CHAPTER 28.
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"Hey Mione! How's Fred feeling now?" Ginny asked as she sauntered into Hermione's office.
Ginny and Hermione were having lunch today and going to do some last minute shopping that Mrs. Weasley had assigned them to.
Hermione blushed at the mention of Fred's name, but quickly recovered and looked up to smile at Ginny.
"He's good, Gin. What would you expect? The best healer in training attended to him." She said warmly.
"Aww aren't you sweet. I've brought lunch. Let's eat and leave quickly. We don't have much time. We also need to collect the champagne for tonight." Ginny said as she flicked the wand and the food she had got started arranging itself on Hermione's table.
"Champagne?" Hermione questioned.
"Yes Hermione. Champagne. Did you forget? Don't tell me you forgot? It's Luna's bachelorette tonight! You only came up with that muggle idea! And Fleur's cousin is coming from Paris today with some fine champagne apparently. And we've got to collect it from her." Ginny explained.
Merlin! The bachelorette! How could she have forgotten? Weeks ago, she had told Ginny and Luna about muggle weddings and they seemed quite taken by the idea of a bachelorette party.
Ginny had sulked for almost 3 days because she couldn't believe that Hermione had not come up with this idea before her wedding.
But now she was rather excited to have one for Luna! She really wanted to see how a drunken Luna behaved. Maybe she'll be the same. Hermione thought giggling at the mental image.
"I didn't forget Gin. It merely slipped my mind that tonight was the night." Hermione said.
"Semantics." Ginny mumbled.
Hermione laughed and they quickly finished lunch.
As she gathered her robes and her wand, she remembered that she had forgotten to tell Fred that she wouldn't be able to come over to the shop.
"Wait a minute Gin. I'll quickly floo call Fred and let him know I won't be coming to the shop." Hermione said absent mindedly.
"Why do you need to tell him? You don't have to answer to him." Ginny said, egging her a bit.
"Yeah I know, but I've been helping at the shop so if I don't come in, he'll begin to wonder. Also I need to let him know that we'll be taking the kids with us." She reasoned.
Well that makes sense. They do have a shared responsibility. I just thought I noticed her face fall for a second when she realised she wouldn't be going to the shop. Maybe I'm reading too much into this. But I'm sure Fred likes her. Now just need to make sure Hermione does too. Ginny thought.
Hermione put her head into the fireplace and threw in some floo powder while calling out "www".
"Hey Fred!" Hermione called out.
"Hi there beautiful! You still owe me a shirt" he said playfully.
Hermione turned red inspite of the flames around her. Ginny was right next to her and although she couldn't see Fred (thank Merlin for that, else her suspicions would be confirmed, thanks to his flirtatious smirk.) She could surely hear him.
Hermione could almost feel Ginny's eyebrows disappear into her hairline when Fred said that.
"Umm Fred, Ginny's here and we are going shopping for your mum and we'll be taking the twins along, so umm don't wait up and yeah bye I guess." She said nervously.
She hoped that Ginny had not caught the shirt comment but with ears like hers, she had little to hope for.
When Fred heard that Ginny was there, he dropped his sandwich and almost fell off the table and made quite some noise.
Hermione had to stifle her laugh.
Has his own shop and he's still afraid of his sister and mum, she thought. What are you laughing at Hermione? You'll be the one explaining to Ginny about the shirt. She winced. How does Ginny do it all the time? Fred was right. She really knows everything.
Hermione wasn't sure what to tell Ginny or even why she felt like hiding about her and Fred. They had not discussed it yet so she felt that telling Ginny without Fred knowing would not be right.
"I'm all right. Just lost footing. Ok bye Hermione. Say hi to Ginny. Lee will be upset about you not coming today. But I'll handle him." Fred said smirking and regaining his composure.
Hermione winced again. That's how you try to save it? Fred Weasley! Aaarggh!
Great. So now I have to explain the shirt and Lee to Ginny. Fred when will you learn? Your sister won't give the shirt topic up because you gave her another topic to talk about. She's going to grill me on both now.
She made her face neutral and exited the fireplace, not looking at Ginny.
"Danny, Brucie! Come on kids. Let's go!" Hermione yelled.
She turned to Ginny, hoping that she would be ready to leave without interrogating her. But no such luck.
Ginny stood in her place, hands crossed across her chest, one eyebrow raised and questions written on her face.
Hermione decided not to fall into her trap. Giving intimidating looks was one of Ginny's way of getting people to talk about what they had done even if she had absolutely no idea what they had done.
It worked more often than not. People usually guilty from their actions, babbled often and Ginny would know. This worked best on her brothers and Harry but Hermione knew better.
"What? Aren't we getting late? Come on then." Hermione told Ginny.
"What was all that about the shirt?" Ginny asked, not beating around the bush.
"What? Fred's shirt? Oh that. Funny really. I destroyed his favourite shirt. While he was sleeping... In it." Hermione said, turning a bit pink at the memory.
Ginny's eyes widened and she forgot to give her intimidating look and said, "Really? Why? How?"
"Well, the prank war is still on! And after the one he played on me, I think he rather deserved it." Hermione said, shocking herself at the ease with which she was lying. That too to Ginny.
Ginny shook her head as if she couldn't believe that their childish war was still in the picture. Satisfied with her answer, she then asked her, "well,ok. What did he say about Lee then?"
Hermione sighed. "That you've got to ask him or Lee. He's convinced that Lee has a thing for me. Although I'm sure he's only trying to infuriate me."
Hmmm. That's interesting. Now I've to get rid of the other Fred, Charlie and lee. Merlin Mione! First I have trouble finding one suitable guy for you and now I've to ward off 3 other fellows. You owe me big time! But maybe lee doesn't really like her. Knowing Fred, he's probably wants to push her into thinking that lee does, so that she might come clean about her feelings for him. I'll have to talk to lee. Ginny thought.
"Ahem. If you've finished interrogating me, could we please leave? I've not even decided what I'm wearing tonight." Hermione said.
"Since when you care about what you're wearing? Usually you just stand in front of your cupboard and I have to look for something suitable for you." Ginny said.
Oh my. Hermione thought. She's really suspicious today.
"Come on. I just said it so you'd hurry. Let's go before the twins get impatient." Hermione said.
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Hermione entered George's flat just after Fred had closed up and was preparing to make some tea.
"I missed you today." He said simply while making two cups.
"I missed you too!" She said as she came over and hugged him from behind, feeling pleasantly surprised by the ease with which she could do this now.
Fred turned and handed her a cup and kissed her forehead.
"How about we cook and make dessert like old times tonight?" He asked her.
"Unca Fwed? Want milk." Bruce said from the living room. He and Dan were we sitting on the floor, messing with some toys.
"Merlin Fred ! I forgot about the kids in the living room. You think they saw us?" She asked, immediately distancing herself.
Fred laughed. "Even if they did so what? They're kids!"
"Yeah. Kids. That's why I'm worried. Kids tend to say what they here and see without thinking." Hermione said. "By the way, I realised we haven't really discussed about us. Umm I mean when Ginny came over, I didn't want to tell her anything because I hadn't spoken to you about it. But what do you think about telling the rest?"
Fred wrinkled his brow in thought and asked, "What do you suggest? I mean it's only been a day and the wedding is day after."
"I know. I thought the same. Everyone is so busy. Besides it'll be nice to just have the two of us privy to what's between us for a little while." Hermione agreed.
"I agree. It's like sneaking and meeting." Fred said excitedly.
"We live in the same house. And since last night, the same room. It's hardly sneaking. The opposite, really." Hermione said.
"Oh come on. It'll be fun. Only two days anyway. Let's not steal Ron's thunder." Fred said.
"You're right. It's rather fun. For you. That's because you don't have your suspicious sister eyeing every move of yours." She said caustically.
Fred laughed, handing Dan and Bruce their milk, he asked her again, "so how about that dessert session tonight."
"Merlin! Fred I'm so sorry. I completely forgot in the past few days' mayhem, it's Luna's bachelorette tonight. We girls are going to stay over at Shell cottage. I'm so sorry. I'd love to spend time with you. But I have to go."
"I understand." He smiled. "But I'll still miss you. Is there any way bachelors can attend this?" He asked mischievously.
"It's a bachelorette Fred." She said, rolling her eyes.
.
At Shell cottage.
"Merlin Estelle, this really is some amazing champagne." Ginny said, downing her third glass.
"So true. And I don't even drink that much "Hermione said.
She had had 2 glasses more than Ginny, but then again, Ginny handled alcohol way better than Hermione.
Hermione was swaying happily, holding the curtain and humming some tune that Ginny suspected to be a muggle song.
"So. How's Fred?" Ginny asked.
"He's amazing." Hermione replied without thinking.
Ginny raised her eyebrow at Luna.
"So are you inviting him to the wedding?" Ginny asked.
"Are you mental? I don't need to invite him." She said still swaying.
Ginny and Luna exchanged confused looks.
"But I'm guessing things are going pretty well." Luna said.
"Yeah. But sshh. We're keeping quiet. Don't tell!" Hermione replied.
"You've invited him right?" Ginny whispered to Luna.
Luna nodded. "He's my co-worker. I have invited him."
"Good. I'll need him to be there. I wonder why Hermione is keeping her relationship with him a secret." Ginny said.
"She's acting rather strange. Actually both of them are. Today at the office I asked him about her and he got all frustrated and bothered. Why don't they just tell us? It was us who set them up in the beginning." Luna said.
Hermione had gone to the balcony now and was just looking at the sea when she heard her name from below.
"Mione! Hermione ? Look below!" Fred whispered.
"Fred? Where are you?" She asked looking up at the sky.
"Psst. I'm asking you to look down!" He said. "Oh bugger it. I'll come up." He said when she continued to look up.
He tilted his broom upwards and came to level with her against the railing.
"Fred!" She almost yelled in excitement and hugged him.
"Mione. Are you all right? Calm down. Don't yell! Someone may hear you." He said looking weirdly at her.
"Sshh. Everyone's inside. Ginny is so silly. She's asking me if I've invited you to the wedding. You're Ron's brother for Godric's sake. You don't need an invitation" she slurred.
Merlin! She's high. Fred realised.
Under other circumstances, a tipsy Hermione would be really entertaining. But here he was where he clearly wasn't supposed to be and Hermione actually could have babbled about them.
Thank Merlin for the other Fred. Maybe she can pretend she was talking about him and not me.
"By the way. You're a bloke!" She said, screwing her eyes and surveying him critically.
"Good observation Mione!" He chuckled.
"So.. What are you doing here? This is an all girl's party only. Great champagne though. You want me to sneak you some?" She asked.
He laughed. She was going to be so embarrassed tomorrow!
"No. I don't want any. I just..." He didn't complete his statement because Ginny chose the very same moment to come looking for her.
"Hermione? You there?" She asked. "I was wondering where you went. You know you can't really be left alone after so much to drink."
"Yeah I'm here and so is Fred. I'm not alone." She said.
Fred winced at the mention of his name. He had flown below away from direct sight but Ginny was bound to get suspicious and look around.
"What are you talking about Hermione? Have you gone mad! There's no one here." She said, after a lumos and surveying the area down below.
"No. I asked Fred if he wanted champagne. He said no. I don't think he likes champagne. More of a firewhisky kinda guy don't you think?" Hermione asked.
"Merlin. You're mad. Maybe I was wrong. Probably you do like Fred. My poor brother." She said more to herself than to Hermione. "Come on. I'm taking you in. Can't risk you falling."
"Please just a little while more? I didn't say goodbye." Hermione pouted. "I also cancelled dessert date with him."
Fred smiled at that statement.
He wondered how Ginny had not put two and two together yet.
Ginny actually looked amused. Alcohol worked better than veritaserum on Hermione.
"No." She said firmly. "Clearly you're delirious. I'm going to have to tell Estelle not to serve you any more champagne. I can't leave you. Come on."
Hermione sulked like a little child and grudgingly followed Ginny inside.
They were all seated on the couch in the living room, just talking when suddenly; Hermione felt a hand on her shoulder.
She jumped and looked around frantically but saw no one.
"Ermione ees everytheeng okay?" Fleur asked, concerned.
"Umm. Yeah I guess. Just a mosquito." She replied.
"She's just had too much to drink. It's probably the buzzing in her head." Ginny said laughing.
"Let's get her a sobering draught." Audrey said.
"Yeah. Good idea. I don't want her to go by the balcony in this state." Ginny said as she instructed Hermione to drink up the potion.
Since Hermione was drinking absolutely anything by now, she didn't object to the potion and immediately felt sober.
"Ugh. My head hurts." She said.
"It would. After 5 glasses of champagne on an empty stomach, what else do you expect?" Luna said.
"Did I really? Why didn't you stop me?" She lamented. "You know I can't handle it."
"That's true. But you looked so happy. And besides what's a bachelorette without someone getting drunk?" Ginny said wickedly.
Hermione scowled.
"So tell us what you're so happy about. Complete the story. Fred seems to be on your mind an awful lot." Ginny said.
Hermione paled. Oh no. What did I say? What did I say?
"Mione?" A small voice whispered just close to her ear.
She jerked her head again. No it can't be. It couldn't be Fred. Could it?
"Psst. Don't move so much. It is me. I have a disillusionment charm on me." He whispered.
"Go on." Luna asked.
"Umm. What did I say? I don't remember." She said truthfully.
Everyone laughed and continued their conversation, clearly thinking that a sober Hermione would divulge nothing.
Ginny looked at her shrewdly.
Something is off. She's awfully jumpy for someone who's sobered up.
"What are you doing here?" Hermione mumbled trying to enunciate without moving her mouth and looking straight.
"I was missing you. So I thought I'd just drop by. But looks like you missed me more. And now everyone knows you missed Fred." He whispered, chuckling.
Hermione squeezed her eyes shut, groaning. Oh no. This is ridiculous. I am never drinking again.
"You almost told Gin that Fred was here to meet you." He said.
"That's probably because I'm honest when I'm drunk. If you hadn't come, I would not have babbled." She whispered acidly, eating a sandwich so she could hide her lip movements while talking.
"Oh but I did. I did not expect Hermione Granger of all people to drink, let alone not handle their alcohol." Fred said.
"Oh come on Fred. Will you just go? Can't you see how Ginny is looking at me? I can't be eating sandwiches all the time." She said.
"I would have gone. But you said on the balcony that you didn't want to go without saying goodbye." He whispered. "How could I leave then?"
Hermione softened at the mention of that. She vaguely remembered something like that happening at the balcony. But she was high then and sober now. It wasn't the place or time to say goodbye.
"Okay. Goodbye then. I'll see you tomorrow at the burrow for lunch." She said still chewing slowly on her sandwich.
"I don't think that's how you wanted to say goodbye." He said huskily, closer to her ears, breathing heavily on her neck.
She blushed and almost dropped her sandwich.
"Fred! Please. Ginny has a hawk's eye on me. And if I go anywhere she'll surely follow me. I'm sure she still thinks I'm high. Even if I saw someone talking to the air I would think they are mad." Hermione tried to be logical.
"Oh but she's not suspecting you to be talking to someone. She's just thinking you're recovering from all that wonderful champagne." He insisted.
"Fred..." She said warningly.
"I won't go till you say goodbye properly." Fred said.
"Fine then. I won't pay attention to you. You'll get bored eventually." She said.
"Oh you wish." He said with an evil smirk she couldn't see but heard it in his voice.
Uhhoh.
She decided to turn to her right and talk to Estelle. It would be best to engage in conversation with someone she could see and was supposed to be at the party.
Mid sentence, she felt a hot breath on the nape of her neck. She shuddered and rubbed her neck and continued talking. Then she felt a nuzzle at her earlobe and she instinctively purred and got her shoulder up to drive him away.
Estelle was looking at her curiously now.
"Ees somezing ze matter?" She asked.
"Umm no.. Nothing. Just a slight umm shoulder ache." She said.
He started kissing her on the neck now, barely grazing her skin.
Her skin felt like she was on fire. She closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath of air. He chose that moment to plant a kiss on her eyelids.
Merlin. If he doesn't stop now I don't know what I'll do.
Ginny was talking to Fleur but she kept stealing glances at Hermione. She was acting very strange. All jumpy and restless.
Estelle chose the same moment to get a refill of champagne and that left Hermione alone for some time.
"Ok. You win." She mumbled. "How would you like your goodbye?"
"A goodbye kiss would be nice." He whispered.
"Here? How? I can't see you and there are people here Fred. Not to mention that your sister thinks I'm lost it. She's been giving Luna the looks all evening." Hermione said munching some fries.
"You can't see me but you can feel. And the others can't see. So relax. It'll be fun." He insisted.
The things you make me do Fred Weasley. She thought.
"Ok. But you have to initiate. Since I can't see..." She didn't complete her sentence because that very moment his lips were on hers and it felt weird kissing with her eyes open and not seeing anything in front of her.
He was careful not to touch her hair or anything else and it was a sweet chaste kiss but Hermione instinctive closed her eyes and leaned in, pleasantly surprised.
He broke it off gently before she forgot her surroundings.
"There. That's a goodbye. I'll see you tomorrow, love." He said and went away.
She slowly opened her eyes. Estelle just sat next to her again and Ginny was openly looking at her.
Merlin! I don't know how it must've even looked. She took her head in her hands and cringed.
"Mione are you all right?" Luna asked.
"Just a splitting headache." She said and tried to look like she had a head ache when in fact she was struggling against a wide smile that threatened to break across her face.
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Okayyyyy
This turned out to be longer than i expected!
But I hope you enjoyed it!
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And once again thank you so much for all the reviews and getting me the 100!
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