Disclaimer: I do not own anything. J. K. Rowling rocks.

Thank you everyone for reviewing.

mm4ever2gether - I couldn't stand it if it wouldn't so it must.

dracos hottie27 - Why thank you! -takes a bow-

superuki - It's not ages. See? About England, I actually spent a year in England, in a really strict all girls boarding school. It was a very boring year, except for when I had a night out with a friend in London. That was cool. The rest of the year was spent sneaking out of class to go see movies, (We weren't allowed to go to the movie theater.)and talking to guys from America on the phone. But I'm sure England is very cool when you're not locked up in jail, I mean school.

Pauly-85 - Chocolate rocks. So does sugar. Enjoy.

JamieGirl - I love the way you put a line you like into the review. The funny parts are going to be Fred and Hermione trying to see each other during school. I figured Bill is too practical for anything too crazy, when it could be relatively simple!

AimeeK - I love big families that are really close. They're so cool.

thatsmydog - appreciated. Thanks.

invisible2u - This should wipe the tears off your face.

dancing in rain - Aren't they great? Thanks.

Lianis - I love having a nutty Ginny. It suits her.

Lost.Somewhere.Out.There. - Thank you. I'll try.

padfootedmoony - Thanks.

Ehlonna - Thanks. I hope nobody is too disappointed in this plan. I'll try to have more original stuff for the Fred and Hermione trying to sneak around bit.

Thamker - Thanks. Quick enough?

SilverGlitterSprite - Thanks for the review. Glad you enjoy.

Chapter 5

Together at Last

"I am not wearing that," said Hermione firmly, as she rummaged through her closet. "So don't even think about it.

Ginny was holding up a black pleated mini skirt with a gold scoop neck jumper.

"I'm wearing robes," said Hermione. We're going to Hogsmeade. There's no need to wear muggle clothing there."

"Hermione, tons of students wear muggle clothing to Hogsmeade. Face it. Wizarding robes are just not as flattering."

Wizarding robes will be just fine," answered Hermione stubbornly.

Ginny looked at her exasperatedly. "You need to look good on this date. Don't you understand?"

Hermione shrugged. "I'm sure I'll look just fine in my robes," answered Hermione calmly.

Do you need everything spelled out for you?" demanded Ginny.

Hermione gave her a confused look.

"What are you going on about Ginny?"

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Bill is twenty-five years old. Just because he agreed to go on a date with you, it doesn't mean he has any intention of having anything to do with you afterwards. Bill's a sweetheart. He doesn't know how to say no. Trust me." Ginny gave a wicked grin.

"And you take full advantage of that," remarked Hermione disapprovingly.

Ginny smiled and shrugged. "Just call me evil. Anyway, the point is, he might have only said yes, to let you down easy while you guys are out today. So if you really like him, you'll have to," Ginny paused and looked at Hermione out of the corner of her eye. "well, seduce him," she finished with a shrug.

Hermione gaped at her. "I'm not- Are you- If you think-" Hermione stammered.

Ginny shook her head at her, and studied her carefully for a minute. "Do you really like him?" she asked abruptly. Hermione's eyes widened and she jerked her head up to look at Ginny, plastering a hurt look on her face.

"Of course I do," she answered defensively.

Ginny looked at her uncertainly for a minute. "If you say so," she answered doubtfully.

Hermione focused quickly on putting on a pained expression. She looked at Ginny.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked quietly.

Ginny hesitated, and then shrugged. "It's just that you never want to talk about it, and you don't seem very excited about this date, and you don't even want to try and look good."

Hermione sighed in resignation. "I do want to look good. I'm just nervous," she said in a confessional tone.

Ginny squeezed her arm. "Don't be. Bill's a sweetheart. You'll have a great time today, no matter what happens. I'm sure of it."

Hermione didn't answer. She really didn't know what to say, so she figured she'd better just keep her mouth shut. That's why she hadn't been talking to Ginny much. She was afraid she'd give herself away.

Ginny took her silence for more nerves.

"I'll help you. When I'm done with you, there's no way he'll not ask you out again."

Hermione grinned at her weakly. "Ok," she said in a small voice.

Three hours later, Hermione studied her reflection in the mirror nervously, as Ginny admired her handiwork. Hermione wasn't acting this time. She was really nervous that Bill would think she was up to something. Her hair was sleek and shiny, pulled away from her face, with loose tendrils curling down her cheeks. Ginny had given her a full makeover, and the results were quite sophisticated looking. Her outfit was very flattering, and slightly provocative. "Then again," she thought to herself dryly, "I'm sure Bill knows his sister. He'll probably understand."

Ginny beamed at her. "You look stunning, sophisticated, and sexy. Now let's go." Ginny grabbed her camera, and pulled Hermione out of the room.

"C'mon Ron," called Ginny as they entered the common room. Hermione looked at her questioningly. "Ron and I are going out with Charlie," said Ginny with a grin. Hermione knew that look. Ginny was up to something. She could tell.

"What?" she began. Ginny squeezed her arm warningly as Ron walked over to them, his mouth wide open. "Tell you later," she muttered.

Ron stared at Hermione. "Where are you going?" he asked suspiciously.

"I'm going out with Bill," she answered nonchalantly.

Ron's mouth opened and closed soundlessly. Hermione shrugged and rolled her eyes. Why did Ron always have to be such a prat? She walked quickly out of the common room, Ginny and Ron following her soundlessly.

"Right then," Hermione thought to herself grimly. "Might as well put on a good show."

She headed for the entrance hall. She paused on the way down the stairs, her eyes landing on Bill, who was leaning casually against a wall talking to Charlie. She straightened up, and slowed her descent.

"Hi Bill," she said in a soft voice.

Bill and Charlie both looked up, and started. Charlie whistled in surprise. Bill turned and glared at him.

He met Hermione at the bottom of the stairs, and gallantly brought her hand to his lips. "You look stunning, sis," he said with a wink. Ron snorted.

"If she's your sister, then there's some major incest that'll be going on today," he muttered sourly. Hermione froze. Bill looked furious. He grabbed Ron by the front of his shirt, and hauled him close.

"You may be my brother," he growled in a menacing tone, "but if you ever talk about Hermione that way again, you won't know what hit you." He dragged Ron a bit further away from Hermione, and continued in a very low voice, "You had better work out all of your issues today, and apologize to Hermione when she gets back tonight." He paused. "If she gets back tonight," he amended, thoughtfully. Ron's eyes flashed. Bill continued anyway. "That's no way to talk about your best friend, no matter what you're feeling," he said firmly. "So get a grip."

Bill released Ron and strode back across the room where Charlie had captured Ginny and Hermione's attention, and was entertaining them with some dragon tale. He slid his arm around Hermione, and she looked up and smiled at him gratefully. He grinned back, and winked at her.

"Shall we?" he nodded towards the door.

"Just a minute," squealed Ginny. "You're not going anywhere yet." She whipped out her camera, and held it to her face. "Smile."

Bill laughed and pulled Hermione close. They smiled for the camera, and ducked out the doors. As the doors closed slowly behind them they heard Ginny wail, "Oh - my - gosh! I totally forgot to do my transfiguration essay. I'm really sorry Charlie..."

Bill grinned and shook his head. Hermione looked at him with interest. "What's she up to anyway?"

"Nothing much. She just wants Charlie to have a talk with Ron about women." Hermione shook her head. Since when are you Weasleys so involved in each other's business!"

"Ever since little Ginny grew up to be the interfering busybody she is," he answered in a fond voice.

They walked along in silence for a moment, as Bill studied Hermione walking beside him. She was making an effort to avoid eye contact. It was plain she felt uncomfortable about something, and Bill was willing to bet it was the way Ginny (it had to be Ginny) had done her up. Pretty scary what his sister was capable of.

As they walked on in silence, Bill couldn't resist teasing a bit. He slid his arm off Hermione's shoulder, and let his fingers trail downward, stopping to rest on the small of her back. He felt Hermione tense up beside him.

"Y'know Hermione," said Bill in a slightly deeper voice than usual, "I hear the Three Broomsticks has these really nice rooms upstairs..." he let his voice trail off suggestively.

Hermione stopped walking. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and exhaled slowly, while counting to 5 in her head. She opened her eyes and looked up at Bill warily.

He had his hand over his mouth, and his shoulders were shaking with laughter. When he saw her looking, he gave a loud whoop, and started laughing even harder. Hermione put her hands on her hips and glared at him.

"It's not funny. You know very well that it was Ginny who dressed me up. Don't make me feel like a fool."

Bill stopped laughing and gazed at her in astonishment. His hand came up to brush her cheek.

"A fool? You look beautiful Hermione. If Fred didn't have first dibs, then I wouldn't be joking at all." He slid his arm back around her shoulders, and continued walking. "Besides, I'm kind of glad Ginny made you look like you're older than seventeen. Looks better for both of us." He frowned. "Come to think of it, what else did Ginny tell you to do? She must've had some strategy."

Hermione snorted. "Like I'd even think of telling you. You have more than enough material to torture me with, thank you."

Bill's eyes twinkled merrily. "I also have more than enough leverage to hear what I want to hear eventually."

Hermione looked at him suspiciously. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, where are we going?"

"Hogsmeade. Obviously."

"Right," Bill agreed. "And who else is in Hogsmeade today?"

"Half of Hogwarts, I suppose," answered Hermione. "Your point?"

Bill grinned. "Well, we are on a date..." he trailed off

Hermione shook her head. "You wouldn't try anything."

"Wanna bet?" laughed Bill.

Hermione frowned. "What are you planning?" she demanded suspiciously.

Bill sighed. "No trust for your best brother," he lamented in a mock hurt tone.

Hermione laughed. "Trust has to be earned."

Bill shrugged and sighed again. "Tough life."

They entered Hogsmeade, and Bill guided Hermione straight towards the Three Broomsticks.

"Bit early in the day for a drink, wouldn't you say?" asked Hermione doubtfully.

Bill looked at her seriously. "It's never too early to drink, Hermione."

Hermione giggled.

Bill steered her inside, and pulled out a chair for her. "I'll just be a minute. Butterbeer?"

Hermione nodded her assent, as she looked around. Harry and Neville were sitting across the room. Harry looked up and caught her eye. He looked at her in astonishment, his eyes traveling from her to Bill, and back to her. He looked her up and down, and then stood up decisively and strode across the room. Bill noticed him coming, and smiled at her.

"Right. I'll go get those drinks now." He grabbed her hand, pulled it to his mouth, and kissed it gently. He turned and walked quickly to the bar, Hermione glaring at his back.

"Hermione. What the hell is going on?" asked Harry without preamble.

She turned to him and smiled weakly. "I'm on a date with Bill?"

"I can see that." His eyes roamed over her, pausing at a few discretionary places. He looked concerned. "What are you playing at?" he demanded. He lowered his voice, as some people nearby turned to stare at them curiously. "You look like you want him to drag you to the nearest hotel room. He's not some teenage kid Hermione. He's a very experienced man, and from what I hear, he's quite a playboy." Hermione glared at him. Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Look," he said softly. "I don't want to interfere with something that's your business, but I hope you know what you're doing." Harry looked at her with eyes full of concern. Hermione's insides squirmed uncomfortably. Bill chose that moment to return with the drinks.

"Hi Harry," he said casually, as he put the drinks down on the table. He stretched his arm out to Harry, and Harry hesitated before reluctantly taking it to shake. Bill pretended not to notice his discomfort, and went to stand behind Hermione's stool, slipping his arms around her and resting his chin on her head. Harry winced. Hermione couldn't do it to him anymore.

She gently removed Bill's arms from around her, and pulled away. "We're just pretending Harry," she reassured him.

Bill groaned. "Why, oh why, do you have to ruin all the fun?" he complained.

Harry looked bewildered. "Huh?"

Hermione sighed. Bill wisely kept his mouth shut, and sat down. "Just so Ginny would get off my case about dating Ron," she explained.

Harry laughed in relief. Bill frowned.

"Hey! Am I so bad?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "If you found out that Ginny was going to date someone like you, you'd murder him the night before the date."

Bill tried to look indignant, but failed. He chuckled. "Maybe so," he admitted grudgingly. "But give me a little credit. I mean, Hermione's seventeen, and my kid brother's best friend to boot."

"Yeah, but she looks really hot today..." Harry trailed off as he noticed the look on Hermione's face. "Right, I'll be going now. Neville's waiting." He backed hastily away from the table, and bolted across the room.

Bill looked cautiously at Hermione. She turned to him evilly. "So," she said, her voice dripping with honey. "I hear you get around quite a bit. I wonder, does your Mum know about that?" The startled look on his face said it all. "Don't worry. I won't say anything if you don't pester me for information anymore," she said smugly.

Bill held up his hands in defeat. "Ok, ok, you got me," he groaned.

They sat together in a comfortable silence sipping their drinks. Bill looked across at her and grinned.

"You know, Hermione," he said lightly, "I know this really cool place I could take you, if you aren't chicken."

She looked at him quizzically.

"It's not in Hogsmeade."

"But we're not allowed to leave Hogsmeade," she protested. "I could get in big trouble."

"Only if they catch you. Besides, nothing much would happen to you even if you were caught. You're too good of a student."

Hermione looked undecided. "What kind of a place is it?"

"Uh uh. I'm not telling. It's a surprise."

"You prepared a surprise for me?"

"Only if you're interested," answered Bill casually. "If not, we can just skip it."

He held his breath while Hermione considered.

"Sounds intriguing," she finally said. "I'll never know what it is if I don't go now. Right?"

"Right." he agreed.

She stood up decisively. "Ok then. Lead the way."

Bill checked his watch. 12:00. Right on time. "Ok. Come on."

George glanced at his watch, and looked at the large line by the register. Fred was adding everyone up as fast as he could, laughing and joking as he packed bags. He strode behind the counter, and started helping.

"Fred, better go make some more pimple potion. We're almost out."

Fred looked surprised. "But you said yesterday that we had too much."

"I know, sorry," George apologized sheepishly. "I misread the label. It was dimple potion we had a lot of."

Fred shook his head in exasperation. Sunday was not a good day to be running out of things. It was their busiest day of the week. He strode toward the back room quickly.

George grinned as he watched him go.

Fred pulled open the door, and almost walked into Bill. "What are you doing here," he asked in surprise.

Bill shrugged. "I came by to help," he said with a grin. He stepped past his confused brother, shut the door firmly behind him, and drew his wand.

Fred heard a loud noise. He whirled around as a number of magical locks and bolts slid into place. Then he heard a whoosh. He whirled around again, as someone stepped out of the fireplace.

There was a long shocked silence.

"I'm going to kill him," said Hermione flatly.

Something flickered behind Fred's eyes but he kept his face blank of emotion.

"Bill?"

"Bill," agreed Hermione.

"Because?"

"Because he tricked me into coming here."

"You don't want to be here then?" Fred tried for casual, but couldn't keep the intensity out of his voice.

Hermione studied him for a moment. "That depends."

"Depends on what?"

"On whether or not you want me to be here."

Fred reached her in two strides, and grabbed her into a tight hug. She hugged him back just as tightly, her heart exploding with relief. They stood there not moving, just holding each other for a long while. Fred finally drew his head back to look at her. "Let's sit down," he said. "I want to talk to you." Hermione buried her head deeper into the crook of his neck and hugged him even harder. He laughed.

"Missed me then?" he asked innocently.

"mmffd mmmf dmnnn," came the muffled answer.

"I'd like to see you naked in the shower too," Fred answered agreeably, "but first you'll have to disengage your head from my neck."

Hermione drew back at that, and tried to glare at him, but failed miserably. She burst into giggles instead.

"That is not what I said," she said severely, with a huge grin on her face.

"No? Well too bad," he said in a regretful tone. "But it was worth a guess."

"I said," she said firmly, "never do that to me again."

They gazed at each other for a minute. Fred carefully disentangled himself from her arms, and led her to the daybed.

"I'm sorry I've been such a jerk," he apologized finally. "I was beside myself, about that night." He paused to gather his thoughts, as Hermione froze beside him. "I didn't want to leave yet. I wanted to postpone the whole thing so that we could talk, but we'd already paid the rent, and we couldn't afford not to open right away."

Hermione nodded slowly. "I don't blame you for leaving, but why didn't you write?"

Fred looked at her. "You didn't write either," he answered quietly. "I thought you were mad at me. I expected you to be mad at me."

Hermione looked down. "Why did you avoid me all summer?" she asked her voice dropping to a whispered.

Fred didn't answer. He lifted her chin up and looked at her moist eyes. "I was being a fool." he said firmly. She swallowed the lump in her throat, and nodded. "Hey," he scowled. "You're not supposed to agree with me." She giggled.

Fred smiled. He missed making her laugh.

"What I really want to talk to you about was the night before I left."

Hermione gulped. "What about it?"

"You kissed me," said Fred with a grin.

She smirked. "Nuh uh. You kissed me."

Frank looked amused. "Why do you keep avoiding the subject?-" he asked.

"Maybe because you're supposed to figure it out on your own."

They were both quiet as they looked into each other's eyes.

"Well then," Fred broke the silence. "I think we should start that night all over." He stood up and pulled a pillow off the back of the daybed. He laid it carefully at one end at the end of the daybed. He waved his wand and a bottle of potion flew off the potion table and into his hand, and a jug of pumpkin juice jumped out of the cooler. He poured a drop of potion into the juice and handed it to Hermione. "Drink up," he ordered with twinkling eyes. She took the drink and put it to her lips.

"What - aren't you even going to ask what it is," he asked in surprise.

"I trust you," she said simply. She drained the cup. She felt her eyelids grow heavy, and she smiled, and lay her head down on the pillow. Within seconds she was fast asleep.

Fred looked at the door to the shop curiously. He got up and gave it a tug. It was fastened tight. "Alohomora," he muttered. Nothing happened. Just to be safe he shot a few more locking spells at it, and a silencing charm. He waved his wand again and the lights went out. He walked over to where Hermione was just starting to stir. He laid down on top of her and waited.

Hermione felt his weight settle on her. She blinked and opened her eyes. "Fred," she murmured.

Fred smiled at her softly and lowered his mouth slowly to hers. She closed her eyes. His lips met hers softly at first, but then they were swept away in a fiery passion as they clung fiercely to each other, trying to erase a year's worth of waiting, hoping, and longing. When they finally broke apart long minutes later, they were both trembling. Fred pulled away to let his head clear, before he got too carried away. As their breathing slowed slightly, Hermione smiled, remembering something.

"Are you planning on staying on top of me all night?" she asked impishly, quoting herself.

Fred smiled ruefully. "If I recall correctly, my answer to that one didn't go over too well."

"Quite the contrary," she disagreed with a grin. "I had to make sure not to open my mouth and shock you with the answer."

Fred raised his eyebrows. "Ok then," he said, a smile tugging at his lips. "Shock me." He paused and put on the same teasing face he'd used that night. "That depends on what you have in mind." he quoted from his memory. "I never mind a random snog, but I don't know if it's worth sleeping on the couch for. Now if you have something more ...stimulating in mind..."

Hermione didn't answer right away. She just pulled him back down, and slipped her hands underneath his jumper, and tugged it up silently, pulling it over his head, as he looked at her in wonder.

"Do you think we ought to see what's going on in there," asked George doubtfully looking at his watch. It was 9:00 pm and WWW had just closed for the night.

Bill looked aghast. "Are you crazy? How would you like it if someone walked in on you?"

"We don't know that they're doing anything in there," he protested. "Maybe they just don't realize that the locking spell wore off already.

Bill snorted.

George shrugged. "Hermione's going to get into trouble if she doesn't get back to Hogwarts soon."

Bill looked very amused. "And you care because you're such a sympathetic soul," he said sarcastically. "Admit it. You just want to know exactly what's going on in there."

George gave a wide grin. "Yeah," he agreed.

He walked over to the door and tried the knob. It wouldn't turn. He tapped it with his wand. "Alohomora." The door glowed blue, but it didn't open. George looked stunned.

"Well, I guess that answers your question," Bill laughed.

Fred and Hermione looked up as the door glowed blue. Hermione looked amused. "You charmed the door."

Fred laughed. "Of course I did. I know my twin. He can be a bit snoopy at times."

Hermione laughed and snuggled closer to Fred. He held her tight against him and breathed in her scent. He buried his face in her hair. "umfff dwmff mmff," he mumbled.

"Hmm?" she inquired. "Now you want to see about that shower?"

He laughed as he pulled his mouth away from her hair. "I said I don't want you to leave," he grumbled.

"Who says I'm leaving?" she asked contentedly.

"Someone may report you missing," he said with a regretful sigh. "And I don't want you to be banned from any other Hogsmeade weekends."

She smiled ruefully. She knew he was right. "What time is it?" she asked reluctantly.

Fred glanced at his watch. "Holy smoke," he gasped. "It's after 9:00."

Hermione looked startled. She jumped off the bed and started pulling on her clothes. "Time flies when you're having fun," she said with a laugh of amazement. "We'll have to have that shower next time."

"I'll remember that," said Fred with a smile.

He stood up and pulled on his clothes too. He headed to the door of the shop.

"Where are you going?" she asked him with a frown.

He smiled at her. "We don't keep any floo powder in here," he admitted apologetically.

Hermione moaned and covered her face with her hands. Fred laughed, and raised his wand.

"Wait," said Hermione frantically. She pointed her wand at the bed. The bed quickly cleaned itself, made itself up and the pillows all flew into place. She went into the bathroom, and checked herself in the mirror. Her hair was down now, but she quickly finger combed it into place and straightened her clothes. Luckily her make-up had been charmed to last the day, no matter what.

She emerged from the bathroom with a grin.

"Come here," she ordered. She ran her fingers through his hair, fixing his part and straightening his clothes. Fred looked amused. "Who do you think you're kidding?" he asked with a laugh.

She shrugged. "No one. It just makes me feel better," she smiled. She clasped his hand in hers. "Alright," she said with a smile. "I'm ready."

Fred smiled down at her, and undid the charms. The door swung open. The store looked deserted. He pulled Hermione through the door toward the store's main fireplace.

"It's about bloody time," said an amused voice behind them. They turned around and found Bill and George leaning against the back wall with their arms crossed, both looking highly pleased.

Fred grinned broadly, and stepped forward with his hand out. "Thanks Bill," he said. Bill ignored the hand and pulled Fred into a bear hug. "You take good care of that girl, or I'll take her for myself," he threatened with a grin. Fred grinned back, and turned to George.

George looked at him with his arms crossed as though waiting for something. Fred smiled sheepishly. George cupped a hand to his ear, and tapped his foot.

"You were right. I'm sorry for being a prat," said Fred with a smile tugging at his lips. "Forgive me?"

George looked at him as though considering. "Will you come out with me and Lee tomorrow night to check out that new club?" he demanded.

"As long as you promise not to push any girls at me," conceded Fred.

A wide smile broke out on George's face. "He's back," he crowed gleefully. He dashed forward and grabbed Hermione into a bear hug. "I love you Hermione," he declared happily. He whirled around and hugged Bill. "I love you Bill," he babbled joyfully. He grabbed Fred. "I forgive you Fred." He reached for Hermione again. "You're the best." He turned to Bill. Bill sidestepped him, and grabbed him by the shoulders from behind. "Calm down," he said in a soothing tone. "Everything will be ok." George struggled away, and grabbed Fred again.

When George finally calmed down, they all walked, laughing and talking, over to the fireplace, to accompany Hermione back to Hogsmeade.

Fred and Hermione climbed through the Gryffindor portrait hole. The common room was still pretty crowded. Ginny looked up as they walked in and gaped at them. Hermione grinned at her sheepishly. They walked over to her, and sat down next to her on the sofa. Harry came over his face alight with curiosity. Fred and Hermione just sat their holding hands and grinning.

"You going to tell us what's going on," asked Ginny, tapping her foot. Hermione gave her an apologetic look.

"I lied?" she tried.

Ginny stared at her in disbelief.

Fred chuckled. "Ginny, stop gaping, and offer your congratulations. Hermione and I are going out, and we're both thrilled. Aren't you going to be happy for us?"

Harry stuck out his hand and smiled. "Congratulations." Fred shook it. Harry moved over to Hermione and pulled her to her feet, and into a hug. "Much better choice," he said approvingly.

"Better than who?" Fred asked curiously.

"Better than Bill," said Harry grinning.

Fred laughed.

Ginny still didn't smile. Fred raised his eyebrows at her.

"Well," shrugged Ginny, crossly. "Why should I believe you?"

Fred turned solemnly to Hermione. "She doesn't believe us," he said seriously, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "What should we do?" Without waiting for an answer, he pulled her into a passionate kiss. Her head felt light and her insides ignited as he tugged her down on top of him, his mouth ravishing hers. She moaned as his mouth moved on down to her neck, sucking on her skin, nibbling at her ear, and licking at her collarbone.

"Ahem."

They pulled apart reluctantly, and looked up to find Ginny smiling down at them. "Ok, ok, I believe you," she grinned. "So what did you do today?"

"Ummm..." Hermione's face reddened as Ginny laughed.

"Never mind. We'll have a girl chat later," said Ginny looking very amused.

Fred climbed to his feet, and looked at his watch. "You can have that girl chat now," he said with a sigh. "Because if I don't leave now, I never will." He gave Hermione one last kiss, and whispered, "I'll come visit soon." He walked to the portrait hole and turned to give Hermione a lingering look. Then he waved and left.

Ginny wasted no time in dragging Hermione off to a quiet corner.

"You slept with him," she whispered gleefully.

Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"Don't give me that look. I can tell. So, is he good in bed?"

Hermione looked aghast. "Ginny. He's your brother."

Ginny giggled. "So. I don't want to sleep with him. I just want to know if you're enjoying him."

Hermione grinned. "OBC," she said.

They both laughed. They talked long into the night, Hermione explaining the whole story from beginning to end. At about 12:00 at night they were interrupted by a soft knock at the portrait hole.

"Charlie," said Ginny with a grin, letting him in.

Charlie levitated a very drunk and unconscious Ron into the room. He reeked of alcohol.

"Better do an odor lifting spell," advised Hermione with a grin.

Charlie glanced up at her, dropping Ron unceremoniously onto the floor.

"Good date?" he inquired curiously.

Hermione smiled. "Great," she answered cheerfully.

"You know we had that back room hooked up to a replay screen," he added casually.

Hermione's smile disappeared.

Charlie laughed. "Just kidding," he said in an amused tone. "So I guess you had a real nice time then." He levitated Ron back off the floor, and walked up the dormitory steps laughing, while Hermione glared furiously at his back.

"Weasleys," muttered Hermione to herself. Then she laughed too. She looked up at Ginny, and shook her head. "Now if your family could help me figure out a way to see Fred more often than the occasional Hogsmeade visit, I would be truly grateful."

Ginny smirked. "You mean if we could help you find a private bedroom," she corrected. "Fred can come see you in the common room anytime."

Hermione shrugged casually. "Yeah. Whatever," she answered with a wave of her hand.

Ginny smiled. "You forget who you're dating, Herm? Fred is a very creative individual. I seriously doubt you'll have trouble with that."