Lingering Softness

Chapter II

"You still my heart and you take my breath away."

The next few days flew by for Hermione. They consisted of taking Jemma to preschool, cooking, and in the spare few minutes, reading. Then, on the fifth day, Hermione was to meet with Ginny for lunch. She hadn't seen her good friend in about a month, and was very excited. Unfortunately, she had no where to take Jemma. Ron, on short notice, had to go to Ireland to fix things up with some people down there, working with the ministry now. And she didn't want to trouble her parents or Ron's parents. Just as if luck was on her side, the telephone rang, and picking it up, she heard the familiar voice of Fred.

"'Ello Hermione!" His cheerful voice resounded in her brain.

"Oh, its you, Fred ," she said, staring at her nails, trying not to remember what had happened in the past, "Hey, um... are you busy today?"

Fred's heart skipped as those words bore into him. Was she... asking him to do something with her? "Umm, no actually, I'm not busy today!"

Relief seeped into Hermione's heart. "Great. Do you think you could come 'round and watch Jemma for me? I've had a lunch date planned with Gin for about a month now, and I don't think I should bring Jemma. As you know, Ron's away," she trailed off, hoping Fred would answer positively.

"Oh," Fred's stomach lurched but he quickly recovered, "Yeah, I'd love to. She's such a good girl."

Hermione smiled to herself, "Great. Could you be here in about, oh, say twenty minutes or so? Thanks. You're a doll. Bye!" And with that she placed the receiver back on the phone.

Looking taken aback, Fred, too, replaced the receiver on the phone and slumped into a nearby chair. A sigh escaped his lips, and he buried his face in his palms.

"How stupid am I?" he wondered aloud, looking to the peeling white ceiling, "Why do I remember these things? Why do I want to remember these things?" he questioned the ceiling, knowing he would receive no reply.

* * * * * *

"Right on time!" Hermione commented as she swung open the door, the pleasurable sight of Fred meeting her eyes. Jemma sat on the floor next to her, staring up at her new babysitter, wide-eyed.

"Hi," he replied, "How are you, Jemma?" he asked, bending down to her.

"Good." was all she said before looking back to the stuffed cat in her lap. She smiled at the cat, "Good kitty. Fwed will be a good babysitter, yes, yes, yes."

Fred couldn't help but smile, though he realized he was probably blocking Hermione closing the door, so he got up, and took a few steps into the house.

"I have to finish up getting ready so... I'll be right back," Hermione stated, turning to walk up the stairs. Fred gave a nod then closed the door behind him.

Kneeling next to Jemma, he patted her lightly on the head. "You're going to grow into a very pretty woman, just like your mother."

"Binky! Binky!" the little girl cried, waving her arms around.

Fred stood, realizing he had no clue where Jemma's pacifier was. He headed toward the stairs, knocking on Hermione's door and entering. Fred looked up.

Hermione turned around, and when she saw it was Fred, her eyes widened. There she was, standing in her skirt, panty hose, and bra. Fred's eyes too widen, before mumbling "Sorry" and closing the door. Hermione quickly pulled on her shirt and hurried to the door, opening it.

She blushed then said, "What is it?"

"Um..." Fred searched for his words, "Where is... J-Jemma's p-pacifier?" he stuttered.

"In the kitchen on the counter," Hermione answered shortly. "I'll be down in a moment to say goodbye to her." Quickly closing the door, she turned around, leaning against it. A few years ago, Fred seeing you naked was as normal as eating. Her eyes widened, for what she thought was true. It wouldn't have been that unusual, which scared her.

* * * * * * *

"Well, be good Jem." Hermione gave a nod to Fred, kissed Jemma on the forehead. "Mommy loves you." she whispered to her daughter before smiling a quick smile at Fred and leaving the house.

"I blew it Jemma." Fred said, sinking to the floor, patting his lap, for the little girl to sit on.

Jemma walked slowly over, plopping down on his lap. She liked him, it was obvious. He reminded her of Ron, her father, with the bright red hair and freckles.

"She must think I'm a total dork..." he murmured, stroking the little girl's hair. "I mean, walking in on her naked when we were together is a bit different from walking in on her now."

Jemma looked at Fred, a confused look on her face. What was he talking about? Jemma certainly had no clue. "Milk! I want milk pwease." She broke the silence, and stood up.

"Alright. Milk it is then." Fred picked Jemma up and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. The girl giggled and writhed, smiling the whole time. He plopped her onto the counter and walked over to the refrigerator, taking out the bottle of milk and pouring some into her sippy cup.

"Here ya go, lil' girl."

"Milk!" she exclaimed happily, taking a large gulp.

The phone rang. Fred walked briskly over to the phone, staring at the caller ID.

"Ron's Cell," he muttered. "So the girl finally taught him how to use one..."

He picked up the receiver. "Hello, little brother!" Fred exclaimed happily.

"What? What are you doing there? George, is that you?" Ron's surprised voice entered Fred's ear.

"Nope, it's Fred. Oh, and, I'm babysitting your little girl while Hermione's having lunch with Gin."

"Oh, well, could you tell her to call me back when she gets in please?"

"Sure. I'll tell her. See you later, have fun." Their phone conversation was brought to an end as Fred placed the receiver back.

* * * * * * *

"And he walked in on me! I was half naked!" Hermione grinned inside as she said this, though on the outside, she was completely serious.

"Oh my!" Ginny's mouth opened slightly.

Hermione nodded as she placed a chip into her mouth and wiped her fingers on her napkin. "I know! I was very surprised, I mean, yes, he knocked, but I didn't expect him to just enter!" But a few years ago, I would have... She finished in her mind.