Hermione paced the living room, feeling last nights dinner try to come up her throat. Morning sickness was the worst! She hated it! Hermione kept an eye on the clock, waiting. She tried to take a deep breath and rubbed her small stomach. It had been five days and she hadn’t been to see Fred yet... five, long, boring, days. She wanted to see him, tell him how she was craving so many other foods and see the way his eyes would light up when she walked in. Even though Fred didn’t admit to her that he loves her, she could tell from his eyes and the way he fidgeted around her. Actions speak louder than words but he still wished he would admit his love to her.

Hermione had finally moved into Fred’s small apartment. She piled all of her boxes into George’s room, not unloading them just yet. She had told Harry that she was going to live in Fred’s house. Harry had told Ginny and she had told her parents... word got around. Hermione wondered what Mr and Mrs Weasley would think of her living in Fred’s apartment. She didn’t dwell on the fact too long as she felt her stomach rumble. Hermione clasped her hands onto her mouth, waiting for the sensation to pass. Sometimes it would pass and other times... she would have to clean the toilet. It wasn’t pretty but she always reminded herself that her child was in her stomach right now and soon he/she would grow up and live with her.

Harry had been to visit Hermione the other day. He had told her about when he went to St Mungo’s to visit Fred. Apparently Fred didn’t want any visitors except for a ‘long brown haired woman’ which Harry had assumed was Hermione. Although this touched her heart in many ways, Hermione still didn’t visit Fred... she couldn’t face him just yet.

There was a dull knock on her door. Hermione felt her grow colder. Her stomach twisted slightly as she walked over to the front door. She willed herself to stop shaking and to be calm as she opened the door, fumbling slightly with the keys. The door opened to reveal Ron Weasley. Ron looked her up and down, making Hermione aware of how she looked – which wasn’t very attractive at the moment. Ron was wearing jeans and a button up t-shirt. Hermione didn’t know how good he could look in simple clothes like that. He ran a hand through his hair, looking behind her... as though looking for someone.

‘He isn’t out of St Mungo’s yet,’ Hermione said, realising he was looking for Fred. Ron nodded and silence infused around them. His blue eyes stayed on her brown ones and he smiled at her, digging his hands in his pockets, waiting. Hermione coughed and stood aside, ‘come in.’

‘Thanks,’ Ron said and hearing his voice made Hermione’s stomach contract. She felt nothing for him, only friendship was on her mind but she knew that he was going to get hurt today... she wished there was an easier way, ‘I didn’t know you were living here.’

‘I sold my house and needed somewhere to live,’ said Hermione, leading him to the living room. She sat on the sofa and Ron sat opposite her.

‘You could live with me. Why do you chase after him after everything he’s done to you?’ asked Ron, looking at her as if she was crazy.

After everything Fred had done? Was he being serious? Hermione thought as she sighed, rolling her eyes at him. How could he still be continuing on with this stupid act? Has he got no self respect? Hermione felt her face flush in anger.

‘I know you made him say all that stuff to me, Ronald,’ Hermione said, watching his face give in for second, deflating slightly but then he shrugged.

‘Don’t know what you are talking about,’ he said, simply. Hermione narrowed her eyes at him but he only raised his eyebrows, not giving in.

‘You tried to ruin our relationship. I cant believe you would be that petty!’ Hermione was losing her patience as his mouth turned upwards into a smirk.

She was beyond shocked when Ron started to laugh as though she had said the funniest joke he had ever heard. Hermione’s hands shook of anger as she glared at him.

‘What in Merlin’s name is so funny?!’ she screeched. Her hormones were getting worse too and people around her noticed when she changed from happy to a raging monster in a matter of seconds.

‘You and him, huh? I never thought you would forget us and everything we’ve been through. I mean, I basically kissed you... in the chamber of secrets... while killing a horcrux... and having water thrown over us. How can he compete with that?’ asked Ron, leaning back in the sofa as he waited for his answer.

‘He doesn’t have to compete and what we’ve been through means nothing in terms of who I love. I love you as a friend, Ronald, you know that,’ said Hermione, feeling sympathetic for him. It was kind of romantic in a weird and extremely twisted way that he would go through all that just to get the girl he loved... too bad it didn’t work, Hermione thought.

‘So what... you’re breaking up with me?’ asked Ron, he laughed but it wasn’t out of humour. Hermione realised that Ron couldn’t express his feelings to her so he tried to mask them by acting like everything was going to be fine.

‘I guess I am, Ron. I’d still like you to stay in my life though,’ said Hermione, she stood up and went to sit next to him. Ron looked into her eyes as she took his hand, ‘if you want.’

‘Why?’ Ron grasped her hand tighter in his hand and sat forward, ‘why do you want me in your life, Hermione?’

‘I’ll miss you. I did spend half of my life with you, you know,’ Hermione chuckled softly.

Ron moved closer to Hermione. She looked up at him, her eyes showed that she was afraid but she didn’t move away. Ron muttered her name under his breath and cupped her cheek. Hermione slowly gained a faint pink tinge in her cheeks as he chuckled.

‘Ron... I can’t-’

‘Yes, you can,’ muttered Ron, cutting her off as he pressed his lips to hers.

Ron’s hands grabbed onto her face to stop her from pulling away. Hermione tried to resist at first by pushing his chest away but this had no effect on him other than trying to kiss her harder. Ron’s kiss deepened and he held her tighter. Hermione stopped resisting. It was useless, Ron was too strong for her.

‘Give in, Hermione,’ muttered Ron when he pulled away. He smiled at her and started to kiss her neck. Hermione sighed, moving backwards on the sofa until her back hit the end. Ron moved with her, ‘give in and kiss me. I promise I won’t hurt you.’

Ron started the kiss again as Hermione’s hands went to her stomach, her mind on Fred. Would Fred care that Ron was kissing her or would he think it was a good thing that Hermione was ‘moving on’? She didn’t know...

‘Come on, Hermione, give in!’ yelled Ron, kissing her cheeks as he said this.

‘Stop kissing me or... I’m sure Fred will have something to say about this,’ Hermione said, she pushed his chest but he only laughed at her statement.

Fury built up inside Hermione, blinding her. How dare he kiss her in Fred’s living room? He really won’t stop, will he? Hermione felt her skin burn as he kissed her. She screamed, pushing him away and he only moved slightly but that was enough. Hermione swung her hand forward, slapping him on the cheek. The noise echoed in the air as Ron moved away from Hermione, staring murder at her. They glared at each other with furious gazes.

 ‘Get the hell out of this house before I scream!’ Hermione said quietly although her words spoke volumes.

‘You’ll regret this,’ Ron said, standing up and walked over to Hermione. He touched her cheek slightly, looking at her lips and then her eyes, ‘he’ll leave you and you’ll have no one. This is Fred we’re talking about. He hasn’t committed to one thing in his life. I should know... I’m his brother but we are totally different. Oh and trust me on this one, I won’t rest until I’ve ruined your relationship.’

Ron smirked at her once more as Hermione stood perfectly still, her cheek burning from his touch, with her arms crossed over her chest to stop her from murdering him right there and then. Ron nodded slightly before leaving. She heard the door bang shut and finally let out the breath that she had been so anxiously holding. She let the tears flow freely down her face... this was not good.

---

*Fred’s POV*

‘I said no visitors except HER!’ shouted Fred, getting impatient and annoyed now as the door swung open for what seemed like the hundredth time today.

Fred assumed it was that pretty nurse who always came in to give him injections, lecturing him about resting even though he felt like he was getting better since the burning was dying down. Lately, she came into his room to tell him he had visitors and he would say he doesn’t want to see anyone. It got annoying after the fifth time. Now Fred was just out of his mind with worry for Hermione and his child... he hoped she was at least taking care of herself. He wished she would come and visit him if he stopped everyone else from seeing him. His wish came true. Fred turned to face the door when he didn’t hear it close.

‘Hermione!’ Fred yelled, sitting up quickly as Hermione strode into the room. The door closed behind her, blocking out the roaring silence outside – It wasn’t too busy today –  but Fred didn’t notice anything else. His eyes were fixed on Hermione as she let out a sigh, rubbed her eyes, sniffling, and sat on the chair next to his bed, ‘something the matter, love?’

He looked closer at her. She crossed her legs and clasped her hands together, letting them rest on her thighs. Hermione sniffled slightly and immediately Fred became worried. Had she been crying? It sure looked like it. Her eyes were reddening around the edges and her nose was already red. Her chequered shirt and faded jeans looked like they had just been thrown on in a haste. Fred sat up straighter, wishing she would talk but she only opened her mouth to let out a sob that she couldn’t control.

‘Fred, I...’ Hermione tried to gain control of her emotions. Fred patted the bed next to him, gesturing her to sit there. She slowly shook her head and looked up at him. Her brown eyes were specked with tears that threatened to flow, ‘I can’t do this, Fred!’

‘Hermione, what happened?’ Fred asked, trying to keep his voice gentle but he was anxious to know. Then a thought occurred to him as he watched her hand lay on her stomach. He sighed anxiously and asked, ‘is it... is it the baby?’

To Fred’s utmost surprise Hermione chuckled slightly through her sobs, covering her face with her hands. He frowned at her, wondering if this was part of her hormones going crazy due to the pregnancy. Hermione shook her head and took a deep breath, letting it out which helped her calm down slightly. She repeated this motion until she had almost stopped crying and looked up at him.

‘Hermione-’ Fred started but she shook her head. He didn’t want to push her or anything but he had to know what was making her cry. Maybe it was his fault? Had he done something to hurt her... again?

‘Fred... I... I invited Ron over,’ Hermione stated.

Fred swallowed the lump in his throat but it seemed to stay there. Hermione invited Ron over and...? Fred tried not to glare, stare or frown at her while he told himself that it was her choice. If she wanted to pick Ron instead of Fred then she should. She would be happier with Ron anyway, thought Fred with a small sigh dripping with misery. If only he had told her how he loved her then Hermione wouldn’t have been drawn to Ron.

‘Ron...’ Hermione continued, looking down at her hands as she hesitated. Every sound outside the window seemed magnified in silence as Fred waited. She looked up at him and said, clearly, ‘Ron kissed me.’

‘He did what?!’ yelled Fred, not caring about how happy she would be with Ron. He still loved her. Jealousy and rage – a combination that should never be together – mixed inside of him. How dare he even touch her? ‘I’ll kill him. Just wait till I get out of here. I won’t just put him in St Mungo’s this time. I’ll kill him and-’

‘You will do no such thing, Fred,’ Hermione said, shaking her head and ignoring his incredulous expression. His eyes were bulging out at her words, ‘I won’t let you hurt him. Ron also said... that he would not rest until he had ruined.. our relationship.’

Hermione let out another loud sob, muffling it behind her hands. Fred shook his head and tried to tell her that he won’t let that happen but Hermione didn’t want to listen to him. She started to get up, shaking her head and muttering incomprehensible words. She made towards the door.

‘Hermione, don’t leave!’ Fred said, stretching out his hand as he said this. Hermione stopped mid way to the door. She turned to him and muttered one word: sorry. Fred pulled back his sheets and got up even though he wasn’t supposed to be out of his bed, ‘Mia, please.’

Hermione wiped away her tears, spun around on her heel just before she turned to face Fred. She wasn’t crying as much anymore but her sadness was replaced with anger. Anger and fury were way worse on Hermione’s face. She walked up to him and stopped when they stood face to face.

‘Do not call me Mia!’ she muttered. Although she spoke quietly, it seemed like she was shouting out of a megaphone at him. Fred opened his mouth to say something but soon stopped as Hermione gave him a look that screamed murder if he said a single word.

Instead Fred stretched out his arms, offering her a hug as a substitute for words that would probably hurt both of them. Hermione’s anger slowly faded away to an expression of helplessness and confusion. Hermione wrapped her arms around Fred’s waist and lay her head on his shoulder. Fred’s hand was on her back and one was on her hair, playing with it. They stood that way in silence, basking in the most cherished moment they had had for a long time.

‘I love you, Hermione. I swear I do. I guess I just have difficulty saying it with everything that has happened between us,’ Fred said and paused slightly as Hermione waited for him to go on. Fred’s hesitation was filled with unease as he toiled between telling her the whole truth or not. He went with the truth, ‘we’ve been through a lot. I’ve hurt you, made you cry and made you pregnant. I’m so sorry for all of that. The reason why I haven’t told you that I love is because... I was afraid that... you might find someone better and leave me. That you might look back on all the bad situations between us and decide that it’s over. That you might realise you don’t love me and you really love Ron... I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you.’

Fred bit his lip after he said this, wondering what her reaction would be. Hermione was quiet, the room dripped of silence. Slowly Hermione pulled back to look into his eyes that were so anxious for her approval. Hermione smiled at him.

‘I knew you’d tell me the truth of why you acted like that. I love you too, Fred, and I would never leave you for somebody better because it’s not possible. No other man can be better in my eyes that Fred Weasley,’ Hermione chuckled, slightly, tangling her hands in his hair, ‘we have been through a lot but that’s what makes our relationship stronger. We love each other and that’s all that should matter.’

‘You know, I’d do anything for you, right?’ Fred whispered, leaning closer, ‘if you want to keep our child, I’ll stick by you.’

‘Easier said than done, Fred. You aren’t ready,’ Hermione muttered, biting her lip.

‘I’m ready to be with you for as long as it takes until you trust me. I’m ready for a lot of things, Hermione, give me a chance,’ said Fred, their voices seemed to drop lower as they got closer.

Hermione chuckled, her smile growing wider at his words. Fred smiled back, thinking she looked absolutely beautiful. He could see why he fell for her so long ago, anyone would. His mind went back to George who had talked him out of crushing on Hermione. George had always been the slightly more considerate twin. He knew about Ron and Hermione and how they really liked each other so he stopped Fred from hitting on her. Fred wished he hadn’t but if it was meant to be, it had a way of working out.

‘You’re thinking of George, right?’ asked Hermione, startling Fred out of his thoughts. He nodded slightly and Hermione sighed, ‘I’m sure he’s happy wherever he is. Probably laughing at us, calling us soppy. I can imagine him doing that, can’t you? He’s with Dumbledore and Mad Eye and-’

Fred shut Hermione up by kissing her. Hermione, totally shocked, wasted no time in kissing him back. She grabbed his face in her hands, trying to pull him closer. Fred felt her smiling against his lips as they walked backwards and fell onto the hospital bed. Not very romantic but Fred didn’t care. He only cared about the fact that Hermione – the girl he loved – was kissing him.

‘What were you saying?’ asked Fred, pulling back and watching as she breathed heavily, obviously out of experience in the kissing department although she was a great kisser in Fred’s opinion.

‘Honestly? I can’t remember,’ Hermione chuckled and blushed as Fred kissed her again, lightly and softly this time, as they lay on the hospital bed together.