Chapter 40

After the party, George walks Hermione through the school on route to the Common Room. They walk in during a rather explosive argumentbetween Ginny and Dean.

"We don't need to get in the middle of that!" George pulls Hermione back out into the hallway. "I was so hopeful that they would stay together. I still think she sabotages her relationships in the hopes that Harry will scoop her up."

Hermione shakes her head. "I hope she meets someone soon that will hold on to her. Dean's not the right guy. He likes the ladies too much. He hasn't done anything that I know of, but they flock to him and it's a problem. It'd be a problem for me too, if I was in her shoes."

George seems to catch the hint. "That is not a problem for us. I haven't much patience for anyone but you and Fred. I love my family, but they are crazy. Bill is engaged to Miss Delcour from the Tournament. Mum is in an uproar. I haven't been quiet about our engagement, but she is so up in arms over Fleur, that we are on the back burner."

Hermione laughs. "I'd like to see Bill give Ron a beat down over Fleur. He couldn't form a sensible thought in her presence. Not that he had many to begin with. I'll warn Harry and Sue about the end of Gin's relationship. She will be all about the "Let's get Harry" program."

George leads her over to an alcove and pulls her close. "I'd rather talk about us than my siblings and mother. You are so beautiful, Hermione. I love you and always will." His hands hold her face still and he gently nibbles at her lips, coaxing her into closing the distance some more. When she does, his hands move down her sides until he is lifting her against the wall and kisses her as she clutches at his head and shoulders.

Hermione smiles as his hands move up her skirt and hold her to him. She groans as he adjusts and presses against her. They had agreed to hold off until their wedding night for the whole shebang, but she had expressed her concern about not having any intimacy.

George kisses down her neck. "I don't want you to worry about my interest, Hermione. I love everything about you, including our decision. Never forget that I will wait, but I do want you." He sets her down, without stepping away. "Let's get you back, Baby. Gin and Dean should be done by now."

They walk to the portraitat the same time as Harry. His hair is mussed and he smells of Sue's perfume. He grins at their equally disheveled appearance. "Had a good night too huh?"

"I always have a good night when I have Hermione in my arms." George smirks. "Seriously Harry, I feel I need to warn you. It looks like Ginny and Dean are on the outs. Be careful; I know you are with Susan, but she may try to weasel her way in, pardon the pun. Ron is bound to try to push her towards you. Mum is in a tear over Bill marrying Fleur Delcour. The last thing is that I'm coming up to get you, Sue, 'Mione, and Neville. We will meet up with the "grownups" at 'Mione's parents' office. Albus and Mum are still after you and I am sure that he is planning for you to be met by Mum at the station. Rumor around the Alley is that it's so the Minister can ambush you at the Burrow." He rubs Hermione's lower back, without thinking or her asking.

"Thanks George. I'll tell Sue and Nev.I really do not want to deal with that. As far as Ginny is concerned, I am not available and don't plan to be ever again. It's not as official as you two, but I have found Mrs. Potter and even though she has red hair, she is not a Weasley." Harry holds the portrait open for them and the three of them see that Ginny and Dean are still fighting.

The three sit on the couch; Hermione on George's lap, while Harry takes her shoes off and rubs her feet. "Hey, that's my job." George kids.

"Yeah it is, but if no one does it, she'll be in a lot of pain in the morning. You two were dancing most of the night." Harry returns and continues to rub his sister's feet. "You can help and rub her shoulders."

George leans into Hermione's hair. "I guess I should take you out dancing more often, so I can massage you afterward." He works his hand down her spine, rubbing out the knots. The combination relaxes her completely. Harry gets up and hugs Hermione. "See you in the morning." He holds his hand out to George. "Good seeing you, George. She has missed you a lot."

Ginny sits after Dean went upstairs following their fight. They have not broken up yet, but it's coming soon. The bad night began when Ginny walked down the stairs to find her older brother waiting with Dean. Her mother had told her that George started up with Alicia this summer when she asked why George didn't come around as much. So why was he here?

When Hermione came down behind Ginny and his eyes lit up, Ginny was officially jealous. Dean nor Michael even never looked at her like that. Add to this, Hermione's dress was awesome. George pulled Hermione into his arms and whatever he whispered in her ear made the older girl blush and burrow closer.

At the party, George still treated Hermione like a queen. He gives her a drink and walks around with his arm around her waist. They spent most of the night ensconced in a corner kissing and whispering. He led her out to dance, holding her close. She was near them when he told McLaggan off and called Hermione his fiance. That was when Ginny caught sight of the ring on Hermione's hand.

When not spying on her brother, she watched Harry and Sue. Like the other couple, they seemed to be wrapped up together. They danced most of the night and left together.

On the other hand, Dean spent most of the night talking to Neville and some girls from other houses and was elsewhere when she wanted to dance or spend some time with him. When they came back, she asked why he practically ignored him during the night, Dean turned it around.

"No. Every time I looked over, you were glaring at either George and Hermione or Harry and Sue. They have been together for years now. Get over it, you are not going to be Mrs. Potter. I've heard Harry talk in his sleep. He dreams of a married life with Susan Bones.

Your brother has been with Hermione since we were fourth years. That relationship is going on two years. He has never looked at anyone since we were sorted.

We've been together for a while and I wouldn't give that time up for anything, but Ginny, you need to know that with your obsessions, it can't go on much longer. Harry isn't looking. He is happy and committed to Sue. Hermione is going to be your sister. You used to want that." He turned and walked up the stairs.

Now, she is watching Harry walk up to the sixth year dorm. George and Hermione are still on the couch, cuddling.

"Ginny, how about you come over here. There is no reason you need to sit over there by yourself." Hermione's soft voice comes over to her. Ginny moves over and sits with them on the couch.

Hermione pulls her into her arms. "Listen. I do agree about Harry. He's head over heels for Sue. He's talking about asking her to marry him; when, I have no idea, but he has talked about it many times. George and I have been engaged since this summer." Hermione shows her the ring up close. It is the most beautiful ring she's seen.

George sighs. "I have to go. I'll see you next week, Baby. Little Sis, don't let this get you down. You'll find the one for you soon enough. Just promise me that you don't let Mum interfere. I'll be by for Christmas, but I am not staying for the whole thing." He hugs Ginny and kisses her cheek. She hugs Hermione and runs upstairs feeling better about everything.

He turns to his woman. "You. Sleep well my love. I am glad I came. It allowed me to hold you and spend some time with you and my sister. Thank you, Hermione. She can be a handful." He pulls her up and kisses her. "I wish I could sleep here, but I need to go. I love you, Hermione." He leaves as she goes up to sleep.