I don't own Harry Potter, but everyone knows that! I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 21

There was silence around the room, not even a creak of the floorboards could be heard. Hermione felt her heart stop, and prepared for the worse.

Silently, Molly stood. She stared at Ginny, her eyes locked on her daughter's still flat stomach.

Everyone waited to see what would happen.

Suddenly, Molly burst into tears. She quickly shuffled over to Ginny and wrapped her up into a hug. The two stayed like that, embracing each other with sobs echoing around the room, for quite some time.

Hermione heard a chair being dragged across the floor, but didn't tear her gaze away from Ginny.

Molly finally broke away. "Oh sweetie," she cried.

Ginny sniffed. "Mum, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for it to happen…. I… please don't hate me!" She cried out.

Molly had a look of horror on her face. "Ginny dear, I love you so very much, and nothing will ever change that. I will always support you, even now." She hugged her daughter tightly once more.

Molly held her daughter away, looking at her. She had to realize that Ginny wasn't a baby any more, but an adult, one facing many different paths in front of her. She had raised Ginny right, and hopefully she would make the right choices.

Molly then turned to Neville, who looked like he was going to throw up. Molly pulled Neville up into a hug as well. "Welcome to the family," she said in his ear.

At that, there was a loud commotion around the table. People were clapping, shouting "congratulations!", and many other words of encouragement going around.

Hermione turned to George, and frowned when she saw he wasn't there. He must have left after Ginny's announcement.. She had a feeling she knew exactly where he was.

Politely excusing herself, Hermione made her way towards the stairs. Climbing up, she made her way to the top, stopping in front of a closed door. She paused for a moment, letting it sink in.

This was Fred and George's room.

Hermione felt herself get choked up on her tears. She missed Fred so much, and could only imagine the pain that George felt.

She put her hand on the knob, and slowly turned it. Pressing the door open, she quietly slipped inside. The room was darkness. Once her eyes adjusted, she saw that George was sitting on his bed, staring at Fred's side of the room. There were pictures scattered about, along with other items that once belonged to Fred.

"George," she whispered into the darkness. She didn't want to frighten him.

His head snapped her way. He mumbled something Hermione couldn't make out, then flicked his wand, lighting a candle in the corner of the room.

Hermione could now see, but it still wasn't very bright. The feeling of depression and sadness still remained.

Taking a deep breath, she crossed the room and sat down on the bed next to George. He didn't move or say anything, but just sat there, staring off into space. Hermione sighed, then leaned into George, her head now resting on his shoulder.

"George," she whispered, hoping he would answer.

"Mmmm," was the only response she got.

Well, it's better than nothing. "What's wrong?" She asked, her hand seeking out his.

"Everything."

Hermione cringed. She wasn't expecting that. "I know it isn't ideal that Ginny have a baby so young, but everyone's been very supportive of her…." She trailed off.

George sighed. "It isn't that." He stayed silent for a minute. "I don't deserve you."

Hermione bolted upright. "What on earth are you talking about?"

George stood, leaving Hermione on the bed alone. "I don't deserve you. Someone so pretty and smart. I don't deserve to be happy."

Hermione bit her lip. "Everyone deserves to be happy George."

"But I don't." He said. Turning, he looked at Fred's stuff once more. "I should have died instead of Fred. He was always the better twin, the more likeable one. I wish it was me, instead of him." He let out a strangled sob.

Hermione sat there, too shocked to say anything. Suddenly, something rushed through her, and to her surprise, it was anger. She stood abruptly, crossing the room to him. Without warning, she raised her hand and slapped it across his face.

Smack!

George just stood there, shock on his face.

Hermione raised her hand to do it again, but his fingers wrapped around her wrist. Hermione let out a pained cry, trying to jerk herself away from him. George pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her.

"How could you!" She shouted, tears now streaming down her face. "How could you say something like that! After everything we had been through.." She sobbed, her body shaking.

George frowned, and scooped her up in his arms, carrying her back to his bed. He laid her down, and curled up next to her. "Hermione, I'm so sorry I said that. I didn't mean it."

"Of course you did," she cried out.

He shook his head, pulling her body closer to his. "I love you so much Mione, and I'd never want to lose you. Please, forgive me for saying that. It was so out of line. Please, forgive me," he begged.

"Why would you say that though George? Why would you want to hurt me like that? Can you imagine how Fred would be if he heard you say that?"

George bit his lip. "Fred would be furious."

Hermione nodded, a sniffle escaping. "He would be. Just like I am."

"Forgive me," he whispered, his nose touching hers.

"Only if you promise never to say anything like that again." She said, her voice cracking. "The thought that you wished you had died… instead of being here with me, it hurt me George. You're breaking my heart."

George wanted to smack himself. How could he have been so stupid. "Hermione, I love you, so very much. Please don't doubt that I do."

Hermione sniffled, wrapping her arms around his neck. She pulled herself closer, burying her face into the crook of his neck. "I love you George."

He pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I love you too Hermione." He hugged her tightly. "I won't ever let you go."