Brixham House (On Temp. Hold)

4. Hate Holiday's

June 2007

George looked up, shutting his book on his lap keeping his pointer finger in between the pages to hold his spot. He watched as Hermione floated through the room, waving her wand to rid of Rose's tornado of play time before landing in a recliner across the coffee table from George.

It had been a week since Bill had proposed the holiday, and all that the trip entailed. It hadn't left George's mind for a moment. But for a week, Hermione had hardly been home. Working relentless hours, flooing George for favors in terms of picking up Rose and even once taking her to a muggle dentist appointment. That had ended with way too many bribery sweets, and a headache from George.

Finally, Hermione had been home in time for dinner though she was clearly exhausted, George wanted to drill her just a bit for answers. Like why she seemed so normal about sharing a room on holiday. And why she hadn't tried to bargain for something else. And why she didn't even argue with Harry, she always argues with Harry. 

"How was work?" George asked, deciding some pleasantries first might bid over well.

"Horrid." Hermione groaned, hanging her head back. "Absolutely horrid." Hermione sighed, staring up at the vaulted white ceiling. So very different from the ceiling she had spent the last five years staring at. Peeled, yellowed and short.

"Why don't you quit?" George asked, he was not getting the answers he desperately wanted to tonight.

"Quit?" Hermione shot her head up, looking at George highly confused.

"Yeah, like..just stop working there." George waved his hand, but this only caused further confusion with Hermione.

"How will I make money?" Hermione asked, turning her body to throw her legs over one arm rest and settle her head on the other. George was thrown back to years of watching her study in the common room at Hogwarts. Though he always denied such allegations from Fred had he ever confronted him about it. 

"Well, is there anything else you'd like to do?" George asked, flipping open his book but he didn't stray his eyes from Hermione's face. He could at least pretend he was doing something other than absolutely basking under her attention. 

"I couldn't." Hermione shook her head, turning away to look back up at the ceiling. This time with intent interest.

"Sure you can." George shrugged, peering down at his book. "It isn't that difficult." George bit his lip to keep from laughing.

After a moment of silence, that stretched far too long, he chanced a glance up to see Hermione studying him.

"What?" George whispered, wondering perhaps if he had crossed a unforeseen line. He kept his tone playful, hopeful even. Urging her on without speaking his intentions out loud. 

"You really think I could do something else?" Hermione asked slowly, tucking her wand up and behind her ear. Though she removed it just as quickly, twirling it between her fingers like she used to when she was studying. 

"Depends on what it is, surely." George shut his book once more, this time not bothering with saving his spot. "A professor yes, a potions expert no." George pretended to weigh the options in either of his hands.

"Minister of magic, yes. Unspeakable, no." He continued, smirking as Hermione seemed to actually ponder his ideas, her wand coming to a slow stop. 

"A muggle police officer, no. A-"

"I want to write a book."

George paused. Pretending to mull her answer over in his mind. He, of course, already knew his answer. Because truly, he believed she could do anything.