A/N: First of all: WOW! Over a hundred reviews in only 4 chapters… this feels great people… Have I told that I love you all? 'Cause I do! Second, I'm sorry this took longer than I had expected, I've been having a couple of problems with my pc so… but it's here now, I hope it was worth the wait… Anyway, read, enjoy and plz. keep reviewing, it's what keeps me writing!

First comes marriage, then love?

Chapter IV: Feelings of Two Weasley Boys

Next morning, Fred was suddenly woken by a strange feeling on his left foot. He opened one eye and saw George sitting on bed, his face screwed up in concentration as he moved a feather up and down Fred's foot.

"What on earth did you do that for?" asked Fred irritated, throwing a pillow at his twin brother.

"Sorry, you had your foot out. I couldn't resist" said George grinning, not really apologizing.

"Be grateful you don't live here anymore, otherwise…" But the rest of Fred's sentence was stifled by a huge yawn. "What are you doing here anyway? What time is it?"

"It's half past eleven. Katie went shopping with Alicia so I thought I'd pay my favorite twin a visit."

"And torture him at this early hour? That was very kind of you," answered Fred ironically.

"Anytime dear bro."

Fred just glared at him. "In spite of your Peevish way of waking me, I'm glad you are here. I was thinking about stopping by your place this afternoon."

"I thought you might. We need to talk. So, you are getting married…to Hermione"

"Yeah," Answered Fred grinning.

"You know what you are doing, don't you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Fred, you can hide it from anyone but from me. I saw they way you looked at her last night."

"I don't know what you are talking about," answered Fred perplexed. He truly had no idea what his twin was on about.

George eyed him for a couple of seconds and then said, "Just bare in mind that Ron is our brother, and that he loves her."

"I'm aware of that. What I don't understand I why you are telling me this."

"Don't you remember what you told me the night before I moved in with Katie?" Fred merely gave him a quizzical look. "I was asking you when you would find a girl to settle down, and you told me that you would like to find someone like…"

"Like Hermione," finished Fred, finally comprehending what his twin meant. "Is that what you think this is?"

"No, of course not. I know you are marrying her because of the mission, I'm just worried about what will happen afterwards."

"I said I would like to find someone like Hermione, not Hermione. I meant someone beautiful, funny, caring, and smart. Someone I can trust. The type of girl I can fall in love with."

"And why do you use Hermione as an example?" asked George, although he knew the answer. He just wanted Fred to see it too.

"Because she is my friend. Don't you think Hermione is beautiful, and funny, and smart?"

"Yes, and she is also my friend and I think she is a great person. But I would never say she is the sort of girl I could fall in love with."

"I didn't say…"

"Yes, you did. Listen, just be careful, ok? I don't want to see any of you hurt." Fred didn't answer. His brother was delusional. He didn't feel anything for Hermione but a close friendship. True, these last two days he had discovered they had more things in common than he thought, but still, they were just friends.

"What did you want to talk about?" asked George, interrupting Fred's thoughts.

"Yesterday Hermione and I decided a few things about the wedding and, would you be my best man?"

"Of course! Who's the bride's maid?"

"Ginny. And, I have to ask you another favor," began Fred hesitantly.

"What is it?"

"I was thinking about getting Hermione an engagement ring. Not because I love her, it's just that people will wonder by she doesn't have any… And…"

"And what?"

"Well, you know her, she didn't say anything because it wouldn't be appropriated. But even if it is a fake marriage, I think she does have the fantasy of her wedding day, walking down the aisle in her white robe and everything. You know how girls feel about that sort of things. I just want to make this more enjoyable for her," he finished with a sort of shrug.

"And what can I help you with?"

"I need someone to help me chose the ring. You've always had better taste than me."

"Ok," was the only thing George responded. He didn't want to push the matter, since his brother seamed to be in denial. But he couldn't help to think that his fears were turning out to be real.

"I almost forget. Katie had a great idea last night."

"Not sure I want to hear this," joked Fred, covering his ears with his hands.

"Very funny. No, she thought that we could go out for a drink tomorrow night with our friends, Oliver, Alicia, Angelina, Lee so you can tell them about your marriage."

"Sounds fine by me. Let me check with 'Mione." He opened the door of his bedside table and took out the counter part of the mirror he had given Hermione the night before.

"Hermione Granger," he told the mirror. And a few seconds later Hermione's face appeared in the mirror.

"Morning Fred," she greeted "how are you?"

"Fine, I'm here with George who wanted to ask you something." He held out the mirror to his twin so he could talk to the girl.

"Hi George, what's up?"

"Hello 'Mione. I was just telling Fred about an idea Katie had. She thought we could hang out with our school friends so you and Fred and tell them about the marriage. What do you think?"

"It's a good idea," answered Hermione. However, Fred noted something in her voice that made him think she didn't really believe so and made a mental not to ask her when they were alone. George didn't seam to have noticed anything, though.

"Great then, I'll go and tell Katie. Here, I leave you with you fiancé. Bye 'Mione." He handed the mirror back to Fred. "Tomorrow after we close the shop we can go to do that." he told his twin pointedly before disapparating.

"What was he talking about? What are you two up to?" asked Hermione sounding very much like Mrs. Weasley.

"Nothing illegal, don't worry," grinned Fred. "How are your parents this morning? Do they still like me or should I fear for my life?"

Hermione laughed. "Actually I was waiting till noon to call you. I really don't know which verb to use with this thing. Anyway, mum said she would love to have Mrs. Weasley for tea this afternoon."

"Great. I'll apparate home later and tell her. Do you want me to come too? Or you think you can handle the two ladies?"

"Actually, I won't be here myself. I received an owl from Ron this morning. He wanted me to meet him so we can talk."

"That's good, isn't it?"

"I'm not sure, the note didn't say much, I can't tell whether he is still angry or not."

"At least he wants to talk, that has to be an improvement."

"I suppose so." There was that doubtful tone again.

"'Mione, are you sure you are ok with going out with my friends tomorrow?"

"Why do you ask?" Hermione was clearly evading the question.

"You didn't sound very convinced."

"It's not that I don't like you friends or something like that. It's just that we'll have to act as a real couple around them. Not only holdings hands as in front of my parents. You know what I mean?"

"And you are nervous they won't buy it?" Hermione merely nodded. But that was not the only reason why she was nervous. Up to now, their fake marriage had not demanded much from her, with the exclusion of lying to her parents. But once they start telling people about them, the show would begin.

"Don't worry 'Mione, if we managed to convince your father and mother, I'm sure everybody else will believe us."

Later that afternoon Hermione entered the Leaky Cauldron to fin Ron already sitting in a table near one of the windows. He was lost in his own thoughts staring at the busy London street outside the bar.

"Hi Ron," said Hermione timidly, sitting in the chair opposite to his.

"'Mione, I didn't see you coming in," he answered taking his gaze from the window and focusing it on the girl in front of him.

"How are you?" She knew it was a stupid thing to ask, but she thought it would be a good way of steering the conversation to Ron's feelings and that was what she wanted to discuss. She had already made up her mind and nothing Ron said would make her renounce to her mission.

"I would love to say fine, but that would be a downright lie," he answered simply. Hermione was surprised by Ron's attitude. The calm with which he was talking was definitely not what she had expected. The man sitting with her didn't seam her temperamental best friend who would explode at the tiniest argument.

"I… I don't know what to say Ron. We never meant to hurt you. And if I'm doing this is because of the Order, you know how important this is, for all of us."

"Yes, I understand that. I didn't ask you to meet me to fight or to convince you not to do this. But there is something I need to tell you." He grabbed her hand which was on the table and looked straight into her eyes. His stare was so intense that Hermione could feel tears forming even before he had started to speak.

"I know it's probably too late to tell you this, and you might even know it already. I was probably the last person to realize this: 'Mione, I love you. I always have. Now I wish I had something about this sooner, but like I said, it's too late now." His tone was that of a person who had lost everything he had and he's resigned to his destiny. "It's killing me to see you marrying one of my brothers, even if it is only a charade for the Ministry. But I need you to know how I feel. Moreover, I need you to remember, not matter what that I love you and I'll always will."

"Ron, why are you talking like that? You are scaring me," said Hermione, se was crying now.

"I can't watch from beside while you do this. I just can't stand it… I've asked at the Auror Training College to be transferred to Denmark. I'm leaving in three days."

"Whe- when are you coming back?" Sobbed Hermione.

"It's a transfer for an indefinite period of time. They need people there to help fight the Dark Forces."

"Ron you are not being sensible! You can't leave all your friends and your family just because of this. Think of what this will do to you mother. She needs you here, we need you here. I need you here." Hermione was invaded by such a strong anger as she had never felt. How could he be so selfish? She wanted to shake him, to break something. But all she could do was cry.

"You don't understand Hermione. At this moment, you are the most important thing in my life and I can't see how you are taken away from me by my own brother. My parents already know about this and, well, I can't say they are happy, but they are used to the situation. After all Bill and Charlie have been working abroad since they finished Hogwarts. There is no going back and I probably won't come back until this is over. It is your turn to understand that this is for the best. I just wanted to tell you that I love you because I do. I hope that when the war is over we can, I don't know, give us a try. I'll be waiting for that moment, please never forget that."

"Ron, please, don't do this!" Hermione begged crying harder than ever

"I have to. And I will ask you not to contact me for a while. I'll write to you when I'm ready. This is good bye 'Mione." He stood up and walked towards her. He hugged her and kissed her softly on her cheek. "I love you" he whispered before disapparating leaving her sitting there, crying her heart out.

Hermione felt dizzy and lost, as if she were in nightmare. She didn't know what to do or where to go. And for some strange reason the only place that felt right to apparate to was Fred's apartment.

When she arrived he was reading a Quidditch magazine in his room. He had evidently heard her because he came into the living room a few seconds after her arrival.

"'Mione! What's wrong? Why are you crying?" Hermione was so upset she couldn't speak.

"Here, sit and I'll make you a cup of tea." Fred disappeared into the kitchen and emerged out of it some minutes later carrying a cup of strong sweet tea, to which he had added a shot of firewhisky. Still breathing hard from crying, Hermione told her future husband all about her meeting with Ron.

"I can't believe he's leaving."

"'Mione, it's not your fault if he is in love with you. And if he's made this decision is because he thinks it's for the best." And a very small, biased party of him agreed. He didn't like the idea of his brother going so far, but he couldn't help to think that it would be easier for Hermione to go along with this if Ron wasn't there. "I understand that you are saddened by this, but there is nothing you can do about it."

"I know, but I feel so responsible."

"He is a big boy and knows what he is doing. He'll be able to go on with his life in Denmark and anyway, he'll probably be safer there, away from this damned war and everything. You can't go on worrying this much about the rest of us. It's not healthy for you." Hermione gave him a weak smile. He always found the way to make her feel better somehow.

"Thank you Fred. I'm sorry I keep coming with my problems to you. All messed up and crying. But I didn't know where to go, Harry and Ginny are probably as upset as I am. I couldn't find it in me to appear there seeing that I'm the reason Ron is going." But was that the real reason she kept turning to Fred for help?

"You don't have to apologize 'Mione. I'm glad you trust me," reassured Fred, whipping the tears from her left cheek. "Can I ask you a favor now?"

Hermione nodded.

"I want you to stop tormenting yourself with the problems of the rest of the magical community. You have many things to concentrate on and I fear that if you go on like this you'll have a stress breakdown before long. So, do you promise me you will try to relax a bit and focus on the really important things?"

"But my friends are important," protested Hermione.

"Ok, do you promise me you will try to relax a bit and focus on the really urgent things? Better now?"

"Yes. Yes, you are right. I have to think about the job at the ministry. I need to prepare quite a few things to have ready for when I start working there, otherwise my entering at the Department of Magical Families would be useless for the Order."

"That's what I was talking about. And now get up, I'm taking you to dinner so you can get your head off things."

"Fred, you don't have to."

"Oh, yes I have. It's part of my mission for the Order, to keep the spy happy, dynamic and active. Why do you think Dumbledore chose me as your husband?" Hermione couldn't help but laugh. But suddenly she stopped chuckling and gave him a weird look. "What?" he asked.

"I've just thought how pathetic that sounds: Dumbledore chose you to be my husband! Merlin, it sounds like something my great great grandmother would say, had she been a witch and known Dumbledore." It was Fred's turn to laugh. It was nice to hear her making a joke and thinking about such a trivial thing.

"So, where do you want to go?"

"You know, I'd rather stay here. I must look horrible after crying so much. I can't go anywhere with this face."

"As you wish darling, but let me remind you that you are already engaged, so you shouldn't worry about how others see you. It's me who you should be seducing." Hermione poked him playfully on the shoulder.

"For that matter, if you proposed to me it's because you love me and you shouldn't care how I look."

"Touché. One more thing, there's no way you'll be off your duty tonight. I don't matter how much you cry, you are still washing the dishes after dinner." Hermione began to pout. "No, no missy there is no convincing me this time."

"Damn it! I'll have to think of something new for next time."

Fred chortled. "Come on, give me a hand with this."

They had much fun preparing dinner. Hermione cut and pealed the food and Fred was in charge of the real cooking.

"Did you give you mum the list?" Asked Fred once they were sitting at the table.

"Yes, she wasn't too happy about a couple of the points there. She insisted that the number of guests was too small. Even if none of our relatives is coming she insisted that her daughter should have a large, fancy wedding. But I put my foot down and told her that they had to follow the list to the letter."

"Good. We should keep an eye on what they are organizing from time to time. I don't trust my mother."

"When it comes to these kind of things, me neither."

"We need to arrange what we are going to say to the rest of the people. Make our stories match. We can't tell them that we've been dating long because they'll know we are lying."

"You are right. We did you last date someone?"

"Mmm, you mean really date someone or just…" he left the sentence unfinished, but Hermione understood perfectly well what he meant. She wasn't particularly interested in knowing about Fred's adventures.

"Last time you told you friends about a girl. No details please."

Fred sniggered. "I think it was around six months ago. What about you?"

"Well, six months seams like a reasonably long time to date someone before getting married. Well, actually it doesn't but it will have to do. And I, well I didn't date anyone for the last year, because of the exams."

"Are you telling me that you didn't go out with anyone for a whole year just because you had to take your N.E.W.T.s in June?" Fred asked, bewildered.

"Of course, I didn't have time to lose. Besides, none of my classmates really appealed to me."

Fred had to bite his own tongue to stop himself from making all the comments that had occurred to him about Hermione abstaining from going on date because of her studies.

"Ok then, we can tell them that we've been going out for six months, and that we kept it secret because… we… we didn't want to hurt Ron?"

"Yes, that sounds fine. That we fell in love over the previous summer when I stayed at the Burrow, but at the moment you were dating… whom?"

"Oh, let me think. I'm pretty sure it was Betty."

Hermione laughed in disbelief. How could he have forgotten the name of a girl he had dated? "And then you broke up with her because you realized you loved me and came to see me during a Hogsmeade weekend and we've been together since then."

"You know, it's a pity you are such a law abiding person. You are very good at coming up with excuses and lies."

"I'll take that as a compliment, coming from one of the biggest prankster Hogwarts has seen since the Marauders." Hermione had to admit that it was kind of exciting to be planning this huge fiction with Fred.

"And why on earth did we decide to get married so young?"

"Because we love each other?" Hermione suggested.

"Nah, they'll never buy that. How about we tell them that we got drunk and I popped out the question under the effects of several pounds of firewhiskey?"

"There's now way they'll believe I got that drunk."

Fred glared at her. "Ok, I got you drunk to get into your pants, but I got wasted too and then I asked you to marry me."

"That's better. But we'll omit the part of you wanting to get me to bed; you just wanted to see me drunk because it would be funny."

"Fine! But you take all the fun from this… And then, as we do love each other and drunks speak only the truth, we decided to go on with this."

"So that's how we ended up together."

"Now that I think about it, it would be funny to see you so drunk that you'll accept marrying me. I'll do it some time."

"You'll do what?"

"Get you that wasted."

"Perhaps in that way you'll get lucky on our wedding night." Fred goggled at her. "Relax Weasley, I was kidding." However, this made Hermione think of something. But she was embarrassed to say it.

Some of her thoughts must have reflected on her face, because Fred asked her, "Something wrong?"

"No, well, yes. It's what I told you this morning. We'll have to put on a good show in front of your friends and they'll think it strange if we don't kiss at least once. But then it will be awkward if we do it for the first time in front of them."

"But that's easily solved." He pulled Hermione to him and gave her a soft but firm kiss on the lips. This made the brunette blush so much that Fred's vivid hair seamed a pale shade of pink next to her face.

It hadn't been a deep passionate kiss, but not just a brush of lips either. And by the few moments the contact has lasted, she could tell that Fred was a good kisser.

"See, not that big a deal, was it?"

"No," mumbled Hermione, fully aware of face burning hot.

"Perhaps I should do that again a couple of times so you get used to it. If you blush like that every time we kiss, you'll give the whole thing away. Although we could always tell them that it's the heat I provoke in you."

"No, it's ok. I think I can handle it. You took me by surprise, that's all."

"You sure? 'Cause I wouldn't mind doing it again," he said grinning mischievously.

"Yes, I'm sure!" she answered harshly.

Hermione stood up and started to take the dishes back to the sink. Fred looked at her work. Since she was a witch and washing the dishes meant merely flipping her wand, then it was her task to clean the table too.

"Well, I'll be going them," announced Hermione when she had finished putting everything in its place. Fred had instructed from his chair where the plates, cutlery and goblets where supposed to go.

"I'll let you know tomorrow at what time we have to meet the others."

"Ok. Good night Fred!" But this time, before she could disapparate, Fred grabbed her and planted a noisy kiss on her lips.