George checked his watch nervously. Finally, finally he was going to see her. He had waited much too long in his opinion. He was standing on the corner of Burbank and Guardian--a more secluded area of Diagon Alley--waiting for her. Every time a witch came into view, George jumped, assuming it was Hermione. But as she would near him, he would realize quickly that it really looked nothing like her and he had been stupid to believe it was her in the first place. He sighed. She'll be here, he told himself anxiously. She has to be here.
And then he saw a witch come over the rise, walking very quickly and constantly glancing over her shoulder. George knew that had to be Hermione, but he waited all the same, trying not to watch her every step.
"George!" she cried when she caught sight of him. She ran swiftly to him and hugged him tightly.
"Hermione, I...I know it sounds stupid, but I didn't think I'd ever get to see you again," George said, blushing slightly. When he realized he was clutching her hands tightly, he let go. "Sorry."
"It's okay!" she said happily. "So, what have you been up to?" she asked. "I mean, besides the job and everything."
George stared at her--she was beaming at him, and he couldn't seem to find the words to speak. "I've never seen you this happy. It's so odd..."
Hermione blushed, her cheeks turning a light pink color. "I'm just glad to see you, that's all. I haven't had any real human--wizard, rather--contact in such a long time. I suppose Harry sent me a letter and I've gotten a few from...well, from Ron..." She trailed off. Talking about Ron seemed to make her feel uncomfortable. "But I'm here with you, now."
George smiled. "So, uh, what do you want to do?"
"Oh, I don't care," Hermione said quickly. "Whatever you want."
"No, no," George said. "You decide."
"George!" she laughed, then thought a moment. "All right. How 'bout we go get a glass of butterbeer. It's been a while since I've had some."
"Your wish is my command," he joked, bowing very low. Hesitantly, he took her hand and they walked back to the Leaky Cauldron.
"See you around, Oliver!" Katie Bell shouted. She held the smooth broomstick in her hands lovingly. Her smile fading quickly, she walked away from the repair shop. Despite her pleasant demeanor in the shop, she really was having a rather depressing summer: Her grandmother (who was a witch as well) suddenly fell ill and passed away, her family was constantly being harassed for being "Muggle lovers," and to top it all off, she had absolutely no direction in her life.
Katie sighed. The N.E.W.T.s had been difficult and she had done fairly well, but that still hadn't helped her out. Suddenly she stopped moving, staring at a pair of wizards walking hand in hand down the street. It was George Weasley and Hermione Granger. She was stunned, unable to move from the shock going through her body. George and Hermione--she had assumed there was nothing there! She had hoped there was nothing there. Unable to control her curiosity, she followed them.
"Two butterbeers," George said, and two flagons were thrust into his open hands. "Thanks." He and Hermione sat down. "You know," he began, glancing around at the crowded pub, "I'm starting to think this was a bad idea."
"Sorry, George," Hermione apologized. "Maybe this whole thing was a bad idea--everything about it."
George watched her skeptically. "What do you mean? Oh, Hermione, you're not having second thoughts about us, are you? Again," he added. "I don't like this secrecy either, but until you tell Ron, it's the only thing we can do."
Hermione nodded. "I told him I was getting back from China at the end of July." She took a deep breath. "I'll send him a letter then."
"I think it would be respectful to him if you told him personally," George said quietly. "He is my brother, after all."
Hermione nodded nervously and smiled weakly. "Of course, George, you're right. I'll tell him to his face."
Katie stared at the pair sadly. It had been inevitable, of course. When it came right down to things, George was as determined and stubborn as Oliver Wood. If he wanted something badly enough, he would do anything to get it.
Stop being jealous, she told herself. He likes Hermione, not you--he maybe even loves her. "I can't take it anymore," she muttered and marched over to their table. Unfortunately, she wasn't paying attention to anything but George, and she barreled right into a waitress.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Katie cried, bending down to pick up the spilled glasses.
"No need," the old woman said, flicking her wand out. "No 'arm done." She put on a toothy--or rather not toothy, as she was missing many teeth--grin.
Katie forced a smile in return. "Again, I'm really sorry." The waitress walked back to the bar to refill the drinks, and when Katie turned back to George's table, he was gone. "Where...?" was all that came out of her mouth. She pushed her way through the crowd and out the door into the streets of London. But George was nowhere in sight. Not bothering to check if anyone was watching, she Apparated.
"I'd better get home," said Hermione a little uneasily. "My parents get worried when I'm late."
George nodded. "Sure. You know how my mum gets." He laughed. "Of course, she thinks I'm at work."
"Well, uh, bye, then," Hermione said. "I'll see you in a few weeks, maybe. I don't know how Ron will take it."
"Just don't worry about it, okay?" He smiled, waiting for her to do the same. "Okay?"
"Okay. I'll try not to." Hermione hugged him quickly.
"Have a safe trip back," George said. "Don't get mugged in the--er--tub train?"
Hermione laughed. "The tube," she said, grinning. "Good-bye, George." She started walked away and he Apparated.