Disclaimer: all rights belong to JK Rowling, because she is our Goddess. Always. 3

AN: thanks to all that have reviewed/subscribed/whatever, it's always appreciated! And sorry for the slow updates. But to really apologise; here's an extra-long chapter for you all!

Chapter Ten!

Hermione's POV:

The rest of that week was almost perfect for Fred and me. Despite Ron's petty attempts to upset me, I was truly, genuinely happy when I was with him. He just made me laugh so much when we were together. I'd never really experienced happiness in that way. With Ron and Harry it was always much more serious, as we'd probably be trying to save the wizarding world at the same time. But with Fred, I was just so… carefree. And, despite his disobedience in school, we also had our fair share or homework sessions in the library or in the common room. I just cared so deeply about him; it was incredibly difficult for me to be apart from him.

The only thing that was bothering me was his and George's constant plans of escaping the school to open their joke shop. As inspirational as it was, my time left with him was short as it was, and I didn't want him to leave school early and make our time even shorter. Because next year, I'd have to return to Hogwarts, and he wouldn't. The year after, I'd still be at school, and he'd be out there, in the real world. Making a living, becoming an adult…

I suddenly felt extremely young compared to him.

'Miss Granger?'

I snapped back to reality. I was sat in the Defence against the Dark Arts room, with an ugly face that belonged to Umbridge shoved into mine.

'Yes, Professor?' I practically spat.

'I asked you to open your book to page 329. But you did not appear to hear me. Care to tell the class what was occupying your mind, when you should listen to your superior?' Umbridge sneered.

'N – No, Professor.' I glared deeply at her. If looks could kill…

'Come and see me in my office at 8PM tonight, Granger.' She did that annoying laugh that always tickled the back of my neck, and trotted off back to her desk.

Unfortunately this tended to happen in quite a few of my lessons now; however never Defence against the Dark Arts. And other teachers didn't tend to give me a detention for it; since I was normally so active in class discussions. They were probably happy that I wasn't always putting up my hand.

Fred's POV:

I was so happy that things were starting to get really great with Hermione and me. I didn't let Ron say any more sarcastic comments to either of us; as I threatened I'd hex him. I really did care for her, I'll have you know. I'd never cared for anyone like that before. And it was a weekend towards the end of the term that things took a definite change for the best.

'Um, can I… Can I talk to you?' asked Ron, as he came up to Hermione and me in the common room.

'Of course, Ron,' said Hermione, looking slightly shocked at his kind tones.

'I just wanted to apologise,' he said softly. 'Because I really am sorry. I never wanted to upset you, Hermione. And I never wanted to get you angry at me, Fred.' He almost laughed, but stopped himself at the last moment.

'Oh, Ron!' Hermione exclaimed, wrapping her arms around his neck. I could tell that he felt slightly awkward, but he hugged her back nonetheless. I felt a weak sense of jealousy, but ignored it as Hermione pulled away and put her soft hand on one of my rough ones.

'Thanks, Ron,' I mumbled sheepishly.

'Thank you so much.' Hermione smiled at her own kind words.

'Right well I'll let you two get on with… Whatever you're doing,' Ron said awkwardly. 'See you.'

We bid our farewells and Hermione turned towards me and smiled. 'Thank God he's alright with us… That would have been quite an awkward Christmas!'

'Completely,' I laughed.

'Oh, crap!' she exclaimed. 'I have a detention with Umbridge!'

'You have a detention?' I laughed.

'Yeah… Now, I seriously have to go!' She got up from my side and hurried out of the common room before I could even stop her.

Hermione's POV:

I was so worried for my detention with Umbridge; I'd seen what she'd done to Harry, and I dreaded what she'd do to me now.

I knocked twice on the large wooden door and heard her annoying voice chime, 'Come in!'

And so I opened it. She was sat behind her desk, holding a cup and saucer, sipping gently from it. Her walls were… Decorated with hundreds of cats in paintings, and her desk had a picture of the Minister, as well as some neatly sorted paperwork and quills.

'You're going to be doing some lines for me today, Miss Granger,' she chirped. Oh, God.

I sat down at a small desk to the left of hers, and put my bag on the floor. She laughed and handed me some parchment and that quill… The one that Harry had used. The one that would scar me.

'Now, Miss Granger: I would like you to write I shall always listen to my superiors. You may begin.'

I glared at her, before getting to work on my lines. I felt the sharp pain in my left hand, but I didn't say anything. I didn't make a single noise; I wasn't giving her the satisfaction. Now, I know why Harry didn't want to tell McGonagall; I simply couldn't let her break me.

Fred's POV:

I waited and waited for Hermione to get back to the common room, gradually getting more and more scared while wondering what Umbridge was doing to her. Eventually, George and Lee managed to drag me up to our dorm, half asleep, and dumped me on my bed, still fully clothed.

I awoke early for some reason, and quickly showered and dressed in new robes before heading down to the common room, eager to comfort my Hermione after a detention of Umbridge. A detention with that evil bastard could only mean that she was forced to write lines with that horrible quill, much like Harry had.

When I got down to the common room, I was surprised to see Hermione there already, scanning a book thoroughly. She didn't seem to notice me; so I crept up behind her and pulled her into a large hug.

'You okay, love?' I breathed into her ear.

'Yeah…' she mumbled into my chest.

'Did Umbridge make you do lines?'

Hermione didn't say anything. She pulled away from our hug, looked up at me sadly, and pulled up the arm of her school jumper.

I shall always listen to my superiors.

Hermione's beautiful Victorian-style handwriting was engraved into her skin far deeper than I had seen anybody's before. The rest of her hand was almost white; its blood being drained from it. I could imagine her sitting there, at that little desk in Umbridge's office, writing quickly, trying to get it over and done with. I imagined her forcing to keep her eyes clear of tears, trying and succeeding to make no noise whatsoever. That's probably what happened. Hermione was such a brave, proud girl; she would never have given into Umbridge's torture.

I took her hand in mine and kissed each word a few times, extremely softly, as to not press the cuts too hard.

'Use a concealment charm,' I found myself saying before I allowed it to pass through my lips. 'Ron and Harry are far too protective over you – I don't want them doing something stupid because of this. You're better than her.'

She smiled genuinely, although her eyes were wet with tears that had not yet fallen. 'I was going to,' she replied softly. 'But I couldn't hide it from you… Not you, Fred.'

She seemed to smile even more at saying my name; but before I knew it, it had gone. She'd focused on someone behind me.

'I heard all of that,' croaked Ron, as I turned around. He looked as if he'd known he'd intruded, but I didn't mind. 'Why would you hide it from us, Hermione? You were the one telling Harry to tell McGonagall…' He looked at his feet awkwardly.

'I didn't want you two to worry about me,' she sighed. 'But I suppose there's no point now; and it doesn't hurt as much, anyway.'

'But we're here to help you, Hermione.' He smiled lightly. 'You know that. So stop being so silly and come to breakfast.' I saw his hand twitch, as if he was about to offer it to Hermione, before mentally stopping himself.

She grinned at us both, and the three of us headed down to breakfast, Hermione's scarred hand in my own.

Hermione's POV:

After that week, it was the Christmas holidays. Finally! Practically everybody in the school went home for these holidays, since nobody particularly wanted to spend extra time with Umbridge. I decided that, despite the time I craved with Fred, Ron and Harry, I would go to my parents' house for a few days before flooing to The Burrow. When I told him, I could tell that Fred was marginally disappointed, but I would be there over Christmas and New Year's, so I suppose he didn't mind as much afterwards.

'Hermione, darling!' my mother greeted me as I jumped off the Hogwarts Express and ran towards her, my arms wide open. I'd forgotten how much I loved spending time with my parents; with all the time that I spent at The Burrow, I spent less and less time at home – and I would be an adult soon… Not yet, but soon.

And then, as my dad drove me to our house in London, we talked, and I remembered how happy I was, being with them. They were my parents, after all.

That night, I sat on the floor in front of our large Christmas tree with a large mug of hot chocolate with freshly whipped cream and mini marshmallows. I really wanted to write to Fred; but would he think I was pathetic writing so soon? A blur of white then moved swiftly across the large windows, and I had to double check to see if I was seeing correctly. It was Hedwig!

I opened the window and felt the December breeze on my face. I let her in, and untied the letter from her leg and stroked her head.

Dear Hermione,it read. I noticed Fred's untidy scrawl.

How are you? I know it's quite pathetic of me writing to you so soon, but I just miss you so much! It's strange; I saw you this morning, but it feels like it's been so long. Do you know what day you'll be here? I know spending time with your parents is important, and I know that you haven't really been seeing them that much recently.

Well, write back soon (if you can be bothered)!

Love, Fred x

Ps – I thought that sending an owl was much more romantic than the Communication Pad; hope you don't mind!

I smiled at his short, yet sweet letter. I really did love it when he worried about me! Not wasting any time, I grabbed some parchment from one of the drawers (that I'd made my parents buy in my first year, so that I wasn't the only one getting letters on paper) and began to write back.

Dear Fred,

Hey! I'm just great thank you, what about yourself? It's not pathetic; I was about to write in the Communication Pad, but Hedwig arrived here before I could! I completely agree with you, to be honest. It was so strange not eating my dinner with you in the Great Hall. I'll be spending tomorrow with my parents, and the next day probably, so maybe in the evening I'll floo over – but I'll be sure to warn you before I do; don't worry!

'Hermione, love,' I heard from the kitchen.

'Yes, mum?' I replied, setting my un-finished letter down and walking into the kitchen. My mum and dad were sat at the dining table with mugs of hot tea in her hands.

'Your father and I were talking… And would it be okay for us to go and meet the Weasley's when you go? We spoke to them in Diagon Alley that time, but we've never had a proper conversation with them, I suppose… Don't worry if not. Just ask, and see what they're doing, if that's okay.'

'Oh mum! That would be fine. Mrs Weasley is so kind, she won't mind at all if there are a few more mouths to feed! I'll write to them now,' I said, smiling. But I couldn't help but think, should I tell my parents about Fred and me? No doubt when I arrive, he'll be acting the same as usual… What will be parents think, him being two years older than me?

Well, I might as well tell her, to save the awkward questions when I arrive.

'Mum, dad,' I said slowly. 'I'm… Well, I suppose you could say… I'm in a relationship with one of the Weasley's… And it's not Ron.'

'But who else would it be?' enquired my dad. 'Surely any of the other brothers would be too old for you?'

'Well recently I got talking to Fred and George… And, although they're two years older than me, I really like him,' I sighed.

'Who, Fred or George?' asked my mum.

'Fred,' I said, smiling without realising, 'although you probably won't be able to tell them apart.'

'Well, any choice of yours would be a good one,' said my dad. 'And we cannot wait to meet him.'

I smiled at them both and went back into the living room to finish my letter.

'Sorry for keeping you waiting, Hedwig,' I said. She chirped happily in reply, and I continued to write.

My parents have just wondered, would it be okay if they came for dinner the evening that I come? They haven't really had a proper conversation with your parents, but don't worry if it's not a convenient time!

Love, Hermione x

Ps – I told my parents about us… you should too, if you haven't already!

I sealed it up inside an envelope and attached it to Hedwig's leg again, giving him a few owl treats that Harry had supplied me with. I was glad I'd used a waterproof quill instead of a normal one, as I saw the rain pound at my windows. I opened them, and watched the owl glide gracefully off into the night and wondered what Fred would be doing right now…

Fred's POV:

I was sat cross-legged on the floor in my room with George, failing to create more products for the shop.

'I think it's time we give up for the night,' sighed George. I looked at the clock; it was nearly 2:30AM!

'Good idea,' I replied, yawning. As I packed up the many bottles and cauldrons full of multi-coloured liquids and bubbling snacks, I heard a tapping on our window. It was Hedwig! Hermione had replied.

I left George to clean up (of course), and went to let Hedwig in. She shook her feathers and sprayed some rain water all over me, but I didn't care. I untied the letter on her leg and opened the door for her to get back to Harry. The envelope was soaked but the ink didn't appear to have run at all. I smiled as I reached the end of her letter; of course I'd told mum… Well, not me exactly, but George and Ron couldn't keep their stupid mouths shut. But she and dad didn't seem to mind; they both absolutely love Hermione.

And her parents wanted to come for the evening? That would be fine. Awkward for us, but fine… I suppose.

'Fred, stop staring at that letter and go to bed,' moaned George from the other side of the room.

'Sorry, George,' I said sheepishly, folding the letter away and climbing into bed, drifting off into dreams full of Hermione Granger.

In the morning, I was awoken by the thunder striking outside my window. I heard George grumble and toss and turn in his sleep, but I was wide awake. I looked at the small clock on the wall opposite my bed; it was 5:27AM. That was less than three hours sleep, and I was bloody exhausted. But, try as I might, I couldn't get back to sleep. Rain hammering on every window, wall and door in the house, I got out of bed and tip-toed down to the living room, not forgetting my Communication Pad, just in case Hermione couldn't sleep either. I made myself a warm hot chocolate and sat in front of the fire with the leather Pad.

Hermione, sorry if you're asleep, but if you're not, feel free to reply - too much thunder for me to sleep now.

-F x

It was only a few minutes before she replied.

I'm awake too. Bloody rain! But no thunder here; unlucky for you! Can't wait to see you tomorrow.

-H x

Ah, just me then. I can't wait to see you either, love. And regarding your letter earlier – of course I told mum about us… Well, George and Ron did. Thankfully it wasn't Ginny though; silly loudmouth sister!

Don't be so horrible! I had to tell my parents myself… It was rather awkward. But they said they couldn't wait to meet you… So try to act normal?

Aren't you just hilarious, Miss Granger? I'll be sure to practise my manners then, just for them.

I'm sure that would be much appreciated. Now, I really must go. My dad expects me to help him with the garden tomorrow, and I don't see myself doing that if I don't sleep at all.

Have you been awake all night? I only woke up at half five. But of course, you need your sleep. Good night, gorgeous. See you tomorrow x

Yes I have, unfortunately. Had quite a lot on my mind about OWLs and stuff, but I'm fine really. Good night, Fred! x

I closed the Pad and smiled; I really did love her. Wait, what? Love? Did I really just think that? I couldn't possibly love someone… Not me. I'm Fred Weasley for Godric's sake; I don't love. Sure, I like her a lot but surely that was just my head slipping up. And anyway, even if I did there was no way on this earth that she could possibly feel the same way; and I wouldn't expect her to! We're so young; we're not supposed to love. Ugh.

'You okay, Fred? You look distressed,' said Ginny. Damn, I hadn't even noticed her come down the stairs.

'I'm fine,' I said, running my hands through my messy hair.

'You don't seem fine.' She sat on a chair opposite me and stared at me.

'Why are you awake this early?' I asked, ignoring her previous statement.

'Same reason as you, I suppose.' She shrugged.

'And what's that?' I asked sceptically.

'The storm,' she replied, smirking slightly.

Oh. I thought she was going to say something about Hermione, or relationships or something. Maybe she wanted me to think that… The evil genius.

'Are you going to tell me why you're so distressed then?' she urged.

'No,' I snapped.

'Why not?' She smirked.

'Because nothing's wrong!' I exclaimed. 'I'm fine!'

'Yes, because those are the actions of a perfectly fine person,' Ginny said sarcastically.

'Shut up, Gin,' I sighed.

'Go on, tell me.' She smiled and edged the chair closer.

'It's nothing…' I began.

'Don't say that; it's clearly upsetting you so just tell me!'

'Maybe later… I'm going up to my room.' I leaped up, grabbed the Communication Pad and ran up the stairs before she could stop me. I treaded carefully into my room and saw that George was awake, reading a Defence Against the Dark Arts book intently.

'Not like you to be revising, Georgie,' I joked.

'I'm reading about the Patronus Charm… For some reason I just can't seem to be able to do it. Can you, Freddie?' he replied, not taking his eyes off the book.

'Well uh, I've never tried… I guess you just need to just think of the happiest moment of your life… Harry said that his wasn't particularly a moment, just his parents in general. It could be tricky, but don't worry about it, Georgie.'

'I'm not worrying too much. Here, I'll have another go and show you,' he said, putting a bookmark in the book and grabbing his wand. He stood up before saying clearly, 'Expecto Patronum!'

A small cloud of white vapour emerged from his wand, but disappeared as quickly as it had come.

'See?' he grumbled. 'I've been trying for weeks.'

'I'll have a go,' I said, grabbing my wand from my bed-side table. 'Expecto Patronum!'

The same white vapour emerged from my wand, too. I was thinking about George, of course. He's my twin; I spent my whole life with him, and I would spend the rest of my life with him – what could be more powerful than that? I tried again, thinking of Hermione, although I didn't expect it to work. Yeah, I really liked her, but George was my twin! Alas, it didn't work.

'The book said that the charm may not work if your happiest memory hasn't happened yet… But how could it not have? Our life's been brilliant, right?' said George.

'Right,' I muttered. Why wasn't this working? I'd been trying for weeks, too. Harry had shown us his; the stag. Hermione could do it, too; hers was an otter. And Ron's was a terrier. So why not George and I?

'Freddie, look!'

From the tip of George's wand stood a creature. His Patronus. Made out of the white smoke that I'd seen in the Room of Requirement many times. It was a small monkey. From head to the tip of its tail it was no longer than his legs; although the monkey's tail was rather long.

'That's brilliant, Georgie!' I exclaimed. 'What did you think of?'

'Our entire first year of Hogwarts, of course. Finding all those secret passages, and even getting our letters together, our wands and our spell books… It was just amazing, and it worked! It worked, Freddie. I did my Patronus,' George said happily. The monkey then disappeared as he gazed at me. 'You try again, then.'

So I did. I thought of our first year of Hogwarts. And it did make me smile. So, focusing hard on that long memory, I cast the spell. 'Expecto Patronum!'

But nothing happened. Just the same white vapour that had happened many times before. What was wrong with me? Was I seriously such a sad person, that I couldn't make a Patronus out of the happiest year of my life? I mentally hit myself for not being able to conjure one when George could.

Thanks for reading!

This chapter was supposed to go on until Hermione's parents arrived buuuuuut I decided that would take too long and I REALLY wanted to update! It's been so long but now it's the holidays I'll hopefully be writing more

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