"What's wrong?" George asked when Fred came out of the room.
"I don't know. I got kicked out," Fred said sadly.
"She'll be fine. Lie down," Charlie said, conjuring up a small bed, "I'll wake you if we learn anything."
"I'm not sleeping now. I'm too worried," Fred sat down on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands.
"Then why don't you have a drink?" George said.
"Sure. Why not?" Fred said taking the drink out of George's hand. A few minutes later he was asleep in the small bed.
"What did you do George?" Charlie asked.
"Just a small sleeping potion I slipped into the drink. Works every time," George answered smiling.
"Right. Remind me not to accept a drink from you ever again." Charlie laughed.
"You should sleep too." George said holding out a second drink.
"I'm fine." Charlie sat down in one of the plastic chairs and within minutes was asleep of his own accord.
--
"Why are we here? Madame Pomfrey and I were kind of busy." Ginny pointed out. Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Fleur and Ginny had all been called to the great hall by Dumbledore and now they were all sitting there waiting for Dumbledore to arrive.
"I'm sure he has a good reason." Bill put his hand on Ginny's shoulder, trying to comfort her. These past few months had been really hard on the littlest Weasley.
"Yeah me too." Ginny looked at the floor, trying to hold back her ever common tears. They seemed to be falling all the more often lately and now she was not only worried about Hermione but her brother Charlie who was part of the rescue mission to save her.
"Hello everyone. I'm sorry to say that you have been called here tonight to receive some bad news. During the rescue mission it was revealed that Ms. Granger is now 6 months pregnant. Isn't that wonderful news?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well, that depends," Bill began as tears sprung to Ginny's eyes, "Who does the child belong to?"
"Young Mr. Weasley of course." Dumbledore said happily, "However the bad news I mentioned must also be delivered at this point. Ms. Granger is now at St. Mungos receiving emergency treatment."
"For what?" Ginny's head snapped up.
"We are unsure at this point but she does seem to be…how shall I put this? In early labour…" Dumbledore announced.
"Let's go then." Ginny stood up hurriedly.
"Wait a moment Ginny dear, Albus that can't be good for the child…she still has three months of her pregnancy left." Mrs. Weasley said anxiously.
"There is a good chance that the children will not make it." Dumbledore conceded.
"Children?" Ginny asked, "They're twins?"
"Yes." Dumbledore nodded, "Expected considering your brother is the father."
"What induced the labour?" Fleur asked in her heavy French accent.
"Stress and worry, again as expected." Dumbledore finished, "We are not allowed to go and see her at this point and I know you are all busy so I suggest you get back to your usual activities."
"No thank you. I would rather see my brothers." Ginny stood up and walked out of the great hall, most likely on her way to a fireplace.
--
Fred, Fred! Fred help! Fred woke up with a start, Hermione's voice still ringing in his ears. He quickly sat up and headed to her room. "Let me in," Fred said knocking on the door.
"I'm sorry Mr. Weasley but we're still busy. Please come back later," said a healer, trying to close the door.
"Please let me in," Fred said his eyes watering. He placed his hand on the door, trying to keep it open.
"Mr. Weasley please leave. She needs rest right now," the healer said, worry in his voice.
"LET ME IN!" Fred yelled. A group of healers came around the corner and pulled him back to the waiting room. He was pushed into a chair and the healers quickly left. A hand rested on his shoulder. "Hermione?" Fred asked quietly.
"Fred it's me Ginny," Ginny said looking into his eyes.
"Oh," Fred said disappointed.
"Fred, come on pull yourself together. What's wrong with you? I haven't seen you like this since you lost your pet rock," Ginny said trying to make a joke.
"Nice try Gin. I'm not in the mood. I'll see you later," Fred said getting up.
"Where are you going?" Ginny asked standing up.
"To find a bar," Fred said walking away.
--
"Fred!" Hermione woke with a jolt, yelling his name.
"Ms. Granger, you're awake at last." Healer Thomas reached her bedside.
"I need Fred. I miss him so much, it's been so long." Hermione turned over in her bed, sweat and tears rolling down her face.
"Ms. Granger, please don't move you need to stay still." Healer Thomas held her down.
"Where is he?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"I can get him in here in a minute, please just listen to me." Healer Thomas tried to get her to listen.
"We have to celebrate; we're going to be parents." Hermione put a hand to her stomach, looking down as she noticed that her stomach seemed to be smaller than she last remembered.
"I'm sorry Ms. Granger but you're not. Last night when you were brought in here, you went into early labour. Seeing as there were still three months left in your pregnancy the babies didn't make it." Healer Thomas explained, "We had to do an emergency C-section."
"No!" Hermione yelled.
"I'll go get Fred." Healer Thomas left quickly while Hermione's world came crashing down around her.
"Hermione." Ginny entered the room, rushing to her side and gripping her hand tightly. She brushed her hair away from her eyes and smiled at her friend.
"They're gone Ginny…I lost them." Hermione sobbed squeezing her hand tightly.
"I know, it's okay." Ginny patted her arm.
"Where's Fred? Don't let him come in; I can't see him right now. I don't want to tell him that I lost his kids, I can't even…" Hermione took a deep breath.
"Mi, it's okay. Fred will still love you, I promise." Ginny rubbed her arm, feeling something rough on Hermione's arm she looked down. 'What did they do to you?" Ginny saw the mark burned into her arm.
"It's not important anymore Gin, none of it matters." Hermione shook her head.
"Yes it does." Ginny finally took in her friend's appearance. Some of the scars and scrapes were fading and the healers had obviously healed the deeper cuts. The scars were all over her legs and arms and it was obvious that Hermione was going to be a while in recovery.
"Hermione!" Fred knocked on the door.
"Ginny, I can't see him right now…please." Hermione begged her friend.
"I know, I'll be back in a bit okay, I'll send Harry and Ron in." Ginny smiled and left to take her brother away.
--
"She can't see you right now Fred," Ginny told him for the fifteenth time.
"But I have to," Fred said trying to make a run for it, but Harry and Ron were too fast and quickly blocked the door. "Let me through!" Fred yelled.
"No Fred. She can't right now. She can't deal with it," Ginny said, "Harry, Ron, Hermione needs to see you."
"So she sees them but not her boyfriend!" Fred screamed.
"Fred calm down. This is a hospital. She has something to tell you but she doesn't know how to break it to you," Ginny said, looking to the floor.
"You know Gin. Please tell me," Fred said looking into her eyes.
"Fred… I can't," Ginny said running off.
"Ginny wait!" Fred called, but she had already turned the corner.
"Fred dear, everything will be okay," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Will it really?" Fred asked trembling as tears ran down his face.
--
"He needs to see you." Mrs. Weasley told Hermione.
"I know." Hermione bit her lip.
"You need to see him." Mrs. Weasley added.
"I know that too." Hermione said as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"He's waiting outside your door and he won't leave." Mrs. Weasley, "He would really like to see you."
"I don't know if I can." Hermione took a shaky breath.
"I think you can." Mrs. Weasley turned around.
"Will you send him in?" Hermione asked she didn't want to tell him but did she really have a choice?
"Sure." Mrs. Weasley left and held the door open and a second later Fred appeared in the door.
"Hi." Hermione smiled weakly, that was all it took, right after she smiled he ran over to her a swept her up into a hug.
"Hi." he said back, smiling.
"I don't know what to tell you and I'm not sure if you noticed but I went into premature labour last night." Hermione told him.
"Where is the baby?" Fred looked around.
"They didn't make it. We had two daughters but not any longer." Hermione took a deep breath, "I don't know how you feel about anything, and I mean with the mark on my arm now, and I don't think you'll want too but I would really like to maybe have another one of your kids." Hermione smiled weakly.
"Hermione it's not the real mark, you know that and the scar will fade, I'm sure. And Hermione, I would love to father your children once more. Actually come to think of it, I need to ask you something." Fred announced.
"What is it?" Hermione asked weakly as Fred got down on one knee.
"I've been thinking about this for a long time now and I would like to know, would you marry me?" Fred held out a ring.
--
"What's taking them so long?" Ginny asked.
"Why are you so impatient?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Umm… no reason," Ginny said looking guilty.
"Ginny what do you know?" Mrs. Weasley's eyes drilled into hers.
"Well Fred's going to ask Hermione to marry him right now," Ginny said.
"WHAT? She doesn't need this excitement right now!" Mrs. Weasley said running to the door, everyone running behind her. Mrs. Weasley burst through the door only to find Fred kissing Hermione passionately. She quickly turned around and closed the door. "I think I'll let them be for now," she told everyone.
Inside the room, Fred and Hermione broke apart. "Oh Fred I'm so happy. I've always wanted a spring wedding, haven't you?" Hermione began babbling.
"Calm down Hermione. Nobody even knows yet. Except for Ginny. But she won't tell anyone," Fred answered.
"Who should we tell first? I think that we should tell Harry, Ron and George and then everyone else, starting with your mother," Hermione said, "and mine."
"I think that's a good idea. But Hermione if you want a spring wedding we'll have to wait another year. Fall is coming now. Are you sure you can wait that long? I don't know if I can," Fred said smiling.
"Well a winter wedding in a tropical place is good too," Hermione said.
"I don't know," Fred started and then saw Hermione pouting, "Okay. Either in the spring or in some tropical place."
"Awww, I love you honey," Hermione said.
"I love you too," Fred said bringing her into another passionate kiss.
--
"Hey mom! Daddy!" Hermione tried to sit up in her bed.
"Don't get up sweetie, you need to rest. You've gone through quite the ordeal." Mrs. Granger put a hand on her daughter's forehead and made her sit down.
"Hey sweetie." Mr. Granger grabbed her hand and squeezed reassuringly.
"How are you?" Hermione asked looking up at them.
"We're fine Hun." Mr. Granger answered, "How are you doing?"
"I don't know, okay I guess. After everything." Hermione put a hand on her stomach, she was bursting to tell them about her engagement to Fred but they had agreed to tell Harry, Ron and George first so she couldn't.
"You'll be okay, and if you ever need to talk I'm here for you. I need to go talk to Molly and the healers but you're daddy is going to stay for a bit, so I'll see you soon." Mrs. Granger kissed her daughters forehead and left quickly.
"She seemed weird, what's up?" Hermione asked.
"I have no idea what's up with her but I do need to talk to you." Mr. Granger said.
"About what?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Well, I know what you have in the palm of your hand for one. And I know that Fred asked you to marry him." Mr. Granger explained.
"How do you…" Hermione trailed off, opening the hand that her dad wasn't holding and placing her ring back on her finger.
"He asked my permission before he asked you. I think he's very sweet." Mr. Granger told her.
"He did that?" Hermione asked smiling from ear to ear.
"Yes and I want you to know how happy I am hat you're okay and that I like this one. So don't let him go, Okay? He's a good catch." Mr. Granger told his daughter.
"Thanks daddy. Could you send Harry, Ron, George and Fred in?" Hermione asked as he reached the door.
"Yep." Mr. Granger told her, he opened the door and stepped out closing it tightly behind him.
--
"Hey Mione what's up?" Harry asked going over to give her a quick hug.
"Great. Now I want to get to the point," Hermione started.
"What's that on you're finger?" Ron interrupted, "Is it a ring? Are you getting married?"
"Oh Ronald calm down," Hermione said rolling her eyes.
"Yes Ronald, calm down," Fred mimicked.
Hermione playfully hit Fred on the shoulder. "Now back to the point. I am getting married to the one and only Fred. I love him and he loves me. We're thinking of either having a spring wedding or a winter wedding in a tropical place."
Ron had a looked of shock on his face, Harry looked amazed and George said, "Good going man."
Hermione smiled up at Fred who gave her a quick kiss. "Stop, stop, stop! My best friend, my brother! EWWW!" Ron said as her stormed out of the room disgusted.
"Harry can you go after him and tell him not to tell anybody. We'll tell everybody when we're ready," Hermione said.
"Sure, see you love birds later," Harry said smiling.
"Come on Fred, let's go celebrate!" George said.
Fred gave a quick look to Hermione. "It's okay. I have to rest anyway. Just be careful," Hermione said giving Fred a quick kiss goodbye.
"Thanks," Fred said leaving the room with George.
--
"Come on Ron." Harry said sitting down next to his best friend.
"I've like known her for eight years, she's like a sister to me and he's my brother. It's just so wrong." Ron pointed out.
"But how is this any worse than them having a baby together?" Harry asked.
"It's not I guess." Ron agreed, "I just can't really believe that they are getting married." Ron said slumping down in his chair.
"Neither can I. But they're happy and that's what matters. Hermione's just been through every boyfriend's nightmare and he was overjoyed to have her back. I can't blame them I would do the same thing if Ginny went missing for that long and came back healthy." Harry pointed out.
"Ew that actually is my sister. But anyway, I don't think she's exactly healthy do you?" Ron asked pointedly.
"I don't know, she seems okay to me." Harry said shrugging.
"She's covered in scars, she lost her babies and she was tortured everyday for six months for all we know. I don't think she'll be okay for a while." Ron said.
"I guess. You should go see her. She'll need to talk to you after your little outburst." Harry reminded.
"I don't know. She probably doesn't want to see me right now." Ron looked at the floor.
"Probably not, but you should go anyway." Harry helped his friend up and gave him a push in the right direction.
--
"Mione?" Ron asked pushing the door open.
"Mmm. Ron is that you?" Hermione asked sleepily.
"Ya. Sorry to wake you up but I came to…apologize," Ron said looking ashamed.
"It's okay Ronald. I expected it," Hermione said waking up.
"It's just…kinda weird. Do you know what I mean?" Ron asked
"Yes. I know. But it's something you'll have to get used to. I was about to have your nieces. Wouldn't that have been weird?" Hermione asked looking him in the eyes.
"Yes but I would have gotten over it…eventually," Ron answered smiling.
"I know you would Ron and you'll get used to this to. I know you will. You're my best friend Ron, that will never change. That's why you, Harry and George are going to be Fred's best men," Hermione said happily.
"Isn't there only one best man?" Ron asked stupidly.
"Well Fred and I talked about it and we thought that all three of you should be the best man," Hermione said, "You may even get to hook up with a cute bridesmaid. One of my best friend's going to be there. She's a muggle but it doesn't matter. I think you'll like her."
"Okay but I don't really trust you to be a matchmaker," Ron said acting scared.
"That's all right. As long as you agree to be a best man," Hermione said.
"I agree," Ron answered smiling.
--
"Fred and I have some news." Hermione took his hand, she was sitting up in her bed and he was standing next to her. They had everyone, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Fleur, Charlie, George, Ron, Harry, Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Granger and Dumbledore.
"What is it?" Mrs. Granger looked up at her daughter curiously.
"Well um…some of you already know this but Fred and I are getting married. Ron, Harry and George are the best men, Ginny is my maid of honour and Fleur will be one of my bridesmaids." Hermione explained gripping Fred's hand tightly. Her dad was smiling knowingly and Ginny started squealing, rushing over to her friend and hugging her.
"Oh Fred, Hermione this is wonderful." Mrs. Weasley hugged them both.
"We're not sure when or where yet, we don't really know any of the specifics but we want a wedding for both muggles and wizards. And we'd also like Professor Dumbledore to perform the ceremony." Fred continued.
"I would be delighted." Dumbledore announced the familiar twinkle in his eye back.
"Will you wait until after the war?" Mrs. Granger asked.
"Oh no, we're far to excited for that." Hermione smiled up at Fred.
"I'm happy for you Hun." Mrs. Granger said, "Now everybody out except for Ginny and Fred. That's right." Mrs. Granger allowed everyone to congratulate them and then ushered them all quickly from the room.
"Thanks mum." Hermione kissed her mum's cheek watching as she left.
"I'm happy for you Fred." Ginny kissed him on the cheek, "But you need to go."
"Thanks." Fred rolled his eyes playfully squeezing Hermione's hand and leaving quickly.
"Now, I hope you have good style because I'm not wearing a tacky dress." Ginny announced sitting on the edge of Hermione's bed.
-
A knock came on the door as Hermione stood in front of the mirror. "Hey Mi. Are you almost ready?" Ginny asked walking in. Ginny was wearing her dress. It had no sleeves (due to the hot weather of Jamaica) and came down just below her knees. The dress was a beautiful red that went with her hair. She held a bouquet of roses and gasped as she saw Hermione. "Oh Hermione! You look so beautiful."
"Do you really think so?" she asked looking into the mirror. Her white wedding dress was like Ginny's only it was white and went to the floor. Her trail was long, but not to long and her veil was made of white lace. She too had roses in her hands but they were a pale pink. Hermione's hair had been pulled up out of her face into a fancy bun with curled ringlets around her face. Sitting on the top of her head was a simple silver crown. It made her feel like a princess. "I'm so nervous."
"One second I'll get Ivy," Ginny said rushing out of the room to get Hermione's friend. She returned a few minutes later with Ivy. Ivy was wearing the same thing as Ginny but in a gold colour.
"Are you almost ready?" Ivy asked Hermione.
"Almost. I'll be right back," Hermione said.
As soon as she left the room, Fred came charging in. "Where is she?" he asked, "I have to see her."
"No Fred," said Ginny pushing him out the door, "It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding."
"Fine. I'm going to the alter," Fred said leaving the room.
"Ok guys," Hermione said coming out, "I think I'm ready."
The three girls walked out where they met up with Harry and Ron. Ron just stared as his eyes darted to all three of them, until they stopped on Ivy. "Wow you girls look beautiful," Harry said kissing Ginny, "Especially you."
"Hey," Hermione said, playfully hitting Harry.
"Come on guys we're going to start," Ivy said as she grabbed Ron's hand, "We're going first."
They began walking down the aisle as the wedding music started to play. "Come on," Ginny said grabbing Harry's arm, "See you at the alter," she called back to Hermione.
Finally it was her cue. Hermione walked out of the church and on to the warm sand. They had decided not to wear shoes since the sand would get into them. She could see Fred's mouth hanging open which he quickly closed. Hermione took a deep breath and continued down the alter. When she finally reached the alter she could hear gasps and people crying with joy. Most likely Mom and Mrs. Weasley. Hermione thought. "You look beautiful," Fred said.
"Well how else would I look?" she answered smiling.
Dumbledore rose and the audience was silent. He opened his book and the wedding began just as the sun was setting.
--
"Fred you may start your vows." Dumbledore nodded at him.
"Hermione the day I met you I fell in love with you…actually that's not true…I kind of thought you were annoying, just another one of my little brother's little friends but you grew up and it may have taken me awhile but I finally realized that I love you. We dated for six months, the best six months of my life the only bad thing about it was it led to the worst six months of my life. When you were taken by the Zambini family, I was lost, you obviously weren't there that night but I was yelling, I even yelled at Dumbledore for which I'm sorry but I thought I would never see you again. And if I did I thought I would be seeing your dead body but I was lucky. It may have taken six months but we got you back, you were there and you were pregnant! Two wow-factors right there. Unfortunately your return led to more sad news and when you said to me in that hospital that you didn't think I would love you anymore just because of what they did to you…I couldn't wait any longer. I didn't propose the right way and I know I should've and I also know I'm babbling – sorry – but I love you Hermione Granger and I really, really, really want to have a family with you. So I ask you to take this ring as a symbol of what you mean to me, you hold my heart in your hands and if you walked away I would die, I just want you to know that." Fred held out the ring and watched as a tear ran down Hermione's cheek; she held out a shaky hand and waited for him to place the ring on her finger.
"Thank you for that dramatic, but wonderful, dedication of love Mr. Weasley and now Ms. Granger if you will," Dumbledore gestured for her to start.
"I never thought I would be the girl that got weak in the knees from a kiss, got all nervous and started to stutter when a guy was around or even the girl who cried during her wedding but then I met you. None of the other guys I had dated ever had the capability of doing that to me and you could…you make me smile, you hold me when I cry, you save me when I'm kidnapped and you rush me to the hospital if need be. It's just who you are and I'm sure my make-up's running and I look like a mess but I don't care because right now all that matters to me is marrying you Fred Weasley and letting everyone know how much I love you." Hermione wiped her face and smiled up at her soon-to-be husband placing the ring on his finger.
"Isn't she beautiful?' Fred asked clapping and everyone cheered along with him causing Hermione to blush.
"Thank you for that Mr. Weasley and your vows were beautiful Mrs. Granger, and now for the moment these two lovebirds have been waiting for I pronounce you husband and wife you may kiss the bride.
Fred and Hermione kissed while George catcalled and soon Fred and Hermione were flying off on a broom, to their hotel for their honeymoon and the last words everyone heard from them as they flew away were, "I hate flying!"
--
"Do we really have to go back?" Hermione asked, she looked around the gorgeous hotel room.
"Yes, we need to get jobs and be responsible and help out with the war." Fred said, "Go back to life, you know."
"I know but before we leave I do need to tell you something." Hermione said she looked at him worriedly.
"Don't tell me, you broke something and I have to pay for it." Fred got out his wallet.
"No." Hermione said laughing.
"You want money for a beautiful dress or present you saw but can't afford." Fred opened his wallet.
"Well yes but that's not it." Hermione shook her head.
"You need money to get a snack for the airplane because you're starving after my horrible breakfast." Fred said looking downcast.
"Well…" Hermione started, "Just kidding."
"You're leaving me for my brother?" Fred asked astounded.
"Which one were you thinking cause Charlie's pretty cute and so is Bill but I don't think Fleur would appreciate that." Hermione looked thoughtful.
"Hermione!" Fred yelled.
"I'm kidding." Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Oh." Fred looked down.
"This is important you might want to sit down." Hermione gestured to a chair.
"What's wrong?" Fred asked stepping closer to her.
"Nothing…it's just…I'm pregnant…again." Hermione said looking up at him unsurely.
"Let me guess…you're kidding." Fred said rolling his eyes.
"No. I'm not." Hermione shook her head.
"Oh." Fred said.
"Oh. Like oh no…I thought you wanted kids." Hermione said tears leaping to her eyes.
"I do. I'm just in shock." Fred said, "Trust me in two minutes I'll be screaming."
"Okay.' Hermione sat down at the table, looking downcast, a couple of seconds later she looked up and saw Fred standing in the middle of the room with a huge smile on his face.
"Are you okay?" Hermione asked.
"We're having a baby!" Fred screamed at the top of his lungs.