Thanks to all of my reviewers, you guys are great!
Disclaimer: I don't own nothing. -Monica notices all reviewers giving her dirty looks for bad grammar- Fine! Sigh…. I don't own anything…
Okay, so now that I have you all wondering about the story, I will explain some things. This whole chapter will be flashbacks.
A First
Fred had never been so nervous. His palms were sweating, his hands were shaking, and his head was spinning. He was going to do it. He would do it tonight. She had to know.
A few rooms down, Ginny Weasley was gushing about a certain Harry Potter, to her best friend, Hermione Granger.
"Can you believe it Hermione? He asked me! He actually asked me!" Hermione glanced at Ginny, giving her a look that clearly read, 'You're insane.'
"Uh… Gin? He just asked you to pass the potatoes…" Ginny looked at her incredulously.
"Just asked me to pass the potatoes? Just asked me to pass the potatoes! If that's all he wanted he could have asked you! You were sitting right next to him too!"
Hermione didn't have the heart to tell Ginny that, while Hermione had also been sitting next to Harry, it wouldn't have made sense for Harry to ask Hermione to pass the potatoes, as Ginny was on the side closer to said potatoes.
"Yes, of course Ginny. Why didn't I think of it that way?" Hermione sighed. During this last summer at the Burrow, Ginny's crush on the Boy-Who-Lived had come back, just as strong, possibly stronger, than before. It was the winter after seventh year, mid-December. Harry had defeated Voldemort at the end of their final year at Hogwarts. The three of them—Ron, Harry, and Hermione—had decided they would hold a 'month long holiday party' at the Burrow.
While Ginny had been falling in love with Harry—again—Hermione had been busy falling for a certain Weasley. And it wasn't Ron. It would appear that Miss-Straight and Narrow, rarely breaks the rules, has an almost perfect record, Hermione Granger, had accidentally fallen for one half of the terrible two-some. Yup, Hermione Granger had fallen for one of the Weasley twins.
But it wasn't just a random twin. No, this twin, over the past seven months, had become one of her best friends. She was crazy about the one and only Fred Weasley. It was just like BAM! 'I like Fred!' No, no, no. It was slower, more gradual, and much more pleasant than that. During the war, which had lasted a few weeks, Hermione had been badly injured. The Death Eaters went after her straight away because… well… she was a Muggle-born. She had been rendered unconscious, and was in the hospital wing for a week. She awoke to find she was not alone. Fred, who had also been severely injured, had kept her company, and would keep her company until they could both leave. Sitting in a room for a week with nothing to do and really brought them closer together. Sometimes they would sit and talk for hours. Hermione had been amazed at how witty and intellectual he was.
Unbeknownst to her, Fred was dumbfounded at how much fun talking to her was. It was never boring, and they could hold a conversation really well. They talked about everything: stereotypes, the joke shop, the war, what they would do after the war, Hermione's adventures, Fred's pranks, their likes, dislikes, and everything in-between! Then, after they got out, Fred would stay with her and make sure she was safe.
"You can't stay in the hospital wing without me! You'll drive yourself mad! It just makes it easier on both of us if I keep an eye on you," he would often joke, giving her his famous lopsided grin.
Hermione had never told him, but she was glad he stayed with her like that, and not just for 'protection.' He could get her to smile, even in the darkest times of war. She remembered what Fred had told her about what Harry had said to George and him about everyone needing a laugh. She definitely agreed.
Then, when all was said and done, after Harry vanquished Voldemort and after graduation, the trio, as well as the other members of the Weasley Clan, retired to the Burrow for a well earned break.
Fred and Hermione's friendship had grown immensely. They each began to secretly develop feelings for the other.
"Mione? Mione? Mione! Are you paying attention to me?" Ginny said, waving her hand in front of Hermione's face.
"Oh… Sorry, Ginny. Guess I kind of spaced out there."
Ginny smiled slyly. "Yes, you have been doing that a lot lately. So, who is he? Oh my gosh! It's my brother isn't it?" Ginny shrieked.
"No—" Hermione started but was interrupted with:
"Oh my god it is! Ron will be ecstatic!" Ginny cried.
"No, Gin, you've got the wrong idea." Hermione whispered. "I've told you before, Ron and I aren't like that. We won't ever be like that. He doesn't feel that way about me and I don't feel that way about him." Ginny looked at her in disbelief.
"Right it's not." She said, sarcasm very clear. "Then who is it?" Just then, someone knocked on Ginny's door. Ginny sighed. "Don't think this conversation is over." She said to Hermione, and then "Come in."
Fred walked in the door. "Gin, is it okay if I borrow Mione for a sec? I need her help."
Ginny sighed again. "Fred your timing is terrible. I was just about to get Mione to tell me who she—"
Hermione interrupted. "Never mind that. Sure Fred, I'll help. Let's go." Hermione walk out of the room.
Fred followed her. "What was that about?" he questioned.
"Oh, nothing, your sister is being a bit… curious."
"Curious? About what?"
"I told you, never mind. It isn't important. Now, what did you need help with?"
"Oh, that. Can you come outside with me?"
"Fred, are you mad? It's the middle of December! It's freezing out there!"
"Which is why you put on a jacket. Now come with me."
"Fine, but only because I love you so much." At that comment, her heart began beating faster. She had not meant it that way. She meant she loved him as a friend. She didn't love him. She really, really, really liked him, but it was too soon in the game to say love.
He looked at her and smiled. He didn't look like he had thought anything of it. "Good. Here, put this on. It is a bit chilly." He said, handing Hermione her coat.
"Thanks." He just smiled and grabbed her hand. Her hand began to tingle the second he did. They stepped outside, only to find the snow cascading down to the ground.
"Okay Fred, what did you need?" She whispered, as if afraid if she talked to loud, the 'snow magic' would disappear.
"Well, Hermione, we've become really, really great friends… and I think… I think… I began… well I began to start to like you. Like you as more than a friend. So… I was just wondering… you know… how you feel?"
Hermione smile could not get any wider. "You know… you're an idiot." Fred's heart shattered into a million pieces… "I can't believe you couldn't tell how I felt. I really, really like you."…and then Hermione put it back together.
Fred pulled Hermione to him and gave her a huge hug. In all honesty, he never wanted to let go. "Will you be my girlfriend then?" He whispered into her ear.
"Yes."
And they just stood there, for the longest time, hugging. It was almost as if either of them let go, the world around them would come crashing down. Hermione didn't care so much any more if it was freezing. She had all the warmth she needed, with his arms around her.
The First Date
A few days after that fateful night in the snow, Hermione and Fred decided it would be best to tell everyone. They'd kept it a secret for a bit, and it was killing both of them. Hermione longed to just run up to Fred and give him a big hug. Fred wanted to pull Hermione into his arms, and just talk to her. Unfortunately, if no one knew about them, they couldn't. At first, they decided to keep it a secret, for the main reason that no one was used to seeing them together. They spent the next few days, acting like friends. Frequently talking, laughing, and sitting with each other, but no lovey dovey stuff yet.
They met a week before Christmas, outside in the snow, like the first night they got together.
"Fred, do you want to tell them tonight? I'm sick of having to sit so far away from you when we do group things, because no one knows about us. I think we've given everyone enough time to adjust. I really, really like you, but I hate only getting to talk to you like this when we're out here."
"Me too. Let's go do it now."
"Now? All right…"
Fred grabbed Hermione's hand, tingly feeling coming back, and pulled her into the kitchen.
George, Mrs. Weasley and Ginny were all sitting at the table.
"Mum? George? Ginny? We have something to tell you." Fred smiled at Hermione.
"We're dating." Hermione finished for him. She was positively glowing. "Actually, we've been dating for a bit, a few days, but we wanted to wait to tell you."
"We decided to tell you today, because it would be awkward trying to leave the house for our first date tomorrow without everyone asking where we were going together."
Hermione looked at Fred questioningly. They hadn't talked about a first date yet. Fred just smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist.
Hermione and Fred proceeded to tell everyone else in the house, only to get a few jokes made by Bill and Charlie, who where there for the holidays, congratulations from Mr. Weasley and Harry, and Ron turning a very shocking shade of red. Other than that last bit, they were extremely happy with everyone's reactions.
When they finally got the chance to be alone, Fred and Hermione were sitting on the couch, with her head on his shoulder, and his arm still around her waist.
"Since when is our first date tomorrow?" Hermione inquired.
"Since yesterday." Fred smiled down at her.
"And you were planning on telling me… when?" She said, her eyes shining with good humor.
"When I told everyone else of course." He said laughing.
"So where are we going?" She asked, her warm eyes shining.
"That, my dear girl, is a surprise." He said grinning. She pouted. "Just make sure you look pretty. Well, you always look pretty, but you may want to dress warm."
"Okay."
The next night, Hermione had put on her favorite light blue turtleneck, and some jeans. She had done her hair and actually put on some make-up. According to Ginny, she looked 'exquisite.' But then again, Ginny was just ecstatic that Harry had finally asked her out. 'Maybe the whole potato thing had some merit…' Hermione thought. '…Nah…'
Hermione met Fred downstairs. He was dressed nicely in a dark blue sweater and some jeans. Mrs. Weasley was standing in the kitchen, watching Hermione make her way down the stairs.
"Look at you two! You match and everything! How adorable!" Hermione grinned, and she noticed Fred's cheeks twinge red.
"So where are we going?" She asked him.
"Follow me." Fred grabbed her hand—tingles!—and pulled her outside.
"Fred, it's beautiful…" She gasped.
In the same place where he had finally told her he liked her, he had set up a table and chairs. Next to the table was a stand with a radio on top. He pulled out her chair, and she sat down. The second she was situated, Fred turned on the radio. For some reason, they were getting a Muggle station. Fred went to change it when-
"Oh, Fred, leave it. This is my favorite song!"
"Who is it?"
"Why?"
"Because, if it's your favorite, I want to know."
"Mandy Moore, and Jonathan Foreman. It's called 'Someday We'll Know." I love it. It's a bit sad though. It's in my favorite movie too, and it's a sad movie."
"What movie?" Fred had taken Muggle studies, so knew what movies and CDs where.
"A Walk to Remember." Fred was making sure he remembered these things. He already was planning their second date.
As if by magic, actually, it was magic, but that isn't the point, food appeared on their plates.
"Fred, you picked my favorite! These potatoes are excellent. Who made them?"
Fred, who Hermione had told about the whole potato discussion with Ginny, grinned. "Harry." He said, suppressing a laugh. Hermione giggled.
When they finished eating, Hermione looked up. "Fred, you've been really great. Thanks so much for doing this. I've had an excellent time."
"Me too. Let's go. Tables charmed to clean up, so we don't have to worry about that."
"Okay, let's go inside." Then, she looked a bit confused. "Hey Fred?"
"Yes?"
"Why am I not cold? We've been out here for over and hour."
Fred beamed. "Hermione Granger doesn't know? Well, my dear, I can produce an excellent warming charm." Hermione's eyes got a mischievous glint.
"Fred? I don't think your warming charms are that great. I'm suddenly very cold." She smiled.
"Well then I guess I'll just have to warm you up." He pulled her into his arms, and smiled. "I really like you."
The First Kiss
A few days later, Hermione and Fred were on the couch, cuddling. "Mione? You want to do something tonight? Maybe just stay in a watch a movie or something?"
"How could we watch a movie?"
"Well, you know how dad is about Muggle things. Me and George chipped in and bought him a DVD player for his birthday. The shop is doing wonderfully; we have a lot of spending money now." Fred really was starting to lighten Hermione up. She didn't even feel the urge to correct him when he said 'Me and George.'
"That sounds wonderful."
Later that evening, Hermione walked downstairs in her pajamas, ready to watch a movie. Apparently, Fred had been thinking along the same lines, because he was in plaid pajama bottoms, and a white tee shirt.
"Nice pajamas." Fred's lopsided grin appeared. Hermione was wearing her favorite pajamas, the ones with the pink bottoms and the shirt with the pink otter.
"Thank you." She said smiling. "So what are we watching?"
"You'll see." He turned on the video. "Nox," He whispered. Instantly, the lights were out. He sat on the couch and pulled Hermione closer to him.
When the movie started, Hermione squealed. "You remembered! This is my favorite! Thank you!" She kissed him on his cheek. "I don't know if you'll like it…"
"It's okay. I'm sure if you like it, I'll like it. Now watch."
They sat peacefully, Hermione in Fred's arms, watching the movie. Fred wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he rather liked it. It was a bit sad, and it was a girl movie, but it was good.
Suddenly, Hermione's song began playing in the background. "Mione, it's your song." He whispered into her ear. She turned and smiled at him.
It was then when he realized how close their faces were to each other. He could feel her breath on his face. He decided to close the gap. Slowly, their lips touched. At first, he didn't get much of a response, but then she began to react. She kissed him back.
"Wow," she whispered.
"Wow is right," he said back.
And he leaned in and kissed her once more. This time, when he pulled away, she went back to watching the movie. He just sat and watched her. Neither realized how late it was, until they fell asleep in each other's arms.
The First Dance
It was now a few days before Christmas, and the Weasley's were preparing for a wedding. Bill and Fleur's wedding, to be exact. Hermione and Fred were going together, which worked out well. Fleur didn't have many friends in England, so she had asked Hermione, Ginny, and a friend from Gringotts to be her bride's maids, and her sister was the maid of honor. So, Fred and Hermione got to walk down the isle together.
The ceremony was beautiful. Hermione was in tears by the end.
After the ceremony, everyone headed back to the Burrow for the reception. Fred and Hermione sat and talked for a while with Harry and Ron. Then the DJ announced it was time for the first dance.
Everyone watched as Fleur and Bill danced slowly, as the sun set behind them. Hermione watched smiling slightly. They looked very good together. She looked up at Fred. Maybe one day, they would be like that.
Hermione and Fred talked for a long time, every once and a while Fred asking her to dance. After her fourth decline, Fred looked up at her a bit hurt.
"Do you not like me anymore Mione?" Fred asked quietly.
"No, Fred, that's not it! I can't… I don't know how to… well I can't dance! There I said it."
Fred's frown quickly turned to a smile. "Is that all? Come on, I'll teach you." Fred pulled Hermione out of her chair, and dragged her onto the dance floor. Oddly enough, what song should begin to play, but Someday We'll Know.
"Hermione, I do believe this song likes us very much." Hermione smiled.
"I do believe so. Now, I'm very nervous. Don't laugh at my poor dancing skills."
Fred leaned down, his breath blowing on her face. "I'll never laugh at you." He said, with all seriousness. With that, he leaned in and kissed her. It was as perfect as that very first kiss, all those nights ago.
He pulled away. "Now, we teach Mione how to dance." Hermione smiled nervously.
"Sounds good."
He brought her closer to him, and put his arms around her waist. She put her arms around his neck, and they began to slow dance.
"Honestly, if you hadn't have said anything, I wouldn't have known you had never danced."
She smiled at him. "I really like you Fred. I'm really lucky to have you as my boyfriend."
"Well, I think I'm the lucky one. You're all I could ask for in a girl." Hermione blushed. This time, she stood on her tip toes, and kissed him. They stayed on the dance floor, kissing well after the song had ended.
The First I Love You
Hermione and Fred had been together for three months. Neither of them had ever been happier. Fred was often scared to admit it, but he had fallen in love with Hermione. He hadn't told anyone. He often got close to telling her, but would always decide it was too soon.
Fred had planned everything perfectly for tonight. Tonight was the night he would tell her he loved her. He had it all set up. Harry was making the potatoes, Fred had done the rest of the cooking, Fred had bought the CD yesterday, and he had rented the DVD. He'd practiced his snow charm. Everything would be perfect.
Harry came by at a quarter to six to drop of the potatoes. "I still don't understand why you wanted these."
Fred looked at him, trying not to laugh, "It's… um… well… it is a joke between me and Mione."
Harry raised his eyebrows. "Well, what's the joke?"
Fred grinned. "Well, before you finally courted my dear sister, the night I asked Mione out, you apparently asked Ginny to pass the potatoes. She assumed this was a declaration of your undying love. Which, hey, who wouldn't have thought? I mean, come on! 'Pass the potatoes?' You can just see what a proclamation that is!" He said teasingly.
Harry blushed. "Are you making this up? I do remember asking Gin for the potatoes, but it wasn't a big deal. She wouldn't blow something like that out of proportion. Sure, I liked her at the time, but I wanted some—"
"Harry, would you stop rambling about potatoes please? Hermione will be here in—" He checked his watch. "—ten minutes."
"Oh, right. Have fun. Bye." With that, he apparated out.
Fred turned on the music, lit the candles, set the table and then sat and waited for Hermione. At exactly six o' clock, Hermione apparated in.
"Hey." She smiled at him.
"Hey," He answered. The music was still playing softly in the background. It was their unofficial song. It was then that he realized that he couldn't it hold back anymore. It no longer mattered if it was too soon, or if she didn't feel the same way, she just had to know.
He pulled her into his arms, and whispered, ever so softly, "I love you."
Hermione looked at him, tears in her eyes. "I love you too."
/1/
Awww… that's the first time I've gotten to write fluff. The next chapter will be a bit… sad. I'm sure some of you have guessed what's coming. These were the happy memories so the next chapter is that day you keep hearing about. The whole potato thing is a joke between me and my friend, so I hope you thought it was as funny as we did.
I hope this contented all of you anxious readers! I know you are all curious as to why Fred and Hermione broke up by now, so keep your eyes pealed for chapter three! I hope this was a long enough update. It was nine typed pages, single spaced!
I promise I will do review responses later. I've been swamped lately... -.-;;
Edited as of 11/05/06.
Keep reviewing!
Love,
Monica