For the Through the Universe Challenge at The Golden Snitch Forum (Beauxbatons, Guinefort, 124. words: growing up).


Trouble With Sunscreen

Hermione was eager to soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of the beach. She yearned to feel the warm rays of sunshine, to hunt for the perfect shell, to hear the waves crash upon the shore, to smell the salty seawater. But first, she had to make sure that Fred was properly protected from the sun, and applying sunscreen was proving to be quite a challenge.

"Fred," she said sternly, "hold still, please."

The redhead shifted again, and she let out a sigh. "It's not my fault your touch makes me all squirmy, 'Mione," he pouted, but his blue eyes sparkled with mirth.

"You're impossible," she muttered. Louder, she said, "Turn around, please."

Fred did as she asked, and she took a moment to admire the freckles scattered across his bare back before slathering more suntan lotion on. Her fingers worked deftly to rub it in, lingering at times on a particularly interesting patch of freckles. He had a smattering of them that looked like the constellation Lupus, she noted with some amusement.

"Are you finished yet?" Fred asked impatiently.

"Not quite. I've got to do your face, too," Hermione replied. A light breeze ruffled her hair, and she used her arm to push it away from her eyes.

"I'm going to grow old standing here, you know," he said, turning around to look at her with puppy-dog eyes. "When do we get to enjoy ourselves?"

"At this rate?" Hermione said, ignoring his pleading look. "Never. I can do this all day, love." The look of despair that he sent her in response made her giggle. She loved when she was able to tease him back.

She began to apply sunscreen to his face, starting with his forehead, which she had to stand on her tiptoes to reach. Suddenly, he sneezed, spraying her with a fine mist.

She groaned. "Nice, Fred."

"Oh, I sneezed," he said, his face the perfect picture of innocence. "What? I'm not allowed to sneeze?"

"Will you ever grow up?" Hermione countered, though her voice lacked any real heat. She gingerly wiped her face with her arm before moving her hands to the bridge of his nose. "You could have at least warned me!"

"It snuck up on me!" Fred protested. Suddenly, he flashed her a cheeky grin. "And as to your inquiry about growing up, you should know by now that my answer is a resounding 'no.'"

He was right. Hermione knew that he would always have that youthful streak in him. It was what made him...Fred. She loved him for and in spite of it, and that was never going to change.

She finished working some lotion into his cheeks and gave him a quick kiss. "Come on. We can finally go and enjoy ourselves."

"Hang on." Fred grabbed her waist and pulled her in for a longer kiss. "Alright," he said, taking her hand, "now I'm ready."


Word count: 486