Characters: JK Story: Me Sorry, sorry, sorry! No computer access in the snow. Hermione makes some decisions that shock Severus. Could another romance be brewing?
Hermione spent the next day avoiding anywhere Severus would be and planning her next move. The only think she knew was that she couldn't stay at Hogwarts. No one knew about her pregnancy yet, except for Harry, but as soon as they found out neither her nor Severus would be safe from their ridicule.
Hermione knew she couldn't leave in the middle of the year without offering a replacement. The only person she could think of was Harry and it was an awfully big favor to ask. Still, ask she did and by the end of the week it was agreed that Harry would replace her for the rest of the year.
All that was left to do was find a place for her to live. Ginny was able to help her with that. She convinced Hermione to stay with George, at least until she could figure out her more long term goals. Hermione wasn't sure, but a visit by George, where Ron and Severus were soundly bashed changed her mind.
That Sunday McGonagall announced to the students, to their great delight, that Hermione's classes would be taken over by Harry Potter for the remainder of the year. At the other end of the table Snape dropped his silverware on his plate. Never in million years did he think she would leave her post at Hogwarts.
After dinner he tried to get close enough to talk to her but the crowds of kids surrounding her and Harry was an effective barrier. He would try a letter, it had worked before, and maybe it would work again. He wrote his letter, quickly apologizing and begging to see her. He stayed up for hours, hoping for a reply, praying she would show up. The sun rose without a reply or a visit from her and at breakfast she was gone, leaving only an angry looking Harry Potter at the head table.
Hermione smiled at the ginger-haired man when she stopped out of the floo; she'd never been happier to see a Weasley in her life. George was an excellent host, carefully showing her round his flat. He pointed out his office, which contained a painting of Fred. Hermione stared at it for a moment absolutely certain he winked at her. Her room was small, but comfortably furnished.
After she unpacked her few things they sat down for a quick lunch before George had to get back to his shop. George was funny and managed to take her mind off most of her problems, but couldn't silence the one question running circles in her head. "George, aren't you worried about what people will say about you when they find out I'm pregnant and living with you?"
"Nah, we think it will be the biggest prank ever. Besides, who cares what those tossers think? You and me, we're family; I'd do anything for you." He put his hand over hers and smiled.
She could see the truth in his eyes and smiled back. It would be so easy to fall in love with him, so safe. Each of them damaged in their own way, neither of them would do anything to hurt the other. Still, deep in her heart she knew she could never love anyone the way she had Severus, the way she still loved him.