"With raspberry sauce!" George yelled as I walked out of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. He knew I could still hear his muffled shouts as I closed the door behind me. "And don't eat my flake!"

I chuckled to myself as I walked toward the familiar ice cream parlor. Mr. Fortescue was cleaning the bar as I entered. He quickly stowed the bar rag under the counter and smiled broadly.

"Afternoon," I greeted. "I need a Knickerbocker Glory and a 99 with Monkey's Blood… extra flake."

I retrieved a handful of coins from my pocket and started counting out what I needed. George and I had come here so often since our store opened, I knew exactly how much everything cost. I looked up confused, finally realizing that Mr. Fortescue hadn't moved. Instead he seemed to be studying my carefully. I shifted under his gaze.

"You're Fred." He said it as a statement, but the hint of a question hung on his tone.

I laughed as I realized that he was simply making an effort to decipher whether it was me or George. "Guilty," I replied.

"I'm getting there, I think," He smiled. He looked past my shoulder, searching the store and the tables outside. "She left not five minutes before you got here." He slid an envelope onto the counter and turned back to his work. I nervously looked over my shoulder. The coast was clear and I shoved the letter into my pocket.

A minute later, I was back on the cobbled street with a cup of ice cream in each hand. I laughed at my brother's earlier order and took a bite out of one of his chocolate flakes. At least I got him an extra this time…

"Fred?"

I startled and tripped, not watching where I was going. I somehow managed to steady myself and the ice creams.

"Hermione," I greeted through a mouthful of chocolate. I swallowed hard to clear my mouth and felt the chocolate lodge uncomfortably, half way to my stomach. "What are you doing here?"

She smiled. "I have the afternoon off. Well, kind of. I'm meeting Professor McGonagall in half an hour. I shouldn't hold you up though, your ice cream is melting…"

"Walk with me then," I was glad to see her smile and take stride next to me. "I hope I'm not being too nosy, but what are you meeting McGonagall about?"

"Oh," Hermione's smile suddenly faded and I wanted to kick myself. "It's about work… Yesterday I met with a new werewolf. She's just a girl – twelve years old. She got bit last Christmas. She'd really like to return to school. I'm going to see if we can work out an arrangement like Professor Lupin. Clean up the shrieking shack and make sure she's given Wolfsbane Potion. I'm sure we'll figure things out but…"

"It's heartbreaking," I finished. "Terrible to see it happen to anyone, but especially someone so young."

She nodded.

"Do you think you could grab the door for me?" I asked as we stopped in front of the shop. Her smile returned.

"Of course," She held the door open for me and followed me to the counter.

"Oi! It's about time!" George cried, swooping down on his ice cream. "I'm dying of starvation over here. What took you so long?"

"Well, lunch is served," I laughed. He didn't waste a second before attacking his sundae.

"Hey! There's a bite outta my flake," he scowled with his mouthful.

"Did you want some ice cream, Hermione?" I asked, offering her my Knickerbocker Glory.

"Oh, Hi, Hermione," George finally took his eyes off his ice cream and noticed her.

"No thanks, Fred. I actually just had some a few minutes ago. Anyway, I really should get going. I don't want to be late. It was great to see you though. Enjoy you 'lunch'" She smiled and waved as she left the store.

Before George could look up again, I was in the back room with my letter. I'd waited impatiently for days for her response.

Sept. 9, 2000

Dearest Friend,

I'm very sorry for not responding sooner. A lot has happened the last few days, and I haven't found time to write.

I'm even sorrier for my previous letter. I feel absolutely terrible. I should not have jumped to conclusions the way that I did. There's nothing to forgive on your part. I only hope that you can forgive me.

I can't thank you enough for what you did. Mr. Keddle did look over my proposal again and even gave it to the committee for consideration. I couldn't have hoped for a better result. Now I just have to wait for the committee to decline it and get back to work.

Thank you again for being such a wonderful friend to me. Please – I'd really like to know who you are…

Hermione Granger

I sighed in relief.