Notes:
The image accompanying this story was created using the Copilot app.
The Burrow's Garden at Twilight was a magical place, Hermione thought to herself as she walked barefoot through the dewy lawn in the direction of the topsy turvy house of the Weasley family. A large happy smile adorned her face, and she was dressed in a flowing dress of forest green and gold. She could still hear music playing from the marquee that was set up in the orchards, a melodic slow song was currently being played by the band that Harry and Ginny had hired for their wedding.
Hermione let out a happy laugh and spun in a circle, her arms outstretched wide, she was so overcome with joy for her friends.
"That looks fun," a deep voice called, a voice that she'd know anywhere. Goosebumps broke out across her flesh and a shiver went down her spine as she turned in his direction.
Fred Weasley was nearby, sitting on a small bench under the large willow tree she'd spent her summers reading under. His brown and orange tweed suit fit perfectly, and Hermione had to actively stop herself from ogling the man who had become one of her closest friends since the end of the war, five years ago.
"What are you doing out here Freddie," she asked him, moving towards him instead of the house where she'd been heading only moments before. The willow tree was adorned in fairy lights and fireflies whizzed about, leaving trails of light in their wake.
"Just savouring the night, I can't believe little Ginny is married," he smiled tenderly and ran his hand through his long ginger hair.
"It's surreal," she told him, taking a seat beside him on the bench.
"She used to follow George and I around when we were kids, always wanting to join in our pranks and now she's married to Harry Potter," he grinned.
"She had a crush on him for long enough," she commented, remembering the young redhead who had once sent her best friend a valentine, comparing his eyes to the green of a fresh pickled toad.
"She fancied herself in love with him long before meeting him," he chuckled.
"But that crush grew into proper love, I never thought we'd get through the war, that Harry would survive," she told him with a sniffle.
"Hey, none of that, this is a wedding," he scolded lightly, rising to his feet, she let out a watery chuckle and blinked away her tears.
Fred grinned down at her and extended an arm out for her, "come on, Granger, let's see if you can keep up with my moves," he said his eyes sparkling with mischief and promise. She smiled up at him and took his hand, allowing Fred to pull her up into his arms. Fred held her close and began to dance, leading her in a slow waltz around the garden of his childhood home.
Hermione let out a contented sigh and rested her head against his shoulder as they danced. The sky was lightening, as twilight approached the morning dawn and birds were beginning to awake, their morning chorus joining the melodic songs that came from the marquee where the Weasley family and their friends continued to celebrate the wedding of the century.
"Hermione," Fred whispered, pausing their movements, she lifted her head and looked up into his captivating stare.
"Yes Fred," she questioned, he smiled affectionately at her.
"You know, sometimes the best moments are the ones we don't plan," he told her as he tucked a loose curl behind her ear and stroked her flushed cheek with the pad of his thumb.
Hermione rose onto her tiptoes and Fred lent down, their lips meeting together in their first tender and loving kiss.