The Wall Between Us by Reetinkerbell [Rated PG-13]
Exchange story for hafthand.
Title: The Wall Between Us
Author: reetinkerbell
Rating: PG-13
Summary: In these dark war times, everyone had to grab whatever happiness they could find, and Fred wanted Hermione to be happy. Only, Fred wanted Hermione to be happy with him, not Malfoy. Post-HBP.
Disclaimer: J.K Rowling is the Queen.
Author's Note: Thanks a bunches to shag_me_draco for being such a good bouncing board and friend. And for the read throughs, mistake point-outs and suggestion giving, even if I more often than not didn't take said suggestions. I have more notes at the end, regarding the actual story, if anyone is interested.
The Wall Between Us (1/1)
"When did Harry say they'd be here again?" Fred asked, looking at Hermione, completely ignoring the third person in the room. Considering the fact that said third person was Draco Malfoy, the bane of Fred's existence, it was probably for the best for everyone that Fred ignored him as often as he could get away with, without anyone realising that was what he was doing.
Hermione looked up from the pile of movies - wonderful Muggle invention, those picture films - he'd dumped on the coffee table barely fifteen minutes earlier. "I believe he said eight, but Ron mentioned something about picking Ginny up first, so it might be closer to nine."
"Granger, I think we should watch this one," Malfoy help up a movie labelled 'Serenity'. "Looks like fun," he continued, shrugging casually as Hermione looked at him, eyebrows raised and a beautiful smile playing on her lips.
Merlin, but Fred loved that smile. He just hated it when she smiled at him. They should be his smiles, not Malfoy's.
"What happened to 'There's no bleeding way I'll sit through a movie night with a bunch of Weasleys'?" Hermione asked, amused.
Fred snorted, turning his back on the couple sitting close together on the couch before they began arguing. Or worse, snogging.
It had been quite the surprise for everyone when Hermione and Malfoy got together, just months after Remus found the blond hiding in an abandoned house near Bath. The Order had decided to take him in - after much debate - and he'd been living with them ever since. And although he was old enough to take care of himself, he was never left alone. It wasn't because the rest of the Order didn't trust him, but... they weren't willing to take another huge leap of faith so soon after Snape, and trust someone else many of them were still very wary about, despite him still being just a teenager.
Unlike the rest of his family, who's hatred towards Malfoy had been more because of who he was and where he'd come from than anything else, and which had simply melted away into pity, and then into something else as time passed, Fred himself had actually started to warm up to the sod quite easily. He felt sorry for him, having lost his mother to his crazed father, and his father to an even crazier man.
But his still somewhat lukewarm acceptance had quickly turned into red-hot jealousy and dislike when he found him snogging the daylights out of the girl he fancied.
No one knew of course. Fred hadn't even told George about his growing feelings for the younger brunette, and even he, blinded by love and jealousy, could see that she and Malfoy were happy together. And, in these dark war times, everyone had to grab whatever happiness they could find, and Fred wanted Hermione to be happy.
There was only one actual problem with that. The problem. Fred wanted Hermione to be happy with him, not Malfoy.
But with as close as she and the brat were - how they'd managed that in such a short amount of time, Fred didn't even want to being to think about, - it didn't matter that he had been more or less friends with her for years.
It might actually work against him, as he probably reminded her of Ron. And he may love his baby brother, but he didn't want Hermione to think about one of her best friends when she was with him.
And then there was the prankster business. The war had put a damper on it, but he and George still owned the shop, and still worked on new inventions in their spare time. Hopefully, he'd be able to make her appreciate all the hard work that laid behind them; and the geek in her would see the brilliance that was his mind, instead of just fixating on the end results and the childish pranks he and his brother produced. And now with George off with Charlie in Romania, he didn't have to risk having him pull any pranks on Hermione. 'Cause while she could easily tell them apart these days, Fred didn't think that having her associate his face with pranks played on her person would win her over any time soon.
It seemed as if all he could do now was pine away and hope that her relationship with Malfoy ended soon, and that when it did, he finally get his chance.
There really wasn't anything more he could do.
~*~
Two hours later, and Fred was ready to strangle the git. It was bad enough to just see them sit next to each other and be reminded of the fact that they were together, he didn't want to actually see them snuggle.
Granted, it was dark and the only light in the room came from the TV screen - which he should be watching - so thankfully he didn't get the full view, but it was enough. Because, as always, when he was in a room with Hermione, he couldn't tear his eyes away. And by looking at Hermione, he was looking at Malfoy too now-a-days, as they were always so bloody close.
It had started out well; the two of them on the couch, sitting closer than he would've liked, but with a reasonable distance from another. He was sitting in the only armchair, giving him a perfect view of the TV and them, without it looking suspicious if his head was turned a little too far in the direction of the couch.
Then Harry and Ron had arrived, with Ginny in tow. They were all interested in the movie, and had wasted no time in joining them. All right, Fred could live with that, the more the merrier, and so forth.
But then Ginny sat down on the couch, followed by Harry and lastly Ron. And all of a sudden, the spacious couch was crowded and everyone had to move closer together, including Hermione and the blond-haired git.
And now, they were sitting all wrapped up in each other, Hermione's head on his shoulder, his arm around hers, sharing a bowl of popcorn and whispered comments about the ongoings on the screen.
That should be him.
That should be him dammit!
Fred took a deep breath to calm himself, looking away from them as Malfoy's lips found Hermione's forehead, the sight of the easy and comfortable way in which he touched her and the smile it brought to Hermione's lips making him sick.
He needed to do something - anything - to get her away from Malfoy. He couldn't continue to live with them if things kept going like this. And as he couldn't leave, the only way to solve the problem was to break the two of them up, before their relationship progressed further and he actually killed someone. Most likely, that'd be a blond someone.
But what?
And, more importantly, how?
~*~
The sun was shining, but what had looked to be a good day had quickly turned bad. Very bad.
Malfoy had walked out of Hermione's bedroom.
At first, Fred hadn't believed his eyes when he'd exited his own room, tired as he was. But sure enough, the blond prat had walked out of Hermione's bedroom, sleep tousled and wearing the same clothed as he had the day before. When he noticed Fred, he hadn't even had the grace to look ashamed. He'd just smiled, wished Fred a good morning, and casually strolled down the hallway towards his own room, presumably to get ready for breakfast.
Slack jawed, Fred had stared after him, until Harry and Ron came out of the room they shared and asked him what he was up to.
And now they were all gathered around the breakfast table. He on one side, in between his younger siblings, Hermione and Malfoy on the other, next to Harry. He had a clear view of the coupled as they ate and engaged in a whispered conversation. He glared at Harry, as if it was his fault Hermione had gotten involved with Malfoy. Though, since both he and Ron approved of the union - bloody hell, his whole family approved - he was making it worse.
Fred frowned in thought, his eyes drawn to Hermione again, who was too busy looking at her lover boy to notice him. Maybe if he made her think that they didn't approve of her relationship with Malfoy. Maybe that would create a wedge between them and he could...
Or it would just bring them closer together. 'Sides, chances were, Hermione would probably confront Harry and Ron about it, and then she'd find out he lied, get mad at him, hate him forever and the world would end.
All right, scratch that plan, he thought, taking a bite out of his cooling piece of toast.
"-and we could use another player. You in Malfoy?" Ron asked.
Fred ignored the conversation going on around him as it continued, until Hermione spoke up.
"It'd be fun," she urged him, when Malfoy looked as if he was going to decline. "I'm going to be spending the day with Ginny anyway."
"I was hoping I'd be able to catch up with my reading-"
Fred could feel the sudden shift in the air as they all realised Malfoy wanted to be alone and they needed to be crafty. He doubted the blond in question had noticed anything.
"Oh, you can read later," Ron interrupted. "Come on, it's Quidditch!"
Fred shook his head. How the boy didn't realise he'd not been left alone except to sleep since he'd arrived, Fred couldn't understand. Malfoy was supposed to be smart. Fred studied the younger man in front of him as he seemed to struggle with his decision. Not that it was much of a decision. If he declined Ron and Harry's offer, someone else would just keep him company as he read.
Wait a minute, Fred thought. He seemed to be struggling with his decision. But he wasn't. The wheels began to turn and when Malfoy said he'd join Ron and Harry, it was as if a light had been swished on inside Fred's head.
He knew. Malfoy knew. Fred was as sure of that, as he was of his love for Hermione.
As the teens ran off and he was left with the dishes - he couldn't wait till next week when his mum returned to take care of the dishes, among other things - a smile broke out on his face.
If Malfoy knew, it must hurt him. The guy might not win any sensitivity awards any time soon, but he still had feelings and insecurities, like everyone else. Being constantly guarded by people you now considered to be your friends had to hurt.
And being guarded by your girlfriend? He must wonder if she was really with him just to keep a closer eye on him, and not because she actually wanted to be with him.
Fred smirked as a rather devious plan began to take form in his minds eye.
~*~
Dinner had come and gone, and despite the obvious coupleness that was Malfoy and Hermione, right in front of him as he tried to eat, Fred was in a good mood.
Yes, Hermione was still with the prat, but she wouldn't be for long.
Fred almost felt like laughing madly, like the evil villains in the morning cartoons often did, but he resisted the urge.
Seeing as Malfoy was currently seated across from him, it was probably a good thing. The two were alone, the rest of the group having retired to their rooms almost an hour previously. Fred had suggested a game of cards, and Malfoy had accepted with an actual smile. Perhaps the boy really believed them to be friends.
Fred felt a stab of guilt over what he was about to do. Malfoy had lost so much and he seemed to be truly happy with Hermione. Even if he didn't deserve her. He may have more money than Fred would ever see in his entire life, but he wouldn't be able to give Hermione the loving home she deserved, not the same way Fred would.
Somewhere, a clock struck midnight and Fred realised it was time to put his plan into action.
"I know you know."
Malfoy frowned, his bewildered eyes meeting Fred's. "Know what?"
Fred raised an eyebrow and looked at the boy in front of him expectantly, until Malfoy sighed. "Oh, that." He looked down at the table, away from Fred's eyes. "What of it?"
"What of it? Are you telling me it doesn't bother you?" Fred knew Malfoy was used to hiding his emotions, but this was ridiculous.
"Of course it bothers me, but it's not as if I can do anything about it, now can I?"
"No, I guess not."
The two continued to play in silence.
"I'm sure with time..." Malfoy trailed off, looking uncomfortable.
"Of course," Fred agreed. "Still, can't be easy," he continued, hoping the perfect moment to slip in and cast some doubt would arise.
"And it doesn't exactly help with all of you being related to each other."
Fred frowned. What that had to do with anything, he didn't know. "No, I guess not," he replied with a small nod, not knowing what else he could say or do.
"He's a good guy though. He wouldn't do anything to ruin my relationship with Hermione."
Merlin, did he know what he was trying to do? Fred thought. "That's good."
"Of course, I'm sure it's really because he doesn't want to jeopardize his friendship with Hermione, but I take what I can get," Malfoy continued, oblivious to the thoughts running around in Fred's head.
"I agree."
"All the same, I'll feel much better when Ron finds himself some other girl to moon after."
"Ron?" Fred asked. He'd been talking about Ron this whole time?
Malfoy frowned. "Yes, Ron. Your brother?"
"Ah yes, of course," Fred agreed, nodding for emphasis.
Malfoy looked at him. "You had no idea I was talking about Ron and him being in love with Hermione, did you?"
"What else would we be talking about?" Fred asked, looking down at the cards in his hand. He was nervous. The time was approaching.
"You tell me. What were you talking about?" Malfoy's eyes were narrowed in suspicion.
It was time. "Oh nothing." Fred deliberately sounded as suspicious as he could, and topped it off with looking everywhere but at Malfoy. "Is it my turn?" he asked, fully well aware that he'd just had his turn. Malfoy knew it too, and by the look on his face, he'd caught on to what he was doing.
Or, to what Malfoy thought he was doing.
If Malfoy truly hadn't realised he was being watched constantly, then that might work in his favour. Of course, it had been easier to get the conversation going in the direction he wanted, if Malfoy actually knew.
"It's not nothing, is it?" Malfoy asked, after moments of excruciating silence.
Fred tried to look as evasive as possible, while at the same time making it clear to Malfoy that it was all an act. And while he had the evasive act down from years of training, trying to look like he was being evasive and not doing a very good job of it; that was a little harder. Hopefully, Malfoy would only notice the trying to look evasive part.
"Tell me," Malfoy told him, sounding very much like he had before the war started and he believed himself to be superior to everyone.
Fred hesitated. That was no act. He had to play this right. One false move and the whole plan could fail. He couldn't risk that. "I thought you already knew," he said, pretending he wanted to buy some time. Malfoy would think it suspicious if he simply blurted it out.
"Obviously," Malfoy replied, his tone of voice beginning to have a harshness Fred was not used to.
The boy must've realised that whatever it was he was about to tell him, it wasn't good. "It must be odd for you to come from such a small family, to this." Malfoy frowned at his change of topic, but before he had a chance to say anything about it, Fred continued. "It must've taken some time for you to get used to having people around you all the time. Now, as you know, I come from a large family, and I'm quite used to not having a lot of privacy, but it must be extra difficult for you. Especially as I at least have alone time, where as you don't."
Still not getting it, Malfoy's frown deepened. "I have privacy."
"Do you?" Fred raised an eyebrow. "Seems to me like there's always someone around you."
"Well, it is true that I don't spend a lot of time on my own, but I don't mind," Malfoy replied.
Fred thought he looked a bit unsure. He glanced down at the cards in his hand, seemingly more interested in the game than the conversation. As if they were talking about something as mundane as the weather. "Of course," he said, almost patronisingly.
"You saying I should mind?" Malfoy asked.
"I think it's a bit odd that you're not bothered over the fact that you're constantly being guard- I mean, in company of someone else." Fred congratulated himself for his brilliant 'slip-up'. If that didn't catch Malfoy's attention, the boy was a total lost cause.
Fred watched as every muscle in Malfoy's body froze.
"Guarded?" he bit out.
"That came out wrong," Fred lied, deliberately too quickly too ring true. He couldn't believe how well this was going.
"Bloody hell." Malfoy placed his cards upside down on the table, as realisation spread across his face. "So it's true? You're all just watching me. You're just-"
"Not all of us," Fred interrupted. He might need Malfoy to still think of him as a friend in the future, no need to alienate him just yet.
Malfoy hesitated. "You think Hermione..." His eyes said what he himself couldn't voice.
Fred quickly glanced away for a moment before meeting Malfoy's eyes once more. "I don't think she has it in her," he said, hoping Malfoy would take it as the badly presented lie he meant it as.
When Malfoy stood from the table, not caring as his chair toppled over in his haste to get away, Fred knew he'd succeeded.
"I have to go," Malfoy offered in way of explanation, not even glancing in Fred's direction as he stormed past him and towards the stairs.
Moments after, Fred heard the harsh knocking on the door that could only lead to Hermione's bedroom, followed by it being slammed shut.
A very un-Weasley smirk spread across his face.
Show time.
~*~
They had been in Hermione's room, arguing quite loudly for a good thirty minutes now, Fred realised, as he glanced at his wrist watch. He didn't know if that was a good thing or not, considering their past.
He was currently in the bedroom he had shared with George ever since they relocated to the new safe house, shamelessly pressing his ear up against the wall connecting his room with Hermione's.
While he couldn't make out all the words - the two were obviously trying to be quiet every now and then, when they remembered that they weren't alone in the house - just the fact that they were arguing was good enough for Fred. And, if he'd understood the few words he'd managed to make out correctly, they were arguing about the lack of trust they now seemed to have in each other.
It seemed that Malfoy fully believed that Hermione was only with him to keep a closer eye on him, and he had wasted no time in telling her just what he thought about that.
Things couldn't be going better even if Fred had Imperiod the blond. Not that he would ever would, because that was bad and oh so illegal.
Still. It was true.
Suddenly, the screaming match in the other room came to an abrupt end. Fred frowned, glancing at the wall.
Maybe one of them had left?
Though, he hadn't heard the door close, and he doubted either of them would be gentle about it, the state they were in.
Maybe Hermione had put up a silencing charm.
Fred frowned in disappointment. He'd enjoyed the fighting.
He leaned back from the wall, only to shoot forward once more as a dull crash was heard through it.
Maybe Hermione had resorted to throwing things at Malfoy. He couldn't blame her. He himself had felt like throwing...
Wait.
What was that?
Fred frowned, looking at the wall in suspicion.
Not being able to properly hear what was going on on the other side of the wall, and desperately needing to; Fred looked around the sparsely furnished room, in search of something that would help him.
Wait, didn't George always keep a pair of Extendable Ears in his bedside table?
Fred searched the filled-to-the-brim drawer, until finally - after what felt like a lifetime - he pulled the Ears out with a triumphant grin.
Donning the extra ears, Fred walked back to the wall and once again pressed his ear up against it.
Only to pull back in horror when the sounds coming from the other bedroom registered in his head.
They weren't arguing any longer, that was for sure.
Fred glared at the wall separating him and his dream girl, as if it was its fault Malfoy was currently in there tainting her with his hand and lips and... he didn't need to go there.
When a particularly loud gasp of the prats name was heard, Fred recoiled in disgust, realising he was still wearing the Extendable Ears.
He pulled them off and threw them to the floor, never before having hated anything as much as he hated them.
And Malfoy.
Bloody buggering fuck of a Malfoy.
With a tortured groan, he turned and stalked out of his room, not wanting to be so close to the while they were doing that.
His bedroom door slammed shut behind him.
He hoped they heard.
Bloody brilliant.
I guess it's time for Plan B then, Fred thought with a sigh.
But first; come up with a Plan B.
And find some alcohol.
A thump from upstairs was heard just before he slammed the front door shut in his wake.
Make that a lot of alcohol.
~*~
Fred masked the pain that stabbed at his heart as Hermione entered the kitchen, carrying a small stack of plates. He gave her a brief smile before he turned back to the sink and tried his best to focus on the dishes in it, rather than the woman he was now alone with. But as she came within touching distance, her shoulder just inches from his own, so close that he could feel the heat of her skin through their clothing, he couldn't help but take a deep breath through his nose, catching her tantalizing scent.
It was getting dark outside, and while they'd spent most of the day together, they'd never spoken directly to each other. Not even during dinner, as Hermione had spent most of it sharing lovesick smiles and shameless long looks with her lover boy, which had lead to Fred spending most of dinner either staring down at his plate morosely, or staring at Hermione longingly. All in all, conversation had been sparse, but apparently, none of the teens gathered had minded.
Except for Fred, who always minded.
And now, here she was, in the kitchen, with him. When she could be off, gallivanting with her boyfriend instead.
Fred felt the hope begin to rise in his chest when Hermione grabbed one of the clean dishes and began to dry it, sending him a smile as she did, only to have it be dashed again when he remembered the ongoings between her and Malfoy the previous evening.
All right Fred old boy, he thought, time to toughen up and push through the pain.
As Hermione yawned, Fred realised it was the perfect opportunity, and that it was time for Plan B to be put into action.
"Rough night?" he asked casually, handing Hermione one of the now clean plates. He met her eyes head on as she took it, and when she blushed, looking at him like a deer caught in headlights, he tried his damnest not to move.
Hermione glanced away and coughed embarrassingly as she accepted the plate. "Um, it was um-" she struggled.
"I know." Fred ignored the pain the knowledge brought him.
"You know?" Hermione looked like she was ready to hyperventilate.
"My room is wall to wall with yours," Fred replied, looking back down into the dishwater, not wanting to meet her eyes when he dropped the bomb. "You might want to, you know, use some kind of silencing charm in the future."
"Oh Merlin." Hermione's face was redder than his hair, and Fred couldn't not find it endearing. "I'll um, remember that. I'm sorry. You weren't supposed to hear that. It just happened so fast."
Fred swallowed. "Fast?" he quirked an eyebrow, all the while feeling his heartbreaking. But he had brought this on himself, and if talking about Hermione and Malfoy together would lead towards him getting what he wanted, then that's what he would do.
Hermione gaped at him. "Not that way! I just meant it wasn't planned." She met his eyes. "At all," she added, shaking her head for emphasizes.
"I thought you were the kind of girl who had to plan everything carefully first?" Fred asked, taking comfort in the fact that she hadn't. If it had happened fast and was unplanned, it might mean that she hadn't been ready. He could use that to his advantage.
"I can't believe we're having this conversation," Hermione replied, taking a step back.
"Oh come on, we're friends aren't we? And hey, would you rather talk about it with Ron?" Fred laughed. "Or my mother?"
Hermione groaned. "No. Lord, no." She took a deep breath. "Well, I am that kind of girl. But, it just happened. We were having an argument about-" she glanced up at him, "-something, and the next thing you know..." She waived a hand in the air, obviously not being comfortable voicing what had happened.
Fred didn't need her to, and quite frankly, he was glad she'd opted for a vague hand gesture. "Do you regret it?" he asked carefully, now having given up the pretence of caring about the dishes. He was leaning against the counter, facing Hermione who was sitting not even a foot away. "I mean, if it happened just like that, one might wonder."
"No. I don't regret it." She seemed to think about it for a moment before shaking her head. "I mean, it didn't happen exactly like how I'd always thought my first time would be, but I don't regret it."
"You think you will?"
Hermione frowned at him. "What makes you ask that?"
Fred shrugged. "I'm just saying, one day once this is all over, you might regret it."
"This being me and Draco?" Her tone of voice wasn't so friendly any longer, and this time, the redness of her cheeks hadn't been brought on by blushing.
"I didn't mean-"
She stood up. "I think that's exactly what you mean. What? No one thinks we might have a future after the war is over? That it's just something that happened because we were bored and lonely and once we get back out into the real world again we'll realise we have nothing in common?"
Fred shook his head, but Hermione didn't seem to notice.
"For your information, we care about each other. A lot. I'm sorry if you and the rest of the Order refuses to see that. But we will be together for a long time. I know we will."
"How can you be so sure?" Fred asked, finally loosing his carefully guarded jealousy over their relationship. "He told you he loved you or something?" he continued, his voice laced with sarcasm.
Hermione frowned. "As a matter of fact, he did," she replied defensively, crossing her arms across her chest.
Fred snorted, and turned his back on her, pretending to be engrossed in the dishes once more. "Before or after?" he asked, low enough for Hermione to barely hear it.
"Excuse me?" Hermione asked, and while he could clearly hear the anger in her voice, the doubt that had already begun to creep into her mind was there too.
"Nothing," he replied, glancing back towards her. He didn't meet her eyes, and he quickly turned his back on her again, looking as suspicious as he could.
"It's not nothing. You know something."
Fred sighed, and turned back to face her. "You don't think that it's odd that after only two weeks of being together, the guy who hated your guts for years proclaims his love for you, on the night that you just happen to shag him for the first time?"
Hermione's face fell a little. "He's changed."
"Has he?" Fred raised an eyebrow. When Hermione didn't reply, he smiled sadly and left, brushing by her shoulder as he walked. The seed of doubt had been planted and now all he had to do was sit back and wait for it to spread.
He just hoped that it worked out better for him than last time.
~*~
Days passed with no indication that the relationship between Malfoy and Hermione was over. In fact, they seemed to be going even stronger, to the point where no one as much as blinked when Malfoy accompanied Hermione to her bedroom in the evening, despite the fact that they all knew what was about to happen. It would seem that despite his attempts, they were even closer than before.
Fred didn't understand it. Hermione might be more level-headed than Malfoy, thus wouldn't simply barge into his room and demand an explanation as he had, but Fred had thought he'd at least see some kind of change by now.
Why was she taking so long?
Outside, the snow fell harder, and inside the most recent addition to the houses of Godric's Hollow, the Christmas Spirit was high in the air.
Even Fred couldn't help but grin as his father brought in the large tree, or reminisce about his childhood as his mother unpacked the many boxes of Christmas decorations.
Hermione might still be with Malfoy for the time being, the war might still rage outside, but the Christmas Spirit could not be hindered.
Every one Fred loved was safe. His best friend was coming home, and soon Hermione would be his. Life was good.
"Mate, a word?"
Fred turned, the smile on his face dimming slightly at the look on Malfoy's face. He looked angry. A quick glance in Hermione's direction proved fruitless. The brunette witch was sitting on the couch with his sister, facing the younger girl. Fred began to worry.
"'Course," he replied, hoping he looked and sounded casual. He didn't think Hermione would be down there, stringing popcorn to a string if she and Malfoy had ended things. But if that wasn't what had happened, why was Malfoy so mad?
Fred followed him into the deserted kitchen, masking his worry with fake curiosity as Malfoy faced him.
"What are you playing at Weasley?"
"Right now?" Fred asked, confused.
"With me and Hermione." Malfoy looked at him accusingly.
Fred felt his ears turn red as he stared at Malfoy in shock. How did he know?
"I had a talk with Hermione last night. It would seem that you have been saying things to her, to make her doubt my true feelings."
Fred swallowed hard, wishing desperately for the floor to open up and swallow him whole. This was not happening.
"Funny, I thought. Especially as you did the same to me, only one day earlier." Malfoy glared at him head on, their slight height difference working in his favour. "So I thought to myself, why would you do that? Knowing it might cause us to break up. When it hit me, I felt so incredibly foolish for not having realised it sooner. It's so obvious."
This is a bad dream. Only a bad dream, Fred thought desperately, trying to shut out the words coming from Malfoy's mouth.
"Hermione is my girl. One day, if she'll have me, she's going to be my wife. Now I may not deserve her, but she chose me. I'm going to do everything I can for as long as she'll still want me around, to prove to her that she made the right choice. I'm not going to let you, or one of your many brothers take her away from me." Malfoy had him pinned with his eyes and Fred found himself unable to pull away.
He may be the older wizard, but they both knew Malfoy was more than capable of taking him down. The low threatening tone he'd used terrified Fred. Merlin the boys’ father had taught him well.
"Do we understand each other?"
Unable to do anything but nod, Fred did just that. Malfoy awarded him with a smile.
"Good." With that, he walked right past Fred and out of the kitchen, not even sparing the redhead a glance.
Fred felt a very strong desire to curse him in the back, and probably would have, had he not forgotten his wand by his bed.
The boy was younger than him. Over two years younger. And he'd let himself get scared by a prick of a boy who had nothing in this world but an empty Mansion and, granted, a lot of money.
And Hermione.
Fred sighed.
Fuck.
~*~
They were hanging the popcorn strings Hermione and Ginny had made. Fred watched from the doorway as Malfoy wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist, whispering something in her ear. Whatever it was, it made her smile and blush up at him.
When she raised herself up on her toes to kiss the blond, Fred looked away with a barely contained sneer.
His mother was hanging their Christmas stockings.
One of Fred's favourite parts about Christmas was the stockings. They all hung on a row, in the order of which they'd been born. He knew his family was large and that they all loved him and would always be there for him, but seeing the stockings together always made him feel like he belonged like few other things could. Especially now, with half of the family away all the time.
He groaned when he realised that his mother was in the process of hanging a twelfth stocking. Since when were there twelve people in their family? Fleur made ten, but who were the other two?
Ginny's laugh caught his attention and he glanced over to where she was sitting, next to Harry, going through a box of home-made ornaments.
Oh, of course. How stupid of him. Harry and Hermione made twelve.
His mother chose that moment to pass him by on her way out to the kitchen - probably to get some more eggnog - and she patted his arm with a motherly smile. Fred smiled back.
When she was gone, he sighed, his eyes taking the thirteen Christmas stockings happily hanging in front of the fireplace.
Hold up.
Thirteen? When had that happened?
His eyes narrowed as he noticed the newer, green stocking, clearly named 'Draco'.
What the bloody hell was that all about?
So now the guy had not only taken his girl, but he'd worked his way into his family as well?
Fred glared at the blond across the room. It probably would've been more effective if said blond had actually noticed.
As if were, he was currently too busy staring deeply into Hermione's eyes and brushing a lock of her hair away from her face. And he was taking his time with it too. Not that Hermione seemed to mind. Quite the opposite in fact, if the smile on her face and the faint blush on her cheeks were any indication.
Fred sighed.
Who was he kidding?
On the off chance that he did break the two of them up, and they didn't manage to get back together within half an hour, what made him think that Hermione would turn to him?
They were friends, but they weren't that close. Hermione had never, as far as he'd noticed, expressed or hinted at being attracted to him. And even if she was, it was obvious to everyone that she fancied Malfoy even more.
Did he really want to spend the rest of his life pining for a woman who would most likely wish she was with another man, while she was with him?
They were in love. Buggering fuck, but they were in love.
Fred sighed again.
In these dark war times, everyone had to grab whatever happiness they could find, and Fred wanted Hermione to be happy.
And as much as it pained him to admit it, Hermione had found happiness. Found love.
Just not with him.
If Malfoy was the one she wanted to be with, what kind of a person would he be if he tried to ruin that?
It was over. She had made her choice.
Scratch Plan C then.
Too bad that, as he was certain that this one would've worked like magic.
Damn his noble heart.
The End.
Author's Note: I don't know where this came from, writing it from Fred's POV. In the beginning, the story was suppose to go the road often travelled, with the two of them getting together in the story. But the first scene was accidentally written in what could've been Fred's view of things with a few edits, and things just kind of progressed from there. I hope I'm not the only one who thinks it kind of works and that no one is disappointed with the lack of actual Draco/Hermione interaction aside from the parts that Fred see - and hear. :P You might've noticed that I've referred to Draco as Malfoy throughout the story. That's because Fred thinks of him that way, seeing as he doesn't like him and all. If you think it sounds odd, I'm sorry. I just think it would've sounded odder if I went back and forth between Malfoy and Draco, and having Fred think of him as Draco just didn't work for me in this story.
I hoped everyone enjoyed it, and especially Hafthand, as this one is for you. I hope it was close enough to you request. Again, I'd like to thank shag_me_draco for the read through and for always being there for me. Couldn't have done it without you hon.
STORY REQUEST
BRIEFLY describe what you'd like to receive: popcorn, war time, lots of tension, and one of the Weasley twins!
What rating would you prefer? any is fine though a little language, sex, and violence can be a good thing!
Deal Breakers (what don't you want?): no slash, no rape, and no singing.
Thank-you for participating in the Hot Summer Nights with Draco and Hermione fic exchange.
Title: The Wall Between Us
Author: reetinkerbell
Rating: PG-13
Summary: In these dark war times, everyone had to grab whatever happiness they could find, and Fred wanted Hermione to be happy. Only, Fred wanted Hermione to be happy with him, not Malfoy. Post-HBP.
Disclaimer: J.K Rowling is the Queen.
Author's Note: Thanks a bunches to shag_me_draco for being such a good bouncing board and friend. And for the read throughs, mistake point-outs and suggestion giving, even if I more often than not didn't take said suggestions. I have more notes at the end, regarding the actual story, if anyone is interested.
The Wall Between Us (1/1)
"When did Harry say they'd be here again?" Fred asked, looking at Hermione, completely ignoring the third person in the room. Considering the fact that said third person was Draco Malfoy, the bane of Fred's existence, it was probably for the best for everyone that Fred ignored him as often as he could get away with, without anyone realising that was what he was doing.
Hermione looked up from the pile of movies - wonderful Muggle invention, those picture films - he'd dumped on the coffee table barely fifteen minutes earlier. "I believe he said eight, but Ron mentioned something about picking Ginny up first, so it might be closer to nine."
"Granger, I think we should watch this one," Malfoy help up a movie labelled 'Serenity'. "Looks like fun," he continued, shrugging casually as Hermione looked at him, eyebrows raised and a beautiful smile playing on her lips.
Merlin, but Fred loved that smile. He just hated it when she smiled at him. They should be his smiles, not Malfoy's.
"What happened to 'There's no bleeding way I'll sit through a movie night with a bunch of Weasleys'?" Hermione asked, amused.
Fred snorted, turning his back on the couple sitting close together on the couch before they began arguing. Or worse, snogging.
It had been quite the surprise for everyone when Hermione and Malfoy got together, just months after Remus found the blond hiding in an abandoned house near Bath. The Order had decided to take him in - after much debate - and he'd been living with them ever since. And although he was old enough to take care of himself, he was never left alone. It wasn't because the rest of the Order didn't trust him, but... they weren't willing to take another huge leap of faith so soon after Snape, and trust someone else many of them were still very wary about, despite him still being just a teenager.
Unlike the rest of his family, who's hatred towards Malfoy had been more because of who he was and where he'd come from than anything else, and which had simply melted away into pity, and then into something else as time passed, Fred himself had actually started to warm up to the sod quite easily. He felt sorry for him, having lost his mother to his crazed father, and his father to an even crazier man.
But his still somewhat lukewarm acceptance had quickly turned into red-hot jealousy and dislike when he found him snogging the daylights out of the girl he fancied.
No one knew of course. Fred hadn't even told George about his growing feelings for the younger brunette, and even he, blinded by love and jealousy, could see that she and Malfoy were happy together. And, in these dark war times, everyone had to grab whatever happiness they could find, and Fred wanted Hermione to be happy.
There was only one actual problem with that. The problem. Fred wanted Hermione to be happy with him, not Malfoy.
But with as close as she and the brat were - how they'd managed that in such a short amount of time, Fred didn't even want to being to think about, - it didn't matter that he had been more or less friends with her for years.
It might actually work against him, as he probably reminded her of Ron. And he may love his baby brother, but he didn't want Hermione to think about one of her best friends when she was with him.
And then there was the prankster business. The war had put a damper on it, but he and George still owned the shop, and still worked on new inventions in their spare time. Hopefully, he'd be able to make her appreciate all the hard work that laid behind them; and the geek in her would see the brilliance that was his mind, instead of just fixating on the end results and the childish pranks he and his brother produced. And now with George off with Charlie in Romania, he didn't have to risk having him pull any pranks on Hermione. 'Cause while she could easily tell them apart these days, Fred didn't think that having her associate his face with pranks played on her person would win her over any time soon.
It seemed as if all he could do now was pine away and hope that her relationship with Malfoy ended soon, and that when it did, he finally get his chance.
There really wasn't anything more he could do.
~*~
Two hours later, and Fred was ready to strangle the git. It was bad enough to just see them sit next to each other and be reminded of the fact that they were together, he didn't want to actually see them snuggle.
Granted, it was dark and the only light in the room came from the TV screen - which he should be watching - so thankfully he didn't get the full view, but it was enough. Because, as always, when he was in a room with Hermione, he couldn't tear his eyes away. And by looking at Hermione, he was looking at Malfoy too now-a-days, as they were always so bloody close.
It had started out well; the two of them on the couch, sitting closer than he would've liked, but with a reasonable distance from another. He was sitting in the only armchair, giving him a perfect view of the TV and them, without it looking suspicious if his head was turned a little too far in the direction of the couch.
Then Harry and Ron had arrived, with Ginny in tow. They were all interested in the movie, and had wasted no time in joining them. All right, Fred could live with that, the more the merrier, and so forth.
But then Ginny sat down on the couch, followed by Harry and lastly Ron. And all of a sudden, the spacious couch was crowded and everyone had to move closer together, including Hermione and the blond-haired git.
And now, they were sitting all wrapped up in each other, Hermione's head on his shoulder, his arm around hers, sharing a bowl of popcorn and whispered comments about the ongoings on the screen.
That should be him.
That should be him dammit!
Fred took a deep breath to calm himself, looking away from them as Malfoy's lips found Hermione's forehead, the sight of the easy and comfortable way in which he touched her and the smile it brought to Hermione's lips making him sick.
He needed to do something - anything - to get her away from Malfoy. He couldn't continue to live with them if things kept going like this. And as he couldn't leave, the only way to solve the problem was to break the two of them up, before their relationship progressed further and he actually killed someone. Most likely, that'd be a blond someone.
But what?
And, more importantly, how?
~*~
The sun was shining, but what had looked to be a good day had quickly turned bad. Very bad.
Malfoy had walked out of Hermione's bedroom.
At first, Fred hadn't believed his eyes when he'd exited his own room, tired as he was. But sure enough, the blond prat had walked out of Hermione's bedroom, sleep tousled and wearing the same clothed as he had the day before. When he noticed Fred, he hadn't even had the grace to look ashamed. He'd just smiled, wished Fred a good morning, and casually strolled down the hallway towards his own room, presumably to get ready for breakfast.
Slack jawed, Fred had stared after him, until Harry and Ron came out of the room they shared and asked him what he was up to.
And now they were all gathered around the breakfast table. He on one side, in between his younger siblings, Hermione and Malfoy on the other, next to Harry. He had a clear view of the coupled as they ate and engaged in a whispered conversation. He glared at Harry, as if it was his fault Hermione had gotten involved with Malfoy. Though, since both he and Ron approved of the union - bloody hell, his whole family approved - he was making it worse.
Fred frowned in thought, his eyes drawn to Hermione again, who was too busy looking at her lover boy to notice him. Maybe if he made her think that they didn't approve of her relationship with Malfoy. Maybe that would create a wedge between them and he could...
Or it would just bring them closer together. 'Sides, chances were, Hermione would probably confront Harry and Ron about it, and then she'd find out he lied, get mad at him, hate him forever and the world would end.
All right, scratch that plan, he thought, taking a bite out of his cooling piece of toast.
"-and we could use another player. You in Malfoy?" Ron asked.
Fred ignored the conversation going on around him as it continued, until Hermione spoke up.
"It'd be fun," she urged him, when Malfoy looked as if he was going to decline. "I'm going to be spending the day with Ginny anyway."
"I was hoping I'd be able to catch up with my reading-"
Fred could feel the sudden shift in the air as they all realised Malfoy wanted to be alone and they needed to be crafty. He doubted the blond in question had noticed anything.
"Oh, you can read later," Ron interrupted. "Come on, it's Quidditch!"
Fred shook his head. How the boy didn't realise he'd not been left alone except to sleep since he'd arrived, Fred couldn't understand. Malfoy was supposed to be smart. Fred studied the younger man in front of him as he seemed to struggle with his decision. Not that it was much of a decision. If he declined Ron and Harry's offer, someone else would just keep him company as he read.
Wait a minute, Fred thought. He seemed to be struggling with his decision. But he wasn't. The wheels began to turn and when Malfoy said he'd join Ron and Harry, it was as if a light had been swished on inside Fred's head.
He knew. Malfoy knew. Fred was as sure of that, as he was of his love for Hermione.
As the teens ran off and he was left with the dishes - he couldn't wait till next week when his mum returned to take care of the dishes, among other things - a smile broke out on his face.
If Malfoy knew, it must hurt him. The guy might not win any sensitivity awards any time soon, but he still had feelings and insecurities, like everyone else. Being constantly guarded by people you now considered to be your friends had to hurt.
And being guarded by your girlfriend? He must wonder if she was really with him just to keep a closer eye on him, and not because she actually wanted to be with him.
Fred smirked as a rather devious plan began to take form in his minds eye.
~*~
Dinner had come and gone, and despite the obvious coupleness that was Malfoy and Hermione, right in front of him as he tried to eat, Fred was in a good mood.
Yes, Hermione was still with the prat, but she wouldn't be for long.
Fred almost felt like laughing madly, like the evil villains in the morning cartoons often did, but he resisted the urge.
Seeing as Malfoy was currently seated across from him, it was probably a good thing. The two were alone, the rest of the group having retired to their rooms almost an hour previously. Fred had suggested a game of cards, and Malfoy had accepted with an actual smile. Perhaps the boy really believed them to be friends.
Fred felt a stab of guilt over what he was about to do. Malfoy had lost so much and he seemed to be truly happy with Hermione. Even if he didn't deserve her. He may have more money than Fred would ever see in his entire life, but he wouldn't be able to give Hermione the loving home she deserved, not the same way Fred would.
Somewhere, a clock struck midnight and Fred realised it was time to put his plan into action.
"I know you know."
Malfoy frowned, his bewildered eyes meeting Fred's. "Know what?"
Fred raised an eyebrow and looked at the boy in front of him expectantly, until Malfoy sighed. "Oh, that." He looked down at the table, away from Fred's eyes. "What of it?"
"What of it? Are you telling me it doesn't bother you?" Fred knew Malfoy was used to hiding his emotions, but this was ridiculous.
"Of course it bothers me, but it's not as if I can do anything about it, now can I?"
"No, I guess not."
The two continued to play in silence.
"I'm sure with time..." Malfoy trailed off, looking uncomfortable.
"Of course," Fred agreed. "Still, can't be easy," he continued, hoping the perfect moment to slip in and cast some doubt would arise.
"And it doesn't exactly help with all of you being related to each other."
Fred frowned. What that had to do with anything, he didn't know. "No, I guess not," he replied with a small nod, not knowing what else he could say or do.
"He's a good guy though. He wouldn't do anything to ruin my relationship with Hermione."
Merlin, did he know what he was trying to do? Fred thought. "That's good."
"Of course, I'm sure it's really because he doesn't want to jeopardize his friendship with Hermione, but I take what I can get," Malfoy continued, oblivious to the thoughts running around in Fred's head.
"I agree."
"All the same, I'll feel much better when Ron finds himself some other girl to moon after."
"Ron?" Fred asked. He'd been talking about Ron this whole time?
Malfoy frowned. "Yes, Ron. Your brother?"
"Ah yes, of course," Fred agreed, nodding for emphasis.
Malfoy looked at him. "You had no idea I was talking about Ron and him being in love with Hermione, did you?"
"What else would we be talking about?" Fred asked, looking down at the cards in his hand. He was nervous. The time was approaching.
"You tell me. What were you talking about?" Malfoy's eyes were narrowed in suspicion.
It was time. "Oh nothing." Fred deliberately sounded as suspicious as he could, and topped it off with looking everywhere but at Malfoy. "Is it my turn?" he asked, fully well aware that he'd just had his turn. Malfoy knew it too, and by the look on his face, he'd caught on to what he was doing.
Or, to what Malfoy thought he was doing.
If Malfoy truly hadn't realised he was being watched constantly, then that might work in his favour. Of course, it had been easier to get the conversation going in the direction he wanted, if Malfoy actually knew.
"It's not nothing, is it?" Malfoy asked, after moments of excruciating silence.
Fred tried to look as evasive as possible, while at the same time making it clear to Malfoy that it was all an act. And while he had the evasive act down from years of training, trying to look like he was being evasive and not doing a very good job of it; that was a little harder. Hopefully, Malfoy would only notice the trying to look evasive part.
"Tell me," Malfoy told him, sounding very much like he had before the war started and he believed himself to be superior to everyone.
Fred hesitated. That was no act. He had to play this right. One false move and the whole plan could fail. He couldn't risk that. "I thought you already knew," he said, pretending he wanted to buy some time. Malfoy would think it suspicious if he simply blurted it out.
"Obviously," Malfoy replied, his tone of voice beginning to have a harshness Fred was not used to.
The boy must've realised that whatever it was he was about to tell him, it wasn't good. "It must be odd for you to come from such a small family, to this." Malfoy frowned at his change of topic, but before he had a chance to say anything about it, Fred continued. "It must've taken some time for you to get used to having people around you all the time. Now, as you know, I come from a large family, and I'm quite used to not having a lot of privacy, but it must be extra difficult for you. Especially as I at least have alone time, where as you don't."
Still not getting it, Malfoy's frown deepened. "I have privacy."
"Do you?" Fred raised an eyebrow. "Seems to me like there's always someone around you."
"Well, it is true that I don't spend a lot of time on my own, but I don't mind," Malfoy replied.
Fred thought he looked a bit unsure. He glanced down at the cards in his hand, seemingly more interested in the game than the conversation. As if they were talking about something as mundane as the weather. "Of course," he said, almost patronisingly.
"You saying I should mind?" Malfoy asked.
"I think it's a bit odd that you're not bothered over the fact that you're constantly being guard- I mean, in company of someone else." Fred congratulated himself for his brilliant 'slip-up'. If that didn't catch Malfoy's attention, the boy was a total lost cause.
Fred watched as every muscle in Malfoy's body froze.
"Guarded?" he bit out.
"That came out wrong," Fred lied, deliberately too quickly too ring true. He couldn't believe how well this was going.
"Bloody hell." Malfoy placed his cards upside down on the table, as realisation spread across his face. "So it's true? You're all just watching me. You're just-"
"Not all of us," Fred interrupted. He might need Malfoy to still think of him as a friend in the future, no need to alienate him just yet.
Malfoy hesitated. "You think Hermione..." His eyes said what he himself couldn't voice.
Fred quickly glanced away for a moment before meeting Malfoy's eyes once more. "I don't think she has it in her," he said, hoping Malfoy would take it as the badly presented lie he meant it as.
When Malfoy stood from the table, not caring as his chair toppled over in his haste to get away, Fred knew he'd succeeded.
"I have to go," Malfoy offered in way of explanation, not even glancing in Fred's direction as he stormed past him and towards the stairs.
Moments after, Fred heard the harsh knocking on the door that could only lead to Hermione's bedroom, followed by it being slammed shut.
A very un-Weasley smirk spread across his face.
Show time.
~*~
They had been in Hermione's room, arguing quite loudly for a good thirty minutes now, Fred realised, as he glanced at his wrist watch. He didn't know if that was a good thing or not, considering their past.
He was currently in the bedroom he had shared with George ever since they relocated to the new safe house, shamelessly pressing his ear up against the wall connecting his room with Hermione's.
While he couldn't make out all the words - the two were obviously trying to be quiet every now and then, when they remembered that they weren't alone in the house - just the fact that they were arguing was good enough for Fred. And, if he'd understood the few words he'd managed to make out correctly, they were arguing about the lack of trust they now seemed to have in each other.
It seemed that Malfoy fully believed that Hermione was only with him to keep a closer eye on him, and he had wasted no time in telling her just what he thought about that.
Things couldn't be going better even if Fred had Imperiod the blond. Not that he would ever would, because that was bad and oh so illegal.
Still. It was true.
Suddenly, the screaming match in the other room came to an abrupt end. Fred frowned, glancing at the wall.
Maybe one of them had left?
Though, he hadn't heard the door close, and he doubted either of them would be gentle about it, the state they were in.
Maybe Hermione had put up a silencing charm.
Fred frowned in disappointment. He'd enjoyed the fighting.
He leaned back from the wall, only to shoot forward once more as a dull crash was heard through it.
Maybe Hermione had resorted to throwing things at Malfoy. He couldn't blame her. He himself had felt like throwing...
Wait.
What was that?
Fred frowned, looking at the wall in suspicion.
Not being able to properly hear what was going on on the other side of the wall, and desperately needing to; Fred looked around the sparsely furnished room, in search of something that would help him.
Wait, didn't George always keep a pair of Extendable Ears in his bedside table?
Fred searched the filled-to-the-brim drawer, until finally - after what felt like a lifetime - he pulled the Ears out with a triumphant grin.
Donning the extra ears, Fred walked back to the wall and once again pressed his ear up against it.
Only to pull back in horror when the sounds coming from the other bedroom registered in his head.
They weren't arguing any longer, that was for sure.
Fred glared at the wall separating him and his dream girl, as if it was its fault Malfoy was currently in there tainting her with his hand and lips and... he didn't need to go there.
When a particularly loud gasp of the prats name was heard, Fred recoiled in disgust, realising he was still wearing the Extendable Ears.
He pulled them off and threw them to the floor, never before having hated anything as much as he hated them.
And Malfoy.
Bloody buggering fuck of a Malfoy.
With a tortured groan, he turned and stalked out of his room, not wanting to be so close to the while they were doing that.
His bedroom door slammed shut behind him.
He hoped they heard.
Bloody brilliant.
I guess it's time for Plan B then, Fred thought with a sigh.
But first; come up with a Plan B.
And find some alcohol.
A thump from upstairs was heard just before he slammed the front door shut in his wake.
Make that a lot of alcohol.
~*~
Fred masked the pain that stabbed at his heart as Hermione entered the kitchen, carrying a small stack of plates. He gave her a brief smile before he turned back to the sink and tried his best to focus on the dishes in it, rather than the woman he was now alone with. But as she came within touching distance, her shoulder just inches from his own, so close that he could feel the heat of her skin through their clothing, he couldn't help but take a deep breath through his nose, catching her tantalizing scent.
It was getting dark outside, and while they'd spent most of the day together, they'd never spoken directly to each other. Not even during dinner, as Hermione had spent most of it sharing lovesick smiles and shameless long looks with her lover boy, which had lead to Fred spending most of dinner either staring down at his plate morosely, or staring at Hermione longingly. All in all, conversation had been sparse, but apparently, none of the teens gathered had minded.
Except for Fred, who always minded.
And now, here she was, in the kitchen, with him. When she could be off, gallivanting with her boyfriend instead.
Fred felt the hope begin to rise in his chest when Hermione grabbed one of the clean dishes and began to dry it, sending him a smile as she did, only to have it be dashed again when he remembered the ongoings between her and Malfoy the previous evening.
All right Fred old boy, he thought, time to toughen up and push through the pain.
As Hermione yawned, Fred realised it was the perfect opportunity, and that it was time for Plan B to be put into action.
"Rough night?" he asked casually, handing Hermione one of the now clean plates. He met her eyes head on as she took it, and when she blushed, looking at him like a deer caught in headlights, he tried his damnest not to move.
Hermione glanced away and coughed embarrassingly as she accepted the plate. "Um, it was um-" she struggled.
"I know." Fred ignored the pain the knowledge brought him.
"You know?" Hermione looked like she was ready to hyperventilate.
"My room is wall to wall with yours," Fred replied, looking back down into the dishwater, not wanting to meet her eyes when he dropped the bomb. "You might want to, you know, use some kind of silencing charm in the future."
"Oh Merlin." Hermione's face was redder than his hair, and Fred couldn't not find it endearing. "I'll um, remember that. I'm sorry. You weren't supposed to hear that. It just happened so fast."
Fred swallowed. "Fast?" he quirked an eyebrow, all the while feeling his heartbreaking. But he had brought this on himself, and if talking about Hermione and Malfoy together would lead towards him getting what he wanted, then that's what he would do.
Hermione gaped at him. "Not that way! I just meant it wasn't planned." She met his eyes. "At all," she added, shaking her head for emphasizes.
"I thought you were the kind of girl who had to plan everything carefully first?" Fred asked, taking comfort in the fact that she hadn't. If it had happened fast and was unplanned, it might mean that she hadn't been ready. He could use that to his advantage.
"I can't believe we're having this conversation," Hermione replied, taking a step back.
"Oh come on, we're friends aren't we? And hey, would you rather talk about it with Ron?" Fred laughed. "Or my mother?"
Hermione groaned. "No. Lord, no." She took a deep breath. "Well, I am that kind of girl. But, it just happened. We were having an argument about-" she glanced up at him, "-something, and the next thing you know..." She waived a hand in the air, obviously not being comfortable voicing what had happened.
Fred didn't need her to, and quite frankly, he was glad she'd opted for a vague hand gesture. "Do you regret it?" he asked carefully, now having given up the pretence of caring about the dishes. He was leaning against the counter, facing Hermione who was sitting not even a foot away. "I mean, if it happened just like that, one might wonder."
"No. I don't regret it." She seemed to think about it for a moment before shaking her head. "I mean, it didn't happen exactly like how I'd always thought my first time would be, but I don't regret it."
"You think you will?"
Hermione frowned at him. "What makes you ask that?"
Fred shrugged. "I'm just saying, one day once this is all over, you might regret it."
"This being me and Draco?" Her tone of voice wasn't so friendly any longer, and this time, the redness of her cheeks hadn't been brought on by blushing.
"I didn't mean-"
She stood up. "I think that's exactly what you mean. What? No one thinks we might have a future after the war is over? That it's just something that happened because we were bored and lonely and once we get back out into the real world again we'll realise we have nothing in common?"
Fred shook his head, but Hermione didn't seem to notice.
"For your information, we care about each other. A lot. I'm sorry if you and the rest of the Order refuses to see that. But we will be together for a long time. I know we will."
"How can you be so sure?" Fred asked, finally loosing his carefully guarded jealousy over their relationship. "He told you he loved you or something?" he continued, his voice laced with sarcasm.
Hermione frowned. "As a matter of fact, he did," she replied defensively, crossing her arms across her chest.
Fred snorted, and turned his back on her, pretending to be engrossed in the dishes once more. "Before or after?" he asked, low enough for Hermione to barely hear it.
"Excuse me?" Hermione asked, and while he could clearly hear the anger in her voice, the doubt that had already begun to creep into her mind was there too.
"Nothing," he replied, glancing back towards her. He didn't meet her eyes, and he quickly turned his back on her again, looking as suspicious as he could.
"It's not nothing. You know something."
Fred sighed, and turned back to face her. "You don't think that it's odd that after only two weeks of being together, the guy who hated your guts for years proclaims his love for you, on the night that you just happen to shag him for the first time?"
Hermione's face fell a little. "He's changed."
"Has he?" Fred raised an eyebrow. When Hermione didn't reply, he smiled sadly and left, brushing by her shoulder as he walked. The seed of doubt had been planted and now all he had to do was sit back and wait for it to spread.
He just hoped that it worked out better for him than last time.
~*~
Days passed with no indication that the relationship between Malfoy and Hermione was over. In fact, they seemed to be going even stronger, to the point where no one as much as blinked when Malfoy accompanied Hermione to her bedroom in the evening, despite the fact that they all knew what was about to happen. It would seem that despite his attempts, they were even closer than before.
Fred didn't understand it. Hermione might be more level-headed than Malfoy, thus wouldn't simply barge into his room and demand an explanation as he had, but Fred had thought he'd at least see some kind of change by now.
Why was she taking so long?
Outside, the snow fell harder, and inside the most recent addition to the houses of Godric's Hollow, the Christmas Spirit was high in the air.
Even Fred couldn't help but grin as his father brought in the large tree, or reminisce about his childhood as his mother unpacked the many boxes of Christmas decorations.
Hermione might still be with Malfoy for the time being, the war might still rage outside, but the Christmas Spirit could not be hindered.
Every one Fred loved was safe. His best friend was coming home, and soon Hermione would be his. Life was good.
"Mate, a word?"
Fred turned, the smile on his face dimming slightly at the look on Malfoy's face. He looked angry. A quick glance in Hermione's direction proved fruitless. The brunette witch was sitting on the couch with his sister, facing the younger girl. Fred began to worry.
"'Course," he replied, hoping he looked and sounded casual. He didn't think Hermione would be down there, stringing popcorn to a string if she and Malfoy had ended things. But if that wasn't what had happened, why was Malfoy so mad?
Fred followed him into the deserted kitchen, masking his worry with fake curiosity as Malfoy faced him.
"What are you playing at Weasley?"
"Right now?" Fred asked, confused.
"With me and Hermione." Malfoy looked at him accusingly.
Fred felt his ears turn red as he stared at Malfoy in shock. How did he know?
"I had a talk with Hermione last night. It would seem that you have been saying things to her, to make her doubt my true feelings."
Fred swallowed hard, wishing desperately for the floor to open up and swallow him whole. This was not happening.
"Funny, I thought. Especially as you did the same to me, only one day earlier." Malfoy glared at him head on, their slight height difference working in his favour. "So I thought to myself, why would you do that? Knowing it might cause us to break up. When it hit me, I felt so incredibly foolish for not having realised it sooner. It's so obvious."
This is a bad dream. Only a bad dream, Fred thought desperately, trying to shut out the words coming from Malfoy's mouth.
"Hermione is my girl. One day, if she'll have me, she's going to be my wife. Now I may not deserve her, but she chose me. I'm going to do everything I can for as long as she'll still want me around, to prove to her that she made the right choice. I'm not going to let you, or one of your many brothers take her away from me." Malfoy had him pinned with his eyes and Fred found himself unable to pull away.
He may be the older wizard, but they both knew Malfoy was more than capable of taking him down. The low threatening tone he'd used terrified Fred. Merlin the boys’ father had taught him well.
"Do we understand each other?"
Unable to do anything but nod, Fred did just that. Malfoy awarded him with a smile.
"Good." With that, he walked right past Fred and out of the kitchen, not even sparing the redhead a glance.
Fred felt a very strong desire to curse him in the back, and probably would have, had he not forgotten his wand by his bed.
The boy was younger than him. Over two years younger. And he'd let himself get scared by a prick of a boy who had nothing in this world but an empty Mansion and, granted, a lot of money.
And Hermione.
Fred sighed.
Fuck.
~*~
They were hanging the popcorn strings Hermione and Ginny had made. Fred watched from the doorway as Malfoy wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist, whispering something in her ear. Whatever it was, it made her smile and blush up at him.
When she raised herself up on her toes to kiss the blond, Fred looked away with a barely contained sneer.
His mother was hanging their Christmas stockings.
One of Fred's favourite parts about Christmas was the stockings. They all hung on a row, in the order of which they'd been born. He knew his family was large and that they all loved him and would always be there for him, but seeing the stockings together always made him feel like he belonged like few other things could. Especially now, with half of the family away all the time.
He groaned when he realised that his mother was in the process of hanging a twelfth stocking. Since when were there twelve people in their family? Fleur made ten, but who were the other two?
Ginny's laugh caught his attention and he glanced over to where she was sitting, next to Harry, going through a box of home-made ornaments.
Oh, of course. How stupid of him. Harry and Hermione made twelve.
His mother chose that moment to pass him by on her way out to the kitchen - probably to get some more eggnog - and she patted his arm with a motherly smile. Fred smiled back.
When she was gone, he sighed, his eyes taking the thirteen Christmas stockings happily hanging in front of the fireplace.
Hold up.
Thirteen? When had that happened?
His eyes narrowed as he noticed the newer, green stocking, clearly named 'Draco'.
What the bloody hell was that all about?
So now the guy had not only taken his girl, but he'd worked his way into his family as well?
Fred glared at the blond across the room. It probably would've been more effective if said blond had actually noticed.
As if were, he was currently too busy staring deeply into Hermione's eyes and brushing a lock of her hair away from her face. And he was taking his time with it too. Not that Hermione seemed to mind. Quite the opposite in fact, if the smile on her face and the faint blush on her cheeks were any indication.
Fred sighed.
Who was he kidding?
On the off chance that he did break the two of them up, and they didn't manage to get back together within half an hour, what made him think that Hermione would turn to him?
They were friends, but they weren't that close. Hermione had never, as far as he'd noticed, expressed or hinted at being attracted to him. And even if she was, it was obvious to everyone that she fancied Malfoy even more.
Did he really want to spend the rest of his life pining for a woman who would most likely wish she was with another man, while she was with him?
They were in love. Buggering fuck, but they were in love.
Fred sighed again.
In these dark war times, everyone had to grab whatever happiness they could find, and Fred wanted Hermione to be happy.
And as much as it pained him to admit it, Hermione had found happiness. Found love.
Just not with him.
If Malfoy was the one she wanted to be with, what kind of a person would he be if he tried to ruin that?
It was over. She had made her choice.
Scratch Plan C then.
Too bad that, as he was certain that this one would've worked like magic.
Damn his noble heart.
The End.
Author's Note: I don't know where this came from, writing it from Fred's POV. In the beginning, the story was suppose to go the road often travelled, with the two of them getting together in the story. But the first scene was accidentally written in what could've been Fred's view of things with a few edits, and things just kind of progressed from there. I hope I'm not the only one who thinks it kind of works and that no one is disappointed with the lack of actual Draco/Hermione interaction aside from the parts that Fred see - and hear. :P You might've noticed that I've referred to Draco as Malfoy throughout the story. That's because Fred thinks of him that way, seeing as he doesn't like him and all. If you think it sounds odd, I'm sorry. I just think it would've sounded odder if I went back and forth between Malfoy and Draco, and having Fred think of him as Draco just didn't work for me in this story.
I hoped everyone enjoyed it, and especially Hafthand, as this one is for you. I hope it was close enough to you request. Again, I'd like to thank shag_me_draco for the read through and for always being there for me. Couldn't have done it without you hon.
STORY REQUEST
BRIEFLY describe what you'd like to receive: popcorn, war time, lots of tension, and one of the Weasley twins!
What rating would you prefer? any is fine though a little language, sex, and violence can be a good thing!
Deal Breakers (what don't you want?): no slash, no rape, and no singing.
Thank-you for participating in the Hot Summer Nights with Draco and Hermione fic exchange.