Again, I'm terribly sorry for taking so long. I have little time for writing my fic right now. The project I'm working for didn't get new funding so I'm in the annoying situation that I have to search for a new job again. So all my free time is spent with researching jobs and writing applications and, I kid you not: I write in every free minute because I can't afford to be unemployed… I hope you all are patient with me. I will try to publish more frequently but I don't want to promise something I can't keep right now. Till the job issue is solved I will probably have to spend more time with less enjoyable writing stuff.
So, just know that I will never abandon this story and that updates will come as soon as I can get them out. It was just a bit difficult in the last few months and I don't know if it will get better soon.
For all of you on AO3: I started to upload my stories there too.
Also, we reached over 750 followers for this story and I'm extremely thankful and overwhelmed. Thank you all! As a special Thank you-gift and an apology that you had to wait I wrote an extra-long chapter ;) I hope you all ejoy it!
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WHAT IF
Chapter - Making A Deal (Part II)
Fred had stopped hooking up with girls, or at least it seemed so. Hermione couldn't be completely sure but since they had arrived back at school two weeks ago she hadn't caught the prankster with a girl. George and Fred also seemed more at ease with each other than ever and were back to terrorising the castle. Hermione still scolded them but internally she was glad that the twins had hashed out their misunderstandings.
Angelina was still tiptoeing around Fred and George but now Hermione could see that the older girl was eyeing not only Fred warily but also George. Angelina's eyes always held a mixture of sadness, fear and hope. It seemed like the chaser was for once not willing or able to be brave and straightforward and instead waited for one of the twins to break the ice. But unfortunately, there was no change in sight between those three. Hermione always watched them carefully and recognised how George was avoiding Angelina with a slight blush while Fred always looked like he felt incredibly guilty. It was still complicated. Hermione swore that she would knock some sense into the three of them if they didn't get their act together till the end of the school year.
For now, however, Hermione was occupied with trying to woo Fred. Unfortunately, that wasn't an easy task. The redhead seemed oblivious to everything Hermione said and did. And she had tried a lot of things.
She had started to sit near Fred at every meal in order to strike a conversation with him. But since Ron and Harry were also always there, her efforts weren't recognised. Hermione also tried to sit close to Fred in the common room, hoping for a moment to flirt or something… she didn't really know what she was hoping or waiting for. A chance. A moment to change their relationship. But more and more she realised that her strategy was maybe a bit flawed. Essentially, she had no idea what she was doing.
"Come on, let's sit over there," Hermione pulled Ginny away from her brothers and Harry to the opposite part of the common room. With a curious glance, Ginny followed her and they sank down on a plush sofa.
"I feel like a stalker," Hermione sighed before Ginny had the chance to ask. After the last two weeks of following Fred around like a love-sick puppy, she had enough. It had no effect on Fred and Hermione felt like she made a fool out of herself.
"Maybe you need to change your strategy. Instead of always being around, you could try to stay away from him. Maybe he will realise it and seek you out?"
"Nah, I don't think so. I avoided Fred the last few years enough to know that he won't even notice. Avoiding and ignoring would only work if we already had… something."
"Well, then how about being more straightforward?"
"You mean more straightforward than sitting with him at every meal?" Hermione let out a frustrated snort.
"But you're barely doing anything! I mean, you're trying to talk to him whenever possible but you still behave like before. You still talk to him like he's your best friend's older brother and not a boy you're interested in. You have to show your interest more clearly!" Ginny exclaimed. Hermione wanted to protest but instead took a minute to think about it.
She had never been the one to try to flirt first. Viktor had - in his own clumsy and shy way - made the first step in most aspects of their brief relationship. He had made the effort to talk to her, invite her to the ball, and listen to her interest. In addition, he had brought her the book she had searched. All very clear signs of him being interested in her. Now Hermione had to do the same and she had to admit that it was harder than she had thought.
"You're probably right but I don't know how to do that," Hermione sighed and snuggled deeper into the couch.
"I don't think you have to do much. You just need to relax and be yourself." Ginny winked. "You two are soulmates so the chances that Fred will notice you if you're yourself are good. Even more now that Angelina is out of the way. Just be a bit… braver."
"How is it going with Michael?" Hermione finally asked to change the topic while Ginny was playing with Crookshanks. The ginger just shrugged.
"Good, I think. We didn't write over the holidays but now that we're back at school everything is back to normal. We're in the library pretty often with his friends." Ginny seemed absentminded but Hermione didn't push her. She knew Ginny sometimes needed a moment to sort out her minds and say the right thing. "I'm not sure it's working, you know. The whole dating someone different. Michael is nice and everything but there is no spark between us. I like kissing him, it's pleasant but it's just… not enough."
"I know that you mean. It was the same for me with Viktor." Hermione admitted. "You know, Harry asked Cho for a date on the next Hogsmeade weekend. It's on Valentine's Day." She added. Hermione didn't know why but she felt that it was always best to tell Ginny things like this straight ahead.
"I know, I heard him talk about it with Ron," Ginny finally let Crooks go and leaned back. "I'm an idiot. Michael doesn't make me happy and I think it would be best to break up. I will never get over Harry when I'm in an unhappy relationship. But I don't want to hurt Michael either. I hate this. Life was definitely more relaxed and easy before this whole boys and love thing started."
"Amen," Hermione muttered which earned her a confused expression from Ginny. Laughing she was just about to start to explain the muggleism when a tearstained Lavender stormed into the common room and up to the girls' dorm. Parvati came in seconds later, a deep frown on her face.
"Parvati!" Hermione called after her and the girl stopped by their sofa. "What's going on? Is Lavender okay?"
"Seamus broke up with her," Parvati muttered darkly. "She was visiting his family over the holidays and apparently his mum insulted Harry and Dumbledore. Lavender kept quiet but they fought about it since being back at Hogwarts. Lavender was defending Harry while Seamus always insists that he would only believe him if Harry finally told everyone what happened inside the maze. Seems like Seamus snapped and broke it off when they were fighting today." She sighed. "Lavender is equally angry and heartbroken so prepare for her being in a mood the next few weeks." With a shrug, she also went to the girls' dorm while Hermione and Ginny watched her with wide eyes.
"Merlin, it will be a nightmare living with Lavender," Hermione ruffled her hair. She remembered vividly how sickly in love Lavender had been with Seamus ever since the Yule Ball. The blonde surely was heartbroken but unfortunately Lavender tended to be a right bitch when she was angry or sad. Hermione didn't envy Parvati for having to put up with it.
"You know, sometimes I think it would be better if Harry told his story." Ginny stared at her fingernails, a slight blush on her cheeks like she was ashamed for even mentioning it.
"Sometimes I think so too. But he doesn't want to… or maybe he's too traumatised to talk about. Either way, we can't force him. He has to make the decision for himself." Hermione bit her lip. She had thought about this too. People were believing the lies in the Daily Prophet because there were only a few who knew the truth right from Harry. But Hermione knew better than to push Harry. And even if he was willing, who would listen to him?
The day before the Prophet had reported the massive break-out of former Death Eaters which prompted Umbridge to get a new educational decree out, forbidding teachers to give students information outside from classes. It was frustrating. Slowly, step after step, Umbridge took over every aspect of their school life and outside from the DA meetings Hermione had no idea how to fight against it without getting expelled or imprisoned.
Deep in thought, Hermione watched how Fred and George tossed some fireworks to each other while Ron and Harry counted how many times they managed before they went off. On any other day Hermione would have scolded them but tonight she wasn't in the mood. She still had no idea how she could change her behaviour around Fred while staying herself.
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Hermione was on her way back to Gryffindor Tower after her prefect rounds when she found herself in front of a picture of a very thin, noble-looking witch who eyed Hermione from above. Somehow, she felt like she should know this place and after a few seconds, it finally clicked. It was the picture Fred and George vanished behind a few weeks before the Christmas holidays when they had been on the run from Filch.
"What do you want?" The women asked all high and mighty, and for a moment, Hermione thought that it was remarkable that such a picture was willing to help the twins. But it was even more remarkable that they had figured out the password.
"Are the Weasley twins still using the room behind your picture?" Hermione asked without a real hope that the snobby lady would help her. And as predicted the woman just smiled cruelly.
"Like I would tell you." Hermione narrowed her eyes at the picture and thought that it could actually be one of Malfoy's ancestors, with her arrogant attitude. Someone from such an old pureblood family like Draco Malfoy surely had some relatives hanging as pictures in Hogwarts.
Hermione was about to turn away in defeat when George rounded the corner and stopped with wide eyes at the sight of her.
"Granger, really nice to see you. Wonderful evening, isn't it? Aren't you out a bit late? Its curfew soon," he tried a nonchalant grin but Hermione could see that it unnerved him to see her in front of their secret room. There was a visible twitch in one of his eyelids. A little smirk crept on Hermione's face.
"Well, you could accompany me back to the common room like a real gentleman," she teased and for a moment George seemed shocked. But then this unnerving Weasley twin smile lightened up his face and Hermione could almost see the sassy comment forming in his head.
"Show us the way my sweets," an excited voice suddenly sounded from behind them. "Don't worry, High Inquisitor, Mrs Norris will find all troublemakers out after curfew."
Filch and Umbridge! With wide eyes, Hermione and George starred at each other. Hermione felt herself panicking. She could easily talk her way out of trouble by saying she was on her way back from her rounds. But George had no reason to be out. And Filch already hated him, Umbridge too probably.
"Marauder's den," George hastily muttered to the picture and with a small frown the lady opened up. "Quick, get inside, Granger." He ushered Hermione into the room.
The sight took her breath away. The room had roughly the size of a classroom but was furnished like a common room. There were soft armchairs and couches, a fireplace and some bookshelves. But someone had pushed all the chairs and couches into one half of the room. The other half was occupied by one very large and long table. There were nine or ten cauldrons bubbling on the table, ingredients were stored in two shelves - the books piled on one of the sofas - and there were several stacks of boxed Weasley products.
Fred was leaning over a bubbling cauldron, skimming through a book and obviously in deep thought.
"Good, you're finally here," Fred muttered. "I think we can try and add the Murtlap essence now. Should help with the side effects." Fred noted something in the book and Hermione guessed it was their personal potions book to record their experiments.
For a second Hermione was frozen. Overwhelmed with seeing the twin's personal workroom and with the new situation of being alone with the two of them. But then it occurred her. This was it! This was the moment - the chance - she had hoped and waited for.
Just be brave.
"Murtlap? I think I know who you have to thank for this idea," Hermione stated and with satisfaction, she watched how Fred jumped up. With wide eyes, he stared at Hermione.
"So, what are you working on?" Hermione rounded the table, ignoring the confused look on Fred's face, and looked into the cauldron. A red, thick liquid was shimmering there. It looked awfully like blood and Hermione wasn't sure if she really wanted to know what kind of ingredients created this look.
"New batch of nosebleed nougat," George answered from the door, completely at ease. Hermione saw from the corner of her eye that he was storing something away but she didn't even try to ask. It was probably something illegal - or obtained illegally - and she knew she would only get jokes and cheeky comments for an answer.
"The antidote for it," Fred corrected, still staring at her like she had grown fur or horns. "We had a few problems with the side effect of the antidote and hope the Murtlap essence will prevent that."
"What side effect?"
"Boils," both twins answered in unison and blushed. "And not in a good place." Hermione hummed in understanding.
"Shouldn't you stir that? Before it burns?" Hermione asked Fred, who jumped slightly and then started to stir again, side-eyeing her the whole time. A few minutes went in silence while Fred stirred and George prepared the Murtlap essence. Hermione meanwhile was strolling through the room, looking at the boxed products and the vast amount of ingredients. It looked like the twins were closer to having their dream of an own shop come true than Hermione had thought. She had never doubted that Fred and George would be successful but this looked like they only lacked a salesroom.
As she came back to the big table, she saw that Fred was still staring at her nervously.
"Honestly, you would think I'm some kind of monster, the way you are behaving. I'm not going to bite your head off," Hermione finally snorted, fed up with his unusual silence and staring.
"No, that's not it," Fred blushed again and George snickered amused. "It's just, why are you here? Or the better question would be," he turned to his twin, "why did you let her inside?" The glare in Fred's eyes was playful and George just shrugged with a smirk.
"The toad and Filch were outside, searching for students out after curfew. There wasn't enough time to get back to the common room and I couldn't leave her alone outside, right? Don't worry, I'm sure Granger will be so grateful for my heroic act of saving her from horrible detention and not try to take points from us. Or give us detentions," he winked. "Right, Granger?"
"Well, I would be if I had needed your saving. You're aware that I'm a prefect, right? I'm allowed to be out after curfew if I have rounds," Hermione answered easily while she opened a potions book on the table.
"The thought counts?" George offered.
"I suppose I will let you off this time." Hermione grinned, winking at both of the twins. It was the first time she had ever tried something close to flirting and it had an interesting effect. While George just laughed at her comment, Fred's mouth opened slightly in surprise.
"Hermione Granger not giving us detention or docking points? Who are you and what did you do with the real Hermione Granger?" He asked with a slight tint of teasing in his voice.
"If you complain about it, I can still punish you," Hermione growled jokingly. "But maybe you're secretly into that kind of stuff. Wouldn't surprise me regarding how often you get into trouble. Like the punishments?" At this, Fred laughed loudly.
"Maybe she really is an imposter," George snickered.
"Nah, I think we're good. And not really into that kind of stuff," Fred teased. "But since you're already here, why don't you help us with this?" He gestured to the cauldron. "I'm sure your ability to recite every book in the library will be of great use for us. Or is Miss-perfect-Prefect afraid of breaking the rules?"
"So, you believe my brilliance is only rooted in my ability to actually memorise and remember things?" Hermione narrowed her eyes at Fred, who looked slightly alarmed. "Well, let me do what I can do best: prove Weasley men wrong." She grinned and stepped beside him, taking the long stirring rod from his hand and snatched the self-made potions book from the table.
"Let's see," and without further discussion, Hermione and the twins started to complete the potion. They bickered a lot, teased each other and Hermione asked a lot of questions about their products which amused the twins to no end. Of course, they didn't tell her a thing about their products, always referring to the importance of business secrets.
"Okay," George scooped one of the finished bonbons from the table. "Miss Granger, want to have the honour of testing it first? Just take the nose bleeding nougat first." With a grin, he offered Hermione the sweet.
"Ha, as if I would volunteer to test one of your products." Hermione folded her arms in front of her. Helping with the production was one thing, but testing was where she drew the line. "Not so long ago you two tried to convince me that it's safe to give your products to innocent first years because you test them on yourselves. Well, show me your excellent, foolproof testing methods." The challenge was evident and both twins smirked.
"Age before beauty," Fred winked and swallowed the nougat. Half a minute later his nose started bleeding and it actually looked like he urgently needed a healer.
"Looks good," George commented and scribbled something down. "Bloody enough to get one out of classes but not as extreme as in the beginning. How do you feel?"
"Good, besides the disgusting feeling of having blood running down my face." Quickly Fred swallowed the antidote and after two minutes the bleeding stopped completely. Fred and George both cried a loud Whoop in celebration and laughed like maniacs.
"Seems like we're ready for mass production!"
"We have to celebrate!" George grinned. "How about I get us something from the kitchens and we meet up in the common room?"
"Deal," Hermione smiled and they parted way. George went down to the kitchen while Hermione and Fred stayed for a moment to clean up Fred's bloody face. Hermione watched patiently for two minutes as Fred tried to get the half-dried blood from his face without a mirror before she stepped in.
"You're just spreading it all over your face," she interrupted, taking the tissue from Fred. "Let me help." With a well-placed Scourgify Hermione cleaned Fred's face quickly.
"Thanks," and with mirroring grins they made their way to Gryffindor Tower together. Hermione wanted to hug George for giving her this perfect opportunity but that would probably be weird.
"You know, if I had bet on you helping us one day with our products, I would have lost some money today," Fred mentioned casually as they climbed through the portrait hole. The Fat Lady eyed them suspiciously but said nothing.
"Lucky for you, you know better than to bet on anything that involves me," Hermione winked. "Just remember the Yule Ball disaster."
"Yeah, ickle Ronniekins will probably never get his act together. Still not interested in him?" Thankfully they were alone in the common room. It was later than Hermione had thought and everyone else had already gone to bed. So they took the liberty to push a couch closer to the dim fire.
"Nope, still only seeing him as a friend. And I don't think that will ever change." Hermione gingerly sat down cross-legged, careful to arrange her skirt properly.
"Well, if," Fred held his hands high to pacify her. "If that ever changes then you will probably have to make the first step. Just keep in that in mind. Weasley men are in general oblivious idiots. Got it from Dad, who never would have made the first step without Mum slipping him a little encouraging love potion. Always thought that George and I are the big exceptions from the rule, but since George is behaving like a fool around Angie I highly doubt it. Pretty sure Fleur made the first step with Bill too. And Bill's supposed to be the cool one. Seems like I'm the last man standing between all those fools." A proud grin tugged on Fred's lips.
"Oh, believe me, I know all about oblivious Weasley men. Maybe you shouldn't think so highly of yourself," Hermione muttered. Since you're the most oblivious of them all, she added internally.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione felt her face flush as she realised that she had said too much. Gryffindor courage!
"Well, I'm trying to get your atten-"
A loud bang interrupted her as George almost ran into the common room. Not that Hermione really knew how this sentence would have ended. She had started to talk without thinking, which was very unlike her.
"That was close!" George slammed the door shut behind him and sank down on the floor. With a lot of overacting, he opened the pockets of his robe and presented them with a kind of tarts, cookies and a few bottles of pumpkin juice. "The toad almost caught me on the way back. Merlin, I wish she would bugger off already. Really, is it too much to ask that whatever drives of the DADA teacher every year hurries up a bit?"
"Yeah, can't imagine what it will be like if this actually manages to survive the year. One more educational decree and I'm going to jump from the Astronomy Tower." Fred shuddered. "On the other hand, it would be good for business. The more students hate their teachers, the more prank products they will buy."
Hermione still felt her heart stutter from the interruption - or more what she had wanted to say beforehand - so she busied herself with sipping from a pumpkin juice. It was a mystery to her why neither of the twins commented on her bright red face. And it had to be bright face because she felt like she was burning up. With some effort, Hermione managed to concentrate on the conversation between Fred and George.
"Oh, and next year we're out of school. So we could help from the outside. Get some dirt on the old toad and help to get her fired." The twins laughed evilly, probably to entertain Hermione.
Getting dirt on Umbridge to drive her away would be wonderful. But they really couldn't wait so long. Who knew, maybe the pink menace really managed to come back for the next school year…
What a horrifying thought, Hermione cringed. Maybe we could use the blood quill to expose her?
"If we manage to get something juicy about Umbridge then we could blackmail her to leave school," one of the twins suggested with a snicker.
Blackmail! They hadn't anything on Umbridge, that wouldn't work. But Hermione knew someone else she had material on, someone who could actually help.
"You two are brilliant!" On a whim, Hermione hugged Fred, who was sitting right beside her, tightly and grinned at him.
"Thanks?"
"I just got the best idea ever!" Hermione jumped up. She needed to write a letter and think about her strategy. How could she convince Harry and where would they get a publisher? She was almost at the stairs when George called after her.
"Hey Granger, I'm brilliant too! Got no hugs for me?"
"Nope," Hermione answered laughing and when she turned around, she saw Fred's bright red face and George's raised eyebrow. A blush crept on her face but she also still smiled. Maybe it was easier than thought to flirt with Fred.
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"Okay, today we will finally train how to duel," Harry announced and an excited whispering spread through the room. Till now they had only trained specific spells and jinxes against each other but never had the chance to duel freestyle.
"How about we start with a little demonstration?"
"Here!" Ginny yelled, grinning like a nutter. Instantly most people took a step back. Everyone knew about Ginny's talent hexes and her temper. Plus, no one wanted to duel her with three of her brothers in the room. But Ginny just grinned and pulled a confused Hermione with her to the middle of the room.
"I'm volunteering myself and Hermione."
"Okay, so Ginny against Hermione?" Harry was obviously surprised.
"Hell no, that would be no fun. Hermione and I will be a team and we will duel…" Ginny made a meaningful pause and let her gaze wander through the crowd. "Fred and George. Always wanted to beat those two up."
Giggles and murmuring filled the room as Hermione was torn between kissing or killing Ginny. Of course, they had planned that Hermione would team up with Fred during practices. But duelling each other? Hermione felt her face heat up and she hoped that it wasn't as red as it felt like.
"You're on, little sister," the twins crowed, stepping forward as well. Harry, who just smiled resigned, stepped back a little and started to explain the rules.
"Okay, everyone else please step back and make room for the duellists. Hermione, Ginny, Fred, George, I expect a fair duel." At this, the whole room erupted in laughter. Even Harry grinned. "No forbidden curses, of course. Nothing that causes severe injuries, we don't want to make Madame Pomfrey suspicious. And please be careful with your aim, we don't want anyone other than you four involved." With a last meaningful look in the direction of Fred and George, Harry stepped back.
"Okay, bow," he commanded. Slowly Hermione bowed but had her eyes fixed on Fred. He was directly opposite of her and would probably be the first to attack her.
"Start!"
Harry's voice was like the starting gunshot at a race. In seconds Hermione had cast a shield charm in front of her and Ginny, protecting them from the jinxes the twins shot in their direction. As predicted, Ginny was also the type to go into the offence but thanks to Hermione's shield she had an advantage. While Fred and George both needed to evade one of Ginny's bad-eye-boggy-hexes, Ginny was able to cast the next spell instantly. Hermione felt a grin tuck at her lips as she strengthened the shield and then started to join the attack.
Hermione knew she wasn't the best at duelling. Above average sure, and she learned spells faster than everyone else, but knowledge and technique were only a small in duelling. And Hermione was aware of that. That was why Harry was better at it as her. He knew how to seize a chance in a duel and that was far more important. And against someone like the twins, it was vital.
Fred and George were a force of nature. They were casting spells faster than Hermione could follow and escaped Hermione's and Ginny's attacks with artistic jumps, dives and little dance moves. They even managed to crack a joke here and there, taunting Hermione and Ginny. But the twin's teamwork was more than remarkable. They gave each other cover and seemed to sense when the other needed help.
"That's what you call a stunner, Granger? My great-aunt Muriel can do better." George yelled before he tried to get one of his own stunners past her shields. But thankfully Hermione was fast with shield charms.
"Ha! You would know everything about Muriel's stunner, right George? Since she hit you constantly when we were little," Ginny shot back, a mad grin on her face. She really was similar to the twins. And she duelled as crazy and creative as them.
"Lies!" George laughed and for a second he was distracted but before Hermione's tap-dancing-hex could hit him Fred was able to cast a shield.
"My, my, Hermione, attacking an unsuspecting man. How impolite," and with a smirk, Fred shot another spell against her shield. Which only shook slightly. "While you yourself are hiding behind your little shield charm. Why not join the actual fight?" He taunted and Hermione's heart stuttered for a moment at his waggling eyebrows.
"Oh, want me to beat you up? Maybe you're into this kind of stuff after all?" She grinned, remembering how Fred had laughed in the Marauder's Den about the same joke. And sure enough, the same loud and warm laughter sounded through the room.
"Got anything else besides witty comments?"
"Of course, but I'm not sure if you can handle it." Hermione laughed, sending a few spells as fast as she could towards Fred. Finally one of them hit him and his nose started to bleed, but unfortunately, the twin's little antidote wouldn't help him here.
"Ha! Nice touch, Granger," George let out a barking laugh and stopped the bleeding with a counterspell. An evil grin grazed both twins and the next full-blown attack hit Hermione's shields seconds later.
Her shield shattered and both Hermione and Ginny were flung on their butts. That was the moment Harry decided to end it the duel. All four of them were heavily panting and sweating. Hermione and Ginny smiled at each other in surprise and pure joy. Sure they had lost but they had put up a good fight.
"Good job, you two," Fred ruffled Ginny's hair and bumped Hermione slightly with his hip before the twins sauntered off to Lee.
"You're welcome, by the way. Now you have a better base for asking him to practice with you next time." Ginny grinned and Hermione just rolled her eyes but then smiled herself. Yeah, having Ginny as a best friend really was worth more than gold.
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"I feel like an ickle firsty again," George muttered while they made their way to the Quidditch pitch. It was a nice, clear afternoon with perfect conditions for a winterly match. Gryffindor against Hufflepuff. And neither the twins nor Harry were allowed to play. For Harry, it was the first time seeing Gryffindor playing while Fred and George hadn't been in the ranks for six years during a Gryffindor match. And their mood was accordingly bad. All three of them were sulking and whining the whole way.
Hermione already missed watching the games with Ginny but her friend was on the field with Ron, hopefully winning the match for Gryffindor.
"Really, why do we even stay here?" Fred grumbled.
"Because of your N.E.W.T.s maybe?" Hermione threw him a worried glance. "And the knowledge that you will be free in a few months while we," she gestured at Harry and herself, "have to come back and, worst case, have to spend another year with her."
Umbridge was already seated when they arrived and smiled at Harry sweetly. Hermione was sure that the evil woman had chosen the perfect place to watch Harry suffer - and the twins too as a bonus.
"Don't worry, Hermione," Fred ruffled her hair. "You will survive. Harry and Ron probably not but you're made of tougher stuff."
"Thanks?" Hermione rolled her eyes but also grinned. She liked the easy joking she had established with Fred in the last few weeks. Somehow it felt like she got better in communicating with him. And still, shouldn't they be totally in sync as soulmates? Hermione was a bit confused because apparently magical soulmates were very different from the muggle idea of soulmates. She had always thought that soulmates would understand each other without words, and never doubt their connecting. But maybe she was just overthinking things and therefore made them more complicated than they really were.
While she was lost in her thoughts Madame Hooch opened the game with a shrill sound from her whistle. Instantly 14 players, red and yellow, shot into the air. Hermione saw Ron hovering between the rings and from somewhere in the ranks the song Weasley is our king started to sound.
"Shit," George groaned. "I hoped we would be over with this shit after the game against Slytherin."
"Right, as if Malfoy won't use a chance to humiliate Ron further." Harry glared towards the sea of green, where the Slytherins probably were singing. Hermione had a small hope that the Hufflepuffs would be nice enough not to play dirty and use the song to make Ron nervous.
But as predicted the game turned out as a bitter defeat for Gryffindor. Ron's nervousness helped the opposing team more than once and even Hermione could see that Ginny was not as good as Harry as a seeker. In the end, the youngest Weasley still got the snitch but ultimately Gryffindor still lost.
After the game, there was a solemn mood in the common room. The twins and Hermione had found some good places in front of the fire, not that there was much of a party going on. Ron - like most other students - had taken refuge in his dorm room right after the game and Ginny was half-heartedly taking congratulations for her catch. Right now Harry was talking to her and Hermione watched with interest how much Ginny had changed. She was no longer blushing or stammering. She was calm. Confident even.
"Ginny did us mercy. I couldn't have watched more than five minutes of this." Fred mutter into his butterbeer - nicked from the kitchens with the spongy excuse of needing something to better the mood, which didn't work.
"Yeah, reminded me a bit of Krum during the World Cup," George nodded, but his gaze was fixed at some corner of the common room. Hermione followed his gaze and saw that he was watching Angelina. The Gryffindor captain sat with Alicia, face in her hands. Everyone already had written off this season for Gryffindor and Hermione could only imagine what it felt like to be the captain during such a terrible time. Especially since it wasn't Angelina's fault. It was just a mixture of bad luck - and fiery temperament on Harry's and George's side - that had gotten them banned and robbed Gryffindor off his best players.
"You're right, Fred, without Quidditch there's nothing worth staying for."
"Are you sure?" Hermione nudged George with her foot, nodding towards Angelina. The urge to knock some sense into George and Angelina, and probably also Fred, grew stronger the longer she watched them avoiding each other.
"Yes, pretty sure." The redhead stood up. "I'm going to bed." Silently Hermione and Fred watched George walking off, even walking a little detour to avoid the corner where Angelina sat, and both shook their heads slightly.
"This is ridiculous," Hermione hissed. "If I witness one more miserable, longing gaze between those two I will lock them into a broom cupboard together."
"Good luck," Fred snickered. "I will gladly assist you. Maybe next Hogsmeade weekend we grab them and lock them into the Shrieking Shack? Perfect for a romantic heart-to-heart-talk," he winked.
"Brilliant, but I fear you will have to do it without me. I have other plans."
"Oh? A date?"
"What? No!" Hermione blushed. "I have a… hmm, promise you won't tell anyone? Not even George? If someone gets wind of it before the weekend… and I don't even know if it will work. Harry might hate the idea."
"Just spit it out, Hermione."
Hermione let her eyes wander through the room. Harry was already in his dorm room, Alicia and Angelina were talking in hushed voices with Ginny, and only some second years played exploding snap.
"Okay," barely a whisper, Hermione proceeded to explain her latest plan to Fred. How she had gotten the idea from him and George. How she had contacted all the necessary people. And how she hoped that Harry wouldn't get angry for her meddling. When Hermione finished her heart beat with the rhythm of a dozen drums, nervously awaiting a response.
"That's brilliant," Fred breathed. "But how did you convince Skeeter to meet you? And write something nice about Harry."
"Well, you can take credit for it." Hermione winked. "You and George gave me the idea when you mentioned blackmailing Umbridge," she whispered.
"Elaborate!" There was a mad grin on Fred's face.
"I may have some juicy dirt on the blonde poison that calls itself a reporter. And I may have used it to force her to write this article."
"Wow," now there was definite admiration in Fred's voice. "The toad will hate it."
"I know, I'm counting on it."
"As I said, you, Hermione Granger, are made of tough stuff."
OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO
Hermione was brimming with nervousness as she waited for Harry at the Three Broomsticks. She wasn't sure how he would react. Maybe Harry would get angry, even yell at her, for suggesting something so outrageous. Hopefully, he would at least think about it. Hermione knew - she was absolutely convinced - that this was a good idea. Even if it meant to make a deal with the she-devil Rita Skeeter and Luna Lovegood, who was as equally strange as she was lovable.
From the corner of her eye, Hermione saw Fred, George and Lee coming in, chatting about something and big bags with likely unspeakable content slung over their shoulders. Seemed like they had bought new ingredients for their products. Fred winked at her and Hermione was sure that he was here to watch the meeting. He was probably curious. But just as she thought about inviting him to the table or going over to say hello, Harry came in much sooner as expected. He obviously wasn't in a good mood so Hermione jumped right into explanation mood in hope to quell his anger right at the start. For now, she needed Harry to listen and think about her idea before dismissing it.
OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO
The morning the Quibbler was published began with the arrival of an enormous stack of letters to Harry. People telling him that he was nuts. People telling him they believed him. It was everything Hermione had hoped for. The truth was out. And now the magical community could decide for themselves who they wanted to believe.
And when Umbridge banned the Quibbler from school ground, Hermione couldn't have been happier. The old toad was doing exactly what every dictator with power struggles would do: oppress the opposition. And by doing that Harry got the sympathy, or at least interest, of the whole school. Suddenly the Quibbler was the most interesting thing and even those who didn't believe Harry wanted to read the interview at least once.
"Granger, that really was a brilliant idea." George ripped open another letter to Harry. They were all at the common room after dinner, lounging in front of the fire and had fun with opening Harry's fan post for him. Fred and George read the most hilarious letters out loud and made a show out of burning the negative ones. For a change, there was laughter and happiness filling Gryffindor Tower instead of the grumbling about Umbridge that had occupied it in the last months.
"Yeah, the brightest witch of her age," Fred grinned, flopping down beside Hermione. "We should nick something from the kitchens for you. Or do you want something from Hogsmeade? Some sugar quills?"
"No, thank you. Food is not really a reward for me. I'm not Ron," Hermione winked and barely heard the angry I heard that from Ron as Fred laughed so loud right beside her, leaning into her slightly.
"So," his face was so close and he looked her right into the eyes, "what kind of reward is more your taste?"
"Ahm," Hermione's brain had a rare blackout as she tried to formulate the right words. Unconsciously she licked her lips.
"I know," Fred grabbed her hand, flipping it around to show the inside of her wrist. Then, with some bright blue ink, he made a little mark. "Here, the perfect reward for you."
"A zero?"
"No! That's an O! Hermione Granger, you hereby earned your first Outstanding and I'm sure many more will follow."
"That's," Hermione wanted to protest that there were things more important to her than grades and school but ultimately Fred's proud grin was infectious and she smiled back. "That's pretty perfect. Thank you." Fred bounced off to read and re-enact more letters with George and Hermione couldn't stop herself from watching him.
"Why are you smiling like an idiot?" Ron asked suddenly, interrupting her daydreaming.
"I'm just really happy that we finally had a small victory against Umbridge," Hermione grinned, too happy to let Ron's impoliteness destroy her mood. He shrugged, apparently content with the answer, while Ginny snickered lightly beside Ron and winked at Hermione.
OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO
Playfully the silver otter swam through the room, spreading joy and laughter. The whole room stared in awe at the glowing Patronus and Hermione felt an odd sort of pride and joy swelling in her chest. This was her Patronus. Something playful and joyful, a light-hearted creature, which made people laugh.
Hermione had been the first one - no surprise here - who mastered the Patronus charm after Harry had explained it to them at the beginning of the meeting. It hadn't taken her long to remember happy memories. Memories of growing up with loving parents. Memories of her years at Hogwarts spent with friends. Memories of Fred's smile…
While Hermione was daydreaming and watching her otter, more and more people in the room began to produce a Patronus. Soon Ginny's horse was running through the room while Ron's terrier tried to chase Hermione's otter. Happiness and joy were etched on everyone's faces and the room was brightened by silver light. It was truly magical. Hermione thought she could have produced a hundred Patronus from this memory alone.
Suddenly she was shaken from her peaceful state when a silver fox was running around her legs, staring up at her with expectant eyes.
"Oy seems like he wants to play," Fred laughed, walking over to Hermione. Grinning they both watched how the fox started to chase the otter. It looked like they were playing tag.
"They're wonderful, aren't they?" Hermione sighed.
"Certainly, and quite amusing," Fred nodded to a corner of the room, where two Patronus animals were standing in front of each other, apparently not sure what to make of each other. One was a coyote and the other was a bunny. Finally, they started to sniff each other - Hermione thought it was a bit ridiculous for them to behave like real animals - and soon they were cuddling. Beside her, Fred let out a loud laugh and then a sigh.
"The coyote belongs to George and the bunny," he pointed towards Angelina, who stood far away from the two silver animals, watching them with wide eyes. George, upon closer inspection, also seemed a bit shocked.
"Maybe I will actually help you with locking them in together," she muttered. Hermione couldn't understand why it was so hard for George and Angelina to look at each other. Okay, George, she got. He felt guilty about the whole thing with pushing Fred and Angelina together. He was afraid of hurting Fred. And afraid of Angelina still being in love with Fred, of getting rejected by her no matter what.
But Angelina? Hermione only knew Angelina as brave and straight-forward. The only reason Hermione could imagine made this so difficult for Angelina was that the girl was actually still in love with Fred and therefore still having a hard time with the break-up. Hermione hoped desperately it wasn't like that. Not only because she didn't see a future for Angelina and Fred - not if she succeeded with wooing Fred - also because Hermione really wanted George and Angelina to be happy too.
"Might try after the Easter holidays," Fred nodded with a grin, but his eyes were determined and Hermione knew he wasn't joking. He actually would do it.
"Well, count me in," Hermione whispered but before Fred could retort - probably with some witty joke - the door of the Room of Requirement opened and Dobby the house elf entered.
Everything after that was a blur. Harry screamed at them to run and suddenly every Patronus went out, the missing light left the room gloomy and cold. And then chaos broke loose.
The room opened several new doors and exits for them and groups of students were heading towards them with white, fearful faces. Hermione frantically looked around, searching for Harry, Ron and Ginny. Fred was still by her side but he too was looking around, probably for George.
"Come," he grabbed her hand, tugging her to the closest door.
"What's with Harry? Harry!" Hermione yelled but couldn't see him.
"Harry is a big boy, he will manage. But we have to get out now!" With a pounding heart, Hermione followed Fred through the exit. They came out somewhere around the library. Instantly they started to run, but the Gryffindor Tower was too far away. With a painful jolt in her chest, Hermione realised that they wouldn't make it to their common room. She could hear footsteps behind them.
"Someone is running that way!"
Hermione and Fred both froze for a minute. If they were caught now, they were doomed. They had no good explanation of why they were in the halls, running and out of breath. Determined she tugged Fred to the library. They would be able to lie and say that they were studying if they made it in time.
They were lucky and Madame Pince was nowhere to be seen which meant that she couldn't scold them for being sweaty and out of breath, or rat them out to Umbridge. Hermione was sure that Pince liked Umbridge as well as everyone else but who knew what she would do if the High Inquisitor asked her directly if students had come in recently.
Hermione pulled Fred to one of the secluded tables and sank against one of the bookshelves with a heavy sigh. Her heart was racing and her lungs ached for air. Adrenaline was rushing through her veins.
"Search everywhere! I'm sure I saw someone coming in."
With wide eyes, Hermione and Fred stared at each other. They were obviously both out of breath. Even someone as stupid as Crabbe or Goyle would catch on.
"Let me do the talking," Fred whispered and made a large step forward, while he loosened his tie and tousled his hair.
"And please don't hex me." Hermione wanted to ask what he planned to do but before she got the chance she was pressed against a shelf with her back. Fred's hands were on her hips, his upper body towered over her. Hermione's could hear the loud footsteps thundering somewhere near them but her eyes were fixed on Fred's. Did he look... afraid? Then his right hand cupped her face and his lips were on hers.
The kiss started similar like their first one under the mistletoe months ago. Soft and chaste. But this time Hermione wasn't as frozen or overwhelmed and without thinking she closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Fred's neck to pull him closer. She leaned into the kiss, savouring it, and Fred did too. Their lips danced hot against each other.
"Oy, Weasley!" Abruptly Fred ended the kiss, turning slightly to the invader of their blissful moment.
"What do you want, Montague? Can't you see I'm a bit occupied?" Fred asked in an arrogant, teasing tone, looking at the bulky Slytherin only over his shoulder. His body was mainly turned towards Hermione and she realised that he was shielding her from being seen. Deciding that she would play along, Hermione let out a giggle and sank her forehead against Fred's chest. Instantly his hands went to her lower back, keeping her close by.
"What did you do in the last few hours, Weasley?"
"What does it look like?" Fred asked back, his usual grin plastered on his face while he made a show of adjusting his tie a bit. Hermione couldn't see Montague but she heard how he grunted displeased.
"I will never understand why any witch would want a bloody blood traitor like you," Montague hissed before his footsteps indicated that he walked off. For a minute or two, Hermione and Fred remained as they were in silence, waiting if someone else would come and search for them. For a moment they just stared at each other, unsure of what to do next.
"Well, who would have thought that my bad reputation would save our arse one day?" Fred joked weakly and took a step back. "Let's search George and the others." Pointy averting Hermione's eyes Fred started to walk off slowly, peering around the corners cautiously. Hermione followed him flabbergasted.
Just outside the library, they met George and Lee, who looked dishevelled but smiled in a very satisfied way.
"The Slytherins are helping the toad," George announced.
"We got rid of Warrington by putting him into one of the armours. Peeves is using him as hit target right now to polish his aim," Lee snickered.
"We hid in the library from Montague," Fred replied vaguely and Hermione could hear the awkwardness in his tone. George also raised an eyebrow curiously.
"Did you see Harry or Ron? Or Ginny?" Hermione asked to prevent George from asking any uncomfortable questions. "I haven't seen them since we split up. I'm worried." She bit on her lips. Hermione was worried, now that the confused fog in her head started to clear up. Everything had gone so fast and chaotic. Merlin knew it what kind of trouble her best friends were without her. Especially Harry.
"Let's go to dinner and see who we can find," Lee suggested. But before they reached the Great Hall Ginny and Neville crossed their way. Both looked quite proud of themselves.
"You okay?" Fred and George exclaimed at the same time, hugging their little sister and checking for injuries.
"I'm absolutely fine," Ginny grinned. "Neville and I disarmed some of the Slytherins who were searching the halls. They didn't see us but I reckon we could help a few people flee."
"Seems like we don't need to worry about you anymore, little sister." Fred tousled Ginny's hair, while George playfully pinched her cheek. "Look how grown-up she is."
"I never needed you two to worry about me," Ginny glared.
"Yeah, but since we're still your older brothers, we have the right to worry as much as we like. And to protect you whenever we deem it necessary. Same applies to you too, Granger. I'm glad Freddie was there to get you out," George smiled brotherly. Hermione felt her smile slip from her face.
"I'm not-"
"Our sister," Fred interjected. "Yeah, this seems familiar. Rather like a deja-vu."
"Well, we can still be worried about you, right?" George frowned and Fred nodded. "We're friends and we both feel protective of you. So don't get your knickers in a twist and just accept that we are the annoying older brothers you never had and never wanted."
"Yeah, seems like I have to accept that," Hermione muttered darkly. "I think I will skip dinner and see if I can find Harry and Ron." She announced and just saw how Fred raised his eyebrows while Ginny smacked George right in the stomach - hard from the sound he made - and hissed a nasty Well done.
Hermione had expected that Ginny would follow her so she wasn't surprised when someone's footsteps sounded behind her. Stoically Hermione gave the Fat Lady the password and made her way to the dorm rooms. She didn't want to break down in the common room so she delayed her talk with Ginny on purpose. But right before the stairs someone caught her arm and pulled her into one of the small alcoves right beside the stairs.
"Ginny, what the-"
"Wrong redhead, I'm afraid," Fred said coldly and a chill went down Hermione's spine. "Is it really so awful that we see you as a little sister?"
"Yes, it is." Hermione could see how Fred's face fell. "And at the same time, it isn't. But as far as I know, you don't kiss your sister. Twice!"
"Erm," Fred blushed and Hermione felt like she dancing on a razor blade. In danger to fall off or cut herself anytime. "Hermione, I…" She interrupted him rather forcefully.
"Fred, I don't care if George sees me as a little sister. Tell him I'm sorry for lashing out on him." There was a stunning silence.
"But you care if it's me?" He blinked confused and Hermione was reminded of what he himself had said. Weasley men are in general oblivious idiots. Got it from Dad.
"Yes," Hermione's voice was more like a whisper. Please, please, don't make me say it, not now. Not like this. Fred' face was absolutely blank as she finally looked up. He seemed like he saw a ghost, or well, something that was equally unusual to wizards. But he didn't say a word. He just stared at her like he was seeing her for the first time. Well, maybe this really was the first time he really saw her.
"You know what, forget it. Forget I even said anything." Hermione pushed her way out of the alcove and stormed to her dorm room as fast as she could.
OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO
The news about Dumbledore's flight from Hogwarts and Umbridge's promotion to Headmistress made it through the castle before breakfast even started, thanks to the new educational degrees popping up everywhere and the gossiping pictures from Dumbledore's office.
Hermione sat at breakfast with Ron, Harry and Ginny, deeply in thought. She had barely slept the last night. Her conversation with Fred played over and over in her head and she knew that she had messed up. She had wanted to do it better and not blur it out during a fight. But when she had seen Fred this morning he had been absolutely normal. He had smiled at her as usual, and that hurt more than if he had ignored her. He just glossed over what happened, what she had told him, and treated her like any other fellow Gryffindor and family friend. Just like before.
Hermione was forcefully pulled from her thought when loud bangs and explosion started to sound through the hall. Seconds later colourful fireworks invaded the Great Hall, swishing through the air and shooting sparks, accompanied by a deafening noise. Despite her current emotional state, Hermione couldn't prevent the large smile which tugged on her lips.
The fireworks terrorised the school for the rest of the day which made Fred and George true heroes. The common room cheered loudly for them in the evening and a not so small amount of students started to fill out orders right away. Hermione knew she should put a stop on that but she didn't care.
"That were wonderful fireworks," she told George which took him by pleasant surprise. Fred also smiled at her but then was quickly back to taking orders.
Much later that evening Hermione took all her courage and made her way to Fred. He and George were among the last people in the common room, counting the orders and whispering amongst themselves.
Now or never. It wouldn't do her good to wait too long.
"Fred, can I talk to you?" His eyes widened in surprise but still, he nodded and followed her to the small alcove where they had talked yesterday.
"Look, I didn't want to say… what I said yesterday, I don't know if I really said what I meant," she gulped.
"Tell me what you meant?" There was a pleading note in his voice. Courage, Hermione reminded herself. Gryffindor bravery.
"Fred, I like you. Like, I really like you. I'm in love with you and I wanted to tell you for a while now but the timing never seemed right and I was afraid and-"
"So, I did understand you right," Fred muttered and Hermione's blood froze. Merlin, she was going to get rejected. And it would hurt.
"Oh no, Hermione, that's not- damn…" Fred exclaimed as he saw her face. He ruffled his hair with both hands, brushing over his face as well a few times. "Hermione, I like you, really, I do."
"Oh…?" That was not what she had expected. Never in her wildest dream had Hermione Granger thought that Fred Weasley could like her back. But she saw it in his eyes and the way his eyebrows were tightly frowning, the way he bit his lips, that he had more to say.
"But I don't know if it's enough to risk our friendship for it. You're such a big part of my life, you're Ron's best friend and my family loves you and… I still don't even have an answer for why I kissed you under the mistletoe and I can't for my life explain why I did it yesterday. I'm just absolutely clueless right now about what I feel and what I want and…"
"So, you mean you're just as useless as all Weasley men," Hermione teased, trying to ease the tension.
"Yes," Fred laughed relieved. "That's exactly it. It hurts my pride to admit that I'm not the last man standing among the Weasley fools but probably the most idiotic one of them all." A shy smile danced on his lips. Hermione's heart felt like it could explode any minute.
"And now? Do you want to find out if it's worth the risk?"
"I think I need some time to decide, is that okay?" She knew why Fred was hesitating. He needed time after everything that had happened with Angelina and probably was still a bit confused with his own feelings. Hermione understood. For a second she thought about showing him the mark. It would be so easy to just lift her shirt and then there would be no need for Fred to think about it. No room left for doubts. But it wouldn't be fair.
"Of course," Hermione answered finally, a happy smile dancing on her lips. When she saw Fred's grateful eyes and how he relaxed visibly, she knew she had made the right decision.
"So, as soon as I get over my Weasley idiocy I will inform you?"
"Deal," Hermione offered Fred her hand and with a smile he took it. There was a small flicker of hope lightning in her heart. Maybe wooing Fred had actually worked a tiny bit in the last few months.
ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo
Okay, just for those of you who wonder why I didn't give Fred and Hermione and Angelina and George the same Patronus animals. Thing is, I wanted to keep the otter for Hermione because I think it's really cute ;) So I did a little research about cultural perspectives on otters and found out (drum roll): otters are seen as trickster like figures in some cultures. Which fits perfectly since Fred and George trickster themselves, as we all know. So I gave the twins the most obvious trickster animals around: the fox and the coyote (which is popular in fanfiction for the same reason I think). While Angelina got the bunny, which is also a trickster in some cultures, but like the otter, it's soft and cute.
So, we have the twins, trickster themselves, with Patronus animals that scream TRICKSTER and we have their soulmates with cute, fluffy animals, which are seen as harmless but are in reality also tricksters. Maybe it's a bit of a stretch but I thought the connection was quite fitting.
Read and review, please, I'm curious what you all are thinking about this new, extra-long chapter.
