I am so so so sorry for not posting and not finishing my stories, but I'll try my best to finish them all by Christmas. Here's the next chapter then

Disclaimer: this is purely for fun, I am not making money out of this, and all the characters, places etc. belong to JK Rowling

Chapter 12

Fred couldn't remember the last time he had been this nervous. he wasn't the sort of person to stress over things or get worried about an exam. But for some reason, having dinner with Hermione's family seemed like the toughest thing he'd ever done!

"Hey! Relax! You're going to jinx us all if you keep agitating your wand around like that." George's voice brought him back to my senses and Fred hurriedly put my wand back into my pocket. "You look like you're about to be taken in for questioning!"

"No I don't! I'm absolutely fine!" Fred heard himself say, without recognising his voice.

Sinking into the armchair, the ginger twin sighed and took his head into his hands.

"Why am I so nervous, George?"

"Don't ask me! I have no bloody clue. You've been worked up for the last hour now. But I do know that if you don't hurry up and get to the Burrow, you'll be late. And that probably won't make a good first impression, now, will it?"

"Merlin's pants! Is it really quarter to seven?!" he shouted as he darted to the fireplace.

"Have fun!" Fred heard George shout as he floo'd to the Burrow.

In the meantime, Hermione was busy with Amber getting ready. The older witch marvelled at everything when it came to her younger sister. The way she elegantly knotted her hair, her flawless face and her ringing laugh. She recognised herself in small habits, such as the way she stuck her tongue out when she was concentrated, or how she did her make-up. They helped each other getting ready by picking out dresses, shoes, make-up and doing each other's hair. Any stranger coming into the room would have thought that they had never been separated, and the simple thought of it brought tears into Hermione's eyes- she was so glad to have found her sister.

Once they were both ready, they admired themselves in the mirror. Since the two girls were now the same height and about the same build, Amber had borrowed Hermione's blue summer dress, which looked absolutely wonderful, Hermione had straightened her hair with a flick of her wand and Hermione was wearing a white lace dress, and Amber had done her hair up in an elegant bun. Hermione took Amber's hand in hers.

"I love you Amber."

"Love you too."

Just as Hermione and Amber were coming down the stairs, a positively panicked Fred appeared in the fireplace, his face almost as red as his hair. It surprised her to see him this stressed and worried, especially since it was just a dinner, and he didn't stressed. He just didn't.

"Hey Fred! Not too stressed, I hope. Last time I invited someone to dinner with my parents, he came out limping with only one shoe, but nothing to worry about." the witch teased him

For a second, he hesitated and wondered whether or not she was fooling around.

"I'm joking Fred, relax! You seem just a little tense, you know."

Just at that moment, Hermione's parents appeared. After they finished getting ready, they all lined up in front of the fire place and flood out into Diagon Alley. It was the second time that Amber came here, and she was astonished to see all the little owls, she marvelled over the Quidditch equipment and she stared in awe at Fred and George's shop.

The little group wandered along the street, until they reached a little passage, which Fred led them into, tapped a few bricks and they magically appeared in Muggle London.

"Does everyone like Italian food?" he asked, to which everyone nodded "Italian it is then!"

Surprisingly, Fred knew his way perfectly through the busy streets of the crowded city and within a couple of minutes, they reached a little restaurant, huddled away in a small alley, and entered with delight as the smell of tomatoes, basil and garlic swarmed them.

They sat at a table in the corner, just like any normal muggle family and ordered various drinks.

"Thank you Fred for taking us here, it looks absolutely wonderful" Mrs Granger beamed

"It's absolutely alright, Mrs Granger. And it's a wonderful opportunity to get to know you better before the big day."

"Oh yes! The wedding! Hermione, tell me everything!" Amber pleaded

With a radiant smile, Hermione began to tell them about the colour scheme, the food, the place, who was coming, and from time to time, Fred would chime in and add a little detail or two, but otherwise, he just appreciated watching Hermione with her family. He noticed a little light in her eyes he had never noticed before and he realised that she was happy. However much she tried to look and act happy before, she had never been this happy, and it made him smile.

The night flew away, as they talked and chatted about everything and anything and simply enjoyed each other's company. It was a lovely night and at midnight, they made their way back to the Burrow. Hermione's parents bade them goodnight and went home with Amber since the Burrow was already packed with people.

"Thanks Fred, for everything." Hermione whispered, her back to Fred

"It's absolutely normal, Hermione. You deserve to be happy."

When she turned around, the young witch had tears in her eyes and she came to nestle in Fred's arms. Her small frame fit snugly in his strong arms and she felt happier than she had in months, and all of it was thanks to Fred.

After staying like this for a couple of minutes, Hermione pulled away, placed a soft kiss on Fred's kiss and wished him a good night. The young man watched her go up and the stairs and flood back to his flat, a small smile teasing his lips.