Chapter Twenty-Nine
Author's Note: Thanks so much for reading and to everyone who is following and commenting! – Not Mine
In the late afternoon, Hermione, Ginny, and Lavender neared the Burrow. Their day of shopping had been remarkably successful. They had even gotten the opportunity to visit several wedding dress shops and had managed to narrow down Ginny's choices to several favoured options. Hermione was relieved to see that Ginny's stress had substantially waned, even with Lavender's estimation that the greater wizard community was looking forward to the wedding with a bated anticipation.
"You excited to see everyone?" Ginny asked with a giggle as the girls made their way up the walk. "George should be there," She cast a pointed, wide eye glance at Hermione as her grin grew substantially larger.
"Now, Gin…you do recall what we spoke of at lunch," Hermione returned her friends smile despite her chiding tone. After leaving their second wedding dress store, the young witches had found a small curry off Diagon Alley for lunch. Ginny had spent much of their meal dolling out some good-natured ribbing to Hermione over her new relationship. Although it was more than obvious that the younger girl enjoyed teasing her friend, when Hermione had asked her to refrain from mentioning anything at the Burrow, Ginny had agreed willing. Hermione had no fears that Ginny would betray her secret. When they reached the Borrows' front door, Ginny let them in, shouting into the house as she entered the foyer.
"Mum, Dad, everyone…we're here," Ginny yelled as Lavender and Hermione trailed behind her into the house. "Come'on we can go find everyone….we're probably the last ones here…since we're late and all," Ginny explained as she kicked off her once white trainers and scurried up the stairs. The girls had spent more time than they had allotted in the final wedding dress store and, consequently, made it to the Burrow a mere five minutes before the time which Molly had planned for dinner. Hermione slid off her own blue, canvas flats and hurried after Ginny, up the stairs and into the living room.
"Oi, you made it," Fred looked up from the couch as Hermione and her friends entered the living room. The rest of the room's occupants – Harry, Ron, George, and Angelina – all echoed his greeting. The only ones who said nothing were the infant Weasley twins, simply because they were incapable of doing so. The sly smile George flashed her as she walked in the room didn't go unobserved by Hermione, and – based on the way Ginny not-so-subtly nudged her with her elbow – she guessed that it also didn't go undetected by his sister.
"Hey George," Ginny laughed, striding across the room to sink down in the larger couch beside her older brother. "I feel as if I haven't seen you in forever,"
"Is that so, my very favourite Quidditch opponent?" George replicated Ginny's easygoing, teasing tone. "Because I'm fairly certain that we saw each other only last night…unless of course you were far too out of sorts to recall. Perhaps you saw me and drunkenly confused me for our dear brother,"
"Oh George," Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Because I've been told that Fred and I look remarkably alike…so it's very understandable that you'd get us mistaken," George laughed, playfully looping an arm around his little sister. "Although I'd hate to think that you of all people can't tell us apart,"
"Oh George…" Ginny reiterated with an exaggerated exasperated sigh, leaning into her brother to indicate that she wasn't in fact frustrated by his jokes. "Of course I've seen you," Ginny huffed good-naturedly. "It's just that I've feel it's been forever since we've really talked…you know, a good brother-sister heart to heart…I just really would love to discuss what's going on with you…hear all about what's new in your life…any interesting details…any new people…any important events," She laughed as Hermione tentatively wandered over to sit beside Ginny. Hermione wondered if Ginny was perhaps being a bit over obvious and was certain that her others were privy to the fact that something odd was occurring. A quick glance at Lavender, who had claimed a spot on the other couch, and Hermione noted that the other girl was conspicuously trying to hide a giggle. Fortunately, any confusion on the part of the others was interrupted when Mr. Weasley stuck his head in through the doorway to notify everyone that dinner was being set upon the table.
Hermione pushed herself up from the couch, intent on following the rest of the family into the dining room. She was nearing the doorway when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning on her heel, she saw George grinning at her as he held on to her shoulder, beckoning her to remain in the living room with him. Hermione smiled, assuming that he wanted to reduplicate the last time they found themselves alone in the Weasley's living room. Hermione stood quietly while the rest of her friends bustled by her, all eager for Mrs. Weasley's surely delicious meal.
"What is it, George?" Hermione asked once they were alone.
"Hmm…I have a feeling Ginny is on to us in some way. You wouldn't happen to have idea why that might be so?" George chuckled without a trace of accusation in his voice.
"Perhaps," Hermione murmured as a flush grew on her cheeks. "I might have mentioned something today while we were shopping,"
"Ahh, I see," George smiled. "That would explain a lot about my darling little sister's actions just then."
"You're not frustrated are you," Hermione bit her bottom lip, doing her best to both look and sound apologetic.
"Oh of course not…it's about time they learned, isn't it,"
"Is it?" Hermione sighed. "I suppose so," She immediately answered her own question.
"Yah…I think we've kept things secret long enough," George answered definitively.
"I know, you're right," Hermione smiled. While she was pleased that Ginny had accepted her and George's relationship so graciously, she still worried that others – Ron and Mrs. Weasley in particular – wouldn't be quite as tolerant. Nevertheless, she realized that they had been putting it off long enough and that it was important that the Weasleys finally learned the truth of her and George's involvement.
"Well, ready?" George asked, holding out his hand for Hermione.
"Yup," Hermione gladly accepted George's hand in hers. Gripping onto his hand perhaps a bit tighter than necessary, Hermione followed George into the dining room. When they entered, the family was all seated around the long table, eagerly filling their plates with the spread of roast beef and Yorkshire puddings and potatoes and vegetables Molly had prepared.
"Hey everyone," George cleared his throat and spoke loudly and clearly, trying to get everyone's attention. It only took a couple moments for all present to cease dishing their plates to stop and look at the pair. All the pairs of expectant eyes upon her caused Hermione's heart to beat faster and her mouth feel rather dry.
"Ah…Well…" She faltered before looking to George for support.
"Mione and I have something to tell you," George announced, finishing Hermione's thought.
"You two are together,"
"You've been dating,"
"You're boyfriend and girlfriend."
"We all know you're shagging,"
"Old news Georgie,"
"Did you guys really think we didn't know?" Ron added as the rest of his family all clarified that they were aware of the couple's situation. "You've been doing a rubbish job of it if you have been trying to hide it,"
"What?" Hermione questioned in surprise. "Er, well, when did you all find out?" She asked, curious as to how the Weasleys were so aware of her and George's relationship. She thought they'd been quite careful to shroud their behavior in secrecy.
"New Years," Harry offered.
"The engagement party," Fred and Angelina said at the same time.
"Ginny's Quidditch game," Ron nodded.
"Since Victoire's birthday party, dear," Mrs, Weasley spoke kindly.
"Oh, we didn't realize that," George grinned sheepishly.
"Mate, it's been really obvious," Fred chuckled. "And not just for me,"
"Definitely," Harry continued. "We've all been privy for quite awhile. We just assumed you both knew that,"
"Er, so we're dating," Hermione stammered, even though she now realized the statement was redundant. "As you all seem very aware of. I, ah, hope that it's alright with everyone," She added, glancing cautiously towards Ron: the one whose reaction she was most nervous about.
"It's great," Ron smiled with a shrug.
"Brilliant,"
"I think it's fantastic,"
"All the best,"
"She's a great girl," Mr. Weasley nodded proudly at his son.
"So you're all fine? No one has a problem?" Hermione asked hesitantly, looking around the room to study the faces of all present.
"Oh sweetie," Mrs. Weasley gushed. "I'm so sorry, you were nervous about this. Of course we're overjoyed that you and George are dating. You're allowed to date any of my sons whenever you'd like," She said excitedly, bustling around the table to scoop Hermione into a reassuring hug.
"Erm, all your sons are married," Hermione replied, knowing that the statement wasn't entirely true.
"Well…if you get tired of George, there's always Charlie," Mrs. Weasley offered.
"Oi, I don't know about that," George teased his mum, patting her kindly on the shoulder as she released Hermione from her tight embrace.
"I'm just so happy that you're going to be a part of our family again," Mrs. Weasley said. Her emotion was palpable. Hermione was sure she noticed tears forming in the corners of the older woman's eyes. "I was so worried you were going to leave us for a different family." She continued in a rushed voice, clearly unaware of the concerned look George and Hermione shared behind her head.
"Er, let's not get ahead of ourselves," Hermione cautioned.
"Yah, let Mione and I just enjoy ourselves for the time being." George grinned. "Before you start with the wedding plans."
"Oh, I have the perfect veil," Mrs. Weasley gasped. "It belonged to my great-grandmum."
"Mum, you haven't even offered me that veil yet!" Ginny exclaimed in mock-disbelief. "And I'm getting married in only a couple of months."
"Oh well dear, you already knew that I wanted you to wear that," Mrs. Weasley replied comfortingly to her daughter.
"No, I didn't," Ginny smiled jokingly. Her brown eyes flashed mischievously and Hermione could tell that the feisty red-head was intentionally playing with her mum.
"Erm, so this meal looks incredible Molly…I can't wait," A blushing Hermione offered, walking towards her normal spot at the table, eager to change the direction of the conversation away from her and George.
"Oh, Hermione, you can't sit there anymore," Mrs. Weasley hurriedly replied. "You simply must sit beside George now."
"Oh," Hermione faltered, knowing that there wasn't a spare spot next to George.
"Everyone can shuffle down," Fred laughed, clearly amused by the events. Hermione's flush grew more pronounced as everyone moved a seat over to create an open space beside George's usual place setting for Hermione. She still felt in a bit of a daze from what had just happened. She hadn't expected everyone to already know about her and George's involvement, let alone to all be in agreement over how obvious their relationship had been. Cleary, she had George hadn't been as competent at keeping things secret as they had believed.
"Er thanks," Hermione offered once her new spot was created as she self-consciously slit into the chair. Her blush was beginning to subside as it was clear that the Weasleys and Harry were more intent on enjoying the meal than on pestering her and George. She cast a subtle, sideways glance at Ron, hoping to get a better read on his take of the matter. Fortunately, Ron simply wore his typical, goofy grin as he spoke attentively with Lavender about something that Hermione could not hear.
"So, how do you like this side of the table?" George broke Hermione's contemplation with a nudge of his elbow.
"Ah, well, I suppose it's quite a bit like the other side," Hermione chuckled. Based on the smile adorning George's face, she sensed that he wasn't feeling any lingering awkwardness about their big reveal.
"So, Mione…George tells me you're working on a speech to give before the Ministry," Angelina interjected. The older witch's tone demonstrated nothing but interest in the subject. There was nothing that indicated that she was treating Hermione any differently than she had been before. Then again, Hermione figured, there was no reason for the family's interaction with her to be any different; after all, her and George's relationship was apparently old news to everyone.
"Um, yup," Hermione nodded, quickly swallowing her bite of Yorkshire pudding. "I'm preparing a speech on the rights of House Elves…it's up for debate before the Ministry at the end of the month."
"That's brilliant," Angelina smiled. "I could never speak in front of everyone…I'd be so nervous,"
"Ah, well, I'm a bit nervous," Hermione admitted. "I've never really given an important speech to a large group of people before,"
"You'll have no problem though," Angelina responded confidently. "You're going to do great,"
"Thanks Ang," Hermione smiled. As Angelina continued to ask her questions about the upcoming debate, Hermione felt perfectly content. She should have known that there was nothing to worry about in disclosing her relationship with George to the family and began to feel a little silly about her previous qualms. George's leg rubbed reassuringly against hers, the meal was delicious, and the company was as enjoyable as ever: Hermione had no complaints.
-o-O-o-
"Ok, we should be leaving," Angelina commented as evening faded into night, motioning to Fred and the twins. After dinner, the younger Weasleys had congregated in the living room, but it didn't take long for the infant Weasley twins to grow cranky: a sure sign that they needed to be taken home and put to bed.
"Er yah...I have practice tomorrow morning and I'm exhausted from all that shopping," Ginny added, joining Fred and Angelina on her feet in the living room.
"I'll head out with you," Harry offered, hoisting himself off of the couch and linking his arm around Ginny.
"We'll be leaving too," Lavender said, including her and Ron on the list of people departing.
"Well, Mione…Guess we should head out as well," George glanced at Hermione with a sly smile.
"Alright," Hermione replied, hoping her voice didn't betray her excitement at the prospect of a repeat of the previous night.
"Oh, wait. Leaving together are we?" Fred turned with a laugh as he was heading out of the living room.
"Er," Hermione sputtered.
"It would appear to be that way, wouldn't it?" George answered with a wide grin.
"Well then…have a nice time you two," Fred said with an obvious wink. As everyone left the Burrow, the good-natured chiding continued, all of it at the expense of George and Hermione. However, with her hand tucked firmly into George's, Hermione didn't mind in the least.
Author's Note: Thanks again for the readership. Please leave a comment and make my day! Also good news [hopefully you consider it good news]: I've come up with a plot line for my next Hermione/George story, so that means there will be another one after this one. I think it's going to be called Hermione Granger and the Question of When. I'm pretty excited about it even though I won't start working on it until this one is completed. Message me if you have any suggestions/things you'd like to see included. I've love to be able to consider any reader ideas! – SJ
