Hermione was laying low. She wished she had never met Viktor Krum. After having been in the papers daily the last fortnight, she had found out he was returning to Bulgaria to marry a woman he'd been betrothed to since they were children. He'd only been playing with her affections, in the hopes of getting her into bed. She sighed in relief that she had never given in to her urges with him. Something had always felt not quite right with him, which had always made her hold back. At least she had been the one to walk away. It was far better to be the dumper, not the dumpee.
She had returned home and Ginny had been amazing; she couldn't have asked for a better friend. They had stayed up talking and laughing and drinking cheap wine, which resulted in a horrendous hangover the next day. For the first time ever, Hermione owled in sick.
Unfortunately, the papers that day were filled with stories of the Malfoy/Krum dinner party, and of Daphne Greengrass seen leaving his hotel the next morning. So everyone thought Hermione was staying home, ashamed to be seen.
She had gone to work the following day, head held high. The hangers-on who clamoured to speak with her last week, didn't even acknowledge her this week. She found herself biting her lips to stop herself from shouting out to them what really happened, for as she walked past, they all stopped talking, so she knew they were discussing her. She hated everyone knowing her business. If that was fame, they could keep it!
Harry and Ginny were brilliant, turning up at her office to invite her to join them for lunch. Jamie joined them too, and they all walked alongside her, as if to shield her. She was greatful, for otherwise she would have probably stayed hidden in her office and eaten lunch there.
An enormous bouquet of flowers arrived for her, with no card. She assumed they were Viktor's way of saying goodbye, so she was initially going to bin them, a last act of 'In your face, Viktor Scum' (as he was now known in their flat). But they were so beautiful and amazingly, had no scent, so she kept them in her office, telling herself they were a reminder of what she had been through. She reminded herself that Viktor himself had made no promises and there had been no talk of a future together. So she squared her shoulders, put the flowers on her side board, and bent over her beloved reports and research data, never more thankful for her brilliant brain that allowed her to work despite a heart ache.
Now, thankfully, it was the weekend. Ginny had had the day off yesterday, and had cleaned the flat from top to bottom before leaving to spend the night at Potter Manor with Harry, as they helped planning the party for Ron and Jamie, as well as spending time with Lily and Sirius.
Hermione woke late and lay looking out the window. She realised her birthday was drawing near, and she contemplated going out later to see her parents. Suddenly an owl tapped at her window. She got up and opened the window, removing some string from it's mouth. It waited till she dragged the blue balloon inside, then flew off.
Hermione shut the window and looked at the balloon. She saw a small card attached. " Sorry you're blue," she read aloud. With a pop, the balloon exploded, covering her in a blue powder that stuck to her skin. Squealing, she ran into the bathroom to take a shower, cursing the idiot who sent it to her.
When she emerged from the bathroom, she paused, sure she could smell bacon cooking. As she walked closer to the kitchen, she could hear it sizzle in the pan. "Hello? Ginny, did you-oh!"
She walked into the kitchen, making sure her dressing gown was tied tight around her naked body. She was glad she had done a drying spell on her hair, but she had yet to use any Sleakezy potion on it yet.
" Mor-ning!" drawled Fred. " Thought you were going to drown yourself in there. Two more minutes and I would have had to come in and check on you." he winked cheekily, and she flushed.
" I guess I have you to thank for my balloon," she said tartly. "I should have known. Anyway, Ginny's not here, she spent the night at Harry's," she said hurriedly.
Fred winced. " I don't really want to know about my sister's sleeping habits, 'Mione," he grumbled. " Besides, I'm here for you."
" Don't you like Harry?" she blurted out, then, "wait, what do you mean, here for me?" she asked. " The balloon? You wanted to see how it went?"
"Harry's a good guy, and I think they're great together, I just don't want to know about anything else, it's a brother thing," he replied. The toast popped. " Sit, sit," he urged.
Hermione slid into her chair, and watched as he plated bacon, eggs, sausages and toast onto a plate and placed it in front of her. " I hope we're sharing this," she chuckled, at the huge amount in front of her.
"Eat up," said Fred, sliding into the chair opposite hers. His plate was equally full. "Comfort food," he said.
" Oh...so you know," said Hermione, putting her knife and fork down, her appetite gone.
" That Viktor Scum is a jerk, yeah, but I already knew that. Knew that from the moment I saw him eyeing you off at the Burrow," he admitted. "He got a balloon too, only his said, 'sorry you're full of shi-"
"Fred, you didn't," gasped Hermione, her hand covering her mouth. "Did his explode and -"
"Yep!" said Fred proudly. "And Reparo isn't going to clean up that mess, or get rid of the smell anytime soon. Hopefully he'll something from it."
Hermione burst out laughing. Fred beamed at her, happy to see her smile.
" Well, I wish you had told me he's a jerk, it would have saved me a lot of heartache," said Hermione, only half joking. She did, however, pick up her knife and fork and continue eating.
" Would you have listened to me?" he asked. " Honestly?"
Hermione raised her eyes to look at him, surprised by his serious tone. His eyes were wary, waiting. " Probably not," she admitted.
" Are you really heartbroken, or is it just your pride? Come on, Granger, tell me the truth," he prodded, pouring her a cup of tea and adding one sugar.
Hermione watched as his fingers gripping the teaspoon stirred it round and round. He had freckles even on his fingers, she noted. It was cute. She was surprised he knew how she took her tea. Another important fact to file away.
"I guess you're right, it was my pride," she finally admitted. " I actually dumped him, you know."
" You can do way better than him, Granger. Way better," he emphasised, handing over her tea.
She took a sip. " You called me 'Mione before," she stated.
Fred flushed. " Did I? I don't remember," he lied.
" I've never had a nickname before; never really liked them. I-I've just gotten so used to you calling me Granger...but I liked it," she finished softly.
" Then that's what I'll call you from now on...'Mione," grinned Fred.
She smiled back at him, trying to figure out what was different about him. " Did you get a haircut or something?" she asked.
He handed her the strawberry jam and she opened it, spreading it on her toast. "Nope," he said. "So... what are you doing today?" asked Fred.
" I was planning on visiting my parents, it's been awhile since I saw them," she said.
" Oh," he said, his face falling slightly. " Sounds good."
" Why? Did you need help with something?" asked Hermione.
Fred shrugged. " George is moving out of our flat above the shop and in with Angelina. I wondered if you wanted to help me re-decorate, move some stuff around."
" Sure, I can always visit my parents tomorrow. So, George and Angelina, it's a big step. How did they meet again?" she asked.
" Through me. I, erm, used to date Angelina," he said.
" You and Angelina used to date – and now she's dating your twin brother – and they're moving in together?" asked Hermione, surprised.
" Yep," said Fred, spearing a rasher of bacon and shoving it in his mouth.
" But-but," sputtered Hermione, finding it hard to comprehend.
" Something you want to say, Granger," asked Fred, cocking an eyebrow.
" How could she prefer George over you!" she exclaimed.
Fred put his knife and fork down and crossed his arms over his chest. " Care to explain that?" he asked.
" Well, it's just, you're twins, so you look alike...and don't get me wrong, I like George, but he-he..." To her frustration, she couldn't find the words she wanted to say.
" What" he demanded. " He what?"
" HE'S NOT YOU!" she cried. " You're funny, exasperating, sweet, considerate...I mean, I'm sure George is all those things too, but-"
"Let's just leave George out of this for now," interrupted Fred. " Tell me more about me." He wiggled his eyebrows at her saucily.
" Oh, you!" scoffed Hermione. " You drive me crazy."
" Well, it's about bloody time, woman. You drive me crazy too," he growled, and stood, pulling her into his arms.
" Me? But I-" Hermione couldn't finish, for Fred palmed her face and kissed her. Hermione's eyes widened in shock. Fred Weasley is kissing me, Fred is kissing me. Fred is kissing me... and it feel brilliant! She closed her eyes and kissed him back.
Her arms curled up and around his neck. She played with the hair at the nape of his neck as her lips plundered his. Sensations she had never known swooped through her body. This, this was the magic that had been missing with Viktor.
" I see fireworks," she murmured, as they reluctantly broke apart for air.
Fred chuckled, and tucked her fly-away hair behind her ears. " Pretty hard to see with your eyes closed, Granger. But if it's fireworks you want, I can give you fireworks."
He took something out of his pocket and threw it in the air. Immediately the tiny kitchen was alight with fireworks. Hermione watched them all in wonder. Fred watched her. In his eyes, she was perfection.
" Well?" he asked, as the last one dissolved in the air.
"Not bad," she admitted, although she had been very impressed with them.
"New line at the shop," he said. "What's wrong with them?" he asked, frowning. He had thought they had worked out all the kinks, and he thought they were ready to be put on the shelves.
"I liked our kind of fireworks better," she said, and pulled his head down to hers again.
Fred wrapped his arms around her. How long had he dared to dream of this? It was not his nature to sit back and wait, but he had known she was worth it. This, this was the magic he had never felt with Angelina, so he had bided his time, hoping, praying Hermione would see what was right in front of her. Hoping and praying she could feel everything for him that he felt for her.
She opened her eyes, looked up at him and saw him, really saw him." It's you," she said in wonder. " It's always been you. I-I just never saw it," she said. " I'm sorry."
" Don't be...I could have said something, done something," he shrugged.
" You were here, with me, the night Harry and Neville came to tea," she realised. "You escorted me to Ginny's party. You've always been there, but-"
" What?" asked Fred.
" I thought you felt sorry for me, because I was Ginny's flat mate," she admitted.
Fred scoffed. " Believe me, that had nothing to do with it. I admit I was worried when Potter came into the picture, but when I saw his eyes on my sister, I thought I had my chance. Then there was Krum..." His voice trailed off. It had hurt when she had dropped his hand so easy.
She put her finger on his chin and tilted it up. " I'm so sorry," she whispered.
" Look, I'm never going to be wealthy like he is, or even Harry, I'm not someone who's in the paper every other day-" he began.
" Thank Merlin," she sighed softly.
"I'm just an average Joe who likes his job but it's never going to let me afford a manor, or anything grand...you deserve the very best in life, 'Mione, but if you'll only give me a chance, US a chance, I'll do anything I can to make you happy," he pleaded.
" You do make me happy," she confessed. " You cheer me up, make me laugh, you're by my side when I need you," she said. " Yes, I want to take a chance on US," she clarified.
He picked her up and twirled her around. " I'm the happiest man in the world right now," he said.
" Then kiss me and I'll be the happiest woman in the world," she said.
And he did.
/*/*/*/*
Somehow they managed to keep their new relationship a secret from everyone for a couple of weeks, although Ginny did grouse about why he was at the flat so often lately. They used the ruse that Hermione was helping him re-decorate the flat; only half an untruth. She had picked out a new table and chairs, and re-painted the walls with a useful spell she found. She'd helped him choose a new bed and covers, and made the place look homey on a small budget.
Everyone assumed Hermione was using this as an excuse to hide away from people. Ginny, who had always turned to any one of her brothers when she was down, assumed Hermione was turning to Fred, and was happy that he was being such a good friend to her.
Fred had invited her out to dinner for her birthday, their first real big date. He'd sent a gorgeous bouquet or red roses to her office, that amazingly, had no fragrance. It was then she knew he had sent the other one, not Viktor.
Ginny was working a late shift, so she was safely out of the flat when Fred arrived to pick her up. " Happy Birthday, Hermione," he bowed, when she opened the door.
" Thanks, I – you're not Fred, you're George," she said.
George chuckled. " No fooling you, is there, you can actually tell us apart. Although he really didn't want me to see you before he did, he sent me to get you. He's waiting downstairs...if you're ready?"
"So you know?" asked Hermione. She and Fred had decided to start telling people they were a couple.
"He's not just my brother, Hermione, he's part of me. I knew how he felt ages ago. Just glad the two of you finally worked things out," he said. "So, ready? Fred will think I've run off with you, and twin or not, I'd be a dead man," he grinned.
Hermione grabbed her wrap and purse, and excitedly took the arm he held out to her. He walked her downstairs, where Fred was waiting.
Hermione burst out laughing. He was dressed in nice suit, a red rose between his fingers. He was standing next to a limousine and he wiggled his eyebrows at her as she came closer. He handed her the rose and took her in his arms for a sweet gentle kiss.
Some of the children who lived close to Hermione gathered around, oohing and ahhing over the huge car. " Are you somebody special?" a little girl asked in wonder.
" You bet she is," said Fred, winking at the little girl, and making her blush.
Fred looked over at George, who was watching everything in amusement. " Thanks, Bro," he said.
"Have a good night, you two," he said, going back to the flat to Floo home.
Fred led her to the limousine and helped her inside, then followed her. " Drive on, good man," he called to the driver. " Muggle," he whispered to her.
" Fred, this is way too much," she gasped, as he uncorked some champagne and poured two glasses.
"Here's to you, my beautiful, brilliant Hermione. Champagne to celebrate your birthday," he said, clinking their glasses together.
" Thank you," giggled Hermione. She took a sip. " Mmm, this is good. So, where are we going?"
Fred named a restaurant she had loved going to that was close to the flat. Hermione was delighted. " Oh, wonderful. I haven't been there in ages, I used to go all the time with my parents," she said.
"Really?" asked Fred, looking out the window. " Do you mean—those parents?" he asked teasingly.
Hermione looked out the window; they had arrived at the restaurant already, and, standing outside was...her parents!
" But how—when did you – oh, this is so great," cried Hermione, as the driver opened her door and helped her out. " Mum, Dad!"
Hermione rushed over to hug her parents, while Fred paid the driver and he left.
" Happy Birthday, darling," cried Emma Granger, hugging her only daughter. " You look beautiful, doesn't she, Roger?"
" She always does. Happy Birthday, sweetheart," said her dad, engulfing her in his arms.
" So this is why you didn't ask me to come to yours for tea tonight?" joked Hermione.
They both nodded. " Fred came over and suggested it days ago. He asked where your favourite restaurant was, and then asked us to join you," admitted Emma.
Roger clapped Fred on the back. " Shall we go in?" asked Fred.
Emma whispered in Hermione's ear. " He's wonderful, darling. Everything we could have hoped for you."
Hermione met Fred's beautiful eyes, so full of love. " Yes, he is. I'm the luckiest girl in the world," she told her mother.
Beaming, Emma took Roger's hand and Hermione proudly walked into the restaurant on Fred's arm.
That night she stayed at Fred's.
/*/*/*/*
They came out to their friends on the night of Jamie and Ron's party, a mere week after Hermione's birthday party. They had arrived together, but everyone was used to seeing them together these days, so no-one made a comment.
It was only after they realised how attentive Fred was being to Hermione; getting her drinks, escorting her to the food table, and asking her to dance, that people started to wonder. But when they slow danced, staring into each other's eyes, it kind of confirmed it for everyone.
Ginny broke apart from Harry and went up to them. " Are you two – are the two of you – together?" she asked, hopefully.
Hermione looked up to Fred; he looked down at her, grinning. She put her hand around his neck and pulled his face down to hers to kiss. " Yes," she said simply.
Their friends hooted and applauded. Ginny cried out in delight, throwing her arms around the two of them and hugging them tightly. Harry joined her, offering his congratulations.
Ron and Jamie didn't mind sharing the spotlight with the new couple, and it truly was a night to celebrate.
Later, as Harry and Ginny slow danced, they happened to glance over at Luna. She smiled happily and nodded. An awareness came to them.
" How did she know?" asked Harry, puzzled.
" She's Luna," shrugged Ginny, smiling affectionately at her best friend.
Neville simply smiled, and led Luna onto the dance floor where they swayed next to the new couple.
/*/*/*/*
The rest of the year passed quickly, what with plans for Bill and Fleur's wedding taking most of the time. It was building up to be quite a wedding, for the Delacours were famous in Paris, where the wedding was to be held. Ginny was heavily involved, as she had been asked to be a bridesmaid with Fleur's sister, Gabrielle. There were multiple weekend trips to Paris for dress fittings and party planning, the likes of which Ginny had never seen.
In hindsight, this should have prepared her for the year ahead. Fasten your seatbelts, readers, the next year is going to go so fast!
A/N So this one was for all the Fremione fans, who knew there were so many of you out there?! This was probably my fave chapter to write, so let me know what you think!