I dont own HP, and never will!

Chapter 10

Friday arrived before Hermione even realized what was going on.

She was sitting on her bed, millions of thoughts flying through her mind. Did she want to take this step with George? Did she even like George? Did he like her?

Hermione knew it was time she let herself be happy. She deserved to be happy. She knew that. But she just wouldn't let herself be happy. She went out of her way to make herself feel miserable.

Harry and Ron were dead. She didn't deserve to be alive. She didn't deserve to go out with someone else, to be happy. She couldn't.

Ginny walked into her room, frowning immediately when she saw Hermione staring off into space. She knew what kind of thoughts Hermione had going through her mind. She grabbed her hands, causing her to snap back into reality.

"Hermione, I know what you're thinking, so just stop."

Hermione sniffled. "I know, but I just can't help it. Why should I be happy? I don't deserve it..."

Ginny sighed. "Hermione, this is what they died for. They died fighting so that we, and everyone else, could finally be happy. So we could live in a world without fear, or hatred. Without war and prejudices."

"I feel so guilty Ginny. I loved Ron, so much. And now that he's gone, I just miss him so much. But being around George, it's nice. And it makes me feel nice. And I feel so guilty! Out of all the blokes in the world I could have connected with, it had to be your brother. Ron's brother. I feel so guilty."

"Hermione, don't fight your feelings. Embrace them. Ron would want you to be happy, regardless of who it was with. Just like Harry would want me to be happy. We just need to move on. Okay? Now hurry up and put on that new dress we bought in Paris. You looked beautiful in it."

Hermione frowned, but nodded. Ginny was right. She knew that. It was just so hard to let go. She grabbed the dress and ran into the bathroom to change. As she was getting dressed, she got more and more nervous.

She was going on a date with George. She had to admit, she was definitely growing feelings for him. He was safe. She knew he would be gentle with her heart, and she with his. They had both lost from the war, and together they could heal.

She quickly pulled her hair back into a ponytail, letting the curls fall down her back. She dabbed just a bit of lipstick on and some mascara. Checking herself over in the mirror, she smiled. She looked simple, yet elegant. Perfect.

She stepped out of the bathroom, and was immediately met with Ginny's squeal. "Hermione! You look beautiful! Oh, that shade of blue looks amazing on you."

The dress was a sapphire blue and fell just below her knees. Hermione didn't like showing off too much of her skin because of her scars. But she felt comfortable in the dress. It was a bit pricey, but she found it was well worth it.

"Oh Hermione, you'll have a great time, I just know it! Send George my love, all right?" Ginny hugged the brunette, kissing her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Hermione stumbled into the floo, and before she knew it, she was stumbling out into George's arms.

She looked up, smiling when she saw his face. His brown eyes were light as he stared at her, causing her to chuckle. Everything about George radiated happiness, even when he was feeling mug. His red hair was messy, he had probably been working hard in the shop all night. He was wearing a green polo that had a G stitched on the sleeve.

"Wow, Mione, you look amazing." He said, his eyes never leave hers.

She blushed. "Thanks George, I hope it isn't too much."

He shook his head, smiling. "Not at all. You look perfect."

She blushed once more. She felt beautiful. And from the look on George's face, she knew she looked beautiful too.

Grabbing her hand, George led her towards the kitchen. The lights were dimmed and there were candles floating throughout the room. There was soft music playing in the back. A vase of roses sat on the table, along with two glasses and a bottle of win. The whole scene was so romantic.

George rubbed the back of his neck, grinning sheepishly. "I probably went a bit overboard, sorry."

Hermione turned to him, "No, it's absolutely perfect. George, thank you so much."

"Thank you Hermione. I wasn't sure if you would come or not, but I'm really glad that you did. Dinner is just about ready."

Hermione sat down at the table, a grin plastered all over her face. This was perfect. George carried over two plates and set them down on the table.

"Umm, Mum always mentioned you really likes pasta, so I made Chicken Parmesan. I know it's simple, but-"

"No buts George, it looks delicious. Let's dig in!" She said, smiling.

Hermione sipped at her wine, leaning back in her chair. "Wow, George, that was amazing."

He chuckled, "You sound so surprised."

She shook her head. "Well, I kind of am. I mean, I never thought you'd be one for cooking. You were more of a prankster than a homebody."

George flashed her a grin. "Well, years of eating my mother's famous cooking and I sort of picked up a few things. Wasn't very hard."

"Well, good for you. I'm terrible at cooking. I can't even cook toast. It's terrible."

"Well, well, well. The amazing Hermione Granger, there's something that you can't even do? I'm surprised. Surely they teach cooking in one of those books you've read?" He teased.

She pouted. "George, we can't all be perfect now can we? If I could cook, then I certainly would be."

George laughed. He grabbed her hand, leading her towards the couch. He sat down, then motioned for her to do the same. She sat down, and leaned into his open arms. They sat like that in silence.

A few moments later, George spoke. "How do you feel?"

Hermione knew exactly what he meant. "Comfortable." She sighed, then continued. "Scared, happy, confused." Pause. "Guilty." She wanted to be honest with George. He deserved that. "How do you feel?"

"Happy, safe, also scared." He leaned down, and gently placed a kiss on the top of her head. "I don't know what this is, or if it will go anywhere, but I like it. I promise you that I'll take it slow, whatever this is."

"Thanks George," she said as she grabbed his hand. This showed that while she was scared, she still enjoyed the physical contact.

The two of them continued sipping their wine, just sitting in the silence for the rest of the evening.

It wasn't an awkward silence, but a comfortable one. Hermione felt comfortable with George. She knew that in time she would open up to him, if he was patient enough with her. And something told her that he would be.