Hi! This is only a shortish chapter but it's quite important! :) Enjoy!

A week had passed and George had heard nothing from Hermione throughout the whole week, and he had been worrying. He called his owl over and gave her the letter and sent her off to find Hermione.

Hermione was busy signing some forms and then suddenly Georges owl tapped on the window, startling Hermione. She walked over and opened the window, taking the letter and handing the owl a treat. She opened the letter and smiled.

Dear Hermione,

Mum and Dad are having everyone around for dinner later to celebrate Charlie's birthday, and I was wondering if you wanted to come too? You are more or less family. I miss you, are you OK? Haven't heard anything from you all week.

George

Hermione smiled and quickly wrote a reply, giving it to the owl and letting her be on her way. She went back to signing the last form and she grabbed her bag and apperated back home.

The burrow was alight with red candles floating here and there, red being Charlie's favourite colour. George was waiting at the window and looking for Hermione who hadn't arrived yet, and he was drumming his fingers along the window sill impatiently.

"Missing me?" asked Hermione from behind and he turned and saw her giggling.

"You're here?" he asked, smiling and he visibly relaxed.

"Unlike you, I haven't got a twin so yes, it is me... oh," she whispered, placing her hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry..." she whispered, lowering her head down and he lifted her head up.

"Hey. I don't mind. It's nice actually, having someone mention him now and then," he whispered and she smiled. "Come on, I can smell that dinners ready," said George, taking her arm and leading her into the kitchen. Everyone was sat down chatting and preparing for the meal, and George headed to the end of the table where his good friend Lee Jordan sat.

"Over here, George!" shouted Lee, patting two available seats for them to sit on.

"Alright mate?" he asked, smiling and Lee smirked as he saw Hermione and George holding one another. Hermione saw this and quickly let go of his arm, walking to the other side of the table to sit opposite George.

As everyone talked amongst themselves, George and Hermione chatted away as good friends, talking of old times and pranks that she knew about.

"I can't believe you did that!" she squeaked and George chuckled to himself, drinking the remainders of his drink and tucking into his cake. Ginny nudged Hermione's arm and whispered into her ear.

"Are you two dating or something?!" she asked and Hermione's eyes widened.

"No," she whispered back and Ginny nodded and looked relaxed. "Why?" she asked, concerned.

"You both seem close," Hermione gave her a stern look "-er than usual," she finished and Hermione rolled her eyes.

"No, there is nothing between us. We're good friends, that's all," she whispered, eating her cake slowly and watching Georges every move.

"Hey, are you two dating?" asked Lee, kicking his leg under the table. George took his eyes off Hermione and turned to talk to Lee.

"What? No... no we're not," he whispered. Lee smirked and looked over at Hermione and noticed that they were both staring at one another.

"You two are pathetic. And anyway, even if you did want to date her you wouldn't be able to, seeing as she went out with Ron," he whispered and George laughed.

"I don't like her anyway. I was thinking of asking Annie out. She's nice," he whispered and Lee looked up at him.

"Annie? Mate, she is way out of your league," he laughed loudly and downed his drink. George looked sternly at him.

"You don't think I can get Annie? Just you wait my friend," he said, pointing his fork at Lee's nose and he chuckled.

"She's hot! And you..." whispered Lee, looking at Georges attire. He was scruffy looking but very handsome. But not Annie's type whatsoever.

"Hey! I will keep you informed, Mr Jordan," he muttered and Lee chuckled again. "

What are you both laughing about?" asked Hermione kindly and George gulped.

"Nothing," he whispered, looking angry and blushing. Hermione simply nodded and frowned, eating the last of her cake.

During the rest of the evening, George kept a distance from Hermione and she looked worried. She walked over to him as he sent a letter off with an owl and she startled him.

"Shit, Hermione!" he said, holding his heart dramatically and she rolled her eyes.

"Hey... I was wondering if you wanted to..." she gave him a look and looked over to the staircase and he gulped.

"I think I need to stop this, Hermione," he said bluntly and Hermione frowned.

"Oh? Why?" she asked and he gulped again, looking out of the window. Suddenly, the owl flew in and had a letter in it's beak, but George didn't notice unlike Hermione. He stuttered his words and Hermione jumped and grabbed the letter, running outside under the porch and read the letter.

Dear George,

Yes! A date would be lovely... what about tomorrow and I'll meet you at your shop at 7.00? See you then.

Love, Annie xx

Hermione stared at the letter and then turned to see George looking at her. She handed him the letter politely.

"So, that's why you want to stop?" she asked kindly, and he nodded. "OK," she whispered back and she smiled, kissing his cheek. "It was fun, George. But maybe we're a bit old for this," she whispered and George frowned.

"What, sex?" he asked and she laughed, shaking her head.

"No you dimwit, sex with friends. Maybe... maybe I need to find someone," she whispered and George looked at her concerned.

"Maybe you do," he snapped suddenly and Hermione shot him a sharp look and stormed back inside. She was furious and apperated back home immediately after saying farewell to everyone. George entered the front room and everyone stared at him, confused and he shrugged, sitting next to Lee who ignored what happened and they talked about the latest Quidditch results.