A/N: Here's my latest HP drabble-y ficlet. I have no idea where this came from. But I rather like this pair, however unconventional. This is obviously AU, and a futurefic. Let's say, to set up the situation, Mrs. Weasley threw a huge Christmas Party. It could be considered a late Christmas fic, but it's not really. I just used Christmas as a way to set it up to work out in the end. Anyway, enjoy! R&R! Thanks! –Mac
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Just another thing on my Christmas list I didn't get.
Dangers Of A Compliment
"Why is the most beautiful girl here sitting all alone in the corner?"
He watched as Hermione flushed at his compliment—her cheeks turning an extraordinary shade of pink. She was probably thinking it wasn't true or he didn't meant. But boy was it true and my God how he meant it. He sat down beside her and stole the book, she had open in her lap, from her hands. He snapped it closed and tossed it onto the table and out of her reach.
"No pretty girl should be reading at a party. She should be dancing, having a good time, getting kissed under the mistletoe," He leaned closer, looking at her pointedly and waggling an eyebrow.
"You're full of rubbish, Fred," Hermione rolled her eyes and reached for her book. He blocked her hands and shoved the book father away down the table.
"What makes you think I'm Fred? How do you know I'm not George?"
"George doesn't compliment me the way you do Fred: mildly inappropriate, imaginative but complete rubbish," Hermione responded, "Now please return my book, and run along and find some other girl to torment."
"All have you know, it's not rubbish," Fred replied firmly, "You, Hermione Granger, are pretty much the most gorgeous creature to walk the Earth. It'd be a pity if I'm the only one that's told you so."
"Fred, honestly…just stop," Hermione began.
"I will do no such thing," Fred countered and Hermione found his gaze on her quite intense. Her words caught in her throat, leaving her quite speechless. "I do believe some mistletoe would do you some good."
Fred pulled out his wand and a moment later Hermione looked up to find a twig of the aforementioned plant hanging above her head. She brought her gaze back down to meet Fred's. For one who was usually so playful, his expression was now one of complete seriousness. It nearly took her breath away.
"You can walk away right now, and I won't fault you for it. But I know you're not one to break traditions," Fred said.
Hermione swallowed hard but quietly responded with a shake of her head, "I'm not going anywhere."
Fred smiled, he knew she wouldn't back down from a challenge. Then, before she had a chance to over think her decision and change her mind, he leaned down and kissed her soundly. With that one kiss, Hermione was wholly convinced—Fred had meant each and every compliment he had paid her.
