway, "you danced with me, but not Ron. Guess that made you my date."

Hermione laughed, shaking her head at his joke. "It wasn't a date, Fred. Good night."

Once more he smiled back before closing the door.