The second day of Hermione being awake allowed her to notice the other patients of the room. The majority of them had fought in the battle.

There were many individuals with rather minor injuries. Some of which could have been taken care of by Madam Pomfrey with no problem. Confused, she asked Fred about it.

"The Hospital Wing was so full of injured or dead people that they had to start sending people here."

She nodded, and then began taking in the appearance of Fred. She hadn't noticed how bad he had looked yesterday.

A large gash was present on his left eyebrow, no doubt that it would result into a scar. There were also several scrapes on his face as well. His right arm was in a sling. Hermione also happened to notice the several freshly healed, white scars that started at the base of his of his neck and disappeared into the collar of the loose, cotton shirt he was wearing. She looked up into his eyes.

Registering her expression, Fred gave her a soft smile. "Don't worry about me, Hermione. The worst is over now."

She sighed. "Perhaps you're right."

"'Course I'm right!" Fred smirked. "I'm always right."

She shook her head and rolled her eyes.

Hermione was released from St. Mungo's two days later. Fred, however, was released two weeks later.

oOo

Molly had insisted that Harry and Hermione stay at the Burrow for the time being. Her argument was that it was important that they were not alone for the next few weeks. The friends happily obliged.

One afternoon, Hermione and Ron were casually lounging on the sofa, Hermione with a book in her hands and Ron dozing softly in her lap, when Mrs. Weasley called for Ron to come help her degnome the garden.

Grumbling, he got up from his position on the sofa. "I'll be back," he told Hermione before pecking her on the cheek. She nodded up at him, smiling.

After his departure, someone else came stalking into the lounge room. Hermione looked up from her book to see that it was Fred.

"Hello, did you just get here?" she asked him warmly.

"Yeah. Mum demanded George and I come stay for the next few days," he said as he took a seat in one of the armchairs. "So, you and Ron, huh?" he said smirking, changing the subject.

Hermione blushed slightly. "Yes..." she said awkwardly.

"Always had an inkling you'd end up together," he said, his smirk fading into a faint smile.

Hermione quirked an eyebrow up at him. "Oh, is that so?"

"Definitely. Always knew Ickle Ronniekins fancied you." Hermione wrinkled her nose at the nickname. "Known since the Yule Ball."

Hermione was reminded of that event. How jealous Ron was of Viktor Krum. Thinking back on it now, it was almost silly.

"He was so thick back then," she said giggling.

Fred flashed her a cheeky grin. "Not much has changed if you ask me."

Hermione covered her mouth with her hand, trying to hold in her laughter, but it was all in vain. She laughed quite loudly, which in turn made Fred laugh.

Upon hearing the noise, another figure walked in. It was George.

"What's so funny?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

"Oh, nothing," Hermione said, recomposing herself. "Just something Fred said.

"Right," George said looking at his brother. "Speaking of which, could I talk to you for a moment, Freddie?"

"Sure." Fred got up from his chair, and walked towards George, winking at Hermione as he passed her.

Fred followed George up the stairs to their old room, a few of their belongs now placed haphazardly upon the beds. George ushered Fred inside before shutting the door behind him.

"What d'you think you're doing, Fred?" George questioned.

"Nothing! What's the harm in laughing?"

"You and I both know you were doing a lot more than laughing. Flirting with our brother's girlfriend, are you mad?!"

Fred scowled. "I wasn't flirting with Hermione."

"Oh my God, yes you were! I thought you were over this. I thought you were over her!"

"So what if I'm not over her? There's still a chance that her and Ron won't work out..."

"Freddie, you've been pining over the girl for over three years! If you wanted to be with her so bad, then why didn't you say something?"

Fred stared open-mouthed at his brother. Why hadn't he said anything? "I...I don't know."

"Well, it's too late now. She's with Ron. Just...just promise me something, will you?"

Fred looked up expectantly at George.

"Don't do anything stupid, okay?"

Fred sighed. "Sure thing, Georgie. What could she ever see in me anyways?"