A/N: Hey all! I know this took forevever. It was written several days ago, but everytime I tried to upload was having issues. Sorry for the wait! Thanks to my beta Clarinet Girl Lyss! I am not the one and only J.K. Rolwing.

Chapter Three

As Hermione exited the portrait hole, Fred entered and took a seat next to Ron. He took out Defense books and Transfiguration. Hetoo looked up to find Ron staring at him and stared right back, challenging his little brother to speak his mind. Ron opened his mouth several times and then finally managed to speak.

"Do you, um, like Hermione?" he stuttered. Fred's head shot up to meet Ron's eyes.

"I think I might." he said slowly. "Why is that any of your concern dear brother?" Ron broke the gaze.

"Because you have been acting weird around each other lately. I haven't seen her smile this much since fifth year. At first, I thought it was because we were back in classes, but you don't take Herbology." Ron stated this last part like it was the answer to the question.

"And?" Fred had a broad smile on his face. He couldn't believe that Hermione's best friend thought she liked him. It really made him take the question more seriously.

"Well, she doesn't smile in Herbology and she always blushes when you smile." Fred looked genuinely stunned.

"I didn't know you were so observant."

"Actually, Harry was the one who noticed first, but we figured I could get more out of you." Ron said blushing.

"Interesting, I will have to keep a better eye out. Now, did you figure out what you are going to do for Defense?" he asked almost as eagerly as Hermione. Ron eyed him suspiciously.

"Since when do you get all peppy about school work? Are you feeling alright?" Ron placed a swift hand to Fred's forehead, who quickly pushed it aside.

"I'm fine you prat. I just decided to make the most of this opportunity. Why flunk out of school twice? You know I'm not good at doing things half way if I have to do them at all." He said with a charming smile.

"Of course. Well, I know I want to do strategy, but I have no idea how to present it."

"What about chess? That's like your calling." Fred said mockingly.

"Haha. How am I supposed to explain strategic maneuvers to an entire class through chess? They won't be able to see and they will probably be dead bored by they end."

"What about that chamber you talked about in your first year? You were the chess pieces. You could position the class as chess pieces and make them stay involved." Fred said nonchalantly.

"You are brilliant!" Ron nearly screamed.

"I know." Fred said beaming. "I would say it runs in the genes, but" he eyed Ron wearily and was swiftly smacked upside the head. "Now that was uncalled for." he said loudly as Ron doubled over in laughter. "Immature git. I don't know how Harry puts up with you, but I don't really want to know, now that I think about it." Ron flushed and closed his book. He left the table muttering under his breath.

0o0

Hermione walked to the library in silence. She couldn't explain any of her actions. There was that sudden tension through her stomach and stuttering and blushing. She did not blush and she certainly didn't stutter. Her position in the war had made her a proud woman and stuttering was not at all dignified. So, why was it that Fred's mere presence suddenly brought these actions out in her? It was all so confusing. A part of her knew Ron was right, but another was rebelling. It was such a new concept; to not be afraid to be close to people. There was a lot less threat now and few more would be killed due to the defeated dark lord. She smiled as brief images of Fred and her holding hands, or kissing by the lake, flooded her mind. When did she become such a romantic? She was always practical and analytical, so the sudden shift was disconcerting.

0o0

Fred entered the great hall the next day and sat next to George, helping himself to the bountiful amount of food. As George engaged him in conversation, Hermione walked through the doors. Fred's head shot up and George raised an eyebrow.

"Do you think you could be a little less obvious? Unless you want the entire school to know." Fred stared at his twin and smirked.

"Ron thinks she likes me and, I have to say, after hearing his reasoning, I quite agree." He said proudly.

"So, you are actually going to go after Hermione? Man that sounds weird. All I can think of is her lecturing us in the common room about using first years as test subjects. Isn't she a bit up tight for you?" George asked.

"I think she has lightened up quite a bit since the war ended. She has a great sense of humor, when she wants to. We both know she can take a joke now and she's starting to see past the whole joke shop thing." George just shook his head.

"I hope you know what you are getting into mate. You'll be studying for your N.E.W.T's by next week." Fred blushed, but got up to sit next to Ron, Harry and Hermione.

"Hey." Fred said as he sat across from Hermione. She blushed and he smiled. He felt like a first year, staring at her. "How- how are you?" he pushed some eggs around his plate nervously.

"I'm fine. Sleep well?" her voice was a bit shaky and they had yet to make eye contact. Fred looked up from his plate and met Ron and Harry's eyes. They were smirking and laughing. He shook his head and pooled all if his courage to face her. He looked straight ahead and made eye contact. He immediately started blushing and cursing.

"Yeah, I slept well." She smiled and his blush deepened.

"Ok, you know what? This is ridiculous! Would you two just snog already and get it over with? I'm trying to eat here and the nervous energy is disrupting my breakfast." Ginny was standing beside Fred, her face slightly red from yelling. She sat back down and went back to her eggs as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Fred looked around and saw that most of the hall was staring at them.

"Lovely." he said aloud. He turned his gaze back to Hermione and realized she had left. Fred got out of his seat and ran out to the entrance hall. He found Hermione by the stairs.

"What's wrong?" he asked as he walked up behind her. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"That was incredibly embarrassing." she said without turning around. "I can't believe Ginny said that. I trusted her." Hermione finally got the courage to turn around, but kept her eyes trained to the ground.

"Trusted her with what? She just made an observation."

"Maybe, but she was working with Harry and Ron on this, I know." she finally looked up. "She betrayed my trust and probably told Harry and Ron." she rambled.

"What are you talking about?"

"Ron thinks I like you," she blushed further. "And it is all Ginny's fault. She couldn't keep her mouth shut." she said angrily. Fred thought about this for a moment and took her chin in his hand, raising her eyes to meet his.

"Well, Ron knows I like you and Ginny had nothing to do with that." he blushed slightly as he lowered his head. Their lips brushed lightly and Hermione pulled away quickly.

"This better not be some prank Fred Weasley." she said trying to sound stern through her bewilderment. Fred put his hands up in the air, as though he were proving innocence.

"I swear." Hermione still looked at him wearily, but he knew he had won. "Do you like me too?" he asked cautiously. She looked dumbfounded for a second, but nodded her head.

"Do you want to go to Hogsmeade with me next weekend, so we can get to know each other a little better? I know you practically lived with us for the last three years, but I still don't feel like I really know you." Hermione nodded again and looked down at the floor. Fred put his hand on her chin again and kissed her just as lightly as the first time.

A/N: Sighs. Wow that was fluffy! I can't believe I wrote that. I'm kind of proud, since I haven't been able to write bonefied fluff for ages. Review... please. aLtO