saving granger; a theomione

Chapter 8

 As Hermione slowly stepped into the familiar shop, she inhaled deeply. She quite enjoyed the sense of nostalgia. An intoxicating mix of love potions sweets swirled through the air, and the store was full of people, idly shopping and enjoying their day. She followed up the stairs closely behind Ginny.

They found George sitting behind a small, wooden desk scribbling away on a sheet of paper. His shoulders were hunched, as if he was carrying the weight of the sky atop them. He didn't even look up as they entered the room, clearly too enveloped in whatever he was working on. George!" Ginny screamed.

"Oh hey Gin, Hermione." 

His lack of enthusiasm was on par with his behaviour since the Final Battle, but she knew better than to take it personally. Ginny however, could hardly contain her excitement. Hermione was sure she was going to give away the surprise before they could return to the school. "No time for pleasantries, we need to get to Hogwarts immediately! Oh Georgie, we have a surprise, you're going to absolutely love it!" she squealed.

"But-" George began.

"No time! Lee is running the cash, lets go!"

Hermione grabbed George's wrist and popped them back into Hogsmeade before he could protest any further. Ginny appeared next to them with a crack soon after. The Scottish wind had a bit of a chill to it, but she hardly registered it, burning up with excitement.  The trio walked hurriedly all the way back to Hogwarts, and Ginny and Hermione pointedly avoided conversation all the while. At the entrance of the main hall, they were greeted by Harry and Ron. Ron took hold of Hermione's hand, and Harry did the same with Ginny as they all rushed George up to the Gryffindor common room, all the while ignoring his questions and clear confusion. 

Harry muttered the portraits chosen password for the week,  and in response, the portrait swung open revealing the common room.

The small group headed over, while George continued to demand someone tell him what was going on. He was quickly interrupted by Gryffindor's newest member. Well, oldest newest.

"Oi Georgie, no need to get all worked up. Though I reckon you've been pretty stressed out running the store all by yourself, eh?" George swung around to face a beaming reflection of himself.

"Fred? Fred!" Hermione cast her eyes away as George fell to his knees and began to quietly sob. There was something that felt incredibly private about the moment, and she was not keen to watch as the twins reunited. Fred drifted over and sat down beside his twin, trying fruitlessly to calm him down. They sat there like that for several minutes before George finally broke the silence.

"Fred, I felt extremely saint-like after you left me." 

Hermione could only help but raise an eyebrow, assuming this was some sort of inside joke the rest of them weren't meant to understand. Fred responded as if he were equally confused by George's antics for once. "I'm the dead one mate, but where are you going with this?"

George rested a hand over his heart, a bitter smile crossing his face. "I was even more holy then before." 

Hermione couldn't help but shed a few tears as the group erupted with laughter. It wasn't long at all before Ginny began softly crying. Harry, of course, did his best to calm her down. 

"You know Georgie, I could be stirring things up with the bloody Marauders right now and I still came back to see your sorry ass. Honestly, did you think stealing my girlfriend was the best way to mourn me?" The twins both chuckled.