#fredlives

Fred and Mrs. Weasley continued to shout at each other as she climbed up the stairs. It had been a little over a month since the war had ended. The Weasley’s, unlike many other wizarding families, had gotten quite lucky. True one Weasley, Fred, had been so badly injured that the healers at St. Mungo’s were unsure if he’d survive. But he proved the healers wrong, he’d survived. And Hermione, along with the Weasley's, thanked Merlin everyday for that miracle. Hermione continued up the stairs, lost in her thoughts. She remembered running down the halls at Hogwarts with Ron at her side. They had been looking for his family when it happened. Hermione has spotted Fred and Percy fighting off Death Eaters when a stray spell caused the wall behind Fred to collapse on top of him. Hermione took another deep breath as a tear rolled down her cheek and she replayed that scene in her head. Her piercing scream, Ron and herself removing rubble as they ran closer to the scene. Seeing Fred’s bloody, limp and pale body emerging from the rubble and the feeling Ron’s arms around her to keep her from falling as she cried. Hermione took a deep breath as she tried to relax, “it’s over” she said, “It’s over”. She pushed those thoughts from her head, Fred had scared all of them but he was alive. He was grouchy, stubborn, impatient and in a lot of pain sometimes but he was alive. And she thanked Merlin for that.

The voices grew louder further she climbed up the stairs. She was about to open the door to Fred and George’s room when she heard “Mum I’m fine! The bandages are not dirty. See? No blood. Mum I just want some fresh air, to see George and my friends and I just want to get outta HEEEREEE!” he yelped. “Merlin woman!!” Fred hissed. Mrs. Weasley annoyingly sighed, “Well if you’d stop moving I’d be able to take these old bandages off and clean you up. Now, hold still!” she snapped. Hermione sighed, she hated seeing Fred in pain but she knew this was all apart of his recovery. She took a deep breath and opened the door to see the Weasley matriarch trying to wrestle her son down and re bandage his wounds. “HERMIONE! SAVE ME!” Fred said quickly, “This deranged woman won’t let me...”but he was instantly silent as Hermione cast Silencio in his direction. “Would you like some help Mrs. Weasley?” she asks with a smile. Fred stared at the two women looking shocked and betrayed. He looked angrily at Hermione and mouthed “GRANGER!” She laughed softly at him and said “I am sorry Freddie, but it’s for your own, good.”

Mrs. Weasley saw the interaction between her son and the young witch. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but she knew there was something there. And if Mrs. Weasley was being completely honest the thought of Her Fred and Her Hermione together made her smile. But she quickly shook her head clear of those thoughts and said “I’d love some help dear”. Though Fred was no longer shouting he still put up a fight Hermione and Mrs. Weasley did not shy away from the challenge, they welcomed it. “Aaaaaaand we're done!”, said Mrs. Weasley standing up straight. “Thank you for helping me dear” she said wiping the sweat off her forehead. Hermione smiled as she admired their bandaging skills, “my pleasure”. Hermione looked at Fred. He was spent and pale but was intently looking at her, annoyance clear in his eyes. Finite Incantatem she said pointing her wand at Fred, who gasped for air dramatically. He held Hermione’s gaze and scowled, “traitor”.

She smiled but Fred ignored her. He put Hermione’s betrayal aside and cleared his throat as he focused his attention right back to his unfinished task. “SOO” he asked his Mum sweetly, “about going outside?” “Absolutely not Fred, you can barely stand with out....” but Mrs. Weasley rant was soon interrupted by Ginny. “Oh come on Mum” she said poking her head through the door “let him come out” Fred nodded in agreement. “Yup!! Let the man out Mum” said George, who’s head poked out from underneath Ginny’s. “He can watch us play quidditch”. Mrs Weasley shook her head firmly and said “No”. “He’ll be off to the side Mrs. Weasley” said Harry, who was standing on his tiptoes peeking over Ginny’s head with a smile “he’ll be a spectator ”. “Yeah Mum” Ron added from behind Harry, “I’d love for Fred to witness the look on George and Ginny’s face when I beat them” Ginny rolled her eyes while Fred and George snorted, “Calm down Ronniekins” George said. Mrs Weasley turned towards her children with an unsure look on her face “I don’t know”. “Pleeeaassseeee” they all sang in unison as Fred gave his mom his best puppy dog eyes. Hermione smiled, there was something about that “innocent” face that made her feel butterflies. She quickly pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the debate in front of her. Hermione agreed with Mrs. Weasley, true Fred was slowly getting better but he was still very weak. And his bandages required extra care. She did however feel a tad bit bad about the Silencio charm she’d cast on him earlier, so she decided to help Fred accomplish his goal. “I will be with them as well Mrs. Weasley, I’ll gladly keep an eye of Fred for you” Hermione said. The group snickered. “I'm sure you will” George quipped, wagging his eyebrows while Fred looked smugly at Hermione. She just smiled and rolled her eyes. Mrs. Weasley ignored them, “Thank you sweetheart!” she beamed at Hermione, “I appreciate it!”

“Let’s apparate him outside”, said Ron whose comment was followed by a shower of insults. “Oh Ronald”, sighed Mrs. Weasley. “What?! It was an honest suggestion!” he said indignantly. But before any more insults were hurtled towards Ron, Mrs. Weasley spoke “Ginny, Harry run along and set something out over by the clearing.” “The Quidditch Pitch Mum” said George. “The what?”, said Mrs. Weasley. “It’s not a clearing, it’s called a pitch”, replied George. “Who’s the snitch?”, asked Mrs. Weasley. “Oh Merlin”, said Fred and George in unison while Ron, Ginny, Harry and Hermione laughed. “Well it’s hard to hear and you are all driving me insane. Harry, Ginny off you go. Find a couple of chairs, or a bench or something for Fred to sit on while he’s out there. George, Ron you’ll help me carry Fred outside”. Ron groaned as Harry and Ginny left. “Are we really going to carry him all the way out there Mum?”, Ron whined. “It’s not like you’ll carry him all on your own you git. I’m going to help too”, George snapped at him. “I’ve got a better idea, why don’t you two stay here and I’ll walk myself out”, said Fred irritably. “You stay put Fred Weasley”, snapped Mrs. Weasley, “or you’ll remain inside a lot longer than you’d like.” Ron, George and Hermione smirked, while Fred scowled. “Wait! Maybe we won’t have to ‘carry’ him outside”, said Hermione, “I’ve got an idea”.

“Good call on that feather-light charm ‘Mione, I was starting to think we’d really have to leave him behind”, said Ron. Fred snorted and George rolled his eyes. Hermione smiled, “There’s Ginny and Harry”, she said as they got closer to the quidditch pitch, “We are almost there, come on”. “A love seat?” asked Ron confused when they got to the clearing by the pitch. Ginny rolled her eyes, “It’s a wooden bench”, she said. Ron ignored her, “Why did you guys bring a love seat out here instead of a couple of chairs?”. “Not quite sure to be honest”, said Harry with a shrug, “But Ginny brought up a good point. Fred would be a lot more comfortable sitting on this as opposed to a hard wooden chair”. “Oh”, said Ron, “Well when you say it like that, it makes sense”. Ginny punched Ron’s arm, “OW! What was that for?!” he cried. “That was for questioning my decisions”, Ginny said. Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat, “Alright you lot, the faster we sit him down, the faster you can play your game”. After what seemed like hours of complaining, grunting and a few witty remarks from George, Fred was finally sitting down with a few pillows supporting his left arm and shoulder. Mrs. Weasley turned to speak to Hermione, “If you need me sweetheart, I’ll be in the kitchen, it’s not too far from here. Just give me a shout and I’ll come outside”, she finished. “You!”, said Mrs. Weasley, pointing her finger at Fred “on your best behavior. Got it?” Fred smiled sweetly at his mom and said, “Always''.

“Soo” winced Fred as he leaned back in the seat , “it’s been 10 months.” “You okay?” Asked Hermione. Fred kindly but dismissively waved at her, “10 monTHs” he said putting emphasis on the th. “10 months?” Asked Hermione with confused. “Oooh yes!!” Fred nodded with a devilish grin, “Ten months to the day Granger. Ten months since you kissed me” “You mean ten months since YOU lied and came to me asking for help with your tie?” said Hermione. Fred laughed “Me?!” he said in mock surprise. “Yes you!!” said Hermione shaking her finger at him. “YOU found me on my way down the stairs and” she used fingers quotes “asked for help with your tie.” “AANNDDD??” Fred asked wagging his eyebrows, traces of a faint smirk slowly crept onto his face. “Well mmm, I uh you, I mean I or should I say we” Hermione stammered. His smirk was fully visible now “YOU kissed me” he finished. “Exactly! Wait what?! No, WE” said Hermione moving her finger back and forth quickly, “WE kissed each other” she finished hurriedly as she slowly blushed. “We sure did” said Fred smiling smugly and Hermione rolled her eyes. “Plus” Fred added “if I remember correctly, you liked helping me” he finished with a wink. Hermione blushed harder.

“Well you’re right” she said rolling her eyes as she smiled “it’s been a while”. Hermione felt him staring at her but she couldn’t look at him, at least no yet. The cheeky git always made her nervous, and they’re previous back and forth episode had, as much as she hated to admit it, left her completely flustered. They were watching the others play quidditch when Fred cleared his throat “I know we never got a chance to discuss what this” he said seriously as he slowly moved his finger back and forth between them “Was. But mm, during the war, whenever Lee, George and I were on the radio, I tried my best to send YOU messages. Like mmm”, he cleared his throat as he rubbed his neck, “mm yeah, telling you to stay safe and of course telling you I loved you”. Hermione’s heart was pounding. “Yeah George would yell at me saying it wasn’t wise and that I could potentially be putting you in danger but I just had to tell mm yeah, I had to tell I loved you. In case”, his voice was almost a whisper, “in case you know, I never saw you again”. Fred quickly wiped his eyes and cleared his throat once more, “Did you hear them?” Her heart was pounding so loud, she felt it could have been heard all throughout England. “You said you loved me?” Hermione asked quietly. This was obviously some sort of misunderstanding. But all it took was one look at Fred to realize it wasn’t a misunderstanding, he’d meant what he’d said. Fred nodded nervously biting his lip “I also asked you to stay safe” he finished with a weak smile. He looked at her once more before turning his attention back to the game.

Hermione was lost in her thoughts again. Her mind took her back to those days she’d spent in the forest listening to Potterwatch with Ron and Harry. She was feeling butterflies again as she remembered an evening where Harry and Ron had been so confused by a message they’d heard on the radio. “What the hell was that?!” Ron had hissed, “that was a bloody waste on time”. He’d been clearly irritated. “I don’t know Ron”, Harry had said, “I’m sure that message meant a lot to whoever it was for”. Hermione looked at the two of them as tears fell from her eyes. She didn’t know who that message was for but it was beautiful. And in that moment all Hermione hoped was that those lover would one day be together again. “Penny for your thoughts” said Fred bringing Hermione back to reality. His eyes were closed as he looked up at the sky. “You know”, Fred said, “I’ve always liked the way the sun feels on your skin. I don’t know why but it always makes me feel happy”. Hermione smiled at his words and was glad Fred wasn’t looking at her.

She was nervous, extremely nervous. And no matter how many deep breaths she took, it didn’t seem like she was able to calm down. Hermione took one deep breath, cleared her voice and spoke. “Darling, though it was brief”, she said shakily as Fred snapped down to look at her. She took a deep breath to try and calm herself but it was useless. Hermione cleared her throat again and began “Darling, though it was brief, know you’re the reason I get up wanting new adventures. The good, the bad, I’ll take it all just to be with you, in this life and the next. Stay safe.” Fred looked at her anxiously as he took a deep shaky breath. Hermione stared at him, her heart beating so and loud she was certain he heard it. “Oi! Can you two stop looking at each other like that!”, Ron said, “It’s disgusting!” “Don’t take your frustrations out on them Ronniekins. You’ve got a game to lose, come on now” George said as he winked at Fred and Hermione. “I heard your messages. I mean I didn’t know they were for me but I heard them. And they, mm well, they were beautiful”. A huge smile spread over Fred’s face. He then cleared his throat, “Good, good, I uh, I mean good. I’m, I’m uh...I’m glad you heard them and mmm, I’m glad you liked them” he stammered and sighed in relief.

They were silent again, watching the others play quidditch. Fred laughed. He looked weak, and a little pale but happy, very happy. “Get him Gin!” he yelled, “Don’t let him score!!” Hermione was still trying to wrap her head around what Fred had just said. He was in love with her, but how? More importantly when had that happened. Hermione took a deep breath and cleared her throat “So” she croaked as Fred turned to look at her. Hermione was determined to keep going, so she took a deep breath and continued “so, when did you know you loved, I mean liked” she saw Fred smirk but ignored him and continued “when did you know you liked me” she finished. “Weeeellll....” said Fred, that lopsided smile back on his face, “we were on the Hogwarts Express. George, Lee and I had our own compartment as we like we always did. You know this one time Alicia and Angelina came into our compartment and Lee got so nervous he started rambling for what seemed like hours until they left” Fred smiled at the memory. “Wait where was I, oh yeah...I got distracted, sorry” he said embarrassed “ANYWAY as I was saying George, Lee and myself were about to change into our school robes when our compartment door slid open”, Fred smiled fondly at the memory. “She had big brown eyes and dark brown hair. The girl looked us up and disapprovingly then tutted, ‘Have you all seen a toad? A boy named Neville lost it’”. Fred’s smile got bigger even though he was talking to Hermione she quickly realized that he was completely lost in his memory of that day. “We told her no”, he continued, “then she scolded us for not being dressed in our robes” Fred chuckled. He turned to look at Hermione and said “I remember looking at George and saying ‘That one is going to get us in trouble Georgie. We best keep an eye on her’”. Fred laughed softly as he looked at her, “You know George had a smile on his face when I said that, and he rolled his eyes at me just like you did right now”.

Hermione chuckled, “So that’s when you loved me?” “NoPe!” Fred said, putting emphasis on the p. “That’s when I knew I LIKED you” he said as he wagged his eyebrows. A wolfish grin appeared on his face as he continued “I knew I loved you the night of the Yule Ball...” He smiled at the memory “I was tired so I left Angelina dancing with George at the ball. That’s when I saw you crying on the stairs. I had no idea why you were crying but at that moment I knew I had to make you smile.” Hermione chuckled, “Oh yeah?” “Yeah”, he said as he confidently shrugged. “And well yeah, that’s when I asked you to not move. Then I raced to the kitchen and took a few snacks then asked you to follow me. I figured the astronomy tower would be empty and you’d feel a lot more comfortable telling me what happened there”. Fred sighed as he continued, “we talked until the sun rose. That’s when you looked at me and said ‘Thank you Fred, I had a wonderful time’ and then kissed me on the cheek.” He was smiling as he put a hand on his cheek, “That was the best day ever because that was the day I fell in love with you.” the rules!’ and well hearing that, seeing that” that wide grin still on his face “hearing you say that, well that’s when I fell in love with you” he finished with a deep sigh.

“Sooooo”, Fred said “What about you?” “What about me” said Hermione quietly as Fred rolled his eyes. He seemed a bit shy, which was very uncommon for him, but he was determined to ask her. “When did you know you know? That well, mm you know” he finished flustered. Hermione smirked, “My second year. We were out by the quidditch pitch, when the Slytherins came out. Draco had just called me a Mudblood”, she said absentmindedly holding her arm and smiling, “You and George tried to pounce on him but were held back”. Fred looked amused, “Really? That’s when you knew?”. Hermione rolled her eyes and started laughing. Her laugh was contagious as he soon found himself laughing with her as well. “Okay, okay to be fair”, Hermione choked through her laugh, “You were the first person to ever stand up for me. I can’t really explain it, you made me feel special.” Fred stared at her, a gentle smile on his face, “Well Granger I can’t say I blame you. I have it on good authority that I look irresistible doing just about anything”. He wagged his eyebrows making Hermione blush slightly as she smiled.

George took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. Fred had been quiet, thoughtful and moody the past couple of days and George was tired of it. “So listen,” George said clearing his throat, “I’ve been thinking about dying my hair blue, that outta help the customers tell us part.” “Sure. Wait what?!” Fred furrowed his brows at his brother. “Aaah!!” George said pointing an accusatory finger at Fred, “So you only listen when you want to.” Fred, huffed and mumbled a string of curse words at George. “You know if I’d heard anything you just said I’d be offended but I didn’t so I’m not,” George said with a triumphant smile. Fred rolled his eyes giving him a small smile. “You’ve been in a foul mood since Sunday night. It is now Wednesday mate and frankly you are starting to get a bit annoying.” Fred glared at his brother but George ignored him and continued. “Out with it, what’s troubling you?” “It’s Hermione mate,” Fred sighed. George snickered as he wiggled his brows, “Trouble in paradise Freddie?” 

“I asked her out about a week ago,” Fred sighed, rubbing his hands on his face. “And?” George said impatiently. “Well when I tried to finalize plans for our date last Sunday after dinner at the burrow, she looked at me annoyed and sighed ‘What about Friday?’ ”George looked at him, fighting a smile, “Is that what you were doing while she was reading under the tree?” “Yeah,” said Fred, hurt and confusion on his face. George was soon howling with laughter which made Fred scowl. “You are telling me that,” George choked through his laughs, “YOU asked Hermione Bookworm Granger a question while she was reading?” “Yes,” Fred said with uncertainty. George laughed harder, making himself fall off the desk he was sitting on. 

Fred laughed in annoyance,”I don’t find this funny at all Georgie, '' he said, hoping his brother's childhood nickname would make him stop, “I think she's mad at me.” “Okay, okay. Look here you idiot,” George said, pushing himself off the ground, “I’ve got a few things to say, ONE!” he shouted, “Hermione is not mad at you. She, for some unknown reason, loves you just as much as you love her.” Fred looked at his brother with worry on his face, “I don’t know.” “AND!!” George shouted ignoring his brother, “Everyone, in both Wizarding and Muggle worlds, knows you don’t interrupt a bookworm when they are reading.” 

“Is that really a thing?” Fred asked unsure. George rolled his eyes and ignored him, “TWO!!” he said loudly as he grabbing a roll of parchment form his desk, “You don’t, *whack* talk *whack* to a bookworm *whack whack* when they are *whack whack whack* nose deep in a *whack whack whack* book. *whack whack whack whack* “Ouch,” Fred snapped, “Okay, I get it.” “THREE!!” George shouted as he whacked Fred with the roll of parchment again. “Ouch! Quit it!” Fred yelped, “Or Merlin help me I will hex you.” 

“Three,” said George softly, “When was the last time you talked to Granger Fred?” “Uh, not since Sunday,” Fred said quietly. “Exactly, you won’t know what she was thinking Sunday if you don’t talk to her. It’s called communication Freddie, it’s an important part in every relationship. Now stop being a baby and owl the woman. Remind her of your date and then actually talk to the woman, in person. Sort this out” George said matter of factly.

Fred shot out of his chair suddenly, “George you’re a genius!” Fred said, putting his hands on the side of his brother's head and bringing him close to give his forehead a loud noisy kiss.” “Oh God,” George wiped his forehead. An annoyed look on his face, “I better be the godfather to your first born.” 

____________________________ (The Burrow)

“I feel so bad Gin,” Hermione groaned as she covered her face with the book she’d been trying to read. “Why?,” Ginny said absentmindedly as she sat on the floor. Her back was against her bed as she tossed a quaffle against the wall. 

“Well I’d completely forgotten I had a date with Fred this Friday. And at Sunday dinner, when he reminded me about our date I’d completely forgotten about it,” Hermione gasped, “I think he’s mad at me.” Ginny snorted and both girls burst into giggles. “Ginny it’s not funny,” Hermione’s giggles had turned into a desperate whine. “I was in the middle of my book,” she said, “He caught me off guard! I never forget things. It was a really good book.” Ginny laughed harder, “You don’t have to explain yourself to me.”

“Ginny!,” groaned Hermione. “He’ll be fine. I ignore Fred and George all the time and they still talk to me,” she said dismissively. “Listen, don’t worry,” Ginny said, “You. Are. Good.” “Ginny his face,” Hermione said holding back a sob, “you should have seen Fred’s face.” Hermione grabbed her chest with a pained expression, “He looked so embarrassed and hurt. Probably thought I didn’t love him anymore.” She turned to Ginny, worry etched on her face. 

“Again, I ignore them all the time,” Ginny said nonchalantly. “Yeah but you’re their sister Gin.” Hermione said, covering her face again.

“Look it’s gonna be fine, 100% sure he’s not mad or hurt by this. I am sure the idiot realized he was interrupting you as you read your book,” Ginny finished with a shrug. “Listen, it’s just Fred, he's not mad or upset with you. I’m sure of it. But if it makes you feel better just make it up to him.” “Make it up to him how?,” Hermione asked. “Well,” said Ginny thoughtfully, “You could always kiss him. That shuts him up.”

Hermione was about to shush Ginny when she interrupted my obnoxious hooting. “Is that...does Apollo have a howler attached to him?,” Hermione said as she looked at the tawny owl in confusion. “I believe he does,” Ginny said looking curiously at Hermione, “It’s probably a mistake,” she said walking closer to Apollo.

“Oooh,” Ginny covered her mouth with her hands as fought the urge to laugh. “What is it?” Hermione asked. “Hermione it’s for you.” “ME?!,” Hermione squealed loudly. “Yup!,” Ginny giggled . “Don’t laugh,” Hermione chuckled nervously. Ginny giggled, “You’re right, I’m sorry. I wonder who it’s from,” Hermione shrugged. Ginny smiled, “Well, it’s starting to smoke so I guess we will soon find out.” 

Hermione took a deep breath and nervously opened the shaking red letter. 

“GRANGER!'' Fred's voice filled the room. “WAIT GEORGE SHOULD I USE HER FULL NAME!?” "YES STUPID!!,” George bellowed back, “IT MAKES IT MORE ROMANTIC!.” “OH YOU’RE A GENIUS!,” Fred shouted back. “HERMIONE JEAN GRANGER! I AM VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR DATE THIS FRIDAY!! I WILL BRING YOU HAPPY FLOWERS FROM THE MOUNTAINS, BLUEBELLS, DARK HAZELS, AND RUSTIC BASKETS OF KISSES AND ANYTHING ELSE I CAN POSSIBLY FIND TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AN INCREDIBLE TIME FRIDAY NIGHT. I AM GOING TO STOP NOW BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I'M SAYING ANYMORE OR WHAT THAT MEANS, BUT I KNOW YOU LOVE THAT NERUDA BLOKE AND I THOUGHT THAT BIT FROM ONE OF HIS POEMS FLOWED NICELY IN THIS LETTER. ANYWAY I LOVE YOU GRANGER. ALWAYS. MMMMUUAAAHH!

The letter tore itself up leaving behind a deafening silence.