Quick Reads

Her Favorite Things (Fred/Hermione/Draco)

*After months of trying to conceive, Hermione is becoming increasingly frustrated. Fred plans a special evening and employs a special guest to help her relax.*

"I'm home," Hermione called as she stepped out of the fireplace. She hung her robes up and took a deep breath, hearty Italian spices filling her nose. Her husband had promised her her favorite meal and it smelled like he had delivered.

"Fred?"

Hermione made her way to the kitchen, starting to worry when she didn't get a response. There she found the linguini and clam sauce steaming under a stasis spell, along with a salad, a loaf of crusty Italian bread, and their table set for...three?

Hermione pursed her lips and tapped her fingers against the granite countertop. This night was supposed to be about relieving stress, not adding to it. She and Fred had spent the last six months trying to get her pregnant and Hermione was becoming increasingly frustrated with seeing only one line on the multitude of pregnancy tests.

That evening was supposed to be about the two of them putting away the stress of trying to conceive and instead just focusing on enjoying each other. Fred had promised her all of her favorite things and, to show appreciation for his thoughtfulness, she had spent more Galleons than was sensible on the ruby red lingerie that was strategically peeping out of her black dress. She was not about to have that ruined by George Weasley unexpectedly popping by. She loved that the brothers had a close relationship but this was too much.

Her irritation morphed to curiosity, though, when she heard footsteps and voices descending the steps. She could pick out her husband's voice easily enough but what was Draco Malfoy doing in her house?

"Hello, love," Fred purred in her ear as he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He pulled her against him and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Mmm," Hermione hummed, turning her head so that she could catch his lips with hers. "Hello, sweetheart. You never told me we'd be having company for dinner."

Draco had followed Fred into the kitchen and was now standing in front of them, his signature smirk in place.

"Will Mr. Malfoy be staying much longer?" Hermione asked, side-eyeing their guest as Fred kissed her again.

Fred let go of her and set to work on uncorking a bottle of Pinot Grigio.

"I was just showing Draco my workshop and we were discussing product ideas." He poured a glass of wine and passed it to her. "He's been working on some alchemy projects that may be just perfect for our patented brand of mischief. We were discussing the possible benefits of a merger."

"That's wonderful, darling, but it doesn't answer my question." Hermione took a sip of wine before asking again, "Will Mr. Malfoy be staying much longer ?" She emphasized the last word and gave him an expectant look.

Fred smiled at her before turning to Draco and passing him a glass of wine. "Go ahead into the living room. We'll be with you shortly."

"Of course," Draco said, nodding at Fred, and then winking at Hermione, as he added, "See you soon."

Hermione stared at her husband in bewilderment as Fred watched Draco saunter from the kitchen before turning his attention back to her.

"Fred Weasley!" she hissed, slapping his shoulder. "Why would you invite him here tonight? Has all that blasting powder addled your brain?"

"No, love. My brain is completely fine," Fred said with a laugh. He trailed his fingers up her arm and rested his hand on her shoulder. His brown eyes smoldered as they gazed into hers. "And, to answer your original question, Draco will be staying for as long as you wish."