Hermione threw herself down on the couch in the sitting room at Grimmauld Place, ignoring the poof of dust that flew into the air due to her sudden intrusion. Nobody ever used this room, she knew, but that is why she was there. Harry and Ginny were being great, but she really just wanted to be alone. She was hoping that they would take the hint. If she was willing to endure the world's biggest collection of Black family dust bunnies, then it was the least they could do. Even a simple cleaning charm felt like it would take too much energy at the moment and she was not about to call Kreacher for help.

How had everything gone so wrong? She rubbed her hands across her face and sighed. She had been kidding herself to think that things could work out with Fred. Things did not simply work out for Hermione Granger. It was as if the magical universe was holding her hostage. Since she was only a young girl of ten, she had been expected to help Harry save the wizarding world. There was little time for a personal life then, she didn't know why she thought the war's end would bring anything different. She had to stop this, this pity party. She would allow herself to sulk for just a bit longer and then she would have to-

She sat up as the fire in the room began to change colors, announcing a visitor. A few seconds later, out stepped Fred, brushing bits of ash from his clothes. "Bloody hell," he muttered under his breath. "Leave it to Harry to leave the wards up around this place."

"Fred?"

He looked up, clearly surprised to see her sitting there. "Hermione," he nearly shouted. "Sorry, I wasn't, um, I wasn't expecting you to be in here. That is, nobody ever uses this room. Sorry," he said again, "I wasn't trying to sneak up on anyone, I promise, I just..." He looked down at his hands, seeming to try to resolve himself to the situation when he finally looked up. "Hi," he whispered.

She stared at him, just as shocked to see him as he was to see her. The strange feeling in her stomach left her unsure if it was caused by nerves, excitement, or a disagreeable breakfast. She finally managed to squeak out a quick hello. "Harry and Ginny are downstairs somewhere," she said, clearing her throat and gesturing towards the door.

"I didn't come to see Harry and Ginny," he said. He walked slowly over to the couch, taking a seat, but leaving plenty of room between the two of them.

"What is it, then?" she asked. Her voice calm despite the uncertainty she felt at the moment. "You're awake."

"I am," he said, reaching out to touch her knee, before pulling his hand back when he noticed her body tense. "Look, I just wanted to apologize. I should have been over here sooner. Ron had to make me realize I was being a git and-"

Hermione was startled. "Ron? What does Ron have to do with all of this? I told you-"

"I know what you said," he cried. "I know you told me about this kiss. I know you said it meant nothing, but I...it was different remembering it. It was all there in my head. You practically ran him over, Hermione. You kissed him! Not the other way around. You. Kissed. Him."

His whole body seemed to be shuddering as she stared at him, shocked by his outburst. He remembered? Everything?

"I'm sorry," he said, taking a deep breath. "It's just that when we were dancing, I remembered. I remembered that time in fourth year when we danced in the corridor. I remember how bloody gorgeous you looked in your dress and what a prat I felt like for thinking it when you were only thirteen. I remember being nervous as hell that day I knew you were coming to see the shop for the first time. George kept taking the mickey out for weeks over that. I remember the letters. I remember how scared I was for you the night we brought Harry to the Burrow. You were the only thing I could think about, knowing that one of us might not survive that night and I would have never had a chance to tell you how I felt. I remember dancing with you at Bill and Fleur's wedding and how bloody amazing it felt to finally be close to you. I remember telling you I was mad for you and you told me you were leaving with them. I remember the way my heart broke when you three disappeared. I remember spending every moment of those months terrified that I would never see you again. I remember seeing you at Hogwarts before the battle and every emotion I had felt for so long came flooding through me all at once. I remember going to you only to see you run into my little brother's arms and snog him senseless. I remember knowing I was too late. I remember the wall...I remember it started to fall and not being sure that I really cared if it did." His voice broke, but he took a deep breath and began again. "But mostly I remember that I loved you, Hermione Granger. That I still do."

She stood completely still as the shock resonated through her body. He loved her. He loved her. Her mind tried desperately to process everything that was happening.

"Oi, Granger," interrupted another voice, "stop thinking so much."

Hermione and Fred both turned sharply to see George, Harry, Ron, and Ginny all standing in the doorway, each sporting identical grins. Absolutely mortified, she could see Fred's face turning remarkably similar to the color of his trademark hair. She could fill the warming in her own cheeks as well.

"Do you lot ever mind your own business?" she asked, her tone causing them to scurry out of the doorframe and down the hall.

She turned again to Fred and her face broke into a shy smile. "Do you mean it?" she asked.

He nodded. "Every word."

"I love you, too."

It was his turn to smile as he ran over and pulled her close, immediately capturing her lips with his own. It was a long moment before they were both forced to come up for air. Resting his forehead against hers, he grinned. "I remember how long I've wanted to do that," he said.

They laughed as a cheer erupted from down the hallway.

"It's about bloody time," she whispered, their lips meeting once again.

Hope you enjoyed. Let me know what you think. Also, Fred remembers! That will make for a much happier and more in character Fred from here on out. I can't wait. :)