Chapter Two

Feeling Something More

"Hermione, I came as soon as I could," Ginny said bursting into the hospital room. Hermione snapped out of her thoughts. Ginny stopped at the foot of the bed. "OH, she's beautiful Hermione," she whispered.

Hermione beamed with pride, "This is Arianna. Arianna say hi to your aunty Ginny."

"Hi Arianna," Ginny cooed, coming up beside Hermione.

"Would you like to hold her?" Hermione asked the new aunt.

"I'd love too," Ginny smiled, stretching her arms out. Hermione placed the baby in her aunt's arms. Arianna blinked as she stared up into Ginny's face.

"She's amazing Mione," Ginny said rocking the baby back and forth. "She looks just like George," her voice becoming quiet. Hermione nodded.

As Ginny continues to fawn over Arianna Hermione's thoughts drifted back in time.

-FLASHBACK-

August faded and soon it was time to head back to Hogwarts. Hermione knew that this year wouldn't be the same, too many things had happened over the summer. Even so Hermione was looking forward to going back to school and getting her mind off the horrific events of the summer.

Everyone was starting to adjust to the new times. This was going to be the last year for Harry, Ron and Hermione, before they headed out into the real world. They wanted to make the most of it. They probably wouldn't have much more of a chance. Mrs. Weasly accompanied them to King's Cross that September morning. George also came along to bid farewell to everyone, specifically Hermione, leaving Fred to manage their joke shop for the morning.

No one really knew how close George and Hermione had gotten in the past month. Sure they had seen the two in each other's company quite often but they didn't think much of it.

Hermione herself wasn't sure how close they were. Ever since that faithful day, when George had come out and sat with her they shared each other's company a lot. It was amazing how fast the month went by. He was always there for her when she needed to talk or when she needed a good laugh. He talked to her too. She listened to him as he listened to her. By month's end Hermione was able to tell the twins apart, when sometimes even their mother couldn't.

Hermione had developed feelings for George but she wasn't exactly sure what they were. Her and George were just friends right? People who enjoyed one another's company?

Somewhere in the back of her mind though, Hermione felt it was something more. She kept this to herself though. He probably didn't feel the same way. She had liked Ron for so many years; he probably thought she still did.

That morning King's Cross Station was quite busy. Harry, Hermione and the Weasly's had gotten there early and we able to load their trunks on the train before everyone became rushed. They stood together on the platform, saying their goodbyes.

"Keep an eye on those two and make sure they don't slack off. I don't want them ruining their last year because of everything that's happened," Mrs. Weasly said hugging Hermione. She was of course referring to Ron and Harry. Hermione plastered a smile on her face and nodded.

Mrs. Weasly scurried off, wrapping Ginny in a hug. Hermione giggled as she watched Ginny struggle against her mother.

"Laughing is medicine, I always say. It's a good way to start off the year." Hermione turned around to find George smirking at her.

"It is isn't it?" Hermione felt butterflies form in her stomach.

"What's going on? This is just George, why do you feel so nervous?" Hermione thought to herself.

The whistle on the train blew and everyone started boarding. It happened really fast and suddenly Hermione found herself in George's arms.

"Take care of yourself o.k.? And if anyone bothers you, floo me and I'll come put 'em right," George sniggered as he continued to hug her. Hermione put her arms around him and hugged him back. She felt him relax. When had he been tense? "Remember, the shop's in Hogsmade so I'm sure I'll be seeing you around," George pulled away from her just as Mrs. Weasly came running towards them.

"Hurry dear, Ron, Harry and Ginny are already on the train. I'll see you over Christmas break. Take care," Mrs. Weasly led Hermione to the train. Hermione quickly found the others already in a compartment and sat down beside Ron. The train slowly started to pull away. Looking out the window Hermione watched George wave to her. Soon he was out of sight and the train was speeding past the country side.

"Hermione are you o.k.?" Ron asked touching her shoulder.

"You know what guys?" Hermione addressed not only Ron but Harry and Ginny as well.

They all looked at her. "What?" Ginny asked after no one volunteered to speak.

"I don't think this year is going to be so bad."