Author's Note: This is meant to be a stand-alone companion piece to my first fanfic, The Journey Back. It features a series of one-shots exploring the blooming friendship/awkward flirting between Hermione and Fred that led to the confrontation between George and Hermoine in my original piece. I am attempting to keep the chapters in a cohesive timeline (hopefully no jumping around from year to year) and as close to canon as possible. If you see anything glaringly amiss in that regard, please let me know. I don't have a set update schedule, but I do have several chapters already planned out.

Chapter Title: 1 - Brand New Secret Best Friends

Characters: Fred Weasley, Hermione Granger

Description: Set during PoA. Fred Weasley stumbles upon a lonely and (temporarily) friendless Hermione Granger contemplating deeper thoughts atop the Astronomy Tower. An awkward friendship is made and Hermione learns how Fred got his scar.

Word Count: 4,283

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Even from the foot of the Astronomy Tower stairs, the frigid winter wind howled. Black cloak buttoned tight, Fred Weasley spiraled higher, gloved hands clutching a small sack of the latest designs for the Weasley and Weasley whiz-bang fireworks. His twin brother, George, and their best mate, Lee Jordan, were somewhere below on the frozen grounds searching for the best view for the coming display.

Reaching the top of the tower, Fred quietly eased open the door of the Astronomy Tower. Hazel eyes darted around the open platform as heavy white flakes circled his head and stung his face. His gaze landed upon a familiar huddled form and Fred bit back a curse. Of course Hermione bloody Granger would be on the open Astronomy Tower on the coldest day of the year so far, 'studying' non-existent stars in a snowstorm. Turning away in a frustrated huff, Fred muttered to himself about ruined plans and bossy swots. He stomped down the first steps before throwing one last mutinous glare over his shoulder through the crack of the shutting door, heavy put-upon sigh freezing in his throat.

A large hand shot out to stop the door's progress and Fred stared in wide-eyed horror. Cold that had nothing to do with the weather burrowed deep into his gut as he watched Hermione sway far closer to the edge of the Astronomy Tower than anyone had the right to be. Angry, riotous curls tangled about her head in the bitter wind. Even from the door to the platform, he could see her shoulders shaking in sobs the wind greedily consumed.

Too surprised for thought, Fred strode quickly, purposefully, across the platform, slowing hesitantly as he drew closer. He warily eyed her quaking figure as he would a wild animal, reaching for her with timid trepidation.

"Alright there, Granger?" Fred whispered hoarsely, his hand brushing her shoulder.

Her high shriek pierced the air, and she whirled toward him, teetering. Red-rimmed brown eyes widened with fear and horror before Fred clasped her upper arm hard to steady her.

"Fred," she croaked, her voice strained. Fighting to control breaths coming in harsh, shaky pants, Hermione's mittened hands brushed furiously at her tear stained face.

He stared at her.

"I was just…. the view…" she muttered lamely, taking a small, subtle step away from him, a movement that was not lost on Fred.

Casting a quick glance over the edge and back again, Fred scowled incredulously. "I thought you were afraid of heights."

She tried to laugh it off though the efforts that escaped her chapped lips were closer to a mangled sob. "Yes, well, everyone else says they're so bloody great," she gestured airily, her emotions clouded.

Fred's grip on her arm tightened. "With a broom under you, yeah," he said slowly, the scowl deepening over his freckled features. "But I don't think flying is what you had in mind."

Already pink cheeks flushed impossibly darker. Hermione glared at him a moment before yanking her arm away. "And how would you know what I have in mind, Fred?" she said his name bitterly, mockingly. Hermione then took another step away from him, and to his immense relief, further from the edge. "It isn't as though you and I have anything in common, is it? Isn't like we're friends." Her head dropped, brown curls falling forward to hide her expression so he almost missed her whisper, "Isn't as though you would miss me."

Fred blinked hard before studying her a long moment. She wrapped her arms around herself defensively, scowling at the ground as she ground her teeth. Finally, he sighed and shook his head.

"That's not true, Granger," he said softly, his brow creased in thinly masked concern. "I bet you and I have loads in common."

Hermione snorted and rolled her eyes.

Fred smirked, "For one, I guarantee you and I both think Ron's a prat."

The tension coiled in his chest since arriving at the top of the tower eased the slightest bit when the corners of her lips twitched in a small smile before falling back into a scowl. Feeling braver, Fred took a step toward her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Come now, Granger. That one deserved a real smile. You can't really be the ice queen they say you are."

As soon as the words left his lips, he groaned and silently cursed himself, closing his eyes with a grimace.

Furious brown eyes widened, flashing with hurt and malice. An ugly sneer marred her face. "I have it on good authority that you were the one to start that rumor, Fred Weasley," she spat, jabbing him in the chest with a sharp finger.

Flinching, Fred rubbed at the site of the painful jab. "Would you believe me if I told you George did it?"

He just had time to register the shine of tears before Hermione turned from him in an angry huff. "Go away, Fred," she said, her voice wavering.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Fred silently berated himself. He sighed. "Look, Granger. Hermione. I'm sorry about that, yeah? But you were always acting like our mum, telling us off for having fun and laughing too loudly in the common room. I just…" he sighed again, and ran a gloved hand through his shaggy, orange hair. "I'm sorry."

Hermione snorted spitefully. "Just another thing wrong with me," she muttered to herself, causing Fred to start in surprise.

"There's nothing wrong with you, Hermione," he said with utter conviction.

Sorrow and shame filled the glassy eyes that flicked briefly toward him before turning resolutely away. Undeterred, Fred reached out a hand, pulling her around into an awkward hug. Small arms wrapping around his hard torso, Hermione buried her face into his chest.

"I mean it," Fred said into her frizzy hair, attempting to smooth it with his gloves. "There is nothing wrong with you, Granger. No matter what me or George or anyone else might have said in a misguided attempt at humor. Or annoyance," he added as an after thought.

She shrugged noncommittally, curling her fists around the folds of his cloak, silent tears bleeding through. They stood quietly for a time, her tears gradually becoming bitter sobs in his arms. Fred stood helpless as Hermione cried out her pain into his clothes. After long minutes, she quieted again, the occasional sniffle the only thing he heard through the snow. Fred squeezed her shoulders.

"Want to go inside and talk a bit?"

She nodded and let him lead her just inside the Astronomy Tower door. Pulling the door shut tight behind them, Fred warded it against the wind before casting a warming charm and plopping down onto the step. Hermione looked down at him stiffly, her embarrassment blooming full force across her cheeks now that she was no longer hidden from view.

Fred smirked at her discomfort and patted the seat next to him. "Why don't you just sit and tell Uncle Freddy what's the matter?"

Hermione stiffened, her face shifting into a mask of annoyance. "You don't need to be condescending, Fred. I didn't ask you to stay."

Before she could move, he grasped her hand and gently but insistently pulled her down on the step. "Just trying to lighten the tension. I'm sorry. I'll be serious."

Hermione scoffed despite shrinking into herself.

"What? I can be serious, you know," he huffed, crossing his arms indignantly, his pointed nose up in the air. He eyed her suspiciously. "That is, if you can deign to talk to me."

Chewing her lip nervously, Hermione studied her fuzzy, red mittens. "Harry and Ron haven't spoken to me in more than a month," she said finally, her head still bowed.

Fred snorted, shaking his head, his posture relaxing into the step beside her. "Thought I'd noticed something was amiss with you three." He slapped his knee is reprimand before leveling her with a sober gaze. He shook an admonishing finger at her. "And I told you Ron was a prat. What've the great gits done now?"

She grimaced, shrinking even more. "It's really more what I've done."

He watched her silently, brows pulled down in cautious curiosity. After a moment, he bumped her shoulder with his encouragingly, smirking when she shot him a brief, timid smile.

Returning her gaze to her mittens, Hermione took several deep, steadying breaths and screwed her eyes shut. "I made Harry turn in the Firebolt he got for Christmas to be checked for curses," she said quickly in one swooshing breath before flinching away from him as she awaited his reaction.

Several moments passed and Fred remained utterly still beside her. She risked a sideways glance at him. Fred, for his part, tried valiantly not to explode at her in confusion and frustration. Finally letting out a hard breath, his chin dropped to his chest and he winced. "Why?" he asked, voice strained.

Hermione wrung her hands, distraught. "There was no note! That broom could have been from anyone, including Sirius Black," the words poured from her mouth in a torrent. "You remember what happened Harry's first game. Quarrel cursed his broom then. What's to prevent an escaped mass murderer with a known grudge against Harry to not attempt the same thing?"

Rubbing the back of his neck, Fred groaned. He studied the wall for a long moment, gathering himself before grinding out slowly, "As much as I hate to admit it, having the broom checked was probably the safest thing." He turned in time to see her blink at him in surprise. "But a Firebolt, Granger? Come on," he whined, his face pained. "Do you want Slytherin to win the Cup?"

Hurt hardened into a scowl before Hermione looked back down at her hands. "You sound just like Ron," she mumbled bitingly.

"Hey!" Fred said, affronted. "There is no need for name calling. I agreed your choice was likely for the best."

Hermione rolled her eyes and shrugged, returning to studying her shoes. Her attention snapped back to him a moment later when he snorted.

"How does it feel, Granger?" he asked with a smirk, relaxed back on his elbows, looking at the stone above them.

She scowled, confused. "How does what feel?"

Fred grimaced. "Being an old soul constantly surrounded by immature, childish prats." He waved a hand to indicate himself before turning to her, eyes full of sincerity. "I mean, how's that feel when there's really no one your age to relate?"

She gasped at him, eyes wide before looking away quickly. Teeth worried her lower lip and she wiped angrily at her traitor tears. Fred began to fidget uncomfortably, worried not that he was incorrect in his assessment, but that he's hit too close to home. Just as he was about to speak to try to smooth things over once again, she beat him to it.

"It's lonely," she breathed. Her eyes found him then, shining bright with emotion. "Even when I actually have friends, it's lonely." She shook her head then as if the clear it.

Fred hesitated only a moment before throwing an arm around her shoulders. "You don't need to be lonely, Hermione," he said softly.

She snorted and pulled away. "And why not," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Because you'll be my friend? Because you can relate?"

"Yes."

He rolled his eyes at her skeptical gaze. "Okay, well no, I can't really relate. At least not all the time. But I will be your friend, Granger," he said, his voice earnest.

She stared at him a long moment. "I don't want your pity, Fred," she bit.

"Good thing I wasn't giving it then," he bit back.

"How can we be friends?" she asked angrily, pulling his arm off her shoulders, and gesturing wildly in her agitation. "We've hardly said five whole sentences to one another before today that wasn't some generic greeting. I don't even know a thing about you!"

"Well," he said, slowly, thoughtfully. "You know I'm Fred. That's a might better start than most."

Hermione glared at him incredulously.

He forced a smile at her, wincing slightly.

"Did you know you're one of only three people who seem to be able to tell me and George apart with any amount of accuracy? The other two are Bill and Ginny and they hardly count, being blood relation and all. Hell, Granger," he huffed, running his hand through his hair, "even Lee get's us mixed up more than his fair share and he's our best mate. How do you do it, by the way?" he asked, pinning her with intense, hazel eyes.

"What?" she asked, startled.

Fred smirked at her, rolling his eyes. "How do you tell us apart?" he asked mockingly.

Hermione blinked, taken aback. "Well," she ventured, biting her lip, "you've a different walk than George. He's better posture. Your voice is a bit deeper than his, and you've a scar just there," she concluded pointing to his eyebrow.

Touching the small white scar that cut through his left eyebrow, Fred breathed a laugh, eyeing her appreciatively. "Noticed that, did you?"

For the first time since he met her at the top of the Astronomy Tower, Hermione's lips curled up in a genuine smiled. "There's a story there, I take it?" she asked.

"There is," he nodded, clasping his fingers and resting his elbows on his knees. "Maybe I'll tell it to you sometime." He grinned, watching her out of his peripheral vision.

When she grinned back at him slyly, Fred felt something flutter deep in his belly and he quickly looked away.

"A friend would tell me now," she said, looking at him through her lashes and bumping his shoulder with hers as he'd done before. The contact made him feel inexplicably warm.

Ignoring the feeling, Fred smiled approvingly. "Seems there's hope for you yet, Granger. Alright, you asked for it. Best settle in."

Hermione obligingly pulled her knees up, wrapping her arms around and resting her head there as she watched him expectantly.

"Well, you see, Miss. Granger," Fred began, his tone hautey in a way very much like Percy's, "there have been occasions - very rare occasions, mind - but occasions none the less, when dear Georgie-boy and I have not seen entirely eye-to-eye."

Hermione's eyes widened in false innocence. "I can't even imagine," she breathed, playing her part.

"Yes, and why would you?" Fred scoffed, tossing back his hair in a suspiciously practiced move. "Thick as thieves George and I are."

"Well, if that isn't horrifyingly accurate." Hermione snorted, rolling her eyes.

"Now, now. No need to be nasty or tarnish our shining reputations. Besides," he said, dropping the pretentious air, "we only nick things of little to no consequence."

Hermione quirked an eyebrow, eyeing him suspiciously. "Like that map you gave Harry?"

Stiffening, Fred cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Haven't the foggiest what you mean, Hermione-dearest. Besides," he said, he voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper, "brand new secret best friends don't judge other brand new secret best friends."

Hermione rolled her eyes, letting her gaze fall to her lap. "Secret. Right."

Frowning, Fred bumped her shoulder again with his, a move that seemed able to pull a smile from her, not matter how small. "Only secret for the moment, Granger. Would you want me to go yell our new status off the Astronomy Tower? Bloke's likely to slip and fall over the edge in this weather."

Hermione went ridged beside him, her chin dropping to her chest so her hair hid her expression.

Leaning in until his face was near her ear, Fred whispered, "You'd rescue me, though, wouldn't you, Granger?" His hand came up then, rubbing soothing circles on her back. "Because friends rescue friends, secret or no."

Flushing hotly, Hermione nodded as if to herself, swiping at a stray tear. She looked up at him then, their faces so close her pert nose brushed his longer one. She pulled back slightly, blushing brighter, blinking hard as her gaze fell briefly to his mouth before returning to his intense hazel eyes. "Friends?" she asked wetly. "They rescue each other from anything?"

Fred nodded slowly, his eyes boring into hers.

Hermione blinked, her gaze dropping to the side in embarrassment. "Even from themselves?" she whispered, grimacing.

The hand on her back came up around her shoulders, pulling her into hollow at the juncture of his neck. Fred felt her nose brush his collarbone.

"Especially from themselves," he rumbled into her hair.

That sat like that in silence for long moments before Fred spoke.

"He threw a book at me."

Pulling back from him, Hermione stared at him as if he'd gone barmy. "Excuse me?"

Laughing quietly, Fred rubbed at the small, white, nearly invisible scar running through his left eyebrow. "George. He threw a book at me. That's how I got the scar. We were seven."

Small, tentative fingers reached out and brushed at the thin white line gently. Hermione blinked at him, startled, her cheeks flushing noticeably pink even in the dimming light of the stairwell. She cleared her throat awkwardly. "Why?"

Fred snorted, ruffling her hair affectionately in a manner he used with Ginny. "You know, I don't even remember. Bill was watching all of us while mum took Ginny to the healer for something or other. I likely said or did something to upset him, probably several somethings in rapid succession, and he picked up dad's book on muggle automobiles. The corner caught me. Bled worse than a stuck hippogriff. Georgie cried harder than I did once he realized I was hurt. Glued himself to me the rest of the day." Fred's eyes were glazed as he stared off into the distance, small smile on his lips. He shook his bright, messy head before grinning at her. "We never much fought after that."

"Never?" she said incredulously, skepticism lining her every feature.

Fred shrugged. "Well, we've had disagreements, yeah. Hell, we've even thrown a few punches, but that's just brotherly love stuff."

Reeling back, she eyed him horrified. "Punching doesn't count as fighting?"

"It isn't as though they're malicious, most of the time," he said the last under his breath. "Just a tool to prove a point. Think of them more like punctuation." Fred punched her shoulder softly with his fist by way of demonstration.

Shaking her head in barely concealed disgust, Hermione scoffed. "Boys are barbaric," she muttered.

He smirked, waggling his orange eyebrows at her leeringly. "Better get used to it brand new secret best friend!" Fred punched her lightly again, laughing as he jumping up and away when she swatted at him.

Face still split in a grin, he held his hands up to her placatingly. "Alright, alright," he said soothingly before gingerly lowering himself down next to her once more. "So who are we telling about our brand new secret best friend status then, Granger? Harry, Ron, George, and Lee? All of Gryffindor Common Room? Maybe jump up on the table at dinner in the Great Hall?"

Hermione stiffened, shaking her head emphatically. "No one."

Surprise and hurt warred across his face. Fred sat up and back, his posture becoming much more formal as he frowned.

"You ashamed of me, Granger?" he asked quietly, his eyes scanning her for a silent confession.

Her face showed nothing but shock. "No!" she cried so emphatically, Fred felt himself relax. She reached for him, grasping his hands in an attempt to placate him. "I could never be ashamed of you Fred," she said sincerely.

Fred watched her fingers wrapped around his a long moment before a wicked smile crept across his face. "Never, you say?"

Tensing once again, Hermione eyed him warily. "Fred?" she question, dragging out his name in her confused concern.

Smiling at her in what didn't even come close to a reassuring way, he bumped her shoulder with his. His smile dimmed. "What if I promised to only tell George?" he asked.

Her face blazed a vicious red. She released his hands only to drag her mittens through her already crazed hair. Knees bouncing in agitation, Hermione whimpered.

Startled realization dawned on his face. "You're embarrassed." It wasn't a question.

Her head snapped up, wide brown eyes locking on hazel. "Not of you," she defended.

Fred snorted, ignoring her startled squeak when he pulled her into a hug. "No," he agreed. "Not of me."

When it came, her pleading voice was muffled in the folds of his cloak. "No George?"

Wincing hard, Fred sighed. He ran his free hand across his forehead before nodding slowly. "No George," he agreed apprehensively. Gripping her shoulders suddenly, he pushed her back so he could scrutinize her face. "But in exchange, you have to swear on, on," he dropped her gaze to glance around frantically for inspiration. Suddenly, grinning triumphantly, his eyes snapped back onto her expectant, frightened face. "You have to swear on Harry bloody Potter. If you ever feel like, like you need rescued." He nodded at her to be sure she caught his meaning. "If you need rescued, you have to swear you'll come talk to me. No matter what I'm doing or who I'm with."

The corners of her lips twitching, Hermione peeked up at him through her lashes. "No matter what?" she asked, her voice a mask of innocence.

Nodding decisively, Fred muttered his assent.

"No matter who?"

Again he nodded.

Hermione pursed her lips. "But what if you're in detention with Professor Snape?"

Snorting in derision, he nodded once more. "Absolutely if I'm with Snape. Any distraction you can think of will do."

She nodded thoughtfully. Fred smirked to himself imagining the likely future prefect causing Professor Snape any sort of distraction. Suddenly, Fred felt his stomach erupt in flutters when she turned wide shining eyes on him. "What," she asked, her voice an embarrassed whisper. "What if you're engaged," she winced as if the thought caused her distress.

He scowled at her in confusion. "Engaged?"

Hermione nodded, her expression clouded. "Yes. With some, some girl?"

Fred nearly gagged, yanking his hands back as if she'd burned him. He stared at her in quiet horror before his face pinched with suspicion. He leaned in, eyeing her intently. "Do you mean shagging?"

Her features gave way to shock as she blanched, her eyes widened comically, and her mouth dropped open. Hermione slapped his arm in indignation. "Fred Weasley! I most certainly did not mean," she glanced around her as if searching for an unexpected audience. "Shagging," she whispered, her eyes studiously avoiding his as her cheeks blazed redder than his hair.

Fred laughed then, great loud guffaws with tears streaming down his cheeks. He reeled back, long arms gripping his sides. Her back ramrod straight, Hermione sat there, arms crossed, scowling at him, valiantly smothering any twitch of a smirk that appeared on her lips.

"Honestly," she chastised him, rolling her eyes as his laughter finally subsided.

Brushing away his tears and sighing after a few last chuckles, Fred finally risked a glance at her pursed face. He cleared his throat, voice taking on a serious tone even as his eyes swam with mirth. "Well," he began slowly, swallowing a giggle. "If I do ever find myself engaged, as you so eloquently put it, Granger, then I think I'm going to have to request you find George."

A snort of laughter escaped him when she swatted his arm.

Clearing his throat noisily, he fought his smirk. "No, I really am going to have to insist. Just speak to him as if he's me. He'll play along, guaranteed."

Hermione groaned and rolled her eyes. "You two really are quite horrid."

"Oh, do go on, Granger," Fred coaxed, batting his lashes at her. She groaned again, hiding her face in her hands. Chuckling, Fred stood, turning back to offer her a hand up.

"Speaking of my devilishly good looking, identical twin brother, he and Lee are probably wondering if Filch's caught me yet."

Hermione eyed him sharply. "Filch?" she asked shrilly. "Why would Filch be looking for you?"

Reaching a hand for the Astronomy Tower door, Fred grinned around the long finger he pressed to his lips, shushing her. He winked once at her before pushing the door open to the swirling winds.

Hunching her shoulders against the cold, Hermione turned to head down the tower steps. She paused when he called out to her. "No matter what, Granger." And the door clicked shut.

Hermione has just reached the bottom of the Astronomy Tower steps, her head bent in silent contemplation when her name echoed off the gray stone walls.

"Granger!" George called, running up to her with a slightly apprehensive looking Lee right behind him. "Where you just up the Astronomy Tower?" he asked earnestly, gripping her shoulders as if she might duck away.

Paling momentarily at being caught, Hermione's brain spit out the only answer it could fathom. "Yes."

George made an admirable attempt to hid his grimace. "Didn't see Fred up there by chance, did you?"

Hermione blinked at him a moment. "We, uh, we just passed. On the stairs," she added dumbly, dropping her eyes as her cheeks flamed.

Both George and Lee seemed to sag in relief. "Brilliant," George breathed, releasing her shoulders and turning toward the tower stairs. "Well, see you Granger," he tossed over his shoulder, Lee sending her a cocky wave as both boys raced up the spiraling stairs.

Squeezing her eyes tight in silent beratement, Hermione groaned. She really needed to work on thinking up excuses quickly. Letting out a deep sigh, she shook her curly head before continuing her trek back to Gryffindor Common Room.