I woke in the arms of Ronald Weasley. He smelled of soap and pine and the scents encircled me as his arms were wrapped tightly around my waist. I sighed softly. He was a Weasley which had always been what I wanted; he just wasn't the right Weasley. Ron stirred, his arms tightened around my waist and he nuzzled his face into my neck. A sigh escaped him and I felt it brush over my skin.

"Morning." He let out a less than excited sound and looked to have no intention of moving. I took the initiative and moved from within his grasp before he could pull me back. I made my way into the bathroom where I took a quick shower, then got dressed and began rushing Ron to get ready or we were going to be late for brunch at The Burrow. Ron grumbled all the way to The Burrow where we were late anyway which only served to make him angrier at me.

I surveyed the room as we entered the kitchen. Then entire Weasley clan was clustered around the table. These meetings were a weekly thing, and lately everyone got harder to endure with him around. The one I really wanted to be with. He didn't see me as anything other than his younger brother's ickle friend, or now, his ickle girlfriend. I tried not to grimace at the word, but being Ron's girlfriend just wasn't appealing. He wasn't appealing, he was like my friend, a very very close friend.

After brunch everyone retired to the living room. Ron pulled me onto his lap and nuzzled my neck. I hoped my repulsion wasn't visible on my face, but being that I had never been a good liar, it probably was. I scanned the room and caught Fred's eye. He seemed to be watching me and upon seeing me looking at him, he grinned. I averted my eyes. I would rather endure Ron's disgusting displays of affection. The only problem was that I could now feel Fred's eyes on the two of us and Ron was practically trying to seduce me in front of everyone. I could feel hyperventilation coming on so I made excuses about needing air and slipped out into the garden. The cool autumn air eased my tension some as I took a seat on a bench beneath the oak tree.

"Feeling all right there Hermione?" His voice was rich and filled me with dread. I didn't know if I could handle being alone with him for any length of time.

"I'm fine Fred." I replied softly. He came and sat by me anyway. Being near him had me on edge and yet, it was calming all at the same time.

"You sure? You seemed a little…off inside." I nodded and took a deep breath, releasing it slowly.

"Hermione?"

"Yes Fred?"

"Why are you with Ron?" I was shocked by this question.

"Why do you want to know?"

"I need to know."

"Know what?"

"What my chances are." I was shocked speechless. He turned toward me a devilish grin spread across his face, making him that much more handsome. My breath caught and my heart sped up.

"So tell me, why are you with my brother Granger?"

"I…I don't know." His eyebrow raised in interest.

"You don't know? How do you not know?"

"It was what everyone else expected. I didn't want to disappoint everyone."

"You can't think about everyone else when it comes to matters of the heart Hermione. You have to do what makes you happy, and those who truly care about you only want you to be happy. I'd wager that you are in fact, not happy."

"And you think you could change that?"

"I would sure like to try." Without another word he pulled my face toward him and kissed me.