Fred watched as Hermione laughed at his little brother's stupidity. It wasn't anything new to the Gryffindor table. Ron tried to impress Hermione and failed miserably. What was new to the table was a steaming Fred.
The question wasn't what was new, but what was wrong with the boy. This new aura about the normally laughing lad didn't go unnoticed among his housemates.
"What's wrong with you mate?" Lee Jordan questioned carefully observing Fred. "If your looks could kill a mate, Ron would be six feet under."
"Nothin'," Fred sulked, eyes never leaving the pair.
"I know what's the matter," George gave a toothy grin to the pair. "You see what ol' Ronnie boy's a doin' right, Lee?"
"What Ron always does." The obvious answer.
"Yeah, but get this." George leaned in to whisper his secret to the two, "Fred likes Hermione."
Lee sat back with a grin, looking to Fred for confirmation. "Really?"
"No," Fred broke contact with the couple down the table to look at his brother and friend. "That's criminally insane. Hermione's a book worm."
"You should know," George retorted with a smirk. "You stare at the girl enough."
"Sounds like you've got it bad, Fred."
"Well," Fred glared at the two. "I don't."
"Pack your bags, mate." George clasped his brother's shoulder. "Looks like you're going to Azkaban."
"I LIKE HERMIONE, ALRIGHT?! I'M BLOODY BONKERS FOR THE GIRL! BOOGER OFF!" Fred yelled at the two.
Upon realizing what he did, Fred quickly glanced at Hermione. There was a faint blush on her cheeks, and she was suddenly very interested in her pumpkin juice. Ron was glaring murderously at his brother.
"Great," Fred hissed at George and Lee. "Look what you two did."
The pair was stifling their laughter, but Lee was composed enough to respond. "That was all you mate."
Lee nodded his head to a figure behind the twin, a grin on his face. Fred turned around to come face to face with the girl he just confessed about. "Granger?"
"I-like-you-too," She mumbled quickly, walking away as fast as she could.
"Hermione!" Fred stood up as he called after her. She stopped in her tracks and turned around. Fred took his time walking over to her, gauging her reaction to his every move. "Let me get those books for you. They look heavy."
Hermione's face was scarlet, but she didn't deny him. Slowly, they made their way from the Great Hall.
When Hermione finally spoke up, she could only manage two words. "Bonkers, eh?"
"Bonkers, criminally insane," Fred shrugged, smiling over at her. "Call it what you want, but I'm mad for you."
Hermione's lips twitched into a small smile as they reached the Fat Lady. "Good."