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CHAPTER 31.
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Hermione's POV :
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I was really mad at Ginny. I know she's only looking out for me. But honestly, arranging a date for me? Bit much.
I surveyed myself in front of the mirror.
I looked okay.
I mean, not drop dead gorgeous, but I think I could pass well as maid of honour.
My deep purple dress fit perfectly. Hugging every curve I had. Not that I had any or was voluptuous or anything. I felt I was way too thin and straight and plain.
But the dress Ginny helped me pick was flattering. It added layers and volume to my otherwise thin body, giving me a step and bounce to my walk.
I twirled in my organza and satin silk, feeling terribly foolish and girlish as I did so. The last time I had done that was in my fourth year, when I had gotten dressed for the first time, for the Yule ball.
Until then, I really didn't know I had it in me, to be all girly and wear dresses.
And at that time too, Ginny had helped me with my look, dress, hair, confidence, everything.
She really was and is a good friend.
She may be overbearing and pushy at times, ok most of the times, but her heart is in the right place.
I put the garnet and diamante brooch on my dress and wore the stilettos which were charmed to be as comfortable as trainers and looked again.
I had light make up on. Didn't like too much of that stuff anyway.
Now to get on with the hair. The toughest for the last.
After struggling for about 25 minutes, I had magically achieved with my hair a satisfactory look.
The front had been straightened and the back of my hair that fell on my shoulders were just tamed so that unruly curls fell in soft waves which by the end of the day would probably progress to curling again but it would still look good.
"Hermione! Come on! Are you ready? Your dates here!" Ginny called.
Sighing, I got up and decided, let's get it over with.
Now I only needed to find and explain to Fred how I landed up with this date before he gets all jealous on me.
Putting one last coat of matte gloss, I left the room.
At the end of the stairs, stood my so called date and I should have known.
I should have expected Ginny to pull something like this.
Except I didn't. I didn't even for once think that she would get the other Fred to be my date.
I stopped short on the 4th step from the landing, my face looking sufficiently surprised I was sure.
The other Fred, in his defence, looked rather uncomfortable himself. And I think I know the reason.
The night after we, Fred and I... Umm sorted our differences, I owled the other Fred, apologising to him for the prank that had spoilt our dinner. I had also gently broken it to him that we wouldn't work.
Although I liked him a lot and we had a lot in common, he was after all comfort zone. He didn't challenge me or keep me on my toes or gave me the feelings I got when I was with Fred.
I think only a platonic association would be possible with the other Fred. And obviously he wasn't happy with that. After nearly keeping him waiting for a month, he hadn't expected to be rejected.
Oh Ginny! Of all the people! I wish you had gotten me any other date. But of course she doesn't know. As far as she's concerned, I'm still dating him.
I wonder why he came? Even after what I had written to him. Maybe he's here because of Luna.
Sheepishly, I made my way towards him.
"Look, Fred ... I didn't know..." I started.
"It's ok Hermione. I'm fine. Clearly, your friends didn't know about us, else they wouldn't have me as your date. So it was not my place to tell them. I'll play along till you want them to know. I just want you to know, that even though things may not work out between us, I would like us to be friends. You're too smart and can hold a bloody intelligent conversation about magic and muggle world alike. And I'd be stupid to let such a resourceful and entertaining friend escape me." The other Fred said with a smile.
I couldn't believe him. He was forgiving me! And wanted to be friends!
"So whatever it is, I'd still like to continue where we left, on a totally platonic level of course." He said.
"Oh Fred!" I said and hugged him enthusiastically. "Thank you so much! You have no idea how guilty I was. And of course I'd love to have you as a friend! I'm so happy!"
I extricated myself from the friendly hug, which may have lasted longer than it should have and accepted the arm he offered.
Happily locking my arm in his, we walked towards the garden.
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Fred Weasley's POV.
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"Hey Fleur! I thought you'd be at the Burrow!" I asked her as I popped into her's and Bill's living room.
"Ooh Fred. Yes yes. I was supposed to be zer. But Vic had a small eemergency. I'll take a while. You wait for Estelle? Non? She's upstairs. I weel call her down." Fleur said as she headed up to what I presume would be her room.
Damn you Ginny.
First mom and now you.
Why can't you women stop interfering!
Now what will I tell Hermione at the wedding?
Before I could over think my situation, Estelle, I'm guessing, walked down the stairs.
I vaguely remembered her from the night of the bachelorette. I think she was the one who was talking to Hermione while I was busy distracting her.
She was younger than Fleur, and had clear skin enough for me to make out her delicate veins.
Her silver blond long hair was thick and wavy, unlike Fleur's straight ones.
She was taller and had a kinder face than most Veela's did, which was rare since all Veela's knew the power they held and tended to be quite haughty about it.
She was pretty in nice way, not your typical in the face Veela beauty that clouds your mind.
I felt bad for her. She gave me a genuine smile and was probably expecting my full attention as her date. But I could only be an escort because my sister had placed me in this predicament.
Because, truly, the only person I wanted to stand next to, and smile at was Hermione.
I chuckled to myself. Ginny will be so disappointed that I was not more excited about my date.
I smiled at her, my smile quite not reaching my eyes.
She faltered for a minute, maybe surprised at my reaction. Veela's have a strong inner intuitive sense. Then she regained her smile and said, "You must be Fred."
"I must be." I said, eyes twinkling.
"Ginny was right." She said laughing, "I'm glad it's you. Unless you're George. But I highly doubt that. Since you have 2 ears and if it were George, I'm sure Angelina would be close by with a bat in hand to hit you."
I laughed. She had a good sense of humour. Maybe the wedding won't be too long after all.
"Your English is quite good." I pointed.
"Yes. I've been working here for a year, at Gringott's alongside Bill. That helps." She explained.
I nodded and offered her my arm.
"Shall we?" I asked.
She linked her arm in mine and said, "We shall."
We popped out of shell cottage and landed outside the kitchen at the Borrow.
Estelle was smoothing down her dress and I was just looking around to see if I saw someone around.
Gazing sideways, I saw Hermione at the base of the stairs.
She had flung herself at some man I didn't recognize and had held him tight for quite a few seconds. Then she happily linked her arm through his and walked away, smiling as if she was a 1000 watt bulb.
I stood there, frozen.
I could feel my eyes harden and anger began to seep into my system.
I know that she is not a possession. But still. Only I could hold her, touch her in any way that seemed intimate.
Although the hug seemed friendly, but it was long. Friendly hugs are not that long.
No. It couldn't be. Hermione is generally very friendly with people. She may have met someone she knows. And after all it's only a hug, Fred. Relax.
And besides, she's with me now.
I have nothing to worry about.
Except Estelle. Maybe I'll hold onto the explanations till she tells me about this man she was hugging.
We headed out into the garden where everyone was gathered.
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Okay!
So both have dates!
And both are worried what each other is going to think about this date!
Fred already has shown what he thinks about Hermione's date!
How do you think Hermione will react to Fred's Veela date?
Thank you all for reading and reviewing !
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