Disclaimer: Not mine, so go buy it from Ebay.
A/N: Good golly Miss Molly! Lol, that was nerdy. Anyways, I've got 1003 reviews for TTSR, so thank you! I'm just continually shocked by all you reviewers- you're totally awesome, and the reviews are truly inspiring! I'm so glad you're all enjoying the story. I'm having a lot of fun writing it, cause it's just so much more light-hearted than my others in a lot of ways. And thanks to everyone who reviewed TTSR, that's very much appreciated! Now, onto the next chapter of the story, which is just in time for St. V's Day!
Love Means Never Having to Time Travel
Chapter Eleven: St. Valentine's Day
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"Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; for love is sufficient unto love." –Kahlil Gibran
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"Valentine's day has got to be one of the most annoying holidays that exists!" Lily grumbled to herself as she looked around the common room. The morning had barely started, and already it was buzzing with chattering students walking through on their way out to breakfast, talking about gifts and valentines they hoped to get, squealing and giggling and blushing, and just being an all around nuisance.
"Talking to yourself love?" James asked as he threw himself into the seat next to her with a grin.
"Of course not, I'm talking to you," she shot back, leaning over for a kiss, which he readily gave.
"Well then, what were we talking about?"
"How much I used to hate Valentine's Day."
"Really?" James looked surprised. "Why?"
"Because it's an extremely commercial holiday, created by marketing groups and card companies for the purpose of making money," she said with disgust. "And I guess I was always jealous of all the girls who always got dozens of valentines and flowers and sweets. Being one of the few girls who never gets anything always hurts."
"Well I think you'll be spoiled this year," James said with a grin. "I intend for everyone to know just how much I love you."
"I think everyone already does, after you announced it to the whole school," Lily replied with a matching grin.
"Well that was only cause I couldn't announce it to the world, though I suspect they'll find out when we post our wedding announcement in every single paper possible."
"Wedding announcement, hmm?" Lily simply raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah," James said airily, as if it were completely obvious. "You and I are gonna get married someday, simple as that."
"Right, never mind the fact you haven't proposed," Lily laughed. James could always make her laugh; one of the many reasons she loved him.
"Damn, guess I'll have to remedy that," James shook his head, and suddenly dug a hand into his pocket. "So what d'ya say Lils? Fancy spending eternity with a prankster?"
"You're serious," she whispered, staring at the four carat, princess cut, diamond solitaire ring set in a warm rose gold, sitting in the black velvet ring-box he held in his hand.
"No, I'm James," he replied with a grin. "You know, we're gonna have some serious problems if you can't even remember the name of your fiancé. Assuming you say yes of course."
"You're bloody serious," she continued to stare at the ring, in complete and utter shock. He began to get a little worried when she didn't say anything else, and decided it might be better to stop joking around. Not that he was joking of course, but he was so nervous, it was an automatic reflex to try and make light of the situation.
"Yeah, and very much in love with you. I know it hasn't been terribly long, but I know there's no one else I want to spend my life with. I want to marry you, Lily Evans. Not next week or anything, but sometime after school lets out. If you'll have me, that is?"
"YES!" She all but screamed, and after letting him slip the ring on her finger, launched herself at him, kissing him fervently. Some of the students in the common room looked over when they saw the usually calm and composed head girl nearly fly over a table to tackle her boyfriend.
"Wow, I should propose more often if it means I'll get kisses like that," James said in a daze once she had pulled back.
"Oh quite you," she laughed, throwing her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. "I love you."
"I know you do, that's the incredible thing, and I love you too," he whispered against her hair. "C'mon, let's go down to the great hall- I've got a best man to find."
"I have to plan a wedding," Lily said with a bit of worry as they left Gryffindor tower and headed to the great hall where breakfast was going to winding down before long.
"No, we have to plan a wedding, though not for a while. We have NEWTS to finish up after all, but we can start with easy stuff like setting a date and picking a location and wedding party and stuff."
"I'm the future Mrs. James Potter," Lily looked admiringly at her hand, not able to stop the giggles that bubbled up inside of her.
"I love the sound of that," James grinned, giving her hand a squeeze as they walked into the great hall. "Back in a sec!"
"James!" Lily yelled after him with a laugh, knowing what he was going to do.
"PEOPLE OF HOGWARTS!" James cast sonorous on his voice as he jumped onto the dais where the teacher's table sat. "I'M EXTREMELY HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT YOUR LOVELY HEAD GIRL, LILY EVANS, AGREED TO MARRY ME THIS MORNING!"
"Woo hoo!" Sirius was the first to react, and soon the hall was filled with cheers and applause as James hopped back down and ran back to Lily, picking her up and spinning her around before they were mobbed by their friends. A bunch of girls immediately surrounded Lily, sighing and clamoring over the beautiful ring she now wore, while the marauders were clapping James on the back.
"On Valentines Day, how sweet," Hermione gave a little sigh. "I had though he would've proposed over Christmas hols or something. Harry said that they married right out of school."
"Well good for them," Fred rested a hand on her thigh, his thumb moving in slow circles.
"Oh weddings, I love a good wedding," Albus smiled before standing up, gaining everyone's attention. "On behalf of the staff here at Hogwarts, we would like to offer you our congratulations, and on the joyous note, we would also like to wish everyone a very happy Valentines day!"
"Scuse me a sec, would ya?" Fred said, scooting his chair back.
"Where are you going?" Hermione questioned.
"Just delivering some things," he said with a smile.
Hermione watched as he disappeared through a side door, and came back out a few minutes later holding a basket. He walked over to the end of the Slytherin table where a group of first year girls was sitting and chatting. With a smile, Hermione watched as he reached a hand in, and pulled out a white rose edged in silver, and handed it to one of the girls. He repeated the process with every girl at the table, before moving to the Ravenclaw table. This time the rose was white edged in blue. For Hufflepuff it was white edged with yellow, and Gryffindor was white edged with red.
"You know you're not helping the situation," Hermione leaned over to talk to him. "Now all the girls will fancy themselves in love with you."
"Yeah, but I remember my school days," Fred gave her a cheeky smile. "All the girls, especially the younger one and nerdy ones, were always so sad looking when they never got anything, not a single valentine. I always hated that, but I was graduating by the time. So I decided to do it here."
"Well it was very sweet of you," she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you. And if you think that was sweet, just wait till tonight," he waggled his eyebrows.
"What do you mean tonight?" She asked, a curious smile on her face.
"Well it wouldn't be Valentines day if I didn't do something for you."
"You know that just saying you love me is enough; you don't have to do anything for me," she protested.
"I know, but I want to. Would you really deny me that?" Fred pouted, giving her a very convincing puppy-dog look.
"With a face like that?" Hermione smirked. "Of course."
"Not nice."
"Oh you know I'm just teasing. Honestly, for someone who enjoys pranking and joking around so much, you sure are offended easily."
"Only cause you're saying them, and your opinion means a lot to me," he gave her a charming smile before standing up again. "C'mon love, time for classes."
"I'll let you get away with changing the subject," she shook her head as she took his hand and allowed him to pull her up out of the seat. "Now about classes, do you really think we should even bother with holding lessons?"
"Do my ears deceive me!" Fred gasped, holding a hand over his heart in mock-shock. "Mya Wilson, actually suggesting that we not teach. The world must be coming to an end."
"Oh shut it you. But seriously, at least for the first class. We've got the marauders, and you know they're not going to want to focus, what with Lily and James' engagement. Don't forget to put that memory in the pensieve by the way."
"Okie dokie."
"And the youngers won't focus anymore than the older students, what with the feast tonight, and you giving all the girls flowers."
"Well, we'll do some fun things with the youngers," Fred suggested. "We can split up the class into girls and boys, and teach some fun charms and stuff that Filius wouldn't. Like you can teach the girls Ginny's famous bat-bogey hex, and I can teach the boys some of my minor prank secrets."
"Then we can just give them a night free from homework, and let them have the rest of the class to gossip," Hermione added as they walked into their classroom where a few students were already sitting. Fred plopped down in the chair, while Hermione perched on the edge of the desk, her back to the class, as they went over their impromptu lesson changes for their classes that day. By the time the bell rang a few minutes later, everyone had arrived, and was gossiping and giggling over Lily and James' engagement.
"Settle down guys," Hermione held up a hand for silence as she hopped off the desk and walked around to the front of it. "Now, let me start off by saying happy valentines day, and secondly, in honor of Mr. Potter and Miss Evan's engagement, we're not doing anything today, nor will there be homework."
"Way to go James, you picked a great day to propose," Sirius clapped James on the back with a grin.
"So, feel free to chat or work on assignments for other classes, just try not to get too out of hand, all right?" Fred looked pointedly at Sirius, while the rest of the class yelled out their agreement, and immediately all the girls grouped around Lily to talk about the wedding.
"I wonder if Ron and Harry got up the courage to ask anyone out for Hogsmede," Hermione mused as Fred pulled her onto his lap. Albus always had a Hogsmede trip scheduled for the first weekend after valentines day.
"Ron might like to, but I don't know if he'd be able to get the courage up, though he always seems to surprise me, so who knows?" Fred shrugged. "As for Harry, well I think he'd like to, but you know how he is. First of all, he wouldn't want to date anyone because he's so famous, and doesn't want to expose anyone else to that. Secondly, he doesn't like to let people get too close anymore, since he's worried that Voldemort's gonna try and use them to get to him."
"I know, but we'll win someday, and Harry can finally live his life with a degree of normalcy," Hermione sighed, resting her head against the crook of his neck.
"Hey Professors!" Melisande called out from where she was sitting with the other girls.
"Yes Miss Goyle?" Hermione replied, lifting her head.
"How'd Professor Greg propose to you?"
"Bloody hell, how am I supposed to answer that?" Hermione sent the thought to Fred frantically, though she kept her face calm.
"Let me answer," he sent back as he pushed her up gently, before moving around to the front of the desk. "Well, I took her on a moonlit picnic on the night of a meteor shower, and as the sun was rising, I just told her I loved her and didn't want to imagine my life without her, and asked her to spend the rest of her life with me."
"Oh that's so sweet!" Mary Etta sighed, as did a number of the girls. She glanced over at the group of guys with a giggle. "You guys should take notes."
"Ha ha," Anthony sneered.
"What about your first date?" Lily asked.
"Better yet, how'd you two meet and get together?" Remus interjected.
"Well, we met on a train actually, while doing some traveling," Hermione answered this time, and honestly at that. They had first met, if briefly, on the Hogwarts Express her first year.
"We shared a compartment cause all the rest were full, and just hit it off," Fred continued. "As for our first date, we went to a shopping center, and then got some lunch. Nothing fancy."
"What about your wedding, what was that like?" James asked, wondering what the prank-loving professor and his wife had planned.
"It was very small and quiet," Hermione moved to stand by Fred, taking his hand in hers, their fingers automatically interlocking. "Just the two of us at the ministry in a quick ceremony."
"No big wedding, or family and friends, or cake?" Peter looked especially shocked about the fact that there wasn't a cake.
"Never mind the fact that we couldn't afford a big wedding, we didn't have any friends or family here," Fred said honestly. It was true, everyone was in the future. "Though yes, we did go get a piece of cake from a little café we both liked afterwards. Don't worry, I'm sure Mr. Potter and Miss Evans will have a fair sized wedding, complete with cake."
"Of course we'll have cake, and a big wedding," James chuckled as Lily nodded in agreement. "We've got so many friends and family members to invite, we have to. And you'll be invited of course, Professors. As will the others."
"Well thank you Mr. Potter, but I'm afraid we won't be here," Hermione smiled apologetically, glad the conversation was moving away from her and Fred's wedding. "Greg and I will be moving on after the graduation festivities."
"Oh," Lily frowned slightly, obviously disappointed, as were many others. "Where will you be going?"
"We'll be taking a position within the American Ministry in their intelligence department," Hermione said, once again thankful for the ability to think quickly. "Which will be a great opportunity for us, but unfortunately we'll have to leave at the beginning of the summer to get set up over there; find a place to live, get all our paperwork completed, and get settled into the job."
"All right, no homework, and have a great day guys," Fred bid them farewell as the bell rang right then. They watched the students file out.
"We should pull these memories and write down our story," Hermione suggested with a giggle. "So we remember how our marriage came to be. A moonlit picnic to watch a meteor shower, and then proposing at dawn? Would you honestly propose to a girl like that?"
"Maybe some girl, but certainly not you," he kissed her. "You deserve a much better proposal than that cheesy one. But hey, it was the first thing that popped into my head, probably something from one of those trashy romance novels Ginny's always telling us about word-for-word. So I went with it."
"Just for the record, it's more the honesty and feeling that counts to most girls. Though some might enjoy a big fan-fare and production of it."
"I'll be sure to remember that in case I need to propose any time soon," he replied with a wink as students began to file in, effectively ending their conversation.
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"Okay, did we get everything written down?" Hermione asked. They were back in their rooms after their last afternoon class, making sure they got their story straight.
"First time we met, first date, proposal, wedding, and future job details…yup," Fred nodded after looking at the piece of parchment that he'd been writing on. "Now, you have a date to get ready for. I'm taking you out to dinner, and that's all I'm going to say."
"Well how am I suppose to know what to wear?" Hermione asked innocently, hoping he'd drop some more clues.
"Ha! Not going to work, since I took care of all that. Now go on, the bedroom and bathroom are yours for the evening. Otto's letting me use his quarters to get ready, so I'll be back at six thirty to pick you up before we go to the great hall."
"Why the great hall?"
"Albus wanted us to stop by before we left so he could see us," Fred shrugged. "I think he enjoys seeing us all dressed up and what not. I don't know. But you can't say no to Albus, especially when he's got that twinkle in his eye."
"Too true," Hermione laughed before leaning in and giving him a kiss. "I'll see you tonight then I suppose."
"Till tonight," Fred bowed his way out of the room.
Hermione fought the urge to stamp her food like a three year old as he left. She didn't like surprises; she liked knowing exactly what was going to happen, and how to prepare for it. But it seemed that Fred was determined to surprise her. Biting back a growl of annoyance, she whirled about and walked into their bedroom. It was a little after four thirty, so she had just under two hours to get ready. Shedding her robe and clothes, she walked into the bathroom and stopped still. A bath had been run with a stay-warm charm on it no doubt, and Hermione could smell the light lavender scent from where she stood. Candles covered nearly ever surface, giving the room a warm glow. Lined up along the edge of the tub, Hermione noticed all her favourite bath products. Playing softly so as to add to the relaxing atmosphere, was Norah Jones.
"Just when I think I can't love you more, you go and pull this," Hermione smiled, feeling her eyes well up slightly at all the thought that went into this.
She stepped into the bath and turned on the jets, relaxing as the hot water swirled around her. She spent a good hour in the tub, cleaning and pampering herself, before finally stepping out and wrapping herself in the large fluffy bath towel hanging nearby. As she walked back into the bedroom, towel drying the worst of her hair, she saw a large box sitting on the bed. She could've sworn it hadn't been there earlier, and was wondering how it got there when a soft pop came from behind her.
"Hello Missus Wilson, I is Kiki," a small house elf greeted her. "I is to bring that gift and help you gets ready."
"Thank you Kiki," Hermione smiled before turning back to the box.
She opened it, lifting off the lid and carefully folding back the layers of tissue paper to reveal what had to be one of the most gorgeous gowns she had ever seen. Pulling it out, Kiki immediately came over and with a flick of her fingers, Hermione was clad in underwear and a strapless bra, and moments later, the dress was being lowered over her head. Kiki cast another charm that dried Hermione's hair, and made quick work of curling it and arranging it into a mass on the top/back of her head, a few tendrils framing her face, and delicate ivory hair combs accenting the mass. A few more flicks of Kiki's hand added light makeup, and she then conjured a full-length mirror for Hermione to see herself in before disappearing with a pop.
The chiffon gown was a creamy golden color, falling about her bare feet in silky feeling layers. The bodice of the gown was a stiffer material she didn't recognise, and covered with intricate ruby bead work that caught the light as she moved. A collar of sorts attached to the bodice went around her neck, connecting to the back of the bodice, and also had long gold silk panels attached that flowed behind her as she walked over to the bed to put on her shoes- low golden heels. Matching gloves and ruby earrings completed the ensemble. Just as she finished pulling on a ruby coloured shawl to keep her arms and shoulders warm, a knock sounded at the door.
"I love it, thank you!" Hermione greeted Fred with a hug as soon as she opened the door. "You look wonderful!"
"Thank you," he smiled, kissing her lightly so as not to muss her make-up. He was dressed in a classic black tuxedo. "You look absolutely breathtaking. I'm glad it fits. I had Minerva help with the transfiguration of the gown from one of your skirts and blouses."
"And she didn't tell me? Ooh, I'm going to get her for that," Hermione fumed, though not seriously as she took Fred's offered arm and began the walk to the great hall. "So where are we going?"
"You might as well stop asking, since I'm not going to tell you," he smirked. "I want it to be a surprise. Besides, you'll find out before too long anyways, so just enjoy the suspense, hmm?"
"Fine," she resigned herself to the fact that she would just have to wait as they walked into the great hall.
"Ah, Mya, Greg, you two look wonderful," Albus beamed at the two of them as they walked up to the head table, silence falling as the students saw them.
"Have fun professors!" A couple of first years called out as Hermione and Fred went up to say hello to some of the other professors.
"Thank you, you too," Hermione called back. Albus had organised a small party after dinner for all the students to attend and have fun at.
"All right, ready to go?" Fred asked once she had finished hugging Minerva, and thanking her for helping with the gown.
"Yes, finally," she nodded enthusiastically, causing Fred to laugh as they left, students calling out best wishes behind them.
"All right, hold on," he held out a handkerchief that would serve as their portkey, and they disappeared, reappearing a moment later in a dimly lit alley. Fred held out his arm once more, and led her out onto the street next to a river.
"Is this the Thames?" Hermione asked in confusion looking around.
"Yep. We're in Westminster, near the pier. It should just be a block or so more," he said, gesturing ahead of them where Hermione could see a boat.
"The London Showboat!" She gasped as they neared. "I've always wanted to go on this!"
The London Showboat was a luxury riverliner that offered a four-course meal, live music from West End shows, and dancing. And of course, it had London at night as the beautiful restaurant scenery. Hermione's parents had gone on it once for her mum's birthday, and ever since, Hermione had been dying too.
"How did you know about this, or how to get reservations?" Hermione asked as they boarded and were led to a table.
"Harry's mum," he answered. "I told her I wanted to take you somewhere special, and asked for some ideas and how to go about making reservations and all. This was one of the places she suggested, and that I thought you might like best."
"I love it, this is wonderful!" Hermione leaned over and gave him a rather passionate kiss as the lights dimmed, announcing the start of the music and dining.
The rest of the evening was spent enjoying the wonderful food, and listening to the talented performers. As the ship reached it's turn-around point, the diners were invited to take to the dance floor as the band onstage began to play dance tunes. Fred was quick to stand and bow, offering his hand to Hermione before leading her out to the floor just as a slow foxtrot began. Hermione was surprised when Fred smoothly transitioned into the dance, confidently taking the lead. He hadn't been a bad dancer at the Halloween dance, but nowhere near this good.
"Where'd you learn to dance?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Minerva," he admitted, blushing lightly. "I remember Ron groaning about those dance classes, so when I asked her help in transfiguring clothes, I also asked for dance lessons."
"Well you look good," she winked saucily, before breaking into giggles.
They continued dancing, not once sitting down or taking a break. And all while dancing, they couldn't seem to stop talking; about everything and nothing it seemed. When they arrived back at Westminster Pier, both were sad to see the evening end.
"Oh that was so much fun!" Hermione sighed as they entered their rooms.
"It was tolerable," Fred put on a faux look of boredom with the whole evening.
"Oh come on, admit it, you had fun," Hermione turned so she was facing him
"Absolutely not," Fred continued with the snob charade as he shrugged off his jacket and tie.
"Not even a little fun?"
"No."
"Just a little bit of fun?" Hermione walked towards him, a devious smile on her face as she slowly pulled off her gloves.
"Not even a little bit."
"Not even a tiny…teensie…weensie…itty…bitty…bit…of fun?" She purred as she walked around him, trailing her hand suggestively over his shoulders and back, coming to a rest on his chest.
"Maybe..." Fred leaned forward and kissed her. "But I doubt it."
"Well you want to have some now?" Hermione leaned in and kissed him back, longer this time. Fred just smirked and nodded, kissing her more passionately this time, leaving her slightly breathless when he pulled back and looked her in the eyes.
"There's just one problem," Fred said as he wrapped his hands around her waist pulling her against him, his hands massaging her back through the fabric of the dress.
"Oh really?" Hermione smiled up at his as she began to slowly unbutton his shirt. "And what's that?"
"We're both wearing entirely too much clothing," he grinned evilly.
He leaned in and lowered his lips to her shoulder, brushing several light kisses over her skin, causing goosebumps to appear. While his hands began to pull out her hair combs and let down her hair, he nudged the side of her chin with his nose, placing kisses along the side of her neck. At the contact, Hermione's fingers dug into his hair and her arms tightened around his neck. Fred smiled against her skin as he nibbled and sucked at the place where her shoulder and neck met, before meticulously moving upward to find the slight hollow right below her ear, giving it due attention.
Pulling back a moment, he stopped to look at the beautiful creature in front of him. Smiling again, he teasingly leaned in to kiss her, but at the last minute dipped down and settled his lips on her collarbone, nibbling at the sensitive flesh. She let out a soft gasp, and Fred couldn't fight back a chuckle.
"Did I mention that I had a wonderful time tonight?" Hermione sighed as Fred easily picked her up and carried her into their bedroom, lowering her gently onto the bed with a tender kiss.
"It's not over yet," he murmured silkily, his hands reaching around her back to begin gently pulling on the zipper.
Hermione leaned up to meet his kiss eagerly as her hands slid around the waistband of his pants, un-tucking his shirt. Slipping her hands inside the shirt, she clutched at the hard muscles his smooth soft skin covered. At the contact of her hands against his skin, he groaned into her mouth and deepened the kiss with his tongue. If everything had been surreal before, the feel and expertise of his tongue sent her over the edge. Blindly he lifted himself up a little, pulling her dress down her slim frame until she was able to kick it off. She made quick work of unbuttoning his shirt and pants and helping him tug them both off. With that done and their lips never breaking contact, he put his arms in and wrapped them around her mostly-naked torso, the contact adding to the already sensual kiss. His hands removed her undergarments before his fingers traced gently over every curve, every beauty mark, and every bit of soft silky skin.
Hermione moaned slightly at the feel of his warm muscled flesh against hers, and slid her hands down his chest, her nails lightly raking over the skin. Reaching the waistband of his boxers, she slid her fingers teasingly around the inside of the band and back around his waist to his back. She continued the movement until the boxers were riding low on his waist, and she could feel the curve of his hips against her hands. Fred made quick work of also tugging them off, leaving them pressed against each other in a tender embrace. Pulling back a moment to catch her breath, she met his eyes, and was shocked by the passion and love she saw there.
"I love you Fred Weasley," Hermione said smiling shyly as his eyes roamed over her.
"I love you too, Hermione Weasley," he smiled teasingly at her, before leaning in for a kiss, surrendering to the passion, emotions, and love that would last through the night.
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A/N: Well, that's that. Hope y'all liked it, cause I did, lol. I think one of my fav parts was the "interrogation" by the seventh years. I could just picture them being all excited over Lily and James, that they'd want to know what their professors did. Anyways, in regards to the gown Hermione wears, it's the one that Madonna wears in "Evita" at the inauguration ball. The link is www . imdb . com / gallery / ss / 0116250 / 1-21 . jpg Just take out the spaces and it should work I hope, though I'm sorry to say the pic's in black and white. If the addy doesn't work, let me know, and I'll put a link in my profile. Oh, if the "love scene" looks familiar, it's cause it's very similar to the one I wrote in TTSR. And as always, leave a review if you're so inclined! I always appreciate them!