Chapter Six

Soon after, while working in the lab, Fred noticed that Hermione seemed to have something on her mind. Earlier that morning he had witnessed she and Ginny outside the shop, deep in conversation. He knew something was up – and that it probably involved him. Finally, Fred turned to her. "Okay - spill it."

Hermione tried to look innocent. "I don't know what you mean."

"You obviously have something you want to say, Granger. What is it?"

Hermione twirled a strand of hair with her finger while focusing on the books in front of her. "Well...this Sunday is your parent's wedding anniversary..."

Fred turned back to his cauldron in feigned indifference. He continued to struggle with being around the family - still wondering if all they saw when they looked at him was George.

Hermione continued. "They are having a dinner at the Burrow. It would mean the world to your Mum if you would come."

Fred kept working on his potion, avoiding eye contact.

"So I was thinking..."

"Oh, bloody hell."

Hermione glared. "I was thinking that we could make a deal."

Fred spun his stool towards her but remained silent.

"Ginny has invited me as well. You agree to show up. If, at any time, you feel uncomfortable and want to leave you just kick me - GENTLY - under the table. I can then "suddenly" remember that you left something brewing in the lab or that you are expecting a delivery and you can make your excuses and go. What do you say?"

Fred looked doubtful.

She quickly added, "I swear - if you go this once I will never ask you again."

He had seen this look on her face many times over the years. Realizing that he would not hear the end of this until he agreed, Fred said slowly, "You swear? One time only?"

Hermione made a quick motion across her chest. "Cross my heart". She then stuck her hand, "Deal?"

Fred shook her hand resignedly. "Deal"

Two days later, Fred arrived at the Burrow as promised. Molly swept him up into a big hug before bustling him over to the table and seating him next to Hermione. As soon as he sat down, he kicked her in the shins. Smiling tightly she kicked him back and shot him a warning look, which he returned.

While the conversation was a bit strained at times, overall things went well. They made it to the end of the meal and then Hermione made the required excuses for them to leave.

Fred didn't mention anything about the dinner for the next couple of days so Hermione was surprised when, in response to an owl from his mother, he agreed to show up the next Sunday at the Burrow - provided that Hermione would be also be present to serve as an escape route.

This quickly became the established pattern and over the next few weeks, things began to approach something nearing normalcy in regards to Fred and the rest of his family.

As the dinners progressed, Molly started to notice little things - like how Fred knew which foods to leave off Hermione's plate and how Hermione knew exactly how much milk to pour in Fred's tea, without either ever having to ask. A few times they even finished each other's sentences.

Molly also realized that neither Fred nor Hermione were aware they were doing these things and so she decided it would be best to keep these observations to herself for the time being.