CHAPTER 2

The next few hours were tiresome and long. Hermione and Margot continued their rounds and then Hermione spent the rest of the afternoon lecturing Margot on diagnostic charms for the theory part of the Healer training. She finally left the office and apparated over to Betsy's Eatery to get dinner.

"Mia! Back again I see" said Betsy when Hermione walked in.

"The usual, take away for 1?" asked Betsy. Hermione usually came in once a week and ordered the same thing.

"No actually. Take away for two. Can I get two lasagnes with fresh garden salad please"

Betsy scribbled it down, "Sure thing. Coming right up" Betsy left, disappearing into the kitchen. Hermione took a seat in the waiting area. Fifteen minutes later Betsy came back with her order and as she handed Hermione the bag she gasped.

"Congratulations!" she cried throwing her arms around Hermione.

"What?" asked Hermione bewildered.

"Who's the lucky guy? I never knew you had a serious boyfriend at the moment let alone a fiancée" said Betsy.

"Oh, thank you. I was uh, keeping it quiet," said Hermione looking down at the ring. "Well I have to go," she said. Betsy waved goodbye and Hermione apparated home.

When she appeared in her lounge room the apartment was silent.

"Fred?" she called. No one answered.

'Good' she thought placing the food on the kitchen counter. Hermione took a vodka cruiser out of the mini fridge and went out to the balcony. She sat in the deck chair and opened the Vodka Cruiser. She took a long drink before placing it on the table.

'Just what I need to relax' she thought. Hermione sat on the balcony watching the city before her light up in the darkness drinking her vodka. Hermione jumped in surprise when the glass door slid open.

"There you are, I couldn't find you" Fred stopped short when he saw Hermione sitting in the chair with her vodka

"Hermione" he said in an awed whisper.

"What?" she asked irritably.

"I didn't realise you drank recreationally".

Hermione shrugged. "Sometimes I do, not always." Fred sat down next to her eyeing her critically.

"It was to help me relaxed" she continued.

"Fair enough. So why are you stressed?" he asked.

"Because I came to the conclusion that yes we can elope, well sort of anyway. I definitely want my mum to know because she will be heartbroken if she doesn't see her only daughter get married. Oh and it will have to be soon because Ron and Gabriella broke up and Ginny's hinting that he still likes me." Said Hermione in a rush.

"Wow. Well I'd be stressed to if I knew Ron liked me." Hermione laughed.

"You idiot" she said. Fred just grinned goofily at her.

"So when shall we get on with it? It does have to be soon, before my birthday at least which is in less than two weeks" said Fred. Hermione shrugged. "Well, we could do it in two days" suggested Fred.

"Two days! You have got to be joking" Said Hermione.

"No. It would work well. We can go see your mum tomorrow and then get married the next day. Than the day after that we can go to the lunch my family is having and we can tell them we got married." Explained Fred. Hermione thought it over, idly sipping her drink.

"I guess it's plausible, but how will that work with me going to work tomorrow, the day after and the day after that" Fred looked at her like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"You'll take three days of work," he said simply.

"WHAT! I can't do that! I'm a healer Fred, people need me" she cried.

"Yes you can. You never take time off work, just this once! There are other healers who can cover for you" argued Fred. Hermione sighed, knowing Fred wouldn't give up until she gave in, besides he was right.

"Fine. I'll write them after dinner to tell them" Fred smiled.

"Good… So what's for dinner?"

Over dinner they chose a place to get married and the time. After dinner Hermione sent off a letter to her office to state she was taking three days off and Fred called the church. After she did that, she changed into her pyjamas.

Hermione wandered into the lounge room, turned on the telly and began mindlessly flicking channels. She than decided to call her mum. She leaned over and picked up the cordless phone off the coffee table and dialled her mum's number. It rang twice before someone picked it up.

"Hello?" said Jane Granger, her voice weary. Hermione suddenly felt nervous and concerned,

"Err…. Hi Mum" said Hermione.

"Oh Hermione dear is that you? I haven't heard from you in ages" said her mother, somewhat more brightly.

"Yeah it's me mum. Sorry I haven't been keeping in touch, works just so busy" replied Hermione.

"I understand dear. So what's going on? How's work".

"Work is good mum. Busy and long but good. How are you mother?" replied Hermione

"All right sweetie, I'm getting there. Are you going to come visit soon?" Jane hesitated before speaking again, "I miss you terribly"

"I miss you too. As long as your okay mum. Actually that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I have something I need to tell you. Can I come by tomorrow?

"Of course you can, that would be good"

"Umm could I bring a- bring a friend?"

"Whatever you want dear. What time will I see you? Twelve?"

"Twelve sounds good mum"

"Good, good. Hermione dear, I'm feeling quite tired, I think I need to go lie down, I'll see you tomorrow"

"All right mum, see you than, I love you", Hermione heart clenched for the second time that day hearing how sad her mother sounded.

"Love you too sweetie".

Hermione hung up the phone slowly, feeling a little teary eyed. She pulled herself together and turned her focus to the T.V. Hermione had been watching the show for what seemed like 5 secs when she was interrupted.

"What are you watching?" asked Fred curiously taking a seat next to her.

"A Crime show" she replied not peeling her eyes away from the TV. "Do you know what a TV is?"

"Of course I do! They're bloody brilliant I might add. I've got one in my house but I usually only watch sports on it," replied Fred haughtily, looking offended.

"I believe you Fred, don't get your knickers in a knot" replied Hermione. Fred chose to remain silent and watch the show. When an ad came on Hermione got up and went into the kitchen. She came back with two raspberry vodka cruisers and handed one to Fred.

They sat in silence each taking a drink. Hermione noticed that Fred was sitting next to her in only his boxers. Hermione also noticed Fred was quite good-looking, hell he was damn hot. He still had the quidditch player's body with broad shoulders and a chiselled stomach. His abs and arm muscles could make any girl swoon. As she studied him she could make out the faint white scars that criss crossed down his arms, across his hands and over his stomach. She knew without looking he had the same scars on his back. Even though they were barely visible, they were glaringly obvious to her. She too had scars from the war. She also knew George had nearly identical scars. During the last year of the war against Voldemort Fred and George had been kidnapped. They were tortured by death eaters for information on Harry and the order. They rarely ever spoke of their torture but it had affected them for years afterwards. Not only did they have scars, they also each had a small replica of the dark mark burned into their back by Bellatrix Lestrange as a reminder of their torture at her hands. Tearing her eyes away from the scars and those horrible thoughts she let her eyes wander to Fred's face. She noticed Fred's eyes were a very brilliant ice blue and when he smiled a small dimple appeared on his left cheek. His hair was still Red but had toned down a little in colour and was now longish. He had no moustache or stubble. He would be very yummy indeed, if she thought that way about him of course.

"Like what you see?" teased Fred raising an eyebrow and smirking. Hermione blushed looking away. Embarrassed he'd seen her looking. She turned her attention back to the TV.

Fred grinned at her reaction and settled back to watch the rest of the show. When it ended Hermione stood up and stretched, yawning. Fred's eyes widened slightly as her top slid up. He realised she was wearing a very skimpy singlet top. When she stretched it showed off her taut stomach and her shorts they were practically underwear! How did he not notice this before? He had to admit she was beautiful. Luscious lips, great body; curves in all the right places, Smouldering eyes and silky chestnut curls that fell down her back. Hermione suddenly caught Fred looking at her.

"What?"

"Nothing". Hermione stared at him for a moment and then turned to leave but her foot caught on the coffee table and she pitched forward. She let out a small shriek closing her eyes waiting to hit the floor. To her surprise she felt nothing, slowly she opened her eyes and she was staring at the floor. She gave a small "Oh!" in surprise and she noticed strong arms around her bare stomach. Fred pulled her up easily but then stumbled and fell back onto the couch. Since he was still holding her Hermione went with him landing on his lap. Hermione looked up at him blushing. "Thanks" she murmured. Fred smiled.

"Anything for the fair maiden" Hermione if she could, blushed harder.

"So... I'm off to bed, good night," she said quickly and then got off Fred, hurrying to the bedroom.

Face still burning she crawled in to bed.

'Oh how humiliating!' she thought. Softly someone knocked on her bedroom door.

"Hermione?" called Fred opening the door a crack.

"Yeah" said Hermione glad he couldn't see her face in the dark.

"Are we going to go see your mum tomorrow?"

"Yeah we are, at about 12"

"Hermione don't forget we have to act like we're really in love"

"Yeah I'll remember"

"Well goodnight" Than he closed the door again and Hermione heard his footsteps go back down the hallway.

She sighed quietly and then rolled over trying to get some sleep.

The next morning Hermione awoke with butterflies in her stomach.

'Time to show your acting abilities Hermione'. Hermione freaked when she saw it was ten o'clock and quickly jumped in the shower. By the time she got out and dressed casually in tights and an over sized rock n roll shirt it was time to go.

She hurried out of her bedroom to go get Fred ready, Weasley men were usually very slow at getting ready. As she entered the lounge room she started to say,

"Fred I hope for all the money in the world your-" but to her surprise he was sitting on the couch in clean clothes. His shirt and pants were even neatly ironed.

"What?" he asked looking up from the magazine he was reading.

"Nothing" she replied quickly.

"You look very pretty"

"Thanks" Hermione blushed and turned away.

"So what time are we leaving?"

"Now" she replied as she searched for her car keys.

"Why are we leaving so early?"

"Because we're driving" she picked up her keys and dangled them in his face.

"Driving?" gulped Fred eyeing the keys wearily.

"What haven't you ever ridden in a car before? Oh yeah of course you haven't." said Hermione answering her own question.

"Well no time to waste. Let's get a move on".

Hermione led the way out of the apartment and down to the ground floor. The doorman held the door open and tipped his hat to her.

"Have a nice day Miss Granger"

"You too Frank". Hermione entered the parking lot and stopped in front of a black BMW. She pushed Fred into the car when it looked like he was going to refuse getting in and showed him how to buckle up the seat belt. She then backed out of the car park and into traffic.

45 minutes later they were driving through a small suburb with Hermione humming to the music. She turned left into Kelli Avenue and turned into the driveway of number 3. Turning off the ignition she suddenly felt a jolt of nausea and leant her head on the steering wheel. She felt the comforting sensation of a hand on the small of her back.

"Are you okay?" asked Fred.

"I don't think I can do this," she moaned.

"Yes you can, we can. We're here and we can do this".

"No I can't lie to her, she'll know something up!" cried Hermione. Fred rubbed her back in small circular motions.

"Hermione please remember why we're doing this. I know you have the strength to carry this through"

"Ok, I'm doing this for you."

"And I very much appreciate it". Hermione gave him a weak smile and got out of the car. As they walked up the drive together Fred took her hand in his. She shot him a quizzical look.

"It has to seem real," he whispered. As Hermione went to knock on the door it burst open. Standing there with a small weary but genuine smile was Mrs Granger. Looking at Hermione's mum for the first time, Fred noticed that they looked very much alike. Though her mum definitely had more age lines and looked weary.

"Oh darling it's so good to see you!" said her mother pulling Hermione into a one-armed hug. "I've missed you. Come in". Hermione led Fred into the house and through to the kitchen. She directed Fred to a seat and sat beside him.

"So tell me who your lovely friend is," said her mum slowly as she sat down.

"This is Fred Weasley. Fred this is my mother. Mum, Fred is one of Ron's older brothers. You remember Ron don't you?" Hermione's mum nodded slowly.

"Yes I remember your friend Ronald. Very nice to meet you Fred, and call me Jane"

"Nice to meet you" replied Fred.

"I'm so glad you come dear, it's been a while" said Jane patting Hermione's hand.

Hermione nodded feeling a bit ashamed about not keeping some contact with her parents.

"I'm sorry I haven't kept in contact lately. I've just had so much to do," she said. Her mother nodded.

"I understand dear."

"Have you been all right mum? Has Lucy been popping in to see you?"

"Oh yes dear. Lucy comes often to help me around the house and a new lady moved in next door who is just lovely. She's living alone too. We play cards together."

"That's good mum"

"Yes, yes. It's not that same without your father but I'm doing all right. How about some tea and some Lunch?"

Hermione stood up. "It's all right mum I'll do it"

"Such a good girl dear. I've already prepared lunch; the sandwiches are in the fridge. You just need to get them out"

As Hermione set about making tea and lunch for the three of them Jane turned to Fred.

"So Fred what do you do?"

"Well, my twin brother George and I run a chain of joke shops. We're very popular and have stores in England, Ireland and France. I actually just got back from Australia, we're thinking of opening a store there"

"It sounds like you're doing very well" said Jane sounding impressed.

"Yes it's doing quite well"

"All right you two lunch is ready" said Hermione as she set the food on the table.

After lunch they adjourned to the lounge room to continue to catch

Hermione was amazed at how well her mum and Fred were getting along. She sat watching them with a smile as they continued to chat and flick through a family photo album Jane had got out.

"Now this one is of Hermione when she was four years old on Halloween. She insisted on going as a pumpkin. I've never seen a kid wear so much orange!"

"Mum is that necessary" groaned Hermione.
"It certainly is. You make a lovely pumpkin" laughed Fred.

"I like this one Hermione, he's a keeper" said her Mum.

"What?" spluttered Hermione.

"Well that's what you had to tell me wasn't it? That Fred's your boyfriend"

"How, how did you know?" said Hermione. Jane laughed.

"You don't bring boys home to your mother if you're not dating them! I know these things"

"Well in that case, yes Fred is my boyfriend. We've been dating for 6 months now" continued Hermione.

"6 months! Really?" cried her mother.

"Yes and I really am sorry but I completely forgot to tell you. I've just been so busy this last year. It was always rush, rush, rush. In the beginning we didn't think the relationship would last with both of us so busy with work and other commitments." Fred was impressed, she was a good liar.

"Well I can understand that, you don't need to tell me about all your little flings, just the serious ones." Said her mum.

"Exactly, but that wasn't actually what I wanted to tell you"

"Oh?" asked Jane.

"Fred asked me to marry him and I said yes" she said and then paused waiting for the outburst.

Her mum was silent for a moment, looking from Fred to Hermione. Then she smiled.

"Congratulations! My only daughter is getting married" sobbed her mother getting up so she could pull Hermione into a hug.

"This is sudden but not unpleasant news. I'm so happy for you dear. He's a good boy"

"Thank mum" mumbled Hermione into her mum's shoulder. Jane pulled away to pull Fred into a hug as well.

"So when's the wedding?" she asked cheerfully.

"Umm well it's tomorrow" Said Hermione wincing internally.

"WHAT?"

"We know it's very soon but we just want to get married without all the hassles of a drawn out engagement and the big fancy wedding. We both just want to keep it very low key but we want you to be there tomorrow. I still want my mum to be at my wedding," explained Hermione carefully.

"We know what were getting into and we thought why wait? Why not now?" included Fred.

"That is understandable, I guess" Jane slowly. "Hermione never liked to make a big deal out of things. You're a smart girl dear, you never do anything without good reason."

Hermione nodded vigorously.

"That's right. So will you be there. I'll still go on with it without you but I want you there, so will you?" asked Hermione hopefully.

"Of course we'll be there!" said her mum her voice wavering.

"Mum don't" protested Hermione. Fred squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"I'm sorry, I'm just so happy. You're going to get married to a gorgeous man and one day give me beautiful grand babies"

"Um right" said Hermione awkwardly.

"So um, Thanks mum. I really appreciate you being there. Can you meet us in front of St Katherine's Church on the corner of Carlton and Pitt Street at around six, than after the ceremony we can go out for dinner?"

"Sounds wonderful," blubbered her mum. Hermione smiled weakly, her conscience feeling very guilty.

"Mia Hun, it's getting late. I still have a few business dealings to handle today," said Fred, looking over at her. Hermione silently thanked him.

"Okay. Mum I have to go. See you tomorrow" she said hugging her mum. Jane pulled Fred into a big hug as well before letting them go. Hermione walked out of her mum's house tightly holding Fred's hand and they drove back to Hermione's in silence.

When they entered her apartment Hermione threw off her shoes, dumped her handbag and flopped down on the couch. She spread out taking up almost the whole couch. Fred walked over and knelt beside her.

"Are you okay?"

"I just lied to my mum"

"Well I have to lie to my parents and all my brothers," said Fred trying to comfort her but instead she groaned.

"I have to tell Harry… and Ron!"

"I could just tell him"

"If you do it, he'll try to kill you. If I do it, oh wait he'll still try to kill you"

"Hahaha very funny"

"It wasn't supposed to be"

"So what's eating away at you?"

"That I'm making my mum believe I'm in love with someone I'm not. I have to pretend to be completely in love with you at the lunch with your WHOLE family. Than for the first time I have to kiss you tomorrow!"

"Hey kissing me is not bad," protested Fred.

"You know what I mean"

"That I do, I was trying to lighten the mood but instead I'll do this" To her astonishment Fred leaned in and gave her a soft kiss.

"Now kissing me tomorrow won't be so bad" Hermione had to laugh at the serious look on his face. They sat quietly for a moment until Hermione spoke.

"I just had a thought, won't people think it's funny if I know practically nothing about you. Like I don't know when your birthday is?"

"April 1st" replied Fred. "We can start now than, when's your birthday?"

"April fool's day how ironic. September 18th. What's your favourite food?"

"Pizza. Definitely. You?"

"Ice-cream. Favourite colour?"

"Blue and Green. You?"

"Purple, Blue, green and Silver"

"Oh how Slytherin of you"

They spent the rest of afternoon just talking about themselves. For dinner they had pizza and then Hermione decided it was time to go to bed.

"Well goodnight" she said and turned to leave but Fred held onto her wrist.

"What no goodnight kiss?" he teased. Hermione blushed and she quickly kissed his cheek.

"Happy" she murmured.

"Not quite. I was thinking more along the lines of this" than he kissed her gently on the lips. Hermione blushed brighter than hurried off to bed leaving Fred grinning at her embarrassment.