First chapter, a short one to get things started. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling.


If you asked Fred years later when he first started noticing Hermione he wouldn't be able to tell you. It was a gradual thing. It had started with a feeling of respect when he noticed she was actually quite funny and could stand her own in a banter, when she punched Malfoy straight in the face, when he noticed how fierce and loyal she was to her principles. Thing is at one point she was no longer his brother's best friend in his eyes but a person in her own accord.

If you asked Fred the first time he thought Hermione was beautiful he didn't have any doubts. It was in their sixth year, her fourth. Contrary to what anyone believed the twins did spend a lot of time in the library. How else did they do all the research for their inventions? It was in September of that year that he had seen her bowed over a book, deep in focus, sitting in the light of one of the windows.

"Fred?" He heard his twin say while he snapped his fingers next to his face "Still with me?" Snapping out of his thoughts he turned his attention back to George. "Still with you." He said smiling.

George looked towards where his twin's attention had been a moment ago and laughed. "Were you checking out Granger?"

He decided to ignore the question, too puzzled by it himself. He had in fact been checking out Granger. Well she was a pretty girl and looking never harmed anyone.

Two months later he realized he was in fact in trouble. He was no longer the only one in the library who was looking and he realized he didn't like it one bit.

Why did it bother him so much that Victor Krum was also paying attention to Hermione? Every single time he saw the seeker gawking he was bothered by him and where he once had been a fan he was suddenly convinced that he was in fact the worst professional seeker out there at the moment.

Week after week he got more and more annoyed until he could no longer deny it. Especially with all the fuss surrounding the Yule Ball. He had it bad for Hermione…

And what if he did? She wasn't cool or sporty like Angelina but she was smart, funny, strong and pretty. She was his brother's best friend but as far as he knew it there wasn't any claim there. He could at least try.

"George, I need your advice on something and it's one of those moments where I need you to be serious."

His twin nodded, and looked at him. They could be the never ending jokers towards the outside world but amongst themselves there was room for their insecurities and thoughts.

"What if I wanted to ask Granger to the ball. How idiotic would that be?"

George was stunned at first and looked at the table where Granger was sitting. "Fred, I know you like to prank Ron and I know you like to take a joke a bit further than me but that would just be cruel."

"George, I told you this was a serious conversation. And you can't still believe Ron is crushing on her! He doesn't even notice she's there. Looking at every single girl as a potential date except for her."

George nodded "So why do it then? Is it to prank her or what?"

Fred shook his head "Forget it, it's silly if even you can't take it seriously."

He wanted to grab his things and get up but felt George's hand on his shoulder pushing him back in his chair. "No, wait a minute. Let's talk this through. You just caught me of guard here. I just thought you were getting quite close with Angelina and never even knew you were getting close with Granger."

"Well, it caught me like a bludger to the head to be quite honest. But you have to be honest? She isn't that bad looking."

George turned towards Hermione "Not that I ever looked at her this way but no, she's a looker. But so's Angelina and Ron won't hex you for asking Angelina."

"Yeah… but she's also quite funny and fun to banter with. Remember when she tried to warn us about that aging potion?"

George whistled and shook his head.

"Man, you got it bad… if we were talking about any other witch I'd say you have been slipped some love potion."

Fred laughed "She'd be capable of brewing one."

"Yeah, but she would never slip anyone one."

They both sat in silence staring at the witch who looked up under their gaze and gave them an annoyed look.

"She'll never go with you." George said "She'll be convinced as I was that it's a prank."

"Yup!" Fred said, popping the P "But if I don't he will." He said, gesturing towards Krum.

"Then go for it."

Fred gathered all his courage and got up so quickly before George could even react, moving towards Hermione's table. George buried his face in his hands. This was not what he meant with go for it. This wasn't going to end well.

Hermione looked up when she saw Fred approach her desk. "Fred, I really need to finish this essay." There were only a few people who always managed to tell them apart, Hermione was one of them. Fred sat down next to her, ignoring her annoyed look. So far, this was going excellent. Hermione just shook her head, picked up her quill and continued to write her essay, choosing to ignore whatever would come next. "I just came to inform if someone had already asked you to the ball." Fred said, giving her a grin.

She looked back up at him in surprise. "No, why? You here to laugh about it? Didn't think that was your style really." Okay, so that was not how he intended this to go. "Why would I laugh about it?" Hermione just shrugged "Why would you ask the question?"

"Because I want to take a beautiful and smart witch towards the ball whom I know won't bore me to death and I want to check if she's still available."

Hermione started to collect her things. "If this is some sort of bet you can forget about it."

Fred jumped up and grabbed her arm "Wait a second!" He said looking straight into her eyes "I'm sorry if you think that about me but I'm actually quite sincere." She was about to open her mouth but they were interrupted by Victor who had come to their desk.

"I think you should let the lady go." He said in a heavy accent. Fred let go of her arm but ignored him further, continuing to stare at Hermione.

"Alright then, suppose you're sincere. Why?"

"Why? Because of what I just said. Because I think you're a really beautiful, talented witch who knows how to crack a joke. I think we've had plenty of conversations in the past to make you realize that I do respect you."

He could see a blush form on her face. "You see, it's the beautiful part that I can't quite take seriously."

"Hold on a second." He turned towards Victor who was still staring "Mate? Do you mind? I don't recall inviting you to the conversation here. I'm not going to hurt her here."

Victor nodded but didn't break eye contact. He returned to his desk and shook his head. Guess he'd had to look for another date. When he was gone Fred looked at Hermione.

"Look, I just wanted to ask you. We can go as friends, no strings attached. But if you don't want to go I'm not going to force you. Just as long as you know that you are a beautiful witch."

Hermione thought it over, eyeing him up. She had hoped that Harry or Ron would ask her but they were too occupied with other girls to even notice her. The fact that Fred had, and in fact apparently found her attractive was a boost to her fractured pride. She always did have a good time when he was around so why not give it a chance?

"Alright then." She said "You win, you can take me to the ball if you like."

Fred grinned "It's a date then."

"As friends!"

"A friendly date!"

Fred turned towards George, grinning. George was just glad he didn't place any bets. He couldn't believe he had asked and she said yes. The bonus was that Angelina was now free to be asked.


Hope you liked it! Let me know in the comments.