For the 24 Hours of Romance Challenge! Pairing: George/Angelina

George caught himself watching Angelina while she helped Ginny and Mrs. Weasley decorate the Christmas tree. She smiled brilliantly at something his sister was saying and he was glad she was genuinely enjoying herself. It was their first Christmas together and he had been worried about how Angelina would feel about it. After all, with such a large family, the holidays could be a circus. Not to mention they'd only been going out for a few months, but it seemed like forever.

Hermione came to stand by him. "I'm glad Angelina was able to join us," she said.

George glanced at her suspiciously. He had a feeling Hermione knew exactly what was troubling him. Ron said that she had some superhuman intuition, but George figured it had something to do with the fact that she was a woman, and they just know what a man can't put into words. And thank Merlin for that.

"She really likes you, you know." Hermione continued casually.

"Yeah." George ran his fingers through his hair nervously. He had been hoping to spend some alone time with Angelina. He'd been wanting to tell her something and he was sure that what Hermione said was true… but how do you tell a girl you love her if she only just 'really likes you'?

Or the man you remind her of?

As if reading his mind, Hermione continued, "She likes you, George." She gave him a meaningful look. "For you." She patted his shoulder and went back to the kitchen to help with dinner.

George shook his head in amazement. Of all the things she could have said, that was the one thing he needed to hear. He caught Angelina's eye just then. He nodded toward the door and she took his hand as he led her outside into the garden. The moon was not quite full and it was a clear night, perfect for walking.

"I'm glad you are having a good time," George began awkwardly.

Angelina squeezed his hand. "Of course! I love your family. They are a little crazy but what family isn't?"

"I think my family is more than a little crazy." George put his arm around her and she rested her head on his shoulder. He felt his heart start to race. He had to tell her now. He had to just say it or he would chicken out. "It means a lot to me that you're here, Angel." She leaned up and kissed his cheek and then pulled away for moment to study his face.

"Are you all right? You're awfully serious all of a sudden."

Do it now!

"I know. I'm sorry. It's just that… I love you." There, he said it and it couldn't be unsaid. At that moment the greatest weight had been lifted off his shoulders and his relief was even greater when she flashed that brilliant smile at him before throwing her arms around his neck.

"I love you too, George."

He leaned down and kissed her gently, reveling in the moment. They stood like that for a moment, both realizing that this would be a rare time spent alone over the next few days. Finally George pulled away saying, "We should go in. They'll miss us and we'll have some explaining to do."

"Fine by me." Angelina laced her fingers with his and they slowly made their way toward the house.

They entered the kitchen and Molly gave her son a knowing glance, but no one could look more smug than Hermione.