Dead and Gone

During the war, Hermione went M.I.A. Everyone thought she was dead and after a few years, everyone moved on. Including Ron. But what happens when she resurfaces, seemingly unharmed?

Chapter Eleven: Proving She Still Belongs

George watched Hermione as she starred down at the busy streets of Diagon Alley. He'd put Ron and Ginny in charge of the store for a few days while he looked after Hermione. She hadn't spoken a word since her second breakdown and he was beginning to worry. Harry and the others had dropped by to see how she was doing, as he had filled them in on everything that happened, but she stayed quiet throughout their entire visit. She wouldn't even look at them. Wouldn't even look at him anymore.

Sighing, he set a sandwich on the window seat beside her and brushed some hair out of her face. "Hermione, kitten, you need to eat."

When she didn't answer or look at him, he sighed again and moved the plate to sit down. He cupped her face and gently turned her head so she was looking at him. "I can't even begin to imagine the emotional toll you're going through right now, Hermione, but you need to eat. You're going to starve to death if you don't."

"I deserve it." Her voice was horse from not being used in a few days.

George shook his head. "No you don't Herms. You really don't. You didn't do anything wrong."

"Didn't do anything wrong? George I tortured souls. I…Your family cares for me and all I could think about at that supper was hurting them."

George stiffened a bit. "But you didn't. You didn't and that's what matters. You fought those urges Hermione. After five years of giving into them, that's a big feat. Hermione, you wanted to give in. I know you did. I could see it in your eyes every time you picked up your knife, but you didn't. That's what matters. You're stronger than this. You can beat this. Do you understand?"

Hermione shook her head lightly. "I can't. It hurts too much."

George pulled her into a hug. "I know, baby. But it will pass. I promise."

Hermione pulled back, tears in her eyes. "Tell me how to make it better." she whispered.

George starred at her for a moment. He'd never seen her in this much pain before. He tucked a lock of brown hair behind her ear. "You just need to live through this, Hermione…"

"I can't…" she started.

"You have to." George interrupted. "You have to." he repeated, mostly for his own benefit.

"She still isn't eating?" Ron asked, as he, Ginny, Harry and George stood around the back store room of George's shop.

"No. I just got her to talk a few hours ago. And even then, she was basically just repeating how it hurt to live and asked me to tell her how to make it better." George said, leaning against he counter.

"She just needs time, George." Ginny said, rubbing her brother's arm.

"I know. I just…I just wish there was something I could do to help her."

"Ron, Ginny, could I talk to George alone?" Harry asked. They nodded and returned to the store. Once they were gone, he turned George.

"What do you need to talk to me about that they couldn't be in here for?"

"I know how you feel about her, George. I'm not sure if they do, but it's obvious once you know what to look for."

"What are you…"

"Don't try to say you're not in love with her, George. We both know you are." Harry licked his lips nervously. "What ever is happening to her, it will be easier if she knows that she still belongs here."

"I've been telling her that, Harry. She just doesn't believe me."

"Prove it."

"What?"

Harry licked his lips again. "George, you need to PROVE that she still belongs here. That it doesn't matter what she's done or wanted to do."

"How am I supposed to do that?"

"Hey, could we get some help out here?" Ron called into the back room.

"Be right there." Harry said. He turned back to George. "You know how, George."

George ran a hand through his hair. "What if she thinks I'm just trying to take advantage of her?"

"She won't."

"You don't know that."

"Yes I do. George she trusts you. If she didn't, she wouldn't still be here. She's trusting you to save her. And I see the way she looks at you. Even before she could feel everything again. She loves you George."

That night, George starred at the bathroom door. Behind it, Hermione was taking a shower. Licking his lips, he opened the door and walked in, closing it softly behind him. He could hear soft cries and sniffling through the sounds of the running water. Stripping from his clothes, he opened the shower door and stepped in behind her. She stood in place as he gently traced paths down her shoulders and arms. One of his hands clasped one of hers and his other ran back up her arm and made small circles on her shoulder. He leaned down, placing feather light kisses on her shoulder. She shivered from the light contact and he stepped closer to her, their bodies pressed against one another.

"George…" Hermione whispered.

"Yes, kitten?" he said between kisses.

Hermione turned to face him. "What are you doing?"

"Loving you." he said and kissed the tender flesh of her neck.

"Why?"

George looked her in the eyes. "I love you." He kissed her left cheek. "Always have." He kissed her right cheek. "Always will." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Forever." He brushed his lips against hers. A soft moan escaped her lips when he pulled back a bit as she tried to deepen the kiss. He shook his head lightly. "Not here."

Reaching behind her, he shut off the water and opened the shower door. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her small form, then wrapped one around his waist. Grabbing another towel, he started drying her hair. They starred at each other the entire time, never looking away. Once her hair was mostly dried, he gently kissed her forehead and took one of her hands in his. Walking down the hallway, he led her to his bedroom and closed the door behind them.

"George…"

"Yes, kitten?"

"I love you, too."

George smiled and brushed some hair out of her face. "I know, luv."

Taking her hand again, he led her over to the bed, where she climbed beneath the blankets. George followed. Cupping her face, he pulled her close, pressing his lips to hers. Laying her down, he unwrapped the towel from around her and dropped it on the floor. It was soon followed by his own. Smiling softly down at her, he lay to the side of her, running his calloused fingers over her soft skin. A soft mew fell from her lips and his lips followed the path of burning left by his hand. After making sure she was ready, he positioned himself at her entrance. Kissing her softly, he slowly entered her, letting her get used to his size. She inhale sharply and gripped his shoulders.

"You alright, luv?" He whispered in her ear.

She nodded and arched up into him. Taking her hands in his, he pinned them above her head, letting all his weight rest on her. Pressing his lips against hers in a passionate kiss, he began moving inside her and she moaned into the kiss. After what seemed like forever, he broke the kiss, both in desperate need of air.

"Hermione…"

"Hmm?"

"You're a virgin." He looked at her and she glanced away, then back at him.

"Not anymore." she said, a smile playing on her lips.

Smiling, George let out a soft chuckle. Kissing her, he reached over to the bedside lamp and turned it off. The rest of the night was filled with gasps, moans and giggling.