Disclaimer: I'd be terribly surprised if anyone thought I was JK Rowling, especially since this is posted on a Fan Site….but….you never know what sort of impressionable people are out there.

Apology: Sorry this has taken so long! Life issues, school issues, you know the drill. And then I managed to slam one of my fingers in a door and so my typing has been greatly impeded. However, I now only feel a slight twinge when I use the injured finger, so! Onwards! I'll hopefully be making more regular updates.

Fluff Warning: Beware. This chapter is rated AW for extreme adorability and romantic situations.

More than a feeling

"So Fred, tell me, how is the business," Hermione asked after their waitress had taken their order. Fred smiled as he reached for some wontons, soaking them in peanut sauce.

"Business is booming, naturally. We've still got the stores in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, but since you left we've opened stores in France, Australia, and Canada. We're also thinking about opening a couple in some of the major American cities, too. I'm happy to be able to go back and tell George our reputation precedes us here in the states," he grinned, winking at Hermione. Ignoring the excitement the wink elicited in her, Hermione returned the smile.

"You tell me, Hermione, what have you been doing here? You've been so excited about everyone back home I've neglected to ask your story." He extended his hand, urging her to talk.

"Well, much of it was business as usual. I'm just finishing up school, still working hard. The only things that have really changed are my major, school, and completely uptight nature," she laughed before continuing. "I've been having a great time in New York. I've made some really great friends and I learned how to do something more than just study, which I sure did need. I graduate in a month and then I'm a qualified healer." Fred noticed she looked a little nervous at the prospect.

"What are you going to do after that? Are you staying in America?"

"I'm not sure," she responded, looking thoughtful. "As much as I have enjoyed America, I've found I really miss England, especially after talking to you and realizing how much I've missed. The states have been fun but England is home."

"I'm sure St. Mungo's would be thrilled to have you," Fred stated simply, looking up at her. "You were always the best at anything you put your mind to." Hermione looked startled by the complement and blushed. "Except flying of course," he added, mischievously. In response, she threw some wantons at his head, just as the waitress appeared with their meals.

"Can I get you anything else," she asked in a falsely cheerful voice. Hermione couldn't help but notice how the waitress was eyeing Fred. She also couldn't help but notice the nagging jealousy it was inspiring in her.

"No, we're fine, thanks," she said, slightly more sharply than she meant to. Fred raised his eyebrows, looking at her with amusement as he started in on his pad thai.

They continued chatting and laughing over dinner, Fred sharing stories and jokes about their friends and family back home. Fred teased her over some of the American slang she had picked up and Hermione learned some English slang she'd missed out on. Finally they finished, paid, and walked out into the cool night air.

"So Fred, what do you want to see? Anything deliciously cheesey and touristy," she asked, walking next to Fred, painfully aware of how close their hands were. "The Empire State Building is only a few blocks from here and we have some time before the elevators stop." Fred nodded, offering his arm out to her. She hesitated before taking it, a chill running up her spine as their skin touched.

Fred stared at the crowd of people waiting to get up the last few flights to viewing deck of the building. "Hermione," he asked, turning to his right to look at her. "What exactly is the big attraction to this building that so many people would wait around like this just to get to the top of it?"

"It's the tallest building in the city, for one, so it's a landmark for that reason. But I'd say it's mostly the view. The city looks gorgeous from up there. It's also been the site of proclamations of love in many hit movies, I think a lot of people come back to experience that," she replied, blushing slightly as she said the last part.

"Oh. Well, I guess that makes sense," Fred said skeptically. After a few more minutes of waiting Fred was getting antsy and just wanted to make it to the top and see what the big deal was.

"Hey, Hermione, how about we just walk up the last few flights…I mean, how bad can it be?"

Famous last words, thought Hermione, smiling to herself. "Well, if you really want to," she offered, looking doubtfully at the steep staircases.

"Excellent," exclaimed Fred, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the stairwell.

10 agonizing minutes later

"Bloody hell, Hermione," he panted, catching his breath as they reached the final level. "Why didn't you tell me there were so many flights left?"

"You didn't ask," she retorted, un-phased by the hike. Fred looked over at her perplexed.

"How come you aren't out of breath?"

"I'm a witch, Fred. I charmed myself to be extra light," she stated matter-of-factly.

"Oh…makes sense," he grinned sheepishly. "Alright, let's go see what the big fuss is!" They stepped out of the stairwell and into the next room, passing the gift shop despite Fred's interest in the bright colours.

"Wow! Look at all those lights, Hermione," shouted Fred, practically hanging over the side of the railing.

"Fred! You're going to give me a heart attack," shrieked Hermione, pulling him back. "Don't do that!"

"Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you." He grinned cheekily at her. Hermione rolled her eyes and turned back towards the view. As Fred turned back around she began pointing out all the major landmarks of the city to him, sounding uncannily like a tour guide. After a short while Fred's eyes began to wander back onto the viewing deck, finding the muggle crowds equally as fascinating as the lights and skyscrapers. All around him he could see couples hugging each other as they gazed out across the city, giggling and smiling at private jokes. Now that's what I want, he sighed wistfully, looking back at Hermione. If only I could get her to myself for a little while.

Suddenly a thought struck him with more force than a major league baseball. Of course! Why didn't I think of it before? What would George say, he grinned wickedly, reaching into his pockets. Making sure Hermione was still prattling on about whatever subject she was currently giving a lecture, Fred began circulating through the crowds of people, periodically dropping small packages on the ground.

By the time Fred made it back to Hermione he could see people beginning to rush back inside out of the corner of his eye. His smirk would have made Draco Malfoy proud. After checking to see if anyone was watching, he cast a modified bubble charm on Hermione and himself to keep out the smell.

"…And generally that's it," Hermione finished, looking back at him, smiling. As she turned back she noticed that the viewing deck was empty except for them.

"Fred. What did you do," she asked, giving him a piercing look. Fred did his best to look hurt and offended.

"Why Hermione, how could you make such unfounded accusations. When have I ever given you reason to suspect me of tomfoolery," he asked, putting a hand to his heart. Hermione just raised an eyebrow at him. "Ah yes, well, touché," He grinned. "Well nothing too bad," he continued hastily as she crossed her arms. "I just dropped a few dung bombs here and there." Hermione looked stern before bursting out laughing.

"Why on earth did you do that, Fred," she giggled, grabbing Fred's arm and making him blush.

"Well besides being physically unable to go more than few hours without pulling a prank, I rather liked the idea of having this whole place just to ourselves," he finished softly, reaching out to brush some hair out of her eyes. Hermione found herself smiling, shivers running up her back at his touch. Fred muttered something softly and she heard music begin playing.

"Oh Fred, this is going to look so suspicious if anyone comes back up," she said, grinning broadly.

"It'll be worth it. May I have this dance," he asked, holding his hand out to her. Hermione nodded shyly and took his hand. Fred took her and held her close as they danced to a slow song. Hermione rested her head on his chest and sighed as she breathed in his scent.

"You know Hermione," Fred started softly as they danced, "I'm very glad I ran into you. I never realized what I was missing without you." Hermione looked up into his eyes, butterflies in her stomach. Fred bent down, pulling Hermione up to him before kissing her. Neither one of them had every experienced anything close to a kiss like that in their lives. After what felt like hours they pulled apart, faces flushed. Hermione put her head back on Fred's chest.

"Me, too, Fred," she replied with a small smile, " Me, too."

Author's notes

Awwwww. Well I did warn you! Incidentally, I wrote the stairwell part from experience. .

Usually I would do shout-outs here but I've heard rumours that we aren't supposed to do that anymore, so if you reviewed you know who you are and I love you.