The title of the story was inspired by the song Rather Be from Clean Bandit.

It was Christmas morning and Hermione woke up when Fred buried his nose deep into her curls. They had had a wonderful evening and spent the night at her flat with a really strong silencing charm in place. It had been their own little Christmas celebration, but for the morning Hermione wanted to be home. Lavender, Rosie and she had their own Christmas traditions, which included a large breakfast in front of the tree.

"Mimi? Uncle Freddie?" Rose called excited. She had gotten used to the fact that Fred was over a few nights of the week and seemed to like it. Ron was even a bit jealous at that.

"Mummy says I can open one present before we go to Grandma and Grandpa." Sleepy Fred cracked his eyes open beside her and pulled her close to him.

"Give us ten minutes, Rosie." He called and they could hear little feet shuffling away.

"Merry Christmas, love." He murmured into her ear and goose bumps broke out all over her skin.

"Merry Christmas, Freddie." They used the stolen minutes till Rose would inevitably come back for them to kiss and cuddle and enjoy the warmth of each other. After twenty minutes and two disruptions from Rosie they emerged from the bedroom. Lavender had already prepared the breakfast and they settled in front of the tree.

"Okay, which one do you want to open?" Lavender asked and tentatively the little girl reached for a big package. With glee she ripped the paper open and a large picture book appeared. It was of course from Hermione and Rosie squeaked as she hugged her. Then the little one surprised everyone by picking up a second package and handing it to Hermione.

"This is for you, Mimi. Open it." Rose eyed her excited. Curious and a bit puzzled Hermione took the package. It was only as big as palm of her hand and neatly wrapped. Too neatly. Hermione glanced up to Fred, who fidgeted in his seat. Rose looked excited between her and Fred. Suddenly her heart dropped to her stomach.

Yet, he had said at George's and Angelina's wedding.

The box was the perfect size for a ring and Hermione wasn't sure if she was ready for that. She took a deep breath, ripped the wrapping paper apart and opened the lid. There, in the middle of a mini red velvet cushion laid a twinkling silver key. Confused she looked up and met the smirking face of Fred, who nodded at Rose. The girl jumped up and down and grinned at Hermione.

"What do you say, Mimi? Are you moving in with Uncle Fred?"

"What- well..." Hermione blinked at Fred. "And you are okay with that?" She asked Rose, but the toddler only nodded like a lunatic. What the hell had Fred told her?

"Come Rosie, we need to get ready. Hermione and Fred will tell you later, okay?" Reluctantly Rosie left with her mother and Hermione shot Lavender a thankful look.

"So-" Fred started.

"How the hell did you convince Rosie?" She blurted out, and Fred shook his head and laughed at her.

"Well, I had a long talk with Rosie about what a big girl she already is and how proud I am. I told her how much I love her Auntie and that you wouldn't want to live with me as long as Rosie is a small girl. And then this little angel offered me her help. Said she was all grown-up." Fred smirked smugly.

"So, you outsmarted a two-year-old. Congratulations." Hermione laughed and took the key out of the box. "For a moment I thought you would propose."

"Yeah, that was the goal, wanted to scare you a bit. Have to keep you on your toes." He winked. "It's a bit soon for a proposal and when I do it, love, it will absolutely take you by surprise."

"I hope so." Hermione leaned over. "I would love to move in with you, on one condition."

"Condition?" He tilted his head curiously.

"You have to tell your mum." She pecked his lips with a sweet smile and then laughed at his scared face. His mum would surely be furious to have another son living in sin.

So that was Rather Be. I hope you enjoyed it. I plan to write a sequel one day, but I don't know when. First I will write my Muggle AU.

I also plan to write a Missing Moments Collection of Rather Be. I take wishes for that one, just write in the reviews. For example, I plan a chapter of George's proposal to Angelina.