Disclaimer: The characters in this story were not created by me and do not belong to me. They are, however, great fun to play with.

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Chapter 12

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From the porch, she could see Fred painting the shed and Harry working at de-gnoming the garden again, and Arthur was using a precision cutting charm to trim the grass. Hermione felt she ought to help Harry or Arthur, but her legs carried her over to Fred.

"Well if you aren't a sight for sore eyes," he said with a grin, pausing in his direction of three paint brushes.

"Is there a reason you don't just use a coloring charm?" Hermione asked.

"Actually yes. Using the paint allows you to protect the wood of the shed and apply a sealing charm to keep it looking fresh for some time. It looks better, in the end, and lasts longer."

"I see," Hermione said. "I suppose it makes sense. Magic provides many conveniences and shortcuts, but you can't just make everything out of thin air."

"Precisely. So, did Mum have you waxing the floors in there?" Fred asked good-humoredly.

"No, I did that last week. I expect she'll have it done again before the wedding. The one benefit to war, having your home attacked and rebuilt is that it is all newer and neater than before. I've been bored and she's been teaching me household charms, so it's stayed in very good shape really."

"Well, lucky for us our wedding is in just two and a half weeks after Harry and Ginny's; it should lessen the madness of preparation. At least the shed won't need painting again," Fred said with a grimace.

"If you'll show me the charm, I could help, you know. I know your mum and dad have quite a long list." Fred raised an eyebrow and showed her the charm, and Hermione went to work on the next side. Given that Fred had completed a side already before her arrival, it didn't take them long to finish. She watched with interest as he cast a drying charm and then a sealant charm. The shed looked good as new.

"Now you may not believe me, Hermione, but I swear I am not teasing you or making it up. Next up is cleaning out the broom shed." Fred grinned at her and Hermione laughed.

"Really, Fred, you aren't having me on? Wizard's oath?"

"Wizard's oath. That is the next thing on the list to be done." Hermione just shook her head and they headed in the direction of the broom shed. If Hermione was being honest, she could see the point; it was a bit cobwebby and the lock seemed rusted out. "So, dusting charms, wash the windows, sweep it out and find a new lock. That should do it, yeah?"

"Yes, I think so. At this rate, I'm going to have to take a shower before lunch," Hermione commented.

"Ooo, that sounds interesting. I'm up for that."

"You know your mum knew you were here last night, Fred," Hermione said dryly.

Fred looked at her with wide eyes. "No she didn't. Mum would have said."

"Oh, yes, she did know and yes she did say. It was mortifying, Fred. She asked about my bruise and said next time I should just ask you to heal it for me, and then pointed out I didn't normally ward my room."

"Well, that is a little embarrassing, innit? Sorry, Mione. But you have to admit, it was sort of fun." Fred caught her wrist and pulled her in for a hug. She returned the squeeze, and they stayed in a loose embrace, swaying a little as they smiled at each other.

"I don't mind too much. She didn't yell or anything. I think she enjoyed it, actually. And in the end, we had a really lovely chat. Your mum has been very good to me, you know."

"You're a good person, Mione. And you've been a part of our family for a very long time, love. I can attest that it is quite easy to be good to you." Fred gave a half smile as he looked down at her.

"You are very good to me too, Fred. And I think I love you for it." Hermione settled against his chest for a moment, and they hugged closely. "I have a question for you Fred, since we're alone at the moment." They broke apart and began removing the old brooms from the cupboard.

"Fire away, love."

"Well, you clearly know what you are doing in the bedroom. But I don't really. Can you tell me what you like?" Fred had been using one of the brooms to sweep out the shed, and he seemed to choke on the dust he was raising. "Honestly, Fred, tergeo works a lot better for something like this, because it draws the substance out in an orderly way."

Fred coughed a couple more times, then cast tergeo himself, and found she was correct. "Wasn't coughing just because of the dust. Your question took me by surprise. I'm not entirely sure how to answer it."

"I suppose it's not a question with a direct answer, is it?" Hermione cocked her head and watched Fred for a moment.

"Not really, no. I like a wide variety of things, really. I enjoy kissing you, for one. And I think you can tell that I enjoy it when you enjoy intimacy as well."

"Yes, I'd noticed, but I wasn't sure what caused it." Hermione conjured a bucket and rag and filled the bucket with water and began scrubbing the windows.

"It rather turns me on to see you respond to me. I guess in some ways, I enjoy having a bit of control there." Hermione's eyes widened and she spun around to stare at him.

"Are you some sort of sexual dominant?"

"Er, no, not exactly. I mean, I don't mind a bit of kink or the rough, on either side, but that's just play. I'm not really into that sort of thing in a meaningful way." Hermione's shoulders sagged in relief.

"I'm, um, glad to hear you say that, I guess."

Now it was Fred's turn to raise his eyebrows. "You guess? Don't tell me you've had kinky fantasies or anything like that, Hermione." The flush on her cheeks and the set of her jaw, which clearly said she was not planning to answer the question, gave her away, and Fred gave the low chuckle that made Hermione's stomach flip-flop. He leant down to her ear and she shivered when his warm breath washed over her and he said in a low voice. "You know, Hermione, I would be very, very interested in hearing some of your fantasies." He felt her shiver and he nipped lightly at her earlobe in response, before returning to the task at hand.

"Tell me what else you like. Physically, I mean."

"Well, being frank about this while we're both dressed and in the daylight is a bit clinical. Feels odd." Fred rubbed the back of his neck in his typical gesture for uncertainty or embarrassment.

"Yes, well, it feels odd for me to be half-naked or completely starkers in the candlelight and have no clue what I'm doing," Hermione retorted.

"Fair point. Right. I'll tell you one thing, but this isn't a request or an order or anything. Understand? I'm not trying to push you to anything, yeah?" He looked at her very seriously.

"Yes, and I appreciate it Fred. You have been very sweet and patient."

"Well, I really enjoy it when a woman sucks my cock. To be blunt, I mean." His ears and cheeks had turned red.

"Oh. I guess that's not surprising." Hermione vanished the conjured bucket and rag she'd used to clean the windows, and turned her attention to the lock on the shed door. She concentrated on it and managed to transfigure the old rusty lock to a shiny new padlock. Fred began moving the old brooms back inside, in an orderly line, and then they locked it all up. It looked better than when they started, at any rate. "What's next?"

"Oh, uh, orchard. That's really more for us, though. Our wedding, I mean. But clearing out some of the deadwood and leaves will make it more pleasant for Harry and Ginny's wedding as well." They held hands as they moved towards the orchard. "So why doesn't that surprise you, then?"

"Please, I've heard boys talking about that before. I had to listen to Ron and Harry discuss it when I shared a tent with them. Ron went on and on about how great it was when Lavender used to do it for him. Kept begging me to do it as well." Hermione made a face. "So we should just pile the wood or something?"

"Yeah, put it in a central location and we'll move it later. Probably use it for a bonfire one of these nights." Conversation dropped off as they separated and began piling dead, fallen branches into a growing pile. After about half an hour, maybe a third of the orchard was cleared and neat, and they were both growing tired and sweaty and Fred called a break.

"Come sit with me, Mione. I doubt we'll be able to finish this ourselves, love." Fred cleared a spot and transfigured a couple of leaves into large cushions and they sank down onto them with a large apple tree at their backs. "So, tell me about one of your kinky fantasies then."

Hermione flushed bright red. "Oh no. Not until you tell me one of yours."

"More than happy to." Fred flashed what Hermione was coming to think of as his wicked grin, the one he used when he was messing about with her. But before he could say anything further, two cracks signaled that they were no longer alone, and George and Angelina called out greetings to them. "Too bad. It'll have to wait until tonight then."

Fred gave Hermione a wink, then sprang to his feet with ease and offered her a hand up. She took it, and they wandered over to George and Angelina and soon they were once again working to clear the orchard. The addition of double the workforce certainly did help and within half an hour, the brush pile was enormous, and the orchard lanes clear of debris. The quartet stood back to observe their work and discuss the best means of disposing of the pile. George won out when he pointed out that he could use it for fake wands and possibly some other things and Fred gave in and began shrinking the pile down to a manageable size for transport.

Knowing that lunch would be called soon, the group began meandering slowly towards the house again. Ginny had joined Harry in tossing gnomes from the garden, laughing together and seemingly in some sort of contest over who could throw the farthest. Bill and Fleur had arrived and Bill and Arthur seemed to be having an intense conversation, while Fleur had taken over the task of cutting the grass. Angelina offered to help, and George stayed behind as well, leaving Fred and Hermione to head on and make use of the shower while it was free. Given how grubby they felt, they needed it.

Fred called over his shoulder to his mother that they were taking a shower, as they passed through the kitchen. Molly laughed and warned them to watch Hermione's footing if they were going to be doing that again, to the embarrassment of both. Knowing that Ron and Daphne would arrive soon, and that lunch would be ready before long, they did not linger in the shower, keeping to the business of getting clean, save for one long kiss at the beginning, and a few lingering touches here and there. Hermione had wanted to change clothes, but Fred said quietly that he liked what she'd been wearing, so she cast laundering charms over both of their clothes so that they were clean, fresh and pressed and they dressed again. In an echo of the morning, Fred sat on the edge of the tub watching Hermione and her hair, though this time, she was drying it so that it lay straight.

"It's so weird not to see curls flying everywhere, Mione. Your hair is so long when it's straight."

Hermione quirked an eyebrow. "You don't like it? I'm not leaving it down, but sometimes I like to leave it straight, for a change, you know."

"No I do like it, it's just different. It makes you look, I dunno, older or something, I guess. Not like you."

"It's not really any different for you, you know. When you cut your hair off, I mean. You look different as well. Older, I think."

"Which do you prefer, then? Longer or shorter." Hermione was focused on pulling her hair back into a smooth ponytail, and then performing the charm she'd used earlier to twist it into a sleek bun. "You look so nice like that, Mione. Sophisticated, even."

"Longer or shorter? Depends. I sort of like both. I mean, there is something sort of sexy about the longer hair. But then, I think I've always been attracted to clean cut men." She examined herself in the mirror and felt satisfied with her reflection, so she turned around and rested her hands on Fred's shoulders.

"Explains why you were never attracted to Potter, then." Hermione laughed. "Really, Hermione, do you have a preference for the wedding? I'll cut it if you prefer." Hermione ran her fingers through the length of it and shook her head.

"No. Leave it be, or cut it, whatever you prefer. Doesn't matter to me." She started to lean down for a kiss, but was interrupted by an impatient shriek from up the hall. "Uh-oh. You haven't fixed Ginny's door, have you?"

The door to the loo opened up and there stood an angry and sweaty Ginny, with smudges of dirt on her face. "Frederick Weasley, you fix my room right this instant. Now I can't even apparate in!"

Fred just looked innocent. "Ginevra, darling ickle sister, my favorite ickle sister, I might add, I haven't any idea what you are on about."

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Fred, open. My. Door. This instant. I have to take a shower before lunch and I have to get into my room."

"Can't open it, Ginny. Only you can. I've already told you, you might have hurt the door's feelings. You should ask it nicely." Ginny rolled her eyes and stomped away, and they could hear her asking in sugary tones if the very nice door could pretty please let her into her room, as well as her frustrated huff when the door suddenly opened.

"Fred, that's not very nice." Hermione stated as they began walking downstairs. He just shrugged good-naturedly.

"It's nicer than what George has got planned, that's for certain. She's going to be in a right state tomorrow when her wardrobe starts singing love ballads at three am." Hermione couldn't stop the giggle that escaped. Fred raised an eyebrow and took advantage to pin Hermione to the wall. "Admit it, Granger. You think our pranks are funny."

"I will never admit that, Fred. Never." He leaned close to her and she could feel her breathing speed up, in response to his proximity. His head lowered and they were kissing quite thoroughly, when she felt his fingers on her side and then he was tickling her, and she broke off and tried to squirm away, laughing. "Stop it, Fred! I mean it!"

"Oho, so Hermione Granger is ticklish, is she?" Fred continued to tickle her and used his body to keep her pinned to the wall, and kissed her even as she laughed and shied away. "Now that is good to file away for later." He kissed her again.

Hermione was having trouble catching her breath between the laughter and the kissing, but she managed to gasp out a loud "Stop that right now, Fred Weasley!"

"Oi, leave her be Fred," came a gruff exclamation from the foot of the stairs. Surprised, Fred stopped his assault on Hermione, and they saw Ron glaring up at them, a curvy blonde witch looking uncomfortable at his side.

Fred's face became a blank mask, and he stiffened considerably. Hermione's cheeks turned pink, but she simply said coolly, "Hello Ron." Fred moved aside and they walked down the stairs. Hermione smiled brightly at Daphne and extended a hand. "Daphne, it's good to see you again. You know Fred Weasley?"

Daphne shook Hermione's hand cordially; they had taken advanced Arithmancy and Ancient Runes together and had maintained a neutral, if not friendly, attitude towards each other. "I don't think I've met you directly before, but of course I know who you are. I visited your shop last year with my sisters. Quite impressive." Her voice was quiet, almost shy, but she seemed friendly.

Fred immediately adopted his boisterous public persona. "Why thank you, Miss Greengrass. We always enjoy satisfied customers, especially those as lovely as you. Is Pheobe Greengrass one of your sisters? I took Divination with her, I think."

"Cousin, actually. I'm the oldest. Astoria is a year younger than I, and Iris is only 12."

"Ah, I see. You should definitely bring her by then to see the Pygmy Puffs. We find girls her age tend to love them." Daphne smiled hesitantly. "Has Ron given you a tour of the old homestead yet, or did you just come in?"

"We just came in the front," Ron ground out. "Come on Daph, I'll introduce you to Mum and show you round." Ron put an arm around her waist and guided her into the kitchen. Hermione released her breath in a sigh.

"Well, that went well. Maybe you two could just go ahead and fight it out in a proper duel, then." Hermione's voice was tart.

Fred sighed in turn and rubbed his neck. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm still angry over what he said the other morning. And telling me not to touch you as if he had a claim. I don't care for any bloke to be mooning over my witch. I'm a bit possessive that way." Hermione's eyes narrowed.

"I'm not a possession, Fred," she said quietly.

"I know that, Mione." He looked chastened, and a little lost, and Hermione felt badly. They were both tense because of Ron and the anger he directed at them. Being short with each other wasn't going to help that. She reached out and took his hand in hers.

"Oi, Fred, it's ok, love. I don't mind being your witch. I actually rather like it." She smiled at him, and he wrapped her up in one of his wonderfully comforting hugs, resting his head on top of hers.

"Mione, you are incredible. I love you," he said softly.

"And I love you. You, Fred. Remember that." They stood like that a moment longer, until Molly called out that lunch was ready.

-o0o-

Like most other times, lunch was a lively affair. There was some tension, but Hermione and Fred chose to sit at the end of the table opposite Daphne and Ron to ease as much tension as possible, and to allow Molly and Arthur the chance to talk with Daphne. She looked a bit overwhelmed, which was hardly surprising, given the sheer number of people. Percy and Penelope had turned up, and everyone but Charlie was present. Bill and Fleur sat near Fred and Hermione, and they discussed Fleur's garden and her experiments in canning and jam-making. George and Angelina were near them, discussing professional Quidditch with Ginny and Harry, some friendly rivalry and teasing happening between comparisons of practice schedules and drills. Ron was drawn into some of it, and Ginny was asking after Astoria, a Ravenclaw she'd taken classes with. Daphne informed her that she'd been matched with Draco Malfoy, which sent a temporary silence over the table.

Glances were exchanged, but Harry was the one to rescue the conversation. "So how is Draco these days? It must be difficult with his father in prison again, and of course we heard about the breach of his wards."

Daphne looked a little relieved. "He's doing well. Very quiet, most of the time. He, um, he told me about the letter you sent him and how you stood up for him."

"It was the right thing to do. He and Narcissa helped me." Harry shrugged. "So your sister is bound to him. How are they getting on?"

"Surprisingly well. I knew Draco pretty well from being in Slytherin with him, of course. Once he was away from Crabbe and Goyle, he could be pretty charming. He's different in a lot of ways, now. More mature, I think. I suppose most of us have grown up and put the old rivalries behind us. He's very kind to Astoria, and very considerate. Their wedding won't be until next summer, as Astoria petitioned to complete her last year at Hogwarts. I know Pansy was quite dismayed when Draco refused to petition with her, but it was a bad match." Daphne glanced at Hermione when she said this, and Hermione had a feeling she knew what the other girl was trying to communicate. She nodded, then turned her attention back to Penelope, who was sitting across from her.

"Penny, have you and Percy set a date yet?" Penelope was often quiet at these gatherings, though pleasant enough. She seemed well suited to Percy.

"Yes, but I think Percy wanted to announce it after your wedding. We're planning early December, but nothing elaborate. Minister Shacklebolt has very graciously offered to perform the ceremony, so we plan to do it in his office and then have a wedding lunch in Muggle London at the Armoury House. I'm the only magical one in my family, you know, so it's difficult to explain it all. We thought if we kept it informal and low-key, and told them it was just a civil ceremony, they'd understand better. Of course, we'll be inviting everyone, and my parents understand what is happening. Percy is working on getting them clearance so they can attend the ceremony."

"That sounds like a very nice compromise. So will you be wearing a Muggle gown then?"

"Yes, I think so. Not a formal gown, of course. Maybe a nice suit or something. My mum and I are going shopping next week after the wedding. And I promised to take Percy shopping for a Muggle suit soon as well."

"Do you have a flat yet? I assume you are both planning to stay in London?"

"Oh yes, Percy's leased a flat for us near St. Mungo's. Lovely little place, wizarding building, so there is no problem there. It's got a gorgeous courtyard and of course all the flats are enlarged on the inside."

"Sounds lovely, Penny. Work going well?"

They drifted off into a conversation about healing and Penny's work in the wizard hospital. Next to them Fleur and Angelina were discussing the best place to buy furniture. Bill and Fred were talking in low voices about something Hermione couldn't quite hear. Molly and Arthur were genially discussing Daphne's interests and plans. Food was passed and conversation flowed, and eventually Molly brought out the cake Hermione had baked earlier.

Once everyone had been served and plates were finally cleared, Arthur stood up and motioned for quiet.

"Everyone, we're so pleased that you all were able to come today. It's rare we get to see both Fred and George, so that's especially nice. And Daphne, it's a pleasure to welcome you to our family gatherings, with all the other assorted family to be. As you know, Ginny and Harry here are getting married on Saturday -" there were catcalls and cheers and they grinned at each other. "Yes, all right. Charlie will be in Tuesday, and he is bringing a date with him, whom I'm sure you will all make feel welcomed. Now, there is a great deal that remains to be done to make this weekend's wedding happen, and I know you will pitch in. Molly has some plans for the witches here, if the wizards will join me outside, I've got quite a list for you, though thanks to the earlier efforts, it's greatly reduced, so we may find there is yet time for some fun this afternoon. And of course, we expect to see you all Wednesday evening for dinner and naturally on Saturday morning as well. Now then, shall we?"

There was general agreement, and the family separated along the gender lines. Fleur, Hermione and Angelina offered to wash up and Molly and Ginny went up to Molly's bedroom to retrieve the supplies necessary for their work of the day, which consisted of assembling wedding favors and making the floral arrangements. Hermione was especially interested in watching this, as it would allow her to see the preservation charms firsthand; something she'd missed before Bill and Fleur's wedding with the planning for the trip they were doing.

Daphne stood uncertainly off to one side. Penny was washing up the dinner plates, and Angelina was drying them as Fleur and Hermione put away the leftovers. Feeling bad that she was out of place, Hermione called out to her. "Daphne, would you like some tea? You are most welcome to join us, but don't feel obligated to help out, all right?"

"Oh, yes, thanks. I appreciate that. I'm afraid I wouldn't be much for helping clear up anyhow. I've never really learned household charms. Mum keeps two house-elves." Her voice trailed off a bit.

Taking pity on her, Hermione set out the tea tray and asked her to levitate it onto the table, which she did. Fleur followed, with milk and spoons. "Oh, do not worry about that, Daphne. I was fairly useless myself, except in cooking. Molly has taught me a great deal about household spells and English cooking."

"She's taught me too," Hermione added. "Growing up in a Muggle house meant I didn't have much experience with wizard households, and they do all of that sort of thing at Hogwarts for you."

Penny spoke up gently as well. "Yes, Molly is a very kind woman. She certainly has helped me as well. Though Percy picked up a great deal from her, and he's taught me too."

"Not me," Angelina laughed. "I'm lucky to have learned from my mum. Because Fred is completely right; George is utter pants at cooking. Hermione, you know that he'll be over at your flat whenever I'm away nights."

"Of course. Not like we can really kick him out, now, is it? What do you think we are keeping the guest room for? In fact, I was planning on leaving Georgie's room as it is and turning the guest room into a study, just so he'll feel at home." This received general laughter, and then Molly and Ginny reappeared, an abundance of items and flowers before them.

"Ladies, who wants to do what? Fleur, I know you'll want to help with the flowers, you are so brilliant with them. Ginny, you'll take charge of the favors, won't you?" Molly began issuing instructions, and Daphne looked a little awed at all the activity going on around her.

"Fleur, promise me you won't let her charm them blue!" Ginny called. "They'll clash with the dresses if she does," she went on to explain to Daphne. Ginny had a stack of boxes next to her, which she was tapping to make them fold themselves, and passing on to Daphne, who was adding charmed confetti from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and passing it on to Angelina, who was adding special chocolates Molly had ordered from Honeydukes, embossed with a 'P' on top, and passing those to Hermione, who closed the boxes after activating the confetti so that it would flutter out and hover round the opener and used her wand to tie yellow ribbons around the boxes.

"Hermione, you've gotten even better at that sort of thing. Must come from working in the shop," Ginny commented.

"Possibly. I do a lot of potion brewing mostly, though George was talking about having me do some transfiguration, which would be a nice change of pace."

"The twins think you are bloody brilliant, Hermione. Well, obviously Fred does, but George as well. Perhaps more platonically," Angie said with a wink, "but he raves about you."

Hermione's cheeks turned pink. "He's sweet. Actually it's wonderful for me. I can't study all the time and the practical experience is at least NEWT level."

Daphne ventured a comment. "So you are working in the twins' joke shop?"

"Yes, at least for now. I was terribly bored here. Can't take my NEWTs until June, and I can't really do much until then, and the twins needed some help in the shop, so it seemed like a great option all around. And it's been really enjoyable for me. They do some really complex magic there."

Ginny just laughed. "Please, Mione, I think we all know what you most enjoy at the shop." Angelina laughed as well.

"Yes, getting away from hours upon hours of Quidditch talk," Hermione said with asperity. "Daphne, that's the problem with having four professional players in the family on four different teams. It's practically non-stop."

"Oh, I didn't realize you didn't like Quidditch. You've always dated Quidditch players." Daphne looked confused.

"I don't mind it, but I don't care for flying. And the Weasleys are just a bit mad for it. Bill and Charlie and the twins all played at Hogwarts, so combine them with professional players and it can go on for hours. Thank God for Percy and Penny and something else to talk about." Ginny tossed one of the boxes at Hermione's head and Angelina caught it expertly and they laughed. "So, what about you, Daphne? What are your plans?"

"Well, I plan to sit my NEWTs, at least in Charms and Runes. But it's really more for my own accomplishment than anything. Beyond that, I don't have any really firm plans. Once Ron and I are married, I'll probably travel with him. I hadn't really planned on a career." She looked around a little defiantly.

"So you and Ron are getting on, then?" Ginny didn't hesitate to be direct.

"I suppose so. I know he's still pretty angry about Hermione." Daphne shifted in her seat and avoided looking at Hermione. "When it's just the two of us, we do fine. I'm quite surprised, actually. I didn't know him much in school, so I couldn't believe we might be compatible. But he's, well, he's kind. And thoughtful. We've spent a lot of time playing chess, which gives us some space to talk about things."

"I'm glad," Hermione said. "I know it's probably awkward to talk about Ron with me here. Only, well, he's been one of my best friends since first year. Things are odd now, but I hope that we can be friends again at some point. The thing is, well, I'm actually really happy with Fred."

Daphne nodded. "I can tell. From what Ron has told me, he's just not quite ready to admit that you weren't compatible. He does still care about you." Daphne frowned as she said it.

Angelina decided to intervene. "So, if you are willing to travel with Ron, I take it you like Quidditch. Which team do you support then?"

"Er, the Cannons, actually. Not just because of Ron, mind. I loved them back when Lewisham was their seeker, before he left for Montrose."

Angelina whistled. "A true Cannons fan. No wonder you and Ron were matched. You may be the only two in existence." Everyone laughed at that, and the tension that had crept over the small group dissipated.

-o0o-

The afternoon wore on, and favors were completed, along with floral arrangements, and everything was moved out to Arthur's shed under stasis and preservation charms for safekeeping. The men finished with trimming the lawns, weeding the gardens and flower beds, which Molly would replant later in the week, and Bill and Arthur made adjustments to the wards when everyone else was engaged in activity.

Everyone returned for tea and biscuits, and then Ron and Daphne departed for dinner with her parents. Penny and Percy begged off soon thereafter, claiming the need to visit a store or two in Diagon Alley for their flat. Bill and Fleur mysteriously disappeared for half an hour and returned to the living room looking flushed and leaving no one in doubt of just what they'd been getting up to. Angelina and Ginny got out on their brooms and began tossing the Quaffle back and forth, eventually drawing George and Harry into a four-way game of keep away. Molly stated she was going to lay down for a bit before it was time to prepare dinner, and Arthur settled into his favorite chair with a book on Muggle engineering that Penny had brought with her, hoping he would enjoy it.

Fred whispered something into Hermione's ear and she nodded, and he announced they were taking a walk. Hand in hand, they strolled around the property, though Fred had to cast warming charms because of the chill in the air. They made their way back towards the orchard and eventually to an old large tree housing a treehouse and a swing. Fred tapped the tree with his wand and a ladder descended from the treehouse, and they climbed up. Hermione enjoyed the view from the treehouse, which allowed them to see the pond on one side and the house on the other.

"You've really never seen it, Hermione?" Fred settled himself against a wall, having cast a cushioning charm over the floor. Hermione joined him not long after.

"Really, I haven't. In the past when I've been here in summer, there've been other things going on. And I don't think this was Ron or Ginny's favorite place; I think they prefer the meadow and flying."

"That's probably true. Ron was pretty tired of hand-me-downs growing up, and even though Ginny used to swing down there, she lost interest as she got older. Of course, I think George and I told her that no girls were allowed and threatened to hang her dolls from the window if she tried to sneak up here, which may have something to do with it." Fred laughed and Hermione gave him a scolding glance.

"Now, you said we needed to finalize details of the ceremony. Is that what we're here to do?" Hermione quirked her eyebrow at Fred.

"Merlin, no. We're here to snog away from prying eyes, naturally." Hermione chuckled.

"Is that all you ever think about, Fred?"

"Not at all! Sometimes I think about food as well." Fred smiled smugly.

"Naturally you do. You are a Weasley," Hermione said dryly. She leaned against Fred and yawned. "Sorry, I'm a bit tired. Didn't get quite enough sleep, I think."

"Well, then, why don't you lay down for awhile? Put your head in my lap, and rest." Hermione did as he suggested, settling so that she could look up at him.

"You make a surprisingly good pillow, Fred."

"How is that bun comfortable at all, Mione? Why don't you take down your hair?" Hermione smiled, and with a wave of her wand, the bun was released. "That's better." He began running his fingers through her now loosely waving hair, causing her to sigh in satisfaction.

"So, weren't you going to tell me something earlier?" Hermione asked quietly.

"Don't you know yet, Mione? I'm a wizard of actions, not words. Show, not tell."

"You cannot expect me to be willing to participate in some fantasy of yours without the slightest idea of what you intend," she responded matter-of-factly.

"Good point. Still, have you any reason not to trust me, Hermione? You've enjoyed everything so far."

"Yes, but how does that help me? Isn't your fantasy about your pleasure?" Hermione finally opened her eyes to look at him, but felt relatively relaxed, as Fred continued to rhythmically stroke her hair.

"Naturally some of them are. But not all of them. Let me ask you a question, Mione."

"All right."

"Have you ever thought about being tied up?" Hermione felt a flush of heat wash over her, and she licked her suddenly dry lips. Fred chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes. So what if my fantasy involves tying you to the bedpost and ravishing you until you can't think straight? That is pleasure for you and pleasure for me, because I'm in charge there."

"What about you, then? Would you enjoy being tied up?" There was a challenge in Hermione's voice.

"Most definitely. The idea of you taking control is enormously sexy. I've already told you, a little play is fun. I'm not into dominance or submission though as a regular thing. Too boring, that is."

"So, do you have a favorite, um, position or anything?"

"I haven't tried one I haven't liked yet," Fred said in that low rumble that made Hermione's insides squirm. "Is there something you are hoping to try, love?"

"I, um, haven't given it much thought."

"Now that I don't believe. Leave that to me then. But never hesitate to tell me if there is something you want to try. Either way, if there is something you'd like me to do to you, or something you'd like to try on me, yeah?"

"I will try. I feel so embarrassed though."

"You shouldn't though. Sex is a perfectly natural thing. Even if it doesn't feel that way. It just takes practice, love. And it'll be more fun if you can leave the embarrassment and inhibitions aside."

"I think your mum said the same thing." Hermione kept a straight face until Fred's mouth fell open, then burst into laughter.

"You will never cease tormenting me with sordid details of my family's sex lives, will you?" Hermione shook her head. "I will have to seek revenge if you don't desist, I'm giving you fair warning." His fingers grazed over her sides, lightly tickling her. Hermione giggled a little and looked at Fred softly, eyes shining.

"I really do love you, Fred." She reached up and touched his cheek.

"I love you as well, Hermione."

"I'm glad you'll be here tonight," she said. "I love sleeping next to you."

"Me too. Except I like it better when your hair is plaited. It doesn't tickle so much then." Hermione scrunched up her nose, and Fred laughed. "So, here is a question for you. What are you looking forward to about getting married?"

"Hmmm. Looking forward to spending more time with you. And perhaps a bit more routine. My revising has been off. I've owled back and forth with Minerva regarding transfiguration, and she's been very helpful, but I really need to see her in person and things have been too unsettled for that. I think it will help Ron too, when it's finally just done with, you know? What about you?"

"Definitely just living with you. Though I wonder a bit at how that will be. I mean, I'm used to George being round all the time, but it'll be a bit strange to have you there all the time. Not bad strange, just different. I'm excited about it, actually."

"Fred, we really ought to talk about the ceremony more, so we can meet with Percy and go over it all when we give him the rings to prepare."

"Yes, I suppose so. To be honest, I've only been to a few weddings and can't say I was really paying attention."

"Fair enough. Look, why don't I see if I can find a book on handfastings so we can go over it all together?"

"Sounds like a crackerjack plan to me. Let's go right now" Fred said impulsively. "Flourish and Blotts should be open for another hour or two and I can stop at the flat and get something wear tonight, since I neglected to do so last night."

"I suppose we could. But really, I could just do it tomorrow on my way in." Hermione stretched and sat up.

"Right. Er, Hermione, Dad told me today that they found a monitoring spell in the wards here as well. It was apparently different than the one at the shop, and Bill said it was unlikely that much was gleaned because Mum and Dad don't ever lower the wards since the war. Dad also told me that there are new threats being made against Muggleborns that sound credible, I guess. I know you are a smart, capable witch who would kick my arse in a duel, but I'd really prefer it if you didn't wander alone in the Alley." The tips of Fred's ears turned pink, and he looked a little fearful of her reaction.

"Well, if there are threats, that's probably just prudent, short of an invisibility cloak. Do bear in mind though, Fred, that I cannot have you escorting me everywhere I could possibly want to go. But I promise not to wander alone in the Alley. Yeah?" She looked at him expectantly. He nodded his agreement, and did as he did with his twin; he offered his hand to shake on it, which made her smile.

They shook hands, then Fred helped Hermione up, took her in his arms and they apparated to the alley behind the shop.

-o0o-

A/N: I'm slowly but surely getting caught up and beginning to bring a resolution to the story. It's just difficult, because I like these guys! Fingers crossed, I'll get some more done tomorrow (off work) because the next two weeks are going to be filled with work as a Very Important Deadline is looming. Hope you enjoyed this; I love hearing what you lovely readers think, so don't be afraid to review. Cheers!