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

Later
The Burrow

Stepping out of the fireplace, Fred waits for Hermione to Floo in. When she lands he helps her out. In the kitchen were the rest of his brother expect for his twin who was due to Floo in a few minutes. Smiling Fred balances Hermione into the kitchen. "Ready to face the inquisition?"

"Fred!" admonishes Mrs. Weasley as she starts to prepare for dinner.

"What inquisition," inquires Charlie as Bill looks over the new brooms.

"The one she is going to get when you find out that her aunt bought us these brooms," laughs Ginny as she runs a loving hand over her new broom. "Can we play Quidditch later?"

"Sure," laughs George as he comes into the room.

"So Mione," looking over the brooms Bill's face scrunches up. "What do you know what your aunt?"

"Lets see," states Ron. "Rich, eccentric and hates Mione's father."

"You remember that but not who started the Goblin rebellion of 1875," demands Hermione as almost everyone cringes. Even Percy looks uncomfortable.

With red tinted ears Ron tries to defend himself, "your aunt bought me a broom. Who cares which Goblin started what rebellion?"

"RON!" hisses a shocked Hermione. "You have to know this! It's on the OWL'S!"

Seeing a full blazing row heading their way faster then any bludgers, Fred and George took matters into their own hands.

"Ron!" "Mione!" Getting their attention Fred nods to George who continued to speak. "First, Mione is right. It is on the Owl's. Second," looking over to Ginny, George winks. "We will be playing later when Katie gets here."

"Yes," shrieks Ginny as she high fives Bill. "Even Mione?"

"No," answers Hermione before anyone could react. Shocking Charlie and Bill but not everyone else.

"Why not," asks Charlie. "We'll take it easy on you." Holding up his hands to save Hermione from answering, Harry leans over and whispers into Charlie's ear. "OH! That's fine then," dismisses Charlie.

"Why don't we start getting ready," suggests Fred as he maneuvers Hermione to the backyard. "George, join us when Katie comes."

The Burrow
Backyard

Fred helps Hermione over to the picnic bench, "How are you doing?"

"Fine," looking at his determined face. "A little sore and tired but otherwise fine."

"Good, mum will have the doctor's potion ready for you after dinner," states Fred. "Since you mentioned OWL's. I was wondering do you know that there is a Flying OWL?"

Seeing Hermione's gapping mouth, Fred laughs. "Mione, you have plenty of time," soothes Fred. "Besides which I'll be happy to tutor you until you'll comfortable."

"Why," asks Hermione. This time it was Fred's time to feel a little uncomfortable. Watching him squirm in his seat, feeling a little hopeful that Fred just might like her back. "What I meant was… no… why would you want to do this?"

Inside
Kitchen

Standing there in the kitchen Molly Weasley was staring out the window. She had a direct view of Hermione and Fred. From her vantage point, she could she that her son said something that shocked Hermione since her mouth was gapping.

What in Merlin's name in that boy saying to her? He's just like his father, thinking back to her own courtship Molly rolls her eyes. If he's anything like his father it will take him years to even admit that he likes her, then it'll take several more before he asks her out!!!

The Burrow
Ron's Room

Standing at the window, Charlie was giving a play by play to everyone in the room.

"Think he's going to finally ask her out," questions Bill.

"If he doesn't. I will," snaps Ron getting gasps from all of his brother but an answering smirk for Harry.

"I will too," states Harry.

"What," demands Ginny. "Why?"

"Move things along," answers both Harry and Ron in union.

"Kind of force him to ask her," reasons Ginny before a devilish smirk appears on her face. "I like it!"

The Burrow
Backyard

"What I meant was… no… why would you want to do this?"

"Ah…ah..." stutters Fred. Taking a deep breath, "Friends. That's what friends do for each other…" Fred sees Hermione's eyes dim just a bit, right before she starts to chew on her lower lip. If she doesn't stop that she is going to just bite it off one o these days.

Fist Floor
Kitchen

Upon seeing Hermione deflate, I swear if he wasn't one of my sons why I'd…turning away from her view Molly takes several quick breathes. Oh! Kids! A series of loud banging noises radiates throughout the house.

The Burrow
Ron's Room

"Oh Merlin," grumbles Charlie. "I swear our brother is just plain stupid!"

"Why what did he do," demands Ron as both he and Harry jump up ready to run to Hermione's rescue. "If he so much as laid a finger on her I'll..." punching his hand into his other in a menacing fashion.

"RON!" snaps Charlie turning away from the window. "Nothing like that. But from here even I could tell he's making a blotch of things." Loud clanging radiates towards them.

"Maybe we should head down," suggests Ginny. "Before mum break one of her pots?"

The Burrow
Backyard

Staring at her lips, Fred licks his own un-consciously moving closer to her. Fred whispers, "Mione, we're friends but if you're willing, I would like to be something more."

Lifting her head, Hermione notices just how close Fred really is. He's staring at my lips! Oh my god! Mutters through her mind as she feels Fred's lips on her own for the first time.

The Burrow
Family Room

Holding out his hand George helps Katie out of the fireplace. "Hello beautiful!" Giving her a quick kiss on the lips before he threads his fingers with hers. Leading her towards the backyard, George hears several footsteps on the stairs.

"Katie is here," yells George. "Time to play some Quidditch! Ginny get the new brooms!"

"About Quidditch, George I have some news…wait! New brooms," demands Katie as she glares a George. "What new brooms?"

"Mione's aunt bought us new brooms," answers George with a twinkle in his eyes. "Guess which brooms she bought?"

"Just tell me," demands Katie.

"A Firebolt," replies George. "One for me, Fred and Ron. Plus she even bought Ginny and Hermione new brooms but they were Two Nimbus 2003."

"Merlin," whispers Katie. "We have three Firebolts on our team." A mantic gleam seeps into her eyes, "We will have the house cup this year for sure!"

"I'm going to get the brooms," laughs George at his girlfriend's smug smile. George gave her one last kiss on the check before picking up both his broom and Fred's broom. Katie kept heading out to the backyard; stop dead at the scene before.

"George," whispers Katie in horror.

"What?"

"Come look at this," hisses Katie trying to get only his attention. When George wraps an arm around her shoulders, Katie spears him a glance before pointing to the scene before her.

"Look! It's Fred and Hermione…" Looking out, George is mildly shocked way to go Fred!! About bloody time too. "Ron is so going to be pissed. George, are you listening to me? I don't want to be the one to tell Ron about this."

With mischievous glint in George's eyes, he winked at his girlfriend. "I'll handle this." Stepping out of the house and into the backyard George too a deep breath before bellowing, "FREDICK WEALESY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?"

Until Later…