Notes: Thanks to all who take time to read and review. Also, don't forget to check out the companion to this story, told from Fred's perspective. :)

Chapter 21

It had been one of the best days of Hermione's life. It was true what they said, about absence making the heart grow fonder. There was something about being separated from the one you love that made every moment, every action, every emotion, just a little more heightened that it would be normally. Seeing Fred again had been almost magical.

Still, that said, she was nervous. He was up to something, that much she knew. Yes, he was known to have good surprises, but she couldn't pretend that there wasn't a whole lot of crazy thrown in there too. She had been debating pretty much all day whether to just go with it or try to figure out what he was up to. She had finally decided to just roll with whatever happened.

It seemed to her that Fred had consciously noticed when she made the decision to relent to his charms. He seemed delighted by her overly affable nature, eager to make the most of it. They arrived back at the Burrow only for him to rush off with nothing but quick instructions to "dress her best" whatever that meant. Slightly alarmed, she went off in search of Ginny to help her get ready.

"So you have no idea what he's up to?" Ginny asked, as she looked through her closet in search of the perfect outfit for her friend.

"None," she replied. "Although, I can't imagine what it could be. I just got here yesterday and he had no idea I was coming."

Ginny shrugged. "Since when has that ever stopped Fred? You would be amazed at the things he and George can come up with on short notice."

"That's what I'm afraid of," she muttered. Shaking it off, she added, "I'm sure it will be fine. He said to dress nicely. Surely, it can't be anything too crazy."

"It will be great," Ginny insisted. "When it comes to having a good time, Fred is something of an expert. Here, try this on," she added, handing her a red dress. Hermione took it obediently and began absentmindedly going through the motions of changing. She was so preoccupied that she barely noticed that the dress was a little flashier than what she might normally wear. It wasn't until she heard Ginny's whistle that she attempted to focus.

"Hermione, you look hot!"

"What?" she asked, rushing over to a mirror. "Ginny! I can't wear this!"

Her friend just rolled her eyes. "Of course you can. You look amazing. It's not even that revealing."

"But it's so… RED." Hermione looked horrified.

"So you'll match Fred's hair. What's the problem? You look stunning."

"Well, it'll be hard to miss me in this, that's for sure."

"Isn't that the point?" Ginny asked, exasperation evident in her voice. "He'll love it."

Hermione twirled around in the mirror once more. She had to admit she looked pretty good. The color was flattering and the fabric fell perfectly in all the right places. "What if I just feel self conscious all night?"

"Fred will never let that happen," Ginny asserted. "As much as it disgusts me to talk about it, my brother will be drooling over you… as usual."

She had to smile. "Thanks, Gin. This means a lot." She gave her a warm hug. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too. Now, go, knock him dead."

"Why do you keep staring at me like that?" she asked uncertainly. She had met Fred in front of the Burrow like he asked and he hadn't stopped acting strangely ever since. He refused to tell her where they were going and he seemed uncharacteristically nervous.

They were walking down towards the lake, something Hermione found extremely odd given their choice of attire, but said nothing. She was secretly grateful for the practicality charm she had performed on her shoes just moments before he arrived, however.

"You're gorgeous," Fred murmured, apparently only half aware he was even speaking and clearly still very distracted.

"Hey," she said gently, squeezing his hand warmly. "What's up?"

Suddenly, he stopped and turned to face her. "I'm sorry, Hermione, but I just can't." He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"Can't what?" she asked alarmed, unable to imagine what he could possibly be referring to.

"I can't wait any longer. I had this whole thing planned for when you got back. I was going to do it on New Year's Eve, you know like last year, but I can't. I know this isn't as special as you deserve. Please forgive me."

"Fred?" she asked, clearly confused, but then she gasped when she realized he had gotten down on one knee.

"Hermione," he said, his voice hoarse as he stared up at her, "I always thought that being a twin I had my other half, but I was wrong. It's you. You are what makes me feel complete. You are the one I want to come home to every night. You are the one I want to grow old with. You're the one I want to yell at me when my jokes get out of hand. You're it. You're the one. And if you'll let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy."

She stared at him for awhile, her eyes glistening with tears. She couldn't believe this was happening. Never in her wildest dreams could she have ever imagined what the past year had in store for her. After so many years fighting, she had finally found peace. She had him to thank for that. This wonderful, kind, handsome, hilarious man was hers. And he wanted to be hers forever.

"Hermione Jean Granger," he asked, his voice slightly trembling as he pulled a ring out of his pocket, "will you marry me?"

Suddenly, she rushed and threw her arms around him, knocking them both to the ground. She leaned down from her position on top of him and kissed him deeply.

"Does that mean yes?" he asked, grinning up at her.

Laughing, she bent down to kiss him again. "Yes!" she cried. "Yes, yes, yes. A thousand times, YES!"

Aren't they cute? Anyway, just 2 or 3 more chapters to go. Please review! :)