I don't own the characters or setting, they belong to JKR :)


The nurse at the hospital looked at them with pity, as they read the page from the yellow book. They had gone to St Mungos bright and early the next morning, determined to get a second opinion. She set down the book with a sad smile.

"So I know this seems like the worst, but don't give up hope. The spell you used was modified, even though it was done accidentally, that still means there could be a chance of reversal. The potion is a good place to start. We will brew it, and then owl it to you when it's ready, and you can send us the results. For now let's take a look at those vitals" She smiled and both sighed in relief. There was hope. Hermione laid down on the bed, George standing beside her. The nurse cast the spell, bringing up Hermione's vitals and gasped. Hermione's head shot towards her.

"What? What's wrong!" She asked, panic rising in her throat. George gripped her hand, his eyes filled with worry. The nurse leaned closer to the magical screen.

"Well it looks like… I don't know how it's possible, but your magic is off the charts. I'm surprised it isn't bursting out of you" As the nurse said it, Hermione became aware of how true it felt. She felt like she was radiating magic all around it, and it pulsed within her intensely.

"I need to check George, to see if it is affecting him as well" She said quickly, and Hermione slid off the bed, George taking her place. She stood next to the nurse, as she pulled up his vitals. There it was, magic bursting at the seams it read. The nurse looked at the screen in awe.

"Have you two had some sort of extended contact? Your magic seems to connect through touch, that's the only reasonable explanation I can think of" She thought out loud, raising a hand to her chin. Hermione froze and locked eyes with George. Heat rose to her cheeks and a grin slid onto his face.

"Um, well, yes.. you see-" Hermione stumbled out and the nurse looked between the two, realization setting in. Her cheeks became rosy and she stuttered uncomfortably.

"Right, well, I suppose that makes sense. I'd like you to track your magic, daily, whether you… well you know, or not. The information should be helpful" The nurse stated, writing information down in her notebook.

"Of course, will you need anything else from us?" Hermione asked, standing next to George once again. The nurse shook her head, standing up.

"No dear, and don't worry too much" She smiled sincerely, and then left the room. George stood up and smiled at Hermione.

"Well that's a relief" She nodded and picked up her books. They walked down the hall and into the floo area.

"I guess we will have to put the new theory to the test" George winked at Hermione and she gasped, hitting his arm.

"George Weasley, behave" She laughed, taking his hand. It felt so natural to do so now. They flooed home, almost bumping into Fred. He laughed, dusting soot off of his pants.

"Sorry! Was just heading to the Burrow, Mum sent me an owl inviting me over, and it's roast night so obviously I am" He winked and Hermione snorted. She glanced at George.

"You didn't get an owl?" She asked him and he nodded. Her eyes widened.

"You ignored your mother's letter? That's awfully rude" She crossed her arms and Fred snickered beside her. George hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I didn't want to put you in a position where you had to see Ron…" He said and her heart swelled in her chest. She continued to be amazed by his kindness. Before thinking she stepped forwards and kissed him, rising onto her toes. The third party in the room coughed awkwardly and Hermione froze, forgetting that no one knew about them yet. She spun around, an excuse on her lips. Fred held up his hand, a look of disgust written all over his face.

"I knew. Besides how obvious you two are, I heard you last night. Mate you need to remember a silencing charm next time" He pretended to gag and Hermione felt the air escape her lungs, her face going beat red.

"I- Uh-" Hermione stuttered and Fred laughed.

"It's fine, I am happy for you two, George deserves a smart witch like you" He nodded at his brother, who smiled. Hermione, still flustered, let out a soft sigh. Fred nodded and stepped into the fireplace, heading to the Burrow. Hermione turned to George.

"Silencing charm, wow… Uh well anyway, should we go too? I'm okay I promise. Ron is one of my best friends, even after everything" She said, and George nodded, a sad smile on his face. She tugged his arm playfully.

"Plus, you'll be there, and I'm happy just to be wherever you are" She smiled shyly, and he caught her lips with a kiss.

"I guess we could tell them about us too" He said, grabbing her hand. She looked up at him, through her lashes.

"Us?" She whispered, and he nodded with a goofy smile on his face.

"You are my girlfriend now right? I didn't see you naked for nothing?" He teased and she smacked his arm laughing.

"Did you want me to be?" She asked playfully, and his face turned serious. She froze and he took her hand in his.

"I do, I want you to be mine and only mine" He said and she sucked in a breath, nodding. He smiled and stole another kiss.

"Good"

They arrived at the Burrow and stepped into the room, surprising everyone but Fred. Molly ran over and pulled them into a hug. Harry followed her lead and Hermione hugged him extra tight. They hadn't seen much of each other in the past month, and she was missing her friend. When they pulled away she noticed Ron sitting on the couch. He had a straight face, but she could see the guilt in his eyes. Hermione turned to George.

"I am going to speak with Ron I think, will you be okay here? I think our magic might let us farther apart after last night…" Hermione trailed off, a shy smile on her face. He nodded and handed her his coin.

"I'll rub Fred's if I need you" He smiled and she nodded, letting go of his hand. She walked up to Ron, who looked at her nervously.

"Can we talk?" She asked and he nodded, casting a suspicious glance at George.

"You can be this far from him?" He asked, crossing his arms. She nodded, a tight smile on her face.

"We've been working on figuring out how to unlink our magic" He simply nodded and led the way. The family cast them nervous glances, but Hermione just smiled and followed Ron outside. They sat on the bench in the back, by the garden. It was silent for several moments before Ron spoke, his voice tense.

"Listen 'Mione, about the other day, I was a real prat, I am so sorry-" He rushed, tugging a hand through his hair. She nodded, her chest feeling tight.

"It's alright, you weren't yourself" She whispered and he shook his head, turning to face her.

"It's not, and if George wasn't there, I don't know what I would have done. I barely even remember it" He trailed off and Hermione winced. She almost felt bad for him.

"Ron, I forgive you, let's just move on, yeah?" She tried to smile and he nodded, grabbing her hand.

"I know you don't feel the same way right now, but I know I can make you feel that way again, like in school" He insisted, sliding closer to her. Hermione froze, pulling her hand back. He didn't seem to mind, his determination clear in his eyes.

"Ron-" She tried, but then Molly's voice boomed from inside, signalling it was dinner. Ron stood up, taking her hand and pulling her inside with him. Hermione's insides twisted uncomfortably, as she locked eyes with George. He shot her a worried glance and she tried to send him a signal, pleading in her brain for him to come over. He looked confused, but then she caught Fred's eye and he seemed to immediately understand, coming over and stepping between her and Ron. Ron let go of her hand, startled, as Fred started talking to Hermione about the shop. He pulled out her chair for her and then sat down on her right, George sliding into the chair on her left. She let out a breath. Ron's face filled with annoyance, as he took the seat across the table. Hermione gripped George's hand under the table and he gave her a smile.

"Oh I am so glad you all are here, it has really started to feel like an empty house, now that it's just Ron, Harry, and Ginny" Molly chatted across the table. She looked like she suddenly remembered something, standing up and addressing the table.

"Oh I forgot to mention earlier, Charlie is getting married! He'll be getting married here, a month from now. I know it's soon, and not much notice, but we will make it work, we'll finally have a proper wedding here. Now Harry and Ron, please make sure you inform your work. Fred and George will you be open by then? If so please consider closing the shop for the day to help celebrate your brother" She finished and the table nodded, excitement buzzing around.

"We wouldn't miss it" Fred and George said in unison and Hermione giggled. Individual conversations broke out around the table and Hermione ended up chatting with Ginny, who was beside Ron.

"I can't wait to have an excuse to wear a fancy dress again, except this time me and Harry will get to have a proper dance!" She exclaimed, winking at Harry. His cheeks turned pink and he laughed. Everyone seemed to be excited. Hermione felt her heart race, the idea of dancing with George filling her mind. A foot grazed hers, bringing her out of her daydream. She looked up and met the eyes of Ron. He grinned at her.

"Should be a lot of fun, just like old times" He hinted and she gave him a tight smile, nodding.

"I am happy for Charlie" Hermione said, and then George cut in.

"I hate to kill the good vibe, but me and Hermione have some bad news…" He frowned and the table immediately went silent. The only sound was Ron eating, and Ginny smacked the back of his head. Hermione sighed, nodding along with George.

"We found the book, with the spell" She started, everyone staring at her. She wrung her fingers together.

"There's no way to reverse it. The spell is too advanced, too unknown, and the creator is dead… there's this potion that can help manage the effects-" She was interrupted by George.

"Our magic seems to be affected by how much contact we have, so when we-" He was cut off by a sharp kick to the leg. Hermione gave him a hard look and he froze. She hoped he understood that this was not a good time to tell the family about them. He coughed and continued.

"Er, right anyway, we'll be owled some of the potion from St Mungos and then 'Mione is going to brew some for us if it goes well" He finished and Hermione sighed in relief. Ron had a strange look on his face, but said nothing. Mrs Weasley was the first to speak.

"Well we will figure it out, and we all are hopeful. Let's enjoy the wedding and go from there shall we" She smiled and then they went back to eating. Harry was asking Hermione about the information in the book, while Ron was shooting George an intense look. Suddenly he stood, nodding his head towards the stairs.

"Oi George, let's go have a chat" George narrowed his eyes, then nodded, the two leaving the room. Hermione's eyes followed them out the room, filled with anxiety. Ginny smiled at her reassuringly, across the table.

"Did Ron seem okay?" She whispered across the table and Ginny just shrugged. The two boys returned in one piece and Hermione let out a breath. George was frowning, and Ron looked annoyed, but there were no bruises or broken bones. She wondered what they had talked about. The dinner finished and the twins and Hermione were standing by the door, saying their goodbyes. George and Fred were hugging their parents, and Ron approached Hermione. She froze, giving him a tight smile.

"Bye 'Mione, I guess I'll see you for party planning next week. Unless you want to go get coffee or something" He said, his eyes hopeful. Hermione nodded with a small smile.

"Maybe, but you know George would have to come…" She trailed off, and he frowned, looking annoyed.

"Right" He smiled again, pulling her in for a hug. She returned it, and as she went to pull away, he held her tighter, his hands sliding lower on her back. She quickly jumped away from him.

"Ron" She hissed and he just looked at her innocently. George came over, taking her hand, and she felt relief flood her chest. Ron slipped away, after shooting George a glare. The three left, promising to come back soon to help with the wedding.