#fremione fluff

[punchingtelescopes2]

When Did You Know

Word Count: 4,015

Summary: Fred lives!! Need I say more.

Warning: Some Angst. But overall get ready for a disgusting amount of fluff.

A/N: I know this is not a popular ship…BUT it is my favorite ship. So if you also enjoy Fremione I hope you like this. And if you just like to read…we’ll then I hope you like this too 😊.

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.

“Anyway”, she said, “That’s when I knew I liked you. I knew I LOVED you about a month ago”. The smile was gone from Hermione’s face. She took a deep breath, “I remember seeing that wall fall on you”, but she found herself unable to continue as tears started to fall down her cheeks. Hermione took a deep breath trying to calm herself but she ended up lowering her head as she cried harder. For the first time in his life, Fred did not know what to do. Seeing Hermione so hurt and in tears was pained his soul. He longed to hold her, comfort her, reassure her that everything was okay but when he tried to move closer to her Fred’s body refused to listen to him. Instead it ached and left him momentarily dizzy after that small, unsuccessful bit of physical exertion. Fred chided himself mentally and did the next best thing he could think of, he’d hold her hand. Hermione looked up when she felt Fred’s hand on hers, she felt a warm feeling in her chest as he rubbed her knuckles with his thumb. The warm smile, encouraging smile on Fred’s face helped Hermione say everything she’d she’d been feeling these last couple of weeks. “I'm worried Freddie”, she said between sobs, “I am worried that I’m dreaming”. Fred took in a shaky breath and rubbed her knuckles with her thumb. “I'm terrified that this isn’t real. And that I will just wake up at any moment and you will go away”, but before she could continue Fred’s lips were on hers. Hermione’s mouth eagerly molded to Fred’s as he slipped his tongue in her and they became one. As they broke for air, Fred placed a kiss on her forehead and looked deeply into her eyes. “Those were a lot of words”, he said with a soft chuckle. He gave Hermione a chaste kiss on the lips and said gruffly, “This is real darling, I’m real. Trust me, you can’t get rid of me so easily “. Hermione gave him a teary smile, “I can’t lose you Fred. Life without you would just not make sense. It would be sad, boring and flat out miserable”, she finished with a sob. Fred cleared his throat gruffly and winced as he lifted his arm to put it around Hermione. She felt butterflies again as she snuggled closer to him resting her head on his chest. “I like you and I love you Fred Weasley”, Hermione said instantly smiling as the words came out of her for the first time. Hermione looked up and saw Fred looking at her, a huge lopsided smile lit up his face. “I like you and I love you too Hermione Granger”, he said as he kissed her again.

[in-the-middle-of-the-room]

"What are you thinking?" he asked.

"I'm not ," she said.

•~•

" I mean it when I say I love you— and come Death Eaters or ghouls, my future has you in it— You are my future."

Fred and Hermione in Falling through time by wittyhistorian (Ao3)

[sailtomarina]

Written for Day 12 - Cinnamon, cloves, and/or nutmeg - of the Weasley, Witches, & Writers’ Fall Fluff Fest 2024. Hermione & Angelina, Angelina/George, Hermione/Fred | Rating: T | Fluff & humor | 716 WC

⋆.࿔*:˚🍂𓍊𓋼🍁𓋼𓍊🍂˚:*.࿔.⋆

The second Angelina stepped through the Floo, she smelled it.

Smoke.

Not the usual acrid aroma from the powder or the fireplace itself, but a sickly sweetness not unlike burnt sugar. She had an idea of what might have caused it, but moved forward anyway to verify the truth with her own eyes.

The flat was tidy, as usual, but dark. The twins were still at work. The only light she could see spilled out from her final destination: the kitchen. Angelina rounded the corner and stopped short.

Chaos. Pure chaos.

Not a single speck of counter space was left untouched. Containers of flour–not one, but four–stood open with scoops still shoved in at the top. She could spot several bags of nuts and spices torn open, their contents spilling out and down onto the floor.

Hermione stood in front of an open oven out of which huge clouds of black smoke billowed outward. Mitt-covered hands clutched at her head of curls, much of them having spilled out of the braid attempting to control them.

“No, no, no!” she moaned, despair dripping from every word.

“Hermione?”

The witch spun around, eyes and mouth wide as she stared at Angelina. “It’s ruined! It’s all ruined!”

Then she disappeared.

Not disapparated, which would have been overly dramatic.

No, she’d sunk out of sight behind the kitchen island, whimpers escaping and mixing in with the smoke that still poured out of the oven. Angelina could just make out what appeared to be a lump of coal on the centre rack.

She rounded the counter in a series of long steps to crouch beside her friend. “Hermione. It’s not the end of the world.”

“B-b-but the time, there isn’t enough time before–”

“Even then. I’m here now, and I’ll help you.”

Her heart clenched at the sight of Hermione’s large, whiskey eyes. Godric, how does Fred ever say no?

“You think this,” the other woman waved her arms at the mess, “can be recovered?”

Angelina scoffed, giving her hair a good toss for emphasis. “Of course it can. It’s us.”

Then she stood, offering a hand to help Hermione back to her feet.

“It’s a good thing we’re witches.”

They shared a look, Hermione’s apologetic, and burst into giggles.

⋆.࿔*:˚🍂𓍊𓋼🍁𓋼𓍊🍂˚:*.࿔.⋆

“These cookies are bloody delicious!”

At least, that’s what Angelina thought he said, because Fred’s mouth was currently crammed full of sweets as he continued to wax poetic on their baking. His girlfriend beamed from where she sat nearby, not a smudge of flour remaining to be seen either on her or the once disastrous kitchen.

It had taken the women an hour to clean up the mess Hermione had created. Angelina let her know that four different types of flour were not necessary, no matter how much the younger witch wanted to test the outcomes of various mixtures. Nor did they need every candy in the house. They were making Snickerdoodles, not gingerbread houses!

“Oi, leave enough for me,” George cried, swiping the plate of fresh-baked goods away from his twin. A moan of approval followed shortly after his bite.

“I am so lucky to have you in my life,” Fred murmured, nuzzling into Hermione’s ear and tugging her into his lap. She flushed, colour creeping up her neckline and turning her ears bright red.

“F-Fred, maybe we should–”

Her protest was cut off by the startled sound he made upon nibbling one of her ears. “Is that…cinnamon? Why do you taste like cinnamon?”

Angelina corrected herself: now Hermione flushed red, the vibrancy of it flooding her face so much so that Angelina wouldn’t have been surprised in the slightest if the witch started steaming. 

Or, better yet, billowing. Black clouds. Smoke.

She snorted.

Hermione glared.

She buckled over, cackling, tears building at the corners of her eyes.

“Blimey, Angie, are you okay?” George’s hand landed against her back and rubbed soothing circles along its surface.

“She’s fine,” Hermione snapped.

Angelina waved a hand in the air, her face still buried in the crook of one arm. “I’m fine! Everything’s fine!”

“Come on, Fred.”

“But, love, I wasn’t finished–” The words faded as he was dragged away.

“Welp. Guess these are ours now.” George cheerily dug into the remaining cookies, inhaling them quicker than Angelina could blink.

Almost like magic.

⋆.࿔*:˚🍂𓍊𓋼🍁𓋼𓍊🍂˚:*.࿔.⋆

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Hermione Granger & Angelina Johnson, Hermione Granger/Fred Weasley, Angelina Johnson/George Weasley Characters: Hermione Granger, Angelina Johnson, Fred Weasley, George Weasley Additional Tags: Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Not Beta Read, Facebook: Weasleys Witches & Writers, Weasleys Witches & Writers Fall Fluff Fest 2024, Fall Fluff Fest 2024, Fluff and Humor, POV Angelina Johnson, Big Sister Angelina Johnson, Hermione Granger is So Done, Fred Weasley Lives Series: Part 12 of WWW Fall Fluff Fest 2024 Summary:

Angelina comes home to a kitchen disaster of Hermione-sized proportions.

[zoesiapie]

pretty romantic

"I'm beginning to think it's fate," he tells her, loosening his Gryffindor tie.

Hermione raises an eyebrow. "Meet late at night in the Common Room?" She taps the tip of her feather against the paper, crosses her legs. 

Fred mumbles as he scans the armchair and sofa and sits in front of her: her view is tinged with a bright red. "Meeting late at night, pretty romantic." 

[chapter1991]

An Ice Rink

Hermione stood stunned in the doorway as she looked at her newly decorated office. She was only gone for thirty minutes. The thing that caught her eyes was a small ice rink with little figures that moved around on her desk. And in an instant, she knew who had broken into her office.

Hermione’s heels echoed in the empty hallway as she walked to her office at the ministry. The halls were decked with garlands, Christmas lights, trees and so much more as Christmas was in two days.   She puffed the falling snow out of her face that started to float down right above her office door. 

“Harry.” She grumbled as she looked up at the falling snow, a little fake white cloud from the Christmas line of WWW hung above her door.  At least it’s only snow.  She thought to herself, knowing it could be much worse.  

She pushed her office door open and after one step, she stopped. She looked in shock slowly around her office. While it was a bit gloom and bare before she left for lunch, it was now filled with Christmas decorations. Fake snow covered her closet that stood beneath the window. A large fully decorated Christmas tree was standing in the corner of her office, behind her desk.   Light filled garlands were hanging on her walls, all around the room. When she stepped further in, bells started to ring. Her eyes flickered to her desk, that too was filled with decorations. Two little red bells were flying over the edge of her desk, the sound filled the silent room. Next to it a dozen of little figures skated on makeshift ice-skating rink on her desk, surrounded by tiny Christmas trees. She crouched down next to her desk as she looked at the figurines in front of her.  

She gasped slightly as she recognized each one as they twirled around on her desk. She saw a tiny Ron, Percy and Charlie as they clumsily tried to skate. Bill and Fleur skated by, elegantly, hand in hand.   Draco, dignified as ever, guided Harry around the rink, holding Harry’s hands as he skated backwards. Ginny and Luna were leaning against a tree, huddled together as they laughed at George, who skated around the rink, dressed as Santa.   Hermione’s thoughts flickered back to her fourth year, when the twins tried to cross the age line for the tournament, turning themselves in their old grey selves with a long white beard. She chuckled when another skating figurine caught her eye. It was her, in the clothes she wore the first time she went ice skating with the Weasleys. She was skating pirouettes on the ice, her hair was blowing in the wind as it started to snow on her desk. Her eyes caught the last red head, the oldest twin was sitting on the ice, crossed legged as he watched her twirl circles around herself. A smile appeared on her lips as she looked to the petite Fred. After watching tiny Fred for a while, her eyes shifted again and saw the moving figurines of Mr. And Mrs. Weasley sitting on a bench with hot chocolate as they watched their kids on the ice. Next to the ice rink was a little wooden chalet with a large bar just outside, leaning on the bar, laughing and drinking were Angelina and Lee, who looked over at the ice rink. 

Hermione didn’t know how long she looked at the little figures on her desk, but she finally straightened back up when her knees started to hurt for crouching down for so long. She rounded the desk and flopped down on her chair as she pulled her work back towards her. She already had a pretty good idea who decorated her office in a span of thirty minutes, but she was surprised he didn’t rearrange or mess up her files.   

She tried to keep her focus on the papers in front of her. To help the werewolves get a steady job and fair wages, but the decorations in her office kept distracting her. The moving figurines in the corner of her eye, the bells that jingled every ten minutes, the flickering lights in the tree or on the garlands, everything.  

After an hour, she sighed with a smile as she pushed her chair back and put on her winter cloak. The whole ice rink was on a plateau, so she shrunk the rink and carefully put it in her enlarged bag. She walked out of her office and with a wave of her wand she locked the door behind her.   She walked past the floo network in the large foyer of the ministry, wanting to enjoy the fresh air and snow outside, after being cooped up all day. She pulled her coat a little tighter around her neck when she opened the door to the busy street, the wind and the snow cold against her cheeks. She walked through the creaky snow, watching the Christmas lights around the city as she made her way to the leaky cauldron. The door of the old bar opened itself as she stepped in and shook the snow out of her hair as she rubbed her hands warm.  

“Hi, Tom, Hannah.” She waved over to the old owner and her old classmate, who worked at the bar as she walked to the other side of the establishment. Tom gave her a nod, while Hannah waved at her with a smile before she disappeared in the room leading to Diagon Alley. With a few taps of her wand, the wall opened up in front of her.   Diagon Alley was crowded with people doing their last-minute Christmas shopping. The wall was closing up behind her as she stepped through. She took only a step or two on the cobbled street when she slipped on a patch of black ice. She braced herself for the inevitable hard fall, but it never came. When strong large arms caught her, her head fell back, and she looked up at the grinning face of Fred Weasley. 

“Why do you keep falling for me?” His eyes sparkled as he looked at her. She crunched up her nose and squinted her eyes as she straightened herself up.  

“The last time, if you remember correctly, George tripped me!” She huffed as she readjusted her bag on her shoulder.  

“I’m just teasing, love.” He winked at her. “You’re a bit early for dinner.” He said as they started to walk towards the bright and colourful shop.  

“Hm.” She said looking down, watching her step, trying not to fall before a Weasley once again. “I was a bit distracted with all the decorations in my office, especially the ice rink.” She looked at Fred in the corner of her eye, the corner of her mouth quirked up.  

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” He shrugged as he opened the door to the shop.   

“Uhu, right.” She smiled as she stepped in the busy shop, the heat of the crowded shop, made Hermione unbutton her coat quickly. The moment Fred entered after her, George called over the crowd to his twin, not noticing Hermione in front of his twin.  

“Oi, Freddie! Did you get everything set up in Hermione’s office?” George asked as he walked over. Fred’s eyes went wide as he gave his twin a pointed look, but it was too late. Hermione smirked at him, a twinkle in her eyes. “Oh.” George said when he saw Hermione between him and his twin. “Hey, love.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek. “A bit early for dinner.”   

“Fred said the same thing.” She chuckled. “I got a little distracted at work by the sudden appearance of all the decorations.” She glanced over at Fred, who’s ears had turned red.  

“Guess the secret’s out of the bag.” George shrugged with a wicked smile at his twin.   

“George!” Verity called as the register was overflowing with customers. George looked over his shoulder and saw how crowded it was.  

“Got to help out Verity, it’s been crazy the last week.” He turned back to Hermione. “Why don’t you go upstairs, we’ll be up when it’s a little less busy.”  

“Alright.” Hermione said, just as someone bumped into her, nearly knocking her to the ground.   

“Follow me before you get trampled.” Fred laughed and took her hand, leading her to the back of the shop. Hermione’s heart skipped a beat when Fred held her hand tightly in his. “I’ll be up as soon as possible.” He said once they were in the backroom.  

“Do you need any help?” She asked looking past Fred, to the busy shop.  

“No, -” He shook his head. “- you just came back from work. Go upstairs and relax.” He said as he subconsciously rubbed his thumb over her hand, which he still held firmly, not wanting to let go. Hermione glanced down at their hands before she looked up to Fred.   Their eyes locked on each other and Fred stepped closer, Hermione’s breath hitched as he lifted one hand to hold her cheek.  

“Fred.” Hermione whispered.  

“FRED!” George voice called him. “Get your arse down here.”  

Hermione heard Fred grumble, making her chuckle. “Go, I’ll be upstairs.” She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. Fred gave her a goofy lopsided smile before he turned and walked back to the shop.  

Hermione had the same goofy smile on her lips as she walked up the stairs. When she entered the flat, she hung her coat on the coatrack and placed her bag on the couch before she headed to the kitchen to grab a drink. She noticed that they had already filled three plates with some of Molly’s cooking as she grabbed a butterbeer from the icebox. She walked back over to the living room and sat down on the couch. She pulled out the ice rink and placed it the coffee table before she enlarged it again. Hermione had noticed in her office that the figurines had a thirty-minute loop before they did the same pattern again. She gazed at her own personal ice rink for a few minutes before she kicked off her shoes and grabbed the blanket that was draped over the back of the couch and wrapped it around herself. She took one of the twins’ research books from the pile next to the couch as she made herself comfortable in the twins flat.  

It was nearly seven before the door to the flat opened again. She looked up from the book as George stepped in, kicking off his shoes as he walked up to her.   

“Freddie’s coming, don’t worry. I made him lock up.” He grinned wickedly again.  

“You’re horrible.” Hermione chuckled as George flopped down next to her. Hermione rested her feet on his lap with a smile.  

“You’ve been yourself comfortable I see.”   

“Hm.” Hermione hummed. “Angelina not coming?”  

“No, they have a match in France tomorrow, so they went over there yesterday.” He explained before his eyes fell on the ice rink. “So, what do you think?”  

“It’s amazing.” Hermione smiled as she looked at the rink. “The details are extraordinary.” She sighed in awe. “How did you do it?”  

“I wish I could take the credit. This was all Freddie.”  

“Really?” Hermione glanced from the ice rink to George, who nodded. “You should sell these.”  

“Oh no, love. I made this especially for you.” Fred’s voice said as he came through the door. Hermione’s face lit up at his statement, at his presence, at the smile he shot her.  

“Well, I don’t mean this one.” She laughed. “This one is mine.” Her eyes twinkled as she looked at Fred. “But you could personalize them, special orders.”  

“That’s a great idea, Granger.” George said as he watched his tiny self, dressed as Santa skate on the ice rink. Fred copied his twin’s movements as he kicked of his shoes before he walked closer to the couch. He literally jumped in between George and Hermione, and started to push his twin away, who pushed back. “Oi!”  

“Not because your girlfriend is out of town you need to steal mine.”   

George grinned before he leaned forward to look at Hermione. “A bit possessive this one.” He winked as he pointed his thumb to Fred. “I’ll just heat up dinner.” He clambered up from the couch.  

“You better run.” Fred threatened with a grin.  

“Watch it, Freddie boy or I’ll tell mum about you two.” He said before he disappeared in the kitchen.  

“Hi, love.” Fred ignored his twin as his eyes found hers. Hermione let the book drop on the floor next to the couch when Fred leaned closer. Her arms went around his neck and pulled him close before their lips crashed against each other in a passionate kiss. “I’ll never get bored of this.” He mumbled against her lips, making her smile before she kissed her new boyfriend, from just a few days, again  

No, they were definitely not telling anyone about their new and blossoming relationship anytime soon as they enjoyed their privacy and alone time together . Hermione thought as Fred pulled her close against his chest as she wrapped the blanket around them both.   

“Happy Christmas, love.” Fred kissed the top of her head.   

“Happy Christmas, Freddie.” She mumbled in his chest with a happy and goofy smile on her face.   

[escapeinmybookshelf]

One shot: Fred has another long night trying to get their new babies to stay asleep. Fremione. Cute and fluffy. Rated T for the mention of breast feeding. Also has a “I am not an owl” reference.

[annonymouslyblonde]

Big family Christmases were a particular specialty of Fred's; however, faced with Christmas with the Grangers and a big question always on his mind, this Christmas is shaping out to be far more stressful than just handling Aunt Muriel all week. Written for the Fremione Forever discord's Secret Santa!

[potterhead0928]

a fremione christmas one shot :))

[freetobee1216]

I made a Fred and Hermione one shot fanfic, I might continue it and put them in more of my fav cliche situations, but no promises.

[ragana62]

Flufftober Day 26 is here! Time to return to an old favorite ship for some twins/Hermione!

Hermione’s just looking for some peace and quiet before school starts to catch up on her summer reading. When her library hiding spot is invaded by two of the loudest people she knows, how will she handle that?

[stashandtell]

No HEA #EmotionalWreckingBall Fic Recs

My embarrassing personal spreadsheet that tracks all the fanfiction I've read since starting Manacled this past spring has a tab of my "Topest Tier" fics, split into the following categories: - Emotional Rollercoaster - Emotional Wrecking Ball - Funny Fluff - Hot Hot Heat - Sweet Love Story Emotional Wrecking Balls, a phrase I picked up from Maloreiy's tag for Draft of Living Death, are stories with no HEA (happily ever after) or a gray HEA. Maybe they don't get what they want but in a bad circumstance, they find a way to move on living with loss. Maybe I'm so jaded that I need the angst and the drama to feel something but really I'm just a sucker for tragedy. Here's what's currently in my Emotional Wrecking Ball list. I mostly read Hermione x pairings so If you have any other recs, PLEASE comment them!

Draft of Living Death by Maloreiy Chapters: One-Shot; Word-Count: 10,646 Ship: Dramione Author's AO3 Summary: "The Malfoy family is not pleased with the announcement of a Marriage Law, but they are determined to get the best out of it, of course. And the best is clearly Hermione Granger. Hermione, however, would rather die." Content Warnings: In addition to the author's tags, which you should read, I would add there's an implication of dubious-consent but in-world, it makes sense and consent was given previously. Also want to note the author tagged "implied/referenced suicide" and that's accurate as well.

My Comments: This is probably my #1 fanfic of all-time. It's a goddamn masterpiece of tragedy in a one-shot. I cried when I read it and I was in a public place. I couldn't put it down.

---- Live Fiercely by Senatsu

Chapters: One-Shot; Word-Count: 5,053 Ship: Fremione Author's AO3 Summary:

"Fred has died - but this Hermione decides that the world cannot go on without the Weasley twins together and whole, that it needs the both of them to heal itself after the war - and makes a trade: her life for his.

When Fred returns to his family, he lives for her."

Content Warnings: Read the author tags.

My Comments: This one is what I would describe as a "gray HEA" in that it tells you from the start what's going to happen and you get to see it play out in all it's bitter-sweet glory. I'm recently converted to appreciating hermione x one-of-the-weasley-brothers ships. (I have yet to read anything compelling that's Harmony, Romione, or Herminny, but to be fair I have never sought those out and the few I've clicked on were not for me. Send recs.)

---- A Broken Mate by Lorbie05

Chapters: One-Shot; Word-Count: 2115 Ship: Billmione Author's AO3 Summary: "How dare he try to fuck her after being with his ex-wife behind her back. "Go back to your precious Fleur. She's obviously what you want," Hermione spat."

Content Warnings: Read the author's tags. There's werewolf-mate bonding in this fic, so that's where the most of the warnings stem from, imo.

My Comments: If you don't end up reading this fic, it's worth scrolling to the bottom to see the screenshot of the tweet where this fic was inspired from. I admit, I love a well-written infidelity fic, even though IRL that shit sucks, but it's not to everyone's taste. I also love a Bill x Hermione fic when it's emotionally complex and ideally, when they're both adults and can interact best as equals.

---- Just In Case by atruwriter

Chapters: One-Shot; Word-Count: 5985 Ship: Fremione Author's AO3 Summary: Late one night, Fred seeks Hermione out with the need to speak honestly about the happenings of war. He has but one regret he doesn't wish to die with and Hermione is just the person to help him.

Content Warnings: None?

My Comments: For canon fans. I don't know what to say about this one other than I read a bunch of Fremione recently and the easter eggs in this fic will kind of rip your heart out if you're prone to that kind of thing.

---- Sleepin' With A Ghoul by Satin Princess

Chapters: One-Shot; Word-Count: 3370 Ship: Theomione Author's AO3 Summary: Careful what you wish for

Content Warnings: Mind the tags, note the tag about suicidal ideation.

My Comments: This one almost didn't make my topest tier list for Emotional Wreckinballs but I re-read it and there's something masterful in the writing worth sinking into.

[punchingtelescopes2]

I Can't Wait

Word Count: 1,324

Summary: You NEVER interrupt someone when they are reading a book.

Warning: Just two people disgustingly in love. And Fred's poorly mentioning Pablo Neruda's love poem 14.

“I’ve been thinking”, said George, “We should sell the whizbangs as a bundle instead of individually you know because...” “Mmmhmmm”, Fred interrupted absentmindedly, “Yup”. 

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. 

“What the bloody hell was that?!” Ginny whispered mystified. Her voice sounded loud in the still quiet room. Hermione and Ginny looked at each other and burst into a fit of laughter. “That was Fred!,” Hermione said, wiping tears from her eyes. Ginny smiled as she rolled her eyes. “Still having doubts as to whether or not Fred is mad at you?”, she asked with one raised eyebrow. “No,” Hermione sighed, smiling dreamily out the window, “No doubts at all.”

[writingwhilecaffeinated]

20 Questions for Fan Fic Writers~

First, thank you @crotchety-old-emu for tagging me, it was kind of you, and I had fun doing this!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

49, admittedly quite a few unfinished. I’m hoping now that I’m older and on a better roll with finishing I’ll go back to some… eventually. This is not including old stuff from FFN and LJ that just either wouldn’t go well on AO3 Or don’t have fandoms to speak of anymore.

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

436,778

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Currently Bridgerton. But done Harry Potter, Sense8, The Old Guard, The Little Mermaid (Live Action. Jonah and Halle were precious, ok???), Doctor Who, Julie and the Phantoms, Narnia, Avengers… waaaaaay back on LJ I did some KPOP fandoms and WAAAAAAYYY back on FFN I write for InuYasha, Merlin, Prince of Tennis. Like, I was YOUNG. It was a time. 😆

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

1. no matter the years (my heart is yours) - Bridgerton Reverse Harem. Penelope with Anthony and Benedict and eventually Colin, but it’s hidden because it’s still set in the Regency. No incest, just good old polyandry. While admittedly the smut scenes are explicit, it had a lot more emotional heart than even I originally planned.

2. Bathymetry of the Heart - Little Mermaid Live Action, telling of Eric/Ariel after they’re reunited. Just emotional fluff.

3. some of it’s transcendental (some of it’s just really dumb) - Bridgerton, Benelope story. Basically season 3 ish if it became Benelope. I had a vision of what I wanted, no one else had written it so I just… did it myself. It is also very sweet and more emotion than what I originally intended. Not as much smut as I thought.

3. Curiosities - continuation of the first Ariel/Eric.

4. Proud of Your Boy - Same as above

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I try very hard to respond. I don’t always get to them, but I try to even to those that are just a heart or something. I only don’t respond to outright mean comments. Better to just ignore.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

One that was a one-shot from forever ago, a super weird crossover to. It was soon after the avengers movie came out and it was a crossover with Doctor Who, and Steve fell for River Song but he would never tell her cause she so obviously love the Doctor. Don’t judge me! Honestly it’s a one-shot series called “i defy you stars.”

7. What’s the fic you wrote eith the happiest ending?

Most of them, I’m not good with writing sad endings. ANGSTY middles yeah, but not endings most of the time.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

For sure! Mostly on my reverse harem, the ABC+P one. People though I didn’t like Colin for how his character was treated and ended up, and that’s not it at all. Colin was just in a completely different place from his brothers, and in my head even past the story I wrote he grows more and fits into the family created beautifully and maturely, eventually staying home full time. But I didn’t have enough space in that narrative to tell that so it didn’t come off well to most people.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I do! I didn’t used to, I used to be very uncomfortable with it. But I wanted something specific in order to tell the story and it just… happened? Now I’ve become a heathen and gotten slightly more kinky with it. 😆

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

Yup, see above. The Avengers and Doctor Who one for sure.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not that I know of/remember.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Not in the sense of splitting the writing but definitely in terms of plot planning!

14. What’s your all time favorite ship?

I can’t pick one, I’m sorry. I’m Bridgerton right now it’s Benelope (let me be clear I LOVE Benophie and Polin! I’m just a crackship girly by nature). HP it’s Fremione or Dramione. The Old Guard It’s Nicky/Joe. There’s a lot more I’m forgetting.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Probably Pick Your Poison, a Dramione fic where Hermione enters an underground ring that’s like Russian roulette but with poisons. I liked the idea.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Oof um… I’m tough on myself. That’s hard. Can I say “ideas”? Im great at developing plot points and stories, maybe even character reflections.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Details that aren’t what the characters are doing. I focus too much on body movement and not what else is going around that could tell the story.

Oh, and commas are my enemy.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

Limited personally. If the character knows another language I do my best to research it, but otherwise I avoid.

19. First fandom you write for?

InuYasha on FFN.

20. Favorite fics you’ve written?

Probably some of it’s transcendental (some of it’s just really dumb) because I proved to myself writing that gif I could write a chartered story to completion, and with writing I was proud of.

Also one of my The Old Guard ones, mostly because I wrote a fight scene I was proud of -> When You Least Expect It

Tagging @velvetcovered-brick, my lovely friend who has been helping me talk out my latest fics lately. ♥️♥️♥️ youuuuuu.

[sailtomarina]

Written for Day 9 - Acorn - of Weasleys, Witches, & Writers Fall Fluff Fest 2024. Hermione/Fred | Rating: G | Tooth-rotting fluff! | 852 WC

⋆.࿔*:˚🍂𓍊𓋼🍁𓋼𓍊🍂˚:*.࿔.⋆

She thought the first a coincidence.

When she found the second one, she still shrugged and went about her day. Fred had probably dragged the outdoors in as he often did when he was in a hurry.

Then Hermione found a third acorn–not on the ground, like the other two, but smack in the middle of her writing desk.

“Fred?” She’d thought him out for the day, but maybe he’d chosen to come home early. 

Nothing but silence met her call.

Curious.

Hermione picked up the acorn and walked back into the kitchen to where she’d placed the other two. She lined them up in a row on the island and backed up.

“Finite Incantatem!”

It was just as she’d expected: the acorns were transfigured clues.

While she wasn’t sure which of the original two was first, she was certain of the third. In the place of the seeds now sat a packaged sugar quill in her usual cinnamon flavour, a refill of her favourite Edgar Allen Poe candle, and a real writing quill with a feather in a lovely shade of auburn.

The significance of the acorn was not lost on her.

Acorns were small, seemingly insignificant, seeds that grew into oak trees. They represented growth, beginnings, and a promise for more.

With that in mind, Hermione rolled up her sleeves and started searching.

She found the fourth acorn–which turned out to be a dainty necklace with an acorn pendant–in the pantry on top of Crookshanks’ snack container.

“Mrow.”

Hermione obliged her familiar with a back scratch and a treat. “Seen any acorns around, Crooksie?”

Large yellow eyes blinked at her as he licked his lips, then he turned, sauntered down the hallway, and looked over his shoulder as if to say, Well? Are you coming or not?

Crookshanks led her through the house to a familiar door that was covered with scratches and burn marks from innumerable experiments gone awry. Fred always made sure to keep the door closed out of safety, but, today, it was ajar.

The bottlebrush tail disappeared through the crack.

Hermione breath sped up in time with her heartbeat, the sound of both suddenly loud in her ears. She willed them to remain calm.

Why was his workshop open?

“Fred?” she called again.

“Come in!” He sounded normal. Like his usual self.

Hermione laughed at herself, then pushed the door open. “I thought you were out since I called for you earlier. What are you doing home–”

The question ended in a garbled noise as she took him in, or, more precisely, the state of the room and his place in it.

The tables covered in gadgets and tools had been removed. Gone, too, was the wall of cauldrons bubbling with various experiments. In their place were floor-to-ceiling shelves lining each of the walls. Rather than several work surfaces, there was only one long table with a bookstand at the end.

The window overlooking their back garden remained. However, right next to it sat a handsome velvet green armchair with a matching footstool, in front of which Fred kneeled with one palm up.

“I’m getting ready to ask my girlfriend a very important question.”

Crooks hopped up onto the footstool and curled into a tight ball, his job done.

“Hermione–”

In his hand sat an innocuous little acorn.

She gasped, then tried to stifle the sound as tears of joy threatened to spill down her cheeks. He tugged at her hands.

“Look at me, love. Let me see you.”

Hermione did as asked, even though she knew her face probably looked a fright–all red splotches, wet cheeks, and runny nose. Fred, in turn, looked as handsome as ever with his lopsided grin, a villainous scar through one brow, and sky blue eyes that never failed to see straight through her.

He held the acorn up pinched between two fingers as he continued his speech. “When we first moved to this cottage all those years ago, we made a promise.”

She remembered that day like it was yesterday.

“And today, I mean to make good on that promise.”

“But your workshop–”

“I moved everything into the basement. Used some of your ingenious extension charms.”

“And my parents–”

“They gave their approval a long time ago.”

“What about Ron?” Good Godric, why was she saying her ex’s name now?

“What about Ron? He’s remarried, and we’ve been together for years.”

She knew she was blabbing like she always did when she was overwhelmed. He knew it, too.

“Come here.”

She allowed him to guide her into the armchair where he kneeled again alongside her.

Hermione bit her lip as she looked between him and the acorn. “Are you sure?”

“More than ever.”

This time, she let him continue speaking. She burst into tears the moment the acorn transformed into a ring. She couldn’t stop saying “yes” between hiccups and sniffles as he slid said ring onto her finger.

And one final acorn remained just that: a seed that they planted behind the cottage and that grew into a towering oak underneath which they spent countless idle, perfect days.

⋆.࿔*:˚🍂𓍊𓋼🍁𓋼𓍊🍂˚:*.࿔.⋆

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Hermione Granger/Fred Weasley Characters: Hermione Granger, Fred Weasley, Crookshanks (Harry Potter) Additional Tags: Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Not Beta Read, Adult Hermione Granger, Fred Weasley Lives, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Marriage Proposal, Facebook: Weasleys Witches & Writers, Weasleys Witches & Writers Fall Fluff Fest 2024, Fall Fluff Fest 2024 Series: Part 9 of WWW Fall Fluff Fest 2024 Summary:

A curious trail of acorns through her home leads Hermione on a journey to forever.

[zoesiapie]

Inevitably, above the clouds

In-evitable. A denial that would make no sense to exist. Anything that is negated with the particle in, really, makes no sense: nothing is intolerable to him, no one is really incapable, nothing is ineffective. Yet the more he watches Hermione talk from across the counter, her fingers resting on the wood and her puffy hair stuck awkwardly under a thick scarf and her cheeks flushed from the cold and her hazel eyes glowing from the lamplight, he cannot help but believe that it is inevitable to fall in love with her. 

[chapter1991]

The Pitch

Hermione just needed a quiet place to study. When the library was invaded by Krum's groupies, she went out to find a new place where she could study in peace. She ended up finding a place no one would think to look for her.

Hermione Granger groaned as she saw Viktor Krum walk in the library followed by his giggling fan club. She tried to ignore it but the girls were hidden behind the bookcase right next to her. She slammed her book shut and glared over her shoulder before packing her things and heading out. She really needed someplace quiet to study. The common room was not an option, obviously, just like the great hall. She could check the dormitory but she knew the moment Lavender and Parvati walked in, they wouldn’t shut up. She wandered around the castle looking for the perfect place. She looked out the window and saw a big oak tree near the lake, nobody in sight. She hurried down the steps and walked out the doors and was greeted by the sun that shined down on her. Taking in a deep breath, smelling the autumn air, she followed the path to the lake as she buttoned up her coat. When she reached the lake, her heart dropped as she saw a group of Slytherins nearing the spot. She changed direction and let her feet take her away. She didn’t know where she was going, she was just enjoying the breeze and the sun as she walked the grounds.

The next thing she knew she was standing next to the quidditch pitch. She looked around but no one was there, so she slipped inside. She walked up to the middle of the pitch and looked around. It was weird being here when there was no match, no noise, no cheering… absolute silence. Because of the Triwizard championship quidditch had been cancelled. Although some still trained, it wasn’t as much as they normally would. She turned in circles, looking at the high stands. Then it hit her. She smiled as she readjusted her bag and walked to the tower that was still in the Gryffindor colors. She stepped inside and looked up at the stairs that went all the way up. She sighed as she started making her way up there. Halfway up she opened the buttons of her coat as she grew hot. Once she was finally up, high in the stands, she put down her bag and shook off her coat. She put a cushioning charm on the wooden planks and laid her books on the bench before she dropped down. She lifted her chin and took in the sun and the light breeze before she pulled out her potions essay. Finally working in silence.

That’s where she would go for now on. While everyone thought she was in the library, she found her sanctuary in the high stands of the quidditch pitch. When the weather started to get colder, she took her small blue flames in a jar with her to keep her warm. Even when it started to rain, she would conjure and place an invisible umbrella over her and her books. Ginny asked her where she had gone as she couldn’t find her at the library. Not really wanting to give away her hiding spot, she told her that she left the library a little before because of Krum and his groupies. She came here almost everyday by now. Only needed to go to the library when some of the quidditch players from different houses gathered at the pitch to play a friendly game.

She was now working on her transfiguration essay for professor McGonagall when she heard laughter coming from down below. She looked over the banister and saw two identical red heads walking on the pitch carrying their brooms on one shoulder and their beaters bat in their other hand. She saw them mount their brooms as she turned to her seat, quickly casting a disillusionment charm on herself and her schoolwork. She leaned back against the bench behind her as she saw the twins fly up, holding their beaters bat. George, she thought, hard to see from far away, flicked his wand and the bludger shot up in the air. She watched them as the bludger shot through the air and Fred flew after it, sending it straight back to George. Hermione gasped as the bludger missed a grinning George by an inch.

“You gotta try harder than that, Freddie.” He laughed as he chucked the bludger at his twin. Fred flew up and turned on his broom, hanging upside down as he hit the bludger away from him. Hermione watched them play for over half an hour, admiring the things they could do on a broom. She didn't even like to fly a few feet above the ground, let alone doing the things the twins did.

Still in disguise she pointed her wand at George making his robes fly up over his face. Fred cackled as he saw George’s surprised face as he looked around, looking for the cause. Thinking it was just the wind, he shrugged and turned his attention back to Fred. Hermione grinned before she pointed her wand at the bludger that was flying towards Fred. Small boils covered the bludger and when Fred hit it with his bat, the boils popped open and Fred was covered with goo. Hermione had to bit her lip hard so her laugh couldn’t escape. Both twins looked shocked at what happened and after Fred cleaned himself up and punched George on the shoulder because he was still laughing at him. They flew around the pitch looking for a potential culprit. When they didn’t find anyone, they resumed their game but kept glancing around suspiciously.

George was now flying only a few feet away from her as he taunted Fred. Fred grinned before he shot the bludger in his twin's direction. Instead of hitting it back to Fred, he shot up in the air and Hermione’s eyes went wide as she saw the bludger heading straight for her. Before she could duck away or grab her wand, it hit her in her stomach. Her gaze became blurry and she heard a twin shout before everything went black.

Fred had swung his bat and hit the bludger perfectly as it soared towards George. George climbed higher with his broom escaping the ball’s direction. There was a shimmer in the stand the bludger was heading to and right before it hit, Hermione appeared, wide-eyed and in shock. Fred leaned on his broom and raced forward, pulling his wand out of his robe but it was to late, it hit her right in the middle.

“HERMIONE!” Fred called. George furrowed his brows at Fred and followed the direction his twin was flying to. George mouth dropped open as he raced down to the unconscious bushy haired girl. They landed simultaneously in front of her and dropped their brooms to the side as they crouched down. Fred sat down and laid her head on his lap, George pulling out his wand and waved it over her.

“She was hit, right here.” Fred pointed to her stomach. George nodded and whispered a few diagnostic charms on her, different colors appeared and disappeared over her body.

“She should be fine. Do you have a pain relief potion with you?” George asked looking up. Fred searched his pockets, trying not to move to much with the witch on his lap. When he found the vial, he popped open the cap and gently pulled her mouth open with his thumb and poured the liquid in. As the liquid slid down her throat, he could feel her body relax.

“Granger? Hermione?” Fred asked looking down at her. She didn’t move or responded. Fred looked worried at his twin who sat on Hermione’s left. He waved his wand and splashed a bit of water on her face. Hermione’s eyebrows knit together and slowly opened her eyes. She looked up and gazed in the dark blue eyes of none other than one Frederick Gideon Weasley. The twins let out a sigh of relief the moment she opened her eyes.

“Fred?” She croaked.

“Sorry.” Fred said rubbing his neck, looking down at her. “We didn’t know anyone was up here.”

“It’s okay.” She gave him a small smile as she tried to sit up. Fred and George helped her up in a seating position and sat on either side of her. “I should have put up a shield charm when I saw you two come up.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Fred looked worried at her.

“A little sore.” She said rubbing her stomach and lower ribs. “But I’m fine.”

“You gave us quite a scare.” George added. Hermione chuckled lightly. “Giving the Weasley twins a scare? Who knew that was even possible?”

George and Fred looked surprised at each other; eyebrows high before laughing. “Well, if something would have happened to you, boy wonder would come after us know, wouldn’t he?” George grinned.

“Wait! Hold up!” Fred shouted suddenly. George and Hermione turned their heads to him in surprise. “Were you the one messing with us earlier?”

“Maybe.” Hermione blushed under Fred’s gaze. His eyes full of admiration on the younger witch.

“Blimey, Hermione! Who knew you’re were a jokester at heart?” George exclaimed. Hermione and Fred broke their gaze at George’s words. Hermione looked down and tried to hide her blush with her hair. While Fred looked up with tinged red ears at his twin. George looked surprised at his twin before turning to the girl between them.

“So… What are you doing here anyway?”

“Oh. I’ve been coming here the last few weeks. Ever since Krum and his fan club have been invading the library.” She grumbled as she pointed at her books and schoolwork. “I needed to find a quiet place to study, I was planning on sitting under the big oak tree at the lake but a few Slytherin came by so I changed directions and suddenly ended up here. Since there is no quidditch this year, it’s nice and quiet. Until you two showed up, of course.” She chuckled.

“Don’t you get cold or wet? It was raining almost all of last week.” George asked, one eyebrow raised.

“But twin-o-mine, you forget. This IS the brightest witch of her age.” Fred grinned as Hermione playfully shoved him, rolling her eyes. She then took the blue flame from the bench and placed it on top of it. The twins both looking impressed at the flames in the jar.

“This is to keep me warm. And for the rain, just an umbrella charm really.” She shrugged. Fred took the jar of blue flames and looked at it closer. “Don’t open it!” Hermione warned as he reached out for the lid. “You might set the whole stadium on fire.”

Fred hummed and carefully placed the jar back on the bench. “And why did you put a disillusionment charm on yourself?”

“I just wanted some peace and quiet and not needing to explain why I was here. Harry, Ron and Ginny all think I’m still at the library.”

“They never come find you?” The twins asked surprised.

“Uhm… No. They usually just let me be.”

They all looked up as they saw lighting strike in the near distance and not long after a thunder echoed through the stadium.

“We better get going before we’re soaked.” George stood up and he and Fred helped Hermione stand and pack her things. George climbed his broom, clutching the two beater bats and the bludger under his arm. Fred mounted his broom and held out his hand for Hermione to take. Her eyes turning comically wide as she shook her head.

“No... no, I’ll just walk down.”

“Don’t be daft. You’re still injured and you’ll be soaking wet by the time you reach the castle.”

“I’ll be fine.” Hermione said as raindrops started falling on her head.

Fred frowned and turned to his brother. “You go put everything away. I’ll be down in a minute.” George looked between the two before nodding and flying down to the dressing rooms. When George was out of view, he turned back to Hermione and grabbed her bag and swung it over his shoulder before offering his hand again.

“I won’t let you fall, I promise.” His said honestly before grinning as she still didn’t take his hand. “You have three second to climb on yourself before I fling you over my shoulder and race down.”

“Alright, fine.” Throwing her hands up in defeat. She took his hand and climbed up in front of him, her heart thundering fast in her chest. Fred placed his arms around her protectively, closing her in and shuffled closer.

“Is this okay?” He asked with a slight tremble in his voice. Hermione herself couldn’t muster out a word with the feeling of Fred pressed against her and nodded her head. “Do you trust me?”

“I-I do.” Hermione shocked herself a bit when she said it, but she truly trusted him. She knew the twins were all about a laugh but they wouldn’t do anything to hurt her on purpose. She didn’t see Fred’s smile at her words before he pushed off from the wooden floorboards. Hermione tensed as the flew about six meters above the ground.

“Relax.” Fred breathed in her ear and leaned closer pressing his chest to her back. The moment Fred’s body touched hers, she instantly relaxed and loosened her grip on the broomstick, her fingers getting their color back.

“That’s it. George is waiting for us. We’ll fly to the castle.”

“But- “

“We’ll just be a meter or two from the ground. If we would walk all the way back, we’ll be soaked.” He interrupted as they neared George. George mounted his broom again and flew up a few meters coming up next to them.

“Alright, Granger?” George asked grinning.

“F-Fine.” She choked out. Fred pulled one hand of the broom and she started to panic before he placed his hand around her waist pulling her closer.

“We need to speed up before the storm hits us.” He whispered in her ear. She nodded nervously and Fred gave her a light squeeze before he signaled George and they accelerated. They stopped right as they entered the castle and Fred gently put down his broom and helped her off. Hermione took her bag from his shoulder as he planted his broom over his shoulder, George mimicking his movements.

“I guess you heard about the yule ball?” Hermione asked the twins, who were on either side of her.

Fred laughed as they climbed the stairs. “We did.” He got out between laughs. Hermione looked surprised at his reaction and glanced over to George, who was glaring at his twin. “George nearly fainted when Minnie told us.”

“Why?” She asked George. George just looked down, ears turning red.

“He fancies someone but is to chicken to ask.”

Hermione’s mouth dropped open. “Oooh. It’s Angelina, right?”

George’s head snapped up to her, even Fred looked surprised. “How- how did you know?”

“A woman’s intuition?” She grinned. “Or maybe because you’re practically drooling the moment she steps in the same room as you. Just ask her. I’m pretty sure she’ll say yes.”

“Even Hermione noticed it, George!”

“What do you mean? Even Hermione?” She asked looking back to Fred, glaring.

“Oh. Just. You know.. ickle Ronniekens.” Fred said nervously. They reached the portrait hole and George mumbled the password and climbed in. Leaving Hermione and Fred in his wake.

“Ron and I are just friends. I don’t like him like that.”

“Oh.”

“Who are you going with then?” Hermione asked, looking up at him. Fred opened his mouth but was interrupted by an impatient woman.

“In or out?” The fat lady asked, arms crossed, tapping her fingers impatiently.

“In.” Hermione answered still looking at Fred. She turned her head as they heard George calling for them. With one last look at Fred, she sauntered in the common room and sat by the fireplace with Harry and Ron.

“Did you just come in with the twins?” Ron asked.

“Yeah, bummed into them on the staircase just now.” They all turned as they heard a girl shriek.

Angelina was beaming as she looked at George. “Yes! I would love to go with you.” Her smile so wide, Hermione thought it would get stuck. She gave George a quick peck on the cheek and hurried up to the girls’ common room with Alicia and Katie, probably talking about what they were going to wear. George found her gaze and walked over with Fred.

“Thanks for the advice, Hermione.” He grinned happily as he ruffled her hair. She didn’t even mind that he did that because he looked so happy at the moment.

“Glad I could help.” She smiled and turned back to the fire. George and Fred rounded the couch and dropped down on the floor in front of them.

“So… Who are you dashing gentlemen going to ask to the ball?” Fred asked grinning.

“Oh. I don’t know yet. We still have time, don’t we?” Harry shrugged nervously.

“Who are you taking anyways?” Ron asked his brother.

“None of you business, little brother. But I have the perfect witch in mind.” He said that as he stared at Hermione. Hermione quickly ducked her head, blushing. “Better get a move on before all the good ones are taken.”

“Hmmm.” Ron grumbled. “Harry, you could ask Ginny.”

“Ginny already has a date.” Hermione said looking up at Ron. Harry and all three Weasley brothers looked up in surprise.

“Who?” The Weasleys asked together.

“It’s not my business to tell.” She smiled devilishly and stood up, she readjusted her bag on her shoulder and made her way to the girls’ staircase. “Night, boys.”

Even though Fred hinted he was going to ask her to the yule ball it still hasn’t happened. It was a week ago when the twins found her hiding spot and even though they were still friendly and joking around, Fred didn’t ask. So, Hermione gave up on the notion and ignored that stupid flutter in her stomach as she thought back at how it felt being wrapped up in his arms as they flew through the air. She shook her head as she tried to clear it when she walked back inside the castle.

“Hello.” A heavy voice startled her. She turned her head and saw Viktor Krum walking beside her. “I’m Viktor.”

“Oh, uhm, hi. I’m Hermione.”

“Her-my-own.” He tried to say her name. She wanted to correct him but gave him a small smile in return as they walked further in to the castle. “Van I azk you a qvuiston?”

“Of course you may.”

“Vould you like to go tvo the ball vith me?” He asked as they stopped at the bottom of the staircases. Hermione’s eyes went big as she looked at the Bulgarian.

“Oh. I-I don’t know.” She said biting her lip. Her hopes still on another.

“Iz okay. You vhink avout it. Let me know.”

“Thank you, Viktor. I’ll let you know as soon as possible.” Viktor smiled and gave her a small bow before heading back to the castle doors.

Fred and George were in their dormitory searching for their sweets for the skiving boxes as they looked around the room.

“I thought you were going to ask Granger?” George asked with his head in his trunk searching for the fainting pastilles.

“I am! I’m just waiting for the perfect moment.”

“If you wait to long someone else is going to ask her.”

Fred huffed at his brother. “Ronald is to chicken to ask her.”

“Ron probably is but there are others who want to ask her.”

“Who? And how do you know?” He asked when George emerged from his trunk.

“Terry Boot from Ravenclaw so I’ve heard.” He stood up and pocketed the sweets. “Come on. Let’s head downstairs for dinner.” He wrapped his arm around Fred’s shoulders and guided him out. “Think Lee asked Alicia yet?”

“Doubtful. If he hasn’t asked by next week, I think she will ask him.” Fred laughed as they travelled down the stairs.

“Hey, sis. Everything alright?” Fred asked as Ginny was biting her nails as she paced the common room.

“Hmm? What?” She asked shaking her thoughts before looking up.

“Are you okay?” George asked worried.

“Yes, fine. It’s just the yule ball.”

“What happened? Did your date cancel? I’m going to kill him.” Fred looked around the common room. “Who is it?!”

“No, Fred, my date is fine. It’s Hermione.”

“What about her?” George asked intrigued.

“Someone asked her to the yule ball earlier today.”

“What?” Fred croaked. He cleared his throat and tried to act like it didn’t sting. “Who is she going with?”

“Not sure. She wouldn’t tell me who but she didn’t say yes, she told him she’d think about it.”

“Why does she need to think about it?” George inquired, glancing at Fred in the corner of his eye.

“She said she doesn’t really know the guy but maybe she waiting for someone else to ask her.” Ginny said glancing at Ron, who was playing chess against Seamus.

“Yeah… maybe she waiting for someone else to ask her.” George grinned at his twin. “Where is Hermione? Is she still at dinner?”

“No, she ate rather quickly and told us she was heading to –“

“The library.” The three of them said simultaneously.

“We’re off to dinner before it disappears.”

“Better hurry.” Ginny said glancing at the clock on the wall. She turned to look back at the twins but they were already out the door.

George had pushed Fred out the doors of the castle and called. “Ask her. Now!” And he disappeared back inside the castle. When he reached the quidditch pitch, he saw Hermione’s blue flames lighting up the Gryffindor stands. He looked around and walked over to the storage room and picked out a school broom. It was old and the twigs pointed in every direction but still he mounted the broom and pushed himself off. He flew behind the stands and watched as Hermione was focused on the book on her lap. He pointed his wand at her book and several pages flipped over.

“Fred? George? Where are you?”

“Just me. Dear old Fred.” He grinned, still floating in the air behind her. She quickly turned and smiled as he dropped down and sat next to her.

“What are you doing here?”

“There is something I wanted to ask you. Two things actually.”

“Two things?” She asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“Yes. Well… the first one is.” He nervously rubbed his neck. “I wanted to ask you for about a week but always chickened out. So here it goes.” Taking in a deep breath. “Would you like to go to the ball with me?”

Hermione smiled widely as she looked at Fred. She grabbed his hand gently in hers. “I would love to.”

“Really?”

“Really.” She summoned her Gryffindor courage and leaned over and kissed the corner of his mouth, making them both blush. “So, the second one?”

“Hmmm? Second one?” He asked still dazed as he could still feel her lips on his cheek.

“You had two questions for me remember?” She chuckled.

“Oh, right.” He stood up and offered his hand. She immediately accepted it and he pulled her up. “Would like to join me for flight?” He asked as he pulled the broom between them. Hermione looked down at the broom and back up to him a couple of times. “I would hold you close to me.”

“Well… How can I say no to that?” She grinned nervously. Fred beamed at her, which made her heart beat uncontrollably fast. She climbed on the broom in front of Fred and like he promised he held her tight to his chest, one arm on the broom and the other firmly around her waist.

“Here we go, love.” He whispered in her ear as they took off. She smiled as she leaned against him, trusting him completely as he took her over the lake.