A/N: hey! sooooo, I really like this chapter. The direction of the story has slightly changed (what I mean is that this may not have been what you were expecting), but I hope you like what I've done. I was trying to go more with the actual material revealed from after the war, so let me know if you like it. That would be awesome.

I like hearing from you so don't be afraid to review! How did you feel about Ron's jealousy? Do you like Hermione's friendship with George? Tell me what you think of this chapter! Please. (:

-imperio-peeta xx

Once You Get Past Midnight

The morning was spent downstairs in the living room by Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny. When Hermione whispered to Harry about Ron's hour-later apology, they shared a secret smile. Hermione didn't see George anywhere, and had assumed that he had gone back upstairs. She refrained from going to check if he was.

The rest of the day was quite uneventful. There were no appearances from George and Mrs. Weasley had stepped out to buy some groceries. When she returned, Ron went to go help her and told Hermione to stay put. She was a little curious but let him go.

Around half an hour later, Ron reappeared. "I have something I want to show you." He said, trying to conceal his grin.

She let him lead her outside, his hands over her eyes. Then he pulled them away to reveal a blanket spread out by the garden, with candles floating around it and a lovely dinner laid out on top.

Hermione covered her smile with her hand as she took in what Ron had done for her.

"Oh, Ron. This is lovely!" She threw her arms around him and smacked a kiss on his lips. "Thank you, I love it!"

"Well, I had to redeem myself somehow." He smiled and they sat down.

They ate their dinner, which consisted of a delicious lasagna and sparkling juice. When they were done they set the dishes aside and lay back to look at the stars.

Hermione was quite enjoying Ron's warmth beside her, and she had a warm buzz running through her veins. "I'm really glad you did this, Ron. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Hermione turned on her side so she could look at his face. "I love you." She said.

Ron smiled widely. "And I love you, Hermione. So very much."

She was about to lean down and kiss him when she heard someone come outside. She sighed and moved away. It was George.

"Hermione, can I talk to you for a minute?" George called quietly, rubbing his arm.

"What the bloody hell does he want with my girlfriend?" Ron muttered to himself.

She let out a little huff and told Ron she'd be back in a moment. She got up and went over to George, a little sour that her moment with Ron had been ruined.

"What is it?" she demanded, irritated.

George's lips parted slightly. "Um, I-"

"If you haven't noticed, I'm kind of busy right now, George. And I'm tired, can't you go bug someone else for a change?" Hermione didn't realize how harsh she sounded until George's features changed and he resembled a wounded animal. He began backing away but didn't stop when Hermione called his name.

"You're right, I'm sorry. I'll just leave you alone then." He said, his face crestfallen. He went back into the house.

Hermione bit her lip, feeling extremely guilty about the way she had handled herself. She rubbed her forehead furiously but went back to Ron.

"Is everything okay?" Ron asked when she sat back down.

She didn't answer but kissed him to try and rid her guilt. She kissed him heatedly, and Ron let her control the kiss but after a moment he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back just as enthusiastically.

Hermione lost track of time, but when they finally pulled apart the candles had burned to stumps and her lips were swollen. Ron held her for a few more minutes before he finally let go and told her to go up to bed.

"I'll clean up. Good night, Hermione."

"Good night, Ron. Thanks again." She pecked him on the lips once more before she went upstairs. She brushed her teeth and put on her pyjamas and crawled into bed.

Despite everything, Hermione still had a nagging feeling at the back of her mind. She covered her face with her hands. She couldn't believe how rude she had been to George. All he wanted to do was talk, and she had made him feel like a nuisance. She told him to leave her alone.

She groaned and turned on her side so she could angrily stare at the wall. The clock said that it was past midnight. She'd apologize to George in the morning.

Hermione never got the chance to apologize. The next morning, a letter had been left on the kitchen table.

Arthur Weasley was the first to discover the letter, who then showed it to Molly, whose heart broke as the second Weasley twin disappeared. Arthur couldn't take the day off of work as the Ministry had been overwhelmed due to recent events, and had to leave his devastated wife at home. Molly locked herself in her room but left the note downstairs so that everyone else could read it.

When her crying had woken up the rest of the house, the letter was read by everyone else. Ginny read it first and ran off crying to her room, locking herself inside much like her mother. Ron read it next, threw it down, and went to his room angrily.

Harry and Hermione looked at each other fearfully, both not knowing what could have upset the entire family so. Hermione slowly reached for the parchment, and read it out loud so Harry could hear it too.

I can't do this any longer. I can't keep pretending that everything is okay. Because it's not. And neither am I. I can't be around people who love me so much but cannot comfort me despite how hard they try. You've all moved on but I can't. I don't know if I ever will.

But I don't want to pull anyone else down with me. I can't stay knowing that I cannot move on when the rest of you have because it's tearing me apart. My other half died, and it feels like my remaining half isn't too far behind. Fred meant so much to me, and now that he's gone… it's almost too much to bear.

It's hard not to remember how much I loved Freddie. I still love him so much. I thought that I would be okay with the love from my family, and it means so much to me, believe me, it does. But I was wrong. Being with you only makes the memories come easier, and my pain come harder. I think of him all the time and when I remember that he's not with us anymore, it makes everything so much more difficult. I've become lost in despair.

I love each and every one of you so much. Please don't be angry with me; I'm not leaving because of any of you. The fault is not yours, but mine. And I'm not leaving forever. I just need some time, so please give me that.

Mum and Dad, I couldn't have asked for more loving parents. I grew up in a house where family was cherished, and despite my decision, that means so much to me. I owe you everything, and I am so grateful for you. You've raised me to become who I am, and I don't think I could have turned out any better.

Ron, you're a great little brother and you've made me quite the proud big brother. You've done spectacular things, and I know that you'll continue to do amazing things in the future. I hope you can forgive me for teasing you all the time. I'd say take care of Hermione but I know she'll be taking care of you.

Ginny, you'll probably never forgive me for leaving, and I don't blame you. You are the reason that I have stuck around this long. I know that you've hurt just as much as I have. I'm your big brother and I shouldn't leave my little sis… damn, this is hard. I don't know what to say. Even though you're the youngest Weasley, you're the strongest. I know you'll be okay. I'm sorry.

Harry, you've been part of my family for a long time. I still can't believe the Boy Who Lived has become such a big part of my life. You funded the joke shop, and I am so utterly grateful. I feel awful about closing it down but I can't do it without Fred. Take care of Ginny for me, would you?

Hermione, you too have become part of my family. You've been extremely kind in helping me. You've prevented me from entering an extremely dark place, but no one can take away my misery. Thanks for all you've done and helping me realize what I need to do.

I'm sorry that I'm leaving, but I need to do what's best for me. I love you all and am so thankful for all that you've done for me. I hope that eventually my pain will fade, and I hope it's in time to prevent myself from becoming a lost memory.

-George

Hermione's voice had severely quieted as she read the letter, and she ended in just above a whisper. Her eyes had filled with tears. She handed the letter to Harry so he could see for himself, and stood there, numb.

Was this her fault? She had blown George off last night, told him to talk to someone else when he needed to talk to her. She hadn't been there for him when he need her to be, and now he was gone.

Tears trailed down her cheeks. She couldn't believe it. She knew he wasn't in the best place but she never thought he would leave. She hadn't realized the depth of George's damage.

Hermione jogged up the stairs all the way to George's room. She opened the door and stepped inside. The decorations were still up, but the shelves looked emptier. Hermione noticed a small page on George's bed. She went over and picked it up.

She let out a little laugh of disbelief. It was a variety sheet of Stick 'Em Anywhere Tattoos. There was a little note on it that read For Hermione. A few stray tears fell from her eyes but she wiped them away quickly.

There wasn't an endless path of darkness. There was light at the end of the tunnel.

Perhaps things weren't as bad as she thought.

Later that summer, Kingsley Shacklebolt, the new Minister of Magic, offered Harry and Ron, and even Neville Longbottom positions as Aurors. While her boyfriend and best friend were busy catching Death Eaters, Hermione searched for her parents. She luckily found them in Australia and was able to restore their memories. She explained everything to them, and they were pretty stunned, but were glad to be reunited with their daughter. They moved back to England and were able to buy a house in their old neighbourhood, and they resumed their dental practice. Hermione couldn't have been happier about that.

Hermione went back to Hogwarts to finish her education, and she found it odd to be there without Harry and Ron. While she had Ginny and Luna, she found herself a little lonely. But, this gave her a better opportunity to focus on her schoolwork. It was a little different without Professor Dumbledore, but Professor McGonagall was a brilliant Headmistress.

She went home for Christmas, but went to the Burrow for Christmas Eve. She was so glad that she could be with Ron, and it was good to see Harry again as well. He had moved into Grimmauld place, and they reminisced about their Christmas there with heavy hearts. Harry and Ginny seemed just as happy as Hermione and Ron. Mrs. Weasley seemed ambivalent, happy to have Percy there, and Bill and Fleur and Charlie, but sad as this was the first Christmas without the twins. Molly said that George had sent a Christmas card and gifts, but she would have much rather had his presence over presents. Hermione was sad as well; she missed her friend, and she knew how much Ginny missed her older brother.

Hermione graduated from Hogwarts at the top of the class. Ron was so proud that he took her out to a Muggle restaurant, ignoring what Ginny said about stealing the idea from her boyfriend. She laughed as he struggled with the Muggle money, but when she kissed him after her date, he smiled.

"You're the one, Hermione." He kissed her again.

"So are you." She grinned.

She moved out of her parents' house and bought a small apartment in a magical community, and was offered at job at the Ministry of Magic in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, where she began to further her movement for the better treatment of house-elves.

On the first anniversary of Fred's death, she visited his grave with Ron. They simply lay down some flowers, and Hermione cast a spell that produced small fireworks around his headstone. As they Disapparated, Hermione swore that she saw George Weasley emerging from behind a tree.

The next year went on pretty normally, but hope for George's return had started to falter by many members of the family. He wasn't spoken about, and family gatherings just didn't feel the same. Hearts were heavy and eyes were sad, but they managed.

Two years after George had left, he finally made a reappearance. It was on the second anniversary of Fred Weasley's death when Hermione saw him again. She and Ron were visiting Fred's grave again, and Ron left before she did. She sat down opposite of the headstone and was quiet.

A hand on the top of her head startled her. She looked up to see George standing there.

"Oh my god!" Hermione gasped. She jumped and threw her arms around him. She smacked a big kiss on his cheek.

He chuckled a little but his arms wrapped around her. "Hey." He murmured.

"George!" she said, pulling back so she could look in his face, her hands tightened on his shoulders as if he could vanish at any moment. "I can't believe it's you!"

"The one and only." He said, the corner of his mouth tilting up slightly.

She took in the sight of him. His hair was neatly trimmed, not much different in length as it had been the last time she had seen him. There were no dark circles under his eyes, and his skin didn't look as pale as it used to. He looked well, and Hermione's heart warmed.

"I missed you, George. Everyone has." She said softly.

His face fell and he looked away. He sat down on the ground and Hermione joined him. "I missed you, too. But I needed to be on my own for a while. It's helped me a lot. I think I'm ready to come back now."

Hermione placed her hand on top of his and squeezed it briefly. "I'm glad to hear that." She let go and twisted her hands in her lap. "George, I never got the chance to apologize to you. The night before you left I was really inconsiderate to how you were feeling. I was rude and it wasn't fair to you and I can't help but think, especially with your letter, that it may have been my fault that you left." She frowned. A tear rolled down her cheek.

"Oh, Hermione, it's okay. You didn't drive me away." He smiled sadly and wiped away her tear with his thumb. "You prevented me from doing some awful things." He shook his head. "I was so broken, and you really brought to my attention that I wasn't okay. I knew I needed to take some time to find myself again. It was my choice, Hermione. Nothing anyone did forced me to leave. I wanted to. Okay?"

Hermione nodded and sniffled. "So, how are you?"

George smiled. "I'm good. I'm really good. I'm ready to reopen the joke shop." He said confidently. He softened a little bit. "But I'm going to need some help."

Hermione rubbed his shoulder. "That's great." She smiled. "I know just the person to help you out. But you're going to have to go home and ask him yourself."

They shared a smile and stayed at Fred's grave for a few more minutes before Hermione had to get back to work.

"Bye, George."

He looked anxious. "Bye."

"Hey, everyone is going to be so glad to see you. Don't be afraid, George."

He blew out a breath but nodded. "Okay. And Hermione, if anyone asks, you haven't seen me." He winked and then he Disapparated. She laughed to herself and Apparated back to work.

After work, Hermione was at home reading in her den when she heard a knock at her door. She got up and answered it to find Ron there, looking slightly dumbfounded.

"Hey, Ron." She opened the door wider and he came in silently. He walked straight over to her couch and sat down. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. He settled his chin on his clasped hands. "Ron? What's the matter, love?" she sat down beside him and rubbed his back.

"George… he's back." He whispered, as if he still couldn't believe it.

Even though Hermione had already seen him, she pretended to be shocked. "He is?"

"Yeah." Ron shook his head, but a smile started to overtake his lips. "He said that he's got his own apartment and everything but he's ready to come back into our lives. He asked me if I would help him fix up the joke shop and get the business running again. He wants me to be a partner."

Hermione beamed. "Oh, Ron, that's wonderful!"

"Yeah. So I've decided to terminate my position at the Ministry and I'm going to tell George that I accept his offer." He looked at her and Hermione saw a spark in his eyes that she hadn't seen for two years.

She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. "I'm so happy for you, Ron." She whispered in his ear when she pulled away.

His fingers curled into her hair and he breathed in the scent of her shampoo. "I'm happy too. I really am."

Ron stayed over for a little longer before he went back to celebrate with his family. When he was gone, Hermione went to her room, changed into her pyjamas and sat on the ledge of her balcony with Crookshanks. She was getting tired and a little chilly when suddenly Crookshanks hissed.

Hermione turned and saw someone standing behind her. She yelped slightly but then the person stepped out into the light, a massive grin on his face.

"Nice pyjamas." He hopped up onto the ledge beside Hermione, and she punched his arm. "Ow!" he protested.

"You can't just Apparate onto someone's balcony and expect them not to punch you, George." She said. "You scared me!"

"Sorry."

"Shouldn't you be celebrating with your family?"

"That ended a while ago. It's past midnight, you know."

"Is it?" Hermione had lost track of time.

"Yep. So Ron accepted and he is now officially co-owner and manager of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes."

"That's great, George. I'm so happy for you."

"Thank you. I am too." He looked down and smiled. "Well, I just wanted to thank you again for everything you've done for me, Hermione. I couldn't have asked for a better friend, so thank you."

Hermione linked their arms and rested her head on his shoulder. "You're welcome."

They sat together for a while before Hermione began to feel drowsy. Her eyes started to fall shut, and she tried to stifle a yawn but George noticed. He scooped her up despite her half-hearted protest and carried her to her bed. When she was tucked under the covers, he kissed the crown of her head in a friendly manner.

"Goodnight, Hermione."

"Night, George. Thank you."

"You're welcome." He whispered.

Hermione fell asleep not a moment later, and it was probably the first time her guilt didn't plague her dreams.