Chapter Eight

Fred and Hermione continued to work hard, putting in long hours together in order to meet the deadline for opening.

While Hermione never claimed to understand the appeal of items like Puking Pastilles or Nosebleed Nougats, she did come to greatly respect how much thought Fred put into each and every product at the shop – from production to packaging to shelf placement. Every angle was considered and nothing was left to chance.

And so the morning of the Grand Re-Opening finally arrived. Fred adjusted his jacket and checked the clock one more time before leaving the flat and starting down the stairs. He was almost to the shop floor when he caught sight of Hermione and temporarily forgot how to breathe.

She was bustling around the store, going to each display in turn making sure that everything was just so. Instead of the jeans and t-shirts that she had been wearing for the last few weeks, she was now in a simple blue dress. It was tailored at the waist and flared gently to the hem which fell just below her knees. On her feet, instead of her usual trainers, were low heels which accentuated her legs nicely.

Her hair was no longer in the messy ponytail that she had recently sported. It now floated mainly loose, held back with a simple headband, beautifully framing her face. She became aware that Fred was standing there and smiled broadly. He found himself gripping the handrail to remain standing.

She hurried over and did a quick twirl. "How do I look?"

Fred finally remembered to inhale and managed to get out, "Wow."

Hermione blushed slightly before curtseying. "Thank you!"

Fred cleared his throat and tried to regain his composure. "And me?"

"Very dapper!" She exclaimed. "Just one thing…" She stepped very close, reached up and adjusted his tie before resting her hand on his chest. "There. Perfect."

Their eyes met but before either could say anything else, a pounding came at the door.

"Oi! Don't you have to open to have a grand opening?!" shouted Ron.

Fred walked quickly to the entrance and unlocked it as a sea of supportive Weasleys poured in, followed by loads of friends and well-wishers.

Soon they were inundated with a crowd of customers. Fred and Hermione remained busy answering questions, demonstrating products and ringing up sales. Midway through the day Fred was standing near Hermione when a movement above her caught his eye.

An energetic first year had charged through the shop and bumped hard into a display stacked high with boxes. The tower swayed precariously before it came crashing down. Instinctively Fred grabbed Hermione by the waist and swung his body around to protect her from the cascade of packages. They lost their footing and ended up kneeling on the ground, Fred still forming a shield above her.

Catching his breath, he gasped, "You okay?"

She nodded. "You?"

Fred winked. "Been through worse."

They suddenly became aware of both their proximity to each other and the crowd gathering around them. Collecting himself, Fred jumped up and proclaimed, "Everything's all right, folks!"

He helped Hermione up while simultaneously gesturing at the pile of boxes on the ground. "And you will notice that not a single item has been damaged! Just another example of the fine packaging that will accompany every purchase you make from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."

He glanced back at Hermione who gave him an approving nod. He flashed a toothy grin and then proceeded. "In fact every item in this establishment is made from only the highest quality materials..." He began striding through the shop, pointing to various products. "Hand crafted by highly trained witches and wizards using the secrets of the ages..."

As he continued his sales pitch, Hermione pulled out her wand and began putting the display back to rights. It occurred to her, as the boxes floated gently upward, that Fred Weasley was quite an extraordinary man.

The day was an unqualified success. Hermione stayed until after closing, helping to tidy up and close out the till. As Fred worked on the ledgers, she picked up her bag and jacket and started to leave.

Fred called after her. "Granger?"

She turned. "Yes?"

He hesitated and then simply said, "Good job" before hurriedly shifting his focus to the books.

She smiled. "You too." She opened the front door then paused, looking back at him. "Fred…"

His head popped back up. "Yes?"

Hermione searched for the right words. "I-I know that you knew him best, but I truly do feel that George was very proud of you today."

Fred felt a lump in his throat. He swallowed hard. "Thanks."

Hermione gave him an affectionate look. "See you tomorrow then?"

Fred nodded. "Tomorrow."

She closed the door behind her and started slowly down the street towards the Leaky Cauldron. She was unaware that Fred was standing at the window, staring after her as she turned the corner and disappeared from view.

The rest of the week remained as busy as the first day. On one of the afternoons Fred noticed Hermione across the shop, standing at the front window, arms folded, giving a hard stare to something outside. Concerned, Fred went over and stood by her side, anxious to see what had upset her.

He soon spotted Draco and Lucius Malfoy walking along on the opposite side of the street. He noticed Hermione's knuckles turning white and the tension in her jaw. Fred rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "You know, Hermione…There is a question I have always wanted to ask you."

Hermione gave him a sideways glance. He leaned quite close, his mouth almost touching her ear. In a conspiratorial tone he whispered, "How did it feel to punch Draco Malfoy?"

A mischievous grin slowly spread across Hermione's lips. With a gleam in her eye she placed her mouth very near Fred's ear and whispered back, "Brilliant".

Fred straightened, placed his arm around her shoulders and gave a quick squeeze. "That's my girl," he said quietly before walking back over to assist a customer at the counter.

Hermione chuckled softly and, suddenly feeling quite pleased with herself, walked over to explain the products in the Muggle Magic section to a group of curious first years.

Near the end of that first week Ginny Weasley arrived at the shop in the company of a portly young student in Gryffindor robes. Fred vaguely remembered him as being the son of some low-level Ministry official but couldn't quite come up with his name.

Ginny brought the young man over to Fred. "Fred, this is Nigel. Nigel, Fred." Nigel and Fred nodded at each other. Ginny continued, "Nigel is a 4th year and he has a problem." She nudged him. "Tell him, Nigel."

The young man was almost despondent. "I got a 'Poor' in Potions last term. I told Slughorn that my Dad would kill me if I didn't pass and begged him to let me try to raise my mark. He told me that if I could come back at the start of this term having successfully brewed a sample of this..." He pulled a piece of parchment from his pocket. "He would change it to an acceptable. But I've been trying ever since and I just can't make it work."

Fred reached out and took the paper. Glancing at it he snorted, "No wonder you're having trouble, Nigel! This is for Amortentia. That isn't even covered until 6th year!" He handed it back to the boy. "Sounds like old Slug was setting you up to fail."

Nigel appeared ready to cry. "But I have to make it work! You don't know my father. I'd rather drink a pint of Gamp's than tell him that I failed!"

Fred grimaced at the mention of Gamp's Old Gregarious, a particularly disgusting brew available at the Leaky Cauldron. It was so revolting that there was a one hundred galleon prize for anyone that could finish a pint – a prize that had yet to be collected in 300 years.

Ginny eyed the young man sympathetically. "Can't you help, Fred? Surely you and Hermione could walk Nigel through the process to brew a sample?"

Nigel turned pale. "Hermione? A girl?! Ginny, it was hard enough to talk to you!"

Fred tried to suppress a laugh as Ginny rolled her eyes. "All right, Nigel," Fred promised "Just us boys then."

He led Nigel to the steps leading to the lab, first stopping by the counter where Hermione was wrapping up a purchase. Fred made a show of adjusting his robes and in his best 'upper crust' voice he announced, "Hermione! The menfolk are retiring to the laboratory for a serious endeavor. Would you be so kind as to oversee the establishment until we have completed our task?"

Without missing a beat, Hermione stuck her nose in the air, fanned herself with a sheet of paper and in a sophisticated accent replied, "I would be ever so delighted to do so."

This caused both of them to giggle. Nigel gave Ginny a confused look. Ginny shrugged and said, "I told you they were weird."

***

One hour and 2 attempts later, Fred had finally succeeded in walking Nigel through the correct process of brewing the love potion called Amortentia. They stared at the small cauldron that now held a liquid with a distinct mother of pearl sheen, its steam rising in a light spiral.

Nigel peered at it uncertainly. "So, your breathe this and it tells you who you fancy?"

"Not quite," Corrected Fred. "It smells like what you find most desirable. Give it a try."

Nigel edged over and took a tentative sniff and a huge smile appeared on his face. He leaned in and breathed deeply. "Wow!" the young wizard exclaimed.

"What is it?" Fred asked.

Nigel took another deep breath. "It smells just like….Honeydukes!"

Fred laughed and patted the lad on the shoulder. "Blimey, Nigel! Set your sights a bit higher!"

Nigel shrugged. "Fine. What do you smell?"

Fred stepped up and inhaled the rising vapor. He closed his eyes and concentrated. "I smell…vanilla." He squinted as he tried to discern the other aromas. "And Earl Grey…and…..old…."

His eyes shot open as his brain finally deciphered the final fragrance. "Books…."

Nigel made a face. "That's funny. Who smells like books?"

Before Fred could answer, the door at the top of the lab stairs opened and Hermione called down, "Everything all right down there?"

Fred shook his head to collect himself and managed to respond, "Fine! Be just a while longer!"

Fred quickly helped Nigel seal up the cauldron and gave him a stern warning about the danger of spilling any of the potion. He cautioned the boy to take it directly to Slughorn's office to avoid any mishaps. After sending Nigel on his way, Fred collapsed onto the couch and was trying to sort through his thoughts when he heard Hermione's voice again from the top of the stairs.

"Fred? I saw Nigel leave. Is everything okay?"

"Just tidying up. Be a few more minutes." Fred heard the door close. He closed his eyes and dropped his head into his hands. He needed time to sort this through and he knew that would not be possible with Hermione around. He had to find some way to get her out of the building so he could think...

He slowly climbed the stairs trying to construct a scenario that wouldn't look too suspicious. As luck would have it, a solution presented itself.

He walked back into the shop and observed Hermione and his sister deeply engrossed in conversation. Ginny noticed him and ran over. "Fred! Can I borrow Hermione for a while?"

Stunned by the timing, Fred just stared at her.

"It won't be for too long, I promise! Harry is taking me out to a fancy muggle restaurant in London for a late birthday present and I want to make sure that I fit in so I need Hermione to help me pick out a dress. Surely you can do without her for a little while? Please?"

Fred came to his senses and began agreeing a bit too enthusiastically. "Of course! Who am I to stand between friendship and fashion? Off you go!" He began pushing both girls towards the front of the store.

"All right, we know where the exit is!" laughed Hermione. She paused by the door. "Need me to stop by afterwards and help close up?"

"No!" Fred said and then swiftly added, "I've seen that look in my sister's eyes before. You'll be in the shops until close and then talking for hours after. Take the entire evening. Come in late tomorrow as well."

"Thanks. I know it means a lot to her. See you tomorrow!" Hermione grabbed her jacket and bag and followed Ginny outside.

Fred leaned against the counter. Tomorrow. That gave him at least a few more hours to figure out what to do with the knowledge that he had fallen in love with Hermione Granger.

***

Fred was trying to keep himself distracted by helping customers when he was confronted by the sight of Professor McGonagall striding towards him. She stopped at the counter and fixed him with a look he remembered all too well from his school years.

"Good evening, Mr. Weasley."

Fred snapped to attention before bowing deeply. "Professor! To what do we owe this tremendous honor?" He gave her a cheeky grin. "In need of a love potion?"

McGonagall stared daggers and gave a distinct snort. "I think not. I was informed at the Leaky Cauldron that I might find Ms. Granger here. Is she about?" The stern professor scrutinized the room in such a way as to suggest that she wasn't certain why anyone would choose to be in this environment.

"Sorry, Professor. Just missed her. Be happy to pass along a message if you like."

"If you would be so kind, Mr. Weasley. Please remind Ms. Granger that the time is fast approaching for her to complete her application if she would like to be considered for the upcoming Arithmancy Intensive. I would recommend turning it in as soon as possible since her declining of the Herbology Intensive may impact her appointment this go around."

Fred scribbled a note. "Right. 'Prof McG suggests turning in app for Arith Intensive ASAP'." He looked up. "Intensives are those extra classes, right?"

"In a sense. The Intensives are 2 week programs offered to only the most promising students giving them the chance to more fully explore a particular subject in order to gain the best possible scores on their N.E.W.T.'s., as well as providing a way to demonstrate initiative to future employers."

"Well, I'll be certain to tell her then."

"Thank you." McGonagall paused. "And I do hope that in the future, Mr. Weasley, that you might find it in your heart to grant Ms. Granger a bit more leeway in regards to scheduling time off from your employment when it comes to matters of her education."

Fred blinked uncertainly. "Pardon?"

She peered at him over her glasses. "Ms. Granger was offered a position in the most recent Herbology Intensive but declined citing "prior obligations" at your establishment. One would think you would want to be a bit more encouraging in her academic endeavors."

Fred was stunned. Hermione hadn't mentioned anything about this. He stammered. "S-Sorry, Professor. We must have had a spot of miscommunication on the matter. I can assure you it won't happen again."

McGonagall sniffed. "I would hope not. Only a handful of pupils are even offered the opportunity to participate and completion of the course is, in and of itself, quite a feather in one's cap."

Fred's brow furrowed. "Understood, Professor."

McGonagall seemed satisfied and turned to leave. She suddenly stopped short. "Mr. Weasley?" She glanced back over her shoulder.

"Yes, Professor?"

With a touch of sadness in her eyes she said simply, "I am genuinely sorry for your loss."

He found the unexpected compassion from the typically stoical Scottish teacher very touching. He swallowed hard. "Thank you, Professor. I appreciate that."

She gathered her robes and quickly exited the shop leaving Fred standing behind the counter lost in his thoughts.

After closing Fred went down to the lab. He sat by candlelight, trying to process the events of the day.

He was not surprised that he had fallen in love with Hermione. In his mind, anyone would be a fool not to fall in love with her. What surprised him was that it had taken this long for him to realize it.

He tried to pinpoint the moment that it happened. A series of images came to him - the way her eyes lit up when she laughed, the way she wrinkled her nose when she was trying to cipher out a complex problem, the determined expression she got when confronted with an obstacle, how she would absentmindedly twirl her hair when engrossed in a good book, watching her sleep on the couch in the lab, how her very presence would comfort him after one of his nightmares...

A vision of her descending the stairs of the Great Hall in her Yule Ball robes flashed in his mind. Had it started as long ago as that? He couldn't say for sure.

He was sure of two things - the first was that he was hopelessly, desperately and completely in love with Hermione Jean Granger. The second was that he loved her too much to pursue it.

He thought back to what Professor McGonagall had said earlier. Hermione had turned down a fantastic opportunity because she felt "obligated" to be at the shop.

Hermione had been very clear, in the alley all those weeks ago when they first agreed to this whole idea, that she was in need of a project - something to focus on until school started. Fred knew first-hand how Hermione's "projects" could begin to consume her life.

He was convinced that, like the house elves, he was now one of her crusades and he couldn't let her keep wasting opportunities out of pity. She had an amazing future in front of her and, as painful as it would be for him, he determined that he would not stand in the way of her achieving her full potential.

He made up his mind. So much had already been taken from her. He would not allow her to lose anything further. As difficult as it was to make that decision, he knew the real struggle was going to be the following day when he would have to act on it.

Fred leaned back on the sofa and stared hard at the wall. Sleep would elude him that night.

Since she had some extra time that morning, Hermione decided to stop by Flourish and Blotts to pick up the remainder of the text books she would need when starting back at Hogwarts the following week.

She entered the shop and proceeded to the counter with the list of items that she needed. The manager gave her a welcoming smile. "Ms. Granger! So happy to see you!"

Hermione started to hand him her list. "Hello! I'm her to pick up..."

The manager interrupted her. "No worries, Ms. Granger. We've had your order ready for a couple of weeks now."

Hermione was perplexed. "Order? I didn't place..."

He was already bustling about, looking for the appropriate bundle. "Ahh! Here it is!" From behind the counter he produced a stack of books along with a set of quills and parchments in a leather bound case, all tied securely with a scarlet and gold ribbon. "Paid in full!"

Hermione's eyes widened. "I-I'm sorry. I don't understand."

"Fred Weasley brought in the order days ago. Chose every item himself." The manager took a small envelope from the top of the parcel. "Even left this with it."

Hermione opened the note and grinned. It read simply, "Give 'em hell from me, Granger."

After assuring the manager that she was able to carry the parcel on her own, Hermione set off to thank Fred for his kindness.

At roughly the same time, Fred was working on a new display near the shop window when Angelina Johnson walked in.

"Ang! How are you?"

They shared a warm hug. "I'm well, Fred. And you?"

"Day by day. The shop helps."

Angelina cast an appreciative eye around her. "It looks great!"

"Thanks! Glad you like it. What have you been up to?"

She smiled awkwardly. "Well...I wanted to stop by and make sure you heard it from one of us first. Lee Jordan and I are dating."

Fred beamed. "Excellent! About time. He's only been mad about you since forever."

Angelina blushed. "He's missed you. We all have. We looked for you after the funeral, but no one knew where you had gone."

Fred glanced down at his shoes. "Yeah. Sorry - Needed to get away for a while."

Angelina nodded. "Same here. I went back to stay with my folks. Lee and I started writing to each other and then things just...happened." She paused. "I just needed to see you and make sure that it was okay - Lee and I. We didn't want you to think..."

Fred reached out and gave her arm a squeeze. "Don't spare it another thought, Ang. Couldn't be happier for you. Really. George would be happy for you as well."

She breathed a visible sigh of relief. "Thanks, Fred. That means the world to both of us." She looked as if a great weight had been lifted from her. "Right! So - the other reason for my visit is to invite you to a get together at Oliver's tonight at 7. Lee will be there as well a lot of the team. Will you come?"

"I'd love to, but I promised Verity the night off so I'll be working late. Another time?"

"You can drop by after work. We'll be there for a while."

Fred knew that he would not feel like going out that evening but appreciated the invitation. "Thanks. I'll think about it."

"Hope so. We'd all love to see you." Angelina took his hands in hers. "I'm so glad you reopened. It's like having a part of George still around." She then gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. "It's really good to see you again, Fred."

Fred winked. "Good to see you too, Ang."

On her way out the door, Angelina called back, "Hope to see you tonight!" before hurrying along.

Hermione was walking slowly down the street, lost in her thoughts and clasping her present from Fred. Last night, Ginny had claimed that Hermione was acting as if she had a crush on him. She had denied it, of course, but now she was beginning to question her true feelings.

She had always been fond of Fred, but recollecting the last few weeks she realized that her feelings had deepened into something else and it was becoming apparent that she was seeing him in a very different light.

As various images of him ran through her mind – his infectious laugh, the mischievous expression that appeared when he got a really good idea, the concern in his eyes when he would hold her after a bad dream - the truth suddenly hit her like the stack of books she was carrying.

She was in love with Fred Weasley.

She barely had time to process the idea when she came in sight of the store and felt her heart sink to her shoes.

Through the front window she spotted Fred holding hands with Angelina Johnson. They seemed to be having a very personal conversation. They both smiled and then Hermione felt her knees grow wobbly as she watched Angelina and Fred embrace and Angelina kiss him on the cheek.

She stood frozen as she heard the other girl leave, calling back to Fred. "...See you tonight."

She stared in dismay as Angelina walked down the street and Fred returned to the display he was working on.

Hermione found it difficult to breath. She had no sooner realized that she was in love with Fred than she was witnessing him reunite with his former flame.

He glanced up, saw her through the window and gave a wave. Hermione forced a smile and took a deep breath. There was nothing for it. She had to go inside.

Fred steadied himself and tried to act casual. "Granger. Didn't expect you in so early."

Hermione forced her voice into a normal tone. "Wanted to stop in and thank you for the books."

"Those? No thanks needed. Seemed like an appropriate goodbye gift."

Hermione blinked. "Goodbye?"

Fred kept fiddling with the display. "You know - like we said when we started. Shop open - school back in session. Agreement fulfilled."

"Agreement. Absolutely." Hermione swallowed hard. "Still and all, these books are very expensive. It doesn't feel right to accept such a costly gift."

Fred waved his hand. "No. You earned it. You wouldn't take wages. Consider them compensation for your services." Fred's insides cringed at his choice of words but he soldiered on.

Hermione felt as though she had the wind knocked out of her. She fought to maintain her composure. "Right. Well, then, if you won't be needing me this afternoon then I guess I should go back to the Leaky Cauldron and start packing to move back into Hogwarts on Monday."

Fred felt his stomach begin to turn but held firm. "Sounds like a good plan."

Hermione fingered the ribbon holding the books. "I suppose I'll see you around then."

Fred kept readjusting bottles. "I suppose you will."

Hermione shifted her feet and then headed towards the exit.

"Granger!"

Hermione's heart stopped and she spun around hopefully. "Yes?"

Fred was handing her a piece of paper. "Professor McGonagall stopped by last night with a message for you. Almost forgot."

Hermione took the note, placed it in her pocket and readjusted her parcel. "Thanks. Take care, then."

Fred forced his attention back to the task at hand. "You too."

Hermione turned and walked quickly from the shop. Fred watched her from the window. It was difficult to say which of them felt more miserable.