The Heat of Her Soul

George found Hermione in the kitchen of the Burrow at midnight shortly after she had come to his store. She was reading from a thick, leather bound book and sipping tea and he took in the sight of her, committing it to memory. "You're up rather late, bookworm," he noted, taking up residence in the chair beside hers at the table.

She started, apparently not having noticed his presence. "Oh, hello, George." He smiled slowly at her. "What are you doing up at this hour?"

"I just asked you the same question," he said amusedly.

"Oh. I'm just reading…I suppose I should get to bed, but it's a terribly interesting book."

"What's it about?" he asked, genuinely interested.

"An ancient incantation right now. It's a book of spells not normally taught to the general public. I'm testing to be an auror next month and thought it would be useful to get some information about some of the more rare spells."

"You want to be an auror? Is that why you and Ron were rowing?" he asked.

"Yes. He apparently thinks that I'm only doing it to try and show him up…really! The nerve of that boy!"

"You can see where we differ, surely. I think it's an excellent idea. You'd be great in law enforcement."

"Harry's been on at the ministry for a while now and he's got some weight. Thinks that he can persuade them to look past my youth…I should hope they would look at skill rather than age, though," she told him.

"Not everyone had your smarts," he said easily.

"Thank you." She smiled at him and he got a sudden flash of her body against his. His cock twitched to life and he struggled to control himself while he proposed a date…hoping she wouldn't think him a pervert.

"You're a very beautiful girl, Hermione," he whispered.

"I…" she said not sure where the feelings were coming from.

"And very intelligent," he added, picking up her arm and kissing the inside of her wrist. The quickened pace of her heart shooting through him and making it hard to concentrate on wooing her instead of shagging the sense out of her. "And kind."

"George, where's this coming from?" she asked, trying to keep her wits about her. She swallowed hard as his lips connected with the sensitive skin on her wrist again.

"I'd like to invite you to dinner," he breathed against her silky skin. "Would you join me?"

"Ok…" Her breath was coming in short bursts as he continued to kiss her wrist. She wondered where the sudden feeling had come from…until now she had only looked at Ron's older brother as a friend. His sudden display made her see his better qualities, his charm, and his talented lips.

"Great." He smiled at her and she felt something inside her tighten. She realized that she wanted George and looked away quickly, blushing. He found her quite beautiful when she was nervous. "I know this is a bit sudden, but I've been dreaming of you."

"W-what?"

"I think I need to…get to know you better, Hermione."

"That's fine. George, are you…in love with me?" she asked.

His heart was soaring as he brushed his lips against her knuckles. "I'm getting there," he replied before disapparating suddenly. She felt a bit empty at the loss of contact. George Weasley had just confessed to fancying her, she realized with a smile.

George was elated when he returned to his flat above the shop. Hermione had agreed to go out on a date with him. He fairly sighed as he fell into his bed, thinking of the woman on his mind. She was beautiful and she wanted him…he could tell that much. And perhaps she could help him get back his lost twin. The thought excited him, but not as much as just being around her had done. He lay in bed wondering when he had become so attracted to the girl he had always thought of as a bit too bossy for her own good. The dreams had certainly helped out a bit, but he had a feeling that his emotions ran deeper than lust.