Chapter 4
The perspective changes again, back to George. It is now the end of the year.
George is shocked to hear about what Hermione, Harry and Ron had gotten up to under everyone's noses. Both he and Fred were slightly put out that all these incidents had happened and they were not invited to be in on it. Most of it sounded like a lark.
He had watched over her for the whole year. He knew that she was going to grow into a beautiful woman and was hoping that he would at some point get a chance with her.
He watches her walk up to his family, hugging Percy, Fred and Ron with the same indifference as she did Harry. When she comes over to him in the corner of their area, she smiles at him shyly. "I hope you have a good summer, George." She steps into his reach. He wraps her into what looks like a friendly hug, when he is dying to hold her tighter. He is hidden by her bushy hair and kisses her cheek.
"It would be better, if I didn't know I was going to miss you." He whispers to her and lets her go.
She slips her address into his hand and smiles before walking out through the portal with Harry.
George mopes through the early summer, when no one but his twin can see. Fred encourages him to write to Hermione. This gets him out of his slump.
Hermione,
How is your summer going? Mine is about the same as it has been since my older brothers left the house. Bill is in Egypt and Charlie is in Romania.
Though Fred and I are basically always up for each others company, the others are dreadfully tiresome. Percy is dry as almost burnt toast. Ron is the same as always, though he may be worse because Mum nurtures that horrible behavior. Ronnikins can do no wrong in her eyes. Doubly so for my sister Ginny. As the only girl in what seems like eons in my family, she is the apple of both of my parents' eyes and is treated as such.She also has a massively large crush on Harry. Again, nurtured by Mum. At least Ginny isrealistic about her chances with him. Mum, on the other hand, is practically planning their wedding. Something about how they look so similar to James and Lily Potter that they must be destined to be together.
Like I said, tiresome.
Enough about my family. What is up with yours? Did you get any new books? You said that they are your closest friends, aside from Harry and I hope, me. Are you and your family going to do anything during your time off?
Hope to hear from you soon,
George.
George mails the letter in town, asking the postal man to send it, instead of trying to guess the postage. George pays him, what equals out to be around three knuts and the man adheresa stamp onto the envelope, as the boy watches his every move. Four days later, a postal owl lands at the window. When Molly opens it, the owl flies straight to George.
"Whoever is writing to you, Georgie?" She asks, wanting to understand why her son is getting mail that she never knew about.
"It's probably his girlfriend." Fred mutters under his breath, so Molly will not hear and elbows his twin.
The message was loud and clear, but George felt that Hermione was still not ready for that yet.
Hermione was overjoyed with the letter from George. At least he wrote to her. All of her letters to Harry havenot been answered. She was starting to get worried about him, knowing that he didn't have the best life where he lived.
She reads the letter and hastens to write back.
George,
So far it is going well, aside from Harry not answering any correspondence. He may be the "Hero of the Wizarding World" but he is treated worse than dirt in this one. I have written to him at least three times and still no answer.
That worry aside, it is going by fast. Mum and Daddy have been working, but on the weekends, we have been making day trips to visit the countryside. There is talk of going to France next summer.
I am learning how to make a few meals in my cooking class that I have been taking with Mum. Next week, we are starting a section of Italian foods. This past one was Chinese. My favorite to make was the pan fried dumplings and fried rice, but to eat was the General Tso's chicken. It was yummy and is somewhat simple.
Daddy and I are in a weekly bowling league and so far we are doing alright. Our team is in the middle of the rankings but on the upswing.
Is there any way that you can get ahold of Harry? He could be seriously in need of help. I may be over worrying, but I would rather him be inside the Wizarding boundariesthan outside and a victim of that accursed uncle of his.
I hope you can get some beater practice in with Fred. Who knows who you will be up against next year. They may put Crabbe and Goyle in as beaters and lets face facts, you both together don't weigh as much as one of them.
Yes, you and Harry are my best friends. You should feel honored, it's an exclusive group that I run with. ;)
Hermione.
For the rest of the summer, the two of them exchanged letters. George learned many things about her that not even Harry knew. His surrogate little brother was just the same to her. This made him glad. Hopefully, when she finally notices the opposite sex, she will look kindly on him.
He talked to Fred about her suggestion and they decided to do as she said and asked what they could do. She sent many ideas and a few magazine articles for them to look at. It was a huge help.
They bulked some muscle onto their frames, not just fat and helped their father with the outside chores more, mostly to get away from Ron, as he weaseled his way out of it whenever he could.
Harry asked what they were up to and decided that he should do the same, he was still a scrawny kid, but under that was a powerhouse of muscle. He showed them his interest of muggle martial arts. They took those up too.
Hermione,
Our family is doing our school shopping the day after next. I am actually not looking forward to it. Mum is a touch embarrassing out in public. I love her with my whole heart, she is my Mum, but she is loud and overbearing.
I hope to see you then. The three of us lads, including Harrykins, have taken you advice to heart and added more lean muscle. I'll show you my bicepon the train. Wink.
How is the tail end of your summer? It is a little better with Fred, Harry and I doing the outside work for Mum and Dad. The ole yard has never looked this good. Fred and I are ashamed that we never helped much before this year.
See you soon, 'Mione.
George
Hermione's parents were happy to take her shopping on the same day, so she could see her friends. Hermione introduced them to the Weasleys. Dan could tell that one of the twin sons had formed a crush on his little girl. One that he has a hunch that she might return, though she has not owned to it as of yet.
"So you are George. We have heard many things of you, Fred and Harry." The happy father smiles. He is glad that the boy is a down to earth type.
George shakes his hand and smiles at him. "Yes, Sir. We have been conversing through letters this summer." He tells him, before smirking at Hermione.
"Keep it up, my girl needs good friends." Dan pulls George aside. "I can tell that you have feelings for my little girl. Don't worry, we are not mad. Just treat her right and we will be alright. You, your twin and Harry are always welcome to stay with us, if you ever need a place or a shoulder. Just come over." George nods to him and Hermione's mother.
"Thank you." He is humbled to think that they trust and approve of him.
That night Janet asks what Hermione thinks of George. She lists off all the normal things that she says about the boy. Janet just waits out the verbal explosion. "How about what you really feel." She pats Hermione's heart, kisses her head and leaves her daughter to think and sleep.
'How do I feel about George?' She thinks.