The weeks travelled by in a daze for Hermione. It seemed like her stomach was getting bigger and bigger which marked time in itself. She had got a job in a small book store in Diagon Alley although the owner was reluctant to give her the job since she was pregnant. But he had reconsidered and now Hermione worked there from 10 in the morning to 4 in the evening and sometimes she worked later if it meant making more money.

Living in Ron’s house was a little uncomfortable at first since they both felt awkward being around each other. As the days turned into weeks, Hermione loosened up a bit around him although not too much. She had an inkling that he still liked her, a lot more than just a friend or room mate, but he wasn’t acting on his impulse. They talked a lot and Hermione even began looking forward to meeting him when the clock neared the time he was coming home.

Fred haunted her every thought, was the back to her every decision and she avoided ever talking about him with Ron. She felt sorry for her child since it looked like it wouldn’t have a father to grow up with and money was going to be so tight for them. Hermione worried herself constantly by the thoughts of the future. She could hardly live with Ron for her whole life. That was one of the reasons she had taken up by a job. The other was to get her mind off things since sitting in the house meant a lot of free time for her brain.

December crept up on them like a shadow and Hermione, for the first time in her life, was not looking forward to Christmas. In fact, she had forgotten all about it until Ron put up a tree in the living room using magic. The tree was bright and glowed through the window. Snow lined the cobbled pavements and everyone had started to wear hats, gloves and extra socks. Magic was really in the air now and Diagon Alley was lit up like the Worlds Fair.

---

 She was in the book store and the snow was falling heavily outside, coating the already coated layer of snow on the streets. Hermione was just about to lock the door when a hand banged on the glass, scaring her and making her stagger backwards a little. The door was pushed open and Hermione nearly fell but she grabbed the table behind her and looked at the man coming into the shop with annoyance as she realised that he wasn’t a threat but was more of a late customer. The man had cupped his hand and was blowing warm air into them and shivering. Hermione stood up, her annoyance was augmenting as the night air blew in through the open door.

 ‘Sir, we’re closed. You can’t just...’ Hermione wandered away from her sentence as she recognised who had just entered the shop. Her heart dropped six feet into the ground and her mouth fell open, ‘what the hell are you doing here?’

Draco Malfoy looked up at her, his blonde hair was in his eyes and Hermione felt like she had to reach out and push it back... she didn't, thankfully, even though she really wanted to. Draco wasn’t surprised to see her at all, it was as though he came over here especially for Hermione... and maybe he did, Hermione told herself. Something was different about him... it was almost like this Draco was a little more attractive in her eyes but then she had to remind herself that she had always been attracted to Draco.

‘Granger, I missed you,’ his voice was deeper and so immodest that it made blood rush to her face in waves. She knew that if she opened her mouth, she would utter nonsense so she kept her mouth shut and just smiled at him. 

They stared at each other, both of them feeling the same attraction to each other. Hermione heard a faint voice from the depths of the library but ignored it as Draco’s eyes glowed in the thin lighting. He raised his hand and very slowly his hand wove through her hair for a second, brushing her neck as he followed her hair down to wear it ended. Hermione closed her eyes feeling his hands on her neck tickle her in a sensational way.

‘Mia,’ he whispered.

A frown creased on her forehead at the name... and the voice. Only Fred called her Mia, only Fred. That was his nickname and Draco was the one who addressed her by her surname. Hermione opened her eyes to look into familiar blue eyes that made her heart swell up into her throat. Fred Weasley was standing in front of her instead of Draco Malfoy. Her confusion peaked but then trailed off as she realised that Fred had wrapped his arms around her waist. She had missed his touch so much that she didn't care if she was dreaming or not. He was smiling down at her and Hermione, leaving her confusion aside, smiled back.

‘Fred, I miss you,’ she whispered and he closed his eyes, breathing in her smell. She wanted him to open his eyes just so she could stare into them forever. He didn’t say anything but he leaned forwards and pressed his lips to her... she felt the air between them lessen and lessen until...

‘Hermione!’ a voice called out, shaking her and at first she thought it was Fred but then Hermione jerked awake and her hand went to her stiff neck as she stretched it. She had been lying face down on a table in the backroom of the shop. Emily, another colleague, was standing beside her clad in her coat, gloves and scarf, ‘you fell asleep?’

‘I... I did? Oh Merlin, I’m sorry, Em. I didn't think... I was just,’ Hermione blubbered  and stood up, her hand going automatically to her stomach as though she had to heave that up as well. She looked around, looking for him, but she knew she was dreaming. It had been a good dream though.

‘It’s okay. You were only out for a few minutes and it’s really not that busy,’ she stated, looking behind her into the main store where it was empty and silent. She looked back at Hermione and smiled, ‘can you close up for me? I have to go and meet my husband. He’s taking me out tonight since it’s Christmas Eve.’

Hermione remembered her showing off her ring a couple of weeks ago. It looked really expensive and also really beautiful. Emily was a 20 year old women who had brown hair that was usually in a ponytail. She was newly married and seemed to be very happy with her relationship. Hermione wished them the best in her head silently. She didn't want her to be upset if she had to leave him or if he left her. Emily dug into her pocket and pulled out a wrapped up present that looked like a book and then smiled at Hermione.

‘I remember you telling how much you loved this book so here. I bought it for you. Merry Christmas,’ she gave her the book and smiled as Hermione raised her eyebrows in a happy and surprising way. She really hadn’t expected to get a gift from her at all.

‘Thank you, Emily! I haven’t got anything for you!’ Hermione said, taking the present from her. They hugged and Emily waved her off, ‘seriously, I will get you something.’

‘Oh, please don’t. I have enough stuff that I don’t need. Maybe too much,’ she giggled and then shrugged as she said, ‘I just wanted to give you this. You could use some cheering up. You really shouldn’t get me anything.’

‘If you’re sure...’ Hermione trailed off and then looked down at the book. How can one person make a night a little less rough? A person she barely knew and only worked with, ‘thank you, Emily. You’re not in next week, are you?’

‘No, I’m in the week after. You’re leaving work?’ she asked. Hermione nodded and then Emily lay a hand on her shoulder, ‘It’s been a pleasure working with you. I hope we keep in touch and see each other soon.’

Hermione had a talk with the manager of the store this morning and he seemed to be smiling so she knew she wasn’t in any trouble. He said that she could only work here for another week since she was too pregnant to work now. She had basically been fired but it was reasonable since she didn't think it would be good to give birth in a dusty book shop. Hermione had laughed at that and then nodded at him before getting to work.

‘I hope so too, Emily,’ Hermione sighed, ‘Merry Christmas, have fun.’

Emily returned the gesture and then waved after giving her the keys to lock up. They walked out into the main shop where no one was walking about at all. Hermione sighed and leaned against the bookshelf, feeling her back start to ache a little. A simple gift from a friend could make her happy, a single thought of her failed relationship could make her sad once again. Emily left with a bang as the wind shut the door for her. Hermione thought she better close the shop now since it was getting late. She had agreed to stay until 8 pm tonight since she had no real plans.

Outside the book shop was so quiet, peaceful and soothing. The night really looked beautiful as the moon glinted down onto the pavement, making the snow almost wink at her. The snow fell in a continuous drizzle and there was no one on the streets. Hermione turned the ‘Open’ sign to ‘Closed’. She had stocked the shelves, sold a couple of books and led the customers to some of the genres they had wanted to shop by.

The huge bookstore reminded her of the Hogwarts library. She had spent so many nights studying in that library that it was almost like a second home to her. She loved the echo of the dark silence around her when the librarian trusted her to close the library when she was done. She could usually be trusted to sit in the library to the late hours of the night. The bookstore was quite large and had a couple of rows sorted by the genre of the book. Tables had been set up for people to read some of the books even though this wasn’t a library, books were usually bought here but people preferred to read in a quiet place too.

Hermione put her jacket on. It was a long black coat that buttoned all the way to the bottom and was very comfortable since it kept her warm enough in the snow. She couldn't button the coat because of her stomach but she just closed it as best as she could. She wrapped a green scarf around her neck and put a hat on her head. Hermione could just apparate to Ron’s house but she would rather walk in the snow since it wasn’t too far. Hermione loved the snow.

She walked out of the shop after closing all the lights and suddenly the cool December wind hit her with full force. It was freezing but the snow falling made Hermione smile. She quickly locked the door and pushed the keys under the mat where the owner would take them in the morning since they weren’t open on Christmas Eve. Hermione started to trudge to Ron’s house in the snow. She dug her face deeper in the scarf, hiding her smile, as she heard her boots crunch in the snow. Snow was her favourite. Hermione passed Fred’s old shop but didn’t look at it. She kept smiling until she got to Ron’s house. She rapped twice on the door and a few seconds later Ron let her in.

‘I made dinner,’ he said as Hermione left her shoes on the newspaper, the snow dripped steadily off them. Ron watched her take her jacket off and he smiled at her, ‘and I also made hot chocolate. You could use some, right?’

‘Yes, I really could. It’s freezing out there,’ Hermione walked into the living room where the TV was on and the fire was roaring high. Ron came in a couple of minutes later with two plates of dinner and handed one to her. It was, of course, chicken. Hermione chuckled to herself, Ron really loved chicken and that was what he usually ate. They settled into the sofa and ate in silence, watching TV, ‘this is great.’

‘Thanks,’ Ron smiled at her again and they slowly finished their food. The silence was not awkward but it was very comfortable and warm. Hermione took their plate into the kitchen and came back with hot chocolate. She handed one to Ron and then sat down beside him on the sofa, ‘I have some news.’

Suddenly Hermione went cold despite the hot chocolate. She had no idea what the news was going to be but she really didn’t want to know, judging by the tone of his voice. Her fist thought was that she would have to find somewhere else to live, that he had found a girlfriend and she was moving in so Hermione had to move out... Hermione turned to him and nodded her head for him to continue.

‘I... um... I won’t be here for Christmas since I have to go to my parent’s house. Everyone’s going to be there. It’s a family thing,’ Ron sighed and then turned to face her, ‘I don’t want you to have Christmas alone but I can hardly invite you to my parent’s house after everything that has happened.’

‘I understand, Ronald. It’s okay though. I like having the house to myself,’ Hermione lied to his face but he seemed to believe her. She didn’t want to be alone in the house during Christmas. That was family time but... she had no family and that thought made her realise just how lonely she was. Her eyes dropped down to her stomach and then she smiled... she wasn’t lonely. Soon she would have a little baby in her hands. Her baby.

‘Hey, listen,’ Ron made her look at him and his hand stayed on her cheek as he moved closer, ‘I’ll be gone a few hours and then I’ll be back with a present for you. I promise.’

‘No, I like having the house to myself. Stay with your family, Ron,’ Hermione sighed an leaned her cheek into his hand, ‘it’s sweet that you want to stay with me but I want you to be with your family.’

‘I want to be with you,’ Ron whispered.

Silence hung in the air like a massive balloon and Hermione felt the need to pop it. She had to back away from him before their relationship was ruined. Ron’s fingers caressed her cheek and she found that she loved it. She wanted someone to care for her like how Fred used to care for her... but she couldn’t do that to Ron. She couldn’t use Ron.

‘Ronald, I’m really tired,’ Hermione said, getting off the sofa and moving Ron away from her. He sighed and leaned back as he watched her go out of the room, ‘goodnight.’

Hermione left him and went up the stairs to her room. She closed the door behind her and sank down, burying her face in her hands.

---

‘Merry Christmas!’ exclaimed Ron as he handed Hermione a present.

They were standing in the hallway on Christmas morning. Hermione was in her pyjamas with her hair tied up in a bun, she had just woken up when Ron had called her downstairs. Ron was already dressed in a handsome sweater that his mother made him and some trousers. He was just about to leave for the Burrow.

‘Merry Christmas to you too,’ Hermione said as she took his present. She reached under the glamorous tree and handed Ron the present he had got him, ‘this is for you!’

They both ripped open their presents, letting the wrapping paper fall to the floor. Hermione and Ron had the same smiled on their face as they both saw their presents. Hermione had bought Ron a shirt that he had admired in one of the shops in Diagon Alley, she wasn’t really sure what to get him. Ron had given Hermione what he usually gets everyone; Bertie Botts flavoured beans but he had also added a box of chocolates for her.

‘Thank you, Ronald. I’m glad you haven’t changed to much since our days in Hogwarts,’ Hermione laughed and hugged him tightly around the waist.

‘I love the shirt,’ he stated and packed it in the box after their hug. Hermione leaned against the door, watching him, ‘but I have to run now. I’ll see you later, okay?’

‘Have fun,’ Hermione whispered, feeling a lump appear in her throat. How she wished she could go with him. She didn't want to be alone, not tonight. Ron nodded at her and grabbed his jacket before he waved and disapparated. Now she really was alone.

Hermione went into the kitchen to find something to eat.

---

The Burrow was bursting with everyone walking about in the moonlight. They had been here the whole day doing various things like exchanging gifts and hugs and talking about other things. All of the Weasley’s were present along with Harry. They had moved the table outside since there were so many people around, it just gave them a little more space. Mr Weasley had done a spell to keep away the flies as they ate. Fred looked across the table at his family and the burning candles made it a little brighter so he could see them.

Bill and his wife were at the furthest end of the table, they were engaged in a serious conversation with Mr Weasley. Fred scrutinised his father and realised that he looked somewhat older than before. The candle light was reflecting on Mr Weasley’s face and Fred could clearly see the wrinkles that had formed there. Next to Mr Weasley was Mrs Weasley and she was talking to Ginny, probably about the wedding that was going to happen soon. Percy was sitting next to Fred and wasn’t talking too much. Ron and Charlie were making conversation about something at the end of the table, casually looking over at Fred.

Fred looked down at his dinner and he scoffed at his brothers. He knew exactly what they were talking about. How great was it that Fred had his heartbroken, serves him right, doesn’t it? Falling in love with Hermione, what was he thinking. Yeah, he knew exactly what they were thinking.His thoughts went to Hermione quickly. If Ron was here then that meant...

‘She’s alone,’ Ron muttered, taking a seat next to Fred. It was as though Ron had read his mind but Fred played the fool. He had obviously left Charlie in order to provoke him now. Fred looked across the table to see Charlie eating alone now.

‘What?’ asked Fred, turning to face him. He ate another forkful of food, pretending to be totally oblivious and acting as though he was bored. Ron rolled his eyes and Fred repeated, ‘who are you talking about?’

‘Hermione. She doesn’t have anyone to spend Christmas with,’ Ron muttered as though it wasn’t obvious to Fred. He leaned over a little to see Fred’s face and then said, in a low voice, ‘isn’t that who you were thinking of?’

‘Bored of her already, are you?’ Fred muttered into his food and Ron raised his eyebrows. Fred looked up and smirked, ‘I thought you loved her. If you did, you wouldn’t be sitting here. You’d be with her. Just shows how false your intentions are, little brother. Provoking me isn’t going to get you anywhere.’

‘You’re not doing yourself any favours. Everyone can see just how pathetic you are, Fred, still pining over the one that broke your heart. She snogged Malfoy right under your nose and then left you’ Ron sighed and shook his head. It was as though this was just a game for him or a very interesting TV show, ‘she’s over you, mate. You are the fool who is still picking up the pieces of your broken heart. She’ll knock you right back down.’

‘I love her and will never love anyone else but her. She broke my heart but I don’t care. I want her to be with me but if she doesn’t then I can’t force her. I’ll love her no matter what. I won’t love anyone else other than Hermione,’ Fred said, determinedly.

 ‘Glad to see that you’re over her,’ Ron said sarcastically and then stood up, ‘I’ll let you sit here and wallow in self pity or you could do the better thing. Move on. Hermione has but she doesn’t tell me she’s over you. She shows me every night that she is capable of loving me rather than you.’

‘You know what, Ronald?’ Fred stood up angrily and shoved Ron. He staggered back a few steps but then regained his balance and advanced forwards. The Weasley family had turned silent now. They stood nose to nose, breathing deeply and furiously, ‘I know you’re lying. She would never touch filth like you. I bet you’re forcing yourself on her every night and she rejects you because she looks into your eyes and sees mine instead!’

‘That’s not true! You tell yourself that every night while you stare at the photo of her underneath your pillow. Is that the one right next to George’s? I bet it is! You’ve lost two people that you really cared for and you’re still not over any of them,’ Ron yelled, jabbing his chest, ‘maybe Hermione was right to have stuck her tongue down Malfoy’s throat right under your nose! How many other people must she have been with while she was with you? All because you couldn’t keep her happy or show her the love that she deserved. Now she hates your guts and wished you had died instead of George. I think everyone wished that but they’re too scared to say it!

Fred had never looked so angry in all his life. Smoke steamed out of his ears and nose as he stared at his brother. The last sentence had him tilt over the edge. There was a sudden loss of air in his lungs as he couldn’t believe that Ron had just said that. He lunged for him but didn't get very far as someone pulled him back and his back hit the back of Percy’s chair. Fred fell to the ground and looked up furiously to see who had stopped him.

‘BOTH OF YOU GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!’ Mr Weasley raged at both of his son’s and they stared up at him. They had never, ever, seen Mr Weasley like this before. He looked positively insane and mad. He looked at Fred and Ron in turn, ‘Hermione Granger is the whole root of this problem and making you brothers fight like children! She clicks her fingers and Fred, you go to her as though you were her puppy! SHE IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS HOUSE! SHE WILL NOT BE MENTIONED IN THIS HOUSE EITHER! If I ever see you fighting over her again... you will be no son’s of mine.’

‘Dad, she’s...’ Fred got to his feet, holding his aching back. Mr Weasley turned his angry and demeaning glare unto him and Fred shrank back a little.

‘You are not allowed to see her ever again,’ Mr Weasley said in a low voice. This tone sounded even scarier than his shouting and Fred felt his heart stop. His father was being totally serious and he knew it, ‘she’s caused enough trouble as it is for this family.’

‘Dad, you can’t do that!’ Fred shouted and everyone sucked in a breath as Mr Weasley’s deep huffs hitched.

‘I CAN VERY WELL DO WHAT I DAMN PLEASE!’ he shouted out loud. Fred was sure if they had neighbours they would have called the Minister here to check things out. It was that bad but Fred shook his head. Before he could attempt to speak, someone else spoke up.

‘She’s coming to my wedding,’ it was Harry who said this and everyone turned to stare at him. He kept his eyes on Mr Weasley, ‘she’s my best friend and you may have a problem with Ron and Fred fighting over her, sir, and I know what you mean. They are acting like kids fighting over a toy,’ (Fred and Ron glared at Harry but he went on) ‘but she will be at my wedding and anyone who says anything bad about her will have to go through me first. I’m marrying your daughter, Mr Weasley, so you must be at the wedding but I should warn you that I’m not marrying Ginny if both of my best friends aren’t there. Ron and Hermione.’

A great and admirable silence followed this speech. Harry glanced at Ginny and realised that she was staring at the floor. Harry looked back to Mr Weasley who was lost for words but it turned out that Fred wasn’t.

‘Dad, I love her and you can never change that. I... I’m willing to give her up, though,’ Fred said this as though it took him a lot of courage to say it. Ron raised his eyebrows at him, ‘I will give her up. I won’t fight for her. If she truly loves me, and I hope she does, she will come back to me. Congratulations, Ronald, you may have her for a short period but after that time, she’ll come straight back to me. I promise you that.’ Fred turned around and walked back indoors. It hurt his heart to just give her up like that but he knew... he was positive that Hermione would come back to him.

If you love someone, set them free; if it comes back, it is yours, if it doesn't it never was.

That saying was correct but what if Hermione was waiting on him to make the move? Fred sighed. He guessed he would find out at Harry’s wedding since Hermione was going to be there also.