" You ready Hermione?" Fred whispered in her ear as he slowly guided her to his office at the back of the store. He could feel her eyes darting around beneath his hand in excited anticipation. Her mouse was not completely trained yet, but he couldn't deny her wish to see it any longer. George teased him for spending more time with her mouse, but he wanted the mouse to be perfect, just like her. He wanted to prove the legitimacy of his feelings for her. He teased her yes, but he had been in love with her since the yule ball. As he watched her come down those stairs, it hit him. He had always thought she was a pretty girl. Brave too. However it was that dress that made him see her as a young woman not a girl. It was then that he started to pay more attention to her. At first it was purely physical, but as the years went by, she became...amazing. He reluctantly backed off when she started to show feelings for Ron, but before they had left to go on the run, Hermione had said something to him that gave him hope.

FLASHBACK

" May i have this dance Granger?" He whispered behind Hermione as she stood back admiring the wedding decor, while the other guests danced. He held his breath as Hermione whirled around startled by his sudden presence.

" Fred, geez you scared me." Hermione laughed. He held his hand out and smiled at her in a pleading way, making it impossible for her to resist. She laughed again as she took his hand and fell into step beside him as they walked to the dance floor.

He twirled her into his arms and she wrapped her arms around his neck. They slowly moved to the music, and enjoyed each other's company. He noticed a sadness in her eyes that bugged him.

" You're leaving aren't you? The time has come." Fred pulled her closer to him as he felt her tense.

" I am afraid so. Harry hasn't said anything but its coming. I can see it on his face. We have to find the Horcruxes before he does. It is the only way we will win this war. It's the only way he will survive." Hermione whispered lowering her head into his neck to hide the water forming in her eyes.

" George and i have been thinking of ways to keep them distracted while you guys save the world. If we can get ahold of just one death eater, we can charm their mark to make chicken noises everytime someone says his name. Although i've been thinking maybe instead of chickens, it could be donkeys because he is such an assho…." Hermione covered his mouth as his mother danced past. He was hoping what he said would make her smile but instead he saw fear in her eyes.

" Don't you dare Frederick Weasley. You would become an instant target, they would not stop until you were dead, and i could not bear such a thing. You are too important to me, to your family. Swear to me Fred. Swear to me you will do no such thing. Swear to me you will keep your head down and off their radar as much as possible. PROMISE ME FRED!" Hermione pleaded, her voice nearly getting loud enough for the people surrounding them to hear.

Her words hit him like a train. She cared for him. More than he realized. But was it enough?

" Awe come on Mione, even if you did lose me, you still have the rest of us weasleys to annoy ya. Especially Ron. He will annoy you for life." He summoned the best smile he could even if saying those words hurt.

" I care for Ron. Ron cares for me. But i don't think a future together is in the cards. We just want different things. I mean, i'll give things a shot if he wants to try but i don't have much faith in anything more than a small relationship. I decided last year i didnt want to invest my heart into anyone until after the war. Too much is at risk to lose. I cant bear the misery of losing someone i invested my heart into. You know?" She looked at him, searching for understanding, but he was at a loss.

" Hermione, you cannot shut yourself off from love. Whether it be Ron or someone else, love is the only thing that will win this war. Imagining a future with someone is the only way you will keep hope alive. If Harry and Ron are going to survive this trip into darkness, they need you to have hope for a future. A happy future." He could see doubt but understanding brewing in that beautiful brain of hers. Her lips upturned into a smile and she leaned up and kissed his cheek as the music began to fade.

" If you promise to not do anything foolish, i will promise to try and have hope for an amazing future for myself and others." She took a step and held out her hand to him. He grabbed it and shook.

" I promise Hermione Granger."

" I promise Fred Weasley."

END FLASHBACK

" Ummmm. Fred. Are we here?" Hermione piped up. Fred realized they had been standing in the middle of the room for a few minutes as her reminisced. He could feel her excitement and nervousness.

" Alright Hermione Granger, it's time to meet your mouse." He whispered in her ear, as he lifted his hand from her eyes.

" Fred….she is beautiful." Hermione whirled around so suddenly he nearly fell back in surprise. Her arms wrapped around him tight as she stretched herself as tall as she could and kissed him. She bounced back smiling as big as she could and walked back towards her mouse.

He couldn't keep the huge smile off his face. He finally got a kiss from Hermione. And he swore to himself he would never stop trying to get more.