Title:
Bravery
Rating:
PG-13
Word
Count:
615
A/N(optional):
Fred didn't die in DH. Winning entry for the fwhg_ldws
challenge.
"Did you know that four out of every five Howlers are sent by women?"
Hermione glanced up from her book. "Well aren't you a font of useless facts today."
"Don't you find it interesting that women use that form of communication as means of expressing their displeasure more than men?"
"Not really. I mean it's hardly surprising that women would choose to avoid direct confrontations. Society encourages girls to repress their emotions, to be 'nice' to everyone, and to not raise their voices. Eventually all those bottled up feelings are going to come spilling out."
"Have you ever?"
"What?"
"Spilled your emotions out in a Howler?"
Hermione raised her eyebrow. "You did see me and Ron interact at some point over the last decade, right?"
Fred nodded.
"Then you know I don't have any problems expressing my emotions."
He smiled. "Well, you have no trouble expressing your anger, but what about other emotions?"
"Like what?" she asked, her brow furrowed in thought.
"Fear? How'd you react when you had to ride on the back of Buckbeak or a Thestral?"
She gave a little grimace. "I wasn't thrilled. However, I didn't let it overcome me."
"So you are generally a brave woman?" Fred asked.
Hermione shrugged. "What's with the third degree?"
"I'm just curious why someone who is so brave, who has no problem overcoming her fears, and who can express her emotions verbally, has such a hard time admitting she's in love with me?"
"You're insane!" Hermione gasped, her face flushed in embarrassment.
"I don't think so, Granger. All evidence points to you being head-over heels, topsy-turvy, in love with me," Fred smirked.
Hermione shook her head. "You're mad! There is no such evidence!"
"So you don't happen to stroll into the Wheezes everyday just when it's time for my lunch break?"
"Coincidence," she replied, biting her lip.
"Is it also coincidence that you always have an extra ticket to the cinema on my night off?"
She nodded her head jerkily.
"Well, there is no way that you having my name tattooed on your bum is a coincidence," he teased.
"I do not!" Hermione protested.
Fred chuckled. "Alright, that last one was just a test. But I do know that it can't be a coincidence that the residue off your drawer full of used Daydream Charms reveals that an amazingly handsome, fit, and charming redheaded man has been the star of your fantasies."
"Maybe that man is George," Hermione managed to choke out.
"Maybe. He is incredibly good-looking. However, I'm positive the bloke of your dreams has two ears, not one."
Hermione dropped her eyes to her book and took a deep breath. She looked back at him through downcast eyes. "Why are you doing this?"
He gave a gentle smile. "I just want you to admit it."
Hermione wet her lips but remained silent.
"I feel it too, you know? I feel the thrill of being in your company, the racing heart when you enter a room, the surge of lust whenever you leave the top two buttons of your blouse undone."
Hermione giggled. "You really must work on your romantic declarations."
"Do I have a reason to?" he asked quietly.
She nodded. "Yes. You are right. I've been a coward about admitting my feelings for you. I just didn't want to risk what we have on the mere possibility of something more."
Fred grabbed Hermione's hand and kissed her fingers. "There is minimal risk, Granger. Didn't you know that I return the affection of four out of five women who fall in love with me?"
"Fred!" she cried in mock outrage, before he silenced her with their first of many kisses.
The End
