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Review offering insight to the story:
"This is a fantastic story. It was fun to how Fred and George wove Hermione into their world. I partiularly like them trying to come a nickname that was a combination of all three of theirs, and I liked the little spat over eating vegetables and chocolate syrup. Oh oh oh! AND the "Fire in the hole!" and toilet seat bits too. Laying the humor aside, I think you've done a good job of intergrating their lives in a believable manner. Their growth seems natural, yet uniqe at the same time. I don't know how it would fit into your story, but I think it'd be nice to get a glimpse into what Hermione's life at work is like too. But like I said, your story, you do what you like with it and it will be all the more better anyways. Update a soon as you can please!" - EyeofDlareme of FanFiction net.
Thank you to the following reviewers: Rob-girl, misssweetsweet, Dizi 85, RipleyWriter93, Lara Zed, Secret Thought, ADE22, So this is love, ScrewyLouie12, classygyrl, dgpolo, UntoldLies, Lunar Kasumi, Sampdoria, kazfeist, Kou Shun'u, Jester08, WeezeyTwin, mackgirl, lazymi, starlily, bethygirl94, Shdwcat27, Jas120, nonentity, wasu, LemoN-X-DroP, xoxoBlackOwl, ProperT, FmaFan10, worldapart, Binx23, EyeofDlareme, CrazyPirateFanatic and MyMcDreamy, galloping-goose and perverted monkey.
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Dedicated to: perverted monkey!
Flattery gets you everywhere, lol
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While You Were Gone
Interlude 3/3
"The Family Weasley"
-o-o-o-o-o-
AHR - After Harry and Ron
-o-o-o-o-o-
Six Months Later
It was a surprising event when at one of the Weasley dinners, while everybody was eating and talking over one another, an unexpected guest entered the kitchen of the Burrow. Forks clattered to their plates and people turned slack-jawed to stare at Percy Ignatius Weasley as he did his best not to fidget while looking around at the faces at the table. His nose was turned up slightly, jaw tight and chin lifted, but even from where they sat, Fred, George, and Hermione could see the way his hands shook.
"What are you doing here?" Fred asked glibly, with a noticeable edge.
"George!" Molly exclaimed.
Fred didn't both to correct her, simply rolling his eyes and then turning back to Percy expectantly.
"I've come to apologize," he said, his voice rather low, expression pinched. "I've... I've been..." He sighed, licking his lips and shifting on his feet. "It's probably too late and I can't explain my behavior. It was unforgivable and I truly am sorry for how long it's--"
He was cut off as Molly launched herself at him, arms wrapping around him tightly, mouth open as she sobbed in happiness.
Bill and Charlie exchanged looks before standing up and moving toward their brother. A very pregnant Fleur stayed behind, wiping her over-emotional tears away and clasping her hands together delightfully. It wouldn't be long now before she was giving birth and it seemed she was still crying at anything and everything.
"Good to see you finally came around, brother," Bill said, reaching out and slapping his shoulder roughly.
"Yeah, thought we were going to have to ambush you here soon," Charlie said, half-smiling and nodding his head with relief.
Ginny rose from her seat, eyes roaming from her estranged brother to the trio across from her, stony expressions meeting her gaze. "Mum, let him breathe," Ginny chastised, moving closer. "Well, it's good to see you've come to your senses. Took you long enough," she said, her jaw set and her arms crossed over her chest.
Percy winced. He stood tall however, firm and sorrowful in his next words, "I was royal git. I shouldn't have turned my back on you all."
"Well... You did help out at the battle," Ginny said, only a little reluctantly.
He readjusted his glasses while clearing his throat anxiously. "I should've come by after everything had settled. I was just... I didn't think you'd accept me," he admitted, his neck turning red with his honesty.
"Son, our only regret is that this couldn't be reconciled earlier," Arthur said, coming forward to pat Percy's shoulder.
"Fred, George, Hermione, don't you have anything to say?" Molly asked, looking at them all with raised brows emphasizing her disapproval of how they were acting.
The three looked at each other, expressions mirror on one another's faces. "Huddle?" George suggested. Hermione and Fred nodded before rising from their seats. The three of them walked to a corner far off, throwing arms around each other's shoulders and bowing their heads close together to discuss what they thought.
"Well that sure was a quick and easy welcoming, don't you think?" Fred asked, frowning sourly.
"You know you're mum's been wanting to reconcile from the very beginning," Hermione reminded with a soft sigh.
"Yeah, and with the other two gits gone, she's running low on children," George muttered.
Shaking her head, Hermione replied, "I won't deny that he's been a Ministry-loving--"
"Family disowning--"
"Power hungry moron," Fred finished, their voices loud enough for Percy and the rest of the family to hear. Snickering and throat clearing greeted their announcement.
Lowering her voice, she continued only loud enough for them to hear. "But he did return, apology in hand and sincerely regretful. Perhaps... we might be able to forgive him this indiscretion," she suggested, her brows knitting and her mouth pursing.
"Not without a little punishment, of course," George added, his expression lifting with a smirk.
"Yeah, teach him never to disown our lot again," Fred agreed, nodding.
Looking at each, they all nodded.
"How's mum look?" George wondered.
"Murderous," Hermione replied, only slightly remorseful.
"Don't worry, love, if she attacks us with her spatula, I'll shield you," Fred told her, winking.
"My hero," Hermione said, rolling her eyes but smiling.
"My armor's in for polishing, but you can always kiss my injuries better," he suggested, leaning toward her.
Before he could kiss her, George jumped between them. "You've corrupted everywhere else, not the huddle too!" he exclaimed over-dramatically.
Chuckling, Hermione moved out from behind him, patting his shoulder comfortingly.
Smirking, Fred moved to Hermione's other side, his arm slipping around her waist. As one, the three walked toward Percy, who looked beyond perplexed but still a little anxious.
"We've agreed," George began.
"Despite your devastating smearing of the family," Fred added.
"That we will forgive you," Hermione finished, nodding with a small smile.
"However!"
"Do it again, dear brother," George said, his eyes thinning.
"And you'll seriously regret it!" Hermione warned menacingly.
Percy stared at them a moment before nodding jerkily.
"Great!" Fred said, leaning down to kiss Hermione's temple. "Dessert anyone?"
-o-o-o-o-o-
A Couple Months Later
The whole of the Weasley family, sans three, sat in the waiting room of St. Mungo's. Molly was nervously knitting; sweaters, booties, scarves, and whatever else she could make. Her knee was jumping and her eyes were wandering from her knitting to each healer that passed them by. Arthur leisurely sat back in his chair, a Muggle calculator in his hand and a pensive expression on his face. Every once in awhile he could be heard saying, "Fascinating," or "How marvelous," his voice full of awe and interest. Ginny was reading Witch Weekly, periodically asking if it was going to take much longer, as she was getting quite bored. They'd been sitting at the hospital for what felt like hours.
On the floor, Fred and George had set up a game of Chess and were avidly playing against one another. Charlie would call out a good move to them every once in awhile, not very picky about who he was helping. Hermione was sitting back to back with Fred, a book propped up on her knees. They'd sent word to the Delacours and Gabrielle had sent back a hastily written reply that she just had to get some things together for Fleur and then they'd all be over. She could hear the frustrated noises Percy was making as he went through a stack of papers having to do with his job at the Ministry for the Improper Use of Magic department.
The click-clack of heels came from down the hall, to which the Weasleys and Hermione turned to see a very excited group of blonde-haired Delacours hurrying over. Their cheeks were pink, smiles wide, and hands held up daintily as they tried to look pretty while running. Hermione turned her head slightly. "Does Mrs. Delacour resemble a peacock to you?" she whispered against Fred's ear.
Snorting, Fred grinned, nodding. Dressed in bright blue and green swirls with feathers around the collar and her neck looking longer than usual, she really truly epitomized the bird.
Coming to a stop, they greeted Arthur and Molly and then nodded toward the rest of the group before asking if they'd heard anything. Gabrielle came over to sit next to Hermione, animatedly telling her about stopping by Bill and Fleur's to pick up the outfit Fleur had told her she simply had to have on hand to change the baby into and a post-pregnancy outfit for her as well. Hermione tried to pay attention to the excited girls chatter, but she was really very interested in continuing on in her book.
"You know who'd want to see those?" George interrupted Gabrielle, looking up from the chessboard. "I bet mum would just love them," he said, his brows lifting with emphasis.
Squealing, the girl ran off, her arms full of bright baby clothes and her mouth moving a mile a minute as she stopped in front of Molly, who did look positively delighted.
"Thank you, George," Hermione said with a soft sigh of gratitude.
"Mutual benefit, 'Mione, she was ruining my concentration," he returned, tapping his chin and moving his piece carefully.
Suddenly, the doors a short ways down the hall opened and Bill came hurrying out, his eyes set down on the pink bundle in his arms and a smile splitting his face widely. He came to a halt in front of the crowd that was quickly standing up and moving closer. "I'd like you all to meet Aubrey Ginevra Weasley," he announced, his voice slightly shaky.
Cheers rang out and Molly began sobbing excitedly. As she came closer, she cooed over how beautiful the tiny girl was and looking around at all of her other children expectantly. "If the rest of you would get your acts together and marry, I'd have more precious grandbabies," she told them, her voice croaky from her tears.
"I'm working on it mum," Fred exclaimed grinning, his arm wrapped comfortably around Hermione's waist. "The grandbaby part at least."
"Fred!" Molly chastised, frowning at him. When Aubrey gargled, she turned her attention back to her first grandchild, her hands reaching out to cup her cheek and stroke her soft strawberry blonde hair. "Oh look at you," she murmured softly, sniffling.
A moment later, Aubrey burst into loud, screeching tears, her face turning red with her cries.
Putting their arms around each other, Fred and George wiped fake tears away. "Just like her mother," they said together.
-o-o-o-o-o-
A Year Later
(Two years A.H.R.)
Molly Weasley leaned into her husband, watching the swaying couples out on the grass as they danced to the sad Muggle love song. The duo moving in the center kept her eyes locked on them without their acknowledging anything outside of each other. She had worried for some time about how things were going to be after her son and his best friend, a boy who meant just as much as any of her other sons did, had gone off in the middle of the night in search of normality for themselves. They left behind a lonely and broken girl and a family not quite sure how to operate around the loss. But in the aftermath, her twin sons had taken up the friendship Ron and Harry had left behind and it morphed into something incredible. Hermione had become part of Fred and George, much to the delight of the Weasleys. And now, Molly witnessed something even more beautiful.
Come up to meet you, Tell you I'm sorry, You don't know how lovely you are
I had to find you, Tell you I need you, Tell you I set you apart
Fred had one arm wrapped around Hermione's slim waist, holding her so close it was hard to see where one started and the other ended. He held her other hand in the air, still close to their bodies, creating a cocoon of just each other. Hermione's face rested on Fred's chest, her eyes closed while she mouthed the lyrics and listened to her husband sing them quietly into her ear. He leaned down, his chest pressed against her head, eyes closed as his mouth moved slowly to sing softly in her ear. His voice was much deeper than the singer's, but it sent shivers down her back and a gentle sigh of content escaped her parted lips.
I had to find you, Tell you I need you, Tell you I set you apart
Tell me your secrets, And ask me your questions, Aww let's go back to the start
Runnin' in circles, Comin' our tails, Heads on the science apart
"I was sure the song was far too sad," Molly murmured to her husband as he wrapped an arm around her back and swayed them side to side. She held a handkerchief up to her face, wiping away the happy tears as they slipped down her smiling cheeks. "Somehow they managed to make it so beautiful," she said, her eyes filling once more.
"She's your daughter now, Mollywobbles, just like you always wanted," Arthur told her, smiling warmly out at the couple.
"She always was," she replied, nodding. "Look at them, Arthur. This... This is how it was supposed to be." She shook her head, "I'd have never imagined, but... Look at them."
"I see them, dear," he said, nodding. "I see them."
Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
Aww take me back to the start
"Are you upset they aren't here?" Fred asked her, running a hand up and down her bare back, her lace and satin dress leaving her skin open for him to explore. The night air was cool, but she didn't shiver or ask for a warming charm. She simply held him tighter, sticking close ever since the ceremony and smiling at him as if he somehow made up for the cold.
"They've had two years, Fred. If they wanted to be a part of our lives, they would be. I won't force them to share in this." She shook her head, sighing. "Besides, they weren't here for any of our relationship, they don't deserve to be part of the grand finale." She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with happiness.
"It's opening night, love. We're just beginning," he replied, kissing her forehead. He rested his chin on top of her head as she leaned back into him, her hand letting go of his so she could wrap both of her arms around his waist, her fingers pressed into his back, holding him delightfully close. His arms encircled her soft body, one hand landing on the small of her back while the other ran the width of her shoulders, long fingers and rough palms warming her skin.
"How long before we can sneak out of here without anybody noticing?" he wondered, smiling into her hair. "I bet I'll have you out of your dress in fifteen seconds flat."
Snorting, Hermione shook her head against his chest. "You've been practicing that spell, haven't you?"
"Twice a day for the last week," he told her excitedly. "You should be proud. I'm doing it all for you."
"Your getting me naked faster than usual is all for me?" she asked, lifting a brow.
"If you can't see the benefits, I'm doing something wrong," he replied, chuckling as she blushed profusely.
"No, you definitely have no problem in that area," she murmured against his vest covered chest, grinning.
I was just guessin', At numbers and figures, Pullin' the puzzles apart
Questions of science, Science and progress, Do not speak as loud as my heart
"Are you worried things will change?" Ginny asked, looking over at George as he sat back in his chair sipping from a bottle of butterbeer. His arm was slung comfortably around Alicia beside him; she was chatting with Oliver Wood while he watched his twin brother and best mate dance, proud of how far they'd come.
"Nope. I may be moving out but I'll see Fred every day at the shop and Hermione has already promised that Wednesday lunches are all mine," he told her, grinning.
"You sound like you have joint custody of her," Ginny said, chuckling.
He shrugged, still smiling. "I knew where it was leadin', Gin. If you'd spent every day with them, you'd know that they were heading for this all along."
"I didn't have to spend every day with them to see that," she said softly, watching Hermione and Fred sway in their own little world, whispering to each other.
"They're going to make it," he said, his tone firm.
"Of course there are. Nobody ever said they wouldn't," she replied, her brow furrowing.
"Some people won't believe it's right, though. The bookworm and the prankster. They don't think they're right for each other; that they don't have anything in common. But they don't know them. Hermione and Fred, yeah, that's how it was supposed to be." He nodded, taking another sip from his drink.
Ginny stared at him a moment, taking in his serious expression. Clearing her throat, she admitted, "You know, I always sort of assumed it'd be Ron and--"
George's scornful snort cut her off. "He didn't deserve her. Didn't value her enough. Gits ran off and never thought to write or call or anything. Well they're in for a surprise whenever they get back. And if they think for one second that the three of us are just going to open our arms and welcome them back they can forget it. Missed the whole thing," he muttered, shaking his head.
"Er, George, they weren't invited to the wedding," she said, shifting in her seat. She knew the twins and Hermione hadn't been very understanding of Ron and Harry's leaving, especially after a couple years had gone by and still no word.
"That's not what I meant. They missed all of it. They weren't here to see Hermione graduate from Auror Academy or for us to open our second shop. They couldn't be bothered to stick around and see their brother and so-called best mate fall in love. They just ran off, all selfish, and expect us to just accept it. Well, I won't. They hurt her too much, they hurt us all too much." He shook his head, frowning darkly.
Ginny was reminded of just how close Fred, Hermione, and George had become and realized that whether or not she'd be happy when her brother and Harry returned, there would be a lot of pain to come with it too. There was a new trio now and she didn't believe the old one could be rebuilt. Hermione fit with Fred and George now; she had a place with them, one she knew would never be tossed away for a spell away from the media. They wouldn't abandon her like Ron and Harry did and though Ginny had forgiven her brother and Harry for it, she couldn't help but think that Hermione shouldn't have to take them back and return to her place with them. She was better off where she was now. Turning, she stared at Fred and Hermione, the couple she'd come to see as the perfect balance of one another. She hoped she found that one day.
"Hey Ginny," Neville's voice called out from her side. "What's this I hear about you training to become a Charms professor?"
Grinning, she turned to talk to her future colleague.
Tell me you love me, Come back to haunt me, Oh when I rush to the start
Runnin' in circles, Chasin' our tails, Comin' back as we are
"Why d'you suppose they picked this song?" Bill wondered, cocking his brow. He enjoyed the song, it was just a little on the sad side for a wedding.
"No idea," Charlie said shrugging before he smirked. "Pay up, brother, told you it'd be a year and a half."
Rolling his eyes, Bill rummaged around in his pockets and pulled out a couple coins, tossing them to Charlie. "I'm surprised she didn't put the wedding off longer," he muttered, frowning. "She's usually a stickler for these sorts of things. Was sure she'd tell him that they should wait it out a bit longer, make sure they were absolutely right for one another."
"Wait it out? What were they going to wait for?" his brother queried, cocking his brow. "The two finish each other's sentences, Bill. Hell, sometimes I forget it's only been a year and a half. Way they act, you'd think they'd been around each other for at least a decade."
"They were friends first. You learn things about your friends a lot quicker than you would a lover." Shrugging, Bill smiled at his wife as she waved to him, a sleeping Aubrey in her arms, while chatting with Katie Bell by the drink table.
"Exactly. Even when they were just friends, you could tell they were fit for each other." He laughed suddenly, turning to Bill. "Ya remember how mum reacted when she first realized they were together? Started balling her eyes out and choking the life out of Hermione." He shook his head, amusement filling his face.
Chuckling, Bill nodded at the memory. His face clouded a moment later, frowning. "What d'you think Ron and Harry would think of it all?" he wondered.
Charlie grimaced, shrugging with a sigh. "Not sure they deserve an opinion on it, brother. It was their decision to leave. Can't stop our lives just because of it." He nodded out to Hermione and Fred. "They deserve this. Harry and Ron don't get to look down on this. Hell, if it weren't for them, I'm not sure if Fred and Hermione would've found each other. So I dunno if it's good or not that they left."
Sighing, Bill watched his younger brother wrapped up in his wife. He'd honestly thought it'd be Ron one day dancing with the brainy brunette like how Fred was now. Seeing it first hand though, knowing what he knew about them all, he figured it was all for the better. Hermione and Fred matched in a way her and Ron never could. Too much bickering between the two, and not only of the playful kind, but of the mean too. When it came to Hermione and Fred, there was a humor to it all. They understood each other, accepted their differences and faults, and loved each other the more for them. Bill couldn't see Ron and Hermione having that same connection. "Fate works in mysterious ways," he murmured, quoting his wife when she learned of the relationship.
"Sap," Charlie taunted, grinning.
Snorting, Bill pushed his brother. "Git."
"Ten galleons says mum brings up grandchildren by midnight," he challenged, lifting a brow.
"I say breakfast tomorrow," he agreed, holding out a hand.
Shaking on it, the two brother's glanced at their weepy mother as she swayed against her husband. Despite the lack of Harry and Ron, the wedding had gone nicely. The family had rebuilt itself after the war and the disappearance of two of their familiars and they were finally finding happiness again. Even Percy had returned to reconcile with the family, apologizing for how he behaved and accepting his mother's sobbing hug. He'd been quite receptive to Hermione and Fred's relationship, but wasn't so glad that she'd picked up some of their quirks; anticipating one another's replies, playing the odd prank on their friends and family, relaxing more and letting go of some of her more stuffy attributes. She still loved books to no end and valued school and intelligence above all else, but that's not all she was made up of. She was actually quite funny when she let herself be.
"Eh, Remus, wanna get in on a little bet we have goin'?" Charlie called out to the older man walking by with his pregnant wife as she tried to convince him to dance. Interested, the reinstated Defense Against the Dark Arts professor joined them, a wolfish grin appearing as he put his money down for when they returned from their honeymoon.
Bill sighed happily; the future was looking good for the Weasley family.
-o-o-o-o-o-
Two Months Later
Fred finished closing up the shop and made his way upstairs to the flat he and Hermione shared. George had moved out shortly after the wedding, taking up residence in a flat with Alicia, much to Molly's chagrin. Fred thought she might've been hoping for George to move back into the Burrow, as their mum had been rather lonely with just Arthur to take care of. But George was only too happy to live with Alicia. Their relationship had been going strong for some time now and Molly never slowed in her hinting of marriage. Fred wondered if George put it off just to chuff their mum.
He found his wife sitting in the living room, a shiny blue bag in front of her with a bow wrapped around the top. He furrowed his brow, wondering if he might've forgotten an important date or anniversary. He wasn't one to forget such things, but he did pause near the calender just in case. The day was clear of any telling ink so he assumed the gift must be for somebody else and made his way into the living room.
"You all right, love?" he asked, noting the rather stunned expression on her face.
She nodded slowly, her eyes centered on the bag ahead of her.
Fred moved to sit behind her on the couch. She sat, legs crossed, hands on her thighs, eyes still staring ahead. Reaching forward, Fred ran his hands through her long hair, dragging the mane of wild curls over her shoulders to lay against her back. Rubbing his thumb against her cheek, he directed her chin up so she was looking up at him from her seat. "Something happen?" he wondered, staring at her rather worriedly.
She nodded again, her mouth opening but then closing, no sound coming out. She moved her head back to stare at the bag again and took a deep breath. "I got some news I wasn't expecting and the next thing I know, I was standing in a shop and I'd bought something for you. Then I just apparated here and waited."
"Okay," Fred said, shaking his head slowly. "'Fraid I'm going to need a little more information."
Hermione remained silent before suddenly she'd picked up the gift and turned around, kneeling in front of him with an anxious expression on her face. "Open it."
"Should I be worried?" He stared at her, the way her teeth dug into her lip wasn't the most comforting of responses.
"Open it," she repeated.
Fred took the bag from her, noticing how expertly packaged it was. With light blue paper stuffing and a glittery ribbon tied around the top. It was almost too pretty, something he could really only see a woman appreciating. Nonetheless, Fred loved opening gifts, and so he centered it on his legs, noting the weight and smiling, "Is it books?" he asked, his mouth quirking. She didn't answer, her eyes staring down at the bag. Pulling the paper from the top, he tossed it to the side and pulled a stack of books and a bright blue shirt from the bag. It was then that his heart seemed to jump.
The books, all ranging in size, had very similar titles. From "She's Pregnant, Now What?" to "Daddy: A History." Swallowing tightly, he opened the shirt, a strangled chuckle escaping him as it read, "Guess who's going to be a dad!" in large, bold writing. Letting out a shaky breath, he suddenly began laughing. A soft chuckle at first, but quickly it became loud, booming laughter that seemed to echo around him. His sides hurt, he was fairly sure he was nearly in tears, and the giddiness of it all had him breathing erratically. Reaching forward, he wrapped his arms around his wife, hugging her tightly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," he chanted ecstatically.
"Well it wasn't all me," she replied, her arms holding on to him tightly.
Snorting, Fred let his arms loosen slightly so he could pull back enough to kiss her. His mouth slanted over hers, hungrily. He felt her hands tighten on the back of his shirt and her body arch closer to him. Without breaking the kiss, he pulled her up off the floor into his lap and laid back so she was on top of him. After a few minutes, their frenzied kissing slowed to become softer and lingering. Stroking her hair, he stared up in her, awe in his half-lidded eyes. "I love you," he murmured.
Licking her bruised lips, she nodded, sighing contently. "I love you too."
"Finally," he exclaimed, his eyes glittering with laughter. "All my hard work pays off."
Snorting, Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yes, you were extremely hard pressed, I could tell."
Chuckling, he leaned in to peck her lips shortly. "Help me out of my shirt, I want to wear my new one." He shifted beneath her, reaching out and tipping the bag sideways.
"We're having dinner at the Burrow tonight," she reminded, sitting up so she was straddling him and reaching into the bag to get the shirt.
"I know," he replied, smirking.
-o-o-o-o-o-
Eight Months Later
"This is all your fault!" Hermione shouted, her face flushed and her jaw clenched. "Never again! You're never allowed to touch me again! In fact, don't even smile at me or kiss me," Hermione told him, waving her finger at him as she breathed heavily. Her legs were curved up and her hands were wrapped around her stomach, the scratchy blue smock she was wearing drenched in sweat. Her hair, usually vibrant and spunky curls having a life of their own, were plastered down and hanging limp now with exhaustion.
Standing next to her, Fred winced as her screaming entered his ears at an alarming volume. He stroked her cheek, pushing away the hair that fell down. "Let's not be drastic, love," he murmured, cringing as her angry eyes turned toward him.
"DRASTIC? You know what's drastic, Fred? Pushing a very large baby out of a very small hole. That's a whole heck of a lot more drastic than what I just- just- AHHH!" she cried, shaking her head from side to side and throwing her head back.
"Is that supposed to happen?" Fred asked for what felt like the millionth time. The healer simply nodded, shrugging at him in sincere sympathy. "Really? Because it seems like she's in a lot more pain than necessary. Isn't there a spell or potion or something?" he asked, his voice slowly raising.
Sobbing slightly, Hermione reached out and took Fred's hand, squeezing it. "H-How did your m-mother do this s-seven times?" she asked, her eyes wide and her teeth grit. "She's mental, I tell you. MENTAL!"
"All right, love, I'll let her know when we're done here," he said, shaking his head. He didn't have the faintest idea what to say to half of what she said. He didn't know how it felt, and never would. He hoped, anyway. If anybody decided men should some day have children, he'd attack them with the full force of Weasley Wizard Wheezes to stop them. He'd seen enough of what Hermione was going through to know he never wanted to experience it himself. She wasn't one for screaming or hysterics, but she was deafening him now.
"Okay Hermione, we're going to need you to push now," the healer told her, patting her knee in what was likely to be a comforting move but only made Hermione glare at him.
Fred wiped her hair back off her forehead and leaned down, kissing her. "You can do this, 'Mione. Squeeze my hand!" he said, offering it though it shook and he knew deep down he'd be needing a bone-regrowth potion in the end.
"Oh Fred," Hermione said, tears slipping from her eyes. "When this is all over, you better hope I'm too overcome with happiness to break more than your hand," she said. Her voice was so soft and light, however, that her threat seemed almost hollow. Then she took his hand and squeezed while following her healer's orders and he swore for a second he nearly passed out from the pain. He felt the crack of one finger and smothered a whimper. The healer continued to encourage her to push and Fred couldn't help but want to yell at him to stop. The pain flared every time she tightened her grip and he swore it got worse each time.
For a moment, he thought she might have the right idea about no touching and no more babies. Whatever pain she was going through was enough to tell him child birth was worse than those said and the agony of his hand was reaffirming that over and over again. But then Hermione fell back, letting out a heavy sigh, and a loud piercing cry could be heard at the end of the bed. Fred looked over, the throbbing pain of his hand forgotten entirely as he set eyes on the red and squirming form of his hollering son. He let out a choked sob, his eyes filling as the medi-witch cleaned him off quickly, wrapping him in a blue blanket, and set him down in Fred's arms. His tears fell freely as he looked down at his son's scrunched up face and curled fists. He reached out with his hand, unable to stop the way it shook, and stroked the side of his baby boy's face, his breath catching as his tiny eyes opened and stared up at him.
His fingers were so small; his body feeling as weightless as air in his arms. The responsibility of his life and the fact that he would raise this human felt heavy on his shoulders though. It was a weight he embraced happily, however, and he suddenly understood why his parents had seven children. The unbelievably freeing feeling that he felt in his chest was unlike any other. It overshadowed everything he'd ever felt in his life. This baby, this life, it was part of him.
"Fred?" Hermione's soft voice interrupted his trance.
He turned, looking at her soft expression, tiredness evident in her face. "We have a son," he said, his voice breaking.
She nodded slowly, patting the side of the bed beside her. Moving toward her, he quickly laid down next to her, holding the baby between them. Turning as best she could, Hermione peered down at the small bundle. "He's beautiful," she whispered.
Unable to reply, Fred nodded agreeably, his throat burning.
Hermione's eyes clouded with tears, her mouth quivering. Immediately, Fred recognized that her tears were not of joy or excitement, but of pain and he suddenly feared that something had gone wrong. His heart clenched tightly and he reached out with his free arm, cupping her cheek. "What's wrong? D'you need me to call a healer back?" he asked, staring at her searchingly. The team that had helped them during the pregnancy had left them to enjoy the moment, but now he feared they'd gone too early.
She shook her head, wiping her face and sniffling. "Th-They're not here," she murmured, biting her lip.
His brow furrowed for a moment until it dawned on him. "Harry and Ron," he said quietly.
She nodded, closing her eyes for a moment. "I... I wouldn't have traded one moment with you and George, but... They were supposed to be here for these things. It's been... It's been so long, Fred. Why...? Why wouldn't they come back? They promised they would. They're not... They're not here and I've just had my first child. What...?" She shook her head, her shoulders shaking.
"I'm sure if they knew..." he said lamely, his jaw clenching with anger. This was supposed to be one of the happiest days of their life and even away, Ron and Harry had dampened it.
"I just..." Hermione sniffled, closing her eyes tightly and inhaling deeply. "I'm happy. I am. I'm so happy right now." She looked up at him, her eyes staring into his, still red rimmed, but bright. Reaching out, she cupped his face, her thumb stroking his cheek. "I love you. I love you and our son. I'm just very overwhelmed and for a moment I thought... How could they?" she said, biting her lip.
Fred nodded understandingly, turning his head so he could kiss her palm. Some part of him decided right then that no matter when Harry and Ron returned, what they had done was unforgivable. He couldn't ever accept what they did, not with how much it had hurt Hermione. Nearly three years and they hadn't even the courtesy to write or visit. She'd been waiting for them, despite the fact that she was happy and content with him and George. They were still her childhood best friends. They were still the ones who were by her side all through Hogwarts and the deathly adventures it entailed. That couldn't be forgotten; not for her.
They laid there for a long while, their half-awake son between them. Hermione's arm was extended across to Fred, her hand fiddling with the ends of his hair absently as she gazed down at the squirming baby.
"Austin George," she said, smiling warmly.
They'd been going over names for months, settling on seven maybes. Grinning, Fred nodded. "Perfect." Her; their son; them. It was all perfect.
-o-o-o-o-o-
A Random Wednesday
They sat in their usual booth in their usual restaurant on their usual day. Fred was watching their adorable imp of a little boy, Austin. No matter what was going on or who wanted to see them, Hermione and George would always spend Wednesday afternoons together. He was her best friend and she his and that wasn't about to be changed for anything. It was how they kept their friendship strong. A lunch, a talk, a laugh. Serious, lighthearted, whichever. He kissed her cheek when she arrived, as if he hadn't just seen her the night before. And he'd hug her tightly before she left, as if he wasn't going to see her later that day or the next. She valued him the closest person to her besides Fred. George was her best mate, her brother, her confidant.
"So you and Alicia, eh?" Hermione said, as if it were something new, rather than two years old.
"Yeah," George said with a sigh. He never thought he'd propose or marry but then one night he was kneeling and she was crying and he was smiling and they were hugging and it was happening and he felt oddly content with that.
"Who thought the great bachelor George Weasley would settle down?" she said with over-dramatic emphasis, grinning at him widely.
Smirking, George shrugged. "Well, you tamed the wild Fred Weasley, so I don't s'pose it's all that ridiculous." He sipped his drink, his eyes barely taking in the menu. It was long past memorized, aside from the odd sandwich or special inked in here or there. But they had their usual meals and he didn't break tradition.
"He's wild all right, but taming him simply took a firm position," she said, winking at him mischievously.
George choked on his drink, his throat burning as he coughed. He lifted a brow at her. "You!" he said, shaking his head. "Did that on purpose!" he accused, his voice raspy from his hacking.
Chuckling, Hermione nodded her head happily, handing him a napkin to wipe away the drink slipping down his chin.
Grinning, George shook his head. "Didn't think you had it in you, 'Mione," he said, sipping his drink again to quell the burn of his throat.
"Neither did he," she replied, smirking as he choked on his drink once more. Wednesdays were always fun.
-o-o-o-o-o-
A Few Months Later
"You sure you're ready for this, brother?" Fred asked, looking up at his pacing twin and smirking. He knew George and Alicia were meant to be, even if George seemed to be worrying himself a permanent hole in the carpet.
"Of course," George said, his voice strangled. Coming to a stop, he turned to Fred frantically. "What if I botch it? What if I just ruin it entirely?" he asked, his eyes wide. "I can't remember my vows! I can't even remember my name!" he told him, shaking his head wildly.
Standing up calmly, Fred stared at him a moment, taking a deep breath, and then he slapped him across the face.
Stunned, George simply stared at him, blinking.
"You done?"
George nodded. "Thanks," he said.
"Anytime," Fred assured. "Look, we all know you and Alicia were meant for this. She's the only girl to ever keep you interested. She still gives you the warm fuzzies in your stomach and you're sickeningly adoring of her. So this was the most logical step. Soon you'll be vacationing in Paris, then you'll be surrounded by loud and excited children, and then you'll tell me it was all worth it. So lets just cut to the best part and you tell me that this is the best move you've ever made." Straightening his robes, Fred looked over at his brother imploringly, "You ready for this?"
Standing up a little taller, George smiled slowly. "Two galleons says Hermione stops me to tell me how happy she is and cries."
"That's a fool's bet," Fred said, shaking his head. "I can hear her pacing outside the door."
Chuckling, George shrugged. "I hope mum doesn't cry as loud as she did at Perce and Penny's wedding," he said, sighing heavily.
"Wouldn't count on it."
They walked toward the door but George slowed until he finally came to a complete stop. "Fred?"
"Yeah," he answered, turning back.
"You ever think we'd be here?"
Pausing, Fred shrugged. "I never thought much past the shop really. But... It worked out for the best, I'd say." He shook his head, grinning. "I wouldn't change how my life is for anything. I have the greatest family, the perfect wife and son, my twin is getting married to the coolest sister-in-law ever." He smirked, "Can't ask for much more than that, Forge."
"I do love her. Never thought I'd really have that. Not like you and 'Mione. It's..." He smiled with a content happiness he couldn't describe. Nodding, George continued to the door. "Come on, Gred, let's go get me married."
-o-o-o-o-o-
A Random Day of Babysitting
He was doing it again. Had his mother's stubborn eyes, he did. George leaned forward, fighting the sting of his eyes, thinning them just so. His adversary stared back unblinkingly, rigid in his intense stare. He waved his pudgy hands around, orange mush on his fingers from his mashed pumpkin lunch. He continued to stare at his uncle, a poker face unlike any other bred from his few months outside of the womb. George bit down on his lip, he would not let little Austin beat him. He'd come so close before; too close. George was going to win again. Just a few more seconds! Any second now Austin would blink.
Merlin's beard he was only a few months old, he couldn't have mastered the fine art of the staring contest already! George was the reigning master. He'd beaten all who had opposed him. All of his brothers, his friends, even Hermione. But the stinging in his eyes, the tense frown of concentration between his brows, and the bite of his nails digging into his palms told him he didn't have much left in him. He had to hold on! He wouldn't let his crooked crown go just yet. And then it happened.
Austin giggled. A horrible smell wafted over to George and he wrinkled his nose, but held his eyes open. "Blimey, you stink!" he exclaimed, his expression twisting.
Another giggle and George realized his little nephew was blinking without remorse. George's chest puffed up. He'd won again! The smell reminded him that his win was hollow, however. It was time to change Austin's nappy. Walking over to pick up his favorite nephew, he sighed. A worth adversary, still.
-o-o-o-o-o-
One Year Later
"I think they get pregnant just to have a reason to legitimately whine," Bill announced, holding a cigar in one hand and turning his head up to one side. "When Fleur was pregnant with Aubrey it wasn't so bad, but with Talia, she started early."
"Don't let her hear that," Arthur told him, shaking his head. "One thing you learn after seven children is that you are simply not allowed to talk about how they acted when they were pregnant, unless it's something becoming."
"Fleur's napping. She finally got Talia to sleep and now she's laid out on my old bed," Bil replied, shrugging.
"Hermione was the same," Fred said, nodding as he leaned back in his chair. "First pregnancy glow or whatever. When she was with Austin, she accepted all the bad junk because she was just too happy. At least until she was actually having him, then she wasn't so happy about it," he said, grinning.
"Alicia's pregnant with twins, so would she really have that 'first pregnancy thing'? She's having her first and second in one..." He turned his eyes up in thought. He lounged on the couch, his legs laid out on the cushions, ankles crossed. A white t-shirt with the writing 'Real Men Have Twins!' was just one of many expectant father shirts he owned. "She's not really whiny so much as she's just... really tired of everything."
"She's only got two months left, doesn't she?" Arthur wondered.
"Yup, and 'Mione's got three," George said, nodding.
"You guys know the sex yet?" Charlie queried, blowing smoke rings up in the air.
"Boy."
"Boys."
"Looks like the male gene is still overshadowing," Arthur said, sighing rather sadly. "Four boys, two girls, hmm. Maybe when you have children, Charlie, we'll have some more girls around."
Paling, Charlie muttered something under his breath.
"You still seeing the dragon keeper?" Bill asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Charlie shot his older brother a glare, but Bill simply laughed.
"Oooh, is Charlie in looove?" George teased.
"Do tell, dear brother," Fred prompted. "She a real looker?"
"Don't let your wife hear you, Fred," Charlie replied, scowling.
"I'm not worried. She knows I don't think anybody else is as fetching as her." His voice had risen, as if trying to make sure she heard the last part. He tipped his head to the side, holding a hand up to stop anybody from replying.
"I'm fat and you know it, Fred Weasley," Hermione's voice could be heard shouting back to him.
Rolling his eyes, Fred shook his head. "That's my kid you're talking about!" he said cheerfully, grinning.
Snorting, Hermione popped her head into the room, wrinkling her nose as she inhaled some of the smoke. She opened her mouth to reply to what he'd said, but then seemed to realize that they were all puffing on cigars as she exclaimed, "Just what do you lot think you're doing? Molly specifically said no smoking in the house. The children--"
"Are outside," Bill interrupted, immediately frowning as she turned a glare on him. Looking over at Fred, he asked, "How d'you live with that?"
"Her feet must be bugging her," he muttered, more to himself than them. Hopping off his chair, Fred stubbed out his cigar and then hurried over to her, one hand resting on her protruding stomach and the other on her back. He kissed her cheek when she avoided his mouth from the smell. "You want to go lay down, love? I'll rub your feet," he said, ushering her out of the room.
"He used to be a lot more fun," Bill said frowning.
"Beel?!?" Fleur's voice could be heard calling, half-sleepy and half-annoyed.
"Coming!" Bill said, jumping up and tossing his cigar into an ashtray. He waved his wand around himself, extinguishing the smell.
Snorting, the other three men in the room looked at each other and shook their heads. "Love does funny things to men," Arthur told them.
"What were you like before mum?" George wondered, lifting a brow. He couldn't imagine his father any other way.
"Can't remember," he replied, shrugging. "Wouldn't have it any other way, though." He nodded decisively, inhaling a long drag of his cigar.
"Arthur Weasley! You better not be smoking in the house!" Molly's voice could be heard shouting.
Panicked, Arthur hurriedly stuck his cigar in the ashtray Bill had used and waved his wand around quickly, looking over at the boys with wide eyes. "Whose idea was this again?" he wondered, frowning.
"Yours," Charlie and George said, chuckling.
-o-o-o-o-o-
A Weasley Dinner
"You're father has some news," Molly tittered, smiling anxiously at the very full table of Weasleys around her.
The kitchen had to be expanded, along with the table, and chairs were added all over. Fleur and Bill with their two daughters sat on one side, next to Charlie and his long-time girlfriend Mariella. Percy and Penelope sat on the other side, next to George and a very pregnant Alicia. On their other side was a ready-to-burst Hermione and Fred who was cutting up his son Austin's dinner while Ginny made faces at him on his left. Molly paused for a moment, mesmerized by the picture her family made. Their prompting faces ushered her on however and after looking at Arthur, who was nodding for her to go on, she beamingly exclaimed, "Your father is now the Minister of Magic!" She then promptly broke out into happy tears.
The table broke out into applause and cheers, each of her children moving to hug their father and pat his back or shoulder.
"I'd come over there and hug you but I'm afraid getting up these days is like trying to push a Hippogriff off of me," Hermione told him, smiling apologetically.
Laughing, Arthur waved it off. "No problem, dear. You can repay me by telling me all about those interesting things Muggles call treadmills."
Snorting, Hermione nodded agreeably. "After dinner."
"So when did this happen? What happened to Puppet?" George wondered, smiling.
"Puh-pett," Molly corrected his pronunciation, frowning.
"The Wizengamot wasn't sure of how dedicated or trustworthy he was. They've been discussing it for awhile now and I guess they decided I was better for the job," Arthur said, shrugging lightly. "Puppet will be out by the end of the week. He's making it sound like a retirement, but he was forced out of the position. I'll take over that morning, officially." He smiled out at them rather humbly, not sure how to react to the idea. "Big job," he said, feeling a little under-qualified.
"You'll be great dad," Fred assured, grinning at him.
"Yeah, best Minister we've ever had," Bill told him, nodding.
Feeling bolstered by their belief in him, Arthur sat a little taller in his seat. "If not the best, then at least the hardest working."
"Hear hear!"
The adults around the table held their glasses up, as well as Aubrey, feeling as if he should join in. Her juice sloshed around, wetting the table, but she grinned at her grandpa all the same. It was a great day for the Weasley family.
"Somebody pass me Hermione's casserole," Charlie's voice rang out expectantly.
-o-o-o-o-o-
A Weasley Birth
(About Five Years A.H.R.)
George paced up and down the hall, his arms crossed over his chest and mouth marred with a frown. He'd done this the first time too and wished he could be in the delivery room this time, despite the fact that only one could go. Alicia was home with the twins; Connor Frederick and Eli Charles were only a few weeks old and bringing them along to the hospital for who-knows-how-long seemed rude, especially when Alicia had been running on barely any sleep as it was. Laying in his grandmother's arms was the peacefully sleeping two year old Austin, he'd been crabby when George first arrived, tired and bored. George had been rocking him and walking him up and down the hall with his pacing previously, but his mum took Austin away and lulled him to sleep with soft singing and a vast knowledge of tricks a mother of seven had practically invented.
The rest of the family were relaxing in chairs, reading or talking, very used to this process by now. It was in the wee hours of the morning, still dark out, and he'd received a hastily scrawled note from Fred reading, "It's time." A month prior, he'd been kneeling next to Alicia's hospital bed, his hand crushed in her grip, as she gave birth to his two magnificent sons. Identical twins, they'd already made their father proud just for being them. Alicia had already been up when the owl arrived. A two am feeding for the twins had her in the rocking chair in their nursery, so she was the one who found Fred and Hermione's owl Daxius pecking at the window. She'd woken George up quickly and he almost flooed to St. Mungo's in his boxers. Luckily, his wife had enough sense to tell him to get dressed before he left. Because it was Fred and he knew they were in a hurry, he wrote to the rest of the family just to be sure and then he was on his way to the hospital to wait.
"You're pacing like it's your son about to be born," Charlie teased, shaking his head.
"You know how close he is to Hermione and Fred, he probably feels like an expectant father," Bill said, chuckling. He spoke vaguely quiet, aware that Ginny was snoring away next to him, her head on Neville Longbottom's shoulder, her new beau and co-worker at Hogwarts.
This was one of those moments that was really only for Fred and Hermione. He'd gotten used to them over the years, but sometimes it felt a little odd to be left out of it. Of course, he had his moments with just Alicia and those reminded him how important it was for them to have their separate lives. They were still just as close as ever, still finishing each others sentences and understanding each other better than anybody else. But living apart had that happening much less, especially with the expansion of Weasley Wizard Wheezes. Worldwide, they had five stores, all managed by people handpicked by them. He and Fred had agreed to keep working the same shop however, their first, feeling that it was only right. He still met Hermione for Wednesday lunches, no matter what else was going on in their lives, and they all got together to share dinner at either of their houses once a week. He didn't think they could be any closer than what they were. Fact was, Hermione somehow made them closer. He and Fred always had a connection, but with her added, it was as if they were just... more. He wouldn't trade it for anything.
He came to a halt when he saw his brother walking toward him, a smile pulling Fred's face up. "Brody William Weasley, I'd like you to meet your uncle." Holding his son out to George, he added, "Besides your mum and brother, this is the most important person in my life. You'll get along famously, I'm sure."
George reached out, taking the bundle of blue that was his nephew. Taking his tiny fisted hand in his, George shook it. "Nice to meet you, Brody. You and I are going to drive your parents batty when you grow older." Brody answered with a gargle. Grinning up at his twin, he said, "Mischief managed, brother."
-o-o-o-o-o-
Two Years Later
The hot water beat down on them from above, beading down Fred's shoulders and onto hers. Steam filled the bathroom; the heat was almost unbearable, but Hermione loved her showers hot. He didn't know how long they'd been standing beneath the spray of the water, he just knew that it was one of those moments that he could add to the many he would gladly live over and over. Years ago, he couldn't imagine he'd ever be in this situation. Before Ron and Harry left, he'd only seen Hermione as that brilliant witch who hung around with his little brother and Harry. She was a welcomed part of the Weasley family already and he found her to be nice enough, if not a little stuffy. But the unexpected retreat of his brother and Harry left Hermione all alone and though he'd been all for the idea of helping her assimilate to a life outside of them, he had no idea what it would lead to.
His front was pressed up against her back, the warmth of her skin calming against the sharp heat stinging his back. His arms were curved around her, hands pressed against the round width of her stomach. His head was turned down, cheek against her temple, eyes half-lidded. She rubbed the underside of her belly with one hand, the other sat over top his, fingers threaded. He felt the kick beneath his palm and a smile lifted the corners of his mouth. There was a content feeling that came with each child they'd had.
It still sometimes felt like Austin had been born just the day before, when really it had been four years since his little boy greeted the world. He'd grown so much, had a personality all his own, and looked so like his dad that Fred had no problem gloating over his good looks. He had Fred's red hair and green eyes, but his mother's nose and smile. He was a mummy's boy through and through, despite the fact that he was so much like his father. Outgoing, mischievous, and funny, he showed all the signs of being a prankster, much to Hermione's constant suspicion.
Brody was the opposite of his brother. He clung to his dad as if he was some sort of superhero who could keep him safe from the scary workings of what lived under his bed and in his closet. He was quiet and shy, but he could be very affectionate when it was somebody he knew. Fred was sure he was going to be more like his mum; bookish and intelligent. Hermione told him not to coddle him too much because she didn't want him to grow dependent but instead learn to become more outgoing, but he had a soft spot for his two year old and secretly loved how much he depended on him.
Another kick brought Fred out of his wandering thoughts and he sighed against Hermione's cheek before turning to trail kisses up her damp face. She leaned back against him, her eyes closed and her hand tightening against his. "You think if this was another boy, we'd try again?"
"I love our boys, but three is plenty," he replied, his hand stroking the wet skin of her stomach. "I'm glad it's a girl," he murmured.
"Me too."
They stood awhile longer, Fred moved to rest his chin on her shoulder, staring down at the round shape that looked so large on her small form. "I can't see your feet," he told her, grinning.
"Now you know how I feel," she replied, chuckling.
"I hope she looks like you," Fred told her, kissing her shoulder. "She'll be beautiful."
"Well," she said, lifting her chin. "Judging by our boys, it's just a given that she'll be utterly gorgeous." Lifting an arm back, she curved it up so her hand slipped into his wet hair. "I couldn't ask for a better family, Fred."
"We're not complaining either, love," he replied softly. His hand rose, cupping her chin and turning her head so he could kiss her. His mouth fit against hers perfectly, as if they'd been made to kiss each other. She sighed into his mouth, soft and content and he felt it all the way down to his wrinkly toes. He'd stay here forever, holding her just like this.
"Daddy! I gotted the broom. We're gonna go flying now?" Austin's anxious voice called from the other side of the door.
"Uh, not right now," he replied, frowning as Hermione stared up at him, her eyes thinned.
"But you promised!" Austin whined, kicking the door in his annoyance.
"Oh did you?" Hermione asked, lifting a brow.
Fred grinned, feigning innocence.
A/N Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. A little more couple-oriented... Still working on the others. I've been busy with personal things. After this the chapters will start. The first from Harry and Ron's POV!
Thanks for reading! Please review, it's greatly appreciated!
Much Love,
-Amanda