Hermione sat at table a corner of the café Fred had taken her to on that long ago Wednesday for their first date. She smiled into her mug as she watched him stumble through the door looking for her. His red hair was windblown and snow dusted the blazer he was wearing over his Christmas sweater. She felt an overwhelming amount of love for the man in the door way come over her, and was reminded of the first time she had confessed that love to him, sitting in the exact café.

Fred stood in the doorway scanning the table for a certain bushy haired witch. His heart skipped a beat when their eyes met across the room. Without him even noticing, his feet began moving towards her. He slid into the seat across from her, and grabbed her hand in his. "Hello, love." Fred said, without breaking eye contact.

Tears filled Hermione's eyes. "Hello, Fred." This could be the last time we have tea here. This could be the last time we have tea at all.

Fred moved his chair closer to hers and wrapped his arms around her. "This isn't a goodbye lunch, Hermione. We are going to make it. You've seen life after war. We are going to make it to that, together this time." Hermione sniffled, and the tears threatened to spill. "Promise me." He whispered, leaning his head against hers. "Promise me you will focus on the fight." Fred could feel his own eyes begin to burn. "Promise me you will make it to that new future with me."

Hermione took in a deep, raspy breath before nodding. "Promise me you will do the same. Promise me that you will stay focused." Even if you think it's safe. Even if Percy decides to make a joke. "No matter what."

Fred swallowed drily. He knew this wasn't just a promise, but a warning as well. He only wished he knew what she was warning him against. "Always, love." He brushed his lips against her forehead and wiped her tears away. Fred cleared his throat and smiled down at her. "Do you know who this is?" He asked, in reference to the music playing in the background.

Hermione gave a watery giggle. Not only were they playing James Taylor again, but it was both of their favorite song by him, Your Smiling Face.

"And when you give me that pretty little pout, it turns me inside out." Fred sang, terribly off key.

Hermione was full on laughing at this point. "No one can tell me that I'm doing wrong today, whenever I see you smile at me,"

It was Fred's turn to laugh at Hermione's attempt at singing. "Marry me." He said pulling her closer.

Hermione giggled again, and smacked his chest. "Stop messing around Fred."

Fred suddenly stopped laughing, though the smile was still there. He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed them. "I'm not messing around, 'Mione. I want to marry you."

Hermione could have sworn her heart stopped in that moment. And then burst suddenly into overtime as she flung herself into Fred's arms. "Of course! Yes! Merlin, I love you!"

The others in the café must have picked up on Fred's suggested proposal, because they all began to applaud, and slap Fred on the back. One muggle even going far enough to make a toast to "Merlin and his beautiful bride!"

Hermione giggled into Fred's chest. "They think your name is Merlin!" She whispered. Fred laughed and raised Hermione's forgotten tea mug.

"If only Merlin was as lucky as I am!" He whispered back to her.