Disclaimer: I do not own anything Harry Potter. Nothing, zip, nadda, ziltch. It all belongs to J.K.Rowling.
AntithesisOh the great saga that was Hermione Granger. Bookworm, know-it-all, loyal Gryffindor, best friend, and the 'most promising witch of her generation.' She was used to the predispositions that she met every day of her life. Everywhere she went, her name tagged along, but deep down she had a terrible feeling that her name was her only identification. It was not as if it were as bad as Harry had it. Harry was treated as if he were more of an object than a person for his entire life, but he seemed to finally be breaking away from that and finding himself during his Auror training. Ronald had been doing well too, at least that is what Hermione was told by Harry. Ron was never much for writing letters ever, and Hermione didn't expect him to start anytime soon. She, too, knew that as much as her name was famous her expectation to marry her best friend was just as strong. She, however, could not see herself growing up and growing old with Ron Weasely. She couldn't see herself marrying Harry, so why would she marry Ron? They were the extended family she never had, and well, they just did not 'light her fire' as those cheesy romance novels boast.
Ron also did not seem that receptive. At one point, she wanted dearly to be with him. After she realized that a relationship with Viktor Krum was next to impossible while going to school, her unrequited feelings sought Ron out instead. Unfortunately, he spent most of their sixth year parading around with Lavender Brown, the two snogging whenever the chance arose. (And to Hermione at the time, that was far too often.) By the time the two of them split, Hermione had managed to rationalize her feelings for Ron and she went back to just being friends. However, she had a sinking feeling that Ron may have developed something for her in the past couple of years. It did not help that Molly Weasely was practically planning their wedding, but as Fred and George had explained to her once, their mother's nagging and matchmaking was always successfully ignored by her offspring, but it did sew the seeds quite effectively.
Fred. Hermione realized that it really had been several months since he had seen either of the Weasley twins. She set down her keys on the kitchen counter in her flat and left her bag on the modest table. She always thought the boys were handsome and cunning, downright Slytherin in some of their pranks, but she always felt that due to their lack of attention to their schoolwork that they would never go anywhere in life. Now in all of their success, Hermione was almost embarrassed to know that she had never congratulated them. Every time they had the chance to converse, however, their silent communication and manners seemed to express their knowing without saying a word. Personally, she was grateful that she never had to condone the enabling of goofing off at school.
"Troublemaking blokes…" she smiled to herself and walked briskly to her room. It was about five forty-five, and Hermione always tried to be at the Burrow a few minutes early. Flooing would take no time though. She stripped off her Healer's robes and hung them neatly back in their place in the closet. She took down a pair of chocolate-colored slacks and a knitted black turtleneck with oversized cuffs and slipped them on over her conservative dark knickers. Living with Lavender and Parvati for seven years did not lack in perks. Although the two girls did give Hermione their share of bad beauty tips, they did teach her a few charms that could manage to tame her very bushy hair into natural curls. Still, although it just took the flick of a wand and an incantation, Hermione only used it when she was going out or on special occasions. Ginny had promised Hermione that this little get together at the Burrow was being turned into quite the event, and Hermione felt that she should look the part. Nothing flashy or frilly, just Hermione looking nice.
Back in Diagon Alley, Fred was wasting no time on looking particularly dashing for his family and friends. He had already settled on not changing from the clothing he was already wearing. Alicia always told him and George that yellow brought out the blue in their eyes anyway. What he was more interested in was trying to remember if Hermione Granger was currently tied to anyone. Ron was right out. The git was either too scared or too blind to notice the girl, no, young woman, that Hermione was. Harry was also right out, considering that he had finally gotten back together with Ginny. Krum? Well he had not been on the map for years, but what did Fred know of that? Nothing. What did he know of Hermione? She was the brightest witch at Hogwarts and indeed the brightest witch Fred had ever known, but she never seemed to live much outside of her work. It seemed that was her only passion in life, which is not bad, but somewhere along in her life Hermione missed getting to go into the outside world and she never had the desire to. But among their friends and family, Hermione was well known and well liked, but suddenly Fred stumbled upon another problem. What in the world would possess Hermione Granger to even speak to Fred?
Oh, this would be tricky. Sure they were friends, but he could bet that she most likely did not trust him. Why should she anyway with his reputation? But he was determined, and he would take Hermione Granger to Oliver's wedding as a date. As what though? Fred had not thought of that. He sat down upon his bed and bit at his bottom lip for a moment before standing again and pacing. A friend. Of course, as a friend. Even though Ron was being a complete idiot for pining for Hermione from afar, Fred was not about to swoop in and snatch up the girl for his own. He at least respected his brother that much. Ron would understand too, if he were in the same position. So it was set, Fred somehow had to win Hermione over, show that he could be trusted, and ask her as a favor to be a friendly escort to Oliver and Katie's wedding. Brilliant. If George had been there to help, however, Fred may have started to see the possible problems in his plan, but for now he went blissfully unaware as he grabbed a handful of floo-powder and left for supper.
Hermione was also ready to get to the Burrow. After drinking a small glass of water and getting Crookshanks his supper, she tossed on her long overcoat, tucked her wand into her sleeve, and flooed directly into the Weasely's already crowded living room. A great greeting went up and Ginny as soon rushing over, brushing ash from Hermione's shoulders. She quickly retreated back to Harry, who had already arrived along with Ron. She gave them both a hug and a chaste kiss on the cheek, which gave Ron more of a thrill than she noticed. The both looked rather worn out, but in fine spirits. Bill and Fleur had already arrived, along with Charlie, Kingsley, Remus, Tonks, Arthur, Molly (of course), George, Alicia, and a couple others from the order. She involuntarily wondered where Fred was, but was quickly answered with a muffled 'oomph!' as Fred fell out of the fireplace and ran into her. She stumbled forward but felt hands on her shoulders steadying her.
"Woah there," Fred chimed and turned her about by the shoulders, "sorry about that Hermione."
"No- not a problem, Fred." She laughed, grateful for his reflexes. Although she loved the Burrow, she was not eager to meet the carpet up close and personal. Fred looked as if he were about to say something more when Molly came in from the kitchen.
"Now you lot," she smiled, "into the kitchen, supper is on the table. Glad to see everyone made it." The group scuffled in slowly and Fred shrugged his shoulders at Hermione. She laughed and followed him in. Ron, however, had an eyebrow quirked behind him, but became especially alert when he saw Fred take the seat right next to Hermione.
A.N.: Thank you to HyperLittleCatIsBloodyLazy, Winnifred Dumbledore, and Kiara N'andra Ayth for reviewing. It helps me out a lot in encouraging me to continue on. So here is the update you all were looking for. I know it is a bit stale, but everyone has to get the exposition behind them, correct? As always, I suggestions are wonderful! These chapters will also be printed out and formally edited sooner or later, and I will update when that will be taking place. So, reviews are welcome, and thank you for reading!