Dinner with the Weasleys
I opened the door to the bathroom and rushed inside, quickly slamming the door behind me. What just happened? I asked myself. Did I just see Fred Weasley naked? I groaned and sat on the ground. What am I going to say to him? Oh god…
"Hermione? Dear are you okay?" I hear Mrs. Weasley call from down the stairs. I took a deep breath and ran my hand through my hair.
"Coming!" I yelled out, turning on the sink water. I looked at my worried reflection and said, "Get a grip on yourself Hermione…its not the end of the world." I sighed and splashed cold water on my face before turning towards the door and slowly opening it…relishing the little time I had left by myself before I had to face the embarrassment waiting for me downstairs.
When I reached the door to the Weasley's backyard I felt the heat begin to rise up to my cheeks. I heard the others laughing outside, completely oblivious to everything that just happened. I heard Bill say "Where's Hermione?" so I took a breath and stepped outside. I was greeted by a wave of "hellos" as I walked towards the table. I smiled and waved and then looked in horror at the only spot left to sit at the table…in between Mr. Weasley and….Fred…Gulp. I let out a mental groan and sat down, avoiding Fred's eyes.
"How are you Hermione?" Mr. Weasley asked, patting my shoulder with his hand.
"I'm okay Mr. Weasley…how are things at work?"
"Oh, hectic as always. I actually have to leave right after dinner…everyone's working overtime at the office because…well…you know why…" Of course he was talking about Voldemort's return, the whole wizard world was tense because of it. I smiled and nodded and turned my focus to my food to distract me from thinking about what just happened. Mrs. Weasley had made a spectacular spread complete with 3 roast chickens, potatoes in every form (mashed, roasted, baked…), ham, turkey, and an assortment of desserts including one of my favorites, strawberry cobbler. I sat there and listened in on the many conversations around the table. Ron was going on and on about his new girlfriend, Jessica, to Charlie and a bored Ginny. Mr. Weasley and Bill were discussing work related subjects and Mrs. Weasley was fussing over George and Fred's new job at the joke shop. After an hour, everyone was full to the brim and very sleepy.
"Well, I must leave you all now. " Mr.Weasley said, breaking the silence, "Duty calls. Bye dear, it was a very delicious dinner." He kissed Mrs. Weasley on the cheek and disapparated without another word. We all got up and watched Mrs. Weasley make the dishes disappear with the flick of her wand.
"Time for bed. " Mrs. Weasley said. I quickly sat up and made for the door, but then I felt a hand holding me back.
"Hang on Hermione. We need to talk."…it was Fred.
Oh god…help me.