Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Alrighty, guys! It's time to get Hermione laughing and happy! Will Fred succeed, or will he have to raise the white flag?

There will be mentions of George, Bill, and a few jokes aimed at Percy, most made by Fred and Bill. George will only be in the picture for a few moments, then gone. :( Sorry.

And to the ones that cried, I am soooo sorry! I never meant to make anyone cry! *hugs*

So, it's on to the story. Sit back and enjoy.

Love always,

Avoline

Fred slowly awoke to the smell of bacon. He sat up to find he was still on the couch. He sighed and mentally kicked himself for not going back to bed. Hermione probably woke up sick again, and here he was asleep on the couch.

Way to go, Frederick. You're gonna get Husband of the Year at this rate.

"Fred," Hermione called. "Breakfast is ready, baby." He bit his lip. She was being the perfect wife, while he was being a total ass to her. She deserved better, and he knew it. He'd always known it. What she saw in him worth loving, he would never know. She was the brightest witch of her age; he was the drop out. She was all work and no play; he owned a joke shop. What did they have in common that made this work?

He jumped as a small hand touched his shoulder.

"I didn't mean to startle you," she apologized, "but George and Bill are here." He forced a smile. Maybe, if he could convince her to go back to bed, he could talk to Bill and see if he had any helpful advice. The eldest brother had to know something.

"Tell them I'll be there in a minute," he replied. "Go back to bed, love." She smiled and kissed his cheek before going to the kitchen. He could hear her talking, and rose just as she crossed the room to go back to bed. He smiled at George and Bill as he sat at the table.

"Morning, little brother," Bill greeted, passing the bacon his way. Fred plucked a few pieces off the plate.

"Morning, Bill," he answered.

"What's going on, guys? Hermione doesn't seem herself. Even Percy would notice."

Fred's eyes locked with his twins. Even Bill could tell that the bushy-haired woman wasn't feeling well. Fred had planned on asking him for advice, but he hadn't planned on having to tell him the whole truth. He sighed and stared at his half-empty plate.

"She went to a Muggle doctor yesterday," he began. "She hasn't been able to eat anything and keep it down. They did some sort of scan..." He dropped his face in his hands. It was still too much. He couldn't- no, wouldn't- accept that she was dying. She couldn't be, not at this age. She was still so young.

"It wasn't good, Bill," George finished. "They think she might be dying."

"They're full of shit," Bill responded. Fred snapped his head up. "She's just sick. It's some sort of stomach bug and she'll be fine by next week."

"That's the thing, Bill," Fred cut in. "She's been throwing up for three weeks now! She's loosing weight faster than humanly possible, and she's not getting any better!" He fought back the tears. How could Bill think she was simply sick?

"Fred, I know," Bill shot back. "It... it happens some times."

It was then that Fred saw the fear in his eldest brother's eyes.

Bill was just as scared as everyone else. He couldn't help but deny the truth and come up with something far-fetched and impossible. He wanted to see her become a mother and grandmother, just like everyone else.

"Bill, I know you don't want to accept it," George intervened softly, "but fighting about it isn't going to help her. I was hoping maybe you would have some advice." Bill sighed and shook his head.

"Guys, I'm just as worried," he admitted. "I wouldn't have a single clue what to do. I've never been in this position." Fred closed his eyes and swallowed back a sob. He was alone in this. No one else could help him. No one else could tell him how to stay strong. He would have to figure it out on his own.

Which meant Hermione would basically be alone.

"Fred, I'm sorry," Bill offered softly. "If I knew how to make it easier, believe me, you would be the first to know."

"I know, Bill," he choked out. "I know."

"Right now, though, all you can do is try to make her smile," George reminded him. "Tell her jokes, remind her of all our stupid ideas, tell her how many times she was right."

"Like when you and George tried to fool Dumbledor's age line your fifth year," Bill chuckled. The trio all grinned.

"See," George pointed out. "She would have to smile at the fact that she was right." Fred's smile grew. George was right. She wouldn't be able to stop a smile if she knew she was right about something. Maybe now he could attempt to keep her spirits up.

"Go to her, mate," Bill stated, breaking through Fred's thoughts. "We'll clean up for you."