The cold and emptiness she felt during her dream was what stirred the brunette awake. With somnolent eyes she looked in front of her, discovering why she felt such a way. Hermione could have sworn Fred was beside her just a few moments ago… but maybe it was just a dream afterall? The witch scanned the room, her brown hues disappointed in finding nothing to represent of the prankster. Not even a shitty letter of his again. With a huff, the witch stood up and began to get ready.

Hermione fled down the stairs, the smell of Molly's cooking like a trail she desired to follow and find. Molly, as usual beamed at her, flooding Hermione with her genuine motherly warmth.

"Is there anything I can help with Mrs. Weasley?" Hermione asked politely.

"Not today, darling. But thank you!" Molly then nudged her head in a general direction at the table and caused Hermione to finally notice the tallest figure in the room. The gawkiness of Ron wasn't present and she noticed the more sculptured frame to the lad.

"Fred!" The words came out of Hermione's mouth in such surprise. Now she questioned what were her dreams and what was her reality. But she had felt the warmth of him last night. She doubted dreams could come close to such a feeling.

"The one and only," he remarked coldly and picked at the toast in his hand.

Molly, who now was lingering, held her tongue. Something she normally never had done. The older woman took this cue and exited without a word.

"Fred… I know this isn't exactly what you wanted-". Hermione couldn't even finish her sentence; Fred's piercing gaze alarmed her into muteness and trepidation. Her breath held. This was a sight she never wanted to see again.

"You're right. You're who I don't want," he replied coldly and turned away from her.

So this was the Fred, George hardly ever talked about. Hermione could understand why now. Why now the once inseparable twins were now separable. Tears prickled at her eyes. She finally let out her breath, it coming out much harsher than she planned.

"Right." Was all she could manage to get out.

It hurt. Not because she cared for him in a romantic way. It hurt to hear from anyone you cared about or viewed as a friend. She didn't view herself in such a way that marrying her would be awful. Sure she was a know it all, and was stubborn. But was marrying her really that horrible?

"I'll see you at the ministry, I need to go powder my nose." It was a pathetic excuse to leave the room. However, it was one she gladly took just to get away.

As she fled the kitchen she could hear the faintest "I'm sorry". At least… that is what she believed she heard.

Practically running out of the kitchen and up the stairs, Hermione bumped into Ron on the third floor of the Burrow. Wiping her eyes, she went straight into his arms. Taking him by surprise from her outburst of a hug and tears. He held her tightly and consoled her. Without even knowing what happened. The witch laughed through her tears and managed to get a smile on her face.

"I just needed this, sorry."

"I'm always here for a hug, Hermione," Ron replied softly, giving her a light squeeze.

Hermione stayed in this embrace for a few more moments. Enjoying the fact he was home and able to comfort her in such a way that really only Harry ever did. Regardless, she knew now she would need their comforting more than ever.

"Hermione?" Fred's voice called. It was much more his usual tone than before. It was the only tone Hermione heard him use when comforting friends or family. The few times she ever had seen him serious.

As the twin made his way up the stairs he stopped when he saw the two in their embrace. Hermione watched as several emotions crossed Fred's face in split seconds. All the while he never broke his gaze with her. She was surprised the most that the last emotion she saw pass through his eyes was hurt. Over what she didn't know, but she felt deep in her heart that it involved her.

"Time to go."

It was such a quick reply, it wasn't as harsh as before, but it wasn't the tone he just had either. Hermione let go of Ron promptly, following the prankster who now descended down the stairs. She trailed behind him sadly, turning slightly to mouth a goodbye to Ron.

When they reached the downstairs, Hermione felt a harsh hold on her hand. She turned slightly to see Fred had taken ahold of it, but he didn't look at her. He stared off with a stoic face. Her curious mind now contemplating what he could possibly be thinking.

Before she could try and say anything, they both had apparated. Gone to have their souls officially bonded together.

The pull was quick and if it weren't for Fred she might have fallen over. But the tight grip he held on her hands kept her upright. She watched as many people moved around them. They were in the Ministry of Magic. The sight always took her by surprise. It was so remarkable. It was so picturesque. To think in only a few months she would be a part of such a place. Working here was a close dream now. She was absolutely ecstatic for it.

However, the person tugging on her hand, forcing her to move, brought her back to why she was really here. To get her soul bounded to someone she didn't love in such a way. Who didn't and probably never love her in return.

"Kingsley should be waiting for us. He is preforming the ceremony. I got Dad as our witness," Fred explained calmly, turning slightly to offer her a smile.

The quick change with emotions he was having was throwing Hermione off. She thought Ronald was awful. Then it abruptly clicked in her head. It all made sense in an instant. He had every reason to have such unpredictability. Within a new light, Hermione saw him. Fred was hurting. He wasn't just a prankster to her anymore. Someone only useful for causing good laughs and to always ease the tension. He was a man who had a near death experience. A man with sadness carried heavy in his heart now. Sympathy overwhelmed her.

The brunette witch abruptly stopped, starring at him with wide eyes when he turned to her. "I'm sorry!"

A small smile came on the others lips and he shook his head. "Not here, Hermione."

The witch nodded and the two stared at one another for a long time. Fred took a step closer, in return Hermione held her breath. He leaned in closely and she thought for brief seconds he was about to kiss her. When his lips touched the tip of her ear, she knew it wasn't that.

"I'm not ready to hear her name," Fred whispered. He pulled back and released his hold on Hermione's shoulder that helped to keep him balanced.

Just like before in the burrow, Hermione saw it again, saw the hurt in his eyes. Angelina was the reason for this. He really cared for her.

"Hermione, Fred! Over here!" Kingsley called, waving the two over. The greeting was brief between the three before the oldest man led them to the room where the bond was being made.

Hermione watched as many workers examined stacks and stacks of letters. Hermione presumed to be appeals. Maybe even confirmations about wedding dates? She had no clue.

"How many appeals do you think they get a day?" Hermione asked quietly to the ginger boy, her interest high now.

"Already thinking of leaving me Granger?" Fred teased. It surprised Hermione. Just a few moments he was asking her not to say anything that would cause him any pain. Now he was being playful? She turned to look at him and he was grinning wildly at her.

"If you keep up these mood swings, I just might."

It was meant to be playful, but Hermione had forgotten already what Angelina did to him. Fred's face said it all for her. His playful manner dropped and he just nodded. Ending their conversation like that.

The three stepped into a small room, a new department of the ministry Hermione guessed. Arthur greeted both her and Fred with a big hug. Hermione and Arthur exchanged brief words about Arthur's day before Fred interrupted them with a cough.

"The sooner we could get this done," he muttered and headed over to be in the middle of the room.

Hermione looked down sadly, she felt so vastly awful. Not only was she being forced into marriage. She was forcing someone who knew who he wanted to be with. A person who wasn't her. She would never want to do that to anyone. A light touch on her shoulder caused her to look back at Arthur, who gave her a supportive smile.

"It'll get better, love," he promised with his own hopeful tone.

As Hermione and Fred sat, Kingsley explained the procedure. Asking questions to fill out their report.

"Now what are the living arrangements?" Kingsley asked, dipping his quill in the ink.

"Hermione will live at my flat with George and I. Its got enough room," Fred answered on behalf of the both of them. Hermione sat there in quiet revelation; he had planned that far ahead?

"And any dates for the wedding?"

"None yet," Hermione quickly jumped the gun. This was also her wedding. If she were going to have one, she would get to make some decisions about it as well.

"Right," Kingsley muttered, setting down his quill and crossed his fingers. "Maybe now might be a good time to mention some side effects."

"The bond draws you two closer; if you try to push away, it will reflect on your emotions. It can cause tension so it is best to be as adaptive to this as possible." Kingsley paused and waited to see if the two understood. They both nodded and the man carried on.

"The longer you put off the marriage the harsher it will reflect on your body. This spell was created to make sure the match was good. However, if there continues to be problems and it is damaging the body too harshly, an appeal can be made. It will be denied though if the marriage is not longer than year."

Hermione let out a gasp. "An entire year?" she whispered. Her body would have to suffer for five years if her and Fred couldn't make things work?

"Yes, an entire year." Kingsley repeated. "This spell will enhance your emotion towards the other for the first three years. Either it will remain the same or it will go back to normal after the year is over." He added, looking directly at Hermione waiting for an outburst again. "Now, if there is no questions… shall we get started?"

The two stood up, Arthur taking both of the chairs out of the way. Kingsley motioned for the two to face one another. "Now, take hold of the other's arm," he ordered. Fred and Hermione did so instantaneously. Kingsley began reciting the spell as the two looked at one another. Hermione sucked in a breath; she could feel the rush of the spell, it taking place around them. It seemed as if a red thread was being laced around the embraced arms.

Hermione looked at Fred's face, taking in all of his features. His deep blue eyes lit with amazement, she found herself most captivated by his color. It was enigmatically the most beautiful color of blue she had ever seen. She looked at his face, his well-framed features. The spell had to be working, she had never noticed these things before.

A bright blush came on her face as he caught her gawking. His sly smirk spreading across his features, giving her a impish wink. He was beyond handsome.

"And with this bond I complete," Kingsley finished. Just with the end of his words, Hermione felt the magic from the spell vanish from the room. Her desire to have that feeling again so lusty. It was too remarkable, she questioned if she could ever feel it again.

"Now, the ministry will need someone present besides myself for your wedding. The sooner you can get us a date, the easier it is on the ministry," Arthur explained, smiling to his son and future daughter in law.

They left quietly, saying quick goodbyes. As the soon to be couple departed, there was a distance between them. Hermione noticed though that this was the most relaxed she had seen Fred. Even since his accident.

"So I'm living with you?" Hermione asked quietly when they left the building.

"I figured a husband and wife should live together," he replied with playful sarcasm.

"When would you like me to move in?" Hermione asked quietly. She really had just grown accustomed to Fred and George's old room. It didn't hold much sentimental value, but she would like to at least pretend it did.

"Mum already moved you in. I'll let you take a look at the place, then we can go shopping for things you want."

Fred held out his arm, Hermione felt drawn to take it. Relief flooding through her from the warmth of his skin. An overwhelming sensation of happiness and gratefulness that he was alive and here. So these were the side effects Kingsley had mentioned. The ginger haired man turned a bit and smiled at her before apparating into his beloved shop and home.