"HIDDEN FEELINGS"

Disclaimer: this is all because of JK Rowling… I do not own Harry Potter.

Rainvilla: Thanks for the reviews! Just wait for more POV's… PLEASE REVIEW

Note: The dialogues are ofcourse based on the soul part of Hermione and Fred. So, don't get confused.

Chapter 4: Hidden Feelings

"Think! Think! Think of Something!" Fred thought desperately as his head began to explode. George stared at the ceiling, concentrating his full mind power as if trying to melt something. Hermione remained silent having her usual school calm look. She stared at Fred and George as she heavily sighed.

"Still no IDEA?" Hermione asked innocently. Both of them looked at her, who seemed drained and wary.

"N-O" They both chorused each other as George messed up his hair.

"Isn't it simple? But take note, doing it would be too complicated." Hermione said still being calm.

"Why didn't you tell us sooner? Our heads could have like exploded!" George replied irritated as he messed up his hair even more.

"So, what's you point?" Fred asked Hermione as he crossed his arms accordingly.

"If you want to keep this incident a secret, then you'll have to act like Hermione as in like a girl and I would have to act like you, Fred while we are with them." She lectured to them as George gave a mischievous look.

"IT'S BLOODY BRILLIANT!" George and Fred chorused as they pulled two thumbs up on Hermione.

"But-- I think it would be a bad idea." Hermione continued speaking.

"No Buts?! I hate those Buts!" George said dramatically to Hermione.

"We would be lying to our best friends and the entire Weasley family!" Hermione replied strictly as he skimmed Fred's thoughts.

"Don't you want to spend the holidays with Harry and Ron and the Weasleys without having the odds and worries?" Fred said as he got to his feet and drew near to where Hermione was. Fred paused as he looked at Hermione where he sees his own self.

"I want to keep our promise." He then whispered in her ear softly. Hermione's eyes widened as she almost forgot about the promise they have made.

I never ever thought of you remembering our promise. Then, I just forget about it so easily. Now, you've really been open to me and I just forget about the whole thing. You're just too sweet, too charming that I can't even resist. So, now, we're really… friends… just friends…

"Hermione?" Fred asked as he waved his hand in front of her blank face. Hermione soon noticed Fred's wave and recovered from too much thinking. George just watched the two of them curiously as he sat on the couch.

"So, you've really thought it through?" Fred asked as he glanced at Hermione. Hermione just shook her head.

"Yeah…it's not such a bad idea. And I don't wanna break promises. We're friends, aren't we?" Hermione said as she suppressed a grin and held Fred's hand.

"Sure…" Fred replied as he looked away.

"Just… friends…" Fred mumbled to himself.

Hermione went outside for a while to breathe fresh air while George and Fred are busy having their small tour to Hermione's flat as they examined each Muggle device they see. Fred stared curiously on the television wondering what use it would be as George kept touching the telephone handle. Fred walked around Hermione's flat as he observed every little, single detail.

Hermione's flat has two floors having cream white walls and pale yellow borders. It is much spacious for only one person to live.

She seems lonely in here. As for me, I have never been in such a lonely state unlike her having no brothers and sisters while I have so many. I wonder what its like to be Hermione here, being alone.

In the living room, a white, very comfortable couch was positioned in the middle with the side cushions across the table that was laid on top with a flower vase filled with a bouquet of fresh white tulips. On a corner, is a bookshelf where Hermione has arranged all her thick books and novels. Beside it, a glass cabinet contained art collections and a picture with her Mom and Dad as little 12-year-old Hermione gave her biggest smile as she hugged her Mom on the side.

Fred suppressed a giggle while he smiled uncontrollably.

I want to be the one that could make her happiest smile. Why didn't I realize this before? How beautiful she was? How I want to be with her so much? I'm so stupid!

"So stupid…" Fred muttered to himself as he turned around seeing Hermione just behind him.

"Why don't we get started?" Hermione asked him as she flashed a grin.

"I just came up with a start plan." Hermione said still smiling and Fred just nodded.

"Hey, don't plan things without me!" George came up as he threw an apple back and forth on the wall.

The three of them formed a small circle leaving a small gap between each other as they discuss of some matters. Time passed by until it was almost 12 noon. The twins waved goodbye as they apparated back to their flat.

It was already past five in the afternoon as Hermione went upstairs to get herself ready. Right now, Fred may be packing his clothes and stuff as what they have planned. She took out a few blouses, skirts, pants and pajamas ready for her luggage.

After about an hour, Hermione finally had finished preparing her things as she lied down on her bed about what would happen next. She reddened at the thought as she rolled swiftly onto the sheets then stopped as someone knocked on her door.

She cautiously opened the door to see Fred bringing his luggage as he gave her a weak smile.

"You're too early." Hermione said flatly as she smiled back to Fred.

"I really don't know anything about girls." Fred said shyly as he looked up and down still not looking at Hermione.

"You are one of the most sought blokes in Hogwarts and you don't anything about girls?" Hermione asked quite shock.

"I don't really have much interest in girls. You know, their typical." Fred explained as he kept wringing his hands.

"Come in, we'll need some practice." Hermione replied as Fred came in and stood near the door.

"Here's my luggage." Fred said as she handed it to Hermione and she gave her bag to Fred. They have already exchanged their bags as Hermione gulped nervously.

"Fred, here are Ron, Harry and Ginny's presents, also for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley." Hermione said uneasily as she handed the carefully wrapped packages. Fred also gave his presents to Hermione.

"Mione, I want to thank you for considering this." Fred said shyly as Hermione just smiled.

"I want to know more about you, like your likes and dislikes or whatever you want to tell me." Fred asked enthusiastically.

"Myself? I'm sure you don't want to hear it. Maybe you're going to sleep off because of too much boredom." Hermione said unsure of what to say.

"No, I won't. Its because, you are Ms. Hermione Granger." Fred replied as he sat next to Hermione.

"And so are you, Mr. Fred Weasley." Hermione said as she giggled a little.

Both of them chuckled as they smiled furiously.

"What I like? Let's see… I love reading and cooking…" Hermione began talking as Fred listened to her.

"I guess you love fun, business with your shop and Quidditch, right?" Hermione asked as he looked up at Fred.

"Yeah, but there's just--just, something missing." Fred said even before he meant it. It just popped out of his head.

"Something missing," Fred repeated to himself, this time he meant it. Hermione looked at her with innocent eyes as they had a moment of silence.

"Well, maybe it will just come around in a flash, unexpectedly." Hermione muttered as Fred didn't take his eyes off her.

"Someday, I will." Fred replied as he exhaled deeply and leaned against the bed stand.

"So Hermione, do you love chocolates more than candies?" Fred asked quickly trying to change the atmosphere.

"Definitely! I love chocolates though my parents are dentists, so I only take them occasionally." Hermione replied smiling.

"I love chocolates too. I guess, you're favorite flower are tulips or maybe yellow roses?" Fred asked back as the mood started to lighten up.

Their so called friendly talk continued like hours filled with Fred's silly jokes and Hermione's interesting questions and responses. Laughter and giggles filled the room as they talked without even noticing the hours passed by. It was just a really great time.

"No, I am not afraid of bugs!" Hermione protested as he threw a pillow at Fred.

"Of course, you are!" Fred yelled back as he grinned having a pillow fight with Hermione.

"NO, I don't!" Hermione screamed adorably as Fred chased her around the room playfully. Hermione kept running around the room while Fred just catches up so fast after her. After minutes of play, Fred cornered Hermione on the bed as both of them giggled of enjoyment.

"Gotcha!" Fred said sweetly as Hermione lay on the cushions while Fred was positioned on top of her as he cornered Hermione strongly with his arms.

"You really run fast…" Hermione said still smiling as she gazed at Fred who looked deep into her.

"That was--fun…" Fred said as he breathed for more oxygen from all the chasing. Hermione looked away as Fred laid himself beside her.

"You know what, its late, maybe you should go home." Hermione said concernedly as she stared up at the ticking clock on the wall. Fred nodded slightly as he got to his feet and brought Hermione's luggage and presents with him.

He walked towards the door and unlocked the door knob. Then, Fred glanced at Hermione one last time.

"Good night…" Fred muttered as he closed the door.

"Wait…" Hermione whispered as she opened the door. Fred turned around as he waited for her to say anything. Hermione stared as she fought back from telling him to stay.

"I want to stay." Fred said quickly as he looked up at Hermione. Hermione nodded smiling as Fred went back inside and closed the door.

Snow was falling smoothly to the ground as the sunlight melted a little of the piled snow in the London streets.

"Good morning!" Fred greeted Hermione happily as he got up from the bed.

"Good--Morning…" Hermione replied lazily as she yawned and stretched her arms.

"Why are you so full of life this morning? We slept really late last night for watching a movie and talking too much…" Hermione said flatly as she covered herself completely beneath the sheets.

"Don't say that… 'Mione, muggle life is interesting!" Fred exclaimed as he looked outside the window.

"Hey, I need to shower, so please go downstairs for a moment." Hermione said as she also got up and walked to her closet. Fred's expression changed as he looked at Hermione who was still busy with herself.

"Hermione, do you NOT take note?" Fred asked uncertain of her answer.

"Take note of what?" she asked back while folding the blankets.

"Of US?" Fred asked as he went over to where Hermione was. Hermione took a glimpse of him as she realized what Fred was trying to say.

"Oh…so we're going to arrive to the Burrow where we would smell horrible…" Hermione replied worried.

"I haven't showered like, the last two days." Fred said as he looked at Hermione.

Both of them sat on the cold floor as they heavily sighed.

"Unless," Fred said, his eyes being all sparkly as he faced Hermione. Fred whispered to Hermione as she listened absorbedly.

"No peeking, Ok? Or you'll get smacked." Hermione warned to Fred as he teased her.

Warm shower was waiting for them as Hermione checked the needed things for their bath. They were clean set of towels, shampoos, lavender soap and the laundry basket.

"Hermione, you go in first, so I'll have my body fresh." Fred said flatly as she nodded silently. Fred then covered Hermione's eyes with a handkerchief. After taking her clothes off, Fred guided Hermione as she went in the shower while Fred got the shampoo and soap.

"Make it fast…" She complained still closing her eyes. Fred started to clean up his body as he applied shampoo on his hair and used Hermione's soap.

Why don't I feel awkward? I've never felt like this before. She's Hermione Granger. The long time crush of my bro and the smartest wizard of the century, the bookworm Hermione! But why do we seem to get along? I just don't deserve her.

Fred thought while he bathed his body. Hermione kept her mouth shut, as she heard some splashes. She just kept shivering because of the water while Fred was so silent.

"Here you go, all done!" Fred said cheerfully as he wrapped the towel around her and took her blindfold off.

Hermione did the same as she continued to apply soap and washed her hair. She too was enjoying herself as she rinsed her body thoroughly.

"This idea really worked out!" Hermione said as she finished her task. Fred and Hermione walked out of the bathroom feeling so refreshed and pampered. They both dressed up each other with their desirable clothes and prepared themselves.

"These are the most boyish clothes I have." Hermione defended herself as Fred looked down. He was wearing loose white jeans topped with a light pink turtleneck blouse and a pink and white striped scarf matched her clothes.

"At least, I don't wear skirts." Fred sighed as Hermione creased her eyebrows.

Within a second, they apparated to where anything can happen.

The cold breeze swept through the grounds of the Burrow causing the rustling of pine trees while Fred and Hermione dust off the snow on their coats. Hermione breathed anxiously as Fred patted her on the back, his hands slightly trembling.

"You give it a smile and straightened out…ok?" Fred reminded Hermione as she shuddered from the cold.

"In a count of five, one…two…three, ready?" asked Hermione as Fred just nodded. At the count of five, Hermione opened the door expecting Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to greet them.

"Happy holidays!!" Hermione and Fred chorused each other as they gave an unnatural smile. Surprisingly, no one seemed to notice they arrived. They paced around the room but only heard some noises upstairs while there was no sign of other redheads in the living room.

Hermione and Fred sat on the living room feeling the warmth coming from the blazing fireplace as their old magical clock ticked indicating Fred is at home.

"I wonder where everyone is…"mumbled Hermione as she looked up at Fred.

"Merry Christmas, 'Mione! Did you get me a present?" Fred asked with puppy dog eyes.

"Why?, do you have one for me?" Hermione teased back at Fred.

"You give Harry and the others a present, then, I don't get one? I feel bad..." Fred insisted as he moved towards Hermione.

"That will remain a secret…"whispered Hermione as she gazed at him. Fred moved towards her closer while he smiled naughtily.

"Then, I'll make you say it." Fred teased as she tickled Hermione on the side and on the neck. Hermione fought back to giggle but let it out having no choice.

"Stop it! That tickles!" Hermione said hardly as Fred was grinning madly.

"Unless you tell me I have my gift." Fred replied jokingly as Hermione laughed harder.

"Harry, won't you tell me what my present is?" Ron asked still childish.

"You do this every year, Ron. This year, you won't find out until its time," said Harry determined as they walked downstairs.

"Oh, Harry, you can't resist your best friend?" said Ron as he swatted him on the ribs.

"A firm--,"said Harry as he headed to the living room. "NO?" while Ron kept following him playfully.

Harry was rooted to the spot as he watched Hermione tickling Fred. Hermione had never been so carefree like this, not even with him and of all the persons he's going to be with, it's the totally mischievous Fred. Ron just kept thinking of his strategic plan not noticing the two playful people on the couch.

"Ron!" whispered Harry as he swatted Ron on the ribs.

"What?" Ron asked as he throbbed the pain on the side.

"Look…"replied Harry as he pointed to the direction where the two were. Ron saw the two of them still having their childish time together as the Weasley temper began to rise.

"What are you two doing?!" growled Ron as he marched to their direction. Harry caught him in time as Ron became red.

"They're just playing… but really, they've become closer," said Harry not breaking his grip.

"But--its bloody--" said Ron as Harry gave him a glare.

"Alright," Ron replied as Harry let go of him. They approached the living room but Hermione and Fred hadn't noticed. Harry cleared his throat finally drawing Hermione's attention.

"Merry Christmas Harry," Hermione greeted as he moved away from Fred, "Ron?"

"Happy Holidays, Fred!" Harry greeted cheerfully. Ron smiled back.

"Ron, my bro--, "Fred cut off as he remembered their situation.

"Merry Christmas to you guys," Fred acted casually as he hugged Harry and Ron.

"I was wondering, where are the others?" Hermione asked as she glanced at Fred.

"They're actually having their last minute shopping but they'll be back soon." Harry explained as Ron gazed at Hermione. Fred went uneasy as cold sweat formed on his temple.

"Erm… we still have to do something right? I haven't bought-- a present for the others?" Fred asked his voice hoarse. Hermione stared at him as Fred stared back at her with pleading eyes.

Hermione just shook her head as Fred pulled her by his side.

"We'll be back by dinner!" Fred said loudly as they both walked towards the fireplace.

"Diagon Alley!" Hermione said clearly as she put the floo powder and burst in green flames. Fred was next to her as he too, vanished leaving Ron and Harry in the Burrow.

"Hermione's acting weird," said Harry as he looked at Ron who was brooding on a corner.

"Is she avoiding me?" Ron muttered to himself as his spirits went low. Harry just shook his head as he tried to cheer up Ron.

"Almost caught," muttered Fred as he sighed of relief. Diagon Alley was a really busy crowd as they are all kinds of useful and magical products. Hermione looked through the window displays as Fred walked with her. They haven't talked since they arrived as Fred looked at her guiltily.

"Now, that I've almost ruined it, I won't have a chance to have Hermione's present." Fred mumbled to himself as he looked down at the pathway. Hermione heard of this and just laughed.

"You really are a child!" said Hermione as she let out a giggle.

"No, I'm not!" Fred yelled as he shivered.

"Look, if ever, someone would know this, I would blame no one," said Hermione as she flashed a grin at Fred.

"Really?" Fred asked still not looking at Hermione.

"Yup! You'll never know, maybe I'll buy you a present!" Hermione smiled even more.

"You're the best! 'Mione!" Fred said sounding really excited.

"Come on!" Hermione said as she took his hand with hers.

"So warm…" Fred whispered as he gazed at his hand. His hand was locked with her hand securing him warmth. Hermione just looked up at him and smiled.

Fred blushed madly as they walked holding hands in the streets.

Rainvilla: next chapter would be the Christmas Eve dinner and more of romance… if you have some suggestions, please include it in your review!" THANKS for those reviewing