Sigh. I just had to post another chapter for you guys. I feel like I had cheated you with the last one. I mean, I liked the last chapter, and I hope you did too, but I made you wait a month and, though there were sweet exchanges, Hermione and Fred really haven't gone anywhere in their relationship and it's a slow moving plot. I certainly can't update this frequently, but I just had to give you more. ^_^
"So, are you two finally ready for lunch?" George asked as he closed the latest magazine edition of Popular Potions.
"Yes," Fred said with relief. "I'm starving."
"So what'll it be today? I'll pick it up for you if you'd like," George offered. He definitely looked bored and ready for movement or interaction of some sort.
"Well, actually, I was wondering," Hermione started uncertainly. "Would it be okay if I went out for lunch today? Or, would you rather I stay here?"
"No, that's fine," George answered. "I don't know how many times we're going to have to tell you though; You're welcome to come and go as you please."
"Yes, well, that's going to take me some time to get used to," Hermione told them. "How long do I have for break?"
Fred and George exchange amused smiles. "As long as you need, Hermione," Fred answered.
"Ugh," Hermione sighed in exasperation. "I'm sorry, but I'm a very structured person. I prefer structure and outlines of what's expected of me."
"Well, then you'll have to learn to get over that because we really don't have expectations," said Fred.
"Well, we expect you to work, but there's really not much to that," George added.
Hermione sighed again. "Fine, then just tell me, how long do you usually take for break?"
"Sometimes we don't and other times up to an hour and a half," George answered with a grin.
"There was that one time you disappeared for three hours," Fred reminded him.
"I told you, I fell asleep," George defended.
"Alright," said Hermione. "I'm going to take about an hour then, I think. Is that alr-?" Hermione stopped midsentence. She was going to ask if that was acceptable, but decided she was done being teased. "About an hour."
"We'll see you in about an hour then," said Fred. Hermione removed her work robe, folded it and handed it to George who placed it behind the counter for her.
"What about you?" George asked Fred.
"I think I'm just going to go upstairs for a sandwich," he replied. I need a break. All this time with Hermione has really got me confused. I love working with her, but with these feelings I have, whatever they are… ugh, I need a break.
Hermione looked at Fred guiltily, took a breath, and turned to go.
"Wait," George stopped her. "Lunch money. How much do you think you'll need?"
"Oh, I don't know. I still don't know where I'm going. But, don't worry about it. I can take care of myself," Hermione replied.
"Nuh-uh," George disagreed. "We always take care of lunch. Just bring back a receipt and we'll reimburse you." Hermione rolled her eyes and it did not go unnoticed.
"Better bring a receipt or we'll just add a guessed amount to your pay," Fred advised.
"Fine, fine. I'll be back soon," Hermione conceded. She stepped out onto the busy cobble stone street and took a deep breath. Like Fred, she too needed a break. She felt rather confused and overwhelmed, also. All of his feelings for her were confusing her about her feelings for him.
Concentrate, Hermione. You can think in a minute. First, you have to decide where to go for lunch. Um… Mrs. Weasley said there's a nice little café just past Gringotts and the Daily Prophet. Yeah, I'll give that a try.
Her mind made up, she started down the street, glancing at the many people as she passed. She was sure that it had to be her imagination, but it seemed like people kept taking an extra long look at her.
Merlin, Fred. Get over it. You work with her. You can't let this get to you. You're losing your cool. Fred's thoughts sounded in Hermione's head once again. You've been attracted to girls before, but you never acted like an idiot like this. Yeah, but none of them called you on it like Hermione did. Still, I would have laughed it off if it were anyone else. Exactly. Hermione isn't everyone else. She's different… special. She sees me for who I am and not just entertainment and comic relief. Yeah, but she also looks at you more like a brother. No wonder she's so weirded out.
No, you're not like a brother. You're my friend; a close friend now. You know that. You'd know that I was feeling attracted to you today if you would stop beating yourself up and believing that I'm too good for you. Merlin! This is what I mean! I need a break! I can't get one. I need to go over my own thoughts without you interrupting them. You don't even know you're doing it though. I did feel attracted to him. Looking in his eyes, I felt… I don't know what I felt. I'm so confused. Am I honestly attracted to him, or do I just look at him differently because I know how he feels about me? Am I genuinely interested or am I just flattered?
"Hermione?" a voice interrupted her thoughts. Hermione just had time to look up before she was wrapped in a tight embrace. "Hermione! It is you!"
"Parvati?" Hermione greeted, patting the girl's back uncertainly. In all the years she'd known her Gryffindor roommate, they had never even come close to hugging.
"My goodness, how are you?" She asked, backing up and giving Hermione an appraising look.
"Er, I'm well," Hermione answered slowly. "And you?"
"Last I heard, you were still in the hospital, on your deathbed, in fact," Parvati rambled on, ignoring Hermione's cordial greeting.
"My deathbed?" Hermione asked with a nervous chuckle. "No, no, I'm fine. I got out of the hospital a few days ago."
"What happened? How's Fred? I've been reading the paper everyday looking for news, but there's nothing about you except rumors on the street," Parvati rattled off quickly.
Rumors… of course. Hermione thought miserably. Parvati has always been the queen of gossip. I'm sure she's heard them all… I don't think I want to know… But I don't think she's going to give me a choice.
"What on earth happened to you and Fred? I know they said he died, and they said that you somehow miraculously brought him back to life. I saw you even, well… not what you did, but I saw you in the great hall holding onto him, hours after they said he was dead and he was breathing then. You looked pretty bad yourself. So when they told me you were dying too, well, I don't know what I thought. I was panicked. I mean, we've never been really close friends, but I still consider you a friend, and I've known you for so long… So what really happened then?"
Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but it turned out that Parvati wasn't really ready for answers just yet.
"Some people have been saying that it could only possibly be black magic; that black magic is the only possible way to bring someone back from the dead. I know you better than that though, I dismissed that thought immediately," Parvati continued quickly. Hermione felt out of breath just watching the other girl speak. "I said to them, 'Hermione Granger use dark magic? Absolutely not.' I mean it's just absurd. With all that you've done to stop dark wizards, there's no way you'd use that kind of magic yourself. Other people are saying that it's just the opposite. You are rumored to be the brightest witch of not only our age, but the age! They're saying you might actually be the next Dumbledore! Well, you know, minus the beard and all. Well, you are a bit quirky like him too, though. I wonder what you'd be like if-"
"Parvati!" Hermione finally interrupted. Parvati stopped talking instantly and Hermione felt even more uncomfortable than before. She felt like she was rude to interrupt. She had to find something to say. "I know the rumor mill can come up with many different ideas, but 'the next Dumbledore' sounds just as absurd as me using dark magic, don't you think?"
"Well, I guess that could be a bit much, but not nearly as farfetched as you using black magic," Parvati said a bit more slowly, appearing as though she were ready to hold an actual conversation at this point.
"I appreciate that," Hermione said gratefully. She knew that there must have been some ridiculous rumors out there, but it was nice to know that there were people that were dismissing them. After all that she saw Harry suffer from rumors about his sanity and disposition, it was nice to know that she didn't have to defend herself. She wouldn't have wanted to anyway. She didn't much care for people and their gossip.
"So how did you do it?" Parvati asked seriously. "I mean, I'm assuming he is okay now too, right?"
"Yeah, he's doing great. He's back to his usual self. It's hard for me to believe that the whole thing in the great hall and the hospital actually happened," Hermione admitted with a small smile. "I just sort of woke up and everything before that just felt like a long nightmare. The battle, the war, Fred… It just felt like a dream. I woke up and everything was just fine."
"Yeah, but how did you do it?" Parvati asked again.
"I… I honestly don't know," Hermione admitted. "I mean, Fred wasn't dead. He was close, so close that people really believed he was, but he wasn't. I couldn't have saved him otherwise."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Parvati thought seriously. "But, he's really okay though?"
"He's fine."
"What about you? What are you doing now?" she asked.
"Oh, I'm just on my lunch break," Hermione replied. She knew that wasn't what Parvati had meant, but she was hoping the girl would get the hint that she was done speaking.
"Oh, I'm sorry to be holding you up, then," she apologized. "Where are you working?"
"Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes," Hermione said, certain that she wouldn't be getting away easily now.
"Really?" she said in surprise. "With Fred?"
"Yes," Hermione answered, struggling to suppress a sigh.
"Yeah, I guess you two are probably pretty close after all that," she said with a suggestive smile.
"Yes, we've really become close friends," Hermione said pointedly. "I really should be going though."
"Oh, of course. Give Fred my best. Oh, and where are you staying now?"
"I'm still staying at the Burrow with the Weasleys," Hermione replied.
"Great, I'll owl you some time. Maybe we could go out for lunch or something," Parvati suggested.
"Yeah, we could do that," Hermione said, trying to act excited by the idea.
"There you are, Parvati," Padma, Parvati's twin, exclaimed as she came out of the store next to them. "I was looking for you. I- Hermione?"
"Hi, Padma. Well, it was nice talking to you, Parvati. I'll see you around," Hermione said, nodding to them both. Hermione took a deep breath as she walked away. She could hear Parvati chatting excitedly again, no doubt filling her twin in on all the new gossip.
Hermione was now certain as she walked down the street that people were indeed staring at her as she passed. She felt extremely flustered and irritated as she wondered just what everyone was thinking about her.
Dark magic to raise Fred from the dead… How utterly ridiculous.
Concentrate, Fred, before you blow up the kitchen, too. Fred thoughts broke into Hermione's.
Merlin! Stop it! Everyone! I need a break! Hermione shouted in her mind. She stopped instantly as she caught sight of the last person in the world that she wanted to see. She could see the café just a few stores down, but right in front of the Daily Prophet was none other than Rita Skeeter. The woman caught her eye at the exact same time and a wicked grin spread on her face. No!
Hermione reached into her robes quickly as the woman approached and Hermione quickly disapparated away from the busy street. Hermione touched down in a musty shadowed alley in muggle Banbury and ran her hands through her hair in frustration. It seemed that no matter what she tried she just couldn't get away. The muggle world seemed like her only chance to blend in and go unnoticed by the people around her. She took a deep breath and walked out onto the pavement of the calm street. There were very few people around, the exact reason that she chose here instead of London. She knew this place and remembered and relished the calm atmosphere.
It was only a minute before she reached her destination; a quaint little restaurant that she had eaten at with her parents. She felt that she was hardly conscious when she talked to the hostess and only felt truly relaxed when she sat down at a private table on the patio. The waitress brought her a glass of water and Hermione quickly agreed to order their daily special… whatever it was, and she rested her head in her hands.
It's a good day. Nothing bad has happened. I need to calm down. Everything is fine… Who am I kidding? This is a mess! I can't stop hearing Fred, everyone is looking at me, and I can't get a moment's peace. Yes, yes I can. I've found it right here. Deep breaths…
The more you think about not thinking about her, the more you think about her, Fred. Just stop. Just… just concentrate on something. My sandwich. I'll concentrate on my sandwich and not Hermione. This is impossible. Potions. I'll go make a potion, one that takes a long time and will force me to concentrate… and I won't blow myself up this time. That was so embarrassing.
Hermione felt a dry sob and forced herself to remain calm. I have to find a way to stop this. I have to tell him.
"Hey, what are you doing just sitting there?" George asked as he approached Fred at their kitchen table. "You have to get ready or we're going to be late for dinner."
"I'm not going," Fred said quietly.
"What?" George asked incredulously. "Why?"
"I'm not feeling well. I'm just going to stick around here," Fred answered.
"Well, what's the matter? We have a cure for just about anything," George reminded him.
"It's nothing. I just need a bit of rest," Fred replied.
"Bullshit," said George taking the seat next to him. "Fred Weasley never rests. What's wrong with you?"
"I don't know what's wrong with me," Fred said in frustration. He glanced over at George who was looking at him expectantly. Fred sighed, looking extremely put out. "I fancy Hermione."
"Really?" George said, his eyebrows disappearing beneath his ginger hair. "And when did this happen?"
"I don't know. I just haven't been able to think of her the same since the hospital. And it seems like the more time I spend with her, the more I like her… I've got it bad."
"Obviously," said George. "I don't think I've ever seen you like this before. So what are you going to do?"
"Do?" Fred chuckled. "I'm not going to do anything."
"Well, that's not going to solve anything. And neither will avoiding her," he said seriously. "You know, most blokes like to spend more time around the girl they like, rather than avoid them."
"I can't be around her. I just make a fool out of myself. I get messed up just thinking about her," Fred admitted. "What's worse is that she knows about it."
"I'm still not seeing the problem. How is it worse?" George asked.
"Remember last night's argument?" At George's nod, Fred continued, "She accused me of being jealous of Ron."
"Ooo," George hissed in pain. "Ouch. I completely forgot about Ron."
"Yeah, well, she says that they're not seeing each other," Fred informed him.
"Really? Because Ron really-"
"I guess it's all one-sided. She talked to him about it this morning," Fred said.
"That's great. So what's the problem? What are you waiting for? Make your move," George suggested.
Fred snorted derisively. "Make a move on Hermione Granger? Have you lost it? I'd just be making an even bigger fool of myself."
"Why do you say that? You act like she'd chew you up and spit you out," George said, a little appalled by his brother's reaction.
"She's Hermione. I wouldn't have a chance with her," Fred said miserably.
"Man, you really have got it bad. What's wrong with you? Why would you think you wouldn't have a chance? You're acting like you're lowly scum," George argued angrily.
"Compared to her-"
"No. Stop right there," George demanded. "What are you doing to yourself? You're better than that. Hermione may be a brilliant witch, but she doesn't look down on people. And if she had a thing for Ron, which you know she did at one time, then you definitely have a chance."
"Yeah, well she knows I'm interested in her, so it's obvious she doesn't feel the same," Fred reasoned.
"I don't know that," said George. "And neither do you. She's a shy girl when it comes to relationships. Don't give up on it."
Fred shook his head, dismissing his brother's supportive words.
"Fine. Stay home tonight if you want, but you better take this time to figure out what you're going to do. You're either going to do something about it, or you're going to forget about her and move on. I won't allow you to beat yourself up and mope like this. It doesn't look good on you."
Fred nodded in agreement.
"Good," George said, slapping the table and getting to his feet. "You know… I think I know just what you need."
"What?" Fred asked apprehensively.
"Don't worry about it. Your twin's got it handled," George said with a grin.
"I should worry, shouldn't I?" Fred asked.
"Not at all," said George. "Just finish your moping and I'll bring you back some dinner."
"Fair enough," Fred agreed. He didn't feel at all comfortable with George secretly planning something, but he knew it would be a waste of time to try to talk him out of anything.
Just finish moping, make a plan, and hold on for the ride, Fred thought to himself.
"Oh, good, you're here," Mrs. Weasley said, glancing quickly at George as he stepped into the kitchen of the Burrow. "You're late though, both of you take your seats."
George smirked and looked over his shoulder at the other which did not exist and back at the table's occupants. His grin still in place, George walked the length of the table and took the seat next to Charlie, leaving the seat next to him empty. Everyone was looking at him in question, but he said nothing.
"Well, are you going to tell us, or make us ask?" Charlie asked.
"Ask what?" George replied, his eyebrows raised in mock confusion.
"Obviously he wants us to ask," Ginny said, rolling her eyes.
"Where's Fred?" Charlie asked.
"What?" Mrs. Weasley asked, turning around from the counter and scanning the table. "Where is Fred?"
"He decided to stay home tonight and get some extra rest," George told them.
"What? Is he okay?" Mrs. Weasley asked, placing a platter on the table and straightening to look at George. "Maybe I should go check on him."
"No, he's fine, Mum," George assured her. "He's just a bit tired and needs some rest."
"Fred never thinks he needs rest," Mrs. Weasley said with concern. "I'll just pop over there to-"
"Mum, he's fine," George said seriously, glancing at Hermione.
"Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley asked. "You were with him today. Is he alright? Did he look okay?"
"Yes," Hermione replied nervously. "He seemed fine. It was a rather busy day though. He probably is tired. I'm sure he just needs a little break." Yeah… a break from me. She thought miserably, a heavy feeling in the stomach. Don't act so hurt or offended, Hermione. You know that you've needed a break from his thoughts. We both need a little break. Yes, but it still hurts that he doesn't want to see me.
"Oh… alright," Mrs. Weasley conceded. "But I'm making a plate for you to take home to him."
"I'm sure he'd enjoy that," George smiled.
"So, Hermione," said Ginny as she pulled a piece of chicken onto her plate. "How was your first day at work?"
"Well… It was…" Hermione paused in thought as the events of the day quickly flashed in her mind. "Interesting."
"I assumed that. That's why I asked," Ginny chuckled.
"Oh, well," Hermione looked up at George feeling rather uncertain about what to say. The event that first entered her mind was her spat with Verity. It was obvious that George understood by her expression for he saved her from answering.
"Verity quit today," he answered.
"What? Why?" asked Ginny incredulously. She looked at Hermione with concern. She was a bright witch and she assumed correctly when she figured that it was not coincidence that Verity chose to quit on Hermione's first day. Verity always seemed a bit scatty in her opinion, but she seemed like a pleasant person. Why on Earth would she quit because of Hermione?
George glanced once more at Hermione, noticing the nervousness that she was trying to hide with her forced indifference. He could still mentally picture the red handmark on her cheek. "Just a difference of opinions," he explained vaguely.
Thank you, George. Hermione thought as she gave him a smile. It was he that now looked at her pleadingly. She didn't understand the meaning of it at first, but it was only a second before she understood. He wanted to make sure that Fred's morning explosion was left out of the discussion also. Don't worry , George. I'd never slip something like that in front of your mum. She'd be at the flat in half a second if I said that. "It was still a rather good day though. I got to help Fred with production."
George threw Hermione a quick wink and she snorted a silent chuckle.
"Yeah? What did you make?" Harry asked with interest, clearly hoping for an interesting story.
"Love potion," Hermione answered with a funny grin. She couldn't help but remember Fred covered in random substances, Octopus Ink dripping from his hair and beside his eyes. As soon as she thought of his eyes, she remembered staring into them and the way her heart raced. Her heart was beginning to race again.
"Love potion?" Harry asked with a chuckle. "I never thought there'd be a day that Hermione Granger would brew a love potion."
"Well, it wasn't for me," she reminded him with a wide smile. Her smile slowly started to fade as she caught Ron's eyes. His brows were raised in curiosity, the faintest smile on his lips. He was torn and his smile showed it. He looked curious and amused, but there was still a hint of sadness, a tiny ache of jealousy and loss. Hermione forced herself to take her eyes off of his and found herself looking at George. His look mirrored Ron's curiosity and amusement. She looked down at her plate and began slowly scooping food onto her fork. "Pretty uneventful other than that."
They're both wondering at my feelings for Fred. They know that he likes me, but neither know how I feel. Neither do I. How can I not know what I feel? Feelings like those aren't meant to be pondered and calculated. Just that I have to calculate them should tell me that I don't have feelings for him. But I think that I might. The only reason I'm not certain is because I have no idea how much his thoughts influence mine. I never have a moment to really consider my own feelings without his cutting in.
"We got a really big order for Whiz-Bangs though," George told the table excitedly. "I don't know if we've ever had an order that size. It's sure to be quite a show. It's in Godric's Hollow tomorrow if you're interested."
Hermione vaguely heard George and the others continue discussions, but she was too lost in her thoughts to care. Well, he's not interrupting now. No… he's not. Well, he did think that he needed a break. Maybe he did manage to push me from his thoughts. Perhaps he's asleep. Whatever the reason, your thoughts are your own now, Hermione. No excuses. What do you feel for him? …I don't know. If this is something that I'm forced to calculate, then how do I? I know all the feelings I've had, I've known all his thoughts, but I'm no closer to understanding my feelings. I… I just don't know! She glared at her plate in frustration, forcing herself to take another bite before she looked suspicious. Fine. I don't know. So the logical thing would be to go over what I do know. She glanced up at George who was smirking at her. I know that I'm sad that he's not here. I'm hurt that he feels the need to avoid me. I know that I like to spend time with him. I know he's both intelligent and kind, and funny as well. I know that I hate that he's losing his self-esteem because of my indecision. I hate that I can hear him. I hate that I'm hurting him. I hate that he's not here. I miss him. Hermione stopped in shock of her last thought. I miss him… I do. No, I don't just miss him… that heavy feeling in my stomach… I ache that he's not here. She closed her eyes for a second, allowing herself to really feel and appreciate that ache for the first time. Her eyes still closed, she allowed herself to visualize all the time she spent with him: tapping cookies in the hospital, watching him open his string of paper elf dolls, the shivers she felt when he whispered questions in her ear at the movies, peering over his shoulder as he made his flipbook, the way he held her chin gently as he appraised the slap mark on her face with concern, his smile covered in potion ingredients, the soft silky feel of his hair, and again, the look in his eyes as she stared deeply into them. Her vision deviated from here, imagining herself tenderly embraced in his arms, and her eyes flew open in shock. Oh, Merlin! I do fancy him. The ache in her chest increased. I do. I fancy him. It's not just his feelings. I must have been blind, or maybe just plain stupid not to realize it sooner. How could I keep playing this off as his feelings affecting me? Merlin, this is a mess now. What do I do? Should I tell him? Yeah, she thought derisively, and what would I say? He already believes I don't like him like that. Even the signs that I might like him, have gone right over his head. And how can I tell him anything? This is far more complicated than a boy and a girl liking each other. I can hear his thoughts! That's not normal and I still haven't told him. I didn't know though… I mean, I thought it would wear off… but it's not wearing off. If you're admitting things to yourself now, Hermione, then face this. The connection isn't just going to go away. You have to do something. You have to figure it out and make it stop. But how? I don't know anything about it. Don't suppress it and don't deny it, Hermione. You have to tell Fred about the connection. She closed her eyes, suddenly not feeling very hungry anymore. I have to tell him… This really ruins everything then. It doesn't matter what I feel for him. Once I tell him that I can hear his thoughts, things are going to change. I'll be lucky if he doesn't hate me. But that doesn't matter… I still have to tell him.
"Do you want me to save your pudding for later, Hermione? Or are you just finished with dinner?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she looked at Hermione's still rather full plate. Hermione glanced around and saw that nearly everyone already had dessert in front of them.
"Dinner's great, but I guess I'm just craving something sweet," Hermione answered. At this, Mrs. Weasley smiled broadly. In truth, Hermione didn't really feel like eating anything, but if she refused food altogether, Mrs. Weasley would jump to conclusions and a potion for her stomach would most likely be administered. Dessert would be the better option. George smirked at her once more and Hermione looked down, taking a scoop of apple crumble. Tomorrow. No excuses. I tell Fred tomorrow.
To Lotus Elixir and all other that wish they would just kiss already, I know... The fangirl in me screams for the same thing but somehow the characters tell me that it's much more complicated than that. Although it's been several chapters now, it's only been a few days since the last battle and this connection is more than Hermione can handle. Soon though... she can't keep the secret forever and everything changes after that. ^^
So... what did you think? Please review.