Author's Note: I was having such trouble writing this chapter yesterday and suddenly I got to my laptop today and it just zoomed out. And it took a couple turns I was really not expecting. Sometimes these things just write themselves! I really think you guys are going to like this one! Not Rowling.

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It was a lovely Saturday morning, and Hermione had had a solid night's sleep, which was hard to come by lately. She stretched and rolled to the edge of the bed before swinging her legs over the side and standing up. She shuffled out to the kitchen, rubbing her eyes and yawning, and flicked her wand at the tea kettle, which began to whistle merrily. She pulled down a mug and a tea bag, black tea with hints of vanilla and peach, from its box, and set to making herself her morning cup of tea. She bustled around, making herself some toast as she let the tea steep. As she was about to sit down to enjoy her quiet breakfast alone, she heard footsteps from behind.

"Good morning, George. Want a cup?"

She turned, but was not facing a sleepy George, but rather a tousled and surprised Evangeline, who seemed to be wearing one of George's shirts, a faded Weasley's Wizard Wheezes t-shirt, some purple underwear with playful frills on the edges, and nothing else.

"Oh, gosh. Umm, good morning," said Evangeline, blushing, obviously embarrassed. Hermione was far too acclimated to George's conquests walking around half-naked, and just nodded her head.

"I forgot you lived here as well," she said to Hermione, who was now gathering her buttered toast onto a plate.

"Yes, George does often forget to mention that. Did he leave already, or-?"

"Oh no, he's still asleep. I woke up and I didn't want to bother him."

Hermione let out a hmm noise. This was a new development. The fact that not only was George still here after bringing a woman home, but that he was still asleep spoke volumes. He must be pretty serious about this girl. Hermione didn't particularly like Evangeline, not for any logical reason besides that she was too perfect, but seeing her blushing from embarrassment, in a baggy shirt with her perfect hair bent and frizzy from sleep and her makeup smudged, giving her the appearance of having dark circles under her eyes, made Hermione feel a little better. Apparently, this girl didn't always look perfect. If George really liked this girl, Hermione supposed she just had to take one for the team.

"Want some tea or something?"

"That'd be lovely. If you don't mind, of course," said Evangeline with a small smile.

Hermione set to busying herself making the tea and an extra piece of toast, and everything was going fine until Hermione sat back down across from Evangeline. She was munching on some toast and her eyes fell on Evangeline just as she was going to take a sip of her steaming tea. She froze as the cup was almost to her mouth, her eyes fixed on Hermione chest. Evangeline made some inarticulate noise and Hermione immediately felt uncomfortable. She wanted to cross her arms over her chest, not understanding why the other woman's gaze was fixed there, but definitely feeling perturbed by it.

"You okay there?" Hermione asked.

Evangeline frowned and was about to speak up when George walked out, wearing some bright red pants and running his fingers through his hair, which was standing up on end, as he yawned.

"Mornin'," he said cheerfully, not noticing the odd tension in the room.

He walked past Hermione, his fingers resting softly on the back of her neck, playing with her hair for only a second before he walked past and bent down to kiss Evangeline on the lips. This seemed to snap Evangeline out of her preoccupation and she kissed him back. As soon as he turned to make himself some tea, however, Hermione noticed a crease between her eyebrows as her eyes traveled between George and Hermione.

"So how is everyone?" asked George with a smile as he sat down. He looked over at Evangeline, then Hermione, and then back at Evangeline. "Hang on," he said with a grin, "are you both wearing my same shirt?"

Hermione, confused, looked down at her pyjama shirt and then looked over at Evangeline, whose forehead crease had deepened. They were indeed both wearing George's Weasley's Wizard Wheezes shirts. Hermione finally made the connection to Evangeline's actions just as George spoke up.

"Huh, what a coincidence! Funny," he said, chuckling to himself as he brought his tea to his lips.

Hermione knew it was coincidence, but by the way Evangeline was looking at her and George, she knew he was the only one who found this funny.

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"You ready, 'Mione?" George called from his room.

"Almost," she shouted back.

He looked back at his reflection. He was wearing some khaki trousers and a bright blue button-down, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows as usual. It didn't look like anything special, but he figured it would work for the family event. Plus, Angie always says he should wear blue to bring out the blue in his eyes. He nodded at his reflection, approving of what he saw, and walked out. Hermione didn't seem to be ready to leave yet.

"Hey, 'Mione, I'm going to meet you there. I have to go pick up Angie and bring her since she's never been to the Burrow before."

There was a slight pause before Hermione responded: "Alright. I'll see you there. Don't forget your gift! Charlie will never let you live it down if you forget his present two years running."

"Thanks!"

He headed to the fireplace and called out Evangeline's address before stepping into the fire. He stepped out into her sitting room.

"Angie, I'm here."

Evangeline waltzed out of her room, her flowy skirt spinning around her knees as she twirled in front of him. He laughed and caught her. She tilted her head up and kissed him on the mouth.

"So, what do you think? Is this a good outfit to meet your parents in?"

"You look perfect. And you're not just meeting my parents. You're sort of meeting my whole family," he said, mumbling the last bit.

"George! You need to warn me of these things more than five minutes in advance!"

She smacked him on the chest, and he moved forward, wrapping his arms around her and successfully pinning his arms against his chest.

"Don't worry. They're going to love you."

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George placed his hand on Evangeline's back to steady her and looked around. From the noises emanating from the house a few paces away, it seemed as though the party already had a solid start. Evangeline was looking at his childhood home with a small smile on her face.

"You ready?"

"Yes," she said, as if steeling herself. She took his hand in hers and they started walking towards the house.

They stepped across the threshold and the rumble of many people talking filled their ears. George walked over to his parents, who were talking in the kitchen, and smiled brightly as they turned and saw him.

"George! And you must be that new girl he's been talking about," said Mrs. Weasley, smiling at Evangeline.

"Mum, Dad, I'd like you to meet Evangeline Watson."

"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," said Evangeline politely, holding out her hand to shake theirs.

"Oh, it's Molly and Arthur, dear, and we give hugs in this family," Mrs. Weasley said, moving forward and scooping the very surprised girl into a hug. She smiled and hugged back before being released and being quickly hugged by Mr. Weasley. "Welcome to the Burrow. Make yourself at home."

George brought Evangeline around, introducing her to everyone he could find. She met Charlie, the birthday boy, who gave her a bear hug and, for how tipsy he was, a surprisingly chaste kiss on the cheek as well as a slightly slurred "Welcome to the Family." She met Bill and had a conversation on Gringotts' methods for curse breaking. She talked to Ron about his revival of the Chudley Cannons as their manager and coach, and Angelina and Ginny on their matches as the two lead chasers for the Holyhead Harpies. She talked to Harry about his job as lead Auror and their work with tracking down any remaining Death Eaters, and talked to Mrs. Weasley about a new cookbook she had just bought. She talked to practically everyone at the party and everyone loved her. George beamed every time he got a pat on the back, a wink, a nod, or a whispered "Nicely done, mate." It was only about an hour into the party that he realized something, or rather, someone was missing.

"Harry, where's Hermione?"

Harry looked away from his conversation with Lee and Ron and frowned slightly.

"How could you have lost track of Hermione?"

"Yeah, lately it's like you two have been attached at the hip," added Ron.

"Well, we came separately because-"

"Oh Merlin, the Missus has been replaced by the Mistress," said Lee with a nasty grin at George. George glared at Lee, understanding his jab at his thankfully-less-prevalent dreams about Hermione, while Ron and Harry looked at Lee in confusion. "Don't worry about it, mates. It's just a personal joke between George and me."

"Umm okay," said Harry hesitantly. "So you were saying you came separately?"

"Yeah, because I went to get Angie. I haven't seen her around. Is she here?"

"Yeah, she's here. Last time I saw her, she was talking to Oliver," said Ron, pointing vaguely in the direction of the back of the house.

"Thanks," said George before hurrying over in the direction of the back door.

He weaved his way through people, stopping to say hello and exchange pleasantries before finally making it to the back door, which was propped open slightly to let cool air into the crowded and very warm house. He heard familiar voices and walked through the door. There was Hermione, in a dark blue dress that was fitted at the top and draped as it hit her waist, giving her what looked like a perfect figure, and a bright yellow cardigan. He could tell her hair had been neatly curled, but thanks to the heat of the house and the wind from outside, her hair was everywhere, very reminiscent of her days at Hogwarts, although much more attractive and much less bushy. She and Oliver were standing quite close, which George understood, as it was very difficult to hear anyone without shouting. He was just about to walk forward when a gust of wind curved through the back porch and again tossed Hermione's hair this way and that. Oliver and Hermione laughed and, as the air settled, Oliver's hand moved forward, brushing a rogue curl away from Hermione's face and tucking it behind her ear. Hermione giggled and thanked him before resuming their previous conversation.

George couldn't explain why, but he suddenly felt anger slowly heating up the coals of his heart. Why was Oliver playing with Hermione's hair? He, George, was the only one that did that. Not even Harry or Ron did that for Hermione; they only chuckled good-naturedly when her hair fell into her face, as it so often did. And was it his eyes playing tricks on his, or had Oliver's fingers lingered by her face for an extra second before he put his hands back in his trouser pockets, his trademark stance? Just as George started feeling heat rising to the back of his neck, Oliver looked over and realized he was there.

"George! Hey, mate, when did you get here?" he asked cheerfully, bounding forward and giving him their traditional handshake and hug.

"Oliver!" cried George back, immediately back to his normal self, laughing and slapping his former Quidditch captain on the back. "How are you, mate?"

"Brilliant," said Oliver with a grin. "Staying out of the way of Hurricane Charlie right now. He's in a "Let's Kiss Everyone" phase of drunkenness currently."

"Yeah, he already kissed my girlfriend. On the cheek, thankfully. Hermione," he said, turning to her, "I've been here an hour and I couldn't find you! I was worried you hadn't shown!"

Hermione smiled and gave him a hug, squeaking slightly as her feet left the ground for a moment. As he set her down, he noticed out of the corner of his eye that Oliver took a small step closer to her.

"I've been here the whole time! I was inside, but it was getting stuffy and Charlie was getting more rambunctious, so I decided it was time to back out for a little while. Thankfully, Oliver here came to my rescue before Charlie drunkenly snogged me," she said, laughing as she rested a hand on Oliver's formidable bicep.

Oliver laughed and swung his arm around Hermione's shoulders, hugging her slightly to his side.

"We couldn't let that happen! We both know Charlie would be right embarrassed about that once he sobered up."

They all chuckled and as a strong wind raised gooseflesh on their skin, they decided to all head inside.

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"She's something, isn't she?" said Ron appreciatively.

Hermione, Harry, and Ginny looked in the direction that he was looking. Hermione frowned at the sight before her: Evangeline, looking as perfect as ever in a nice skirt and blouse, was talking with Teddy, who was babbling about his favorite toy, a stuffed wolf. With the light hitting her hair and making it gleam red, she looked perfect here. She looked as if she belonged in the Weasley house, and it was infuriating.

"Yeah, she's something alright," muttered Hermione bitterly.

"She's just marvelous with Teddy," said Ginny.

"And she knows so much about the auror program. She seems to know something about practically every topic," said Harry, clearly impressed.

"Just like you, Hermione," added Ron.

Hermione scowled and scoffed.

"What?"

"I don't like her," mumbled Hermione.

"Why?" asked Harry.

"She's too-, too perfect," huffed Hermione. "I know that sounds stupid, but it's so frustrating. Everyone loves her! I know something on every topic and everyone thinks I'm a know-it-all!"

"No we don't!" cried Harry.

"You did when we were at Hogwarts."

"Well, that's true," replied Ron.

"I'm just sick of 'Evangeline this' and 'Evangeline that' and 'Evangeline is so beautiful and so nice and so smart.' It's just irritating. I know it sounds petty, but I live with George. It's all I hear. Constantly."

Hermione tried not to scowl, but wasn't extremely successful.

"Well, what about Oliver?" asked Ginny.

"What about him?" asked Hermione, although she visibly perked up.

"I think he fancies you."

"No he doesn't," said Hermione, although she started blushing.

"Look at you, fancying the old Quidditch captain," teased Harry. "And you used to complain when we would talk about it. How do you not lose it when you're around him? Quidditch is all he can talk about!"

"Well, maybe he's more interesting when he talks about it than you two numpties."

"Or maybe you just don't want to snog us," said Ron with a sly grin, laughing as Hermione swatted his arm, flushing furiously.

"What are you lot talking about?" said a deep voice.

They all looked around to see Oliver watching them, a grin playing on his lips.

"Well, speak of the devil," said Ron, grinning as he winked at Hermione, knowing she couldn't hit him with Oliver's broad body blocking the way.

"Nothing interesting," replied Ginny quickly before Hermione could say anything. "Do you need to steal Hermione away from us?"

Oliver, completely missing Harry, Ron, and Ginny's smirks and Hermione's glaring at them, smiled.

"As a matter of fact I do."

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He had just left Evangeline talking to Fleur, who was playing with Teddy, and walked over to Lee, who had just said something to his girlfriend and given her a kiss before she walked away.

"What's eating you, mate?" asked Lee after one look at his best friend's furrowed brow.

"Have you noticed Oliver and Hermione?" he asked, trying to sound unconcerned and failing.

"Yeah, I've noticed," Lee said with a grin. "What exactly am I supposed to notice, though?"

"They're awfully close tonight."

"Am I sensing a hint of jealousy, dear George?"

"No," George responded, far too quickly. George talked over Lee's laughter. "I just, they've never been close before."

"So?"

"And suddenly she's all attractive and-"

"She is attractive, George, and single. She's past any possible mourning for her ex and now she's available."

George looked over at where Hermione was standing with his younger siblings and Harry. She was attractive. And she had been absolutely stunning at the Minister's Ball. But that didn't change anything, and it certainly did not mean he fancied her. Because he felt nothing of the sort. At all.

"He's never mentioned an interest in her before!"

"Maybe there wasn't one. You don't know."

"Has he mentioned anything to you?" George looked questioningly as Lee, and immediately glared at Lee's poor attempts to look innocent. "What did he say?"

"He said he thought she was lovely. That she'd 'really grown into something beautiful,' or something of the sort. Why have you got a problem about this? He's one of our best mates; you know he's not going to hurt her."

"I'm just protective," shot back George, who was busy glaring at Oliver, who had made his way over to the group and was talking to them. Hermione's cheeks were bright red, and he wondered if Oliver had triggered such a rare response from her.

"This is more than protective. You're jealous, aren't you?"

"No, I am not."

"Yes, you are."

"No! I'm not!"

"Then why are you so against this?"

"Because she's mine!"

George's jaw immediately snapped shut, stunned, and he looked at Lee, who had a matching look of utter shock on his face.

"Well, that was unexpected," mumbled Lee.

"Where the bloody hell did that come from?" whispered George, running his fingers through his hair, obviously perturbed.

"I don't know," said Lee as both of them watched as Hermione walked away from the group, Oliver's hand on the small of her back, "but you've got some feelings to sort out, man."