Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
~ Echoes of Silence ~
Summary: Hermione is abused at home... Fred's in love with her, but hasn't acted on it because he thinks his brother Ron is also in love with her. An Hr/ FW story

Granger Residence
Hermione's Bedroom

Reaching her room, Hermione closes the door just as she hears her father's bedroom door open. Merlin that was close! Tiptoeing over to her bed, Hermione sighs as she slides under the covers. If everything goes as planned, we should have good day today.

Glancing over to the clock on her nightstand, Hermione stifles a yawn. Only six thirty in the morning, Father will be waking me up in less then two hours.

The Burrow
Kitchen

Eating at the table, George notices Fred's far away expression on his face. Must be thinking of Hermione. Observing his twin glance at Ron then grimace. So that it! He's afraid of how Ron will react. This is smashing! Smirking George catches his twin's eyes before subtlety nods towards Ron.

A small smiles streaks across Fred's face. Unfortunately for the twins, Ron saw this exchange. "Whatever you're planning forget it!" snaps Ron, as his ears turn red.

"Forget what little brother," purrs George putting on his best innocent face. "I just want to talk to you."

"Yeah right," groans Ron. Glancing between the twins, Ron narrows his eyes.

"Really," laughs George. "From the way you're reacting you would think that I did something to your new Chudley Cannons poster." Laughing harder as Ron jumps up and runs to his room.

"George," barks Molly. "What did you two do?"

"Nothing mum," mutters Fred. "We are not allowed to practice magic outside of school. Ron is just being a git." Fred smirks back at George's retreating back, as George follows Ron up to Ron's room.

The Burrow
Ron's Room

Rushing into his room, Ron scrutinizes his posters. Bloody hell! I thought they were serious. Why do I always fall for whatever they're planning? Sighing heavily, Ron shakes his head. Hearing the floorboard behind him creak, Ron turns to see one of the twins standing behind him. "YOU!" Rushing him, Ron is pushed back onto his bed.

"Look," snaps George. "I need to talk to you. And this is serious."

Resided Ron asks, "What?"

"What is going on between you and Hermione," asks George.

Narrowing his eyes at his brother. "She is my friend! That's all." Watching his brother struggle to not explode, Ron slowly realizes that George is indeed serious. "Why?"

"Are you sure you're just friends," questions George. "Because you were awfully uptight about Krum."

"Yeah," laughs Ron, blushing a little. "I like someone else. Krum, he got on my nerves. Plus I got this bad vibe off him." Watching the tension leave George an idea came into Ron's head. "Do you like Hermione?"

"Ah, Hello Ron," snickers George. "My girlfriend Katie is coming over this afternoon."

"Well why did you ask," demands Ron.

"I know someone who likes her," states George. "I just wanted to be certain the way was clear." Tapping his chin, George ponders, "When is Harry coming?"

"He likes Cho," replies Ron. "And we're picking him up this afternoon."

"Good, good," mutters George as he leaves the room.

Well that was weirder then Neville remembering the right password.

Granger Residence
Kitchen

Clearing away the dirty dishes, Hermione looks towards her mother. Without a sound her mother places her over night bag next to the garage door. Smashing. Releasing the breath she didn't know she was holding, Hermione turns on the dishwasher. Everything is almost in place. Soon, it will be soon.

The Burrow
Family Room

Tumbling out of the fireplace Katie came first, followed closely by Angelina. Both girls were covered in dirt. Going over to his girlfriend, George helps to dust some of the dirt off of her. While Fred stood to the side, not even acknowledging Angelina standing near the fireplace.

"Don't tell me you're still mad," purrs Angelina coming closer to Fred. Fred crosses his arms over his chest.

"You know, Fred, I don't believe you told me what it was that Angelina said to piss you off so much," comments George as he watches his twin freeze Angelina out. It must have been something. I've never seen him act this way.

"Ask Angelina," purrs Fred coldly as he glares angrily at her. As Angelina tries to put her hands on Fred, he moves away from her.

"I didn't say anything much," dismisses Angelina.

Snorting, Fred looks over to Ron. "When you go pick up Harry let me know. I'll go with you."

"Aren't you going to stay and play a game of Quidditch with us," asks Katie squeezing George's hand. George squeezes hers back.

"Yeah," laughs Ron. "You never miss a chance to play."

"Maybe I don't like who's playing," suggests Fred as he leaves the room.

"What did you say," demands Katie. "I have never seen Fred act like that?"

"Oh, just because I called Hermione…" realizing too late were she was. "Never mind."

"What did you call Hermione," demands Ron.

Dursely House
Family Room

Waiting impatiently for someone of the Weasley family to come and pick him up, Harry stands ready next to the fireplace. Come on! Get here already. Rolling his eyes at the increase in volume of the television set in the living room.

Mr. Weasley will at least get a kick out of it for a few minutes. Groaning Harry pinches his nose. Right before he asks me a ton of questions about it. A low roaring in the fireplace catches Harry's attention. About time! Harry smiles as he notices bright green flames.

Standing in the fireplace was Fred. What happened to Ron? After Fred moves aside Ron appears. "Hi guys," laughs Harry.

"Got all your things," asks Ron. "Fred is here to help."

"Cool," states Harry. "Most of my things are right here. My trunk is out in the hallway."

"Harry, who else is here," asks Fred as he looks around.

"No one," laughs Ron. "It's the people in the box." Pointing to the television.

"Can they see us," questions Fred as he waves his hand in front of it.

"No," laughs Harry. "I'll explain later."

Dursely House
Living Room

Traveling into the living room, Harry gives them a huge wave goodbye as Ron and Fred put up Harry's trunk in the hallway. "I'll see you next summer," laughs Harry. Out in the hallway the noise from the television floats in.

"We interrupt this program for a live broadcast."

"This is Dan Hasher reporting live from St. Jones Place. Where just a few moments ago an explosion rocked this small town. This explosion took place at the Granger residence."

"Ah Harry," stutters Ron going pale. "Is this a joke?"

"It can't be real," whispers Harry.

POP.

Suddenly a weary looking Mr. Weasley was standing in the family room. Glancing to him, then back to the television. Fred croaks out, "Dad?"

"We need to get back to the Burrow," stress Arthur reaching for Harry's trunk.

"Hermione," asks Ron gesturing to the television.

Cutting off Ron, Arthur orders, "We need to get back."

Burrow
Family Room

Landing at the fireplace in his house, Fred looks for his mother. Spotting her holding a sobbing Ginny. Both of them were rocking in place. Seeing tears streaking down their faces, Fred swallows a lump in his throat. It can't be. It just can't be.

"Arthur," yells Molly. "Is it true?"

"This is Wireless Network Radio; we interrupt this broadcast to inform you that there has been a death-eater attack on a muggle-born witch.

The death mark was found over the Granger house this afternoon. The house was destroyed, along with everyone in it. So far there are no survivors reported.

Miss Granger was to start her fifth year at Hogwarts. It is said that she was one of the smartest witches to attend the school. Mr. Fudge is said to be releasing a statement to the press later today."

"We have several people looking into this," reports Mr. Weasley. "But so far no one has seen nor heard from Hermione. I really can't say anything more, I have to get back."

Feeling his legs start to give under him, Fred makes his way over to the couch. No it can't be true.

Until Later