The Second Time

It was a clear summer day and there was a lull at the joke shop run by the Weasley twins. Fred stood in the doorway watching witches and wizards stroll through Diagon Alley. One particular witch caught his eye as she stared at a display in a nearby shop window. The first thing he noticed was the mane of chestnut-colored curls pulled back into a ponytail.

"Granger!" he called out across the walkway. The brunette turned around to find the caller, and smiled when she saw Fred looking at her. She waved before making her way to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. "Business is a bit slow. Want to get lunch?"

"Sure," she agreed. Fred stepped out, closing the door behind him. Silently, they walked to the Leaky Cauldron, watching people move around them. The pub was crowded and noisy, the smells of smoke and fragrant dishes filled the air. They moved to the back and took a seat at a small two person table.

After placing their orders, Fred leaned back in his chair, resting his right elbow on the chairback. "Ya know, I've been coming here for years, and every time I'm here I always think it can't get more crowded."

"And yet, each time, it seems like more people are packed in," Hermione agreed.

Their meals quickly arrived, and the pair ate in silence. It wasn't until Fred dropped his fork and pushed away his plate that he spoke. "Have you spoken to Ron yet? Ended things?"

She produced a nonchalant shrug. "There was never really anything to end. We were never officially a couple." Her words took on more anger as she continued speaking. "After all, to be a couple, one must ask the other person to be a couple. And, well, we both know Ronald is not the most adept when it comes to making his feelings for me known."

Fred leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. He had a strong urge to reach out and take hold of her hand. Unfortunately, Hermione Granger had a fast wand hand and a vast knowledge of hexes. Instead he crossed his arms, tucking his hands near his elbows. He began to wonder when he had developed feelings for Hermione that went beyond "little brother's know-it-all, bookworm, chastising best friend." Now she was someone he sought out at family dinners and parties thrown by mutual friends. He enjoyed the hint of a smile that would appear on her lips when he neared, or the sound of her uninhibited laughter when he told a joke. It didn't take much to get that reaction out of her anymore; long gone were the Hogwarts days of berating him and George for their childish, silly pranks.

"I did talk to him," she finally admitted, sitting back in her chair. There was an air of defeat around her. "I told him how I felt. About him, about us. And I suggested that we should see other people."

Fred nodded, processing her words. The look on her face anticipated his next words, and he was careful to choose them. "I'm sure Ron didn't take it well." Hermione shook her head sadly. "But I'm sure that what you did was for the best, for the both of you. It's not easy trying to make something that's broken work like you want it to. It's even harder trying to hold onto someone who doesn't want to be held onto."

"Ron wasn't happy," she murmured.

A small chuckle came from deep within Fred's throat. "He's stubborn, but he'll come around. You two have been friends for far too long to let it go to waste over something like this." He dropped a few galleons down on the table and stood. "Ready to go?" Hermione nodded, placed her napkin on the table, and joined him.

They walked out into the sunny afternoon with their arms linked. Various topics were discussed as they observed the people around them. They shared stories about their first trips to Diagon Alley. As they passed Flourish and Blotts bookstore, Hermione looked back longingly but continued to move forward. The smile Fred had come to adore returned to her face when he suggested they go in.

"You realize it'll be dark by the time we leave," she warned him as Fred held open the door for her.

"I've got no place else to be," he assured her.

It was hours later when they emerged from the shop, Fred's arms weighed down by Hermione's purchases. They walked back to the joke shop, passing by Verity who was manning the register. She looked up as Fred and Hermione made their way to the back of the shop, a look of relief in her pale eyes. "Sorry, Ver, I'll be down in a few minutes. Promise," he told her, flashing a quick smile. He led Hermione up to the flat he and George used to share.

"Thanks for today," Hermione said to him, taking her books from him.

The redhead shrugged, pushing back locks of hair. "I had fun," he told her. "I'm glad we ran into each other today."

A blush colored Hermione's cheeks. "Me too." They stepped closer to one another and Hermione wrapped her arms around Fred's neck, rising up onto the tips of her toes. "Promise we'll do this again sometime soon?"

"Definitely," Fred replied, tightening his arms around on her waist.

Hermione pulled away and took a step back, her eyes trained on the carpet as she felt her cheeks grow warmer. "I'll, um, I'll see you soon, Fred."

He nodded, watching as she stepped up to the fireplace and grab a handful of floo powder. "Hey, Granger?"

She looked up, feeling the powder slip through her fingers. "Yeah?"

"Was this a date?"

Hermione held her books closer to her chest and laughed. "No, Fred, it wasn't." Then she threw down the floo powder, clearly yelling out "The Burrow" before disappearing into the green flames.

Fred shook his head and smiled before making his way back down to the shop.