Hey guys, here's the next chapter. Hope you enjoy!
AN: I'm not to sure how often i'll be updating in the next few months. We're getting kicked out of our house so, i'm not too sure when i'm going to get a chance to write until i find somewhere to live and stuff. But hopefully i'll find some time :)
George was woken up at 10. For a second he wandered what woke him finding out a second later when he turned his head to the side. Laying next to him on the bottom bunk was Fred, his twin was staring at him whilst eating a licorice wand
"Morning" Fred sung is George had got more than 4 hours of sleep he may have jumped but instead he just slowly lifted a hand before slamming it against his brothers face and pathetically attempting to push him out of bed. Fred easily batted his hand away whilst laughing. George found himself sneering at the laugh, to tired to hear such a cheerful sound.
"Dad says you have to get up. Come on" Fred said before George was being drug out from underneath the covers and onto the floor.
"Nooo" George whined.
"Yes" Fred cooed back.
7 minutes later George was flopping out of the tent. Everyone sans Percy was sitting around the fire. George's eyes fell on the empty space next to Hermione Nervously walking over and carefully placing himself next to her. No one had yet noted his arrival. All in their own conversations. Fred talking to bill and Arthur, Charlie, Ron and harry locked In conversation. Ginny was apparently complaining.
"My back really aches" The youngest Weasley whined.
"That's what you get for sleeping on the floor" Hermione chided. "You still haven't told me why you where on the floor" The girl said as an after thought.
"It was uh..too hot in bed" Ginny lied. Both Hermione and George knew this but the bushy haired girl didn't bother to ask and George already had an idea as to why his sister slept on the floor. Remembering Bill and Charlie in his own tent. His mind went back to his idea for a product, some way the eaves drop comfortably and less obviously, he still needed to speak to Fred about that. His head turned over to his twin.
"Good morning George" George froze at Hermione's voice. I love you Georges thoughts last night still hung in the front of his mind. With a gulp George slowly turned his head to her please be ugly, please be ugly. George let out a breath when he looked at her. Bags hung under her eyes, her hair didn't seem to have been brushed yet and her skin was pale with sleep deprivation. How do you still look perfect Georges mind screamed as he looked to her speechless.
"Yo georgie. Want some breakfast" George's head flicked to his twin who had left the conversation with dad and Bill and was now waving some toast in George's face. There was a part of his mind asking where the toast had come from but George wasn't one to question food. Especially when it served as a distraction.
"Cheers" George mumbled, grabbing the toast from his brother and biting into it. He sat chewing for a few seconds before his eyes slowly drifted to look at Hermione She was still looking at him. Quickly swallowing the food George turned to face her.
"Morning" He said whilst faking a smile. She smiled back quickly Georges heart dropping and speeding up at the same time. A chorus of oh merlin this is not good dancing through his mind.
George managed to avoid her most of the day, spending time wandering through the camp-site with Fred discussing different product idea's to make eaves dropping easier. The day past all too quickly and then they where marching towards the pitch. George was in awe at the sight of the large stadium, his first time seeing a quidditch world cup. His worries quickly flying out of his head as they watched the game. The game was intense, even though Bulgaria only scored once. Fred and George's arms wrapped around each others shoulders in a death grip as the two seekers went for the snitch. Both screaming Krum's name. Anarchy broke out when Krum rose with the snitch, The stadium roaring along with the twins as they pulled each other into a hug.
"WE WERE RIGHT!" Fred boomed, as the two jumped up and down.
"WE'RE GETTING MONEY!" George yelped happily. The two parted still cheering happily. George looked to his side. The rest of his family (minus Percy who was clapping politely) where also cheering. George could just hear Ron's awed voice complimenting Bulgaria's seeker to anyone who would listen. Bill and Charlie high fiving and cheering loudly into each other's faces. Ginny pushed past him to get to Fred, his twins arms quickly snaking around his sister's waist as he lifted her off the ground in a hug.
"That really was something" George looked down to where the voice came from. Hermione standing at his side, looking up to him with a joyful smile.
"That was amazing!" George boomed still giddy, throwing an arm round Hermione's shoulders and pulling her into his side. "You liked your first world cup then Granger?" George asked.
"Of course! So you won your bet then?" George nodded, smile taking up his face as he thought of his and his twin's joke shop. It would still be hard but they had a good base of money now. A hush flowed through the stadium. As the Bulgarian team came up to the top box George mused that Ron might wet himself, his little brother staring at the seeker in awe. Krum's face was covered in blood,black eyes already surfacing from his broken nose. Still George felt his arm tighten even further around Hermione when the seekers eyes looked their way.
The tips of the seekers lips tipped upwards in an attempt of a smile eye's solely on Hermione. George's eyes travelled down to her and watched as she gave a small, tentative smile back. Then the team was leaving, making room for Ireland. George could feel himself vibrating with excitement, arm hugging tightly to his little bookworm as the team walked in, Lynch more dragged. He could reach out and touch them if he wanted. Ruffle the players hair or clap them on the back, of course he didn't but he could which was the exciting thing. As the Ireland team made there way to do another lap of victory. Fred and Georges eyes met. Before the both turned to Ludo clumsily climbing over the back of their seats to reach him. Arm's outstretched, they had money to collect.
That night lulled them into a false sense of security. The cheering crowd of campers so loud you got use to the noise. An excited air had settled throughout the camp ground. Family's playing together, siblings teasing each other and talking about the match. George felt utterly wiped out but still stayed up with everyone as the sat happily in the tent. Ron was looking to have a play by play discussion of the match as he fawned over Krum. Of course this led to everyone mocking him. Fred and George dancing around Ron singing. Ginny and Harry joining in as Hermione looked on at them, rolling her eyes despite the smile stuck on her face. Then George felt it, the sudden shift in the mood. The cheers turning to screams. Within seconds everyone was outside. The muggle family who owned the camp-site where levitating over the camp-site. Hoards of people ran past them. Parents carrying their crying children away from the scene. Fred and George simultaneously reached for Ginny. Pulling their little sister closer to them.
Arthur, Bill, Charlie and Percy where off. Clutching their wands, Arthur shouting instructions at them as he went. George felt Ginny being pulled from his arms. Spinning round only to see Fred was clutching at her hand, pulling her towards the woods.
"C'mon." Fred shouted to the rest of them, they followed quickly, George taking his little sister's other hand as they ran. The group splitting up happened too fast. One minute they where all running together, then George heard Ron yelp. Spinning to run back to help he lost ginny's hand. Fred was pulling Ginny further away. George could just see Ginny's scared face through the tree's when he took of after them.
"FRED!" George screamed. He'd hesitated for too long, he was being pushed every which way by the other scrambling people. Giving up George turned back round, Fred would never let anything happen to Ginny, but Ron, Hermione and Harry were alone. Of course George knew that the three could protect themselves but there's something about loosing your younger sibling in a crisis. Knowing that they're not with family that makes you lose the rational part of yourself that tells you they'll be okay.
George looked behind him. He couldn't see very far in front of him. Constantly taking a few steps only to be shoved backwards by someone running somewhere into the forest.
"RON!" George bellowed, he could no longer tell where the camp ground was. People where running every direction, so much so that someone people must have been running straight back to the camp-site and into danger. George spun around, trying to get a baring only to give up and start walking in what direction he hoped Ron was in.
10 minutes later and George had screamed himself hoarse. No one answered his calls. The blasts of spells were getting louder. An ominous green light occasionally flashing around him making George freeze each time. The first spell that came to mind every time it flashed was avada kedavra. Each blast of light and scream making George more frantic. Feet pounding along the floor. Hoping to Merlin that everyone was okay.
He continued to run, body suddenly crashing into another before he was tumbling to the floor. In a second his wand was pointed forwards, lying spread eagled on the floor trying to make out if the person had a face or if it was covered by a mask. When he saw one head of bright red hair standing proudly and another lying on the floor.
"Fred? Ginny?" George asked nervously.
"George!" The girl exclaimed, George standing quickly to wrap his sister in a hug.
"Where's Ron? Harry, Hermione?" Fred said as he stood up.
"I don't know..I haven't been able to find them" George said honestly. Muttering a quick lumos to light the forest around them. The pair where sweating. Ginny looked nervous but ready to fight if she had to. Wand clutched in one hand. Fred the same.
"We need to find them." Fred ordered. Hand finding ginny's free one again. "We should be able to find some people around the woods. Ask if they've seen them. So which way?" He asked looking to George. George could instantly tell how scared his twin was. Not for the three of them but for his little brother and friends. Light suddenly burst into the sky a loud crack making them jump. George watched Fred's face go from subdued fear to non concealed terror as he looked into the sky. George swung his body round eyes finding the symbol in the sky a gasp escaping his lips.
"Go. Run!" George bellowed. Turning back round and pushing his twin and little sister, forcing them further away from the mark. As screams erupted, louder than ever.
"What is it?" Ginny asked, panting as the twins dragged her away. Ginny was born after the war had finished. Of course everyone in the wizarding world knew of voldemort. Even if you where born after his time but although it was widely spoken off things such as the mark weren't all too common knowledge in the younger witches and wizards. All those who were screaming where those who had seen the mark before. Maybe over a friends house, or a neighbour. Those who had looked to the newspaper each day to find a new picture of the mark over someone's house.
George barely remembered it, a few small clips here and there of the mark, Bill and Charlie grabbing Percy, Fred and Himself one day when they where playing just outside the house. Dragging them inside as Molly ran towards them, helping her son's get the boys inside. Fred and George had peered out the window, watching as the mark rose into the sky across to slopping meadows. Soon after that the wizarding war had ended. Fred and George all but forgetting about the sign until they where 6 and one day asking what it meant. Bill had been the one to tell them. A simple "it was his mark" sufficed, the image of the mark had been burned into them since.
"It's you know who's symbol" Fred answered, he heard his sister gasp, her footsteps faltering for a second before she took of faster than before.
"Ron is okay right?" She asked later when they were panting.
"Of course" The twins replied at the same time, both feeling a twist of unease for lying to their sister. They had no idea if they're little brother would be okay. The screaming had died down. Another loud crack sounded from behind them. Fred and George immediately turning and pushing Ginny behind them. Making a wall between her and whoever it was with their own bodies. Wand's clutched tightly.
"It's me!" Bill yelped as they opened their mouths to send curses flying.
"Bill!" Ginny screamed, pushing back through them to hug her oldest brother.
"It's okay now. Lets head back to the tent." Bill said calmly leading them all through the forest. It was when they got back to the tent, that George noticed the large gash on Bill's arm.
"Are you okay?" George asked worriedly. Bill just nodded, his expression grim as he cast one more look to the dark mark before entering the tent.
The wait for the others to get back was excruciating. Bill's arm wouldn't stop bleeding, Charlie had a rip across the entire front of his shirt making it seem like the boy barely missed being sliced across the chest. George was even worried about Percy who had a bloody nose.
When everyone finally did arrive back it felt like a breath of fresh air. George sat and listened as Arthur and the trio explained what happened. A little while later and Arthur was ordering everyone to bed.
"whoa! Where do you think you're going" George asked as Hermione and Ginny made there way to the entrance of the tent.
"To our tent." Ginny deadpanned looking back to him.
"No way. You're staying here" Fred ordered, quickly walking forwards and pulling Ginny away from the entrance of tent.
"Fred. Dad said all the people causing that mess where gone. We'll be okay." Ginny tried to no avail.
"either you sleep in our tent or we sleep in your tent." George snapped at his baby sister.
That was how George found himself curled up next to Hermione on her bed.
"You two really didn't have to do this" Hermione said awkwardly.
"We weren't leaving you guys alone after that" Fred said moodily. Ginny was currently once again trying to push him out of her bunk.
"When I said we come to our tent I thought you'd sleep on the floor."
"Stop pushing me" Fred groaned. The two feel asleep a little bit later. George was trying but every time he closed his eyes he'd get an image of the dark mark and his eyes would fly open again. Carefully listening to the breathing in the tent.
"Are you asleep?" George heard Hermione whisper, turning his head to face her and murmuring back a 'no'.
"Me neither" She whispered back obviously. Making George snort.
"No shit" George mumbled. The girl carefully rolling over, the mattress creaking as she did a few creaks later and her head was laying on George' chest hands clinging to his pj top.
"I was worried about you guys" she admitted. George pressed his nose into her bushy hair. Reminding himself once again that everyone was okay.
"Me too" George was happy that it was dark because a second later lips faintly pressed against his cheek before the girl was settling back on his chest. George's face and ears burning red.
"Goodnight George." George was tempted to push the girl off so she didn't hear his thundering heart instead he wrapped his arms around her. Pulling her even closer and whispering goodnight.
Mr Weasley woke everyone up a matter of hours later. When they got home the twins where shocked to find themselves being blung to by Mrs Weasley. Neither of them said much until Mr Weasley had went back to the office and Ron, Harry and Hermione had run upstairs to do some secret golden trio stuff. George just hoped it didn't mean shenanigans. Mrs Weasley was busting round Fred and George, the only ones left in the kitchen piling food onto plates for them and occasionally looking at them with teary eyes.
"Mum..really we're not hungry" Fred moaned as Mrs Weasley placed more food on his plate. As she went to start frying more sausages Fred stood up looking to George and tipping his head towards Mrs Weasley. George, getting the message stood up as well the two quickly moving forwards and hugging their mum.
"We're okay mum." George mumbled into her red hair.
"Might not be if you try to stuff us to death with any more food" Fred joked, Mrs Weasley spun round from the stove, wrapping her arms around the pair.
"I was so worried." She admitted. "You know I love you no matter what right?"
"Of course we do." Fred urged.
"Love you too mum" The twins said together. The hug was interrupted by Harry, Ron and Hermione walking down the stairs.
"We're going to play quidditch. Want to come?" Ron asked. Fred and George pulling away from their mothers hug and following them outside. Ginny joined them soon after, Then Charlie and bill. Hermione didn't play instead sat watching. They took it in turns on who sat out in games. Since there where 7 playing they would play in teams of three and have someone sitting with Hermione. When it was George's turn he plopped down next to the bushy haired girl.
"What was that about earlier?" George asked.
"What was what about?" She replied innocently. George rolling his eyes at her reply.
"The secret golden trio meeting"
"Nothing" She lied. Making George sigh. "It's not my place to say" she said a second later.
"I get it...Just no shenanigans. Okay? And if you really have to at least come tell me first so I can come back you guys up" George spoke quietly, making sure the others didn't hear them although they seemed to be pretty caught up in their game.
"I promise" She said, once again. A few minutes later and she was flopping back on the grass, bushy hair splaying out as she looked up at the clouds.
"That one looks like a rabbit." She exclaimed, George laying down next to her and looking up at the sky. Her arm was stretched upwards, finger pointing at a fluffy cloud.
"I don't see it" George said honestly.
"Squint" She ordered. George did so and just about saw what she meant. They stayed like that for a few minutes, Hermione occasionally pointing out shapes.
"Wow." George whispered
"what?"
"You see that one?" George murmured, hand pointing up into the sky. Hermione giving an mhm to tell him she saw it and to continue. "It looks like a cloud." George breathed sarcastically, jumping when Hermione let out a loud snort of laughter. George turned his head to her watching as she laughed. Her nose crinkled, overly large front teeth showing. Still beautiful. You need to stop thinking that why? It's true but it's dangerous territory Is it though? Explain. Don't you think Ginny is beautiful, or Angelina. It doesn't mean anything. George felt the smile on his face as he watched her. Somehow being home made the whole 'holy shit Granger's attractive' easier to deal with
Meaning while Fred was sitting in the air on his broom, his eye
s where on his twin watching as he said something to make Hermione laugh. A smile came to his face when he saw the look in his twin's eyes.
"He really loves her doesn't he" Charlie said as he swept up next to him. Fred looked to his older brother for a second before looking back to the pair lying on the floor.
"Yeah. I'm just hoping one day he realises it's not a platonic love" Fred said with a smirk before his a quaffle slapped against his face. He fumbled with the ball before dropping it. Bill sweeping underneath him, grabbing it from the air and flying towards the hoops.
"Hey idiots! Pay attention!" Ginny snapped as she flew after her brother to try and stop him from scoring.
The last few weeks before Hogwarts started back up were calm for the teenagers. Mr Weasley was constantly running in and out of the office. Tension's between Mrs Weasley and Percy where high. Which gave Fred and George enough time to sit and discuss products without their mother hovering over them.
Fred and George where excited to get to Hogwarts. They'd sent out orders to stuff to make new products with and they should be arriving in the next week or so. With no mum to look over their shoulders they just had to be careful of Granger. Not to mention something big was going down at Hogwarts. The dress robes, Mum, Charlie and Bill's hinting. It seemed like this year could be fun.
Catching up with Lee and the others was great. Finding out mad-eye moody was their teacher gave them mixed feelings, on one hand the guy had great stories to tell and real-life experience of the dark arts. On the other, the dude was bloody bonkers. Then dumbledore dropped the bomb on them. The triwizard tournament was being held at Hogwarts They had actual bought it back. That night Fred, Lee and George sat around the fireplace.
"I can't believe they're bringing back the triwizard tournament" Fred said excitedly.
"I know! You guys are going to enter right!" Lee asked, bouncing happily.
"Totally. We'll have to find a way past the age restriction though." George said, mind already whirling with different possibilities.
"Sucks that they'll be no quidditch." Fred pointed out "can you imagine if Oliver was still here." He added as an after thought causing George to laugh.
"He'd try to single handedly take down the triwizard tournament so we could still play." Lee chocked out. The next 22 minutes where spent thinking of different ways Oliver Wood would have went about stopping the triwizard tournament. After that the three of them climbed into their respective bed's to sleep.
The week's leading up to the two other participating school's arriving at Hogwarts weren't all too interesting. Fred, George and Lee pulled the odd prank. The three of them had just had disturbing, yet amazing lesson with Moody before making their way to lunch. Only to see a large crowd gathering in the entrance hall. They pushed through the hoards of people to see what the commotion about, rolling their eyes when they saw it was another fight between Malfoy and the golden trio.
"So tell me, is your mother really that porky or is it just the picture" Malfoy sneered. George heard a snap of 'little shit' come from his twin, George felt his hands twitching towards his wand.
"You know your mother Malfoy? That expression she's got, like she's got dung under her nose. Has she always looked like that or was it just because you where with her?" Harry sassed back causing half those watching to howl with laughter the other half sent a course of 'oohs' round the circle. The twins where still laughing when they saw Malfoy pull out his wand and shoot a spell at Harry. Barley missing him. The two moved in a moment, wands flying out and pointing out Malfoy when BANG. Malfoy disappeared, replaced with a white ferret. The two stood bemused for a second before Moody shoved past them and begun waving the Malfoy ferret around in the air whilst lecturing him. The entire entrance hall erupted into chaos. Some people laughing, a few. (pansy) screaming. Lee was loudly commentating to those that could hear him. The two twins sat bawling with laughter, still sitting on the floor cackling long after everyone, Including a back to human Malfoy, had gone. Lee stood with them, laughing but not as hysterical as Fred and George.
"Both of you stop making fools out of yourself." Mcgonagall snapped "Mr Jordan please escort these two buffoons into the great hall for lunch"
Hermione was already running back out as they where entering. George managing to grab her wrist as she past.
"Hey Granger" He sung.
"Hello George. I'm off to the library unless there is something important you want to discuss" She said politely, slowly extracting her hand from his wrist.
"Of course you're off to the library" George said with a laugh. "It's nothing. Just wanted to chat. I'll see you tonight?" The girl nodded, smile forming on her face before she bid him goodbye and took off again.
It took another week before the two did in fact see each other for long enough to hold a conversation. Fred and George had gotten fed up of Bagman avoiding them.
"Prick owes us money. That's all our savings." Fred said in a hushed whisper. George nodding along.
"It's a bummer alright, but if he won't talk to us in person we'll have to send him the letter after all. Or we'll stuff it in his hands. He can't avoid us forever" Fred had been the one to bring up the idea of sending a letter to bagman. George had, at first dismissed it but now it had been week's since the cup and he was getting thoroughly pissed off.
"Who's avoiding you?" Ron asked making them both jump. Hermione slid into the seat next to George as Ron and harry sat next to Fred.
"wish you would" His twin said, irritated by the interruption.
"What's a bummer?" Ron asked, turning to George and ignoring Fred's comment.
"Having a nosy git like you for a brother" George joked. They fell into an easy conversation about the triwizard tournament after that. Hermione showing off that she once again knew more than them on a subject. Somehow that turned into an argument about SPEW at this Fred became very interest in his meal. Staring down at it as if it it held the answer to the meaning of life. Neither of them had gave into Hermione's badgering and joined, although it made George feel guilty it wasn't like he even had two sickles to join with.
George leaned closer to her, his arm slipping around her waist as he did.
"Listen, Have you ever been down to the kitchens Granger?" He asked curiously already knowing what the answer was going to be. They'd got Hermione to break rules before but had yet managed to coerce her down to the kitchens.
"No of course not. I hardly think students are supposed to-" Hermione started.
"Well we have" George interrupted. Motioning to Fred "Loads of times to nick food. So we've met them, and they're happy. They think they've got the best job in the world." George tried to reassure the girl only for her to start on another rant. Only halfway through she got distracted by hedwig and the golden trio went into secret there's a shenanigan brewing mode leaving the twins to brood.
That night George was woken up by someone shaking his shoulder gently. He blinked blearily, making out the bushy head of hair.
"Granger?" George asked confused, before bolting up suddenly awake. "what's wrong? What shenanigans are happening? I'll get my wand. Where's Ron? Is he okay?" George asked grabbing at his wand and falling of the bed.
"Calm down. Everyone's fine. I was just wondering.." The girl finished the sentence with an inaudible mumble.
"what was that?" George said, slowly sinking back onto his bed after being reassured no one was in danger.
"I was wondering if you would take me to the kitchens" She blurted at light speed.
"oh..uh. Sure." George replied easily. Watching as she looked at him with expectant eyes. "Wait you mean right now?"
"Is that a problem?" She asked worriedly.
"No. no not at all. I just thought you'd want to only break one rule at once rather than being out after hours as well.
"well I figured we'd be less likely to get caught now." She said honestly. Hands twisting the front of her pyjama top. George smiled.
"You're turning into a right little mischief maker miss Granger." George cooed before standing up and slipping his wand into the back of his pyjama trousers. He walked over to his chest riffling through it before pulling out two sweaters. "it gets cold at night" George said as he passed Hermione a sweater. The girl thanked him and slipped it on. It was too large for her, fingers barely poking out the ends of the sleeves and shorts a mere inch longer than the bottom of it. George slipped his own sweater on before leading Hermione out of the boys dormitory and down the stairs.
They didn't talk on their way to the kitchens. Hermione too nervous about getting caught. Once they arrived the two stood outside the portrait of the bowl of fruit.
"right so to get in you just tickle the pear" George told her, fingers reaching out and tickling at the painting, Hermione let out a giggle as the pear started laughing before the portrait opened up to let them in. "after you my lady" George said with a mock bow.
"Why thank you dear sir" Hermione replied, doing her only little curtsy back to him before stepping through the portrait hole. George couldn't help but think she's adorable Georges mind chided happily, the same voice as when he would look to Ginny yeah like push her up against a wall and have my way with her adorable Another Voice purred, George freezing for a moment and forcing the Ginny voice to come back before following her through the portrait hole. The elves looked excited when they saw the guests.
"Mr Weasley! So nice to see you again. And who is this?" Sparky said , running forwards along with the hoard of elves.
"I'm Hermione Granger." Hermione said politely.
"Could you get us some hot chocolate's and biscuits?" George asked hopefully the elves nodding and running off.
"George!" Hermione scolded.
"You can talk to them about slavery or whatever later. Tonight is observation. They're really happy here. I want you to see that." Hermione huffed but followed George sitting down on a stool next to him. A few minutes later the elves returned with their drinks and biscuits. The two sat talking George going for the biscuits as Hermione sipped her way through her hot chocolate. Half an hour later and Sparky was rushing to get them refills. Hermione seemingly forgetting about the elves as the two discussed different topics.
"I really don't think you should try to do the triwizard tournament" Hermione stated out of nowhere.
"what? Why not? Don't you think I can?" George asked, puffing up.
"Of course I think you could but. It's dangerous"
"I'm sure you Ron and Harry have done more dangerous things" George pointed out.
"Yes but that was because we had to. I just don't think it's a good idea. There's an age limit for a reason George." She said.
"I'm only a few months of that age limit!" George said quickly.
"I know that but-
"But what? Me and Fred want to have a go. It'll be fun and the money"
"Are the galleons really worth your life?" The girl snapped. George sinking a bit.
"I wouldn't die"
"You don't know that" She urged. "I just don't want to see either of you get hurt."
"We wouldn't"
"Just think about not doing it. Please" She pleaded. George sighing.
"I'll think about it" George lied. Sparky returned soon after and they fell into another conversation. George pausing talking to sip at his hot chocolate.
"You've got cream" Hermione says, motioning to her own face. George brings his hand up whipping his sleeve across his face. "Other side" George tried again, this time getting it. The same thing happened the next 4 times he took a sip. George wiped again after another sip but must have missed it because suddenly Hermione was moving his hand out of the way before it could do another stroke over his face. "Honestly. You Weasley's are such messy eaters" Hermione joked.
"Don't compare me to Ron" George replied and then her fingers where on his face, gently stroking his cheek.
"we had a foul lesson with moody the other day" Hermione said as she leaned away wiping her fingers on a napkin.
"what happened?" George asked. Leaning his covered elbow on the table.
"He used the imperious curse on us" The girl admitted George's eyes widening.
"he did what?!" George snapped.
"He put everyone through it throughout the lesson. Hardly anyone managed to fight it." She said sadly.
"He's not allowed to do that" George spoke sourly "It's illegal. I'll message dad an-"
"Dumbledore approved the lesson apparently. I wouldn't be too surprised if he did it to your class as well." She said grimly. George wasn't sure if it enraged him more that Dumbledore had let moody do that to his little brother and friends or if it calmed him to know at least Dumbledore knew it was happening.
"What does it feel like?" George asked.
"Strange." Is all the girl replies with. Her eyes falling on her mug.
"Did you manage to break it?" George questioned. Watching as she gave a slow nod.
"On the 3rd try" She said calmly.
"What did he have you do? It wasn't anything gross was it? He didn't make you kiss Malfoy did he? Because if he did I'll kill him, I don't care if he's a teacher" The girl let out a small laugh, shaking her head
"He made me swim across the floor" George got a picture of Granger trying to front crawl across the defence against the arts classroom and laughed. "He..uh. He also showed us the curses. All three of them on a spider."
"all three? As in..the cruciatus curse and the killing curse as well?" He whispered. The girl nodded. Tears filling her eyes.
"It was awful. The cruciatus was just so cruel. It was writhing around and the killing curse. Harry's face, it looked like he sudden understood. This look, this mix of horror and grief passing his face before he just relaxed. He was looking at the spider like he finally understood his parent's death." George cringed at that. The killing curse would be an awful thing to see in use anyway, but after loosing your parents to it it must be traumatic. "and Neville."
"Neville?" George prompted.
"He looked so heartbroken. He seemed so out of it after the lesson as well, Moody invited him up to his office looking really worried."
"What do you think that means?"
"I think he might know something more about those curses than we think." Hermione admitted. A Tear spilling down her cheeks. "if that's true I don't see how he can put Harry and Neville through that. What kind of teacher brings back that kind of memory?" She asked angrily turning to George.
"I think all the teachers are spooked." George replied slowly. "Moody's mad anyway but then you couple in the dark mark showing up at the quidditch world cup. Everyone's on edge, I think he's just..trying to get us ready" George mumbled. He didn't want to seem like he was defending the teacher that made Hermione looking so angry and confused but he felt like he knew why it was happening.
"Get us ready for what?" Granger said.
"The second war" George said seriously. Eyes meeting Hermione's watching as hers widened in shock.
"You don't think he's back do you?" Hermione whispered. Not wanting even the house elves to hear what they where discussing.
"I doubt it. I think we would have heard something. Harry's scar would have hurt or something. You said that happened in first year right?" Hermione suddenly got a nervous look on her face sending alarm bells straight to Georges mind "Harry's scar hasn't hurt right?" He mumbled.
"Just once or twice. He was having nightmares. He's talking to his godfather about it though." Hermione tried to reassure the Weasley.
"If he is.. back. Then surely he'd be weak right? To not have done anything yet. So we could probably beat him this time, without as much bad stuff happening."
"I hope so"
The next few minutes where spent in a tense silence, both of them sipping away at their drinks. George trying to convince himself that what they where talking about was ludicrous, Voldemort couldn't be back. No chance.
It was now the early hours of the morning. Some elves where switching out to sleep whilst others came in to start preparing breakfast.
"so don't tell Fred I bought you here yeah?" George said suddenly. "He'll get worried you'll start kidnapping house elves" George joked making Hermione roll her eyes. The two fell back into easy conversation after that but George's mind still lingered on the possibility of voldemort coming back. His mind was trying to tell him it was ridiculous but hadn't he almost returned in his 3rd and 4th year. He would have if Hermione and the other's hadn't stopped him. What if they didn't manage to stop one of his attempts. After that though went through his mind George could feel his palms start to sweat. Don't think about it. What's the use in thinking about it. Just take your mind off it. Live in the moment even more so than before George's mind told him. George taking a deep breath before listening to Hermione again. With each of her laughs he could feel his worries fluttering away. Falling into the furthest parts of his mind to be left untouched until needed. She was smiling, whipped cream was lining her upper lip as she spoke. George opened his mouth to tell her you could always just kiss it off George froze, a strangled sound escaping his throat. Hermione raising her eyebrow at him.
"What's wrong?" She asked nervously.
"nothing" George chocked, physically shaking his head to get the thought out We have talked about this brain, Hermione is attractive like a sister. Or an Angelina. Not like a real girl Don't blame your brain for you wanting to make out with Granger I do not want to make out with Granger you sure about that?Of course! George moved his eyes away from the cream on her lip. Staring instead at the floor. Making a small grunt for Hermione to continue talking. His mind wandered again soon after, about the same time he noticed hows smooth Hermione's legs were. How soft they look, they where tanned as well compared to George's own pale skin. His eyes slowly travelled further, going from calves to thighs, to chest. The giant G on George's jumper was painted across her breasts. The only part the jumper was at all tight around. George moved his eyes up again, looking at her long smooth expanse of neck her elbow was on the table. Head tilted and resting on her hand. Georges sweater was lopsided on her. Falling slightly off one shoulder showing freckles dotted along her collar bone. George wanted to lean forwards and lick at them. Bite into the junction between collar bone and neck suck o- you fucking pervert stop this now! George felt his face flush red. As he dragged his gaze away eyes moving quickly to his hot chocolate. You like her! Why do you like her Finally! You're admitting itThe voice sung in his head, sounding a bit like Fred. How can this be happening. She is your ickle Granger you should not be thinking about licking anything.
"George.. are you okay. You're looking a little flushed."Hermione worried.
"I'm fine" George mumbled. Keeping his eyes firmly away from her as his brain whizzed. You decided you liked her like a sister, you cannot say you like someone as a sister and then think things like that! I was trying to tell you you didn't think of her like a sister oh well fuck you brain. George took a deep breath, hands clasped tightly around the mug. I like her? George thought once again I like her He said the words in his head to try and get him use to the idea. Over and over again ignoring Hermione fussing next to him. I'm in lo-like with Granger I like Granger Me and Granger Granger and I. Hermione Weasley George took a sip of his hot chocolate spitting it back out at the last thought . You did not just call her that. Take that thought back now please oh please can this be bad dream. George slowly moved his eyes back to Granger Eyes roaming over her again. Fuck. Fuck do I have butterflies?It felt like a train had just smacked into him. 4 years of repressed feelings rushing to the surface and dancing around at the front of his mind.
At that moment Hermione moved forwards sticking a hand to George's head, checking his temperature. George knew he didn't like girls often. Sure he thought they where pretty or nice or whatever but usually it was a passing fancy, a boredom of not having a crush surfacing. This feeling however, he'd only had it twice before. In first year with Alicia Spinnet, and the beginning of Second year with Katie bell. the problem was. That when George did actually have a crush, a legitimate butterflies in stomach crush he tended to forget how to life. He usual suave, jokey attitude disintegrated and left him to either be an asshole or just act like a bloody moron. George found out when Hermione touched his forehead which would be the predominant reaction during this crush. His hands fumbling on his mug, spilling it across the table and Hermione's legs.
Hermione let out a yelp as the hot liquid gushed over her. George jumped back from the table.
"I'll get you a napkin!" George screamed. Literally screamed. Right in her face. Just bellowed it. George felt his cheeks redden as Hermione jumped at his yell before he spun to find bandages. Only to knock into a house elf. Sending a tray of food flying over himself and the house elf falling over.
"I'm sorry!" George cried. Hermione rushing and pushing George out of the way as she helped the elf up.
When George was laying in bed an hour later, a bump slowly growing on his forehead from where he walked into the archway when trying to walk and talk to Hermione at the same time he let out a loud groan.
"I'm so fucked" George whispered. Hands falling over his eyes. It'll pass. If you know any girl for long enough eventually you're going to think she's hot at some point. It doesn't mean anything, you just like her now. Just give it a week and you'll be fine. George comforted himself give it a month. If your crush isn't gone by then then get a girlfriend and get your mind off it. George snuggled further into his bed. Feeling a blush rising to his cheeks as he remembered his embarrassing antics. But she looks so pretty when she's worried for my mental health George sighed dreamily before turning his face into his pillow and letting out a small whimper at his patheticness you sound like a fucking twelve year old girl.
He finally fell asleep 15 minutes later after a lot of back and forth in his head George had come to the 'fuck it' conclusion. There was nothing he could do about his strange feelings for his resident book worm right now so he might as well stop acting like a teenage girl and wiggling around on his bed like a drunk, happy slug, every time he thought about how he'd made her smile tonight and get some sleep. He came to another conclusion. And that was that under no circumstances what so ever could anyone. Even Fred, find out about this hopefully fleeting crush on Granger
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