Friends before Lovers

by punkyredhead

After the Great War, Hermione finds herself the only one from the Golden Trio waiting. When she recieves a shock, one of her best friends petitioned for her and didn't tell her about it. How can friends become lovers. Watch as they become closer, as they revisit scenes in the past that shed some light on their feelings that had always been there. Rated M for later chapters.

19. Chapter 19

I don't own anything the characters or the song mentioned. Just liking to play.

Sorry it has been so long since I have written, I have gotten caught up with two new pairings for Hermione. Severus and Viktor. Both have some awesome stories out there. I can't help it; I like all of her stories as long as Ron is not a romantic interest for her. Not to mention real life has gotten crazy.

After sending George off to work with leftovers from last night's dinner, Hermione is settling on clothes to wear. She is planning on visiting Sirius and just spending time with him. Deciding on skinny jeans, a muggle rock t-shirt and a pair of ankle high heeled boots, mentally excepting she may want to start wearing heels on occasion or George will always tower over her. Pulling her hair back into a messy bun and putting on a little makeup, cocking her head while looking in the mirror. Trying to think about what George said about her. I guess I do have pretty eyes, I just don't think of myself that way. She is grabbing her bag and Flooing over the Grimmauld Place. "Sirius? Are you around?" Not finding him in the library, heading down to the kitchen, still no Sirius. Wondering where he maybe, she hears a loud thud from one of the upstairs bedrooms, taking off towards the sound, as she is reaching the third floor landing, she can hear a string of obscenities and finds Sirius on the floor under a pile of boxes, looking down at him with her hands on her hips, "What in the world are you doing?"

"Oh hey kitten, glad to see you." Standing up and moving around the boxes to hug her. "I thought I would finally go through this closet and so far all I have found are boxes of crap." As she is bending over to pick something up, grabbing her hands "Oh no, don't touch. Not sure if it is safe for you."

"That's right, pureblood curses, I forgot." Straightening up and looking around "You wanted to talk about the wedding stuff. Want to go to another room? Preferable a room with a comfy couch?"

"Madame?" Offering his arm out to her, "Let us be gone from here," Turning and flicking his wand and all of the offending boxes are now neatly stacked.

"Why didn't you use magic to get them out of the closet?"

"Didn't think about it, plus got to do something to keep my trim figure."

"So staying out of trouble?"

"Really? That hurts my feelings." Shaking his head and pouting, "As well as I can, you know me." Shrugging his shoulders, "How much trouble can I get in watching Teddy?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?" Removing her hand from his arm and settling in on the couch in front of the fireplace while Sirius is pouring himself a drink, shaking her head to his offer of one. "He is a toddler and you have the attention span of one."

"We get along just fine, I guess if I am not going to work I can at least help out my best friend." Sitting at the opposite end of the couch from her, "Plus I am seeing all of the things I missed with Harry." Taking a drink, "Getting practice for when all of you and Harry have kids for me to watch." Noticing a change in her demeanor, "What's up pussy cat? Molly pressuring all of you for grandkids already?"

"No it's not her," Standing up, "I think I can use that drink now." Crossing the room and pouring a glass for her of some of the same whiskey as Sirius is drinking, she is pacing back and forth.

"Ok Hermione, what is wrong?" Getting up and walking to where she is standing, "Something is really wrong, you are not normally like this."

"It's just…." is shaking her head, "I don't know…." taking a drink "I mean…" pinching the bridge of her nose, "I am just so confused."

"Well that's what this old man is here for you just need to tell me what you are thinking about." Pulling her into a hug, "You can talk to me about anything."

Leaning her head against his chest, "Molly and I did talk about kids. She said she didn't care if George and I have kids, it will happen if it happens. That the problem, she has always pushed for grandchildren." Dragging in a deep breath, "What if I can't have kids," shaking as she sobs into his chest, "I mean, they aren't sure if I will."

"What are you talking about?" asking while stroking her back trying to calm her, "You are young, there is still plenty of time for you to have children."

"No," Shaking her head, "The Medi-Witch is pretty sure I won't. If I do it will be difficult."

"Ok, I think you need to start at the beginning for me to understand." Guiding her back to the couch, "So, how about it, let's take it from the top."

"Well," dropping her glamour, "It all stems from the Malfoy Manor," showing him her arm. He was there and heard the row between Ron and her but most of the others didn't see the scars.

"That miserable bitch." Reaching out to take her arm, pulling back after a thought before touching it, "I am sorry Hermione." Offering her arm back to him, running his thumb over it, "I heard you telling the story."

"Well then you know she tortured me. Somehow not killing me, since that seems to be her forte, her only other survivors are Frank and Alice Longbottom and you know how they are." Gulping a drink from her tumbler, "She screwed up so much more than my skin you know, I haven't been right since that night."

"Cruciatus Curse?"

"Right in one," Rubbing her arm, "I can't keep weight on, that is one of the problems but that I have a potion to take for that." Wiping her eyes, "The other is, I haven't had a cycle since before that night. St. Mungo's can't figure out why not."

"Cycle?" Confusion is covering his face, "Oh!" realizing what she means his grey eyes turning almost black with concern "Oh? What?! That's not good at all especially for someone so young."

"I know," Sniffling and pulling her knees up to her chest, "I talked with George about it. He knows." Leaning her cheek against her knees and looking at Sirius, who is leaning forward with his forearms on his knees, "What happens when he decides I am not good enough anymore?" Crying silently, closing her eyes, "I have fallen in love with my best friend. I can't lose him."

"Oh, kitten, you aren't going to lose him," sliding down the couch to her, "He loves you too. You can see it in the way he looks at you." Wrapping his arm around her, "He better too. He is getting one of the most beautiful, determined, honest, trusting, brave and loyal people I know. Someone I would trust my life too." Kissing her temple, "Hell, you saved my life. And Harry and Ron's lives too. He better love you. Otherwise Remus and I will have to have a conversation with him in a dark alleyway."

"So will I." A quiet voice from the doorway, stepping in from the dark hallway is Harry, blending in with the shadows due to his long black work robes. "Oh Mione, why didn't you say something," he is striding across the floor, pulling her off the couch and burying his face tight against her neck. "I didn't know. I should have been there for you."

"How long had you been there?"

"Since you said you talked with Molly, sorry I shouldn't have spied on you like that but I didn't want to interrupt." Tightening his hold on her, "How are you doing?"

"Unable to breathe right now," squeaking out.

"Oh Sorry." Backing up and taking off his robes, "I stopped into the shop to see the boys and check on you and George said you had planned on being over here. So I am intruding on your time with Sirius." Perching himself on a chair near the couch, "I took the day off when I decided to come over here."

"Perfect, two of my favorite people." Sirius is smiling and is holding on to Hermione as she has settled back in, "I couldn't ask for a better way to spend the day."

"Mione, why didn't you say anything about the Medi-Witch? You don't have to hold everything in all the time." Gesturing to Sirius and himself, "We love you and will do anything for you."

Shrugging "I don't know, I know you know what happened but I didn't want to admit I was broken. I hate it, no matter how well I get, I will always have a reminder about that night. She tortures me still in my dreams." Looking across the room at the fireplace, "There are just some things I can't explain about it all."

"You wouldn't have to explain it, even if all you wanted to do was cry or scream, I would have let you."

"Same here, you let too many people lean on you but never ask for anything back. Don't you think it is time you let others help you out?"

"Mione, you have saved my skin more times than I can count. I want to be here for you, just let me." Kneeling in front of her taking her hands in his, "I know I should have asked you if you were ok. I knew something happened there that night. I wanted to talk to you when we got to Shell Cottage but Bill and Charlie were very determined that we sleep and stay away."

"I didn't want you to see me in the shape I was in. I was mortified when Fleur left the room and came back in with the two of them. I was laying there shirtless, pants undone, bleeding everywhere and a right mess." Rubbing her face with her hands, "Then I felt even worse when I broke Charlie's nose. I think I gave him a pretty good beating as well. He stayed with me that first night."

"I am so sorry, I can't say it enough." Still kneeling at her feet, she is running her fingers through his hair, sighing and leaning his head into her hand. "You have been by best friend for as long as I can remember. You stayed by my side through everything. Three headed dogs, giant snakes, rescuing this guy" pointing at Sirius who shrugs his shoulders, "You have been sliced open, beaten, tortured and generally mistreated just because you are my friend. Not to mention everything else I put you through in those years just being a stupid boy."

"You weren't as stupid as some."

"I know but I let stupid boys help determine how I treated you."

"Back up pup, what did you do to her?" Sirius is asking as he is crossing his arms and giving Harry that look. The look that says you screwed up didn't you.

"Well, I might have let Ron determine how I treated her on a couple of occasions. Like when you sent me my first broom, she knew it was from you. Before we knew you were good and she asked Minerva to have it checked over for hexes. Ron and I weren't very nice about it. Then Ron yelled at her about Viktor our fourth year and I let him. Then just in general if he was shirty with her, I would be too."

"She still put up with you after all that?" Shaking his head, "You are lucky pup that she didn't hex you into oblivion. I would have if I were her."

"Fifth year, that's when I figured out how much you meant to me." Getting up from the floor and sliding Hermione towards Sirius on the couch and settling on the other side of her, "You were the sister I never had. Best friend and family rolled into one." Leaning his head on her shoulder, "When you were in the hospital wing, I was miserable. I thought I had gotten not only my godfather hurt but my best friend killed."

Sitting in silence, she presses her lips to his forehead, "You know I can't stay mad at you. No matter what you do," Sighing "Third year was the worst for me. All I wanted to do was be there for you and you were being a right prat about everything. You are lucky I didn't use you as my punching bag instead of Malfoy." Laughing at the look on his face, "Oh yeah, I was close a couple of times. You should actually thank George for that one. He calmed me down a couple of times that year."

"I will remember that," Nuzzling his face into her neck before mumbling, "I love you Mione. Don't you ever forget that."

After a few comfortable moments in silence, "So let's get to a happier topic?" Smiling at the two of them, "Now kitten, I asked you here today to talk about wedding things. Are you up for it?"

"I was a little confused as to what you wanted to discuss Sirius," Looking at the older wizard who is now smirking at her.

"Well hear me out before you start arguing with me."

"I don't argue with you."

"Bullocks, you do too and you know it. Since you agreed to let me walk you down the aisle, I want to be able to help you with the wedding as well. I mean it, you and Harry are my family and I want to do this right. I want to help pay for it. Please let me do this."

Eyeing him "I don't know Sirius. I feel guilty if you pay for stuff. I don't like others taking care of me." Rubbing her palm with her thumb, "But I understand what you mean. That's fine. I mean, thank you Sirius, I really appreciate it." Wrapping her arms around him and leaning her head on his shoulder and smirking at Harry, "I mean Dad."

"Oi kitten, no calling me that" shuddering and scowling at her, "I am not that old."

"I know but I couldn't resist." Laughing and releasing him from her grasp, "So can we have some lunch, I am starving."

"Kreacher?"

"Yes master?"

"Can you please bring lunch up for us?" bowing and with a pop of apparition the elf was gone. "Ok, so what all do you still need to do for the big day?"

"Molly and I planned out most of the event, I just need find a dress for me and then for my bridesmaids. Molly is going to make most of the food like she always does. I haven't asked George if the boys will where dress robes or suits."

"I know Muggle tradition is that the mother and bridesmaids help pick out the bride's gown but wizarding tradition is that the family of the bride helps as well, father and male siblings even. I will leave that up to you, I can go with and help or you and Ginny can go out and look."

"You would willing go with me shopping?" She is questioning as Kreacher appears back with sandwiches, fruit and juice for lunch. Reaching for a sandwich, "I can be indecisive when shopping."

"If you want me to. We can go just us or you can invite some girls to go with us. Whatever you feel comfortable with." Pulling a plate of food towards him, taking a bite out of a ham sandwich.

"Well, I want a Muggle dress, I don't want to wear robes. So we can go into Muggle London sometime and look. I would love it if you helped me pick something out."

"Well why don't we go this afternoon?" Harry is suggesting, getting a look from Hermione, "What? You don't think I am not going with? I am basically your brother. So why not let me and Sirius help you out? We all have the afternoon off and I want to spend time with you." Laughing at the look on Hermione's face, "Plus you can't be as bad as Ginny when she shops."

"Well," Looking back and forth at the two grinning idiots sitting with her wrinkling her nose at them "Why not?"

"Good," Standing up and holding his hand out for her, Sirius is pulling her to her feet "Let's get going. I know a few good shops in London we can go to."

"Have you been looking into this?" Eyeing her adoptive family.

"Ever since you agreed to let me be a part of the wedding," Kissing her head, "I want this to be special for you. You deserve it."

"Ok, I guess no time like the present."

"Good," taking her by the arm and leading her down the stairs "Keep up pup." The three of them walking into the back yard, "Now there is an apparition spot just off of Piccadilly I can side along both of you."

"I know where it is Sirius, so you can just take Mione." Backing away from the other two so they can leave and he is following shortly. "So lead on Sirius, where are these shops?" After walking around the corner into the busy street, they have to look intimidating; Sirius is wearing dark blue jeans, his motorcycle boots, and snug grey t-shirt under his black leather jacket, he has one arm around Hermione keeping her close to his body, kissing her temple as they walk. As an Auror Harry is allowed to wear Muggle clothing under his robes in case they need to go into Muggle locations, he is wearing black jeans, a black shirt under a dark green button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows and his worn Dr. Marten boots, smiling at the comfort they find with each other. Both men tower over her petite frame, Sirius' black hair is pulled back into a ponytail as he has let it grown out past his shoulders, making his dark grey eyes stand out even more, Harry on the other hand still keeps his hair short but long enough to always be messy looking, his green eyes still as bright as ever especially with the shirt he is wearing.

Stopping abruptly, "Here we are," Sirius is holding a door open for her.

"My name is Henry how can I help you?" Walking towards them is a young man, who is impeccably dressed. A slim cut black suit with Gryffindor red stripes, the jacket is unbuttoned so that you can see a small golden pocket watch chain attached to the button of the vest and tucked into his pocket, a black silk shirt that was open for the top few buttons and his shoulder length black hair was mussed to the precise look. Dressed very similarly to how Sirius would for a semi-formal event.

"I am Sirius and my daughter here is looking for a wedding dress." Motioning to Hermione who is looking a little lost at the shop that they had entered. Dresses hang from every possible surface in every style and color possible. "Right now I think she is at a loss for words but she will snap out of it shortly. This is her brother Harry," motioning to Harry who is looking around the shop in awe.

"Yes. I think," looking around, "I never knew there would be so many options."

"Wait a minute, did you say Hermione?" all three are now looking at the clerk, who is grinning at the three of them. "That is not a common name and paired with Sirius and Harry, do you happen to know a man named Albus?"

"Um," Sirius is pulling Hermione back to him and reaching towards his wand, "Possibly, if you know him, then you can answer this question. Were you a part of the Light?"

Bowing slightly at the waist, "Yes, it is an honor to help you today Lord Black."

"Really?" looking skyward and throwing his hands up "We walk into the one Muggle shop that has a wizard working at it?" Sirius shrugs, "We want to do this with as little drama as possible. That is part of the reason we came into Muggle London."

"Don't worry, all of the employees here are either magical or Muggles with magical relatives but we all wanted to work in a non-magical setting to be able to give witches and wizards the option and we also assist Muggles. So while we know who you are we will not be calling the Prophet with the scoop." Motioning for him to follow him further into the shop, "We actually service more Muggles than witches or wizards being as far away from Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade we don't get a lot of magical clients." Offering a seat to Hermione around a small table that has photo books and swatches laying on it, "So the question is, was this marriage planned before or after that horrid law?"

"After but I am lucky. I was petitioned by one of my best friends and he got me. So I can't complain." Smiling softly, "Now I have been coerced into shopping by my best friend, Harry" motioning to the left and then to the right, "and my Sirius."

"Your Sirius? Huh?" Rolling his eyes, Sirius is smiling at her "We want her to find something special. She doesn't treat herself often and needs to."

"Ok, so then the question is what do you want?" Spreading some photos out in front of her, "We can get just about anything you would want. Short, long, strapless, lacey, silky, colored. Tell me a little about your intended as well."

"I really hadn't thought about it much." Looking at the pictures laid out, "That looks fun." Pointing at a white tea length, strapless dress with colored petticoats. "You know George would love it if I picked something out of the ordinary. George is part owner and founder of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, so he likes to have a good time and is definitely his own person. I guess I will try just about anything." Thinking to herself for a minute, "Except anything too revealing. I don't like showing a lot of skin."

"Ok, well why don't you look around and I will pull a few dresses for you to try and if you find any bring them as well. You never know when you will find the one." Getting up and walking away from them towards the back room.

"There are so many to choose from. I don't know where to start." Fingering a satin dress that is on a display near the table. "I don't know about all this." Looking at Harry, "You know I hate being the center of attention."

"It is your wedding day. You are going to be the center of attention whether you want to or not. You are marrying George and he could care less what you wear. He thinks you are beautiful. So now let's figure out something that will knock his socks off."

"I still don't get why you all think you need to tell me that."

"Tell you what kitten?" Sirius is walking over joining Harry and her looking at the racks of clothing.

"That I'm beautiful," replying quietly, "I am a lot of things but not that." Walking away before towards more racks of dresses slowly looking through the rack with a look of confusion on her face.

Looking at Harry, "Why does she do that to herself? Does she really not see it?"

"I think too many years of being friends with Ron, calling her a swot and a know it all." Shaking his head, "I know Viktor told her she was beautiful at the Yule Ball and I know is school Fred and George did but she probably wrote that off as the twins being the flirts they were."

"Ah shit!" Slapping herself on the forehead with a look of surprise.

"Is everything ok Hermione?" Walking closer to her Henry is asking.

Whispering, "I really didn't plan on shopping today and I just realized, well, I kind of need some underclothes to try on dresses."

"Oh that's no problem; most of the dresses have built in bras and such so no worries. Plus we have strapless ones you can use if needed."

"That's not really what I meant."

"Oh. Well. That is a first. Unfortunately that I cannot help with we do not carry any knickers here. That is one of the few things that we don't. But there is a department store next door."

"Ok, no problem." Sighing and looking a little sheepish and walking towards her companions, "I will be right back. I need to walk next door for something."

"I can go get whatever you need Mione, you need to keep looking for dresses. What do you need?"

"It's ok, I can go, and I won't be long."

"Nonsense kitten, we are big boys we can get you whatever you need." Putting a hand on her shoulder, "Now what is it?"

Knowing that he isn't going to give up at this point in stage, mumbling quietly, and "Knickers."

"Um," rubbing the bridge of his nose and fighting the urge to laugh, "You don't have any on?"

"I don't like them and avoid them when I can." Growing redder by the minute and wrapping her arms around herself, "Now do either of you want to go and get me some or can I leave now that I have thoroughly embarrassed myself."

"I can go trust me there are worse things to shop for than knickers." Harry is walking away from Hermione after she admits what size she would need. "You would buy me boxers if I needed them."

"The things I learn about you Hermione are amazing sometimes. You really are an enigma." Turning her and pointing her at a rack, "Now keep looking." As he is looking through a rack on the opposite side of the store, after twenty minutes or so have passed. A bell on the door is signaling that Harry has returned.

"Ok there are way too many choices for women, just saying that." Handing a bag over to Hermione, "I must have had a confused look on my face because a saleslady came to help me. I tried thinking what kind of knickers you would wear and then it made me think of you in those knickers," shaking his head, "Just wrong. I was just a little uncomfortable." Blushing at the admission, "When I explained they were for my best friend who was a girl, she understood why I was staring at women's knickers. So she helped pick them out."

"Thank you Harry, I do appreciate it."

"I have to ask though well because it is such a not you thing to do. How long have you not been wearing knickers?"

"Harry!" Sirius is shockingly alarmed that he is asking that, "There are certain things you don't ask. That is one of those things."

"Why? I just bought her knickers. Plus I have seen her naked. She has seen me naked." Shrugging his shoulders, "We have few secrets from each other. I was just curious."

Watching Henry put a few more dresses in a room for Hermione walking away from both men towards the room turning around long enough, "Harry, third year," closing the door behind her.

"So care to explain why you have seen her naked?"

"Do you know she is afraid of spiders?" Laughing at the thought, "She tells your crazy cousin to fuck off but she is afraid of spiders." Rubbing his head, "When we were on the run, she had gone into to take a shower, this happened when Ron was gone. She was in there maybe 5 minutes when she let out a blood curdling scream. I, of course start running for her, thinking someone has somehow gotten past the wards. Bursting through the door, I see her standing there, naked pointing at a bloody spider. Instead of covering up, she is yelling at me to kill the thing. I do and walk out redder than any Weasley. I mean, she is my best mate but she is also a girl. There are parts of her I never really wanted to see and I saw all of them." Rubbing his hand down over his face, "She then walks out after her shower like nothing happened. I couldn't look at her for two days!"

"Ready for the first one?" Hermione is calling out from the dressing room, "Although I feel slightly like meringue."

"She's not meringue, just fluffy," Henry's voice is floating out of the same room.

"I don't think this one is right," opening the door and stepping out into the room, in a floor length, white ball of material. Both Sirius's and Harry's eyes got a little wider, "Ok those looks say it all. This is not the right one. Before you try and say anything, Harry you had the same look when you saw Ron's robes for the Yule Ball. Nope, it is bad." Turning back around and closing the door before either man could say anything.

"It was pretty bad," Harry is whispering to Sirius who can only nod his head in agreement. The following dresses were better than the first, less fluffy, less ruffles, some with sparkle, some with lace, nothing seemed quite right. She tried on dresses with long trains, dresses that hugged her figure. The silence was deafening, Harry could read her face and she was not happy, and Hermione unhappy was a very bad thing. Finally deciding something needed to be done, "Henry, can we give her a break for a minute."

"I think that would be a good thing," exiting the room where he had been helping her try on dressed, "I will grab you one of our robes Hermione, that way you don't have to dress to undress again." Walking around the corner, grabbing a fluffy purple robe off the hook and handing it over the door, "Here you go."

"That is exhausting," sitting down next to Sirius, "Where did Harry wander off to?"

"He walked towards the back; he said he had a question for Henry."

"So, are you still glad you offered to come with me looking for a dress?"

"Tremendously kitten," placing a kiss on her temple, "Can't imagine not doing this with you."

Walking back towards them, Harry has a smile on his face that means he has been up to something. Overhead music has come on, holding his hand out to her, "You need to relax and I know this makes everything better in your mind." Pulling her up, wrapping his arm around her waist, clasping her other hand and placing it in between them over their hearts. Leaning his cheek against hers, "Don't worry, you will find your dress. We won't leave until you do."

"May I cut in?" Sirius is tapping Harry on his shoulder bowing slightly, "My fair lady."

"Of course good sir," Spinning her out and then under his arm and around his back in a move that Harry has only seen in movies, movies that were based on World War II in the Muggle world. Hermione looks quite comfortable dancing with him as well.

"Where did the two of you learn to dance like that?"

"Hermione made me one night after she started coming to the house." Answering while Sirius is spinning Hermione again, "She had seen it on a video and made me watch and I figured what the hell. Your mum made me learn to waltz, why not let your best friend make me learn to dance to big band music."

"So can she make anyone do anything she wants," Henry is questioning as he is watching the group of people before him. "Sorry I shouldn't be interrupting."

"Henry, come on," leaving Sirius and taking his hand, "You have been helping me change in and out of dresses for better than an hour now. You are basically family." Swaying to the music, "So you know about us, tell us about you."

"Well," looking at the young woman and the two gentlemen standing nearby, "I am a wizard, from America I went to Salem Wizarding Academy. I had planned on being a teacher there when I had graduated. I had heard of the second wizarding war late in the game but still came and fought. I was at the battle of Hogwarts and then I feel in love with London and never went home. I found this job by accident." Shrugging his shoulders, "Now I get to help all of you wonderful young witches that come in here who were affected by that wonderful law."

"Are you already married? Or do you have to marry as well." Harry is asking from over Hermione's left shoulder.

"Um, well," Henry is blushing, "Even though I am now part of England's Wizarding populous I am exempt."

"Wow, how did you manage that? You are the right age."

Noticing the blush is getting deeper "Harry, leave him alone it is none of our business." Leaning in closer to Henry saying quietly, "I have another friend who is exempt, there just isn't a witch that is his fit," Leaning back to see his reaction, "Is that why you are exempt?"

"Yes," shaking his head slowly, "My parents don't know so they have owled several times asking to meet my match. I have put them off a couple of times saying there aren't enough witches." Sighing and spinning her one last time, "That is only going to work for so long."

"Ok, now that we each had a dance with our fair lady," clapping Sirius is ushering her back to the dressing room. "Come on pet, let's see a few more dresses."

"Merlin's pants! I just remembered a dress you have to try on. I completely forgot about it." Running towards the back of the shop and returning a few minutes later with a big bag. "Can't let you two see this one until she has it on. We have yet to get a bride to agree to it because it is a little out there. If she is marrying one of the Weasley twins it may be right for her." Knocking on the door, "Coming in Hermione,' shutting the door behind him.

Settling back on the chairs they had been in for most of the afternoon, "So do you really think we will find one today?" Harry is watching the door, waiting on the edge of his seat for any indication that the door is opening.

"We will and if not we will take her again until she does find one." Rubbing Harry on the back "She deserves exactly what she wants and I am going to try my hardest to get it for her."

"Thanks Sirius. It means a lot to me how you two have become so close. It seems right, you're my family, she's my family, and we are the lasts of our families."

Before Sirius could say anything the door opens up and Hermione steps out. Inhaling sharply Sirius is clearly dumbfounded by his face, Hermione is wearing a white satin halter style gown that stops below the knees and flares out with white taffeta petticoats. There is beading that contours the v cut neckline and trails down the front of the dress and tapers off close to her waist line the same style of beading dots the hem of the dress as well. Henry had charmed her hair into a messy up do with a flower in it. "Wow kitten, you look wonderful. Better than wonderful, I don't know what to say."

"You haven't see the best part yet," Henry is smiling at them, "This looks like a Muggle wedding dress but it has a wizarding feature. Come on sweetheart, show them what you got." Offering her his hand, she slowly spins a circle and the petticoat and beading start changing color, all different shades of dark greens and dark blues, the colors that Hermione had decided on with Molly to use in their wedding.

"So is this the right one Mione?" Harry asks smiling at her already knowing the answer.

"Yes, I love it. It is special. I can see myself being the center of attention in this dress." Spinning and smiling again, "What do you think boys?" Shaking their heads and smiling in agreement.

"Ok Henry boy, let's discuss this beautiful dress and having it sent to my home," Sirius is taking Henry by the arm while Hermione continues to spin with Harry's assistance.

"Harry, I can't believe it. I found a dress with you and Sirius no less." Wrinkling her nose, "I don't really want to tell Ginny I already have a dress. I really didn't figure I would find anything when you two suggested we come out."

"She will be fine with it, you can still help her pick out her dress for our wedding and you each need bridesmaids dresses for each other's weddings, so you will have the pleasure of shopping with her often enough coming up." Spinning her one last time, "You need to get changed so that we can head home," Walking her to the door, "Need it unzipped?"

"Unlaced, there is no zipper," turning around for him to have access to the back of the dress where it is laced up in a corset style, "Thanks Harry. For everything," Kissing him on the cheek and entering the dressing room. Closing the door behind her and walking away to find Henry and Sirius.

Approaching the two men at a counter towards the back of the shop, watching them discuss the dress in question. Sirius is signing the paperwork and shaking Henry's hand, "Thank you very much Henry, it had been a great afternoon. I will be sure to recommend this shop to the other young ladies we know." Turning to Harry, "Now we wait on her to finish up changing and then we can head back to the house."

"No more waiting," walking up to the men standing at the counter, "I am dressed and ready to go." Putting her hand out to Henry and pulling him close for a well-deserved Hermione hug, "Thank you so much for everything. I will be in touch. I meant it you should come out with us sometime. We always have room for one more in our family of misfit toys."

"Thank you Hermione, I look forward to that. Please let me know if you have anything else I can help you with."

The unlikely trio walks out of the door and towards the apparition point, "So kitten, have any other errands you want us to help with today?"

"I don't think so today, I want to get home before George today and make him dinner." Linking arms with Sirius and Harry while they walk the last block, "I have had fun today. I don't think I could have asked for a better day of shopping." Kissing Harry on the cheek and then raising up on her tip toes to kiss Sirius. "Thank you, both of you."

"You are so happy Mione, I haven't seen you this happy in a long time. I am glad you are so happy with George. I will still be having the obligatory big brother speech with him this weekend while all of you girls are away."

"Girls weekend? Can I come?" Waggling his eyebrows at her Sirius is smirking, "Could you could use a protective mutt around?"

"No Sirius, you can't come," shaking her head, "We are going to Fleur's family home, she invited us so that all of the newly inducted Weasley's will get to know each other."

"Sirius, you can come along and drink with the boys. It will be a good time. Charlie is coming in from Romania, he owled a said he may bring someone from the reserve with another tamer who has the weekend off and Percy is even taking time off work to be with us all."

"Hmmm, Percy drinking maybe worth coming out for a bit, just let me know where and when."

"Well you two sort yours out and I am off I need to stop at the store for supper stuff." Smiling and disappearing before their eyes and landing in near her home. She walks to the neighborhood market and after buying the necessary ingredients she is walking home. After entering the flat and putting the items in the refrigerator Hermione is walking through the flat, pressing play on her Ipod as she passes it heading down the hallway to the bedroom to change out of her jeans. Swinging her hips in time with the music as she pulls clothes out to change into and folding her jeans and placing them and her boots back into their proper places. Pulling on her shorts and tank top and pulling her hair up in a tight ponytail, she walks back out into the kitchen, pulling out the ingredients to make cookies. Peanut butter cookies, she loved them and George being a Weasley never turns down a baked good. Mixing, stirring and separating the dough onto a cookie sheet, she spends the next hour or so immersed in her thoughts of the day. Shopping with her boys, Harry and Sirius, she knew it would be interesting but she never expected to find a dress, her dress, THE dress. It was a surreal experience. Pulling the last sheet of cookies out of the oven, setting the pan on the table to cool. Looking at the clock, 4:30, about an hour until George will be home. Deciding to get started on dinner, as much as she could cook with magic, she preferred to cook the Muggle way. Knowing that George liked just about anything for food, she is going to make Mexican, her mum had started making the spicy food after a dental conference in Texas in America. They all fell in love with the food smiling with the thought of her parents. Puttering around the kitchen while her enchiladas are in the oven, rice is ready on the stove top and she has made her salsa. Dancing along to the music as she finishes cleaning the dishes from her adventures in cooking from the afternoon, she is singing along with the music.

"Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel

Like you're less than, less than perfect

Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel

Like you're nothing, you are perfect to me"

"Those are words you should listen to you, you know," a voice is startling her from the doorway.

Whipping around and pointing her wand at the intruder, "Merlin George, don't scare me like that," putting her wand back down next to the stove. "I lost track of time, I thought I had a little while longer until you got home. Dinner is almost done." Walking past him to set plates on the table.

"Come here," grabbing her as she starts past him again. Wrapping his arms around her middle and putting his chin on the top of her head, "So did you have a good time with Sirius and Harry?"

"We went shopping," stretching up on her tip toes to kiss him softly, "I found a wedding dress."

"Was it exactly what you wanted?"

"Yes it was," sighing and rubbing her cheek on his chest, "Can I be honest?"

"Always."

"I was still scared about all of this until I found it. I still thought you would want to change your mind but now after finding it," smiling up at him, "I feel happier than I thought possible."

Bringing his lips down to capture her mouth, kissing her and bringing his hands up to cup her face, "That makes me happy to hear that. I could care less if you wear your pajamas to the wedding as long as you are happy." Kissing her on her lips, her cheek, her forehead, back on her lips, opening her mouth with his tongue, pulling her closer to his body. One of his hands sliding from the spot on her neck down her back to cup her bum, squeezing causing a moan to come from her.

"Ah hem," a person is clearing their throat from the doorway, "We can come back later if you want."

"Oh yeah, I invited Fred and Angelina over tonight," rubbing her shoulders as she is burying her crimson face in his chest. "I hope that is ok."

"No problem," sighing without moving her face, "just let me go put on some more clothes and I can make another batch of enchiladas." Turning to walk towards the bedroom, "I will be right back."

"We can do something else for dinner if you want," taking her hand in his, "I am sorry I meant to send you a message but I lost track of time."

"No it's fine," kissing his hand, "I promise." Entering their bedroom and pulling out a pair of jogging pants and switching them with the shorts she was wearing, walking back into the kitchen, she can hear Fred and George bantering with each other in the living room.

"Hey Hermione," Angelina is leaning against the doorframe, "Can I help?"

"Sure," pointing at the counter and a few items, "Cut the onion, garlic and cilantro up nice and small and I will get the meat done."

"Sorry that George invited us over without asking first."

"It's not a big deal, just had a long day with Harry and Sirius trying on dresses."

"Did you find something?"

Nodding her head yes, "I found a perfect dress; if I tell you about it will you keep it from Fred?" After receiving the affirmative from the other woman, Hermione is casting a Muffliato spell, she begins to describe the dress she found. The easy conversation carries on while they are finishing up dinner prep while the first pan was finishing up, she slides the second pan in, "Well there is just a few more minutes on the first one. Would you like something to drink?"

"Whatever you are having. Are you looking forward to getting away with the girls?"

"I think it will be a lot of fun." Handing Angelina a beer from the fridge, "It will be interesting getting to know Amanda and Sonia. Well you too, I mean, I know you but if we are going to marry the twins we will be spending a lot of time together."

"I know what you mean, I didn't get to spend much time at school with you but if you can put up with any of the Weasley's for any amount of time. You are good in my book. You know you can call me Angie, right?" Smiling at Hermione, "Plus you kept our Seeker with good enough grades to stay on the Quidditch team." Sitting down on one side of the table raising her eyebrows at the younger witch across from her "So you and George are getting close?"

"Well, yes, we are working on it." Blushing harder and taking a long drink from her beer, "I mean, it is difficult to go from thinking of someone purely platonically to thinking of them as a lover. I never really fancied him like that until recently."

"So I have to ask, how did you sleep with him for so many years and not think of him like that? I mean, I knew Fred and George since first year and they really started looking good around fourth year."

"I was a second year then, I didn't think of guys like that yet. Then growing up with him, it was just George but looking back I guess we always did have a soft spot for each other." Smiling, "He always knew how to make me smile."

"Talking about me love?" Swooping into place a kiss on her cheek, "How much longer until dinner?"

"I will check, it should be almost done," Opening the oven, "Get Fred, it's done," bringing the food to the table and another drink, settling in next to George "Tuck in everyone."

"Mione, this is really good," Fred is looking at her with a little surprise, "I didn't know you could cook."

"I have always liked to cook, just never really had a reason too. Making for one is not only depressing but annoying. You make too much or too little each time." Pointing at George, "Now with him here, I never have to worry about making too much food."

"No, you don't," winking at her "I will eat anything, she also bakes, awesome cookies."

"I never made you cookies before."

"Nope but I snagged one when your back was turned tonight" grinning at her, "It was outstanding. Make those anytime you want to."

Shaking her head at him, "Glad you liked them. So what are you boys going to do while we are all gone in France?"

"Probably hang out at Shell Cottage and go out drinking one night. Percy even told the Ministry he won't be available this weekend. Charlie is bringing another tamer home with him since they have the same weekends off. So it will be interesting." Fred is explaining to the girls in between bites.

"Oh I bet it's Max, he can be a lot of fun, I met him when I visited Charlie. I forgot, Sirius may go along with you guys too, he wanted to come with me to the girl's weekend but I wasn't going for that, even if he can be a loving mutt."

"That's great! He always has awesome stories between him and Charlie, I am sure we will hear some interesting stories about Hogwarts. Charlie was a prefect but he also liked getting in trouble," George explains wiggling his eyebrows at Hermione and Angie, "Especially with girls."

"Yeah, he told me a few stories, let's just say I am glad that the bed he had was never your bed." Laughing at the expression on the twin's face, "Hey I finally made him explain where his bed was his 6th and 7th year because of the stories. You are safe, both of you."

"Thank Merlin, I don't need nightmares about sleeping in the bed Charlie was shagging girls in." Rolling his eyes, Fred looks at George, "That just wouldn't be right."

"I quite agree." Cringing and gagging a little, "Ok that's over now. So, time for dessert yet?" Smirking at Hermione and kissing her cheek when she rolls her eyes at him "Come on, love. I will clean up tonight."

"Fine, go ahead and get the cookies." Looking at Angie and laughing, "Bottomless pits, both of them." Talking for a little while longer after the boys eat their dessert, Angeline and Fred decide it is time to head home both of them can hardly stay awake. "Get some sleep it is going to be an adventurous weekend for us all. Floo here tomorrow Angie and we can head to Fleur's together." Both of them nodding and heading home via the Floo, turning towards George after she hears the Floo turn off. "I think that was a great night. Angie and I get along pretty well."

"Good, I am glad to hear that." Pushing her down the hallway with a kiss and a swat on the behind, "I will clean up and you go get ready for bed."

"Fine, just don't take too long." Heading into the bathroom first thing, washing her face and brushing her teeth, she is changing into her pajamas and crawling into bed. Not realizing how tired she is, she doesn't even hear George come to bed.

After getting himself ready for bed, he crawls in next to Hermione and pulling her close to him, "Night love," kissing the top of her head and settling in with his arms around her and her scent lulling him off to sleep.

So next chapter will be the weekend get together for both the girls and the guys, I hope it won't take as long to write as this chapter did. Had some writers block. Give me some ideas of how you see the weekend going, if you want to. Reviews are always welcome. Thank you to all of you that have reviewed, favorited or followed the story.