Chapter Two: the Plan
Fred was slightly disappointed when Hermione left with only a quick peck on the cheek and a promise to meet up the next day, but they would be spending Valentine's as a couple, which was much more successes than he had thought. He knew George wouldn't mind looking after the shop for as long as he did, but he felt guilty when re realized that George had spent the past four hours alone with it. As he walked the short distance between the cafe and the shop, he thought back to his and George's conversation at the beginning of last week...
"So Fred- how are we getting Hermione to spend Valentine's with you?"
"Excuse me?"
"Hermione Granger? Order of Merlin First Class, brightest witch of her age, bushy haired bookworm, love of your life? Ring a bell?"
"But Valentine's? With me?"
"Well, that's what I said- didn't I?"
"But Ron-"
"Made a mistake by letting her go. You, on the other hand, are going to bring her to Mum's dinner and show her exactly how much better a man you are. Redeem the Weasley name, eh?"
They had spent hours drinking wine and planning what to say, going long into the night. He was certain that he could make it a special night for her, he was just hoping that she'd enjoy it.
Hermione couldn't wait to see Fred the next day, and she checked over her QuickQuill hoping it had recorded everything. They had decided to keep their plan secret but agreed it would be best if George knew. She flipped through the pages, outlining key elements that they'd need to practice to convince their family. They'd need to make sure to be affectionate, be in sync, be in love- it was a blessing and a curse for the bookworm. On one hand, she was simply elated to learn all about him and spend the week as a couple, but on the other hand she was worried she might let her feelings come to light or fall for him even more. She was sure that if that happened, she wouldn't be able to go back as friends which would probably hurt his feelings and ruin any chances she might have had. But it was too late- she and Fred were already planning to 'date' and watch several films at her flat the next day, becoming more comfortable with a relationship. Now would probably be as good a time as any to start cleaning...
When Fred had finally arrived the next afternoon, Hermione had moved the couch three times and had spent twelve minutes trying to straighten her hair. So she had ended up moving the couch back to its starting position and pulling back her hair in a thick bun. So many had assumed that her hair would curl beautifully as the years went on, however it just ended up with more frizz and being even more unmanageable.
Fred had walked in, looking impeccable, with a navy jumper and a pair of jeans. He looked excited at the prospect of spending the afternoon with her, and Hermione found herself genuinely smiling. After the war, she had been trying very hard to remain positive, yet she still sometimes found herself staring at some old photos of those who passed: Nymphadora, Dobby, Dumbledore, Viktor Krum...it sometimes became too much. But when she saw Sirius and Remus
-finally happy and living together to the fullest with Teddy (their godson)- as well as Harry and Ginny, she knew that they could move on from the war and be reborn from their sorrow. And as a thin, freckled arm snaked around her shoulder, pulling her close to him, Hermione decided that she like bring reborn, she liked starting fresh once more.