Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
Warning: There is a little bit of sexual stuff here… nothing graphic. So I don't believe to up it to M. But let me know if I have to change it or anything.
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Chapter 8 something borrowed, something owned
When the Weasleys had left Hermione was more frustrated with them than before. Especially with Fred and George. How could they just leave her here? Couldn't they sense that she was miserable? And whom did she have for company? Lavender, it was bad that Hermione had to share a room with the blabbermouth during Hogwarts, but now she had to live in the same building with the girl? It was horrible!
Hermione had decided to look past the small room, and think of it differently. Somehow she just couldn't manage it. How could two people live in here? But Draco assured her that there wouldn't be two people in here it was her own room. Her own personal room where she could work on anything and do any type of magic.
She sighed as she looked towards the fireplace. Maybe she could convince Malfoy to allow her to have some of that Floo Powder and visit the Weasleys once a week. Hermione rolled her eyes. She highly doubt that was going to happen. She tied off her braid and opened the door.
"So I was thinking that maybe we could do something together, it's been forever since we've actually done something." Lavender blabbed.
Hermione wasn't listening; she wanted to get a feel of the place, what was happening who she was sharing the dorm with. She finally decided that it couldn't even be considered a guesthouse, it was too small, and there were too many guests. She hated it, if Draco really did love her, then she would of gotten a cooking room to herself. She wasn't going to do the whole what ifs, it reminded her of Fredrick too much.
She walked down the hall studying different rooms. She could recognize some of the names, students who she went to school with. Some seemed foreign to her, nothing seemed right any more, and she didn't know everything, she was just another girl. Hermione wouldn't let anyone know, but she hated it. She absolutely hated it!
There was room that she recognized. It was a name that she was ready to blast down the door and kill at that point in time. But she wasn't going too, not that it didn't help that Draco had taken her wand away. Hermione bit her bottom lip as she stared at the name. Pamela, Hermione was ready to kill her. She couldn't help but feel jealous about her. And Hermione had no idea why.
Hermione raised her hand as if to knock on the door. Her hand was shaky as she knocked on the door. She wanted to see what was so great about this Death Eater that Fred had to marry this girl. She sighed, as there was no answer. She figured that Pamela wasn't there and was probably out with Fred by now.
She turned to Lavender and listened to her babble some more. "The whole braiding thing, can you show me it?" She asked, "I've never seen the way Muggles braid before." Lavender had no idea what was going on with Hermione, and why she braided her hair.
"The only difference between braiding hair the Muggle way, and the Wizarding way is with or without a wand." Hermione snapped. "Would you please leave Lavender? I have no time for you."
"Why? Can't I catch up with you?"
"No." Hermione snapped. She turned to leave and explore the rest of the building. She heard the door open.
Turning around she saw Pamela, she had definitely changed since her years at Hogwarts.
She was gorgeous. Her brown hair was straight and fell a little bit past her shoulders, her blonde highlights were closer to the bottom of her hair, it didn't even look unnatural. Her eyes were the perfect shape and a perfect dusty blue. She wasn't too tall or too fat. Even her smile looked award winning. Hermione let out a sigh. Pamela had definitely changed since her years at Hogwarts. No wonder Fred wanted to marry her, she was absolutely perfect.
"Hello?"
"Pamela?" Hermione questioned.
"Yes… Hermione! Oh my god!" Pamela hugged the witch. "I can't believe you are the girl that Draco was bringing up."
"Surprise?" Hermione shrugged. "So, I heard you were engaged to Fred."
Pamela blushed slightly. "Yeah, just a little bit." She continued to blush a deeper red. "He was over here a little earlier today. He said it was because he made some stupid mistakes and didn't want to make any more. He seemed really upset about something."
Hermione shook her head. She knew exactly what Pamela was talking about. The mistakes that Fred had made, it was because of her. Because Hermione had turned the boy away, and that was the reason he went to ask Pamela for him to marry him.
"He's just mad because nobody told him that I was marrying his cousin until today. Well, Malfoy. I don't understand it myself." Hermione explained, or rather guessed.
"Neither do I, but at least we're happy right?" She said, leaning against the doorframe. "Aren't you happy?"
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Yeah, so how do you know Malfoy?" Pamela changed the subject. "Was there something going on with you two during school? I thought you hated him, or at least that's what everyone told me."
"We had some classes together during school." Hermione mentioned. "You could say we were more acquaintances. We really didn't like each other until during the final battle."
"Really? How so?"
"Hermione was a Mudblood." Lavender piped up. "And they didn't have anything but arguments."
Hermione turned back and glared back at the witch. "Why thank you Lavender for the bluntness of your comment." She never did like the witch because of her blabbermouth.
"That's okay, I'm a Mudblood." Pamela tried to comfort the witch. "Draco brought me here under Kingsley's orders. Something about trying to protect all Muggleborns, which is why the whole guesthouse is full."
Hermione nodded. "Why are you here?" She turned to Lavender. "You're not a Muggle-born."
"I'm here because I don't have a place to stay. My parents kicked me out of the house after words."
"After words what?" Pamela had to ask. It wasn't like Hermione wasn't wondering anyway.
"Well, after they found out that I wasn't engaged to Ronald. It was about three days ago."
Hermione looked at Pamela, then again at Lavender. "Wait, three days ago? Ron asked me last two nights ago." She stated. "I didn't know he knew before any of us. George found out two days ago. He was really upset about it."
"Seriously? That must have been after I turned him away, he did cheat on me after all."
"With who?" Hermione was surprised that Ron would actually cheat on Lavender, those two seemed like they were in love.
"I accidentally walked in on him with that Thomas girl."
"Annibelle?" Pamela questioned. "I didn't think she was ever going to find a hubby. She's such a crybaby at some points, always complaining how I wasn't helping with anything that Nikita and her were doing. I got sick of it all."
"How could you say that about your own best friend? You, Nikita and Annibelle were supposed to be the equivalent to Harry, Ron, and me." Hermione nearly scolded. "You guys covered three of the four houses. Which was a great friendship. It brought the houses closer together."
"Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Slytherin?" Pamela asked. "No it didn't. It tore us apart. I was influenced by Slytherin teachings and Nikita and Annibelle were influenced by Ravenclaw and Gryffindor teachings." Pamela continued to bark. "Hermione, you have to realize that life isn't a fairy tale, not even in the Wizarding World. And you will soon find that out the hard way."
"Yeah, this is coming from a Death Eater." Hermione rolled her eyes. "I guess you would know the whole life not being a fairy tale first hand."
"Excuse me? Just because I was a Death Eater, doesn't give you a reason to actually tell me what my teachings were. And just because they were different from yours Ms. Know-it-all, doesn't mean a God damn thing." Pamela barked.
"Oh yeah, abandoning your friends is really good. What kind of person does that? One that is lowly and cowardly that's who. You abandoned them without a second thought."
Pamela glared at the older witch. "You know nothing of why I joined the Dark Lord. But I wouldn't expect a goodie two-shoes like you to understand either."
Hermione looked around and took a wild guess. She shrugged in the process. "Money, power, fame, fortune. I dunno the list goes on and on. I guess what they say is true. You do have to watch out for those power-hungry Catholics. They're well, power-hungry." Hermione barked.
"This is coming from a know-it-all bitch," Pamela snapped.
"You know, I warned Fred of you." It came out before Hermione could stop herself.
"Well, I'm the best thing that's happened to his life. Now he can get his head on straight and actually get to a real job at the Ministry. And be respectful, just like his father." Pamela said, standing up a little taller. "None of this crap dealing with jokes."
"You can't go and change Fred Weasley like that."
"Watch me!"
"No, he won't bend to the rules, he'll bend the rules to his liking!" Hermione defended. She couldn't believe that she was doing this. After all the pain and misery that Fred had caused her in the last forty-eight hours and she was defending him. "His jokes is who makes him well, him."
"What do you know? You don't like him."
"Bloody hell, what is wrong with you?" Hermione barked. "Fred can't be changed. I know this for a fact. I wouldn't change him for anything in the world!"
"Why, do you like him?"
"Fred and I are really good friends. Well, I like to think so. Just because…"
"He told me that you two fought over your dreams. How the hell you can sleep in the same bed and not shag the man is beyond my knowledge."
"Both nights I was emotionally drained. Whatever the hell is going through your mind is shit, you better get your fucking head on straight. Fred…" Hermione finally paused, what was she saying? She shook her head. "Just forget about it."
"You're full of shit, there is no doubt about it." Pamela finally snapped. "You don't love Fred and you want to change him just like I want to."
"I do not. Sure I want to help him with his nightmares that he's having, but I can't change him. I can't change anything about Fredrick Gideon Weasley, nothing." Hermione yelled, by now there were many girls surrounding her. "Not that I would want to change Fred anyway! And you're a whore if you think you can change that boy!" She turned on her heal and ran back down to her room. Lavender could only stare as she heard a door slam shut.
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There was panting and not the good kind of panting either. It was a tired panting; there was also slamming of objects and crying. The thunder and lightning added more to the dream, and there was almost an eerie silence at some points. She was tired of running, tired of trying to escape him
She looked around frantically. Hermione almost wished that she hadn't given the wand away. She needed to defend herself. He had already killed everyone she cared about the most. She could hear the deep breathing. It was coming from her as she leaned on the door trying to keep him from reaching her.
There was a flash of lightning and Hermione found herself face to face with the Grim Reaper. She held in her breath as it spoke. The voice was whispery and ghostly. She noticed that below her were George and Percy. They were dead, all because Hermione had been so stupid.
"If you do not tell her, then you will die."
Hermione gulped and ran past the black hooded figure. She kept running. Her legs were sore, her arms and face were scratched and she was ready to collapse from pain. The pain of being forgotten, the pain of being unnoticed. But most of importantly the pain that she received from the man she was supposed to love.
"You will die by my hands. I married you, and you will give me children even I have to torture your friends to do it!" He laughed cruelly.
"No, Fred, I loved him!" Hermione yelled. "How could you? I loved him and you killed him. Fred, no, not the Cruciatus Curse."
Hermione fell to her knees, by now the pressure of everything was giving in. She was tired and wet. And most importantly she was upset about Fred. Fred was always the source of her problems. And there wasn't anything she could do about. She kneeled down and placed her head against the cold ground.
She wasn't going to run, she wasn't going to run any longer. The pain was just too much; she would just take the punishment he was going to give out. She closed her eyes and whispered something that wasn't clear against the sound of the thunder. He raised his hand, his wand point at Hermione's head.
"Crucio!"
Fred shot up, and looked around the dark room. It was different than before. It wasn't the same. The dream was different. Sure it had the same words in it, but he could see what was going on. It wasn't his dream, but Hermione's dream. Why she was moaning Fred's name, and why she was making such a big deal out of everything. It wasn't because he was being hurt. No, it was the exact opposite.
He wouldn't break down this time. Fred refused to cry over a stupid little girl, someone who was better off far away and doing whatever the hell she was doing, probably shagging Malfoy. He brought his legs out from under the covers. He had forgotten what it was like not to share his bed. After two days he had gotten accustomed to their sleeping arrangements.
Fred sighed and picked up the computer. It was a secret pass time of his. He found out that the more he played Tetris, the more relax he got and the better night sleep he got. He had tried it earlier, after Hermione had left. Of course, after they returned home as well, it allowed him time to himself. Tetris was his answer; it calmed his mind and allowed him to think he really did have an untapped genius inside of him. Of course, mind you he wasn't going to tell anyone.
George sat up rubbing his eyes. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"
"A half past a freckle?" Fred joked with a yawn.
"Funny, it's got to be at least four am. Did the storm wake you?"
"Another nightmare." Fred answered, hitting the space bar, his eyes never once leaving the screen. "I couldn't sleep, not that I'm going to try to go back to sleep. Do you realize that we have to pick Hermione up today?"
"Yes, brother. I would like a few more hours of sleep."
"You didn't seem to care when I wanted them."
"Why are you being such a prat?" George demanded.
"I'm worried about Hermione, what if she isn't in the best place. I mean sure Draco is rich, but after seeing what Hermione's living in, and then what Pamela's living in. I can't be so sure any more." Fred answered.
George sighed as he crossed the room to Fred's bed. "Look, you're getting married to one of the hottest Muggle-borns I have ever seen."
"But she's no Hermione."
"Damn it, its obvious Hermione doesn't like you. Why do you try so hard mate?"
"For the same reason you tried so hard for Luna. And for the same reason that Ron had to get Annibelle. Love is a funny thing. It takes it place… I think I love Pamela."
Now George was getting mad. He slammed Fred's screen down on him and leaned over. His eyes full of anger and hatred, that and George was a little upset over the fact that Fred had woken him up at such an ungodly hour. "I'm only going to say this once. Get your head out of your ass. Pamela is a perfectly fine girl. There's something fishy about her and I know she's no Hermione, but Pamela is the best thing that has happened to you." George was angry, and Fred could hear it in his voice. "I want you to forget about Hermione, you'll pick her up tomorrow, you'll dance with her once and then you'll be off shagging Pamela's brains out. It's as simple as that. Now if you don't mind I'm going to get a few hours of sleep before Ginny comes in with her master plan." He took the laptop away from Fred and crawled back under his covers. Without so much of a good night George was out.
Fred could only shake his head. He couldn't fall back to sleep now. There was so much on his mind. Wasn't George just telling him yesterday that Hermione was going to be crawling back into his arms by the end of the day? What was his twin playing at, was there even a game to be played?
Fred was confused now more than ever. He silently slipped into his fox and snuck out the open window. He couldn't deal with the stress of staying in the Burrow for now. An early morning prowl would do him some good; maybe then Fred could keep his head clear for later that morning. Hermione would be arriving in a few hours, and there was nothing more that Fred and George could do after that. She would then return home after the wedding, and Draco would be none the wiser.
Fred's paws treaded carefully across the garden. Even though he was a fox, he wasn't good at sneaking around. Fred was clumsy, especially with trying to be very quiet. He had practiced it during his human state. But he ended up breaking his mother's prized jar when it happened.
Fred walked out to the orchard his broom laid forgotten. He wanted to show Hermione the sunrise today, because it was going to be the start of a new day. When he got there though he found Katie and Charlie there. He walked up and sat next to the two.
"Charlie," Katie sighed. "Why did you want to show me this?"
"It's rumored that if a couple sees this on their first day before the marriage…"
Fred made a hissing noise. This caused both of them to look down. Charlie was the first one to say something. "Shoo, get out of here." He said waving Fred off.
Fred jumped on to Katie and sat on her lap looking up at her. "Oh let him stay, it's not like he's hurting anyone." She began to pet Fred in between the ears. "Charlie, do you think that Hermione is ever going to marry Fred."
"I think she is head over heals for Malfoy. But at the same time she has eyes only for Fred. It is a very complicated situation." Charlie leaned his head onto Katie's. "Have they talked to you about Hermione?"
"Yes, Alicia did really break her foot. George had to promise to take her out to lunch for a week if she did do it. Him and Ginny promised for a month between the two of them if she did it. Well, last night, George tested one of those strength potions on Alicia and she fell off her broom, only twenty feet, landing her leg wrong." Katie explained. "We had to make sure that Mrs. Weasley didn't heal it, because it was all part of the plan."
"So when is Hermione coming?"
"Early. She should be here in the next hour, your mum was going to wake the twins up at five and they were going to get her by six." There was a hissing sound coming from Fred. "What's you're problem little guy?"
"He must not like that plan." Charlie chuckled. Fred jumped off of Katie's lap.
"What's the matter little guy?" Katie asked again, reaching out for Fred.
Fred seemed to smile and changed back to himself. "You know, even though I have no say in this plan doesn't mean I don't know what I'm doing." Fred said. "Do you two mind if I pull up some grass?"
Katie laughed as so did Charlie. "Are you still unregistered?"
Fred nodded. "I'm going down to the Ministry come Monday." He sighed. "I figure that the Ministry could use my skills, especially since the Death Eaters are attacking again."
Charlie nodded. "Are you sure you don't mind that you're going to be dancing with Hermione?"
Fred nodded. "It's fine, I know that Pamela truly is my date."
"Have you told Mum that you're getting married?"
"No." Came the answer.
Katie leaned backwards, her head rested on the grass. "Why?"
"Because I'm afraid what she would say." He shrugged. "After what happened with Draco and Hermione, I don't want it to happen again."
Katie only nodded. She leaned over and kissed Charlie. "I better get going, Mrs. Weasley would like to help me get ready and my parents are going to be here in a few hours. And it's bad luck to see the bride before," Charlie kissed her and then pushed her over.
"Okay, you two. Enough. As much as I like to see my brother happy, but I would like to talk to him." Katie smiled and kissed her future husband on the cheek and walked off.
Charlie sat with his hands on his knees. His eyes were studying the sky. The sun was barely coming up. "I'm worried about this plan. What if Draco has her in a room with tons of security?"
"I've been there, and I'm worried about her health. I don't want Hermione to get sick, so the less time she spends in that room the better." Fred answered. "I'm more worried Pamela, and when we get married George and I are going to talk about who gets the flat above the shop."
Charlie could only nod. "Katie and I are probably going to find a spot in Italy, there are more tame dragons there." Charlie explained. "It allows me to work there as well as Katie. And this way we are close to family, but at the same time we aren't."
"How do you know that you are marrying the right person?" Fred asked. "How do you know if you Katie is the one you love?"
"Because, it's something you feel deep inside. It's not just the words, not just the acting. It's everything, down from the way you look at her down to the way you kiss her." George explained sitting next to him. "When I look at Luna I don't see a crazy girl that wants nothing to do with Nargels."
"What do you see?"
"When we touch, my body begins to shiver, my hands get shaky, and my palms sweat. I think about her all the time and nothing changes that. I see her surrounded with stars." George sighed. "It's really hard to explain."
Charlie nodded. "You know, when you hold her in your arms. You can see yourself making love, not shagging."
Fred rubbed his forehead. "I don't get it."
"Tell me something," George started out. "When you hold Pamela in your arms what do you feel?"
"More, that everything is right. That she knows what she's doing and where she's going in life. I can see us laying together, sweating, just holding onto each other." Fred answered sighing, bringing his knees up to his chest.
Charlie made a face. "And Hermione?"
This caused the older twin to sigh. "Hermione?"
"Yeah, you did yell at her that you loved her. The whole family heard it." George pointed out. "You've walked in on her many times."
Fred looked away. "I want you two to swear that Hermione will never find this out. Never!"
George and Charlie both raised their wands and touched them to Fred's. "We swear that we will never tell Hermione about this. If we do, then may we be maimed." They said in unison.
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Hermione studied herself in the mirror. It had been exactly two hours since she had a rude awakening. She couldn't take the nightmares any more. Normally she would curl up closer to the twins or maybe even talk to Ron and Harry about this. She couldn't take being away from the Weasley's like this.
She looked towards her computer and was surprised that it was still working. She thought Malfoy would have wards put up around the place. Hermione decided to count her blessings as she sneezed. Shaking her head she pulled her hair back into a ponytail.
"What am I supposed to be doing? I don't even know what I'm doing in this wedding." Hermione sighed. "I'm not one of Katie's close friends."
"You know, you're going to do fine." Ginny answered, walking out of the fireplace. "Fred and George are making sure that the everything is ready so Malfoy doesn't even know you're missing."
"Great, he's probably trying to get a quick shag from his girlfriend."
There was a knock at the door and Ginny opened it. "Where's Fred?" She asked as George snuck in towards the fireplace."
"We had a sort of a problem. Something about Elamap." He joked. "She opened the door and saw Fred. Fred has to tire her out."
Ginny shivered. Hermione glared at George and walked down the hall. She didn't care if they were giving each other an oral. They were on a tight schedule and if they wanted to get Hermione out of here, there was no time for Fred to be playing around with his future wife. She knocked politely on the door and a girl with long auburn hair answered it.
"Good morning, I'm sorry to wake you up, but is Pamela here?" Hermione asked politely. She had a smile on her face the whole time.
"You must be Hermione, Pamela complained about you yesterday." She said. "I'm Charissa."
"Pleasure. Is she in?"
"Yeah, I can't sleep with the racket she's making. She must be with that boy I hear her brag about." Hermione crossed her arms as Charissa pointed towards the door.
"Thank you so much."
"Not a problem. I would knock first."
"Oh I don't know about that." Hermione threw open the door and went straight Fred. "Okay Fredrick, you need to get out here now! You're lucky George came looking for you today. I would of never guessed that you were here." She rolled her eyes, as Fred did nothing to fight against Hermione. She didn't let go of his ear until the dorm room's door was slammed shut.
"Bloody hell Hermione, maybe you are frigid. But that doesn't mean you have to ruin my fun." Fred yelled glaring at Hermione.
Hermione could only glare back at him. "I have nothing to say to you Fredrick." She growled and walked back towards her room. When she didn't hear the footsteps following her she turned towards him and placed her hands on her hips. "I will destroy Mr. Cuddlekins and Panda if you don't come on." She threatened, before continuing her walk.
She smiled when she heard the footsteps following her. Fred glared at the back of the witch's head. She would be out of his head within a few hours, it was one dance with the bridesmaids and then they were free to do whatever they wanted. Fred sighed as his glare became less hateful.
"Hermione, stop."
Hermione showed no signs of listening. She continued her march like walk down the hall, humming to herself slightly. Fred wasn't about to give up. Even if it was for a few hours he was going to try to make peace with his brother's best friend.
"Hermione, I want to make a treaty."
This caused her to turn around. She held out her hand and looked at Fred. "Give me your wand. I'll draw up the contract here and now. And we'll sign it." She stated matter-of-factly. "Well, c'mon on now. I don't have my wand. So yours will have to do."
Fred sighed as he handed it over. He watched her give it a few flicks. He was amazed that she could actually conjure up something like this so quickly. He watched as Hermione muttered a few charms and then noticed the parchment that was floating began to glow a gold color. A quill appeared next to it and Hermione took it and signed her name quickly.
"It basically says if we fight over who we are marrying or anything that we've fought over in the past seventy-two hours then we will be bound together for a whole week." Hermione read, flipping the parchment around.
Fred took the quill but didn't sign. His crystal blue eyes studied the parchment glancing over the words. He saw the words that she had said, but he also scanned for any fine print. He stuck his head around and looked at Hermione. "There isn't any loopholes or fine print that I should be worried about Granger is there?"
"No, nothing no tricks. I'm straight about business. As a businessman you should understand that fact. Sometimes things are just as easy as they seem. Are you going to sign the parchment?" Hermione said crossly. "I don't have all day."
Fred sighed and signed his name sloppily. The quill disappeared and the parchment rolled up. Flashing lights gave them the next instructions. "Excuse me? I have to do what?"
"Spit in your hand and shake with me. It's nothing more than a kiss. You swap stuff like this with Pamela all the time. And the deal isn't official until it's shaken on." Hermione explained. "Duh."
Fred sighed and spit into his hand. He held it out for Hermione; she did the same and shook his hand. After they both let go they wiped their hands on their pants and continued to Hermione's room. Maybe the next few hours would go peacefully after all.
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Hermione walked into the room where Angelina and Katie were getting ready. Both Fleur and Mrs. Weasley were doing their hair. There was a third woman there that Hermione didn't recognize; she finally drew the conclusion that this was Katie's mother.
"Hermione, such a great joy for you to join us. Let me start on your hair. Samantha will you continue to work on Katie's hair." Mrs. Weasley stated.
Hermione was pushed down into a chair next to Katie; she couldn't look at anyone in the room. She didn't belong here. They had practically banished her away. She felt a tight pull and the hair that Hermione had worked so hard to get straight was bushy once again.
"It's easier to work from scratch." Mrs. Weasley explained. Hermione could feel her hair being roughly pulled through a brush. It worried the smartest witch only slightly.
"Thank you so much for covering for Alicia, she didn't want to ruin the wedding by being on crutches. I swear the twins can be so rough sometimes." Katie laughed, leaning her head back. "We've got a dress pre-made for you, and we think it will fit alright, you'll go with my mother after Mrs. Weasley is done with your hair. That way we can make sure it's fitted properly."
"Why me Katie? You and I were never really that close."
"Actually it was Alicia that suggested it. I don't know why myself. But she feel about twenty feet off her broom, and the only thing we managed to get out was Hermione take place. So we figured that it would be the best thing for you." Katie explained. "Plus, I want you to feel like you were part of our strange group. I wasn't close to Oliver Wood when he got married and Cho had me in her line-up. It's strange how things work like that. But then again the twins were the best men."
Hermione nodded as she felt her hair being roughly pulled again. She bit her tongue to keep from lashing out at Mrs. Weasley. "Don't worry dear, you're going to be beautiful and then we'll have you looking normal for Draco when you return home. It's going to be a peace of cake." She gave Hermione's hair another sharp twist. "You're going to make jaws drop Hermione."
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Hermione stood straight and tall, her jeans and shirt cast to the side. She stood in nothing but her bra and underwear. She held her arms in front of her chest. She was almost afraid that someone was going to walk in and see her. Despite what everyone thought, she did not enjoy Fred walking in on her, twice.
"Hermione, I just need to take measurements. How big your bust size is, your length, your waist normal stuff. We have to make this dress fit, Katie's wedding is in exactly one hour." Samantha explained, moving the younger witch's hands down. "Now hold out your arms. Perfect."
"Um… Mrs. Bell," Hermione blushed as a measuring tape (bewitched of course) began to measure. "I really don't feel comfortable doing this."
"I know honey." Samantha said. "Don't worry, it will be alright, everything will work out."
Hermione held out her arms and began to shake. She noticed the blue dress that was off in the distance. She figured that it would fall to about her ankles. She smiled as the dress slipped over her head. She smiled as she spun around, suddenly pins were stuck into the dress and things were sewing by themselves.
"Katie said you were a Muggle-born. I had no idea that you were going to be doing this type of thing."
"I'm just very amazed." Hermione answered.
"The bra has to go sweetie," Samantha said. She waved her wand and Hermione's bra slipped off and the needles continued to do their work. "Don't worry this will be your dress to keep, they're not sewing you in."
Hermione could only nod. She spun around again as the needles finished their jobs. She lifted up the dress and looked at her tennis shoes and socks. "Mrs. Bell, I have a problem."
"Not a problem for magic Deary." She flicked her wand and the shoes became gorgeous silver heals. "I know that it's a last minute thing, but you and Fredrick will be dancing together. It will be fine, you'll do fine." Samantha assured Hermione.
"Thank you." Hermione answered climbing off the stand. "This dress is very lovely."
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Hermione held her breath as she waited next to Angelina. She had gotten many compliments from everyone who was walking. But it didn't help that the smartest witch of her age was nervous. Sure Hermione broke the rules with Harry and Ron before, but this was very different. She never left the Ministry's protection before.
Fred walked up and took his place next to Hermione. "Hello Granger."
"Fredrick."
"You clean up nicely."
"As do you," Hermione said tight-lipped. She nodded towards Cho and Oliver. Both were surprised that Hermione was standing where Alicia should have been.
Fred shook somebody's hand and said to Hermione, "George and I will take you back after the our dance."
"Which is fine with me. I can't stand to be in this dress much longer." Hermione curtsied for Harry and Ron as they walked through the door. This caused both boys to laugh, but Hermione stuck out her tongue in a childish way.
"You look beautiful though." Fred turned towards Hermione.
Her brown hair was up and out of her face, in a very tight bun. There were a few whips of hair hanging down in front of her face. And her make-up was done very nicely adding to her natural beauty. She had sparkles throughout her hair and when she smiled it was breath taking. Her blue dress was ankle length so he was able to see the silver heels, and even her dress seemed to glitter.
"Thank you but flattery gets you no where."
"I know, but it's not flattery. It's a compliment." Fred corrected her. "I want you to know, that if you could stay longer I would dance with you a few more times."
"I don't care." Hermione stated as she leaned and looked at the surrounding areas. It was a big wedding, the bride had a side and so did the groom, and it was weird for people to debate which side they want to sit. "It's getting ready to start."
Fred held out his arm. "Shall we go Granger?"
"Angelina's in first Fredrick."
"I know, but can't I take your arm now?"
Hermione glared at him. "I don't care."
Fred leaned down so that his blue eyes stared straight into Hermione's brown ones. "I'm only going to say this once. You are a replacement, you should be thankful that you could be here. Alicia was worried about missing this whole thing, you should be thankful!" Fred finally snapped.
Hermione smiled. "Okay, you do that." She wasn't going to argue with him. Not the least bit. He had his differences while she had hers. And he was in love with Pamela anyway. She could accept that, if anything else.
"Why are you such a bitch Granger?"
"If that's the light you see me in Fredrick that's fine." She noticed that it was time start and Angelina and Bill glared at the two. "But we will have to talk about this at a different time."
Fred took her arm and led her over behind Bill and Angelina. Bill took her arm and they walked down the aisle together. When the couple reached half way before the alter Fred and Hermione started down. No body seemed to care the Angelina and Bill were in the room any more, all eyes were on Fred and Hermione.
"They're staring at me."
"That's because you're not Alicia." Fred whispered back. He bowed before Hermione when the reached the front and kissed her hand then took his place by Bill.
"Not in love with her huh?" Bill asked.
"Shut up."
All conversation about Hermione and Fred came to a stand still as the next couple walked down the aisle. Surprisingly it wasn't Katie and her father, but Alicia and George. Hermione glared at Fred and Bill, she wasn't sure if she wanted to hurt the Weasleys for lying to her, or give them each a kiss. But why Fred? Why couldn't have been George, she got along with George.
"I thought your leg was broken?"
"Who told you that?"
"The twins."
Alicia smiled. "That's because Molly healed it."
The crowd all rose to get a good look at Katie, she was beautiful, all that hard work paid off. Her white dress hung beautifully on her frame it wasn't frilly at the bottom, but it kind of had a slight poof to it. It didn't have train either, and her hair was decorated in many little flowers. She looked beautiful, even Hermione had to admit to it.
"Who gives this woman away?"
Oliver Wood took that moment to stand up. As well as Harry, even Fred and George said something. "We do! Her teammates."
Her father smiled and kissed her on the forehead. "I do, her father. I give her to Charlie Weasley." He placed his daughters hand into Charlie's. And then took his seat next to his wife.
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Hermione stood up straight and smiled as people commented on how beautiful she looked. She hadn't seen either twin since the pictures of Katie's line-up and stuff. She was going to kill them. And she was probably right in thinking that. Ginny had surprisingly stayed away since the pictures too. Hermione hadn't seen her in a while. It was then Harry came up and bowed.
"Would you like to dance? A beautiful lady like yourself shouldn't be standing towards the side." Harry joked.
"Thanks Harry," she said taking his hand. She put hand in his and then her other on his shoulder. "Harry, do you think Draco is good for me?"
"Yes, he's decent. I would of preferred to see you with Ron, hell even Fred and George would be better than the Ferret." His green eyes studied Hermione's. "Are you regretting saying yes?"
"No, of course not. Draco and I have been dating for a few months now, and well. I was hoping someone else would come forward." She admitted, as she was twirled around. "How do you know that Ginny was the one?"
"Simple, she's one of my best friend and I can see myself holding her and…" he blushed. "Sorry, I'm no good at explain this."
Hermione sighed, "It's alright. You can just dance with me until you find something to say or Ginny comes back."
He laughed. "You know Hermione, I think the couple dance is coming up soon."
"There are many of those."
"Well, the one with the bride dances."
"Pamela's not here is she?" Hermione looked around.
"Why? Jealous?"
Hermione shook her head. "No of course not. She lives down the hall from me."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, stupid Death Eater."
Harry chuckled as the song ended. "Well, I think I must go find Ron, he's having trouble. He's attracting random women."
Hermione laughed. "Has Annibelle stepped in?"
"Band practice."
Hermione laughed again. "She's good at the Flute though."
"Now, I never said that she wasn't." Harry pointed off.
She smiled and pushed Harry towards Ron. "Go get 'em Tiger!" She called out.
Hermione walked off the dance floor, past Bill and Fleur. "Iz zhe a'rite?"
Bill glanced back at the witch in question. "Fleur. I think she is. How's Victoire doing?"
"Zhe iz fine."
"Okay, I would talk to her, but Hermione looks like she needs to be left alone."
"Iz it your broder?" Fleur asked.
The oldest Weasley chuckled. "Which one, you have to be more specific I have five… six… five I have five."
"Fread."
"Yes, it probably is Fred." Bill kissed Fleur. "I have to go find Angelina, that stupid dance is coming up."
Fleur nodded and walked off after Granger. She was standing next to Luna, having a decent conversation with her. She smiled at the two younger witches. It was great to see the younger generation in love like Hermione was with Draco and Luna was with George.
"Herminee," Fleur started. "Beel is off finding Angieleena."
Hermione sighed. "Okay, I get it. Go and get Fred right?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, George is probably off with Alicia." Hermione stated.
"Actually, he was with me right before you came Hermione, said something about being tired of floating around emotions, why don't … snog… shag… stupid." Luna shrugged. "I dunno, he's weird like that."
"And yet, you're marrying him."
"Exactly." A smile crossed Luna's face.
Hermione shook her head as she walked off to go and find her so called date. She kept walking; it wasn't like she had anything else to do. Hermione finally found herself in a darken corner of the Burrow. It was amazing that she had never seen it before. Especially being here for about ten years.
"Oh. Fred."
Hermione knew that she had wandered into somewhere she shouldn't have been. She gulped as Fred began to moan. She knew what they were doing, and she hated the sound of it. She leaned against the wall. Her brown eyes were cast downward. Hermione's mind was trying to focus on something, anything to get her mind off of the sounds that she was hearing.
Higitus Figitus zumbakazing, I want your attention everything! It wasn't something she had thought of in years. Especially since she became a witch herself. The real Merlin was different than what she was told about in Muggle stories.
We're packing to leave, c'mon let's go. Books are always first you know. She continued to think of the things that Merlin was packing, using his magic. Yes he was waving his wand. She could see herself packing up her library and moving it into a smaller bag.
Higitus Figitus migitus mum, prestidigitonium. She bit her bottom lip as she pressed her foot against the wall, she was trying to make it so that everything natural. Especially if Pamela saw her, that's who he was with. It was the only girl he was seeing, and the law clearly stated if you were to cheat then you were to get married to that person within a span of a week.
Sure, Umbridge didn't mention that in the letter sent around. Needless to say Hermione had time to construct a well thought out letter and it had very appropriate questions. She received her answer yesterday and got a full set of the law, and it didn't leave out a single thing. Including what would happen if you were to cheat on the person you chose as your significant other.
Hermione thought she heard Fred moan again. But this time it wasn't Pamela's name, no. It was something different, but she couldn't hear it or make it out exactly. Shaking her head Hermione gathered her thoughts together as Fred walked out. Hermione smiled at him as she pushed off the wall.
"How long?"
"Long enough," Hermione answered taking his arm. "George said to come looking for you. The couple dance is coming up." She lied.
Fred nodded as he led Hermione out onto the dance floor. He must of used Apparation to get them back to the dance floor. Though, it didn't help that Hermione had no idea where she was. He placed his right hand on her waist and took her right hand in his left hand. She sighed and placed her hand on his shoulder. The music started up and she felt herself following him, almost like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Normally Hermione would find herself trying to lead a dance, but this wasn't the case. She refused to look up into Fred's crystal clear blue eyes. She just couldn't, they held so much pain and misery. It was almost like he didn't want to marry Pamela.
"You know, Ronald said you are a horrible dancer." Fred started out. "You're not too bad."
Hermione couldn't help but blush. "You're not bad yourself. I mean for a player."
"What?"
"Someone who plays with hearts."
"I am no such thing." Fred defended.
"I could believe you for a second, hmm." She paused as Fred twirled her around. "No, nice try though, I can almost respect that."
Fred spun her around two more times before pulling her back into his arms. "Hermione, you a bitch."
"So I've been told before. There's nothing new about that."
"Why is it that I can't stand you when you're near?"
Katie looked at Hermione and Fred, the seemed to be doing a lover's dance. At least that's what her grandmother calls it whenever they were close and there were lots of spins. She swore that if Charlie and her had chosen a faster song that Fred and Hermione would be grinding against each other.
"Shall we move closer to them?" Charlie suggested. "I know you want to see something, and you're going to blurt something out."
Katie smirked, one that looked like the twins. "You know me well." Slowly they swirled around, this way they were closer to Fred and Hermione. "Oi, Fred!"
Fred spun Hermione around, this put him closer to the bride. "What is it?"
Charlie couldn't help but smile. Katie could be as devious as either one of the twins. She knew exactly what she was doing when she was playing matchmaker. "I see you're not having a great time dancing with Hermione."
"What?"
Hermione was spun around and Fred growled. "You know nothing."
"You shouldn't lie to the bride Fredrick." Hermione grunted. "It's bad luck."
"And you shouldn't be spying on people."
Hermione stomped on his foot. She glared at him and was spun around a little more roughly. When she was pulled back in it was tighter than before. She felt chills run up and down her spin and she had half of a mind to kiss him.
"You know, that's a lover's dance!" Charlie called out. "Unless you're not telling us something!"
This caused Fred to put Hermione at a more comfortable length. They continued the slow dance. It was finally over shortly after that. Hermione sighed as yet another slow song picked up. Katie curtsied towards Charlie and put her hand on Fred's shoulder.
"This dance is for the bridesmaids and their dates." Katie smiled. "Well, by dates I mean the best men."
George bumped Hermione into Fred's arms. It was a muggle song that Katie heard from Hermione years ago. Hermione blushed and they took a similar position that they were in before. She still refused to look at Fred, but more importantly she swore that she wouldn't talk to him this time.
Katie whispered something in Fred's ear, and he shook his head no. He wouldn't, he couldn't. "I'm sorry, Katie."
Katie stomped down her foot and opened her mouth to say something.
"Fine! I'll do it, go away now." Fred barked.
Hermione looked at him confusingly. "What was that all about?"
Fred shrugged. He smiled as he spun her around, getting away from George and Alicia. He didn't want her hearing what he had told Charlie and Bill before. He could always relate to his older brothers, save Percy, that was a different story.
He leaned his head down to touch Hermione's. This felt right. With her in his arms spinning around and them not really arguing. He loved the days that were carefree and everything.
"'Mione," started Fred.
"Hermione," she corrected.
"Right, 'Mione."
"If you can't call me by the right name Fredrick, then I will not talk to you." Hermione snapped.
"Hermione. For once can't you just get your head out of your arse and talk to me?" Fred demanded. "I have something… ah forget it."
He let go of Hermione's hands and roughly dragged George off the dance floor. "Lets get Princess Bitchy home before someone notices." Fred was joking and George could hear it in his voice, but at the same time he was upset with Hermione.
George bowed before Hermione. "We're going to take you right outside of Malfoy's manor. You'll be able to Apparate right you get inside the barrier."
"But you are taking me to the outside of the…"
"For someone who is supposed to be smart, you ask a lot of stupid questions." Fred snapped.
"You're stupid."
Fred stuck out his tongue. George sighed. At least they weren't arguing over Pamela and Malfoy. The younger twin finally decided that it was better to hear something over battle of smarts than something else.
Hermione took George's arm and held onto it. Side-Apparition was better going long distances. She rather of held onto George than Fred, she was afraid she would splinch if she traveled with him. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath in, she was ready for the sucking feel that came with Apparition.
When she finally opened her eyes she found herself to be back in front of the Malfoy Manor. She shook her head as she turned back towards her twins. Fred had his arms crossed and George was embarrassed by his brother's actions.
"Thank you." She gave George a kiss on the cheek and walked over to Fred. She took a deep breath and finally muttered something in front of Fred. She then walked off singing:
Stupid Cupid you're a real mean guy. I'd like to hit you until you can't fly. I am in love and it's a crying shame, and I know that you're the one to blame. Hey, hey set me free. Stupid Cupid stop picking on me.
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K15: Hey guys. I have no idea what Hermione whispered into Fred's ear.
Fred: Wow that's a first.
Me: Anyway, sorry this one took so long to get up. I was just making sure I was still ahead of what I'm in writing. I'm just finishing up chapter 10. Plus finals is less than two weeks away, so I've been studying my butt off.
Fred: Unlike me.
Me: Exactly. Anyway, so I hope you enjoy the chapter. I don't own either songs. So don't sue. Please review. Later. K15
PS: The next update might not be until after the New Year. It depends on how fast I get out chapter 11 to my muse. But I will be updating A boy, a girl, and a little thing called love. As well as, ABCs of Harry Potter… also some Avatar fics if you guys are interested in that.