Chapter 2: Confundus

Sneaking off to the garden during weekly family dinners for secrets kisses. Finding any excuse to visit The Burrow during the week. That's what Fred has been doing. Hermione is finishing her Healer training and still currently staying with the Weasley's while keeping this new-found fling to themselves.

"Pssst!" Fred peaks his head out from around the corner of the kitchen where Hermione is helping Molly prepare dinner. Hermione wonders why Molly is less inquisitive about her relationship status than usual but doesn't ask about it, afraid to subject herself to questions about her and Fred. She doesn't even know what they are to each other yet. She doesn't know what to say if anyone were to ask why they've been spending more time together than usual.

"PSSSSSSST!" Fred persists. Jerking her head around, Hermione silently scolds him, "She might see!" knowing exactly what Fred wants. He fakes a sad pouty face and Hermione rolls her eyes trying not to laugh.

"Excuse me Mrs. Weasley. I need to use the restroom." Hermione says as she washes her hands. "Oh, please call me Mum, love. Everyone does and besides you are part of the family now." Replies Molly.

Hermione reaches the living room but doesn't see Fred. Before she realizes what's happening, he sneaks up and grabs her sides. She squeals and breaks free then splashes him with left over water on her hands. He grabs her hands and pulls her into a silly kiss, both giggling.

"You're impossible, you know that. Right?" Hermione laughs still in his embrace. "Ah, impossible to ignore? Impossibly adorable?" he says dramatically. "Impossible to love?..." He says, instantly regretting his words.

As if right on que, they hear Ginny bounding down the stairs and separate at least an arm's length apart.

Ginny not noticing the tension in the air, instantly starts harping at Fred for some prank involving her favorite sweater and the hives now covering her body. Fred can't control himself and bursts with laughter. Spitting out a fake apology, he offers to help Ginny counteract the itching potion. "At least now I know it works for the shop." He says bursting into another fit of laughter as Ginny's face turns the same shade as a tomato. He's so busy laughing he doesn't notice Hermione roll her eyes sarcastically and walk back into the kitchen.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, Harry, Hermione, George and Fred all sit down at the table covered in tasty food. "Where is Ronnikins?" George asks, more concerned with whether he'll have to wait to dig in or not.

"Maggie and he had previous engagements for the night." Molly sighs. "He said they'll try to pop in later before dessert." She dollops a heaping spoonful of potatoes on Arthur's plate who seems very distracted by the muggle walk-man he discovered at work.

No one seems to notice to notice one of Hermione's hands never surfaces above the table. It's too busy holding on to Fred's. Except for Molly of course, who inwardly smiles at herself.

Dinner ends, still no Ron. Dessert passes by, still no Ron; Only debates about Quidditch and the use of Veritaserum on ex Death Eaters and a few pranks from the twins. Hermione silently admonishes Fred while trying to hold in her own laughter.

"This is perfect." Hermione thinks.

"Just look at the way they are together. I haven't seen him smile like this in so long. I'm so happy for them. My boy is whole again." Molly thinks.

"So, who's up for a quick scrimmage before the sun sets?" Ginny asks. Harry replies quickly "ME!" as he slurps down his pumpkin juice.

"What about you Georgie? Or are you too scared to lose to a girl again?" she asks tauntingly, nudging his ribs. He half chokes on his brownie, "Any time little one. Fred how 'bout you?"

Fred is completely caught off guard. "Um, no. I'm not feeling well." George knows he's lying. He knows about Fred and Hermione but is waiting for Fred to tell him himself, so he shrugs and the three leave out the door.

"Do you need any help cleaning up?" Hermione asks Molly. "No dear. I'm almost finished. Go have some fun." She replies.

Hermione just got a new book about constellations and has plans to read it upstairs. There's a hammock by a window that overlooks the garden. It's completely silent and the lighting is just right. She can spend hours here reading and never notice the time pass. It's her home away from home.

She grabs the book from her bag and heads upstairs to her favorite spot. She hears her friends outside. They're having a blast and in a matter of minutes she'll be tucked away in a world of her own, enjoying herself just as much.

"Dad, have you seen Hermione? I… um just had a question to ask her." Fred asks Arthur who looks questioning. "For a… um… new product at the shop." He continues, trying to sound convincing.

"Come, take a walk with your old man." Arthur leads Fred outside by the elbow. "So, tell me."

"Tell you what?" Fred says nervously. Arthur arches his eyebrow at him. "Is it that obvious?"

"Quite." Arthur smiles. "Your brothers haven't caught on yet I don't think." Fred sighs. "Come on. Out with it."

"I don't know, Dad." He rubs the back of his head. "She's just different. She believes in me. She's not like the things people say about her." Arthur listens intently. "She makes me feel good about myself. She doesn't even have to say anything. I can just see it in her eyes. All my crazy ideas. She supports them and even wants to help me!" Fred blushes. "And she has this laugh. And this smile I feel like she's reserved only for me."

"I know what you mean there. Your mother has a frying pan reserved just for me." Arthur chuckles loudly. "Have you told her how you feel?"

"Not exactly. I mean she knows I like her." Fred shrugs.

"Well if you really feel this way about her you better tell her soon before someone else swoops in and tries to take her from you." Fred's stomach bubbles with jealousy, a feeling he's never felt before.

Fred bounds up the stairs to find Hermione. He's not sure of what he'll say but he knows he has to say it. In his hurry, he almost trips over Errol. Finally, he reaches the window to find her asleep with her book open on her chest. He takes in the beautiful image as he grabs a blanket to cover her and gently removes the book from her grip. She stirs and pulls Fred to her. They lay swaying in the hammock and drift off to sleep.

"I could stay here forever. With her in my arms, everything's okay. There's no better way to spend Christmas Eve". Fred thinks to himself.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS THIS?!" Ron yells, startling Fred and Hermione awake. "FRED WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!"

"RON! WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Hermione yells back, holding onto a stunned Fred.

"I THOUGHT! I THOUGHT! JEEZ HERMIONE!" he yelps, confused. "YOU MEAN? YOU TWO?!" There's a long pause. "Oh, I don't believe this." he huffs.

Hermione is up now and she is fuming. "WELL YOU BETTER START BELIEVING!" She moves closer to Ron and he flinches. "We are together! It's been years since you and I…"

"I only thought! I thought he was hurting you. I swear I was just trying to protect you." He interrupts clearly flustered and still confused.

"From Fred?" she chuckles. "The worst he's ever done to me was put green slime in my hair!" Her chuckles turn into rolling laughter and soon Ron is laughing too. "I suggest you find a very good hiding place when this wears off." She points to Fred who is still stiff.

"I wish you would've warned me but if this makes you happy, I'll support it." Ron turns to Fred "If you hurt her I'll give you a repeat of today." Hermione stifles a laugh. "When he comes around I have something to tell everyone down stairs. Try to calm him down a bit first though." He says as he turns and leaves down the stairs.

I knew there was something I forgot to do… talk to my git brother. Wait she said we're together!

"It's our own fault Fred." Hermione says convincingly.

"I know! I know. But still!" Fred retorts as he paces around his old room.

"Aw. Is my Freddie Bear upset?" She bites her lip and stalks towards him.

"What was that?" he asks.

"Freddie Bear?" she asks innocently.

"No. The other part." He pulls her into his arms.

"My?" She grabs his collar.

"Yes. That part." He licks his lips and tries to keep his voice from cracking. "Am I?" He traces his hands up her arms.

"Hmm?" Is Hermione's only response.

"Am I yours?" He says looking directly in her eyes.

"Yes. I'd like to think so." She smiles.

"Good then, it's settled. I am yours and you are mine." Hermione is beaming as Fred leans over and kisses her forehead tenderly.

Molly is crying and Arthur is swooping Maggie into a hug. Ginny is hugging Ron as George pats him on the back with a huge grin.

"What'd we miss?" Fred says over the noise. Maggie rushes up to him and Hermione, glowing with happiness as she jolts her hand out for the pair to see.

"Oh, Maggie that's wonderful!" Hermione says, hugging her. "I could take you to London! I know this lovely boutique!" They spend the next half hour gushing over the ring and discussing wedding plans.

"Congratulations brother." Fred says, patting Ron on the back. Ron flinches, knowing revenge will be coming soon. "Our little Ronnikins is all grown up now."

"Thanks. Hey Mum, how 'bout some celebratory food?" Ron conveys his hunger by rubbing his stomach.

"Dear, I'll have to teach you how to feed this empty pit of a boy." Molly says to Maggie, poking Ron's stomach with a wooden spoon.

"Ah, yes. Welcome to the family." Arthur says smiling from ear to ear.

The women are gathered around the table with magazines and photo albums. The men are sitting in the living room chatting about anything but dresses and lace.

"I can't believe you're actually getting married." Fred says handing Ron a drink.

"Yeah, I can't believe you're dating Hermione. How'd that happen?" Ron answers, taking the drink and downing half of it in one gulp. "I always suspected you fancied her a bit."

"You're right I have but we're not dating. I mean we're 'together' but we haven't exactly told anyone. Mum and Dad know. They figured it out somehow and of course we know that you know." Ron looks sheepishly away.

Then his eyes grow big "WAIT! You haven't even been on a proper date?!"

"Well no…" Fred speaks to his shoes.

"If I know Hermione, and I think I do. You better get on that right away." Ron chuckles into his glass.

I know he's right…but how?

George and Fred apparate to their flat. George had forgotten a few of the Christmas presents in his hurry to get to the Burrow to find out what Ron's news was.

"George, I have to tell you something." Fred states plainly. "I feel very guilty for not telling you sooner. We usually tell each other everything and it's been killing me to keep this to myself." He's talking very fast now and George can see the pink tint to his cheeks and ears. He contemplates telling Fred he already knows about him and Hermione but decides it could be fun to let him stammer on a little while longer.

"It hasn't been very long and you'll probably think I'm crazy. Well you might be right but dammit I like her. A lot. I hope you understand. I wanted to tell you sooner but I just wasn't sure what it was yet. But this morning she said we're together when Ron found us."

Deciding he's tortured his brother long enough, George places his hand on Fred's shoulder. "I'm happy for you and Hermione." He does his best to give an encouraging smile.

"Wait. I didn't say her name. YOU KNEW?" Fred's voice cracks.

George chuckles. "Of course, brother. You thought I wouldn't notice my right-hand man always disappearing and Ms. Granger always following right behind? Or how you get up early every morning to 'get a head start at work'?" Fred looks dumbfounded. "It's alright, I know how it is with girls." He bumps Fred's shoulder playfully.

"Since you're okay with it and all, do you think you could help me with something?" Fred asks pleadingly.

"I'm not giving you the talk." George replies jokingly. Fred doesn't look amused. "Okay what is it?"

"Well we haven't been on a date and you've always been better in this department." Fred looks at George with puppy dog eyes.

"Oh, alright. I'll help you but you owe me big time." George teases.

Dinner has been eaten. Everyone is gathered around the tree opening presents. Fred looks at Hermione nervously waiting for her to get to his present. Hermione gifted him none other than a mistletoe and a muggle Hershey's Kiss wrapped in gold and maroon wrapping paper. The card attached read "Meet me later to cash in your gift." And was signed with a kiss.

Hermione finds a small red box with a white bow. She opens it, knowing that it's Fred's gift to her. "Follow me." That's all the note says. It's attached to a tea light candle. Hermione looks up at Fred and notices the lit tea light candles levitating in a neat path leading to the door. Fred stands, helps her up and without a word, guides her to the door. He slips her coat on and his and opens the door, revealing more tea light candles.

All the people in the room have noticed what's happening but before Ginny can spit out a word, Molly shoots daggers at her with her eyes and Ginny shuts her mouth instantly. They wait for the door to close and everyone rushes to the window to see where the pair have gone.

The candles lead up to a gazebo that Hermione does not remember seeing before. It's lit up and they're decorations all around.

"What is all this?" Hermione turns and asks Fred. He ushers her to sit down on a bench.

"Well it's our first date, of course." He summons a table and hot cocoa and begins to poor it into two mugs.

"Don't you actually have to ask the girl for it to be considered a date?" Hermione says arching her eyebrows playfully.

"Well typically, yes." He says matter-of-factly. "But you my dear are not typical."

"Could this man be more perfect? He even put cinnamon in my cocoa, just the way I like it. Three marshmallows and all. I'm so happy to have him. I'm never giving this up." Hermione thinks.

"Why are my hands sweating this much? Why am I so nervous? I really hope she likes this. I've never tried this hard before. I'd do anything for her. Just look at the way her eyes sparkle." Fred thinks as it begins to snow.

"What is happening?" Ginny says elbowing Ron and George to get a better look out the window. "What are they doing out there?"

"You can't be serious?" Ron remarks sarcastically and rolls his eyes. "Are you really the last one to figure it out? They're together!"

"I didn't know." Harry chimes in but Ginny is busy processing this new information. She's ecstatic that her best friend may very well end up her sister-in-law.

"When did this happen?!" she asks.

"Well I suspect it started when your mum thoughtfully seated the lovely lady directly across from your brother. Maybe a few more pushes in the right direction, ay Love?" He nods to Molly.

"Pish Posh. I merely sent them for decorations, played a little music, and dimmed a few lights." She retorts all too proud.

Everyone's attention turns back to the window when they hear the couple laughing.

"Yes." Molly says in a loving and tender voice. "This is all them."