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“I’ve never seen a smile that could light the room like yours, it’s simply radiant and I see it more with every day that goes by”
- A Day To Remember
Sunday - December 19, 1999 — Friday - December 24, 1999
There simply was nothing better than a quiet Sunday morning. Hermione had spent these days as rigorously as a routine, which made it all the better. Earl Gray tea with clover honey and a dash of milk. Sense and Sensibility , her favorite book from Jane Austen. The fireplace would be comfortably crackling with 4 logs; no less, no more. She’d sit in her favorite armchair, the faded yellow papasan chair she had inherited from her mother, and curl up with her eggshell tassel fringe blanket in front of the fire. Nothing could disrupt her heavenly Sunday mornings.
A tapping at the window was determined to change her mind. Standing with a groan, she made her way to the alcove and freed the window lock, allowing the golden barn owl to barrage into her apartment. She instantly recognized it as the twin’s owl, Jareth. Ever since she had recommended the movie to the boys, they had become obsessed. The owl was Jareth, the shop dog was Ludo, even the tropical fish became known as Fireys. She thought it was taking it a little too far, but to each their own.
Trying to tamp down the irritation at her ritual being interrupted, she grumbled her way into the kitchen in search of the elusive owl. Jareth had figured out that if he hid, she’d give him a treat to get his attention. Damn bird was too much like his owners.
“Alright Jareth, you win!” She called into the room, rummaging in her fridge for light snacks, “I’m gonna leave some ham for you on the counter. Come on out sweetheart!”
A screech sounded behind her before a flutter of wings blocked her vision. Blinking rapidly, she frowned down at the pleased owl.
“Well I'm glad you’re happy, that makes one of us.” A twittering screech was his response, making her frown deeper. “Now you’re laughing. Looks like you’ve been hanging out with Fred.” Still picking at the pile of ham on the countertop, Jareth pushed his leg out to the side, imploring Hermione to take the letter and let him eat in peace. “Silly bird,” she cooed as she stroked the feathers on his chest, “you’re an absolute menace.”
Leaving Jareth to his feast, she made her way back to her armchair and the smoldering fire. Plopping down in her seat, she stuck a nail under the edge of the parchment and pried it open, shaking her head at the scratchy yet somehow elegant penmanship inside.
My brilliant and sweet Hermione,
I hope Jareth doesn’t eat you out of house and home this time. Sorry about the pie last time, I had no idea he loved apples that much. The more you know! On to greener yards, as the Muggles say. George and I have found ourselves in a predicament that only someone of your brilliant and compassionate caliber could understand. There’s a product we wanted to have out for Yule sales, but as we’re both blokes, you can see why we need your all-knowing expertise.
I know you’re sore that we’ve ruined your tea time. That’s why you’ll be pleased to know I went to that coffee shop you took us to last month. There’s an iced chocolate something or other with your name on it in the icebox.
See you soon, love! FxG
Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. As much as she loved those boys, they kept her world in a constant whirl. With a wave of her hand the living room rearranged itself to its normally neat status while she stood up and stretched. Jareth hooted before making his way back out the window and into the brisk morning air. Shaking her head, Hermione continued towards the bedroom in search of a change of clothes.
She arrived at the twins' flat with a soft pop a few minutes later. She could hear muffled arguing from the hall towards the bedrooms.
“Listen, I know Hermione is the smartest option, but you have no idea what we just did. Sunday’s are her days for as long as we’ve known her and we just threw a wrench in it. No iced coffee is going to keep her from hexing us, Georgie.”
“Freddie, grow a pair. She’s not going to be that mad. She loves us.”
“She loves Ron too, but we both know how that turned out.”
There were a few moments of silence and it took everything in her to keep from laughing out loud.
“You make a fair point, Freddie. We’ll buy her something nice too.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you, that girl is as savage as she is beautiful.”
Hermione couldn’t help the soft snicker that crept past her lips. Looking down the hallway, she saw George lean out of the doorframe, followed a second later by Fred leaning out over him. The sight was almost enough to break her control completely.
“Hey, how long have you been standing there little witch?”
“Long enough to hear that I’m getting a really nice Yule gift.”
Fred and George were walking towards her now, twin smiles plastered across each of their faces. They shared a look that caused George to break off and head toward the kitchen while Fred ambled towards her.
“Oh yeah, Mi. I got you a really nice gift. It’s in my room if you want to see it?” He smirked at her and Hermione could see the twinkle of mischief in his eyes. Every time he gave her that look, her heart gave out just a bit.
“Do you think those lines will ever work on me, Fred?” she asked, forcing sternness into her tone.
“One can only hope, little witch.”
The smile he was giving her was enough to cause a coronary episode. He had to know the effect he had on her, there’s no way this was all coincidental. He raised an eyebrow at her appraisal, causing her to blush further. He had changed her life forever that first day on the train, asking if he had seen a toad and his smile for her. He smiled at every girl though and was a notorious flirt. This couldn’t be anything, even though she wished for it to change every year at Yule. It simply couldn’t be.
Just as quickly as the moment had appeared, it came to an abrupt halt when George made his way back into the living room. He looked between them for a moment before shaking his head, inclining his chin towards Hermione.
“Here we are then, one chocolatey death trap in a cup for you, Mi.” He gave her a lopsided grin as he handed over the iced mocha. If they were laying it on this thick, they definitely were trying to get her help on something possibly dangerous and borderline illegal.
“Alright, enough schmoozing,” Hermione stated, wiping her mouth as the whipped cream stuck to her upper lip, “what are you two up to?”
“Told you, she’s a genius.”
Fred sidled up next to her and threw a familiar arm over her shoulder, leaning down to whisper in her ear conspiratorially. “Are you ready to have your mind completely blown by the greatest magic to grace our world?”
"Greatest? Or is this something that’s a one way ticket to Azkaban?" Hermione chuckled at his antics, even as her heart thrummed against her chest. She allowed him to lead her through the apartment and down to the shop below.
"You wound me," Fred sighed. "If I can't live up to your expectations, then what's the point of existence at all? Without your approval my world ceases to turn."
“If you’re making this big of a deal, I guarantee it’s something silly for the WonderWitch line," Hermione scoffed doubtfully. "I told you, I have no interest in those products.”
Fred lifted his spare hand to his chest and looked at her, agape. “Hermione, I would never!”
"You did last week."
"Really? I don't recall…"
Hermione smacked his shoulder, causing him to laugh. “I’ll have you know, we only call you in for the insanely important projects.” Reaching the main floor, Fred lifted the curtain blocking the workroom space off and motioned for Hermione to go ahead of him.
“You see, we’ve made something that could be quite revolutionary.” Fred led her to the back corner of the work space to a gently bubbling cauldron. Scattered around were labels for various products, but closely lined up were WonderWitch labels. Hermione fixed him with a hard stare. “Okay, so these are part of the WonderWitch line. There’s so much more to them though!”
George sauntered into the room behind them and snickered. “Found out what the sweets are for, did she?”
“Actually, no. She saw the labels and instantly balked. She doesn’t even know the purpose of this amazing product.”
Both boys looked at her pointedly, waiting. She closed her eyes with a sigh. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and glanced between them.
“Alright, I'll take the bait. So what is the purpose exactly?”
“We see it like this. Eat this little sweet and you’ll get a glow, like an aura.” George reached down and grabbed a small sponge like candy that was a swirl of red, pink, and white. “If it’s pink hovering around you, you have an infatuation. Red, means you’re in love. If it turns into gold, that is a very rare thing indeed.”
“Yup, gold means that not only do you have a soulmate, but if it’s a glittering gold you’ve already met them.”
Hermione couldn’t help but be impressed. Amortentia told you what you were attracted to, but nothing else out there, no kind of magic, could tell you about your love life to such a degree.
“I’m not comfortable meddling in others' love lives. Do you know how much damage you can cause someone? Unrequited love is one of the most painful things in the world; I refuse to help you hurt people.”
“Hermione, no love, that’s not it at all!” George was looking at her with a shocked expression. “I know we can be a bit extreme, but you honestly think that of us?”
Oh no. She hadn’t meant to accuse them of anything. She just knew how painful it was learning someone you loved had no interest in you. She snuck a glance at Fred to find him looking at her sadly.
“Hermione, believe me, I know exactly how painful that can be,” he whispered softly, “This will just show how you feel, not put others on the spot. It’s entirely private who the charm is referring to, the magic doesn’t work that way.”
“Sounds like you have it all figured out. What do you need me for?”
“Well we haven’t tested it on humans yet-”
“and we wanted to make sure the formulas were right. Who better to ask-”
“than the brightest witch of the age.”
Hermione had gotten used to their back and forth banter long ago. She remembered the portable swamp in the corridor. She remembered the fireworks during her O.W.L.S. exam. The Puking Pastilles, the extendable ears, the night powder. Alarms were ringing in her head to be careful, but she had to admit she was intrigued. No matter how dangerous their magic could be, the twins were absolutely brilliant.
“I can’t promise anything, but this is a fascinating use of magic, boys. I'll take a look. But only a look! And I'm not trying it.”
With wide grins plastered on their faces, the trio got to work rather quickly. They worked long through the day, making strides towards something beautiful. Hermione, of course, had lied and almost immediately wove in a bit of magic that would allow you to see if your infatuation was one sided or mutual based on the exact hue of pink or red. Nearing supper time, they had finally finished and sat back to examine their shared brain child.
“I knew we couldn’t be wrong asking for your input, Hermione. You’re a bloody genius.”
Before them sat a tray overflowing with candies. After their work on the formula, the colors had switched from pink and white to a bold maroon and brilliant teal. Fred stretched his arms over his head, twisting his spine to release the pressure of sitting for hours.
Hermione was sitting in her armchair that she had transfigured in the corner, holding her cup of Earl Gray between her hands and blowing on it gently. She couldn’t help the lingering stare at Fred’s lithe form in front of her. Even though Fred and George were identical in looks, Hermione had never confused the two from the other. George was the more level headed of the twins; he was like Hermione and was usually researching something in a book. He liked to joke around, but he was definitely the calmer of the two.
Fred was another story. If there was a prank, you could be sure he was the mastermind and would be right smack in the middle. Hermione could pick his laugh out of anyone in the world. It was warm, rich, and always contagious enough to make anyone smile. Their eyes…George had a rich brown shade, but Fred…he was graced with a warm caramel tone that sparkled with mischief.
Hermione tore her eyes away from Fred, a light blush dusting across her cheeks.
“Are we all ready to try these?” George asked, looking around the group.
"Have fun with that," Hermione said primly with her arms crossed. There was no way the boys were roping her into another magical experiment. She still remembered the pain from the punching telescope, even if Fred tending to her wounds was pleasant.
"Oh come on," Fred drawled, his eyes sparkling in a way that made her heart skip a beat. "Aren't you at least a little bit curious?"
"Plus we should test on a girl as well," George added practically. "For safety purposes."
Hermione sighed but knew she was going to fold, Fred only had to ask for her to do anything willingly. She was all but dying of curiosity; this might be their greatest creation to date. However, having Fred beg her a bit was a nice bonus.
"Fine." she replied shortly, uncrossing her arms and glaring at them both. “If something goes wrong, Ginny taught me the bat bogey hex quite well.”
Fred mock shivered in fear, grabbed three of the sweets and brought them over, handing one to each of them. He grinned wide and held his sweet up in the air in front of him.
“Cheers mates! Bottoms up!”
Hermione and George laughed and clinked their sweets against his before popping them into their mouths. The flavor was amazingly hard to decipher. They had made it so the sweets would taste like your soulmate’s favorite treat. Hermione swirled the puffed candy in her mouth. Something sweet and savory like bread and sugar. Pumpkin? That was it; Hermione could taste a freshly baked pumpkin pastie.
George had his brows furrowed in concentration, swishing the candy around much as Hermione had done. His eyes widened in realization and it was then Hermione saw the colors begin to surround him. A dark red swirled around George and bled into a bright gold. Her jaw popped open at the sight; it was breathtakingly beautiful.
Looking down at her own arm, she gasped aloud, drawing the attention of the twins. Smoke swirled all around her, dancing and twisting its way as it changed from light pink to dark red and back. Her soulmate must be unsure of his affections for her. As she stared at the red smoke it slowly bled into the same bright gold that George’s had. She swallowed hard with anxiety; there was no way George could be hers. A few moments passed before the golden smoke around her shimmered brightly, causing her to gasp again. Not only did she have a soulmate that loved her, but she had already met him.
Smiling, she looked up in time to see Fred staring hard at her. The smoke swirling around him was a shimmering and brilliant gold. Her happiness at knowing she had a soulmate was instantly diminished. Fred had a soulmate he had met before. For some reason, the thought of him being with someone else made a pit of unease settle into her stomach. She was also unaware Fred was going through a similar revelation.
“Well look at that,” George said quietly into the air, “We’ve all got someone waiting for us. I haven’t met mine yet, but you two… who do you think it is?”
Hermione was still trying to tamp down the feeling of utter despair. She had loved Fred for at least 5 years, it might have been more. Not that he knew of course, she’d be shunned and lose two of her closest friends. No. She just had to settle for friends.
“Haven’t the foggiest, really,” she replied, “could be anyone from Hogwarts I assume. Maybe the ministry. There’s a lot of options. Your candy really just causes more questions rather than answers them.”
Fred was still quiet in the corner, his face passive. Hermione couldn’t remember a time he didn’t have a smile from ear to ear.
"Everything alright Fred?" She asked gently.
"Huh, oh yeah," Fred said, shaking his head. He plastered a smile on his face but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just peachy. Just wondering what perfect, stunning goddess is my soulmate."
Hermione's chest ached unexpectedly and her own smile waved. "I'm sure she's lovely. And you already know her."
"You too," Fred said distractly. "Lucky bloke."
The room lapsed into an awkward silence as Geroge watched on. He glanced between the two of them and shook his head. "It's like watching a broom crash in slow motion."
"What?" They both asked, looking at him in confusion.
"Nothing," George said. "Anyway, it's almost time to head to mums for dinner. Hermione are you coming with?" Fred was looking at the wall a little too intently; he must have been imagining what his perfect little mate looked like.
"Not tonight," Hermione sighed, setting her tea aside as she stood, trying to ignore the pang of sorrow creeping through her veins. "Tonks needed some help with Teddy and I promised I would head over. Actually I'm a bit late now."
"Better head out then," Fred said, suddenly snapping back from his daydream. Likely of some perfect veela-esque witch with perfect hair and graceful style. The very opposite of herself. "Wouldn't want people asking why we're making you late."
"No," Hermione said softly. "Wouldn't want that." Hermione watched him exit the room, the swirl of anxiety tangling in her gut. When he had made his way back up the stairs, her fond smile had dropped into a somber frown. She already missed his presence.
Climbing the worn stone steps to The Den, she couldn’t help the smile spreading across her face. She could hear little Teddy squealing with joy and little pitter-patters across the faded wood flooring. Apparently, she was going to have her work cut out for her. Tapping the bronze wolf tail against the door, Hermione admired the wilderness surrounding the cottage while she waited.
The Den was put back into the middle of an old forest, a perk for Remus she knew, but the exterior of the grounds were dotted in flowers and wide arching trees. A gazebo could be seen out to the back with a stone laden leading to it. Tonks had really outdone herself; The Den had gone from a house to a home.
Hearing the door creak open, Hermione turned to see a smiling Remus gazing down at her. A smile of her own crept across her face as she threw herself at his middle. Remus would always be one of her favorite people in the world, he considered her pack after all. Hermione had gone through a rough patch when her parents' memories couldn’t be recovered. Remus had more than stepped up to the plate and become a father figure to her.
“Well hello to you too, little cub,” he said fondly, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and squeezing back, “you act as if I didn’t see you last weekend for dinner.” Pulling away from him, she rolled her eyes.
“Yes, well, I only miss you for your child. I thought you knew that.”
“I’m wounded, pup.” He held his hand against his heart, giving her the epitome of puppy dog eyes, to which she only smacked his shoulder lightly. Remus had changed drastically since the end of the war. Whether that was living with his mate’s influence or the survival of Sirius, Hermione couldn’t be sure. All she knew was that she was glad to have him in her life.
“Oh enough of that, you know I love you. Especially since you’re my favorite Marauder.”
“I heard that!” came bellowing out of the house, causing Hermione to snort in her laughter. Sirius’s animagus qualities certainly made it impossible to slip anything past him. Remus chuckled under his breath at his best friend’s antics before focusing on Hermione once more.
“I love you too kiddo.” Turning his head and cocking it to the side, he smiled down at Hermione once more. “Come on in, I’m getting told off for leaving you in the cold.”
Chucking to herself, Hermione stepped over the threshold and stomped the snow off her shoes before turning to the side and hanging her coat up. Looking into the cottage, she could barely believe it was the same home. The wallpaper had all been replaced, the floors were sparkling clean, and every inch of space was decked out in Yule decorations.
“Let me guess, Molly made her way over here?”
A loud guffaw sounded from the couch in the parlor, followed by a hand sticking up over the couch with an eggnog in hand. Hermione walked to peer over the top of the sofa and saw Sirius smirking back up at her.
“Of course she did, kitten. That woman bleeds holiday spirit.” He gestured around wildly and sloshed his drink dangerously close to the pristine while carpet. “Do you think Remus or I could give two flying fu- craps about cranberries and popcorn on a string?” Sitting up, he patted the seat beside him in offering.
“Sorry Siri, not today.” She leaned forward and kissed his temple in greeting. “I need to speak with Tonks before you lot leave.” Looking back at Remus, he inclined his head towards the stairs. Patting his arm as she passed, she ascended the stairs to find more Yule decorations on every available surface. Following the sound of a giggling toddler, she leaned against the door of the nursery.
Tonks was babbling as she tried to wrestle the tyke into submission, seeing as Teddy had decided today was the day clothes were a no go. Spying Hermione at the door, he wiggled out of his mother’s grasp and ran towards her.
“Auntie Mi!”
Teddy smacked into her legs with enough force that she almost fell over. Gathering her bearings, Hermione reached down and picked him up, settling him on her hip.
“Teddy darling, where are your clothes?”
“No clothes, Auntie. Free wolf like Uncle Siri!” Of course. Leave it to Sirius to put nudity into a child's mind. Hermione had seen more of that man's bare ass than she ever wanted to; he honestly had no shame.
“Well, I have a deal for you. If you put on your clothes like a good boy,” she said in a hushed tone, drawing out the ending to make sure he was listening, “then I’ll take you to the park.”
“Yay! Slides!”
He wiggled out of her arms and ran to his mother, flopping down on his back so she could finally dress him. She looked up at me with a smirk.
“You’re pretty good with children, Hermione.”
“Don’t even finish that thought.”
Tonks laughed, but kept quiet and focused on her toddler. Hermione walked into the room and sat down on the low bed, her eyes unfocused as she was deep in thought. Looking up, Tonks was staring at her with an eyebrow perked. “Tonks…is being a werewolf’s mate the same as being a soulmate?”
Tonks bit her lip in thought, glancing between Hermione’s eyes. “It’s pretty similar actually, especially the bonding process and the signs your mate puts off. For werewolves it’s just more… urgent.” She cocked her head to the side and studied Hermione. “Why do you ask?”
“I was helping the twins with a project earlier,” Tonks leveled her gaze with another raised eyebrow in question, “I know, I know, but they made a really good argument. You know I can never deny Fred anything.” Tonks was one of the few people who knew the depths of emotion Hermione felt for the boy. “They’re making… something… that shows you how your love life is. Like if you have a crush, if you’re in love…and if you have a soulmate.”
“Hermione, are you trying to tell me you have a soulmate?” Tonks was trying to keep her voice calm, but Hermione knew how excited she was.
“Oh, not just that. It was a special soulmate bond, someone I have already met.”
“Is it-”
“No, I don’t think so. He has a soulmate he has already met too.” Hermione hung her head as a solitary tear leaked past her defenses. “I just always thought the time would come and we’d be together. I can never have him now though and all I can do is feel the loss of what could have been. It’s irrational. And stupid. And unnecessary. And- and- and..”
Tears streaked down her cheeks now as she gasped out a sob. “It still hurts so much!”
Tonks immediately came over to console her, gathering the girl in her arms and rubbing her back.”It’s not stupid, Luv. Not at all.”
They stayed that way for a few minutes until Hermione’s sobs diminished to sniffles. It was only then she realized Remus must have come to get Teddy and she almost started crying again.
“I’m so sorry Tonks, I don’t know what came over me.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. I think I need to explain soul bonds in a bit more depth though.” Hermione sniffled once more and nodded, telling Tonks she was listening. “Soul mates here are so much more than in the Muggle world. They just find people they were meant to be with and love a lot. Here, a soul bond is a melding of magics. Your soulmate is someone that you will not only love, but that their magical core sings for yours, and vice versa. It is not something to be taken lightly.”
“That doesn’t make it hurt any less.”
“I know sweetheart. But try to keep an open mind.”
“I am nothing if not open-minded,” Hermione countered.
You’re stubborn as all get out. Your soulmate could stand in front of you and you wouldn’t notice him if you didn’t want to. And if you keep clinging to the wrong person you’ll both regret it.” she leaned closer to Hermione, lowering her voice, “ But I’ll let you in on a secret. If you and your destined soulmate look into each other's eyes, and I mean truly look, both of your eyes will flash gold. It’s a way of your souls recognizing each other.”
“Thank you, Tonks.” Hermione laid her head on the older witches shoulder and took a deep breath. “I think I know what I have to do now. I love him…so I have to let him go.”
A few days passed before she saw either of the twins again. As she was drinking her morning cup of Earl Gray, a brisk knock sounded on the door of her flat. Eyebrows wrinkling in confusion, she set down the cup and went to look through the peephole. Her heart slammed against her chest. Fred. She opened the door slowly and stared at him for a moment before opening it wide.
“Morning Fred, I didn’t expect you.”
“Works that way with a surprise visit.” He smirked and her heart skipped. “I was wondering if there was something I could talk to you about?” Heading towards the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea, as he always did, he was actively trying to avoid her gaze. “I just wanted to apologize for my brusk reaction a few days ago about the soul mate thing. It really threw me for a loop.” He sat across from her and waited while his tea steeped.
“It’s alright Fred, hearing that you have a soulmate would mess with anyone. I was… a bit shaken myself.” She swallowed and took a deep breath. She had already decided to…to let him go. “I’m sure your witch will be everything you’ve ever wanted. Don’t forget to invite me out to dinner when you find her, I want to meet the girl that will be able to snap you up.”
Hermione wasn’t sure why, but Fred’s expression began to grow dark. He looked as if he was having trouble containing his emotions. That made two of them.
“Did you know Hermione,” he said softly as he stirred honey into his cup, “that I had a bit of a thing for you during schooling?” Hermione forgot how to breathe. “George was the only one who knew of course, warned me I had to be careful since Ron held a torch for you. When you rejected him though…I had a glimmer of hope.” He scoffed under his breath, shaking his head in disbelief. “Then we tested those candies, and I knew it was hopeless.”
Fred…he had just admitted the words she had always wanted to hear. He liked her, and for a long time it seemed. They might have had a chance to be together, but that was long gone now.
“Fred,” she whispered, barely audible as he had to lean closer to hear her, “it wasn’t only you. I’ve held a torch for you since the Yule Ball. You were the only one who complimented my dress. The only one to notice me. I never forgot.” She smiled sadly at him, a tear falling down her cheek and onto the counter. “If only we had known, eh?”
Fred was looking at her with wide eyes. He realized it as much as she did. Whatever they might have been was a thing of the past; a faded memory. He shook his head back and forth, likely trying to erase the traitorous thoughts from his mind.
“So that’s it? We care for each other but walk away?”
“What else can we do? Our soulmates will overshine anything we could ever be.”
“Never, Hermione.” He stood up now and came to stand at her side, leaning in close. “No one will ever compare to you.”
“I’m sorry Fred,” she whispered, “but it just can’t work.”
“How do you know? Soulmates could be utter bullshit, Hermione.” He leaned closer to her chair, looking at her face. “I know I love you. What else could come before that? You can’t tell me how to feel.”
Before Hermione could register his words, his mouth was on hers. This was not a sweet kiss filled with love. This was a passionate kiss, filled with pain and regret. A gasp escaped her lips and he took advantage, allowing his tongue to explore hers. He pulled her out of her chair and grasped her hips, lifting her into his arms without breaking the kiss. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck as her head swam and became cloudy; Fred was all that mattered.
Fred walked across the small flat to the sofa by the fire and collapsed onto it, caging Hermione between his arms as he pressed himself into her core. She gasped and clung to him closer, bringing her leg to wrap around his waist. Leaning forward, she pulled his bottom lip between her teeth, eliciting a growl deep in his throat as he pushed against her harder. He broke free from the kiss as she drew a deep breath, making his way down her neck and nipping along it, drawing a heady moan from her.
Hearing herself moan, Hermione pulled back from him, breathing heavily to gather herself. She couldn’t do this. He had a soulmate out there, someone made for him. She couldn’t keep him to herself, no matter how much her body was screaming at her to get back to him at once. Keeping her eyes closed, she pressed her forehead to his. She heard him sigh above her.
“We can’t do this Fred, it isn’t right.”
“What about this isn’t right, Hermione?” She could hear the desperation in his voice and it pulled at her heart. “You feel for me, I know you do. If I make you feel anything close to how you make me feel, this could never be wrong.”
“Fred, we have soulmates out there. People who are looking for us. I can’t keep you from her, no matter how much I want to.”
He sat up on the sofa now and Hermione could feel his eyes on her begin to harden. His breath came out in a tense huff and she felt his muscles tighten.
“So that’s it? I love you and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it?”
Oh no. He had done it. He said he loved her. In her heart, she knew she loved him back. Opening her eyes with blurry tears, she shook her head.
“No, Fred,” she whispered, “you’re not mine to keep.”
He scoffed once more before getting up from the sofa. Without a backward glance she heard the front door of her flat slam shut, just like the door to her heart. Hearing his feet as he stomped down the stairs, Hermione slid to lay on the couch and finally let her emotions overtake her, hard sobs wrecking her body, before falling asleep in front of the fire.
Christmas Eve had come, Hermione’s favorite holiday. Yet this year held no cheer for her. She and Fred hadn’t spoken since the couch incident. Hermione knew he must have been hurting. Staying away from him, however, was like losing a limb.
This is how she found herself crying and pounding on the door of The Den, collapsing into Sirius’s arms as she broke down. She could hear him consoling her and gently rubbing her back, but it made no difference. No soothing could calm her aching heart.
After she fell asleep fitfully on the den sofa, Sirius crept to the dining room where Tonks and Remus were waiting for him.
“What the bloody hell was that?”
No more than a few seconds had passed before the flames roared in the fireplace, announcing the arrival of one George Weasley. He looked at the trio seated and sighed, rubbing a hand down his face.
“I can guess your situation is very similar to mine.” He pulled a chair out and faced the others. “Fred has been so touchy the last few days that I’m honestly afraid to breathe around him. Do you have any idea why?”
Tonks looked at Remus and nodded. “We do. Does Fred happen to have feelings for Hermione?”
George snorted in reply. “Oh yeah, for years. He thinks he’s being sneaky about it, but anyone with eyes can tell he dotes on her.” He paused and his eyes widened. “All except Hermione of course.”
“Did you know that Hermione resonated for a soulmate? As did Fred?” Remus spoke up for the first time, questioning George directly.
“Honestly…I think they are each other’s soulmates. They’re just too stubborn to realize it.” It made sense. They both knew who their soulmate was, and the way they acted around each other made it extremely obvious.
“I mean, that makes sense honestly.” Tonks looked over towards the couch and the sleeping witch. “Hermione and Fred are well suited to each other. Where she is serious, he is playful. He lifts her up and she keeps his head out of the clouds. They’re honestly perfect for each other.”
“Did she say anything?”
“All I got out of her was she missed him and she made a mistake.” Sirius shook his head and eyes the couch worriedly. “I've never seen her that distraught, even when she lost her parents.”
George nodded, looking grim. “Fred was muttering about taking a chance and bloody witches. I’m gonna take a guess they admitted their feelings and were too stupid to let it happen.”
“It makes the most sense. You know what that means then?” Tonks directed at the table, mischief flaring in her eyes. “It’s time to make them see it, by any means necessary.”
Hermione woke a few hours later, noticing the blue knitted blanket thrown over her and embers smoldering in the fireplace. Her eyes felt puffy and she had a raging headache. Casting a quick tempus charm, she realized she only had an hour before she was expected at the Weasley’s for Christmas Dinner. Folding the blanket and laying it over the back of the couch, she went in search of the Den’s inhabitants.
She found Tonks in the kitchen, finishing a batch of Muggle made christmas cutout cookies. Remus was sitting at the table, covered in more icing than the cookies were. THey both looked up at her entrance and saw the same expression between them: sympathy. It made her heart hurt all over again.
“Are you coming with us to Molly’s, Hermione?”
“I was going to go home and get changed. I’ll meet you there.”
Tonks walked sideways to place a kiss on the top of Hermione’s head. “It’s okay love, it’ll get better. You’ll see.” Nodding at them both with a smile. Hermione left the comfort of the Den and apparated to her now tarnished flat.
An hour later, Hermione apparated to the stone entrance of the Burrow and tightened her scarf against the Winter wind. A replica of Santa Claus was sitting on the roof and waving at her while reindeer were flying through the air and circling the crooked home. Hermione smiled; leave it to Arthur to get plastic reindeer to fly.
Opening the door, as she never had to knock anymore, she fell back into the snow as Ginny had jumped and knocked them both out the door. Gasping to get her breath back, she glared at Ginny who was still sitting on her, a broad smile painted on her face.
“Hiya, Mione! I thought you had forgotten about me, you never write!”
“Ginny, you’re a married woman with a baby on the way. Why did you think pouncing on me was a good idea?”
“Meh, it’s still the size of a pea. No harm done. Now, you need to get in here and fill me in on your life. You have to have a beau.”
Hermioe felt her heart clench again. Fred. He would be here tonight, she knew it. She wasn’t sure how she was going to handle being in the same room as him. She dusted the snow off her parka and entered the house, walking right into the open arms of Molly Weasley.
“Hello dearie, we’ve all missed you around here. You know you’re welcome any time.”
Hermione nodded and hugged her tighter. Since her parent’s couldn’t have the obliviation reversed, Molly had stepped in and given her all the motherly love she could ever want. Working her way around the room and hugging everyone, she jumped at the sound of the fire flaring to life.
“Oi! Don’t start the party without us!”
Hermione froze in her seat and couldn’t help looking over. Fred was following behind George, but he was unusually somber with his eyes on the wooden floors and a lack of a smile. As if he felt her glance, he looked right at Hermione before closing his eyes and looking away.
Dinner was loud and chaotic as always, even with George slipping away for a few moments. He never left the table during dinner, earning him curious looks from Fred and Hermione alike. They were drawn into conversations by Tonks and Remus however, along with Sirius trying to be a comedian and balance two bread rolls on his head.
As dinner came to an end, Hermione got up from the table silently and made her way to the living room. As she passed by the mantle of the fireplace, her feet stuck in place. Wobbling to regain her balance, she looked around in confusion. How in the world? It was then she saw it. The tiny green sprig of mistletoe adorned with red berries hanging directly from above her. Her mind whirred before she scoffed aloud. George. This is what he was up to.
Before she could utter a word, Fred rounded the corner and tried to skirt around her, but his feet also became stuck in place.
No.
They didn’t.
Fred and Hermione desperately tried to pull their feet from the enchantment, but it was no use. Tonks, Remus, and Sirius came into view then with George trailing behind.
“I’m sorry you two but you left us no other choice. You're too damn stubborn for your own good.” George pointed up at the mistletoe. “That won’t let you two leave until a kiss happens.”
Hermione felt the anger boiling within her. She knew what they were doing, but they had no right to meddle in her love life. “Are you kidding me right now?”
“Hermione dear,” Tonks began, “do you remember what I told you would happen when mates looked at each other?”
“Of course, but that isn’t going to happen now.” She was close to tears. “We’re already painfully aware we have to say goodbye, why are you making it harder?”
Fred had been silently brewing all this time. He silently watched the conversations flying around him, trying to focus on what they were trying to say. Hermione furrowed her eyebrows in thought. Were they trying to insinuate Fred was actually her soulmate?
“Listen you two, I know a thing or two about mates.” Remus was glancing between them, making sure he was heard. “Now it may be different for a werewolf, but it’s not that far off. Neither of you feel complete without the other around, right?” He waited a few moments and was met with silence. “I’ll take that as a yes. I need you to do something for me. Look at each other, and I mean really look. That’s all I ask.”
Hermione’s breath was coming out in shallow pants. If that was what it took to be free, she would do it. Glancing to her right, she could see Fred looking down at her. She swallowed hard, looking into his eyes and focusing on only him.
Something flashed deep in Fred’s eyes and Hermione found herself leaning closer to him, grasping his face in between her hands as she focused. There it was again! A golden flash swirled within the depths of his pupils. Tonk’s warning came back to her and she couldn’t help the gasp that came from her lips. Could it really be?
Hermione had wished for nothing more than to be with Fred. When they had each glowed with golden auras, that was it for her. Proof that she could never have him. Fate, it seemed, had other plans. As soon as they had both allowed themselves to believe in the bond, it slid into place. He was really hers now, and always would be.
Fred embraced her and she could feel him shaking; he had been as terrified as her. Leaning back, he grasped her jaw and tilted her face up to meet his gaze. He took a deep breath and placed his forehead against hers, closing his eyes as they both relished in the connection flowing between them.
“I knew it would be you, Hermione,” he whispered against her, “there was never a chance for anyone else. You had me from hello, my little witch.” Hermione could feel herself smiling as the tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I have loved you since I saw your smile on the train.” Hermione reached her hands up and wiped away the solitary tear that had escaped Fred’s eye. “You have my heart, Fred. Forever and always.”
He gasped at her words before leaning down and kissing her again, wrapping his arms tightly around her. This time was different though - they had accepted the bond between them and a golden smoke encircled them, swirling around them playfully. Hermione heard someone gasp, but nothing mattered in that moment. She could feel it then, the tug against her magical core. Feeling along it, she felt where she ended and Fred began. They were one now, and always would be.
A sudden burst popped above them, and they jolted away from each other in shock. The mistletoe, having done its job, had exploded and was now raining down glowing snowflakes onto the newest couple. They looked over to see George smiling at them, giving them a thumbs up.Pulling away from each other further, they were embraced by Molly who was blubbering with emotion.
“Oh Hermione, I have always considered you a daughter. You’ve always been family, but now it is official.” She wrapped Hermione tighter in her arms. “Take care of each other, my love."
“We will…Mom.” They looked at eachother with watery smiles before everyone else came up to give them a hug and congratulations. Soulmates were a very rare occurrence, even in the wizarding world. There would be great and powerful things happening from the couple, and everyone knew it.
George was the last one to make his way to congratulate the lovebirds. He playfully shoved his twin’s shoulder and grinned at him.
“About time you got off your ass and kissed the girl.”
Fred scoffed and shoved him back, laughing merilly. George came up and embraced Hermione in a tight hug. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear. “I’m so happy for you, my sister.” He pulled back and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“Oi! Bugger off my girl, mate. Just because we’re twins, we’re not sharing.”
Everyone laughed as George held his hands up placatingly and backed away. They both were grinning, so Hermione knew it was all in fun and games. After everyone had settled, Hermione cuddled up to Fred on the couch to watch Ron and Ginny bicker over which presents to open while Harry sat close by, smiling at them. Molly was bustling around in the kitchen, cleaning up from dinner and making a celebratory cake for the couple. Tonks and Remus were sitting on the floor by the tree playing with Teddy who was entranced by the red and gold ornaments. Sirius was sneaking Firewhiskey from the cabinet, earning a hard glare from Arthur. George was sitting at Fred’s feet, happily enjoying the present debacle of his siblings.
Hermione took a deep breath, closing her eyes. She felt a tug on her hand and opened her eyes to see Fred looking at her. That golden sparkle was still shining bright in his eyes as he looked at her, a small smirk on his face.
“Alright there, Mi?”
She smiled at him brightly. “Of course I am. I love you.”
Fred picked up her hand, kissing each knuckle before pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. “And I love you, Mi. Forever and always.”
Hermione leaned back and rested her head on Fred’s shoulder. He placed his cheek on the top of her head and entwined their fingers, squeezing them gently. Hermione looked around at her family and the warmth of the decorations. Hermione had gotten her Yule wish.
She was home.