Lingering Softness

Chapter IV

"And I know, you know, you touched my life when you touched my heavy heart and made it light."

Hermione lay awake in the large bed, staring at the peach-colored walls. So Fred did still possess those feelings. Lately, she had been wondering why she kept running into him. Hermione had also been wondering why in the world whenever she saw Fred's smiling face, or heard his voice her stomach did a flip, just like it used to. Thinking that when she married Ron she would forget everything that had ever happened between her and Fred was a big mistake, for she hadn't forgotten those feelings. And she was afraid she never would.

Both had sworn they would tell no one. Not because they were ashamed of each other, but because Hermione wanted to do something bad for once. She had always been the good girl, and only got into trouble at Hogwarts because she was helping Ron and Harry. She had wanted to do something bad on her own, and when she realized she liked Fred, and he liked her, it was the perfect opportunity. The problem was Hermione's feelings for Ron began to grow, until both feelings were equal. Who knew that would happen? Fred realized that Hermione liked Ron; it was hard not to keep it obvious.

But as Hermione looked around the large room, filled with magical, moving pictures of family members, a large clock like the one in the Weasley house, but with Hermione, Ron, and Jemma on it, and a large dresser and vanity, she realized she had to tell someone. But who? The only two people she could think of telling were Harry and Ginny. They would listen, they always had, especially Ginny.

So it was settled, Hermione would eat breakfast, feed Jemma, take her to day care, and invite Harry and Ginny over for lunch.

Hermione climbed out of her bed and walked into her bathroom, staring at the bathroom mirror. Her hair was a mess, her eyes had dark bags under them, and her cheeks were flushed. She was a mess. She took a shower, pulled on a pair of jeans, and a t-shirt. Running a brush through her hair she began to hum quietly, letting her mind wander.

Hermione checked on Jemma before walking down the wood stairs and walking into the rather small kitchen. The tile floor was cold beneath her bare feet and the sound of her jeans scraping over the floor was almost frustrating. Resting her hands on the fake granite counter, she glanced over, seeing the messy handwriting of Ron's in a note he had left her about going to see Harry about a week ago. Sighing she looked around, trying to think of something to eat, but realized she wasn't hungry. Pulling out a chair by the wood table, she sat down; resting her elbow on the table then placed her head in her hand. She stared at a picture Jemma had drawn of Hermione, Ron, and herself, a nervous feeling rising in her stomach.

"Harry? This is Hermione." The slim woman stood, resting against the counter, speaking into the telephone.

"Oh, hello. What is it? You sound upset," Harry replied.

"I was wondering if you and Gin would like to come over to my place for some lunch. It would mean a lot; I have something to tell you." Hermione nodded as Harry agreed and then said, "Well, bye then." And hung up.

Placing a pot on the stove, she searched in the cabinet for some kind of soup. After deciding on Chicken and Rice, she placed it by the stove and got out a medium sized china platter. She opened the refrigerator and took out some sliced turkey, ham, and cheese from the local deli. She placed the food neatly on the platter and got out a loaf of bread, placing them both on the table. Hermione poured the can of soup into the pot and put some water in it, and began to heat it. She got out three plates and set them on the table, even though she highly doubted that she would be eating anything at all.

About five minutes later the doorbell rang, and she walked briskly over to the white door, opening it for her friends. She put on a fake smile and they said their "hellos before she led them to the table. Five more minutes passed and Hermione placed the soup in three bowls and brought them, as well as some spoons, to the oak table. She sat down, and began to wring her hands.

"So Hermione," Harry said through a mouthful of bread, turkey, and cheese, "what is it that you wanted to tell us?"

"Yes, we have been quite worried about you since you called this morning." Ginny reached out, squeezing Hermione's hand.

"I have something to confess," she began while Harry and Ginny stared at her quizzically.

"Do you remember in our seventh year, when Fred and George came back to Hogwarts to help out with things?" Ginny and Harry nodded. "And you know how I was always busy?" Again, they nodded. "Fred and I, well, we were, uh, a couple. A secret couple. We had fancied each other for at least a year, and finally admitted it. Though, as we were secretly meeting at night, my feelings for Ron began to grow from friendship to a crush, and then to love. But my feelings for Fred were still love. A week before Ron asked me to Hogsmeade for the first time, Fred and I well... we, um." Hermione bit her lip. "We had sex." She finished quickly, staring at her hands. After a moment of silence, she began again. "Through out the next week, Fred realized that my feelings for Ron were just as strong, and he thought it would be better if we parted. And we did. I was devastated, but I was convinced to not show it, especially around you guys. Apparently I did well enough. Then Fred and George left, and I hadn't heard from either of them until me and Ron's wedding. Fred and I didn't even talk. I guess we were just scared to. Then, for another two years I heard nothing. But for my baby shower at the Weasleys' house, I saw him again. Yet again, though, we didn't speak. We smiled once to each other, but it was obviously not true. Then about a week ago, we met in the bookstore. We said hello, and talked for a few minutes then Jemma and I had to go. So we left, and that night I couldn't sleep. My stomach kept flipping whenever someone mentioned Fred or George, or even when I saw Ron. Then yesterday, I was in dire need of a babysitter for Jemma, and Fred called. I thought when I came home maybe we could talk for awhile. But as we were talking, Ron called, and I found that he had called while I was gone. Fred had taken the message but had forgotten to tell me. I was so confused, and worried about what Ron would think! I became upset with Fred and was rather stiff with him and basically told him to leave. Apparently it drove him to drink. He became drunk and then called me at about three in the morning, telling me he loved me. It could just have been because he was drunk and reminiscing, but I think it was most likely because he does still feel the way he did those years ago."

Harry and Ginny stared at Hermione for a long moment, totally speechless. Suddenly, Ginny stood up and rushed over to Hermione, wrapping her arms around her.

"Oh Hermione! Why didn't you tell me before?" Ginny understood, but Harry was far from understanding.

"It was your fault you did those things Hermione. And if you are thinking about cheating on Ron with him, I will tell Ron. Come on Ginny, we have to go." Harry glared at Hermione then looked to Ginny and nodded.

Ginny looked at Hermione, a look of sympathy on her face. As Harry turned, Ginny quickly whispered into Hermione's ear, "I will tell Harry I need to go shopping tonight and I will come and see you, I promise." Hermione nodded slightly, while Ginny squeezed her hand and before she knew it, Harry and Ginny's car pulled out of the driveway and drove away.

Hermione took a step back, eyes clouding with tears. She sunk to the floor, tears spilling from her eyes, and silent sobs taking over.