Till There Was You

Chapter 2: First Date

Disclaimer: I don't own anything that looks familiar, and if it doesn't look familiar, I probably don't own that either. I probably don't even own this disclaimer…

Author's Note: Well hope you like it so far, I know the first chapters short but I think this ones a little longer.

In the car I just can't wait,
To pick you up on our very first date
Is it cool if I hold your hand?
Is it wrong if I think it's lame to dance?
-First Date   Blink 182
 

            After New Years, Hermione began to feel lonely around the burrow. Ron was traveling for his job with the ministry and was away Monday through Friday. Mrs. Weasley had insisted Hermione move into the burrow so she wouldn't be alone during the week. While Hermione was grateful for the offer, she still often found herself alone. Mr. Weasley worked almost as much as Ron, and Mrs. Weasley was always off running errands or visiting friends and family. Bill, Charlie, and Percy all lived in their own houses with families of their own. Fred and George spent most of their time in their apartment/lab in the Weasley attic, which they had built in attempts to save as much money as possible to put towards their company. Hermione often awoke at night to the sounds of small explosions. While the twins spent most of their time there, Ginny spent most of her free time with Harry, who was taking some well-deserved time off. After Hogwarts Harry had devoted his life to defeating Voldemort. After many close calls, six months ago Harry had finally succeeded. The ministry had demanded that he take a long time off before beginning work as an auror.

            Hermione pushed the pile of bridal magazines away from her a yawned. The wedding was set for June 26th, but she still couldn't concentrate on plans. Ginny, her maid of honor, was having a fit. Suddenly she heard a loud squeal from upstairs that was followed by Fred bounding down the steps, grinning.

            "Want to see something priceless?" his grin widened. Hermione followed him up the stairs to the attic. When he opened to door she gasped at the sight of George who had sprouted a pig nose and tail, along with ears. He opened his mouth to yell at his twin but only a pig squeal came out. Hermione felt like she was going to burst from laughing.

            "Piggy Pudge Fudge," Fred stated proudly. "Harry's cousin inspired it."

            "That's hilarious," Hermione wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. "How long will it last?" she glanced at George.

            " I dunno." Fred pondered the question.

            "What?!" escaped George's lips as his extra parts disappeared. "Bloody hell! You could have warned me!" he scolded.

            "You mean you accepted candy from him and didn't expect anything to happen? You are a Weasley aren't you?"  Hermione questioned.

            George laughed. She was right.

            "How long do you think it will be until you can open your shop?" Hermione asked.

            "Probably awhile." Fred sighed.

            "Yeah. We have enough money to produce our stuff, but that doesn't leave enough for rent for a shop or other operational costs."

            "Have you ever considered a catalog?" Hermione questioned. The twins just looked at her. "You know. Mail order? You put your products in a little book…."

            "We know what a catalog is," George stopped her.

            "Why hadn't we thought of that?" Fred asked his brother.

            "It could be great!" Hermione pressed. "People would love easy access to pranks, especially at Hogwarts." The twins nodded at this, remembering their own Hogwarts days. "And a catalog could get your name out and get you started enough to open a shop." The twin were now overwhelmed with excitement.

            "Hermione you're a genius!" Fred yelled before she found herself sandwiched between the two twins, hugging her tightly.

            "Now," George said as they released her. "Go get ready."

            "We're taking you out to celebrate." Fred finished.

            Normally Hermione would have declined but she'd been so bored recently, getting out sounded like the best idea she'd ever heard. She shook her head at the twins, still grinning excitedly, and headed down to her room.

            Hermione was just finished getting ready when there was a knock on her door. She opened it and found Fred waiting for her.

            "George backed out…. Katie owled," he rolled his eyes.

            "Oh I see how it is," Hermione pretended to be offended. "That's alright we'll have a better time without him."

            "So where do you want to go?" Fred asked

            "I don't know. Well, I guess, there is this one place…"

            "Where?"

            "Well it's stupid really. Its just Ron refuses to take me and I don't blame him because it really is stu…."

            "Where?" Fred interrupted her rambling.

            "Well there's this dance club in downtown Diagon Alley."

            "Hermione," Fred stopped her from saying anymore. "I would love to take you dancing," he said sincerely.

            "Really?" she seemed surprised.

            "Really."

            "Let's go then!"

            Hermione squealed in delight when they entered the club. A band was playing and people were dancing, and sitting at tables around the dance floor. Hermione immediately drug Fred onto the dance floor where she seemed to come alive, moving to the music.

            "Where'd you learn to dance like this?" Fred gave her a suspicious look.

            "I used to take classes when I was little," she blushed.

            "And they taught the five year olds to dance like this?" Fred raised an eyebrow, gesturing to the way Hermione was pressed up against him.

            "Oh no. I just mean that once you learn how to find the beat, the rest isn't so hard."

            "So you're telling me my little brother refuses to bring you here to show you off?"

            "I think he's more concerned with his own dancing skills, or should I say lack there of. Apparently he doesn't take lessons from his older brother." It was Fred's turn to blush now.

            After dancing for what seemed like hours, Fred and Hermione were exhausted. They left and decided to go for ice cream. There they sat and relaxed.

            "Well Fred, I had a wonderful time on our date," Hermione smiled.

            "A date? Is that what this is?" he eyed her suspiciously.

            "I'm afraid it has all the symptoms," Hermione mocked seriousness and Fred played along. "You picked me up at my place, took me dancing at my request, then you paid for my ice cream, and you've been quite the gentleman. I'd have to say my diagnosis is it's a date.

            'Don't tell Ron," Fred grinned amused.

            "Don't worry. I will. So are you ready to escort me home?"

            "Certainly Madame."

            They apparated back to the burrow where everyone was already asleep.

            "So," Fred looked at Hermione slyly. "If this is a date, then do I get a kiss goodnight?"

            "Fred! A girl never kisses on the first date!" They laughed and then ended their game. "Goodnight Fred," Hermione said climbing the stairs.

            "Night 'Mione," he called after her.

~*~

Thanks for reading. Hope you liked it. Hopefully I'll have the next chapter up soon.