Usually I like updating on Fridays but since we have a public holiday tomorrow and I've got a vacation day on Friday, I don't know if I will manage to update the next few days. So I'm doing it today :) In the future updates will be on Fridays.

WHAT IF

Chapter 36 - New Year, New Us

Fred woke up enveloped by the sweetest scent imaginable. Something fruity, like citrus or lime. He couldn't pinpoint it but he knew where he had smelled it before. It was what he smelled when he brewed amortentia. His heart made a little jolt as the realisation hit him. It had been ages, or at least it felt like it since he first realised his amortentia had changed. Way before he had even realised his feelings for Hermione fully.

Slowly he opened his eyes. Hermione was still in his arms, her back pressed against his front. Carefully he took a sniff of her hair.

Yes.

That was it. His amortentia.

With a smile Fred buried his nose in her hair and closed his eyes again. This was heaven.

For a while he fell back into a light slumber, just enjoying the feeling of Hermione in his arms and her scent all around him. Time was meaningless to him and he fully intended to never leave this bed, like ever again, if Hermione allowed it. Who needed school or work or family or friends if they could spend eternity cuddling in bed?

Of course, George had to be the one who interrupted this little fantasy.

The smell of coffee wafted into Fred's daydream, followed by tell-tale sounds of someone preparing breakfast. Fred's stomach grumbled hopefully at these promising scents and Hermione too stirred slightly.

"Stay put," he murmured into her hair. "I'm getting you breakfast in bed." Hermione just nodded, her eyes closed and her breath steady as she drifted off into sleep again.

In the kitchen Fred met his twin. George was chipper and full of energy as if they hadn't drunk until five in the morning.

"Morning." George handed him a coffee. "So, my strategy to rousing the dead is working."

"Yeah, I could kill you for that. I very much enjoyed lying in bed."

"But you would have slept away the whole day. You've just got two hours of daylight left for all those date activities you've planned. And Hermione is getting back to Hogwarts tomorrow."

True. But Fred still thought a day spent in bed would be an adequate activity for today. Maybe after he served Hermione breakfast in bed it was still an option...

Instead of answering Georg Fred took a large gulp of his coffee and watched how his twin opened every cabinet, looked inside and then frowned.

"Where is this crepe thing is? You know, the one we got from Charlie."

"Probably somewhere we'll never find it again since we never make crepe."

"Well, I'm making crepe today. Care to help me find it?"

Fred didn't care much for crepe or helping George but surprising Hermione with crepe in bed sounded like an excellent idea.

Slowly he stood up and walked over to the highest cupboard in their kitchen. It's where they stored all the unnecessary stuff. Pots and pans their mother got them when they moved out, too many for everyday use. Or gifts from older brothers who thought it funny to get them something muggle. Even Fred and George with their height had to stretch to open this cupboard hence why they didn't use it often.

"Here it is, still unopened in the original packaging." Fred handed the box to George who stared at him with wide-eyes and promptly led it fall.

"What the-"

"Fred!" George yanked up Fred's shirt and stared at his stomach. "Your mark!"

"What?"

"It has colours."

The third what got stuck in his throat as Fred looked down at his stomach. A red rose in full bloom with soft green petals. Fully coloured.

"You- when you stretched- since when," George starred at Fred, both mirroring the same puzzled expression. "Who?"

Blood was rushing through his head, his ears, and tuned out every sound around him. He had thought he had caught a glimpse of a soul mark when he had kissed Hermione. But he had been drunk and she had flinched...

Impossible.

Fred turned around, leaving George behind, and went back to his room. Hermione was still slumbering. Steady breath and peaceful facial expression. She looked beautiful. She smelled like amortentia.

And she was his soulmate.

Fred sank down on the bed, slipped under the blanket, and pulled Hermione in a tight embrace.

"Morning," Hermione mumbled, pressed against his chest. "I thought you wanted to bring breakfast." With one hand Fred reached for her cheek and tipped her head just enough to look at her face. Sleepily Hermione opened her eyes and blinked at him.

"Hermione," he looked right into her eyes. "We're soulmates."

Abruptly Hermione pulled away from him, a shocked expression on her face. Her whole-body tense as she sat up. "How do you know that?"

Fred sat up too and pulled up his shirt. "My mark changed."

With shaking hands Hermione lifted her shirt too, which under normal circumstances would have pulled Fred's attention towards an entirely different topic, but right now they both just starred at Hermione's stomach. A red rose in full bloom with soft green petals.

"We're soulmates." Fred softly pecked Hermione's lips. "This is amazing."

Fred thought that until now Hermione's reaction was somewhat normal. It was lot to comprehend after getting the information roughly ten seconds after waking up from a long night of drinking. Shock and confusion he could understand.

Crying however had not been on his bingo card of reactions. Especially not if it wasn't happy tears.

"Hermione..." Fat tears rolled down her cheeks and Fred could see how she spiralled into full panic mode. Definitely not happy tears.

"I- I-," she hiccupped. "It's not- not how you- not fair. I wanted to- wanted to tell you... I had a- a plan." Before his eyes Hermione dissolved into a watery, blubbering mess. He had seen her cry before. He had seen her sad and angry, defeated, and heartbroken. He had never seen her like this. Panicking.

Without thinking Fred pulled her into his arms again. "Okay, calm down, love."

"But- but-"

"Breath, Hermione."

It took a few minutes and parts of his shirt were soaked with tears and snot but finally Hermione calmed down enough to stop the tears and breath normally again. All while she mumbled I'm sorry repeatedly.

"You know, I think I will modify this story slightly when I tell our grandchildren how their crazily in-love grandparents found out about their soul marks. A bit more romantic if we skip the ugly crying." Hermione let out a watery laugh, but at least she laughed, and then swatted him lightly.

"I'm not ugly crying,"

"My shirt begs to differ."

"I'm sorry."

"Yeah, you said that once or twice." He wiped away some tears from Hermione eyes. "I'm going to be optimistic and assume you're not crying because of us being soulmates. So, what's going on?"

"Of course not, it's just..." She took a shuddering breath. "I've known we're soulmates for a while now and I wanted to tell you today."

"Okay..." Fred wasn't sure where this was going but somehow, he was absolutely calm. He was not worried no matter what Hermione had to say. "Then tell me now. I'm sure you had a whole speech planned." He grinned and thankfully Hermione seemed to relax. She pulled away from him and sat down criss-crossed. Fred mirrored her which made her smile.

"Remember during the third task of the Triwizard tournament when George and Lee got your shirt wet? I saw your mark. But you were dating Angelina and I had overheard George and you saying she was your soulmate. So, I didn't say anything back then."

Fred thought back about his sixth year. Of course, his memories were dominated by George trying to convince him to date Angelina, then actually dating Angelina and the whole tournament going on. But there were also a lot of memories about Hermione. Mostly about fighting with her. She had been distant that year, often angry at him. They argued about Ron and about Krum...

"It was only after Angelina and you broke up that that I was seriously entertaining the idea of us being soulmates. Ginny and I were making plans and everything how I could get a better look at your mark but then Ron and I caught you snogging some girl just before Christmas."

"You were super pissed and even docked points." Not for the first time Fred thought it would be nice to go back and smack his younger self.

"Yeah, I got a good look at the mark and it made me so mad."

"Shit..." Fred sighed. "I just- I just realised how much we were fighting back then. I always thought you were being too strict without reason but I was just a bloody git. It's a wonder you didn't hex me. I wouldn't have told me about the mark either."

"No, well yes, you were a prat," Hermione smiled softly. "And maybe I was a bit unfair to you. I was jealous and it wasn't easy for me to deal with you and your pranks and all that jazz..."

"Jealous?"

"I may have had a little crush on you long before I even knew about the mark." Fred's heart did a little leap while Hermione's face blushed in the cutest way.

"How long are talking about here?"

"I realised it during the summer when I was staying at the Burrow for the World Cup."

"Really? But you were snogging Krum in the library that year." A memory that made Fred still boil with anger.

"Well," Hermione rolled her eyes. "Like I said, I had a crush but overheard you and George talking about Angelina being your soulmate. So, I came to the sensible solution that I needed to forget about you and Krum was interested in me. I really liked him but I was never in love with him and when I realised, he had real feelings and was serious about me I broke it off."

"And I probably made it not easier for you, right? With my big brother act and trying to look after you."

"I was quite close to hexing you a few times, especially when you were insisting that I was just like a little sister to you" Hermione laughed, a little sadness in her voice. "Honestly, hadn't I seen the mark I probably would've actually given up on you."

Fred thought his heart might give out. Hermione's story made his heartbeat sped up wildly and then drop the next second, that couldn't be healthy. And his mind too had problems with staying on track. He didn't want to think too much about what would have happened if Hermione had given up. He liked to think that they would have found their way to each other either way at some point but…

Fred took Hermione's hand in his.

"Okay, so I was a douche, I knew that. Why didn't you tell me after you saw the mark the second time?"

"There were multiple reasons. I wanted to tell you when we were at Grimmauld's over Christmas, especially after you kissed me under the mistletoe. But then you told me about Angelina. And I thought it would be best for you to deal with that first. You needed some time to process that."

Of course, Fred remembered. Till this day he couldn't say what devil had possessed him to kiss Hermione back then.

"But I made the decision not to tell not just because of that. I was also selfish. I didn't want you to feel obligated just because we were soulmates. You had just forced yourself into a relationship with Angelina and I didn't want to be the next, even if we are actually soulmates. I wanted you to fall in love without knowing about it. Just how I fell in love with you before I knew. So, instead of telling you, I decided to woo you."

A bellowing laugh escaped Fred. "Shame that you didn't go through with it. I would love to be wooed."

"Prat," Hermione punched him softly on the arm with a grin. "I did, you're just a daft idiot. I was low-key wooing you, maybe I should have used some fireworks to spell it out for you instead. But I think it worked just fine anyway or we wouldn't sit here now, right?"

"I do remember that you were a lot nicer to me after Christmas, around more too. And I think when it comes to big love confessions you did quite well Miss I-don't-care-if-George-sees-me-as-a-sister." Hermione blushed scarlet red.

"You really were trying my patience back then."

"Sorry," Fred leaned forward and kissed her. "So, what kept you from telling me the last few months?"

"Partly the guilty conscience of not telling you sooner, I was afraid you would be angry. And partly because I enjoyed this. Us. The dating without pressure of expectations because of the soul mark. Just us getting to know each other."

"I love you." Fred pulled her into his arms and then down so they laid together, face to face watching each other. "And for the record, I'm not angry. I'm just very happy you're my soulmate. I don't care about anything else. But I'm sorry you had such a hard time. I'm glad I didn't chase you away."

"Your charms and good looks were captivating enough to keep me enticed."

OOO

They emerged from his bedroom about an hour later, this time compelled by the scent of crepe wafting through the apartment. Fred would have loved to stay in bed, talking about the last few years and comparing memories while kissing and snuggling. But Hermione had to insist that humans couldn't just live off love and air, so breakfast it was.

George and Angelina were in the living room, snuggled up with some tea and quietly whispering. On the table were two plates, a platter piled high with crepe, marmalade, sugar and cinnamon, a large pot of tea and a smaller one with coffee.

Fred could barely supress a groan. While it was nice of them to make him and Hermione breakfast, the arrangement clearly suggested that questions needed to be answered and no attempt to evade it would be tolerated.

"So…" George grinned.

"Yes, we're soulmates. No need to make a big deal out of it." Fred sat down with Hermione and served her some crepe.

"Says you after you stormed out and then didn't come back. I was kind of worried."

"I told you not to worry." Angelina quipped, calming sipping at her tea.

"Yeah, and even stopped me from storming the room." George raised an eyebrow. "It's kind of surprising actually that you were the sensible one here, usually you're the noisy one."

"I don't know what you're talking about, I'm always chill and reasonable."

"Bullshit," Fred and George said in unisono.

"Angelina was the one who changed my bandages after the ministry. She saw my mark." Hermione just shrugged as Angelina muttered "Spoilsport".

They twins were just about to start shooting questions when the floo suddenly roared and a man stumbled in. Remus Lupin looked more than surprised when he spotted Hermione in front of him and then let out a soft sigh.

Fred was the first to react as he jumped up and pointed his wand at their old professor. "What was Remus Lupin's nickname during his time at Hogwarts?"

"Moony." Lupin sighed again before he sat down on the bright pink armchair.

"If this is about Order matters I can-"

"No, stay Hermione. It's just an issue with George and Angelina but nothing you can't know. Maybe might even be of interest for you too."

"We're having an issue?"

"No, but I wanted to talk with you before it became one." Thankful Lupin took the tea Fred offered him. "Normally I would not take any interest in your personal life or try to interfere with it so don't take this as an order, just a suggestion from someone who has seen way more of war and heartbreak as you. Someone from the Order has seen Angelina enter the shop a few days ago and asked me in private about you two. They were just curious but I admit it rang some warning bell."

Lupin put down his tea.

"Angelina, you're currently one of only a few people me have inside St. Mungo's and therefore you are important not only for your healing knowledge but also as a source of information. But you can only fulfil this role as long as no one suspects you to be an Order member. Plus, it also puts you into danger if the Death Eaters find out. Being seen with George can already put you in danger because the Weasleys are known Order supporters but if people suspect you're in a relationship you may become a target. I don't say you can't see each other but you should try to avoid the public. I suggest you keep it a secret for as long as possible and tell as little people as possible. Even people you trust can accidently or under pressure spill secrets."

Heavy silence hang between them.

"I understand, I will be more careful." Angelina sat up a bit straighter. "Keeping it a secret may not even be that hard. We had a fight during our last year at Hogwarts and I suspect almost everyone knew about. It may have spread to parents and older siblings as well. We can use that and pretend we still aren't on speaking terms."

"That's good," Remus sighed. "Couples were a popular target during the last war. A lot of people were hurt or died because the Death Eaters took advantage of their loved ones. I just…" Lupin's voice broke. "Just be careful. I know when you're young it might seem cowardly to hide but it might save your lives."

Fred grabbed Hermione's hand silently beside her and gently squeezed it. Almost no one knew about them yet. Her parents, Ginny, Angelina, George, Alicia, Lee, Oliver Wood… and this random girl Oliver had brought around. Fear laid itself heavily around her chest, her heart, like an ironclad clamp.

"Hermione, I suspect you're already in danger through your friendship with Harry, but I think at least trying to lay low might still be a good idea." Lupin smiled softly. "You're certainly a couple I didn't expect but you remind me of another couple."

"James and Lily," Hermione swallowed thickly besides Fred and he could feel how she tensed. "Sirius said the same when we…" She turned to Fred, her face pale and full of sorrow. "We talked about soulmates. He said you and I reminded him of James and Lily, prankster and muggleborn bookworm."

Fred said nothing, he just pulled Hermione closer. He had heard stories of Harry's parents here and there from Sirius and Remus during their time at Grimmauld's. He would have loved to hear Sirius talk about them more, he wouldn't have minded Sirius comparing him and Hermione to them. But Sirius was dead and his loss still was a sore spot for Fred, even it wasn't as sharp of a pain as it was for the people who had known and loved Sirius far better and longer.

"Soulmates?" Lupin's voice just a whisper and instead of answering him Fred pulled up his shirt enough to show his soul mark. George did the same, gesturing at Angelina. "Then I take everything back. This is no longer a suggestion. Don't tell anyone who doesn't already know. During the last war Death Eaters were hunting soulmates for sport. There were…" He shuddered. "There are certain spells and curses who can affect both soulmates even if only one is hit. Cruciatus is one of them. Bellatrix Lestrange loves torturing soulmates with it. That's how she broke the Longbottoms, shattered their minds into pieces by using their soulmate relationship against them."

"We will be careful," Fred answered. He sounded much more confident than he felt.

"I'm sorry I ruined the first day of the new year for you." Lupin stood up and with a sad smile, then he vanished through the floo again. Without a word George pulled Angelina to his bedroom. Fred instead swung his wand and levitated the breakfast into his room.

"Seems like we still get our breakfast in bed." He joked weakly.

They enjoyed their crepe and for a while pretended that their former professors hadn't just thoroughly ruined the mood.

"What a start into the New Year." Fred grumbled into her hair. They laid together on the bed, pressed as close to each other as possible, just basking in each other's presence and body warmth.

"I don't know why I'm so upset. It's not like I wanted the whole world to know, I like keeping things private." Hermione had buried her face into Fred's chest, eyes closed and listened to his steady heartbeat.

"Yeah, but it makes a difference if it's your own decision. I thought we could at least tell my family at some point." His voice was a low rumble, laced with sadness.

For a moment Hermione thought they could still tell the Weasleys. She trusted them. But then she thought about how they would react. Positive, hopefully, but maybe not all of them. Ron would be a problem. And even though Ron would never intentionally put anyone in danger, he wasn't known for being subtle. Especially if he was angry. Hermione thought back to all the fights they had had over the last few years. Everyone had known about it and more often than not even about why they were fighting, mainly because of Ron. Hermione found even if she trusted Ron with everything else, with her life – even though they were currently fighting - she couldn't trust him with this. Not yet at least.

"Lupin is right, the less people know the better. Right now, it's only a handful, let's keep it this way. And maybe you should have a talk with Oliver about that girl since no one really knows her. If Angelina and Alicia are right Oliver himself might not even know her well enough."

"Good idea," Fred brushed a strand of her from Hermione's face. "Another downside is that today's plans are effectively ruined now. I had a few things planned out but they all involve public spaces. Until Lupin pointed it out, I didn't even think that anyone outside of those close to us and the Hogwarts gossips would care about our relationship anyway."

"We don't need to do something today," Hermione yawned. "Let's just stay here and cuddle any maybe take a nap."

"Sounds wonderful."

Sooooo a lot of you have waited for this, I hope it didn't disappoint. I know most of you probably are hoping for more couple time between Fred and Hermione and we will get there, don't worry