Author's Note: Once again, thank you for all of the favorites and follows! A huge thank you to those that did review! I really appreciate it! I am so sorry about the time between updates! My dogs decided to get to my laptop cord and completely destroy it and I haven't been able to purchase a new one until recently! Since I now have a working cord, I will try my best to update sooner!

Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Harry Potter.

This

Is a surprise!

3rd October 1998; Hogwarts; 7th Year Dorm.

Ginny Weasley was many things. She was loud, impulsive, hotheaded, smart and loyal, but one of the things she had the most pride in were her skills of observation. Being the youngest and only girl in such a large family, she learned quickly to observe a situation first before throwing herself into it. She was currently sitting in their little living room, watching Hermione. The older witch hadn't been the same since the Battle of Hogwarts. Ginny knew most of it was from the nightmares and the stress, but she also knew that Hermione had been watching her brother, Fred, much more closely than usual. She had avoided him at all costs during the summer and if they did happen to be in the same room, her cheeks would color and she would stare at her shoes. Fred, on the other hand, gazed openly at Hermione, his expression longing. She had caught their brief exchange at the train station and began devising a plan for Christmas break. Looking down at the letter clasped in her hands, Ginny knew her plan would be able to go into effect much sooner. Hermione hadn't turned a page in her book for at least twenty minutes and Ginny knew her best friend was distracted, hopefully by thoughts of her brother. Spurred into action, Ginny folded the letter she had received from Fred and tucked it into her robes before standing. She walked across the room towards Hermione and flung herself dramatically across Hermione's lap.

"Ginny!"

The red head looked up at Hermione, her eyes filled with mischief, "I have a surprise for you!"

"Not now, Gin, I'm trying to study," Hermione huffed.

"Pleeeease, 'Mione!" Ginny pleaded, "I've been setting it up for ages!"

While that wasn't entirely true, Ginny fixed a pout on her lips and could see Hermione's defenses crumbling. Ginny knew that her curiosity would get the better of her and she would give up on studying just to sate it. Hermione chewed her bottom lip in thought for a few moments before sighing in defeat. She set her book down on the coffee table and Ginny whooped in victory. She jumped to her feet and pulled her best friend up with her, pulling her out of their little flat and down to the common room. Hermione laughed at Ginny's eager expression and let her pull her downstairs.

"And where exactly are we going?" Hermione asked.

"Hogsmade! But that's all you get to know! The rest is a surprise!" Ginny said as they walked out of the portrait hole and towards the front hall.

School had only been in session for a month, but Hermione already had her studying schedule made up for N.E.W.T.s. Thankfully, weekends were much more lenient on her schedule than weekdays, otherwise Ginny didn't think she would ever be able to get Hermione out of that dormitory. They walked across the grounds, Ginny's arm looped through Hermione's, and they talked about the changes in the school. Hermione had been upset that she didn't receive Head Girl at first, but she was glad that she had more time to study. None of the returning students were given any sort of responsibilities outside of school work. They were basically allowed to do anything they wanted and Ginny was rather jealous, though she was glad that she was able to go to Hogsmade whenever she wanted. She had already planned quite a few weekend dates with Harry once his training slowed down after Christmas. Once they were close enough to Hogsmade, Ginny pulled Hermione to a stop and stood in front of her, bouncing excitedly on the balls of her feet.

"What?" Hermione asked, raising an eyebrow in question.

"I'm going to blindfold you! You're not allowed to peek!" Ginny said as she pulled out a strip of fabric.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Honestly, Gin, is this necessary?"

"Yes!" Ginny crowed, tying the fabric around Hermione's head, "If I don't blindfold you then the surprise will be ruined once we get close enough!"

Hermione could only laugh at her best friend's antics. She was so glad that she had Ginny to distract her from her thoughts. She had been thinking of Fred before Ginny had jumped on her. He had said he would write but she hadn't heard anything from him in the last month. True, they weren't dating and she had no reason to be angry with him other than the fact that she desperately wanted to hear from him. Had he changed his mind about writing her? Was he only interested in her because of her proximity? Dark thoughts had been clouding Hermione's mind and her chest ached painfully more often than not. She had been lost in her own thoughts and hadn't realized that Ginny had stopped until she pulled the blindfold from Hermione's eyes. Hermione blinked at the sudden brightness and took in her surroundings.

"Gin… what are we doing in Diagon Alley?" she asked slowly.

"You're not in Diagon Alley, love!"

Hermione froze at the voice she heard behind her and turned slowly. Fred Weasley stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame, his arms crossed over his chest, and a goofy smile on his lips. Unable to contain herself, Hermione let out a squeal and launched herself into Fred's arms. As soon as his arms wound around her waist and she inhaled his thunderstorm scent, the ache in her chest eased and her tattoo warmed against her skin. His chest vibrated when he laughed and Hermione pulled away reluctantly, moving closer to Ginny, her cheeks heating.

"Hermione Granger missed me," Fred sung, grinning broadly.

Hermione scowled, her lips pulling into a frown, "You didn't write! It's been a month!"

"Sorry, love, it's been a really busy last month," Fred's smile dropped and Hermione could see just how tired he was.

"What are you doing here anyway?" Ginny asked.

Fred moved over to the counter and pulled himself up onto the edge, "Zonko's couldn't open back up after the battle. Hogsmade had an opening. George and I had already talked about opening up a new shop so we applied for the building. It's been in the works for the last three months and we've been setting up the shop since last week. Grand opening is next weekend."

"First Hogsmade weekend," Hermione hummed in thought, "Nice timing."

That goofy grin returned to Fred's face, "We planned it that way."

"Is George going to stay in Diagon Alley?" Ginny questioned, sitting at the chair behind the counter.

"Yep," Fred nodded, "It's going to be tough, but we'll have a few new workers at this location and once everything starts running smoothly, I'll be going back to Diagon Alley as well."

"How long will that take?" Hermione asked quietly.

"Who knows? Maybe a few weeks or maybe the whole school year. It depends on who we decide to take over this location," Fred shrugged.

Hermione hoped that it would take the whole school year. She'd like to have an excuse to see Fred whenever she wanted to. They talked for a little bit longer and helped Fred unpack some boxes before heading back up to the castle for dinner. Fred hugged each of them goodbye and Hermione lingered when Ginny walked out of the door. She wasn't sure why, but she didn't want to leave Fred just yet. She stood at the door hesitantly, watching as he moved some more boxes, the muscles in his arm bunching. He set the last box on top of the others and turned to face Hermione.

"I'm really sorry I didn't write, Hermione," he said softly.

Hermione smiled slightly, "Don't worry about it, you've been busy. Besides, I'm no one special, you don't have to write to me. Have a good night, Fred."

Without waiting to hear his reply, Hermione hurried out of the door after Ginny. She half hoped he wouldn't follow her and was slightly relieved when he didn't. She wanted him to contradict her, to tell her that she was special, but she doubted she would get that from one of the Weasley Twins. It wasn't that Fred was a bad person, because he wasn't. He was kind, intelligent, thoughtful, funny, and helpful… but he was also way out of her league. He was popular and everyone loved him. Hermione had a few close friends but everyone else just saw her as an annoying know-it-all. She walked in silence for a little while, lost in her thoughts, before Ginny grew impatient and nudged her.

"Hmm?"

"Well what did you think of my surprise?!" Ginny burst out.

"How did you know I would want to see him?" Hermione asked thoughtfully.

"Oh come on, 'Mione. I'm not stupid. I saw how you were acting around him," Ginny rolled her eyes, "It's so obvious that you like him!"

A bright blush tinted Hermione's cheeks and she focused on her shoes, "I've always had a crush on him. Since first year… but after the battle it's like I'm drawn to him."

"Do you think it has anything to do with your tattoo? Or how your magic pushed itself out of your body?" Ginny mused, "I mean, the tattoo did show up after Fred almost died."

Hermione stared at Ginny, her eyebrows furrowed, "You mean like some sort of bond? How would that even happen?"

"I don't know," Ginny shrugged and pushed open the doors to the entrance hall, "I guess we'll just have to start looking."

Dinner was a quiet affair, Hermione didn't notice what she was eating, she was too lost in her thoughts. If it was a bond, had it always been there, dormant? Was there some sort of spell that activated it or did it show up on its own? Tomorrow was Sunday and Hermione was sure she could find some time to go to the library and start researching bonds. She would have to find time; not knowing about it was driving her insane. She would have to talk to McGonagall about getting into the restricted section. She was sure the Headmistress wouldn't mind if Hermione did some poking around. If she did mind, well then Hermione would have to ask Harry to borrow his invisibility cloak and get to those books anyway. After dinner, Ginny went to the Owlery to send a letter to Harry and Hermione made her way back to their dormitory. She stood in front of the portrait for a few minutes, watching the way the couple in the picture interacted with each other before she smiled at them and the portrait swung open. She hardly noticed the flare in her magic when she walked through the portrait hole now, but she did notice that everyone in the dormitory had a distinct color to their magic.

"Hey, Hermione! Where were you all day?"

Blinking, Hermione looked up at who spoke to her and was surprised to see Theodore Nott standing in front of her, "Oh! Theo! You startled me."

"Sorry," he said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck, "It's just… we were supposed to study today and I couldn't find you."

"Oh, Theo! I'm so sorry! I completely forgot! Ginny dragged me to Hogsmade this afternoon," Hermione said quickly.

"That's okay. Can we re-schedule for tomorrow?" he asked.

"Of course! I'll meet you down here right after lunch!" Hermione declared.

"Sounds good. I'll see you tomorrow!"

Hermione nodded absently and watched as Theo walked up the stairs towards his in-dormitory flat. He was rooming with Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini. They were the only three 7th year Slytherins to return to Hogwarts. While Blaise was a neutral party during the War, it was very clear that Draco had been on the Dark Lord's side. The Trio had vouched for him and his mother at their trial. Lucius was thrown into Azkaban, while both Draco and his mother were under house arrest during the summer. Narcissa Malfoy has to do some sort of community service and Draco had to complete his 7th year at Hogwarts. Hermione had been paired with Theo in potions and she found him to actually be rather pleasant. He was almost as good at Potions as she was and he was easy to talk to. Much easier to talk to than Fred, but then again she also didn't want Theo to kiss her. She stopped her train of thought abruptly and made her way upstairs. Once in her room, Hermione was surprised to find a beautiful barn owl sitting on her windowsill. She dug in one of her drawers for treats and gave a few to the owl after taking the parchment that was tied to his leg.

My dearest Hermione,

It is with my deepest apologies that I didn't write to you sooner. I had intended on writing you just after the grand opening of the new shop in Hogsmade, but since my dear little sister decided to drag you to Hogsmade, it is only fair that I ask you to accompany me to dinner this Thursday night as a way to make up for it. I'll meet you outside the castle gates at precisely 6:30. Do wear something nice.

Yours,

F.W.

The letter was so formal and Hermione nearly burst out laughing. It didn't sound anything like Fred, but she had recognized his owl. Perhaps he was being funny. She was about to write a response, when she noticed that his owl had left while she was reading the letter. Of course, Fred would give her no choice but to accept his offer. Rolling her eyes, Hermione placed the parchment on her night stand and went to see if Ginny was back from the Owlery. She knocked on Ginny's bedroom door and heard her muffled 'come in'. She slowly pushed open the door, a grin on her face.

"What's got you so excited?" Ginny asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hermione fell backwards onto Ginny's bed, "Your brother asked me out on a date."

"He did what?!" Ginny squealed, scrambling closer towards her best friend.

"Fred asked me out on a date," Hermione enunciated, "Well, he didn't really ask. He told me I was going on a date with him. I have no choice in the matter."

"Well Fred was never one for subtlety and when he wants something he goes for it," Ginny shrugged, "So are you going to go?"

Hermione chewed her bottom lip in thought for a moment before she answered Ginny, "I don't know. I want to, but I'm terrified, Gin. I haven't been able to stop thinking about him for the last five months and it happened so suddenly. What if the way we feel for each other isn't real? What if something happened during the battle?"

Ginny leaned over Hermione and frowned at her, "You really don't know, do you?"

"Know what?" Hermione furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

"How Fred feels about you. I've seen him staring at you from across the room since my first year," Ginny said matter-o-factly, "He just always figured you were into Ron."

"I thought I was, too," Hermione muttered, "But then it happened and it just felt… wrong."

"So then give Fred a chance. I'm sure he'll surprise you," Ginny said gently, "He's a good guy. I've always liked the twins best."

"I suppose I will, thanks, Gin," Hermione smiled at the youngest Weasley and left the room.

She decided she would go to the Owlery and give Fred a reply, even though he hadn't asked for one. She wanted to talk to him more, find out more about him. While she had attended five years of school with him and spent many a summer at his house, she realized she hardly knew anything about him. She went to her room first to grab some parchment, owl treats and a quill before heading to the Owlery. Once there, she sat on the steps to write out her letter.

Fred,

I'm so glad that you gave me an option about this date you wish to take me on. You're lucky that I've decided to join you. Will we be having a lovely dinner at The Three Broomsticks? While McGonagall gave us permission to go to Hogsmade whenever we wanted, we aren't allowed to leave school grounds. I'll expect something surprising since it will be coming from you. I would also prefer to meet at six on Tuesday, instead. Thursday's are much busier for me than Tuesday's. I'll see you then!

H.G.

She had re-written the letter a few times before it sounded the way she wanted it to. She didn't want to seem too invested in this date because she was afraid of getting hurt. Other than Krum and Ronald, no one had ever shown romantic interest in her. She had never done anything more than kissing and she knew Fred was much more experienced. Folding the letter neatly, Hermione walked into the Owlery and called down her owl. She was a gorgeous black and white Eagle Owl that Harry had gotten for her once she had informed them she was returning to Hogwarts without them. Athena was her name and Hermione absolutely adored her. Athena flew down to Hermione and landed on her shoulder, hooting affectionately. Hermione tied the letter to Athena's leg and stroked her wings gently before feeding her some of the treats.

"Please take this to Fred," Hermione whispered and watched as Athena flew gracefully through one of the windows.

Hermione wasn't sure if Fred would reply tonight or even at all, so she made her way back to her dormitory. She once again passed through the magical barrier and up the stairs. Once in her room, Hermione braided her hair to keep it somewhat tamed in the morning and changed into a pair of pajamas. Once she was changed, she climbed into bed and pulled the covers up to her chin. Her mind was racing with thoughts of her impending date with Fred Weasley and she found herself oddly excited and extremely nervous. How did a wizard like him end up wanting to date someone like her? She couldn't really wrap her mind around it, but soon enough, her body's exhaustion won over her curious mind and she quickly fell asleep.

{ phoenix }

Thank you all for the lovely reviews, follows and favorites! Again, I am terribly sorry it took so long to update this story and hopefully I'll get plenty of reviews for this chapter (hint hint) so I'll update as soon as I can!