Almost done! I don't own the characters or setting they belong to JKR
The next morning they woke to a knock at the door. Hermione jumped out of bed, wrapping herself in a robe, stepping towards the door. George stayed in bed, watching with curiosity. Hermione opened the door slightly and sucked in a breath in surprise.
"Hey 'Mione" Ron said awkwardly from the other side of the door. She opened the door further so George could see him too. George quickly rose from the bed, sporting only boxers. Ron quickly looked away, feeling uncomfortable.
"How did you know we were here, and that this was our room?" Hermione asked, folding her arms over her chest. Ron shrugged slightly.
"I saw you two enter this building yesterday, and I just asked the front desk what room. They didn't tell me right away but you know…" He said, rubbing the back of his neck. Hermione stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do. She stepped aside slightly, offering him entrance. She heard George sigh in annoyance behind her.
"Come in I suppose" She said and he nodded with a small smile, stepping into their messy room. Hermione quickly shut her suitcases.
"Sorry, we're leaving today…" George said roughly, pulling on some sweatpants. Ron nodded, sitting in the chair in the corner. Hermione and George sat down on the edge of the bed, looking at Ron. A moment passed.
"Er, well I wanted to explain a bit better without Anna around… She doesn't know about anything from before, anything I've done…" He trailed off and Hermione narrowed her eyes. Ron shrunk back slightly.
"Anyway, I met her a couple days after the wedding, we were assigned as partners, and well, I suppose I was rebounding. She really is great though, we've been together for a couple months now" He started to explain and George rolled his eyes when Ron mentioned rebounding.
"Hermione… I hope you can forgive me… I know I've been a lousy friend. I never meant to act that way, but I suppose I was still suffering from the war-" He tried to explain but George stood up roughly.
"That's not a bloody excuse. We were all affected by the war, and you don't see us acting like you have" He hissed, crossing his arms in anger. Ron nodded, his face in a grimace.
"I know, and I completely agree. I am working on it I promise" He whispered, and before George could go off again, Hermione grabbed his hand, silencing him.
"Ron, I can't say I'll ever forgive you… But I appreciate you're trying. Maybe in time we can be friends again…" She said with a small smile. He nodded, his face lighting up. George continued to frown with his arms crossed. He had yet to forgive his brother.
"Ron, we need to finish packing" George frowned, nodding towards the door. Ron stood, saying a quick goodbye before leaving the way he had come. George stared out the window for a while, while Hermione packed.
"I really admire your ability to try and see the good in people" George said after a while. He turned, and Hermione could tell he was still upset. Hermione crossed the room, wrapping her arms around him.
"George, I probably won't ever forgive him, but I love you, and he's your brother. He was also my friend, before" She said, leaning into him. His face warmed and he dipped down to steal a kiss. When he pulled back, there were strange emotions swimming in his eyes. He looked away before she could ask about it. They continued to pack, and were soon heading out the door, whispering a sweet goodbye to Italy and their long vacation. Turning with a pop, they landed in their living room. Gasps came from the couch and as they both turned, Hermione let out a yelp, covering her eyes.
"Fred! Bloody hell, you knew we were coming home today" George shouted, covering his own eyes. A naked Fred and Angelina shifted on the couch, using the cushions to cover themselves. Hermione heard Fred chuckle, and although she couldn't see her, Hermione knew Angelina was beet red.
"Sorry! Fred said you were coming tomorrow" Angelina hissed, and Hermione heard her smack Fred who yelped in pain. They shuffled from the room and after a moment, Hermione opened her eyes to the empty room. She chuckled and made eye contact with George, who looked green.
"You don't think he did that on purpose do you" Hermione teased and George gagged, shaking his head.
"I don't know how he thought that would be funny" He hissed, taking her hand and leading her to their room. They unpacked slowly, chatting quietly as they went.
"I am happy Ron tried to make amends, you know. It takes a bit of the awkwardness away when we go to your Mum's" Hermione said and George nodded, begrudgingly.
"I'll never forgive him for what he did to you, you know" He said with a frown. Hermione nodded, a small smile on her face. He stepped over to her, softly taking her face in his hands. She gazed up at him through her lashes.
"You never deserve that. I promise I won't let anyone treat you like that again" He whispered and she felt tears rise in her eyes. She rose onto her toes, pressing her lips to his. Hermione noticed a stack of letters on their desk when they pulled away, piquing her interest. George whined at the lost contact but Hermione just chuckled. She opened the one with a St Mungos stamp on the front. Her eyes grazed the page and she smiled. George gave her a curious look.
"I have been writing with the hospital for a bit about what we found out, and they're grateful for the knowledge" Hermione said and he nodded. He grabbed a letter from the pile, opening it as well. His face lit up, and now it was her turn to send him a curious look.
"It's nothing, don't worry about it" He said quickly, tucking the letter into his pocket. Hermione frowned, wanting to press further, but he cut her off.
"Mum's expecting us, we should head over" He said hastily, and she sighed, stepping into the closet. He sat on the bed, waiting for her to finish getting changed. She stepped out after a moment and George sucked in a breath. She was wearing a flowy pink sundress with little flowers patterned across it.
"You're beautiful" He whispered and she blushed, whispering a thank you. They flooed over, and Hermione was just about knocked over by a rush of red hair.
"Hermione! I missed you, you look so nice! We have so much to talk about" Ginny chatted away, dragging Hermione from the room. George shot her a teasing look as she sent him a desperate one. Hermione sat on Ginny's bed, while the redhead chatted away, eager to catch up after months of being apart.
"So how was Italy?" She asked, excitement filling her voice. Hermione chuckled, leaning back onto her hands.
"It was beautiful, and spending it with George was really perfect. But you'll never believe this, we saw Ron while we were there. He was with a girl too" Hermione said, frowning. Ginny's eyes widened in shock.
"No, really? That bloody git" She said, crossing her arms.
"He said they've been together for a few months now" Hermione continued with another frown. Ginny nodded along, her face in a grimace.
"So this girl knows what kind of man he is?" She asked and Hermione shook her head.
"He met with us privately on our last day, he followed us to find our hotel. I feel sort of bad for her, you know.." She trailed off and her eyes caught the glimmer on Ginny's hand. She gasped, taking Ginny's hand in hers.
"Ginny, is this the ring? Oh my it's beautiful" Hermione gushed, looking at the ruby on her friend's finger. Ginny smiled widely, admiring the gem
"It's lovely isn't it? Harry has very nice taste" Hermione nodded, agreeing with her friend. They sat staring at the ring for a moment before a knock at the door caught their attention. A familiar tall redhead stepped into the room.
"Hey love, Mum's calling everyone for dinner early, she has prepared something special for dessert I think" George said and the girls stood.
"Hello to you too" Ginny said sarcastically. George chuckled, reaching a hand up and ruffling his sister's hair. She hissed, swatting his hand away.
"I've missed you Gin, and I've heard you've got a new rock to show off" He teased and she held up her hand. He gave it a nod, with a small smile.
"It's lovely" Ginny smiled and they filed down the stairs into the kitchen. They all took their seats and Molly stood, addressing the room.
"Now I know not everyone is here to celebrate, but I wanted to make something nice with the news of Harry and Ginny's engagement. We are oh so pleased for you both, and can't wait to officially have you as a part of the family Harry dear" Molly said, tears in her eyes. Harry ducked his head shyly, with a sweet smile on his face. Hermione sat between George and Angelina this time, Fred taking the seat on the other side of his girlfriend. They enjoyed the food Molly had prepared, many of them having seconds.
"This was delicious Molly, as always" Hermione complimented, and Molly beamed at her with a quiet thank you. As she brought out the desert, everyone's eyes widened. She sat a three tiered cake in the middle of the table. It was white with small enchanted flowers that moved across the icing.
"Oh Mum, it's beautiful" Ginny gushed and Molly smiled, her cheeks turning rosy. They all took a slice and Hermione watched in amazement as the icing changed on her plate. It was a beautiful piece of magic, and Hermione was amazed by Molly's magical abilities. They continued to sit at the table after dinner was cleared, and Hermione told the family about their time in italy. George was chatting with Harry beside him quietly, and it looked rather intense to Hermione. Fred and Angelina rose before she could ask them what they were talking about.
"As glad as we are to be here with the family, it's getting rather late. We will see you all again next weekend?" He asked and Molly rose with a smile, to lead them out.
"Oh course dears, we love to see you" Molly gushed and they disappeared into the living room. George stood suddenly, turning to Hermione.
"Love, I was wondering if we could maybe chat outside?" He said and she nodded, surprise rising in her face. George shot a look at Ginny, who nodded with a smile. He took Hermione's hand and led her out the back door, towards the tree they had started referring to as theirs. Hermione froze when they were paces away from it. A large blanket was on the ground, on top of it a bottle of wine and some fruit. She turned to George, her face flooded with surprise and excitement.
"What is all this?" She whispered, and he laughed, tugging her down onto the blanket.
"Just something special for you, because you deserve it" He said sincerely, and her heart pounded in her chest. She felt love flood her chest, and she leaned forward, kissing him softly. He opened the bottle, pouring them both a glass. After a sip, Hermione spoke.
"So was this what that letter was about?" She asked with a small smile. His face froze, as if he had been caught.
"Well, er, yes" He said quickly and Hermione chuckled. She ate a few small green grapes, enjoying the silence and the night around them. The weather was colder, as it was quite close to winter now. She felt a shiver down her spine from the cold night air and George rose quickly, slipping his coat around her shoulders. Hermione tried to protest.
"You'll be cold-" She tried and he cut her off with a smile.
"I'd rather you not be, plus I am quite used to it after all those years playing quidditch in the rain. Cold is nothing now" He said, flexing his arms. Hermione laughed at his confidence. His face twisted into one of nervousness, and Hermione gave him a look of confusion.
"What is it?" She asked, sliding closer to him. He stood up, offering his hand to her. She took it and he pulled her to her feet. He stood for a moment before smiling widely.
"Hermione, my love, I've waited a long time to say this, much longer than you even know. I hate to steal Harry and Ginny's thunder, but I simply can't wait any longer" He said, sliding down to stand on his one knee. Hermione's hand flew to her face, and tears rose in her eyes.
"George…" She whispered, and he continued with a nervous smile.
"Hermione Jean Granger, you are the most brilliant witch I've ever met. You're witty and have a wicked sense of humor that even rivals Freddy's. I know we entered this whole thing in the midst of chaos, after the war. We didn't have much choice, but you chose to love me anyway. In all of this you've become my best friend, and the love of my life. I can't imagine my life without you in it. I promise to love you and protect you forever, and cherish you with all my heart. So please, do me the honour of being my wife?" He asked, his eyes wide with hope. Hermione stood there frozen as he revealed the blue and gold ring. It was gorgeous, more perfect than any ring she'd ever seen before. His smile started to fall as a moment passed without her response. Tears fell from her eyes as she knelt in front of him, a wide smile on her face.
"Of course I will. Yes!" She whispered with excitement, and he let out a breath he had been holding. He slipped the ring onto her finger and it immediately sized itself down to fit her. She stared at it in amazement, before jumping into his arms, pressing her lips against his roughly.
"I love you" She said and he chuckled, capturing her lips once more. They laid in the garden for hours, both happier than they had been. Hermione's fingers fiddled with the ring, smiling at the night sky that showed through the branches in the willow.
"You know, I'd like our wedding to be small. Just the people we love" Hermione said, and George turned to her with surprise.
"You don't want a huge wedding?" He asked and she shook her head with a small smile.
"I've had more than enough excitement for a lifetime. Just your family, and maybe a few of the teachers and friends we have. I don't need anything crazy, not anymore" She said sincerely and he nodded with a smile. They agreed to tell the family in the morning, and keep it just for themselves to enjoy that night. They did enjoy it that night, not getting even a wink of sleep.
