Brixham House (On Temp. Hold)

3. Smitten

June 2007

George looked up from his desk, his eyes travelling to a tacked up picture of Fred and him during their school years. He listened attentively as someone slammed through the kitchen. Knocking pots, pans and tea boxes around until he heard the familiar click of the stove top being lit.

"Hello?" George hollered, pushing his reading glasses up his nose he tip-toed down his hallway. He was positive it wasn't a robber, as what sort of robber made tea while they stole but he couldn't be certain it wasn't a robber either.

"I'm having a row with Harry!" Ginny screamed back, halting George's footsteps immediately. He took two deep breaths, wished for once in his life he was going over budget reports at the shop instead and then stepped into the kitchen.

"And I'm moral support." George eyed Hermione confused, as she was still in hospital scrubs and the bags under her eyes practically screamed that she hadn't slept in days.

"Shouldn't you be at work." George asked confused, not yet trusting himself to be completely immersed in the kitchen.

"Her job is shit, I stole her on grounds of being my sister-in-law and-"

"My job is not shit."

"Do not get me started Hermione." Ginny held up a warning finger, as if Hermione was seven years old, before turning back to the kettle. Glaring at it, til it screamed under the pressure then she poured her own mug.

"Do you have any whiskey?" Ginny asked, flinging open a cupboard only to find stacked children's dishes, she slammed the cupboard instantly in anger. It bounced on it's hinges, before settling closed slowly. 

"You are pregnant Gin." George said at once, shooting Hermione a look but she was busy tying her hair up on top of her head. Clearly either used to his sister's antics, or entirely too exhausted to properly deal with the melt down happening in front of her. 

"Rats." Ginny strung along a few other choice words, before snatching up her tea and propping herself on a bar stool. "I don't fucking bite, get in here George." Ginny snapped, waving her hand for George to step completely into the kitchen.

George hesitated, as he didn't feel entirely comfortable actually stepping in his own kitchen but decided he best suck it up, and therefore toed one socked foot over the threshold. Now completely immersed in chaos. 

"You bit me at work." Hermione drawled, stepping up to grab two mugs and pour tea. George trailed her with his eyes, trying to match her nonchalance as best as he could. 

"That's because you wouldn't listen to me." Ginny argued, blowing on the rim of her mug to cool her tea.

"I was with a patient." Hermione sighed, handing a mug to George before rounding the island to sit beside Ginny. George gripped it tightly, using it anchor himself before leaning against the counter opposite of the two girls sitting at the island. 

"Is a patient more important than your sister in law?" Ginny argued, slamming her mug on the counter. George was half amazed it hadn't shattered on impact. 

"I'm not answering that." Hermione mused, taking a delicate sip of her beverage.

"So they are!?" Ginny shouted, throwing her hands up in agitation. George jumped, slightly alarmed at his sisters fit but Hermione didn't seem phased in the slightest. "You are just like him you know! So condescending, and a right know it all half the time!" Ginny shouted, swinging in her chair to fix Hermione with the meanest glare George had ever seen.

It stemmed directly from his mother, but his mother had the offset of rosy cheeks to soften even her meanest looks. 

"Don't talk to her like that." George rushed out to say, setting his mug down delicately on the counter top. He flicked Hermione another glance, but she was too busy swirling her mug gently. Watching the leaves move around in delicate circles.