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CHAPTER 23.

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Fred and Hermione apparated to George's flat soon after and went to freshen up.

Hermione bathed first and had just gotten ready and started to make tea, when Fred entered from his room, wearing bright orange boxers and a black sleeveless vest.
His unruly ginger hair was still wet from the shower and he was towelling it dry.

Usually he'd just dry it with a spell.

But in the few weeks he had started living with Hermione, he had picked up her habit of doing some things the muggle way. Like using a pen instead of a quill, washing dishes manually, and air drying his hair.

Hermione's excuse to not charm her hair dry was that it made her hair all dry and bushy, so ever since then, Fred had stopped drying his at wand point and had noticed, to his pleasure that she was right. His hair was softer after he air dried it. Although, he'd never ever admit to that.
Just because he was cautious about his looks, he didn't want to get teased to death by Hermione about being metro sexual.

Draco Malfoy had recently started gelling his hair with a muggle product and Hermione had also seen him receive a pedicure at a unisex salon once. Ever since that day, Harry, Ron and Hermione had always managed a volley of metro sexual jokes about Malfoy.

He wasn't as bad as Malfoy, of course, but Hermione could be ruthless sometimes while poking fun, so he just kept quiet.

Fred meanwhile had finished towelling his hair and was arranging a pile of wedding invites that Mrs. Weasley had given him to post. The ends of his hair still had water droplets and they were tethered to them, holding on for dear life.

Hermione still had the kettle in hand, and she hadn't moved to fill it with water as she was supposed to.

For some unknown reason, she couldn't get herself to tear her eyes away from the droplets that hung dangerously low now, and would fall anytime.

Sure enough, a fat drop, that couldn't hold on to it's weight anymore, made it's way, bidding goodbye to the tuft of red hair that had held it for so long, and stretched itself onto the nape of his neck.

Hermione felt herself release a rather long breath that she hadn't realised she was holding. The sight of his wet nape mesmerized her and she found herself thinking of thoughts that astonished her.

She tried to shake herself of her reverie and decided to look at something else as a distraction.

Bad idea.

The something else she chose to look at, wasn't too far away from his nape.

She settled her eyes on his vest clad torso, which seemed to be accentuated by cuts and crevices that only could be gained by building muscle.

Fred wasn't much of a body builder, but years of running after garden gnomes for Mrs. Weasley and flying for Quidditch, had probably done him more favours than one.

Hermione had to admit. Formals looked classic on him. But casuals and especially extremely casual casuals like right now looked even better.

He had never dressed so freely ever, but then again, she was never around in the mornings after he showered. Probably, this was his post shower outfit.

How does it matter to you Hermione? What he wears? How those taut lines that stretch through his vest were made? And what the hell is the obsession over one bloody stubborn drop of water that refused to leave his hair? You're drooling over Fred Weasley. Of all the people. Thank god he's busy addressing the invites. You'd probably be mortified and die on the spot if he saw you studying him more than you ever studied Hogwarts, A History. She chided herself.

She couldn't possibly be seeing Fred Weasley in this light. No it was a mistake. That was it. She hadn't been on a date in a week and even though she was casually seeing the other Fred (wince, all you damn Fred's) it had not yet progressed to something as personal as seeing him in his boxers.

Yeah. So that was the reason. She was going too slow in her dating life and she needed to speed it up. Fred had a more than decent physique. And an undeniably attractive face. So if it was staring at you in the face, then obviously anyone would look. And being the appreciative person that she was, a little ogle was probably a compliment towards Fred. He definitely wouldn't feel like she was taking advantage of him. She chucked at the thought. Hell, he'd even make lewd suggestions about it.

So she let it be and told herself it was a normal reaction. She sounded pretty convinced but the fact that she had to actually convince herself was a bit discomforting.

"Aaacccchhhho!"

Fred's loud sneeze shook her from her thoughts and she almost dropped the still empty kettle.

"Sorry!" He said sheepishly looking at her for the first time since he'd come out.

"Bless you." She replied with a smile. "Tea will be ready in a minute."

She quickly prepared the tea. It should have technically been ready ages ago, but Hermione had been otherwise preoccupied.

Never mind that. She told herself. She was pouring it out into two cups when Fred sneezed rather loudly again.

"Here. Have some hot tea. You'll feel better." She offered.

He nodded and proceeded to address the invites, pausing for the occasional sip of tea.

They finished the tea and Hermione joined him in writing addresses and they worked together, talking a bit about random things.

"I'm going to make sure Ron is the one to do the invites in my wedding." Fred said. "How does he even know so many people? He was always a bumbling social idiot."

Hermione laughed. "Well, he's just a social idiot now. And most of his new contacts are from the international wizard's chess committee. You'll be surprised how many of them there are out there." She said rolling her eyes.

Fred laughed and sighed. "And Luna too. She's sending invitations to the most random places. To people I've not even heard of. Who the hell does she know well enough to invite who lives in Spain, turkey, Poland and Russia? And Greenland? Really? I pity the owls."

Hermione laughed again. "You know Luna. Her quest for nargles and fregnifriges and snorkacks and god knows what other creatures has taken her places. And she makes acquaintances quickly. Now how many of them are friends and will actually attend the wedding, I don't know."

Fred shook his head in amazement. He was feeling a bit off key. He didn't know if it was from all the information or was just him. He felt himself heat up and his eyes were burning.

Maybe he just needed to sleep.

"Well, I think I'll finish these off in the evening. I think I may need to shut my eyes for a mo" he said looking a bit tired.

Hermione nodded and said. "Go ahead. I'll just finish some more before I go get the twins."

Fred was just about to get up and Hermione said. "Damn pen. Inks over."

"Here. Take mine." Fred offered.

Hermione took the pen from his hand and their fingers brushed and hands touched. Just for a moment longer than necessary.
Hermione didn't know why she felt hot at touching Fred. She blushed inwardly and looked up at Fred. His eyes were slightly red. Wait. That's not right.

She called upon Fred to wait and he looked at her from his door questioningly.

She walked towards him and took his hand fully in hers.

Yes. Definitely his body temperature was raised. It was the heat in his body that she had felt. She placed the back of her palm on his burrowed forehead and there was the unmistakable heat that only meant fever.

"Fred," she said worriedly, "you're hot."

He gave a tired smirk. "Tell me something new."

Hermione rolled her eyes and said, " not that hot, you idiot. I meant you're body is warm, fever warm. Are you feeling all right?"

Fred frowned. "Well, I'm a bit uncomfortable. And my eyes burn a little. But I just thought maybe it's lack of sleep."

"Oh dear. You're definitely coming down with the flu. I'll call Ginny, hang on." She said and scurried off to the fireplace.

She made Fred drink some warm water and made him go lie down.

"It's all my fault." She lamented. "I shouldn't have forced you to get wet in the rain. I'm sure you're coming down with something because of that.

"It's only a fever Hermione. Calm down. Ginny'll give me some potion and I'll be fit. Besides, I had fun, frolicking in the rain." He said.

"But still. I shouldn't have." She went on, one of her best pleasures in life; to go on guilt trips.

Fred sighed. "Hermione, it's fine. It's no big deal. I've been hurt worse than some lousy flu while trying out our products." He tried to placate her.

She covered him up in a warm blanket, despite his growing protests. He was manually battling her, to take off the covers when Ginny apparated in the living room and made her way towards Fred's bedroom.

From the door, the visual angle that she had, would have looked extremely suggestive to a third person.

But since she probably had some inkling, she just rolled her eyes at the bickering duo in front of her and cleared her throat.
Hermione turned, a look of immense relief washing over her face.

"Ginny. There you are. Thank Merlin, you came quick. Will you examine Fred please ?" She said.

"Examine? Bloody hell, woman! I'm not one of her specimens! Just take a look at me Gin. No need to examine shexamine!" He said.

Ginny rolled her eyes at her supposed older brother again and said, "Don't worry Freddie. I'm not going to stick a needle up your arm or something. Let me just have a quick look."

She felt his forehead and cast a diagnostic charm over his chest.

"It's nothing serious." She said.

Hermione's face relaxed somewhat.

"Only a slight fever. Not even flu. It'll probably go away once he has some hot dinner and sleeps. But I'll still get a potion nonetheless." Ginny said, looking at Hermione's worried expression.

He didn't really need any potion, but Ginny thought that if she would give some medication to him then Hermione would feel satisfied that some active treatment was given.

So not really for Fred's sake, but Hermione's, she decided to get the anti-fever potion.

"If I may ask", she said, "How did you get feverish in the first place? You seemed fine at the Burrow."

Hermione looked away guiltily at the question and Fred's eyes were laughing but his face was straight.

"Umm. It's my fault Gin. I made him dance in the rain." Hermione said guiltily.

Fred groaned inwardly at Hermione's explanation. Did she have to use the word dance? That too in front of Ginny? Of all the people in his family, his mum and Ginny had the annoying gift of reading between the lines, more than required. He just hoped Ginny wouldn't remember his dislike for the rains and wonder why he happily got wet today.

"You what?" Ginny asked looking shocked.
Out of all the things possible, she had never expected this. Fred hated getting wet in the rain. And Fred is well, Fred. You could expect him to dance anywhere. But in the rain?

Then she thought about what Hermione had just said. She forced him to get wet in the rain. Ginny smiled to herself. Well. Well well. What do we have here?
Freddie dear, showing all signs of having a little something for Hermione.

So her doubts were valid. She decided to play along.

"But Freddie," she said cheekily. "I thought you absolutely hated the rains. And getting wet? We've been trying to get you wet and play with us in the rains for years but you never did. What happened today?" She asked innocently.

"Really? Fred why didn't you tell me?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah Fred. Why didn't you tell her?" Ginny repeated and she was sure she was infuriating Fred now.

"I.. Umm.. Didn't want to ruin Hermione's fun. And I didn't want to leave her alone after she helped me pick the robes and all." He reasoned.

Ginny smirked and turned, just about to apparate, "I'll get the potion in a minute and he'll be as good as new. Just make sure he sleeps for a few hours."

"Yeah. I'll take care of him. In fact I'll cancel my date. Let me just owl.." Hermione said and Ginny interrupted her.

"Date? You have a date tonight?" She asked looking surprised.

"Yes Gin. I have a date. Why is it so surprising." Hermione asked, wrinkling her brow.

"No. Not that way Hermione. I was just wondering about poor Fred here. Maybe I'll stay with him tonight. I'll let Harry know." She said with mock disdain.

Uh oh. What is she up to now? I'm sure something's up. I hate that Hermione is going on a bloody date but I really can't stop her. It's not fair to her. But Ginny is making me nervous. Fred thought.

"No Gin. You don't have to stay. I told you already I'm going to cancel. I can't leave Fred in this state and possibly enjoy a date." Hermione said.

"Fred's right here girls!" He said.

"Oh hush you." Ginny said. "No Mione, I know Fred really needs to be looked after for at least a day. Someone needs to make sure his fever does not recur. Also if his throat starts itching or other signs of flu start showing... No we can't leave him alone. You're right, Hermione. But you should go. Have fun. I'll be here with Fred. Just let me inform Harry. And I'll probably have to change my tonight's shift time but that shouldn't be a problem."

"It's just a fever, you said so yourself. Why are you making such a fuss now? I thought I'd be as good as new after that ruddy potion of yours." Fred said sounding irritated.

He hated to be treated like a child and right now he was sure Ginny was planning something and he wasn't even sure if he wanted to find out.

"Yes. But then I thought of how it starts small with a fever and may progress to a full blown flu. And when you told me you got wet in the rain," she dramatically shook her head as if she were disapproving the act, "that's something to look out for. This sudden rain is not good you see. Something that muggles call acid rain. We've to make sure your symptoms don't progress."

Hermione's face had paled by now. Ginny was really sorry to cause her friend so much worry and she was sure she would blame it all on herself and wallow in guilt, but that would also cause her to stay with Fred and cancel her date.

She knew that Hermione would've cancelled it irrespective, but knowing her stupid brother, who probably didn't know yet that he had feelings for Hermione, would force her to go on her date and not stay back.

Thus she needed to make sure Hermione had all reason to stay. And she was sure she had needlessly scared Hermione enough for her to forbid Fred from even going to the shop tomorrow.

She felt guilty playing with her feelings, and also putting a wrench in her relationship with the other Fred. But from what she had seen of Hermione and her brother Fred, she knew that by pushing them closer she was doing the right thing.

Both idiots had it right in front of their noses but they refused to see it. A little nudge in the right direction would surely help. And Ginny was more than willing to provide it.

Granted, they were the most different personalities that existed. Two ends of a spectrum. But if one thought carefully, then they would realise that they were pretty good for each other.

He brought freshness and laughter in her life and she brought some decorum and grounding in his.

They got along more than fine judging by the fact that the twins still had survived and neither Fred nor Hermione had been complaining about their living arrangements.

And above all, Ginny herself had seen their chemistry. There was definite something between them which they were yet to acknowledge. And she would make sure they did.

"No Ginny. You don't have to rearrange your shift. Just get me the potion and tell me how to give it and how often and let me know what signs to look for. I'm staying at home and that's final. Maybe I'll ask Andromeda to keep the twins for the night. Don't want them catching what Fred has." Hermione said.

Fred rolled his eyes. He was sure he was fine. They were making a mountain out of a molehill. He felt just fine and they were insisting on him being super ill. If they went on about this, he probably would end up believing that he was gravely sick.

"You're right. Teddy's staying with Harry tonight. I'm sure the twins can come over too. I'll pick them up when I go to fetch Teddy. Don't you worry about them? Are you sure now that you don't want to go?" Ginny asked shrewdly.

"No Gin. How can I possibly even think of going? I'll be thinking about Fred all the time. I won't ever be able to enjoy." Hermione said.

Ginny looked at Fred when she said that and if she hadn't known what to look for, she would've surely missed the slight blush that rose along the nape of his neck. A Weasley trademark.

Merlin, he has it bad, Ginny thought.

"You're right." Ginny fake sighed. "Thanks for staying back Hermione. I'll get the potion now. And don't worry. I'm sure he'll be fine."

She hugged Hermione and went over to the bed to hug Fred.

As she hugged him, Fred glared at her with an 'I don't know what you're playing at but I'll get you back' look but Ginny looked unperturbed by it and whispered "you're welcome." In his ear before she got up. Giving him a cheeky grin, she apparated away.

Fred just gaped at the spot where his sister had been. Did she know? She couldn't. Nothing had happened. But she was Ginny after all. He wouldn't put it past her. That woman even knew what was up with Charlie in Romania.

But whatever it was, she had expertly convinced Hermione to stay at home with Fred and ditch her date. That thought made him happy and guilty at the same time.

Sure, he hated that Hermione had resumed her dates and today was first time she had decided to go after all that had happened in the last few days. But he really didn't want to purposely jeopardise her current love life because he loved her.

That would be downright selfish. And a selfless person like Hermione didn't deserve something like that. Sure she didn't feel the same for him now. But there was surely something between them, and Fred believed truly that one day she would see it too.

She would have stayed even if Ginny had not played out her little drama. But Fred would've made sure that she went. But now with Ginny blowing his condition out of proportion, there was no way anything would convince her to leave him alone.

But the fact that she had without even blinking offered to cancel the date touched him and he was now sure that maybe soon in the near future, she would develop feelings for him too.

Ginny stopped to give the potion and left immediately.

Fred drank the extremely unappetising liquid that strangely tasted like mud and cherries and immediately felt better.

"Ok. I'm going to tuck you in bed now, and you're going to sleep. Then I'll take care of your fever the muggle way. "Hermione said.

Fred looked alarmed. "The muggle way? You don't mean needles do you ?"

Hermione chuckled.

"Some Gryffindor you are. Bludgers and untested potions and various explosions don't scare you but a little needle gives you jitters?" Hermione joked.

Fred didn't look amused.

Her face softened and she said. "Well for starters I'm going to feed you some hot clear soup after you wake up."

"Umm. Hermione I don't know if you know this, but hot soup for someone who has fever is pretty standard. In our world too. It's not an exclusively muggle thing." Fred said grinning.

"Let me finish, silly" she said slapping his hand playfully. "I meant I'll give you some soup and then place cold water strips on your forehead. They'll help in lowering your body temperature and preventing the fever from recurring."

"Oh." He said.

After a while he said "I'm sorry you had to cancel because of me today. I would've been fine. And Ginny would've stayed. You really shouldn't have."

"Nonsense Fred. I never would've had fun. I'd be thinking of you all the time." Hermione said.

Damn you Weasley blush. Fred thought.

"And it was my entire fault in the first place. If I hadn't forced you to get wet with me, you'd never have had the fever." She said guiltily.

"Don't be silly Mione, I could've easily refused, but how can one resist such a charming witch as yourself?" He said waggling his eyebrows.

She laughed and smacked him on the arm. "I know now the fever's risen even more since you're getting delirious." She said rolling her eyes.

"Aww come on, I'm not lying." He protested.

"Weasley, you had better be under the covers and sleeping when I come in next to check on you. Or do you want me give you a sleeping draught?" She asked.

"No! I'm sleepy anyway. I'll go to sleep any second you leave, but looks like you enjoy my company too much to leave me alone." He said winking at her.

She thought her eyes would fall off rolling at the rate Fred was going.

She smiled a warm smile at him and shut his door on her way out.

HERMIONE'S POV.

What just happened? Why does he have to blatantly flirt so much? I know he does that all the time and with anyone female except Ginny, so why is it bothering me so much now?

And what was that when we were dancing in the rain? I'm so confused. He's such good company. One moment we're dancing away and the next; I'm pulling him in and using his chest as my own personal pillow. Thank Merlin he didn't comment on that or I'd have died at the very moment.

I can't believe I did that. That's so not me. But it felt so right. Not forced. I didn't even have to think twice. Maybe that's the comfort level I've reached with him.

'Comfortable friends don't stare at their friends who're clad in boxers and vests, counting their muscles and thinking about their hair' a tiny voice in her brain told her.

As I said, I was just being appreciative.

But why did I feel so inclined to cancel my date? I know it wasn't much, only a slight fever and Ginny had after all offered to stay. She would've taken better care of Fred and would've known what signs to look out for. Then why did I insist on staying back?

I do enjoy the company of the other Fred too. And in fact I've not met him since a very long time. I should be looking forward to meeting him. Or least should have been slightly if not more upset at cancelling the date.

I would have cancelled even if Ginny would have stayed. I got Fred in this predicament and maybe I wanted to be with him because I was guilty.

Right? Then why am I relieved that I'm not going on the date and looking forward to the evening at home. Even if it does entail taking care of a sick someone?

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Confused Hermione !

And a wise-ass Ginny!

Poor Fred ! His face would have been worth a look!

I know this was a long stretched chapter but I felt some thing was required to cause Hermione to start looking at Fred differently!

also i thoroughly enjoyed writing this chapter.

Blue button below please ! And tell me if you liked reading it as much as i did writing it, cause if u didnt, ive to get working on my writing!

Thanks for reading!

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