Author's Notes: Repeat reviewers! Thanks so much! I planned on having a new chapter up sooner but I had two tests this week, so I apologize. I'll try and make this extra long for you!
It's been edited slightly and I'm trying to adjust things to make it easier to read on which tends to be quite temperamental. Any suggestions?
Chapter Five
We're like family, right?
"Ah. Good day Miss Granger!" Dumbledore stood at the top of the steps next to the Gryffindor Tower entrance with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. "I am so pleased you could meet with me on such short notice. I haven't disturbed your schedule have I?"
Hermione smiled, having been pulled from her reverie, reminiscing of her days in Gryffindor Tower. "Of course you haven't Headmaster." He already knew that, she was sure. He always knew everything, that hadn't changed. Some things had, however. He was getting to be very old and it was beginning to show. His eyes never lost their mystery and twinkle, but if you looked into them, you could see the years of hardships he had overcome. His features had become quite wrinkled and he relied heavily on his cane to walk, not quite the lively Headmaster Hermione had once known.
"I had a feeling you would be here," he gestured toward the entrance. "Would you like to step inside?"
She hesitated.
"I dare say you'll find that very little has changed. That's the appeal of this castle, this school. It tends to always remain just as you left it."
"Yes," Hermione sighed happily, "I've noticed." The castle hadn't changed, not even the grounds. The Weeping Willow still remained on its stomping ground, Hagrid's Hut just below. The building still immaculate and the lake glistened in the sun-light.
Suddenly she looked up to find Dumbledore smiling down on her thoughtfully; he already knew she'd decline the offer. "Sorry I seem distracted. There are just so many memories," she smiled wistfully. "We should probably head to your office before I get too become with remembering my school days."
They were soon sitting in the Headmaster's office enjoying some Sparkling Pumpkin Juice in a comfortable silence until Dumbledore sat and looked at her intently. "I don't suppose you know why I've asked you here."
It wasn't a question though Hermione shook her head. Dumbledore smiled, "Good, I was afraid Professor Wood might have told you. He was excited with the idea."
Hermione looked quizzically. "He quite alarmed me when he arrived at my flat. I inquired, but he declined to give me any information no matter how much I begged," she laughed softly.
"You have been away from the wizarding world for some time now. How do you feel about rejoining it for a good cause?"
Hermione didn't know whether to be alarmed, upset, worried, angered, remorseful…so she went with confused. "I don't understand. What is the cause?"
He smiled, "Education, of course" sitting back in his chair as though that explained everything.
Hermione thought a moment. "Education? You want me to come back to the wizarding world to attend more schooling?" She looked unconvinced of her conclusion, "I have already tried going to an academy of higher - "
"Not an academy of higher rank," Dumbledore interrupted. "On the contrary, I'd like you to return to this school."
Hermione was more than confused and her face showed it. "You want me to come back to Hogwarts?" Her tone was very unsure, but still controlled and even. "But, I…" she paused as a thought finally came to her, "You want me to teach? Here?"
Dumbledore smiled brightly and nodded proudly. "Arithmancy."
"Why?" Hermione asked without thinking, then quickly recovered herself, "Not that I am not honored that you would ask me Headmaster, I just…is there no one better qualified?"
Dumbledore stood up, quite sure the meeting was about finished, "Since we will now be colleagues and not professor to pupil, do call me Albus. In fact, I'm sure it would be preferred if you called all the professors by their first names. Minerva will explain all of that, of course." He walked around his desk and picked a book up off the corner. "This will be your textbook. Knowing you, I'm sure you'll want to get an early start."
"But I - "
"Minerva will send you a letter detailing all of your duties, your schedule, expectations, rules, et cetera."
"I am too inexperienced… I can't -"
"You were one of the best students we've ever had in Arithmancy and with your passion and enthusiasm for the subject as well as learning in general; you will be an excellent edition to our teaching staff." Dumbledore opened the door to walk her out.
"You're sure about this?" Hermione was quite flustered at this point, but realized that this was not an offer, it was an order.
He smiled warmly and put a reassuring arm around her shoulder. "I know you're worried. I'd like you to know that you were the only person I'd choose for this job."
Hermione smiled, "Thank you."
They walked silently to the hall. "I suppose you can make it from here?"
She nodded.
"If you have any questions, owl myself or Minerva. The old friend you ran into might be a large help as well."
Her brow wrinkled in thought, "My old friend? But Head- Albus, you're the only one I saw in the castle."
His smile grew mysterious, "I was speaking of the friend you saw in Hogsmeade before you arrived. It might benefit you to speak to him about your return to Hogwarts."
"But, why?"
"I will see you very soon Miss, or Professor Granger."
She smiled cheekily, the school bringing out some of her old spunk. "That's Hermione, Albus," and she turned to head home. She might stop by a certain shoppe in Hogsmeade first, however.
The bell on the door rang. Oh good, George thought, a customer. He had just finished up all the required paperwork for the month, including the bills. When did I start making such effective use of my time? He mused, looking up to find the current victim, err uhh, customer who was whistling quite happily.
"Heya Georgey boy!" Smiled Fred, guilty of being both the 'customer' and the annoying happy whistler. "Isn't a beautiful day!"
George looked inquiringly at his brother with his eyebrows slightly raised as he studied him from behind the counter. Fred wandered mindlessly around the shop, examining the some of the stock with a big goofy grin on his face before heading to the back to discard his jacket. It may be August, but the weather would suggest otherwise.
"I guess it is nice for England," George bumbled. He considered questioning his brother's chummy mood, but decided against it. Those same unnerving thoughts he was having about his brother's reason for being late were creeping back into his imagination. He shuddered as Fred stepped back out into the store.
"Cold, mate?"
"No, I was just…never mind," George shook his head and busied himself with gathering up the papers that needed filing. "It's been slow this morning, a few customers," he informed Fred as he headed back to the file room. He wasn't really in the mood to talk to his brother and either have information he didn't want to share be told or have information he didn't want to know, be told. Either way, it was easier if he left the room.
"Not even going to ask why I was late?" George cringed.
"I suppose you're going to tell me," George sighed as he turned around facing Fred with that big goofy grin getting even wider. George couldn't help but smile a little, allowing a small chuckle to escape his lips. His brother just looked so incredibly…stupid!
"That's the way! Good to see you smile again." Fred patted his brother warmly on the arm. "You've been so down lately."
He had, it was true. He was surprised Fred had noticed, they barely saw one another outside of work anymore. Ever since Fred started dating Alicia Spinnet last year, the twins had grown apart. Then when Fred came to George to ask if Alicia could move into their flat with them, George had graciously stepped down. That was a month ago. George, however, hadn't been happy for a long time. Everyone just assumed he jealous of his brother's relationship. He wasn't. He was happy for his brother and he really liked Alicia. They seemed perfect for one another and she made his brother the happiest he'd ever been. It was only a matter of time before –
George's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by his brother's jubilant shout. "Wha…what! You, you're what?" He couldn't believe his ears. Did his brother just say he was –
"I'm getting married!" Fred whooped. "I asked her last night and she said Yes! She Said Yes!" Fred sighed, "Can you believe it!"
"Fred, that's, that's wonderful!" The twins enveloped one another in big hugs. "I know you and Alicia will be very happy together! I didn't even know you were going to ask her." George was smiling brightly now too, his brother's happiness was just infectious.
"Neither did I really," Fred conceded. "It just sort of happened. We were sitting in the living room, just talking, when she started to nod off a bit. I looked at her beautiful face. So sweet and peaceful and I realized just how much I love her. I thought of living without her and my eyes began to tear up." George's jaw dropped. "I know, me, crying? So then she awoke and came to me full of concern and I knelt there and asked her," Fred shook his head, coming back from the pleasant memory of last night's events. "I didn't even have a ring. That's why I was late; we went this morning to find one."
"Fred, don't worry about it. I am just so happy for you! Have you told Mum yet? She'll be ecstatic! She's been waiting for the next Weasley wedding for ages!"
Fred laughed, "I owled her this morning and told her to gather the family for dinner, that I had an announcement to make. So I'm sure she assumes we're engaged."
George laughed, "I am so happy for you mate!" He gave his brother another hug. "I'm going to take my lunch while you're here. When I get back, you head home to that fiancée of yours," he winked.
"Come on George, I can't do that! I was already late, you should be the one taking the rest of the day off."
"No, no," George waved his hands in front of his face, "I insist." He put on his jacket and headed toward the door, "See you in an hour. I'll be at The Three Broomsticks if you need me."
-
"Regular George?" asked the beautiful Madame Rosmerta. It didn't matter how old she got, she was still the bustling, curvaceous woman that could make most any man swoon.
George smiled, "That would be great. I think I'll have a shot of firewhisky as well, if that's alright."
"Anything for you George," she winked flirtatiously and pinched him on the cheek. George blushed. Why did she always have this effect on him? He ate here nearly every day he worked in Hogsmeade, "Over by the window?"
"I'll be there," he winked.
George tucked in to the Daily Prophet. The front page headline read, Hogwarts Resumes, Better Than Ever by Emma Dobbs. George smiled, better than ever it is! Especially with myself as the newest Potions Professor. Oh! I forgot to tell Fred, he was so happy about his engagement. I suppose its best this way; I'll make the announcement at dinner tonight. It will be nice to see everyone again.
Severus Snape was killed in the war. He worked very hard as a covert spy and is almost as responsible for Voldemort's defeat as Harry himself was. He was found out, however, by his fellow death eaters, right after Harry had defeated Voldemort and was then tortured and killed.
He looked up to find an amused Madame Rosmerta smiling down on him. "You are awfully chipper today George. It is lovely to see you smile."
"I've had a very eventful few days. You see I…oh," George blushed and looked out the window to hide his embarrassment. "I'm sure you were just – Hermione."
Madame Rosmerta looked a bit offended. It was rare that a man didn't give her their full attention and even less rare that they referred to her by the wrong name. "Hermione?" But before George could answer Hermione came through the door and headed toward George's table. His gaze followed her and Madame Rosmerta's gaze followed George's. "Oh," she smiled. "Well, have a good lunch George," she smiled as Hermione made it to the table. "To drink dear?"
Hermione smiled familiarly, though she was sure Madame Rosmerta would not remember her, "Butterbeer please." Madame Rosmerta snapped her fingers and a steaming glass of butterbeer appeared on her tray. She set it on the table and hurried back to the bar.
George stood awkwardly, "Please sit." He gestured toward the chair opposite him. "No appearances in two years and now we meet twice in one day. To what do I owe this fine pleasure?" he smiled gallantly.
She laughed. He could always make her laugh, for as long as she could remember. "I assure you the first meeting was by chance. This one I rather planned?"
"My handsome face haunts your thoughts then?"
She tried to keep a perfectly straight face, "It's true. I've been pining after you all these years."
Now it was his turn to laugh. "Seeing as I don't believe that for a second Miss Granger, may I inquire as to why you wanted to meet with me again today?"
"Actually," she smiled, "Dumbledore rather suggested it."
"Dumbledore?"
"Yes. I had a meeting with him this morning,"
"Oh yes, you told me of your meeting. What were you speaking to him about? Surely you're not planning on reentering our humble world of magic?" a smirk playing on his lips.
"Actually," she looked distant, "I am. He's asked me to teach Arithmancy and didn't really give me the option to decline the offer. Same of Dumbledore, or Albus, I suppose."
"Albus, yes," George chuckled. "Yes, I find the first-name thing to be quite a change as well."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, all professors are asked to call one another by first names. I'm glad that no one will be calling me Professor Weasley," he shuddered, "That just seems too strange. Not as strange, however, as having to call McGonagall, Minerva."
"You're going to be teaching as well!" Hermione's eyes visibly brightened causing George to smile. She didn't know why that excited her so much. "I suppose that's why Dumble, err Albus, I'm never going to get that, suggested I speak with you."
"I am sure glad he did," he winked flirtatiously causing a slight blush to grace Hermione's cheeks. "It's also nice to think that I finally knew something before the know-it all Granger," he smirked.
"I'd be careful, Professor Weasley, you are seeming far too like an old schoolmate of mine, a one Draco Malfoy." George dropped his jaw in mock offence before they both broke into laughter.
They chatted idly over lunch. Hermione filled him in on her endless string of jobs and George listened attentively adding snide comments every one in a while and questioning the things he didn't understand. (His father may work in Muggle Relations but, he was realizing, he was fairly clueless as to the Muggle world.) George droned on about the monotonous and hum-drum life he led.
George looked at his watch, "Bullocks!" he said softly as he stood pulling on his jacket.
"What's wrong?" Hermione looked worried.
"I was supposed to be back at the shoppe fifteen minutes ago," he turned to face the bar. "On my tab," the bartender nodded. "Hers too," George added, gesturing toward Hermione.
"No George, really, I -"
"I insist," he smiled placing a hand on the arm reaching for her purse.
"Thank you."
"Anytime," he winked as he buttoned his jacket. "I hate to rush off like this but…,"
"No, no. I understand." In the meantime, she had pulled on her jacket and gathered her bag.
They walked out the door together and stopped just outside standing in the road.
"Well…" said George.
"Well…" she smiled as George reached in for a hug. It was a comfortable hug that neither wanted to break though finally he did. "I suppose I'll see you soon."
"Tonight," George replied as he turned to head back to work.
"Tonight?" Hermione followed a few steps.
"Weasley family dinner, you know. There are many big announcements and, of course, you'll have to make yours," he looked at her as though he were completely serious.
Her eyebrows rose anxiously, "Really George, I can't."
"Nonsense," he walked back toward her and nipped her chin with his finger. "After all, all these Weasley's with their girlfriends, I'll be needing a date," he smiled as she visibly blushed.
"George…" she started quietly.
"Good, it's settled. Should I pick you up at your flat?"
"No, you'll never be able to find it." She'd given up this battle; it was obvious she was on a bit of a losing streak today, though she didn't mind having lost either of the battles.
"Outside the Burrow then. At six-thirty. Dinner starts promptly at seven. I'll see you then," he said as he placed a light kiss on her forehead and headed off toward the store. He didn't know why he seemed to be so affectionate with her. He wasn't normally affectionate with women he wasn't related to, but Hermione was practically family. Right?
She stood there a few seconds, just smiling to herself. Her life finally seemed to be looking up again; it had been a long time. She would really enjoy working with George, though she had to wonder what compelled him to kiss her. Though it was nothing more than a friendly kiss, it still didn't seem like something George would do. She hadn't really known him too well when she was young and it had been years, perhaps he'd changed. Besides, he was practically a brother to her. Wasn't he?
Little did they know that through the window of The Three Broomsticks, they were on display for a certain waitress. She smiled to herself, "They'll both be at Hogwarts." She couldn't help but laugh, "What is Albus up to now?"
Author's Notes: Yay! Three thousand words! I hope that makes up for it not being updated sooner. I love writing dialogue with George and Hermione, they're perfect for each other.:0) Sorry to all the Snape-lovers! Don't hate me. Be sure to stay tuned for the Weasley family dinner. We'll find out what Ron, Bill and Lee Jordan are up to.
