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Hermione

The letter from Fred left me absolutely giddy because even if it didn't say so overtly, I took it to mean that he really did like me back. Whatever he may be willing to do, he was willing to do because he cared about me in his own right. I also found that this discovery made it significantly easier to tolerate Ron. Yes, I will be the first to admit if I had thought Fred's interest had been because of my friendship with Ron, I would have taken it out on the poor, unwitting soul. Let me tell you I am very glad things didn't happen that way. It would have caused a little too much tension for my taste. However, just to be sure I decided to send Fred one more letter.

To: Fred Weasley

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, Diagon Alley

You asked me if I could guess why. I realize this was more than

likely a rhetorical question, however, in the interest of preventing

any miscommunication or unrealistic expectations I want to see

if I'm right. If I'm wrong please tell me! I need an answer either

way. Here's my hunch. You like me. You would come for me

because you want to spend time with me. Just me. You want

to date me. I don't know how to put it more bluntly. Am I right?

Yours always,

Hermione Granger

I actually delayed several days before sending the letter because, after all, I didn't want him to tell me I was wrong. It sat on the stand next to my bed, sealed and addressed, ready to be sent. Eventually though, there was no point in procrastinating any longer. I borrowed Hedwig before class one day and before I could talk myself out of it (again) I sent the letter. Once again, the wait for a response drove me to distraction all that day. Luckily, that was all the time I had to wait.

I sat in the common room that night, long after everyone else had gone to bed, wondering what exactly had possessed me to send such a letter to Fred. Wouldn't it have been better to labor under the delusion he liked me than find out that he really didn't? It would make the whole situation a far sight easier if I do say so myself.

It took me a moment to notice the faint tapping on the window next to me. I fumbled with the latch, trying to let Hedwig into the room as quickly as possible. I recognized the parchment in her beak and my heart sank. It was the very letter I had sent to Fred that morning. Upon closer inspection, I noticed my seal was broken. My mind began to overflow with confusion. My hand trembled violently as I took the letter from the owl. I started to unfold the parchment but had barely lifted the first flap when Fred's untidy scrawl made me stop. There, obviously written in a great hurry, were the words "Quidditch pitch". My heart paused, then faltered into a frantic, unsteady rhythm.

Before I could think through what I was doing, I ran up the stairs to the boys' dormitory. I eased open the door. The crack was just big enough for me to slip through. I felt my way to Harry's trunk and there, just under the surface, was the silky texture of his invisibility cloak. I slid it out and hurried down to the common room as quietly as I could, whipping the cloak over myself as I ran. It was in a daze that I worked my way down to the doors. I didn't even bother to keep an eye out for Filch or Mrs. Norris it was pure luck that I managed not to run into either of them. I made it safely onto the grounds and made my way to the pitch. Standing in the middle, broom in hand, gazing at the distant shadow of the castle was Fred. Forgetting I was invisible, I practically flattened the unsuspecting Fred. Fortunately, the hood of the cloak slipped off so he wasn't totally terrified. He held me tight and we both laughed nervously. For a long moment we stood staring at each other, drinking in the moonlit magic. I couldn't believe he was here and he seemed just as fascinated.

In what seemed like slow motion, Fred leaned forward and kissed me. Not like the first time, guilty and hesitant, but long and slow and sweet.

In my ear he whispered, "Yes".

I held him tighter.

"Me too."

He pulled back. "Seriously?" His tone, so full of incredulity made me burst into a fit of ecstatic laughter. After a few seconds he joined in. He picked me up and spun me around but, not being fully in control, we ended up tangled on the pitch, my head against his chest. I swear, the stars have never been nearly as beautiful as they were in that exact moment.

Fred

At this point I was legitimately considering the idea that this entire sequence of events was just a dream. Every piece that had made it possible was too surreal to actually be happening. I had made it onto the grounds without getting caught, Hermione had gotten my note and understood it, she had chosen to come, and it wasn't to tell me I was crazy, just to name a few. I did my best not to move because I was pretty sure if I broke the silence all of this would end. Personally, I didn't want that to happen.

It was several long moments, which could have continued for forever as far as I was concerned, before either of us spoke. Even then I wasn't the one to break the spell.

"Fred?"

"Hmm?"

"Is this real?"

"I hope so."

Hermione pushed herself up on her elbow. Her fingers trailed across my face and neck, straying up into my hair. I was almost scared to touch her but I couldn't resist. I laced my fingers through the cool cascade of her hair. I pulled her close and our lips brushed. Who knew such a soft touch could recreate my world.

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