Fool Me

Day Two

They dressed identical the next day. Everything from their pale-green jumpers, beige khakis and white runners, matched to the last thread. They even spiked their red hair the same way, and made certain not to use the other’s names when making their way downstairs to meet Hermione.

She stood by the door, nose buried in a book. She peeked over the edge when they hit the bottom step, and her lips curved.

“Hello, boys,”

Thinking they’d won one over her when she hadn’t greeted them individually, they grinned, haughtily. “Hello, Hermione,” they chimed as one.

She closed her book and tucked it away into the bag at her feet. She straightened, throwing the trap over her shoulder, and turned to them.

“Oh, George, your mom asked to see you before we leave.”

Both boys stiffened when she glanced directly at George when she spoke.

Determined to prove she was merely guessing Fred turned towards the kitchen, only to have her amused voice stop him.

“Just George, Fred,” she chuckled.

The boys exchanged surprised, irritated glances. How did she do it? Had they missed something? No matter. They would win in the end!

**

“Oh, isn’t that lovely?” Hermione gasped, hurrying away from their small group to peer into the window of Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.

Fred and George came up alongside her and stared at the peacock-blue dress robes hanging off the mannequin. The color would look flawless with her golden complexion and the style would compliment her toned figure.

“You should get it,” George decided, head tilted to the side, expression thoughtful.

Hermione chuckled. “I couldn’t possible afford it. Besides, it’s not very practical. Where would I wear it?”

“Sometimes the most impractical things make the most sense,” Fred stated, tucking his hands into his pockets and rocking back on his heels.

She turned to him, beautiful eyes twinkling. “Have you been talking to Luna again?”

He scowled in response. “I’m just saying. It’ll look nice on you.”

This seemed to please her slightly as she returned to eyeing the robe. “Perhaps, but we’ll see.”

The twins exchanged silent glances of communication as she turned her back and continued to walk through the crowded streets. Not wishing to lose sight of her, they left behind the robes shop and followed. Along the way, they switch sides without her noticing, positive they’d get her this time.

“Hey, George, don’t you need to check on the Instant Darkness Powder?”

On his other side, Fred nodded. “Right you are. The blokes from Peru were supposed to send it last week.”

Between them, Hermione snickered, drawing their attention down to her.

“What’s so funny, Hermione?” Fred asked.

She shrugged, clasping her hands in front of her. “I was just wondering if it was hard.”

“If what was hard?” George asked, disliking that knowing smirk curling her lips.

“Well, calling the other by the wrong name. It can’t be easy, not to mention really confusing.” Chuckling, she spun on her heels and walked away, leaving them glowering after her.

“If I didn’t already know it, I’d say she was a witch!” George muttered, folding his arms and huffing.

Fred nodded, watching the bundle of confusion stroll away without a care in the world. “She’s…”

“Infuriating!” George finished. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this frustrated with anyone in my life! How the hell does she do it?”

“I don’t know, but we’re going to get to the bottom of this, one way or another!”