As they reached the edge of the apparation zone, Fred let go of Hermione's hand. "Who does think he is?" Fred began pacing back and forth, still upset over the happenings in the Burrow. Hermione stepped in front of him, stopping his pacing, and laid a gentle hand on his cheek. They stared at one another for a minute, Hermione could see every single one of his freckles that adorned his face thanks to the moonlight.

"Thank you," Hermione murmured softly. Fred leaned into her hand and closed his eyes. She smiled as she watched him. "Don't be too mad for much longer. Ron will, eventually, realize that he was being a complete ass. It's not as if he owns me."

Fred's eyes opened and flashed at this, "No one owns you 'Mione."

She smiled and dropped her hand. "Of course not." The wind was very cold, especially since she left her coat and scarf inside. Her body shivered at the bitterness.

Fred noticed this and rubbed his hands up and down her arms. "Do you want to go back inside?"

Hermione shook her head, "I think I just want to go back home. I could use a hot bath and a cup of hot cocoa." Fred nodded his head. Before she turned on her heel, Hermione reached up and placed a light kiss on Fred's cheek, "Thank you," She said, her breath fanning across his cheek. With that, Hermione stepped back and turned on her heel, disapparating home.

….

For the next several days, Hermione decided it was best that she avoided the Burrow. She wanted to give Ron time to calm down, knowing that his anger can last a long while. Not visiting the Burrow did not stop her from visiting with Ginny.

They were at the Leaky Cauldron enjoying lunch when Ginny brought up what had happened between Hermione, Ron, and Fred. "I haven't seen Fred that angry in a really long time. I'm almost surprised that he didn't do more damage to Ron."

Hermione sighed, "It's a good thing that he didn't. I really would hate to be the reason why there is tension in your family."

Ginny snorted into her glass, "Too late."

Hermione glared at her friend, knowing the truth behind her words, but disliking them all the same. "So, tell me honestly," Ginny began, "What do you think of Fred?"

Caught off guard, Hermione choked on her drink. "Whatever do you mean?"

"Do you like him? Do you think you will enjoy being married to him? Do you think the two of you can be a family?"

"I…I don't know, honestly. I haven't put too much thought into, well, us."

"You might want to start thinking and soon. It's inevitable, you'll be married to him in six months."

"I know," Hermione said tersely.

Ginny stared at her friend inquisitively. "I think you should see him at his shop." Hermione raised her brow. "What? I think you should. You have the afternoon off today, what else are you going to do?"

Hermione took this into consideration. It was true that she had nothing else planned for today and she and Fred did need to talk – she hadn't seen him since that night. She nodded her head slowly, "Yeah, okay. I think I will."

Ginny smirked, "Great! And while you're there, ask him on a date."

"Ginny!"

"How else are you going to get to know him and get more comfortable with him?"

Hermione just stared blankly at the girl across from her. "I'll think about it."

"Good. Now that matter is settled, I wanted to get your opinion on colors. Harry mentioned something about red and gold, but that's not exactly the colors I was thinking of. I was thinking more along the lines of pink. What do you think?"

The two girls spent the next half hour discussing wedding details.

…

Hermione left the Leaky Cauldron and made her way down the busy street of Diagon Alley, weaving in and out of the crowd. She stopped when she was about one and a half meters from her destination. She stared up at the store, watching the arm bring the hat up and down, revealing a rabbit sitting on top of the man's head. The store was busy, despite Hogwarts being in session. Young children were glued to the windows, peeking in, begging their parents to let them have a look around. Adults rushing in and out, presumably doing a little early Christmas shopping.

Hermione took a deep breath and entered the throng of people, looking for the man she wanted needed to see. She made her way towards the cashiers in the back, dodging flying objects and running children on the way, when she spotted Verity. She reached the blonde witch who looked severely overwhelmed. "Hello Verity, do you happen to know where Fred is?"

Verity spared her a quick glance, "I don't believe he's on the floor. Check the workshop in the back. If he's not there, you can try their apartment upstairs. If he's not their either, then I dunno."

Hermione nodded her thanks and went to check the workshop. Upon reaching the door, she read a sign,

"Enter at your own risk. Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes will not be liable for any damage (which can include, but is not limited to: memory loss, vision impairment, hearing impairment, loss of limbs, and death) caused when entering. Please knock."

Hermione rolled her eyes and knocked on the door. When no answer came, she carefully opened the door and peeked in. No one was there so she shut the door back and looked for the staircase leading to the twins' apartments. She walked up the spiral stairs that were hidden behind a curtain. When she reached the landing, she walked a few paces to the door and saw that it was ajar. She entered the room apprehensively – her wand at the ready.

She heard noises coming one of the rooms. She went to investigate, whispering Alhomora to open the door. What she saw made her face heat up, eyes widen, lips part, and cause her to drop her wand.