"Sorry to scare you love," A deep voice chuckled in her ear. "I didn't realize it was you. Thought you were a nosy muggle." Hermione felt relief wash through her when she recognized the voice and whirled around to hug the man. She released him and smacked his arm.
"William Arthur Weasley! When did you get back from Egypt? And why didn't I know you were coming? And what are you doing in here? Merlin Bill, you really scared me there." Hermione laughed and hugged him again.
"Glad to see you missed me love." He smiled at her warmly. Hermione had quickly wormed her way into his heart and was now like a little sister. "I just got in this morning. I got a promotion of sorts and I'm done in Egypt, at least for awhile. I didn't want to tell anyone until the details were finalized, just in case. Mum would kill me if I got her hopes up again." Hermione nodded. She remembered the last time Bill thought he was moving back, Molly had nearly hexed the goblin in charge of transfers when the plan changed.
"Why are YOU in here, Miss Granger?" The suspicion was evident in Bill's voice. "Are you here to bust my brothers? Because they will not be very forgiving if you do, and I'm not sure even I could stop them from retaliating."
Hermione laughed and shook her head. "I just sorta stumbled upon it. I wasn't going to tell Molly though. I was admiring some of their work, she really should be proud of those boys. The magic involved in some of their products is extremely advanced. I'm actually quite impressed with their devotion to their joke shop."
Bill's eyes widened. "You know about the shop? Fred told me this morning I was the first person they had told." He pouted. "And I was supposed to be the first to see all their products. Now I don't even get to be that either."
From behind Bill came a loud snort. They both turned to see Fred leaning against the doorway. "Quit your whining brother. You're the first in the family. Hermione here just knows everything." Usually a comment like that would have hurt her feelings, but she could by his smile he hadn't meant it as an insult.
"Hermione IS family." Bill argued lightly, still sulking.
Fred looked over at her and let his eyes travel over her body. "Not yet." He winked at her. Before Hermione had a chance to react Fred changed the subject. "Impressed huh? Hmm never thought I'd live to see the day Hermione Granger was impressed by a rule breaker." He laughed.
Hermione froze. She felt all the color drain from her face. He has no idea how right he almost was. Fred died thinking I couldn't stand him. I never got the chance to let him know I was proud of them.
Both boys seen how Hermione's face twisted in pain. Bill stepped forward and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Hermione, you alright? You look like you're going to be sick."
She shook her head. "I'm fine. But I need to go, I snuck out while Ginny was talking to George and I'm sure she's been looking for me." Hermione rushed out of the store, leaving both Weasleys wondering what had come over her.
When Hermione walked back into the burrow she was surprised to find the house decorated in streamers and various snacks lining the dining room table. It had completely slipped her mind that the Weasleys were having a New Years party. Hermione could have smacked herself on the forehead. She had left poor Mrs. Weasley to prepare for the party all alone.
"Mrs. Weasley?" Hermione called as she walked into the kitchen. "I'm so sorry I haven't been here to help. I completely forgot about the entire party!"
"That's quite alright dear, I managed to catch Ronald and Harry on their way out to play quidditch. They were more than willing to help." Molly smiled at Hermione and patted her shoulder. "You see dear, when there's pie nearly done, the boys are always looking for ways to get on my good side." Hermione laughed and held up and apron.
"Well, I'm here now. Are you sure theres nothing I can do?" She smiled at Molly, thinking of all the times she would hold that same apron, offering to help Molly. Hermione had more fond memories with the woman in front of her than she would ever have with her own mother. Bill had been right, Hermione was family.
"Everything is nearly done now, why don't you go on upstairs and get ready for the party. Guest will be arriving soon, and you will want to look your best for the young men that will be here." Molly winked at Hermione and lightly pushed her towards the stairway.
If she had been turned towards where Ron was doing dishes she would have caught the dirty look he had shot his mother at the mention of Hermione and another boy. "What the bloody hell does she think she's doing setting Hermione up with another bloke?" Ron muttered.
"And who do you think Hermione should be with, Ron? Because you sure don't treat her like you care about her. You treat her terrible, use her for homework, then ignore her. She deserves better than that mate, and you know it." Harry shook his head and walked away from him.
George and Ginny, who had been on their way back inside when they seen Hermione walk in, looked at each other. "And look, Harry is on our side too. He just doesn't know it yet." Ginny smiled and went into the Burrow after Harry.
George laughed and went into the house to get things ready for his and Ginnys plan. Tonight was the beginning of Hermione falling in love with Fred, he could feel it.
And here we go! I hope you guys like it! This took the better part of three days to write! Annnndddd reviews make me wanna update faster! Just saying!