CHAPTER 5
Pairing: Fred W/Hermione G
Rating: K+
DISCLAIMER: Only the plot is mine.
A/N: HEY GUYS! So sorry for the long wait; I had AWFUL writers block! I still do, so this chapter will be a bit short, but we'll see where it goes… I hope to make it at least 1000 words. Unfortunately, I didn't get any reviews in response to last chapter, so I don't really know where to go from here, but I guess I'll just have to find out! Thanks!
Last time on "A Place to Stay and a Heart To Love":
"So, Hermione. You have nowhere to stay?" Hermione shook her head. "What if you stayed here? We have an extra bedroom, if you don't mind sharing with your kids, and you can lay low here until you divorce Michael." She looked at Fred in shock, appalled that he would offer after how she treated his family.
"Are you sure?" Fred nodded enthusiastically. Hermione beamed at him, and then gave him a one-armed hug in thanks. The day seemed to be getting better after all.
Present time:
Hermione cradled Hugo in her arms after his feeding, and walked around the spacious flat, inspecting the twins' living space. The entire flat was tastefully decorated – something which Hermione did not expect from the twins. She only peeked into the bedrooms, flushing in embarrassment as she saw the undergarments that littered the floor. The kitchen was tidy, as was the hall and drawing room.
Hermione was thoroughly inspecting the twins' bookshelf (much to the amusement of Fred, who had yet to leave her side), when the clock chimed in the background. Hermione whipped around at the sound, searching for the clock in the room. She spotted it on the wall, and let out a gasp.
"Oh my! I didn't realize it was already that late! 1 in the afternoon! Rosie must be hungry – I couldn't get her anything but milk this morning." Fred nodded, and led her into the kitchen. He gestured to a chair at the table, and then puttered around the kitchen.
"Sandwiches alright, Hermione?" Fred turned to see her nod, and shot her a smile. She returned the gesture before turning to her son, making faces at him and tickling his tummy. His sweet giggle filled the small kitchen, and Hermione couldn't help but melt at the innocent sound. Out of the entire horror story that was her life with Michael, she was incredibly grateful to any spirit above for her children. They were the one thing that kept her grounded. They were her life.
A loud squeal of "SAMMICH!" jolted Hermione out of her reverie, and she was just narrowly able to grab Hugo off the table before George swooped down on the platter and stuffed one into his mouth. A little less energetic Rose followed, and the small group settled down for some lunch.
"Mummy! Guess what!" Rose literally bounced in her chair from excitement.
"What, baby?" Hermione asked, humoring her daughter. It warmed her heart to see Rose so happy.
"No mummy! Must guess! GUESS!" Rose's voice slowly rose in volume as her excitement increased. The twins looked at the small girl in amazement; who knew something so small could make so much noise? Hermione just looked exasperated, for she was used to her temperamental daughter.
"Rose Marie Granger! Use your inside voice young lady," Hermione berated. (A/N: Hermione doesn't want anything more to do with Michael, and so she decided to drop his last name.) Rose's expression turned to one of guilt immediately.
"Sorwy mummy. But guess!" Hermione sighed before giving into her daughter's demand.
"I can't honey! Why don't you just tell me?" Hermione waited for her daughter to consider the offer.
"OTAY! Unca Georgie said I was a – a – what did you say?" Rose looked at her Uncle with a confused expression on her face. George chuckled at the small child.
"I said, that our Rosie-Posie here is a Master Prankster! She must come and work for us!" George turned to Hermione and clasped his hands together in a begging gesture. Rose giggled impishly, excited at the honor that was bestowed upon her.
"Wow, Rosie!" Hermione was genuinely happy that her daughter was happy with her uncles, and away from her father. It only made her more confident in her decision. She watched fondly as the twins and Rose devoured the sandwiches. A thought suddenly occurred to her.
"Fred?" Fred looked up from his meal, and smiled.
"Yethch?" Hermione frowned at his full mouth, but continued with her thought.
"Could you please show me to our room after lunch. Only Hugo has to nap, and I would like to lie down as well… It's been a long day." Fred nodded enthusiastically at Hermione, and stuffed the remainder of his sandwich into his over-full mouth. Hermione frowned again, and muttered something akin to 'ew boys'. Still chewing, Fred stood up from the table and motioned for Hermione to follow him.
The trio walked down the hall (Hermione brought Hugo with her to put him down for a nap) and entered a relatively large bedroom at the very end of the hall. A loud gasp escaped Hermione's lips as she saw the inside of the room. The king-sized bed was situated in the middle of the room, against a brightly green wall. Each wall was a different color: Green, Blue, Orange, and Peach. In any other room, the colors would be atrocious, but in this case, the colors actually suited the room, and the furniture, and the twins.
The furniture was all a simple cream color. There was a dresser with a large mirror perched on top, and a small nightstand beside the bed. A one-person desk was nestled into the corner, stacked with parchment, ink, and quills among other things. Hermione let loose a small giggle at the décor, and turned to Fred.
"It's…. Wonderful." Fred felt warmth build up in his body at the glowing look on Hermione's face. He'd had a soft spot for everyone's favorite Living Library, ever since his 7th year when she seemed to be just as intent on getting Umbridge out of Hogwarts as the twins. Who knew the reserved and studious bookworm had a pranking side!
"I'm glad you like it."
A/N: Please leave a review!