No Consequences

It was two days before Hermione remembered the piece of parchment that Fred had given her. When the boys were asleep in the middle of the night, she sat by the fire in the kitchen and took it out of her 'personals' bag. She looked it over, front and back and initially thought it was just blank parchment. Setting it down on the table in front of her, she looked at it more carefully and saw her name, faintly on one side. She tapped the parchment with her wand and suddenly, lines and lines of writing appeared.

F- I have enchanted this parchment to only recognise your magic. Hopefully it works. All you have to do is write on it and tap with your wand and I'll get it instantly.
Hermione?
Where are you?
Is everything ok?
I'm worried.
I didn't think I would miss you this much.
Please let me know you're alright.

She read the desperation in Fred's messages and felt instantly sick at the fact that she didn't think to look at it sooner. She found a quill and quickly wrote a message to him.

H- I'm ok, we are all ok. We got out in time and are at a safe place planning our next move. Is everyone else ok? I have been thinking about you nonstop.

She tapped the message with her wand and it shimmered. She assumed that it had sent. While she sat examining this complex magical device, it shimmered again, and words appeared.

F- Merlin, what took you so long?

H- I'm so sorry. I'm here now. Tell me, what happened?

F- Death eaters came to the wedding and asked us questions about Harry. No one told anybody anything. According to us, Harry just disappeared after the end of last school year.

H- That's horrific.

F- It was ok. We're all ok.

H- We got your father's patronus.

F- He did manage to send it? Fantastic. He must know where you are.

H- Smart man your father.

F- Tell me.

H- Tell you what?

F- Tell me where you are.

H- I cant do that

F- Why?

H- Because then you'll come here.

F- So what?

H- So what? You cant come here.

F- Why not?

H- Its dangerous.

F- Dangerous enough for my dim witted brother to tag along.

H- Dumbledore needed the three of us to complete this mission. I'm sorry. Besides, you need to take care of your family. And the store.

F- I want to be taking care of you.

H- Do you know me? I can take care of myself.

F- I feel like I've known you my whole life.

H- Me too.

F- Merlin I miss you. I didn't think I would.

H- I miss you too Fred.

F- I knew you were going, deep down I knew you'd be leaving. But I thought... Well, I thought we could just forget what happened.

H- I thought that too.

F- But...

H- But?

F- I cant.

H- Neither can I

H- You didn't tell me that the death eaters tortured people, or that they smashed up the whole wedding and searched the Burrow top to bottom!

F- I didn't think it was important.

H- Why not?

F- Because it doesn't matter. Nothing came of it.

H- It matters to me. I need to be told these things.

F- Why? You're not here.

H- I need to feel like what I'm doing is worth it. If there's no one left, what's the point?

F- What are you doing? When are you going to tell me?

H- I cant. I want to, but its complicated.

F- Wait, how do you know about the burrow and the wedding?

H- Lupin.

F- You saw him?

H- He tried to join us.

F- I'm guessing you told him to sod off?

H- Harry can be quite cruel it seems.

F- Harry?

H- Yes. Remus cant just abandon his family like that. Tonks needs him.

F- That's very true. Still, it would be good to have a more experienced wizard around. You know, someone dashing, handsome, clever and very skilled at all kinds of spells.

H- It would be nice wouldn't it.

F- Say yes

H- Say I do. Say, Harry and Ron agree to have you come and be here with us. What then?

F- What do you mean?

H- I mean, what of us?

F- Well, we got away with it at the burrow.

H-Yes, for a week.

F- Well then we'll tell them.

H- Tell them?

F- I'll tell them that we're a thing.

H- A thing?

F- Yes.

H- A thing?

F- Well, we're not nothing.

H- No, it doesn't seem that we are.

F- So...

H- So, Fred, its insane. It wont happen.

F- Why not?

H- Because it just wont.

F- Why not? Why cant we just tell everyone that we care about each other? Allow ourselves some happiness in these dark times?

H- Because it will break Ron's heart.

F- Ron?

H- Yes, Ron. He thinks... Well, he is under the impression that him and I will be together. You know, once this is all over.

F- Ron? My git of a brother?

H- Yes. I mean, once upon a time maybe. I always thought so too. But now things are different.

F- Clearly

H- Are you angry?

F- No, of course im not angry. I'm just the brother who happened to be in the right place at the right time.

H- What on earth are you going on about?

F- If it were Ron who was in the kitchen that night, you'd have shagged him instead of me. Isnt that right?

H- Fred! No!

F- Sorry ok I guess I'm just jealous of that git. 

F- Hermione?
F- Hermione I'm sorry.
F- Please answer me.
F- I'm sorry.
F- I didn't mean what I wrote. I was hurt and upset and confused. And I just miss you.
F- Please forgive me.

H- I forgive you.

F- Where have you been?

H- Planning something.

F- Planning what?

H- Our next move.

F- Is it dangerous?

H- This whole word is dangerous. Of course we're in danger of being caught, being seen, being killed. That's life, isn't it.

F- Please be safe.
F- Hermione I truly am sorry.

H- I know.

F- So we're ok?

H- We? I don't really know. Are we a thing?

F- I think we are.
F- I want to be.

H- So we are then.

F- Exclusive?

H- What do you mean?

F- You and me. No one else.

H- I would assume so...

F- But...

H- This could go on for months, years even. What if something happens to me?

F- Nothing will happen to you.

H- Maybe we shouldn't be exclusive.

F- Or...
F- We should.

H- How would you explain that to George? To any girl that looks your way?

F- I haven't noticed any other girls... women... since you. Its only you Hermione. And George is too caught up in his own world to worry about my love life.

H- I just don't want this to be the biggest mistake we'll ever make.

F- So far, its been far from it. Sitting with you those nights, drinking hot chocolate was the best decision I ever made.

H- Me too.

F- I mean it. I really care about you Hermione.

H- I care about you too.

F- Hermione, what is going on, word is going around that you three broke into the ministry and saved some muggles. Why would you do that?"

H- Its complicated. I promise it's all relevant and we're fine. Ron has been splinched and we can't go back to our safe house but we're ok.

F- I can't stand the thought of something happening to you.

H- Hey, am I a smart witch or am I a smart witch? I'll be fine.

F- That was what you were planning, when we wrote the other night, wasnt it?

H- Well, sort of. The muggle born rescue just sort of happened.

F- You said your safe house isn't safe anymore? And Ron... What happened?

H- When we left the ministry, a death eater had hold of us. I took us back there, to the house, but he saw it, we wouldn't be safe there any longer. I took us somewhere else ,but Ron got splinched. His upper arm. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.

F- He'll be ok though, right?

H- He is weak, but I think he'll be ok... I'm time.

F- I need to come to you. I need to make sure everything is ok. Where are you?

H- I cant tell you that. I know you want to help, but at this point its just not going to help.

F- I just want to feel like I'm doing something worth while. This shop is just not enough.

H- Its keeping spirits up thought Fred. That's what people need now more than ever.

F- I just... I didn't think id miss you this much. The whole no consequences thing has blown right out of the window now.

H- I think the consequences were bound to be there, regardless.

F- Yes but we weren't going to think about them. Now all I can think about is you. We were supposed to just have a fun thing.

H- I know this.

F- But...

H- But?

F- Merlin Hermione...

H- What is it?

F- Cant you see? I have completely fallen in love with you.

H- Fred...

F- Don't say it if you don't mean it. I just wanted you to know. This isn't some small thing for me. You're it for me Hermione.

H- I love you too.

F- Marry me then.

H- What?

F- I mean it.

H- We cant

F- We can

H- I'm all the way out here in the middle of no where and you're there.

F- If we're married, if we tell everyone, we can be together. We can see each other. Everyone will know and we wont have to keep it a secret.

H- Fred, you're losing it.

F- I feel like I'm losing YOU.

H- You didn't really even have me. Not for long.

F- You're the only person in this whole world who sees beyond the joking, beyond just being George's twin. You see ME Hermione. No one has ever seen ME before. Not even my own family.

H- I'll marry you Fred, once this is all over. We can live together and everything.

F- You mean it?

H- I promise. Once this is all over and done with, we can tell everyone and we'll have a wedding bigger than Bill's.

F- When are you going to tell me where you are?

H- I'm not.

F- Describe it to me then. A house?

H- We're in a tent actually. The one that we stayed in for the world cup.

F- All this time we've been talking back and forth, all these weeks and you've been in a tent? What are you eating?

H- Not much.

F- But you're managing?

H- Well, I suppose. I am pretty good at making hot chocolate, but it seems thats the extent of my culinary skills.

F- As always, I urge you to let me come to you.

H- And what?

F- Bring you food, bring you supplies. Bring ideas and direction. Its been months. I want to hold you.

H- You bring me the only thing I need right now.

F- Whats that?

H- Distraction.

F- From what? What exactly are you working on?

H- These boys. There's something that's … effecting us. It makes us all a little... angry. Ron is very jealous, he thinks something is going on between me and Harry, since we talk a lot and Ron seems to be resting a lot. He's still recovering.

F- Ron's a git

H- He left!

F- Who?

H- Ron. He took off. Disapparated into the night.

F- When?

H- A few hours ago. I couldn't get to the parchment. Harry was raving mad.

F- Hermione, now its more important than ever before for you to tell me where you are. I need to be there.

H- You know I cant.

F- I'll put a trace on you.

H- You cant do that.

F- Why not?

H- I am untraceable. So is Harry. And Ron.

F- I'll find a way.

H- Fred, just stop. Stop trying to come to me. You know every time I will say no.

F- Why though? Why Hermione? Why cant I just come in the night, see you once and leave. I'll leave I promise.

H- I'll think about it.

F- Do you not want to see me?

H- Of course I do. Don't you think that if I could, id come to you every single day? I miss you so much, you have no idea. You don't know how badly I crave your tough. I dream about you every night and my mind constantly thinks about the things we COULD be doing right now if the world wasn't I so much chaos. But it is. There is so much to do. And if I allow myself to get distracted, I lose.

F- I love you so much Hermione.

H- I love you too.

F- I'll look out for my brother. And thump him for leaving.

H- Still no sign of Ron the git.

F- I didn't think so.

H- Me and Harry are doing something that could be potentially dangerous.

F- Hermione...

H- I'll do what I can to be safe.

F- Promise?

H- I promise.

H- I'm ok. Me and Harry, we're both ok.

F- I've been waiting by this piece of parchment forever.

H- Harry is keeping watch and I'm supposed to be sleeping.

F- Its Christmas you know.

H- Yeah, I figured when Harry and I passed a church last night and people were singing. It was nice.

F- I love you Hermione.

H- I love you too.

Hermione sat in her bunk, desperate for human contact. She had thought at times about laying beside Harry, if only for the warmth. It wasn't an option.

The short time that she had spent with Fred on the night of the wedding was enough to make her want more. She knew that if she survived this war, if there was an ending and they both came out of it the same people they were when they went in, then they would be together.

The longer she sat and thought about it, the more her mind raced. She put a coat and boots on as she headed for the flap of the tent.

"Harry..." she began.

"Oh, hey Hermione" he said, looking up from the book in his lap.

"I need to go to the store. There are a few things we need and I can only get them form a store" she said.

"It’s risky" he said.

"I know, but it can’t be helped. We're almost out of everything, even the basics" she said.

"I'll go with you" he said.

"No, that is far riskier. Just... stay here. I'll go to the bank of the river and disapparate from there. When I get back, I'll just retrace my steps" she said.

"Ok, but be safe. If something happened to you Hermione..." he said.

"I know" she said, ruffling his beanie on top of his head.

She raced back inside and picked up her beaded bag. She quickly took out the parchment and wrote on it.

H- I'm coming to you. I only have a short while. Please, tell me where you are.
H- Fred?
H- I'm coming now.
H- I'm coming to the shop. Its risky, but I need to see you.

Hermione left the tent and walked down the hill towards the river. She took the parchment from her bag and was elated to see Fred s handwriting on it.

F- The shop is closed, but I can meet you there. Apparate straight into the back room

Her heart raced as she prepared to see the man she loved. She turned on the spot, thinking of the small room that was once stacked with boxes from floor to ceiling.

With a crack, she found herself in semi darkness. The room was as small as she remembered and there were boxes, all stamped with Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes. She had come to the right place.

She looked around for signs of anybody hearing her arrive and didn't see or hear anything. She was certain that in the last three seconds, Fred must have lifted the barrier for her to apparate in.

"Fred?" she whispered, looking around. She made to enter the front of the store, but stopped when she heard a sudden crack behind her.

With her wand out, she turned quickly, ready to cast a protective charm and a stunner at the same time.

It wasn't till she saw the fiery red hair of her tall lover that she lowered her wand and a smile appeared on her face.

"Hermione" he said, taking one step forward and bringing her into his arms.

"Oh Merlin, you have no idea who much I needed this right now" she said into his chest.

"Why are you here? What happened?" he asked.

"I couldn't stand it any longer. Harry is on lookout and I told him I was going to the store. He doesn't know where I am. I don't have much time" she said, looking up into his caring eyes.

"I missed you so much" he said, bringing his lips to hers. She stood on he toes, closing the gap between their considerable height differences.

"Happy Christmas" she told him as they parted briefly.

"Happy Christmas" he said back, kissing her once again.

Minutes, or hours had passed, Hermione wasn't sure, before she remembered what she came for.

"I still have to go to the store" she said.

"You're not going anywhere. I'll get what you need. Just stay a little longer" he asked.

"I can’t be too long or Harry will worry. And I won’t find my way back" she said.

"Back where?" he asked.

"To our camp site. There are wards all around and the only way in or out is if I remember exactly where I exited the bubble from" she said.

"I'll get you back by dark. I promise" he said, training his finger down her neck and along her collarbone.

"That's not fair" she said, closing her eyes, relishing in his touch.

"I don't play fair" he said.

At this, she unbuttoned her coat and threw it on the floor, Her scarf was already discarded and she removed her jumper quickly.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"I just need to be with you" she said, pulling his own jumper up from the hem.

He didn't hesitate, helping her out of the rest of her clothing, while casting a warming charm on the room and removing his own clothes.

Hermione only had one experience previously, and that was with Fred. She hadn't expected it to be any different to the last time, but she was very wrong. Last time, it was quick and clumsy and she didn't know what to expect. This time, it was still quite clumsy, but Fred took his time and Hermione experienced sensations she had never felt before.

"Oh my" she said, catching her breath.

"That was something alright" Fred replied.

Hermione cautiously stood to her feet, feeling her legs tremble as she attempted to dress herself.

"I really should go. It’s been far too long already" she said.

"Stay. You can stay with me. I'll keep you safe" Fred pleaded, his face betraying the feelings he tried to hide that told Hermione that he already knew the answer.

Fred dressed quickly, while Hermione attempted to smooth her hair.

"You know why I can’t" she said, pulling a list of shopping items from her beaded bag. "Can you get me these things?" she asked.

"I'll be back as soon as I can" he said, disapparating with a crack.

Hermione stood in the small room, suddenly feeling quite alone. She realised she hadn't given Fred any money, but that was not the most pressing thing on her mind. She crossed the small room and found herself in the small staff bathroom. She used her wand to cast a dull light and used the facilities, feeling grateful for the opportunity. It had certainly been quite a while.

She saw her face in the mirror and was shocked to see she looked quite gaunt Her face was drawn in and her eyes had dark circles under them. She wondered how Fred could possibly have possibly been attracted to her when she looked like this.

No more than five minutes after he left, Fred returned with everything on the list and more. He had bags and bags full.

"This should last you ages" he said.

"Fred... What is all this?" she asked.

"Well, you said you've been doing it rough, so I got you everything on the list as well as some comforts" he said.

"You weren't even gone 5 minutes" she said.

"What can I say, I'm a quick shopper" he said, grinning.

Hermione took the bags in her hand and held her wand in the other. She looked to the man in front of her, the one who she loved, now, more than any other.

"There’s one more thing" he said, reaching into the pocket of his jeans. "I thought I ought to do this properly" he said.

"Fred... what are you..." Hermione stopped dead when she saw Fred produce a shiny white gold ring from his pocket.

"Hermione Granger, I have come to know you, love you and cherish you in so many ways. You are the first thing I think of when I wake and the last thing on my mind when I lay my head down at night. When this war is over, I would love nothing more than for you to agree to marry me, to have a life with me, far greater than we ever could have imagined. I know that I can give you the things you deserve and more. Please, Hermione, will you marry me?" he said.

"Yes" was all Hermione could squeak out, as Fred removed the bags from her hand and placed the sparkling ring on her finger.

He kissed her on the lips, in a way that made it all so final. Pressing his forehead to hers, he took her hand in his and pointed his wand at the ring.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Transfiguring it into something a little more... appropriate" he said.

"But I love it. It’s beautiful" she said.

"Of course but are you really going back to Harry with a honking big diamond on your finger?" he asked.

"I suppose not" she said.

"Look..." he tapped it once with his wand and the diamond disappeared, the bright appearance was dulled and the ring looked simply like an ordinary piece of costume jewellery. "When you want to change it back, just tap it while saying my name in your head" he said.

Hermione tried it and it worked on the first try.

"Wordless magic?" she asked.

"Clever, right?" he asked.

"I've never... I mean, I haven't really tried" she said, tapping it and turning it back to the dull ring.

"You're a brilliant witch Hermione. You can help win this thing" he said, as he kissed her forehead and stepped back.

"I love you" Hermione said.

"I love you too" Fred said, smiling back at her.

Hermione turned on the spot and thought hard about the bank of the river that she left, a little more than an hour ago.

"Where have you been?" Demanded Harry as she trudged up the hill, carrying the heavy bags. "And what is all that?" he asked.

"I had to wait. There were too many people in the store so I hid outside for a while" she lied.

"And what is all of this?" he asked, looking through the bag, seeing things like chocolate, pies and cakes.

"I just thought we needed a little creature comforts, ok?" she said angrily.

"Fine, I'm sorry. I was just worried, that's all" he said.

"I'm feeling quite tired, so I'm going to have a lay down" she said, heading to the back of the tent to the bunks.

Hermione laid down on her bunk and pulled the covers up over her head. She touched her fingers to her lips, remembering the way Fred's lips felt on hers only moments ago. She tapped the ring with her wand, thinking of Fred, and watched as its true appearance was revealed. It was more beautiful that she first saw. It had an intricate design and lots of small diamonds around the band, building to a larger diamond in the middle. When she took it off, there was an inscription inside, that read My Hermione.

She heard footsteps approach and quickly put the ring back on and tapped it with her wand before she felt Harry's weight on the foot of her bed.

"Hermione, I’m sorry" he said.

"It’s ok Harry. We're both just feeling the pressure" she said.

"I thought something happened to you. I wouldn't know how to do this on my own" he said.

"You won’t ever have to Harry, I'm here" she said, hugging him tight.

H- Ron came back

F- The git

H- And he has … something that we have been looking for. I think everything will be ok.

F- I'm glad.

H- I still miss you.

F- I still miss you too.

H- We were almost caught.

F- How?

H- I can’t say. There was... something. That had to be destroyed. And it sort of saw our feelings. When Ron went to destroy it, it told Ron and Harry that I was sold to another.

F- Sold? That's a but ancient.

H- Don't be silly.

F- So what did you tell them?

H- That the object was delusional, and I was completely focused on this mission.

F- Which you are.

H- Of course

F- But...?

H- I can’t stop thinking about you.
H- And about your hands on me.

F- You could always come see me?

H- Again? I couldn't possibly.

F- I promise, I'll put my hands all over you.

H- As tempting as that may be, I don't have an excuse.

F- Did you go to the Lovegoods?

H- How do you know about that?

F- DID YOU GO?

H- Yes, we went there

F -Why on earth? What were you thinking?

H-  suppose we weren't thinking.

F- You were almost caught.

H- I know. It was stupid.

F- Very!

H- You're mad at me?

F- Of course I am. How could you put yourself in danger like that?

H- Look around you Fred, this is a war. Its dangerous everywhere. But we're just trying to figure this stuff all out, so back off!

F- Hermione?
F- I'm sorry
F- I keep stuffing things up
F- Hermione?
F- Please forgive me

F- Hermione? It’s been a week. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I just worry about you. I wish I could be there to take care of you. My brother and Harry are not up to the task.

F- Hermione? This is serious. If you want to call it off, please just say so. I can’t be out of the loop like this

H- Fred, I'm here. Everything is ok. Something happened, but its ok now.

F- Merlin Hermione, I was going to travel around the bloody country looking for you.

H- I'm sorry, it’s been a big week.

F- Tell me.

H- Harry broke the taboo.

F- And?

H- Snatchers came for us.

F- Oh no.

H- Oh yes. We were taken and questioned, but Dobby rescued us.

F- So its true then.

H- What is?

F- Word gets around, every time there is a sighting of Harry, someone says something.

H- What are they saying?

F- That Harry is dead.

H- Harry isn't dead. Far from it. We are ok.

F- That's a relief.

H- But... Dobby.

F- He died?

H- Yes. Harry buried him. It was devastating.

F- Where are you now?

H- I can’t say

F- Hermione!

H- What? Fred, nothing has changed.

F- You were caught by snatchers Hermione.

H- I know.

F- Let me help.

H- You already do. Just by being there.

H- We have a plan

F- What is it?

H- You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

F- So tell me

H- Best I don't

F- Or what?

H- Or you'll probably try and help

F- Just stay safe.

H- I will.

H- Going to Hogwarts

F- Hogwarts?
F- Why?
F- Hermione?

H- I don't have time to explain. I'm pretending to go to the loo in Aberforth Dumbledore's place.
H- There's only a couple of pieces of the puzzle to find and then it will all be over.
H- I love you so much
H- Don't forget.

F- I love you too.
F- Stay safe.

H- I will, I promise.

F- Hermione, where are you?
F- I've just arrived with my family
F- I need to see you
F- Meet me somewhere
F- I'll 'wait for you

H- Fourth floor tapestry beside the classroom across from the stairs

Hermione waited shivering from the cold and the intense adrenalin that was coursing through her body. She had simply run off when no one was looking after getting some basilisk fangs with Ron and destroying the cup. She stood there for only minutes before she heard footsteps running her way. She held her breath as she hoped it was not someone who wanted to hurt her.

When Fred pulled back the tapestry and slid into the space in the wall, he held her by the face and put his forehead to hers, closing his eyes.

"You're ok" he said.

"I'm ok" she said.

"I love you so much" he declared.

"I love you too. We don't have much time" she said, kissing him.

"Promise me I'll see you after?" he said.

"I promise" she said, leaving the space behind the tapestry.

After having just witnessed the destruction of the 2nd last horcrux, Hermione, Harry and Ron were discussing how to find and destroy the snake. From the corner of her eye, she saw Fred and Percy back into her view. The three of them ran to help, sending spells towards the death eaters who were fighting to kill. Hermione fought alongside the boys, the men, sending whatever spells she could think of to help. Death Eaters had now penetrated the castle and they were stronger than many of the young people who were defending the castle and Harry.

Hermione made eye contact with Fred briefly and the two shared a knowing smile as they battled the death eaters around them.

She briefly heard Fred praise Percy for a joke he had made before the air around them exploded. For just a second, it felt as though she Ron, Harry, Percy and Fred were winning, but in a split second, it all changed. The walls of the castle imploded in, sending rubble flying at them. She gripped her wand tightly as the 5 of them were sent flying. She heard screams and yells, Harry was calling out, asking for who was alive.

"I'm here. I'm ok I think" she said, sitting up, feeling the cold night air on her face. The wall of the castle had been attacked, but what, she didn't know. But she could see out into the darkness outside. As Hermione staggered to her feet, she heard the most gut-wrenching scream, a scream that tore at her insides and ripped them apart. Three red haired men were grouped on the ground where the wall had been blasted apart. Harry grabbed Hermione by the hand to steady both himself as they staggered over stone and wood.

"No – no – no!" someone was shouting, "No! Fred! No".

Percy was shaking his younger brother and Ron was kneeling beside him and Fred's eyes stared without seeing, the ghost of his last laugh still etched upon his face.

"No! No, no, no this can't happen. No this can't happen. Fred? Come on, Fred please!" she cried out as she fell into a heap beside him. She moved closer to his body, taking his face in her hands, almost fighting with Percy and Ron over the rights to be by his side.

Hermione's brain had gone silent. She tried to think of a way to save him, some spell or charm that could bring him back, but her mind was blank. She felt her insides twist up and her throat swell.

"Help me, help me get him out of here" she demanded to Ron, Percy and Harry, pulling at Fred to free him from the rubble.

"Hermione, we need to get out of here" Harry said as a jet of light bounced off the wall behind them.

She looked around and hesitated for a moment before shouting.

"Just stand guard, I can bring him back".

She tilted Fred's head back and breathed into his mouth before pressing down hard on his chest. She counted to 30 before breathing twice into his mouth and repeating the chest compressions. She was vaguely aware that people above them were casting spells above her head, but she was determined to bring Fred back. She had learnt the technique as a child and had seen it on TV. People who were dead had been brought back before and she knew that she could do it.

"Hermione, he was hit by a curse, he's gone" shouted Harry as he sent a stunning spell through the wall onto the grass outside.

"Ten, Eleven, Come, on, please, Fred, come, back, eighteen, nineteen…" she begged, in between counting the number of compressions she was doing to get Fred's heart started.

She had done six rounds of CPR before she leant back exhausted, crying hysterically.

"Hermione, come on…" Ron said, tears staining the dirt on his face.

"I can't leave him" she said.

Ron and Harry shared a confused look as Hermione refused to leave Fred's side.

"We'll come back, come on, please Hermione, we have to go" Harry said.

"You don't understand, Fred and I… We…" she began. There were no words to explain what she had with Fred.

The yells of Ron distracted them both as Hermione realised what the problem was. Giant spiders had climbed the walls of the castle and were making their way inside. Hermione knew it was too late for Fred. He couldn't be saved. It broke her to do so, but she stood from her position beside him after kissing him on the cheek and continued fighting alongside her best friends.

Hours later, Hermione found herself sitting, surrounded by the Weasleys as they cried over the loss of one of their family members. No one truly understood the extent of her grief. They simply believed that she was dealing with the loss of a friend, with difficulty, but it was more than that. She loved Fred, she understood him, and he understood her. They shared all of their secrets and had been each other's comfort almost every night for 9 months. She wanted nothing more than to go back and apparate to him during those cold lonely nights when he begged her to come to his side.

She knew she would never again see his distinct handwriting appear on the parchment. Never again feel his hands on her, never again feel his lips on hers. He was gone. Fred was gone, and she was broken. The hardest part was, no one knew. No one would ever know. She would keep this secret buried deep inside her for the rest of her life.