Thank you .96780 and Miss Magic 101 for the reviews. I don't own anything, just having my way with them for a little fun J
Waking up and stretching his arm over to pull Hermione closer as it has gotten colder during the night. George's arm is not able to find her next to him, opening his eyes; he sees that she is not there. Judging by the temperature of her side of the bed, she has been gone for some time. Pulling his jeans on and walking down the hall he can hear music softly playing from the living room. Looking around the corner not wanting to startle her, she is sitting on her couch with her legs up to her chest and her head against her knees. Listening to the music he can tell it is not a good night for her. It is slow tempo and the woman's voice is gut-wrenching, you could hear the hurt in the voice.
How can you see into my eyes like open doors
Leading you down into my core where I've become so numb
"Hermione, love, what's the matter?" Coming around the corner in to the room, where she is sitting. "Why didn't you wake me?" Shrugging her shoulders, she doesn't say anything, crying a little more. "You don't want to talk do you?" She shakes her head. "Ok, then, I will just sit here with you." Sitting down at the end of the couch, far enough away that he isn't encroaching on her space but close enough if she stretched her legs out, she would have her feet on him. Sitting in there in the silence, he is watching her out of the corner of his eye. She is fidgeting, slightly rocking back and forth. Slowly she is turning her body she that can put her head in his lap. Stroking her hair, he doesn't speak at first, just lets her lay there and relax.
"There is just so much to think about right now." She says as she is playing with an invisible string on his jeans, sliding her finger up and down a two inch patch on the outside of his knee, "I just can't quiet my mind. I woke up with this horrible feeling in my stomach."
"You can tell me anything, when did you stop believing that?" Continuing to run his fingers through her hair, "I won't judge you."
"I know, but its different now but at the same time it's still the same. I am afraid."
"Not of me I hope; I would never hurt you."
"I am afraid I will hurt you."
"Ok, time for you to sit up, I need you to look at me. " Slowly lifting her into a sitting position, facing her to him, her knees are now up to her chest again. He puts a leg on either side of her and pulls her close, so that she looks into his face. "Why do you think you are going to hurt me?"
"What if I am too screwed up to love anymore? What if I can't make you happy? When we were in school we argued and he told me he didn't think I could love anyone, I only loved book and rules."
"Right now, I can only assume which prat said that, Ron?" She doesn't answer but she didn't have to, he knew he was right. "I am finding more and more reason to punch him again." Pinching the bridge of his nose, "You can't believe him."
"Punch him again? You didn't…"
"Yes I did, right in the gut, made him fall to the ground. If I hadn't Harry would have. He pissed us all off. Going after you like he did."
"Normally I would be upset at you hitting him but thank you, better you than me at that point in stage."
"Now back to the question at hand, why do you think you will hurt me?"
"Because of marrying me, you won't be able to fall in love and marry the girl you want to, then you will grow to resent me, and we will fight more and more and be miserable and I don't want to live like that." Crying harder, she leans her head against his chest.
"You think way too much, Meenie. How about you let me fall in love with you?"
"You can't choose who you fall in love with."
"You are intelligent, wonderful, caring, strong, gorgeous, hard-working, loyal, slightly mental," smirking at her, "and all mine. I want nothing more, just for you to be happy. Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, "I take the idea of marriage, very seriously. I believe that you marry the one who makes you happy, can make you laugh and the one that when you are apart makes your heartache. You make me very happy, we use to laugh all the time and when you were gone I was miserable. So I think, I am on my way to loving you," Whispering the last sentence, unsure how she is going to react. Not saying anything, leaning back she looks at him. Stretching her legs out and around him, she is sliding closer, wrapping her legs around his waist and arms around his neck. "I will make you happy for the rest of your life, if you let me."
"Thank you. For everything." Hugging him closer and wrapping her legs tighter around him. "Especially hitting Ron," Laughing and rubbing her nose on his chest. "I am sorry I woke you."
"No worries, for better or worse right? I mean, there is no nice way of saying this. You have issues; you have every right to have issues. I will help you as much as you let me, just be honest with me." Kissing her forehead, "I was honest when I told you everything in this relationship will be at your speed, as you want it. Now, let's go back to bed, we have all day tomorrow to talk." Without waiting for a response, George is standing up, "Hang on." With her arms and legs still around him; she is wiggling afraid of being dropped, laughing at her "Unless you want to be dropped I would stop wiggling." Dumping her unceremoniously on the bed and then crawling over her to his side. "Good early morning, Meenie, now get some sleep" lifting his hops to pull off his jeans; creeping under the covers and back to sleep for both of them.
Hermione POV
Waking up, with one of George's arms over my stomach; I remember how I looked forward to those days. He always made me feel comfortable. We told Molly it was only once in a while but there were a few years that it was more like at least once a month. I could get use to waking up like this every day. I need to go to the bathroom but the bed is so warm, I don't want to get up. But I can't fall back asleep because I need to go. Sighing, and inching out of bed, after relieving myself, should I get back in bed or make breakfast? Deciding on bed after seeing how comfortable George looks, sitting down on the edge of the bed. Sliding back over to him, laying down so my head is on his shoulder but facing away from him. "I was wondering which side of your brain was going to win out. The responsible side is saying time to get up or the fun side saying back in bed and snuggle with the sexy wizard laying there." I can feel his arm snake around my waist pulling me close. "Now snuggle with me and go back to sleep, it is still early."
I am just about to drift back to sleep when there is something not quite right, I feel like there is something I need to do. "George, I will be right back."
"Promise?"
"I promise," walking down the hallway into the kitchen, looking out the window, there is an owl perched on the window sill. Opening the window, handing the owl a few treats and taking the letter, it has an official Ministry seal, I wonder what it could be.
Ms. Granger,
We regret to inform you the trace you placed on Jean and Richard Granger was terminated early this morning around 3 am, when they were killed. From the reports of the Muggle police officers they were killed by a drunk driver. Please accept our condolences.
Sincerely,
Ms. Helga Rafferty
Office of Trace and Tracking
End of POV
Awaken by screaming from the kitchen, wand in hand George is running for her. She is pacing back and forth, holding a letter in her hands, sobbing and throwing a mug she grabbed from the counter. He flinches as it showers tiny pieces on the ground. "This is not fair! Is it not bad enough, I can't make them remember me but did they have to be taken away completely from me? Why? It's not fair! They didn't deserve this." Trying to hold her, she hits him in the chest, struggling against him. Taking some time before she finally wore herself out. She slides out of his arms and lands on the ground in a pile.
Standing there, George is unsure what to do, kneeling next to her trying to comfort her but at the same time pulling the letter from her hands. Reading the words before him, pulling out his wand he sends his Patronus, whispering "Please come, Hermione needs you badly." Two silver foxes run away, attempting to rouse the two people he is hoping can help her. Hoping that he will be able to comfort her until help arrives. Lying with her on the floor, he doesn't want to move her; she is shaking so hard. He can't imagine what she is feeling. Conjuring a blanket from the living room, wrapping her up in his arms he is now leaning back against the cabinet when he hears the first person enter the flat. Without saying anything, handing the letter to the witch standing in the kitchen, unaware as to why they have been summoned. The second witch is approaching, rubbing her eyes and trying to get an idea of what is going on, the letter is now being handed to her.
"Mon ange (my angel)," Kneeling to Hermione and rubbing her back; as tiny as she is Fleur can also command a room. "Please George. Put her in bed, we will help her." Taking Ginny to the side, you can see they are formulating a plan on how to do just that.
Placing her in bed, speaking softly to her "I am sorry Hermione, I know you wouldn't want anyone to know until you told them but I knew Ginny and Fleur would be able to help you better than I can." Covering her up and kissing her on the cheek, he leaves the room to find Fleur and Ginny ready with tea, warm water and washcloths.
"Why don't you go for a little while, George, we will look after her. See if you can find out anything else for her. She will want to know everything." Fleur is telling him as she finishes preparing a few items to take in the bedroom. Ginny has already gone in trying comfort her best friend. He can hear her sobs, breaking his heart as he looks down the hallway towards the sounds. "Check back in a few hours, I will help her." Patting his arm as she walks down the hallway, Fleur is so strong having only lost her family at the end of the war; she is the best to understand what Hermione needs. Not wanting to disturb the women in the bedroom, he Floos to the flat he shares with Fred, shirtless and shoeless.
Stepping out into the living room, surprising both Fred and Angelina, who were sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast, "Sorry guys, normally I would have sent word ahead." Surprised either is up, it is early and the shop won't open for several hours.
"What did you do to make her kick you out like that?" Fred laughing at the current state of undress his brother was in.
"Fleur did."
"What?" Both Angelina and Fred ask, looking at each other and then back at George.
"Fleur and Ginny are at Hermione's flat. She received an owl this morning from the Ministry. It seems since her parents memories couldn't be restored, she had requested a special trace be placed on them so that she would be notified if there was any trouble." Rubbing his head and the back of his neck, "Well, they were killed last night, something about a drunk driver." Sighing and slumping down into a chair next to Fred. "I sent for Ginny and Fleur, knowing that Fleur might be able to comfort her, since she just lost her parents and Ginny because she is Hermione's best friend."
"Oh my god, I can't believe it." Angelina is saying, covering her mouth with her hand, grabbing Fred's hand with the other.
"Fleur suggested I try and find out more information for Hermione, since she will want to know how it happened." Closing his eyes and rubbing them, "I just can't imagine what if, anything else can happen to the poor girl." Sighing and getting back up, "I should get dressed and head to the Ministry to see if they have more information. Can you do me a favor? When Honeyduke's opens could one of you pop up there and get me a box of Sugar Quills?" Tipping his head, Fred is looking at him, "It was something I would get her when we were in school to pick her up. It's not much but it's something." Walking down the hallway into his bedroom, sitting down on the bed he puts his head in his hands. Wiping his eyes, not realizing that he had even begun crying, hating to know she was in pain, He knows that he needs to get moving and get over to the Department of Trace and Tracking to see if they will give him any information. Dressing in a set of his better robes, wanting to portray that he is a responsible wizard. He is attempting to flatten the hair on his head but there is one lock that will just not lay down. Exiting his room, "Angelina, can you help me?" Looking around the flat for the young lady, "I can't get my hair to lay down right. I want to look presentable."
"Sure George, come here," She is walking towards him, laughing at the mess he has made on top of his head. Moving her wand across his head and down his face, "There you go, I tamed your hair and made you look a little less tired." Patting his arm, "Good luck, and let us know if you need anything."
Walking back to the Floo, George is not ready to find out any more information that will hurt Hermione. Knowing he must do this, knowing she will hurt more before she is happy again. Sadly calling out, "Ministry of Magic."
Back at Hermione's flat
Each of the young witches are lying on either side of Hermione, they each have a hold of a hand. Hermione is on her side, facing Fleur. Fleur is stroking her hair and Ginny is rubbing her back. "Hermione, hun, what can we do for you?" Ginny is asking as quietly as she can.
"Just what you are doing, please, just don't leave me." Crying softly again, "When do you think George will be back?"
"I told him to go to the Ministry and see what he could find out. Don't worry mon ange, he will find out what he can and then come home. Try and sleep, we will stay here with you until he comes back."
"Thank you both," Sobbing again, her whole body shaking with each breath. "It is just so hard, I had hoped that we may find a way to reverse the charm and get them back." Inhaling sharply, "Now I will never get to hug them again and tell them how much I love them." Rushing from the bed into the bathroom, she is puking, her stomach and heart aching. Leaning her head against her arm and hovering over toilet. Thinking she is going to be sick once more but before she is everything is spinning and then it is all black. Waking sometime later, Ginny is lying in bed with her, holding onto her hand. "What happened, Gin?"
"You passed out. You need to eat something, if I get you toast, will you eat it?" Stroking Hermione's face, "You need to try and keep your strength."
"I'll eat but you won't bring it to me. I will go to the kitchen. I have to try, they would be upset with me for acting like this. I need to be strong." Starting to get up, Hermione's knees buckle, it is mid-afternoon and she hadn't eaten since the day prior. Taking Ginny's out stretched arm she is lifting herself up again and starts for the kitchen. Hearing Fleur talking with someone, she strains to her the conversation but her head is ringing with a headache. "Hi Harry," seeing the dark haired man standing there in the living room in the midst of a conversation with Fleur.
"Mione, come here." Opening his arms to her, doing as she has many other times, and flinging herself at him. Catching her and mumbling "It's going to be ok, we are all here for you. Just let us be, ok?" Kissing her forehead and playing with her hair is he has always done when comforting her.
"I'll try, I just can't believe it. They are gone." The two friends are holding each other, not noticing that Ginny and Fleur have backed out of the room and back into the kitchen. Harry is pulling her to the couch, holding on to her as she is crying. "Everything is just so screwed up, I am screwed up." He is pulling her on his lap, wrapping his arms tightly around her.
"No, Mione, you are not screwed up, you are going to have rough times and great times. You just have to let us in with you. We are all here for you, let us help you like you have help us all." Holding on to her as she finishes crying, after about 30 minutes, "We need to get you to eat. What do you want, I will get you anything."
"I don't want to be a bother. I was just going to have some toast."
"You are not going to be a bother, I mean it anything. You need to eat a hearty meal."
"Well, I guess, lasagna sounds really good, I mean if it isn't any trouble."
"No problem. I know just the place, go take a shower and I will get food for us all and hopefully George will be back soon." Getting up off the couch and taking Hermione to Ginny and Fleur in the kitchen. "I am going to get food; I should be gone long enough for her to take a shower."
"Thanks Harry, be careful." Looking at the two women in her kitchen, "Can one or both of you at least come in the bedroom while I shower? I am still a little lightheaded." Taking her hand, Ginny is walking her down the hallway.
"Hermione, I am going to Floo home and talk Bill, I will be back," looking at the young woman, "Is that ok?"
"Fine, Fleur, thank you, I appreciate everything you have done. It's late and you have been here all day. Stay with Bill, I will be ok. I promise."
"If you are sure, I mean, Ginny is here and Harry and George should be back soon." Looking a little apprehensive, "Well, I guess, just let me know if you need anything." Kissing both of her cheeks and hugging her close.
"I may be up for a run tomorrow morning to clear my head, I will probably come to the cottage if that is ok with you. A run on the beach clears my head."
"That's fine, just be careful, make sure you eat and reset. We love you mon ange, anything, call us for anything. You too, Ginny, if you think she needs anything you can call us." Kissing the other young woman on the cheek as well, walking to the Floo and one last wave she is gone home.
"Come on Mione, a shower will make you feel a little better," Taking her hand and walking her to the bathroom. "Now I will be right here, just yell if you need anything." Listening for the water to start, Ginny looks around the bedroom. Deciding to freshen up for Hermione, she is stripping the bed and putting clean sheets on for her. Finding George's clothes on the floor on the other side of the bed, she folds them and puts them on the dresser. After changing the sheets, she casts a spell over them to have a slight scent to them, lavender and vanilla, two calming scents and two of Hermione's favorite scents. Knocking on the bathroom door, "You ok, Mione?"
"Yes, Gin, I am almost done."
Back in the kitchen, Ginny is pulling out plates and silverware. Hearing the Floo activate, Harry is walking out with food and before either of them can say anything. Another person is stepping out. George is back as well with flowers and a small box from Honeydukes. "She is in the shower," Ginny is telling them before either can ask. "She is doing as well as one can expect."
"I am going to check on her, see how she is doing. Opening the door to the bedroom, Hermione is sitting on the bed, staring off into space. Sitting next to her on the bed, she is looking over at him. "I know it isn't much but I wanted to get them for you," Handing her the bouquet of blue and pink flowers. "Plus these," Handing her the small box of Sugar Quills.
"George, you remembered," Smiling at the box of Sugar Quills. "And the flowers are beautiful. I love them." Sitting in silence for a few minutes, "I am going to be ok. Just be patient with me, I promise I will be ok." Getting up and setting the quills down and putting her arms around his neck, stepping between his legs, leaning into kiss him. Brushing her lips against his, "You are wonderful." Kissing him again, with more force this time, he is standing up, George wraps his arms around her waist. Nibbling on his bottom lip, Hermione is deepening the kiss, opening her mouth against his, their tongues swirling around each other. Dropping one of her arms from his neck and tickling the side of his neck. Dragging her fingertips down his neck then chest and stomach, stopping at his hip. Tightening her grip on his hip, George is moaning quietly as she stops kissing him. "I am sorry George; I am not sure what came over me. I… I.."
"Don't worry about it," Smiling and kissing her forehead, "You are allowed to kiss me whenever you want. Just not in front of my brothers, I would like to keep my other ear. I think Bill and Charlie might hurt me if they saw you do that." Pulling her from the bedroom, into the kitchen, Harry and Ginny are already sitting at the table.
"Good now we can eat, I am starving," Ginny says placing a piece of lasagna on every plate, "I was getting worried that you were taking advantage of her George." Both George and Hermione are blushing at the implication. "Tuck in, it looks really good."
"Thank you Harry for getting dinner," Eating in silence for a few minutes. "So, I guess, I need to know, what did you find out George?"
"We can wait and talk about it later, if you want." Looking at Harry and Ginny, who begin to shift uneasily in their chairs.
"No, I want you to tell me now, Harry and Ginny will find out sooner or later." Placing her fork on the table, "Please I need to know." Grabbing his hand and squeezing it, "I will be ok, just tell me."
"Well, I hate to say it but Ministry doesn't know much more than what they put in the letter." Turning in his chair to face he, "Your parents and the baby were out returning home from a dinner at friend's house when a drunk driver crossed the center line and hit their car head on. Your dad and Emma were killed instantly but your mom made it to the hospital. They tried to save her but she was pronounced dead around 3 this morning, when the trace was broken." Grabbing her hand and kissing it, "I wish there was more but it seems as though they were truly in the wrong place at the wrong time." Looking for a sign that anything he has said is sinking in.
"Thank you George," picking at the food in front of her, "At least, I hope they didn't suffer any." Eating a few more bites of her food. "I think I am ready for bed. I will clean up tomorrow, don't worry about it Gin." Hugging Ginny, then Harry, "I really appreciate it, both of you." Turning to George, "Will you be to bed soon?" nodding his head and kissing him on the cheek. Walking slowly down the hallway closing the door softly.
"How was she today, Gin?"
"She cried, puked, passed out, just about every emotion I think she would have had. I think she will be ok. Just give her a few days to process it."
"Thanks Gin, I think I will go and check on her. You guys can finish your dinner, we will clean up tomorrow." Hugging and kissing his sister, "Thank you for coming when you did, it mean the world to Hermione and to me." Shaking Harry's hand, "Thanks mate, you too."
Watching as George is walking away, taking Ginny's hand, Harry cleans the table and puts the leftovers in the fridge with one wand flick. "Come on Ginny, they need some time alone. It is going to be a rough night for her."
Thank you for reading, this was a difficult chapter to write for me. I wrote it and changed it and rewrote it several times. The song mentioned is Evanescence, Bring me to life. This is the part of the story I knew I would have trouble with, I have lots of ideas for later in the story, the weddings, the stag/hen night and a few other events but some of the things in between are still a little lost to me. I hope you enjoyed as much as you can with a sad part of the story like this. I always thought of Hermione as very analytical so I see her raging some over the death of her parents but at the same time seeing they wouldn't want her to wallow. I hope to have another chapter up soon.