A/N: Hey all! The long awaited Hermione/Fred is here! It took me a lot longer to get a presentable first chapter then I thought, but chapter two will be up shortly. I think, eventually, the chapters will get longer, but bare with me. Anywho, the main couple is Hermione/Fred, but there are minor slash pairings so be warned now. Slash! I hope you like my little surprises. This is canon! If you haven't read HBP, well first you should be ashamed, and you should not read this story. Big thanks to my wonderful betaClarinet Girl Lyss!Um, I think that is it. Oh, those of you who have not already checked it out, read my baby, my other story, Hate. It's Harry/Draco. Gotta Love it! TTFN. I am not the one and only J.K Rowling.

Chapter One

"-and may their sacrifices not be forgotten. In time, this pain shall pass and we shall live in peace once again; both within ourselves and the world." Professor McGonnogal took one last glance at the sea of people before her and sat in her chair. Food appeared in the serving dishes and everyone seated at the four long tables sluggishly helped themselves to food they would not taste.

At the Gryffindor table, The Golden Trio sat, silent. The halls were so empty. Where many once laughed and enjoyed life, the few that remained could barely breathe. Two were smiling though. The two red heads watched as a fifth year took a bite of chicken and promptly turned bright purple. It was like a heavy cloak had been lifted from the occupants of the table. Even Hermione could not hide her smile. Slowly, people started to converse and, eventually, the infectious positive energy reached the other tables as well.

Last of these was Slytherin, by far the most sparse. Those who did not die in the war were sent to other schools, for fear of retaliation from other students. Four seventh years remained and they kept their heads high as they ate their meal in peace. Most of the younger years could not understand why everyone skirted them in the hallways, but the tension surrounding these four was unmistakable. Blaise, Draco, Millicent, and Daphne did not smile or even acknowledge each others' existence, outside of the necessary pleasantries.

Back at the Gryffindor table, the once cheerful, positive group of students were well on their way to earning back that reputation. Fred and George sat side by side egging on the laughter and smiles. This is what they lived for. This was their calling. If they could succeed in anything, it was making people forget.

At the end of the Welcoming Feast, the headmistress stood once again. "I'm happy to see so many who have decided to come back to us. It has been a trying year, but I expect nothing less than your best effort in your lessons. I know many of you are tired and wish to get to bed, so I will make this short. Those who died, died so we could be free to live as we see fit. It would be sorry repayment if we did not make the most of this time we have together. Let's not mourn those who still live within us. Have a good night and let's look forward to a new term."

As she finished the occupants of all four tables rose and made their way back to the familiar dormitories that they had not seen in over a year. Fred and George found that they were receiving many weird looks. Few students knew what to make of the infamous Weasley Twins returning to Hogwarts, but all had heard of them and their notable adventures while within the castle walls. More importantly, they knew the role Weasley Wizard Wheezes played in the war and many looked up to them. It was odd for them to walk back into the castle doors and feel respected for things other than practical jokes and crude humor. It felt refreshing to know that, instead of suspicious glances, they received stares of admiration. Proudly, they walked up the stairs to Gryffindor Tower. They were considered seventh years, so they bunked with Harry, Ron and Seamus. Neville had died avenging his parents' death. He killed Bellatrix in the end, but her lover, Lucius, caught him by surprise. It was really a tragedy.

The thickness of the air in that room was something that even the twins could not touch. Silently, everyone prepared for bed and pretended to sleep.

0o0

The next morning, everyone seemed to fall back into routine. Time tables were handed out, groans were heard, and Ron stuffed his face. Hermione looked around her and smiled. It did not happen often, but Harry and Ron were usually the source. They sat next to her as Harry chastised Ron for trying to speak intelligibly with a mouth full of food. She shook her head. Some things never changed. She watched as Ron uttered a final sorry and kissed Harry on the forehead. They both laughed and linked hands. Her eyes wondered to Ginny, who was talking to George about Quidditch. The Gryffindors were bound to be unbeatable this year, even she could see that. They had their star beaters back, three very talented chasers, and the best seeker this school had ever seen. She may even enjoy watching the games this year. As Fred joined the conversation, a thought dawned on her; she was looking at the Weasley family. This was all that remained of the proud people she considered family. She frowned at the thought, but could not hold it for long. Ginny had whispered something in Fred's ear that made him smile and laugh. She could not help but feel her lips quirk up slightly. There was something about him that made her feel at ease. They had all grown up so much in the last year and the twins were no exception. They still had their pranks and jokes, but they needed them now more than ever.

Fred looked up briefly and caught Hermione smiling at him. He returned her smile lightly and turned back to Ginny. She was doing a very good Malfoy impression. His eyes were torn away from Ginny once more by the feeling of eyes on him. He glanced up again to see Hermione still looking at him. He blushed lightly, or as lightly as a Weasley can, and tried to keep his mind on the current conversation.

0o0

The seventh years now had all of their core classes together. There were too few to split it up by house, so they all roamed the halls together. Potions was first on Monday mornings and Slughorn waddled into the room slowly, as his students prepared their work stations. He had been hell bent on retiring for good after the school was closed last year, but Harry had dragged him back out again somehow. This would probably be his last year, but that would give the headmistress plenty of time to find a decent replacement. Since Slughorn was seated in a room full of war heroes, choosing favorites was nearly impossible. Everyone had earned their right to be "worth knowing".

"Good morning, everyone." he said happily. "We will be working on a N.E.W.T level potion today called Liesol. It is mostly used for healing of naturally scared tissue and bruises. The directions are on the board, pair up for this one and get to it." he tapped the board with his wand and directions appeared.

"Would you like to be my partner?" Hermione heard someone ask behind her. She turned and found Fred standing in front of her. She smiled and blushed lightly.

"Sure, just let me grab the ingredients. Go ahead and set up the cauldron." she side stepped him quickly and walked to the supply closet. Fred smiled. 'This should be a fun year.' he thought to himself.