A/N: My longest chapter yet! 586 words! xD So we have a little awkwardness between these two in this chapter. I know some people might be taking things a little too slow, but, I just don't want to take things too fast, and for people to get bored! So sorry if that is irritating you at all! :)
Thank you all to my lovely reviewers: The-Delectable-May-Reach, , TheAngelOnYourRight, Eeyore1999, kewlchic, junicorn123, and georgeweasleygirl27! You guys are so lovely. :') 3
Until the next chapter,
GreenSwallow~
Disclaimer: All credit goes to JKR!
Chapter 4 - Butterbeer and Frost
The Three Broomsticks was packed. Hermione fought her way to the table where Fred was seated, muttering apologies as she bumped from person to person. She arrived at the secluded corner table, muttering crossly and brushing stray curls from her face. Outside, a glittering carpet of frost lay over everything, chilling people's breaths into white clouds.
"Hi, 'Mione," Fred smiled, taking her coat and draping it across her seat. "How are you?" He inquired politely, passing Hermione a menu at the same time.
"I'm good, thank you," she replied, scanning it quickly. "I'll just have a tea, I think," she added, pointing to the scripted text of the menu.
"Just a tea?" Fred laughed, his brown eyes crinkling up in humour, "I was thinking butter beers, myself; it's rather cold outside."
"Oh, go on then," she chuckled, handing him some silver sickles, which he promptly refused. "I do have enough money to buy my wife a beer." That made Hermione blush profusely.
Fred soon returned with two foaming tankards of beer, sliding one across the table to Hermione who smiled gratefully. "So, we're matched, eh?" Fred said, gazing out of the window at the crowds of shoppers, an unreadable expression upon his face. "I was really shocked when I found out, I mean, we're nothing alike, no offence," he quickly corrected himself with a sheepish grin. "I guess we should be talking about the wedding, I mean, we only have a couple of months, to prepare." He paused and took a deep gulp of his drink.
"I was shocked, too," Hermione admitted, tracing the grooves in the table, "this is all happening too fast, I didn't want to settle down just yet—least of all with my best friend's brother," she laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "But, you're right, we should be thinking ahead," Hermione finished, wrapping her slender fingers around the warm tankard. "I was thinking the meadow, you know, for the ceremony, we could have the marquee in the centre, and—," she trailed off, her face heating once more.
"No, no, go on," Fred encouraged, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"You're laughing at me," Hermione pouted, tipping the last mouthful of beer back.
"Just a little bit, 'Mione, it just feels weird, planning our wedding," he said finally. "You finished?" He asked, gesturing to her empty tankard. Hermione nodded, standing up and buttoning her coat. They left the inn, both throwing a friendly wave to Madam Rosmerta as they exited.
"Honeydukes next," Fred grinned, almost skipping to the tiny shop opposite. The whole place was crammed from floor to ceiling with all manner of sweets. Barrels of toffee glinted with a golden halo of light. Brightly coloured liquorice strands gleamed under the flickering candle light. Hermione watched on with a wistful longing as third years from Hogwarts crammed their pockets full of chocolate frogs, slapping change down on the counter. Fred steered her to the chocolate aisle, asking her to choose her favourites. With those paid for, they sat down on the nearest bench and proceeded to rip open the chocolates, stamping their feet with the cold, and rubbing their hands together, hoping to coax some warmth into them.
Pleasant silence descended upon them as they devoured the chocolates. "They were nice," she ventured, licking her lips when they had finished. Fred nodded in agreement. Taking Hermione's hand in his own, Fred weaved their fingers together. Hermione stiffened, tensing against his soft fingers. He noticed and let go, coughing awkwardly.