A/N: Hi there my great reader! You really are great, I'm soooooo happy about the reviews I can't express it with words… I know, I'll cook each of you a cake LOL… Anyway, here's chapter 4, I hope you enjoy it… And please continue reviewing 'cause they really make my day.

A special THANKS and a big chocolate cake for Zoe who's helped me a lot!

First comes marriage, then love?

Chapter III: Lying to the in-laws

Mrs. Weasley, as Fred had predicted, was the most enthusiastic about the wedding. Once she had recovered from the shock the news had provoked, she showed intentions of starting planning the wedding right there. Luckily, Mr. Weasley dissuaded her.

"This is not the right moment dear. We'll have plenty of time to organize the ceremony. Besides, you've already planned three weddings. You've got all the experience you need." His arguments were convincing enough and Mrs. Weasley didn't push the matter further. Instead she retreated to the kitchen to clean everything up.

Bill and Fleur, Charlie and Chelsea, and Percy and Penelope left some time later. They had offered to help Molly with the cleanup, but she shooed them away, insisting that too many cooks spoil the potion! They all left after bidding the new couple and the rest of their family goodbye. George and Katie, however, remained behind.

Hermione had not uttered a single word since Ron had left the table. She had her stare fixed on the goblet in front of her, though she hadn't removed her hand from its place atop Fred's and none of them seamed to have noticed

"I don't see why everyone is so concerned about little Ronnie. We are the victims here," George said in a brave attempt to break the tension in the air. He gave his girlfriend a pitiful look before continuing. "You know what Fred getting married means, don't you? That Mum is going to start pestering me and Katie to do the same."

Hermione was so engrossed in her own thoughts that she didn't even bother to correct George's grammatical mistake. That was not a good sign.

"Listen guys," said Fred addressing George and Katie "You go home. I'll stay here with Hermione," she looked so sad that it seamed a good idea to try to cheer her up before leaving

"You sure?" asked George.

"Yes, I'll stop by your place tomorrow," Fred replied, silently assuring his twin that they would be able to talk then.

"Ok then. Bye 'Mione. And don't worry about Ron; it's just not worth getting all worked up because of him 'cause he'll come to his senses soon," said George, and with two soft 'pops' the couple disapparated

Fred looked at Hermione. He squirmed a bit, not exactly sure how to handle the situation. He wanted to make her feel better, but she was, in reality, a bit of a stranger to him. He didn't know what made her laugh, what her favorite color was, or even what flavor of toothpaste she preferred. She's probably a mint girl, he mused silently. Stickler for the classic, that one is. He preferred the Droobles Watermelon BubbleGum flavor himself. He supposed he should find out these sort of things if he was going to marry this girl. Speaking of Hermione…he shook his head, realizing he had gotten a bit off topic.

"Perhaps we should go out and get a bit of fresh air," he finally suggested, hoping to draw Hermione out of her melancholy.

"Ok," she answered meekly.

Fred took her hand and guided her to the backyard of the Burrow. They sat in the grass a few feet from the house and soon the slight breeze of the evening sent a chill that made Hermione start to shiver. Quickly Fred pulled his jacket off and placed it over her shoulders. She turned to smile at him but for some reason this gesture broke her barrier. Fred was alarmed when tears began to run freely down her cheek.

"Don't cry 'Mione, please don't. It's like George said it's not worth he'll come around!"

"I just can't stand hurting him," explained Hermione, she was sobbing now.

"He'll have to understand that this is not about him. We are making a sacrifice for a greater cause and he'll have to make it too."

"Yes, I suppose you are right. But still, the look in his eyes when we told him. It broke my heart knowing that I broke his."

"He just needs some time. You'll see, everything is going to be all right," said Fred putting an arm around Hermione to comfort her. She rested her head on his shoulder as her tears subsided. Little did they know that a lonely, tall figure was watching them from one of the windows above.

Five minutes later they were joined by Harry.

"It's cold out here," he suggested. "Why don't we go inside and have a cup of tea?" Fred and Hermione nodded and followed him back into the house.

Ginny was waiting for them, sitting at the kitchen table with four steaming mugs in front of her. It appeared that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had gone to bed.

"Could you talk to him?" asked Hermione, not touching her cup.

"Yes," began Harry. "He didn't say much, but at least he listened."

"That's a good sign," said Fred reassuringly.

"Yes, he just needs to think about it," said Ginny. "He's not angry at you 'Mione. I think he feels helpless because of the situation. His reaction is understandable, but he won't stay like that forever. After all he's in the Order too and he knows there are more important things."

Hermione could only nod. Everyone was so rational about this. Well, everyone except for her and Ron. She hated when her feelings took over her usual rational self, but when it came to the people she loved, there was nothing she could do to prevent it.

Silence fell over the group, each of them lost in their own thoughts.

"Fred," Hermione called suddenly making the rest jump. "We have to tell my parents now. Tomorrow it's Saturday, and we always go out for lunch on Saturdays. Perhaps you can come with us and then we tell them."

"Whatever you want is fine with me 'Mione."

"Ok then, come by my house tomorrow around noon. I'll be going now, I think I need some sleep."

But she knew she wouldn't get any sleep that night.

"Do you want me to take you to your parent's?" offered Fred. She smiled slightly.

"No, it's ok. Thanks anyway." And before anyone could say another word, she disapparated.

Hermione was as nervous about breaking the news to her parents as she had been about telling Ron. She had spent half the night awake and had finally come up with a good explanation to her sudden decision to become 'Mrs. Hermione Weasley'. She would tell them that the reason why she had kept her two-year relationship in secret was the same why she never told them anything about the magical world: to protect them. As Fred was also a member of the Order, it would be dangerous if they knew anything about his life.

And then she would say that she was getting married because she was madly in love with Fred. These were dangerous times for all the wizards and witches and she was scared of losing him. She wanted to make the most of her time with him because no one really knew what could happen the following day. It was a bit dramatic, Hermione thought, but it would have to work. She had never lied to her mother and father before, so they had no reason not to believe her.

Before joining her parents for breakfast that morning, she sent an owl to Fred telling him about her plan and reminding him that they had to act as a couple who were crazy about each other.

"Mum, Dad," said Hermione after she had buttered her toast four times already. "I have something to tell…well, ask you."

Both her parents looked up from their dishes.

Both her parents looked up from their dishes, "don't tell me you are not having lunch with us today!" joked his father.

"Not exactly, but I've invited someone to join us. You don't mind, do you?"

"No, of course not darling. And who might this guest be?" asked her mother curiously.

"You'll…see," was the only answer they could get from their daughter.

Hermione spent the rest of the morning in her room, keen to avoid any awkward questions.

At twelve o'clock the bell rang at the Granger's house. Hermione hurried to the door. It would probably be better if she opened it. She found Fred wearing black trousers and a white shirt. He was even wearing dress shoes! Hermione thought that would be the closest he would get to a suit. It was clear that he had worked to look serious to impress Mr. and Mrs. Granger. But his mischivieous grin gave him away.

"Hi baby," he said hugging Hermione tightly and planting a loud kiss on her cheek. "Sorry, I couldn't resist," he apologized with a wink, still grinning. Hermione realized she liked the way his arms had felt wrapped around her slight form, and the smell of his cologne. But she quickly pushed that thought to the back of her mind. There were more important matters.

"It's ok. It was I who told you we had to act like a couple. Come in, I'll introduce you to my parents."

Fred followed her inside the house, looking around with an expression of bemusement on his freckled face. He wasn't used to being into muggles houses, and from the looks of it, he had inherited his father fascination for muggle trinkets. But he would never, ever, collect plugs.

"Mum, Dad, could you come down for a moment?" Hermione called from the living room, where she and Fred were now seated on the couch.

However, the moment Mr. and Mrs. Granger entered the room, Fred jumped to his feet. Hermione had to utter a fake cough to hide the giggles.

"This is Fred Weasley, you remember him, don't you? He is one of Ron's brothers."

Mrs. Granger smiled politely at Fred and Mr. Granger shook his hand. Apparently neither of her parents had a completely clear idea of who Fred was.

"Anyway, he is the one who would be joining us for lunch."

At these words, the expression of Hermione's parents changed from polite to curious. Of course, Hermione had gotten her wits from her parents and it was pretty obvious that if their daughter wanted a young gentleman to join them for a family meal, it was because he, at the very least, was her boyfriend.

"Shall we go then?" Hermione suggested looking from her parents' interested faces to Fred, who looked a bit anxious.

"Sure," agreed Mr. Granger. Hermione stretched her hand and Fred took it. They walked towards the garage hand in hand. Mr. and Mrs. Granger exchanged a knowing glance before leaving the house.

They went to a restaurant in the center of London. It was crowded with families and small children, which made everyone raise their voices slightly to be heard over the noise. It was the sort of luncheonette the Weasleys would have gone to if they had been muggles. Fred was happy to see that the Grangers had at least something in common with his own family. Even if it was because of a fake marriage, he was about to enter the Granger family and it was good to know that it was a household in which he could feel comfortable. True, they would probably see very little of the Grangers, but Fred knew that Hermione loved her family and he wanted to fit in it.

Once they had ordered Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked at their daughter, expecting her to explain why Fred was there. She took a deep breath, wondering where to begin.

"Mum, Dad, I have two important things to tell you. This would probably come as a shock to you and it's not how I usually handle things, but you know that given the current situation many circumstances have changed."

"Honey, you are scaring us. Is everything ok?"

"Yes. What I have to tell you is not something bad. On the contrary, for us," -she pointed at Fred and then at herself- "this is great news. I just want you to understand that I didn't tell you sooner for your own good and protection. You know I've never lied to you before and I felt terrible for hiding this from you." She did feel so guilty about lying to her parents that her act was completely believable.

"You don't need to tell us anything baby," said Mr. Granger. "It's pretty clear that you and this young gentleman here are, how do you youngsters say it these days, oh yes, going out."

"Yes, well that the first half of the story. We've been going out for two years now. I never told you because he is a member of the Order too and it would be dangerous for you to know anything about him," explained Hermione.

"Two years? Goodness, that's a long time," said Mrs. Granger. "But that's ok dear. We understand. You don't have to feel bad about wanting to protect us. Moreover, we are glad you decided to confide on us now."

"That's not everything Mum. The real reason I'm telling you this is because," she took a deep breath, "Fred and I… we are getting married… by the end of October."

Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked so surprised that Fred thought it was a miracle they hadn't fainted from shock. They remained transfixed for a few seconds and then looked at each other.

"Honey, it's not that we want to question your decision," began Mrs. Granger softly "we've always trusted your judgment and tried not to interfere too much on your affairs. But, don't you think you are a bit young to get married? You finished school only three months ago. You are only eighteen. I don't doubt you love Fred, but still…"

"Mum, I know I'm young, but as you said I do love Fred. I know I want to spend with him the rest of my life, and with the ongoing war… we don't know how long that can be."

Fred thought he ought to say something.

"Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I know you don't know me and therefore you have no reason to trust me. But you've met my parents and I believe you are aware of the kind of people we are. I can assure you that I love your daughter more than anything in this world and I would never dream to hurt her." Fred put his arm around Hermione and kissed her lightly in the forehead.

"Yes son, we've met your parents and as my wife said, we trust our daughter's judgment. We are not opposing to your relationship. We are just worried that you are making a mistake, driven by your youth and lack of experience."

"Dad, the bottom line is that we have already decided this and we are going through with it whether you approve it or not. But it would be important for me if you trust me one more time and give us your support."

"Baby, we will always support you and love you, even if we don't fully agree with you. We can't stop worrying about you, but if this is what you think is best for you and what you've decided, you have our blessings. Right dear?" said Mrs. Granger looking at her husband.

"Of course. I do think you are too young to get married, but if you are sure then we are fine with this."

Hermione beamed at her parents. She still felt horribly guilty and heated hiding from them the real reason of her marriage. Yet, she was incredibly relieved to see that they didn't oppose to it.

"Thank you. I can't tell you what this mean to me, to us," she said looking at Fred. It was true. Although she had always been a strong person, after what had happened the night before with Ron, she thought she wouldn't have been able to deal with her parents not accepting her decision.

"Welcome to the family then, hm, Fred," Said Mr. Granger shaking Fred's free hand, as the other one was still around Hermione.

"Thank you, sir. I swear she will have everything she needs. She'll be treated like a princess."

"I trust you'll see to that."

"Oh! I can't believe my little baby is getting married," sobbed Mrs. Granger.

The rest of the meal went by pleasantly enough. Fred explained to the Grangers everything about a wizard's marriage ceremony. Mrs. Granger said she wanted to help with the organization, after all it was her only child getting married, and Fred promised to help her contact his mother.

Hermione's parents soon directed the conversation towards their future son-in-law. They were surprised when they heard he was the owner of a joke shop, but they didn't seam to mind, on the contrary, they were impressed that he had his own business at such a young age.

When the meal was over the group said their goodbyes, with Mr. and Mrs. Granger returning home, and Hermione and Fred going back to Fred's apartment instead.

"You are a great actress 'Mione, I didn't know you had it in you," said Fred handing her a cup of tea. She was sitting in the couch in the living room and he sat next to her.

"Don't joke about that, I feel terrible."

"Why? It's not like you lied to them because you did something wrong and you want to cover it."

"I know, but still…"

"You worry too much 'Mione, I need to teach you to relax a bit." He left his own cup on the table next to the couch, "Come here," he instructed. He turned Hermione around and started drawing circles with his thumbs on her back. She relaxed into his massages allowing his hands to lift the tension from her shoulders.

"Where did you learn this?" Hermione asked in a soft voice.

"Nowhere, it's one of my natural abilities."

"I could get used to this," she said without thinking, then blushing at the implications.

"Does that mean I could ask you something in return?" Fred replied, waggling his eyebrows and adding a wink. "Relax, I was just kidding. You see, you worry too much," Fred repeated when she tensed again. He continued working on her shoulders for a few minutes until Hermione broke the silence.

"I suppose we should start planning this wedding, now that everyone knows," she told him.

"I believe our mothers will be more than willing to take care of that."

"Yes, but there are a few things we need to decide ourselves. Because if we leave it to them, we'll end up with a marriage ceremony similar to that of the King of England's. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have a small wedding."

"Yeah, definitely," agreed Fred, a bit relieved that they were on similar ground on this issue.

They continued to talk well into the evening as Hermione made note of all the things they agreed on for their wedding, and all those ideas that would be banned from their mothers doing. Most of the time, Hermione was surprised to find that they agreed. However she did have to draw the line when Fred asked to have Canary Creams as one of the desserts at the reception. Now really! She couldn't have all her guests sprouting feathers!

Still, she mused that living with Fred would not be that bad. In fact, she started to realize that she might enjoy it. She at least could always count on Fred for a laugh. And she was gladly surprised to discover that they had more things in common that she would have imagined

"As long as they follow this list, I don't see why we shouldn't let them take care of everything," said Hermione, re-reading the list they had just finished.

"Wow, look at the time! We've been at this all day. Do you want to stay for dinner?"

"No, but thank you though," Hermione declined gracefully. "I should probably go back home and see if my parents are still ok with this. I'm sure it has sunk in by now."

"Ok then. I'll write to Dumbledore and tell him everything is settled then."

"And I'll ask my mum if she wants to invite you mother for tea tomorrow. So they can start to plan everything."

"Wait here," said Fred, disappearing into his room. He returned a couple of seconds later carrying a small, rectangular mirror. "Here," he handed it to Hermione.

"What's this?"

"It's a two-way mirror. George and I got the idea from Harry. It's quicker and much more comfortable than owls and the fire network. You can let me know what your mother said about my mother."

Hermione was grinning, "I always thought wizards needed a magical version of a cell phone."

"What's that?"

"Never mind," she told him, giggling. "Anyway, I should be going now. I'll get back to you later. Bye!" She turned, and with a soft pop she was gone.