Chapter Fourteen

Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Not mine. Also, thanks for the advice on the rating. I've basically decided to treat it like a pg13 movie since I think I have a pretty good understanding about what is allowed for that. But please let me know if I cross any lines! Thanks – SJ

"So how was hanging out with George yesterday," Holly excitedly interrogated Hermione first thing in the morning of the following day at work.

"Oh, it was alright," Hermione responded coyly, looking up from her desk at her intrigued coworker standing in the doorway of her office.

"Oh, what did you do?"

"Well we went skating…then had dinner at his place," Hermione listed noncommittally.

"And?"

"And" – Hermione grinned shyly but with a hint of cheekiness – "And then we snogged for about half an hour," She finished, smiling bashfully while also biting her bottom lip. Unsurprisingly, Holly's shrieks and squeals were loud, high-pitched, and ecstatic.

"I knew it," Holly proclaimed defiantly. "I even told Klara. I basically guaranteed to her that you two were going to end up snogging. I can always tell….it's like a gift."

"Ok," Hermione chuckled at her friend's excitement, finding it amusing but also appreciated.

"And then?" Holly asked with anticipation in her voice.

"And then" – Hermione repeated – "We had tea and I left. I knew I needed to get home to get up in time for work."

"You didn't shag him?" Holly sounded disappointed.

"Ah, no," Hermione gave her friend a pointed look. "You know that's not really my style."

"True" – Holly laughed self-deprecatingly – "You're not me….so, what's the deal now. Are you two in love? Shall I start planning the wedding?"

"I, ah, actually, I don't really know what the deal is," Hermione admitted sheepishly. She and George had exchanged a sweet goodbye kiss before she had hopped into his fireplace to return to her flat, but they hadn't discussed what the night had meant. Hermione felt as if she had no more knowledge about his intentions towards her than she had prior to their kiss.

"Hmmm" – Holly murmured while she entered Hermione's office. Pulling the stool next to Hermione's desk, she perched on it carefully – "How's that?" She simply asked.

"I don't know," Hermione speculated. "It's a bit odd, I suppose. I don't know if he has actual feelings for me, or if he was just…you know…"

"Looking for someone to get off with,"

"Basically," Hermione blushed at her friend's forwardness. Holly never shied away from speaking frankly, which was why Hermione knew that her coworker was the perfect person with whom to talk. Normally, Ginny would be her chosen confidant, but Hermione didn't particularly want to burden her with the romantic dealings of her older brother.

"So you guys didn't talk about it or anything?" Holly asked.

"Nope," Hermione shook her head ruefully. She wished that she had been confident enough to seek clarification from George regarding the meaning of their kiss, but her nerves had failed. Hermione chuckled to herself. It was curious how romantic matters so often seemed more intimidating than true danger: something that she had always handled very capably. Warding off a troll, managing a giant, withstanding torture, or dueling with Death Eaters should have been the things that left her fearful, not discussing the meaning of a kiss with a bloke.

"Did he want to shag you?"

"I think so," Hermione's face acquired a deep flush when she recalled how George had suggested that they take things to the bedroom.

"Hmm…What do you want?" Holly continued her line of questioning. "Do you want to see him again?"

"I suppose so," Hermione mulled, knowing that she did, indeed, want to see him again and recreate the previous night.

"Well…perfect. Klara and I are having dinner at the end of this week with Keith and Oliver" – Holly mentioned, referencing her and Klara's respective significant others – "You and George should join us. It's just going to be quiet…dinner at the Cauldron,"

"I don't know if I should…contact him the next day? Wouldn't that make me look a bit daft?"

"No, not at all,"

"I wouldn't be coming across as overeager?"

"Nope…If anything, he'd probably appreciate it…for all you know, he's wondering the same things right now,"

"I don't know" – Hermione faltered – "What if he has Quidditch?"

"He won't…Oliver is on the same team, remember…and he can make it," Holly coaxed. "Just invite him…the worst that can happen is that he'll say no."

"Exactly," Hermione exclaimed, slapping her palms on the desk.

"None of that, Mione," Holly chided lightheartedly. "Just send him a note. It will be fun." Without awaiting a reply, Holly stood from the stool and left Hermione's office, leaving Hermione to consider her colleague's suggestion.

Impulsively, Hermione reached into her desk drawer and located a scrap of parchment. Hesitating with her feather quill over the page momentarily, she soon jotted down a quick note:

"Hey George, I'm having dinner Friday with some friends from work. Would you be interested in coming too? – Mione," She wrote in her small, neat printing. Before she had an opportunity to change her mind, she rolled the parchment into a tight scroll and tapped it twice with her wand. Tiny, gold wings grew rapidly from the centre of the scroll. Vibrating to the point where they were almost unseen, the parchment floated off Hermione's desk, out the office, and down the corridor. Hermione had sent it to the owlry, from where it would be delivered to George's. For a moment, Hermione leaned back in her chair and sighed. With a quick shake of her head and after rubbing her eyes with her fists, she returned to her editing. It was all she could do; the decision now belonged to George and her only participation in the matter was waiting.

Silently, Hermione continued to make countless red marks across page thirty-eight of her stack of parchment. She did her best to become absorbed in her editing rather than worrying about George's potential response. Crossing out a superfluous word in the last line on the parchment, she was about to turn the page when a glitter of light in the corner of her eye distracted her. Hermione glanced up and noticed that a small scroll had hovered into her office. Unlike inter-office correspondence, which all flew ably on tiny, gold wings, this scroll was supported by slightly larger, vibrant scarlet wings: an indication that the letter was from an outside sender.

With trembling hands, Hermione clumsily unfastened the seal on the scroll and spread the parchment flat upon her desk. She hastily read the note scribbled across the page in George's large, upright printing:

"Mione, that sounds great. I'll see you then – George,"

Her heartbeat continued to fill her ears as Hermione carefully re-rolled the parchment into a scroll and stowed the note in her beaded bag. With a slight smile, she realized that she was very much looking forward to dinner with George. Even though they'd be in a group rather than alone, she welcomed the opportunity to spend more time with the Weasley twin.

-o-O-o-

Friday arrived sooner than Hermione had anticipated. The week felt as though it flew by. Every moment that wasn't occupied with work, Hermione devoted to her House Elf research. She was certain that she was running out of time. The proposed legislation would become law sooner than she would like. Even more frustrating, however, was the fact that she had no clue how she'd make a difference. All she had, thus far, was a haphazard collection of notes, most of which weren't even helpful to the cause. After returning to her flat for a half-hour of reading, Hermione realized that she should probably get ready for dinner at the Leaky Cauldron.

Hastily, Hermione pulled one of her favourite dresses over her head; the same one she had worn the night she, Holly, and Klara had ran into George's Quidditch team at the Leaky Cauldron. The dark, royal blue dress was simple but it suited her. The dark blue, she knew, heightened the golden flecks in her brown eyes. Its cap sleeves were casual, but the way it tied at the back helped highlight her narrow waist and gave the dress a certain flirtatious quality. Impulsively, she grabbed the velvet box off her dresser that contained the diamond earrings that George had given her. Securing them in her ears, she wondered if George would notice that she was wearing his gift. Even if he didn't, she liked the way the perfect stones glittered vividly from her earlobes. Realizing she didn't have enough time to satisfactorily tame her hair, Hermione pulled her golden brown curls into an easygoing knot just behind one of her ears. She completed her look by sliding on a pair of ballet flats and left her building.

-o-O-o-

The Leaky Cauldron was starting to get crowded by the time Hermione arrived. Fortunately, her coworkers had already claimed a large table at the back of the establishment.

"Hey Mione," Holly lively greeted her as Hermione slid into a chair across the table from the blonde.

"Hey, Hol," Hermione returned. She immediately noticed the absence of both George and Oliver but didn't want to appear too eager by asking about them.

"Mione, you remember Keith, right?" Klara asked, shrugging towards the man sitting next to her. Hermione nodded; she easily recognized the svelte, quiet man in glasses, having met Klara's long-term boyfriend sometime ago.

"Oliver and George are on their way," Holly informed her.

"Oh, that's nice," Hermione smiled and tried to keep her tone controlled, hoping to hide her excitement over the fact that George would soon be there. Even though George had sent confirmation regarding his attendance, she had still been concerned that he might not actually make it to their dinner. She clearly needn't have worried, however, as only moments after she had sat down, the tavern's front door opened and George and Oliver strode into the establishment. Hermione couldn't help but admire the way the cut of George's button down shirt flattered him and the way the muted blue colour accentuated his eyes.

"How's it going?"

George and Oliver exchanged pleasantries with those already present at the table as they claimed seats. George took a spot next to Hermione while Oliver sat beside Holly.

"How are you, Mione?" George asked politely if a little formally. Hermione immediately noticed that Oliver had greeted Holly with a quick but affection kiss, whereas George hadn't made any physical contact with her whatsoever. She regretfully wished that this was not the first that she and George had seen of each other since their lengthy snogging session several days prior.

"I'm fine. Yourself?" She asked in a strained voice. As George responded that he was doing well, Hermione shuddered slightly at the realization of just how pronounced the couples at the table were; it truly was a triple date. She glanced at Keith and Klara who were holding hands on the table and at Oliver who had his arm around Holly, and felt painfully aware of the distance between her and George. While there was no chill between them, they still sat awkwardly upright in their side-by-side chairs. Neither reached for the other's hand or allowed a leg to stray and come into contact with the other's under the table. Silently, Hermione chided herself for thinking that a group setting was the wisest choice for her and George's first post-kiss interaction.

Thankfully, a waitress soon approached their table to take orders and Hermione was able to focus on the menu momentarily. Once the waitress finished with the orders and disappeared to another section of the tavern, conversation at the table began to pick up. The Quidditch league was started the following weekend and everyone was keen to hear George and Oliver's take on how their team, Puddlemore United, would fair. Oliver was more reserved about their chances, but George unabashedly declared that the team would finish first in the league.

"George is pretty excited about being part of the English league," Oliver laughed at his teammate's unhidden confidence.

"I sure am," George returned his smile. "Don't get me wrong, Egypt was fantastic…Cairo was brilliant…but I'm pretty glad to be back in London….and on the team that's going to take the league," He said with a brash laugh as he and Oliver gleefully slapped palms across the table.

"We'll get'em next Saturday, right Weasley," Oliver smiled, referring to their opening game of the season.

"You know it, Wood…I'm already calling an absolute rout," George grinned confidently.

Hermione had to chuckle; George's self-assurance was attractive. Also, she knew that Puddlemore United was scheduled to play their first game against the Hollyhead Harpies: Ginny's team. As George, Holly, and Oliver excitedly discussed, in great detail, the strengths and weaknesses of the upcoming season's Puddlemore United squad, Hermione intently listened. While Quidditch was something she did not have a great knowledge of and something about which she had never quite understood the fuss, it was amusing to see how animated George was over his team and the sport. The red head's cheeks grew flush and his smile was wide as he eagerly explained to Holly how the team defence was significantly stronger than it had been in the past; something Oliver accredited to George having joined the team. As their waitress returned with their food, Hermione keenly kept up with her companions' conversation, even though she actually only comprehended a small fraction of what they were discussing.

"Oh Mione," Klara suddenly exclaimed, interrupting Hermione's concentration on Oliver's predictions for Puddlemore United's first game. "I almost forgot to tell you…there's been new development with the House Elf legislation."

"What! What is it?" Hermione almost shrieked, turning in her chair to face Kara.

"Well…the law might be on the back burner for a bit…which is great…I guess it's not seen as top priority or anything…the debate's been scheduled for the end of this session."

"So that won't be until almost summer, then," Hermione quickly calculated. She breathed a sigh of relief; the law wouldn't have the opportunity to come into place for a much longer time that she had initially anticipated. Her research needn't be as rushed. "What does this mean exactly? For my involvement and everything?"

"Well...the Ministers will discuss it and vote on whether it should become law…but they'll also hear from interested parties. And I asked around, and because of that club you started in school-"

"SPEW," Hermione excitedly interjected.

"Right, that one…" – Klara continued – "Because of your involvement with SPEW, you'll be able to be considered an interested party..."

"Are you serious? That's bizarre, I haven't done anything with SPEW in years…it was just a failed club I tried to start when I was still a student," Hermione replied incredulously as she idly poked her chicken curry with her fork.

"I know…It's a really low standard. Especially on an issue like this one where there are so few who want to have the opportunity to talk on it. I, ah, actually wouldn't be surprised if you're the only one who will be speaking against the law," Klara informed her matter-of-factly with a slight, rueful shake of her head.

"Ok" – Hermione gulped – "So I'll be able to just stand up in front of all the Ministers and make the case that this law is unjust…and I'll be the only one who is doing so,"

"I'm afraid that's what it looks like," Klara responded sympathetically. "Anyway, I managed to pull a few strings and got you on the docket…but, just so you know, at most, you'll probably only get five to ten minutes to talk…"

"So I'm going to have to do the most with the time I have then," Although Hermione's voice wavered, she spoke defiantly. "That's brilliant Klara, thanks so much," Hermione said appreciatively; she knew she wouldn't have been able to make such strides without her friend's superior connections.

"You're going to do great with this, Mione…I just know it,"

"I really hope so" – Hermione swallowed contemplatively. Her mouth felt unexpectedly dry and she licked her lips before continuing – "I'm really going to have to get going on this…I have no idea what I'm going to say,"

"What you're going to say about what, Mione?" George interrupted good-naturedly. Hermione glanced at her other companions at the table and noticed that Holly and Oliver were very absorbed in their own conversation, leaving George on his own.

"Oh…ah…it's something with work" Hermione answered nondescriptly, recalling that Klara had warned her to keep the House Elf legislation confidential.

"It's alright Mione…you can tell him," Klara encouraged before turning to talk with her boyfriend, Keith.

Recognizing that she was essentially left alone with George, Hermione cleared her throat and started to explain her situation. "Well…there's a new law…it's, ah, not exactly public knowledge," She paused, grinning as George nodded to indicate that he appreciated the need for discretion. "And it's about House Elves and it's not very progressive," Hermione concluded lamely, unsure about how many detail she ought to disclose.

"House Elves…that's something you really care about isn't it, Mione?" George asked in a tone that conveyed a sincere sounding concern.

"It is," Hermione was surprised that he had remembered; fifth year and her SPEW campaign had been a long time ago.

"So, this law...it's pretty bad?" He questioned intently.

"It's compete rubbish," Hermione tried to muster a smile. "I really need to get it chucked out."

"Do you need any help?" George asked earnestly.

His response surprised Hermione. Neither of the twins had been particularly supportive of SPEW during her time at Hogwarts. If anything, they had used her enthusiasm for the subject as a reason to tease her. "Really?" She questioned skeptically.

"Of course, I mean, if it matters to you, obviously it's pretty important." George's response was accompanied by a kindhearted grin.

"George…that's so great. I don't think there's anything you can do, but thanks for the offer."

"Ok…well keep me informed," George's crooked grin and genuine seeming offer made Hermione's heart beat a bit faster. She turned her focus to the remainder of her dinner to hide the flush that had arisen on her cheeks. Fortunately, at the same moment, Oliver pulled George's concentration away with another Quidditch-related topic. The group of six young folks continued to chat amiably throughout their dinners. Occasionally, Hermione found herself solely in conversation with George. With relief, she discovered that she was capable of maintaining a normal and easygoing repartee with the young man whom, only several days prior, had ravaged her lips raw with his own. Neither brought up the incidences of George's kitchen and his couch, but as he asked her questions about her House Elf research, Hermione had to smile over the fact that their succumbing to passion seemingly hadn't compromised their friendship.

-o-O-o-

The group of young witches and wizards left the Leaky Cauldron once they had completed their dinners. The evening air was crisp and Hermione wrapped her ivory shawl around her shoulders a little bit tighter.

"What the game plan now," George asked with an eager smile.

"Ah, well we have to leave," Klara gestured at Keith.

"Yah, sorry, mate…I think Hol and I are going to take off too," Oliver playfully punched his teammate in the shoulder.

"Well…ok…I'll see you guys at work," Hermione commented while she hugged her two co-workers goodbye. Their companions went their separate ways, leaving George and Hermione standing alone on the walk in front of the tavern.

"Why's it that couples are always so eager to head in early?" There was something rather naughty about George's suggestive grin. "Well…I don't know about you, but I'm not ready to call it night…want to come over for a bit?"

"Umm…ok, that sounds great," Hermione responded sweetly, impetuously deciding to accompany George back to his place.

"It's a couple blocks over…are you ok with walking?" George asked with a friendly smile. Hermione shivered slightly from the cold, but nodded regardless. They wandered along the lane towards George's residence. Hermione had never seen his place from the outside before, but wasn't surprised – recalling the breathtaking view from his roof – when George pointed out the tallest building in the perimeter. In silence, they continued along the walk in the direction of George's building.

-o-O-o-

"So what do you want to do?" George asked flirtatiously, lounging back on his couch once he and Hermione had entered his flat. Hermione bit her bottom lip and grinned, knowing what George was suggesting. Despite her better judgment, she lightly sat down next to him on the couch. Hermione giggled as George took her legs and pulled them over his lap. His hand swept the bare skin of her calves before stopping and settling firmly on her knee. "You know, you're looking particularly gorgeous tonight," He muttered, resting his forehead against hers and pushing aside a few stray tendrils of hair that had escaped their knot.

"You are too," Hermione replied coquettishly as she gentle fingered the collar of his blue shirt just above the top button. She scolded herself for how she allowed her heart to flutter at the sound of his rich voice, knowing just how susceptible she was to his sweet compliments. He moved both his hands to her face where he gently caressed her cheeks, chin and ears. In no time, his lips had found hers and they quickly resumed the passion that they had experienced only several days prior. Hermione assertively placed both her palms on his chest before moving them to his upper arms. Once again, she had to appreciate how strong his arms and shoulders felt beneath her touch. Even though she was hardly gentle in her massaging, there was next to no give from his firm muscles. She felt George's capable and purposeful hands on her back. As he easily pulled her more securely onto his lap, she shivered with excitement. Hermione's enjoyment only increased while she and George continued to kiss passionately. Her mind clouded and she released all her thoughts, allowing herself to become completely engulfed by the physicality of the moment.

"Hmmm…Hermione,"

Hermione had no idea of how much time had passed when George withdrew his lips from hers, interrupting their kiss. "What is it George?" She asked.

"I hate to do this….hate it so much" – He grinned winningly – "But I have Quidditch practice very early tomorrow morning…and I should probably get more than…oh…five hours of sleep before running laps first thing," He said, looking at his watch. Hermione grabbed his wrist to have a glance at his timepiece, gasping when she saw the hour. She hadn't been aware how long they had been on the couch.

"Oh that's fine, George…no problem…I have to get up rather early too so I understand." Even though she had been granted more time to do her House Elf research, Hermione was keen to go to the Ministry library to do her work.

"I'd rather….stay here…with you….you know…that," George replied between soft kisses on Hermione's cheeks, nose, and forehead.

"That sounds nice, but I should let you get to bed," Hermione rose off his lap and stretched her limbs which had grown cramped from sitting in one spot for so long.

"I'll see you around, Mione," George nodded to her as she climbed into his fireplace, ready to return to her flat for the night.

Author's Note: Wow, this was an oddly dialogue heavy chapter… If you get the chance follow, leave a note, encouragement or review to make my day! Thanks so much to those who are reading and following this story…especially those who are regularly commenting. So appreciated!