A/N: I am so useless at this updating malarkey. But there's nothing like reading an incredible fanfiction to inspire you to update your own. I really have had a bad case of writer's block. I know what I want to write, just not how to write it in a half decent way. If you've not completely forgotten this story, I do enjoy reading your reviews. They are food for the soul. Really.

Hermione was laid on her bed the next afternoon, reading a book on growing your own herbs and plants for potion making that she had picked up in Flourish and Blotts that morning. A gentle knocking on her door brought her out of her book.

Ginny entered the room and sat on the edge of the bed.

"I heard you and George talking last night," she said.

Hermione nodded in acknowledgement.

"I don't know what has happened between you two, but he has been on another planet since you guys went to the ball together. He may not talk much about his true feelings, but I have grown up with him; without knowing the full story, I know he feels differently about you now. Hermione, you may be one of my best friends, but he is my brother, and I promise you if you lead him on, or hurt him in any way, you will have me to answer to."

Without giving Hermione a chance to say anything, Ginny left the room.

SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG

Hours later, nose buried in the same book, a tapping at the window made Hermione jump. She glanced up expecting to see an owl waiting, but the window ledge was clear. Another tap at the window caused her to get up and cross the room. She looked down at the street; at first it seemed to be deserted. After a moment she saw a figure in the shadows of a tree looking up at her.

George stepped into the light, so she could see him. She opened the window.

"Can we talk?" he asked in a low voice as she glared down at him.

She nodded once and shut the window. She went downstairs to let him in, and led him to the drawing room, shutting the door behind them.

"I'm really sorry about the other night," he began, sitting on the sofa.

"No, I'm sorry," Hermione interrupted. "I was presumptuous and rude. You were trying to make sure our friendship didn't become weird, and then I just ruined it by yelling at you."

George looked down at his lap, considering his response.

"How about we go for lunch tomorrow, put all of this behind us?" he finally said.

"Are you asking me out on a date?" Hermione replied, a slight smile on her face.

"No!" he responded, quickly. "Just, lunch between two friends and…"

"George. I was joking. I understand your intentions. Lunch sounds great. Shall I meet you outside Gringotts at about 12.30?"

George smiled and nodded. "Ok, 12.30 outside Gringotts. I look forward to it. I had better get going. I shall see you tomorrow."

George made to give Hermione a hug but seemed to think better of it. Hermione took the initiative and gave him a hug.

George held onto her tight, as if reluctant to let her go. Hermione could feel the passion in his grip and recalled what Ginny had said to her earlier. She promptly let go of him, not wanting to give him the wrong signals.

She walked him to the door, opening it for him to take his leave. She jumped with fright when she saw a dark figure shadowing the doorway, however.

Snape noticed the Weasley hovering behind her.

"Granger," he acknowledged, as he walked into the hallway.

"I'll see you tomorrow, George," she said before hurrying him out of the door and promptly closing it behind him.

"Well, this is unexpected," she stated, turning to face him.

It took Snape less than a second to swoop down upon Hermione, planting his lips on hers. She tensed up in surprise for a moment, but relaxed almost instantly. She slipped her tongue inside of his mouth, wrapping her arms around his neck. He held onto her hips, while his tongue played with hers.

They pulled apart, both a little breathless.

"What was Weasley doing here so late?" he asked.

"He was inviting me to lunch tomorrow."

"Like a date?"

"No, not a date, just two friends going for lunch."

"Yes, I'm sure that's how he sees it."

"Are you jealous?" Hermione asked, pulling out of his embrace.

"Why would I be jealous of that dunderhead?" he replied.

"I don't know, it's just how you're coming across."

"I apologize; that was not how I wanted to come across."

He took her in his arms, and buried his face in her neck, leaving a trail of kisses from the side of her throat up to the lobe of her ear. Hermione shuddered at the feel of it, and almost collapsed at the feeling of him sucking on her earlobe.

"I take it you like that?" he whispered.

Her answer was another passionate kiss in the dark hallway, before she took his hand and led him up to her bedroom.