1993

Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff

Hermione glanced out of the window. Rain had been hammering down all night and it didn't show any signs of stopping. The common room was empty with the exception of the Quidditch team going over some final tactics. Everyone else was starting to make their way outside to the pitch. Ron had promised to save her a seat as she'd chosen to stay behind under the pretence of having forgotten something. While she'd gone to every single Quidditch match, only now was Hermione realising how much of a big deal it was at Hogwarts. If students were happy to go out and watch the game in this kind of weather, then it must be something special. She zipped up her coat and made her way down the stairs. Oliver Wood had Harry in one corner and Hermione sighed. Oliver had been pressuring the team to win every single year. And now this was his last chance to win that cup. As Wood took Harry through several possible strategies, she was aware of both Fred and George watching her. Hermione briefly glanced at Fred. Ever since returning to Hogwarts after last year, there had been something different about him. He'd always had that older brother air about him. But now he seemed even more protective than usual. A crash of thunder boomed from outside and Hermione glanced around. None of them seemed nervous about playing in these conditions. Yet she couldn't remember that last time any of them had actually done so.

"So, are you actually going to watch the game or are you going to stay and be an honorary team member?"

She smiled at George's comment. "No, I just had to get something. I wouldn't really be much use. Especially in this weather."

"I doubt that," George smiled. "You could jinx all the Hufflepuff players, so we get the snitch first."

"Or you could rely on your own skills and beat them fairly?"

"Yeah but where's the fun in that?" George buttoned up his robe. "Hey Oliver? Quick question."

Hermione watched George wander off to the corner where Oliver and Harry were. Which just left her and Fred. He forced a smile onto his face.

"You look nervous and you won't even be playing."

"I always get nervous at games." Hermione retorted. "It's easy enough to get hurt on a sunny day. Never mind a raging storm."

"Yeah," Fred's eyes briefly strayed to the window before landing back on her.

"But we should be fine," he held up some goggles, "Plus we have these so we can still see."

Hermione nodded again. "Fred?"

"Yeah?"

"Be careful."

He opened his mouth, but she shook her head. "I mean it. You guys won't be able to see out there. Just…. please be careful."

She could tell he was itching to make a joke. But instead he simply nodded.

"I promise. I'll be careful."

"Good," Hermione glanced around, aware that the others were getting ready to head off.

"Well I guess I should be going. See you after the game I guess?"

Fred smiled softly at her. "Yeah. See you after the game."

Hermione inched towards the door before turning and slipping her arms around him. Fred paused for a second before returning the hug.

"Stay safe." She whispered. He nodded and ever so slightly tightened his hold.

"I will."

Hermione watched as Ron handed over the bag containing the ruined remains of Harry's Nimbus 2000. No one was even sure if they'd been able to collect all the pieces. But Ron had been adamant that they give Harry something to remember his broom by. While the majority of the Gryffindor team had gone to get changed – or in Georges case find Wood – Ron and Neville were still at Harry's bedside, trying to reassure him it wasn't his fault they'd lost. Hermione stood a few feet away with Fred right beside her. His robes were still dripping, and his hair was plastered against his face.

"At least it was just his broom that got damaged," Fred said to no one in particular.

"A fall from that height could have been a lot worse. I still can't believe the dementors came into the grounds."

Hermione nodded. "I've never seen Dumbledore look so angry."

"Wood's going to be gutted about the result. He's desperate to win this year. Not that he doesn't care about Harry," Fred added quickly. "But they'll be a lot of pressure on us now for the other games."

"You'll be fine," Hermione glanced up at him. She could still see the mark around his eyes were where the goggles had dug into his skin.

"And it was nice of Diggory to ask for a rematch. If that had been Malfoy, he'd have just made some stupid comment and left the pitch."

Fred nodded. As he did so, a wince slipped from his mouth and he pressed a hand to his side.

"I'm fine," he said quickly. Hermione raised an eyebrow. She would never tell anyone, but she'd spent most of the match watching Fred. At the time she hadn't been entirely sure if a bludger had hit him. Clearly it had. Fred gently pressed at his side.

"It's not the first time I've been hit by a bludger. Honestly I'm fine."

"Let me be the judge of that Mr Weasley," Madam Pomfrey's voice rang out.

"On the bed. Now."

Fred grumbled something under his breath but sat on the bed and lay back. Hermione stood by the side whilst Madam Pomfrey undid the front of his robe and began rolling up his jumper. Hermione let slip a small gasp as she saw the inky black bruise which coated the skin around Fred's ribs. Madam Pomfrey gently pressed down on the area and Fred shut his eyes with a groan. She nodded.

"Not broken but they are fractured. Lie still and I'll be back."

As soon as her back was turned, Fred pushed down his jumper and Hermione forced herself to keep her eyes on his face. She had completely forgotten the fact that Fred was now nearly sixteen and the years having to keep fit to play Quidditch had clearly had an impact on his physique. Fred winked at her.

"Like what you see Granger?"

"Shut up." Aware her face was probably matching his hair, Hermione sat down on the bed.

"What happened to promising to be careful?"

Fred eased himself up on the bed. "In my defence I did try. But the bludgers kind of blend in with the rain. I didn't really see it until it smacked into me."

A cheeky glint appeared in his eye. "Anyone would think you were concerned about me?"

Hermione hurriedly glanced over to where Harry was. Confident the three boys wouldn't be able to hear anything she said, she turned back to Fred.

"Well I was okay. I don't like the idea of something happening to you."

Fred fell silent at her words and Hermione quickly cleared her throat.

"You know…because you're my friend."

"Right." Fred nodded quickly. "Friends."

An uncomfortable silence fell on them. Hermione got up to go when Fred's hand shot out and grabbed hers.

"I promise I'll be more careful next time."

She gave his hand a quick squeeze before letting go and getting to her feet.

"Good. I'm not sitting in the hospital wing after another game."

"Admit it Hermione. You liked fussing over me."

Hermione turned away to hide the blush that had no doubt reappeared on her face. Leaving Fred in Madam Pomfrey's capable hands, she made her way out of the hospital wing. She hadn't exactly told anyone she'd had a crush on Fred since last year. But now she couldn't help but feel like it was starting to get further than that. Like it was starting to become something much more.

She shook her head. Not that it mattered anyway. For all of his flirting, Fred probably saw her as a friend. Or probably just another little sister. He certainly wouldn't have feelings of that sort for her. Why would he?

Gryffindor vs Slytherin – Quidditch Cup Final

At the huge cheer echoing through the great hall, Hermione raised her head. The hall had been decked out with Gryffindor and Slytherin colours, but it hadn't gone unnoticed that all of the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students had dressed themselves in red and gold as well. Hermione glanced briefly at the Slytherin table. Although she knew she shouldn't, she couldn't help but feel slightly sorry for them. To have an entire school hope you fail couldn't be nice. Yet that didn't stop her clapping as the Gryffindor team entered. Whilst most of them simply smiled and gave a few waves, she noticed Fred and George giving overly dramatic bows and blowing kisses to everyone they passed. Hermione shuffled along the bench to make room. Fred grinned at her.

"There was me thinking you'd be in a full lion costume complete with face paint."

Hermione held up her flag. "Sorry to disappoint. But we have got a huge banner somewhere."

"Shame." Fred reached over and grabbed some toast. "You'd have looked very fetching with some lion ears."

Hermione glanced down at her half empty plate. Every time Fred flirted with her, she couldn't work out if he meant it…or if he was just being Fred. To make matters more complicated, she didn't know which one she would prefer.

"So then," Fred dropped another round of toast onto her plate.

"When we win, what celebration gift will you be giving me? I'm thinking free study help for the rest of the year."

"I'm thinking that's going to be a no. You can study yourself."

"Oh, come on Hermione," Fred shuffled closer. "If we win it'll be the first time in years. Plus we'll be beating Slytherin. That's got to be worth something surely?"

There was that smile again. The one that sent butterflies whizzing around her stomach. Hermione shrugged.

"Surely the fact you've won would be enough."

"I've an idea," Fred leaned forward and dropped his voice. The smile was still on his face, but Hermione could see a serious look had fallen over his eyes.

"If we win…. how about a kiss?"

Hermione swallowed. "Um…a kiss…. from me?"

"Well you don't see me asking any other girl?" The smile quickly vanished from Fred's face.

"Only if…I mean I was just having a joke. I wasn't trying to pressure you or…it was just a joke."

Hermione nodded. "No, I know. You're weren't being pressuring or anything. I just…well I just didn't think I'd be the girl you'd be asking for a kiss that's all."

Fred looked as though he was about to say something, he'd been waiting an age to say. But just as he opened his mouth. Hermione heard Oliver shouting him. Fred held his hand up in acknowledgement and then turned back to face her. A blush began to spread across his cheeks.

"Hermione?"

"Good luck," she nodded quickly. "You'll be amazing."

"Yeah," Fred got to his feet, "yeah, thanks."

The rest of the team began walking out to yet another huge cheer. But this time Hermione couldn't join in. She knew Fred had just been joking when he mentioned kissing. Hermione had seen him flirt with plenty of girls before, so his behaviour didn't exactly mean she had been singled out.

Yet the more she thought about it. The more she wished she'd just straight away said yes.

If asked, Hermione would have to be honest and say she couldn't fully enjoy the game. Whilst part of her was nervous about the idea of Slytherin winning, for the most part her lack of enjoyment was stemmed from the fact that all the Slytherin players seemed determined to knock the Gryffindor players off their brooms. She'd lost count of how many penalties had been awarded to both sides. Although she had admittedly cheered when Fred had hit one of the Slytherin players so hard he'd broken his nose. Yet the happiness had been short lived. Whilst the Gryffindor team were starting to creep into the lead, she was aware that both Slytherin beaters seemed to be targeting the Weasley twins specifically. Even Ron had started to get concerned about his brothers.

"Hope Harry hurries up and catches the snitch."

"He can't," Hermione was practically leaning over the barrier. Her eyes never moving from Fred.

"They need at least two more goals before he can get it."

"Well can they hurry up and score those two goals then!"

Hermione nodded. Even Lee Jordan's commentary wasn't doing anything to ease her. Fred shot past the stands with one of the Slytherin beaters right on his tail. Hermione watched as Fred ducked to avoid on oncoming bludger. Behind the Slytherin player sat up and gave the bludger a hit backwards. At the last second Fred leaned to the side and it caught his arm. His grip on the broom slipped and Hermione realised, he was starting to slide.

"FRED!" Her calls were mixed in with Ron's as he too was now leaning over the barrier. Fred grabbed his broom with both hands and hauled himself back onto it. He gave a shaky thumbs up in George's direction and Hermione grinned as George swung his bat and sent the bludger hurtling back towards the Slytherin player.

"Take that you cheat!" Ron yelled. "That's what you get when you mess with my brothers!"

Hermione wanted to smile. But the twisted knot in her stomach wasn't easing. If anything, as the minutes ticked by it was getting tighter and tighter. Gryffindor scored two more goals which meant if Harry got the snitch now then they would win. Something which the Slytherins seemed equally aware of.

"Look! Harry dived! He's seen it, he's seen it!"

Neville was practically bouncing up and down and Ron wasn't being any calmer. The entire stadium seemed to have noticed because the roars were getting to the point of unbearable. Hermione watched the green and red blurs whizzing round the pitch.

"Harry come on," she crossed her fingers tightly. "Catch it, catch it!"

Everything around her seemed to have stopped existing as Harry shot upwards, one hand gripping his broom, the other held aloft with something gold shining between his fingers. The stadium fell silent.

And then everything erupted.

The roars from three quarters of the students could no doubt be heard miles away. Hermione beamed at Harry as one by one, the entire team fell on him. Fred and George clapped their clubs together with a cheer before joining the mob. The huge pile of red and gold Quidditch robes began slowly sinking to the ground. Even several of the teachers were clapping and cheering wildly and Hermione could hear Lee practically screaming into his microphone. Ron tugged at her arm. His own eyes glistening slightly.

"Come on."

He grabbed her hand and Hermione allowed him to tug her through the moving crowds. The floor beneath her seemed to have vanished as the students began piling down from the stands and onto the pitch. The cloaked figure of Madam Hooch was having to fighter her way through the throng of students to pass the cup over to Wood. All around her people were waving flags and chucking hats and scarves into the air. Hermione couldn't help but smile as Ron, Neville, Dean and Seamus tacked Harry in a huge hug.

"We won the cup! We won the cup!"

Hermione caught two flashes of ginger hair. Pushing through the crowds she saw Fred and George practically dancing around Wood who seemed to be in a state of shock. Fred's eyes landed on her and before she could even try and think it through. Hermione ran forward and jumped at him. His own arms caught her and spun her round in a tight hug. She pressed a kiss to his cheek and jumped back down. Fred rubbed at the spot nervously and the knot began to regrow in her stomach.

"You said you wanted a kiss if you won."

He nodded with a slight smile on his face. "Yeah. Yeah I did."

"Hey Hermione!" George hugged her tightly. "Don't I get a celebratory kiss?"

Aware of the growing blush on Fred's face, Hermione shook her head and instead hugged George.

"No. You get a well done and a hug."

He pressed a hand to his heart with a mock gasp. "Worth a try. Right, I'm going to try and make Wood realise this isn't a dream."

Hermione barely noticed his absence. All around her people were still cheering. She shot Fred a smile.

"Congratulations. You should probably go and celebrate with the others."

He nodded. "Yeah. Yeah probably."

Forcing her feet to move, Hermione turned and began pushing her way through the crowds. She caught a glimpse of Wood passing the trophy over to Harry who was now sitting on someone's shoulders. As elated as she was that they had won, she couldn't help but feel like she'd just done something stupid. Still, Fred had asked for a kiss if they won. The only remaining question was. Why?

AN: Another adorable Fremione instalment for you with all the added fluff and flirting. Had to include the Quidditch final in this one. I remember being gutted it wasn't in the third film. Let me know what you think xx