Here comes baby Victorie.
And, okay, this chapter will be long. Much longer than all the previous ones, and its because I needed to get this all together and done with to keep moving on. I've felt kind of stuck trying to get to this fight, so I thought giving one really long chapter wouldn't be too bad.
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Hermione collapsed onto the dusty couch in Grimmauld Place, creating quite a stir of dust and dirt flying around her head. She tried to ignore it, but she was pretty sure a pixie hit her bun on the way out. Ginny landed somewhere in the same vicinity as her friend, Teddy resting comfortably against her chest. Hermione had arrived at Harry's home minutes ago, needing to sit down after her last goodbye kiss, from her date with Fred. She hadn't even realized Ginny was there until she'd opened the door to an intense Bat-Bogey Hex, and a frightened ginger. Once she realized what had happened, Ginny rushed to fix up her friend and led her in, letting her know Harry had decided she and Teddy should have a day to themselves.
"So we went to Honeydukes where we played with every sticky surface, I brought him to the small play yard in Ottery St. Catchpole where he ate a handful of sand. And to finish our day, I took him to the twins' shop, where Teddy managed to collect enough Whizz-Bangs to set the window display on fire."
Hermione sat shocked, staring at her friend, who had managed to whip herself into a tizzy, while Teddy lay content against her chest. "Is the shop okay now?"
Ginny gave Hermione a glare for ignoring the obvious, "Yes, George put it out. He was beside me when it happened. How can I be this bad at this, 'Mione?"
"At what? Parenting? Ginny, you've been an official mum for a day; you're allowed to be bad for a few weeks more, at least."
"But Hermione! He ate sand!"
"Are you saying you never have?"
Hermione got another glare from the other girl, "That's beside the point; this child could be in danger when he's with me. I feel like I need to give him to my mother whenever I'm alone. This is actually why Harry left me with him, to 'bond'. More like, 'an excuse for Ginny to kill him'." Ginny flopped against the back of her chair, disturbing Teddy this time and the baby woke up. His hands wrapped around Ginny's long hair immediately, letting out an annoyed cry before trying to sit up and look around. Ginny watched him carefully, making sure he didn't tip over or begin to cry again. Instead he leaned down to be let on the floor, eager to explore.
"I think you'll be fine, Gin." Hermione grinned at the baby, watching him scoot to her chair and pull himself up. Ginny watched him the whole way, smiling softly at the boy.
"Maybe,"
The girls watched Teddy scoot himself around, leaving the home filled with happy gurgling and an occasional bubbly laugh. He took a few turns around the room before growing bored, and tried to pull some of the not-so-safe pieces of furniture closer. Ginny pulled them back and flicked her wand at them, miniaturizing them to hand sized, and pocketing them quickly. Teddy didn't agree with her methods, starting to fuss loudly. He toppled over eventually, leaning into Hermione's legs and lifting his arms in a pitiful move, wanting to be picked up.
"Oh Teddy, you're just fine. Look here; watch Auntie 'Mione." Hermione cooed at the baby by her feet, and waved her wand, producing her Patronus for Teddy. The happy otter came out bouncing, twirling around the circumference of the room, jumping through and off the walls. Teddy was transfixed, his eyes unable to leave the bounding otter as it began to play with some invisible play mate, tussling into Teddy's side.
"I've always loved your Patronus, Hermione. It's adorable." Hermione glared playfully while Ginny picked Teddy up to sit him on her lap.
"Yes, that's what I want to here. The deepest part of my soul is absolutely adorable."
"It's better than a pony, yeah?"
Hermione threw her hands up, "You have a freaking Clydesdale! It's intimidating!" Ginny laughed at the other witch, but didn't bring it up any more. Teddy was beginning to get rowdy from the otter's show, grabbing her hair too tightly.
"So," Ginny grunted, loosening Teddy's grip and handing him one of his stuffed dragons, "how was the date with my brother?"
"Oh good, we decided on a few wedding things, had a long lunch. And apparently skived working off onto George." Hermione grinned, knowing she would get an earful from both twins. Ginny perked up at wedding details, scooting closer to Hermione.
"Did you set a date?" Hermione smiled, a sappy grin flitting across her face.
"Fred wants June thirtieth,"
"Fred picked it out? My brother, Fredrick?"
"Yes, Fredrick Gideon Weasley. Though he did say it was partially because it was easier to remember, but I can't be mad, 'cause he picked it out." Hermione grinned again, looking over at Ginny to see her looking completely stunned.
"His middle name is Gideon?!"
"Is Ron really the only one who knows?" Hermione screeched, and then fell into a pile of giggles, Ginny laughing as well, hugging Teddy tight to her shoulder.
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A few days later, Hermione found Harry at the Burrow, Teddy sprawled out on the floor in a pile of blankets passed out. She watched him as she moved around the large pile, making sure she didn't make too much noise and wake him up.
"Morning Harry," she whispered, landing right next to her friend. Harry smiled gently, wrapping his arm around her shoulders in a hug, leaving it there comfortably as he watched his godson sleep.
"Molly invited us over, but once we got Teddy to sleep, Ginny ditched and went upstairs to bed." He grinned down at his friend who was trying to stifle her laugh.
"The poor thing," Harry nodded in agreement, still making sure to whisper.
"She's done really well, this whole week has been incredibly difficult but I think I feel closer to her now. Teddy is great though, I wouldn't give him up if I had to choose again." Hermione decided to ignore the teary eyes of her friend, knowing full well he wouldn't want her to bring it up or tease him. Harry still had trouble letting go of all the people he lost in the war, and was emotional most of the time he was around something that reminded him of them.
"Well, you know he's got lots of future aunties that will scoop him up from you when you two are feeling overwhelmed."
Harry looked down at one of his best friends, and really watched her. She wasn't looking at him, but her eyes were stuck to Teddy, simply watching his chest move in deep sleep. "You'll be a great mum, Hermione."
Her eyes filled with tears, wiping them away quickly with the Weasley sweater she had on, "Harry, I shouldn't want to have a baby this young. I'm only eighteen."
"Well, you're almost nineteen technically. And you are getting married; it's okay to want a family with someone you love." They sat in the sudden silence, both feeling awkward in the tense atmosphere. "Do you love Fred?"
"Merlin, Harry! We wouldn't even be together if it weren't for the law. How could I want a family with him, if he doesn't love me?"
Harry spun himself around to face her straight on, "Does that mean you want him to? Hermione, you had better answer me this time, or I'm getting Ginny; do you love Fred?"
"Harry,"
"Hermione," she shifted uncomfortably, hiding her face in his shoulder, mumbling something he couldn't catch. "Say again?"
"Yes, I do. But I can't figure out how it happened! How could I fall in love with someone in two months?"
"Maybe, and this may be pushing it a bit, but maybe you liked him a bit before you were paired together?" Hermione stayed silent, processing the possibility of that. Before she could think too much on the idea, Mrs. Weasley burst into the living room, a steak knife and her wand in both hands. The two younger adults sunk into the couch, staring in fright and confusion at the otherwise matronly witch.
"Er, Mrs. Weasley?"
"What? Oh, sorry dears," Hermione thought she may have seen a Patronus drift away behind Molly, "Just had some news. Harry dear, would you fetch Ginny for me? And Hermione if you could bundle Teddy up, get him ready to go out."
Harry moved slowly, but did as he was told, trailing up the stairs to fetch his fiancée, "Molly, where are we going?" Hermione asked, but she still Accio-ed Teddy's small jacket to her, and dressed her before he could wake and cause a fuss.
"Oh, Bill just sent his Patronus. Fleur's in labour, we should be getting there soon." Molly turned around, walking calmly back into her kitchen, leaving Hermione gaping after her mother figure in shock.
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Hermione and Harry arrived into St. Mungo's, with Teddy bundled up in Harry's arms, seconds after Mrs. Weasley had arrived alongside Mr. Weasley and bustled straight through the maternity ward. The Medi-Witch at the sign in counter looked like she wanted to stop them, so Hermione went over to her to smooth things over. It took the young girl a second, but eventually her eyes drifted behind Hermione, and saw Harry Potter waiting impatiently with a baby in his arms. Later, Hermione would recall the rather humorous way the girl's eyes widened and glazed over, watching as Hermione followed Harry out, not taking her eyes off the Chosen One once.
"Honestly," she whispered to herself, rolling her eyes at the back of Harry's messy head.
The two turned the corner to face a hall filled with red-heads. Mr. Weasley was flayed out in the first chair closest to them, looking like he was about to fall asleep. Charlie couldn't seem to settle down enough to sit, so Tessa had taken his seat beside his dad, propping her head up sleepily on her fist. Ginny was sprawled out at her feet, watching Ron pace and George try to trip him up. Angelina was there as well, falling asleep against the wall, occasionally rousing to tell George to stop. Audrey was nowhere to be seen, but Percy was furthest away sitting comfortably on a couch, reading a rather thick tome.
"Were we the last ones to know about this?" Harry asked the crowd, gaining everyone's attention. Ginny smiled and opened her arms to receive Teddy, snuggling into his and dozing off a bit.
"Yes, we've all been here for four hours now." Angelina supplied helpfully, now purposely kicking at George to get him to quit bothering Ron.
"Why wouldn't you go home for a bit? Or grab lunch?" Hermione asked, taking a seat by George, hoping to help Angelina corral the twin in. "And where's Fred?"
"Ah, manning the shop. He lost the bet you see; he thought the baby was going to arrive last week, so automatically he lost. He'll close up in a bit though, not to worry." George reassured her and turned to try and poke at Ron again, but the boy had finally caught on and moved over to Percy. Now thoroughly bored, George turned back to Hermione.
"You didn't happen to bring Exploding Snap, 'Mione?" He asked politely, but pouted when she shook her head in the negative.
"I only brought a Teddy," George perked up once more.
"That's just as good, Teddy come to Uncle Georgie." He made a passing motion to Ginny, clasping his hands together childishly. Ginny rolled her eyes but passed her son, slumping onto Harry's shoulder to doze off again. Now wide awake, Teddy was in 'spotlight mode'. Harry had begun calling it that, after the many escapades of the very dramatic one year old. The kid could pull out the charm at will, and was especially good at wearing out his new grandmother, receiving more than his share of treats and cookies. His many aunts were more than happy to dole out the hugs and kisses for one of his smiles. And every uncle had their favourite game they played special with the young boy, broken down to drop what they were doing to appease him. George's favourite was "Rainbow Hair', in which he would hold Teddy up to something and make him stare at the horrid colour until the young boy would grin as his hair and eyebrows shifted. Like now, George was cackling, holding the baby up near Angelina to stare at the putrid green throw pillow next to her. The tot almost managed a smile as his hair slowing faded away from the soft brown and went the puke green. George was laughing at the new colour while Angelina glared at him.
"Alright little man, let's give you back to Auntie 'Mione before Auntie Angie tries to harm me." Hermione tucked the boy back into her arms, missing the soft look Angelina got on her face from watching Teddy.
Hermione bounced the boy up and down, kissing his cheeks on each down stroke. Teddy had yet to really smile at anyone since arriving. He would giggle and smile at objects, or funny things the family transfigured for him, but no one had received a smile yet. But in that moment, once Ginny leaned over to lay her thigh to catch Teddy's toes with her mouth, his first happy smile was directed at Hermione.
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Fred finally arrived at the hospital, and was directed to the maternity ward immediately and in rather an irritated matter. He figured his family was being their usual boisterous selves and went where directed without a saucy quip, leaving the staff with their wits about them. He didn't hurry, well aware Fleur could still be in labour, and wanted to have a moment to himself. The shop had been a tad bit too busy for only one of them to be there, but he didn't want to pull George away. His shoulder was beginning to ache from a rouge toy broomstick a kid had practically thrown at him. And he was stressed out from still keeping the confrontation with Tollins from his fiancée, and the whole 'found out I'm in love with her' bit. He felt like he hadn't talked to George in years from everything he was keeping to himself, and a headache was beginning to situate itself permanently between his eyes.
Taking a chance on the loud noises and laughter he heard, Fred took the left turn and found his family beginning to laugh at his fiancée and their nephew. Hermione and Ginny were just sitting up, looking shocked as hell, Hermione holding Teddy up in front of her.
Fred shook off his thoughts and announced himself to the excitable group, "What's going on here?" Hermione's head whipped around and she scrambled up, Teddy still clutched in her hands.
"Fred! Teddy smiled at me! I got him to smile at me!" She almost collided with him, causing Teddy to burst out another small smile and his infectious laugh. "See! Look at him!"
And curse Merlin's left bullock if his heart didn't skip and his stomach clench in absolute adoration towards this beautiful woman. Trying to distract his thoughts, Fred grinned down at her and took the smiling boy from her arms, hoisting him up to the top of his head to tickle him until he gave them another laugh.
"You charming thing, you know just how to work a room, don't you? Come here bud," Dropping the boy back into his arms, Teddy squealed in absolute delight, making a real grin finally cross Fred's lips. Hermione clutched at one of his arms, using it to anchor him down and keep Teddy at the same level as her.
"Merlin Fred, don't drop him." She fussed, keeping her eyes on the baby, checking his fingers and toes. Why, he had no idea.
"I won't drop him 'Mione." He walked back to his little sister, depositing her charge back into her lap. She and Harry took the next few minutes tickling and making faces at Teddy, eliciting numerous smiles and giggles from the baby. With a soft groan he had hoped wouldn't erupt, he sat down in one of the hard chairs, patting his lap with a wink at Hermione. She blushed prettily but obliged the request, placing herself delicately on his knee and leaning in to place her head by his neck. Once situated, and limbs were moved to lessen pressure, Hermione relaxed and asked how his day was.
"Not the best, but I lost fair and square, had to take it like a man. Until that kid hit me with the broom, and then I honestly thought about curling up like the cat and crying." He grimaced once more, ignoring the pain in his shoulder. Hermione did no such thing; leaning up to poke at the opposite shoulder she was laying on. Apparently he winced more than he'd have liked, gaining a frown from the woman.
"You're a wizard, Fredrick. There are simple ways to fix this." she prodded a little further along; finally hitting the worst spot he was sure would bruise horrifically by tomorrow. "Now that you've let it set I'm not so sure. Lay back a bit, relax please." Leaning into the back of the chair, Fred watched in more than a bit of confusion as her prods became more of a rub, digging her thumb deeper as she went in circles from the top of his shoulder and landed close to the center of his chest. He was melting slowly; he was pretty sure he was dead. At one point she poked too hard in too sensitive a spot, making him grunt in pain, and gain his twin's and mother's attention.
"All right there, Freddie?" George asked not too loudly, keeping their conversation somewhat private. Mrs. Weasley was still watching though, her frown become more concerned as Hermione continued to massage the sore muscle much more softly this time.
"Great Georgie, never better. But next time, you can take the shrapnel off a temper tantrum." George winced but nodded in agreement, turning back to continue talking with Angelina, now that he was assured his brother was okay. Mrs. Weasley still didn't say anything, but continued to watch.
"Not hurting you too much, am I?" Hermione asked after a few more moments, not taking her eyes off the spot she was tending to. Fred craned his neck to the side, realizing how sleepy this was making him, to look at her. She was frowning slightly, completely taken in by her project. He lifted a heavy hand, using the pad of his thumb to brush her hair away from her face, rubbing away the crease between her eyes.
"No love, it feels fantastic." A blush rushed up from her neck, and Fred had the sudden deep need to see just how far that blush went. Closing his eyes from the sight before he got carried away, Fred allowed his head to hit the back of the chair and loll over the end as Hermione finished up her impromptu massage. She finished with a warming charm and a whispered healing one, leaving his shoulder warm and relaxed. She waited patiently for him to lift his head, and once he did she placed a gentle kiss on his lips lingering a few minutes too long to be entirely proper. Before she could get too far away, he placed another quick peck to her red lips in thanks. Content now that she had helped, Hermione relaxed back into his body, taking up her earlier pose at his side. Fred sighed; rubbing her back unconsciously with the arm wrapped around her, and noticed his mother hadn't looked away quite yet. He looked over Hermione's head shyly, meeting his mother's eyes and becoming shocked to see her looking decidedly weepy. His dad was patting her hand but not watching, but his mum gave him a watery smile and mouthed something at him. She looked away with a happy smile, gazing at the door that would eventually lead her to her first blood grandchild.
The family settled down after a while of waiting, everyone becoming tired of waiting. Bill came out ten minutes later to say it wouldn't be too much longer now. Fred didn't mind too much, he was warm and relaxed, and very comfortable with Hermione. He still hadn't puzzled out what his mum had said to him earlier, but wasn't dwelling too heavily on it. An hour later, Fred was sure Hermione had dozed off, and thought it wouldn't be a horrible idea with the day he had. It couldn't have been long after he closed his eyes, but the delivery room door opened again, and a very happy Bill was standing looking at his family.
"It's a girl."
The room erupted in congratulations and cheers, and Fred could barely hear the light, lovely laughter of his sister-in-law in the other room. Mrs. Weasley bustled to the door, allowed in first with Mr. Weasley close behind. Bill told everyone else they would have to take turns, as Fleur was tired, and the room was quite small. Fred woke Hermione as Mrs. Weasley came back out, crying into her husband's shoulder. As he finally roused Hermione, another person came around the corner. It was Fleur's younger sister, Gabrielle, and she looked quite worried.
"Iz she 'ere? Bill only jest sent a Patronus." She had a very thick accent, still living in France with her parents. Mrs. Weasley nodded and filled the girl in quickly. Charlie was elected to go next, and Tessa told Gabrielle to go with him.
"I don't need to see before the rest of you. I can wait." The young Vella nodded graciously and went in with Charlie and Percy. The next group was Harry, Ginny, Teddy, and Tessa, after she was forced to go in before the twins. Lastly, Fred, George, Angelina, and Hermione went in.
"Last ones love, I promise." Fleur whispered to the small bundle in her arms, smiling gently at the girls and twins as they stood around the bed. The small baby was revealed to the last family members, making all of them make different noises at the beautiful girl. She took after her mother, thank Merlin, with a pointed heart shaped face, and tiny nose. Her eyes were still shut of course, but he was willing to bet they would be as bright a blue as both parents. Her hair was longer than he'd have thought, a wispy white blonde, making the whole picture look like she was a dainty doll.
"What's her name?" Angelina asked, poking a finger in to drag the blanket further from her face. Fleur smiled gently, helping to fix the swaddling blanket.
"Victorie Gabrielle Weasley. It's French for 'victory'. We thought it fitting, considering her birthday." Bill smiled gently, his eyes not moving from his new family. Fred frowned, looking down at Hermione tucked into his side.
"It's May second, Fred. It's been a year since the battle."
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The next morning, Fred woke feeling completely rested and cozy in his bed. His window was open, something he normally didn't do, bringing in the noisy din of morning shoppers. Luckily, he and George usually didn't open the store on Sundays, leaving him with a delightful break before the work week started. Still, it had to be close to ten, he should probably do something productive today. Rolling over, Fred ran into a lump in his bed, hindering any further movements. His arm was stuck underneath it, wedged completely against the wall and it. Allowing his head to catch up with his eyes, Fred moved the quilt down with his free hand, revealing a rather bushy head of hair peeking out. Relieved, Fred sunk back into his pillow, trying to make a plan of action now that he recalled Hermione lying in bed with him.
After Victorie's birth, the Weasley family had gone to their respective homes, as it was close to half past midnight. Hermione had been practically dragged along by Fred, falling asleep standing up. Refusing to send her home so vulnerable, Fred had Apparated them both to the flat above the shop and put her straight to bed.
During his inner musings, the-lump-that-was-Hermione, stirred and made a soft grumbling noise. While he watched, the girl rolled over, glaring into the lightened room, and swatting at her fluffed hair. It was too adorable for words, and made those ruddy butterflies swoop in his stomach once again.
"Well good morning, lovely. Not a fan of the light I see," he teased her mercilessly, leaning down to drop a kiss on her scowling lips. The downturn of her lips smoothed out, revealing a lovely, but maybe slightly startled, smile from her.
"Morning; I'm getting a bit too used to this I think. You'll have to start kicking me out before you get sick of me." Hermione couldn't stop smiling, watching the morning light hit Fred straight in the face, lighting up every single freckle he had.
"Never," Hermione received another wonderful morning kiss; rousing her completely from the tired state she'd begun in.
"Did George get in last night? I don't remember much after getting here."
Fred shook his head, rolling his eyes for her to see, "No, my dear brother seemed to enjoy our idea, and left with the illustrious Miss Johnson." Hermione nodded, like she had been expecting this. The two stayed in a comfortable silence, and Fred tried very hard not to complain of the pins and needles rushing through his arm.
"Well, I should start up breakfast then, hopefully before George shows up. I don't want to try and handle the task of feeding two Weasley boys." Hermione unrolled herself from the blanket cocoon she'd created, releasing Fred. Not realizing they had been curled together in the blanket, Fred immediately missed the body heat she had created, and snatched her back to him.
"No moving, too comfy." He grumbled into her neck, nuzzling as close as possible, and throwing an arm and a leg over top of her to keep her anchored. Giggling at his antics, Hermione rolled back to face him, giving his nose a kiss.
"You'd rather lay here all day than have me make food for you?" He pretended to think on it, but grumbled again, pushing his nose as close to her scent as possible. "Well, I'm hungry Mr. Weasley, and I'm expecting pancakes today." Fred pushed her back into the fluff of sheets and quilts, popping up out of the bed himself.
"Then pancakes you shall have, Miss Granger. Fair warning; George doesn't leave me in the kitchen alone for good reason." He winked and whisked his self away, disappearing for only a moment before Hermione came rushing out as soon as possible, tying her pants up as she stumbled along.
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"Merlin those were good. Why'd you think to put bananas and blueberries in them?" Fred groaned from his place on the couch, laid flat out and holding his extended belly. Hermione smiled down at him as she joined him, laying herself out alongside him.
"My mum used to make them like that for dad on Sundays when he didn't have to work." She explained and snuggled a bit under his arm, not wanting to admit to herself that she wanted a snuggle. They stayed in a bit of silence until Hermione yawned and rubbed at her eyes. "I'm still exhausted."
Fred looked down at her smiling, "Yeah, but gaining a niece was worth it, right?" Hermione grinned at that, getting excited about having so many nieces and nephews to look forward to.
"Oh she was absolutely gorgeous, and so perfect. Her little nose and it's clear she's Veela, and her fairy white hair. Fred, I call dibbs on holding her first between us! We'll get to see her little toes, and her fingers, oh, I haven't held a baby in a really long time." She trailed off, looking down at her hands to fiddle with the hem of his vest. She missed his smirk at her and they went silent again, making Fred sleepy under the warmth.
"Freddie?" his eyes snapped open at the small voice he'd never from her before, whipping his head down to check what was wrong.
"What? 'Mione?" He struggled to flip around in his spot, but the cushions seemed to grow arms and suck him in. Once he was finally facing her, he saw she was watching him in partial amusement, and the most adorable pout he'd ever witnessed. "Hermione, what's wrong?"
"I want a baby." She said immediately, watching his face for a reaction, and pouting her lip out.
"Woman, don't get ahead of yourself. One thing at a time; marriage first, then baby."
Hermione slapped at his shoulder with a scoff, "Don't overreact, I was just hoping you'd want to talk about it with me. About starting our family?" She watched him relax back into the couch, waving for her to continue.
"When would you want to have one? We don't have too much time because of the law, but I don't want to scare you off."
It was Fred's turn to scoff, "You're the one that has to grow a person inside you, and I think you'd be the best judge, yeah?"
"Thanks," she rolled her eyes but continued, "I was just meant if you'd be ready to have someone else in our lives so soon after we get to be together."She puttered out into uncertainty.
"'Mione," he groaned, flipping to lay over her, making her groan from him pushing on her pancake filled belly. He apologized with a small smirk, and peppered small kisses over her face. She smiled and waited for him to finish. "I know this law wasn't something we saw coming, and being paired together was the last thing you expected, but I couldn't be happier. I wasn't expecting much from this, and honestly would have been content with being friends. But I'm not lying when I say I've always wanted a family, and having one with you will only make it that much better."
"Really? You wanted a family, even if we had stayed friends?"
"Aren't we friends now?" he teased.
"Yes, but now were, well, more I think."Hermione said uncertainly, hoping he wouldn't shoot her down too hard.
"Most definitely more, Miss Granger, even if we don't have a word for it yet." She thought she was going cross eyed from staring into his eyes so long, but couldn't look away. Hermione was very aware what they were both thinking now, but wasn't ready to say that yet.
"Well Mr. Weasley," Hermione pulled back to look at him properly, forcing him to lift up as well, "there's a very important question I must ask you." She said with playful seriousness.
Fred shifted to look away as if in deep thought, "Yes, I do believe the Quibbler's last edition was its best yet."
"No you goof; I had a question in mind." She laughed with him, "Boy or girl?"
He felt ridiculous right then, sharing a stupid grin with his fiancée over a baby that didn't exist yet. But she looked so happy in that moment, waiting for him to answer her.
"You first,"
"Nice try,"
"Fine," he really did think on it this time, "not that we really get to choose, but I think I'd want a girl."
Hermione smile seemed to grow, "Okay, why, tell me why."
Fred smiled at her excitement, and moved to lie beside her once more to get comfortable, "All right, mostly it has to do with the whole six brothers, and one sister." She nodded in understanding and had him continue. "And because I remember helping mum with Ginny while she grew up."
"That's really sweet Fred," Hermione sighed, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks, but," he leaned down to whisper, like this next idea was a secret, "my favourite idea, about having a baby girl with you? She'd look like you; lovely and absolutely gorgeous." She felt her eyes go wide but felt a rush of affection for him. She gave him a few of her own kisses, peppering them up and down his jaw and catching his ear once or twice. They eventually relaxed again, waiting for their stomachs to stop complaining about the fluffy pastries.
"Oh Merlin, it'll have red curly hair. Oh, the poor thing." Fred burst out laughing, hugging her to his side. "I'm going to make tea, would you like some?" She sighed, lifting herself up off the couch and Fred, making her way to kitchen. She heard a mumble from him that sounded vaguely confirmative. Moving around the kitchenette, she flicked her wand at the kettle to warm it up. After fixing up the two mugs, Hermione relaxed against the island counter to wait for the water. Glancing around the kitchen she noticed the Daily Prophet rolled up on the windowsill. With nothing else to do but wait, she grabbed the newspaper and cracked it open.
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"Fred!"
He bolted up once more, waiting to see her around the corner. The Daily Prophet was the first thing he saw, and the fiery witch behind it had him instantly on edge.
"What? What, what, what?" He asked and waited, her huffs getting louder as she read on, still not looking at him. Eventually she began to read aloud from the beginning of the article.
"'Fred Weasley, co-owner of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, has finally answered the Wizarding World's prayers! The lovely Hermione Granger, of the Golden Trio, has been paired with the aforementioned wizard. In an exclusive interview, Mr. Weasley couldn't wait to inform us of their match, stating he was sick of all the guessing. The interview confirmed their secret affair, and the steps they went through to give Granger special treatment.' Fredrick Gideon Weasley, you had better explain this. Right. Now!"
Fred was shocked, staring up at his fiancée, who looked ready to hex him out of the apartment. His mouth couldn't do much more than gape and he knew he looked like a fish. Hermione didn't stop glaring but began to read off the paper again, growing more agitated.
"Here's the best bit, 'Scorned from her former trysts with friend and hero, Harry Potter, Granger's actions seem desperate and has formed a large fan base for Mr. Weasley. A few of his fans stepped forward to give their thoughts on Granger's actions and the consequences for Weasley.'" Hermione dropped the paper down to the table. Fred couldn't tell how she was feeling now; her face had dropped into an expressionless mask.
"Mione, you have to believe me, I didn't say anything like that!"
"Really? You didn't do an interview with," she snatched the paper up once more, checking something over before crunching it up in her fist, "Rudker Tollins?"
Fred paused, unsure how to go about this, "Not, technically. It wasn't an interview, 'Mione! He's the bloody prick that's been writing that article in Witch Weekly. Merlin, he was a smug bastard,"
"Fredrick!"
"Sorry love, but if you'd seen him you'd have yelled at him too."
Hermione was beginning to fidget with her fingers, pulling at the edge of her skirt, "You yelled at him? Was this in Diagon Alley?"
"Well no, it was in the shop, but I-"
"You yelled at someone in the shop? Fred, what were you thinking! You could have gotten some serious backlash; it could have hurt your business." Fred was getting more frustrated with this as Hermione became less susceptible to reason.
"Hermione, I was getting him to leave you alone! What else was I supposed to do?" The fact that his voice had risen didn't escape him, but he was too far gone to do anything about it.
"Leave it alone, or complain to the paper and have them deal with Tollins. Don't go yelling at people in public, and certainly don't keep it from me!" She finished in a shriek and tossed the Daily Prophet at him, her hair in a tizzy, and her arms around herself as she dashed out of the flat. Fred stood where he was in front of his couch, staring at the paper at his feet as he listened to the front door slam behind Hermione. His whole body relaxed, the feeling of suppressed anger disappearing and a weird kind of pain hitting him in the chest.
"Bloody hell Fred, what did you do?" He whispered to himself and the empty room, running a hand through his hair in agitation and flopping onto the cold couch.
*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.
Guys, that was huge! It's literally 13 pages, two times as long as all the others so far! This will be the last one for a bit, I'm going camping tomorrow and won't really be back for two weeks.
Cheers!
Thanks, AJ