The following day found Hermione in Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes trying to convince Fred to join in on Ron and Hermione's plan. A plan to which Fred agreed to instantly. Corresponding wit Ron, the three had decided that they would conduct their act on Friday. When Ron and Fred had finished their fight in the Atrium, they would move to a back alley in Knockturn Alley. Hermione would already be waiting there in Harry's invisibility cloak (which he was so generous to borrow) to hunt for the cockroach – Rita Skeeter.
It was brilliant, Hermione thought. And so it was. Hermione found the bug and captured her once more. She was turned into the Auror department who stripped her of her wand. When Ms. Skeeter appeared on trial, she was sentenced to 3 years in Azkaban. Hermione scoffed indignantly at this (she thought Ms. Skeeter should be awarded five years) But eventually came around.
A small celebratory party took place at the Weasley household for their newest accomplishment. Everyone enjoyed Molly's exceptional meal, the conversations, the company, and of course the cake. After everyone was feeling full from the feast they had consumed, Mrs. Weasley looked at everyone, "Well, I do believe it is time to start planning weddings," She said, "Set dates, choose a venue, someone to ordain, pick out color schemes, select a menu, pick out a cake. Of course, we need to find dresses and dress robes for everyone, create guest lists, and don't forget about flowers. Oh, there is just so much to do and so little time to do it in."
Hermione looked a tad overwhelmed at all Mrs. Weasley had suggested, one glance around the room told her she wasn't the only one. In fact, the only person who looked a little excited was Ginny. "I would like for you all to discuss with your partners and come up with potential dates so we can begin planning. Let me know by tomorrow evening at the latest." Head numbly nodded in agreement. The older lady smiled and clapped her hands, "Brilliant! I think I shall fix some tea, if anyone should want some." And with that, she was out of site.
Arthur looked at the sickly faces of his family and gave a sympathetic grin. "Unfortunately, I do agree that it is time for you all to give these weddings more priority. You had 6 months and the first month is almost up." While his words did hold a significant amount of truth in it, it didn't seem to help their nerves. The patriarch sighed wearily and stood up, "Tell your mother I've gone to bed. Goodnight everyone."
After Molly was told where her husband had gone, she soon followed him saying goodnight. Hermione still sat on the couch beside Harry and Ginny, still processing what Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had said. She realized, her stomach clenching, that she would soon be a married woman in a mere matter of months. She chanced a glance at Fred who she saw was having a light conversation with George. When he saw her, he offered a hesitant smile before motioning to the floo and raising an eyebrow. She nodded in both understanding and agreement.
Fred, George, and Hermione stood up and gave their goodbyes, all flooing to the twins' flat. George said goodnight, explaining that he would talk to Angelina tomorrow, leaving Fred and Hermione alone. Hermione flopped on the couch and brought her knees to her chest. Fred carefully sat beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into him. "I suppose we should decide on a date?"
Hermione agreed and summoned a calendar so they could go over dates. The pair knew that they had until the 22nd of May, 2000. They mutually decided on Saturday the 8th of April, 2000 as their wedding date. Hermione looked up at Fred to find that he was already staring at her. She smiled and laid her head on his shoulder. "Can you believe it? We're going to be married."
Fred acknowledged her by kissing the top of her head. She continued, "I never planned on marrying this early. I had always wanted to establish myself in my career first." Fred rubbed soothing patterns on her shoulder. "Fred, I'm scared."
His movements stopped as he looked down at her, "I am too, 'Mione."
"Really? You've seemed so, composed, over this situation."
"That's just who I am. I find the light in every situation, even if I'm terrified of it."
"If you don't mind me asking, which part are you terrified of?"
He considered her for a moment, "I'm afraid I won't be a good husband. I'm afraid I won't be the husband you deserve. I'm afraid that I won't be a good father and that I will fuck everything up." He apologized for use of language in a low voice. So, low that Hermione almost didn't catch it, not that she minded. "But most of all," He continued, "I am so afraid that I won't make my family happy."
"You'll be fantastic, Fred." She gave a genuine smile and snuggled further into him.
He smiled, happy that she thought so, even if he wasn't entirely convinced. "If you don't mind me asking, which part are you terrified of?"
"The same as you: I'm afraid that I will be a terrible wife, a horrendous mother, and that I will bring misery to my family."
Fred placed another kiss into her hair, "Never," He whispered.
Although Hermione wasn't entirely convinced, she found that in that moment, she was content. So with that fleeting thought, Hermione fell asleep in Fred's arms.