George watched Fred watching Verity walk down the cobblestones. "Are you telling her?"

Fred glanced back at his brother. "About the Veela cousins? I don't know."

"She might not leave you."

Fred laughed. "You don't really believe that, do you?"

"Look, it's not as though you shagged any of them. It was only snogging, intense snogging, but it's different."

"It's not different," he said solemnly. After a long pause, he looked into his brother's face and shook his head. "I have to tell her."

"It was three months ago."

"It could have been three years ago. You know what I'm planning for Christmas. I have to tell her or –"

"Or what? Certain disaster? Don't be a prat. You're only going to upset her."

When Verity returned, Fred led her into the stock room. He took her in his arms and kissed her across her face, lingering on her lips. He felt her fingers brushing his hair, tracing his ear, kissing him back. "I love you," he whispered. "There's something I need to tell you that happened at Bill's wedding this summer." She stood very still, looking into his shadowy eyes. Fred could feel her body tense as she stopped stroking his hair. "Fleur's family was there; her cousins came as well. Her Veela cousins." He stopped speaking, afraid of her reaction. Maybe George was right. Perhaps, he shouldn't tell, but he had started this conversation, and he needed to… change the subject. Yes, he would change the subject.

"What are you trying to say, Fred? Did you…" Her voice faltered. "Did you sleep with them?"

"No. It didn't get that far."

"Didn't get that far? How far did it get exactly?"

"Intense snogging."

She stepped away from him, but he held her firmly, begging her with his eyes, but she pushed him away, and he finally released her.

"Verity," he sighed.

"Don't say it. Don't you dare, Fred Weasley." She slapped him across his face and turned, letting the curtain between the shop and the storeroom sway. He heard the front door slam as he sat down, his face in his hands. He heard George, and then felt his hand on his shoulder. They didn't speak.

"I can't lose her, George."

When Verity returned to work the next morning, she wouldn't speak to Fred. She barely spoke to George. In the evening before closing, she went up to the flat and removed the things she'd left in Fred's room. He stood by silently as she took her bag and walked out.

When she didn't return the next day, Fred looked at George, but he shrugged his shoulders.

A fortnight later was Verity's birthday, and Fred made a decision. He wouldn't wait until Christmas. He stood outside her door for several minutes, holding flowers and a small cake and the special item, staring at her door. Finally, with his hands full, he tapped. When she opened it, she scowled. "No birthday plans?" he smirked.

"No Veela cousins?" she responded.

"I deserved that. I'm sorry. I… shouldn't have been such a git. Happy Birthday. I love you. Can I come in?" Verity's neighbors had begun to watch their discussion in earnest, and Verity finally invited Fred in. He handed her the flowers and the cake.

"Thank you." She pointed to the sofa. "Sit down."

"Cheers." He smiled when she sat next to him. "I love you. I want you to marry me," he said, handing her the small box. Her mouth opened wide at his words, but before she could say yes or more likely no, he took her hands in his. "I love you," he repeated. "I'll never betray you again." He took out the ring and placed it into her open hand. "This ring is special. When you put it in the box, words appear on the top that tell you exactly where I am. Try it."

She looked at him with a grin. She placed the ring inside and closed the lid. It said "Home." She smiled and put the ring on her finger, leaning close to him, kissing him deeply.

One month after Fred's twentieth birthday, Verity was waiting for him. They had been talking about when they would be married, and she had exciting news for him. She couldn't wait to tell him as she rested her hand over her stomach. She was growing anxious, so she put her ring in its box to see where Fred was. "Hogwarts." She smiled, knowing he would soon be home.

Author's Notes: Thank you to missblane for proof-reading.