Work Text:
“It’s your choice, gentlemen. One of you can take the house. The other can take the fossil.”
Fred glanced over at George. The dim light of the solicitor’s office offered little protection to conceal the bloodshot veins scattered around his twin’s eyes. Though the fatigue was more from “self-inflicted pending doom” (George’s words) rather than the death of their Aunt Muriel. The wacky old witch decided to keep them in her will after all.
The faint sound of snowflakes whirling against the window was much more successful in drowning the constant cracking of loud knuckles, something that Fred had begrudgingly gotten used to thanks to long days at the shop. The stress was even taking a toll on his head- He even saw a muggle hair dye box in the bathroom bin in their shared flat the other day; he had made a mental note to ask Hermione about it.
Fred also pondered if she had bought Angelina and George the odd lolly stick he also found in the bin, too.
Between the hiding, fighting, surviving, healing, grieving, and rebuilding– there wasn’t much time for professors and parents to teach contraceptive spells. And some would argue that there wasn’t much time to cast them either. George and Angie fell into that category.
And while Fred was (mostly) thrilled that he was alive and even happier to become an uncle again, the happiness did not extend to his twin. The same twin who gallantly fought in the wizarding war, held vigil over Fred after the wall crash, and was soon to be married to the witch of his dreams.
Nope.
George would rather face Voldemort again than tell their mum he knocked up his girlfriend. So naturally, the humor in Weasley Wizarding Wheezes store mostly fell on Fred’s shoulders for the time being.
And as if helping George plan the wedding, decorate the nursery, and talk him out of whatever Molly Weasley-induced downward thought spiral he managed to get himself into wasn’t enough, Fred also had to balance it with attending weekly rehab sessions, tidying the flat, brainstorming new products, participating in weekly mind healer sessions for traumatic stress, and doing his absolute best not to blurt out he was desperately in love with Hermione whenever he saw the witch.
Aunt Muriel’s miserable ticker timing out was just another unneeded stressor in Fred’s life and he had very little patience to deal with making such a ridiculous decision.
“Merlin, it’s like she’s trying to break us up”, George chuckled grimly. Fred’s eyes lit-hey, a laugh is a laugh after all.
“Look, mate. If the house is in decent condition, you and Angie should take it. We just spent all the work modifying the flat for me,” Fred sighed, gesturing to his leg. “
“I don’t think it’s a fair decision, or ask”. George countered.
“It’s not, but who knows what Muriel was actually thinking. Regardless, you both deserve a space to raise my niece or nephew in peace away from the alley chaos. It’ll also probably help ease your nerves too since mum will be pleased you have a substantial roof over your heads. If the house is in pieces, sell it and use it to get a home that fits your needs. I can take the fossil. I don’t mind.”
“Then it’s settled then,” interrupted the solicitor, standing and levitating a deed towards George and a box to Fred. “George gets the house. Fred gets the fossil. Time for tea.”
—
The snow still hadn’t stopped by the time George and Fred closed up the shop for the evening, and the flat was uncharacteristically quiet given that Angelina and George decided to go for a house tour with Bill and Fleur. His phantom limb pain was beginning to act up again and he wasn’t in the mood to pretend everything was fine.
Settling down on his bed, grabbed his parchment and drafted a letter:
“My dear ‘Mione,
If I promise to give you a lifetime supply of whatever WWW products your pretty little heart desires, will you teach me that analgesic spell? Or at least come over and help a bloke out?
I’d go on my knees and beg if it didn’t hurt. But it does.
Fred xx.”
He sent it off with his owl and sighed. He didn’t plan on telling anyone except his healers about the pain and associated panic. Time was on his side now, he was alive after all and doing as well as he could be.
Everyone worried about him long enough and people were starting to notice George’s odd behavior and worry about him, too. Worrying about one Weasley twin was enough of an unnecessary burden on one soul. And for that reason, Fred kept his phantom pain and panic attacks a secret. Well, mostly a secret.
Fred confided in Hermione one night after Sunday evening in the Burrow.
After dinner, he snuck back outside for air since his neurons were over-firing and the room had started to feel tight. His senses could have been on overdrive, but he swore she was sporting a demure smile as she sat next to him.
“In one of my courses we’re learning about pain and amputations that can occur naturally and via magic,” she said shyly. It was a rare occurrence that she was able to make Sunday dinner given her chaotic healer studies schedule. It was even rarer that she attended solo, either bringing a date or a peer from school with her.
“Ah, is it finally my turn to be one of your fake patients?” Fred managed a chuckle, nudging her lightly as he remembered Hermione recruiting Harry for her magical eye and vision practical before the holidays.
“No,” she laughed. “But I’ll keep you in mind. Well, if it’s too personal don’t feel obliged to answer. I guess I was wondering if you have any phantom limb pain”.
“Phantom limb pain?”
“It’s what muggles call it at least, but it’s when you feel pain from your leg as if it’s still there. We’re all still healing but you just seem to be rigid. Not yourself. You suddenly go quiet and take deep breaths. And not in a cute way, either. I just want to know if you’ve been okay.”
“Attentive as always, love,” sighed Fred. “The healers explained it to me. It’s gotten better but sometimes at night it’s unbearable.” He felt his face heat as he looked back into her eyes. Looking down again, he added, “don’t tell mum, or George, okay? I’m doing my best to manage.”
“I promise,” she smiled. “If you ever feel like helping a healer in training out, I have some analgesic spells that may help.”
“If it ever gets that bad, I’ll take you up on it.”
That had been a few months ago, and he only asked for her help twice. Though, while the pain wasn’t as excruciating tonight, it had been a while since he’d seen Hermione and given the odd day, he didn’t have the patience for waiting it out.
A gentle knock interrupted his daydream. “Hello? Fred? I got your owl.”
“Back here,” he sat himself back up on the bed. His smile widened as Hermione joined him in the bedroom. “Wow, ‘Mione. All dressed up and nowhere to go?”
She shook her head, “I’m meeting Cormac for drinks at the Leaky shortly.”
“Oh, well, I appreciate you potentially running late for your date to help poor little old me out.” He cringed when she didn’t correct him for saying it was a date. Luckily, Hermione did not notice as she had already begun the incantation. Within seconds, the fire at his missing knee instantly died.
“You still haven’t told anyone, have you?” Hermione quietly asked. Fred shook his head.
“No. Seemed a bit unfair, especially with mum helping to make funeral arrangements and George and Angelina scrambling to get their lives settled before the baby.”
“Have they told anyone yet?”
“Nope. As far as I know, we’re the only two who know their little secret. What time is your date, by the way?” He asked, finally sitting up. She had taken a seat in his new reclining reading chair. While she appeared lost in her thoughts as she examined his small but growing collection of muggle books, Hermione looked at peace. Calm. As if his bedroom was her sanctuary.
“Hmm? Oh, it’s at seven. Mind if I kill some time here or I can go and let you rest?” She asked, starting to stand.
“Not at all, stay as long as you’d like. I know you’re going out for drinks but would you like some water, tea? No pranks included, of course.”
Her laugh echoed. “I’m fine, thanks. I meant to ask, didn’t you have the meeting today? Ginny told me about it, she and your mum inherited that tiara. How did it go?”
“Well, Aunt Muriel didn’t write us out. However, she wrote her will to say that one of us gets the house and the other gets one of her prized fossils. She forced us to pick.”
Hermione grimaced. “Not to speak ill of the dead, but she always made me a bit uncomfortable. What did you and George decide?”
“I told him to take the house. This set-up is finally working for me, and just seems too small of a place to grow a family.” Fred sighed. While the string of post-war weddings of his friends was a welcomed activity after the mass of funerals, there were still rumors of an archaic marriage law on the horizon.
Alongside learning to manage the bouts of panic whenever he was in a small room, it was one of the very many topics he brought up with his mind healer. How could he offer up his small home with a woman with things placed in a certain way to ensure his independence and safety? Could Hermione, or any girl really at this point, be okay with constantly tidying up objects on the floor or not using safety railings for decorative purposes? While he knew he had a lot to offer and wasn’t totally unfortunate looking, he hated how the war murdered part of his self-esteem and self-image. He knew Hermione cared for him, but seeing as she was still dating around (with wizards who had two legs and limited depression, mind you), it was still a tough blow.
“You’re a great brother, Fred Weasley.” Looking around, she spoke again. “Do you have the fossil with you?” He nodded and gestured to the box sitting on the floor.
“I haven’t opened it yet. I didn’t have time for a break this afternoon. Bring it over, will you?”
Once Hermione situated the box onto his bed, he gingerly opened the box containing his heirloom from Aunt Muriel. The fossil was rather large and pink. He was immediately taken aback by the glossy yet scaly texture.
“It looks a bit like a seashell.” Fred attempted to pick up the fossil but the warmth emitting from the box immediately stopped him. The familiar wave of chaos washed over him, followed by cold dread.
Good Godric. Aunt Muriel had gifted him a freaking dragon egg. A live dragon egg.
He didn’t think twice about the solicitor keeping the box next to the fire.
Merlin. Aunt Muriel was trying to break him and George up by sending one of them to Azkaban.
He smirked to himself out of spite. As far as pranks go, this was supreme for the old hag.
Logistically, it was a nightmare.
“Bloody hell.” He muttered, shaking his head in disbelief and inhaling counts of four to steady his nerves.
“Not what you expected?” Hermione mused, and leaned over the box. He felt his frustration temporarily subside once he breathed in one of her curls tickling his chin. She had used a WonderWitch product in her hair this evening.
“Definitely not what I expected.” Shifting the box closer, he asked, “You know what that is?”
“Merlin. A dragon egg? Your aunt kept dragon eggs?”
“Guess so. You know, George and I joked earlier that she was attempting to split us apart? Wicked woman wanted one of us to go to Azkaban!” He laughed even though he felt like crying. Aurors were always stopping in at the shop and the last thing he needed was to find himself arrested over the contraband.
“Hmm. It looks like a Swedish-Short Snout.” Hermione mused before standing and returning her gaze to Fred. “Write to Charlie tonight. I’m sure this is not the first time something like this has happened. I need to bugger off though… want me to check in on you after if it’s not too late? I feel bad leaving you now.”
Fred fought the urge to shake his head “yes” and summoned his crutch-it wasn’t worth spending the time to don his prosthetic leg just to walk a few feet to the door.
“Well, thank you oh sweet Gryfinddor princess for coming to my rescue.” Fred smiled and watched as her eyes rolled at the nickname.
“Anytime, Fred. You know that.”
“I do, and it’s always appreciated. Though I’m starting to owe you. Maybe one day I'll come to your rescue.” He shared, pulling off a genuine smile.
Hermione scoffed and shook her head as she opened the door. “I’ve had quite enough misadventures for a lifetime, so I truly hope not. For my safety sake.”
Ouch.
“Fair”, he smiled sadly. “Be safe tonight, yeah?”
“I will. Night Fred.”
“Night, ‘Mione.”
Alone again, he returned to his room and stared at the dragon egg.
What a mess.
He needed to get this to Charlie soon before this thing hatched. While he was most likely the one to make the delivery, he doubted he could carry the box for that long of a portkey ride. Sighing, he grabbed his parchment and wrote with as minimal details as he could about the strange predicament before sending the letter off.
A large yawn escaped his mouth; it was barely eight in the evening and George and Angelina were still checking out their new abode.
Knackered, he draped his favorite jumper over the egg and pushed it toward the heater. He had initially given the jumper to Hermione after their last group pub night when her coat had been accidentally dosed in Cormac’s firewhisky. The prick didn’t even have the decency to offer up his jacket.
It was snowing that night too and given he was still adjusting to his new prosthetic, opted to walk slowly behind the group to avoid another collision with the icy ground. Plus, his friends shouldn’t freeze on his account.
As they staggered back to the WWW flat to use the floo, Fred couldn’t take his eyes off Hermione as snowflakes collected on her eyelashes and a rosy flush graced her cheeks from the cold and little alcohol she had that night. He knew he couldn’t scold himself for waiting too long when he had healing to endure first. When he finally got back to the flat, Hermione was waiting by the door for him to make sure he got in safely. She had already taken the jumper off before he could say she could borrow it a bit longer.
It still smelt like her and he wore it often. Fred was still claiming laziness when George gave him grief about not washing it.
—--
Two owls were perched outside his window when Fred woke up. Charlie’s letter contained all the steps, details, and instructions for Fred to make an impromptu journey to the dragon reserve that morning and deliver his unexpected “gift”. The second contained a parcel and he quickly tore the brown paper open to reveal a small, purple handbag:
“Good morning Fred,
I hope you found some relief last night. Charlie owled me first thing and requested that you borrow this. It’ll fit everything you need for the journey and the bag itself should fit in your pockets. I’ll be home later this afternoon and evening revising my notes and will keep the floo open for you once you get back.
Best of luck,
Hermione.”
And true to her word, the giant egg somehow managed to fit inside.
—-
Even with the weight of a potentially illegal action on his shoulders, the views of the dragon reserve never got old. He felt like a little kid again watching the steam pour out of their nostrils while their wings dipped and fluttered in the air during take-over.
“This is a Swedish-Short Snout alright.” Charlie smiled, placing the egg gingerly onto the ground and removing his gloves. Fred watched carefully as Charlie levitated the Swedish Short-Snout egg into the large mountainous enclosure. “It should still be viable and the shell was all intact. Hopefully, Birgitta will accept it as one of her own. She’s a bit standoffish at first but has gotten fairly used to us levitating items in and out for her. I spoke with my supervisor, and they’ll be doing an investigation on where Muriel got the egg in the first place.”
Fred groaned. “Will it interfere with George moving in?” He helped Charlie collect the box after the egg was safely situated in Birgitta’s nest. He looked up just in time to see the grown-up dragon nuzzling the egg before it disappeared behind one of the many mountain peaks.
“Not by much, hopefully. And if it does, it’ll most likely involve just looking through paperwork or if she had a secret lair of sorts with other creatures. Who knew that woman had a double life? She had more gumption than I gave her credit for.” Charlie laughed, before taking note of the stoic gaze Fred suddenly adopted.
“Hey, you did the right thing, mate… Hermione told me what was going on with them. This will all be over before you know it.”
“I know. I still can’t believe that old bird didn’t write us out of her will but Merlin her idea of revenge is odd. And now George might have to deal with random strangers in the new house. On top of everything else.”
Charlie stopped and engulfed Fred in his arms. “It’s a lot to take in, mate. We all see you doing the best we can and George will be okay. He’ll be able to tolerate a few Aurors popping in once he learns what kind of trouble you could have been in. Come on, then. There’s something else I want to show you while you’re here.”
Fred nodded and did his best to fall in step with his older brother. He was close to full acceptance of his injury and new onset of mental health challenges, but the fatigue of the trip and inability to keep Charlie’s unusually fast gait set in a twinge of disappointment. He was grateful to be here and alive, regardless of what magical and muggle mobility device he needed to use to live his life. He just needed to get out of his own way a bit.
“I got you a bit of a thank you present, or at least I hope you’ll see it that way.” Charlie spoke up, breaking Fred’s self-induced thought spiral. He didn’t realize they had made it to Charlie’s cabin. “It’s inside”.
Upon opening the door, two sleepy brown eyes lifted off the floor and met Fred’s gaze. It took him a second to realize the sudden onset of thumping noises wasn’t his heart in panic, but a cooper whip-like tail lightly drumming against the floor. The creature stood and its oversized paws ungracefully galloped towards Fred.
“Oi, Charlie! When did you get a dog?”
“Not mine, yours.” The older of the two Weasleys smirked as he watched Fred’s face contort into a million different emotions.
“Charlie, I’m still relearning how to take care of myself again. I-”
“Fred, relax. I have a brilliant muggle friend and she shared loads of research with me on how dogs can help people emotionally and physically. For someone who is usually a genius at being hush with their pranks, you have a bit of trouble hiding those anxiety attacks. And before you say anything else, we aren’t asking you to.”
“So you know.” He stated, feeling emotionally weak but at the same time feeling suddenly shocked at how his body already started to feel lighter just after briefly petting the little guy… or girl?
“We all do. And I asked Hermione to go through the research with me too. Having dogs is common in the muggle world. He’s a special little guy, knows all the commands and knows some healing and protective things too. You’re here a bit earlier than I thought to get him, but seeing that you have Hermione’s bag it might be better for him to settle in with you now. We got you all the supplies you need for him. And he can travel by floo.” Charlie situated a harness onto the pup, who was now sitting by Fred’s feet.
“Zeke here was a rescue so we aren’t sure his type. The animal healer thinks he might be a basenji. You can change his name if you want.”
“No,” Fred chuckled as Zeke began kissing his hand. “I think it fits him.”
Charlie showed Fred all the appropriate commands before making plans for Charlie to visit to show him the rest of the magical commands he taught the dog. Charlie helped with packing up Hermione’s beaded bag with Zeke’s necessities, including a small dragon dog toy. “That’s his lovey”, Charlie explained and Fred immediately began to think of a new line of Wheezes products.
It was nearly seven by the time Fred and Zeke arrived at Hermione's flat. All the lights were off, save for her bedroom light, and the faint sound of scribbling and ruffling papers could be heard. She must not have heard the floo. Fred smiled sadly as he imagined a night with both of them in their cozy clothes, snuggled up by the fire as he read off questions from a textbook while she answered them brilliantly. He never understood the appeal of study dates (how could revising be romantic?) until he started fancying Hermione.
Not wanting to disturb her, Fred whispered for Zeke to “stay” while he crept over to the kitchen table to deliver the bag. Unfortunately, he forgot all about Crookshanks and was startled by the sounds of a hissing meow towards his new companion.
Hermione came bolting out of her room and muttered a “lumos”. Her eyes looked gray and heavy, with blue ink swirls staining the palm of her hand. Fred’s eyes betrayed him as they snuck a glance at the black long-sleeved henley and red flannel bottoms that seemed to swallow her. Luckily, she didn’t notice as her eyes were confused.
“Why is there a dog in my kitchen?” Crookshanks had now backed away from Zeke, who was now attempting to sniff the half-kneazles behind.
“So much for not disturbing your studies,” Fred sighed. “That’s Zeke. My new- Uh, pet I guess.”
“Ah, Charlie was asking me quite a lot about dogs recently. I just thought it was for a dragon keeper friend.”
Fred shook his head. “Nope. It was my consolation prize for returning a dragon egg for safety… and for surviving a falling wall and losing a limb, I suppose.”
“You’re always finding the humor in the world, Fred Weasley.” Hermione scurried over to the kitchen and pulled out a fancy tin decorated with little spots and pawprints. Zeke’s tail began to drum against the kitchen floor when he heard the crinkling of containers, allowing Crookshanks to make a hasty escape to the bedroom. “May I give him a dog biscuit?”
He nodded and followed her into the living room. She invited Zeke up onto the couch and rewarded him with a few fancy treats. As he munched, he quickly settled onto Hermione’s lap and was extra careful not to leave any morsels behind. “He sure is adorable”.
“I didn’t take you as a dog person, ‘Mione.” He knew she had a soft spot for cats, and other magical creatures but she never seemed quite as excited as his other friends during muggle London outings whenever they spotted one.
“I’m really not. Well… I do prefer cats, and Crooks obviously. Just don’t think I’d ever want one.”
Another wave of disappointment. “So, do you keep dog biscuits here all the time then? Maybe Zeke and I should change that opinion.”
“No. Not usually. Cormac has a dog and I bought them for him since the tin was so cute.” She sighed. “We got into a fight last night about muggle medical practices and the use of illegal drugs so I obviously won’t be giving these to him.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that ‘Mione.” Fred bite back a smile.
“It’s fine, we weren’t serious and I thought he changed a bit.” A loud grumble erupted from the couch, causing Zeke to suddenly sit up with his ears on high alert.
“Sorry-I haven’t eaten dinner and of course I forgot to go food shopping.”
“Oh, I can go grab you something from the Leaky—” Fred started but before he could finish, Zeke let out a loud “awhoo” and ran to the floo. “Oi, Zeke. Where are you going?”
The dog galloped towards the floo and dipped his tail into floo powder. Zeke let out another small growl and shook his tail happily as the green flames whirled around him, leaving an empty fireplace in its wake.
“Oh my gods, ‘Mione!” Full-blown panic started to race throughout his body as he shook his head trying to comprehend that his dog had just taken the floo independently. And to some unknown location.
Hermione sprinted towards him just as panic began to engulf his brain. Almost as quickly as he left, Zeke popped back through the floo with a basket clutched in his jaw. It was filled to the brim with foods from Fred’s own kitchen.
The dog gently shook the green soot off his coat and wiped his paws on the mat until they returned to their spotted white and cream color. He sauntered over to Fred, dropping the basket at his feet.
“Ah who!”
“Are you sure this is a dog? And not some animagus?” Hermione asked dumbfounded and explained the basket. An amused smile played gently on her lips once she spotted Honeydukes Sugar Quills.
What the hell. His new dog was wooing her better than he ever could.
“No, Charlie told me he knew some magical things but we didn’t do that part of the training yet.”
“Should we even trust whatever loot he brought us?”
How on earth did this dog manage to rummage through his cabinets? “I bought all of those goods this week. I still tire easily so I’ve been making trips to muggle stores for prepared foods and I keep sweets around for an energy boost. Here," he passed her an individualized container of shepherd's pie. “I know it’s not as good as mum’s but it’s better than nothing.”
Hermione smiled and kissed Fred on the cheek. “Look at Fred and his noble steed coming to my rescue.”
—-----
Business was booming. Zeke was a welcomed addition to the store, causing many new and returning patrons to stop in to say hello to the unofficial mascot. The new line of dog and cat treats and toys, such as never-lose boomerangs and everlasting squeaker teddies, were also a huge hit. Fred barely saw George due to the chaos of Angie’s awful morning sickness, moving into the new house, and wedding planning. She was approaching the end of her first trimester and they were both planning on telling Molly next family dinner.
Charlie still hadn’t come around to show Fred the other training tricks he had taught Zeke. He didn’t mind though, Zeke was excellent at calming his nerves during nightmares, distracting him during phantom pain episodes, and even helped to boost his confidence as he was now forced to practice walking even more. Zeke had loads of energy for a pup and Fred didn’t mind once he noticed his own energy increasing. It was also a bonus that the pup did not use his expensive prosthetic as a chew toy.
Zeke even helped Fred practice his flirting skills. The number of pretty witches who stopped to say hello to him and Zeke was astonishing. He was late to open the shop the other morning because five women had stopped him during their twice-daily walk.
Even George was relaxed around him and he asked Fred to bring the dog ‘round when they had to break the news to their mum.
Hermione was also starting to come by the shop more, especially when she had an exam the following morning for puppy snuggles.
“It’s hard to be overwhelmed when he has such a cute face!” She exclaimed one evening as Fred closed up shop. “I wanted to ask you something.”
“What’s that, love?”
“Our school is hosting a research gala on Saturday evening. Would you mind accompanying me? It is semi-formal attire and your ticket is paid for. We don’t have to dance if you don’t want to.”
“Is the lovely Hermione Granger asking me on a date?”
“Well, I’d ask Zeke but they don’t allow dogs in the hall”, she flirted as Fred rolled his eyes. “But yes, I am.”
“I would love to.”
—---
“I’ll be back later, Zeke. Be a good boy!” Fred called out. His stomach gurgled; he was so excited for his date that he had hardly slept the night before. However, as the event start time came closer, Fred suddenly felt the urge to cancel and beg Hermione to stay home with him. He was being cowardly, but for once Zeke also seemed on edge. Pacing and sniffing around the flat. Fred was sure that there would be paw print marks everywhere when he returned. It was very unusual as Zeke usually did not experience separation anxiety.
Worries about his pup melted away when he arrived at Hermione’s flat. “Wow you look amazing, “Mione.”
She seldom wore make-up, she truly didn’t need it in his eyes as cliche as it was, but the light colors on her face brought out the specks of caramel in her eyes. Her tea-length maroon dress accentuated her features nicely, showing just how much of her health and confidence she was gaining back now that the school term was ending.
“Thank you.” She blushed and grabbed his arm. He wished how this could be an everyday occurrence but soaked up the warmth nevertheless.
Upon arrival, both Fred and Hermione gasped at the spectacular dance hall. It was filled to the brim with wizards and witches, along with baby blue, pastel yellow, and soft pink roses everywhere. Enchanted doves soared through the misty candlelit clouds. “This is beautiful, but I think you’re the most beautiful human in this room.”
She blushed again and wrapped her hand around his. “Thank you for being my date tonight. But, we don’t have to stay too long. Harry shared a rumor with me– the ministry might be announcing potential marriage law updates tonight. I’m sure it’ll be chaos if it’s announced and I know you don’t like crowds.”
Fred smiled and gave Hermione a twirl. “I’m not going to worry about something until I need to worry about it tonight… well, Zeke is an exception. We can dance and drink and be merry as long as you like, milady. To be honest, I’m not used to being without Zeke anymore, I think the chap was nervous that I was leaving tonight.”
“Aww poor little guy. I like getting dressed up, but given how brutal exams have been… I think a lowkey evening just watching a film with you two would be wonderful.Crooks does not snuggle as well as Zeke does. And I imagine you’re great at it too.””
They spent the first hour mingling with her peers and professors. He was surprised at how many Hogwarts students had decided to become healers. Fred even spent some time catching up with Cho Chang, who was Hermione’s study partner last term. At one point, he felt Hermione’s grip tighten around his hand. He looked up to see Cormac staring at them.
“He’s not very subtle, is he?” Cho muttered, taking a sip of champagne. “He still goes on rants about you not giving him a chance.”
“I don’t trust him. His thoughts about muggle drugs and uses are warped. I’m much happier now, anyway.” Hermione stole a glance at Fred, who felt as if he was as red as a tomato at this point.
“You two do look dashing together.” Cho agreed. “Oh, there’s Dr. Odinson. If you don’t mind I’m going to say hello and pester her about lab positions.”
“Didn’t you have her last semester, ‘Mione?” Asked Fred.
“I did, but I am going to get another drink. May I get you one?”
“No thanks, love. I’ll find us a table if that’s okay. I could use a sit break.” Fred found a secluded table and kept his eyes on his date. He quickly scanned the room for Cormac, who was speaking to a blonde on the opposite side of the bar.
Overall, Fred was having a great night. While the anxiety did subside, he couldn’t help shake the feeling in his stomach. He didn’t want the date to end, but he felt off about leaving Zeke for so long. Perhaps he could check in with ‘Mione once she returned about skipping out early to snuggle the pup.
Suddenly, a swarm of owls flew into the dance hall-littering the floor and flowers with newspaper announcements. He grasped one off the floor and scanned the words from the new daily profit:
“Breaking News: Marriage Law determination postponed by three years”.
There was more to the story but Fred could catch up on that later. He glanced back up to find Hermione moving away from the bar, seeming dazed. He also realized he couldn’t locate Cormac. Fred jumped to his feet as a worried-stricken Cho came into view.
“Hermione’s in trouble,” she huffed. “Cormac managed to come close and dumped something into her drink. I tried to get to her, but then the owls came in plus my wand is at our table”.
“And I have her wand.” The panic suddenly intensified. “I need to get to her before he hurts her and leaves. What way did they go?”
Cho shook her head in the direction, digging through her clutch before passing him a badge. “Take this, it’ll help you access the corridors. It’s an extra for security reasons. My partner is an Auror. I’ll get him to help.” She yelled, running across the dance floor.
Fred had only practiced running with his prosthetic leg a few times, mostly in physical therapy and on a track with limited obstacles. It wasn’t a graceful run, but it was faster than he could have imagined as he found himself bolting through doors, passing various labs, classrooms, and lecture halls.
He finally caught sight of them, Hermione’s eyes looked slightly glazed but still lucid as Cormac forcefully pushed her into a classroom.
Facing Fred, Cormac quickly shot a vanishing curse towards his knee. His prosthetic vanished into nothingness as he lost balance and slammed against the ground. His vision blurred as Cormac’s fist connected with his eye and Fred soon found himself locked high-security lab with bars secured across the doors and windows. He was quick to notice the silencing spell the prick placed on the classroom.
Hot tears threatened to pour down his face. He wanted this nightmare to be over. For everything to be okay again. For Hermione to be safe.
He quickly checked his pockets. The wanker took his wand but didn’t notice Hermione’s or Cho’s badge secured in his other pocket. As he was about to test his luck with disarming spells, a creature suddenly landed on his lap with a pop.
“You bloody know how to apparate too?!” Fred exclaimed and noticed Zeke carried his leg as if it were a giant stick at the park. “Oh, you good boy!” He quickly donned it and noticed Zeke’s razor-sharp teeth gnawing a hole through the grates. The dog stepped back and nudged his owner as if to say “crawl, you idiot!”
He shimmied his way out with Zeke at his heels, sprinting to the door where Hermione was taken. Fred heard shouting inside and was about to aim Hermione’s wand at the door when he felt the pup nuzzle his back pocket.
“Oi, mate. Now is not the time to be sniffing my arse.” Zeke dropped Cho’s badge in front of him and pointed his snout at the lock.
The door opened immediately and the duo ran inside to find Hermione, still fully dressed, pinned up against the black board. Using Hermione’s wand, Fred sent a surprisingly strong stupefy towards Cormac as Zeke made quick work of the magical binds that tied Hermione in place.
Fred and Hermione had never seen Zeke aggressive, but Fred suddenly felt fear as his dog growled, bearing its teeth, and crawled towards Cormac. The man was luckily frozen in shock as keeping still as he could not to agitate the canine.
“Zeke. Wand.” He commanded, and the dog suddenly pounced on Cormac.
“Don’t hurt me!” Cormac cried, and Fred swore the dog swished his tail in his face purposefully. The dog extracted Cormac's wand instantly.
“See? Not a scratch on you.” Fred shared and sent a body-binding spell his way. “Zeke. Go get Cho. Lead her here.” The dog obeyed, leaving Hermione and Fred slightly alone.
“That was a pretty strong spell you sent his way.” She stated, not meeting his gaze. Fred gently massaged her wrists. “Did he hurt you?”
“No, thank heaven. Mostly intimidation. He wanted to make a point to me about that stupid argument we had right before we stopped dating. If you didn’t show up when you did, he probably would have done something worse. Thank you for coming to my rescue.”
Fred shrugged. “It was mostly Zeke, I didn’t do much.”
She rolled her eyes and pushed him lightly. “You put yourself in harm’s way to protect me. And Zeke wouldn’t have come if he didn’t care for you so much. You were my knight in shining armor tonight. With a pretty badass sidekick.” His guilt slowly melted away as she pressed her soft lips into his. He had just tangled his fingers into her hair when he heard a low, “awhoo” from the doorway.
Cho had luckily arrived with backup, and Cormac was apprehended on multiple magic and muggle charges.
“You know, I think I have changed my mind.” Hermione later shared, as she snuggled Fred in bed with Zeke at their feet.
“Change your mind about what?” He asked sleepily, fidgeting with the strands on the sweatshirt she had picked from his closet.
“I may be a dog person after all. Hey, what are you doing in three years?”
“Go to bed you, cheeky witch.”
—--
Zeke watched a whole pack of redheads crowd around a dinner table. He smelt meat. And roast. And steamy vegetables. Oh, so many good smells! And he was hungry. And a good boy. Saving his owner was exhausting but hey, humans couldn’t be as smart as him. Maybe if he was lucky, one of the humans would drop him a morsel. One of the redheads was especially messy and ate with his mouth open. He heard Hermione-girl always complain about it. Zeke loved Hermione-girl and didn’t like it when she was sad.
As he quietly attempted to cross the dining room floor, he heard his owner’s voice.
“Zeke. Sit.” Fred commanded and offered the dog a friendly pat on the head as he obeyed. “Good boy”.
Zeke sighed, bowing his head and making his eyes as large as possible.
He soon heard multiple cries and his ears immediately stood up at attention. He craned his neck to see everyone hugging the one who looked just like his owner but smelled different than him.
“See? All that worrying for nothing!” Fred teased and tossed a bread roll George’s way. Zeke had to stop himself from chasing it like the ball Hermione-girl bought him.
Zeke was so lost in the commotion that he almost didn’t notice another redhead place a plate of warm chicken and vegetables in front of him.
“Mum!”
“What, I checked! This is safe for him! He deserves to celebrate too! If we didn’t have so many children we’d have dogs running around the burrow.”
“Didn’t take the Weasleys as dog people”, Hermione laughed.
“Oh, we are,” laughed Molly. She leaned in to Zeke, and snuggled him. “Thanks for keeping my boy safe.”
Zeke wagged his tail and tucked in. He was a good boy and knew that his humans would live happily ever after.