Note - Fred and George are still at Hogwarts while running their joke shop.
Hogwarts was alive with the buzz of another school year, students hustling from class to class, their chatter echoing through the ancient stone corridors. Hermione Granger, as always, was at the center of it, her arms laden with books and a determined expression on her face. She was making her way to the Gryffindor common room, eager to dive into her latest research project for Arithmancy.
As she rounded the corner near the entrance to the common room, she collided with someone, sending her books scattering across the floor.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, bending down to gather her things.
"Watch where you're going, Granger," came a familiar, teasing voice.
Hermione looked up to see Fred Weasley grinning down at her, his eyes twinkling with mischief. His twin, George, stood beside him, barely suppressing his laughter.
"Maybe you should watch where you're going," Hermione retorted, though she couldn't help but smile back.
Fred knelt down to help her pick up her books. "Always in a hurry, aren't you?"
"I'm just trying to get my work done," Hermione said, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach as their hands brushed.
Fred handed her the last of her books, his grin softening into something more sincere. "Well, try not to work too hard. Life's more than just books and spells, you know."
Hermione straightened up, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I know, Fred. But some of us have to keep up with our studies."
Fred chuckled. "And some of us have to keep up with our jokes. But seriously, take a break sometime. Come by the shop, George and I have been working on some new products."
"I might do that," Hermione said, a smile playing on her lips.
As Fred and George walked away, Hermione felt a strange sense of warmth. She had always liked the twins, their humor and spirit were infectious, but she had never considered Fred in a romantic light. Shaking her head, she pushed the thought aside and continued to the common room.
Days turned into weeks, and Hermione found herself bumping into Fred more often. Each encounter left her feeling a little more flustered, a little more curious about the mischievous Weasley twin. Fred, for his part, seemed to seek her out, always ready with a joke or a comment that made her laugh despite herself.
One evening, as Hermione was sitting in the library, Fred appeared at her table, plopping down in the chair across from her.
"Studying again?" he asked, pretending to be shocked.
Hermione looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, Fred, studying. You should try it sometime."
Fred leaned back, clasping his hands behind his head. "I'd rather study you."
Hermione's heart skipped a beat, and she struggled to keep her composure. "Fred Weasley, are you flirting with me?"
Fred's grin widened. "Maybe I am. What's a brilliant witch like you going to do about it?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide her smile. "Well, if you're going to distract me, you might as well make yourself useful. Help me with this Potions essay."
Fred leaned forward, pretending to scrutinize her parchment. "Alright, but only because you're hopeless without me."
As they worked together, the library around them seemed to fade away. They laughed and joked, their banter filled with a warmth and ease that surprised them both. By the time they finished, Hermione realized she had never enjoyed studying so much.
"See? I told you I was useful," Fred said, packing up his things.
Hermione shook her head, still smiling. "Thank you, Fred. I actually had fun."
"Me too," Fred said, his tone more serious. "We should do this again sometime."
"Maybe we should," Hermione agreed, feeling a strange thrill at the thought.
Over the next few weeks, their study sessions became more frequent. Hermione found herself looking forward to them, her heart lifting whenever she saw Fred. She realized that her feelings for him were changing, deepening into something more than friendship.
One evening, as they sat by the fire in the common room, Fred turned to her, his expression unusually solemn. "Hermione, there's something I need to tell you."
Hermione's heart pounded. "What is it, Fred?"
Fred took a deep breath. "I've been thinking a lot about us. These past few weeks... I've realized that I care about you, more than just as a friend."
Hermione felt her cheeks flush, her heart racing. "I care about you too, Fred. More than I ever expected."
Fred's eyes lit up with relief and joy. "Really? Because I was worried I might have been reading things wrong."
Hermione shook her head, a smile spreading across her face. "You weren't. I've been feeling the same way."
Fred reached out, taking her hand in his. "Hermione Granger, will you go on a proper date with me?"
Hermione's smile widened. "I'd love to, Fred."
Fred leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a gentle, tender kiss. It was a moment of pure magic, the spark of something new and wonderful between them. As they pulled away, they looked at each other, their hearts full of hope and excitement for what the future might hold.
Their first date was simple but perfect. Fred took Hermione to Hogsmeade, where they enjoyed butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks and wandered through the village, talking and laughing. It was a day filled with joy and discovery, each of them learning more about the other.
As the weeks went by, their relationship grew stronger. They balanced each other perfectly, Hermione's seriousness tempered by Fred's humor, and Fred's mischief softened by Hermione's wisdom. They faced challenges together, their bond deepening with each passing day.
In the end, it was clear to everyone that Fred and Hermione were meant to be. They brought out the best in each other, their love a beacon of light in the sometimes dark and dangerous world they lived in. And as they stood together, facing whatever the future might bring, they knew that their love was something rare and precious, a true spark of magic in their lives.