A/N: Hope, you're all having a great week so far! Please, leave reviews about this work.

I also have an Russian version of this work, but since neither English nor Russian is my native language, I cannot guarantee that you will not find any grammatical errors. ficbook net/readfic/11000855

Disclaimer: All original characters and canon events belong to JKRowling. I'm not making any profit from posting this fanfic.

HGHGHG

It seemed to Hermione Granger that this school year was some particularly sick version of the previous one. The same deceitful words published in the Daily Prophet, the same mistrustful glances directed towards the Golden Trio, and the same fanatical follower of the Voldemort teaching the DADA lessons. And if the first two were not something new - you must agree, they were suspected every year - then the last one was akin to a prolonged nightmare, where everything had a poisonous pink color. Even Barty Crouch Jr., although he was a death eater, taught them something useful! Umbridge, on the other hand, with her damned enchanted quill and her sweet, sugary smile, with a penchant for sadism, probably walked toe-to-toe with Bellatrix Lestrange. Merlin, it even sounds awful! And on top of that, this pathetic semblance of the professor was trying to stuff useless theories and other nonsense approved by the Ministry of Magic into their brains.

And, to the excessive surprise of the Gryffindor, the role of the quiet and gloomy Victor Krum went to Draco Malfoy.

That summer, after the end of the Triwizard Tournament and the death of Cedric Diggory, the Malfoy couple divorced as pureblood wizards should, if they should divorce at all, of course. Quiet, clean and fast. However, this did not stop the journalists from building their own guesses about the divorce in order to arouse interest among readers and throw mud at the Malfoy name. Hermione reluctantly admitted that her ultimatum delivered to Skeeter came in handy for the Malfoys, because, without a doubt, Rita Skeeter's articles would have been just terrible. It's ridiculous to assume they didn't have an effective way to tie her hands, though.

Nevertheless, no one could deny the fact that the Malfoy heir has changed. Of course, his appearance became more masculine and attractive, which became one of the favorite topics among female half of the Hogwarts, but this is not about that. Draco became quiet, reserved and even colder than before. Together with the aura surrounding the Slytherin and the confidence emanating from him, it all created such a combo - poor girls had no chance to resist him.

So - believe it or not - Hermione was genuinely happy for him. For the first time Malfoy had the freedom to choose. He could at least maintain neutrality in the inevitably approaching war. Don't get her wrong, she still hated the arrogant git who walked the corridors of the ancient castle as if he owned it. No. But she was not stupid enough or overconfident enough to believe that she would have remained who she is now if she was born into an ancient pureblood family with the same ideology as Voldemort.

The Gryffindor first felt his gaze on her at the end of September. His gray eyes followed her movements thoughtfully as she sat at one of the farthest tables, which were not only in the back of the dusty shelves, but in the most inconspicuous place for others. It is strange that she did not immediately notice Malfoy, although she too can be understood - few would prefer to spend their Sunday morning reading books in the company of Madame Pince.

However, that day Hermione did not come to the library to prepare for the upcoming exams or to do something no less "boring". She just wanted to steal a few minutes of peace and quiet for herself and be alone, which has recently become a rare luxury. It's amazing that she'd even managed to get out of her thoughts long enough to feel his gaze.

Draco Malfoy didn't pretend it was just a mere coincidence. He did not hide behind a shelf or a book - his table was as empty as hers. He did not look away, as did Victor last year. No. He nodded almost imperceptibly to her and left the library as quietly as he entered.

Only two weeks have passed since that day, but along with a short period of time, an insight came that not everything can be divided into black and white, that there are also shades of gray.

And in mid-October, he greeted her for the first time. More precisely...

"Sorry," Malfoy's quiet voice jerked her out of her thoughts, making her flinch slightly.

You don't need to be Trelawney to understand what this is about. Hermione dreamed of this day almost every time the hateful word "Mudblood" was addressed to her. Yes, she said it didn't matter, that Malfoy wasn't worth it, but the vile word still found its way to her heart.

In her mind, Draco Malfoy was not as collected and calm as he is now. In her dream, Hermione was not quiet and did not sit with her head bowed, holding back uninvited tears. In her dream, she was laughing, and he was humiliated and weak. However, reality turned out to be much better than teenage fantasies. Because his apology was sincere.

"It's okay," Granger said, and felt a sense of relief fill her. She didn't know how much it really meant.

The Slytherin nodded and sat down at her table, starting to take out his supplies. And suddenly, despite Umbridge, the Ministry and the war, there was a hope that everything would be fine. After all, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger were sitting at the same table for the first time and were not spitting poison at the same time.

FWFWFW

It's been three days since he last spoke to Granger - okay, since they spoke to her. Three days since he watched her go to the girls' dormitory. Three days since he decided to give up.

Fred felt such despair when, despite his hand on her waist, Hermione continued to stare at George. If he didn't love his twin more than anyone else in the world, then Fred would have hated him as much as he did Voldemort. Maybe even more than him. After all, if this noseless bastard was threatening everything he believed and loved, then his own twin was gradually stealing his hope. Plus, it's much easier to hate someone when they don't look like your reflection.

The more Fred thought about it, the more he wanted to laugh. Almost all Hogwarts students and teachers did not distinguish between the Weasley twins, they did not even bother memorizing their habits or preferences. Everyone except her, of course. Life was not fair. At least, if Granger could not tell them apart, then pulling her attention from George to himself would not have been as difficult as bypassing the dragon. A harmless lie that assures her that he is George, a few dates in his charming company - and that's it. Granger would have understood him, even if she threatened him with the Unforgivable, he would have explained to her. After all, maybe he should just kiss her - not a bad way to draw her attention to himself.

And why exactly George and not Fred? For Merlin's sake, they are identical!

For these thoughts, Fred did not pay due attention to his unusually quiet twin. Lately, twins have often been deep in thoughts if they weren't busy inventing new products, improving old ones, or planning another prank.

"Fred! George! Where have you two been?" their best friend Lee Jordan waved his hand. Next to him were their classmates Angelina and Alicia, along with Katie Bell. The twins did not correct his mistake when he addressed them by name - after a while you just get tired of saying: "I am not George, but Fred."

Despite the fact that lunch time was nearing its end, the students were in no hurry to finish with lunch, preferring to spend the rest of the time talking with friends rather than in the Potions class, waiting for Professor Snape, so the Great Hall was noisy and crowded.

"Don't tell me you hoped to spend the whole day in our lovely company."

"Don't be so selfish!"

"We, of course, know that you do not want to share-"

"-But just think of all those people who are eager for our attention!"

"-Besides, we are busy blokes-"

"Future owners of "Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, you see-"

"-We cannot afford to rest! - Fred finished their speech, going up to the table of Gryffindor. But very soon he regretted his decision to sit down first, because Angelina Johnson pulled him to her by his uniform tie and kissed him firmly, biting his lower lip.

In the periphery of his vision, Fred saw Granger shake her head.

"Angelina," she looked at him questioningly and approached for another kiss. "I'm Fred."

"I'm sorry," she said, pulling back, but her tone of voice was not guilty. She shrugged and went back to her dinner, oblivious to the awkward atmosphere surrounding the group.

If George had been pensive on the way to the Great Hall, now his twin's face was gloomy and unreadable. Even Fred was disgusted. It seemed to him that he had just been pushed into some kind of mud. It's one thing to confuse names, but what happened now was completely different.

"Ange, I just wanted to talk to you, would you mind a minute?" George asked his girlfriend, finally breaking the stifling silence. He got up from the table, although the girl did not have time to utter a word.

"Of course," the Gryffindor said, and followed his brother. Fred furrowed his brows as he watched them go, and wished he'd missed the lunch. He should have simply went down to the kitchen and asked the elves for something edible.

"Do you think she kissed Fred on purpose?" Ron's voice was loud, despite the fact that he tried to speak softly. His younger brother, as always, spoke with a full mouth, which made it difficult for the listeners, but Fred still managed to catch the main point. The Golden Trio sat almost across from Fred, but apparently tactfulness was not familiar to Ron.

"Chew first, Ronald," Hermione said more harshly than usual, and literally for a moment she tensed as if expecting a blow. The boys looked at each other. "I'm not sure Angelina would do something like that…"

It was almost impossible to tell from her voice exactly what Granger was feeling at the moment. But slightly furrowed brows, an unnaturally straight posture, and tense shoulders indicated that she was angry. Why is she angry?

"Of course, Harry and I can't say that we know Angelina like the back of my hand," Ron began after chewing, "but you have to be an idiot in order to not notice how Fred and George reacted to the kiss. And she was never stupid."

Now Harry and Hermione looked at each other. Usually Ron didn't notice even the most obvious things, so they sometimes forgot how attentive he can be when it comes to those who were close to him.

The rest of the conversation was unheard as Fred headed out of the hall - after all, the twins still had Charms lessons ahead. Plus, he wanted to talk to George before class, he was sure his brother had the same plans.

Wish he saw Hermione Granger give him a worried look.

GWGWGW

"Let's break up."

To be honest, George expected tears, nasty temper tantrums, or, in the worst case, a punch in the face. But not a slight smile and a nod. Should he be offended or breathe a sigh of relief?

"Don't ask about anything," his now ex-girlfriend shook her head. "Call it female intuition or whatever you like, but I knew our relationship had changed. Just as I knew that you value our friendship too much to talk about it directly."

"And that's it?" his usually brilliant brains refused to accept this information. "You're not joking, are you?"

"If I remember correctly, then of the two of us you are the prankster," Angelina rolled her eyes and headed towards their next class. "But licorice wands would be just the thing."

When Angelina kissed Fred right in front of his eyes, George was angry. He wasn't angry that they kissed. No. In any other case, he would have laughed and joked about this until Ange and his brother resembled the color of Gryffindor house. But Angelina was not embarrassed by her mistake and did not look guilty. And after her dry apology, his twin's face twisted, as if he ate something sour. True, only George managed to catch this inconspicuous detail.

Yes, compared to Fred, George was much calm, but this does not mean that he cannot be harsh and even cruel when it comes to his family. Especially, when it concerns Fred. So when his twin grimaced, he was ready to yell at Johnson for dragging his brother into their relationship problems. She could have talked to him, Merlin knows that she has the courage to do so. Yet this is also his fault. But that didn't stop the irritation from finding a way into his feelings.

George was so annoyed that he ignored the relief filling him that followed the breakup. He was glad that Angelina had gone ahead, leaving him behind while he still came to his senses, unsettled by her words. Otherwise, he could have said a lot of things that he would later regret.

There were ten minutes left before the Charms began, and George decided to wait for Fred in the hallway leading to the classroom, they needed to talk about everything that had happened. He had no doubt that Fred would finish his lunch early, after all, they were twins.

"So what was that?" a voice almost identical to his own rang out near his ear. George just purposely rolled his eyes slowly, letting Fred know what he thought about his antics.

Only Fred Weasley would think that using a disillusionment charm on the way to the lessons is a great idea. However, George also mentally agreed with him. Just imagine the surprised faces of their friends when the twins would suddenly appear behind them with a call to the lesson. They may even be able to convince them that they have learned a way to apparate on the grounds of Hogwarts. Unless Granger shows up with the copy of Hogwarts History and quotes directly from it, of course.

"And that was, my precious brother, a hint from Ange that it was time for us to part ways," George answered the question. An unfamiliar emotion flashed across Fred's face.

"I always knew I was the more handsome twin," Fred patted him on the shoulder sympathetically. Jerk. "But don't worry, you look dashing yourself, just quite not like me."

"Are you sure everyone thinks you are the more handsome one? I bet I'll find an exception," Fred's reaction to his joke was... unexpected. His laugh was muffled, low and, to George's surprise, almost bitter. George suggested that this was probably due to the incident in the Great Hall, but did not have time to clarify, as the bell rang, announcing the beginning of lessons.

"Come on, today Flitwick promised to teach us the spell we asked about," Fred said and, throwing a hand on his shoulder, pulled George with him.

As soon as they were seated at one of the desks at the end of the room, Flitwick appeared in the lectern. He climbed onto the impromptu dais from the books and looked around the class, noting to himself the absent students.

"Well, let's start our lesson," the attention of the students focused on the professor, and silence fell in the classroom. Satisfied with the result, Flitwick continued, "Today we will study the spell that Messers Weasley were interested in the other day. This spell, when performed correctly, allows two people to exchange bodies. Don't worry if you make a mistake, the spell simply won't work, so you won't need to go to the Hospital Wing."

The Ravenclaw and Gryffindor students let out a synchronized sigh of relief. No one wanted to be stuck in someone else's body or worse. Now that everyone knew that they were not in danger in any case, the students all became interested in the upcoming topic - some were already fidgeting in place. Flitwick only smiled contentedly.

"Originally this spell was used instead of Polyjuice Potion, but since it is less practical, wizards stopped using it."

That's for sure, the spell was especially inconvenient if you wanted to turn into someone in secret.

"As you all understood, in today's lesson you will have to work in pairs. However, pairs must be of the same gender," there were several grumblings of displeasure. Still, it would have been interesting to be in the place of the fair sex.

Three days ago, Fred had a great idea for a new product, and George was very supportive of his twin. The essence of the product was that two "victims" who were unlucky enough to eat a seemingly harmless candy would exchange bodies for a certain amount of time. Of course, they will invent another candy that will undo the effect of the first one and sell the joke to the instigator - they were not cruel enough to leave them without "medicine". But in order to invent the above-described product, they needed to find a suitable spell, which prompted them to approach Flitwick.

"And now carefully follow and remember the necessary movements of the wand and the correct pronunciation of the spell. The spell will work as long as you do not perform the counter spell," the professor continued the lecture in his usual high voice, while demonstrating the movements of the wand. "If successful, you will see the characteristic turquoise color of the spell. Well, get to practice."

FWFWFW

The office was almost immediately filled with noise. George turned to Fred and raised his left eyebrow, silently inviting him to start first. Fred rehearsed to himself several times, and after one unsuccessful attempt, he successfully completed the task. Charms was not his element, although he was a genius - a mad genius, as Granger once put it about the Weasley twins. However, he was sure that George would succeed in the first try.

Fred concluded that Flitwick's description was somewhat inaccurate. They did not exchange their bodies, as told Flitwick. No. It felt as if your soul had moved into someone else's body. Fred had no idea how the others felt if he was feeling this way in George's body. And they, by the way, are identical!

"Well, how does it feel?" George asked after he had casted the counter curse just as successfully as the spell itself.

"I wouldn't say that the sensations were pleasant, but you can't call them disgusting either," Fred replied and began to clear the scrolls and quill from the table — the bell was supposed to ring any minute.

"Listen, maybe..." George paused meaningfully, looking at him.

"Do you think it will work?" Fred asked incredulously, although there was mischief dancing in his eyes. "Two Galleon says that someone will notice until tomorrow morning."

"You're on," his twin agreed and non-verbally casted the spell. A familiar feeling came over him, and Fred saw himself in George's body. "I think we have an equal chance of winning."

"I hope Granger won't let us down," Fred said, and the two of them headed towards the Gryffindor Tower.

HGHGHG

Despite the fact that she had a rather tight schedule, Hermione's lessons ended early due to the fact that Professor Vector decided to let them go early. So now Granger was sitting in an armchair opposite the entrance to the Common room - her favorite spot near the fireplace was taken. She replayed in her memory the scene that Angelina had put on in the Great Hall. If Ron's assumptions were correct, which they were, then Granger was ready to curse her. They were never close anyway. The brunette was angry with the older girl for daring to hurt the twins. She saw how Fred's face twisted, how George could hardly contain himself. It's amazing that she even noticed these small details, but she stared at them – okay, at George – for so long that the slightest emotion on their faces were obvious to her eyes.

Loud laughter could be heard from behind the picture of the Fat Lady, thereby effectively cutting off her thoughts, and Hermione saw how the main characters of those very thoughts crossed the threshold of the Common room. She automatically glanced at George, trying to memorize the features of his face, a scattering of freckles and sparkling blue eyes, so that later she would have something to remember - after all, for the twins this is their last year at Hogwarts. She wanted to laugh, as if she needed to memorize, as if she didn't know all his habits by heart, as if ... Wait a minute. Hermione looked closely at George again and, to her surprise, found that he was looking at her with a strange expression on his face. She turned her gaze to Fred, only to face the same unreadable expression.

The twins, in turn, exchanged glances and decisively walked in her direction, mirroring each other's movements. After they were settled comfortably in the lotus position at her legs, they allowed a sly crooked smile to appear on their faces.

"What have you two done now?"

FWFWFW

As soon as the picture of the Fat Lady was closed behind the backs of Fred and George, he felt the look of brown eyes on him. Her eyes darted over his face, as if memorizing every smallest detail, and he froze, not believing that she was looking at him so softly - at Fred. Maybe... Maybe he should not give up.