An Unexpected Romance

Author's Note: This story takes place after the Deathly Hallows. Except Fred never died and Hermione never kissed Ron.

POV: This story will be in Hermione's view, unless I decide to do a few chapters in Fred's perspective.

Disclaimer: I own none of these characters. They belong to the brilliant J.K. Rowling. Lucky her!

Chapter 1

I sat in my room, reading a book of advanced level spells. This was pretty normal for me – just ask my two best friends. Harry would make it sound really intelligent, while Ron would make me sound like this huge dork. But this was how I spent my Christmas break.

Anyways, I was completely engrossed in my book when I heard a bump on the window. I jumped, and my book flew from my hands. I looked over at the window. There was a small brown owl flapping against the window, tangling in Christmas lights. He tried again to get in. For a small owl, Pigwidgeon could sure make a whole lot of noise.

I went and opened the window, and Pigwidgeon slammed right into me. Cursing, I fumbled ad tried to grab him. He escaped my grasp and flew around the room. "Pigwidgeon, you get over here right now!" I said, using my stern do-it-now voice. I had perfected it by dealing with Harry and Ron – but mostly Ron.

Pigwidgeon cheerfully hooted at me, but still came over to me. I first untangled him from the festive lights, and then I retrieved his note. He fidgeted, but allowed me to take the small scrap of parchment from his leg. I unwrapped it, and immediately I cheered up, recognizing Harry's scrawl.

Hermione –

I'm at the Burrow. Everyone wants you to come if you can. See you soon. Happy Holidays!

– Harry

Excellent! I would go right this very instant. I was so excited to see Harry, Ron, Ginny, Fred, and George! And Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, of course.

With a flick of my wand, my clothes folded and arranged themselves in my suitcase. I picked it up (even though I could have magically transported it, it made my parents nervous), stepped out of my room with Pigwidgeon following me, and went downstairs. I told my parents I was leaving to go stay with my friends, and that I'd be back after term.

I went out back, where there was a large shed that contained my mother's gardening tools. I went inside and grabbed Pigwidgeon. Holding both my suitcase and Ron's silly owl, I closed my eyes, concentrated on the Burrow, and Apparated.

I lurched right into a solid, muscular body. Strong hands caught me and held me up. I squeaked and dropped Pigwidgeon, who flew away. I opened my eyes. Standing in front of me was Fred Weasley. He was grinning at me. I stood extremely close to him, and he was still holding my arms. I blushed ferociously. He looked down, saw our intertwined arms, and turned a bright shade of red. He immediately let me go.

"Um….welcome!" he said awkwardly.

I smiled at him. "Thank you. It's good to be here."

A gnome ran past us, yelling as Pigwidgeon flew after him, pecking at his trousers.

Fred shook his head, and I noticed that he had grown his hair out. It made him look older, and really handsome.

"That bird is so dim-witted, I swear," he said, turning to me. "Don't you think?"

"Oh, definitely. When he tried to get into my room, he was all tangled up in Christmas lights. Quite festive, really," I agreed cheerfully. He laughed, and the sound made me laugh as well. Fred had a contagious laugh – you couldn't help but laugh right along with him, even if it got you into trouble more than once

He grinned at me, and oh, my, did that grin do things to me. I felt my face flame up and my knees turned to jelly. His grin was just so excited and mischievous. I loved it.

Once we had stopped laughing, he looked more seriously at me. His gaze quickly swept my body, and he turned red.

"You're looking….great, Hermione," he stammered out.

I blushed as well, but smiled shyly at him. "Thank you, Fred. You're looking good as well."

He looked down into my face. He was quite a bit taller than I was, but I liked that. He quietly said, "Hermione, listen –"

He was cut off as a streak of red flew towards me and tackled me to the ground.

"Hermione! You're here!"

I laughed. "Yes, Ginny, I am."

"Well, why didn't you tell me? When'd you get here? Where's your stuff? Where's Pig?" she barreled on.

"Gin, she got here five minutes ago. We were talking. Pig's chasing one of the gnomes. And her stuff is on the ground right next to you," Fred replied for me. "Now, let her up, and we can all go inside."

Ginny grumbled, but got off of my stomach. I breathed in relief. A large hand reached towards me. I looked up at Fred.

"Come on," he said softly. "Just grab on."

I put my small hand into his, marveling at the roughness and strength of his hands. They were twice as big as mine. Fred pulled me up with remarkable ease, enough so that he pulled me right into his chest. Oh my goodness, he smelled fantastic! Like the forest and spices. I breathed in deeply.

He held me tightly for a few moments. His hands felt warm and comforting on my back. His chest was toned, and his waist was slender. He was really well built.

Ginny cleared her throat.

We jumped apart guiltily. We were both blushing madly.

"Shall we go then?" Fred asked me.

"We shall." I replied in kind.

He reached out his hand towards me, and then realized what he was doing and pulled it back quickly.

We all walked into the Burrow. It felt like home.

Author's Note: What did you think? I hope you liked it! I am always looking to improve my writing, so constructive criticism is always welcome. Or, you could just tell me if you liked it. That would be awesome. Thanks to all who are reading this!