A/N- This chapter is almost double the first but while I debate posting months (some months will be longer than others but I'm currently writing October so it's too early to say) I do have to point out that September in the magical world is a big month. Hogwarts begins and Hermione's birthday. So I had to cover those two events. Also, I don't know what I'm doing to Ginny and Ron yet. Their characters haven't guided me yet. And in my defense, Ron is surprisingly dense about things so while it might possibly be a little Ron bashing, it was too tempting not to write since his brothers and sister have always called him dense. Ron might be redeemed but to do that he must first be a jerk.
Oh, 1000 internets to the first person to find the obvious Monty Python reference in this chapter.
-September 1998-
Ginny was bawling at having to go to Hogwarts and be without Harry. Hermione was grateful that Teddy was down for a nap and in a room with heavy silencing wards on it. She, Percy, and Bill had put the strongest wards possible over Percy's old bedroom to keep noise out so that the baby could sleep in peace.
Teddy was a good baby. And to Hermione's eyes he was growing like a weed. She felt someone sit down next to her on the sofa and turned her head to see George offering her toast and milk, "Food to go with the show?"
"Thank you," she smiled gratefully and accepted it, the pair watching as Ginny carried on about how badly she needed Harry and whatnot. "George can I tell you a secret?" Hermione whispered.
"Sure," he nodded.
Hermione leaned over conspiratorially and whispered, "I think she's laying it on a bit thick."
George couldn't help it. He laughed. Ginny immediately jammed her fists onto her hips, "What is so funny George?"
He wiped his eyes, "Hermione said something that was hilarious," he said.
"As if Hermione could tell a joke," Ginny huffed, glaring at him and walking away.
George frowned. He didn't like how his youngest siblings were treating Hermione. He made to follow and tell Ginny off to feel a hand on his arm. He looked at Hermione, "Let it go George. For whatever reason, I'm Ginny's enemy now. Nothing you say will change that."
"She shouldn't get to say things like that. You have a great sense of humor," he said.
She smiled and squeezed his arm, "Thank you George. Coming from you, that means the world." He grinned at her and they watched as the Weasley parents took their youngest daughter to Platform 9 3/4 practically kicking and screaming.
George was very aware that Hermione's birthday was approaching. To his horror, no one seemed to be doing anything for it. Deciding this was unacceptable George planned out her birthday for her. There was no way a day celebrating Hermione, the greatest witch he knew, was going uncelebrated.
Hermione woke on her birthday feeling very refreshed. Teddy had begun sleeping through the night two weeks before but she still reveled in getting a full night's sleep. She stretched as she sat up to see Teddy in his crib sitting up and reaching for her. "Good morning Teddy," she climbed out of bed, glad to have swiped George's very comfortable old quidditch jersey to use as a nightgown, and picked him up, "Did you sleep well?"
The little boy smiled at her and she set about her morning routine. Change Teddy's diaper, dress Teddy, leave him alone just long enough to use the bathroom, then return to get dressed quickly and take Teddy downstairs for breakfast. At night George or Charlie watched him while she took a shower.
This morning was different. Today she was nineteen. Still, she didn't expect anyone to remember; Ron and Harry never did. Neither one had ever even given her a gift while she got gifts for both of them on their birthdays, and she knew Ron would get Harry gifts for his birthday. Harry hadn't had a birthday party. The end of the war seemed to leave him without a purpose. And he was still too busy grieving. He couldn't look at Teddy without getting tears in his eyes. The Burrow contained many broken people.
When she arrived in the living room to see George she was surprised. He had made a banner reading 'Happy Nineteenth Birthday Hermione!' and he was wearing a cone birthday hat. "Happy birthday Hermione," he smiled.
"George…"
"Teddy helped," he said, pointing to two small handprints on the banner, "but I will take the credit for this." Hermione's eyes watered and his smile faltered, "Hermione?"
"None of my friends have ever done this for me," she said.
Seeing the tears start to fall George pulled her into a hug, "I'm sorry my brother and Harry are twats." She giggled through her tears and he smiled as he held her, "This is just the start. Tonight I'm taking you out to dinner. Fancy place. Which means we'll have to dress up."
"George I don't have anything to wear and Teddy…"
"Fleur went shopping for you," he smiled, "and Charlie is going to babysit." He pulled back to look at her, "Hermione, you deserve a night out. And this will be fun. We'll have dinner and we'll go to a movie or dancing, whichever you prefer."
"You dance?" She asked, surprised.
"Don't be so shocked Miss Granger. I'm not my idiot brother."
"I definitely know that," she said, smiling as she went to the kitchen. George watched her walk away. He really didn't understand why neither Harry nor Ron had ever made a move for Hermione. She had a great sense of humor (as evidenced by her introduction of Monty Python to him and Fred), she was pretty (not pretty like the models and actresses in magazines his sister read but he didn't find any of those women attractive anyway), she was warm (Teddy had quickly become attached to her), and she was brilliant. How was such a wonderful person unattached? Either before the war, during, or after?
George took the banner down and rolled it up before following her into the kitchen. After fixing himself a plate he sat down in his usual spot at the table, next to Hermione. "How did you know that it was my birthday today?"
"I pay attention," he answered. "Dinner will be at 7 if that's okay."
"That sounds lovely," she smiled at him and kissed his cheek, "Thank you George."
He was aware he was blushing but he smiled at her anyway before turning his attention to his food. When his mother returned to the kitchen she gave them a nod and her eyes filled with tears. George felt Hermione squeeze his hand and he looked at her; she gave him a reassuring smile. He gave her a nod of gratitude.
Hermione was relieved that Teddy was happy to sit in her lap as she ate. He wasn't always so gracious at mealtimes. As she and George ate breakfast others began to filter in. Charlie entered and quietly whispered her a happy birthday. Harry, Ron, and Arthur came in and never said a word to her. She rolled her eyes.
She had just finished her breakfast when owl post arrived. To her surprise an owl with a package landed in front of her. She recognized the handwriting as Fleur's:
Dearest Hermione,
Happy birthday! I hope you have a lovely evening with George. He is very intent on making sure you have a special day. Attached is a dress for the evening, as well as shoes and jewelry. Consider it a birthday gift for the past several years from myself and Bill.
I hope your day is good and your evening wonderful!
Love,
Fleur
Hermione couldn't help the smile that came forth. Teddy had busied himself playing with the ribbon on the package. "Whazzat?" Ron asked, his mouth full of egg as he spoke.
"A birthday present," she answered.
"My birthday's not coming up," Ron frowned.
Hermione tensed. Before she could say anything an owl she recognized as Hermes entered and landed with a letter and a smaller package in front of her. George moved her plate and milk so that she could open the letter from Percy:
Happy Birthday Hermione!
I still remember you as a very nervous, highly intellectual first year asking me all about classes at the welcome feast. You've come so far since then. Enclosed is a gift from me. I hope you enjoy tonight!
With love,
Percy
Hermione took the package from Percy, "That was very sweet of him." She glanced at George, "You've been busy."
"Who me?" he asked, batting his eyes at her and attempting to look innocent. Which, for a Weasley twin, was impossible. "Okay maybe I mentioned it in passing to him."
"Who's that for?" Ron asked, his mouth now full of bacon.
Charlie couldn't handle it anymore. "Well let's see packages and letters arrive for Hermione, she informs you they're birthday presents, and you can't work out who they're for?"
Ron flushed and glared at his brother, "What's that supposed to mean?"
George rolled his eyes and returned his attention to Hermione, who was speaking to Teddy, "Teddy do you want to open my present?" Teddy tugged on the ribbon atop the box and it unraveled. Charlie took the ribbon so Teddy wouldn't put it in his mouth (where everything else went lately) and Hermione unwrapped the package to reveal a box. She opened it and smiled. "George can you help here please?"
He lifted the item out of the box and Charlie put the box on the floor for George to set down a wooden jewelry box on the table, "That's nice," Charlie said. She opened it and Teddy stared at his reflection in the small mirror. Hermione smiled as he gazed at the reflection before grinning and looking up at her.
"Do you see yourself Teddy? Handsome little bloke that you are?"
He smiled at his reflection. Charlie noticed something, "Hey Hermione? What's that?"
Hermione looked into the box to see a necklace. She picked it up. It was a heart-shaped gold locket and she deftly opened it one handed to see a picture of Teddy on one side and one of her and Teddy together on the other. She closed it and looked at the back to see an inscription- To Mum, Love Teddy. Hermione felt tears forming, "Thank you Teddy," she whispered, leaning down to kiss him on the cheek. George took the necklace from her and put it on her. Once it hung in place Teddy clapped his hands in approval and gave her a hug, "I love it," she whispered into his ear.
Blinking away the tears she pulled back and looked at George and Charlie, "Who is responsible for this?"
"Group effort," Charlie grinned. "I took Teddy to pick it out, George took the pictures, and Bill put the engraving in."
"Percy did choose the box all on his own though. Thought it'd be appropriate since Fleur and Bill sent you some jewelry too," George added.
Hermione had come to think of Charlie, George, Bill, and Percy as 'her Weasley boys' and now was a perfect example of why. She hugged Teddy, "I love you little man." She pulled away to look at the other two, "Thank you guys."
"Teddy has good taste," Charlie said, "all I did was pay for it. He pointed it out and made the salesperson laugh."
Ron had put two and two together by that point, almost, "Why's Hermione getting birthday presents?"
She wasn't about to let anyone ruin her wonderful morning, "George can you hold Teddy while I take these things upstairs to my room?"
"Sure," he nodded, taking the infant from Hermione. Picking up the letters and the two gifts she exited the room. He looked at Teddy, "Want to go play Tedster?"
The little boy lit up and he took him out of the room, leaving Charlie to deal with Ron. Charlie shook his head at his youngest brother, "It's Hermione's birthday today you git. How can you not know your best friend's birthday?" The four who quite obviously hadn't known about Hermione's birthday all stared at Charlie. He sighed and resumed eating his breakfast. At least George cared.
Hermione spent her time before lunch playing with Teddy and studying for her NEWTS. At lunch Molly asked what she wanted for her birthday dinner and Hermione just smiled, "I already have dinner plans Mrs. Weasley." She intentionally said nothing more.
"What plans?" Ron asked.
"Dinner plans," she responded, shifting Teddy in her arms to burp him.
"With who?!" Ron demanded.
"A handsome man who Teddy approves of," Hermione said, "and don't yell Ronald you'll disturb Teddy."
George had perked up when Hermione had called him a handsome man that Teddy approved of; she'd mentioned before that she could only date men that Teddy liked. Bill teased him that that meant a war within the Weasley boys since Teddy liked all three single men. George didn't know if his brothers actually were attracted to Hermione. But still, he wasn't sure that taking that chance was a good idea. But today wasn't about that. Today was about Hermione. He just wanted her to have fun.
Ron was quite flustered now but kept his mouth shut. Hermione held Teddy in an arm as he settled in for an afternoon nap. This time it was Harry who spoke, "So you're going on a date?"
George hoped his face wasn't burning bright red. He chanced a glance at Hermione, who gave him a small smile, "I am." George looked down and grinned. Ron scowled.
That evening Charlie took over watching Teddy while Hermione showered and dressed. She was amazed at how well the dress fit her. It was periwinkle blue, like her Yule ball gown, but this dress was shorter, coming down to about mid-thigh and the neckline low enough to offer some tasteful cleavage. It was a sexy dress without looking over the top and like something some of Hermione's former dormmates would wear. The shoes were heels but, despite giving her a good two to three inches of height, weren't uncomfortable. Fleur had done well on her shopping excursion. The jewelry included was a pair of earrings that went well with the locket Teddy had given her. She did her hair and applied some lip gloss before giving herself a final look in the mirror. She looked very good; George would be pleased.
At first their relationship had been one of friends; not good friends, but still friends. The twins had, for whatever reason, liked her. When Fred had died she'd been there for George to cry on and when she'd been given the responsibility of raising Teddy he'd been there to listen and assuage her fears. At his insistence she'd gone to therapy as well. While she was only about a month in, she already felt better and was coping with the loss of her parents much better. It was important to her that she be the best she could for Teddy. He was depending on her.
Still, she was aware that their relationship had evolved. They were no longer simply friends. And she did think he was handsome. She noticed George staring at her at times that he really shouldn't be. She wasn't above staring at him either. While she knew that this dinner probably wasn't meant to be a date, she wanted it to be. She'd never been on a real date. And if George's face when she'd said that it was a date was any indication, he wanted it to be one too.
George was waiting downstairs when Hermione descended. He stared. She looked gorgeous. He held out his hand automatically to help her down the last four steps and she took it, smiling at him. "You look…so beautiful. Even more than normal," he whispered.
"You look very handsome George. You clean up well."
"Thank you. So, is the birthday girl ready for her dinner and dancing date?"
She laughed, "I most certainly am. Lead on, funny man."
They stopped in the living room to see Charlie and Teddy, Hermione bending to give the little boy a kiss on the forehead, "I'll be back Teddy. Be good for Uncle Charlie alright?"
The boy smiled and she thanked Charlie before walking away. George took them out of the house and they Apparated away.
They arrived at a restaurant that Hermione recognized. It was one of the most difficult to get into French restaurants in London. George smiled, "Did I pick well? I remember you speaking French with Fleur and I remember you mentioning that you went to France in the summer pretty frequently with your parents."
She smiled, "This is wonderful George. But how did you get a reservation?"
"Well that was a bit trickier," he admitted, "but I asked Verity from the store to teach me to use a telephone. Her mother is a Muggleborn and her dad is a Muggle so she knows how to use it. She taught me and told me the right thing to say to get a reservation. And Fleur taught me enough French to read the menu."
Hermione kissed his cheek, "You've put a great deal of effort into this George. Thank you. I love my birthday this year."
"Do you have a favorite gift?" He asked as they entered the building.
"Don't take this the wrong way but Teddy's gift wins. Not that I don't love what you've done for me," she began but George cut her off with a finger to her lips.
"I'm not offended. I guess I'd be a bit concerned if Teddy's gift wasn't your favorite. He is your son, essentially." George gave his name to the maître d' and they were escorted to their table. George pulled out her chair for her, which earned him another kiss on the cheek, before he moved to sit down opposite her. A wine list was presented and George handed it to Hermione, "I don't know what you'd prefer," he said, "just pick a wine and we'll order a bottle. Don't worry about cost either," he added, "because tonight money is no issue."
"You're spoiling me," she blushed.
"You're worth it," he responded.
Hermione ordered a bottle of wine and George ordered a chocolate soufflé, with a birthday candle in it, for dessert for Hermione. The waiter had smiled and nodded before leaving with their appetizer and entrée orders. As they waited George asked, "I don't want you to think I'm jealous or prying but what's up with you and the dynamic dolts?"
"I should never have let you watch the old Batman show," she shook her head but the smile on her face told George she wasn't upset. "What do you mean?"
"Well you're not exactly close to either one anymore. Why?"
Hermione sighed, "Well Ron is…ridiculous. He doesn't seem to know what he wants. One minute he's attempting to flirt with me, the next he acts like he hates me. Generally he's only interested in me if someone else is."
"Would you be interested in him?" George asked. Then he blushed, "Sorry, you don't have to answer that I just…well I mean…"
"George it's okay," she reached across the table and laced their fingers, "the answer is no, I wouldn't be. I do like a Weasley boy, but it's most definitely not Ron." She squeezed his hand, "My interests fall to a man who not only remembered my birthday but engineered a day of joy for me."
Not knowing if he should assume it was him or not he just pointed to himself, which earned him a nod from the woman opposite him. He grinned and squeezed her hand, "Well I must say Miss Granger you have brilliant taste in Weasley boys."
"I would have to agree," she smiled, returning the squeeze before pulling her hand back as the cheese plate arrived with a baguette. "Do you eat French food often George?"
"Just the few times Fleur's made it and I've eaten at Bill's," he said.
"Lucky you're with me then," she said, explaining each cheese as he poured the wine into their glasses. As they enjoyed the cheese plate she continued, "As for Harry; well Harry hasn't been the same since the conclusion of the war. He seems almost broken, actually. And more than a little lost. He's closing himself off and when he does that he lets no one in, no matter how you try. Harry's always felt perpetually guilty. Until he understands everything isn't his fault he'll never be okay."
"And you prefer to look on the bright side of life?"
"Always," she smiled, winking at him. He laughed and they settled in to enjoy their dinner together, the conversation becoming casual. When the soufflé came out after their dinners she smiled at George, who grinned. She blew out the candle and then made George eat it with her, the redhead looking thoroughly pleased with himself.
After dinner they decided to take a walk through a nearby park, George taking her hand, "This is the best date I've ever been on."
"Really?" She asked.
"Definitely," he nodded. "Fred and I seemed like players but…well we weren't."
"Good," she said, "I would be most displeased if my future boyfriend was a slut."
George grinned and slid his arm around her waist, "No worries about that. How do I get upgraded to boyfriend status?"
"Well you could ask me to be your girlfriend," Hermione said, "or if you're not sure we can go on a few dates and then you can ask me."
"So will you be my girlfriend?"
She lifted her head to look him in the eye, "Yes, George. I will."
He stopped walking and pulled her into a hug, "Ready to go dancing with your handsome boyfriend?"
"Only if you're ready to dance with your gorgeous girlfriend," she laughed.
"Then let's go!" He backed them into the shadows and they vanished from sight.
Hermione was unsure what kind of dancing George had in mind, but had the feeling it would be highly energetic. He didn't disappoint and his moves were…well…bizarre. But Hermione found she didn't care, enjoying dancing with her hyperactive, quirky boyfriend to the electronic music. Hermione and George danced for a while before she dragged him off of the dance floor and over to the bar, "I'm amazed I can dance in these heels."
"You look great in them," George said, "taller."
"We can't all be over six feet," she said, sticking her tongue out at him.
He slid his arms around her, "I like your height," he said. "Not too tall, not too short. Just right."
"Thank you Goldilocks," she teased.
"Who?"
"It's a Muggle fairy tale," she said, "I'll show it to you sometime."
George ordered two waters for them and they drank before he smiled, "One last dance?"
"I think I'm up for that," she pulled him against her, "but you're dancing with me this time."
"I was before," he argued.
"Not close enough," she said, pressing her hips against him. George smiled and nodded, pulling her to the dance floor.
By the time they returned to the Burrow it was well after midnight. George realized Hermione was a bit intoxicated; though truthfully he was too. Water had not been their first drink at the club, but it was their only non-alcoholic one. Apparating to the lane leading up to the Burrow Hermione removed her shoes while leaning on George and George proceeded to swoop her up and carry her up to the house, Hermione riding on his back. She didn't fight him. This was just how George was, random and spontaneous. She rather liked it.
When they made it up to the house George opened the door and entered, shutting it behind him carefully before Hermione pulled her wand and recast the wards and locking charms that were in place at night. "You can set me down now George," she whispered.
"Okay," he moved to the sofa and dropped her onto it before landing next to her, "so how was your birthday?"
"Wonderful," she answered, resting her head on his shoulder, "Thank you so much for today."
"You deserved it. I don't think many people appreciate what you've been doing." He leaned against her. "I didn't intend for it to be a date, at first, but I'm glad it became one."
"Me too," she smiled, "though one thing is missing if it's a date."
"What?" He asked, frowning in confusion.
"This," she sat up and pulled his head to hers and their lips met in their first kiss. George closed his eyes and pulled her against him as the kiss continued. When they parted Hermione smiled, "Now it was absolutely perfect." George's grin grew and they kissed again. When they parted to breathe she stood with his help, "I should go to bed. Teddy's an early riser."
"Okay," he walked upstairs with her to her room. Inside Teddy was asleep in his crib. She bent down and kissed the tyke on his head before turning and kissing George once more. "Good night Hermione," he whispered.
"Good night George. Sweet dreams."
"They'll all be of you," he smiled. He walked to the door and shut it, then walked up to his room with a smile on his face. Her birthday was in strong contention for his favorite day of the year.
When she woke the next morning it was to Teddy's whimper. She stretched and picked him up, "Good morning Teddy," she smiled, "I had a wonderful evening with George last night. Did you have fun with Uncle Charlie?" He smiled at her and she changed his diaper and then dressed him, "Let's go down and get some breakfast," she quickly dressed and picked him up. They walked out of the room and downstairs.
Charlie was already up, "Did you two have fun last night?"
"We did," she nodded, "Thank you for watching Teddy. Did he give you any trouble?"
"No he was great. Although he seemed to want to stay up to see you I managed to get him to bed. He did start crying at one point and it took me forever to calm him down."
"Ahh you missed my breasts did you Teddy?" Hermione asked the baby. Teddy just smiled and rested his head on her breast. "When he gets upset I hold him to my chest and he calms down immediately."
"Sorry but I can't grow breasts," Charlie said. Hermione laughed.
George came into the room, "Are you flirting with my girlfriend Charlie?"
"Girlfriend huh?" Charlie looked at the two of them, "Well good for you two."
"Thank you," George said, walking over and kissing her on the cheek, "Sleep well?"
"Very," she nodded, smiling at him.
Teddy giggled and George grinned at him, "Hey there Tedster! Miss me much?" Teddy just snuggled into Hermione and the Weasley boys laughed. "Looks like I have competition."
"Well you have something going for you that Teddy doesn't," Hermione said.
"What's that?"
"You're a grown man and I'm very attracted to you." George stuck his tongue out at Teddy in what he thought was a mocking way. Charlie and Hermione just rolled their eyes. "Although your maturity is highly questionable," Hermione added.
"You wouldn't have it any other way," George smiled, leaning in to kiss her gently on the lips, "You'll just have to cope with me being immature in some ways."
She smiled and Teddy made a noise, "Okay Teddy come on I'll get you a bottle."
After she left the room Charlie smiled at George, "You're lucky, you know. Don't blow it."
"Never," George promised.
