George. She is going to ask George. She thought to herself as she paced back and forward in her kitchen. George is the more sensible one. I trust him, he's calmer, thinks before he acts. Unlike his twin, a complete wild card that one.
Hermione grew close with George after the war when Fred was in a coma for well over a year. She didn't go back to school but studied for her NEWT's at the hospital to keep an eye on George and Fred. George helped her study during this time and she pushed him out of the hospital once a while so he could take care of himself. Her friendship with him was close, very close, like siblings. Fred was different. He still doesn't get how they became such close friends. Fred tried to be nice to her, friendly but it wasn't the same. Fred still teased her or wouldn't consider her feelings when he did or say something. George lectured his twin more than once about it and he settled down but still..
George definitely George. She decided and shook her head.
She grabbed her wand from the counter and apparated in the twins living room. She turned when she heard a thump behind her. Fred laid spread out on the ground, glaring up at her.
"Merlin Granger!" He grumbled as he climbed back up the sofa. "Can you come in a bit louder?! I was sleeping."
"It's two in the afternoon Weasley." Hermione rolled her eyes as she scanned the room. "Where is George?"
"Out. Why?"
"Need to ask him something." She bit her lip as she strolled to the kitchen for a cup of tea. "When will he be back?"
"An hour or so, I think. Sure it's not something I can help you with?" Fred gave his loop sided grin as he leaned on the counter.
Hermione looked up from the teapot and stared at him for a moment. "No. I'll wait for George."
"Fine by me." He shrugged and headed back to the sofa. "I'll just continue my nap then."
Hermione finished her tea and walked back to the living room where he already had fallen asleep. She picked up his legs and sat down, his legs resting on her lap. She took one of the twins books from the coffee table and started reading. After about 45 minutes the front door opened and George walked in carrying a large carton box.
"Mione, love. What do we owe the pleasure?" George asked when his eyes landed on her. "No stay seated, wouldn't want to wake up old Freddie boy now would we."
"No better not. I already woke him up when I came here." She chuckled as George dropped the box on the dining table and crossed the room to take a seat in front of her. "I wanted to ask a favor."
"Miss Granger asking me for a favor. Should I be worried?" George teased.
"No it's just.. you know Harry and Ginny's wedding is next Saturday right?" He nodded. "I just found out Marc is going to be there."
George tensed up when she said his name. Marc was her ex, they were together for eight months. She broke up with him when she found out he was cheating on her for half of their relationship.
"Why is he coming? Harry knows what he did to you." George growled through gritted teeth.
"He's seeing Tessa, Ginny's team mate. So he's her plus one."
"Can't Ha-"
"No George. I don't want to make it more difficult then it already is."
George look said he didn't agree but he let it go. "So the favor?"
"I was wondering if you would be my plus one." She asked nervously as she fumbled with her sleeve. "You're my best friend and I don't want to face him alone."
"I wish I could Mione. If you asked me two days ago I would've said yes. But I asked Katie yesterday." George sighed as he rubbed his face.
"Oh- no don't worry about it. You just have a great time." She gave him a strained smile as she tried to get up.
"Wait. Why don't you ask Fred. He's going stag."
Hermione frowned as she finally freed herself from Fred legs looking at George before glancing over the sleeping twin. "No- no that's okay. I'll figure something out. Thanks anyway." She gave him a peck on the cheek. "I'll see you later."
And she apparated out.
"You can open your eyes now, she's gone." George grinned as his brother shot up.
"Why doesn't she want me to go with her?" Fred asked as he stared at his twin.
"Fred.. you know why. It's not like you two are that close. She wants somebody to help her through the wedding with that git Marc coming."
"I tried to -"
"No you didn't Freddie. You always saw her as that little know-it-all, best friends with ickle Ronniekens. But she's more than that, she has become one of my best friends. You know she had a hard time with the break up, she stayed here for over a week. And how many times did you really talk to her?"
Fred flopped back, resting his head on the back of the sofa, staring at the ceiling. "You're right, I'm sorry. It's just ever since I woke up everything has been so different. I just wanted something to stay the same and I took it out on her."
"I know it must be hard for you but it's been over a year and a half since you woke up. You should have gotten used to her by now."
"Yeah." Fred sighed before he suddenly jumped up. "I'll go talk to her."
"Thanks Freddie and .. good luck." He grinned and clapped his back. Fred grimaced for a moment before he took out his wand.
"Euhm.. George? I don't know where she lives."
"Use the floo, it's connected."
Fred made his way over to the fireplace and called out Hermione's flat as he threw some flew powder at his feet. He stepped in a spacious apartment. Large windows letting in the natural light. A brown leather couch in the middle of the living room surrounded by two love seats. And giant bookcase covered the wall behind it.
"Grang- Hermione?" Fred called out. He heard her footsteps coming from the kitchen. She stopped at the doorway as she saw it was him that called her.
"Fred? What are you doing here?"
"I-" He said while he rubbed his neck. "Can we sit down for a moment?"
"Yeah, sure." She said uncertain as her confused look was still locked on him. Hermione sat down on the leather couch while Fred took the love seat on her left. "So.."
"Yeah well.. I'm sorry."
"Sorry? Sorry about what?" She asked confused.
"I'm sorry about how I acted towards you. To your friendship with George. When I woke up everything had changed. And couldn't understand that George grew so close to you, the best friend of our little brother. And I just wanted something to stay the same. I know it wasn't fair to you so I'm sorry. And if you still want to I would like to get to know you."
"Oh. Fred you don't have to. It's not because I'm friends with George we have to be."
"But I want to. Or at least try to." He looked at her hopeful. She sighed as she gave in.
"Fine. How do you plan to start?"
"I thought I would ask you to accompany me to wonder boy's wedding."
"You heard me?" She asked a bit accusatory.
"Yeah." He smiled sheepishly at her.
"Right.." She grumbled. "Okay, I'll go with you."
"Brilliant. Meet me at the burrow Saturday at noon?"
"Sure." She tried to smile optimistic as Fred leaped out from his seat.
"Bye Granger." She waved and disappeared in the floo.
Hermione groaned as she flopped on her stomach. "This is George's doing." She mumbled in a pillow.
Hermione apparated to the burrow Saturday morning as she promised Ginny to help her get ready. Molly was busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast and gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek as she said good morning and climbed the stairs.
"Hi Ginny." She smiled as she entered the youngest one's room. Ginny was sitting in front of a make up table while Fleur kept busy on her hair. "Hey Fleur."
"Mione. Thank Merlin you are here." Ginny let out a breath of relief. "Can you check on Harry please? Fleur already finished my make up and is almost done with my hair. But I want to know Harry is alright."
"Sure Gin. I'll pop over to Grimmauld. I'll be right back."
"Thanks. Make sure he doesn't run away."
Hermione chuckled at the red head. "Never in a million years would he run away from this day. I think he's more excited then you are."
"Don't know about that." Fleur chimed in at the glowing Ginny. Hermione smiled at the two before heading back downstairs.
When she flood to Grimmauld, she already heard the boys voices coming from upstairs. She smiled as she walked up the stairs. She entered the newly renovated bathroom and saw Harry, Ron, George, Fred, Charlie and Percy standing in front of the mirror adjusting their robes. Hermione leaned against the door frame as she watched to boys fussing over their hair and clothes. She bit on her lip trying to hold in her laugh but failed miserably. Her laugh escaped and all the boys turned to her wide eyed.
George was the first to recover and smiled broadly at her. "Mione love. What are you doing here?" He asked as he picked her up and twirled her around before giving her a peck on the cheek.
"Ginny asked me to check on the chosen one. To see if he's not getting cold feet." She chuckled as she looked past George to Harry. Harry smiled at her before he wrapped his arms around her.
"You look very handsome Harry." She smiled at him as they parted.
"Oi! What about us!?" George and Charlie yelled. Ron, Percy and Harry rolled their eyes while Fred looked a bit uncomfortable between her and George.
"Well you all look handsome but Harry here is the groom." Hermione glanced around the room once more. "Where is Bill?"
"He'll meet us at the burrow. With Fleur going over to help Ginny get ready he's taking care of little Vic." Charlie said as he walked up and kissed her cheek.
"I should be heading back. I can tell Ginny the good news." She winked at Harry. "I need get to ready myself."
"You look beautiful just the way you are love." Charlie gave her a cheeky wink.
"Yeah right." She rolled her eyes. "I don't think Ginny will like it if I were standing next to her wearing jeans and an old shirt. I'll see you boys in an hour." She smiled and headed out the room.
When she got ready wearing an old rose floor length halter dress, with a deep cut back and a split that stopped at her thigh, she checked on Ginny who looked absolutely gorgeous in her white strapless mermaid wedding dress, pearls sewn across the bustier.
"Ooh Ginny. I think Harry might faint when he sees you."
"You think he'll like it?"
"He will love it!" She walked over and wrapped her arms around her, hugging her tight.
"I'm sorry Mione." Ginny said as they parted. She continued when she saw her confused look. "About Marc. When I found out it was to late to decline."
"It's okay Gin. I'll make it through."
"Do you have a date?"
"Sort of." She sighed as she flopped down Ginny's bed. "Fred is taking me."
"Fred? Didn't you ask George?"
"I did but he already asked Katie."
"Oh, I'm sure it won't be that bad." Ginny waved her hand in the air.
"Let's hope not." Hermione chuckled. "Come on let's get downstairs. I just saw the boys arrive."
"By the way.. You look beautiful Mione." Ginny said as she checked her over once again as they walked down the stairs arm in arm.
"Thank you." They stepped in the living room and she saw Harry, Charlie, George and Fred standing there. Hermione's eyes widened as she pushed Ginny back out.
"Wha- Hermione?!"
"Ginny wait in the kitchen Harry's here." She heard Ginny grumble as she shuffles away.
"Harry!" She yelled and all the men turned to look at her. All of their mouths dropped open one by one. "You almost ruined it. I had to push Ginny out just now before you caught a glimpse of her." Hermione saw their shocked faces and looked behind her. "What are you all looking at?"
"At you love. You look absolutely gorgeous." George smiled as he twirled her around. "A shame I see you as my sister." He winked. Hermione chuckled as she slapped his chest. Then Harry took her hand and twirled her around under his arm.
"George is right, you look stunning." Harry smiled at her.
"Beautiful." As she's past to Charlie. One last twirl and she ended up in Fred's arms. She looked up at him and saw him staring down at her. He looked a bit uncomfortable before he cleared his throat.
"Not bad for a bookworm." He saw his twin glare at him in the corner of his eye while Hermione took a step back frowning. "Sorry, old habits. You look nice."
He heard his brothers and Harry scoff but ignored them. Hermione gave him a strained smile before walking to the kitchen.
"Ouch!" Fred yelped as his brother slapped his head.
"Try harder." George grumbled and followed Hermione to the kitchen. Leaving him staring at his retreating back.
Hermione was standing next to Ginny as she exchanged her vows. Hermione's eyes wondered over the crowd and stiffened when she saw Marc sitting in the fourth row with Tessa, watching her intently. She looked away quickly and her eyes found George. George immediately saw her stiffen figure and looked behind him. His hands clenched as he found the target. Fred noticed his twins behavior and followed his gaze before he looked at Hermione. Hermione had already turned her attention back to the bride and groom but he saw her fingernails dig in her palm.
After the ceremony Fred walked up to her to offer his arm as they made their way to their table. Fred send daggers at that Marc kid when they passed as Hermione looked the other way. When they reached the table George and Katie were already sitting there.
"Hi Katie, you look beautiful." She smiled as she sat down.
"Me? Look at you. Have you seen the way the men looked at you?" Katie grinned at the girl. Hermione blushed a bit as she took a drink from the table. "Even that git Marc's mouth fell to the floor. That girl he's with had to nudge him to give her attention." Katie laughed and Hermione grinned at that.
"Oh it's the first dance." George said as he looked over at the dance floor. Soon his parents followed, along with Ron and Leanne, Katie's friend. George stood up and offered his hand to Katie who smiled and took it, finding their way to the dance floor. She saw Marc and Tessa join the dance party and Hermione gripped her glass tighter.
"Hey." Fred started and laid his hand on hers. "Let's go make him jealous alright?"
"You don't have to Fred. I'm fine."
"No you're not. And believe me I don't mind. I quite like dancing." He grinned as he pulled her up. "Now let's go."
Hermione let him pull her to the others and Fred placed one hand on her waist and the other in his hand. They moved slowly to the music, twirling her every once in a while. Neither said anything as it felt awkward, like they were mandatory to dance together. After a twirl Fred pulled her closer and her eyes widened in question.
"He's watching." He whispered in her ear. Hermione had a chance to glance over to him as they turned on the beat of the music. "Want to give him a show?"
"What d-?" Her question was interrupted by Fred's lips on hers. It was just a chaste kiss, nothing major.
"Ha! He's turning red." Fred grinned as he took a risk to glance over her head. He looked back down at her smiling. "His girlfriend doesn't look to happy about his reaction."
"Can I take over?" George tapped on Fred's shoulder. Fred looked at his twin and nodded taking Katie's hand and twirled her around the tent.
"I'm sorry about Fred. I told him to be nice to you, not just kiss you in the middle of the tent."
"It was just a graze really. It was to make Marc jealous." She shrugged as she looked up at one of her best friends.
"What's wrong?" George asked worried as he saw a line form between her brows.
"It's just.. You and Fred are so alike and yet so different. I feel safe with you, at home but with Fred it's awkward and distant. I want to be friends with him for your sake but I don't know if it will ever happen Georgie."
George pulled her closer and she leaned her head on his chest. "It's okay. Whether you're friends or just acquaintances it doesn't matter, as long as I have both of you on my side I'm happy."
Hermione sighed as they slow danced together. When the song ended Hermione made her way back to the table and Fred soon followed.
"Do you want something to drink?" He asked awkwardly.
"Fire whiskey please. I need it to make it through the night."
Fred gave her a weird smile before he walked over to the bar. Hermione waited at the table watching the others dance happily in front of her. Bill twirling his wife grinning, while Molly and Arthur were slow dancing, sweetly wrapped around each other. Over fifteen minutes had passed and Fred still wasn't back. She looked over at the bar and saw him flirting with one of the girls of Ginny's quidditch team. Hermione rolled her eyes and looked the other way. But she shouldn't have done that. Her eyes instantly met Marc's. Marc who was standing alone against the tent pushed himself of and wandered over her. Hermione looked in panic around her but couldn't find someone to save her. She was about to stand up when he reached her table.
"Mi love." He smiled as he sat down, using his nickname for her.
"Marc." She answered coolly.
"I see your date is occupied." He nudged his head in Fred's direction. Hermione took a risk and looked over her shoulder. Fred was kissing the girl after he agreed to be her "date" for the night.
"It seems so." She answered through greeted teeth. Marc placed his hand on hers which made her jump a little.
"Mi love, he's not worth your time." He said in his charming voice.
"And you are?" She scoffed and folded her arms over her chest.
"I made mistakes.. but I still love you." He directed her gaze to him when his finger nudged her chin. "You look breathtaking." He breathed and he leaned in. Hermione kissed him for a second before pushing him away and jumped up. In the corner of her eye she saw several red heads making their way to her. She slapped his cheek and ran out of the tent. Ignoring the people that called her name.
"I asked you one thing!" George yelled at his brother after Hermione had disappeared. George had marched right up to Fred and pushed the little bimbo out of his way to glare at his twin.
"What are you on about? Hermione is just sitting at the table while I got drinks."
"Oh really?" He asked sarcastically. "Then where is she?"
Fred looked over at their table which was now completely empty. His gaze searched the room but couldn't find her.
"See? When you're here flirting and snogging some bint while you supposed to be Hermione's date FYI, Marc came over to her. I don't know what he said but he tried to kiss her. She slapped him before she stormed out. None of us can find her. And that's because of you! You have only one thing to do tonight! To keep Hermione company, to keep her away from that git and maybe crack a joke or two to keep her mind away from him. But no it was simply to much to ask!"
"George I-" Fred didn't know what to say, he never heard his twin yell at him like that. In the corner of his eye he saw several of his siblings glaring at him.
"No-" George sighed and took in a deep breath. "I don't want to hear it, maybe you should just go." He waved his hand at the entrance of the tent and stormed off, back to his date. Fred stood in shock for a minute trying to organize his thoughts. He was so lost in his head that he didn't notice the bird from earlier came back to him smiling.
"Fred?" She asked sweetly and traced patterns on his arm. Fred came back to reality and looked at the girl. "Wanna get out of here?" she asked suggestively.
"No." Fred took a step back, looking at the girl he didn't even know the name of. "I got to go." And he walked out of the tent.
Hermione didn't apparate home. She hid behind the big oak tree on the edge of the garden. She sat there in silence taking big gulps straight from the bottle of fire whiskey she summoned from the tent. She had put an disillusionment on herself so no one could spot her in the dark. She heard her name calling from several of the Weasley's and Harry but she ignored them as she looked at the clear sky full of stars. After half an hour later the shouting stopped and she relaxed against the tree.
Why did I listen to George. I knew taking Fred would have been a bad idea. I need to follow my instincts. She thought to herself as she took another big gulp from the bottle.
"I know you're here." A voice came from the dark. "I hear the bottle sloshing."
Hermione saw Fred appear in the moonlight but stayed quiet as she just looked at the man in front of her, not only two meters away. Maybe if she sat very still he would go away.
"I'm not going away Hermione. So tell me where you are or make yourself visible before I accio you."
Hermione tried to hold back a snort but he heard it. He looked around and his eyes fell on her, or just right next to her. Fred grinned and took out his wand.
"Accio Her-"
"Fine." She called out before she came flying through the air. "Fine." She sighed and made herself visible with a simple wave of her wand. She looked up at Fred who smiled that his plan had worked. "Now what do you want? The last time I saw you, you were quite busy."
Fred smiled disappeared as he walked closer and sat down next to her leaning against the tree. Hermione shuffled a bit to the other side when his knee bumped hers.
"I'm sorry."
"You're sorry a lot." She grumbled as she looked at her feet.
"I know." He sighed before his head turned to her. "But I am sorry. Not only for tonight but for everything I said or did since I woke up. I know I said it earlier but I really mean it." Fred took in a deep breath as he rested his head on his arms that leaned on his knees. "So.. for the get to know each other part.."
"Yes?" Hermione asked frowning.
"Pff okay. Don't really know where to start, only George knows this."
"And you want to tell me?"
"I just want to explain about what happened tonight."
"Alright.."
"I don't know if you've seen me since the wall. I mean seen my scars."
Hermione shook her head and whispered. "No, when the healers came, George and I were ushered out of the room."
"Well.. it left some big scars that will never heal. They are all over my torso and my back. And I had some bad experiences with girls that left the moment they saw me, my scars." Hermione swallowed hard as he explained what happened to him, what the girls did to him. "So when this girl showed her interest, I hoped you know.."
"She would see past your scars."
"Yeah... But I'm so sorry that I left you alone. I saw you tense up at the ceremony when you saw him. I should never have left you."
"No you shouldn't have." She whispered as she looked back up at the stars. "But I forgive you."
"You do?"
"Yes. I kind of know where you're coming from."
"How so?"
Hermione ignored his question as she took the same position as Fred and stared back up in the night. Fred watched her for a moment before he followed her gaze. They sat there in silence, no awkward silence but comfortable.
"Can I see them?" Hermione asked softly as she turned her head on her knees to look at him. Fred bit his lip as he took in a deep breath before standing up. He offered his hands and slowly pulled her up to her feet. Fred shook of his blazer and Hermione hung it on the tree as she transfigured a branch in to a small coat rack. Fred fumbled with his buttons nervously as he tried to open them. Hermione placed her hand on his and he looked up from his shirt into her big brown eyes.
"You don't have to." She whispered.
"I want to." He gave her a reassuring smile but his hand still trembled.
"May I?" She asked as she pointed at his buttons. He gave her a nervous nod and she unbuttoned his shirt completely. He shrugged the material of his shoulders and watched the young witch in front of him as she reached over and gently touched his chest. Her fingers grazed over the scars as her eyes where fixed on his chest. Fred waited.. waited for the horror, the shock to struck her face but it never came. After a few moments her soft brown eyes looked up with a little smile.
"Just as handsome as you were back in school." She whispered in the moonlight. Fred didn't know what to do, what to say. He just looked at her shocked, before he had time to recover himself she pulled out her wand. "I want to show you something."
She waved the wand over her head and after a few seconds small lines started to appear her arms, her chest. Fred took in a deep breath as he reached over and touched a scar on her upper arm.
"Hermione." He whispered as his thumb gently rubbed the scar.
"We all have our scars, our memories. Our nightmares." She whispered the last on so softly he nearly missed it. He looked back down to her arm and traced his hand down when Hermione stiffened. He looked up worried and searched her big brown eyes. She bit her lip nervously before she turned her arm. Fred looked back down and clenched his teeth as he saw the scar that read mudblood.
"Who? When?" He whispered as he softly traced the scar. Hermione took in a deep breath as his finger went over it.
"Bellatrix. A few weeks before the battle. She – she tortured me trying to get information." She looked up and saw his face full of anger, teeth clenched and his chest going faster up and down trying to control his breathing. "Only Harry, Ron and George knows about it. And Fleur. We went to the cottage after it happened. She healed me as much as she could but the blade Bellatrix used was cursed."
"George knows?"
"I made him promise not to tell Fred."
"It's okay. I'm so sorry. I never knew what you've been through that year."
Hermione surprised herself when she took a step forward and wrapped her arms around his waist; head resting on his chest. Fred recovered from the shock quickly and put his arms around her, holding her close.
"You never asked." She mumbled in his chest. Fred froze when she said that because he knew she was right. He never tried to get to know her. He never tried to really talk to her. He gently pushed her away and looked down at her.
"I know." He took her hand in his and led her back down on the ground against the tree. He pulled his shirt back over his head and looked sideways at the girl who had tears in her eyes. "Let's change that. What about 20 questions?"
Hermione chuckled as she wrapped her arms around her knees. "Sure. You start."
"Hmm okay. Let start light. What is your favorite color?"
"Blue, yours?"
"Gryffindor red." He grinned. "What do you want to do for work?"
"I thought we were starting easy." She chuckled and shoved him, he simply gave a her a shrug and a grin for an answer. "I don't know really. I finished my NEWT's." And aced them. Fred interjected. "But I don't know. I used to want to work for the ministry but now.. I don't know."
"That's okay Hermione." He draped his arm over her shoulder giving it a squeeze. "Just remember do what you love."
"Like you?" She grinned at him.
"Exactly."
"Does your family know?"
"No." He knew she talked about the scars by the way she looked at him. "Only George and now you. Did Marc know?"
"I showed him after a couple of months of dating. It was right after that he started cheating."
"I'm gonna kill him." Fred grumbled and made a move to stand up. Hermione grabbed his arm and pulled him down.
"Fred, let it go." Fred turned to her looking angry. "Please."
Fred's face softened as he saw her pleading look. "Fine. Your turn."
"What's your favorite prank?"
Fred beamed at that question and didn't have to think long to tell her his favorite story. The twenty questions didn't stop at 20. They continued as they talked and laughed at the things they've done. Passing the bottle of fire whiskey between them. And for the first time ever, really getting to know each other. Fred was cackling so loud when she told him she punched Malfoy in her third year.
"I wish I could've seen his face." He managed to get out between laughs. When he finally calmed down he stood up and pulled her up. "We should get back before they get even more worried. We can continue this in the tent."
"Yeah besides our bottle is empty." She grinned as she shook the empty bottle between them. "Did George give you an ear full?" She asked ash they made their way back to the tent.
"You have no idea. He never yelled at me like that before. But I'm glad he did because now I'm getting to know the real Hermione Granger."
"So I'm not just the know-it-all little bookworm anymore?" She asked. Fred snapped his head to look at her but saw her grinning up at him.
"No definitely not." They laughed as they entered the tent. All of the Weasley's found them immediately looking shocked at the laughing duo. George walked over with Ginny.
"Mione. Are you okay?" The two Weasley's asked concerned before they glared at Fred.
"I'm fine." She smiled at the pair. "Fred and I had a talk. We're good."
George frowned as he looked between the two of them. Hermione took a step forward and placed her hand on his arm.
"Georgie.." George stopped glaring at his brother and looked down. "Fred apologized. Really apologized."
"Alright. Thanks for getting her back to the party Freddie." He smiled at his brother and clapped his back before he took Hermione's hand. "I believe I didn't have the pleasure of a dance?"
"Alright but nothing to crazy George." She chuckled.
"Me?" He said in mock hurt. "I wouldn't dare."
"Sure you don't." Ginny and Fred laughed. George stuck his tongue out before leading Hermione to the dance floor.
"Are you sure everything is okay? Bill and Charlie kicked Marc out the second you disappeared." He asked as they swayed slowly on the beat.
"Yes." She gave his hand a squeeze. "Fred- he actually told me about his scars."
"He-he did?" George asked bewildered. Hermione gave him a sad nod.
"He showed them to me and told me what happened when some girls saw them." George bit his lip as he searched for his twin in the crowd. His twin was watching them as he drank a glass of fire whiskey. Fred met his gaze and gave him a small smile, knowing what they were talking about.
"I told him about Malfoy manor." George head snapped back to her, eyes wide. "I showed him my scars. And what happened between me and Marc."
"You never told anyone but me about Marc."
"Yeah.. after we showed each other the scars we did twenty questions and it got serious quickly."
"I can't believe you told one another all of that."
"I don't know about Fred. But I want to be friends with him, real friends, for you. I know how much it hurts you for your two best friends to not get along."
"And neither of us want to hurt you." A voice came from behind them. George looked over her head and she turned to see Fred standing behind her grinning. "Can I cut in twin-o-mine?"
"Euhm yeah sure. I'm gonna find Katie." He smiled awkwardly and shuffled away leaving Hermione in Fred's arms.
"I thought we could continue our twenty questions." He said before adding his loop sided grin.
"I think we're past twenty questions." She laughed.
"Maybe." He shrugged nonchalantly still smiling. "But I like to continue."
"Who's turn was it?" She asked as he twirled her around.
"You start."
"Hmm okay. Can I start serious again?" She asked looking up at him. He gave a shrug letting know she could continue. "Angelina.. didn't you two have relationship before the war?"
"We did. But you know war, we drifted apart and when I woke up, she moved on."
"I'm sorry."
"I'm over it." He shrugged. Hermione gave him a pointed look that made him sigh. "Yeah it was hard at first, seeing I missed over a year of everyone's life but I couldn't expect her to wait for me. Especially after we weren't really together anymore."
"But still.."
"The only thing that mattered the most was George being there. That he never left my side."
"He didn't. I had to drag him out to take a shower or sleep in his own bed."
"I'm sure I would have been the same if it was the other way around. So.. you never accompanied him in the shower or his bed?" Fred asked jokingly waggling his eyebrows. Hermione laughed loud throwing her head back, making him beam.
"No. George is my best friend, my brother. That would be so weird." Her laughter subsided as she shook her head.
"You're gathering attention." Fred whispered as he pulled her closer pointing at several Weasley's that danced around them.
"I think everyone is just really surprised we're hanging out, laughing none the less."
"Hmm. Probably my fault it's that big of a surprise. But I kind of like making you laugh that loud. I think I finally see the side George sees, or even Harry and Ron." He grinned as he dipped her low, hovering close to her face.
"George actually knows a side of me Harry and Ron doesn't." She grinned as he pulled her back up.
"Hmm maybe I can find that side too."
"Maybe." Her eyes glanced over George who still watched them closely before her gaze fell on Ron who was dancing with Leanne. Fred followed her gaze before turning back to her.
"I always thought you and Ron would've ended up together."
"I think people expected us to do so. We kissed at the battle you know." Fred's eyebrows disappeared behind his hair. "But it was just awkward and weird. Probably the same if I kissed George or Harry. Their my family."
"Yeah I wouldn't want to kiss any of them either." He chuckled, Hermione joining in. "My turn.. Did you have a relationship before Marc?"
"Before Marc I had a short thing going with a healer from the hospital since I was always there. And in school.. just Viktor really. Tell me something you never told anyone."
"That's not really a question but alright.." He grinned before he leaned closer to her ear. "You look absolutely gorgeous tonight." Hermione blushed at his compliment. "Your turn, same 'question'.
"Oh euhmm.." Hermione looked down at their feet when she spoke up. "I'm jealous of you."
"Jealous?" Fred asked surprised.
"Yeah of you and George to be precise. You two know exactly what you wanted to do with your life and succeeded just after your eighteenth birthday. I just wish I knew what I wanted to do."
"Hermione you're just turned 21, you have plenty of time to figure out what you want. Just choose something you love, something you don't mind waking up for."
"Thanks Fred. I think we're a bit out of tune." She grinned as she saw the other dancing widely around them while they still swayed slowly. The tent getting emptier by the minute.
"I didn't notice." He grinned before he spun her around one more time and let go of her hand. When she turned Fred was dancing as crazy as his twin. Hermione laughed at him before she danced towards Ginny. Now all the Weasley's plus dates were dancing widely around each other, laughing when they past the girls to all the Weasley men.
The first ones to depart was the newly wed couple as they flew of to their honeymoon. Then followed by Arthur and Molly together with Bill and Fleur who wanted to go back to their daughter. Hermione made her way to the bar and ordered everyone who were still here a drink. When she arrived at the table she placed a bottle of fire whiskey on the table alongside the glasses.
"Where is Ron?" She asked as she flopped down between the twins.
"I saw him and Leanne sneaking away a minute ago." Katie giggled. George looked surprised at his date as she never giggled.
"Maybe you shouldn't drink anymore love." George laughed as Katie's head fell down on the table.
"Girl can't hold her liquid." Fred grinned as she started to snore.
"Not like our Mione here." Charlie chuckled as he sat across from her. Charlie saw she questioning look on Fred's face and explained further. "Once we did a drinking game and while all of us where sloshed or passed out she just kept going."
"Really?" Fred asked surprised looking back at Hermione. "A what do tell was the purpose of the game?"
"Just some truth or dare." George shrugged.
"You were there? Where was I?"
"It was over a year ago, a couple of weeks before you woke up. My little Mione here got me out for the first time."
"Practically had to bound him to get him to come." Hermione laughed. "But I was right wasn't I?"
"Maybe.." George grumbled making Charlie laugh and Fred feeling left out.
"George."
"Fine, fine. I had a great time." George stuck out his tongue.
"Mature very mature." Hermione grinned.
"Well looks like it's dead in here. I'm off to bed." Charlie pushed his chair back as he stood up. "Goodnight little brothers. Ladies." He tipped his head at Hermione and chuckled at the sleeping girl and headed out the tent.
"Well I better get her back to the flat so she could sleep it of. Mione you can sleep over if you want. I made the guest bedroom just in case."
"Thanks Georgie. Pancakes in the morning?"
"Since you and Fred are finally getting along I could whip some up for you."
"Oi! What about me?" Fred called over for over her head.
"You can help." George grinned as he picked up Katie easily in his arms. "Are you two coming?" He asked looking down at the two.
"We'll just finish the bottle and we're right behind you."
"Okay, goodnight. See you tomorrow."
"How in Merlin's name are you not drunk?" Fred slurred over his words as they walked over the burrows garden bottle in his hand.
"I am." She chuckled. "But not as far gone as you. It's when I mix everything goes sideways." Fred tripped and dragged her down with him as he had his arm round her shoulder. "AAAHH!" She screamed as she fell on top of him. "Fred!"
"Sorry. Hermione love, can you put your elbow somewhere else." He groaned as her arm landed on his ribs.
"Oh." She moved her arm and was now leaning over him as he was still spread out on the grass. Fred's eyes locked on hers and they stared at each other for a god knows how long. Fred reached over and brushed her hair out of her face.
"Oh hi miss Granger. Fancy seeing you here." He grinned up at her, she rolled her eyes at him. "As I do say so myself you are the most beautiful girl I laid my eyes on tonight."
"I sure doubt that." She scoffed and tried to stand up but Fred had wrapped his arms around her holding her in place.
"Granger." He whispered.
"Weasley." She whispered back. Fred reached his hand up again and grazed her cheek. He slowly lifted his head up and kissed her lightly. When he pulled back Hermione instinctively bent down to capture his lips again. It felt..natural, not awkward or weird but like their lips had been waiting to touch each other for years. Fred pulled her closer to him, one hand on her waist while the other found it's way in her hair. The hand Hermione was leaning on was moved when Fred pulled her closer. One on his chest while the other cupped his cheek. Their kiss deepened quickly and Fred rolled them around without breaking their kiss so she was pinned beneath him. One hand supported his weight as the other traced down her side.
"Fred." Hermione breathed his name as she pulled back. "We better get going."
"Hmm." Fred kissed her again and again.
"Before someone spots us. The burrow is right there."
Fred groaned as he pulled back. "You're right." He stood up and pulled her with him. "Let's sneak in and floo over to the flat."
Fred slowly opened the kitchen door and dragged her with him holding her hand. He stopped suddenly when they reached the hallway, hearing a creak upstairs.
"Shh." Fred placed his finger on his lips as he looked towards the stairs. Once he thought it was save he quickly entered the living room and stepped in the fireplace and floo'd to the flat together.
When they reached the flat the stumbled out nearly falling to the ground again.
"Shh little Mione. You'll wake up Georgie."
"Hey, only George calls me that." She chuckled as slipped of her shoes. Fred kissed her again when he shoes fell to the ground.
"Then I need to find my own nickname for you." He said between the kisses he planted on her neck.
"Hmm." She hummed as she titled her head back. "We should head to bed."
Fred pulled back and kicked of his shoes before heading in the hallway. He stopped at his door and leaned against it looking at Hermione as he rubbed his neck nervously.
"So which bed were you referring to?"
Hermione gave him a seductive smile as she stepped closer leaning into him. She reached her hand out and turned the knob of the door at the same moment she kissed him. When the door clicked open she pushed him inside and closed the door behind her with her bare foot. Fred then pushed her against the door and kissed her passionately. The glamor on her scars started to fade and he started kissing every visible scar he saw. Hermione was unbuttoning his shirt quickly and pulled it of his shoulders the moment she popped the last button. She pushed him to the bed and straddled him when he laid down. She felt Fred stiffen a bit when she looked down at his scars. She dipped her head and kissed the scar on his right shoulder. Feeling Fred relax she continued to kiss every scar on his chest and abdomen giving it her full attention like he did with hers. When she reached and kissed the last scar just under his belly button she sat up straight. Her hands finding the knot that tied her dress together on the back of her neck, letting it fall down. She stepped of the bed and let the dress fall down on the ground. Fred's mouth dropped open as she stood there in front of him wearing a white lace bustier with matching knickers.
"You're killing me." He breathed as she laid down next to him, both laid down on their sides looking at each other. She smiled sheepishly as he looked at her, eyes filled with lust. His breath hitched when he saw the scars on her abdomen under the bustier. His finger grazed over the fabric as he looked up, a line between his eyes.
"Dolohov did that at the ministry, the year you guys left." Hermione whispered as she looked down. Fred tilted her head with he index finger, making her look at him.
"It doesn't define you. I have to say it even makes you more beautiful."
"Fred.." Hermione said looking back down shaking her head. Tears filling her eyes.
"I mean it Hermione. What do you see when you look at me?"
"A genius prankster." She chuckled looking back at him.
"A genius he?" He grinned. "But you don't see my scars. You see me and I see you." Fred kissed her passionately before he pulled back a little to soon for the both of them. "We should get some sleep."
Hermione looked up at him in surprise and suddenly felt rejected. "Nothing like that love. I just don't want to start something when we drank this much. I don't want you to regret this in the morning. Let's just see where this takes us. We are just getting to know each other, even though seeing you like this, here in my bed. I don't want to rush this."
"Oh. Okay, no I get it." She smiled. "Do you want me to go to my room?"
"Don't you dare!" He exclaimed and pulled her closer.
"Then do you have something to wear?" Fred nodded and kissed her lightly before jumping out of the bed. He started rummaging in his drawers and pulled out his old quidditch jersey. He walked up to the bed and handed it to her before he bent down to pick up her dress and draped it over the chair in the corner. He changed in his pajama bottoms and a tank top, when he turned Hermione had already put his jersey on and was sitting on the bed cross legged, the jersey covering her legs. "It's a bit big." She chuckled as he dropped down on the bed.
"I would say it's juuust right." He winked. He took his wand of his nightstand and cast a locking spell on the door. "Wouldn't want George or Katie to walk in now would we?"
"No definitely not." She smiled as she laid down on his chest, her fingers trailing the scars on his chest as Fred gently rubbed her mudblood scar with his thumb both falling asleep as they traced each other battle wounds.
A review is always nice ;D
I just can't seem to get the formatting/spaces right on FF. I'm also on AO3 if you want an easier read: /users/Chapter1991/works