1A Series of Fortunate Events

Chapter Two: The Athlete

The next day Hermione woke and had to remind herself that in just a couple of weeks Fred Weasley would be her colleague. If someone had told her that a month ago she would have laughed in their face. Who really would believe that half of the most famous pranksters in all of Hogwarts would be teaching there? Part of Hermione couldn't help but be slightly excited by the thought of working with Fred. He would certainly bring some fun to the place, not that it wasn't fun but everyone was still (rightfully) mourning. Hermione remembered the night that Ron broke up with her. It was right in the middle of the war and she thought she was going to die once the words escaped Ron's mouth (everything between them is good no and they both realized that the break up was for the best). She retreated to Grimmuald Place and hid out in the attic. After a couple hours the door opened and Fred stepped in. He walked over to her and just put his arm around her and said nothing. They sat there for what like seemed like an eternity in silence. The tears just streamed down Hermione's face while Fred rubbed her back. Hermione and Fred never talked about that day but things changed between them after that. Thier friendship was made that day, they went from acquaintances to full fledged friends and not a single word was spoken between them.

Ginny woke up early and ran to the owlery to send a letter to Ron. If anyone knew who would be a good guy for Hermione it would be her best friend (and ex). Ginny asked Ron to find a cute available guy on the Quidditch team who would be interested in going on a blind date on Saturday night.

Fred made his way to the shop to tell George that he did in fact get the job at Hogwarts.

"Nice job Gred." George said sitting on the counter.

"Yeah I'm pretty shocked that I actually got it." Fred said leaning on the counter.

"Well you did get the highest score on the OWL's in potions." George pointed out.

"Yeah that and I think McGonagall has a soft spot for us." Fred laughed.

George joined in, "I always knew she liked our pranks. So do Harry and Hermione know you're going to be teaching?"

"They were actually at the interview."

"That must have been nice."

Fred raised his eyebrow, "Why do you say that?"

"I saw the way you ogled at Hermione last year."

"I do not ogle dear brother."

"Oh you most certainly do. Not that I blame you, the former know-it-all is quite the babe."

"Whatever you say." Fred rolled his eyes jumping behind the counter.

Later that day Ginny got a letter back from Ron. Ron wasn't all for the idea of setting Hermione up but there is a guy on the team who's really great and single. Ron told him (Adam) to meet Hermione at four at The Three Broomsticks. Ginny scribbled a quick response and made her way to dinner. She quickly gobbled her food and then waited for Hermione to leave the Great Hall. She saw Hermione slip quietly out and she ran to catch up with her.

"Professor!"

Hermione jumped, "Oh Ginny it's you. What can I do for you?"

"Can we go to your office?"

"Sure." Hermione was confused. She knew Ginny was up to something she could see it in her eyes.

The girls walked down the corridor and into the Transfiguration classroom from there they went through one of the large of the portraits and into Hermione's office. The office was exactly what you would imagine: the desk was clean and orderly, the furniture was carefully placed and the walls were covered with pictures of her family and friends. Hermione took her seat behind the desk and Ginny plopped into one of Hermione's comfy scarlet colored chairs.

"What's this about, Gin?" Hermione raised her eyebrow suspiciously.

"I've found you a date." Ginny said excitedly.

"Oh?" Hermione had no idea what to say.

"His name's Adam and he plays on the Chudley Cannons."

"Why did you do this? I mean I've never asked you to find me a date, I don't even think I want to date anyone."

"Hermione, dating is fun." Ginny pleaded, "You need to get out more."

Hermione hung her head, she hated when people judged the life she lead. Then again, she thought, she hadn't dated anyone since Ron. And it would be nice to have someone there. She sighed, "Fine, when is this date?"

Ginny squealed, "It's Saturday at 4 at The Three Broomsticks. Oh I'm so happy you're doing this. And we're going to keep setting you up til you find someone."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Woo hoo." Hermione said sarcastically, "Well, if that's all Miss Weasley you are dismissed."

Ginny got up and hugged Hermione, "You're not going to regret this."

Hermione got to her room and greeted her owl Tegan. Next to Tegan's cage was a brightly colored envelope. Hermione examined the envelope which was addressed to her, "Hm I wonder what this is about?"

Hermione opened the envelope and pulled out a letter that had a Weasley Wizarding Wheezes heading, "Fred wrote to me?" Hermione was shocked.

Hi Hermione,

You said last night that it had been too long so I thought that I would write to you. Plus I figured you could keep me up to date on everything happening at Hogwarts. So I told George that I go the job so we spent today writing out an ad for the paper to see who could overtake watching the European shops. George has decided to go oversees for a while to test out a WWW over in America. (At this point Hermione's mouth was hanging open in shock, she's never seen the twins spend more than a minute away from each other.) I know you're probably shocked, you're not the only one. We're actually writing to mum now to tell her and I'm sure she'll apparate here the second she hears that George is going to America. I'm still not sure how I feel about the whole thing, I'm really going to miss him but I think this something we both need to do. We've never been apart from each other and everyone's always known us as Fred-and-George so this could be a nice change. For once I'll just be Fred and he'll just be George. And of course it would be easy to visit him and vice versa. He plans on leaving right after Christmas as long as we've found someone to take over the business aspect of the shop. We'll both continue to work on the inventions (don't worry I won't test them on any of the students ) ). I still can't believe how quickly things can change.

Well, I've drowned on long about myself, how are you doing? Ron wrote to me and told me that Ginny asked him to find you a blind date. I didn't know you were interested in dating I know plenty of single guys (ie, me hahaha). I just wanted to let you know that if the date sucks feel free to call (in my story they can have cell phones, it's convenient). If anyone knows how to get out of a crappy date it's definitely me, I've ditched girls plenty of times (As disgusted by this confession as Hermione was she couldn't help but laugh). But anyway I must say I admire you for letting my little sis and bro hook you up with someone, I know I wouldn't trust my brother...he is a git after all. Well, I wish you well and remember if you need an excuse to get out of this give me a call on Saturday, I'll be down the street at the shop.

Your Favorite Prankster, Fred Weasley

Hermione sat down on her bed and grabbed some parchment and a quill. She wrote a response to Fred and then decided to write to Ron just to say hi and see how everything was going. It was almost midnight which meant hall duty. She quickly finished her letter to Ron and grabbed her robes and headed out the door.

The next day Fred was sitting in his apartment reading over the letters from people who had responded to his and George's ad. So far no one was jumping out at him. Plus his mind was anywhere but on finding someone to manage the store. He was thinking how he needed to start packing because in a couple weeks he would be living at Hogwarts. Plus he was thinking about how George would be leaving for America in a couple weeks, he was already looking for a place to stay. Their mum and dad came over last night and they all talked about everything from Hogwarts to America. Thankfully their parents always supported them and they were nothing but helpful. However, Fred wanted to kill George later on in the night when he told their parents about Ginny's plan to find a boyfriend for Hermione, "Mum, dad you'll never guess what Gin's doing?"

"Are her and Harry planning on eloping?" Mrs, Weasley was scared.

"No, don't worry you still get to plan a wedding." George joked. Mrs. Weasley made a face but relaxed, "Ginny's trying to find a boyfriend for Mione."

"That's so sweet Hermione really does need a boyfriend." Mrs. Weasley said. Fred just rolled his eyes and sadly Mrs. Weasley saw that, "What, you don't think Hermione needs someone Fred?"

However, George cut in before Fred could say anything, "He's just jealous cause he likes Hermione."

Fred glared at George while Mrs. Weasley question him, "Do you really? You should ask her out, the two of you would be such a smart match. And you've both been single for too long."

Fred groaned, "I don't like Hermione mum. George is just being an ass."

Mrs. Weasley still smiled at the prospect of Fred and Hermione. She always wanted Hermione to be a member of the family of course like everyone else she thought that Hermione and Ron would be the ones to get together. But the more she thought the more she could see Hermione and Fred. They would be a nice balance for each other like her and Arthur. Luckily for Fred his dad noticed how uncomfortable he was and quickly changed the topic.

Before Fred had the chance to get his mind back on looking at these applications a lovely tawny colored owl was nipping at his finger. "Ow!" Fred jumped at being awoken from his flashback, "Oh you must have another application." Fred lazily untied the letter from the pretty bird and gave the bird some food. Fred looked at the letter and instantly recognized the curvy perfect handwriting, it was from Hermione. He opened the letter and pulled out the parchment.

Hello Fred,

I must admit I was quite shocked when I received your letter last night. Don't get me wrong though it was great to hear from you (Fred smiled). I'm very excited to be working with you, you're definitely much better company than Snape. And I'm sure you'll keep my hands full.

Well, anyway I'm still trying to get past what you said in the letter. George is really moving? I must say the last thing I expected was for him to move. I mean the two of you have never been apart so I know this must be hard for you. I just want you to know that if you need to talk about it or anything for that matter I'm here for you...just like you were there for me when Ron broke up with me (Fred couldn't believe that she had included that in the letter, they never talked about that night). This could be a great experience for you both, you'll be teaching and George will be traveling. Plus you could easily visit him over the summer and you still get to work on inventions (I will be keeping on eye on the students to make sure that you really aren't testing any on them (Fred started to laugh)). I think you'll make a great professor: you're smart, fun and caring, the students will just run to you.

So Ron wrote to you about your sister's "genius" plan? I must say I never thought Ginny would feel the need to set me with anyone but I guess she has a point. I have been single for a rather long time. But I mean I'm not lonely or anything I'm plenty busy I really don't know if I'll have time for a guy. I'm sure you know exactly what I mean (No, Fred thought, I'm pretty lonely). I just hope they don't set me up with a dope, that would be horrible. In any case I may have to take up your offer on Saturday. Well, I must be off now-it's time for hall duty. I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon!

Your Favorite Know-it-All, Hermione Granger

PS- Are you going to Christmas dinner at the Burrow? If you are Harry and I could help you move your stuff in afterwards.

Fred smiled re-reading the letter, she was pleased to hear from me. And she hadn't forgotten about that night. Then something caused Fred to stop smiling, what if George was right? What if he did have a thing for Hermione? That's impossible though, there's nothing really all that amazing about her...except for her being the smartest witch pretty much ever, and incredibly loyal and caring, and well she's really hot. Fred just shook his head, she was Hermione, she was practically his little sister, he had know her for what nine years now, there was no attraction there.

Saturday was upon Hermione before she was ready for it. It was 3 in the afternoon she had been up since 7 and had showered, finished grading homework and writing up her lesson plans for the next week and was currently seated on her bed surrounded by clothes. She really wished she could have Ginny with her to pick out an outfit but she was at a Quidditch match. Hermione finally decided on a pair of skinny jeans, a black lace camisole and a cropped silver jacket with a pair of black stilettos. She wore her hair down and applied her typical makeup. She grabbed a small black bag and made sure her cell phone was in there. After that she grabbed her Floo Powder and made her way to The Three Broomsticks.

The place was incredibly crowded and Hermione realized she had no idea what Adam looked like. She made her way to a table near the entrance and sipped on some water while she waited. She was about fifteen minutes early so she figured Adam wouldn't be there yet. About ten minutes passed before a tall, dark and handsome man walked through the door. He had curly black hair, startling blue eyes, and just a small patch of hair on his chin. He was wearing a Chudley Canons jacket and smiling. Hermione was in love. Adam looked around and his eyes landed on Hermione he smiled and made his way over to her, "Excuse me, are you Hermione?"

Hermione could barely speak, "Ye-yes. Are you Adam?"

Adam smiled and shook her hand, "Pleased to meet you."

Adam took his seat across from Hermione and sipped some water, "So Ron tells me you're a teacher?"

"Yeah, I teach Transfiguration at Hogwarts."

"That's awesome, I mean you're so young and to be teaching, that's a real accomplishment."

"Thank you!" Hermione smiled, "Um Ron hasn't told me anything about you. What position do you play?"

Adam leaned forward and whispered, "Any one you want."

Hermione nearly spat her water out. Adam continued, "I'm just kidding (Hermione was pretty sure he wasn't) I'm one of the Beaters."

"Oh really? Ron's older brothers were beaters on the team at school."

"You mean the twins right?"

"Yeah, Fred and George were great Beaters."

"Well, I'm sure they couldn't hold a candle to me." Adam bragged. Every word that came out of his mouth made him less and less attractive. Luckily for Hermione the waitress came over and their conversation ceased for a few moments while they ordered. After they placed their orders Adam continued to bore Hermione with chit chat about Quidditch and how he was the captain and everything. Hermione sipped her water and thought about Christmas dinner at the Burrow and how she would kill Ron the second she saw him. Just then the front door opened and Hermione could have sworn she saw Fred slip in. It must be my imagination, she thought. However, a few minutes later Fred walked up to their table.

"Hey Hermione! I didn't expect to run into you here." Fred smiled.

"Hi Fred! How are you?" Hermione asked eagerly.

"Oh I'm good, on my lunch break so I thought I would you know grab some lunch." Fred laughed.

"Excuse me, we were talking." Adam growled.

"Oh I'm sorry Fred, I haven't introduced you to my date Adam."

"I'm the captain of the Chudley Cannons, I'm sure you've heard of them." Adam said confidently.

Fred glanced sideways at Hermione with a look of surprise, "Yeah, I've heard of them, my brother's the Keeper."

"Adam this Fred, I was just telling you about him."

"Oh of course, you're one of the twins right?"

"Yup. I'm George."

Adam looked dumbfounded, "I thought you just said you were Fred."

"No, there must be something wrong with your hearing.." Fred answered with a completely straight face.

Adam looked at Hermione for some help, "This is George." Hermione shrugged trying not to laugh.

Fred winked, "Well I'm gonna go grab my lunch, but we should definitely catch up."

"Yeah I'll definitely be giving you a call soon." Hermione smiled, "Bye George!"

"Bye Mione. Bye Adam." Fred walked out the door.

Adam turned to Hermione muttering, "I could have sworn you kept saying Fred."

Their food came quickly and Hermione did her best to keep her mouth full. Adam continued to talk and barely touched his food. Hermione continued to nod politely and smile. The waitress came and took their plates and Hermione nearly jumped for joy that the date was over.

"Well, I for one have a had a great time." Adam said looking Hermione up and down.

"Um yes it's been a lot of fun."

"How bout we head over to my place, and you know I can show you my positions." Adam winked.

Hermione nearly fell out of her seat, "Um I have to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back."

Hermione ran to the bathroom and pulled out her phone and called Fred. She told him the whole thing, "How do I get out of this?"

Fred had to stop himself from going over there and punching Adam in the face. Instead he told her that he would come back over and say that George had to run out of the store and that he really needed her help. Hermione went back out to the table and calmly sat down.

"So are ready to go?" Adam asked leaning over the table.

"Actually I wanted to order some tea if that's alright."

"Oh yeah sure." Adam relaxed and fell back into his own seat.

Hermione was about to place her order when the door opened and Fred sprinted to the table, "Hermione!"

"Oh, hi Fred, what's wrong?"

"Wait isn't this George?" Adam was getting aggravated.

"No, this is his twin." Hermione said matter-of-factly.

"I really need your help." Fred pleaded, "We've had a bit of an accident and George told me you were here and you are the brightest witch just about ever."

"Of course I'll help." Hermione got up and turned to Adam, "Um I guess we'll just have to reschedule."

She ran out with Fred before Adam had a chance to say anything else. Her and Fred darted down the street to the shop and both of them collapsed onto the counter laughing. After they gained control Hermione hopped onto the counter and Fred took his seat behind the counter. He grabbed Hermione's waist and swung her around so that she was facing him.

"That guy was quite the catch." Fred said laughing.

"Oh yes I'm so happy that Ron thinks I would ever be attracted to him." Hermione laughed rolling her eyes.

"Oh don't worry about my daft brother he'll definitely regret setting you up with that ass."

"I don't even want to know."

"I'm sure you'll hear about it." Fred had that ever so worrisome mischievous look in his eye, "But honestly the guy was such a prat."

Hermione giggled, "It was so hard not to laugh when you kept switching between yourself and George."

"Yeah I thought his head was about to explode." Fred howled with laughter, "Not there would be much mind you, the guy doesn't have much in the brain department."

"Seriously, he just spends all his time playing Quidditch, why would Ron think I would be attracted to anyone like that."

Fred feigned a hurt look, "I'm hurt by that."

Hermione playfully slapped him, "I wonder who they'll math me up with next."

Fred was shocked, "You're actually going to go through with this again?"

Hermione sighed, "I promised Ginny I would."

"But what if you end up just wasting your time."

Hermione shrugged, "Eventually one of them will have to work out. I mean all the people on the world, there must be one for me."

"I'm sure there is. I just never took you for one to let someone else match you up, you're such a go-getter."

"Look at how my first relationship went."

"That doesn't mean anything other than you and Ron are better as friends."

"I think it means I should just stay away from dating anyone I consider a friend."

"I wouldn't say that."

"Well, I don't know I just don't think I'm good at this whole dating thing."

"That's not true, I'm sure you are a delightful date." Fred said genuinely.

Hermione smiled, "Why are you still single Mr. Weasley?"

Fred shrugged, "My expectations are too high."

Hermione laughed, "I'm sure you're a delightful date."

"Oh I am, it's usually the girls who aren't."

Hermione put her hand on his shoulder, "Well, hopefully we'll both find our soul mates."

Fred laughed, "We always have each other if all else fails."

Hermione hugged him, "I should get going it's kinda late and I'm sure Ginny's gonna want to hear all about the horrible date. At least I had you there."

Ok so this was another long chapter, maybe this is just going to end up being a rather long story. There's just so much that I want to say and before I know it I'm on the 10th page. Well I hope you enjoyed it!!