She wandered back into the house and no sooner had she hung her jacket did she feel arms snaking their way around her waist. She tensed for a moment then turned around.
"Nice try George. Where's Fred?"
"Someday, you'll have to tell us how you know who's who. Mum can't even get it right."
"Never. Have you seen Fred?"
George nodded. "He's in our room, come on."
Hermione followed him up the stairs. Fred was laying on his bed, one arm behind his head and one legged propped up reading a book on charms.
He sensed her presence immediately and his eyes drifted over to her as a smile spread across his face.
Hermione returned the gesture and motioned over at George. "You might want to keep better tabs on this one. He thought he could pretend to be you."
Fred's smile dropped. "What did you try?"
Hermione was surprised to see Fred genuinely upset, something she thought impossible where George was concerned.
"Not to worry brother dearest. Didn't fool this one for even a second. I still don't know how she does it! Its driving me mad."
Fred relaxed and pulled Hermione down on his lap.
"Do you two mind if I crash your party a bit? Ron is still stomping around downstairs and his attitude is quite tiring."
So Hermione found herself on Christmas Eve laughing until her sides hurt and enjoying herself more than she had in months. The time passed quickly, and soon it was much later than Hermione should have been awake.
"I really should get back to my room. Your mum will have my head if she finds me in here tomorrow morning." She yawned which only further proved her point.
Fred pulled her tighter. "I'm of age, you're of age, there's really not much she can do."
Hermione twisted in his arms. "I have a lot of respect for your mother and I don't want to break her trust." She bent down, their lips almost touching. "I could use a kiss goodnight though."
Fred closed the distance, letting his hand tangle in her hair. Hermione sighed into the kiss and enjoyed the now familiar sensation running through her body at the contact.
When the length became awkward, George cleared his throat. Backing away, Hermione blushed furiously while Fred looked smug.
"Goodnight Hermione." Fred said longingly.
"Goodnight Fred." Hermione replied back bashfully.
"Goodnight Hermione." George stood at the doorway with his lips puckered.
"Goodnight George." Hermione stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek.
"I'll take it." Hermione giggled to herself as she snuck quietly back into Ginny's room.
She thought she was being quiet as she quickly changed into her night clothes, but apparently she was making more noise than she realized.
"So, now are you finally going to tell me what's going on?" Ginny's voice was firm and annoyed.
Hermione cringed at the tone. "I don't know what to tell you Ginny. It just kind of happened."
"So which brother is next after you break this one?" It wasn't a tone she was used to hearing from the young witch.
Hermione let out a long breath and knew she just needed to get this over with.
"Gin, it would never work with Ron and me. It was one sided. We can barely have a conversation without grabbing for each other's throats. There just aren't any romantic feelings strong enough to get passed that." She paused trying to figure out how to explain her feelings for Fred. "Fred is very different and unexpected. Our feelings grew by actually taking the time to talk and get to know each other. We respect each other and he can hold his own in an intellectual conversation with me. We are much more equal and compatible and I love him."
She sat down on the edge of her bed and sighed in defeat, not knowing what else she could say.
"The jokester and the bookworm?" Ginny questioned.
Hermione knew this would be something that she would fight to get others to understand. "Ginny, sometimes you just have to accept what you feel and not worry about what others think. I have to trust my heart. Good night Ginny." She laid down and rolled away from the other girl, affectively ending the conversation.
The next morning, Hermione woke lazily. She knew it was Christmas, but it being the first major holiday after being orphaned took away some of the joy. Ginny was still fast asleep as she threw on her dressing gown and tiptoed from the room. As she opened the door, a wide eyed Fred stood in front of her, his hand raised as if he was about to knock.
Hermione placed her finger to her mouth indicating that he should be quiet as she tilted her head to show that Ginny was still sleeping. Fred laced his fingers with Hermione and they quietly walked down stairs. George, Bill and Fleur sat at the table, just starting to pass around the dishes of food.
"Oh good, more hungry bellies! Come on, have a seat and help yourselves." Molly went back to whisking waffle batter in the kitchen.
Hermione helped herself to a waffle, some fresh strawberries and whipped cream. She stared at her plate for a moment when Fred nudged her arm.
"Everything alright love?"
She nodded. "Just missing my parents a bit. That's all."
Fred nodded knowingly and placed a reassuring hand on her thigh. Of course this caused her face to heat and she began to eat her food to cover the affect.
Before long, the others were up and fed and everyone made their way to the sitting area to exchange gifts. Hermione received a nice collection of books from her friends. She appreciated the gesture, but it lost a little bit of the affect when both Ron and Harry got her the same books they got her the year before.
Hermione thanked them properly while silently wondering if she would be able to exchange them when a small package slipped into her hand. She looked up into Fred's eyes. He smiled sheepishly and looked around nervously to make sure no one was paying too much attention.
Taking his cue, Hermione was discreet as she opened the package. Her hand involuntarily came to her mouth as she opened the box. The beautiful heart shaped sapphire earrings sparkled at her. She quickly placed them in her ears and felt them warm.
She gasped slightly at the feeling then smiled as she too slipped something small into Fred's hand. He opened the box and slipped on the silver watch. He felt the metal warm on his skin and his eyes snapped up to meet Hermione's.
"Did you do what I think you did?"
"If you mean did I charm the watch to get warm when I am thinking about you, then yes."
He laughed. Clearly they were more alike than either had thought since they had the same idea.
"I have to admit, I didn't think to do the charm until yesterday after we made things official."
Fred beamed. "I thought about it ages ago. When you're off at that school with Harry and Ron, I wanted to make sure you knew there was someone who is thinking about you all the time and it's not because they want you to do your homework."
"Thank you Fred. That was really sweet and I love them. My parents tended to get me red for Gryffindor, but I've always preferred my birthstone."
"I know, you mentioned it a while back." Fred smiled bashfully and Hermione engulfed him in a hug.
Most of the family has been oblivious until the movement caught their eye.
"Oh, Hermione dear, let me see." Molly was beaming at her son's job well done when Ron stomped off to the kitchen. "Don't worry dear, he'll come around."
The rest of the day was spent lounging around as everyone played games and used their new gifts