Author's Note: The response to this has been overwhelming. Honestly, thank you so much. It makes me really want to keep going. I never imagined anyone would like my writing this much. Thank you a million times over. I hope you continue to love it!
Disclaimer: Again, nothing is mine. I'm not profiting from this at all aside from the self confidence that people actually enjoy my writing. All the characters and places are JK Rowling's.
Fred had apparated back to their flat after he saw Harry and Hermione leave to talk about being paired. He couldn't stop thinking about the possibility that they would choose to stay together. Although he couldn't believe that Harry would do that to his little sister. He knew The Boy Who Lived had had his eye on her for years now. Hermione was his best friend though; he'd do damn near anything for her. All these thoughts were giving Fred a headache, and if he was honest, a heartache, too.
Noticing his brother's quick exit, George followed him. He found him laid across their couch with his arm across his face.
"What's the matter, Freddie?" George asked, plopping down in the oversized arm chair next to the couch.
At first Fred didn't answer. He wasn't sure if he was ready to face his feelings yet but he also didn't think he had much more time to keep them to himself before he had to do so forever. If he was going to tell anyone, it would be George and he would be able to sort him out.
Fred sighed and uncovered his face but made no move to sit up. He began to tell George all about how he'd felt since he woke up in St. Mungo's. Everything from being anxious about seeing Hermione to how his heart sunk when he realized he wouldn't be paired with her and how awful it felt to see her paired with Harry, all the while staring at the ceiling.
He finally looked up because George hadn't said anything in the several minutes since Fred finished his confession. What he saw only confused him. George had a large smile pasted on his features.
"What's so funny, Georgie?" Fred asked.
"You fancy her," he said simply. As soon as George had realized this he also realized that Fred was the solution to all these pairing problems the afternoon had created.
"I do, don't I? Bloody hell," Fred put his head in his hands, "What am I gonna do?"
George leaned forward on his knees, "You, my dear brother, are going to tell her."
"But what's that going to do? She's paired with Harry now!"
"Who is going to stay with our darling ickle sister, leaving Hermione to be paired again if she doesn't find someone quickly."
"So you're saying I tell her and propose to her all at the same time?"
"Offered to marry her myself last night but she said she wouldn't, especially if I was paired with Angie. I reckon she was hoping it was you instead."
"How do you figure?"
"I've gotten to know her pretty well the last few months, Freddie. You couldn't see how she watched you at the hospital."
"Alright," Fred finally conceded, "But I want to talk to mum & dad first, will you do something for me?"
"Anything at all brother."
-0-0-
When the twins apparated back to the Burrow everyone was still scattered about doing their own things. While Fred went to find his parents, George went in search of Hermione.
"Mum, Dad, can I have a word?" Fred asked when he finally found them in the kitchen. It was already nearing dinner time so Mrs. Weasley was starting to prepare food.
"Sure dear," his mother answered.
Fred sat at the table across from his father, "Mum, do you mind charming those and sitting down for a minute?"
When Mrs. Weasley saw that her son was being quite serious about something, she did as she was asked and took her seat next to her husband.
"What is it son?" Mr. Weasley questioned. "You seem troubled. Is something the matter?"
"No," Fred began, "Well, I don't know. I've got something serious I'd like to speak with you about; I just don't want you to react badly."
"Freddie dear, you know you can come to us for anything," Mrs. Weasley assured him.
Taking a deep breath, Fred finally said the words out loud, "I fancy Hermione."
Mrs. Weasley smiled at her son, "That's lovely dear! But, oh…" her face fell as she realized what had happened this afternoon. Mr. Weasley just looked at his son quietly, waiting patiently for him to go on.
Fred pushed on, "I know she's been matched with Harry, but he's going to stay with Ginny. We all know Hermione won't allow him to sacrifice his happiness for her after everything that's happened. George said he'd already offered to marry her himself but she refused that too, knowing he'd probably be paired with Angie. But me, I wasn't matched so I wouldn't be putting anyone out by liking Hermione and once Harry and Ginny file the papers she'll be left to be matched again. What if she ends up with some foul git? I know you were probably happy that I wasn't being matched up and forced to marry but I want to tell Hermione about my feelings and if that goes well, I want to propose." The end came out in a rush but he knew he had done the right thing by coming to his parents first, as hard as it had been.
Mr. Weasley smiled, "I think that will be the key son."
"Wait, what will?" Fred was confused.
"Proposing marriage after confessing honest feelings rather than offering to marry her," Mr. Weasley explained. "While George may have had good intentions, I feel that Hermione may have thought he was only doing it to help her and he would be unhappy with her."
Fred nodded then looked to his mother, "Mum?"
Mrs. Weasley had tears in her eyes, "Oh dear, you know I support whatever will make you happy. I support that blasted joke shop don't I? When are you going to tell her?"
"George is talking to her now."
-0-0-
George had found Hermione in Ron and Harry's room, nestled between the two.
"Care to go for a walk, Hermione?" He knew she wouldn't say no to him and was proven correct when she untangled herself and followed him from the room. As George was closing the door he could hear Ron asking Harry whether he thought Hermione would marry George. He let out a low chuckle.
Once in the garden they walked quietly until reaching their bench. George turned himself so he was looking at Hermione, "I've got something to talk to you about."
"George," Hermione started, "You've been paired with Angie, and I want you to stay with her."
The older wizard waved his hand at her, "No, no, it's not about that."
"Well then what is it?" He could almost see the curiosity glinting in her brown eyes.
"Fred wants to talk to you."
Hermione looked around for the other twin but saw no sign of him, "Well then where is he?"
"He wanted me to talk to you first. I want you to take him seriously, Hermione. This isn't a prank we're trying to pull on you, alright? What he's got to say isn't going to be easy for him so just, just be patient. And like I said, he's being serious." George was trying to get her to understand without giving away too much.
When Hermione nodded her understanding George stood up and pulled her with him. "He's going to meet you down by the pond, go on." He smiled at her and walked back towards the Burrow, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
Hermione began the short walk to the pond, taking her time so that she could mull over the brief conversation with George. She had gotten used to his serious side but she had yet to see too much of Fred being serious.
-0-0-
Fred was sitting at the end of the dock waiting for Hermione. The conversation with his parents had gone much better than expected. Now he was hoping that this next one would as well. He was running words over in his head, trying to decide what sounded best. As he heard soft footsteps behind him he decided that he would just wing it. He stood to face the witch coming towards him and finally understood the muggle expression "butterflies in your stomach."
Hermione smiled at him, "Hello, Fred."
"Care to sit?" Fred felt too awkward standing there so they settled themselves at the end of the dock with their feet hanging over the side.
Sensing that Fred wasn't going to start the conversation, Hermione spoke up, "George said you wanted to talk to me?"
He nodded, "Yeah, uh, did you and Harry decide what you're going to do?"
"He's going to stay with Ginny, I couldn't live with myself if I knew he was unhappy because of me," Hermione told him.
"So you're just going to let the Ministry decide for you again?"
"I suppose. What other choice do I have really?" Hermione didn't look sad exactly, just worn down and defeated, Fred thought.
He looked at her and decided it was now or never, "Well, I can think of one other option." Hermione lifted her head to look at Fred and found he was staring directly into her eyes. "Hear me out, alright?" He waited a moment to make sure she was going to before he continued, "I fancy you, Hermione. Really, truly fancy you. I've been trying to sort out my feelings for a while now but I can't keep waiting anymore, not when you could be forced to be with someone else while I get a free pass. I want to be with you, Hermione."
Her eyes were wide with shock as he took her hands in his and stared at her. "I don't have a ring or anything yet, but I'll get one if you'd like after you've answered me." Hermione's hands were shaking in his, or maybe his were doing the shaking, he wasn't sure. He was only sure that this felt absolutely right, so he continued on. "Hermione, will you marry me? Please?"
-0-0-
A thousand thoughts were racing through Hermione's brain. Fred had just asked her to marry him. He'd just confessed his feelings and proposed all at the same time. She knew being him at all would have meant marriage because of this stupid law, but she was still caught by surprise. She tried to reel in her mind and focus on the wizard sitting beside her, still waiting for her response.
"Fred, I- I don't know. Are you sure? You aren't just doing this to help me? You got a free pass; you don't have to marry before you're ready."
"I'm ready."
"But are you sure?"
"Hermione, do you feel the same for me?"
"Yes, I do," she finally admitted. There were tears glistening in her eyes now. She couldn't believe this was happening. She was always the girl who analyzed everything, had to think everything through and have a plan. This was not her plan and she had no time to think; Fred might wait for her answer but the Ministry wouldn't. She had to decide. Marry Fred or leave her fate to the Ministry.
"Then take a chance at this. Marry me," Fred was practically pleading with her now.
"Okay," Hermione smiled at him, "yes."
An instant later Fred had stood and pulled her up with him, wrapping his arms around her. Hermione found herself feeling instantly at ease, like two puzzle pieces had clicked together at long last. She looked up at him to see a few tears glistening at the surface of his eyes as well.
Fred lifted his hands to her face and tilted her head towards him. He leaned down and slowly, gently kissed Hermione. She shut her eyes and let herself enjoy the moment, wrapping her hands around his neck.
When they parted Fred looked at her again, "Thank you."
"For what?" she asked.
"For not shooting me down," he explained.
Hermione tilted her head at him. She realized he had really thought she wouldn't feel the same about him. She considered that she probably would not have been so brave to share her feelings with him just moments ago, before she knew how he felt.
"You're welcome," she said, resting her head back against his chest. He placed a kiss on the top of her head.
They stayed like that for several moments before deciding they should probably go back to the Burrow and make the announcement.
-0-0-
Fred and Hermione stood outside the Burrow. Hermione had suddenly gotten nervous about telling the family.
"They're not going to be upset, Hermione. Hell, I'd bet they're gonna be pretty happy that it's me and you're still going to be part of the family," Fred assured her.
Hermione shook her head, "It's not that. No one even thought of us as a couple before, even we didn't. This is going to be a big shock. And we're jumping right into getting married, skipping right over the dating part."
Fred took her hand, "We don't have much of a choice with this new law, but I'm sure we'll have some time before we have to actually get married. If it will make you feel better we can do this the proper way, I'd even like that, but we do have to tell our family and we do have to file the forms at the Ministry so they don't match you with someone else."
She smiled up at him, "When did you get so good at being serious and responsible?" she teased.
"It's been known to happen from time to time," he gave her hand a squeeze. "Ready, love?"
-0-0-
The new couple walked into the Burrow holding hands, hoping that everyone would just understand without having to explain too much.
Ginny was the first to look up and see them, she let out a squeal and ran to hug Hermione. When she finally let go the younger girl looked her friend right in the eye, "Thank you," she almost whispered. Hermione only smiled at her, she knew they didn't have to say anything more.
By the time the exchange was over, most of the others had gathered in the living room to see what Ginny's scream had been about. Of course Mr. and Mrs. Weasley knew right way. Mrs. Weasley also hugged her. Mr. Weasley just smiled and shook his son's hand.
George patted his brother on the back then leaned down to whisper in Hermione's ear, "We'll talk later."
"Well, sit, sit!" Mrs. Weasley ushered them to the couch, "No need to be dawdling around the doorway."
Hermione was grateful for this; her nerves were still on edge and making it difficult to stand without her knees shaking slightly. Fred sat closer to her than she was used to but she found she didn't mind. She even leaned in a bit when he looped his arm around her shoulders.
Harry was just leaning against the door frame of the stairs smirking at Hermione. "Don't give me that look Harry Potter," she scolded.
He lifted his hands, "What look?" he shrugged and tried to look innocent.
"What're you giving her a look for, mate?" Ron asked as he came down the stairs loudly. He stopped short when he saw Fred and Hermione on the couch. Hermione could tell he was trying not to be angry. They both knew they were better off friends, but that didn't erase the years that they had felt more than just friendship for each other. Old habits die hard and Ron was still adjusting to the notion of not being jealous over Hermione any longer.
The whole room was quiet waiting for Ron's response, no one knowing quite what to expect. After a moment he continued into the room and plopped down in one of the arm chairs. "So this is the solution?" he asked casually.
While Hermione was searching for words, Fred was quicker, "Yes. While we will have to tell the Ministry we're going to marry, we've decided to do it properly and date for as long as possible before going ahead with the marriage."
Everyone was still watching Ron, unsure whether his casualness was going to continue after hearing the situation out loud.
"Well, are you happy, 'Mione? Is this what you want?" Ron looked at her to make sure she knew he was only asking her.
She nodded, "Yes Ron, I'm happy. This is what I want."
"Then I think it's brilliant," he smiled at her. Hermione smiled back, relief filling her now that she knew she would not be losing one of her best friends.
The mood lightened considerably and talk soon turned away from Fred and Hermione's new relationship. Before long Mrs. Weasley reappeared from the kitchen. "Well, now that that's settled, how about some dinner?" she asked. She didn't have to say it twice; the Weasley boys were up and on their way to the table before either Hermione or Ginny could begin to stand up.
-0-0-
After dinner, as she was trying to help Mrs. Weasley clean up, Hermione felt a tug at her elbow. She turned to see George nodding towards the door. She silently agreed and watched him walk towards the garden where he would wait for her.
When the kitchen had emptied of everyone but Hermione and Mrs. Weasley, the older witch looked to the girl who was as good as her daughter, "Care for a cup of tea and a little chat, dear?"
Once they were settled at the table with their tea, Mrs. Weasley looked fondly at Hermione. "How are you feeling?" she asked.
Hermione considered this. She hadn't really stopped to think at all today. "A bit like I've just had a ride in a whirlwind," she admitted. "Everything has changed so quickly today, it seems like it couldn't have been only this morning that the announcement was made in the Prophet."
"I feel a bit the same. They really did make a mess of things, but I'm glad things seem to have worked out," Mrs. Weasley smiled.
They were quiet for a few minutes before a thought occurred to Hermione, "Mrs. Weasley-" she began.
"Please dear, how many times do I have to tell you it is perfectly okay for you to call me Molly? Although it seems that before long you'll be calling me 'mum'." Though she was smiling, Mrs. Weasley's eyes looked somewhat sad.
Hermione continued, "Sorry, Mrs- er, I mean, Molly." Mrs. Weasley patted her hand and waited for her to go on. "When Fred and I came inside earlier… how did you know when we hadn't said anything? What I mean to say is I didn't even know Fred had feelings for me. I thought everyone would be shocked or upset."
"Oh sweetheart, we could never be upset with you for that. Fred came to us before he spoke with you and explained his feelings, asking us for advice. I've always felt that you would be a part of this family. I have to admit I expected it to be with Ron, but we all saw how unhappy you both were together. You're much better off friends."
"How did you know I had agreed with Fred, though?"
"I don't think you would have stayed at the hospital with him so much if you didn't care for him, Hermione dear."
Hermione smiled at her. They sat in silence for a few more minutes while Hermione thought about how odd it was that everyone else knew her feelings before she was willing to come to terms with them.
When they had finished their tea Hermione excused herself to go find George. It wasn't hard; he hadn't even gone into the garden, choosing instead to just stand at the edge waiting for her.
"Took you long enough," he teased. "Did mum make you wash all the dishes in the house?"
"No, we had tea and a bit of a chat," Hermione explained as they started their walk into the garden. Unlike their usual walks where they found their bench and sat, this time they continued strolling.
"Did you know?" Hermione asked.
"Know what?" George looked at her, "That my brother fancied you? Well, I knew for a fact this afternoon when he apparated straight back to the flat after you'd been paired to Harry. I've had a hunch for a bit now, though."
Hermione realized she hadn't even noticed Fred's disappearance this afternoon. Now that she knew he cared for her she couldn't imagine the hurt he must have felt imagining her with Harry. "Did you know how I felt, George?"
He flashed a smile at her, "Yeah, I did."
"Your mum knew, too. But I didn't even really know myself. Or well, I suppose I knew I just didn't want to admit it…" Hermione wondered aloud.
George put his arm around Hermione's shoulders, "You sat with me in that hospital every day. You didn't come because of me, you came because of Fred. Our friendship is just a result of that. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change our friendship for the world now, but you didn't come just to have a chat with me. And I've seen how you look at him now, even if you were unaware of it yourself."
There was a sudden pop and another voice, "Oi, are you trying to get frisky with my girl, brother?" Fred had appeared on Hermione's other side and had spun her away from George and into his arms. She let out an elated giggle. She found herself thinking that Fred had begun bringing out a side of her she didn't know was there.
"Only giving her one more shot at the good looking twin is all," George joked.
"I think losing that ear set your head off balance and rattled your brain, Georgie. She already has the good looking one."
George rolled his eyes, "Sure, sure. See you back at the flat?" He apparated away before Fred could answer, leaving them alone deep in the garden.
Fred was glad that Hermione had been there to comfort his brother and that they continued to enjoy their friendship. It would make having her around the flat much easier. And normally he wouldn't intrude but he wanted some time alone with her before he had to head home.
"Shall we?" Fred asked, offering Hermione his arm. She took it and they began walking with no real direction through the overhanging branches of trees and blooming flower beds.
"Long day, eh?"
Hermione nodded, "Very."
It was quiet. The only sound was their footsteps against the cobblestones. Hermione had never been this far into the garden. She and George usually stopped at the bench or just made a loop around the outside edges.
Before long her curiosity got to her, "Fred, where are we going?"
Realizing she really did not know, he couldn't help but play a bit, "You'll see, love. C'mon." He slipped his hand into hers and tugged her along, leading her farther in until they reached a small clearing.
"Oh, Fred…" Hermione gasped, "It's beautiful. Is that a cherry blossom tree?"
"Yepp, charmed to bloom year round. I thought you'd enjoy it, maybe give you a new place to read."
Hermione looked up at him. It wasn't a secret that she was a bookworm, but the fact that he thought to share this place with her in order to give her a new hideaway caused a warming in her chest. She thought inexplicably about all the times Lavender and Pavarti had gone on about this kind of feeling for their various boyfriends. Hermione had always thought they were just making it up in order to show off.
She wandered towards the tree, running her fingers over the bark. She turned to look at Fred, "Thank you."
Fred shrugged, "It's not a big deal. So anyways, when would you like to go on a proper date?"
"I've never been on a proper date, but aren't you supposed to decide and then ask me?" Hermione turned her confession into a prod to avoid embarrassing herself too much.
"Hmm, well then," Fred mused, "George and I will have catching up to do at the shop tomorrow for closing it today. And I assume you'd like some time to yourself after all the chaos today." He walked up to Hermione, closing her hands in his again, "Would you accompany me to dinner on Wednesday?"
"I would be delighted," she agreed.
-0-0-
