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Chapter Text

After Voldemort’s speech about giving Harry one hour to meet him, she made her way down to the Great Hall with Harry and Ron. On the left were people in cots surrounded by healers and Madam Pomfrey. Hermione’s gaze switched to the right as she heard Ron screaming and running over to a group that surrounded a tall ginger.

Hermione stood frozen as she caught sight of George breaking down over his twin's body. Fred laid there, motionless on a blanket on the floor, a smile still on his face, only a few feet away from the bodies of Tonks and Remus. The whole Weasley family stood around the twins holding each other up trying to deal with their grief. Hermione’s knees started trembling and she slowly backed away with her eyes trained on Fred. Her heart broke into a million pieces. She couldn’t be here. She needed to leave. Fred. Fred was gone.

Hermione’s breath became hitched as George’s eyes found her. She felt Harry move next to her as he put an arm around her waist. When she saw the heartbroken twin, she couldn’t breathe anymore. She started hyperventilating. Everything turned hazy and with a last look on Fred everything turned black. She faintly heard someone calling her name, but then nothing.

Hermione was running, running from the inquisitor squad. Someone betrayed them. Only a couple minutes earlier her otter patronus was chasing Ginny’s horse around the come and go room. She heard several footsteps coming closer behind her and she fastened her step. Her side started to sting as she ran as fast as possible. Before she could round a corner, a hand grabbed her and pulled her into a cupboard. She started punching the person in front of her as she couldn’t see him in the dark.

“Granger, relax, it’s me.”

“Fred?” She stopped her punching. He chuckled.

“Yeah, how did you know?”

“I-” Before she could answer Fred’s finger was on her lips, hushing her. She then noticed their close proximity as the cupboard was really small. She heard yelling outside and a couple of guys passed the cupboard. When the hall was quiet again,  Fred removed his hand.

“Where’s George?”

“I lost him. He’s probably already in the common room.” He added uncertain.

“He’ll be fine. He’s a Weasley twin after all.” She said with a grin in her voice.

“You’re right as always.” She felt him flick his wand and a small light illuminated the room. She saw him grinning down at her. “And I must say Granger you have a pretty adorable patronus.”

“Thanks, yours too.”

“Just like his owner.” He winked at her.

She rolled her eyes at him but smiled. “You’re so full of it.”

“Who do you think that rat us out?”

“I don’t know, will know soon enough though.” She smirked up at him. He cocked an eyebrow. “You remember that paper I made you sign at Hog’s Head?” He nodded. “I kind of jinxed it.”

“What?” Fred asked in disbelief.

“Yeah.” Hermione blushed. “If one of us tried to rat us out, boils will appear on his or her face and spell out SNEAK.”

“Hermione Granger! I couldn’t be more prouder!” Fred laughed and picked her up and twirled her around in the tiny closet. She laughed with him. “Put me down, Fred.”

Fred lowered her back to the ground, his hands rested on her hips. Their eyes locked on each other. They heard someone coming closer and soon after, they saw the handle on the door shake. Before Hermione could act or register what was happening, Fred bends his head, whispered “Sorry” before leaning in.

His lips touched hers softly. Hermione’s eyes widened at the shock. She noticed how soft his lips were and how tentative he was. She reached her hands up and placed them around his neck and pulled him down to her. Fred didn’t expect this reaction but didn’t object. He traced his tong over her bottom lip, asking for entrance. She willingly opened them and their kiss deepened. Fred’s hand made his way in her hair while the other one slipped around her back pulling her closer. The door opened but they didn’t seem to notice until the person in the doorway cleared his throat.

They pulled apart breathless, wow, she thought to herself. It was nothing like the way she had kissed Viktor. They looked at each other before turning their gaze to the door.

An identical red head stood in front of them smirking wide. Hermione’s face turned red and looked down, her hair hiding her face. Fred grinned back at his brother even though his neck and ears turned red.

“Hiya Georgie. What can I do for you? Was kinda in the middle of something. Ouch!” Hermione slapped him on the chest. “Fred!”

“Sorry love,” He grinned at her before turning back to George. “Thought you were a Slytherin. Needed a cover for being breathless in a closet.”

“Right, breathless you say?” George teased. Hermione looked up and saw Fred’s face turning red as he nervously rubbed his neck. “Well, the coast is clear. Better hurry upstairs before they come back.”

Hermione woke up to the sound of voices close by. Hermione’s head was buzzing. What happened?  She tried to open her eyes but failed. Suddenly she felt a wet cloth pressed against her forehead.

“Fred?”

“I’m so sorry Hermione.” Harry whispered sadly.

Her eyes shot open and she bolted up. She was in an empty classroom with Harry on her right. She began to tremble as her memories started to come back. Someone on her left grabbed her hand in his. She looked down at their hands before looking up, she stared at the tear struck face of George. She immediately started crying as she flung her arms around him. George’s hands wound around her back as they cried in each other's arms. They sat there together, for what felt like hours. When she finally pulled back, Harry sat down beside her.

“W-Why am I here?” Her voice broke.

“When you saw – when we entered the Great Hall, you fainted.” Harry looked broken at her. “I know most people don’t know what you had with him so I brought you here.”

“Oh. I’m so sorry George. I – you, you should be with him. You should be with your family. You don’t have to stay with me.”

“Hermione, you are my family. I know how much you meant to Fred. I need you as much as you need me.” He grabbed her hands tight.

“What now?” She whispered as Harry rubbed her back.

“I don’t know.” George answered so quietly she barely registered it.

It was a month after the battle and Hermione was sitting in the corner of the living room of the twins – no George’s flat. The rest of the Weasley family found it weird that she stayed her, not knowing about their relationship but Harry explained to the family that she needed space and the burrow was too crowded. And George needed someone to look after him.
She woke up after another nightmare of seeing Fred lying there in the rubble.
She sat there on the ground with her knees up. She was wearing a Weasley jumper with the letter F on it that reached her knees. She buried her nose in the fabric and took a deep breath. In her hand was her third glass of fire whiskey. She looked around the room. It still looked the same but it felt like all the laughter and happiness was sucked out of the room. At first, she was apprehensive coming to stay here but George needed her. The moment she stepped into Fred’s room she started to cry. Everything reminded her of him. There were some clothes randomly scattered around the room, a book of muggle jokes on the nightstand next to a picture of him, George and Hermione. His blankets were ruffled and thrust aside like he had hurriedly jumped out of the bed. A scream pulled her out of her thoughts. She jumped up wand in hand as her glass fell to the ground. She ran to George’s room and threw the door open. George was tousling and sweating in his bed. Hermione quickly walked over and laid her hands on his shoulders.

“George. Wake up!” She tried. “Please wake up.”

Just like he did every time she had a nightmare he bolted right up. Nearly crashing into her. “Fred.” He whispered.

“I know. I had one too.” She whispered back as they hugged each other trying to find comfort.

Two months passee and George still hasn’t left his room. His skin turned even more pale, heavy bags under his red shot eyes. He doesn’t eat much which made him just skin and bone.
Hermione tried to move on but was stuck. If she hadn’t known before, she certainly knew now. Fred was the love of her life. She and George couldn’t live without him. The shop below them was still closed. Neither of them could step a foot in there. She visited Harry at Grimmauld and went to the store but that was about it. She didn’t have the guts to visit the burrow since the battle, so she just stayed in.

She was stirring her eggs reminiscing about Fred when it struck her.
I will do anything, anything to get him back. She dropped the bowl with eggs in the sink and apparated out.

She wobbled a bit at the landing as she hasn’t apparated in months. She straightens her back and walked over the yellow door. She reached out her hand and knocked. Not even a second later Luna appeared wearing a blue summer dress with mistletoe spread all over.

“I was expecting you. Come in.” She stepped aside to let her grieving friend in.

“Thanks Luna. What do you mean expecting me?”

Luna smiled warmly at her as they sat down on the sofa.

“You’ve come here for the time turner.” She said in a statement not a question.

“Yes, but how –”

“And it’s for Fred.” Again a statement. Hermione looked bewildered at her blond friend. “Auras can tell a lot about a person.” She simply stated.

“Right.” She knew Luna had a way of looking at things differently than her but this is something she never expected her to know. Luna stood up and walked to a dark blue cabin and opened a drawer. A shimmer of gold caught her eye as Luna placed something in her hand before walking back over and sitting in front of her. She opened her hand and showed a time turner just like the one she had in third year. Hermione looked up at the girl with wide eyes but her heart dropped as she saw the sad smile on her face.

“I’m sorry Hermione but this would not help. This is a time turner yes, but it only goes back twenty-four hours. The time turners we destroyed at the ministry were like this one.”

Hermione sunk back in the sofa as tears filled her eyes.

“But-” Hermione shot back up again. “London isn’t the only place in the world that has time turners. Many will be 24h turners but there are others, they are rare and it would take a great effort to find one. If you want to change the past, save the one you love, you will need a black and silver time turner. They can transport you back to five years but can only be used once. Once used it will evaporate, that’s why there are so rare you see. And the moment you are in the past you only have an hour to change history. Once the hour is up you will get back to this time and you will have memories from the time leading up to the day you turn and the time after. An hour is only a short time. The upside is that you can travel with one other person. So you can divide and concur.”

“How come you didn’t tell me before?”

“Like I said, the chances of you finding one are slim. I didn’t want to get your hopes up. But you came to me and I want to help. There are two things I can do for you.” She held out the golden time turner and placed it around her neck.

“I know you will keep it save. Only use it for an emergency.”

Hermione placed her hand on the turner smiling before tucking it under her shirt.

“The second is that you start your search in the West.”

“West?”

“North-America, Canada. There are a lot more pure-blood families there. Some go back decades. And if you go, go under cover. People will recognize you even over the pond.” She looked at her hair before looking back into her eyes. She pulled a ring off her finger and slid it on hers. She looked down with furrowed eyebrows. It was a gold band with a heart and with the outlining of a Nargle inside. She looked questionably at her.

“It’s a family ring. Our bloodline goes way back. Use my last name on your travels and change your hair to mine. Say you are a cousin or something.” She said dreamily.

“Are you sure Luna?”

“Yes, quite sure.” She said as she stared out the window. Hermione leaped forward and pulled her in a hug. Tears threatening to spill once more.

“Luna, I don’t know what to say.”

“Just be careful and don’t tell anyone what you are doing.” She pulled back and looked her in the eyes. “Only tell George. He is the person to help you Hermione. He will do anything to bring his twin back.”

“You’re right. Thank you”

Chapter Text

That evening Hermione slept through the night. Although Luna said the chances are slim, she couldn’t help but get her hopes up. To see him again, to hold him. To see the twins laughing together. George didn’t want to be disturbed that day; his door was locked with a silencing charm on it. She would tell him in the morning. Her dreams were filled with happy memories.

It’s been two weeks since their kiss; Fred returned to his usual way and Hermione turned back to her studies. She was returning from the library when the tall red head turned up next to her.

“Hi, Granger.” He beamed down at her.

“Hi, Weasley.”

“Oi! You never call me that.”

“If you are going to call me Granger, I’m going to call you Weasley.”

“Fine. Good evening, Lady Hermione.” Fred bowed at her.

“Good evening, Sir Frederick.” She laughed and made a curtsy.

“Fred’ if you please.” He chuckled.

“So, what are you doing here, Fred? So close to the library, you might combust.”

Fred gasped and clutched his heart. “Did I hear correctly? Did Miss Hermione Granger, prefect, brightest witch of her age, make a joke?”

She slapped his arm. “I can be fun you know.” She said slightly hurt.

“Oh, I know. You just gotta let it out more.” He winked. “Maybe you can assist me in a prank?”

“A prank? Not breaking any school rules, are you?”

“Not any big ones.” He gave her a sly smile.

“Fine, why not. Need a distraction from –” Her eyes turned wide. “Who are we pranking?”

“I was planning on Malfoy. Why? Do you have someone else in mind?”

Hermione looked up at him as she smiled mischievously at him.

“Oh, I know that smile. George and I invented that smile.” He smiled back the same.

She stood on her tip toes and reached his ear. “Umbridge.” She whispered and her breath sent chills down his spine.

“Merlin, Hermione. Go big or go home right?” He smiled surprised at her.

“You know me, I go all in.”

“Right that you do.”

“So, what’s the plan?”

“Oh, something simple. We had some leftovers from our previous products. Wanted to save it for the right person. And you certainly chose wise, my young apprentice.”

“Apprentice? It’s not because I do one prank, you can roll me in with the rest.” She huffed but a smile spread her face.

“Come on, let’s go.” He took her hand and ran through the hall dragging a laughing Hermione with him. He stopped at the corner a few feet away from Umbridge’s office.

“What now?” Hermione whispered. Fred looked around the corner before grinning back at her.

“A distraction.” He pointed at a spot behind her. She turned and saw the poltergeist dancing behind her. “Peeves!” Fred beckoned him over. The ghost stopped dancing and floated over. “We need a distraction. Up for it?”

“Always.” He had a wide grin across his face. And floated away. Hermione looked back at Fred.

“He listens to you?”

“Yeah, I mean not always but he loves a good prank.” He smirked. At that moment Peeves took control of one of the knights and started throwing things at the students. With the yelling of the students Umbridge stormed out of her office and down the hall.

“We need to be quick.” He took her hand again and quickly entered the office and gently closed the door behind him.

“Perfect!” Hermione followed his gaze and saw a fresh pot of tea on her desk. He grabbed a small candy from his pocket and handed it over.

“The honor is all yours.”

She smiled and took the purple candy and dropped it in the tea pot. The candy dissolved immediately leaving no trace behind.

“Ok let’s go... I think Peeves is done throwing stuff.”

“Wait!” She turned back to Umbridge’s desk and pointed her wand at the quill. She murmured a spell and turned around. “Ready.” Fred cocked an eyebrow but with no time to spare, he poked his head out the door.

“It’s safe.” He reached out his hand and she eagerly took it. They just closed the door when they saw a pink spot coming their way. Hermione’s eyes widened in panic but Fred just led her the other way and hid in an alcove.

“What’s with you and small spaces?” Hermione asked as she noticed once again that they stood very close.

“A small space with a beautiful girl, what’s not to like,” He grinned and she blushed.

“Fred.” She said in a stop lying to me – voice.

“What? You are beautiful.” He reached out and put a lost curl behind her ear. His eyes were locked on hers as he slowly bent down, giving her time to pull away. When he was a couple of inches away, she stood on her tip toes and met his lips. His hands quickly found a way in her hair and the small of her back, while her hands locked themselves around his neck. Hermione was now the one who asked to deepen the kiss as her tong grazed his lips. Fred quickly obliged and then they were fighting for dominance. Fred stepped forward and backed her up against the wall, never breaking their kiss. The kiss lasted until they were out of breath. They broke apart but Fred leaned his head against hers. “Wow!” He whispered still catching his breath. Hermione looked him in the eyes and smiled. “Wow” she agreed. They stood there for a couple of minutes catching their breath, heads still pressed together.

“What did you do to her quill anyway?”

“You know the self-correcting quills you guys were working on?” He nodded as he pulled his head back.

“I did the opposite. Every time she tries to write, the words will automatically be wrong. I even did it to her ink, so if she tries another quill, it will have the same effect.”

“You're amazing!” He looked back in the hallway and stepped out. “That’s a great idea for our shop! I need to find George.”

“Ok, go tell him.” She chuckled. “What was that candy by the way?”

“Oh. It was one of our firsts. It gives you boils in places you really don’t want any.” He answered as they made their way up to the tower.

“Is there a place where you would want boils?” She beamed up at him.

“Ha! Guess not but she will be having trouble sitting for the rest of the day.” He winked at her and she started laughing as they entered the common room. Four sets of eyes fell on them as they walked in laughing. They made their way to the group. Fred sat down next to George on the floor as Hermione dropped down next to Ginny on the sofa.

“What’s with you?” Ginny raised her eyebrows at him.

“Hermione here is a bookworm turned prankster.” Fred beamed up at her.

“What?!” The rest exclaimed.

And Fred launched in telling the story to the others, which made them all wide-eyed in shock looking at Hermione and all fell in a laughing fit. Fred then turned to George and told him about Hermione’s idea. George was the next one to beam up at her.

“Oi! Granger, do you have any other ideas?” She grinned at the twins.

“George? Are you up? I need to talk to you.” She said after knocking on his bedroom door the next morning.

“Yeah, come in.” She heard him grumble. She gently pushed the door open and saw George lying down on his stomach, holding a pillow to his chest that hid his face. She walked up to him and sat down on the side of his bed.

“George?” He turned slowly and looked up at her. “Hi.” She gave him a weak smile. George sat up straight and motioned for her to join. She took off her slippers and crawled up next to him, George swung his arms around her and they just hugged in silence for a while.

She sighed as she pulled away.

“George.. I-- you know I would do anything for you, right?”

“Yeah, Hermione is everything alright?”

“Yes, it’s just –” She switched seats so she could sit in front of him. She played with her sleeve as she looked down. “I’m leaving.”

“What? Why? Is it my fault? Please Hermione, don’t leave.” He begged her.

“I have to. It may be a slim chance but I need to try. I need to try and make things right.” She finally looked up at him.

George shook his head confused. “Hermione, what are you talking about?”

“You know that the time turners in the ministry were destroyed right?”George didn’t answer he just waited for her to continue. “Well, it got me thinking. Those couldn’t be the only one in the world, right? A lot of families pass them down. I remember that Luna said that her dad had one a couple of years ago.” She pulled out the time turner from under her shirt. “But-” she said as she saw George’s face light up. “-it only goes back 24 hours. Just like the ones in the ministry.”

George’s face turned angry. “Why didn’t she give that the moment the battle was over!?” His voice hoarse from the lack of speech the last couple of months.

“Because-” She grabbed his hand and rubbed her thumb slowly over it. “-their home was in rubble. The death eaters destroyed it. Luna only found it a couple of weeks ago.”

“Why are you telling me this if they don’t work?”

“Because this isn’t the only type of turner. There are others like this one but in black and silver. They can go back to about five years and they only can be used once. After it’s used it would destroy itself.” She was twirling the time turner between her fingers. “If someone used it, that person will have memories of both lives. And the turner can only transport two people. But the thing is... they are rare, very rare. It won’t be easy to find, if even possible.”

“Between us Hermione, it’s our best chance.” George managed a smile for the first time since the battle, she missed that smile.

“You don’t have to come with me. I will just let you know if I find something.”

“Of course, I’ll come with you. We have more luck if we are together.”

“Are you sure? You haven’t been outside since...-”

“Yes, but now I have a reason, a purpose. Hermione, we might just get him back.” He smiled with tears rolling down his cheek.

“I hope so.” Tears rolling down her face. She leaned closer and wrapped him in a hug.

“Where do we start?” George asked as they pulled apart.

“West.” She said with a grin.

“West?”

“That’s how Luna said it to me.” She chuckled softly. “She said we should start in North-America and Canada. Maybe even South-America.”

“Merlin! That’s a lot of ground to cover.” He rubbed his forehead.

“Yeah, I know. But Luna also said we should look into the pure-blood line.”

“That narrows it down.” He said a little more brightly.

“I think we should start in North-America. No language barrier and such.”

“Right... maybe start in New York? And then we can go from the east to the west coast. When do you want to go?”

“We need to register a portkey, but that won’t take long. What I’m worried about is your family.”

“Our family.” George corrected.

“Yeah, what are we going to say to them?”

“Maybe we can just say we are going to travel for a bit. Trying to grieve in our own way.”

“I think it’s plausible for you. But I think I need another reason.”

They sat in silence for a bit before Hermione thought of something.

“I could say that I’m going to find my parents and restore their memories. And that you want to accompany me, because you don’t want me to go alone and you need to grieve and be out of the flat.”

“I think that could work. Let’s go arrange a portkey and you can tell the family.”

“No, George, if you’re coming, you're going to tell it yourself... Or at least together.”

“Fine, it was worth a shot.”

“I haven’t seen anyone either Georgie. Only Harry and Gin.”

“Together.” He said as he jumped out of the bed and reached for her hand. She grabbed his and stood up.

“Together.” And they smiled at each other.

Chapter Text

“You think we can do this?” George asked nervously as they both stood in front of the fireplace. Hermione turned to look at him and gave him a small smile.

“We are doing it together; it will be alright.” She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and pulled him with her in the fireplace. He gave a short squeeze back as he called out the burrow.

The living room was empty, but they heard muffled voices from the kitchen. They arrived after dinner was finished so they didn’t have to go through the busy family dinner as they still needed their space. George took a deep breath and stepped towards the kitchen, Hermione on his tail. He slowly opened the door and all eyes fell on him. Hermione was still hidden behind him.

“GEORGE!” Molly cried as she ran over to hug her son. She held him tight and when she opened her eyes, she saw Hermione standing in front of her. “Hermione, dear.” She smiled softly.

“Hi, Molly.”

“Hi, mum.”

“I’ve missed you. Why didn’t you come earlier? We could have had dinner together as a family?” She asked as Hermione and George walked further in the kitchen. Harry and Ginny ran over and hugged her tight before moving to George. The whole family greeted them, most of them with worried looks on their faces. George and Hermione sat down at the end of the table. Hermione reached her hand over to George’s under the table and gave it a squeeze.

“We are actually here to tell you something.”

Molly’s eyes went wide and shifted from George to Hermione and back. Harry and Ginny looked confused at each other while the rest of the family looked with furrowed eyebrows at them.

“As all of you know, I’m having a really hard time processing everything. This is the first time I came out of my room since-” He swallowed hard looking down at the table. “I think it is time for another approach.” He glanced at Hermione who continued.

“I’m leaving tomorrow to go find my parents and restore their memories. George doesn’t want to be alone and I wouldn’t want to leave him alone either, he then offered to accompany me.” She looked around the table, all eyes fixed on her.

“But- George you could stay here with us. He needs his family.” Molly proposed.

“Hermione is family.” George said steadfast.

“Molly, dear.” Arthur said next to her. “George needs to find his own way. Hermione has been there since the start when we couldn’t. If this is what he needs to do to find closure and move on, we should let him.”

Molly sighed looking at her husband before looking back at the both of them. “Alright. Where are you going?”

“Australia. I sent them there with new identities. So, it may take a while before we find them... if we find them.”

“We’ll find them, Hermione.” She looked back at George and gave him a sad smile.

“Do you know where to start?” Ron asked from the other side of the table.

“We’ll start in Sydney. That's where their plane landed and we will see from there.”

“Keep us posted.” Bill added. “And if you need anything. Owl us, sent a patronus, anything. We’ll be right there.”

“Thank you, Bill.” Hermione smiled at the oldest brother.

It grew silent at the table and Hermione tried to avoid Harry’s gaze as she was afraid she would spill everything. She saw in Molly’s eyes that she was still uncertain that this would be the best for George to do at the moment but kept quiet as Arthur held her hand. Ron was picking at his dessert not eating it while Percy sat next to him staring out the window, grief in his eyes as he felt guilty about Fred’s death. Charlie, Bill and Fleur were looking at George with sad eyes. Even though George was devastated, he hated the looks his family gave him. That was one of the reasons he kept his distance.

George cleared his throat before letting go of Hermione’s hand and stood up.
“We better get going. Still need to do some packing.”

“Oh! Molly, do you mind if Crooks stays here for a bit longer?” Hermione asked as she rose next to George.

“Hmm?” Molly’s glazed over eyes found her. “No, that’s fine dear. He likes chasing the gnomes.”

“Thank you.”

“We’ll see you soon.” George said crossing the table and hugging his parents and the rest of the family while Hermione said goodbye to Harry, Ginny and Ron. They walked to the fireplace and disappeared.

“I’m worried about them.”

“Me too.” Arthur answered and pulled his wife in a side hug both staring at the empty doorway.

When George and Hermione stepped out of the fireplace at the flat, George let out a deep sigh and dropped on the sofa with his head against the back looking up at the ceiling. He felt the sofa dip as Hermione sat down next to him.

“That went better than I thought. I thought mum would've lost it.”

“Probably would have if your father wasn’t there.” Hermione answered as she too dropped her head against the back. They sat in silence for a moment before George turned his head to her.

“Hermione.”

“Yeah?” She turned and looked him in the eyes.

“When we get Fred back, I promise you, I’ll get your parents back.”

“Thanks, Georgie.” She dropped her head on his shoulder and not long after they both fell asleep.

The next day, they woke up with sore necks and quickly packed the rest of their bags before heading to the ministry to pick up the portkey. They floo'd over to the ministry and carefully looked around trying not to bump into someone they knew. They quickly made it to the lifts and went down to level 5. They came early so they weren’t a lot of people around.

“Good morning. How can I help you?” A middle-aged witch behind the counter asked them nicely.

“Good morning. We are here to pick up the portkey on the name Granger.”

“Alright. Give me a moment. I’ll be right back.” Hermione smiled at the witch before she disappeared behind a door. She looked back and saw that George sat himself down on one of the few chairs in the hallway. She walked over to him and held his hand. They waited in silence for the witch to come back. The door opened again and Hermione jumped up and walked to the counter.

“Here you are, Miss Granger. Do you know how it works?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Great. The portkey will activate in an hour. If you want to come back via portkey, you have to arrange one in the country you will be staying at.” She handed the box over.

“Thank you. Have a nice day.”

“You too.”

Hermione put the box in her bag before they made their way back to the lifts and floo'd home. They arrived back in the flat, gathered their stuff and waited in the living room. Hermione opened the box the witch gave her and pulled out an old house key. George bent forward and took the key in his hand turning it over. He shrugged and gave it back to Hermione. Hermione looked down and saw Luna’s ring on her finger.

“Oh!” She cried out and reached for her wand. “My hair.” She put the tip of her wand against her head and whispered a spell. Her hair changed to light blonde with soft curls.

“That’s weird.” George twirled a lock around his finger, grinning.

“Are you going as a Weasley or?” She pointed her wand at her head.

“We are purebloods but maybe it would help if we say we are siblings. So do your best, love.”

She grinned and tapped his head with her wand. She chuckled as his hair changed. “That is even more disturbing.”

“Oi! It can’t be that bad?” George jumped up and walked towards the mirror. “Oh, maybe it can. This is so weird.” He says as Hermione came up next to him. “But I think we can pull off brother and sister.” He gave her a small smile before heading back to the sofa.

“How long?” He asked

“Just a few minutes. Do you have everything, blondie?”

“Yeah. Even though the shop is closed, I owled Lee to keep an eye out.”

“Good.” She nodded as she stood up and walked over the cupboard. She picked up a picture of her, George and Fred. She stared at it and tears filled her eyes. George jumped up and pulled her in a hug.

“We’ll get him back. I can feel it.” He whispered in her hair. She sniffed and was about to answer when the key began to vibrate.

“It’s time, Georgie.”

George summoned his bag, stuffed the picture Hermione had been staring at in it the bag and they both hooked a finger around the key. They felt the familiar pull behind the bellybutton and seconds after the flat was empty.

They arrived at MACUSA in New York. Their eyes went big as they stared at the entrance hall, dozens of people were walking in and out of the building, paper airplanes flying over them, it was much bigger than the ministry in London. They were so distracted, that they didn’t notice a wizard approaching them.

“Name and reason for visitation?”

“George and Hermione Lovegood. We are here to find our long-lost family.” Hermione looked back at the wizard. He was short with pitch black hair and a big mustache.

“Follow me.” He beckoned them over as he looked over his papers. He walked towards his desk and summoned several papers. “Everything seems in order. I see you asked to look at our archives?”

“Yes, sir. I applied a couple of days ago.”

The short wizard hummed as he scanned his papers. “The first available appointment is in three days.” Hermione felt George’s shoulders slump but kept her gaze at the wizard in front of her.

“That’s great.”

“Do you have a place to stay?”

“No, not yet.”

“You can choose to stay over at several muggle hotels in the area but we also have a wizarding hotel just a half hour from here if you would like. We have a floo connection with the hotel. But I have to say it isn’t cheap.

“That is not a problem, sir. We would like to stay at the wizarding hotel.” George said politely.

“Very well.” He handed over a pamphlet of the hotel. “It’s The Simmering Cauldron. Only accessible for Wizards and Witches.”

George took the pamphlet and looked over the information of the hotel while Hermione looked back at the wizard.

“Is there a wizarding town nearby or a place where we could we meet more witches and wizards?”

“You have a community on North Brother Island. You can apparate there.” The wizard said as he pulled out another pamphlet from under his desk. Hermione took it and scanned the pamphlet before putting it in her purse.

“So, your appointment is Thursday at 9 sharp. If you have any questions in the meantime, you can always drop by.” The wizard smiled behind his mustache.

“Thank you, sir.” George got up from his seat and handed the pamphlet from the hotel to Hermione.

“Thank you.” Hermione shook his hand after George released it. The wizard came from behind his desk and gestured them to the fireplace.

“My pleasure. I’ll send you to the hotel so you can get situated.” He grabbed some floo powder after Hermione and George nodded their agreement and he called out “The Simmering Cauldron.” and they were gone.

Chapter Text

Hermione was studying in the library a couple days later when two shadows fell upon her. When she kept her nose in her books, one of them spoke up.

"Morning, Granger."

"Morning, George." She answered without looking up from her books.

"Wai-How?"

"Hello to you too, Fred." She grinned before looking up and she saw four wide eyes looking down at her. "Fred, you're not surprised, are you? I recognized you in the dark." She chuckled.

A grin replaced his surprised face and George followed. "Well yeah... but you still didn't say how you did it."

"Does it matter?"

"Of course. We don't want anyone else to find out." Fred said as George nodded in agreement.

"Since almost no one can see the difference in the years that they have known you, I think you are safe." She turned back to her books when something occurred to her. "Wait! What are you two doing in the library?"

"Looking for you, of course."

Hermione closed her books and reclined in her chair, looking up to the twins with a raised eyebrow. "Me?"

"You." They said in unison grinning.

"We are planning something, something big and we need your help." George said as he sat down.

"We are stuck on -" Fred started as he sat down in front of her.

"You can't do that." Hermione hissed as she leaned forward. "Umbridge is out for your blood, she will do worse than make you write lines. You will be expelled!"

"But that's the thing... We don't care anymore."

Hermione's mouth fell open as she looked from one twin to the other. "What do you mean you don't care anymore?"

"We are of age and our plans don't need to involve NEWTS."

"And what are those plans?"

"Well.." Fred and George leaned forward as they whispered. "opening our shop of course."

"A shop?"

"A joke shop.-"

"We have everything ready-"

"To start up. We already have a shop-"

"At Diagon Alley."

Hermione leaned back as she studied the twins, she saw the excitement in their eyes. She smiled up at the twins, who looked back in shock.

"What? Do we have something on our nose?" Fred asked as they both touched their nose with their fingertips..

"No, it's just.. Well, it's perfect for you two, isn't it? I would prefer you two to graduate, but with Umbridge here, I see the appeal of leaving."

The twins' mouth fell open as they looked at her and back to each other.

"Who would have thought that THE Hermione Granger would approve?" Fred laughed, which earned a hiss from Madam Pince.

"I sure didn't. Who are you and what have you done to Granger?"

"Very funny. As I said, I would rather prefer for you to graduate but we could use a little laughter right about now." She said as she furrowed her eyebrows.

"Very true." George rose from his seat. "I'm meeting with Lee for you know what." He said to Fred. "I'll see you in a bit." He winked at his twin before heading off.

"Wait George, didn't you need my help?"

"Fred will fill you in." He smirked over his shoulder and walked out of the library. Hermione squinted her eyes at George before looking back at the Weasley in front of her. Fred had his feet up the table as he balanced his chair on the back legs, eyes closed.

"Fred? Do you need help? Or can I get back to..." She pointed at her books as he opened an eye.

"Right." He dropped his legs from the table and landed his chair back on four legs. He rummaged in his pockets and pulled out a piece of parchment. He laid it down between them as he rolled it open.

"When we go, we are going big. We have everything set up, but we need a little help with the swamp."

"Swamp?" Hermione's eyebrows knit together as she looked over the parchment.

"A portable swamp. But now it is too easy to remove. Just a simple Finite and poof gone."

"And you would like to keep it a considerable amount of time, right?" She chuckled as she looked over to Fred who was grinning.

"Aah. You know us so well."

Hermione flicked her wand. Two books came flying over to their table and silently dropped between them. She handed him one as she took the other. Fred looked questionably at her and at the book.

"I read something a while back but don't remember which book it was. So, you read that one and I’ll read this. It will be faster if we do it together."

Fred hummed as he opened his book. They worked in silence for a while before Hermione found what she was looking for. She yelped excitingly and turned the book towards Fred. She pointed at the right page, Fred's eyes went big and he scribbled it down on the parchment.

"Brilliant,  Hermione!" Fred said at the same time his stomach growled. He looked at his watch and groaned. "We missed lunch."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"No worries. Let's go."

"Let's go where?"

"The kitchens. You too need to eat, come on."

Hermione looked down at her forgotten homework and sighed. "Fine, but after you'll leave me to it, okay?"

"Promise." He smiled as he helped pack her bags and lead her out the library.

George and Hermione entered the hotel. The entrance hall was big and bright. Witches and wizards of all sorts were walking around. While the older ones still wore robes, the people who were younger wore muggle clothes like them. They walked to the counter where a house elf was sitting on a high chair behind it.

"Good morning, travelers. How may I help you?" The elf piped up from behind the counter. She wore a dark green dress with a name pin on it. Suze.

"Good morning, Suze." Hermione smiled down at the house elf. "Do you have any rooms available?"

Suze looked in her books that laid in front of her while George and Hermione looked around. On the left was a sitting area with large green love seats and small round coffee tables next to each sofa. On the other side was a small owlery with different owls flying in and out of the hotel. Behind the counter were three large lifts that led to the rooms upstairs. In the corner was a large double door with a sign Restaurant above it. Her gaze drifted back to the elf as she cleared her throat.

"I have one room left at the moment. Is that a problem?"

Hermione looked over to George, who shrugged. After living together and falling asleep in each other's arms for comfort, it didn't matter if they had separate rooms or not.

"No, it's not a problem."

"How long will you be staying?"

"At least a week but it could be longer. You can put it under Lovegood." Hermione answered and Suze nodded as she scribbled it down.

George rummaged in his pockets and handed the elf the money for their room before Hermione had the chance to do so.

"This is too much, sir!" Said Suze as she tried to give back some of the coins.

"No, Suze. That's for you, for your excellent help." George smiled at the elf. "I insist."

The elf looked questionablly at them and Hermione gave her a reassuring smile.

"Thank you. If you need anything let me know." The elf piped up excitingly as she guided them to the lifts. The hotel had ten floors and they exited at the eight. She levitated their bags to the last door on the right.

"Here you are misses and mister Lovegood." She waved her hand and the door flew open. It was a spacious room with a large king size bed in the middle, a light brown wardrobe on the other side and a desk next to the window. They had a view of Central Park. There was a green sofa in the corner with a coffee table that was filled with glasses and bottles of water. "The password for the room is Levitated Nifflers."

Hermione nodded while George grinned at the password. "This is a beautiful room. Thank you, Suze."

Suze nodded as she smiled and backed out of the room. Hermione and George dropped their bags on the floor and both dropped down on the bed. George turned his head to Hermione.

"Do you want me to sleep on the sofa or should I ask for a cot?"

"No, it's fine, Georgie. We slept together before. You're my brother, I trust you." She smiled as she turned her head to the red head turned blonde. She started laughing. George furrowed his eyebrows.

"What?"

"It's just... your hair!" She choked out before laughing again.

"You're one to say." He laughed as he tucked her hair.

"I missed your laugh." She smiled softly.

"Yeah, I missed yours too." He reached over and squeezed her hand. "Oh! I brought something..."

He sat up and opened his bag, pulling out a black journal. He handed it over and she opened it, blank pages in front of her.

"I thought this may come in handy. I enchanted it so that when we write in it only us two can read it."

"That's brilliant George." She beamed at him, his ears turning red.

"It's nothing really."

"It is, George, don't sell yourself short." George took the journal back and flipped through it.

"I've been thinking about our plan once we get the time turner. I know you guys used Felix the night Dumbledore died. Maybe it would be interesting for us, when we go back to have some and maybe give a bit to Freddie?"

"It's not that easy. It takes six months to brew and the ingredients are hard to get. Do you want to wait that long?"

"No, but how long will it take before we find one? Maybe we can start it and if we find the turner sooner, we go without, if not..-"

Hermione was lost in thought as she twirled with her turner. "Ok. We can start today; we have a couple days before we have our appointment. We'll ask Suze for wizards' shops around New York but some of these are..-"

"Mione, I have enough money don't worry about that."

"I don't want you to pay for everything. I have money saved up too."

"I know but you need it, you don't know when you'll have your parents back and you don't have a job."

"But-"

"No buts, it was my idea. Let me do this."

Hermione looked over at George's determent face and sighed, he clearly needed something to keep him occupied. She was just happy to see him outside of his room, looking interested in something.
"Fine. Let's unpack and head downstairs."

Fred tickled the pear before the painting opened and held out his hand to help Hermione step in. They were quickly greeted by a group of elves as they surrounded them.

"Mister Weasley! Would you like your favorite? Blueberry pancakes?" A little elf piped up right in front of Fred.

"Hiya Trix. I would love some. Hermione?" Fred turned and saw that Hermione was kneeling in front of another house-elf who was wearing three knitted hats on his head and two different colored socks on his feet. "Hermione?"

"Yeah?" She turned her head, smiling as she looked up at him. "Oh Fred. This is Dobby. I don't know if Ron or Harry told you about him?"

"Ow yeah. I remember. Nice to meet you Dobby." He held out his hand and Dobby eagerly shook it. "I've heard great things about you."

"Nice to meet you too Mister Weasley. We elves have heard a lot about you and your brother."

"Oh, really? All good things I hope..." Fred laughed and winked at Hermione, who rolled her eyes. "Dobby... Hermione and I missed lunch, is there a way you and Trix could whip something up?"

Dobby smiled broadly and headed to the back of the kitchens with Trix. Fred and Hermione sat down at a table in the corner as the other elves brought them some butterbeers and tea.

"I see you come here often. Most of the elves know you by name and even know your favorite snack." Hermione snickered.

"Yeah, George, Lee and I do come here quite a lot. The elves are so friendly and always offer us too much."

"And here I thought it was hard nicking things from the kitchens." She grinned.

"No one needs to know how easy it is, right?" He winked at her. "Besides when we're gone, you are the one who will end up nicking things from the kitchens once in a while."

"I think I'll leave that up to the boys." She glanced around the kitchens and saw Dobby and Trix walking over with several plates of food. Dobby put down pancakes and waffles while Trix sat down eggs and bacon.

"Thank you." Hermione and Fred said in unison to the elves before looking at each other grinning.

"Have you told your mum?" She looked at Fred. "There are so many options. First I always thought I would work at the ministry but it is such a mess right now. And with everything going on with Voldemort, I – I just hope I survive."

"Hey," He reached over, took her hand and squeezed it, that made her look up. "You will survive this , Herione. You are smart, brave-"

"A mudblood."

"Don't call yourself that!" Fred hissed in a tone she never heard before.

"Sorry, but it is true, Fred. They are after people like me."

"They are after muggleborns, yes, but you will make it through this. I can feel it." He said as he smiled at her. "Besides... my family is known for being blood traitors, I think we are on the same line. But let's talk about happier things."

And with that Fred turned the whole gloomy mood in just a few seconds; telling stories about pranks that he and George did when they were younger. They talked and laughed for a couple of hours before Hermione noticed the elves were preparing dinner.

"Uhm, Fred? I think we'd better go... The elves are already serving dinner." She nudged her head towards the elves behind Fred.

"Merlin! Is it that late already?" He looked over his shoulder and glanced back at his watch. "Come on, let's go to the great hall before they notice we are missing."

Fred stood up and walked over to the painting and opened it up as he helped her out. Hermione turned and waved at the elves. "See you soon Dobby, Trix."

They talked about Hermione's classes until they reached the Great Hall. "Thanks for a lovely afternoon, Lady Hermione." He bowed. "I'm dreadfully sorry I kept you from your work."

"I needed a break." She shrugged as she smiled at his antics. "So, thank you, Sir Frederick." She curtsied. They both laughed as they entered the Great Hall. Hermione saw Harry, Ginny and Ron looking at them with furrowed eyebrows. George a few seats further was grinning widely.

"I'll see you later." He winked at her before he made his way to his twin and Hermione walked to her friends and sat down next to Ginny, smiling.

"Why were you with Fred?" Ron asked, his mouth full of potatoes.

"I bumped into him on my way here." She said calmly as she loaded up her plate. In the corner of her eyes, she saw Fred leaning towards them, listening.

Ron swallowed, looking from her to Fred and back. "And this afternoon? You weren't at lunch."

"I was hauled up at the library. What's with the twenty questions?"

"Not the first time she lost track of time when she's studying." Harry intercepted.

"I know that! But you have been friendly with the twins lately." Ron grumbled as he put another fork full of sausage in his mouth. "First the prank with Fred and now this." He motioned at the doors.

"Well, the prank was just a coincidence and after that, I just looked over some of their stuff, that's all. And I already told you I bumped into him just now. They are your brothers, Ronald. Shouldn't you be happy we get along?" Hermione hissed as she stood up. Fred and George were both looking at her as she argued with their brother. Hermione walked out the great hall and Ginny rose up.

"You're a git, Ron! She can be friends with whoever she likes!" Ginny glared at her brother and followed Hermione out of the doors.

Chapter Text

George and Hermione reached the Alice in Wonderland statue. George’s eyes furrowed as he looked from the statue to Hermione.

“Suze said this is the new entrance since the last one was blown up years ago. It’s from a muggle book.” Hermione explained as she neared the statue. She discreetly pulled out her wand and tapped on the white rabbit’s clock. George came closer as he saw that the clock started to tick. When the clock reached 12, Hermione grabbed George’s hand and leaned against the rabbit. They fell through and now stood in the busy wizarding street Occultatum Lane. It was bigger than Diagon Alley with a variety of stores and eating establishments; several streets where linked to the square they had landed on. It was a busy day with many witches and wizards trotting around, children playing with firecrackers and toys.

“Wicked!” George grinned looking around. Hermione looked over at him smiling. A twinkle in his eyes she hadn't seen in a while. Hermione tugged his hand.

“Come on.” She grinned. “Let’s do some shopping!”

They agreed to go to the potions shops first to see which ingredients they could find for their Felix Felicis. They entered a grubby looking shop; most of the windows were covered with black curtains, making the shop even darker. Behind the counter stood an older woman with shabby dark robes who was ringing up a customer. Hermione crunched up her nose as she glanced around the shop. George was already picking up different bottles, looking at them and putting them back down with their list in his hands. Hermione made her way to the counter when the previous customer left.

“Good morning.” Hermione said politely, the witch grumbled in front of her, who was eyeing her with a quirked eyebrow.

“Where are you from, dear?”

“England, ma’am.”

The witch took her in, glancing up and down her body as her eyes landed on her hands before they shifted to George who came closer holding several bags and bottles.

“Who’s this?”

“My brother. George Lovegood.”

“Brother? So, you’re not married?”

“No..-” Hermione furrowed as she looked at the witch.

“Are you pure-blood?” She asked bluntly, looking between her and George.

“Yes.” She answered rubbing her arm where her scar was hidden beneath her sleeve. George came up next to her and placed the ingredients on the counter.

“Are you married boy?”

“No.” George grumbled not liking where this was going. The witch smiled a bit creepy at them, her blackened teeth showing. She looked down at the products George put down.

“What are yo-" The witch frowned on the ingredients. "You know you need to be master potioneers to make this?" She said, putting the pieces together as she glanced over the ingredients.

“We are potion masters in England, ma’am.”

“I’m having a gathering this weekend, only for pure-bloods, of course. Would you two like to join?”

“No-”

“We'd love to.” Hermione interjected. George looked at her with wide eyes, not believing she would agree to such a thing. Hermione ignored his shocked look as she smiled at the grubby witch.

“Good, good.” She murmured as she took a card from under the counter. “You’ll find all the information you need right here.” She handed the card over to Hermione and started ringing up their purchases. After they paid and walked out of the dark shop, George pounced on Hermione.

“Why did you say yes? You know what she wants, right?”

“To marry us off? Yes, I figured.”

“Then why-”

“We are looking for pure-blood families. I know this isn’t ideal, but it’s a start.”

“Fine, but we need to be careful... I don’t trust her.”

“Me neither.” She glanced back at the shop. “Do we have everything?”

“Almost, just the Occamy eggshells.” George answered looking in his bag and the list.

Hermione nodded as she glanced around the street. “I think there are two other potion shops around here. Let’s do some fun shopping before heading down there. And maybe some lunch.”

“Alright. Let’s hope the other shops are a bit more..-”

“Yeah.” Hermione agreed as they headed off to the shop George wanted to visit since the moment his eyes fell upon it. A joke shop.

After half an hour in the joke shop, Hermione left him looking at the products as she headed to the bookshop next door. A bubbly young witch at the counter greeted her cheerfully as she made her way down the aisles, looking at books about time travel and time turners. She had three books in her arms as she made her way to the front of the shop. In the corner of her eye, she saw a book on the stands. “Bloodlines throughout history.”
Her eyes went big and she stumbled towards the book. She picked it up and scanned the book.

“Are you interested in certain bloodlines?” The witch from the counter came up behind her. Hermione turned with the book still clutched in her hand.

“Yes, I’m trying to find my long-lost family. Grandmother left for England after the first war and lost contact so I’m trying to find out as much as I can.”

“If you are a pure-blood, this book can certainly help you out. The book will only open for pure-bloods though.”

“Why’s that?”

“Dunno, to keep their secrets in the pure-blood line I suppose.” The witch shrugged.

“Ok thanks. I think I’ll take it. These too.” She readjusted her arm where the others books were leaning on. The girl smiled as she took the books and walked to the counter. She rang them up and placed them in a bag.

“Good luck, miss.”

“Thank you.” She smiled at the shopkeeper before heading out the door. She looked through the window of the joke shop and saw George paying for his purchases. She smiled at the twin before sitting down down the bench in front of the shop and waited for George come out. George came out grinning like a school boy as he held out his bags.

“Gone a bit overboard, did you?” She chuckled as he dropped down next to her. She leaned over and glanced in his bags.

“Not at all.” He snickered. “What did you buy?”

“I’ll tell you at the hotel.” Hermione said in a way that George knew not to ask any further. “Can we get something to eat? I’m starving.”

“Sure, and after we’ll stop by the potion shops and head home. I’m knackered.”

“Me too.” She reluctantly stood up and they walked towards a small pub. After a quick lunch they made their way to the last shops. In the second potion shop George found the Occamy eggshells at a very steep price. They argued shortly as Hermione wanted to pitch in but George refused. She grumbled something before giving up. When they apparated to the hotel, they both dropped their bags on the sofa and fell back on the bed, falling asleep the moment their headset toucher their pillows.

George woke up from the sound of a yelp in the room. He bolted up, his eyes searching the room. His eyes landed on the end of the bed. Hermione was leaning against it with a cauldron in front of her. George crawled towards her and saw that she placed her finger against her lips.

“What happened?” He reached over and pulled her finger towards him, his brows furrowed.

“Cut myself on the cauldron. It’s not that bad.”

“Give me sec.” George stood up from the bed and walked in the bathroom. He came out and sat down next to her. “Give me your finger.” He opened the tube and gently dabbed her cut, it healed up instantly.

“Thanks, Georgie.” She smiled at him.

“Thank Fred, he made it.” He gave her a sad smile. She leaned her head against his shoulder.

“We are getting him back, Georgie. I’ll do anything.”

“I know.” George sighed as he rested his chin on top of her head. “So, what were you doing?”

“I was getting the ingredients ready.”

George looked over to the cauldron where the ingredients were spread next to it.

“Why don’t I start, since potions is my specialty and you show me what you bought in the bookshop.”

“Ok.” she chuckled as she reached over and yanked her shopping bag open. George started cutting and crunching the ingredients. “I’ve found some books on time travel and turners.” She placed the books next to her as George sat on the other side of the cauldron. “But the one that I want to go over right now is this one, but I need your help.” She handed over the book.

“A book about pure-bloods?” His brows knit together as he flipped the book over.

“Bloodlines to be specific. We can find out what families live here in the states.”

“Brilliant, can’t believe they sell a book like this.”

“Well... only pure-bloods can open the book. That’s why I need your help.”

George hummed as he pried the book open. “Probably to keep their dirty little secrets. Here.” He laid the book down in front of her. “You start with the book, I’ll start on the potion.”

Hermione laid down on her stomach and she took a pen and paper as she flipped through the book. They ordered room service and worked well into the night. George put the cauldron on a soft simmer as he took the time travel books and sat against the headboard, highlighting things that may come in handy. His eyes were starting to fall shut when Hermione sat down next to him.

“Go to sleep, George.”

“No, no... I’m almost through it.” He shook the sleep from his eyes.

“I know... but we have time tomorrow.” She took the book from his hands and placed it on the nightstand. “Now sleep, Weasley.” She ordered with a smile.

“Fine, only if you go to sleep too, Granger.”

She chuckled and placed a kiss on his cheek before pulling the covers over them.

“Goodnight, Georgie.”

“Night, Mione.”

They were sitting at a large desk in the library of MACUSA, pulling out books and files, one after another. They had spent two days locked in their hotel room going over the books, writing down names and information on time travel. Now they had their large list in front of them as they started going over the documents. In front of the desk were rows and rows of bookshelves that reached the ceiling, a big skylight above them bringing in the light.

“Let’s start with the ones here in New York.” Hermione said pulling a stack of piles towards her, George copied her move and took his own stack. George took a deep breath and started on his list. An hour later they had a list of eight pure-blood family lines in New York.

“Maybe we can meet some of them this weekend at that potion shop owners' gathering.” George suggested as they both leaned over their list. “What was that name again?”

“Here.” She pointed at the second to last name on the list. “Wasn’t this the name of the shop? Murphy’s cauldron?”

George searched his pockets as he took out the bill from the shop. “Yes, Murphy. Great. We’ll start this weekend, see who we come across and go from there.”

“I think that’s for the best. But we better make a list from outside NY just in case we aren’t that lucky.”

George chuckled lightly. “Yeah, why don’t you start on the east coast and I’ll start on the west.”

Hermione nodded as she switched piles. She waved her wand and the files from New York flew back to their place. After three hours they had combed through all the files and names. They added several half-blood lines that had pure-bloods descendants. What worked in their advantage was that the list wasn’t that long. Some lines died out, while others were killed in the first war.
The list had 67 last names on them and that’s without all the family members on it. They linked the names to their addresses and wrote it down in their journal. They placed the documents back with a wave of their wand and floo'd back to their hotel room. They dropped down on the sofa and pulled out their list.

NY:

• Wilson

• Ward

• Campbell

• Diaz

• Sanders

• Griffin

• Murphy

• Baker

Chapter Text

“Come on, hurry!” Fred laughed as he dragged her behind him in the empty corridors.

“Where are we going?”

Fred didn’t answer, he just led her through the empty hallways and secret passage ways. Fred found her on her nightly prefect route and dragged her with him. He stopped on the seventh floor as he paced in front of the wall.

“Fred, why are we at the RoR?”

“Shh.” Fred held his finger over his lips as the door appeared. He opened the door and gestured her in. Hermione stepped into the room, it was small with a large red sofa against the wall and a coffee table in front of it. Fred closed the door behind him and sat down on the sofa. He padded the cushion next to him. Hermione rolled her eyes as she sat down too. She turned her body so she could face him, her feet tucked under her.

“Fred, I have rounds.”

“I know.” He smirked at her. “With Ronald.” He said grim. “I heard what he said at dinner. Are you okay? Want to talk about it?”

“It’s fine honestly... It’s just Ron being Ron. I can choose who I hang out with, I don’t need to explain myself to him.” She huffed.

“You’re right, as always.” He grinned. “You do know why he acts that way, don’t you?”

“Yes,” She sighed. “I’ve put the pieces together last year when he reacted that badly to Viktor. But that’s still no excuse. We-” She gestured between her and Fred. “-are friends, he reacts this way and he doesn’t even know--”

“He’ll probably freak when he finds out you like snogging me.”

“You kissed me, remember?” She arched an eyebrow at him.

“Hard to forget.” He winked at her and a light blush appeared on her cheeks.

“Why?”

“Why what?” He asked surprised.

“I understand why you kissed me the first time but –”

“I think the better question is.. why not?” He laughed at her bewildered face. “Hermione, like I already told you...you're funny, smart and beautiful.”

“Even if that is true, there are a dozen other witches you could snog.” She countered.

Fred hummed as he stared in front of him, shrugging his shoulders. “Maybe.”
After a moment Fred asked. “So, you know how my brother feels about you. Do you feel the same?”

“No.” She said surely. “I think I did before the whole yule ball fiasco. But the way Viktor made me feel was completely different than what I feel for Ron. I think it’s more of a brother/sister love.”

“Oh.” Fred answered absently as he slowly looked over. “So, you and Viktor? You still hear from him?”

“Yeah, I write to him a couple times a month but we’re just friends now. He just started seeing someone in Bulgaria.” She smiled as she thought back to his last letter.

“Someone else you’re interested in? I heard Terry Boot almost falling at your feet in the DA meeting a couple of weeks ago.” He grinned but something was off.

“Why do you care?” She asked, poking his arm.

“Just wondering...”

“Right.” Hermione put her feet on the floor and stood up. “I’ll go back to my rounds then.”

Before she could walk away, she felt Fred tug at her hand. When she turned, Fred was standing in front of her. His eyes piercing hers, he slowly bent down and captured her lips. After a moment Hermione pulled away and looked up at him, eyebrows knit together.

“I like you.” Fred blurted out. “I can’t stop thinking about that moment in the cupboard. I, uhm, I liked you since this summer.”

“W-What?” Hermione stuttered.

“Yeah.” Fred rubbed his neck nervously. “It kind of snuck up on me. Remember when we were cleaning the library?” Hermione nodded and he continued. “Those nasty books fell down and hit you. You had a nasty cut on your arm. And we started talking as I healed your wound. We just talked about school and some of our products. You even suggested some ideas for improvement.” He chuckled as he thought back at the memory. “Then it sort of grew from there. You keep me on my toes, Granger. And your smart brain-” He tapped his knuckles on her head. “- keeps up with me and George. It challenges me.”

“Oh.” Hermione’s mouth fell open as she looked up at the twin, his ears bright red as he confessed to all of this. “Well, I think you and George are pretty brilliant too. You can discuss things with me that the others don’t have a clue about.” She grinned up at him. “And I like you too Fred, maybe not since this summer but-”

She was cut off as Fred crashed his lips back on hers, pulling her close. Hermione’s hands wrapped around his neck as she pulled him down. She licked his bottom lip and he gladly gave her entrance. They snogged for a couple of minutes before pulling back, catching their breath.

“What does this mean? You’ll be leaving soon...”

“I know.” He rested his head against hers. “Let’s start slow. We’ll write to each other once a week or so and when the summer starts, we can see where this goes. Does that sound good?”

She nodded her head against his, smiling. “Maybe we can keep this to ourselves for now?” She pulled slightly back so she could look at him. She saw him knit his brows together. “You can tell George.” She snickered. A wide smile crossed his face before he bent down and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

“Thanks, love.”

“We better get going before the others start wondering where we are.”

“George got us covered if it’s needed.” He winked at her as he opened the door.

“So, you planned all this?” She asked as they walked the dark corridors.

“Not the part that I would tell my secret desire for you or that fact that you'd snog me senseless.” He laughed as she slapped his arm. “But I wanted to talk to you after the whole Ronald incident.”

“I’m glad you did.” She stopped walking as they reached the portrait hole. She glanced around before standing on her tip toes, waiting for Fred to come down to kiss her like there was no tomorrow.

“I want a goodnight kiss like that every night.” He grinned as they pulled apart.

“You can get one every night until you leave. Then you would have to do without.” She teased as she whispered it in his ear. She mumbled the password and climbed through the portrait hole. Happy to see a deserted common room except for George and Ginny both grinning from their seats on the sofa.

It was Saturday evening and Hermione and George were dressed in matching dark green robes as they stood in front of a rundown mansion. They were both looking up at the gargoyle on top of the house.

“You ready?” George asked as he looked down at her, she was playing with the hem of her sleeve.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” She said nervously as she reached out to knock on the door. A second later the door swung upon and a woman about 25 years old with long pitch-black hair stood in the doorway. She looked suspicious at them before plastering on a smile.

“You must be the Lovegoods. My aunt told me all about you.” Her fake smile still in place. “Come on in.” She stepped aside so Hermione and George could pass. “I’m Belinda.”

“Nice to meet you, Belinda. I’m Hermione Lovegood and this is my brother George.” George held out his hand which she gladly took. Belinda stared at him like he was a piece of meat.

“Aunt told me you’re not betrothed.”

“I’m not.” George answered pulling his hand back as he shot Hermione a look of panic. Belinda opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by the shopkeeper.

“The Lovegoods, splendid.” She beamed as she made her way over. The witch looked different than from the shop. Although she still wore dark robes, now they were new and fitting. Her teeth disguised with a glamour and her hair in a tight bun.

“Mrs Murphy.”

“Call me Agatha, dear. Let me show you around. Belinda, would you open the door please?” Agatha asked as the bell rang once more. Belinda reluctantly stepped away while George sighed in relieve as he followed Hermione and Agatha.

Agatha opened the big double doors that led them into a small ballroom. A huge crystal chandelier hung in the middle room. Medieval paintings of knights, kings and queens decorated the space. Music rang through the house. Hermione let her gaze cross the room. There were about 30 people scattered around, all wearing dress wizard's dress robes in dark colors.

“Let me introduce you two.” Agatha walked to the right where an older couple stood close to the piano. “Mister and Mrs. Campbell may I introduce to you the Lovegoods.” She smiled at the Campbell’s before turning back to them. “They’re from England.”

Mister Campbell took them both in from top to bottom while his wife’s eyes were locked on Hermione.

“Status?” The older man grumbled.

“Pure-blood sir.” George lifted Hermione’s hand and showed them the family ring. “My sister and I are delighted to be here.”

To anyone who doesn’t know George, it would look and sound like he was very happy to be here but Hermione knew better. She heard the strain in his voice and the stiffen stance. Hermione locked her arm around his and smiled at the couple.

“If you’ll excuse us. There are a lot of people we want to meet.”

“That’s fine, dear. But please make your way back, I would love for you to meet my son.” Mrs. Campbell smiled. Hermione gave a short nod before George led her away.

“Thanks.” George whispered. “It’s going to be a long night.”

“I know but we’ve got each other, think of the goal.” She whispered back as she hugged his arm before releasing it as they approached a group.

The night dragged out. Agatha introduced them to everyone around at the party. Belinda popped up out of nowhere next to George, who looked like he wanted to flee. Hermione was introduced to 7 single men from the age of 15 to 40! (Campbell Jr. was nearly 41.) in the meantime George had a list of eligible women too. Four young women were introduced, but the one that George wanted to evade the most was constantly at his side. Hermione was talking to Mason Diaz, young man who lost his mother a couple of years back and was the only living member of the Diaz bloodline. She was interrupted as George slides up next to her.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Diaz-”

“Mason is fine.” He smiled politely.

“Can I borrow my sister for a moment?”

“Of course. I’ll see you later?” Mason asked as he took her hand and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles.

She smiled up at him and gave a short nod before following George out the room. He took her to the garden that was lit with floating light bulbs. They took a seat on the bench just behind a bush and George put a silencing charm around them.

“Man that Belinda girl is driving me nuts.” George sighed as he rubbed his hand over his face.

“I know and I’m sorry. But the night is almost over...” She said while rubbing his back as he leaned forward, his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. “But the good thing is, we met 5 out of the 7 families that are on our list.

“Yeah, thank Godric something good came out of tonight.” He leaned back against the bench and looked at her. “So, what do you think? You probably already made a list right here.” He said as he tapped her head.

“You know me so well.” She chuckled as she pushed his hand away. “Murphy is still a definite possibility.” She started and George took out their journal from his robe and started jotting it down. “Sadly, the Campbells too. Baker is out of the running, they are broke, if they had something like that, they would already have sold it for a great deal of money. Then there is Ward and Diaz. Ward is a pompous show off. It is possible that he could have it, but we need some alone time with him, preferable drinking and I think he'll spill the beans.”

“I’m not letting you alone with him.” George said sternly as he looked up from the journal. “He’s a rat, I don’t trust him.”

“Me neither but I think you’ll be a better choice to do so.”

“Why is that?” George asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“Come one, Georgie, you must know...” She grinned. “He likes the company of men. And the last time I checked you are one of them.”

George groaned as he let his head fall back, looking up at the stars. He chuckled before looking back at her. “So, you checked me out, huh?”

“Merlin George, you’re my brother.” Hermione laughed as she slapped his arm.

“Just teasing, Granger.” He said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Okay I’ll go keep Ward company then, for Fred.”

“For Fred.” She sighed as her gaze flicked to the night sky. “He would've loved to see the sky so clear.”

“Yeah, he would.” George whispered as he followed her gaze. They sat in silence for a while just gazing at the stars, the soft music reaching the garden. “What about Diaz?” George eventually asked. “He seems like one of the normal ones here. And he takes a fancy to you.” He furrowed his eyebrows.

“His parents married because they had to, you know engaged by the age of five and all. His father was extremely prejudiced, he died when Mason was ten. His mother was kind, she had half-blood friends in school and after Mr. Diaz died, she fell in love with a muggle. They kept their relationship a secret, but someone found out. She was murdered in her sleep a couple years back. Mason doesn’t know who did it, but I think he suspects half the people here tonight.”

“Oh..” George fell silent. “Did he tell you all that?”

“No, but the house elves here are pretty talkative with some giggle juice.”

“Giggle juice?”

She chuckled at George’s excitement. “I’ll tell you later. I think they know who did it but are too afraid to speak. But she told me Mason has been asking around and searching for whoever did it. That’s why I don’t think he has the turner.”

“Or else he would have gone back himself.” George finished and Hermione nodded. They fell still for a second time as they searched the sky.

Chapter Text

“So, the plan... You go find Ward and get him alone, see what you can find out. I think we can trust Mason. I’m not going to say what we are looking for.” She added quickly as George’s head shot towards her. “But I’ll talk with him about heirlooms and such.” She glanced in the room. “Okay Georgie, you’re up, there is Ward. Good luck!” She chuckled as she pushed him to the wizard.

Hermione looked around before her eyes fell on Mason, he was looking agitated as Belinda clung to his side. She saw George picking up a bottle of scotch as he headed towards Ward. She looked back at Mason and made her way over.

“Mason, you promised me one of your famous cocktails.” She smiled as she approached. Belinda scowled at her as she neared. A surprised and confused look pased his face before offering a smile.

“And I never break a promise. This way.” He gestured towards the bar. “See you later, Belinda.”

They reached the bar and he hopped over it and took two glasses. “Thanks. You would think she would go for someone who isn’t her cousin.”

“She’s your cousin?” Her eyebrows shot up as she glanced back at the witch, who was still scowling at them.

“Second cousin but yeah. Most of us here are related. With your brother here, I had a Belinda-free night for a while before he whisked you away.”

“I’m sorry.” She chuckled as she watched him shake their drinks. “But George needed a break from her too. What are you making anyway? I just made an excuse to get you away from her.”

“I know but just your luck that own a bar myself.”

“Really?”

“Really.” He smiled as he put the glass down and slid it over to her. She squinted at the glass.

“Try it. It won’t kill you.”

She tentatively took a sip, her eyes wide and a smile on her face. “That’s amazing!”

Mason hummed as he took a sip from his own drink, coming around the bar and sat down next to her on a bar stool. Hermione saw a pendant hanging around his neck as he leaned back against the bar looking over at the crowd.

“What’s that?” She asked as she pointed at his pendant.

George took a big gulp from the scotch as he walked towards Ward. Ward was sitting in the corner nursing his own glass as George sat down next to him.

“Ward.”

Ward looked up with a quirked eyebrow. “Lovegood.”

“This party is getting dull, want to finish this bottle somewhere else?” George asked in his flirty voice, trying to sound natural even though he felt nauseous as he looked at the man. He had a big brown mustache that was shining with alcohol, his buzz cut hair showed of his rectangular head. George was man enough to admit when another man was handsome but the wizard in front of him was anything but.

“I’d love to.” He smiled at George which made his stomach turn. Ward stood up and gestured at the door behind them. George followed but let his eyes search for Hermione before he walked through the door. He found her quickly as she sat at the bar as Diaz made their drinks. His brows furrowed a bit before following the wizard.

When he entered, there was a spiral staircase leading down to a basement. Ward was already halfway down. He swallowed thickly before heading down the stairs. It was a large wine cellar filled with racks and racks of bottles of wine and scotch. He glanced around the basement and his eyes landed on Ward who was sitting on a brown leather sofa in between the racks. Ward tapped the side of the sofa to invite George to sit with him. George took a deep breath before sitting down next to him. Filling Ward's glass to the brim as he handed it over. Ward chucked it immediately.

“So... How long will you be staying?” Ward asked, his speech already slurred as he rested his arm on the back of the sofa near George’s head.

“Maybe a couple weeks, we’re not sure yet.” George leaned back a little, avoiding his arm.

“That’s just enough time to get to know each other.” Ward scooted a bit closer to him.

George turned his head to the table next to them and filled Ward’s glass a second time. He filled his own glass too. “To getting to know each other.” He clinked their glasses and when Ward downed it, George waved his wand under his robe and made the liquid disappear.

“Can I ask? Is that a family heirloom?” George asked subtly as he gently reached over to Ward's hand and lifted his wrist showing of a golden bracelet.

“Been in my family for decades, my great-great-grandfather stole it from some goblins.” Ward laughed loudly. “Stupid animals.”

George bit the inside of his cheek trying to remain calm. He took in a deep breath before he asked anything further. “What other things do you have? What else did your family steal from those beasts.” George felt awful talking like that, if Hermione was here, she would’ve castrated him right on the spot.

"Loads.” He yawned as he came closer. “But the most valuable thing we have is from Grindelwald himself. A pocket watch, doused in dark magic.”

“That's incredible. You should show me one day.” George teased. “What about the rest of your family?”

“Aunt Agatha has a collection of those turning clocks.”

“Turning clocks? Time turners?” George asked but Ward fell asleep. “Ward?” He pushed his shoulder which only made him snore louder. “Time turners. Here, in this house. Hermione!” George shot up and quickly climbed the stairs. When he entered the ballroom Hermione and Mason were gone. He frantically looked around but couldn’t spot him anywhere. He dashed out of the room and into the hallway.

“Hermione?”

“Hmm?” Mason looked away from the room and caught her eye. She was pointing at the pendant on his neck. “Oh, this was my mother's... nothing special. It’s not like some of the things the others have passed down the line for centuries.”

“You don’t have heirlooms?”

“Nah, my father had some, but it was passed down to his sisters. Don’t care for it anyway.” He shrugged as his gaze fell back on the room, his fingers playing with the pendant. “Come on.” He hopped of the bar stool.

“Where are we going?” She took his offered hand as he helped her off the stool.

“Great Aunt Agatha has a room full of old stuff.” He dragged her out in to the hallway.

“So, what does that pendant stand for?”

“It’s supposed to stand for strength and light.” He said as they reached the last door. He opened it slowly and let her in first. “Suppose I could use it now.” He said absently, before Hermione could ask any further, her gaze fell across the room, it was filled with glass cases. All containing old artifacts. Hermione stepped in front of a case and furrowed her eyebrows. Mason slid up next to her.

“Yeah... weird right? They despise muggles but own and trade muggle artifacts.”

That side of the room was full of medieval things, from swords, to portraits and goblets. Mason stepped closer to a glass case, smiling as he looked down.

“This one is my favorite. I hope to have it someday.”

Hermione stepped up next to him and looked in the case below them. Inside was a letter, a very old and expensive letter from the 13the century. It was very well preserved and you could read most of it. It was a love letter from Sir Dorian to Lady Lara.

“You like love letters?” She asked as she looked at him.

“I do, I think it’s a beautiful way to tell a person how much they mean to them. A way to show them how much they love each other.” He turned as he smiled down. He gently took her wrist in his hand, his eyes fixed on hers as he lowered his head.

“Mason.” Hermione looked down as she took a step back. He released her wrist.

“I’m sorry I didn’t-”

“No, it’s fine. It’s just-” She said looking downn playing with her turner under her robe.

“There’s someone else?”

She nodded her head as she looked up. “I – I lost him during the war a couple of months ago.”

“I’m sorry.” He whispered; his eyes fell down. “Is – is that a time turner?”

Hermione’s eyes shot up at him and saw him pointing at her neck. Without even realizing it she had pulled out the turner as she played with it in her hands.

“Oh, yeah. Family heirloom, I like to keep it close.”

He frowned as he looked at the turner before turning and walking across the room. Hermione looked at him in surprise as he opened up several drawers.

“Mason?” But he didn’t answer. He opened even more drawers and closets, looking for something. He finally pulled two boxes out and showed them to her. He clicked open the first one and inside lay a broken turner just like hers but something was.. off.

“What-?” She frowned as she looked inside the box.

“Agatha said this was the last turner in our family. And that’s why I couldn’t go back to save my mum.”

“I’m sorry.” She whispered as she looked up at him. “Can I take a look?”

“Yeah.” He gestured her to the sofa and they sat down as he handed her the box with the broken time turner.

Hermione took the box and placed it on her lap as she took her turner and laid it next to it. There were subtle differences. The gold of the broken turner was fading, like it was a fake. The glass was way too thin and would break rather quickly if it fell to the floor.

“Mason, this one is a fake.” She said looking sideways as the wizard watched her intently.

“Fake.” He repeated. “Why would they do that?”

“I don’t know.” She frowned as she looked at the broken necklace. “What’s in the other box?”

Mason grabbed the box that laid next to him on the sofa as he clicked it open. Hermione's mouth fell when she saw what was inside. It was the black time turner they needed. Hermione could feel the magic come of it and when she tried to reach for it, she was blown back.

“Sorry... should've warned you, everything in this room, expect for that-" He pointed at the fake turner. “-is protected so no one could steal it you know.”

“What kind is it?”

“Aunt Agatha told me it’s a turner but it could only be used once and would only work for lovers. It won’t help me get my mom back.”

Hermione bit the inside of her cheek. Contemplating what to say, but before she could open her mouth the door flew open. Mason clicked the box shut as Hermione turned to face the door. George with his blond locks stood in the doorway, looking frantic.

“Mione! Gods, I’ve been looking for you for the last hour. This place is too big.”

“I’m sorry, didn’t know it was that late. We better get going.” She turned to face Mason. “Thanks for your company this evening, Mason.”

“My pleasure, Hermione.” He smiled at her, holding the box with the turner behind him. “And it was very nice to meet you, George.”

“You as well. Goodnight.” George grimaced as he took a hold of Hermione’s arm. They silently walked out of the house and past the wards before George apparated them back to the hotel.

“What did you find out?” George asked the second the door to their room closed. “Ward told me Agatha has a time turner.” George continued before Hermione could open her mouth. They walked past the cauldron that was still simmering on a light fire.

“I know, I saw it.” Hermione sighed as she sat down on the sofa. “George. It’s the one we need.”

“What?! Why didn’t you say anything?” He sat down next to her; eyes wide.

“Agatha lied to Mason about that turner. My guess is that she or someone close to her killed his mother. George.. the turner can only be used once. How is it fair to use the turner for Fred but not for Mason’s mum?”

George sunk back in the sofa, hands rubbing his face, groaning. “What now?”

“Maybe we should tell Mason.”

“Tell him? Tell him what?”

“Why we are here for, what the turner can do. If he chooses to use it for his mum, we can’t blame him, the time to save her is almost gone, we still have time.” She patted George’s leg.

“I know, it’s just..-” He dropped his hands from his face as he looked at her.

“Yeah” She pulled him in a hug. “But we’ll get him back.”

“I know” He smiled as he pulled back. His smile faltered as he thought back at the scene he walked into earlier. “Mione? Are you sure we can trust him? The only vibe I get from him is that he fancies you.”

“Yeah, I think we can trust him. He’s not like the others. And I kinda figured he fancied me when he tried to kiss me.”

“What?” George jumped up, falling as he stumbled over his bags from the joke shop.

“Calm down, Georgie. I didn’t kiss him. I told him I just lost someone close to me during the war and he apologized.”

George didn’t look convinced from the spot on the floor. Hermione sighed as she stood up.

“I’m going to change.” And she stalked up to the bathroom. George untangled himself from the bags and changed into his quidditch shirt and plaid pajama bottoms. He heard a gasp as Hermione walked back in. He turned and saw her brown eyes filling with tears as her mouth hung slightly open.

“Hermione, what’s wrong?” George crossed the room in two steps as he placed his hands around her shoulders. Hermione stroked the sleeve of his shirt.

“Fred.” Was the only thing she whispered. George looked down confused at his shirt and saw Fred’s number on the front.

“Oh. I didn’t realize..-”

“It’s okay.” She said still looking at the shirt. “Could you do something for me?”

“Anything.”

“Tell me something about Fred no one knew.”

“I can do that. Come on, off to bed.” George walked to the bed holding Hermione’s hand. George wrapped his arm around her shoulder as she laid her head on his chest. She took a deep breath, taking in Fred’s scent that still lingers in the shirt.

“What do you want to hear?”

“Surprise me.”

“Alright. Let me think.” George tapped his index finger on his chin, sorting out his memories. “Did Fred tell you when he started liking you?”

“Yes, the summer before my fifth year.”

“And did you know Fred didn’t tell me until after school started?”

“No! Why didn’t he tell you? He tells you everything...” Hermione pulled away from his chest so she could look at him with a shocked impression.

“I knew he was hiding something but couldn’t put my finger on it. When I asked, he just said he didn’t feel comfortable in that house but I knew he was lying. It took me until the end of the summer before I figured it out. Do you want to know how I figured it out?” He felt Hermione’s head nod as she leaned back on his chest.
“It was when you received your prefects' badge. I could see his eyes shimmer when he looked at how happy and proud you were. I was quite shocked you know, never had expected that. Don’t get me wrong, Mione, you’re amazing but you were always Ron’s friend, you know.”

“Is that why he didn’t tell you?”

“That a big part, we always thought you would’ve ended up with Ron.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Boy, how we were wrong... I still think mum hopes though.”

“Ron will always be my friend but never anything more. He’s like my brother... like you.”

“Fred told me, that night you got together.” After a moment of silence, he asked. “How does it work anyway?”

“What do you mean?”

“How could you fall for Fred but not me?” He joked. “We’re identical.”

“Even if you look the same, it doesn’t mean you are.” She chuckled. “You have different personalities and you know I always saw you two as individuals. Even when you tried to fool me, I could still tell you apart.”

“Yeah, ever gonna tell me how?”

“Nice try.” She smirked.

“Darn. But thanks Mione, for seeing us as two different people. I know we try to fool around with mixing us up but it was nice you could see us as a person not as the twins.”

“My pleasure.” She smiled in his chest.

Chapter Text

“I’m going to bed. Goodnight!” She waved over to the three Weasleys as she climbed the stairs to the girls' rooms. Like she expected, she heard Ginny bid the twins goodnight and quickly followed her up the stairs. Before she opened the door, she pressed her finger to her lips as she glanced over her shoulder to Ginny, she nodded and they silently walked to her bed. Hermione changed into her pajamas and threw a pair to Ginny, who quickly changed as well. Hermione was used to Ginny sleeping over and always had an extra set of pajama's ready. After they changed, they climbed in her bed and closed the curtains. Casting a silencing spell over them.

“Okay, now spill!”

“Spill what?” Hermione tried to ask innocently.

“You know damn well what. Even Ron can see that something is going on and that is saying a lot.”

“We are friends, Gin.”

“Friends?”

“Yeah, friends up until an hour ago.” Hermione couldn’t stop a big smile from forming on her face.

Ginny squealed as she jumped up and down the bed.

“I knew it. How did it happen?”

Hermione told her what happened that that led up to this evening, Ginny smiling wide the entire time. Ginny, like Fred, asked about Ron. About how Ron felt about her and she about him. She told the same thing she told Fred. That they were just friends. They laid down on the bed, facing each other as they kept chatting the rest of the night.

“You need to promise me one thing though.”

“What?”

“Please don’t tell anyone, George knows of course but the others. You know how Ron will react and this is their last year at Hogwarts.”

“I’ll keep it a secret, but you can’t keep hiding it forever...”

“I know but this is new, really new.” She chuckled. “We need to figure out what this is.”

“Alright so is he a good kisser?”

“Merlin Ginny, that’s your brother!” Hermione laughed and Ginny soon joined in.

Fred sat down next to his brother as he smiled at the fireplace.

“Don’t leave me hanging. What happened that makes you look like a grinning fool?”

Fred turned his head towards his brother, smiling. “I kissed her.”

“Figured as much but this is like the third time, right?”

“Yes, but I told her I liked her.”

“You’re joking?”

“No, I’m serious!”

“No, you’re Fred. What did she say?”

“That she liked me back.” Fred was still grinning like a fool.

“What about Ron?” George’s eyes fell to the boys' staircase.

“She sees him as a friend, a brother of sorts. Nothing more but she knows how he feels about her. Could you keep this to yourself and Ginny probably?” Fred chuckled as his eyes found the girls' staircase. “With this being new and us leaving in a couple days. We are going to take it slow.”

“Sure, secret is save with me. Think it’s for the best actually, if Ron or mum found out..-” He trailed off. They both stared at the fire for a while before George started singing.

“Fred and Hermione sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G!”

Before George could continue Fred pushed him from the sofa. “Sod of!” He chuckled as he made a beeline to the stairs.

A few days later Hermione left the library after studying for her DADA exam. She was walking down the corridor, heaving her heavy book bag when a hand clasped her mouth and dragged her in an alcove. Hermione grabbed her wand and poked him in the side.

“Oi!” Fred yelped. He let his hand drop from her mouth and she turned to him glaring.

“Be glad I didn’t hex you!”

“Sorry love, wanted to get a moment alone with you.” Fred shrugged, smiling at her. “We are leaving today.”

“Oh.” She said barely a whisper. Fred took her by the waist and pulled her close, one hand placed a loose curl behind her ear. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck. “Better give you a good sendoff then.” She wiggled her eyebrow, Fred looked shocked for a moment before Hermione planted her lips on his. They kept snogging until they were out of air. “Do you need help with anything?”

“No, you make sure you’re in the Great Hall and that the teachers see you.”

“Okay, when-?”

“I’m meeting George in half an hour.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m going to miss you. I just got used to seeing you every day.”

“I was getting a bit annoyed really.” She laughed at his mock hurt expression. “You’ll write, won’t you?”

“As much as I can, we’ll be busy getting the shop ready, but I’ll make time, promise.”

“Good!” She planted a soft kiss on his lips as she stood on her toes.

“Are you planning on staying at the burrow this summer?”

“Yes, mum and dad already cleared it with your mum. I’ll arrive the first of august. Then you can see me everyday.”

Fred’s brows knitted together. “Actually, George and I have a flat above the shop, we’ll be moving in, in the next few days.”

“Oh.” She lowered herself from him.

“But my dear twin suggested something.”

“And what’s that?”

“You come to work with us this summer. That way we can see each other throughout the summer.”

“What about your mum?”

“What about her? Just tell her that you need a summer job, that it is a muggle thing youngsters do and that we offered you one. George and I will still be busy creating, so an extra hand is certainly welcome.” He smiled at he pulled her flush to his body. She rested her chin on his chest looking up at those beautiful dark blue eyes.

“Alright.” She grinned. “On one condition.”

Fred grinned back at her; eyebrows shot up. “Yes?”

“I’ll get a goodnight kiss every day.”

“I can make that happen.” He reached down and snogged her senseless, both lost in their own little bubble.

Hermione ran outside to the courtyard, Harry and Ron on her heels as the twins flew out on their broomsticks. Hermione smiled from ear to ear as she saw her favorite red head swirling in the air. Before they flew off, they called out the address of their new shop in Diagon Alley. Fred’s eyes found her and gave her an exaggerated wink before he followed George out in the sky.

A couple dozens letters and weeks later she was taking her O.W.L.s and the next thing Hermione knew was Harry falling down, saying Sirius was in trouble, Umbridge, centaurs, thestrals (never flying again!), the ministry, death eaters and a blinding purple light and then darkness.

Fred and George were busy in their shop when they got a patronus of Arthur saying that Ron and the others had been lured into a trap at the ministry and they laid injured in the hospital wing of Hogwarts. Fred was frozen to the ground as the patronus disappeared, shaking slightly. He barely registered that George took his arm and apparated them to Hogsmeade. They used the floo in the train station that landed them in McGonagall’s office. The professor was waiting for them and they quickly followed her through the castle.

“What happened? Are they alright?”

“Harry is with professor Dumbledore, he’s fine. Ginny, Luna and Neville had some cuts and bruises but nothing serious.”

George glanced over to Fred who was still in a daze. “Ron and Hermione?” And the sound of her name, Fred’s head shot up and looked at the worried look on McGonagall’s face.

“Ron has been attacked by brains.”

“Brains?” George asked ins disgust.

“Yeah, he’s out cold but should be fine apart from some scarring on his arms.”

“Hermione?”

“She was hit with a very dangerous curse from Dolohov. If she didn’t silence him, the curse would've killed her.”

Fred breath hitched and George placed his hand on his shoulder squeezing it gently. “But she’ll be okay right?”

“Madam Pomfrey thinks so. It was touch and go for a minute but she’s stable. Madam Pomfrey put her in an induced coma to let her heal. She will be asleep throughout the night.”

They reached the big doors of the hospital wing and they heard soft talking coming from the other side. McGonagall slowly pushed the door open and let George and Fred enter before her. The next thing they knew, they were squished together by two small arms and a head full of red hair. They both placed one arm around her and hugged her back.

“Gin, you’re okay.” Fred whispered. Ginny pulled back slowly as she looked at Fred.

“She’ll be fine. Go see Ron first. Mum and dad are here.” She whispered as she led them to the first curtain. Molly and Arthur jumped up and hugged them tight before their eyes fell on Ron. Who was deep asleep, snoring loudly, red marks spread across his arms.

“Mum.” George whispered. Molly turned, tears in her eyes.

“He’s going to be fine.” She assured him. George looked around and saw Neville and Luna sitting on a bed together, staring at Ron. “Neville, Luna.” He nodded in their direction. “Alright?”

“All good. Thanks.” Neville gave him a small smile. Madam Pomfrey came from behind the curtain as she shooed them away, so she could tend to Ron’s wounds. Before she closed the curtains she pointed at the end of the room.

“I have four beds empty. You can all stay here tonight.” She turned towards George and Fred. “If you behave!”

“Yes, ma’am.” They said in unison making the healer smile at their antics.

“Come on, Molly, let’s get you laid down.” Fred heard his father whisper. He turned and saw him guiding his mother to the beds on the very end.

“Go see her. I’ll keep them distracted.” George whispered as he nudged him to the last curtain. “Mum, let me help you.” George strode over and helped fluff the pillow for his mum.

“Want me to come with you?” Ginny asked as she slides up next to him.

“No, I need a moment.”

“Okay, I’ll be with Neville and Luna if you need me.”

“Thanks, Gin.” He kissed the top of her head. He took in a deep breath and pulled the curtain aside. He quickly slipped in and closed the curtain behind him. Fred stopped breathing for a moment when he saw Hermione laying still in the hospital bed.

“Mione, love.” He whispered as he sat down on the chair next to her and grabbed her hand gently, placing it between his. He looked over to her; she laid so still. She was pale, very pale and her arms and torso were covered in bandages. Only a slight movement of her chest confirmed she was still breathing, still alive.

“Sleep, love. I need you to recover, so you can help us at the shop this summer.” A soft hoarse chuckle left him. His eyes glanced over her face. “Please be okay.”

He dropped his head on the bed as he kept a hold on her hand. He didn’t know how long he sat there, holding her hand, listening to her breathing before a cough was heard behind him. RON. He carefully placed her hand on the bed and bent down to kiss her forehead.

“ I’ll come back.” He whispered before disappearing behind the curtain and walked over to a very confused baby brother that was already surrounded by the rest of the family.
When Fred sat down on the last open chair, Harry walked in followed by the headmaster. Harry, Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna retold them what had happened. Fred’s mind going back to the injured witch behind him and the conversation that was going on in front of him.

Chapter Text

George and Hermione sent an owl to Mason just before they entered the hotel restaurant for dinner. They chose a secluded table in the corner, away from prying eyes and ears.

“So, what’s the next step? You know, when Diaz uses the turner to save his mum?”

“There are still a couple of names on the list from New York we haven’t met and I think the Campbells are regretfully a possibility. We could ask Mason for help, if you don’t mind.” Hermione said quietly.

“Hmm. I don’t fully trust him but maybe he could help.” George answered as he looked over the menu.

“Let’s just wait until we hear from him, let’s order first.” Hermione said from behind her own menu.

“I miss my hair.” George sighed when dessert arrived and he looked at the back of the spoon. Hermione looked up from her tiramisu and giggled at George’s expression.

“I kind of like it.” She snickered. “If you put some gel in it and comb it back, you can pass as a Malfoy.”

George pulled a face making her laugh even harder. “No, thank you!” He ran his hand through his hair, messing is up. “And what about you? A quibbler, some weird sunglasses and you could practically be Luna’s sister.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Luna is –” She was interrupted when Suze walked over to them.

“Mister and Miss Lovegood. How is your stay so far?” The elf piped up.

“Excellent, Suze.” George answered smiling. Suze beamed as she pulled out 2 letters from her dress.

“These letters arrived a moment ago. I brought them right away.”

“Thank you, Suze.” Hermione accepted the letters and gave the elf some coins.

“You are too kind Miss Lovegood.”

“You deserve it.” She smiled at Suze; the elf took three deep bows where her nose almost touched the ground before she apparated away.

“She’s amazing.” George smiled fondly where the elf disappeared and turned back to Hermione. “Is it from Mason?”

“No. Harry and your mum.” She handed him Molly’s letter. They both opened the envelops at the same time.

Hi Mione

I hope you arrived well. We haven’t heard anything from you, so I thought I'd quickly write a letter. You are possibly already searching for your parents.
Molly is a bit freaking out since you haven’t written to her yet, so you’ll be getting her letter at the same time as mine. Please respond, especially to Molly to set her mind at ease.
She is so worried about George.
How is it going with him?

AND..
How are you ?
I know you’re heartbroken Mione, I wish I could be there for you. It must be so hard that no one knew about you and Fred and that they don’t understand why you lived with George and you didn’t leave the house. I know you have George but know Ginny and I are always here if you need to talk or you need a shoulder to cry on. You’re my best friend and I want to help you through this.

Not much has happened here. I’m starting my auror training in two weeks and Ginny’s going back to Hogwarts with Luna next week. She got special privileges to visit home every weekend. Charlie is moving back to Romania at the end of the year. Some friends of George’s stopped by but Molly will explain everything in her letter.

Write, call, patronus me if you need anything !

Love, Harry (And Ginny)

Ps: I know I told you to write back to Molly but please write me back too.

Hermione took a deep breath as she looked up from her letter. “I hate that we can’t tell them.”

“Yeah.” George whispered as they switched the letters. “But what if it doesn’t work? I don’t want to get everyone’s hopes up.”

“I know.” Hermione took Molly’s letter as George took Harry’s

George,

I’m worried sick! Did you two arrive safely in Australia? You haven’t written to us a single letter.
Please write back as soon as possible! If I haven’t heard from you in a week, I’m calling the minister of magic of Australia and you know I’m capable of that.

Apart from that, I hope you're well. I hope being out of the flat and out with Hermione is helping you. I wish I was the one to help you through it all but I’m just glad it’s someone who’s family. I don’t know or understand when you developed such a strong relationship with her but I’m glad you have someone.

Some of your friends from school stopped by yesterday. Lee, Angelina, Katie and Alicia. They wanted to see you. They told me they had been trying to see you since the funeral but said you never answered or that Hermione sent them away. They are worried for you and are grieving as well. Please don’t push your friends away, George. They care for you. Think about it alright? I told them that you are in Australia with Hermione.

Everything here has been okay. We miss you two terribly but we know you need this. Keep us updated on the search for Hermione’s parents. I know she has been through a lot and without her parents being here and Ron told me what happened at Malfoy manor. Please keep her save!

Is there something more going on with her? After the funerals she was so closed off and we didn’t see her just like we didn’t see you. Is it something we did or miss? We just want you two back to us soon and safe.

Write back.

Love, mum.

“So, what are you going to write back?” She asked as she gave the letter back.

“Dunno, but let’s get back to our room.” George said as he stood up, offering his hand to Hermione. “Need to check the potion.” They made their way back to their room as they discussed what to write them back.

They both sat on the bed, pen in one hand paper in the other. Both frowning as they stared down thinking what they’ll write back.

“George?”

“Hmm?” George looked up and glanced sideways at her.

“I know you and Angelina had a thing going, or almost I guess before everything.”

“Yeah..”

“Your mum just told her you are away with me. And Angelina didn’t know about me and Freddie.”

“Oh.” George’s eyes grew big.

“I know you aren’t thinking about relationships right now but maybe you should tell her what we are doing in Australia. To keep her mind at ease. It must be so confusing for her, with me living with you and now going abroad.”

“Godric, you’re right!” George sighed and fell back against the headboard. “I’ll write her too then.”

Hermione nodded at George as she looked back at her paper. “Hermione, you don’t think mum thinks like that too, do you?”

Hermione’s eyes were now the ones that grew big. “Maybe, it kinda looked like she was insinuating something in your letter.” She frowned. “But if she said something, Ginny and Harry will set her straight. And if we succeed..”

“Then none of this would have happened and only we would remember this timeline.”

“Right. Now let’s write these letters.”

“Mione, you don’t need to tell me but what happened at Malfoy’s manor?”

“I want to tell you Georgie, I do but I’m not quite ready yet.” Hermione’s eyes fell down. George’s hand squeezed her knee.

“It’s okay. Tell me when you’re ready.” She offered him a small smile as she looked back to her letter.

They both wrote them short letters back saying they arrived safely and were already busy with their search. George added to his letter to Molly that he wrote to his friends. While Hermione wrote that she and George were there for each other, taking comfort in one another. When Hermione went down to borrow a couple of owls, George sat down before the cauldron and did his evening routine. He was just stirring clockwise for the third time when a Northern Saw-Whet owl tapped the window. George stirred the potion four more times before he got up and opened the window. The owl gave a little hoot as it stuck out his paw. George stroked the owl as he untied the letter. He reached back and grabbed an owl treat. The owl gobbled it up at once and flew out into the city that was getting dark. George flipped over the envelope but it was blank. He began ripping it open but stopped halfway. Wait for Hermione. He thought to himself. Ten minutes later Hermione walked in, she stopped when she saw George sitting on the foot of the bed, glaring at an envelope in his hands.

“George?”

“Mione! Come here.” He gestured her over. She quickly walked towards him and sat down. “This came when you were down stairs.” He showed her the envelop.

“Open it.” She said eagerly. George chuckled lightly and turned his attention back to the envelop and ripped it open fully. He took out a piece of parchment and turned it open. Hermione scooted closer to him so she could read it with him.

Hermione & George

I was surprised to receive a letter from you. It sounded urgent so here is my response.

We could meet at my home the Friday after next. I wish I could meet you sooner but I’m currently out of town for work. I’ll be back that Friday afternoon. I added my card with my address, date and time. Please destroy the card the moment you memorized it.

I’ll see you two then.

MD

“Why do we need to destroy the card?” Hermione asked looking at the little black card flipping it over between her fingers.

“I think it’s like Grimmauld, invisible, warded for others.” George frowned at the card. “Two weeks..”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “We can keep working on the potion and maybe see if we can find anything out about the other families on the list.”

George hummed still looking at the card.

“You can destroy it, I have it memorized.”

George looked up, eyebrow raised before picking up his wand from the bed and turning it on fire.

Hermione woke up in pain. She felt something warm on her hand and she tried to open her eyes. She could make out that she was laying on a bed in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. Her bed surrounded by closed curtains. She looked at her right and saw Fred sleeping, his head on the bed, face towards her and his hands wrapped around hers. She looked out the window next to her and saw it was very early in the morning. She tried to sit up but winced, which made Fred stir. Fred slowly opened an eye and when he saw that Hermione was awake, he bolted straight up.

“Mione.” He sighed as he carefully wrapped her in a hug. “How are you feeling?” He whispered as he pulled back.

“Feel like I’ve been hit by a train.” She groaned.

“I’ll get Pomfrey.” He made a move to stand up but Hermione stopped him by putting her hand on his arm.

“Wait. Can you – can you just sit here with me for a moment..Before the rest wakes up?”

“Sure, love.” He sat back down after he placed a kiss on her forehead. “You gave me quite a scare.”

“I’m sorry. It all happened so fast.”

“The others filled me in.”

Hermione looked worried around the room, but because of the curtains she couldn’t see anything.

“How are they? Is everyone okay?”

“Luna, Harry and Neville are okay, just a few cuts and bruises. Ginny had a broken ankle but Pomfrey healed it in a second. Ron was attacked by brains – he’s okay now tho.” He added quickly as she looked horrified. You were the one who got the worst. Dolohov hit you, if you hadn't silenced him a second before, he could have – he could’ve killed you.” Fred hung his head low.

“But he didn’t... I’m here, Fred. You can’t get rid of me that easy.” She tried to laugh but it hurts too much.

“I’m getting Pomfrey. You can’t even lift a finger without hurting.” Fred stood up once again. “But before I go get her--” He swooped down and kissed her gently. He pulled back smiling. “I’ll be back in a jiffy.” And he disappeared behind the curtain. A few minutes later Fred was back with Madam Pomfrey. Pomfrey ushered Fred out as she tended to her wounds, replacing the bandages. When she was done, she opened the curtains and Fred took back his spot next to Hermione.

“Drink this, Miss Granger. It’s a pain reliever. If you need more just give me a shout. This bottle.” She placed a purple bottle on her night stand. “You drink this before you go to sleep. You’ll need to drink this every night for two months. And this one-” She placed a green bottle next to the purple one. “You’ll need to drink this every morning for 6 weeks. Don’t forget a single one, you understand?”

“Yes, madam Pomfrey.” She answered as she took the last bottle from her hands and downed it in one. The pain reliever immediately worked and she could sit up, with Fred’s help, without feeling the pain all over her body. Madam Pomfrey nodded in content as she made her way over to the others. Hermione looked around as she saw the rest starting to wake up. Fred dropped her hand the moment he heard Ginny’s squeal when she saw Hermione was awake. Not even a few minutes after everyone was standing around Hermione’s bed.

Ron looked over frowning from his bed. “What were you doing at Hermione’s bed?”

“I was already awake when I heard Hermione wincing when she woke up and tried to sit up. I called for Pomfrey the moment I noticed she was in pain. Any other questions?!” Fred scowled at his little brother.

“We are just glad you are okay, Hermione.” Arthur quickly intervened.

“Thank you, mister Weasley.” Hermione gave him a small smile before her eyes found Harry. “Harry, are you okay?”

“Sirius is dead.”

“W-what?” She looked wide eyed at Harry, tears starting to form. Fred wanted to hold her tight, but couldn’t do it with the rest of the family here. Ginny noticed Fred’s dilemma and quickly sat down next to Hermione and wrapped an arm around her, while Harry retold her what happened.

Chapter Text

The next two weeks went by slowly. They went to several pure-blood gatherings where they were trying to wed them off to one of their kin. Bumping into Agatha at some of their outings, Hermione tried to stay away from her since she found out she could have had a hand in the murder of Mrs. Diaz. But the older witch always seemed to find her. Every night they got home George did his nightly routine on their potion. It was now the Wednesday before they would meet Mason, and George was relieved, he could start phase two of the felix. George sat in front of the cauldron while Hermione was crossing names and places off the map they got. They visited several counties nearby as well as the North Brother Island but no luck. If it doesn’t work out with Mason, they would travel south searching for the others on the list.
Hermione sighed as she pushed away the map. She looked over at George who was focused on the cauldron in front of him. She bounced off the bed and took her place on the desk next to George. She grabbed parchment and a quill, she thought about the sentiment for using that instead of pen and paper and started writing. She was on her second page when George spoke.

“Mione? What are you writing?”

“Oh. Mason gave me the idea.” She put her quill down and turned to George. “There were love letters in that room full of old artifacts. And Mason explained to me how pure writing a letter like that was. So, I thought I'd write one to Fred but that’s not the only thing I want to write. I would love to write down what we did in the time we lost him. Not per se for Fred to read but for us, to processes everything, you know? And if Fred wants to read them later, he can...”

“I think that’s a great idea.” George stood up and walked to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Give me some paper.” He pointed at the stack of parchment. Hermione raised an eyebrow at him. “What? It may not be a love letter but I want to write to him too and I want to write down what happened and what it did to me. Maybe it would help with the nightmares. Like you said we need to process everything. Even if it works, we’ll still have the memories, they won’t go away like that.” He snapped his fingers.

“Here you go.” She smiled as she handed him a quill and parchment. “But don’t start joking about us sleeping together.”

“What!? Mione, that was my first line.” George whined. Hermione chuckled as she shook her head, bringing her attention back to her letter while George hopped on the bed and furiously started scribbling down.

They wrote several letters until late at night. The ones that included their plan and what happened to Fred they placed in special envelopes they had enchanted so no one could read them. Just before they went to sleep, they had two piles on the desk. Hermione had eight letters stacked as she bounded them together with unbreakable string. She handed a piece of string over to George who bounded his ten letters tightly together. When they crawled into bed, they both felt a little lighter and dreamed of better times.

It was the night Hermione and George would meet up with Mason, Hermione took a deep breath as she thought of the address and apparated into the wards. She opened her eyes as they landed. She stood in front of a large white wooden mansion with a porch that went all around the house, large windows that could let in all-natural light. The house stood on a very large piece of land. The edge of the property was full with beautiful dog wood trees in different colors. In the front garden stood a 5-meter-high Rhododendron tree in full bloom.

“How is it still in bloom?” Hermione whispered as she glanced at George who was looking around the property. He shrugged as he looked from the tree to her.

“Probably with a little help from..” And he waved his wand at her smiling. “Why are we whispering?”

“I don’t know." She chuckled softly as she glanced around once more. “It’s just so quiet here. Feels like we are intruding.”

“But you’re not.” A deep voice came from behind them. George and Hermione quickly turned at the sound of the voice. Mason stood there in front of them carrying a small suitcase and smiled broadly at them. “I’m sorry I’m late. Didn’t you ring the bell? Marnic would have let you wait inside.”

“No..I – Euhm. We were just taking it all in. You have a beautiful home, Mason.”

“Thank you. It’s been in the family for decades. Let’s get in and I’ll give you two a quick tour.” He smiled as he gestured them onto the porch.

“Mason, who’s Marnic?” George asked as Mason opened the door. At that moment an old house elf popped up.

“Mister Diaz.” The elf bowed. “I’m happy you are home. Let me get this upstairs.” The elf snapped his fingers together and the suitcase flew slowly up the stairs.

“Good evening, Marnic. Did everything go alright when I was away?” He smiled down at the elf.

“All good, sir.”

“Splendid. Marnic.” He looked at the elf before gesturing to Hermione and George. “These are the Lovegoods, Hermione and George. I told you they would be visiting.”

“Yes, sir. I already made some tea and biscuits. I placed them in the library.” Marnic looked to George and Hermione and bowed deep. “Nice to meet you Mister and Misses Lovegood.”

“Nice to meet you too, Marnic.” They said in unison. Mason chuckled at that and Marnic disappeared with a crack.

“So that was Marnic. He has been our house elf for about thirty years now. He’s getting a bit old but he still wants to work. I told him he could retire but he doesn’t want to. He was very fond of my mother.” Mason looked at the spot where the elf disappeared and shook his head. “Now the tour.”

He gave them a small tour of the downstairs, showing them the large open kitchen, a ball room and living area before heading into the library.

“So..-” Mason started as he sat down and poured them a cup of tea. “What did you want to talk about?”

Hermione twirled nervously with the turner as she looked at George. George nodded and looked at the man in front of him. “We haven’t been completely honest. We are here to search for something but it isn’t long-lost family member. We are here looking for a time turner. Specifically, the one your aunt has.”

Mason furrowed his eyebrow. “The time turner? The black and silver one? Why?”

Well.-” Hermione started. “We aren’t actually brother and sister. You remember I told you I lost someone special to me in the war?” Hermione looked up at Mason, who was just staring back at her. “That was George’s brother, his twin. Fred” She took in a deep breath and continued. “Neither George or I can live without him and I vowed I would do anything in my power to bring him back. All the time turners were destroyed in England so we couldn’t use it to save him. By the time I found this one." She twirled the necklace. "We couldn't go back in time. But someone told us there were other turners, like the black and silver one that could go back further in time but they were very rare and hard to come by. She suggested we start here, in America.”

Mason looked from Hermione to George and back, leaning back in his chair, processing everything they just told him. He was just about to say something before George spoke up again.

“But there is something you need to know.” George leaned forward over the table looking in Mason’s eyes. “Your aunt lied.”

“Lied? Lied about what?” Mason sat back up with wide eyes.

“Mason.” Hermione turned his attention to her. “The turner isn’t just for lovers. Anyone can use it. You could go back to save your mother.”

“What?” Mason whispered.

“Yes, what your aunt told you was a lie. I don’t know why she would tell you something like that but you can use it.”

“Why are you telling me this? Why didn’t you just grab the time turner and go save Fred?” He frowned at the both of them.

“Because we couldn’t do that. You have every right to have your mom back. We still have time to find another one. You only have a couple of months before your time is up to go back.”

Mason opened his mouth and closed it again. He did that a couple of times until he found the words.

“You would throw away your chances to save your twin? Your love? For me, for my mom? You don’t even know me or her.”

“We know you aren’t like the others, what happened to your mother was horrible and we wanted to give you a chance to make it right.”

“I-I need a minute.” Mason stood up abruptly and stalked out of the room. The sound of his feet going up the stairs echoed in the large house.

Hermione looked worried to George. He reached over and squeezed her hand gently. “Give him a chance to sort it all out. It’s a lot of information in such a short time.”

“Yeah.” Hermione said absently as her gaze fell on the empty doorway.

Half an hour later Mason decedened the stairs and walked to the back of the library holding an envelope in his hands. He handed it over to Hermione without saying anything and dropped back in his chair. Hermione raised an eyebrow at the man in front of her.

“Mason?” She asked quietly.

“I-” His voice was hoarse; he cleared his throat before speaking again. “I found this letter about a year ago. I mean Marnic found it behind my dresser while cleaning. It probably fell back there with the wind or something. It’s a letter, a letter from my mom. I think she wrote it a couple of days, maybe weeks before she passed. But at the time I was road tripping around South America with some of my friends. By the time I got back the letter was already gone.” He sighed as he looked down at the pendant on his neck. “My mum was dying. A couple of years before she died, she had been hit in the chest by an unknown curse. She never told me and over the years the curse ran through her body. She looked everywhere for a cure but couldn’t find anything. Her heart was getting weaker by the day and she wouldn’t have lasted long.”

“I’m so sorry, Mason.” Hermione said quietly and reached out and held his hand.

“Marnic knew but my mother made him a promise not to tell anyone, he was the one who helped her when she was weak or sick. He got her to the healer appointments and such. So even if I do get back and save my mum it would only be for a couple of weeks.”

The room went quiet as Hermione gently held his hand. Mason was twirling with his pendant and after ten minutes, he finally looked up. “I know I can’t save my mom.” He looked between George and Hermione. “But I will help you get Fred back.”

“What?!” Hermione and George said in unison.

“Not that we aren’t grateful but why would you help us-”

“You don’t even know us.” George continued.

“Something good has to come from it. I can’t save my mum and if my family will use it.. I doubt it will be for something good.”

“Mason.. are you sure?” Hermione asked carefully.

“100%!” He beamed at the both of them, still twirling the necklace in his hands. “So, how do we start?”

George and Hermione looked wide-eyed at each other before looking back to Mason.

Chapter Text

They worked all night formulating a plan to get the turner out of the house. Mason came up with a plan to officially invite them to the masquerade Halloween party at Agatha’s house. They had to wait a couple of weeks but they didn’t want to rouse suspicion if they came over unexpected or asked to meet out of the blue. George took out their notebook and started writing down ideas and problems. Mason was very interested in the notebook and George promised he would make one for him when he had the time.
After they planned the evening, Hermione and George apparated back to the hotel after promising Mason to be in touch soon to discuss the protective wards on the turner; if they could get it out of the house.

“I can’t believe it.” Hermione sighed in disbelieve as she sat on the bed in their hotel room.

“Me neither. I feel so bad about his mum..” George said as he laid down next to her, his gaze on the ceiling.

“Me too. Can’t imagine what he is feeling right now. First his mum was murdered, likely it was his own family but then to find out she was dying?” Hermione exclaimed as she turned to George. “George?”

“Yeah?” George turned on his side facing her.

“We’ve been writing letters for Fred, yeah? And we are planning to keep them safe in the journal?”

George furrowed his eyebrows giving her a nod, not sure where this was going.

“Wh-Do you think it is possible to do it for Mason?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, if it works, this time line will be erased, only we would know. But I think it would be unfair to Mason. If he is 100% on board, he’s the reason this is going to work. He’s risking his live, his family for this, George. I think he should know what he did. What he did for us.”

“Okay...” George started slowly. “I get where you are coming from but how do you plan on doing it? If we contact him out of nowhere, he wouldn’t believe us, he wouldn’t know us, Mione.”

“I know... maybe we could write letters like we write to Fred. Or he can write it himself so he would recognize his handwriting.”

“That could work...” George furrowed his brows again. “But it’s a big possibility he would think it’s a fraud. Maybe... maybe we could try collecting his memories and see if we can bring them to the new time line.”

Hermione’s eyes went big as she pushed herself a bit up from the bed. “George! That’s brilliant!”

“I know!” George said grinning putting his hand behind his head, legs crossed. “I’m George Weasley after all.”

Hermione chuckled as she slapped his chest and laid back down. “We could start researching tomorrow. Don’t tell Mason just yet. Let’s see if we can get a hold on the time turner and if we have a chance to bring his memories to the new timeline, we could tell him and see if he wants to do it.”

“Oooo-kay.” George said in a yawn. “But let’s turn in. It’s been a long night.”

George flipped the covers over them as Hermione snuggled at his side, stifling her own yawn. “You’re right. Goodnight, Georgie.”

“Goodnight, Mione.” He kissed her hair slightly before almost instantly falling asleep.

The next few weeks were full of research. While Mason’s house was full of books on time turners, protective wards, dark magic and spells, Hermione and George's hotel room was full with books on memory charms, pensieves and time travel. George and Hermione ate dinner at Mason’s every night going over the books. They were slowly getting to know Mason better and it looked like he couldn’t have fallen further away from the family tree as he was kind, generous, funny. All but his looks reminded Hermione of the Weasleys. George got along with him great, during study breaks they talked about his shop and products he and Fred invented while Mason talked about his bar and other investments. Hermione watched them with a small smile on her face as she saw George laughing so hard at a joke Mason told, holding his side.

In the daytime the fake Lovegoods spent their time flipping through numerous books, collecting information they might need. They send a weekly owl to Molly (that includes all Weasleys and Harry) telling her they were fine and still searching for Hermione’s parents. George received a letter from Angelina, telling him she will always be there for him and hopes he can get closure from his time away and even gave her best to Hermione. George made it very clear in the letter that Hermione was like a sister to him and she was helping him through it all.

“Hermione!” George yelled and Hermione sprinted out the bathroom in only a towel, pointing her wand.

“What? What happened?” Hermione looked frantically around the room, looking for any trouble.

“Euhm -I -Eu” George stuttered before blocking his eyes with his hands. “Sorry! I just found something for the memories. Could you...” He gestured one hand to her.

Hermione looked down and laughed. “Merlin, George, it’s not like I’m naked!”

“No, but still... if Fred ever finds out I saw you like this, he’s going kill me.” George said still holding his hand in front of his eyes.

“Fine.” She chuckled. “Let me get dressed. Next time don’t scream bloody murder then!”

“Yeah.. . that was my bad.”

“That it was.” And she disappeared back in the bathroom. A couple of minutes later she was dressed in muggle jeans and an oversize sweater. “Better?” She asked gesturing up and down her body with a cocked eyebrow.

“Yes, now come here and look this over.” He pushed the book towards her as she sat down next to him on the ground in front of the bed. Hermione looked down and read the page thoroughly, her eyes widening with every paragraph.

“Great!” She cried as she finished reading the page. She looked up to George smiling. “So, we need to enchant the vials with the memories in them with these four spells and keep them on us when we use the time turner.”

“Yes. Never heard any of those spells though. We best practice them and see if we can pull it off.”

“I think that’s best. Those are some complicated wand movements.”

George took the book and placed it on his lap before turning back to her. “If anyone can do it it’s you. THE Hermione Granger!” She chuckled as he waved his arms in the air.

“And you, THE GEORGE WEASLEY!” she laughed as she made the same arm movements. George looked at her wide-eyed before falling to his side on the ground laughing, Hermione soon followed. After a couple minutes, the laughter died down and they sat back up catching their breath.

“I love your laugh. It reminds me so much of him.” She gave him a soft smile as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

“That’s why it was so hard for me to even laugh. It wasn’t looking in the mirror that was the hardest. It was laughing. I think 90% of the times I laughed was with or because of him and like you said we laughed the same way. I – I just miss him.”

“I know.” She sighed as she wrapped her arms around him and held him close. After a while she slowly released him and looked him in the eyes. “I’m glad you and Mason get along so well. I haven’t seen you laugh like that with anyone but me.”

“Hmm.” He hummed in agreement. “It surprised me to be honest. I didn’t like him at first because I knew he fancied you. But what he’s doing for us and not going after you. I started talking to him, you know. And he’s a funny bloke.”

“Maybe after you could be friends. I think Fred would like him too.”

"Yeah, if he doesn’t find out he’d fancied you.”

“Oh, Gods no.” Hermione’s eyes wide before laughing softly. “That wouldn’t go over well.”

“No. He could get pretty jealous.” He chuckled lightly before looking serious at her again. “He never was the jealous type until you came along.”

“What?”

“Yeah, I think it was because he was never serious about other girls and the fact you were away at Hogwarts after we opened the shop. It wasn’t easy for him.”

“For me neither.”

“I just wanted you to know, Hermione. I think that says a lot about how he felt about you.”

“I know how he felt. It’s how I still feel about him.” She said smiling to herself.

“Come on let’s go!” Ginny pulled Hermione down the stairs a week after she arrived in the burrow. Hermione arrived earlier than planned as her parents were busy at work. She hadn’t seen Fred or George since her arrival.

“What? Where are we going?” Hermione tried to tug her handbag. Ginny stopped in the middle of the stairs and looked up at her grinning.

“Shh, don’t want mum to hear us.” She said glancing over her shoulder.

“Hear what?” Hermione dropped her voice to a whisper.

“George and I have it all figured out. We say to mum we are going shopping together in Diagon Alley. But I’m going to help George at the shop and you can have a full day uninterrupted with Fred.”

“But what about the shop, doesn’t Fred have to work?”

“They just hired help. George is going to give him the day off. Fred doesn’t know either. It’s a surprise. George said he’s a bit mopey lately.” Ginny grinned before pulling her back down the stairs before she could answer.

“Mum?”

“Yes, dear?” Molly turned as they entered the kitchen.

“Hermione and I want to go shopping. Don’t worry, it’s in Diagon Alley. We’ll make sure to check in with the twins. We could eat dinner there and they will floo us over tonight. Is that alright?”

Molly looked between the two girls, contemplating on what to say. “But what if something happens..”

“We’ll come straight home, but the twins are there so we are going to be fine.”

“Alright fine, be careful will you.”

“We will mum.” Ginny kissed her cheek.

“Thanks, Molly.” Hermione gave her a hug before following Ginny to the fireplace. Ginny was waiting in the fireplace with her hand full of floo powder.

“We’ll floo in the backroom of the shop, Fred should be upstairs. Then you can go surprise him.” Ginny smiled as she walked in the fireplace next to her. Hermione began to feel nervous and started fumbling with her sleeve. “Are you alright?”

“Just a bit nervous. It’s been a while since we had some alone time.”

Ginny placed her hand on her arm smiling. “It’s going to be okay. You two need some time together.”

“Ok. Let’s go.” Hermione put on her best smile and a moment later they stumbled out of the fireplace. Right in front of them stood one of the Weasley twins smiling down at them.

“Welcome to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.” George grinned gesturing around him.

“Hi, George.” Hermione walked over and gave him a quick side hug.

“Morning, Hermione. Why don’t you go upstairs and surprise him? I would show you around the shop but I think he wants to do that.” He winked and pushed her to the stairs of the flat, he flicked his wand to the door upstairs. “You can just walk in. Morning, Gin, let’s get the tour started.”

Hermione slowly made her way up the stairs feeling more nervous by the second. When she reached the door; she took in a deep breath and pushed it open. It was the first time she visited the apartment and was looking around, taking everything in. It was bright with lots of sunlight coming in. Two sofas stood in the living room with a semi-open kitchen to the right. A small table with four chairs stood in the corner. On the right was the hallway that would presumably lead to the bedrooms and bathroom. The door clicked shut behind her and she heard Fred yell.

“I’m coming, George! Be there in a sec.” Fred yelled as he came out of the bathroom wearing only a towel around his waist. His hair still wet from the shower, the drops falling down on his broad chest. Hermione stood there watching him, taking in his appearance. Fred toweled his hair dry and glanced over to the spot he thought George stood.

“Hermione!” He cried covering his chest with his second towel. “What are you doing here?”

“Ginny and George thought it would be a nice surprise but if I have to leave..”

“No! It’s just unexpected.”

“That’s the point of a surprise, you know.” Hermione chuckled walking closer to the handsome red head. “Never thought you would be the shy one.” She teased playing with the towel that was still in front of his chest.

“Not shy, you just caught me off guard.” He grinned dropping the towel in front of his chest. “Come here.” He pulled her in his arms and kissed her deeply before she had time to process it, he was pressed against her, only separated by the towel. “I missed this, I missed you.”

“Me too.” She smiled up at him.

“Let me get dressed. I’m sorry love but I have to work.”

“No you don’t.” She grinned as he turned towards the bedroom. “George is giving you the day off, Ginny is covering for you. But I would like a tour of the shop.”

“You got it.” He gave her a quick peck before opening the door. “I’m going to owe them big time for this, aren’t I?”

“Probably.” She chuckled.

“You can come in and give me hand.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her as he entered his room. Hermione leaned against the door frame.

“I think you can handle it.” She laughed as she pushed herself up and walked to the living room. “Better hurry up or I will find another handsome Weasley!” She called out.

A second later Fred came sprinting out of the bedroom fully clothed. He pulled her up from the chair and twirled her around before stopping her in his arms. “No, you won’t. You’re mine.”

Hermione chuckled before pulling him down from the nape of his neck and kissed him soundly.

Chapter Text

"So, you liked your surprise?” George grinned as they entered the shop.  

“Definitely.” He smiled wide at his twin.  

“You owe me!”  

“Yeah yeah...” Fred chuckled leading Hermione through the store. Fred climbed the stairs to the second floor of the shop ,  showing of their products. When they reached the first floor a young blonde was unpacking boxes.  

“Verity?”  

“Yes?” She looked up and saw Fred standing there. “Mr Weasley.”  

“I told you ...  you can call me Fred.”  

“I need to figure out how to tell you apart first.” She chuckled. Hermione looked between the two as she stood on the side. Fred glanced at her and pulled her forward with an arm around her waist.  

“Maybe one day. Verity, this is Hermione.” He looked at her questionably. She nodded her head. “My girlfriend.”  

“It’s so nice to meet you, Hermione. Maybe now that you are here , he won’t be so mopey all the time.” She grinned.  

“I’m not mopey!” Fred cried. Which made the girls chuckle.  

“I have a trick to tell them apart, if you would like to know.”  

“Hey!” Fred yelled before Verity could answer. “You won’t tell us how you do it, why would you tell her?”  

“We girls got to stick together, right?” Verity pulled Hermione out of his arms and into hers laughing.  

“Right.” Hermione suppressed a chuckle. “George?!”  

“Hello!” George popped his head behind the shelves a second later. “What are you three doing?”  

“Never mind you, stand next to Fred.” Hermione ushered him. George stood next to Fred looking at them, frowning. “Fred transfigure your clothes for a moment like George’s.”  

Without hesitation he transfigured his clothes in the magenta WWW suit. Grinning at George’s dumbfounded expression. “Now you two turn around.”  Fred twirled his finger to the girls. They turned for a moment before Fred said they could turn back .  

“Okay now, Verity, look closely.”  

Verity squinted her eyes as she took a step closer to the twins. “I don’t know.” She said with furrowed brows. Hermione walked over and winked discreetly at Fred before whispering in her ear. Verity’s eyes glanced back at the twins. Eyes widening as she figured it out. She pointed at the redhead on the right.  

“George!”  

“How...?” George started.  

“Hermione told her the secret to tell us apart.”  

“Why would you do that? We don’t even know how you do it.” George whined.  

“I just told her one way to recognize you two. I have others.” She grinned wickedly. “Now Fred, let’s continue the tour. I still have other plans for you.” She smiled suggestively.  

“And what pray tell are your plans with my dear innocent brother?”  

“That’s between me and him but I’ll have him home before dark Mr Weasley.”  

“Very good, Miss Granger.”  

“How can you put up with them?” Verity asked laughing.  

“It’s not easy.”  

“Oi!” The twins called in unison. Hermione and Verity laughed as Fred took her by the arm and led her downstairs. Hermione pulled her arm away when she saw Lavender and Parvati a couple of  meters  away. Fred looked at her with furrowed eyebrows. She nodded in their direction and at that moment Lavender looked their way. Lavender whispered something to Parvati and they both walked over smiling.  

“Hermione! What are you doing in a joke shop?”  

Hermione tried to ignore the stab Lavender gave her. “I’m staying at the Weasleys, so I thought I would visit the shop.”  

Parvati hummed as both girls took Fred in, glancing up and down.  

“George.”  

“Fred, actually.”  

“Oh, sorry Fred.” Lavender giggled as she stroked his arm. Fred took a step back and glanced to Hermione.  

“Let’s finish the tour, yeah?” He asked her. “Ladies.” He dipped his head and steered them to the other side of the shop. He stopped in a dark abandoned corner. “Not a fan of that Lavender bird.”  

“Me neither. She sure looked interested in you.” She added uncertain.  

“The only one I’m interested in is standing right in front of me.”  

“Good.” She smiled coyly before capturing his lips.  

“So ,  what do you want to do today?” Fred asked as they entered the flat. “Do you want to stay here or go shopping on Diagon?”  

“Let’s stay in, we still need to catch up from the last weeks.”  

“Catch up?” Fred asked, eyebrows raised as he pulled her down on his lap on the sofa.  

“Uhu.” She hummed and bent down placing her lips on his. The kiss quickly became heated and Fred turned them so Hermione laid down on the sofa, Fred hovering over her. Hermione pulled his hair so he would get closer to her.  

“Hermione?” Fred asked as they watched a movie about a dragon named Draco, which made Fred laugh. Hermione tilted her head from his chest and looked up. “Have you thought about what we discussed back at school? I mean about you working here this summer.”  

“Oh, I’ve thought about it.” She said nervously. “But I didn’t know you meant it.”  

“Of course , I meant it. We won’t be seeing each other much when you start school. I want to spent as much time with you when I can, even if it’s just crossing each other in the shop. There is still much more I want to learn about you, Hermione. And I’m planning on learning everything about you.” He said dead serious.  

“Then I would love to.” She reached up and gave him a small peck on the lips smiling. “My parents have been asking when I would get a summer job, but I didn’t want to pressure you.”  

“That’s settled then.” He grinned wide. “You can start tomorrow. You just need to tell mum first.”  

“Oh, right ... your mum. I’ll just explain how my parents want me to have a summer job and that I wanted one in the magical community. It will be fine.” She sighed happily as she laid her head back on his chest. “Are you sure George is okay with it?”  

“Okay with what?” George’s voice asked from the doorway, where he stood with Ginny. Hermione pulled herself back up and looked over at the two redheads .  

“Ah, Georgie! Great timing!” Fred smiled. “Hermione here agreed to work with us this summer.”  

“Excellent! We could use an extra pair of hands during break.” He sat down next to her. “How are you going to tell Harry and Ron that you’ll be spending your free time with us?”  

“Harry will understand, he knows most kids in the muggle world get summer jobs.” Hermione shrugged while Ginny sat down on the empty love chair in the corner. “Ron... well. That’s going to be harder. Not the fact that I’ll be working but be working with the two of you.”  

“Leave him to us.” George grinned.  

“That would probably make it worse.” Hermione laughed shaking her head.  

“What’s for dinner? I’m famished.” Ginny said while rubbing her belly.  

“Let’s get some take out.” George chimed in.  

“Alright, I’ll grab something from the leaky. Want to join me?” Fred asked grinning as he stood up and looked down at her.  

“Sure.” She smiled, letting him pull her up.  

“Oi!” George called out as they were exiting the flat. “Don’t go snogging in an alley. We are working people and we deserve our dinner on time.”  

“Can’t make any promises!” Fred yelled back as they headed down the stairs. In all fairnes, it only took them 10 minutes longer than it normally would have taken him when he did find a secluded area for the two of them.  

Hermione just finished her letter to Harry as she walked down the stairs at the burrow looking for Errol.  

“Molly? Have you seen Errol?” Hermione asked as she entered the kitchen. Molly was busy making lunch as she turned from the stove wiping her hands on her apron.  

“Oh yes dear, he’s in the living room.” She answered smiling.  

“Great.” She answered and walked to the door when Ron walked in. “Oh Ron, I wanted to talk to you.” She glanced back at Molly. “And you too, Molly. Can you two wait a minute? Just going to send my letter to Harry.”  

“Everything alright?” Molly asked worried.  

“Yes, everything is fine. I’ll be right back.” And she hurried to the living room where she found Errol sleeping in the sofa, wings spread out. She had to give him a poke or two before he woke up. She let out a breath of relief when the owl finally jumped on his legs. She bound the letter to his foot and placed him on the window sill. “Can you deliver this to Harry ?”  She asked stroking his head. He gave her a hoarse hoot and flew out the window.  

She walked back in the kitchen where Ron sat with Molly, both nursing a cup of tea in front of them. Ginny sat across from them and gestured for Hermione to sit next to her.  

“So, what do you want to talk about, dear?” Molly asked nicely as she put her cup down.  

“Well...See... my parents wanted me to get a summer job, to prepare me for the real world after school. It’s something muggles my age do. To earn some money and gather experience on school breaks. And my parents wanted me to go somewhere safe. That’s when the twins offered me a job at their shop.”  

“The twins?” Ron asked loudly.  

“Yes.”  

“Why?” He glared at her. “Why would you want to work with them?”  

“Because it’s a safe place, I trust them and I could learn a lot from them. Their brilliant with potions and charms.”  

“Are you sure, Hermione? The twins can be a handful.” Molly spoke before Ron.  

“And you hate their stuff.”  

Hermione tried to control her breathing as she was getting irritated from Ron. Ginny squeezed her hand under the table before she spoke up.  

“Hermione, doesn’t hate them, she hated that they tested on first years.”  

“They did what?!” Molly cried out.  

“Oh, shit!” Ginny cried out , her eyes wide.  

“Language, Ginerva.”  

“Sorry, mum.”  

“It’s okay, Molly. Nothing bad happened. They stopped testing on them when I told them off. The first years volunteered but I said they  should only ask students over 15. And I know they can be a handful, but I think I can handle it. If not, I can still look for another job.”  

“I know if someone can handle them, it’s you. I want you home every night and you floo straight from the burrow to the shop and back.”  

“I promi-”  

“You can’t be serious?!”  Ron yelled at his  mom .  

“Watch your tone, Ronald!” Molly stood up ; towering over her son. “Hermione cleared it with her parents, it’s her choice. You should trust your brothers. And not another word about it.” She added as Ron opened his mouth again. Ron snapped it shut and shot out of his chair, stomping his feet as he stalked to his room.  

“That went better than I thought.” Ginny laughed at Ron’s retreating back.  

“I think it could have gone a tad better.” Hermione chuckled. Ginny looked wide-eyed  at Hermione. “What?”  

“You just made a joke. Merlin, Fred’s already rubbing off on you.” She whispered grinning. And let out an ‘oomph’ when Hermione’s elbow hit her ribs.  

Chapter Text

It’s been six months or 183 days since Fred died, and George and Hermione were getting ready for the Halloween masquerade ball. George was already dressed in a full-on jester costume, of course in his favorite colours purple and orange. Hermione emerged from the bathroom wearing a medieval court dress. In contrary to George, it was in a simple deep blue color, her sleeves getting wider as it reached her wrists, a small V-neck that was decorated with small white flowers. 

“Wow, George, you should only wear this.” Hermione laughed as George jiggled his head, making the bells of his hat ring. 

“And you look beautiful, Mione. You should keep it for Fred. He would love it.” 

“Thanks.” She sat down on the bed as she pulled her shoes on. “Can we go over the plan one more time.” 

“So, we will mingle in the crowd for about an hour.” George started as he sat down next to Hermione. “Mason already made a duplicate of the box and the turner. We will make the switch because Mason can’t go away for too long before someone comes looking for him. After the switch, we track him down and go to the empty cellar downstairs and try to break the protection charm so we can take it out of the house and proceed from there.” 

“And what if we get caught?” 

George rummaged in his pockets pulling out several small boxes. “I’ve got it covered” He winked. “We better get going.” He said glancing over at his watch. “Ready, milady?” George bowed deep before her, offering her arm. 

“Certainly, good sir.” She smiled as she was reminded of Fred. She looped her arm around his and he apparated them away. 

They appeared outside Agatha’s house; lights shone from the windows and music blasted through the air. Hermione handed over George’s mask and they both put it on before heading to the front door. 

“Ready?” George asked looking over at her. 

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” She took in a deep breath as George knocked on the door. Not even a second later and Agatha stood in front of her wearing an all-black pest doctor costume with mask, a hat and a cane. She tilted her mask up and squinted her eyes at them. 

“Oh, the Lovegoods. So glad you could make it. Your hair gave it away.” She smiled at them glancing over their hair. “Please do come in.” 

George and Hermione entered the hallway and saw that the place was already full of people. George grabbed Hermione's hand as he saw Belinda walk up wearing a very short red riding hood dress with cape. 

“Oh, no.” He groaned next to her. “Hello, Belinda.” 

“George! I'm so happy you're here. Hermione.” 

“Belinda.” She gave her a grim smile. 

“George, would you like to get a drink?” She asked smiling and wrapped her arm around his. 

“Hermione and I are just going to mingle first, maybe later.” He gave her a short nod before leading Hermione to the ball room.  The ballroom was filled with guests, all dressed in costumes and masks. She saw the three Campbells and quickly turned away when they looked back at her. 

“I'll get us some drinks. I could certainly use one.” 

“Alright, but don't leave me alone for too long.” 

He squeezed her hand before heading through the crowd over to the bar. She was just about to walk over to a table when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned, dreading to face one of the snobby pure-bloods here tonight. She let out a breath of relief when she recognized Mason behind his mask. He was dressed as Robin hood, his costume complete with bow and quiver. 

“Thank god, it's you.” She sighed. 

“Afraid I was Agatha or the Campbells?” Mason chuckled. 

“Actually, yes.” 

“Ha. Can I have a dance?” He held out his hand. She smiled and took it before he led her to the dance floor. “Are you ready?” He asked when they started to dance. Hermione saw George standing at the bar with a sour look on his face as Belinda flirted with him. She turned back to look at Mason. 

“Yes, we were working on this for over a month. It's now or never.” She looked confidently in his eyes. “There is one thing though we wanted to talk about with you.” She glanced around the room and saw that they were being watched. “Can we talk in private?” 

“Uhm, yeah sure.” Mason said looking around the room. “Let's free George from Belinda's claws first.” 

“I think that's for the best.” She chuckled as they made their way to the bar. 

“George! Glad to see you again.” Mason overreacted as he shook his hand. “If you will excuse us Belinda, I want to talk to George.” 

“Fine.” She grumbled and stomped off. 

“Let's talk in the garden.” Mason gestured to the open doors that led outside. They walked deep in the garden and sat down at a table near a small pond. As they sat down Hermione flicked her wand and cast spells to ensure their privacy. 

“We wanted to talk to you. We know what you're putting at risk in helping us. So, we wanted to do something in return. Only if you want of course and we had to do our research first to see if it was even possible.” 

“What are you talking about?” He asked looking from Hermione to George. 

“Well, if everything works out, you won't remember us, what you did for us or what your family did to you.” George started. “We found a way that if you wanted you can remember what you did. We thought we could collect our and your memories, like for a pensieve. We found a way to bring them into the new time line. We would look you up and give them to you. We've become good friends, mate and we lost so much already.” 

Mason looked wide-eyed at George. “You mean it? It's possible?” 

Hermione and George nodded. 

“You two are my friends too. Even in this short period of time I already trust you more than anyone inside.” He looked at his lap fumbling with his nails. “I don't want to forget about you either. Can you tell me how it works?” 

George and Hermione filled him in on what to do when the time comes. It was well over an hour before they realized how late it was. 

“Better get inside before they get suspicious. I'll make my round again with the guests, you two head to the artifact chamber. We'll meet back in half an hour or so.” Mason said standing up after he handed over the duplicates. Hermione and George followed him back in the mansion laughing to throw off suspicion. While Mason walked over to Agatha and the Campbells, who were standing by the piano; George and Hermione slipped outside into the hallway. The hallway was empty and they scurried to the room. Before slipping inside they looked around and Hermione for good measure cast a spell to see if someone was there. When the coast was clear, Hermione and George quickly filed in the room and closed the door, locking it. Hermione rushed to the closet and pulled out the drawer. She switched the boxes and Hermione added some protection spells on the duplicate before closing the drawer again. George in the meanwhile was standing by the door holding one end of the expendable ear and a wobbly eye to the door where he could see through. 

“I'm ready.” Hermione whispered as she came to stand behind George. “Coast clear?” 

George peered through the eye and placed his finger on his lips. “Wait, there is someone out there.” 

They stood there for ten minutes before the person left. “Finally.” George mumbled as he opened the door. “Come on, let's get to the cellar.” 

He grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her to the hallway and down the spiral staircase that led to the cellar. When they reached the landing, they saw Mason pacing back and forward. As he heard their footsteps, he looked up. 

“Thank god! I thought you were caught.” 

“No, but there was someone in the hallway, we had to wait until he was gone.” 

“What was he doing?” 

“Swaying and bouncing off the walls, I think he just had a little bit too much to drink.” 

Mason nodded and dropped down on the sofa. George and Hermione sat down in front of him on the coffee table. Hermione pulled out the box from under her dress and handed it over to Mason. Mason took his wand and waved it over the box. The box started to float midair in front of them. With each flick of his wand the box turned. When he murmured some spells Hermione couldn't make out, the box started to shake. 

“Mason... is it supposed to do that?” 

“I'm just checking what spells are on this.” He answered; not taking his eyes of the box. Mason kept shooting spells at the box until after 10 minutes the box turned bright white before it faded down. “I think it's safe.” 

“You think?” George asked. 

“Only one way to find out.” Mason said plucking the box out of the air and standing up. 

“I'm leaving!” Hermione called out as she walked towards the fireplace.  

“Have fun, dear. If they do something, just come home and I'll take care of it.” Molly smiled as she gave her a quick hug. “Straight to the shop or the flat.”  

She smiled at the older witch as she grabbed some floo powder and walked in the fireplace. “The twins’ flat.” She called out and a moment later she stepped in the living room of Fred and George who were both waiting for her in front of the fireplace grinning in their magenta robes that clashed horribly with their hair.  

“Morning.” They said in unison.  

“What are you two up to?” She asked looking at their grins. “Don't make me regret this.”  

“We would never.” They called out clutching their hearts in mock hurt.  

“But...” Fred started and swooped in to give her a kiss. “We do have something for you.”  

Hermione looked with furrowed eyebrows at the twins. George chuckled as he held out magenta robes in front of her.  

“You can't work in those clothes, love.”  

“So, we designed these especially for you.” George grinned.  

Hermione took the robes and examined them. Even though George and Fred were grinning she felt that they grew nervous as she watched the robes intently.  

“I love it.” She smiled back at the boys. She saw both of their shoulders drop in relief. “Let me just put them on.”  

“You can take my room, love.” Fred kissed her cheek and she walked to the room. She closed the door behind her and laid the clothes on the bed. When she was dressed, she stood in front of the mirror taking in the magenta robes. The purple pants was skinny and hugged her figure just right. They gave her a simple white blouse that hung  loosely  with a small V-neck and a magenta blazer that fitted just right. Even though she was wearing a purple suit she felt very feminine and the color looked good on her. With one last look  she  opened the door and headed to the living room. She saw Fred and George sitting on the edge of the sofa, bouncing their legs.  

“Do you think she likes it?”  

“What if she hates it?” She heard them ask each other, neither of them noticing her entering the room. She smiled, knowing how much work they put into this.  

“I love it.” She said making the boys jump up. “How do I look?” She twirled in front of them.  

“Wow, Mione!”  

“You look bloody gorgeous!” Fred picked her up and spun her around before setting her down and kissing her deeply. George came over and placed his elbow on her head, leaning as they broke apart.  

“You certainly pull off the color better than us.”  

Hermione laughed as she pushed  off  his arm from her head. “Not hard with your hair now, iit ?”  

“Oh, she's getting cheeky.” George hollered.  

“She's spending too much time with us.” Fred grinned.  

“A good influence we are.”  

“Come on, let's go get the shop ready.” Hermione chuckled as she pushed them to the door.  

“Even though you look lovely in those robes, we still own the place.” George said looking over his shoulder as she pushed them.  

“For now.” She winked. Fred and George looked  wide-eyed  at each other. When they entered the shop, the twins led her to the register so she could count the money.  

“How did mum and Ron react?” Fred asked, leaning over the counter next to George.  

“We already received a letter from mum, telling us to be on our best behavior and not to prank you but nothing else.”  

“It went rather easy with your mum actually.”  

“But Ron...” Fred started.  

“Yeah, but Ron is a different story. He hasn't said more than a few words to me since then.” She shrugged her shoulders. “But Ginny and your mum set him straight and once Harry arrives, he'll talk some sense into him.”  

“Do you want us to talk with him?” George asked serious.  

“No, it's fine. Let me stew for a bit. He just doesn't understand why I would want to work with you.”  

“I can't believe it-”  

“After we have been the best-”  

“ -most wonderful brothers-”  

“ -anyone can ever hope for.”  The twins gasped, before laughing.  

“And I wonder why?” Hermione giggled, rolling her eyes.  

It was three in the afternoon when the shop quieted down for a bit and Hermione was sorting some articles behind the counter when George came out from the back room.  

“Hi, Georgie. How is it going?”  

“Just finished 3 batches of puking pastilles.”  

“Wonderful.” Hermione said with a grimace .  

“Hey, you called me Georgie, only Fred calls me that.”  

Hermione shrugged as she looked at him. “Sorry, if you want, I'll stop. It just slipped out.”  

“No, it's fine. Seems Fred is rubbing off on you.”  

“It seems so.” She smiled as George wrapped an arm around her shoulder.  

“Oi! Get your own!” They heard Fred yell from upstairs. They  glanced up and saw Fred leaning over the banister.  

“But I like this one!” George called back.  

“Too bad. She-” He stopped when the door from the store opened and students from Hogwarts walked in. Fred went back to shelving and George turned to go back to the back. He looked over his shoulder.  

“Oh, Mione. The reason I came out the back room was to ask if you wanted to stay for dinner? Shop doesn't close until 7 today. I don't think mum wants to deny Ronald his food until you get there.”  

“Oh. I would love to but your mum...”  

“I'll floo call her and ask.” He said as he walked back. Five minutes later he called out from the back while she was ringing up a witch with her  five-year-old  son.  

“Mum agreed!”  

Hermione chuckled as she  threw her head over her shoulder. “Okay!” She turned back to the witch. “I'm sorry.” She smiled at her.  

“No, it's fine. I come here a lot, so I know their antics. My son just loves this shop.”  

“Our favorite costumer!” Fred called out as he strode up to the little boy. He crouched down before him and gave him a high five. “Hi Tommy! What did you get today?”  

The boy named Tommy grinned wide as he opened his bag excitingly and showed him his purchases.  

“That’s quite a haul! Well, I have something very special for you.” Fred padded down several of his pockets before he found what he was looking for. He pulled out a bag full of  weets. “You know what colours do what.” He winked. “But don't try them on your mum, she's a saint bringing you here.” He chuckled. Tommy nodded heavily before leaping forward to give Fred a hug. Fred returned it eagerly, laughing. Hermione watched the whole exchange from behind the register, smiling wide. Her eyes full of admiration and love for the red headed twin. She was falling... falling hard.  

“You're almost drooling .” George's voice came close to her ear, making her jump.  

“No, I'm not!” She turned and frowned at him. George chuckled.  

“Sure, you're not.” He kept laughing as he headed to the back room once again. When she turned, Fred had stood up and was grabbing something from the counter. He grabbed a light blue box and handed it to Tommy's mum.  

“We can't forget about your saint, can we?” He laughed at the little boy. “Just some Belgian chocolates. They are  safe. Need to keep our favorite costumers happy, don't we ?”  He winked at the witch.  

The woman turned to Hermione, rolling her eyes. “Always the charmers those two.”  

“You have no idea.” Hermione sighed before laughing with the older witch.    

When they walked out the shop Fred turned to Hermione leaning on the counter, his face only inches away from her.  "What was George yelling about earlier?”  

“He asked if I wanted to stay for dinner. And he floo called your mum to ask if it was okay. You don't mind, do you?”  

“Never.” He grinned. He looked around the shop and when he saw no one in their close proximity he kissed her lightly. Both smiling as they looked at each other. They tore their gaze away when they heard a loud crash on the first floor of the shop.  

“Better go see what that was about.” He winked and headed up the spiral staircase.    

Chapter Text

Mason ran up the stairs, leaving a dumbfounded Hermione and George behind. They looked at each other before following him up the stairs. When they had reached the landing, they just saw a glimpse of Mason as he exited the room. They hurried after him and found him waiting for them at the front door, box hidden in his jacket. 

“Where are you going?” A voice asked behind them. George and Hermione turned slowly and saw Agatha standing there, her hands on her hips, a move that reminded them both of Molly. 

“I- uhm.” 

“I'm showing them my bar, aunt Agatha.” 

“Now?” Her gaze shifted to Mason. 

“Yes,” George cut in. “Someone has been very rude to Hermione tonight and I think it's best we go before I do something about it.” George lied easily. Agatha looked from George to Hermione to Mason. 

“Alright. I don't want you to ruin your chances at a marriage. Better learn to keep your temper in check.” 

“Let's go.” Mason handed us our coats as he led her out the door. “Where to?” He whispered as he closed the door behind him. 

“The hotel.” Hermione said as George took his shoulder and Hermione's hand as they apparated away. 

“I can't believe it worked!” George cried out as he closed the door behind him after they entered their hotel room. 

“My heart was going like crazy!” Mason said as he dropped down on the sofa. He looked around the room. “Do you two sleep here?” 

“Yes, why?” 

“There is only one bed.” He stated. 

“Really? I haven't noticed.” George grinned as he dropped down next to him. 

“Even though George isn't my brother in blood. In all other ways he is. I trust him with my life.” Hermione smiled as she sat across from them. 

“I'm sorry... didn't mean to pry.” 

“It's fine. I think if others knew they would think the same way.” George shrugged. 

“And what are you making?” He pointed to the cauldron. 

“Felix Felicis. We wanted to make it to help us save Fred. But it will take another three and a half months to complete. So, if this works-” He pointed at the box Mason just pulled out. “We'll try without it.” 

It was quiet for a few minutes before George spoke again. “Can I see it?” 

Mason looked up from the box he was turning over and over in his hands. He handed him the box and George took it gently, pushing it open. 

“Don't touch it.” Hermione warned. George nodded as he looked at the turner. He took in a deep breath as he started to tremble. He quickly gave the box back and walked to the bathroom. 

“Why don't you get started. I'll check on him.” Hermione said as she rose from her seat. 

“Is he alright?” Mason asked as he pulled his wand from his costume. 

“It's all a bit much.” Hermione walked to the door and knocked softly. “Georgie? Can I come in?” 

The door opened with a soft click and she walked in, closing the door behind her. George was sitting on the floor, his back against the wall. His knees were pulled up with his arms wrapped around them as his head was buried in his knees. Hermione slid down the wall to the floor and wrapped her arms around his waist. They just sat there until George stopped shaking. 

“It's going to be okay, George. We are coming close to get him back.” 

George looked up from his knees, his eyes were red from the tears that had spilled. 

“I know. It was just getting to me.” 

“I understand. We've been so busy the last weeks. Why don't we call it a night and do this another time?” 

“No! Let's see what we can do tonight.” 

“Are you sure?” George nodded. “Okay, but tomorrow we are taking a break from everything, even if we can't figure it out tonight. Tomorrow we will do anything that has nothing to do with this. Deal?” 

“Deal.” He kissed the top of her head. “Let's go see what curly is doing.” He grinned as he pulled her up. 

“Let's change first.” Hermione chuckled as she looked down at her medieval dress. 

Mason figured out that there were at least seven spells and curses on the box and turner. While George and Hermione were in the bathroom, he got rid of three of them. Mason sighed and asked the others if they wanted to try. George took the box and let it hover in front of him as he muttered spell after spell at it. When the box turned bright green, he jumped up from his seat and started rummaging in his rucksack. Hermione and Mason looked over at George but didn't say anything. After a moment George walked back to his seat where the box was still floating midair, he held out a spray bottle in front of it. Mason grabbed his hand. 

“What are you doing?” 

“It's okay. The green light suggested there is some kind of force field around it. If I spray this around it, I can see what kind.” 

“Where did you get it?” 

“Made it.” He grinned wide. 

“George and Fred are brilliant. You should visit their shop sometime. They make everything themselves.” Hermione said as she came closer and sat on her knees next to George in front of the box. “I trust everything they make.” 

“Then I'll know what to do when this is all over.” Mason grinned. “Spray away.” 

And George did just that. He sprayed the bottle a couple of times around the box. George watched intently with Hermione and Mason as a golden shield took form. George turned to Hermione. “Do you still have the book?” 

Hermione nodded, knowing exactly what he was talking about. She stood up and walked to her nightstand and came back with the pure-blood book. She handed it over to him as she sank back to her knees. George flipped the book open and started flipping through it. 

“A book about pure-bloods?” 

“Yes, specifically bloodlines, but there are some secrets in there as well, like potions, spells they want to keep to themselves.” Hermione explained. 

“But why is it in a book?” 

“Only purebloods can open the book. That's why I gave it to George.” 

“You're not a pureblood?” 

“Not exactly.” Hermione murmured as she rubbed her arm. 

“I don't care if you are or not. Most purebloods are pretentious assholes anyway.” He shrugged before looking back at George. “But you are?” 

“Yes.” George said without looking up. “But not the pretentious kind.” 

“Yeah, kind of figured that out, mate.” Mason laughed clapping his back. The silence came back to the room as George studied the book. 

“I've got it!” George called in the silent room, making the others jump. George took his wand from the sofa and aimed it at the box. “Infectum vitrum.” He whispered. They saw the shield scatter like glass. George tentatively reached for the turner. He took it out without any trouble. He let out a breath in relief as he studied the turner closely. Hermione sat the box down on the table. George gave the turner to her as she sat back down on her knees. 

“Your turn.” He said as she accepted the turner. She did the same thing George and Mason did and let the turner float in front of her as she cast revealing spells at it. 

“George, do you have the scream with you?” 

“No, but I bought one at the joke shop here but it isn't as powerful as ours. Why?” 

“Don't know for sure.” She said as she eyed the turner. “Can you amplify it?” 

“Yeah, give me sec.” George stood up, walked to his shopping bags that were still full of his purchases. 

“The scream?” Mason asked a bit unsettled. 

“Yeah, they made it during the war. It's to scare others away or if they are close enough would leave them without hearing for a couple of days.” 

“But the one I bought here, is just a little scream to give your siblings a scare.” George said as he walked back with a bright blue ball in his hand. He sat back down next to her. He performed some difficult spells and hand movements before handing it down to her.

“Wait Mione.” George waved his wand over everyone's ears as he put a protective bubble around it and cast a silencing spell around the room. He nodded to Hermione that she could continue.

Hermione tapped her wand on the ball and it cracked open. Even with the protective charm George put around them, the scream still reached their ears. Hermione focused the scream at the turner. Mason was afraid the glass of the turner would brake as he saw cracks forming. He waved his hand towards her, but she ignored it. George pushed his hand down and gave him a look. Mason looked at him and dropped his hand before focusing back at the turner. George saw it crack more and before it exploded, he flew himself in front of her and covered her from the blast. When Hermione fell to the ground the ball dropped too and the scream stopped. George sat back up slowly as he pulled her back up, removing the protective bubbles around their ears. 

“Thanks, George.” She gave him a weak smile but it fell down when he saw him wince. “George!” She cried as George fell back down, flat on his stomach.  Hermione looked at his back. His shirt was starting to turn red from his blood. She looked over her shoulder to a grim looking Mason. 

“Mason!” She snapped him out of it. “Get the tube on the dresser!” 

Mason stood up and ran to the dresser. Hermione turned back to George and with a wave of her wand his shirt was gone, she then started with the few healing spells she knew. His blood stopped and the slashes close. George relaxed at bit more as the wounds closed a bit. Mason handed the tube over and Hermione smeared it across his back. The wound instantly healed up but left a couple of scars. George eyes fluttered open and Hermione helped him up and guided him to the sofa. 

“How do you feel? This is all my fault!” Hermione cried as she was crouching in front of him, her head in her hands. 

“I'm fine, Hermione. And it's not your fault, that was dark magic.” George said softly as he took a hold of her hands and pried them away from her face. He pulled her up next to him and she laid her head on his chest. Mason stood awkwardly nearby. 

“You have scars.” 

“Everyone has scars Hermione. And when we get home, I have some scar remover cream.” 

“I don't know if it will help with dark magic, George.” 

“Then I'll will make one or learn to live with it. Hermione, if this is a reminder for the rest of my live that this helped save Fred, I don't care.” 

“How did that work so fast?” Mason asked looking over the tube. “Made that too?” 

“Fred did.” George and Hermione said in unison. 

“Hmm.” Mason hummed as he looked at the tube. He looked over to where the turner was still floating, unharmed. “It didn't even leave a dent.” 

George and Hermione leaned forward as she summoned it closer. Hermione held out her hand and touched it. 

“We're almost through it, I can feel it.” She plucked the turner out of the air and handed it to George. 

“Yeah, it – it feels lighter.” George said as he held the turner out the Mason. Mason carefully took it and weight it in his hand. 

“Finite Incantatum.” He cast the spell at the turner and he felt another spell leave the necklace. “Only one to go, I think.” 

“Can I have a look?” She held out her hand as he gave it back. She felt George bobbing his head. “George, I know it's hard but please stay awake, you just lost a lot of blood. Mason, can you grab him a new shirt?” 

Mason walked to the wardrobe as Hermione twirled her wand around the necklace. After twenty minutes Hermione sighed and leaned back on the sofa. 

“I think it's right in front of us but I just can't seem to see it.” 

“It's been a long night. Why don't we get some sleep and try tomorrow?” 

Hermione rubbed her hands in her face. “Fine, but not tomorrow. George and I made a deal. No work or talk about any of this for one day. Just a day of distraction and relaxation.” 

“Okay, I'll make a deal with you two to then. We work on the rest this Sunday but tomorrow you two come to my bar. We eat something and then we drink.” 

“Brilliant idea.” George slurred as he tried to hold his eyes open. 

“Ok. I think we can do that.” She grinned. “Now you... off to bed.” She helped George up and led him to his side of the bed. She tucked him under and walked with Mason to the door. 

“Keep the turner safe. And best wake him in a couple of hours to see if he's alright.” Mason said looking over at George who was already sleeping. “I'll pick you two up at six.” 

Hermione grabbed his arm as he turned to walk out the door. 

“Mason. I can't thank you enough for what you did, what you are doing for us.” 

He placed his hand on hers. “You don't need to thank me, not you, not George. Just promise you tell me everything after.” 

“I promise.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight.” 

“Goodnight.” 

Chapter Text

Hermione woke up twice that night to check up on George. George grumbled as she woke him but he drank some water and let her check his back.  
The next morning Hermione dabbed his scar with the tube Fred made just to be sure. Hermione was just working on the last scar when she plucked up her courage. 

“George?” 

“Hmm?” 

“I want to tell you about Malfoy Manor.” 

George turned slowly. “Why now?” He asked softly. 

“Because of this.” She pointed at his back as he put his shirt back on. George looked at her, brows furrowed. She pulled her sleeve up and showed him her scar. Mudblood. George face went red with anger. 

“Who!?” Was the only thing he could manage to say and even that was in a low growl. 

“Bellatrix.” 

“Did Fred know?” 

“No... It happened a few weeks before the battle.” 

“I'm glad mum offed her or I would have been the one if I knew... or even Fred.” He gently took her arm and traced his thumb around the scar. “Can you tell me what happened?” 

And so, Hermione told her all what had happened that night, the capture, the torture, Greyback, Malfoy, Dobby. After she was finished, they sat there in silence, while George was still gently rubbing her scar. 

“Bill and Fleur know?” 

“Yes, Fleur did everything she could to heal me but this... this is dark magic.” 

“And like I said yesterday. I'll find a way to get rid of it.” 

“But even if you don't – Know George it is entirely possible you won't succeed – but that's okay. Like you said yesterday. We got those for doing something good, these are a reminder for what we live for today.” 

George pulled her into a side hug. “I know. You can put a tattoo over it.” George laughed. 

“Not a bad idea actually.” Hermione answered serious as she glanced at the word Mudblood carved in her arm. 

“What do you want to do today?” Hermione asked as they ate breakfast at the restaurant of the hotel. 

“Maybe we could explore muggle New York for a bit? I hear it is very popular among muggles.” 

“Yes, I heard that too.” Hermione chuckled and scooped up a bit of egg on her fork. “We could go to Times Square and maybe Central Park.” 

“You lead the way, Hermione.” George said as he drank from his tea. “You know more than I do. At least you know more than I do regarding New York.” He grinned at her. 

“Miss and Mister Lovegood.” Suze appeared and bowed deep before them. 

“Morning, Suze.” George smiled down at her. “What can I do you for?” 

“I have a letter for you Mister Lovegood.” 

“Thank you.” He accepted the letter and gave a few coins in return. 

George saw his mother's handwriting on the envelop. George and Hermione.  

“It's for the both of us.” 

Hermione scooted closer to him and he opened the letter. 

George, Hermione  

Are you okay? I haven't heard from you in two weeks. I already talked to Kingsley and asked if he could contact the ministry of Australia but they haven't found you! I'm losing it. I'm one second away from taking a portkey to Australia and come looking for you myself. Bill and Harry said if something happened you would have let me know. Angelina has been coming here a couple times a week since she hasn't heard anything either. Let us know something from the moment you get this or I'll come after you two.  

Mum.  

“I guess the letters didn't arrive.” George said as he looked up from the letter. 

“Guess so. It is a long way of course. Let's send a Patronus, that's the fastest.” 

“Can you, do it? I don't know if I can manage one yet. I tried to send one a few weeks after Fred... but I couldn't do it.” 

She placed her hand on his arm. “I'll do it.” She thought of the first time Fred told her he loved her. “Expecto Patronum.” The silver otter shot out of her wand and turned to look at them. “Molly and everyone who is there. George and I are fine. Our post must have gotten lost along the way.” 

“Hi, mum. We are alright. We are just taking a break today and going to do some sightseeing.” George added. 

“We'll contact you soon.” 

“We miss you.” George closed the conversation to the otter. 

“You can give this message to Molly Weasley.” Hermione told the otter. The otter nodded and jumped through the wall and out of sight. 

“Can I ask what you thought about?” 

“The first time Fred told me he loved me.” She said with a smile, a blush on her cheeks. 

“Mione, love? What are you doing?” Fred asked as he looked up at Hermione who was hovering in the air stacking the shelves. She looked down at him smiling.  

“I'm restocking. What does it look like?”  

“But why are you in the air?”  

“Because I'm not as tall as you.” She turned and looked at the other redhead who sat at the counter with an amusing smile on his face. “I'm done, Georgie, you can put me down.”  

George waved his wand and Hermione came down gently in Fred's arms. “Hi.” She blushed at their close proximity. At that moment the door flew open and Parvati and Lavender walked in. Hermione walked backwards out of Fred's arms. “Not those two.” She groaned.  

“Hermione? What are you doing here? What are you wearing?”  

“I work here.” She said her chest puffed.  

“You? Work here?” Lavender giggled.  

“Yes, she does. And she is certainly an asset. She helps us make the products we sell here.” Fred glared at the blond witch walking back closer to Hermione and wrapped an arm around her waist. George walked towards them and threw his arm around her shoulders.  

“Can I help you ladies?” George asked frowning.  

“I was wondering if one of you could help me search for the skiving boxes.” Lavender said batting her eyelashes. George looked over his shoulder and pointed.  

“There.”  

“Oh, well then I'll go have a look then. Parvati?” She asked. Parvati followed but turned.  

“I'm sorry.” Parvati whispered as she glanced over to Lavender.  

“It's fine.” Hermione shrugged.  

“And you look great in those robes. I could never pull it off.” She said honestly.  

“Thanks.” She smiled at Parvati before she headed down to her best friend.  

“That Lavender bird can't take a hint.” George sighed as he let go of Hermione. “Why don't you two go upstairs, me and Verity can close up.”  

“You sure?” Fred asked, looking at his twin.  

“Go on before I send Lavender after you.” George chuckled as he pushed them to the stairs leading to the flat. Hermione saw Lavender's stare as she walked up the stair with Fred.  

“Do you mind if I lay down for a bit?” Hermione asked once they entered the flat. “Harry arrived last night and we talked until late at night.”  

“No, go lie down. Grab something of mine to wear. I'll just start on dinner.”  

“Thank you.” She kissed his cheek before heading to the bedroom. She grabbed one of his old quidditch shirts and threw it on. It stopped right at her knee and she decided it was long enough to go without pants.  

Fred prepared dinner and placed it on a heating charm for when George made his way up. He went to his bedroom where Hermione was fast  asleep. He felt his heart stutter as he saw her lying there with only his quidditch shirt on. The shirt has crept up on her legs and stopped right under her bottom. He walked over, heart racing as he laid down next to her and draped a blanket over her. She kicked the blanket away and curled up next to him, wrapping her arm around his waist and her head on his chest.  

“Too warm.” She mumbled.  

“Sorry love, dinner is ready.” He whispered on the top of her head, placing a light kiss on her hair.  

“Five more minutes.”  

“Alright. And I’ve got to say you look even better in that shirt than in your work robes.” He said softly and he felt her chuckle.  

“Then maybe I'll keep it.”  

Fred smiled to himself as the beautiful witch laid on his chest. Her breathing got shallower and Fred thought she fell asleep again when he whispered.  

“I love you.”  

He felt her stiffen on top of him and he wondered if he screwed it all up. He thought she was asleep, he still meant it though but was afraid she didn't feel the same or it was too early. Slowly Hermione lifted her head up from his chest and looked up at him with big brown chocolate eyes.  

“What?”  

“I – I love you.” He said with a shake in his voice and tried to figure out what was going on inside her head, searching for an answer in her eyes. Before he could say something, she grabbed him by the neck and pulled him down as she kissed him passionately.  

“I love you too.” She breathed as they pulled back. Fred couldn't control the grin that grew on his face before he swooped down and kissed her again. When they heard George walk in, they made their way to the kitchen to eat dinner together. George quirked   n eyebrow when he saw what Hermione was wearing.  

“Change of clothes Hermione?”  

“I took a nap. Harry held me up all night.” She said as she dropped down in front of George who was waggling his eyebrows.  

“Ew! Gross no. Harry is like my brother.” She chuckled. “He arrived yesterday and wanted to catch up and talk some sense in your little brother.”  

“And how did that go?” George asked as Fred sat down next to her. His arm around the back of her chair;  

“He got him around. Even though he said the exact same things as me, he believed Harry.” She shrugged as she dug into her plate of pasta.  

That night Fred and George were sitting on the sofa making notes on their products.  

“Fred? Fred!” George called louder, waking up a daydreaming Fred who had a silly grin on his face. “Where was your head?” George asked chuckling.  

“Hermione told me she loved me.”  

“Oh, that's what that dopey smile is for.” George laughed, shaking his head. “So, you liked that she wore your quidditch jersey, right?”  

“I loved it!” Fred's grin grew even wider.  

“Come on, go to bed you. You can't work if your head is in the clouds.”  

“First a shower.” Fred said standing up.  

“A cold one, I presume.” George laughed as Fred face lit up.  

Chapter Text

Hermione and George arrived back at the hotel an hour before Mason would pick them up. They dropped their bags on the floor and slumped down on the sofa. 

“When does Mason get here?” George asked. Hermione glanced at her watch. 

“An hour. I'm just going to close my eyes for a bit.” She said yawning. 

“Me too.” George wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, both falling asleep a few minutes after. They were jolted awake when a knock came from the door. 

“George? Hermione?” Mason’s voice rang in the silent room. 

Hermione groaned as she rubbed her eyes. “George... wake up, Mason's here.” She poked George's side. George grumbled and turned his head. 

“Sleepy.” He mumbled. 

“I know, but we promised... now get up.” She chuckled and threw a pillow at his head as she walked to the door. “Sorry Mason, we drifted off.” 

“No worries. Why don't you two make yourself ready and I'll wait out here.” He gestured to the hallway. “George, how do you feel?” 

“Bit tired but good.” George said as he walked up behind Hermione. “Mione why don't you use the bathroom; I'll change in here.” 

She nodded at him as she made her way to the bathroom. “It will just take a minute.” 

“How fancy is this place?” George asked Mason. 

“Just a dress shirt and some jeans will be fine.” 

“Right. I'll be out in a sec.” 

“Take your time.” Mason smiled as he leaned on the wall on the opposite side of the hallway. 

George was just buttoning up his black dress shirt when Hermione walked out of the bathroom wearing a little black dress. It stopped just above her knees and had a simple boat neckline. Her sleeves stopped just over her shoulders where it flared out a bit. 

“George, you look handsome.” She placed a kiss on his cheek. 

“Me? Look at you! You look amazing, Mione.” 

“Thank you. Would you mind helping me out?” She asked holding out her necklace. It was a silver necklace with a blue dewdrop pendant on it. 

“Fred searched for the perfect birthday present for you for weeks. You had to see him.” George chuckled as he placed the necklace around her neck. “Going in and out of stores like a crazy man.” 

Hermione laughed softly as she touched her necklace. She turned when George clasped it shut. “It's one of the best presents I've ever gotten.” She whispered. 

“One of them?” 

“Yeah, the best present was on valentine's day.” 

“Ah yes, the ice-skating accident.” George laughed. “Come on, let's go eat.” 

Mason apparated them in the alley behind the bar. When they reached the front door there was a sign in bright neon lights “The Lunar Eclipse”. Hermione turned towards Mason, with an eyebrow high. 

“My business partner is a werewolf.” He shrugged. “He came up with the naam. But don't tell my family. That wouldn't go over well.” He said as the bouncer at the door let them in. He took them to a secluded table in the back. Large windows behind them showed a garden full with flowers in bloom and the full moon high in the sky. 

“It's enchanted. We can make different backgrounds but this one is my favorite.” 

“That's incredible! Can you tell me how you make them?” George asked excitingly. While George and Mason talked about the enchanted windows, Hermione looked around. In the left corner was a stage were a DJ or musicians can set up. A large dance floor in the front, which was still empty. Dozens of round tables were lined against the walls. Every table was occupied with witches and wizards all talking, eating and laughing. Next to the dance floor in the middle of the room was a large oval bar that went all the way around. At least 5 bartenders were walking from one side to the other trying to get everyone drinks. When Hermione thought about what to drink, a glass of butterbeer appeared in front of her. Her eyes went wide alongside George's as he looked from her to the glass. 

“How?” He started. 

“Everything tonight is on the house.” He held out his hand as they started to protest. “So, just think about what you want to drink or eat and it will appear. Ah.” He said as three menus appeared on the table and handed them out. “Here are the menus. Just think about it and drinks will appear immediately, food takes a little longer, depends on what you want.” 

George looked over the menu and a second later a glass of fire whiskey appears. 

“Brilliant” George said before sipping from his drink and looked back at the menus considering what to eat. 

“There are house elves in the kitchen.” Mason explained as Hermione still frowned. “They get paid, don't worry. And they don't have to work until 3 in the afternoon.” 

“Don't they get days off?” 

“They don't want to. It was hard enough to let me pay them. But if you are worried you can talk to them if you want.” 

Hermione bit her lip as she glanced around. “Maybe another day, not tonight.” 

“Just tell me when.” Mason smiled before he looked at the menu. 

After they ate, a band walked up to the stage. “Every Saturday we have live music.” 

The dance floor filled up quickly as the tables emptied. George looked expectantly at Hermione. 

“Fine.” She sighed but the tug on her lips gave it away. “But don't start complaining if I step on your toes.” 

George grinned and pulled her to the dance floor. The music was upbeat and George did the weirdest dance moves Hermione had ever seen. She was laughing so hard that her side started to sting. 

“Merlin, George, I thought nobody could dance worse than Fred.” She choked out between laughs. 

“Worse? Best, you mean! I dance freely and wild.” 

“Yes, that I can see.” She laughed again as George waved his arms in the air, making goofy faces. The music changed to something slower and George held out his hand to twirl her around. 

“This is much better.” She smiled. “Now I'm not afraid to lose an eye.” 

“You can't be too careful, I'm a Weasley after all.” He winked. George looked over at Mason who was sitting at the table looking at his glass. “Maybe we should find someone for him to dance with.” 

Hermione followed his gaze and looked at the curly head boy. “I think he's really unhappy here. He doesn't trust anyone here, someone in his family killed his mother. He has no one.” 

“He has us now. We won't let him fall when we get Fred back. Oh, look... I think that bird has an eye for him.” George pointed at the bar where a young witch was eyeing him. Hermione took out her wand and flicked it to Mason. Mason looked up as he felt a gust of wind. He found her eyes and she tilted her head to the witch at the bar. He just shook his head and looked back down. 

“Stay put, I'll give a hand.” George said before walking to the bar. He told something to the witch, she nodded and walked over to Mason with 2 drinks in hand. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and saw a wizard with long black hair in a ponytail before her. 

“Dance with me.” 

Hermione looked over her shoulder and saw George making his way back to her. “No, thank you.” 

The wizard didn't like her answer and grabbed her arm. “Dance with me!” he demanded. Hermione pulled her arm away and started to grab for her wand when she felt a hand on her waist. 

“I think she said no.” George asked almost growling. 

“I think it is none of your business!” The wizard glared at him. George started to breathe heavily and Hermione saw his hands turn into fists. 

“She's my sister, of course it is my business and she said NO!” George yelled. People around them started to watch him closely. The wizard threw his hand back and was just about to try and punch George when a hand grabbed his. 

“I think it's time for you to leave. Bron?!” Mason called out to the bouncer. Bron was a head shorter than the wizard but twice as wide. He grabbed the wizard’s arm and dragged him outside. “Where were we?” Mason asked the lovely witch as he turned back to her. 

“I think we were about to dance.” She said smiling. 

“Let's go then.” Mason guided her a bit further. 

Hermione turned back to George. “Thanks, George. Are you okay?” She asked as she took his hand, giving it a squeeze. George was still watching the door the wizard disappeared through in anger. “Come on, let's sit down for a bit.” 

George let Hermione lead him to their table. She ordered them or rather thought about a couple of firewhiskeys and they appeared right in front of them. Hermione handed him a glass and took one for herself. 

“To Fred!” She raised her glass. George looked up as he held his glass in the air. 

“To Fred.” He said with a small smile. They tapped their glasses against each other and both drank it in one go. They drank firewhiskey for the rest of the night as they reminisced about Fred. 

“Come on Mione!” Ron whined. “It's only two weeks before school starts and we've barely seen you.”  

“I have a job, Ronald.” Hermione shot back as she unpacked the boxes. She was working at WWW when Harry and the rest of the Weasleys stopped by to get their school supplies.  

“With the twins. They can give you a couple of days off.”  

“No, I see you guys every night. And in two weeks we'll be at school so I'll see you all the time.” She answered not looking up from the box.  

“Fine.” Ron grumbled and stomped  off  to look at other products.  

“You know he's just jealous that you spent all your time with his brothers and not him.”  

“I can spend my time with  whoever I want Harry. I see him almost nonstop for 9 months.”  

“I know but-”  

“Hermione?” Fred called from downstairs.  

“Yeah?” She called over the banister.  

“Could you give me a hand?”  

“Sure, be right down.” She quickly shelved the  remaining  products and headed down the stairs with Harry on her heels.  

“Harry, I'll be right back.”  Harry nodded shortly as Hermione walked to the back room. “Fred?” She asked as she closed the door behind her. Fred swept up from her left and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close before leaning down to kiss her.  

“Sorry.” He said with a grin as he pulled back. “Needed help with it.”  

“I'm happy to be of service.” She smiled seductively and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again. 

“Uh-hum.” Someone cleared their throat behind them. They pulled back and looked wide-eyed at each other before turning to see who was standing behind them.  

“Harry.” Hermione chocked out.  

Harry's eyes flickered from Hermione to Fred and back. Fred rubbed his neck nervously. “Harry...”  

“Fred-” Hermione looked back at him. “Can you give us a moment?”  

He nodded and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before heading back in the shop. Hermione was playing with the hem of her sleeve.  

“Why didn't you tell me?”  

“I wanted to Harry.” Hermione sighed as she dropped on George's chair. “But you know how Ron would react and I didn't want to put you in the middle, again.”  

Harry walked over and placed his hand on her shoulder as he leaned against the desk. “You know you can tell me anything. You are my best friend  too, Hermone.” He smiled at her. “Are you happy?”  

“I am.” She smiled broadly.  

“And he's good to you.”  

“Yes, Harry.” Hermione chuckled. “Is this the big brother speech?”  

“Well, yeah.” Harry chuckled nervously, shuffling his feet. “Fred's going to get one too .”  

“Good luck with that.” Hermione laughed, shaking her head.  

“How long has this been going on?” Harry asked as he sat down on Fred's chair and rolled closer.  

“He kissed me the night Umbridge came after us in the room of recruitment. And we got together a few days before he left.”  

“That's almost four months. Who else knows?”  

“George and Ginny. And Verity the girl who works here with the twins. So, are you mad?”  

“No, I'm not mad. It's just a surprise. I knew you got closer to the twins, to Fred but I never – you two are so different.”  

“Opposites attract?” Hermione chuckled.  

“As long as you're happy, I'm happy. But the longer you will keep it from Ron the worse it's going to get.”  

“I know but I'm not quite ready yet. He even got mad for me working here.”  

“One day he'll get his head out of his -”  

“HARRY!”  

“Sorry.” He chuckled as he stood up. “Okay, now it's time to have a talk with Fred.”  

Chapter Text

Fred was biting his tongue, trying to hold in his laugh as he leaned against his desk as Harry paced in front of him. Lecturing him, warning him that if he hurt Hermione he would come after him.  

“Harry.” Fred tried to say without laughing. Harry stopped pacing and looked up at him. “I won't do anything to hurt Hermione.”  

“You really mean it? This relationship? It not just something to pass the time ?”  

“Oi, wonder boy, listen to me. She means everything to me, okay? I'm crazy for her, have been for a year about now. Harry, I love her.”  

“You, you love her?” Harry asked in a small voice as he looked up at him with wide eyes behind his spectacles.  

“I do and I can promise you I won't do anything to hurt her on purpose. But you have something to promise me.”  

“Oh?”  

Fred stood straight and looked down at Harry, when he spoke his voice was dead serious. “Can you keep an eye on her this year? With everything that happened right before summer. George and I won't be at school to lighten the mood or to get her to relax once in a while.”  

“I can do that.” Harry gave him a determent nod and Fred clapped him on the back.  

“Now let's get back before Hermione thinks I turned you in a canary or something.”  

Harry laughed as they walked out of the back room. Ron stood there,waiting with his arms full.  

“Where were you?” Ron asked as he juggled with the amount of stuff in his arms.  

“Fred was showing me some of the products they are working on.”  

“Sure, you have enough money for all of that?” Fred asked eyeing the products.  

“27 galleons, 14 sickles and 5 knuts.” Hermione called over as she walked past and pointed at Ron's arms carrying a box of daydream charms. Fred grinned proudly at the witch before turning at his brother.  

“She's right.”  

“I'm dead.” Hermione sighed as she dropped on the sofa kicking of her shoes. “Do you ever have a quiet day?”  

“Hmm... Sunday.” Fred chuckled as he sat down next to her,  p laced her feet on his lap and started rubbing them. 

“That feels great.” Hermione relaxed to his touch and looked around. “Where is George?”  

“He's going out with Lee tonight. Going to get some drinks at the new pub down the street.”  

“Don't you want to go with them?” Hermione asked as she pulled herself up.  

“No, I can see George and Lee whenever I want, you'll be leaving soon. So, I plan to spent as much time with you while I still can.”  

“Are you sure?”  

“Definitely.”  

“Let me make you dinner then.”  

“Already taking care of.” He winked and turned to the table. Hermione looked over and saw that the dinner table was set for two and the plates were already loaded with food.  

“When did you have the time? It was crazy today!”  

“I have my secrets.” He winked.  

“Why are you so amazing?” Hermione grinned as she dropped her feet from his lap and snuggled close to him.  

“I was born amazing, George too .”  

“I love you.” Hermione said as she looked in his eyes.  

“Gods, I love you too.” He whispered before capturing her lips.   

The kiss quickly became heated and Hermione threw her leg over him so she was straddling him. One hand of Fred's was in her hair, while the other roamed around her back while Hermione's hand was at the nape of his neck and the other on his chest. Fred moaned as Hermione moved on his lap. Hermione pushed his blazer of his shoulders without breaking the kiss before she shook off her own. She fumbled on the buttons of his shirt when Fred broke the kiss. He looked at her, eyes full of love.  

“Are you sure?” He asked quietly. Hermione popped a button of his shirt.  

“Yes.” She breathed. That was the only conformation he needed. Fred stood up easily with Hermione still strapped on his waist. She locked her legs around him while he carried her to the bedroom. Hermione finished the last button of his shirt as they entered the room. Fred closed the door with his foot and lowered Hermione to the ground as she pushed off his shirt. Hermione took in Fred's broad chest, trailing her hands softly up and down.  

“You like what you see?” Fred said grinning. Hermione looked up and bit her lip nervously. “If you want to stop love, that's okay.”  

“Just kiss me.” She said breathless. Fred claimed her lips once more and pulled her shirt loose from her pants and with one quick movement pulled the shirt over her head. Fred took in a deep breath as she stood there wearing a white lace bra. Hermione looked at Fred nervously as she tried to cover up.  

“You’re beautiful.” He swallowed thickly and picked her back up and brought her to the bed.  

Fred and Hermione took their time that evening to explore everything about each other in the bedroom. Now Fred laid in bed naked, only covered by a thin blanket as he looked down at the beautiful witch that was resting on his chest.  

“I don't want you to leave.” He whispered in her hair.  

“Me neither.” Hermione sighed as she looked up at him. “But your mum...”  

“I know …. wait here.” He kissed her softly before stepping out of bed. He threw on boxershorts and a t-shirt and headed out the room. He came back a few minutes later grinning widely.  

“What did you do?” Hermione asked as she leaned on her arm.  

“I convinced mum that you could stay over tonight. I told her you fell asleep on the sofa and we are going to work on our stock at eight tomorrow. So, it would be easier if you'd stay the night.”  

“And she agreed?” Hermione asked voice full of shock.  

“I told her George was here too and I would bunk with him. That's the benefit of a secret relationship. If mum knew, she would never agree to it. She would want us to get married before we can even sleep in the same room. She wants us at the burrow around 11 tomorrow.” Fred chuckled.  

“Do you have something for me to wear?” Hermione looked under her blanket. “I don't think George would appreciate if I walked around like this.”  

“Oh, I don't think he'll mind that much, love.”  Fred’s chuckle  died when Hermione threw a pillow at him. “But I do. What's under there is for my eyes only.”  

He kissed her soundly and was ready to climb into bed with her again when they heard George enter the flat. Hermione looked frighted and Fred quickly passed her another one of his jerseys and shorts. Hermione was barely dressed when George walked in the room.  

“Freddie, why...” George stopped in the door as he looked between Fred and Hermione in barely dressed state. Fred stepped in front of Hermione.  

“We'll be right out George.” George wiggled his eyebrows at his twin before walking back out closing the door behind him. 

“I'm sorry’ love.”  

“It's okay, Fred.” She gently touched his cheek. “I trust George. Maybe next time just put a locking spell on the door.”  

“That I can do.” He swooped down and kissed her. “Next time huh, when will that be?” He grinned at her. She slapped his chest before walking out the room to finally eat dinner.  

George, Fred and Hermione flooed over to the burrow the next morning for their Sunday lunch. Harry, Ginny and Ron were sitting in the living room. The boys were playing chess while Ginny read Witch Weekly. As they stumbled out of the fireplace all three looked up.  

“Morning.” The twins said in unison. Ron mumbled a good morning back before his concentration went back to the game before him. Ginny looked at Hermione smiling before mouthing 'We'll talk later'. Harry on the other hand was frowning at Fred. Hermione just shook her head and sat down next to Harry. The twins took off to the kitchen to greet their mother.  

“Harry  stop it. Nothing happened.” Hermione whispered the lie but she felt Harry shoulders relax. After Ron kicked Harry's ass for the millionth time, the four of them walked to the kitchen where Molly was fretting over the twins.  

“Mum. We eat more than enough.”  

“Nonsense, you two are too skinny.” She said as she put some extra potatoes on their plates. “Oh, Hermione dear. Did you get a goodnight sleep? The twins didn't wake you up did they?” Molly said as she ushered Hermione next to George.  

“No, Molly. I slept wonderful.”  

“Well, one twin kept you up until late at night.” George whispered in her ear. Hermione turned red and kicked his shin. George cursed at the contact. All eyes fell upon him. “Sorry, kicked the table.”  

Hermione grinned proudly as George neck turned red.  

“Hermione, did you do something with your hair? You look different.”  

“Uhm no, Molly.” Hermione patted her hair nervously. She can't know, can she? Is it a mother's instinct? Hermione started to turn red and looked over at Fred. George was grinning widely next to her. Fred looked a bit panicked at her, but regained his posture quickly.  

“Mum? Isn't dad coming for lunch?”  

Molly turned her gaze from Hermione to her fourth son. “No, dear. He had an emergency at work. Bill should be here in a bit though.”  

Molly then started talking all about Fleur, not the best things might I add. But Hermione felt that Molly's gaze flickered back to her every once in a while. Ginny looked ready to explode and the moment lunch was over she dragged Hermione to her room. Harry and Ron seemed none the wiser as they talked about quidditch for the next year.  

Chapter Text

George and Hermione woke up the following day at 1 in the afternoon with a severe hangover, still dressed in their clothes from the night before. George asked Suze to bring them some pepper-up potion which helped immensely. Hermione and George both got dressed into their PJ's as they weren't leaving the hotel room that day. George worked on the potion while Hermione took another crack at the turner. After an hour George sat down next to Hermione on the foot of the bed. 

“Need any help?” 

“Yes, thanks.” Hermione said rubbing her eyes after she passed the turner to him. “I could use a new pair of eyes.” 

George frowned before he whispered “Aparecium.” 

Hermione’s and George's eyes went big when a blood rune appeared on the back of the time turner. 

“A blood rune.” Hermione whispered. “What kind of blood, who's blood?” 

“The blood of a pureblood?” George asked as he turned the necklace around in his hands. 

“Maybe... or maybe from the one who cast the spell or is a relation to the one.” 

“So, our best chance is Mason, he's both.” 

Hermione nodded in agreement as she summoned her Patronus and sent it to Mason. Her hand trembled as she put her hand down. George placed his hand on her. 

“Are you okay?” 

“If this works, if the blood works, we are finally getting him back Georgie.” 

“Yeah.” George chocked out as he clamped the turner in his hand. “When Mason gets here and that is the key. We can start on a plan on what to do when we go back and we should probably start collecting the memories for Mason since we already finished the spells on the vials.” 

“Okay.” She said squeezing his hand. “Let's wait for Mason and see where we go from there.” 

They didn't have to wait long. After ten minutes a knock came from the door, George and Hermione got up and opened the door. 

“Morning.” Mason smiled, eyes still showing signs for the night before. 

“Afternoon you mean.” George chuckled as he clapped is back. “How did your night end? When we left you were still dancing with the little witch.” 

“It went well.” He grinned. “Just left her place actually.” 

“Really?” Hermione asked not surprised at all. “Well, I hope we didn't get you away from something  important.” 

“No-no, it's okay. So did you find anything?” He asked as he sat down in front of them at the coffee table. 

“There is a blood rune on it. We think it might need a pure-blood or blood of a relative to the one who cast it.” 

“And you're the first one we could think of. Especially since you are both.” George laughed softly as he placed the turner on the table between them. 

“Typical.” Mason murmured as he took the turner in his hands. “Should have thought about it. It wouldn't be the first time they used something like that.” 

Mason took out a red Swiss pocket knife from his jacket. George’s eyes lit up as he watched him take out the right tool. George took something from his jeans pocket holding it out, grinning. 

“Fred made this one for my birthday.” It was a Swiss pocket knife in dark wood with his name carved in it. “My brothers never understood why we use it but-” 

“It comes in handy, right.” Mason smiled. He looked down and pricked his finger with the knife. 

“You want to do this here, now?” Hermione asked, eyebrows shot up. 

“Uhm yeah, where else?” 

“We don't know what it will do.” 

George stood up and put several charms around the room. “Now it's as save as it can get.” 

Mason nodded and pushed his finger so a couple drops of blood fell down on the necklace. Hermione took George's hand nervously. The first few seconds nothing happened, then the necklace started to burn and Mason dropped it on the table with a hiss. The next moment a bright red light came from the turner. George shielded Hermione with his body as the light consumed the room. When the light died down George pulled back and saw Mason unconscious on the floor.   

“Mason!” George yelled and ran over to him with Hermione. George pushed him on the sofa and Hermione checked his pulse. 

“He's just unconscious.” She breathed in relief. “Mason?” She gently shook his shoulders. Mason groaned before opening his eyes. 

“What happened?” 

“The light knocked you unconscious. How do you feel?" 

“I'm good.” He said as he rubbed his head and sat back up. “Did it work?” 

They all turned towards the table where the necklace still was, the blood drops gone. Hermione reached her hand over and held it in front of her. She studied it and cast some spells over it before she said. “I think it did.” 

Mason dropped back down in relief and George slumped against the sofa letting out a breath. Hermione turned towards the boys as she sat down on the coffee table. 

“Let's take a break. I'll order dinner and then we can start on a plan.” She turned towards Mason. “And we'll start on the memories.” 

“Okay,” He grinned after a moment. “But first food.” 

George and Hermione started collecting their memories and put them in the vials as Mason was still resting after dinner. Mason was enjoying his soufflé as he watched George pull a memory from his head and put it in a vial. 

“I'm done.” George sighed as he dropped down next to Hermione who finished before him. He flicked his wand and cast the last charms on the vials. “You ready?” 

Mason nodded as he put the empty cup down. He placed his wand against his head and thought about their first encounter. He pulled memory after memory until he was drained. Three full vials of memories stood in front of them, one for each of them. The three of them looked intrigued at the vials, watching the liquid swirl around. 

“So, what's your plan? Now that you have the time turner?” 

Hermione didn't get the chance to sleep over again and it was now two days until she left for school. Sure, they had their stolen moments during work but she hasn't had alone time with him for more than 30 minutes. She sighed as she climbed out of her bed and got dressed for her second to last day of work. She put on her new lingerie that Ginny picked out for her last week  when  they went shopping. Hoping to get alone time with her boyfriend to surprise him. When dressed, she sat down next to Ginny with her head on her hand gazing out the window.  

“Are you not hungry, dear?" Molly asked as she eyed her full plate.  

“Hmm?” She said, shaking her head slightly to clear her thoughts. “Not so much.”  

“I'll just pack it up for you to bring to the shop. I'll pack something for the twins too.”  

“Thanks, Molly.” She smiled up at the matriarch.  

“Can you pack something for me too mum?”  

Molly and Hermione looked surprised at the youngest Weasley.   

“George asked me to help at the shop today. It's going to be extremely busy because school is almost starting. I cleared it with dad. He told me he would tell you. We are going to stay over too. The shop doesn't close until 8 tonight and opens tomorrow at 8.30, so it's easier for us.”  

“Oh.” Molly said lost in thought before she looked up at the girls again. “Oh, that's okay Ginny. Dad must've forgotten, he left really early this morning. Just let me know if something happens.” She turned back to the counter and packed the rest of the food in containers and handed them over. “Here you go. Give my love to the boys.”  

“We will. Thanks, mum.” Ginny smiled as she stood up and took the containers.  

“That's why you were up early, I thought it was rather odd.” Hermione whispered as they walked over to the fireplace. “Are we really spending the night?”  

“Yeah, convinced dad at his weakest moment.” Ginny chuckled as Hermione raised an eyebrow. “He was tinkering again with that muggle comtuter.”  

“Computer.” Hermione corrected her. Ginny grabbed some floo powder and stepped next to Hermione.  

“George and I are going to eat out tonight so you could spend some alooone time.” Ginny grinned as she stretched the word alone.  

“You planned all this?”  

“George and I did. We noticed that both of you got a bit agitated by the lack of privacy.”  

“You're amazing.” She pulled her in a hug.  

“Careful Mione or she drops all of the floo powder.” Harry chuckled from the doorway. “Are you two just going to be standing in the fireplace or are you going?”  

“We're going, we're going. Don't get your knickers in a twist Potter.” Ginny laughed, she dropped the floo powder and called out the twins flat. Harry watched as they were covered in green flames and were gone.  

“Did you tell him?” Ginny asked as George gave a side hug as they stepped out the fireplace.  

“No, not yet. Wanted to surprise him.” Ginny handed the containers to George and he floated them to the kitchen.  

“Where is Fred?” Hermione was looking around the room too as she gave George a quick hug. George laughed and Hermione turned back to him.  

“I told him mum is coming over later so he's cleaning his room. We don't want our little Mione here sleeping in that mess.”  

Hermione laughed as she walked over to Fred's room and grinned widely as she reached the door and Fred was running around picking things up. George and Ginny were snickering behind her. George cleared his throat but Fred didn't look up as he picked a dirty shirt from the floor.  

“Almost done, George.”  

The three of them snickered louder which made Fred finally look up with wide eyes.  

“Mione, you're here already.” He smiled as he walked over and gave her a short kiss. “Gin, what are you doing here?”  

“You didn't even tell him about the shop?” Ginny asked looking at the younger twin, who just shrugged. “I'm helping at the shop today. And we are crashing here tonight so we can help with the final rush tomorrow.”  

“Aaand...” George started as he looked at his twin who had his arm around Hermione's waist. “Gin and I are going out tonight so you two can have some privacy.”  

“Really?”  

“You sound just like Hermione.” Ginny grinned. “Yes really.”  

“But nobody tell mum. If she finds out I'm taking Ginny out without extra protection, she will kill me.”  

“So, mum's not coming?” Fred asked as he looked around his freshly cleaned up room.  

“No, but you don't want Hermione here to sleep in your filth, do you?” George grinned as he pulled her away from his arm and looped his around her shoulder.  

“It wasn't that bad!” Fred cried out; George just raised an eyebrow. “Fine. Better now?” Fred asked gesturing at his room.  

“Much.” You could hear the grin in his voice.  

Chapter Text

Even with the help of Ginny, Verity and Lee they all were beat at the end of the day. When George closed the door to the shop that night, they all fell to the ground in the middle of the shop sitting in a circle.  

“I think every student of Hogwarts passed today.” Fred sighed as he rubbed his face. “Thanks for your help today, guys.”  

“Any time, mate.” Lee smiled at his best friends, rubbing his feet. “Do you guys want to grab a drink and maybe a bite to eat?”  

Fred and Hermione looked at each other. Trying to decide what to say.  

“I -uhm.” Hermione started.  

“Just tell him,   e won't say anything.” George sighed looking over at Fred.  

“Tell me what? What am I missing?” Lee looked confused at  all of them.  

Fred looked over to his girlfriend, who smiled and nodded at him. Fred gestured her over and she cuddled in his side, his arm draped over her. “Hermione is my girlfriend. But we are keeping it quiet for now.” He added as he saw Lee's wide grin.  

“Fine, I won't say anything.” He turned his gaze towards Hermione. “So, Granger, did you lose your marbles going for a Weasley twin?”  

“Oi!” The twins shouted, making the girls laugh.  

“So, we'll have to pass to drinks tonight. I would like to spent some alone time with my girl here, before she's off to Hogwarts.” He squeezed her even tighter to his side, placing a kiss on the top of her head.  

“Aww...” The others chorused.  

“How adorable.” Lee chuckled, dodging a pack of screaming sweets that Fred tossed at him.  

“But we are in.” George said as he pointed to himself and Ginny.  

“Me too.” Verity chimed in.  

“Let's go change, Ginny.” George stood up and pulled his baby sister up. “Then we can leave the lovebirds alone.” He grinned as he wiggled his eyebrows at her.  

Half an hour later Hermione and Fred were finally alone. Fred told her to go to the bedroom as he fixed something to eat. It was already nine at night when she changed in Fred's quidditch shirt. She sat down on the blankets and grabbed the book that was on Fred's nightstand. She was just flipping through it when Fred walked in, carrying a plate of snacks. She placed the book back on his nightstand as he sat down next to her. They ate in comfortable silence as they leaned against each other. When they finished, Fred sent the plates to the kitchen with a wave of his wand. They looked at each other for only a second before their lips crashed.  

“Gods, I'm going to miss you.” He sighed as they parted, his head resting against hers.  

“I'm going to miss you too.” She traced her thumb against his cheek.  

“I have something for you.” Fred grinned as he turned to grab something from under his bed. He turned back holding a rectangular box in his hands. “As I am not seeing you on your birthday, I thought I’d give it to you now.”  

“You didn't have to get me anything.”  

“I know, but I wanted to.” He smiled as he handed over the box. She let her fingers  graze  the box before clicking it open. Her jaw dropped as she saw the necklace. A blue dewdrop pendant on a white silver chain. Her fingers grazed the necklace carefully before looking up.  

“Fred, it's too much.”  

“Nothing is too much for you. Don't you like it?”  

“No, I love it. It's gorgeous but...”  

“No buts. I love you, Mione. I love you more than I ever thought was possible.”  

The next moment Hermione had swung her hands across his neck as she kissed him fiercely, tugging at the hem of his shirt.  

“I love you too, Freddie. Never loved someone like I love you.” She said as he looked in his eyes. “And I have a surprise for you too. A going away present of sorts” She grinned seductively. She stood up from the bed and after a moment of hesitation, she pulled off the quidditch jersey. Her nervousness completely gone as she looked at  Fred’s reaction. Love, lust, shock, desire all crossed his face as he looked at her wearing a dark red lace lingerie set. Fred groaned as he looked at her, making Hermione giggle.  

“Best. Going. Away. Present. Ever!” He chocked out as he crawled to her on the bed between each word. He ended up sitting in front of her on his knees as she stood there in front of him. He placed his hands on her waist as he took her in once more. “Merlin! You are beautiful.” He whispered before pulling her to bed with him as he kissed her.  

George and Hermione were packing their stuff with trembling hands because in a few days they would change the past. They weren't afraid of the consequences if they were caught but afraid that all of their work would have been for nothing. It's been a week since they broke all of the protective spells on the charm. They had owled Harry and Molly but didn't tell them they would be back in England in a week, because when they’ll go back, they aren't going to waste time before going back to the past and save Fred. Mason worked with them all week to work out a plan, spending hours and hours looking for possible things that could go wrong. After a week they couldn't think of anything anymore and thought they were as much prepared as they could. They could have kept planning for years and finding new ways or problems. It was now or never. They are planning on having one last night in New York, getting dinner with Mason before they left for London the next morning. They already booked their portkey, that left the next morning at 10 o'clock with or without them. George decided to go without the Felix but would put it on a statis so he could work on it when he got home. “You never know when we will need it.” was George's answer. 

“Can you check under the bed?” Hermione asked George as she packed up her books in the beaded bag. George flopped down on the ground as he poked his head under the bed, pulling out several items from the joke shop. “That's what I thought.” Hermione chuckled as she picked up the things George found under the bed. George said something unintelligible from under the bed. 

“What?” 

“I said-” George started as he wiggled himself from under the bed. “You sound just like mum.” 

Hermione put her hand on her hip and pointed down at George. “George Gideon Weasley!” She put on her best Molly impression. 

“Wow, that's on point.” George looked at her wide-eyed. 

“Had enough practice with your little brother. Even Harry on occasion.” She chuckled. 

“I'm sure you did, 7 years with ickle Ronniekens and boy wonder. I'm surprised you didn't go mad.” 

“I did sometimes.” She laughed as she put her and George's stuff on the desk. She turned and leaned against it as she crossed her legs and folded her arms over her chest looking at George who was sitting against the foot end of the bed. “You think we're ready?” She asked, her face turning serious. 

George looked up at her. “I think so yes.” He stood up and walked over to her and draped his arm around her shoulder, bringing her close. “We have it all planned out, we are doing this, Hermione. We are getting him back.” 

“I hope so.” 

“I know so.” George said determined. He glanced over at his watch. “Let's go. Mason is waiting at the bar.” He pulled her straight from the desk and apparated them to the alley behind the Lunar Eclipse. 

“ Happy birthday Mione!” Ginny jumped up on her bed. Hermione jolted up from the impact and groaned.  

“Merlin, Ginny, I think I have some bruised ribs.”  Hermione was rubbing her ribs gently.  

“Sorry, got excited.” She grinned as she climbed off her. “Come on, get dressed.”  

“Alright alright, give me a minute will you...” Hermione chuckled. She got dressed and walked downstairs to the great hall with the red head. When she sat down at the table, Ginny placed a pink cupcake in front of her with one single candle.  

“Make a wish.”  

Hermione closed her eyes and blew out the candle. When she opened her eyes Harry and Ron appeared in front of her.  

“A wish? Why would you wish on a candle?” Ron asked as if it was the most absurd thing. He sat down next to Harry, opposite of her.  

“It's a muggle thing.” Harry answered.  

“Yeah, Hermione explained it to me last year when I asked her that question.”  

“So, what did you wish for?” Ron asked.  

“Yeah, what did you wish for Hermione?”  Harry wiggled his eyebrows at her, making Ginny chuckle.  

“What's so funny?” Ron asked looking between Harry and  Ginny .  

“Nothing and I can't say or it won't come true.” Hermione said as she plucked the candle from the cupcake and took a bite. “Hmm my favorite. Thank you, Gin.”  

“A little bird told me.” She winked at her. The boys and Hermione exchanged presents at the table, after she placed her presents in her bag the owls flew in. Hermione looked up as four owls swooped down, carrying a parcel each. Everyone took one owl to untie the presents and let them fly away out of the open windows.  

“It's from mum.” Ginny gave her a brown parcel. She opened it and it was a big batch of homemade cookies. She also received presents from her parents, a muggle book, from George a skiving box if she wanted her birthday outside the classroom and Fred. When she opened Fred's parcel there were two things inside. The first one was a big box of sugar quills, her favorite and on the second laid a paper which he suggested to open it in private. Ginny eyed the present carefully and wiggled her eyebrows at her, grinning.  

The rest of the day was like any other, going to class after class. Of course, she didn't use the pastilles of the skiving box. But she had only one class after lunch and had the rest of the day off. Ginny asked her to meet her at the room of requirement after her last class for a small birthday party. When she reached the seventh floor, the corridor was empty. She leaned against the wall waiting for Ginny or one of her friends, completely unaware when a door appeared beside her and an arm came out and pulled her in. Hermione shrieked at the sudden movement and looked up and saw her favorite Weasley in front of her.  

“Fred?” She whispered with wide eyes.  

“Happy birthday, love.” He swooped down and captured her lips after almost three full weeks.  

“How?”  

“You know me and George, we have our ways to get in. But I had a little help from wonderboy.” He glanced over his shoulder where the invisibility cloak hung over a chair. Hermione glanced over the room, her mouth dropped open a bit.“You like it?”  

There were streamers against the walls, balloons in her favorite color, which coincidentally was the same colour of Fred eyes, deep blue. On the coffee table stood an arrangement of cupcakes and butterbeer. The room was lit with candles, making it very romantic.  

“Fred, this is amazing.” She looked back at the handsome man in front of her. “I missed you.” She wrapped her hands around his neck and hugged him tight. His arms wound immediately around her, pulling her close.  

“I missed you too.” He whispered in her hair. Feeling his arms around her, inhaling his scent was nothing against the many letters they sent to each other over the past weeks. They stood there in each other’s arms before Fred walked over the sofa and cuddled up close, talking about the last few weeks  while  eating cupcakes and drinking butterbeer.  

“When do you leave?” Hermione asked as she put down her empty bottle of butterbeer.  

“I have a little surprise.” He grinned as he placed his bottle down and pulled her up.  

“Another one?” She asked with a quirked eyebrow. Fred chuckled as he led her to the right side of the room, a door in the far back that Hermione didn't notice. Fred pushed the door open and let her pass. The only thing in the room was a  king-sized  bed and a window with the view of the black lake.  

“You don't have classes tomorrow and George can handle the shop. So, if you want, I can stay. Harry and Ginny will cover for you. Your roommates probably won't notice since you go to sleep later  than  them and wake up early.” His voice sounded uncertain. Hermione turned  and saw him  nervously shuffling his feet, looking down. She walked closer to him and cupped his cheek. He looked up into her big brown eyes.  

“I want you to stay.” She said before kissing him. “Why are you so amazing?”  

Fred smiled and captured her lips once again as he backed her to the bed. Their clothes disappeared quickly when they reached the bed.  
After a couple of hours, they got dressed, Fred brought another quidditch jersey from him and handed it to his girlfriend. They entered the other room again where a dining table had appeared, covered with food. Hermione glazed over at Fred who grinned sheepishly. 

“What?” He asked innocently. “I just asked Dobby and Trix for some dinner. I didn't think it would be this much.”  

She had the best birthday she could wish for with the man she loved right by her side. The next day they slept in late and Dobby and Trix arranged another extravagant breakfast. They talked more about school and about the shop and spending the whole day in bed before Fred reluctantly had to leave. Hermione almost had to push him out the secret passage because he kept stalling. But Hermione knew people would get suspicious if she stayed out any longer, especially Ron.  

Chapter Text

After George and Hermione said goodbye to Mason and promised to find him as quickly as they could when they got back, they went back to the hotel for a restless night.  
They got up early and checked the room twice before heading out. They had breakfast at time square before heading to MACUSA for the last time. They were greeted by an elderly witch who guided them to the room where they were going to use the portkey. It was a simple white room with several chairs against the wall. The witch gave them a top hat and checked her watch. 

“Five minutes.” She said before giving them a small nod an left the room. George and Hermione stood in silence as they watched the top hat. And after exact five minutes the hat started to vibrate. They looked at each other before placing one finger each on the hat. They felt the tug behind their bellybutton and everything swirled before them; a few seconds later they fell to the ground in their dark flat. George dropped down his bag and went to open the curtains. Hermione sat down and George soon joined her. Hermione looked over at George before pulling out his wand as she tapped his head. 

“That's better.” She smiled at his red hair before she tapped her own head and the blond was replaced with her own brown hair color again. 

“I liked the blond better.” George teased as he pulled on her hair. She slapped his hand away chuckling, before silence fell to the room. 

“So tomorrow.” George said after a couple of minutes, staring in front of him. 

“Tomorrow.” Hermione repeated. 

“So, when the hour is up, we will get send back to this date but hopefully another time line.” 

“That's what Luna said, we should end up in the same place we use the turner but a different date. I'll borrow Harry's cloak so it would be easier getting in the castle.” She winked at ‘borrow’. “I can get it when he's away at work tomorrow and you could get everything ready that we need.” 

“I can go down the shop tomorrow, maybe there are some products we can use. Every little bit helps right?” 

“Do you want me to go with you?” 

“No, I think I'll be alright.” He gave her a small smile. “So, we leave for the castle at 10 tomorrow night.” 

“And we'll take the passage way under Honey Dukes. It takes a little longer but we don't want to be caught.” 

“And we use the turner in the cupboard not far from Fred and Percy.” 

“At a quarter to one.” She nodded her head as they went over the plan once again. 

“Could you nick the Marauder's map too? Just in case. We don't want to bump into someone tomorrow because I know we have the cloak, but not quite sure it would cover us both.” 

“Yes -” she thought about it. “I think I could get it. Harry normally keeps them together anyway.” 

They went over the entire plan twice that day before getting something to eat and going off to their own beds for the first time in weeks. Hermione woke up in a panic. She glanced at the window; it was still pitch black. She grabbed her wand and whispered “Lumos”, before she flung her legs out of the bed and walked out of her room. She saw that George's door was ajar and pushed it open. She looked in and saw that George was sitting straight up, looking at a picture in his hands. 

“Georgie?” Hermione asked. George looked up in surprise and gestured her over. She walked over and sat down next to him. “Can't sleep?” 

“No. You?” 

“No. I think it's the nerves and the fact we slept in the same bed for weeks and now I'm not used to it anymore, sleeping alone.” 

“I know what you mean. I woke only a few minutes after I closed my eyes and the first thing I did was to look for you.” 

“Can I sleep here?” She looked over and George nodded as he pulled the blanket back before covering her. “What are you looking at?” She asked as she snuggled in the pillow. 

“Picture of me and Fred. The day we opened the shop.” He showed her the picture before he placed it back on his nightstand. “Come on, let's try to get some sleep. We'll need it.” He kissed the top of her head before he sank in his pillow. “Goodnight, Granger.” 

“Goodnight, Weasley.” 

The next morning Hermione apparated to Grimmauld. She slipped in as quietly as possible, trying not to be heard by Kreacher. She tiptoed into the hallway and up the stairs, happily noticing that the painting of Mrs Black was gone. She slipped into Harry’s room and went straight to his school trunk that was sitting at the foot of his bed. She clicked it open and pulled out the cloak and stuffed it in her beaded bag, right under the cloak laid the map. Hermione shook her head at Harry's predictability and also placed it in her bag. She silently closed the door and headed back down. She heard Kreacher whistling in the kitchen when she passed the door. She hurried herself out of the house and apparated back to the flat. 

George was standing in front of the door to the shop. He took in a deep breath and opened the door slowly. The sun shined in through the windows and the shop looked totally fine, like there wasn't a war and the death eaters didn't destroy half of it. Lee must've gotten to work to get the shop in order. Every little thing that was broken was mended. The shelves were filled with their products and all the dust and sooth was gone. George took a moment to take in the room and walked over to the shelves, skimming them one for one and taking out the stuff that they might need. George placed everything in a box and when he was done, he sat down on the floor and looked around. He didn't know how long he sat there zoned out, but it took Hermione three tries to get him to focus. 

“George?” Hermione said gently as she placed her hand on his shoulder. He looked up in her brown eyes. “Are you okay? I've called you like three times.” 

“Yeah, sorry. I'm okay. Just zoned out a bit.” He went to stand up but Hermione pushed him back down and sat down next to him. “Did you get the cloak?” 

“Yes, and the map too. Kreacher was there but I managed to evade him. It's upstairs in my bag.” She looked down at the box. “What did you find?” 

“I got some things that might help. Thought we could go over them together to see what we can take.” 

“We'll take the box upstairs later. I just want to sit here for a moment.” 

George hummed in agreement as they both gazed around the shop. George was so lost in thought as he reminisced about their days at the shop together, he didn't hear Hermione speak once again. 

“Sorry what?” He asked. 

“I just said that I loved it here. I loved working with you guys that summer.” 

“We loved having you here too. You already know how much Fred loved it, but I did too.” He glanced over at her. “We got closer that summer.” 

“Yes, we did. I'm a glad for it. I can talk to you about things I can't talk about with Harry and Ron.” 

“You know I tell Freddie everything, but it was nice to have someone else's perception. I loved it when you worked on products with us.” 

“You just loved it, because you could tell people that Hermione Granger worked on joke stuff.” 

George laughed and it echoed in the store. “Well yeah.” He shrugged, still laughing. “It's funny telling people things they don't expect.” 

“Hmm, well if tomorrow goes alright, we'll be telling people about Fred and me. Maybe you should bring a camera to capture their shocked faces.” 

“Maybe I should.” He grinned. 

Hermione didn't want Fred caught so the next time they saw each other was about a month later on a Hogsmeade weekend. Ron and Harry went to the quidditch shop and Hermione disappeared and met up with Fred in the shrieking shack. They spent all day there before she headed back to the castle. Ron was getting suspicious with Hermione's disappearances and that she was continually writing someone but wouldn't tell who. But that all changed when Lavender kissed Ron in a full common room. She felt relieved that Ron didn't pay that much attention to her anymore, but also felt disgusted at the fact that it was Lavender of all people. Couldn't he snog another witch who didn't look down at her.  

The next time she saw Fred, was at Christmas. He couldn't pick her up from the train station because her parents were going to pick her up, so Hermione didn't see him until she arrived at the burrow on boxing day. Fred and George volunteered to pick her up at her parents' place.  
When Hermione heard the bell ring, she sprinted downstairs with her bag, ready to open the door but her mother beat her to it. 

“Good morning, Mrs Granger.” She heard the twins say.  

“Good morning. Fred and George, was it?” Her mum asked nicely as she gestured them in.  

“Yes ma'am. I'm Fred.”  

“I'm George.” They saluted her which made her mum chuckle. Then Fred's eyes fell on her.  

“Hermione.” He breathed. George gave him a subtle shove and Fred shook his head  and  grinned. “Ready to go?”  

“Yes.” She turned to her mum and kissed her cheek. “I'll owl you. Give dad a kiss from me.”  

“Sure will, honey. Have fun.”  

Fred and George bowed deep before leaving the house. When Fred, George and Hermione were out of sight from  her mother and other muggles, George turned his back to them as Fred pulled her close.  

“Hi’ love.” He whispered before kissing her soundly.  

“Hi.” She smiled up at him. George cleared his throat before he turned.  

“Let's get going lovebirds.” George chuckled as he grabbed Hermione's stuff and apparated out.  

“Better go, before mum gets in a frenzy.” Fred rolled his eyes. “Just one more for the road.” Hermione giggled at his antics before he kissed her again. He held her close to his chest and apparated them just outside the  burrow's  barrier. George stood  there  waiting for them as they walked towards the burrow ,  Hermione squished protectively between the twins. The door of the kitchen flew open and Ginny came bouncing out.  

“Hermione!” She yelled as she wrapped her arms around her. “Thank Merlin you are here. Ron is going nuts ! He   wanted to open the presents about an hour ago but he had to wait until you got here. So you know Ron, he's been whining for the last hour.”  

“Let's get inside before your mum hits him with a spatula.”  

“Wouldn't be the first time.” George muttered under his breath.  

“Finally.” Ron cried as he ran to the living room.   

Hermione chuckled when Molly came over and gave her a bone crushing hug.  

“Hermione dear, Happy Christmas. So glad you could come. Your parents didn't mind ,  did they?”  

“Happy Christmas Molly. No, we celebrated yesterday and they have to work the rest of the holiday. ”The matriarch nodded and pointed to the sandwiches on the table. “Do you want something to eat?”  

“I had breakfast at home but thank you.” She smiled up at Molly.  

“Alright, let's go to the living room before Ronald unpacks everything without us.” She gestured the girls and the twins to the other room. Bill and Fleur sat by the fireplace and waved to her. Ron sat closely by the tree, tapping his fingers on the floorboard. Ginny sat down next to her dad with Molly. Harry jumped up and gave her a hug and a Happy Christmas before sitting down next to Ron. The only ones that were absent  were  Percy and Charlie, who was still in Romania. The twins led her to the sofa and placed her between them once again.  

“Who wants to go first?” Arthur asked as he rubbed his hands. “Ginny?”  

Ron groaned as Ginny grinned at him as she picked a package from under the three and handed it over to Bill. This goes on  for  over an hour as they picked up gifts and handed  them  over. Oooh’s and aaah’s, thank you's and I love it,  rang  through the room. Hermione got a scarf and hat from Molly in her favorite blue color with the letter H sewn on it. Ron and Ginny gave her a large box of sugar quills. Bill gifted her with a new book on ancient runes ,  while Fleur gave her a book on curse breaking around Europe. Harry first gave her a gag gift, a book: Learning to fly for kids. She chucked the book at his head before he gave her the real present. He gave her a simple bracelet with the initials of the one she loved. She had tears in her eyes as she hugged him tight.  

George grabbed one of the last packages under the tree and handed it to her.  
“It's from me and Fred. We worked on it for weeks and we finally perfected it.” 

Hermione raised an eyebrow at the two grinning faces next to her and she was afraid to open  it,  but when she  did,  it wasn't what she expected. On her lap laid a simple small black notebook. She flipped it open, but it was empty. She looked between the twins, who laughed at her confused look.  

“Harry told us about the two-way  mirror he got from Sirius.” Fred started.  

“And we tried to make one ourselves-”  

“But it didn't quite work out.” Fred said with furrowed eyebrows.  

“So, we thought about other ways to contact each other that is considerably faster than owls.”  

“That’s when we came up with this.” Fred tapped the book in front of her.  

“This is one book of a set. We have the other one. We charmed it so only we can read it.”  

“The moment you write something in it, it will appear on ours and vice versa.”  

“And if you write a name like Fred in the beginning of the sentence, I won't be able to read it, only him.”  

“We are working on getting more books connected to it but no such luck so far.”  

“You two made this? You made this for me?”  

“Of course, love.” The twins almost yelled, gathering the others’ attention.  

“You... you brilliant amazing wizards! I can't believe you!” She cried out as she hugged them both tightly and kissed them on the cheek. She got up and tossed them identical packages with orange and purple wrappers. She sat down between them again as they ripped it open. They both got new gloves and aprons for when they would work on potions.  

“They are dragon hide, supposed to be indestructible. I branded your initials on them .” She pointed shyly at the letter on the gloves and aprons, unsure if they like it.  

“Mione, this is amazing!” George grinned wide as he pulled her close.  

“I saw that the ones you guys were using this summer were falling apart. So, I thought--”  

“It's perfect, love.” Fred almost kissed her before he corrected himself and kissed her cheek. Before he pulled back, he whispered. “I'll give you my present later.”  

“Right back at you.” She whispered  back and  wiggled her eyebrows, chuckling as his eyes widened.  

Chapter Text

The day dragged on, but they had to wait. George suggested they'd go a bit early to Hogsmeade and grab something to eat at the three broomsticks. That's where they are now; a bottle of butterbeer in front of them with an untouched plate of fish and chips, both too nervous to eat. Hermione's bag was full of things they might need, including the vials of memories and the letter they wrote, George's pocket was stuffed with products of the shop. After an hour of glancing nervously around, they gave up and they went for a walk around Hogsmeade. Hermione was looking at the window of the bookshop when George pulled her away, into an alley. 

“George?” Hermione asked before George placed his hand over her mouth and pointed to the main street. After a couple of seconds, she heard Harry's voice, then he came into view with Hagrid. George pushed them even further in the alley as they passed. Neither of them noticed them in the dark. When they passed, George removed his hand and let out a sigh of relief. 

“That was close. Maybe we should head out to Honey Dukes.” George asked as he glanced around the now empty main street. Hermione looked at her watch and nodded. She twirled around nervously with the two time-turners that hung around her neck. 

“Yes, let's go.” She hurried to the store with George hot on her heels. Hermione started to go to the front door, but George steered her to the back entrance. With a wave of his wand the door flew open and they slipped in. George heard the owner talk to a customer and quickly opened the hatch so they could climb in. They walked about forty-five minutes before they reached the castle. Hermione took the cloak and map out of her beaded bag when they reached the statue. They checked the map and saw that nobody was in sight. Most of the students were in bed or in the common room, only a handful of prefects were roaming the castle as were a few teachers. George took one secret passageway after another, while he checked the map. They finally reached the right corridor, but when they reached it, the corridor was still in ruins. Both stopped breathing as they reached the spot where Fred died. Hermione laid her hand on one of the boulders as she chocked on her breath, tears falling down her face. George was next to her in an instant and wrapped his arm around her. She could feel George shake as he guided them away from the corridor. Their plan to use the cupboard right where it happened, crumbled and they needed to find another place. 

“What do we do now?” Hermione asked as she tried to control her breathing. 

George grabbed both of her shoulders. “We'll just take a cupboard a little further. We calculated these things in remember?” He looked over her head and dragged her with him. George opened another cupboard and slid in, closing the door after Hermione. “Should we use the cloak or a disguise?” 

“I think a disguise would work best. If we use the cloak, we don't have enough mobility and in the midst of a war no one is going to pay that much attention on us if we don't attack them.” Hermione answered as she found her composure again. George and Hermione glanced at their watch at the same time before looking back to each other and gave a small nod. Hermione pulled out the turner and placed it on both of their necks, George had to bend down a bit for her to reach it probably. She gave them back the blond hair, putting her hair up in a tight bun. 

“Here goes nothing.” She whispered as she looked in his eyes. He gave her a small smile and their gaze fell on the turner as she started twisting it. The inside of the cupboard didn't change much, they only saw flashes of Filch and a few house elves as they grabbed some cleaning supplies. Then the turner stopped and they heard the rage of the war going on behind the door. They took a deep breath and George squeezed her hand before she opened the door. 

With their notebook, writing to Fred – and George- was easier than sending and waiting on owls. Everyone at school was so used to Hermione with her head in the books they didn't even give her a second glance. The weeks crept by, and she saw Fred two more times after Christmas. The Hogsmeade trips were canceled after what happened to Katie, but Fred convinced her to see him, so he broke into the castle to see her, meeting her at the room of requirement. The next time they saw each other was when Ron was poisoned. George and Fred got their dad's Patronus and apparated to Hogsmeade. They ran towards the castle and crashed into the hospital wing. Their mum stood up immediately and hugged them tight.  

“He'll be alright. Harry saved him.” She cried on their shoulders.  

“What happened?” George asked as they both surveyed the room. Around Ron's bed sat Hermione and Ginny, eyes red due to tears. Bill and Arthur sat on the bed next to their little brother. Molly sat down next to her husband as Arthur started filling them in. Even though he was listening he was looking at the girl he loved.  

"Are you alright?" He mouthed to her. She smiled softly at him and gave him a nod. Fred turned his attention back to his parents.  

“We'll walk them back to the common room mum.” George said as he gestured to Harry, Hermione and Ginny.  

“Thank you dear.” His mum smiled at him as they made their way out the hospital wing.  

“Hogwarts safest place, my ass!” Fred grumbled next to Hermione as they walked back to the common room. The castle was empty as it neared twelve o'clock. Hermione reached over and grabbed his hand. He looked at the intertwined fingers in surprise before he found her brown eyes looking up at him.  

“George? We'll be right up.” Hermione called to the twin in front of them. George looked back and gave a short nod before leading his sister and wonderboy up the steps. Hermione dragged him behind her into an empty classroom, she closed the door behind them and leaned against the door, looking back at their still intertwined hands. Fred took a step closer and buried his head in her neck. Hermione's hands clasped around him immediately and pulled him close. After a few minutes Fred pulled back and placed his head on hers.  

“Can you just drop out of school and come live with me and Georgie? Then I'll know you're safe .” He whispered.  

“Fred... you know I can't do that. You know I was never safe with Harry and Ron as my best friends.” She chuckled trying to lighten the mood, but it didn't work. “Fred, hey look at me.” She tipped his head with her finger. “Ron is going to be okay... I'm okay.”  

Fred searched her eyes for a moment before he picked her up, her legs automatically wrapping themselves around his waist. He pushed her gently against the door as he kissed her passionately.  

“I love you.” He whispered between kisses.  

“I love you too.” She answered as he looked in his eyes, full of love and worry. She kissed him again and they stayed in that position for a while with her legs still securely around him, her hands in his hair. When they both calmed down about the events that day and the heavy snogging session, they walked back to the common room, fingers intertwined. When they stepped through the portrait hole, Ginny and George were sound asleep in each  other’s  arms near the fireplace. Harry was sleeping on one of the love seats at their feet, a pile of drool on the arm rest. Fred walked over to the sofa and laid down. He gestured for her to join him, when she rested her head against his chest, he conjured blankets for all five of them. He kissed her head gently and whispered. “Goodnight love.”  

“Goodnight, Freddie.” Only a few seconds later  and  they were sound asleep. The only noise that filled the common room was their even breathing and the sound of raindrops against the windows.  

Chapter Text

When Hermione opened the door, it was Tonks and Remus that appeared. They were battling two death eaters and they were winning. What they didn't see was a death eater coming from behind them as he pointed his wand at them. George and Hermione didn't waist a second, they jumped out of the cupboard, both blasting a spell on the death eater. The man flew backwards and crashed against the wall, falling to the floor, not moving.  

George and Hermione looked at each other before making their way to where Fred would be, sending spells to the death eaters around them. Hoping they could do more than just save Fred. An acromantula ran its way to them. George grabbed a box from his front pocket and threw it at its feet. The box burst open, and the floor turned into ice. The giant spider slipped on the ice and fell backwards out of the hole that a blast caused on the side of the castle. The cry from the creature died when a loud thump sounded through the halls. 

Hermione saw a head of bouncing curls, followed by a red head and raven black hair. She pushed George behind the pillar as the golden trio rushed past them. When they were gone, they made their way further, they skid to a halt because of a large hole in the floor. Hermione glanced at her watch and saw the minutes tick by. She looked worried at George and he looked back with the same eyes. He grabbed her hand and searched for a place they could cross. He waved his wand and transfigured a rock into a long wooden plank, using it as a bridge. He went first, checking if it was stable, he jumped on it slightly and when it only creaked under his feet, he pulled Hermione up there with him and they ran across from it, trying not to look down at the dark hole beneath them. 

When they crossed the make-shift bridge and turned the corner they saw Fred and Percy battling together at the very end of the hallway. They immediately ran towards them, wands raised. Fred noticed them and furrowed his brows. While George sends a spell to the death eater, she sends one to Fred. George's spell hit the death eater in the back, and he fell. George picked up his wand and broke it in half as he tossed the pieces away from him. 

At that moment the wall behind Fred exploded. George and Hermione cried out as they shot other protective spells towards Fred and Percy. Dust blinded their sight, and they couldn't see further than half a meter. They heard the other Hermione's cry from behind the dust. The dust started to clear as they waved their wands and saw the younger Hermione crouch down next to him. Tears streaming down her face as she starts picking up the rubble that covered Fred. Percy sat in the corner looking at the rubble in shock.  

The younger George showed up and he cried out as he saw Fred's red hair peeking out from under the rubble, Fred’s hand that Hermione held tightly started to move. The older Hermione wanted to rush towards Fred, but George stopped her and pointed at their younger selves. The younger George looked directly at him, and the younger Hermione's eyes followed and landed on her. The younger ones smiled at them before they disappeared with a shimmer. George and Hermione looked at each other wide-eyed in shock, mouth dropped open. Before either of them could speak, they heard a groan coming from the rubble and ran over. When they knelt on each side of him, they levitated the rocks off of him, and Fred's eyes fluttered open and looked up to Hermione and George, frowning slightly. His eyes went big as he saw their disguise fall apart, the next moment he passed out. Hermione quickly checked his pulse but felt a strong heartbeat. She looked up at George. 

“He's fine, just unconscious... George?” 

“Yeah?” He looked up and his eyes went wide. Their hair had changed back. 

“Your hair…” They whispered in unison as they touched a strand of each other's hair. The crying of Percy snapped them out of their confusion. George snapped his head back, looking at his older brother while Hermione checked the turner, but it was gone, the only thing that was left was an empty chain. 

“Percy! He's alive! Come help us, we need to get him to safety!” George yelled. Percy's head snapped up and crawled over to them. Percy looked down at his brother and saw his chest moving up and down. He cried out of relief, standing up. He transfigured a stretcher from a piece of cloth and levitated Fred on it. Percy walked in front of them, leading them to the great hall. Hermione and George walked next to the stretcher holding each of his hands. Tears falling down their cheeks… tears from months of grief, months of work and now… tears of happiness, of relief that they succeeded. Percy stopped suddenly when Voldemort’s voice ran through their heads. 

When they arrived at the great hall people were bringing in the injured and the dead. Percy gently put Fred down on the floor and sprinted over to get Madam Pomfrey. Hermione and George sat in silence as they looked over the unconscious Fred, Hermione gently rubbing the back of his hands with her thumb.  

Pomfrey ran over without Percy and Hermione went to sit next to George to give her room to work. After five minutes Madam Pomfrey looked over at the two of them. 

“He should we waking up in an hour or so.” 

“How is he? Is there any damage?” Hermione asked with a trembling voice. 

“No, whatever spell or spells that hit him saved him tonight.” 

George and Hermione cried in relief as they crumbled down against each other. Madam Pomfrey gave them a short nod before offering her help to others. Percy ran back in the great hall followed by the rest of the Weasleys and Harry. Molly dropped down next to Fred as she cried on his chest. 

“Did Madam Pomfrey -” Percy started.  

“Yes, -” George started and looked up at his family. “- she healed him. He's going to be fine. He'll wake up in the next hour or so.” 

All of them let out a breath of relief, they conjured chairs and sat around Fred. Molly looked up from Fred's chest as Arthur put an arm around her and pulled her to one of the seats. George and Hermione stayed seated on the floor, close to him. Molly looked between them and raised her eyebrows. 

“George? Hermione?” They looked up from Fred and glanced at Molly. 

“Are- are you two together?” George and Hermione looked at her with big eyes. Harry tried to hide his laugh in a cough. 

“No-” a voice croaked beside them. “She's mine.” Hermione and George's head snapped back to Fred as his eyes fluttered open. 

“Fred!” Hermione cried as she flung her arms around him as he tried to sit up. Tears falling down her cheek once more. Fred cupped her cheek when she pulled back. 

“No tears, love. I'm here, I'm alright.” He whispered. Hermione didn't care that people were watching them, she cupped both of his cheeks and kissed him with everything that she had. Kissed him for the months that passed without him, kissing him like he was her life source. They only broke apart when someone cleared their throat behind them. Hermione blushed as she pulled back and looked behind her. Harry, Ginny and George were grinning like fools. While Molly’s and Ron’s mouths have dropped open in shock. Percy, Bill and Arthur had a shimmer of joy in their eyes. 

“What the hell is this?!” Ron called out. 

“Ronald, language!” His mother chastised. “How – when?” 

“Can we do this later? Fred needs his rest and there is still a war going on out there.” George intervened. 

“Right you are, son.” Arthur chimed in, standing up from his seat as he wanted to go as far away from the awkward situation as possible. His eyes fell to the stretcher a few feet away. “Remus.” He whispered. Everyone except Fred stood up and followed his gaze. Remus laid on the other side of the hall between the dead. Hermione and George looked around for Tonks but couldn't find her. 

“Where is Tonks?” Ginny asked. All of them looked around the room before Bill’s eyes fell on her. 

“There. Madam Pomfrey is tending to her. I'll go see what’s going on.” 

“I'll come with you, son.” Arthur clapped on his back as they made their way over to Tonks. 

The rest sat back down, and Hermione took the seat on the other side of Fred, so she and George could hold his hands. The minutes ticked by as Arthur and Bill talked to Madam Pomfrey. Fred was rubbing his thumb over her hand, trying to reassure her that everything will be okay. 

“Harry? Where is Harry?” Ginny cried out as she looked around the hall. Ron and Hermione looked at each other, knowing where he has gone to. Ron stood up and wrapped his sister in a hug, whispering to her. Arthur and Bill walked up and sighed as they sat down. 

“Tonks is badly hurt, but she will make it.” Arthur said rubbing his face. “She lost a lot of blood. She's unconscious… she doesn't know what happened to Remus yet.” 

“She's going to be devastated.” Molly was crying. George and Hermione looked at each other, even though they couldn't save Remus… they did save Fred and Tonks, maybe even more. Fred watched the exchange between them and furrowed his brows. Trying to uncover what is going on. Hermione and George didn't notice his gaze on them when they both stood up. 

“We'll be right back.” Hermione said to the group. She looked over at Fred and kissed his cheek. 

“What's going on between you two?” He whispered. George heard it too when he stood next to him and bend down. 

“Freddie...” Fred turned his gaze to his twin, his brows still knit together. “We'll explain everything later, I promise. You rest, we'll be back soon.” George kept his eyes locked on his twin until he understood.  

Fred slowly nodded and turned back to Hermione. He offered her a small smile and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before letting it fall. She bent down again and kissed him softly before following George out to the great hall. His family watched them leave and looked over at Fred who just shrugged, his gaze following the retreating back of his twin and his girlfriend. 

Chapter Text

Hermione was pacing in an empty classroom while George sat on a desk frowning as he looked at his lap. “What happened? How come we didn't go back to our time?” Hermione asked more to herself than anyone else. 

“And our other selves looked at us and smiled before they disappeared.” George added as he looked up. Hermione stopped and turned to look back at him. 

“That was weird, like they knew.” Hermione strode over and sat down next to him. They sat in silence for a moment before George spoke up. 

“Maybe we should ask Luna?” George suggested. Hermione looked over and when she opened her mouth, she heard someone whistling outside the door. The next moment, Luna walked in. She had some cuts and bruises, but she otherwise looked okay. Luna came in with her eyes closed as she kept whistling. 

“Luna?” Hermione asked as she hopped off the table. Luna's eyes opened slowly as she gazed at them. She stared at them for a moment, taking them in. 

“Hermione, George... you found one.” She said dreamily. 

George and Hermione looked at each other before looking back at the girl. “Wha-I don't know what you mean.” Hermione stammered. 

“I'm sure you do.” She smiled at them. “I remember you coming to me Hermione. You asked about the time turner.” She pointed at where Luna's turner was hidden beneath her clothes. “You asked for a way to save Fred. And you two even saved two more lives. Tonks is alive, she will get to see her son grow up. And Colin made it, he gets to live his life like he was supposed to.” 

“How?” George started as he stood next to Hermione both looking baffled at the girl. 

Luna hummed as she gazed out the window. 

“And how come we didn't go back to the time we came from? Our other selves smiled at us and disappeared.” George was getting nervous with Luna's behavior. 

“I expected you too, to be honest. Maybe this was all supposed to happen. Maybe you two were meant to go back and save them.” Luna's eyes drifted to the ceiling. “I'm tired.” 

“Luna... can we talk about this later?” Hermione asked tentatively as the girl walked back to the door whistling. 

“Later...” she said in a soft singing voice before she disappeared out the door. Hermione leaned back at the desk as she let out a long sigh. “We should go back; Harry should be back with Voldemort any minute now.” 

“Can't believe we have to relive that again.” George sighed as he put his arm around her shoulder as they walked out the classroom and back to the great hall. She rested her head on his shoulder, trying to remember what she did the last time. When they entered the great hall, Fred was sitting up with Ginny cuddled in his side. He looked up as he saw the familiar red mop of hair and the bouncing curls. His face faltered when he saw her tucked in under his arm, her head resting on his shoulder as they whispered. His face turned red in anger and he scowled at them as they neared him. Hermione and George smiled broadly at him as they saw him sitting up. Their smiles faded as they read his face full of anger. 

“Freddie?” They asked in unison. Hermione dislodged herself from George and crouched down beside him. Ginny looked between the three before excusing herself. “Freddie?” Hermione asked again and touched his shoulder. Fred's head snapped to her. 

“What's going on?” He spat at her. 

“Fred!” George warned. 

“No. What's going on with you two?!” He almost shouted. Before Hermione could answer they heard a scream coming from the courtyard. George and Hermione jumped to their feet as more screams followed. 

“It's time.” Hermione said and George nodded. They looked back at Fred. “We will explain everything later.” She said calmly to Fred who looked even more confused. “But this-” She pointed between her and George. “-is not what you think, I promise.” She kissed him quickly. “Stay here, stay safe. For me.” 

“And for me.” George added. Fred looked confused between the two but nodded his head once again and they turned wand ready to the courtyard. 

The war was finally over. Voldemort was gone, the same with Bellatrix who was killed by non-other than Molly Weasley. They placed the dead in an old classroom and moved the injured to the hospital wing, putting the tables back in the great hall where people could gather or get something to drink or eat. Fred was sleeping in the hospital wing when Hermione entered after leaving Harry, Ron and Ginny in the common room. George sat on a chair next to his bed, sleeping, his feet propped up on Fred's bed and his hands rested on his lap. Hermione looked over to the next bed where Tonks was lying awake staring at the ceiling. Hermione swallowed hard as she made her way over. Tonks turned her head to her direction when she heard someone approach. Hermione had only one word when she looked in her eyes 'broken'. She said nothing as she climbed in her bed and held her close as they cried together. They fell asleep together crying over the ones they’d lost. 

She woke when a gentle hand nudged her shoulder. “Mione.” She turned and saw Fred standing over her. “Can we talk?” 

Hermione looked around and everyone was still sleeping except for Fred and George who was waiting at the door. She nodded as she carefully climbed out of bed trying not to wake Tonks. She followed Fred nervously as they searched for an empty classroom. The sun was starting to rise behind the mountains as they entered the ancient runes classroom. Hermione sat down on a desk and Fred took the one across from her. George looked between them before settling down next to her. 

“Talk.” 

“First of all, there is nothing going on with me and Hermione, so get that out of your head.” George said pointedly. “We just have been through a lot.” 

“We all have been through a lot.” Fred countered as he crossed his arms. 

“Fred let him finish. What we have to tell you, you can't tell it to anyone else. Nobody. Do you understand?” 

Fred looked between the two, confused. “Alright.” 

Hermione waved her wand and locked the door, while George put an imperturbable charm around the room. They looked at Fred and inhaled deeply. 

“Fred... you died.” 

Hermione wrote to Fred every day, keeping each other updated on their day to day. She wrote to him that Lavender broke up with Ron when she saw her and Ron coming down the boy's staircase presumably alone because Harry was under his invisibility cloak. 'If she only knew.' Fred wrote back, she knew he was laughing when he wrote it.  
He sneaked in the castle four more times before the night Dumbledore died. 

After Fred and George left the hospital wing where their oldest brother was recovering, they walked up the stairs to the common room. When they climbed through the portrait hole, Ginny unclasped herself from Harry and ran  into  their arms. They held her tight between them, their strong arms safely around her. Fred looked over her head and found Hermione's eyes, tears threatening to fall. Ron had his arm around her shoulder. Fred shoved down his jealousy as he focused on his sister.  

When Ginny composed herself, they walked to the fireplace. Ginny sat down between Harry and George as Fred sat down next to Hermione. The moment he sat down she leaned into him. Ron and Harry went to sleep in their dormitory, while Ginny and Hermione stayed down with the twins. Hermione curled up against Fred as they watched the fire in silence. Ginny already fell  asleep  in George's arms. Fred looked over at his twin, his chest rose and fell in a steady beat, his eyes closed. He turned back his gaze to the girl that laid before him.  

“I love you.” Fred whispered from behind her. She turned on the sofa so she could face him. She cupped his cheek and looked up in his eyes.  

“I love you too.”  

“I'm scared, Mione. I'm scared about losing you, losing George. I don't know what I would do if that happened.”  

“Fred, we don't know what's going to happen. But I'm here now, we are here. And I'll do anything in my power to make sure the ones I love stay with me.”  

Fred rested his head against hers, taking in a deep breath trying to control his heartbeat. “When everything is over, I'm going to marry you.”  

Hermione looked up with her big brown eyes. She smiled broadly. “I wouldn't mind that.” She answered softly and she kissed him deeply.  

Chapter Text

“What are you talking about?” Fred asked. “I was hurt, unconscious, but I'm alive.” He said while he padded his hands over his body. 

“No mate, you – you died.” George looked over at his twin. “The first time, you died.” 

“The? The first time?” He asked confounded. Hermione fumbled under her shirt and pulled out Luna's turner. Fred's eyes went wide, he jumped off the desk and walked closer to her. He looked her in the eyes before his gaze traveled down to the necklace. He turned it over in his hand and looked back between George and Hermione. “You went back in time?” 

Hermione grabbed his hand as he let go of the necklace. “Yes.” She whispered. “The first time you died when the wall exploded.” Hermione said with tears in her eyes. Fred took a step back and Hermione's hand fell to her side. 

“No.” He whispered as he took another step back, looking at them in shock. 

George stepped forward, tears in his eyes. When Fred saw his brother in that way, he knew it had to be true. “Freddie, it's true. We had to live without you but-” 

“We couldn't.” Hermione said as she stepped up next to George. “We couldn't lose you. So, we found a way to bring you back.” 

Fred combed his hand through his hair pulling at the ends. “Do you know how dangerous that is? What if you messed up? What if Voldemort lived?!” 

“We knew what was going to happen. We knew what time and place you were going to...” George started, taking a deep breath to calm himself. “We had it all planned, we worked on it for weeks.” 

“Weeks? How long?” 

“Six months. We went back in time on November 9th.” George looked over at Hermione as he nervously tapped his foot. “But then something happened that we didn't expect.” 

“We were supposed to go back to November and blend with our other selves. But we stayed... and our other selves, our younger selves disappeared.” Hermione continued as she twirled the necklace in her hand. “This one...” She held up the necklace “isn't the one we used. This one, goes only back a couple of hours. It took us three months before we found this one. Someone told us about another turner, a black and silver one. It could only be used once, then it would destroy itself. The one who told us about this turner, thinks that we may have stayed because it was always meant to be. We always were meant to go back and save you, save Tonks.” 

“Tonks ... Tonks died too?” Fred choked out. George nodded as he placed his hand on his shoulder. 

“That's why Hermione and I are so close. When you di- when you were gone. Hermione was the one who stayed with me, was the one who got me to eat or shower. She was the only one I saw for months; I couldn't bring myself to see our family.” George hung his head as the tears fell down his cheek. 

Hermione wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. Fred stepped closer but looked apprehensive as the pair hugged. After a minute they broke apart and looked back at him, their arms still around each other. 

“Then one day Hermione came to my room and told me about the turner. That's when I first left the flat and saw the family. We traveled to New York to try and find it.” 

“New York?” 

“Yes, but let's talk about that later.” Hermione sighed as she leaned back against the desk. “I know this is a lot.” 

“No kidding.” Fred looked up before he finally strode all the way over and wrapped them both in a hug. “I love you.” He whispered to the both of them before he pulled back. “I'm sorry. I'm sorry about the way I acted.” 

“It's okay, twin of mine.” George clapped his shoulder before he pulled him back in a hug. “I can't believe I got you back.” 

“Don't want to interrupt, but we've been here for over two hours. Everyone is probably awake. We should go back before they get worried.” 

Fred turned to her; love shone in his eyes. “Before we do...” With one step he was in front of her. He bent down and kissed her passionately. “It was too long for me. So, I can't imagine what it must have felt like for you.” He whispered as he pulled back. She smiled, tears threatening to fall again before she grabbed his neck and pulled him down again to her lips. 

“Come on, lovebirds.” George chuckled as he wrapped his hand around their shoulders and pushed them to the door. “Let's get some well-deserved breakfast with our family.” 

“Oh. Our whole family knows about us now.” Fred's eyebrows shot up before he groaned. “They are going to bombard us with questions.” 

“Which you can answer.” Hermione chuckled. “We already answered enough of yours.” 

“I think I can be persuaded.” Fred chuckled as he waggled his eyebrows. 

“Gods, I missed you.” She said as she cuddled closer to his side. 

They went straight to the great hall where they immediately saw the notorious mop of red hair. When the Weasleys noticed the three of them walk in, they all sighed in relieve and their shoulders dropped. Hermione sat down next to Harry who gave her a side hug. Fred sat down next to her, and George sat down across from her, next to Ron. 

“So, who wants to start?” Molly asked looking at Fred and Hermione who were holding hands as they leaned against each other. Hermione grinned at Fred who rolled his eyes before he looked over at his parents. 

“So, this lovely bird here is my girlfriend.” He grinned at his family pulling her even closer. 

“Yeah, we kind of figured that out.” Bill chuckled. 

“What we want to know is how did it happen, how long?” 

“Hmm...” Fred hummed as he thought about his mother question. He looked over at Hermione and smiled wide. “A little over two years.” 

“TWO YEARS?” Was shouted across the table. Several heads turned to the Weasleys. 

“I don't know how, but I got this one here to agree to be my girlfriend, right before we left Hogwarts.” 

“Doesn't feel like two years, does it?” Hermione asked herself a little surprised. “With me away at school and being on the run.” 

“No, it doesn't. But now we'll have time to catch up.” He kissed the top of her head. 

Molly saw the love and affection he gave the young witch and her eyes started to water. “Why didn't you tell us?” 

“Numerous reasons really.” Fred started and Hermione saw Ron bow his head as he twirled with his fingers. 

“I'm sorry we didn't tell you.” Hermione said to Ron. 

Ron looked up from his lap. “Who knew?” 

“I did.” None of them were surprised by George statement. 

“Me too.” Ginny added. “Figured it out myself. It was quite obvious.” She chuckled. 

“I knew too.” Harry whispered. Ron's eyes grew big as his head turned to Harry. 

“You knew?! And you never told me!?” 

“I caught them.” Harry looked nervously at Hermione who placed her hand on his shoulder. 

“Ron... I asked him to keep it quiet. It wasn't his secret to tell.” 

Ron shot up from his chair and stormed out of the room. Molly shook her head slightly and looked back at Harry, Hermione and Fred. 

“Just give him time. I don't think he's mad that you two are together. I believe he moved on last year.” Molly didn't say her name because everyone knew Lavender had been one of the casualties. “But I think he's mad because you didn't tell him. He was left in the dark.” 

Hermione's gaze traveled to the open doors where Ron disappeared through, she sighed as she leaned into Fred. Happy to have his strong arms wrapped around her once again. Ron calmed down after a few days like Molly predicted. 

“We're leaving.” Hermione looked over at Fred. They were sitting in his room after he finally left George's side after he lost his ear three days ago.  

“I figured. You've been packing since you arrived here.” Fred rubbed his hands over his face as he walked to the bed and sat down next to her. “When?”  

“After the wedding.” She grabbed his hands. “I need you to promise me something.”  

“Anything.” He answered as he rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.  

“Promise me you'll be safe .”  

Fred gave her a hoarse chuckle. “You are the one who's going on some sort of hunt.”  

“I know, but I know you.”  

“I promise, love. After what happened to Georgie...”  

Hermione raised one hand and cupped his cheek. He automatically leaned into her touch. “He's going to be okay.” 

“Can you stay with me tonight?”  

Hermione stood up and walked out of the room, leaving a flabbergasted Fred in her wake. A few minutes later, Hermione walked back in the room in her pajamas and locked the door with a wave of her wand.  

“Ginny is going to cover for me.” She smiled as she climbed under the covers. Fred stood up from the foot of the bed and changed in his pajama bottoms before climbing in next to her. Hermione scooted closer and laid her head on his shoulder and a hand on his chest.  

“Can you promise me something too?” He felt Hermione nod against his chest. “Write to me?”  

Hermione lifted her head and searched his eyes. She nodded slowly before she placed her lips on his,  pouring all her love into the kiss.  

Fred and George were leading everyone to their places for the wedding when a veela cousin smiled seductively as she made her way to Fred.  

“Hello.” She placed a hand on his arm, Fred stepped back immediately, looking around the tent for Hermione. “Can you help me to my seat?”  

“Actually, I'm waiting for my girlfriend, but my brother there would be happy to help you.” He pointed the veela to Ron. She frowned as she looked from Ron back to Fred and grumbled. “Fine.” Before she strode off to a very happy little brother.  

What Fred didn't know was that Hermione was just outside the tent, watching the exchange with a smile. Fred turned and looked straight at her, big smile stretched on his face as he saw her.  

“Wow!' Fred sighed as his gaze went up and down. “You look gorgeous.”  

“Thank you.” Hermione blushed under his gaze. “You don't look bad yourself.” She smiled as she gently pulled on his collar. “Care to escort me to my seat?”  

“Wouldn't want it any other way.” He offered her his arm with his charming,  crooked  smile. When they reached her seat, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek and whispered. “Save me a dance?”  

“Of course.” She smiled as he bounded down the aisle back to the front a happy bounce in his step.  

“Can I cut in?” Fred asked when the song ended as she danced with Viktor. Viktor gave him a short nod before he departed, leaving Hermione in Fred's arms.  

“Hi.” She smiled up at him as he held her close. “You weren't jealous, were you?”  

Fred huffed as he glanced over to Krum as they slowly danced to the music. “Maybe a little. Not as bad as with that git Cormac.” He admitted as he looked down in her brown eyes. “I know Krum has a girlfriend.”  

“Fiancé, actually.” She smiled. “And you also know I only have eyes for one man.”  

“Who? I'll beat him.” Fred joked as he looked around the tent. She slapped his chest as she laughed. “Gods, I love the way you laugh.”  

“I really want to kiss you right now.” Her eyes full of desire as she looked up at him. He grabbed her hand and turned to the exit but before they could reach it, a Patronus landed in the middle of the tent telling everyone the ministry had fallen. Hermione looked in panic at Fred who stared back at her with the same fear.  

“HERMIONE!” Harry called as he grabbed her hand and started looking for Ron.  

“I love you!” She yelled at Fred as Harry took her to Ron.  

“I love you!” He shouted back before they disappeared.  

They wrote to each other a least once a day, just to tell each other they were okay. The next time they saw each other was when they arrived at Hogwarts. Hermione didn't want Harry to tell Fred what happened at Malfoy manor as she knew Fred would endanger himself to come see her. So, when Fred stepped in the room of requirement her breath hitched. Hermione raced over and hugged George and then Fred. She lingered a little longer on her twin as he whispered in her ear.  

“You're okay. You're okay.” He repeated in her ear.  

“I missed you.” She whispered back as she squeezed him. “I love you.”  

“I love you too.” They broke apart when Harry started to explain about the diadem. Soon after Harry left with Luna and Hermione was going with Ron to the chamber of secrets.  

“Be careful.” He whispered next to her as she was about to leave.  

“I will. I'll see you soon, okay.” She squeezed his hand as she looked up at him.  

“Soon.” He repeated as he squeezed back before she departed.  

Chapter Text

Two weeks later 

“Why can't I come with you guys?” Fred asked as Hermione and George came back with the portkey. George sighed as he explained it again. 

“Fred, he won't remember me or Hermione. Even if we share the memories and the letters. It would be too overwhelming for you to be there. When Mason has come to terms with everything, then you can meet him. But for now, it has to be us.” 

“We'll be back in two days. Don't worry.” She gave him a quick kiss. 

“Fine, fine.” He said as he leaned against the wall next to the fireplace. “But don't go leaving me for this Mason bloke.” 

Hermione rolled her eyes before she pulled him of the wall and kissed him passionately. “Convinced I won't leave you?” 

“Maybe I need a little more convincing.” He smirked. 

“No can do.” George walked over with the portkey that was already vibrating. “See you later, Fred. Why don't you keep yourself busy with the shop?” George laughed as Hermione put her finger on the portkey and they disappeared from the flat. George's laugh still rang through the room. 

George and Hermione arrived at Mason's house and knocked on the door. Marnic opened the door and looked up at them smiling. 

“Good afternoon.” The elf piped. 

“Good afternoon. We have an appointment with Mr. Diaz.” 

“Come on in.” The elf opened the door further and they walked in. Marnic led them to the study. “Mr Diaz will be here shortly. Can I offer you something to drink?” 

“Tea would be nice.” Hermione smiled at the elf. Marnic bowed before he left the room. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Mason arrived. 

“Miss and Mr. Lovegood.” They stood up as he walked in. They shook hands before he gestured them to sit down. He took his place behind his desk and folded his hands in front of him. “What can I do for you?” 

“This is going to be hard to believe but we need you to stay calm and hear us out.” 

“Alright...” Mason said apprehensive. 

Hermione looked over to George and took a deep breath before she started. 

“You met us before. You showed me the time-turners from your aunt.” Mason looked at her confused, but didn't interject. “There was a broken one, like this.” She showed Luna's turner. “And there was a black and silver one. You told us that your aunt said it was only meant for lovers.” 

There was a small pop when Marnic came in carrying their tea. He handed them a cup before disappearing again. 

“Here.” George took out the letters Mason wrote himself and handed it to him. “You wrote these.” 

Mason stayed quiet as he took the letters and started to read them. Hermione and George nervously drank their tea as George was tapping his foot. When Mason finished the last letter, he looked up at them and finally spoke. 

“How do I know these are not fake?” 

“We have something else for you.” Hermione answered as she took out the vial with Mason's memories. “I believe you have a pensieve.” 

Mason nodded and waved his wand. The bookcase besides George shifted and a pensieve floated forward. He grabbed the floating dish and placed it between them on the desk. He looked at them and they nodded. He carefully poured the liquid in the pensieve and bend down. George and Hermione stood there watching Mason as his looked at his memories. After fifteen minutes they sat down as Mason was still busy with the memories. Another fifteen minutes passed before Mason emerged. 

He looked at them with wide eyes as he dropped down on his chair. “I can't believe it.” He gasped. “Did it work? Did you save him?” He looked between them. 

A smile crept up on their faces before they said in unison. “Yes.” 

“Can I keep the memories and the letters?” 

“Of course. Their yours after all.” 

“I need a little time to process this.” 

“We understand. You can find us at the hotel if you have any questions. We are leaving tomorrow night.” 

“You can find us here when we get back to London.” George handed him his business card. Mason looked over the card and smiled softly. 

“The joke shop.” 

George and Hermione received an owl from Mason a few hours before they left, telling them he wants to examine the memories and the letters a bit more trying to process everything that had happened.  
When they arrived back at the flat, Fred was waiting for them, pacing nervously in the living room. Hermione jumped in his arms and kissed him before George and Hermione explained what happened. 

“Are you ready?” George asked Fred as they stood over the borrowed pensieve of McGonagall. He nodded and looked at Hermione who poured the first vial into the pensieve. Fred leaned forward and saw the liquid take form. It started at the very beginning; the night Fred died. He wanted to see it all. When he came back out a few minutes later, he was as white as a sheet. Hermione and George led him to the sofa and sat down on either side of him as he began to shake. 

“It's okay. We're here. We are all here.” Hermione whispered as she stroked his head. It took him a few minutes to recover. “Do you want to continue tomorrow?” 

“No, I'll be fine. Let's get going.” 

“Freddie-” George started but Fred got to his feet and walked back to the pensieve. He bent forward and watched as the next memories came into view. Hermione and George looked worried at each other as she bit her lip. All afternoon Fred watched the memories they saved, taking a break once in a while trying to sort out what he just saw. After the last memory Fred had to lie down and went to his room. 

“Do you think he's okay?” Hermione asked as she looked at the empty hallway Fred disappeared through. 

“I think so.” George came back from the kitchen with a bottle of fire whiskey and two glasses. He filled them and handed one over to her. “He just needs time. Let him sleep. We'll talk to him tomorrow.” 

After two glasses Hermione made her way to the bathroom, changed in Fred's jersey and walked to the bedroom, closing the door behind her. Fred was sleeping on his stomach, his head towards the door. She walked over and brushed a strand of hair from his eyes. She kissed his forehead gently. 

“I can't believe I lost you.” She whispered as a tear rolled down her cheek. 

“I'm here, love.” Hermione jumped as Fred whispered back. Fred opened his eyes and wiped the tear from her cheek. “I'm not going anywhere, not again.” He leaned forward and grabbed her waist, pulling her up the bed with him. She laid in his arms and closed their distance as she kissed him. 

“Marry me.” He whispered when he pulled back. He turned over and opened the drawer of his nightstand and clicked the fake bottom open. Hermione's eyes grew big as he grinned at her over his shoulder. When he turned, he held a small black velvet box in his hand. He opened the box with his thumb and a blue dewdrop ring, like her necklace, was sitting in the middle. “Marry me?” He repeated. 

“Yes, yes, yes.” She peppered him with kisses. “A thousand times yes.” 

“Wait.” Fred said as he pulled back grinning. “We can't forget the ring now, can we?” He took the ring out of the box and lifted her hand. She smiled as he placed the ring on her finger. “Perfect.” He said before he swooped in and kissed her again. 

Two months later 

Hermione sat on the sofa in the twins’ flat between Fred and George while Luna sat across from them. Hermione glanced at her watch nervously, tapping her foot. Fred put his hand on her knee to calm her down. George and Hermione jumped up when there was a knock on the door. The two of them rushed to the door and took in a deep breath before they opened the door. 

Mason stood there in the doorway smiling at them, his curls falling over his eyes. He took a step closer and gave George a hug before looking at Hermione, who grinned back at him. He picked her up and hugged her tight. Fred cleared his throat behind them which made George roll his eyes. Mason let her go and looked over at Fred. 

“Mason, this is Fred. Fred, this is Mason.” Hermione walked over to Fred with the two men. Mason held out his hand and Fred shook it as Hermione stepped next to him. 

“Mason, this is Luna.” Mason turned towards the blond. “Luna Lovegood.” 

“Lovegood.” He chuckled as he looked between George and Hermione. “That's where that blond hair came from.” George and Hermione smiled sheepishly. 

Luna got up from her seat and gazed directly in his eyes. Hermione, George and Fred exchanged amused looks as the two of them kept their eyes locked on each other, completely oblivious of their surroundings. When they sat down, George coughed and the three of them grinned at the pair when they broke their gaze and looked at the three of them on the sofa. Mason blushed and suddenly found the curtains behind them very interesting. Luna on the other hand smiled while her eyes were glossed over dreamingly. Mason turned, looking for a place to sit before taking the chair next to Luna. 

“I wanted to thank you both for everything you did. For – for saving my life.” 

“Fred, you don't have to thank me. Like I told Hermione and George, I believe it was meant to be, for them to save you.” Luna said in the most serious tone Hermione had ever heard. Fred nodded his head slightly. 

“Still, thank you.” He turned his gaze to Mason. “You didn't even know me. And still you helped my brother and my fiancé. I don't know how to repay you.” 

Mason's eyes grew big when he said the word fiancé. He glanced at Hermione's hand that was clasped around Fred's.  

“Congratulations.” He started honestly; Hermione smiled back at him. “You don't have to repay me. I guess Hermione and George filled you in on my family?” Fred nodded as he looked at his twin and Hermione. “The moment I met Hermione and George, I knew they were different than my family. And I wanted something good to come from it, especially when I couldn't save my mom. And I knew if my family used it, it wouldn't be used for something good.” 

Fred abruptly stood up, walked over to Mason and hugged him. “Thank you, thank you so much.” He whispered in his ear. He pulled back and looked him in the eyes. “I'm so sorry about your mom.” 

“Thanks.” Both had unshed tears in their eyes. They cleared their throats and looked to the ground before they sat back down again. 

“Luna.” Hermione said after a minute of silence. She pulled the time turner from under her shirt and handed it over. “I think this is yours.” 

“Thank you.” She answered as she turned the necklace over in her hand. 

“So, we are the only ones who know what happened and who we saved.” George began. “This has to stay between us. If someone were to find out-” 

“I understand. The repercussions will be grave.” Mason nodded. “My lips are sealed.” Luna nodded in agreement. 

“We wanted to invite you to the burrow for dinner tonight. Would you like to join?” 

“I'd love to.” 

“Are you sure?” Mason asked uncertain. “What do we say to them? I mean about how we know each other.” 

“Well, we thought about that. A distant family member wouldn't work, because I'm a muggle born and the Weasleys know their whole family. So, we thought we could tell them you met the twins through work, as a potential investor.” Hermione answered. Mason frowned a bit at his knees before he looked up and smiled wide. 

“That's alright with me. I would love to meet your family. But... first things firsts.” He looked at the twins grinning. “I would love a tour of the shop.” 

The twins grinned back and leaped to their feet and pulled Mason up on each arm and linked their arms in his. “Brilliant!” They said in unison as they led him to the door. 

“Good luck.” Hermione chuckled at the men before they disappeared down the stairs. 

One year later 

“You look beautiful!” Ginny exclaimed as she walked in her bedroom at the burrow. Hermione was wearing her wedding dress. It had a boat neckline and an open back. The top was in beaded lace while the skirt was in soft satin. 

“Thank you. So do you.” Ginny wore a deep green dress that reached the floor, it had a split that stopped a couple of inches over her knee. “Is everything going okay? I heard racket down the hallway.” 

Ginny laughed. “It was Fred who tried to sneak in here. But mum caught him.” 

Hermione chuckled as she placed her dewdrop necklace on her neck. “He doesn't have to wait much longer.” 

“Your mum asked if you needed any help.” George held his promise and a couple of months after the war the three of them went to Australia to find her parents. It wasn't easy but with the help of the auror department of Australia they managed to find them and restore their memories. 

“I'm good. I'm ready actually.” Hermione turned from the mirror and looked at Ginny. “Where is my other maid of honor?” 

“Oh.” Ginny chuckled. “I saw Luna pulling Mason behind the oak tree. They should be at the tent by now.” 

“Good.” Hermione smiled. “Don't want to start my wedding with a missing maid of honor and a groomsman.” 

Ginny linked her arm through hers as she opened the door. “Ready?” 

“I've been ready for years.” 

When she entered the tent in the garden of the burrow, her eyes fell directly on the Weasley at the altar. She felt her knees buckle when she saw how he looked at her. His eyes full of love, promise and desire. He wore a dark blue muggle suit with a white shirt, his hair was an organized mess (that’s how she likes to call it). She held her father’s arm a little tighter as they strode over the isle. Next to Fred, of course was George then Lee and Mason. On Hermione's side stood Ginny, Luna and Tonks. Little Teddy now about a year and a half old sat on Andromeda's lap. The first row was filled with the Weasley's and Fleur. Right behind Fleur sat Angelina who was George's girlfriend for almost a year. When she reached Fred, she kissed her father on the cheek before he joined her mother next to Molly. Both mothers had tears in their eyes as they looked at their children. Hermione stepped in front of Fred who gave her a cheeky wink as they turned to their officiator, Harry. 

When it was time for the newlyweds to kiss. Fred pulled her close, tucked a loose strand behind her ear and whispered. “I'm the luckiest man alive.” Before he kissed her deeply in front of their family and friends, ready for their future together.