Shaking slightly from the aftermath of her dream and what she was going to admit, Hermione made her presence known.

"Hey Fred, t's just me, do you mind if I come in?"

"Yeah, sure" smiled Fred, as happy as always to see the pretty brunette, "what are you doi-"

He stopped mid-sentence when he noticed what the woman standing in the doorway was wearing.

As she was too hot from the dream to even bother wearing her robe, Hermione was wearing purple cotton shorts that stopped mid-thigh, showing off her long legs, a white tank top, low enough to show off the rounding of her modest cleavage without leaving too little to the imagination. And nothing else.

Fred's eyes gave her a once over, starting at those legs, raking over her flat stomach and then her pale bare neck – trying for all he was worth to not allow his eyes a quick glance just a few inches down.

Fred's eyes practically bulged out when he noticed how the pyjamas hugged every perfect curve of Hermione's, before he realised what he was doing and looked her in the eye.

Hermione felt a blush spreading along her cheeks at Fred's wide and travelling eyes, making her smile inwardly at how he had reacted to her body.

Bringing himself back to reality, Fred coughed and continued, "what are you doing up so late mione?" the tips of his ears turning an adorable shade of red.

"I..er..had a bad dream and was on he way to get a drink when I saw your light on" Hermiones words caught in her throat as she said this, remembering why she had come here in the first place. This did not go unnoticed by Fred, who's eyes immediately took on a look of concern and opened his arms for the girl, who was now rubbing the scar on her arm absentmindedly.

Without speaking, Hermione went over to the waiting arms and quickly got into a comfortable position sitting between Fred's open legs and rested her head on his chest. Any other time, she would have turned red at the mere thought of being in this situation, but tonight she didn't care as her emotions got the better of her as the tears began to fall.

Rubbing comforting circles on her back, Fred remained quiet as small sobs began to rack Hermione's small frame as he held he tight.

They sat there like that for ages, Hermione thinking all the while of how the dream had almost felt like reality, replaying the scene over for Merlin knows how many times in her head. She would not have reacted this way any other time, but tonight she needed to feel safe and not be left alone.

When her sobs began to turn into small sniffles, Hermione looked up to Fred and gave him a small smile and started to rub her scar again, something she subconsciously did after her dreams.

"thank you Fred, I just needed to be with someone, I'm ok now"

Glad that the object of his affections was feeling better, her gave her a long hug, kissed her forehead and then rested his cheek in her now-tame curls.

They were both silent for a minute before Fred noticed the unconscious movement of Hermiones hand. He looked over to where she was rubbing and started at the mark.

Ater distinguishing the word, Fred immediately stiffened, and thinking she had done something wrong, Hermione began to move away and went to get up, only to be pulled back down gently.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn-" Hermione started to speak, but was cut off by Fred who had a murderous expression, which looked out of place on his handsome features.

"who gave you that mark Hermione?" he demanded

Flinching at the full use of her name and the voice that accompanied it, Hermione looked down to her arm, mentally cursing herself. She had never shown anyone the scar and only Harry and Ron knew the extent of what had happened at the Manor.

Realising that there was nothing to do but tell the truth, she sighed heavily, "It was Bellatrix, she gave it to me when we were captured by snatchers and taken to Malfoy Manor. She used the cruciatus curse on me and when I wouldn't talk, she carved mu- mudb-" she took a deep breath and spoke quietly, "mudblood, into my arm"

Feeling the tears were about to escape for the second time that night, Hermione quickly sniffed and continued, "that's what the dream was about tonight, they happen a lot, but this one was much more real, it felt as though I was there again"

She looked up through red-rimmed eyes and placed a small hand on Fred's cheek, rubbing softly before it landed on his chest. He softened at this, seeing how this dream had gotten to mione and revelled in the feeling of her soft palm on his cheek.

Hermione blushed when Fred calmed down, realising where her hand was placed. She could feel the firm planes of his muscles that were no doubt the product of his beater years during Hogwarts.

"You could have told me", Fred said, giving Hermione a soft smile, enjoying how natural it felt when she was touching him.

"If I would have known then you wouldn't have had to go through thay by yourself, me and George would have sorted out a potion for the dreams", at this Hermione looked at Fred who gave a cheeky wink, knowing full well that he would have done anything to help his mione.

His mione? calm down there Fred, she doesn't even know how you feel, before you start classing her as yours, he thought to himself before quickly concentration back on Hermione.

"I've tried all the potions and they don't work" she staed glumly, "and I still take a dreamless one every night", furrowing her brow, annoyed at the fact that nothing had yet stopped the dreams on a more permanent basis.

Seeing the look on Hermiones face, he said, "I'll let George know and we'll start first thing tomorrow", eager to find a solution to the problem, "Verity can look after the shop and Lee can have it as an extra shift, he's been asking for more time anyway"

This admission left Hermiones heart beating faster, pretty certain that Fred could probably hear it. She revelled in the fact that Fred was willing to give up his Saturday – the busiest day for the shop – just for her. She didn't want to be a burden on the twins though, asking them to spend their time on something that may not even be possible. Although, she thought that If it were to be possible, then Fred and Geroge would be the ones to do it.

Smiling at the determined look on Freds face to find her a solution, she settled back into his chest. The pair were quiet for a while before they both spoke up at the same time, suddenlu filled with courage and this most opportune moment to finally admit something to the other.

"Mione, I have something to tell you"

"Fred, I have something to tell you"