Title: Fred Has It Bad
Author: edjo
Pairing: Fred/Hermione
Rating: PG
Word Count: 943
Summary: Takes place 6th year for trio, during an evening at the Burrow over Xmas holidays. Mrs. Weasley watches her family and contemplates Fred/Hermione. Fluff. (Oh, and Percy has rejoined the family.)
Disclaimer: None of this belongs to me. JKR, now that's a different story.
A/N: Dammit, this was hard to write. Getting into the Molly Weasley mindset wasn't easy. And once I was there, she didn't want to spend the whole time on Fred & Hermione. Seems she's got these other kids... ;) Not sure if I've even managed to get it, really. But yeah, guess this wasn't a one-shot after all. It just officially became a two-shot. Or maybe more. )

Molly Weasley yawned contentedly. Supper had been wonderfully noisy and when it had finished her family had chosen to settle in the living room, while she was left to clean up the mess.

After a few minutes of hearing only bits of their chatter from the kitchen, she had charmed the sink to wash the dishes and joined them, delighted to have the house filled with so many voices again. She was mending a pair of Ron's trousers at the moment, her wand prodding the frayed cuff. Her brow furrowed in concentration. With all the children out of the house for the better part of the year, she and Arthur were still desperately trying to adjust to the silence. Even the absence of loud explosions from Fred and George's bedroom had her sniffling somewhat of late.

Molly shook her head determinedly when she caught herself reminiscing about the ton-tongue toffee incident. No, it was just as well the twins weren't around to try her temper.

A loud burst of laughter caused her to pause a moment in her mending, and she lifted her head, watching the rest of the room from her armchair near the fireplace.

George, Ron, Harry, Ginny and Bill were gathered around the table, having a game of exploding snap. From the looks of things, Bill was happily winning.

Over in the corner, Arthur looked to be having a serious discussion with Percy, while Charlie listened in. Molly pursed her lips slightly as her eyes passed over the recent burn on Charlie's left forearm. She sighed. None of her children seemed to have the ability to stay away from danger.

She turned her attention back to the trousers, gently pulling on a few stubborn threads. The knot unravelled and she nudged them again with her wand, idly turning her attention back to her family. Fred and Hermione were snuggled together on the couch. She watched them out of the corner of her eye.

Out of all of her sons, she certainly hadn't expected Hermione to start dating Fred. She had in fact, thought to encourage Ron in that direction, but it looked as if she would have been completely off the mark. She grudgingly admitted that the pair seemed to work. And she certainly couldn't complain about the fact that the twins' pranks had dropped slightly in number since the two had begun dating.

She mused for a minute on the benefits of having Hermione in the house. Not only was Fred kept out of trouble (mostly), but it completely solved the problems of mistaken identity. The twins couldn't try to confuse her anymore, because Fred was always the one with his arm wrapped around Hermione - much like he had right now. Molly smiled at this, and folding the pants over, began to re-attach one of the back pockets.

She was so intent on her work that it was several minutes before she raised her head again. The cheerful talking was incredibly relaxing as background noise. She yawned again as she absently scanned the room. She noted that Hermione appeared to have fallen asleep in Fred's arms. Poor dear, she thought sympathetically. Hermione spent so much time focused on schoolwork that Molly was sure she needed all the rest she could get.

As she was watching, George called over from the table. "Oi, Fred! Bill's agreed to play for stakes! If we play pairs, we can take him for all he's got," he said gleefully. Molly narrowed her eyes at him, and he gulped. "We're not betting money," he said hastily for her benefit. "What do you say Fred?"

Molly instinctively glanced back to see Fred's response. Hermione shifted slightly against his chest, and he watched her with a small grin on his face. "Nah, I'm really alright here George," he replied quietly, the smile still playing on his lips. Oh dear, Molly thought, Fred has it bad.

The corner of her mouth curled up into a smirk, and she looked over at Arthur. He had caught the tell-tale moment as well, and winked at her over Percy's shoulder. She bit down on her tongue to prevent from chuckling. Yes, Fred's falling in love, she thought, calmly nodding to herself. She had wondered when it would happen.

She directed her line of vision back to the young couple. For a fleeting moment Molly desperately hoped that Hermione wouldn't break his heart. He and George were pranksters, yes, but they were both just as fragile as the rest. She frowned, deep in thought. As she regarded the two, Fred moved, stretching out along the couch and Hermione changed position as well, her legs intertwining with his. She snuggled into his embrace and easily drifted back to sleep.

Molly opened her mouth, about to suggest that Hermione head up to bed so she could get some proper rest, but quickly shut it again upon a second glance at her peaceful face. It really wouldn't do her any harm to stay where she was. She did look very happy. Molly smiled. Hermione would be good for him.

She discreetly turned her gaze to Fred again. He looked very pleased with himself. Her heart gave a little tug as she thought about how happy her son was. She allowed herself to briefly contemplate the idea of Fred and Hermione getting married, and Hermione becoming an official part of the family. Wouldn't it just be wonderful if Fred were to settle down? And with Hermione... No one would make a more excellent daughter-in-law. Molly quickly shook the thoughts out of her mind. There was no sense in rushing things. Hermione was only sixteen after all.