Notes: Thanks to those of you who are reading and reviewing. Also, thanks for following me over from the original story. If you haven't already, I recommend reading it first. It is now complete.

Chapter 6

"So where is she now?" George asked.

"Well, that is the question now, isn't it? Do you think if I knew I would be sitting here with you? She just disappeared. Wouldn't even let me talk." Fred threw himself down on the couch in the flat he and George shared. Everything was so messed up. He should have known all the joking around would come back to bite him in the arse one day.

"You're not going to look for her?"

"Look where? I have no bloody idea where she went. Even if I did find her what would I say? She's convinced the whole thing is a joke."

George stared at him in disbelief. "You've known that the whole time. Suddenly you're giving up because of some things our git of a brother said? C'mon, Fred! Don't be thick. So she thinks it is a joke now. Show her you're serious."

"Kind of hard to do when you don't know where she is," he grumbled. "Besides, Harry went after her. I'm sure the Boy Wonder will make it all better."

George rolled his eyes. "Now you're jealous of Harry?"

"Yes! I mean, no! I don't know. She trusts him, doesn't she? She wouldn't even talk to me. Practically begged me to stay away from her even." He cringed as he remembered how she had flinched at his touch.

He jumped up as a pillow came crashing down on his face. "Bloody hell, George! What was that for?" He grabbed the pillow and tossed it angrily back to his brother.

"You're being a prat."

"What do you suggest then, oh genius brother of mine?"

"Tell her."

"It's not that simple," he said.

"Why not? Not like you can make a much bigger fool out of yourself at this point."

"Thanks a lot, Georgie."

"You know what I mean. What's the worst that could happen? The ball is tomorrow anyway."

"The ball!" He groaned. What if she didn't want to go with him any more? He nearly laughed out how ridiculous the whole situation was turning out to be.

"It's Granger. She'll go. She said she would. Far too noble to go back on her word."

"You're right. I'll just have to prove it to her tomorrow night." He grinned slowly. "Good thing I can be pretty noble myself."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I did say I was going to kiss her at midnight, right? What kind of man would I be if I went back on my word?"

He was feeling somewhat better after his talk with George, but decided he better find Ginny anyway. His brother was probably right. Hermione was far too nice to back out of going to the ball now, but he couldn't really risk that, could he? He cornered his little sister downstairs after breakfast at the Burrow the next morning. She would know what Hermione was up to.

"Fred! Ow! What are you doing?" she hissed as he grabbed her arm to prevent her from ascending the stairs.

"I need to talk to you," he said. "Privately."

"What is it then?" she asked, clearly annoyed by the sudden interruption.

He stared blankly at her for a moment. Now that he had her here he wasn't sure what to say. He hadn't actually told anyone other than George about what was going on, or rather what was not going on, with Hermione and he didn't know how to bring it up.

"Is this about Hermione?" she asked.

He rolled his eyes and couldn't help but smirk. Leave it to Ginny. Always knows everything first she does. "What do you know about it then?" he asked.

"Only that you are clearly up to something as usual. Do you like her? Because if you're just messing with her Fred Weasley, I swear I'll-"

"Will you keep your voice down? I'm not messing with her, Gin! I just need to know if she is still planning to go to the ball with me or not." Fantastic. Even his little sister didn't trust him.

Ginny eyed him carefully, but decided to let it go. "Yes, I'm helping her get ready."

"Wicked!" He planted a kiss on the top of his sister's head. "Thanks, Gin."

"Fred!" she called after him as he walked away. His chest already felt a little lighter as he realized things still had a chance to work out.

"Yeah?"

"Don't hurt her."

He grinned widely. The type of grin that only a Weasley twin could fully master. "Never."

Fred was sitting downstairs at the Burrow watching the stairs expectantly. He had been ready for the ball for nearly an hour, a fact that George insisted on teasing him about relentlessly, but he couldn't help it. This was his chance. Tonight would probably end up being either the best night or worst night of his life. It was enough to set any bloke a little on edge.

He watched his sister descend the stairs and felt his pulse start to quicken. Hermione couldn't be far behind her. It was now or never. Time to show Hermione just how charming he could be. He took a deep breath hoping to calm his nerves, but didn't have time to dwell on any more of his concerns. She was at the top of the stairs and Merlin, was she gorgeous. She was wearing the most beautiful dress he had ever seen. It fit her perfectly, accenting her curves in all the right places. Her hair fell in soft ringlets around her face and the way the rich color of the dress complemented her features was absolutely breathtaking. Bloody hell, he had known she would look good, but this was almost unfair.

"Hermione?" he asked uncertainly not wanting to be too forward after things were left the previous evening. She turned slowly towards him, his apprehension quickly turning to relief as she smiled up at him. "Fred," she said.

"You look beautiful," he said, taking her arm and proudly escorting her outside. He knew everyone was staring at them and he knew they were making her a little self-conscious, but he didn't care. Let them stare. He had the most beautiful witch in the world on his arm and he intended to enjoy it.

"Nervous?" he asked as they prepared to enter the tent.

She blushed a little before shaking her head. He loved it when she blushed. "Just excited," she said. His heart skipped a beat at this and he grinned down at her.

"Well, then, let's do this, shall we?"

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