Broken Bits

38. Million Brilliant Little Bits

-Some scenes may not be appropriate for younger readers-

After not being home for several days, Fred and Hermione found that the only edible things left in their kitchen were a bag of crisps and a bottle of white wine. So with quick thinking on Fred's part, he scooped the food and Hermione into his arms and made his way through the small cabin, until they were nestled in the back in their bedroom.

He settled Hermione on the bed, before pulling away to cast up protective wards. His dad's words ringing in his hand as he swished his wand back and forth through the room. 

There was clear evidence that Charlie had ransacked their home. Items were misplaced, and things were strewn about in his panic. There were magical markings on the wall, and in the bathroom there had been what Fred could only describe as an explosion. It must had been where Charlie had found the most elf tracings. 

Hermione settled into the blankets, enjoying the crisps as she watched Fred move about the room. The way his arm flexed as he cast, and the way his eyes squinted when a spell would put up a fight. He stayed quiet all the while, only a gentle hum of magic in the air and Hermione smacking on crisps. 

It was several minutes later when Fred finally crawled into bed, laying on top of the duvet he uncorked the wine and took a long sip before passing it over.

He snatched the crisp bag between his fingers before he spoke. "How are you my love?" He asked. His conversation with Ron was still echoing in his mind, but he shoved it away to focus on later. He wanted to pay attention to Hermione tonight. 

"Warm." Hermione hummed, pulling the bottle away from her lips she pressed herself to Fred's side.

"Warm?" Fred teased, turning to her. He let out a loud gasp as Hermione used this distraction to snatch the crisp bag back, shoveling a few in her mouth before Fred could make a grab for it.

"I need to use the loo." Hermione whispered, licking the salt from her lips. Fred watched her tongue for a moment, transfixed before darting his eyes back up to hers. 

"Leave the door open?" Fred asked, he attempted to hide the worry in his tone but Hermione saw it laced in his eyes.

"Of course." Hermione whispered, she leaned over pressing a kiss to his temple before sliding off the bed. Fred watched her go, the heat slowly fading from his skin. 

Hermione rummaged around in their shared dresser, hugged her chosen clothes to her chest before slipping into the bathroom. She kept it open halfway, hiding behind the door as she changed. 

Fred used the opportunity to slip up and change into pajamas quickly. He abandoned their outrageous dinner on his nightstand, and slipped into comfortable clothes before making his way back to the bed. 

He scooped his wand up, and waved it around, ensuring the strength of the wards one more time. His mind swimming with every possibly thing that could go wrong in such a short amount of time. He heard the creak of the bathroom door as it opened, as well as the flick of the light switch being turned off. He didn't turn around right away, still focusing on strengthening the wards when Hermione cleared her throat impatiently. 

Fred turned, slightly startled, to find Hermione standing in one of his t-shirts and a pair of maroon knickers trimmed with lace. Fred stumbled, the back of his knees hitting the bed until he lowered himself to a sitting position. It felt as if all the air had vanished from the room. 

It was the direct opposite of what he truly wanted to do. He'd much rather gather her in his arms, press her up against the bathroom sink and have her in anyway she'd let him. But he knew this wouldn't end well for either of them, so he simply sat back and waited. Holding his breath, as she fidgeted in the doorway.