Notes:

This was written for the 2020 Fremione Costume Party Fest hosted by the Fremione Fanatics on FB.

The fest has been so much fun! Thanks to PrettiestStar17 and moonfairy13 for putting together another great event!

Special thanks to my beta WrathOfMacy! I truly appreciate all the time that you've put into this story. Any remaining errors are mine.

Thank you to my unofficial Brit-picker, moonfairy13! Your support and encouragement keeps me continually writing all the Fremione fluff and always making it Fairy Safe™

xXx

Chapter One

Hermione strolled through Diagon Alley, enjoying the cool, crisp autumn air. As she walked past a bakery, she inhaled deeply, savoring the spicy aroma of cinnamon mingled with pumpkin that wafted through the open window. She eyed the tempting looking pastries on display, thinking to herself that she might stop in later for a bun and a cup of tea. But for now, she had a destination in mind.

She'd come out today to purchase more Daydream Charms. It was purely by chance that she'd discovered the calming effect of the twins' brilliant product. One particularly bad night, she'd spotted one in her bag. Deciding that it couldn't make things worse, she'd used it and found that being transported into a relaxing and pleasant dreamscape was exactly the thing she needed to help forget her haunting memories.

She was particularly surprised to find that the charms usually relaxed her enough that she was not only able to fall asleep again, but continue to do so soundly without being disturbed later. She'd yet to tell Fred or George about using them, and so far she'd been lucky enough to avoid them both when she made her purchases. Their employees were less likely to question why she was buying that particular product on a regular basis.

"Just the lovely witch I was hoping to see!" an exuberant voice called over the cacophony as she stepped through the doors of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. A moment later a long arm wrapped around her middle.

It appeared that her luck had just run out. Bugger it. "Fred, what…?" she began as he tugged her through the shop toward their backroom. With a shake of her head, she gave up. She knew there was no stopping the prankster when he, very clearly, had a goal in mind.

As soon as the door closed behind them, shutting out the noise of the sales floor, Fred engulfed her in a hug. "Hello, gorgeous," he greeted her, a wide grin covering his face.

Even though she knew that he meant it all in a brotherly way, Hermione couldn't prevent the swoop of pleasure that she felt in her belly in response to the endearment. She reacted like that every time he treated her this way, which, admittedly, was every time he saw her.

"Hello, yourself. What can I do for you?" she asked, trying not to show how much he affected her.

"George and I are throwing a costume party for Halloween. We heard that it's a muggle tradition. We wanted to do something special this year since we were all still recovering last year. It'll be like a new beginning. And," he went on, "I wanted to ask you first before the invitations go out because ... "

Her lips curved into a smile and she nodded for him to continue. Not guessing that he could mean anything else, she assumed that he wanted her help planning the muggle-style festivities.

"I wanted to ask you to be my date," he finished, mumbling the last part.

Frowning in confusion, her brows furrowed as she tried to make sense of what she thought she'd heard. It sounded like he said something about a date, but that couldn't be right. "I'm sorry, what was that? I didn't quite understand what you said."

He grinned disarmingly, "Would you attend the party as my date?"

Why would he want her to be his date? She swallowed hard as she questioned, "Is this a prank?" hating the way her voice shook. Feeling the sharp prickle of tears forming, she lowered her gaze to the floor.

"Hermione, look at me, please," a gentle finger reached out, lifting her chin. "First, you're a gorgeous witch. I'm certain I tell you that every time I see you. But even if you insist on disregarding that point, I want you to think about this and answer honestly; when is the last time I pranked you? Or George did for that matter?"

She knew that her expression showed just how discombobulated she felt, but she couldn't help it. Pulling in a slow, deep breath in an attempt to clear her head, she took a long moment to think before admitting in a quiet voice, "Never."

His kind brown eyes bored into hers. "Exactly! That's because I haven't, and I'm not likely to start anytime soon."

"Why? You prank your siblings, Harry, all of your friends, even your parents sometimes..."

Smirking, he asked, "Have you ever heard of us pranking Angie?"

"No, but what does that have to do with me?"

"Think about it, love, use that big brain. You'll figure it out. Until you do, please say you'll come to the party with me. We can go out to a muggle costume shop and pick matching costumes. Please, it will be fun."

She desperately wanted to say yes, but she was terrified. The feelings that she harbored for Fred were always close to the surface and she feared that an actual date with him would have her confessing all. What would he think then? Glancing up at Fred, she saw the hopeful look in his eyes, and she knew in that moment there was no way she could say no to him. With a deep breath, she nodded slowly. "Yes, alright. I'll go with you."

He grabbed her then, hugging her and lifting her straight off her feet. Spinning them both, he placed a lingering kiss on her cheek, murmuring against her skin, "I promise you'll have a great time. We will have a fantastic night."

Setting her on her feet, he asked the one question that she'd been dreading since she walked in. "What brings you in today? You never just drop by. Did you need something?" He winked, a playful smile lighting his face, "Or did you just realise that I'm irresistible and you've come to ask for my hand in marriage?"

Smiling a little, she rolled her eyes at his antics. If only he would just let it go, but she knew that was one thing he definitely would not do. Chewing on her lip, she contemplated her choices. She could lie and claim that she'd just been in the Alley and wanted to say hello, or she could improvise and say that she needed a different product. But beyond the fact that she didn't want to lie to him, neither of those choices would help her. She'd used the last of the charms that she had a home, and she was worried that she'd suffer through a bad night without them.

"Hermione?" Fred questioned softly. "Whatever it is, you can tell me. No judgment here, love. If you need a tour of the adult section, I'm happy to personally help you with that." Placing a hand lightly on her lower back, he led her over to sit on a battered sofa that she hadn't noticed before.

He didn't say anything more, he just sat quietly, waiting for her to speak. Finally, she worked up her nerve. "The Daydream Charms, I came in to buy more of them," she admitted in a whisper. She started to leave it at that but decided that she should explain. Fred was likely to notice her buying them now and he may have questions about how many she could possibly want if she didn't just tell him the reason.

Sighing, she continued, keeping her voice low. "Ever since the war, I've had nightmares. They wake me up frequently. Sometimes, they're so bad that I can't go back to sleep. I wasn't resting at all, but I didn't want to take any sleep potions. One particularly bad night, I spotted one in my bag. I think you'd put it in my stocking for Christmas last year. I thought that it might be nice to try and see if it would help me relax. And it did. I felt so much better after filling my mind with pleasant images that I was able to fall back to sleep, and I didn't have any more dreams that night."

Fred's arm came around her, pulling her in so that her head rested on his chest. It felt nice to be held close to him like that — a little too nice. Showing no sign of letting go, he began speaking in her ear, "You should have told me. I would have sent them to you." He moved his arm away so that he could see her face, eyeing her suspiciously now, and she secretly mourned the loss of his arm around her. "How have you been buying them all this time? Have you been intentionally coming in when you think that neither George nor I will be around?"

Not wanting to admit it out loud, which seemed worse somehow, she nodded. Avoiding his gaze, she stared resolutely at an odd stain on the sofa. For some reason, she couldn't stand the idea that he might pity her.

Calloused fingers gently took her hand, twining with hers. He leaned closer, speaking softly. "I have nightmares too. Ever since that wall collapsed on me… I could hear everyone… hear that they thought I was gone… I thought…" His voice wavered, breaking a little, "I thought that they would bury me alive."

Brushing her hair aside, he nuzzled in, laying his head on her shoulder. "Sometimes I wake in the night thinking that I'm back there with that wall on top of me, or laying there unable to speak as they lower me into the ground."

Silent tears rolled down her cheeks as she processed what he was telling her. She'd had no idea about any of that. Would he expect her to tell him what her nightmares were about? She didn't think she was ready to tell anyone. Composing herself somewhat, she murmured, "Oh, Fred, I'm so sorry. I had no idea."

"I know that, love, and I didn't tell you to make you feel bad. I just want you to know that you're not alone and that if one day you feel the need to talk about it, I understand, and I would be more than happy to listen." He lifted his head from her shoulder, squeezing the hand that he still held until she met his gaze, "That offer is good for any time. Even if it's the middle of the night. Even if you aren't ready to tell your story but just need someone who understands. I wish I'd known before…" He broke off, reaching his free hand up to wipe the moisture from her face.

Shrugging, she smiled sadly at him. "But you didn't know because I didn't tell anyone. Honestly, I didn't want anyone to know. Everyone is broken in their own way, I can't add my problems to theirs."

"But that's where you're wrong. It's not a cumulative thing, that's not how it works. If I'm there for you, and you're there for me in turn, it lessens it for both of us."

Why was Fred offering something like that? They weren't even that close, and surely he had George and loads of other friends that he could talk to. Maybe he just wanted someone who was going through something similar. It was difficult to think coherently with him sitting so close and touching her like that. Instead of trying to come up with an answer, she simply nodded.

He grinned broadly, "So you'll think about it then?"

"Of course."

That must have been the answer that he wanted because she found herself wrapped in a hug, an amazing hug if she was being honest. After what felt longer than appropriate for a friendly embrace, the handsome redhead didn't let go. Instead, he placed his mouth close to her ear, sending shivers down her spine when he whispered, "I need to get back to work soon, or Georgie will be out for blood, but before you leave, I'm going to get some of those Daydream Charms for you."

He paused, seeming to tense a little. Hermione wondered what was going through his head as he appeared to be considering something, she could feel him bouncing his leg a little, almost as if he was nervous. "We have some, um, experimental charms that you may like as well. They're… well, they're Adult Daydream Charms." He sputtered a little, and Hermione found it absolutely adorable.

"What?" She moved back, trying to extricate herself so she could look into his eyes and see if he was serious, but he kept her pressed tight against his chest. It felt so good to let him hold her that she couldn't be arsed to keep trying. And strangely, Fred Weasley seemed embarrassed to tell her this.

"Well," she felt his leg bouncing with more intensity and she smiled against his chest. Fred had never come across as someone who could actually be nervous about something, and it was incredibly, disconcertingly endearing. It would not do for her to allow her feelings to grow beyond a crush. He continued, "these new charms allow you to experience a, um, sexual fantasy in the same way that the Daydream Charms pull you into a generic vision."

Her face heated and she wasn't quite sure if it was from embarrassment or something else. Damn, she wanted to try that charm, but how on earth could she admit it to Fred? And he'd said experimental, was it even safe?

Fred chuckled into her hair, "I can hear your brain working. First of all, they are perfectly safe. I promise. We've tried them as have all the members of our staff and a few friends. We're about to put them on the shelf. But I would love to have a few more female testers first — most of ours were male." And, as if knowing exactly what to say to convince her, he cajoled, "Please, it would really help me with the data that we need."

That had done it, she knew that she'd take it, but she did want to know more first. "How do they work?"

"They combine elements from the original Daydream Charms but include a truth potion, a little bit of Legilimency, and a dash of Amortentia — not keyed to anyone, of course. Those components together create a fantasy dreamscape that is realistic like our other charms, but stars the person who you fancy, or just lust after, in a scenario that you would enjoy."

"Is it the same person each time?"

Was it her imagination or was Fred turning a bit pink? Even the tips of his ears seemed to glow. "Um… Well, it's been the same witch for me each time. And people who were in relationships, like George and Angie, reported their partner each time, but some of our staff who like to play the field a bit have had various people show up in their fantasy."

So, there was someone that Fred fancied. That information made her ridiculously sad. She'd known there was no chance that he would be attracted to her. What she didn't know was why he was taking her to his party as a date if he was interested in someone else. An awful thought occurred to her and the question spilled from her lips before she could stop and think. "Do you want me to come with you to the party to make the person that you fancy jealous?"

Sadness seemed to fill Fred's eyes and she felt awful for blurting that out. Of course, he wouldn't use her in such a way. He was all for fun and pranks but he wasn't unkind. Before she could apologise, he asked, "Do you really think I would do something like that?"

"No, of course, I don't. I'm really sorry that I said that. I'm just having a hard time understanding why you want to go to the party with me when there's clearly someone you're interested in ."

He gaped at her, there was no other word for it. "You are not that daft... I swear woman, do I have to spell it out?"

Before she could ask what he meant, his eyes locked on hers and her breath caught in her throat. She noticed his gaze drop to her lips before his tongue darted out slightly, wetting his own.

Her heart thundered in her chest. Was Fred going to kiss her? He leaned forward and her hands began to tremble in anticipation. Could this really be happening?

Time seemed to stand still as he moved incrementally closer. When he was close enough for her to feel his breath, the door banged open, "Freddie, where are… Fuck! I'm not here, ignore me," and George was gone just as quickly as he'd come.

"Fucking, George!" Fred exclaimed under his breath. With a sigh, he gave her a sad smile. "I better go see what he needs. Stay, please. I'll be back in five minutes. And I'll bring those things for you when I return."

He stood, brushing a kiss against her cheek, and then he was gone. The door swinging shut behind him.

Hermione collapsed back against the sofa cushions. What in the world was that? Had Fred really intended to kiss her? What was she going to do? There was no going back. She was in so much trouble. What if she had misinterpreted? How would she get over him now?

Her brain was still working overtime when Fred returned. He held a bag that appeared to be crammed full. "Thanks," she said, taking it. "How mu-?" she started to ask.

"You aren't paying for these," Fred insisted, "and don't try to argue because I would have been giving them to you all this time if I'd known.

"Thank you," she smiled gratefully. "I'll just get out of your hair then. I know George needs your help."

Turning to go, she was surprised when Fred stopped her. "Wait, do you have one of those RV things?" At her confused look, he clarified, "You know, those machines that play the films."

She laughed, "A VCR? Yes, I do. Why?"

"I thought we could research our costumes for the party. The theme is famous muggle couples. Surely we could get some inspiration from a film, couldn't we?"

"I suppose."

"Great, do you have plans on Sunday? The shop is closed as usual, but with mum and dad gone for their weekend in France to see that Celestina Warbeck concert that we got her the tickets for, there's no Sunday roast at The Burrow. I thought that maybe I could bring over breakfast and we could make a day of it. We can order takeaway for lunch and stay in our pyjamas all day if you'd like."

"I don't have plans on Sunday. Films and pyjamas sound perfect to me, I'll get the videos. Anything, in particular, that you want to watch?"

"Nah. Just something with characters that will make wicked coordinating costumes."

"Alright," she smiled at him and then turned to go again.

"Would you rather go out the back? We have a door next to the stairs that leads to the flat so we don't have to go through the shop when it's closed."

"Oh, yes, thanks. That would be great."

He led her to the door but before he pushed it open, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek, his lip grazing the very corner of her mouth. And he lingered there, much longer than a typical kiss to the cheek between friends. She wasn't able to help her reaction, her sharp intake of breath proclaimed the surprise and pleasure that she felt.

He grinned at her as he opened the door. It was a pleased, self-satisfied smile that made her feel inexplicably happy. "I'll see you on Sunday, Hermione. Will nine work for you?"

"Nine is perfect, I'll see you then."

When the door closed behind her, she leaned against the cool brick exterior of the building for a long time before slowly making her way down the Alley to an apparition point.