Disclaimer: Nothing but the plot is my own! Happy Reading!

A/N: This story was written 2 years ago and is undergoing editing to fix minor mistakes.

Chapter One: New Year's

Hermione would not move from her nestled nook in her room. She was burrowed inside a warm blanket, her jumper, and a new book was caught in her grasp. Determined not to think of her past few months of school term, she lost herself in the plot of her beloved pages.

"Hermione, a letter from Mrs. Weasley is asking for permission for you to stay at their home for New Year's. Should I send your confirmation, now?" Mrs. Granger was standing at the doorway of her daughter's bedroom.

Hermione looked at her mother, then returned her attention to her reading, chewing on her lip. Her mother sighed and joined her daughter on the nook.

"Mia…sweetie…I know it was a rough semester. I may not know many details, but it did not escape my notice to see fewer mentions of a certain redhead. Boys can do some stupid things when they are young, but I am sure he will come around if it's meant to be. It might be more fun for you to be around other teenagers for New Year's. My clever girl could use a little more time for fun, eh? Your father and I will be attending another boring party with the partners." Mrs. Granger stared lovingly at her depressed daughter.

"You might do a brilliant job at hiding those puffy eyes in front of your father. But I know my little girl. So write back to Mrs. Weasley and tell her you be arriving New Year's Eve morning." Standing to leave, she patted her daughter's leg and left the letter in her place.

Hermione set her book aside and padded over to her desk. Selecting a quill and parchment, she set to write her reply.

Mrs. Weasley,

My parents have granted permission for me to stay with you and yours this holiday. My mother wonders if New Year's Eve is an appropriate time for me to arrive. As always, I look forward to my visit and wish you well.

Love,

Hermione

Satisfied with her reply, she sealed the message and attached it to the Pig's leg. Somehow the bird always delivered in the kitchen but knew to wait for his treat and reply at her window. She watched as he flitted into the sky, disappearing into the distance.

Deciding to end her day, she went downstairs and kissed her parents good night. Hermione slipped into her pajamas, slid into her bed, and fell asleep. Dreams of a certain blonde girl receiving her just desserts filled her head.

Luggage was set to the side of the fireplace. Her mother was busy cleaning the soot out and removing anything sharp, preparing for their visitors.

"It fascinates me that they have the ingenuity to create this type of travel. Brilliant minds, those wizards!" Mr. Granger was straightening the furniture in a clear path to help the guests enter without running into anything.

"Mr. Weasley would be happy to explain it to you, Daddy. I'm sure he will want another explanation about some appliance in the kitchen. Curious and lovable, that man is." Hermione giggled at how excited her father was to see Mr. Weasley.

An echo called from the chimney and two blurs of flaming hair appeared at the hearth. Dusting the soot from their cloaks and hair, Hermione noticed two identical smiles of a certain pair of twins.

"Where's your dad?" Hermione asked.

"Mia, don't be rude," Mrs. Granger scolded her daughter. "Fred and George, correct? Lovely to have you, dears." She leant over and kissed their cheeks, making each smirk and wink at Hermione. She rolled her eyes in response.

"Boys, I trust my daughter is safe in your capable hands." Mr. Granger stuck his hand out, eyeing them seriously.

"Of course, sir. Hermione will be taken care of like the treasured jewel she is," George promised as he shook her father's hand firmly. Fred followed suit.

"I'll grab your bag Hermione and Fred here will make sure you make it safely. Remember the most important D's, dear brother." George thanked the Grangers and then apparated out of sight.

Mrs. Granger was giddy with excitement at the sight of such magic, while Mr. Granger gawked at the now empty space.

"We aren't flooing?" Hermione asked.

Fred smirked and shook his head. "Mum would have my backside if I allowed you to show up for the party sullied by the floo. You, madame, shall be apparating with me tonight. Perfectly safe, of course."

Hermione nodded and gave her love to her parents. Fred slid his arm around her shoulders and chuckled at her apprehension.

"Place your arm around my waist, Hermione. Grip nice and tight, so I know I won't lose you, eh?" She followed his instructions and waited for their leave. Fred wrapped an arm around her neck, gripping her upper rib cage with his extended fingers.

"Have a lovely holiday, Mr. and Mrs. Granger." He winked at Hermione before twisting into the air.

The rush of the travel turned her insides and made her feel dizzy. Struggling to keep her balance as they landed, Hermione toppled over. Fred's quick reflexes caught her in mid fall and brought her abruptly to his chest. She mumbled her gratitude and attempted to extricate herself from his arms, but he held her in place.

His voice low and tone serious, he whispers, "My brother is about as thick as it gets. Give the prat time, hmm?" He flashed her the famous Weasley grin and looked towards the lively home. "Shall we, love?"

Hermione giggled and then nodded in agreement.

The Burrow was full of merriment and crazy decorations. It was her favorite home away from home. The warm, homey sense of family overflowed from its residents and guests. Hermione embraced the cheer and entered the chaos.

Mrs. Weasley hustled over and crushed Hermione in an engulfing hug.

"Hermione, dear! You've finally arrived! The party will be in full swing soon. Go hunt down those boys and join in the fun! Pretty as ever, I see. I trust Fred got you here without issue?"

"Yes, Mrs. Weasley. He was the perfect gentlemen," Hermione responded.

"Well, enjoy the party dear," Molly kissed her on the cheek before floating off.

Fred took her hand and led her through the crowd. The Order and loyal members of the Ministry were invited and crowded the space of the hallways and stairwell. Fred took her to the attic that also served as Ron's bedroom. She hesitated and he chuckled behind her, urging her to join her friends. She could hear the voices of Ginny, Ron, and Harry mumbled through the door.

"The brave Gryffindor Princess is terrified of my prat of a brother and his emotional range of a teaspoon. Never thought I'd see the day that Hermione Granger would back down in the face of a git." Fred egged her on, trying to rouse a reaction from her.

"Alright, I'll go." She was smiling at his attempts and turned to place a kiss on his cheek.

Fred stepped back, eyes sparkling with one eyebrow raised. "Go, Granger. We wouldn't want some Neanderthal catching you huddled alone with a more dashing ginger, now would we?" He disappeared into the stairwell and Hermione gathered her courage and wrenched open the door.

Ginny sprung from the bed to meet her, jumping at the thought of another friend to steal fire whiskey with. Harry smiled and gave her a hug and Ron nodded in her direction. Neither made a move to make the interaction friendlier. Ginny rambled about the guests down stairs and about quidditch games played in the orchard.

Hermione smiled and responded at all the correct times. Though, she knew nothing of the game and hated being ignorant of anything brought into conversation. Harry saved her by asking about her trip.

"So, did the twins scare your parents?" Harry asked.

"Oh, I almost forgot Dad daftly sent the two prats after you." Ginny was red faced by this point and giggling. Hermione noticed Harry's amused expression.

"It was fine. They can be quite charming when they need to be. George brought my luggage back and Fred took me side-along. Still can't calm my nerves, though. I guess I'm not one for relying on others when it comes to that." She laughed nervously, remembering her fall.

"We noticed you fell on the landing," mused Ginny.

"Caught that, did you? I guess I can be a bit clumsy occasionally. Fred swooped me up, though. Rather large thank you goes to quidditch training for those quick reflexes, I suppose." Hermione stared at the coverlet on the bed, playing with the hem of her shirt.

"Well, I'm glad you're finally here! I was going mad! Tonks isn't always around when I need to escape Phlegm." Ginny stuck her tongue out and rolled her eyes.

"She has a name, Gin," Ron spat.

"I'm sure she does with all those pale locks. Bit of a type developing, eh brother?" Ginny countered.

"Ron, why don't we go restock our butter beers and cakes?" Harry interjected. Ron grumbled but left without a major fuss.

"Ignore him. He's a prat, but he misses you. Just too much of a toerag to admit it," Ginny said.

Hermione smiled and nodded. Even if Ron was being rather offish towards her, it was still far better than attending the suffocating parties the partners hosted.

The girls made their way to the main floor, avoiding all the drunken guests in the process. Fred and George spied their sister drunkenly ambling though the crowd, dragging Hermione in tow.

George slid his arm around Ginny and discreetly led her to the back lawn. Fred took Hermione's hand and followed his brother.

"Little sister of ours, if you are going to smuggle drinks to Ronniekins room, at least pace yourself. You're going to tarnish the name of Weasley, as far as the drink goes, if anyone saw you like this." George was steadying her and trying to feed her a pepper-up potion.

Ginny garbled some incoherent speech while she took the potion.

Fred laughed and said, "Ginny, please save some face, love. I'd rather not deal with Mother Dearest at the moment. Hermione, do you need a potion?"

She shook her head. "No, I did not drink any."

"Come on, the countdown is about to begin. Should be interested with the crowd we have this year." Fred joked and began to walk backwards, beckoning for Hermione to follow.

She rolled her eyes and hurried to catch him. The entered the house as the crowd sat around the wireless. The cheerful guests were screaming, drunkenly calling out their New Year's resolutions.

A flash of light flew overhead, and mistletoe stuck above Hermione's head. She groaned. After the semester she had experienced, she was not in the mood to be humiliated further by a prank.

Champagne was passed around and Hermione managed to be given a flute. She downed it and quickly Fred quickly summoned a bottle nearby. He refilled her glass and disposed of the evidence.

Ron eyed her predicament and quickly looked away, turning red. Harry was wide eyed and shrugging apologetically. Ginny was roaming the guests, a great deal more sober thanks to George's efforts.

The mistletoe grew brighter the longer it was attached to its victim. Hermione groaned and Fred laughed at her display.

"It's not funny, Fred," she cried.

"Oh contraire, mademoiselle. I find your predicament very cute." His eyes sparkled mischievously.

"I just want it gone, before the other guests notice," Hermione complained. Fred laughed once more.

The countdown began and the crowd shouted the descending numbers. Hermione downed her champagne and turned to leave the room to save her further humiliation.

Fred blocked her escape and Hermione gasped as she was tugged to his chest firmly. As the New Year rang, Hermione felt lips crash upon her own. Startled by this realization, she did not respond immediately. Fred began to pull back, but Hermione reclaimed his lips for revenge.

Blushing profusely she backed away from the smug Weasley twin. She bit her lip and turned on her heel, bidding him a good night.