Day 227

With Christmas fast approaching, Hermione and the twins were absolutely slammed at the shop. They hadn't had a day off since Ginny and Harry moved, and didn't expect to have one until Christmas. They were even opening the shop on Sundays, much to Mrs. Weasley's annoyance- which was why they were all so surprised when the shop was completely empty on Wednesday afternoon.

"Is it just me, or is this really creepy?" George mused as they sat around the counter.

"It's just a lull," Hermione shrugged. "It'll pick up in another hour."

"Right, well, since it's so empty," Verity spoke up. "Do you mind if I pop out for a bit?"

"Go ahead," Fred said. "We'll owl if we need you."

"Thanks," she gave a nod and headed out the door, leaving the other three alone.

"Well, while we're all here," George spoke again. "I suppose we could discuss Christmas."

"What about it?" Hermione asked.

"Well, we've been talking, Fred and I," he explained. "And we had an idea about what we could all give each other."

"Nice of you to include me."

"You kept falling asleep when we planned to discuss it," he shrugged. "So what we were thinking, is that we could give each other time off."

"For a vacation," Fred continued. "So you and I could go away for a week, and George would keep things running, then we would cover for him while he goes away."

"That actually sounds like a brilliant idea," Hermione nodded.

"What's with the tone of surprise?" George demanded. "We're geniuses, we are."

"Your last 'genius' idea was to turn your sister into a canary in front of Teddy and traumatize the poor child," she crossed her arms. "So you'll excuse my lack of faith."

"One time!"

"That can't be your excuse for everything, you know."

"Sure it can," he shrugged. "It's true."

"Rarely," she snorted. "So is this what we're doing for each other for Christmas, then?"

"Sounds like it," Fred nodded. "So, where do you want to go on vacation?"

"I'll have to do some research..."

"Of course you will," George rolled his eyes. "Tell me, Herms, do you do anything without researching it first?"

"No. I'm going to go check on my cauldrons."

She hopped off the counter and strolled towards the back, stopping to coo over the Pygmy Puffs on her way.

- - PAGE BREAK - -

"So really, where do you want to go?" Fred asked as they layed in bed later that night, about to go to sleep after another exhausting day. The lull, as Hermione predicted, had lasted just over an hour and the rest of the day had been twice as busy as usual- and with far more explosions.

"I honestly have no idea," she rolled onto her side to face him. "Where do you want to go?"

"Somewhere where it's just the two of us."

"That sounds lovely."

"Seriously, though," he poked her. "Somewhere hot? Somewhere cold? The sky's the limit."

"Why, are you opposed to airplanes?" Hermione joked.

"Good point. The sky's not the limit. Where have you always wanted to go?"

"I never really thought about it," she shrugged. "Isn't there somewhere you want to go?"

"I never really thought about it either," Fred shook his head. "I mean, growing up it was never really an option and then the shop got busy so there wasn't time to think about a vacation."

"Well we're a good pair aren't we?" she laughed.

"I'm sure we'll think of something, we're quite imaginative. Anyhow, it's not like we have to decide right now."

"Good," Hermione yawned. "Because I'm exhausted."

"Alright, get some sleep," Fred kissed her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too," she smiled sleepily. "Goodnight."