"Tell me another story about George and me," Fred said after another awkward breakfast with his family. He was trying to keep up with the conversation and act normal, but clearly whatever he was doing wasn't quite cutting it. There was some progress though. His mum had been thrilled that he was spending so much time with Hermione. He wasn't sure if she thought Hermione could fix him or if she was hoping this meant they were getting married or something, but either way she had stopped bursting out in tears all the time, which was a huge relief to everyone.
"I have a better idea," Hermione said. "Why don't we go visit the shop today?" She could tell he was about to protest, but she held up her hand to stop him. "You have to go some time, Fred. You have an idea of what to expect now. Why not today?"
Nope. Nope. Not that. He liked hearing the stories, but actually going to the shop was another thing altogether. "I'm not sure I'm ready. What if I don't remember? I'm not sure if I can handle that. You said yourself the shop was the most important thing in my life."
"Yes, but what if you do? But if not, trust me, seeing Weasleys Wizard Wheezes for the first time is an experience that really can't be replicated. I have a feeling you will be quite proud of your accomplishments. Come on, Fred. I think this will be good for you."
She looked so hopeful and determined that he found himself agreeing and next thing he knew they were standing in the middle of Diagon Alley. He looked around amazed to see a fire-breathing dragon on top of one of the buildings. "Eccentric sort of place, isn't it?"
"If you think this is eccentric, then better prepare yourself before you turn around."
"Wha-" he began as he spun around to see Weasleys Wizard Wheezes. It was the most magnificent thing he had ever seen. The colors, the displays..."U No Poo!" he said, unable to control his laughter. "This is bloody brilliant. The constipation sensation that's gripping the nation."
Hermione smiled. "Yeah, your Mum loves that one. Wait until you see the inside." She grabbed his hand pulling him from the spot where he was nearly frozen with delight and inside the door of Number 93.
His eyes widened with amazement at all the different products and shenanigans going on in the store. He walked around examining the different products. "You are telling me that I invented all this stuff?" He held up a Skiving snack box to examine.
"Well, you had a little bit of help now, Freddie," George said as he popped up from behind the counter at the sound of his twin's voice. "Can't be taking all the credit."
"George," Fred said, his voice hoarse. "This...we..."
"Yup," said George. "Pretty remarkable if you ask me." He smiled, but Fred could tell his heart wasn't really in it. He would have to deal with that later.
"Hermione, over here, check this out," said Fred.
With a sympathetic look at George, she walked over to see what had him so excited.
"Nosebleed Nougats, Puking Pastilles...no way! Patented Daydream Charms? I have to try one."
Hermione quickly grabbed the bottle from his hand. "Not right this second, you don't," she said. "Although, even I have to admit that really is extraordinary magic."
Fred froze. "What...what did you just say?"
"Oh, no need to get all conceited now," she said, rolling her eyes.
"No, I'm serious. What did you just say? Say it again."
Hermione looked confused, but did as he asked.
Fred's head was spinning. He had heard this before. It was so familiar. It was like...a memory. "You've said that before," he said.
"Yes," she said slowly. "Fred, are you remembering something?" She looked excitedly over at George who came running over to where they were standing.
"I think so?" he said, his words laced with both confusion and surprise.
"What? What do you remember?" George asked.
"You were here, in this spot," he said to Hermione. "You and Harry. You were looking at these. You said that. I remember that coming from you it was such a huge compliment that I gave you one for free. You were hurt though," he said suddenly. "Why were you hurt?"
"Yes, I remember that day," she said nodding. "It was our first trip to the shop. Your whole family was here, actually. I don't remember being hurt?"
"Yes, yes," he insisted. "You had a black eye."
"Ooooh," said Hermione, her eyes widening in surprise. "I guess I did. It was one of your boxing telescopes."
"I did this to you?" He was horrified. He sat the charm down and was now frowning at it.
"No, well, yes, it was one of your prototype products, but you gave me cream to fix it right up. It didn't actually hurt. Looked pretty nasty though."
Fred smiled thinking of this new memory. Hermione's hair had been especially wild that day, much different than how she wore it now. He'd always liked her hair though. It seemed to fit her fiery personality. Wait, that was another memory.
George shared a look with Hermione, probably thinking what a dolt he was not to remember anything more important than that. "What else do you remember?" George asked, clearly hopeful.
Fred thought hard, trying to dig up any other memories from that day. He didn't really want to mention that he had been thinking about Hermione's hair of all things. Finally, he shook his head, "nothing yet."
He watched as the hopeful expressions on their faces fell and George muttered something about a customer needing help before rushing off.
"What's gotten into him?"
"Well, I suspect he was hoping the first memory you regained would have him in it. Do you remember what happened after that, Fred? After you gave me the charm?"
He shook his head, but considered what it all meant. From what Hermione had told him, he and George had been nearly inseparable. It was strange that his first memory didn't include him. Wasn't it? Hermione had told him that she hadn't been that close to the twins so why was she his first memory? It had to be because he had been spending so much time with her recently.
Right?
Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you think! :)