George watched Hermione as she slept in his arms. He couldn't help the smile that curved his lips as he studied her face. Ginny had come back earlier to check on her once more, passing along Harry's message. This had only upset Hermione again, as Ginny had no answers as to Harry's feelings about Hermione. Ron and Luna had also Flooed over to check on Hermione, but had wisely refrained from speaking of their conversation with Harry.

Hermione shifted in George's arms and sighed in her sleep, looking as though she was trying to get comfortable. He realized that she probably needed to lie down, so he gently lifted her from the couch and carried her the short distance to his room. George lay her down in his unmade bed and began to slowly pull off her shoes, trying not to wake her. As he slid the covers over her, she sleepily tugged his arm.

"Stay wi'me…" she slurred.

George hesitated. Even he knew this might not be a good idea.

"I'll just kip on the sofa, all right?" he said.

"No…stay," Hermione asked plaintively.

George glanced at the door, his mind telling him to walk back through it. But instead, he sat on the edge of his bed, pulled his shoes off, and then rested on top of the covers next to Hermione.

A few minutes later, Fred walked into their reception room. Seeing no one there, he peered through the door to George's bedroom. Fred stood for a moment, unsure what to think or do. He then turned and sank onto the sofa, rested his head against the back of the cushions, lost in his anxious thoughts.

ooooo

Hermione woke, suddenly aware that she wasn't in her bed. The weak light filtering through the curtains told her it was early morning. She turned and saw George's head resting on the pillow next to hers, his eyes still closed in sleep. She was confused for a moment, but then the events of the previous day began to run through her mind. She shook her head slightly as though trying to dislodge those thoughts, and decided to get up.

When Hermione began to slide from under the covers, she became aware that George's arm was draped over her middle. Hermione extracted herself as gently as possible. Although, he shifted in his sleep, he didn't wake. She gathered her shoes and padded to the sofa where she sat to put them on. Hermione stood, wondering what to do next. It was then that she noticed Fred in the kitchen.

"Good morning," Fred said.

"Morning," Hermione returned, feeling somewhat awkward.

"Did you sleep well?" Fred moved about the kitchen, gathering breakfast items.

"Yes, thank you for letting me stay."

Fred's lips quirked into a wry smile. "I don't recall having a say in it, but you're welcome. Cereal?"

"Erm, sure, thanks." Hermione felt it would be rude to refuse.

"Cocoa Pops or Weetabix?"

"Weetabix, please." Hermione walked to the small kitchen table and had a seat.

Fred poured two bowls and set one in front of Hermione, along with a spoon and a pitcher of milk.

"Tea?"

Hermione nodded. Fred set a cup beside her cereal bowl, and then sat down to eat.

They ate in relative silence. When Hermione finished, she put her bowl and cup in the sink and rinsed them out.

"Thanks for breakfast," she said, with a tentative smile at Fred. "I'm going back to my flat. Please tell George 'thank you' for me, too."

"Hermione," Fred said quietly, "please be careful."

"I will be," she replied. "Thanks again."

Fred nodded, "Anytime."

Hermione turned on the spot and disappeared with a small pop.

Fred knew that she had not understood his warning. Her mind was focused on Harry and she seemed unaware of George's feelings. While Fred recognized that Hermione would never intentionally hurt George, he was fearful of that very outcome. He had wanted to say more, but didn't want to cross any lines by telling Hermione something that he didn't have the right to share.

Fred sighed.

This wasn't going to end well, either for his brother, or for someone that he considered a brother. Fred pushed away his cereal, no longer hungry. He was washing out the dishes when George walked blearily into the room.

"Where's Hermione?"

"She left about 10 minutes ago."

"Why'd she leave so early?" George asked, then raised his eyebrows and continued, "You were nice to her, weren't you?"

"'Course I was," Fred looked affronted. "I gave her breakfast."

"Okay, thanks."

Fred nodded.

"I know the store opens in a few hours. Is it all right if I go check on her?" George asked. "I can take the afternoon shift."

"Sure," Fred said, "but are you sure that's the best idea?"

"She shouldn't be by herself."

"That's not what I'm talking about, and you know it."

"I know…" George admitted. "I know this may amount to nothing between us, but I have to find out."

"She's just had an emotional shock and she's vulnerable," Fred said. "Do you think this is a good time to test the waters where her feelings are concerned?"

"I don't know. Probably not," George replied, "but I need to know once and for all whether or not she could be interested in me in that way. Besides that, someone needs to take care of her right now."

Fred nodded. "I can understand that, but mind you take care of yourself, too."

"Look, I know how this may turn out. I know she's carried a torch for Harry for years," George said earnestly. "I just want to have this chance."

"I get it," Fred nodded, "but you aren't the only possible fallout in this situation. What about Harry?"

"I don't want to sound harsh, but he's had his chance for years. If he hasn't been interested in Hermione all this time, maybe he's not ever going to be. I don't think people should have to put their lives on hold while he figures it out."

Fred replied, "You may be right, but his and Hermione's feelings are very unsettled right now. I don't want any more damage to relationships than what's already occurred."

George nodded. "I'm sorry to make you worry. Please keep calling it as you see it. I don't want to lose my head in all this, but I know I'm too close to the situation to always see things clearly."

"Well, I don't want to be a mother hen. I just want you to be happy, bro."

"I know, thanks."

ooooo

George knelt on the hearth, threw Floo powder in the fire, and said, "Bellaria!" After his head had spun around dizzyingly for a few moments, he could see into Hermione's flat.

Hermione appeared in his view. "George?" She had on a robe and was blotting her damp hair with a towel.

"Hullo. I wanted to check on you. I'm sorry I wasn't awake before you left."

"No problem. I woke early and didn't want to disturb you."

"Is it all right if I come over for a bit?"

"Of course. I'm going to dry my hair and put some clothes on. Make yourself comfortable, I'll be right back."

George withdrew from the fire and Apparated to Hermione's flat. George didn't remember the last time he had been in her home. He ambled around her reception room, looking at her pictures and books. One picture in particular made him smile. It was of a very young Hermione with her dad at the beach. Hermione was standing knee-deep in the water with a huge grin as her father stood smiling behind her, holding onto her hands above her head in case he needed to swoop her up from a wave. George heard Hermione walk into the room and he turned to smile at her.

"Cute picture," he said.

Hermione came to look at the picture. She smiled and said, "It's one of my favourites."

"How old were you?"

"About three or four, I think. That was at Brighton, close to the pier."

"I've never been to the beach."

"I've only been one other time. It's a bit overwhelming, but I like it." Hermione continued, changing the subject, "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to check on you."

"That's very sweet." Hermione turned and went to sofa. George followed and sat beside her.

She was quiet for a moment, not meeting his eyes, but then said, "I'm sorry I showed up so unexpectedly last night. I wasn't quite myself and I'm embarrassed. Thank you for taking care of me."

George took her hand in his. "I'm glad you came to our shop, and I was happy to take care of you."

"Thank you," Hermione said, lifting her eyes to his with a small smile. "Would you like some tea?

"That'd be good."

Hermione walked to her kitchen and George followed. He leaned against the counter and watched as she made the tea. She frowned as she looked in frustration at her shaky hands.

George took her hands in his to still them. "What's up with that?" he asked.

"I'm not sure," Hermione replied. "I thought it was from the strong coffee that I drink at the office, but I haven't had any since yesterday. Maybe some caffeine is still in my body?"

"I don't know," George answered. "If it keeps up, you might want to ask the Mediwitch at the ministry about it."

Hermione nodded and George let go of her hands. She filled two cups with tea, managing not to splash any out.

"Biscuits?" She asked.

"I never turn down biscuits."

Hermione smiled. "Why would you?"

"My thoughts exactly." George grinned.

Hermione got a tin of shortbread biscuits from her cupboard and put several on a plate. She handed a cup to George, and then took her own cup and the plate back to the sofa.

"Is the store open today?" She asked.

"Yes, I'm covering the afternoon hours."

"Ginny told me that you're opening a store in Ireland."

"We are. I got the business permit for it yesterday." George said proudly.

"That's wonderful," Hermione responded warmly. "Neville and I were talking yesterday about how—"

Just then, a knock sounded on the door.

ooooo

Harry had spent an anxious, sleepless night. He felt completely disoriented, and he didn't know what to do. Hermione wouldn't see him or talk to him. He raked his fingers through his hair. Crumpled bits of parchment lay around him on the table and floor-letters that he had tried to write to her during the middle of the night, but couldn't get past a certain point in any of them.

Hedwig hooted softly from her perch on the seat next to him. Harry stroked her feathers. She had waited patiently while he had tried to write. When nothing had come from that, she had then sat beside him the rest of the night, having sensed that something was very wrong.

Harry didn't know what to do. When it became late enough in the morning, he decided to try to talk with Hermione over the Floo Network. Harry threw some powder in his fire, waited for the green fire, stuck his head in, and said, "Bellaria!" But his head stayed still and nothing happened.

He tried again, but got the same result.

Harry then tried to Apparate to Hermione's flat. The familiar compression sensation began, but then he felt like he had hit a trampoline and landed back in his reception room.

Had she warded her flat against him?

The thought of this made his heart sink, but he couldn't think of another reason why he wasn't being allowed in Hermione's home. He decided to talk with Ron and got back down on his knees on his hearth.

Harry had to call Ron's name several times before he came to his fireplace, rubbing sleep out of his eyes.

"Harry? What's goin' on?" Ron asked blearily.

"I think Hermione's warded her flat not to let me in." Harry told Ron about his attempts to contact Hermione and what had happened.

"That wouldn't surprise me," Ron said, more awake now. "Luna and I went to check on her last night, and she was nearly mental about you not knowing where she was."

"Why won't she talk with me?"

"Look, mate, something snapped when she saw you with that girl. She was beside herself last night."

"I need to talk with her…I want to apologize." Harry's voice nearly broke.

Against his better judgment, Ron said, "Well, there's nothing stopping you from knocking on her door the Muggle way."

"You're right!" Harry said, hope burgeoning in his chest. "I'll go to her flat. Surely, she'll talk to me."

"I hope she will," Ron replied hesitantly. "I wouldn't force the issue, though. She may need some time."

Harry didn't pay much attention to Ron's warning. He had a new plan and he was anxious to try it out.

"Okay, thanks," Harry said quickly, "I'm going to Hermione's. I'll talk to you later."

Harry pulled his head out of the fire before Ron could say anything else. Ron hoped he hadn't made things worse by suggesting that Harry go to Hermione's door. The more Ron thought about it, the more he regretted mentioning that idea to Harry.

ooooo

After a transfer on the Underground and a short walk, Harry made it to Hermione's building and stood on the pavement outside the main door to gather his courage. He then faced the problem of how he would get in the building, but that problem was solved by someone opening the door to leave. Harry pulled on the handle before the door had fully closed. He then made his way up the stairs to the second floor hall and found Hermione's door. He thought he heard voices inside. Taking a deep breath, Harry knocked.

ooooo

Hermione stopped mid-sentence. "Who can that be?" she whispered to George.

"Hang on, I'll check." He replied softly, and he got up and walked to the door.

George looked through the peephole, then turned and mouthed, "Harry," to Hermione.

Hermione's eyes grew wide and she shook her head. She then got up and quietly hurried out of the room.

George waited until he heard the door to Hermione's bedroom close, and then opened the door.

"George? Er, hello. What're you doing here?" Harry asked in surprise.

"Hello, Harry, I'm just checking on Hermione."

"Is she all right?"

"She's been better."

"Can I come in? I really need to talk with her."

"I'm afraid she doesn't want to talk with you right now."

Harry was silent for a moment, but then said, "Please. I need to see her."

Although George could see that Harry was feeling terrible, it didn't lessen his frustration with what Harry and put Hermione through for the past several years. Harry was obviously miserable, but that didn't erase George's memory of Hermione's tears and pain last night.

"I won't go against her wishes." George replied, but not unkindly. "I'm sure she'll contact you when she's ready."

Harry could tell that this conversation wasn't going to result in what he wanted. "Would you please tell her how sorry I am?"

George nodded. "I will."

"Thanks. Well, see you later, then," Harry said lamely.

George closed the door, and went to knock lightly on Hermione's bedroom door.

"He's gone," George said softly as Hermione opened her door.

Tears had started down Hermione's face and George pulled her into his arms.

"You're going to be all right," George whispered against the side of Hermione's head.

He felt her nod her head slightly as her arms went around his middle.

George held Hermione like this for a while, then asked, "Would you like to sit down?"

Hermione nodded and he led her to the edge of her bed. George wrapped his right arm around her shoulders and reached for her hand with his left.

"Do you want me to turn off the light, so you can have a kip?" George asked.

"Not right now," Hermione shook her head.

"Harry said to tell you he's very sorry," George said dutifully.

This unfortunately made Hermione cry harder. "I can't see a good ending to this, as things stand right now," she cried. "I don't know what to do." Her body began to shake as she wept.

"Come here," George gathered her more closely to himself. "I'm so sorry, darling." He pressed his lips against her temple and held her as she cried. After a bit, he leaned back so that he could see her face. George brushed some tears away with his thumb, and then smoothed Hermione's hair back from her damp face. She began to calm and her eyes met his. George held her gaze for a bit, and then began to lean towards her.

"I think I need to get away from here," Hermione said unexpectedly.

"Why don't you come to Ireland with me tomorrow?" George suggested. "I'm meeting with the man that we'd like to run the store there. We can have lunch and see the town."

"Won't I be in the way of your business meeting?" Hermione asked, beginning to gain control of her feelings.

"Not at all," George reassured her. "There's actually a bookshop a few doors down from the store that we've bought. I'm meeting the bloke at our property to show him around. You could enjoy the bookshop for a bit while we talk. I won't be too long."

Hermione considered the idea for a moment, then answered, "That sounds nice, then."

"Very good," George said, pleased. "I'll Floo over here at 9 am tomorrow to collect you."

"Thank you, I'm looking forward to it."

"Me, too."

ooooo

Harry stood forlornly on the pavement across the street from Hermione's building. Unbeknownst to George and Hermione, he could see their silhouettes through the curtains. He watched as George held Hermione, and then sat on the bed with her. Harry didn't want to see any more and turned away. Anger began to course through his body and his stomach felt as though it wanted to empty itself. He began to walk. He walked for so long that he didn't know where he was when he became weary and stopped. Harry ducked down the nearest alley and Apparated home.

Harry sank onto his sofa. He didn't know what to think or do. He finally fell into an exhausted sleep.

A few hours later, Harry was awakened by Ron, who had Apparated into Harry's entryway with a crack!

"Sorry, mate. Didn't mean to wake you," Ron apologized, taking a seat on a side chair. "I got worried when I hadn't heard from you. So how did it go?"

Harry shook his head. "She didn't want to see me. George wouldn't let me in."

"George?"

"Yeah. He was there checking on Hermione."

"Hmm." Ron responded, but Harry could tell there was something Ron wasn't saying.

"Was she with George last night?" Harry asked, watching Ron's face closely.

"Why do you ask?" Ron asked evasively.

"Look," Harry said in frustration, "she's obviously not there any more, so what does it matter?"

"Then, yes. She was with George last night." Ron answered. "She thought their place was somewhere you wouldn't look, so that's where she went."

Harry was silent for a moment, and then got up and walked to the kitchen. He got a Butterbeer from the fridge and handed another one to Ron, who immediately drank some down. Harry leaned back against the counter and went on, "After I left her flat, I stood on the pavement for a bit, across from her building. I could seem them in the window."

"What did you see?"

Harry took a drink, then said, "She and George had their arms around each other. Then they sat on her bed together. I left after that."

"Your coming over was a surprise to her, and it probably upset her. Maybe George was trying to comfort her or something," Ron reasoned.

"It looked like more than that." Harry said. "I couldn't watch anymore. I walked for a long time after that."

Ron considered Harry for a moment, and then asked, "Why would it bother you for George to be with Hermione?"

"I need to talk to Hermione and he's getting in the way!"

"Do you think she'd talk with you if he wasn't there?"

"No, but-"

"Then that's not the issue, is it?"

"What are you on about?" Harry asked, annoyed.

"If Hermione won't talk to you whether or not George is there, why does it matter to you if he's there?"

Harry opened his mouth, but then closed it in frustration as he had no answer.

Ron thought it best to leave on that thought. He looked at his watch. "Look, mate, I've got to go. There's a practice starting in half an hour and I've got to get my gear." He downed the rest of his Butterbeer and set his bottle on the counter.

Harry nodded. "Sure. See you at the Burrow tomorrow for Sunday dinner."

"Why don't you bring your broom? We'll see if we can get a game going."

"Sounds good."

Harry heard Ron Apparate from his entryway. He carried his Butterbeer to his sofa and sat down, lost in his thoughts.