My Brother's Girl

The Plan

Fred woke up early, even before George. 

Since they were babies, George had always woken up first and then curled up beside Fred. Now, when George woke up (even though he'd deny it) he still kept an eye on Fred and if it looked like he was having a bad dream, George was the first thing he saw. Glancing over at his twin, Fred saw George had his arm outstretched - another habit from when they were children. Until they were about 6 they shared a bed simply because they needed the touch of each other to fall asleep. 

Sitting up, Fred yawned as he thought over his plan. He had to do it today; if he didnt he never would.

Thankfully it was a Sunday so the majority of people would be doing last-minute homework assignments.

Blinking rapidly, as quickly as he could, Fred grabbed his towel and went into the bathroom.

Standing under the warm water, Fred started to get nervous. What if Hermione didnt like him? What if she only saw him as the Joker? Or as Ron's older brother? She wouldnt want to be with someone who got 3 OWLs.

Shaking off the nerves, Fred climbed out of the shower and finished getting ready.

By the time he was dressed, the other boys in his dormitory were awake. "Why you up so early? Its  a Sunday!" Lee Jordan questioned, raising an eyebrow, and rubbing the sleep out of his eye. "Got some business to deal with." With a wink and a smile on his mischievous face, Fred left. "Freddie!" George shouted, following him out onto the landing, much to the enjoyment of the girls below; it wasn't often you got to see a seventh-year shirtless. "Good luck mate. You'll be fine." Fred couldn't hide his nerves from George. "Just remember; we're out of here soon enough."

"I know."

George winked at the girls below and went back to his dorm.

It was typical; since Umbridge had been making all these new decrees, they had been plotting an amazing plan to leave Hogwarts - it was practically complete, all they needed to do was put it into action. "Why didnt I figure this out sooner?" Fred muttered to himself.

Running his hands over his face, he was incredibly annoyed at himself. They'd been at Hogwarts for months and he hadn't said anything. Maybe he shouldnt say anything at all.

"Fred!" Hermione gasped as they bumped into each other. "Sorry, Hermione." Fred gave her a hand, but as she took it - and Fred knew it was cliche - he felt something shoot up his arm. The same as he had in DA. "Why are you up so early Fred? Usually, you're not alive to the world till at least 11."

"I have some things to do today. Anyway, Harry asked me to tell you to meet him in the Room of Requirement at 12pm. Sharp." Fred said, looking away. He knew this would work; George promised to keep Ron and Harry occupied for the day so there was no chance of them... getting in the way. "Okay."

And with that, Hermione left to do some homework; or to read. Fred never was sure - it wasn't like Hermione was always in the library, but she did always have a book sticking out of her bag, and it was her O.W.L year... Fred shook his head; since yesterday, he had been thinking way too much - which had never really been a problem before.

12 pm

Waiting inside the Room of Requirement, Fred felt himself start to heat up; he was so nervous. Looking around the room he was proud of himself; he'd made the usual Practice Room look...beautiful quite honestly.

Fred imagined his families' faces if they knew what he was doing. When he'd had girlfriends before, he'd never gone to this length. As the thought occurred to him he felt quite ashamed. He was good at flirting but he'd never been much cop at being a boyfriend. Maybe he should leave now, find Hermione, and tell her that he'd made a mistake.

As he got ready to leave, Hermione walked through the door. "Fred?" Hermione asked a hint of curiosity in her voice, taking in the room's new look.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Fred started speaking.

"To hurt is as human as to breathe." Fred said, quoting Hermione's favourite book. "But I swear I never want to hurt you. To me, what's as human as breathing is you. Loving you is the most normal thing on this planet to me."

Fred waited as Hermione took in what he was saying. "You..."

Nodding, Fred realised how stupid this plan was. Of course, Hermione didn't feel the same.

"Since when?" Hermione asked, sitting down on a nearby cushion. "Since last year. When I saw you at the Ball."

"You mean since you saw how nice I can look?" Hermione retorted, shooting upwards and heading to the door.

Grabbing her wrist, Fred replied "No. Since I saw you as something other than Ron's friend. Since I saw you looking sad and then when I walked over you got the cutest grin on your face. I love how you are; inside and out. You've always been beautiful, it just took you not being hidden by Ron or Harry for me to notice. Even when you look dorky you're gorgeous."

Cursing himself for saying she looked dorky, Fred loosened his grip on Hermione's wrist - but she didnt try to pull away. "Youre an idiot." Hermione said simply, stepping closer.

"Can I ask you a question? A question thats been on my mind for the past year?"

"Of course." Hermione looked up into his eyes expectantly and Fred felt himself melt.

"Hermione Jean Granger. Will you, please, be my girlfriend?"