A/N I do not own Harry Potter. That world belongs to the lovely JK Rowling! No Copy Right Infringement Intended

I am so so so SO sorry it has taken me so long to get this chapter out! I've been binge watching Criminal Minds, so blame the quirky Dr. Spencer Reid, the Sexy Derek Morgan, and the fun loving Penelope Garcia. (I identify with P.G.) Also we got bunk beds for the older girls and few issues with our car. Needless to say watching mind numbing TV was a better escape than trying to use my brain. But have no fear. I AM BACK! At least for now... hehe. Thanks for your patience!

Chapter 3

"Life might not be the party we hoped for,

but while we're here we should dance."

-unknown

Fred and Hermione appeared at the corner of Air and Brewer, unbeknownst to the muggles hurrying up and down the street. Hermione turned her quizzical eyes on her partner, one eyebrow delicately arched.

"I thought you would appreciate a muggle scene. We won't be hounded by reporters here." he told her.

The thought he had obviously put into this touched her. She smiled, "Where to?"

He grabbed her hand and she tried to ignore the tingles that shot up her arm. "Just up Brewer over here. It's called MASH it's a high end art Deco, eatery and cocktail bar."

The outside wasn't impressive just another building, but the inside was breathtaking. There was so much character in the vaulted ceilings with original trim and crown molding. It looked expensive and for a moment she felt under dressed.

"Reservations for Weasley." Fred told the attractive blonde behind the counter.

"Right this way Mr. Weasley." She smiled grabbing two menus, she led them past the bar to a corner booth that was tucked away and secluded. There were other patrons nearby, but far enough away to give them privacy.

Hermione opened the menu and her eyes bulged. They were quite expensive.

"Do you trust me?" Fred asked her, yanking her attention away from the menu.

"Yes." she told him cocking her head to one side.

"Allow me to order for you."

She thought it over and nodded her consent. It only took a moment for the a perky brunette to saunter over to the table. She gave them both a winning smile. Her speech sounded memorized but Hermione was more concerned with Fred.

"We'll start with a side of scallops each." he began his eyes perusing the menu, "Followed by two of your finest porterhouses and crème brûlee for dessert, we will also enjoy your a bottle of Moscato."

"I'll just go put that in for you." she giggled.

Hermione looked at Fred, it was an appraising, searching look. He ordered a very nice dinner. It sounded amazing! For such a high end restaurant she was surprised. Though with all the money Fred and George made at the joke shop she really shouldn't be surprised that he could afford to take her somewhere nice for dinner.

"Anything you'd change?" he asked quirking and eyebrow.

The waitress poured two generous glasses with wine and sat the bottle on ice.

"No." Hermione smiled, taking a sip of the white wine and savoring the sweet flavor.

The scallops were served and they were cooked to perfection. The sweetness of the scallops complimenting the wine. They were light and buttery and the best Hermione had ever had.

"So I got an owl from Professor McGonagall." Hermione stated after another sip of wine.

Fred swallowed his last bite of scallop and smiled, "About what?"

"When Hogwarts opens next year, she erm, wants me to take over as Potions Master." she told him shyly, looking down, "Once I've taken my NEWTs."

Fred beamed at her, "That's amazing! George and I bought out Zonko's and I'll be in charge of running the Hogsmeade branch."

"Really?!" Hermione asked excitedly.

"Really." Fred chuckled, "I've been looking into available real estate..."

"A house?" Hermione asked cocking her head to one side, her nose scrunching.

"Yes, I can't very well live over a joke shop forever." he teased.

A thought of a small cottage with a white fence and several small children with flaming hair running across the yard filled Hermione's mind..

"Actually." Fred spoke startling Hermione out of her daydream, "I'm seeing some places tomorrow, would you like to come with me? I mean... You're going to end up living there too."

Blushingly Hermione nodded, "It's a date."

Soon the main course was brought out. The steaks were a perfect medium rare and the flavor sent taste buds screaming with delight. The meat was so tender you hardly had to chew.

"Where did you find this place?" Hermione asked in awe.

"I've been here once or twice." Fred smiled, "Georgie and I aren't used to such fine eating and like to treat ourselves once in a while."

"Well thank goodness for that. This is the best dinner I've had in a long while!"

"Better than that gruel you ate on the run?" Fred teased.

"Very much!" Hermione giggled.

The rest of the meal went by fast. Both were feeling the effects of the wine but it was a good feeling. Hermione found herself having more fun than she had in years. She could finally let her hair down so to speak. It was freeing, being able to be herself.

They left the restaurant arm in arm.

"Can I show you someplace?" Hermione asked.

"Lead the way." Fred grinned.

Hermione grabbed Fred's arm and with a sharp turn they were standing in the Forrest of Dean.

Fred looked around the woods in confusion.

"This is one of the places we camped." She told him.

Realization lit up Fred's face and he pulled the witch closer to him.

"Why bring me here?" he asked.

"Because, I've had so much fun with you tonight Fred." She bit her lip and her eyes welled up with tears, "I've been so damaged and I want to be normal. And your brother got over me so fast that... What if … this is forever, isn't it? But what if... I'm ..." she stumbled over her words and only stopped when warm lips pressed firmly against her own. They were soft and moist and her stomach flipped. Her arms crept up around Fred's neck and he pulled her body lithe against his. He deepened the kiss his tongue begging for entrance... Which she granted him.

He pulled back and Hermione's cheeks were flushed and her eyes were bright.

"We'll figure it out, Mione." He told her gently, "We'll figure it out together."

The next thing Hermione knew she was waking up at her place in the Burrow. She couldn't remember coming back and she could still feel Fred's lips on hers.

The next morning she got up earlier and entered the bathroom. She put the water on hot and stepped under the hot spray. It felt simply glorious! Warming her body all over. Her mind retracing everything to do with her date the night before. Fred's lips. Oh my! She couldn't believe that he had kissed her! She hadn't expected that at all. She felt butterflies erupt in her belly. It was a strange sensation. One she hadn't felt before. Was she attracted to Fred? Without a doubt! Hmm...

She clamored out of the shower and got dressed quickly not spending as much time on her appearance, but she still thought she looked nice. In black slacks and a pretty t shirt. Comfort.

Feeling confused she went back into the room she shared with Ginny and woke her up.

"What?" Ginny mumbled sleepily, her eyes screwed closed.

"Fred kissed me last night." Hermione breathed.

Ginny sat up straight and her eyes were wide. "Really!?"

"Yes." Hermione smiled softly, then frowned. "Normally I would find comfort and answers in a book." she trailed of almost apologetically, "I'm smart enough to know I won't find those answers in a book."

Ginny stood up and pulled her friend into a bone crunching hug and smiled reassuringly, "He's liked you for a long time."

"What?"

"Fred." Ginny giggled, "He's had a crush on you for ages."

Hermione took a minute to let this information sink in. If she thought about it she'd always found him pleasing to the eye, but in all honesty the only boy she considered seriously was Ron.

"Why the long face?" Ginny asked softly, pulling the other woman from her inner dwellings.

"It's all so fast. I mean. I know it has to be." Hermione tried to articulate, "The only boy I ever really considered was Ron..."

Ginny frowned, "Lord knows why." she told her friend dispassionately, "He's my brother and I love him, but he's about as smart as a box of rocks and you need someone who is intellectually your equal."

Hearing such words coming out of Ginny's mouth was a surprise, though it shouldn't be. All the Weasley's were very bright. Well in some areas of expertise.

"Fred is very smart. He's kind and funny." Hermione smiled gently touching her lips, feeling her face flush.

"Obviously my brother snogged you senseless." Ginny giggled. "Are you seeing him today?"

"He wants to look at some houses." Hermione shrugged feigning nonchalance.

The pair linked arms smiling and were walking down the stairs giggling like school girls. Harry was in the kitchen.

"Morning Harry." The duo said in unison.

Harry gave them a bemused smiled and returned the greeting.

They sat at the table in silence, "Hows Luna?" Ginny asked softly.

Harry's green eyes regarded her with sympathy, "She's well."

It became awkward and filled with tension. This stupid law! Although without the law she might never have noticed Fred...

"We're getting married tomorrow." Harry blurted.

Hermione turned her entire body towards Harry, whose ears were red and his eyes serious.

"So soon?" Ginny asked softly.

"Her father insists on it." Harry shrugged, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Oh." Ginny's mouth hung open only slightly, she was having trouble processing it.

"Is it going to be a big ceremony?" Hermione asked tentatively.

"No." Harry said slowly, "I was hoping you would be my... er... well best mate."

Hermione felt herself fill with pride. She wasn't a man and she always assumed Harry would ask Ron.

"I'd be honored, Harry." she told him ruffling his hair affectionately.

Harry's eyes lit up and it was so good to see him smiling. Of all people in the wizarding community, not one person deserved happiness more than him.

AN: This chapter isn't as long or as good as I hoped it would be. However up next is House Hunting Fred Weasley style and Harry's wedding! I do hope you enjoy this journey with me. 3 Tabby