Hermione attends an awkward dinner, a big wedding, and deals with angry redheads. Well, they say bad things come in threes.

Hermione's course of action was to avoid anything and everything to do with Fred Weasley. Which would have been much easier had she not been expected for dinner at the Burrow in 6 hours. So the next 6 hours were filled with panicked pacing around her flat, numerous cups of tea intended to calm her, and frantic brainstorming of any excuse she could use, unfortunately Mrs. Weasley had wrangled a promise that she would appear and Hermione was even more afraid of disappointing her than seeing Fred.

At ten minutes to six, when she could put it off no longer, Hermione took a deep breath and grabbed her small handbag and a cardigan, and closed her eyes tight as she apparated. The tight feeling in her chest was brief, but Hermione winced anyway when she opened her eyes to the path that led to the Weasley home, it had been years ago but no matter how quickly it went away and no matter what Hermione told herself she couldn't help but me reminded of the weeks she had spent in the Hospital Wing in fifth year after the Department of Mysteries when breathing comfortably was a hardship. She welcomed the short walk to the front door as it allowed her a little bit of time to shake off the memories.

"Right," she whispered to herself. "Nothing to it, one foot in front of the other, one step at a time."

"All right there, Granger?"

Oh, surely not. In no world was she so unlucky that Fred Weasley was standing behind her as she tried to talk herself to his parent's home because she was too terrified to face him. She had survived the Battle of Hogwarts, and been Harry Potter's friend for over a decade, but she could just not escape Fred Bloody Weasley.

"Hey, Fred," she smiled weakly.

He grinned as he stood beside her. "Figured you'd be here. It's a mystery to me why you won't apparate straight to the house."

"It's not my house."

He waved her off. "You're practically family, Granger, and you know it."

She shrugged. "Anyway," he tugged on her hand, "Mum's waiting, we better get going."

Hermione tried very hard to hide the mortification she was sure was on her face as he kept her hand in his as he loped along, pulling her behind him. She hoped her palms wouldn't start sweating. Nothing better than sweating all over than the boy you fancy to let him know that you're interested. It was a quick walk to the house, and to her utter horror, Fred still held her hand in his as he pushed open the door.

"Got the straggler, mum," he announced to the group of people who were all crowded into the living room on mismatched couches.

The first person she saw was Ginny, who caught sight of their hands linked together and wiggled her eyebrows. Hermione steadfastly ignored her. Harry looked close to laughing and Ron had drawn his eyebrows together and looked slightly annoyed. Fantastic, she thought, yet another complication. Thankfully, no one else seemed to either notice or care. Feeling herself blush, she pulled her hand away and did the rounds greeting all members of the Weasley family as Fred went to join his brother. It certainly was a special occasion, even Charlie was home from Romania and Bill and Fleur were home from her parent's with Victoire. The toddler was currently sitting with Fred and George, the two blowing coloured bubbles in his face to the little girl's utter delight. Teddy Lupin was watching them curiously from his perch on Andromeda Black's lap and looked just one bubble away from joining them. She smiled at them all and couldn't help but think of how different it could have been had just one year of their lives taken a swift turn. What if Hermine had gotten the potion puzzle wrong? What if Harry and Ron had been half an hour later into the Chamber and Ginny had died and Tom Riddle had regained his form two years earlier? Hermione wouldn't have made it to third year, she was sure. She shook her head, she didn't need to worry really, it was over and done with years ago and the fact of the matter was they were able to come together like this. She took a deep breath and smiled softly at Harry and Ron, walking over to join them. She watched Fred out of the corner of her eye, smiling at the joy that lit up his face.

"You're late," Ron announced as she sat down on the seat across from him. He was still scowling slightly.

"I've had a busy day," she said lamely.

Ginny laughed out loud at that and waggled her eyebrows when Hermione turned to glare at her. Harry didn't seem to notice but Ron definitely did, standing up and jerking his head towards the stairs.

"Hermione, a word?" he walked away and Hermione sighed, standing up slowly to follow him. At least Ginny looked apologetic.

Ron had gone upstairs to his old room. Still garishly orange and walls papered in posters of the Chudley Cannons. Ron was standing in the middle of the room and watching her carefully.

"Are you and Fred together?" The boy still had absolutely no tact. When she didn't answer straight away he rubbed a hand over his face and scowled. "Because if you are you could have given me a heads up at least."

Hermione folded her arms over her chest and shook her head. "I am not dating Fred, Ronald," she assured him. "I'm not dating anyone."

He looked relieved and annoyance bubbled in Hermione's stomach. "But if I was," she continued, "it's not really as though it's your business."

Ron's face reddened. Oh Merlin. That had not been the right thing to say. "Not my business?" Ron said snidely. "You know bloody well it would be my business."

Eager to escape from the intense and uncomfortable conversation that was taking place, Hermione nearly cried out in relief when Mrs. Weasley's voice floated up the stairs calling them down to dinner. She hurried past a seemingly fuming Ron and practically ran down the stairs, stealing a spot between Fleur and Charlie. It wasn't until she had sat down that she realised that Fred was sitting across from her grinning toothily.

"All right there, Granger?"

"Just fine, Fred," she smiled weakly, steadfastly not looking at Ron as he stomped past and flopped into a seat down the table next to Harry. Hermione determinedly ignored him.

She made it through dinner, thankfully, busying herself with chatting to Charlie about his adventures about Romania. She now knew more about dragon breeding habits than she ever thought she would, and swore to avoid any Norwegian Ridgeback in mating season when she saw the lingering scars Charlie proudly showed off on his leg. All the while she tried to avoid making eye contact with either Fred or Ron, jumping up to help Mrs. Weasley with the dishes.

"You're not subtle," Ginny hissed in her ear as she was standing at the sink.

Hermione ignored her.

"Your face is like an open book," she continued. "Talk to Fred, get it over with. Put Ron out of his misery."

Hermione still didn't answer. Ginny huffed but thankfully left her alone and went back outside. She lingered in the kitchen, wiping down the benches and straightening Mrs. Weasley's spices. Looking at the new clock, one that told time, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief when she saw it was late enough to beg off and head home. Going back outside to the still chatting family she cited an early start to work before saying goodbye and heading back down the path. Ginny gave her a meaningful look as she hugged her but didn't say anymore.

When she finally walked back through her front door she sighed and went to her room, flopping down onto the bed, pressing her pillow against her face, and screaming in frustration. It had been a hard day.

The week went by and Hermione barely saw a sign of red hair, much to both her relief and disappointment. She still wasn't sure how to approach Fred and she was terrified for the coming weekend. It was Seamus Finnegan's wedding, and almost everyone she knew was going to be there, Fred included. Merlin, an abundance of both Weasley's and alcohol. This would be a disaster. Unfortunately, it wasn't something that she could realistically miss. It was Seamus after all, and Daphne, despite the reputation that had followed her after the war, was a sweet girl and a good friend to Hermione. So on Saturday morning she woke up early to smooth Sleek Easy through her hair which was as bushy as it had been back in fourth year and pin it up elegantly. Ginny came round around lunchtime and the two got themselves ready together before Harry and Ron met them at her apartment. Ginny took Harry's arm, and Hermione took Ron's, smiling gently at him as he apparated them to the church ceremony. When they arrived, Hermione was a little taken aback at how many people were making their way into the old building, she could see classmates from Hogwarts, of all years, Ministry employees, even Professor McGonagall was there leaning on her cane, looking as severe as ever.

"Let's go in," she said as she spotted Fred across the yard, gently pushing through the crowds of people and taking a seat in an already almost full pew. Harry, Ron and Ginny slid in beside her, looking at her curiously.

"Stop being so odd," Ginny whispered, leaning across her brother.

Hermione shushed her and turned to the front of the church where Seamus was standing next to Dean Thomas, looking nervous but rather handsome in his robes. Not long after, a hush fell over the guests as someone began to play a violin and the doors opened. Like in a fairytale, Daphne entered the church in a halo of sunlight, her blonde hair shining and the white of her dress blinding. Watching Seamus and Daphne look at each warmed Hermione's heart and she began to tear up. They had had a long journey to each other and had fought a lot of distrust and skepticism but they were here and in love and Hermione was unbelievably happy to be a witness to it.

"That'll be you and Harry one day," she whispered across to Ginny as Seamus and Daphne kissed to the cheers of their friends.

Ginny turned to her and beamed, hands clasped within Harry's as she watched the newly married couple cling to each other.

"Reception to follow at the Greengrass Estate," a distinguished older gentleman, probably Daphne's father, announced, wand at his throat to cast the sonorous charm.

Walking into the hall that the newly married Finnegan's were holding their reception in nearly took her breath away. Bill and Fleur's wedding had been beautiful and elegant, but it seemed like nothing compared to the opulence and sheer wealth that exuded from the Greengrass property. Diamond chandeliers hung from the high vaulted ceiling, which looked like marble and was patterned in gold leaf, the plates were a delicate china and the cutlery was real silver.

"They don't hold back, do they?" Ron breathed as he looked around, hands in his pockets.

"Purebloods, little brother, old society families, should have expected it really," Fred said, surprising Hermione, as he clapped a hand on his brothers shoulder. "Hermione," he said turning to her, "we're sitting together, over here." He took her hand and pulled her closer, slinging an arm around her shoulder as he led them away from the other.

"You've been avoiding me," he said quietly into her ear.

"I've been busy," she said, not looking at him, "it's not intentional."

Fred huffed. "You're a terrible liar Granger." He stopped at a table on the edge of the dancefloor and gestured to her seat, small name tag embossed in silver ink, his seat was right next to her.

She sat down and glanced over as he sat next to her. He lounged back in his seat, arm slung over her chair as it had been her shoulder and he leaned over to her and Hermione tensed as his other hand landed on her leg.

"Beautiful wedding, wasn't it?" he asked conversationally.

Hermione nodded, stiff.

"Hey Fred, hey Hermione" Katie Bell approached with her date, Oliver Wood, and leaned down to give Hermione a hug. Luckily, Fred had leaned back into his cheer at their approach, giving Hermione some room to breathe. "We're all at this table, thank Merlin, we're bound to have some fun."

"Hey Katie," Hermione said, returning the hug as Fred greeted his old captain. "You and Oliver finally sorted it out then."

Katie rolled her eyes. "Pig-headed Quidditch players, what can you do?"

Hermione thought it best not to mention that Katie was also a pig-headed Quidditch player and instead nodded sympathetically.

She nodded towards Fred. "You and Fred then?"

Hermione reddened. "Oh, uh – no, no. We're friends, Fred and I," she protested.

"Hmm, I'm not sure, you looked awful cozy before we sat down," Katie said mischievously.

"We're friends," Hermione said firmly.

Thankfully, Katie left it and the two chatted until the party started with the bride and groom. They sat through the speeches and dinner, Fred's warmth pressed into her side until Daphne and Seamus had their first dance. The couple held on to each other tightly, eyes never leaving the others as they whispered to each other lovingly. If it were any other day, any other couple, Hermione would be rolling her eyes and looking for the nearest escape. Instead she was feeling wistful and romantic and couldn't help but picture herself where her friends were being held by a handsome redhead. She felt a hand on her arm and looked over at Fred who stood and held his hand out to her. They had called for others to join the happy couple on the floor, Katie and Oliver, and the other members of their table had already gotten up to join them, leaving Hermione with a choice. Slowly, she put her hand in Fred's and let him lead her on to the floor. He held her close, hands heavy at her waist as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She could feel the long lines of his body against hers and she shivered at the contact. Leaning her head against his chest they swayed to the music.

"Can we talk?" he asked her quietly.

Hermione leaned back and looked into his face. He wasn't laughing, or smiling, just looking at her softly, earnestly. She found herself nodding. He took his hands from her waist and took one of her hands in his, maneuvering them through the dancefloor and out through glass doors to the garden outside. It reminded her of Hogwarts during the Yule Ball. Green hedges lined the pathways and fairies gave twinkled from the leaves. Fred lead her along the row, further and further into the vast expanses of Daphne's family home, until they were in a dimly lit corner, surrounded by only the trees and greenery.

"There's a bench over there," Fred said, nodding towards a stone bench.

Hermione walked over and sat down, patting the spot next to her for Fred to sit. He did and leaned back on his arms, staring up at the night sky.

"I'm sorry I've been avoiding you," she said quietly.

Fred laughed. "Knew it."

"I'm sorry," she said again, sighing. "I'm just – I don't know what to do here Fred."

"You think I do?" he asked her, genuinely curious.

"You're always so confident. You've always known what you want."

"Most of the time I guess I do. The shop, my family, friends. I always had a plan during school if I'm honest. That's always been easy enough. But you, you're different Hermione."

"How?"

"I don't know. You're Hermione. You're that bushy haired girl who's been friends with my little brother for ten years. You're a swot and you follow the rules and I used to wonder if you'd ever laughed at a practical joke, and we all thought you'd be with Ron right now." Hermione opened her mouth to interrupt but Fred shook his head to stop her. "But you're also hard working, and funny in your own way, and Merlin Hermione, I want you to be with me."

He was breathing hard, eyes wide and chest heaving. Hermione blinked and moved closer to him. Close enough to see the blue of his eyes framed by long eyelashes. He had a tiny scar just under his eye. She raised a hand to his cheek and leaned forward, pressing her lips gently to his. He responded quickly, enthusiastically, magically. Cupping her face in his large hands, pulling her into him as he opened his mouth to hers as they came together. Hands gripping tighter and tighter Hermione pressed into him desperately as he pulled her closer and closer, it was like a dam had broken between them and neither could think of nor did they want to think of a way to stop it.

The sound of footsteps echoed on the path and they sprung apart, staring at each other, Hermione's hair having fallen out of its elegant knot, and Fred's sticking up where her hands had run through it. They were breathing heavily, chests heaving up and down.

"I saw them head out here," it was Ron, and he sounded drunk.

"I don't think so mate, it's pretty out of the way, I don't think they would be here." That was Harry, bless his soul, and was clearly trying to get Ron to forget whatever it was he thought he was doing.

She motioned for Fred to stay quiet and he nodded staring at her closely.

"Nah, they're here. Ernie said he saw them too."

Hermione closed her eyes nervously, praying, hoping, that Harry would convince him to leave or that he wouldn't notice them in the dark.

But that would be the luck of someone who was not Hermione Granger so it was to her and Fred's combined dread that Ron barged his way into their corner and froze as he caught sight of them. Hermione cringed. She knew what they must have looked like. Harry was behind him and he looked worried.

Ron's face was growing redder and redder, Hermione was surprised that smoke wasn't coming out of his ears.

"Ron…" Fred began.

Ron cut him off. "Sod off, Fred. You're a twat, and you," he turned to Hermione, "you lied to me!"

Hermione stood. "Ron, please," she moved toward him but he stumbled back and shook his head.

"I asked you, Mione. I asked you to tell me the truth," he said angrily. Hermione knew this Ron. This Ron couldn't be reasoned with and wouldn't hold back. "We've been asking you to come out with us, we've been worried about you, but know we know what you've been doing. You've been with him!" He pointed accusingly at his brother.

"Hold on, mate," Fred tried to intervene, pushing Hermione behind him.

"You're a prick," he said scathingly, turning on his heel and storming away, Harry following, sending Hermione and Fred an apologetic look.

Hands over her eyes Hermione sank back onto the bench and put her head on her knees. This was the worst way this could have gone. She had known Ron would be hurt. Their non-relationship hadn't been as smooth a transition for him, and she knew that, and she had still lied about her feelings, she had still gone off and fallen for his brother. Merlin, what would this do for his jealousy issues?

"Hermione," Fred began.

She looked up, teary eyed and red-faced. "I'm so sorry," she whispered to him before apparating away. Leaving him standing there, hand outstretched to her and worry plastered across his face.

Hermione sat on her bed and put her head in her hands, and fought back the tears that had been building. Why did she have to ruin everything?

"What did I do? What did I do?" she pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes.

She could have had everything she ever wanted and she had gone and ruined it because she was afraid. She had had Fred Weasley in her arms and she had kissed him! And he had kissed her back and it was the happiest she had been in a long time. Merlin, what had she done? This time she didn't try to stop the tears, just let them come, tears streaming down her cheeks as her shoulders were wracked with heaving sobs. She lay on her side and tried to calm herself, or at least cry herself to sleep to forget how very pear-shaped this night had gone.

She started when she heard a banging on her door. Slowly, she sat up and pushed herself to her feet. Tentatively she walked through her apartment and leaned against the front door. She looked through the little peep hole and took a deep breath, opening the door.

He leaned against the door frame, bags under his eyes and smelling of firewhiskey. She sighed, and opened the door wider, stepping back to let him in.

I'm so sorry about the wait on this. I had genuine planned on getting this updated a few weeks ago but life unfortunately got in the way. I'm planning another chapter to finish this off, but I have been thinking of potentially expanding this universe. Potentially, a one-shot detailing Seamus and Daphne's relationship.

If you liked it, leave a review. They're fantastic to read.

Hope you enjoy!

Hannah