Note: I know it's been a while but I hope you enjoy.
Hermione
When I entered the fifth year girls' dormitory, I found a folded piece of parchment on my pillow. It was sealed with an ornate W in red wax. Instantly my heart leapt. My hands trembled as I picked up the letter and, after a moment of hesitation, broke the seal. I was shaking so bad by that point that I had to smooth the letter out on my bed before I could read it.
To: Hermione Granger
Gryffindor Tower, Hogwarts
After everything that's happened, I feel like I owe you an apology. I
shouldn't have put you in the position I did and you shouldn't feel guilty
about any of it (even though I know you're going to do that any way!)
On a happier note, you should come visit our new shop. It's going to
be amazing! Once it's all set up that is. So don't come visit just yet I
guess. I know you're not going to like that I left, while that we left before
we graduated, but come on! You have to admit that some things (like
maybe having a little fun, hint hint…) are more important than tests and
grades.
Wish me luck!
Fred Weasley
I closed the letter but I didn't move just yet. The letter was wonderful but still there was something… missing. I pushed the thought from my mind and rummaged through my school bag, rather frantically, for a quill and some spare parchment.
When the letter was finished, I folded the parchment carefully and sealed it carefully with an interlocking HG in blue wax. I laid it on top of my school bag ready for the morning. I fell asleep with Fred's letter still laying open on my nightstand.
I woke up the next morning, dressed quickly and took a moment to reread Fred's letter. During breakfast I asked Harry if I could borrow Hedwig. He answered distractedly but he said yes so I dashed off to the owlery before Arithmancy. At first I couldn't find Hedwig but she landed in the window, a rat in her beak, just as I was about to give up and go to class. I hurried over to her and gave her the letter.
"I know you want to eat that but when you're done, could you take this to Fred Weasley?"
I got a muffled hoot which I took as a yes.
"Great!" I clamored down the steps and slid into my seat just as the bell rang. Honestly I don't think a day at Hogwarts has ever moved more slowly.
Fred
I got Hermione's response as we were setting up the "teen witch" section of the store, meaning all the love potions, day dream charms, and pygmy puffs, etc. George probably would have killed me if I'd disappeared to read it just then so I tucked the letter inside my robes and continued setting up the store. At the end of the day we were still only about half done. It had been exhausting but at the same time it was probably the most fulfilling thing I had ever done. I was ready to fall into bed and just sleep but first, I had a letter.
To: Fred Weasley
Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, Diagon Alley
First things first, everything has been my fault as much as it has
been yours if not more so don't tell me not to feel guilty! Secondly,
I cannot believe you quit so close to exams. You were so close to
finishing! So I guess after all of this, that joke shop of yours
better be absolutely amazing. I might come visit over the summer
but we'll have to see what happens. It is entirely possible if my
parents find out about You-Know-Who, they'll pull me out of the
wizarding world entirely.
Best wishes!
Hermione Granger
P.S. I have plenty of fun, thank you very much!
I couldn't help but smile. The note was just so… well Hermione. I could probably think of another way to describe it, but there was no way any other adjective could fit nearly as well. I thought about writing back immediately but I was absolutely exhausted so I folded up the letter. I'd write back in the morning.
Hermione
I was rather disappointed when I didn't receive a letter from Fred that day but at the same time, I realized he was probably extremely busy setting up his new joke shop. I lay in bed that night just staring at my ceiling, smiling into the dark. For once, I wasn't thinking about school work or classes, or rules. I was day dreaming long into the night and I'm not entirely sure when my fantasies crossed over into dreams but it seemed just a few moments before I awoke to the sound of birds and sunlight peeping through the curtains. Even before I was awake enough to figure out what day of the week it was, I felt unmistakably, undeniably happy. Today he'd send me a letter, I was sure of it!
Fred
When I woke up in the morning, the first thing I tried to do, was reply to Hermione's letter.
To: Hermione Granger
Gryffindor Tower, Hogwarts
As much as it bothers you, exams would not have affected our
future at all, so why bother staying at all? Neither of us saw the
point, I guess. And yes, the joke shop will be mind-blowingly
amazing, trust me. If your parents get too worried, I can always
come kidnap you. Just joking! But I will come get you if they try
to keep you a muggle prisoner. You're an amazing witch and
we're going to need you if we're going to have any chance of
beating He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. I also hope you come
visit sooner rather than later.
Write me soon!
Fred Weasley
Hedwig had returned to the school the day before, so I walked down to the post office before breakfast and sent my letter on its way. I spent the rest of the day setting up the rest of the shop but I will admit that every time an owl fluttered by, my heart leapt into my throat and I'd stop for a moment to hope, but there was no letter for me that day.