Title: Angels in Action: Persuasion

Rating: PG-13
Prompt Set: 50.2
Prompt: 001. Blind
Word Count: 3,877
Summary: There is one thing that Ginny Weasley did not expect to do, ever: Advise a know-it-all bookworm.
Notes: Act I of the Compilation: Angels in Action, a Fred/Hermione story.
I'm trying to make it more realistic than anything else. Either one or more characters would show the implications in a relationship. :)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the plot.

Warnings: Written in First Point of View, Draco/Ginny coupling.

Angels in Action

Prompt 01: BLIND

Persuasion

There's one thing that people describe us nowadays: Blind.

Why?

The answer can be simply summarized into one sentence: Draco Malfoy and Ginevra Molly 'Ginny' Weasley. Yes people, you heard that right, Draco and I are now officially together. As in boyfriend/girlfriend, sweethearts, in a relationship, lovers, couple, pair, partnered off, twosome and all those that connotes to people who are, sadly, in love with each other.

Nobody ever imagined 'us' ending in this way, certainly not Ronald- my ever sooo protective prat of a brother… well he still can't believe that this is happening, fortunately. Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard of all times? ...Nu uh. Nostradamus? Hermione said that even he was not able to predict this out-of-normalcy-coupling! No one. Nobody ever did. Not even me.

It's not a petty thing mind you; Draco Malfoy and "simple" don't belong in the same statement. The bloke's well-known for his extravagance and love of spotlight after all. But certainly, Ginny Weasley and oddity seemed like the perfect mix. People ask me always how and why I can continue being with him amidst of all the drama revolving us. Sweet, poor, innocent, little Gryffindor Ginny taming the great Slytherin Prince…? (Or was it the other way around?).

Never in a million years would they believe that! Well… except now.

At such, seeing that this rare-near-to-zero improbable situation has happened already people was forced to conclude things in one coherent excuse.

We are blind.

Not those visually impaired ones, Draco and I have an absolute 20/20 vision scale, really. But this one, according to those 'scientific' explanations anyway, is a figurative word. They declared that we are unseeing to all the trial and tribulations that come our way. Everyone insisted that being blinded was the very reason why we are standing against the tides and doing it, together. Able to cut the Hogwarts Golden Code: which is the long standing Slytherin and Gryffindor animosity; and unconcerned with the well-known Malfoy/Weasley feud dating back from history itself

Two worlds. Different and quite far apart… belonging on the opposite ends of a pole. This contradiction is what took us to my current concern:

The love life of one Hermione Granger.

It was one dreary afternoon in the Gryffindor common room that Hermione, miss-know-it-all, head girl in waiting of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and bookworm extraordinaire surprisingly approached me about her dilemma.

The so-called problem a.k.a her mainly hot-seated love life… the courting of Fred Weasley.

You got that right, one of my dearest brothers, one of most mischievous prankster ever since the Marauders (they are two by the way, namely his twin: George), and Rule-breaker number one, Frederick Weasley crushing Hermione!

I'm sorry, pigs still can't fly without levitation charm, truly hell can't be frozen in a millisecond yet and undoubtedly no apocalypse coming either!

This was normal- according from Mr. Normal himself anyway- that Fred would fall for such a, note: I quote and unquote, "lovely, charming and truly irresistible Ms. Granger." Asked when and why he never answers instead he stated, "There is no when, where or why rather the question's always how." Oh Hermione, what have you done to dear brother of mine? Gag me now, please!

Pretty love-stricken?

Unfortunately no, said tidbit is according from the opposite side, Ms. Granger. She persisted to no end saying this was just one of the twins Prank Galore. Fred and George Weasley are just losing touch--"and fast" (provided oh-so-graciously by Hermione) for their pranking skills that they shifted to other means. She even had the 'perfect name' for their operation: Romancing the Bookworm. Nasty I know, but she insisted to call it that, leaving no room for arguments.

I don't know where Hermione got these ideas but I think Freddie's quite serious. I never saw him as one of those guys: heartbreaking for a trick? He's charming; yes I gotta give him credits for that. Handsome? Of course, I'm his sister… I need to be proud of my own genetics! But becoming the utter heart-controlled fool that he is now? Nope.

I tried to propose to her this lovely little information tired of repeatedly hearing prank this, prank that. "An ugly joke, Ginny... Imagine that?" Honestly who is Hermione trying to convince?

And so here came my entrance as I rest my case:

"Hermione it may not be what you think it is."

I stared into her eyes then diverting my gaze my brother. He was only staring at Hermione the last minute and now he is into a discussion with George and Lee. I told her what I think of Fred's antics.

But…

"He's tried to burn a hole in me, Ginny. He glared at me for hours!"

Oh yes, the 'subtle' stares and not so secret dopey smiles. Fred, if I'm your mother I'd be truly ashamed! Haven't you learned the basics of crushing? Hermione's scared out off her wits!

Though can't blame if he couldn't take his eyes off her. She is truly interesting to look at when she gets into 'Bookworm Mode'. She gets this contemplative yet cute face. Many took double flips enthralled at the way she seemed so devoted to her book. Her normal audiences, namely Gryffindor just smile in understanding. So strike one, Fred!

"Maybe he can't take his eyes off you." I reasoned to her shaking my head inwardly.

"Ginny, he's trying to prank me I tell you! He is! First wanting to get me distracted off my reading then falling into his 'charms'. No one's ever opened the door for me and no guy in my whole stay here at Hogwarts offered me a seat—well except from Victor that is…"

Bit doubtful isn't she? I thought recalling over the day that she bolted like lightning far away from Fred when he tried to offer her the door for her next class: Potions.

Jolly.

Second strike.

"Hermione, maybe Fred's trying to be a gentleman… I mean he can be that Prince Charmings, you talk of, if he tried hard." I added the last part lamely. I'm not making progress with this one.

"Prince Charming, Gin. And no, who in their right mind would italicize a book emphasizing only of nonsense? He's really serious to humiliate me right?" She shook her head vehemently in disagreement.

I remembered Hermione coming to my room shouting bloody murder- I'm exaggerating I know. But what would you call it when you're sleeping having sweet time dreaming of certain special someone and then Hermione entered your supposed-to-be wonderful dream, spouting along the lines of ridiculous jokes and whatnots?

Ah love, cupid got a clean bulls-eye on Fred. Aphrodite's real proud of you, I'm sure.

It turned out that he gave her the newest edition of Hogwarts: A history, he declared that he was able to read the whole book back to back; neon pink-highlighted parts in various pages of the book being the ultimate proof. What proofs may I add? Those that speak of love and bushy haired beauties!

"He really wanted to make me a laughing stock of the school! Or maybe… try some of his tests on me? You can't be so sure they won't be able to create a good transfiguration curse or something. He's brilliant, I'd give him that."

Try paranoid, if truth be told.

"Hermione stop. Breathe. You're thinking too much about it okay?" I say seeing nothing that could end this tirade. If subtlety won't work, try a direct attack. "Have you ever… um…" My, whoever said advising from your own experience is easy was a hypocrite. How would I say this? "…that maybe Fred Fred likes you? I mean he's actually serious about this?"

"Nope." Dead Serious.

Merlin, the girl's set in stone about this!

"Eh 'Mione, he never did this to other girls. Even to me, his sister especially!"

The git! I recalled incensed, last week when I ran out of seat on the library. I spotted a vacant seat next to him and surely seeing as I'm his dear little sister he'd offer it to me like a good ol' big brother. But no! He… he my own blood and kin, did not. Instead he said and I quote, "'Mione! Come here, there's a free seat! I saved you one!" You know what he did? He gave me an apologetic grin! The nerve!

What if… I do get a payback from that episode… what if?

"Ginevra, that's it! That makes it more suspicious don't you agree?" Haven't I told her not to use that ghastly name, I was ready to chastise her. But she got my attention, "He never did it to others, not even to Angelina!"

… Angelina, huh? Instead of getting my plan in action, (throttling her pretty neck- creative I know) I arched an eyebrow in response. "Never knew you seek background from past girlfriends 'Mione." I wryly teased her. She… Ms. calm and collected (well she's not really those things right now, but who cares? The point is she…) blushed- deep red at that!

I'm a genius!

I thought basking with that achievement. I made Hermione Granger blush! I made her-

It was short lived however, "Of course Gin! It's important that I do! You never enter a battle without background researches."

Background researches my ass. Talk about insecure. I snorted, my eyes rolling mentally. Just admit it, 'Mione!

With my silence came her frustrated sigh, actions speaks louder than words after all

"I'm making a big deal out of this correct?"

Now we're getting somewhere... I nod.

"I mean, I just analyze too much about the scenario?"

Another nod, grinning inwardly. Nearly there…

She scrunched her face into a frown and made that contemplative look of hers. I on the other hand have been trying to fight the grin-laugh-smile or a combination of the three which has threatened to come out of my face.

"But then, I guess it never hurt too… since I mean, you know… kind of impossible… a bookworm and a prankster. We don't even have a thing in common!"

"Nothing is impossible, 'Mione."

I dish out silencing her coming rant. I point my index finger to myself and to the bracelet that Draco gave to me. It's lovely I tell you.

The only reaction I got was an impish, "Oh".

"I assure you," I started not willing to go on the list of why Fred and Hermione don't mix rant again. "He's not moronic to play with feelings. If he is sure, he is. Heck, look at him, getting all gaga for nothing- oh but I'm not saying you're nothing." I hastily added seeing her questioning eyes. "It's like… who would ever thought, Fred Weasley, knitting socks and hats for house-elves just to score 'quality' time with you? I never did! How about you?"

She snorted dryly while I grumbled in agreement. I swear I saw a ghost of a smile appear!

"Deal with it Hermione, either you accept him or reject him. And I warn you not because I'm you're best friend doesn't mean I would be lenient with my actions. Toy with him and you'd be receiving the tip of my wand. If you want to say no, just do so, 'Mione."

The last parts was spoken in a soft tone I didn't know I still possessed, I was getting into play-with-my-family-and-I'll-hex-you-into-oblivion state that I wasn't aware I'm threatening her. Dangerously close to truth may I add? When did I ever have my wand out?

"Whether he is serious or not, it's better to respond than to make him hope for nothing else." I smiled at her and tucked my wand back again. She's my friend. I must give her chance and not skip facts.

"Ginny, it's not that…" Again with the head-shaking. Continue. I silently urged I don't want her to feel I'm rushing to make her decide. She needed to think about this surely and certainly.

"It's just that… I'm kind of afraid." Afraid? I raised one of my eyebrows again what would she afraid of? Surely not the third point of views? People can talk and talk non-stop until whenever they want to and things won't still change if she did choose to be with Fred. Let them die talking or speculating. I did learn from the best of course, firsthand experience at your service.

She took a deep breathe, gulping visibly. "The truth is, I… I kind of… see, technically not see… rather feel… but still- that doesn't sound right." "Hermione, don't be nervous. It's just me." I took her hands and realized they were shaking. How long has she been like this? Poor girl and here the nerve of me having all hostile and nagging. This is harder to her than for me as a matter of fact.

"You know that nobody considered of Fred and well… I right? I'm sure that most- I guess all was expecting it to be Ronald. Right?" "Yes," I answered, it was true. Anyone who saw Hermione and Ron the past years would easily conclude that they'd end up falling in love. Nobody considered a prankster to make a move on his feelings.

"Well, Ron's a great guy, I know. And I also know that he is happy with her… and it's not really wrong or forbidden or something with Fred and I…" I looked at her, shocked. "If we are to be together," she amended hurriedly, "but Gin. It's still improbable."

What is improbable?

My thought seemed to have been painted on my face too because she spoke again, "Rule-stickler… and him... who don't really care for…"

"Hermione, we're through with this." I said in a concluding tone, we can't just swim around in circles.

"Fine." Her tone was still bordering on an arguing one but she did not probe any further. We stayed in long silence just looking around the hustle and bustle of the common room. We are hidden in the corner from their view but still able to observe them. Fred, George and Lee are talking with some first years, with our Prince Charming winking from time to time in our way. Harry and Ron, along with the Neville, Seamus and Dean are playing Exploding Snaps. Parvati Lavender and some girls are gushing over the new Witches Weekly edition, sometimes shrieking when something takes their fancy. The remaining population of the students in the common room were either chatting or rushing on with their assignments. Quills and parchment of different kinds are littered on the floor.

"It feels like I'm turning blind, Ginny." What? Did I hear that right? "How?" I croaked unable to comprehend the thought.

"How do I say this…?" Hermione mumbled that I thought I imagined ever hearing the statement come out of her mouth. "I see things, Gin, and they are not just things like this," she gestured to what is happening around us. "I see possibilities; I see that what ifs… like the future. It's scary, I tell you. It is not that I hate change but trying to move to what I seem to 'see' well actually envision; it's what scares me. They're not nasty," she uttered reddening, sporting that shade of red I now dub adorable on her face. "Rather they're quite good… but really, what if it doesn't happen? And if it did, what if their just all that: fancy insignificant thoughts?"

Merlin! Is this what I think this is? Is she?

"What I see, I think… what I feel anyway… like sixth sense or something, um… it's like my heart have some sort of a mind of its own…" She trailed off. Seeing the look of disbelief in my face, she mussed her hair silently fuming for her short comings, "I mean…argh!"

"I'm not going insane, am I?" She asked with a defeated look, propped her chin on her palm and sighed. "Let me get this straight." I leaned to her, "It seemed as if your hearts talking in you some way? And like you're seeing various things?" At her vigorous nod, I smiled. I understood.

"You're not blind Hermione, nor insane…" I left my words hanging that made her exhale deeply, relieved; but it was immediately replaced with a guarded look. Then what is it?

Her silent language asked me, I breathe out. Why did Hermione Granger the ever know-it-all not knew much about love? Guess its right; you don't learn everything just through books.

I looked around the room again, "Eyes are not the only medium you use to see Hermione." I began and hoped that she would recognize my point.

"Your heart, what it sees… the ones that you feel of anyway… they're normal Hermione. And it is also usual to have your heart and mind talk differently." She listened on intently, placed her free hand into the arm of the chair, and toyed with the loosely hairs hanging on her face. I felt nervous; it should be the other way around… I'm still new to the idea of a clueless Hermione. "Your mind tells you of the 'rational' and logical thoughts, meaning it is some what the sane worldly conscience you have there. It tells you of the things, like well for example, 'what is Fred going at,' 'why me,' 'this is impossible' or things that remind you of your current status. Right?"

She gave a weak smile in affirmative. It caused me to make one in return. The next statement would surely be awkward. Merlin, help me.

"Meanwhile those possibilities you talk of are what your heart feels that will happen if ever you try to work things deeper with Fred. It shows you to the chance that…" I halted my self; I hesitated to continue right away, what if I'm wrong?

"That maybe… I'm growing to like Fred too?" She suddenly declared eyes wide.

Bright girl, this one.

I nod solemnly, confirming her suspicion; I seemed to be doing that a lot!

"You mean… I see… no I imagine," she corrected herself and paused to take a deep breathe. "Or consider those thoughts because I'm getting used to the idea that Fred is always just there? That Fred… Merlin," she stopped and covered her mouth. She still looked dazed and shocked.

"I… I'm falling for him?" She squeaked and I found myself gaping. I immediately regained my senses though when I fully understood Hermione's words. I smiled encouragingly while I took her hands (that I wasn't aware releasing).

The touch appeared to have awakened her because her facial expression changed swiftly into what one would call, horrified. I froze. Would she say that it's disgusting to fall for him? This is my brother we are talking of; I released her hands and fought the urge to clench it.

Instead I squared my shoulder, turned my body to have a full view of Fred and his companions. "Oh Gin, its not that I'm disgusted…" her voice was soft, almost inaudible and full of apprehension that I snapped my neck to stare back at her.

"Then why?" I questioned my voice nearly mirroring hers.

"I don't know... I guess, I never looked at it through that way." I relaxed and gave her an inquiring look. She looked on helplessly, opted to turn away and gained a faraway look when she couldn't give me an immediate response.

"I..." I started and stared at her.

"This changes everything… I mean it's kind of easier if this thing… if I didn't discover what I felt." She cut me off, her expression still distant. "I'm not making sense am I? Ginny, now that I knew of my real feelings, what if I start to long for more? What if it turns out in the end that this isn't meant? I'll be better of being with Fred unaware to these emotions rather than living with my whole life regretting ever falling in love." The last part was said brokenly and she stared back at me. I saw her glassy eyes; it's so obvious that she's struggling not to cry.

"When I'm with him Ginny, I feel alive. He's always challenging me, always testing my patience," she chuckled slightly, "I feel happy and relaxed. He knows where to start and when to stop. It's like through him I discover more about myself, things I'm sure won't resurface without his 'nagging'. I actually feel me Ginny."

That is what I experience being with Draco…

Once again, I smiled this time wider than the rest I had from the past minutes.

"Then go for it Hermione," I gestured my hand towards Fred, "Fred's really a great guy. And I'm not saying this just because I'm family, no Hermione. I'm telling you this since I know how he treated you. I've been with you through hell and all, really," I emphasized the last part, lacing it with mock exasperation. A small understanding smile blossomed on her face at my teasing. "And I'll be sure how he would treat you," I finished, winked and grinned at her.

What I anticipated was not her reaction however, her face fell abruptly and she bowed her head. "It's not him," she said in a small voice quivering. "I'm afraid I'll ruin things for both of us. I want him to be happy. I desire to have that smile of his to have on his face always. I crave to make him feel the same way he does to me… like freeing me from the world itself. I don't want him to go away- one day realizing I'm just plain old bushy-haired Granger… I'm scared of that possibility."

"In that case, be blind about it." I cupped her chin meeting our eyes, "turn deaf, blind, mute and unconcerned to those possibilities. If you just live on these fears you'd completely miss out the entire better what ifs your heart's seeing Hermione."

"Loosen up, try to enjoy what you have and worry problems as they arise. Come what may. Trying to avoid things would do you no good. If it's bound to happen, it will."

She sighed, "You're right." I beamed.

I am, I know.

"It's better to face the problems than run from it." Hermione said and afterwards without warning she let out a shaky laugh. Her voice throaty she continued, "You may think I'm so silly, so paranoid of this Ginny?"

I shook my head in disagreement, "Of course not!" Well, I did… but not because I learned she's afraid for that matter. "It's normal to fear."

When did I become so philosophical? I cringed, what would my dear brothers say? Ah, the effects of reading too much of Hermione's books. Who knows what I'd spew out next?

"Yes, I understand things clearly now Ginny." Hermione gathered my hands into hers; she leaned a little closer that we could actually see each others eyes. Chocolate. Deep brown orbs.

"Thank you, Gin. I appreciate this very much." She said it sincerely and softly which made me feel so overwhelmed with emotion I can't describe properly. "It was nothing, what friends are for Hermione?" I teased grinning.

She smiled widely- if I remember for the first time we've talked.

"I know what I am to do now."

Good for you.

to be continued.

.18