Ok so I've been away for a very long time. I hope to make that better now by updating as much as possible. Fingers crossed that it works. Let's see if I still know how to write.

Chapter 6:

Hermione spent the rest of her morning browsing the shops of Diagon Ally with Harry, although she did more talking than actually shopping. It felt so good to just talk to Harry again, to catch up on all that had been happening. They had sent letters to each other frequently, but the written word just wasn't enough. She had missed her best friend dearly, and now she relished the time she had alone with him. By the time lunch came around, they each had a collection of bags and had talked their way through a million or so topics. Hermione laughed as Harry slung and arm around her shoulders and finally steered her out of Flourish and Blott's.

"Come on 'Mione." He cajoled. "Let's go get some lunch at the Leaky. You can come back here later if you really have to."

Hermione smiled and snuggled up to the tall man her friend had become, letting him draw her out the door and into the icy cold of the streets. Her arm wrapped easily around Harry's waist as they wandered up the street together, chatting idly and ignoring the looks they received from passerby's. Harry, of course, was use to the attention. He was after all the savior of the wizarding world, and an auror to boot. But Hermione had gone out of her way to avoid this kind of attention. It irked her that she would be subjected to it, even now. The war had been a while ago, people needed to move on.

She sighed in relief as they reached the Leaky Cauldron and smiled gratefully when Harry squeezed her gently and steered them to a table at the back of the room, out of sight of most. She knew he would understand how she felt, even now. He only let her go when she lowered herself into a seat and he quickly slipped into the seat across from her, taking the menu from her hands quicker than you could say Merlin.

"Uh uh." he teased with a grin. "It's my treat, so I'm going surprise you. You see this place is under new management, and is probably nothing like you remember."

Hermione frowned. "New management? Tom isn't-?"

"Tom's fine." Harry assured her quickly. "He just decided it was all too much. He's moved away."

A glance around showed Hermione some obvious changes to the pub, ones she should have noticed before. The walls were no longer dirty, but bright, polished wood. The floors and furniture were the same, all glowing softly in the warm lights from overhead. The place was no longer dingy, but homely and filled with pleasant smells. There were still shadowy corners and little nocks, where a few suspect looking characters dwelled. But they were tastefully veiled in shadow, while still being part of the ebb and flow of the magical population. More people seemed inclined to stay to eat here now, if the full tables and happy chattering of customers was any indication. Hermione turned her gaze back to Harry, suspicious of the cheeky smile that lit his youthful face. He knew something she didn't, and he was going to hold that over her, she was sure of it.

"Alright." She conceded gruffly. "You win, who is it?"

Harry just laughed, shaking his head. "Not yet. I'm going to wait a while. I'm enjoying this, it's not often anyone knows something that the great Hermione Granger doesn't."

Hermione couldn't help the bell of laughter that she produced at that. She didn't even mind him knowing this little secrete. She would figure it out eventually, she always did. Harry of course knew this too; he just wanted to see how long it would take her. Challenge accepted.

"Don't look so pleased with yourself Harry." She chided cheekily. "Arrogance is not attractive."

Harry poked his tongue out at her before he tapped his wand on the menu, sending their order of food to the kitchen via the magic. Hermione grinned back at him and sat back in her seat, content to relax and observe the familiar and unfamiliar faces alike that flowed around them. She shivered suddenly as a cold draft blew over them and glanced up at the two figures that enter the room, hurriedly shutting the door behind them, locking away the cold weather outside. A smile lit Hermione's face as she recognized the two redheads and she raised her hand quickly, flicking her wand in the air to draw their attention. Red hair flew as both heads jerked toward Hermione's and Harry's booth and nearly identical grins lit the men's faces. Harry turned and smiled a greeting at the two eldest Weasley brothers and both he and Hermione slipped across to make room for them to join them. Bill sat gratefully in the set next to Harry, clapping him on the shoulder in greeting as Charlie snuggled up next to Hermione, squeezing her around the shoulders gently.

"Harry my man!" The younger red head boomed reaching forward to slap his shoulder like Bill had. "Hope we're not interrupting."

"Not at all." Harry assured with a grin. "Weasleys are always welcome."

"You'll regret saying that one day." Bill assured him with a laugh. "However we will take advantage for now." He leaned across the table to peck Hermione's cheek and winked at her. "My, don't we look pretty today Miss Granger."

A slight blush crossed her checks but she laughed good-naturedly with the men. "Well thank you Mr. Weasley." She fluttered her lashes dramatically. "You look quiet dashing yourself."

"Don't let Fleur hear that." Charlie joked quickly. "Pregnant woman are not to be trifled with."

Bill rolled his eyes and laughed. "What do you know about pregnant women?"

"Trust me mate, I've seen enough nesting dragons to know I never want to annoy a pregnant part Veela." Charlie's grin made Hermione giggled and the other men to laugh easily.

"Point taken." Bill backed down with a grin. Reaching out for a menu he was quick to order his own food before addressing Hermione easily. "So, Hermione, how's it feel to be back? Are you adjusting ok?"

"Oh well it's hard to tell as it's only been a day." Hermione replied honestly, smiling warmly at the older man. "So far, other than the jetlag and the cold, I think I've adjusted well enough. Charlie and I have both gotten fairly use to abrupt moves."

"She's not kidding." Charlie laughed easily, flicking through his menu one handed, his other arm still draped casually over Hermione's shoulders. "You really only just get settled when suddenly we're on the move again. Bit of a shame really, I quiet liked a few of the places, would've been nice to spend a bit more time there."

"Agreed." Hermione sighed somewhat wistfully, her mind on the many amazing places she had already been and the collection of animals she had helped on her way around the world. Places and people filled her thoughts and she felt a tiny bit of sadness at not being able to spend Christmas with the people she had lived with for the last two years. Her thoughts made her heart ache slightly and she was surprised at the pull these people hand for her. She hadn't realized she had grown so close to her group, being apart now seemed strange. Charlie's arm around her tightened slightly, bringing her mind back to the present and she smiled up at the one person who understood how she felt. Looking up she gave Harry a reassuring smile, he grinned back and winked easily, letting her know he was there if she needed him.

"So." Charlie's voice broke the slight lull in their conversation. "How has your day been so far 'Mione?"

"Great!" Hermione chirped enthusiastically.

"In spite of a slightly late start." Harry teased with a grin.

She wrinkled her nose at him playfully. "I told you Harry, I was perfectly on time. I simply ran into a group of people I had hoped never to see again. It delayed me somewhat."

"Excuses, excuses." Harry waved his hand at her mockingly.

"I am not making excuses!" she exclaimed, a laugh taking the sting from her argument. "I am being completely honest."

"Who were they?" Charlie interrupted quickly, before the argument could get underway. Who knew how long a debate between the two best friends could last? He, for one, didn't want to find out.

Hermione looked over and up into Charlie's face, a grin on her lips and a retort on her tongue. The words fizzled instantly as her nose bumped Charlie's and her smile slipped away to be replaced with a look of extreme shock. She hadn't realized he had gotten that close. A soft breath of air rolled over her lips as he breathed out in surprised and her mind blanked instantly. Blinking, she tried to focus her mind on a rational thought, and instead found many irrational ones. Had she ever realized Charlie's eyes were that blue? So dark they were almost navy. And had he always had that freckle just over his top lip? Her eyes roamed slowly over his face taking in details she hadn't realized were there until they finally came back to his warm, deep eyes. So deep, in fact, she felt she could almost get lost in them, drawn into that inviting heat that seemed to radiate up from his core. A sigh ghosted from her lips and suddenly reality came crashing back. She jerked backwards violently, almost smacking her head against the wall in her rush to give herself room. Her face lit with a brilliant blush and she felt embarrassment roar up to swamp her. Charlie seemed slightly stunned and he blinked twice before a blush rose in his checks, continuing through to his ears.

"Whoa." Charlie half laughed. "Sorry about that 'Mione. A little to close for comfort huh?"

Harry and Bill laughed easily, having not noticed anything odd. The whole incident had lasted a few seconds, but to Hermione it felt like half a life time. She was saved from comment, however, by the arrival of their food. Hermione looked up with a smile to thank the waitress that served them only to feel a jolt of recognition.

"Hannah!?" She half yelped in surprise.

"Hermione." Hannah Abott smiled warmly. "You look amazing! Where have you been to get so tanned?"

Hermione laughed in delight at the sight of her old friend. "New Zealand, if you can believe it. And look at you! You look great! Don't tell me you're the one who took over here?"

"The one and only." The blonde blushed slightly at the praise. "I can see you're busy, and I really do have a lot to do. But please stop by some time, won't you? I would love to catch up."

"It's a promise!" She replied.

Hannah was gone with a smile and a wave and silence ruled for a few minutes as the four dug into their food with gusto. Hermione was grateful for the interruption and the time afterwards, as it gave her space to gain control of herself once more. What had she been thinking? Since when did she go all stupid around men? Hell she had lived with men for the better part of these two years. And she had been best friends with males since she was eleven. She berated herself silently for ten minutes before Charlie once again broke the silence.

"So Hermione," He prompted. "You didn't answer my question, who did you bump into earlier?"

Hermione swallowed her mouthful quickly, making sure she didn't choke and embarrass herself further. "Slytherin's and lots of them." She answered dryly. "In fact, I think almost every one of my favorite Slytherin's was chilling out in Slugs and Jiggers. Is there something I don't know? Nobody told me it was a hangout for ex-death eaters."

Harry and Bill laughed easily at her words, but Charlie frowned slightly.

"Did they try anything?" he questioned sharply.

Hermione shock her head. "No, at least nothing that could be seen as worrying." Her mind went back to Terrance Higs and his saucy wink and she frowned. "Although that may depend on your view."

"They wouldn't have hurt you." Harry assured her quickly. "In fact, that would have been the last thing on their minds. Since the war ended, Voldimorts supporters have been trying their hardest to start over with a clean slate. They've been keeping their eyes down and their noses clean. Taking you on, in the middle of a Diagon Ally would have been nothing short of stupid."

"I wasn't worried for my safety." Hermione rolled her eyes. "I doubt they could have done that much damage. I simply wasn't in the mood to face that part of things so soon."

"Should have known better then shouldn't you?" Bill said with a laugh.

"Yeah 'Mione." Harry grinned. "Since when do things go the way we want them to?"

"You have a point." She sighed dramatically. "I'm out of practice it seems. I forgot what being your best friend means."

All four young adults laughed at that.

It was dark when Hermione finally made her way back to Weasly's Wizard Wheezes. She and Harry had split from Bill and Charlie after lunch and had spent the rest of their day with Andromeda Tonks and Teddy Lupin, Harry's god son. A bitter sweet feeling had settled in Hermione's chest after leaving the older woman and the child who would never know his parents. On one hand, she was happy to see Teddy so healthy and full of life. Andromeda and Harry clearly loved the little boy to bits and he obviously wanted for nothing. But she couldn't help wondering how different things could have been for him if he had his parents to raise him instead. Stopping outside the store, she took a few seconds to compose herself, whipping away a stray tear she hadn't even realized had escaped her lids.

'I'm getting soft.' She thought with a quirk of her lips. 'Next thing you know I'll be wearing pink and writing romance for a living.'

The thought, funnily enough, was so humorous that it actually cheered her up. After all, what did she know about romance? Hell, she hardly even knew what a romantic feeling felt like these days. Two years surrounded by large sweaty men did that to you apparently. Still smiling at her own folly she let herself into the dark shop, locking the door quickly behind her and making her way slowly up the stairs. It seemed she was not yet over her jetlag, and a heavy tiredness had filled her bones, making each step a small challenge in its self. By the time she reached the top she felt exhausted. Amazed at how quickly it had hit her, she shook herself awake and forced a smile to her lips before opening the door to the flat. Three heads whipped in her direction instantly and a silence so heavy she could almost feel it filled the room.

"Hermione!" Fred jumped to his feet quickly. "There you are! How was your day?"

"Err great." She replied slowly. His reaction made her suspicious, so did Georges overly happy grin and Charlie's slightly guilty looking expression. They had been talking about her, that much was sure, the question was why.

"That's good." George chirped brightly as he filtered across the room to wrap an arm around her shoulders. "Did you and Harry catch up on all the important stuff?"

"Mostly." She nodded, letting the bubbly red head draw her across the room. "I'm sure there are still many stories to be told. But we covered the most important ones."

"Oh, no doubt." Fred chimed in with a laugh. "I can only imagine all the trouble you've managed to get yourself into in two years."

Hermione quirked an eyebrow, "Me? I'll have you know I was always the one getting Harry and Ron out of trouble, not into it. I'm the sensible one, remember?"

"Is that so?" Fred smirked. "So tell me Miss Sensible, did my cloak come in handy today?"

His hand tugged on the cloak still draped around her shoulders and she blushed slightly. "Ok so I underestimated the cold. I've been in New Zealand enjoying a hot summer; it's likely to slip my mind."

"Uh huh." Fred replied, sounding unconvinced. "I'm sure."

Hermione poked her tongue out at him and slipped the cloak off. "I'll wash this and return it to you right away, she told him quickly."

"Don't worry about it." He tugged it from her hold easily, folding it over his arm.

"But I've worn it all day." She protested with a frown, knowing the cloak would smell like her perfume.

He just waved her off and guided her into a chair easily. "Tea?"

She raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Sure." She drawled hesitantly. "Thanks."

Within minutes Hermione had gone from cold, alone and depressed to warm and happy with great company. Fred had a cup of tea in her hands and her bum in a seat by the fireplace before she knew what was happening. George followed up with a flick of his wand, which made her shoes, scarf and gloves fly off to a hanger by the door. A second flick load more wood onto the already roaring fire. A third brought a foot rest zooming into place under her legs. Charlie simply sat back in his own seat and watched, amusement etched into his features. Although slightly bemused, Hermione never the less felt loved and very well looked after by the twins. But she did wonder what she had done to garner such treatment.

"How was the rest of your day Charlie?" She questioned as they finally joined her by the fire.

"Good." Charlie answered easily, leaning back in his chair and propping his feet up on the coffee table. "It was good to catch up with Bill, hard to believe he's going to be a Dad soon though."

"Got you thinking does it?" Fred teased with a wink.

Charlie snorted in amusement. "I think I'm missing the vital ingredient to create mini Weasley's Fred. Generally you find the girl first and think about babies later."

"Really?" Fred fringed surprised. "Maybe that's where I go wrong."

Hermione giggled at that and Charlie rolled his eyes. "I guess I should be glad there's a smart twin." He teased. "It seems George has things in the right order at least."

George's face flamed a bright red and he ducked his head quickly. Hermione pressed a hand over her mouth to contain her giggle, but Charlie's roar of laughter was her undoing. Fred joined the laughter next and soon all four were laughing at his embarrassment. Hermione reached out to pat George's shoulder reassuringly and he smiled gratefully back at her.

"It's ok George." She giggled. "They're just jealous because they're old and alone and you're happy."

"Hey!" Fred protested, with mock hurt. "That's a low blow that is! I'll have you know I'm a bachelor by choice."

"Yea, but not your choice." Charlie responded with a smirk.

George cracked up at that and Hermione once again tried and failed to smother her laughter. Fred jumped to his feet dramatically, hand over his heart.

"I'm wounded!" He cried, clutching the wrong side of his chest, which only lead to more amusement. "I don't have to put up with this treatment, from my own brother's no less! What has this world become that even my twin would turn on me?"

"Well you started it." George drawled amused.

"I will hear no excuses from you!" Fred pointed his finger threateningly. Turning he pinned first George then Charlie with a crazy glare before spinning and grabbing Hermione around the waist, swinging her up and onto his shoulder in a smooth move that made her gasp in shock. "Come, my love! We do not need to stand here and listen to their insults."

With a shriek from Hermione he jumped the coffee table and raced from the room laughing manically. Hermione pounded on his back, half laughing half yelling at him to put her down as he sprinted for his room, his brothers hot on his heels. Fred burst through the door to his room, Charlie only a second behind him and Hermione's eyes widened as she realized what was about to happen. They hit the bed in a pile Hermione slamming into Fred's chest as Charlie and George crashed into the back of her. The air filled with yelps grunts and cries as they landed in a tangle and the breath was driven from lungs. Hermione felt her breath leave her body as she was pinned on top of Fred by Charlie's weight. She felt George get tangled somewhere around her knees and she couldn't help chocking out a laugh as she tried to squirm her way into a better position. A groan sounded from under her and she froze immediately, not wanting to cause pain to Fred with her movement.

"Well." Fred drawled from his place under her. "That didn't turn out the way I planned it."

Charlie's rumbling laugh vibrated through his chest against her back and Hermione felt her breath hitch slightly at the deep sound. Fred's answering chuckle brushed against her check and she felt her heart skip. Renewing her movement she heard first Fred and then Charlie protest her actions and suddenly Fred's arms lock around her.

"Please don't move." His voice sounded somewhat strained and she stopped instantly, feeling slightly guilty.

"I'm sorry." She gushed. "Are you ok?"

"Oh he's fine." Charlie's husky tones sounded in her ear. "It's just you squirming like that is causing some interesting friction for poor Freddy."

George laughed suddenly and Hermione's face flamed a bright red, her head ducking to try and hide her face behind her loose hair. Charlie's laughter joined Fred's and she held back a groan of embarrassment. Taking a quick glance at Fred she noticed he didn't look a bit embarrassed, in fact he was so bold as to wink at her, causing her to redden even more. She planted her hands on his chest and pushed herself up, lifting her weight off Fred. Unfortunately she met the unrelenting weight that was Charlie and try as she might she couldn't push hard enough to move him. Tilting her head she glanced up to glare at him slightly and was met with a pair of dark blue eyes that glowed with mischief. Time paused as she was caught for the second time that day in the heat and depth of those dark eyes. Heat flooded her, her heart picked up and she felt a strange tingle run down her spine. What was wrong with her?

Suddenly George's weight lifted off her legs and with the extra leverage she was able to make a quick sideways roll that flicked Charlie off her and over the side of the bed. He landed with a thump on the ground and Hermione shot a victorious smirk at Fred. The smirk slipped from her lips when she realized she still lay on top of the red-head twin, his hands still gripping her hips. With a gasp she threw her weight backwards, almost flipping herself off the bed before she caught herself. She stood instead, straightening her clothes quickly and offering a cheeky smile at Charlie as he picked himself off the floor.

"Well." She huffed with a roll of her eyes. "As fun as that was, I think I'm ready for some dinner. Any takers?"

She laughed as all three men's faces lit up with happiness. Her mother always did say that food was a cure-all in the eyes of men. She was sure that they had completely forgotten about the events of the last few minutes by the time they got to the kitchen and she started pulling out ingredients. If only she could stop thinking about it too.

A.N: See I am so sorry for not updating that I gave you an extra-long chapter. I hope you enjoy it immensely.

Jade Wildcat