From the Point of View of a Mudblood

Chapter 41: That Muggle Fairytale

Hermione was leaving breakfast to go to class when a firm hand pulled her aside and into a nearby Knight's alcove.
"Hey, it's me. Don't freak out."
"Fred!" Hermione slapped his arm. "I'm going to be late for class!"
"Just give me a minute. Ok?"
"Fine. But if I'm late, I will kill you."
"Deal."
Fred took Hermione's hand and ran outside to the Black Lake.
"What are we doing, Fred?" laughed Hermione. She was giggling as they ran hand-in-hand down the grassy hill. They stopped at the edge of the lake. The cool autumn breeze biting her nose and dancing through her curly locks.
"Why did you bring me her, Fred?" She couldn't pull the smile from her lips, as much as she tried.
"I wanted to give you something. Do you know what today is?"
"It's October 30th, why?"
"We started going out on May 30th. Five months ago."
Her smile grew.
"I'm so sorry, Fred. I didn't get you anything! I'm so-" she was cut off my a soft pair of lips.
"You didn't have to get me anything. You're all I've ever wanted. But, I did get you something."
He pulled a long rectangular box from his pocket and plucked a pink flower from a tree nearby.
"This," he placed the flower in her hair, "because I once saw you and Ginny making crowns form these flowers. I couldn't believe how beautiful you looked. You were so happy. I want you to be like that forever."
"Fred-"
"And this," he opened the box to reveal a beautiful silver chain with a small red rose dangling from the center, "because of that muggle fairy tale. The one with the smart girl who teaches the ugly beast to love. You remind me of her. I remember you read us that story at your first Christmas at the Burrow."
"Beauty and the Beast." Hermione grinned larger, if that were even possible. Fred spun Hermione around and lifted her hair from her neck and put it over her shoulder. He opened the clasp on the necklace and wrapped it around her neck. The cold chain clung to Hermione's skin as the rose finally sat on her chest. Fred spun her back around and she stared into his eyes. They were soft and warm, contrast to the cold wind around them.
"I love you, Hermione."
"I love you too, Fred. And I will get you a gift. I promise I'll have it by the end of the day.
Hermione pecked Fred's cheek and ran off. She had a plan to get him the perfect gift, but first she needed to over-exercise her prefect powers.
She entered the school and ran straight to the Charms classroom.
"Professor Flitwick, could I see George Weasley for a moment?"
"Of course, Ms. Granger. Please take your time."
George gathered his belongings and followed the prefect out of the classroom in confusion.
"Listen, Hermione. I'm sure that whatever I did, I have a good explanation for it."
"Shut up, George. I need your help. I need to get Fred a gift."
"Oh, you had me worried, Hermione. What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to tell me if he's been wanting something for a little while. Maybe a joke toy or something like that?"
"Well he's been looking for some Wolfsbane Flower Powder, but we can't find it for a good price anywhere!"
"I think I have an idea. Does Peeves listen to you?"
"Of course he does! He and I are great pals."
"I need you to get him to distract Professor Snape today at lunch. I also need you to help me sneak into his storage cupboard. Please?"
"Hermione Granger! I am so proud of you!" George pulled her into a tight hug and ruffled her already tangled hair.
"Hey! Stop George! Ok, get back to class now. I'm late as it is." Hermione adjusted her Prefect badge.
"Aye-eye Prefect Granger."
"Smartarse." She walked away and smiled to herself for breaking the rules. It gave her a rush whenever she did that. But now she needed to come up with a way to get into class without getting in trouble. She had to get to Herbology, and quickly.