Disclaimer: None of this is mine except the character Christine Smith. Unfortunetly Harry Potter belongs to JKR.
Chapter 38 ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` November 12, 1998
Fred wrapped his arms around Hermione's tiny waist, pressing a kiss to the crook of her neck, as she applied a light spray of perfume. She leaned back into his embrace.
"Freddie, I still can't believe that you took the whole day off from the shop just to go ring shopping with me. George is going to kill you." Fred chuckled lightly in her ear.
"Aw, no he won't, because I've already talked to him and he knows a secret that you don't and George loves secrets." Hermione spun around in his arms, hands resting on his chest.
"What secret? You know I hate surprises. Frederick, you had better tell me!" Fred pulled her in for a kiss, making her momentarily forget that she was on a mission for information. After releasing her mouth, he gave the tip of her nose a quick peck.
"No use, love. I'm not telling you, but I promise you it's not bad. You'll just have to wait and see." He reached down and grasped her hand, pulling her towards the door to head for breakfast.
Once at the table, she was met by cheerful banter with Charlie and Ron. They insisted on teasing her on how tiny she was compared to the rest of the Weasleys, even Ginny. Ginny stood at a willowy 5'8" and when coupled with her long straight red hair, she managed to look exactly like a ballerina. Not that she had any idea what that was. Hermione, of course, stood 5'2", more curvy than Ginny but not near as had always envied Ginny for her athletic build. Of course, all the Weasley men stood 6'3" or taller, most of them muscular from years of quidditch. She knew that their teasing was true but she didn't intend to take it lying down.
"You know, just because all the Weasleys are the size of a small giant doesn't mean that I'm small. Maybe you are the ones that are abnormal." Ron snorted at her comment.
"Come on, Hermione, you know you're tiny. Admit it. Harry's not a Weasley and even he's bigger than you. He started out little when we were young, remember? I think you were even bigger than him. Now he's what, 6'2"? Grew into himself, he did. You just quit growing in fifth year. You can't blame us for being normal." Charlie snorted.
"He's got you there, 'Mione. When I met you in fourth year you were only a tiny bit shorter than you are now. And I'm not saying that he's normal by any means, just that you are short." Hermione snorted and was about to retort but Fred cut in.
"Ok, we all agree that Mia is shorter than the Weasleys. On the other hand though, everyone is shorter than the Weasleys. And Mia, you may be short, but you're perfect for me." Charlie stuck his finger down his throat, miming getting sick.
"Fred, you're such a suck up. Can't you let us have any fun with her? She's not going to hex us for teasing her!" Ron started laughing.
"I think the firewhiskey clouded his brain! Apparently he doesn't remember that tickling jinx when he wouldn't put her down at Harry and Ginny's wedding!" The table erupted in laughter and Charlie had a slight tinge of pink on his cheeks.
As the meal came to a close, they all cleared their plates and went to gather their cloaks. Charlie, Ron and Arthur headed to work at the Ministry while Fred and Hermione headed to the apparition point. Fred leaned over and whispered in Hermione's ear.
"Let me take the lead?" She looked at him with a questioning look in her eye, but nodded her approval. He wrapped his arm around her waist and they twisted on the spot.
When Hermione opened her eyes, she realized that they hadn't gone far. She recognized that they were on the outskirts of the village Ottery St. Catchpole, the village near the Burrow. Sending a confused look towards Fred, he simply shook his head. He grabbed her hand and they set off on foot away from the village. Continuing for a mile or so, the brisk air whipped her hair around her and made rosy apples appear on her cheeks. Finally, Fred pullled her to a stop in front of a gate. He made to unlock it as she looked over at him quizically. He rolled his eyes at her.
"We're here to look at the house, Mia. To see if we want to buy it. We do get married in two months so we'll need somewhere to live after all." A smile spread across her face slowly as his words sank in.
"That's brilliant, Freddie! I can't believe I didn't think of it!" He pushed her gently with his shoulder.
"Hey, you can't have all the good ideas. Let me have some too." She threaded her arm through his and started down the path through the gate up to the large house at the end of the walk.
An older gentlemen was waiting for them inside the house, introducing himself as Mr. Tuckman. He seemed a well-educated fellow and was very knowledable about the house. As it were, Hermione fell in love with the house. The kitchen was very large, perfect for family gatherings, complete with full dining room. The living room was large as well but not ridiculously so. The master bedroom was quite large and had a walk-in closet with it's own loo and three other bedrooms as well. Two other bathrooms graced the house, as well as a study. The outside was beautiful. The property sat on three acres, containing a pond, just like the Burrow and also a garden. It was also fenced in, which would be perfect for small children, a point that Hermione made to Fred in small whispers, making Fred smile when she turned away.
When Mr. Tuckman left them by the pond to discuss their decision, Hermione's eyes were shining and Fred could already see the decision in them.
"What do you think, love? Is this the one or do we keep looking?" Hermione tried to hide her excitement.
"I don't know, Freddie. I really like this one. It's the perfect size for a few children, it's fenced in, it has a pond, it's close to your parents..." He gave her a small smile.
"I think this one is it. Shall I put in an offer?" She gave a squeal and nodded. He swung her up in his arms and gave her quick kiss. "Ok, hang on real quick. I'll go talk to Mr. Tuckman, ask what the owners are wanting. I'll make sure to offer enough that we get it. We'll just have to wait for them to approve it." Hermione nodded, taking a seat to wait for him. As she waited, her thoughts began to wander, making her feel guilty for her happiness. She had just discovered her parents murders a week before. Deep down, she was aware that she had not killed them, but she couldn't help but wonder if she had done things differently if it would have spared them the terrible end that they had suffered. They had been tortured for information that they didn't even have. Travers had known they didn't know, but continued on with his cruel ministrations anyways. She could only hope that Harry and Ron and their fellow aurors would catch him and he would rot away for the rest of his life in Azkaban. Hermione wasn't aware of the footsteps behind her until Fred knelt beside her and wiped at her cheek.
"Mia, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" She wiped at her cheek and tried to smile at him.
"I was just thinking how wrong it is that I'm happy today because we're buying our house and I found out a week ago that my parents were tortured and murdered because I didn't send them to the right place. Before you start, I know it wasn't my fault that they're dead. I just can't help but wonder if I had done something different if they could have been spared." Fred sighed and pulled her into his arms.
"Mia, first of all, your parents would want you to be happy. They wouldn't want you to suffer just because they're would want you to move on and live your life and be happy. So quit feeling guilty. Second of all, Austrailia is a huge place. If Travers found them there, they wouldn't have safe anywhere. You couldn't have done anything differently to save them. You did the best you could and we all know that. They know that now. Sometimes we just lose people we love. Harry is a prime example. How is fair that he has lost so many people that he's loved? It's just life. You have to accept it and move on. It still hurts but you learn to live with it and move on, because that's what they would want. That's what Harry's had to do. His parents, Sirius, Dumbledore, Remus, even Dobby. If you need help, I'm sure he could help you, love." Hermione sniffled as she wiped her eyes.
"I know you're right, Freddie. I need to stop. Maybe I will talk to Harry. He's bound to be an expert at losing people." Fred gave her a sad smile.
"Now, for good news. I put in an offer, we should hear back later today. Now how about we go ring shopping?" Hermione gave him a genuine smile.
"That sounds like a great idea. I need to find you a ring so I can shackle you to me for the rest of your life." Fred rolled his eyes at her. They joined hands, Fred once again taking control of apparition, and landed in Diagon Alley.
Strolling down the Alley, hand in hand, they browsed the jewelry shops. Finally entering one, they went to the wedding jewelery. Most was goblin-made, very fine work. Hermione leaned over and whispered to Fred.
"Do you prefer silver or gold?" He scrunched up his face in thought.
"I think silver, but really it doesn't matter to me. Whatever you prefer." She stifled a giggle.
"You're far too easy to please. That's fine though. I prefer silver as well." They continued their browsing.
After a few more minutes of looking on their own, a salesman came to help them at the counter.
"Can I help you?" Hermione looked up at him, eager to have help in their search.
"Oh yes, that's wonderful. We're searching for wedding rings. We both prefer silver but that's as far as we've gotten." The salesman gave her a smile.
"You're Hermione Granger, aren't you?" Fred took her hand as Hermione sighed.
"Yes, yes I am, but please don't announce it. I don't want to cause a scene. I just want to get rings for my fiance and I and leave without a fuss." The salesman glanced at Fred and a flare of recognition rose in his eyes.
"You're one of the Weasley twins, aren't you? You were paired with Miss Granger? I can only begin to tell you how lucky you are to have such a lovely and brave fiance. Let me show you something, I think the pair of you will like them, they've only just come in." The saleman walked off, leaving Hermione and Fred in stunned silence. He returned just a few moments later with two ring boxes, handing one to each of them. Glancing at each other, they opened the boxes, revealing two beautiful rings. Fred's was lined with diamonds along the edge, but rubies diagonally across the band. Hermione's was a smaller band, with diamonds and rubies also but alternating between the two in a diagonal pattern around the whole band. Hermione raised her eyes to the face of the salesman.
"They're beautiful. You would sell these to us?" He smiled at her and nodded.
"I would sell them to you. I was going to keep them for my own fiance, even though she wanted blue, but I will sell them to you if you wish them. I am aware that you're both Gryffindors and I'm sure that you're both aware that rubys promote love in a relationship. It would be my honor to sell you these rings." Hermione looked confused.
"Why me? I don't understand. Keep them for your fiance." The salesman shoved them back into her hand.
"I'm muggleborn as well. You saved my sister's life, you, Harry Potter, and Ron Weasley. She's Mary Elizabeth Cattermole, you saved her at the Ministry of Magic, while she was being interoggated about who she stole her magic from. So take the rings as a thank you." Hermione smiled and curled her hands around the rings.
"Thank you. She and her children are ok, then? They were able to make a run for it after we set her free? We always wondered." The salesman started to ring up the rings and was smiling as he relayed her story.
"Oh yes, she and Reg apparated home and snatched the kids before anyone at the Ministry even knew what was happening. They were all so worried about you three that they weren't worried about a few muggleborns that had escaped. I don't think that all the wizards that escaped were as lucky but my sister was, thanks to you three. They fled to America til the war was over, just recently returning. All of them owe you their lives. All they talk about is how brave you all were, helping them escape, sending your patronuses after those dementors. Mary still can't believe she made it out of there alive." Hermione chuckled to herself as Fred paid the man.
"That's how I feel about the war, sir. I just can't believe I made it out alive. Tell her I'm glad her family is well. And thank you again for these lovely rings." She raised a hand to salesman, realizing that she had never actually caught his name.
Walking out of the jewelry shop hand in hand, Hermione turned to Fred.
"Shall we head home, help your Mum with supper?" Fred nodded to her, faraway look in his eyes. Stopping him, she turned him to look at her. "What's wrong Freddie?" He smiled at her softly.
"I just can't belive all the things you did in this war sometimes, Mia. It is just unreal. I really have no idea what he was talking about. One of these days, you're going to have to sit down and tell me the whole story, from start to finish. Nothing left out, alright?" She smiled at him.
"Sounds good. Shall we?" She held out her hand. He grasped it and she pulled him into the familiar darkness of apparition.
Landing at the apparition point of the Burrow, they entered through the kitchen, met with delicious smells of the dinner to come. Charlie and Ron were already home for the day, as was Arthur, and Harry and Ginny were over for the evening meal. Fred sat down at the table to begin the wind-down talk with his father and Harry, while Hermione began helping with the meal with Molly and Ginny. Good natured laughter and teasing went on throughout the evening, as the light outside sank to it's knees. The meal was almost over when a tapping interrupted the chatter. Ron stood up and let in an unknown owl. It flew straight to Fred, who untied a message from it's leg. After unsealing the message, Hermione leaned over to read it over his shoulder.
Dear Mr. Weasley,
I would like to congratulate you on the news that the owners have accepted your offer on Wheat Ridge. The vault information you left with me has been given to the owner and they have already withdrawn the amount, so you are the proud owner of the wonderful home in question. You may take ownership of the home tomorrow. We all wish happiness to you and the lovely Miss Granger for many years to come.
Mr. Tuckman
Hermione looked up at Fred, her eyes shining with unshed tears. When Fred met her gaze, she threw her arms around his neck. The rest of the table looked on in confusion, not sure what to say. When Hermione pulled away from Fred's neck, she smiled and nodded at him. He turned to his family.
"We have wonderful news. Mum, don't cry. We bought our first house today. It's a house out in the country outside of Ottery St. Catchpole. Just a few miles from here. The owners accepted our offer on Wheat Ridge and we take possession of the house tomorrow. Don't worry, Mum, I doubt we're moving in until we're married. We're going to do everything right." The table burst out in excited chatter, Molly leading it surprisingly.
"Hermione, dear, I'm so excited that you and Freddie will be so close. Once you have children, they'll be able to walk here, they won't even need magic!" She rose from her chair and gave Hermione a hug. Hermione returned it, knowing that it meant everything to her in-laws for family to remain close.
"I know, Molly. You have to come see it tomorrow. You'll love it." Molly agreed quickly. The chatter continued on for another hour before Hermione finally admitted defeat. She relayed the story of Mary Elizabeth Cattermole to Harry and Ron on her way upstairs and they laughed as she expected they would. Once upstairs, she stripped out of her heavy clothes and began looking for her comfortable lounge clothes. Hearing the door creak open, she turned to find Fred watching her search. As he met her eyes, the smoldering look in his ran unchecked over her body, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
She couldn't remember the last time that she had felt as desired as she did at that moment. He hadn't even touched her, just merely watched her, and the wetness was growing between her legs. He strode towards her, slowly yet purposefully. Hermione found herself quivering in delight. When he reached her, his hands didn't touch her. He leaned down to kiss her, but instead of a kiss, a sharp bite found her bottom lip. His tongue reached out to soothe it and she felt his hands grasp her wrists.
Hermione felt herself spin away from him and be pinned against the wall, hands on the wall above her head. Fred's hands still hadn't touched her except to hold her exactly where he wanted her. All of a sudden she felt his length pressing against her, and she ached for it. Arching her back, she urged him to press himself into her. Needing no further encouragement, he inched himself into her pulsing heat, still holding her hostage above her head. Once he was fully sheathed, she moaned at the pleasure of feeling full, and he began to pump into her, first slowly. Sensing her desperation, he would speed up for a time only to slow back down, torturing her.
Finally he freed her hands. Since he refused to touch her, she was touching herself. He couldn't hardly stand to watch her hands roam all over her body, rubbing her nipples, flicking her sensitive nub. He was so close already and that would push him over the edge. Hermione began to push back against him, driving into him deeper and harder, urging him on, and as he finally gave in, he wrapped his arms around her chest and waist, lovingly carressing her soft skin. He drove into her with a hot purpose now, and when he velvety walls tightened on his, indicating she had reached her climax, he gave over to his own, spilling his seed into her. She leaned back against him and he held her up, knowing that he had driven her crazy. Once he had pulled out and cleansing spells muttered, he led her spent body to the bed. That night he caressed her all over as she fell asleep with a smile on her face.
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