They appeared in an instant outside of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes in Diagon Alley. George let go of Hermione's hand so she could navigate her way up the stairs. He opened the door of his flat for her, allowing her to go inside first.
Hermione looked around. She had never been in George's flat before, and was surprised. She had expected it to be flashy and exciting, bright, much like the twins themselves. Instead the walls in the living room were painted in muted neutrals. A bookshelf stood in a corner next to a comfortable-looking armchair. In another corner was a small desk, which Hermione assumed George used when working on ideas for the joke shop. On one wall was a small fireplace with a small jar of Floo Powder on the mantle. A sofa was in front of the fireplace. The kitchenette was bright and clean. The whole place had a very open, fresh look and feel that Hermione liked.
She turned to George. "So, this is your place, then?" she asked, trying to break the silence.
George smiled. "This is it," he said with a shrug. "Living room and kitchen here, bathroom and bedrooms down the hall. Can I make you some tea?"
"Er, thank you," Hermione replied, feeling slightly awkward. "You could have just taken me to my hotel, though. I don't want to be any trouble."
"You're not staying with Ron, then?" George asked. He avoided looking at her as he spoke.
"Oh, er, no. I...I moved out about a week ago. Didn't he tell you?" Hermione stared at the floor.
"Oh. No. I don't see my family often," George said.
Hermione looked up. She didn't know why this was surprising to her. After all, Ron never mentioned that George was even back in the country, or that he seemed to have been for quite some time.
George's back was to her while he busied himself filling the kettle. He tapped it once with his wand and steam began whistling out of the top. He filled two mugs, setting one on the table and gesturing for Hermione to sit. She did, feeling very uncomfortable. They sipped their tea in silence. After a while, Hermione found herself stifling a yawn. It was getting late. "Well, I should probably be going. Thank you for the--"
"What?" George interrupted. Hermione jumped, slopping the remainder of her tea down her front. George's ears went red. "Sorry. I mean," George began again. "You can stay here. At least just for the night. I just think you shouldn't have to be alone today." He looked at her with sad eyes.
"Oh, no," said Hermione awkwardly. She didn't like being looked at with such sadness, such pity. "I couldn't put you out like that. I mean, I'll be just fine, the inn I'm at is quite--"
"I insist!" George interjected again, giving Hermione a ghost of his old grin. She couldn't help but smile at his persistence.
"All right," she said, shaking her head in defeat. They were old friends, after all. She glanced at the sofa.
George interrupted yet again. "No way! What would my mother say if I made you sleep in the living room? I'll take the couch." He ran into the living room and threw himself on the sofa.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Really, George, you can't sleep on the sofa. At least let me use the extra bedroom. I couldn't possibly make you give up your own bed." She headed into the hallway and George barrelled past her, blocking her way.
"No!" He looked panicked. He took a breath and closed his eyes tightly. "That's Fred's room," he whispered, keeping his eyes shut. He rubbed the back of his neck while he waited for Hermione's reaction.
"Oh, George," Hermione said softly. He opened his eyes and looked at her. For a moment she held his gaze, each feeling the other's loss. "Of course. I wasn't thinking."
She went back to the living room. He followed her, embarrassed. Hermione didn't blame him for not wanting to let go of his twin.
Hermione sat on the sofa, staring at her hands.
"Now, if you don't willingly let me take the couch, I'll Stupefy you and throw you in my room," George said in an attempt to lighten the mood.
It worked. Hermione snorted and smiled at him. "You win," she said with another yawn. She let George lead the way to his bedroom. He pulled out a large shirt for her to sleep in, and then left her.
"Sweet dreams, Hermione," he said as he closed the door.
"Thank you, George," she whispered back.
Hermione slipped out of her clothes and into George's T-shirt. It was old and worn, which made it all the more comfortable. It smelled the way her clothes smelled when Mrs. Weasley did laundry at the Burrow. Hermione breathed in the scent and snuggled under the blankets. She felt more at peace than she had in a long time. It didn't take long for Hermione to relax into a deep sleep.
------
Not much later, Hermione woke suddenly. She had been dreaming peacefully, but was roused by the sounds of men's voices. Angry men's voices. She sneaked out of George's room and crept quietly down the hall toward the living room. The voices grew louder as Hermione got closer. She peeked around the corner and saw George pacing in front of the fireplace as someone shouted at him.
"--should have told me, I would have come! I've been looking for her for a week! Didn't you think--"
Ron, Hermione thought. She realized he was in the fire, talking to George.
"Of course I thought," said George. "I thought, hmm, maybe she needed some time away from you since she broke up with you--"
"It's just a break! And you still should have told me! I know how to help her, I can take care of her--"
"Take care of her?!" George stopped pacing and stood in front of the fire. He glanced behind him. Hermione shrunk back, not wanting to be seen. George breathed for a moment to calm himself and lowered his voice as he turned back to the fire. "Ron, have you seen her? Did you even know it was the anniversary of her parents' death? I'm guessing not, since you didn't even know where to look for her!"
"Oh, and because you know her so well, you knew--"
"Of course I know her!" George exploded, clenching his shaking fists. "I've known her for half of my life! Almost every summer and holiday she was at our house, how could I not know her?"
"Bring her back." Ron growled. "Bring her home. Or...or I'll come and get her."
George shook his head. "If she wanted to see you, she would have gone to you. She's sleeping now. Just...just let her be for a while, Ron. She needs to heal. Can't you see that?"
A few moments passed. Both men were quiet. When Ron spoke again, his voice shook with barely-contained fury.
"I don't believe this. Still, George? After everything, you--" He huffed in frustration. "You've got to be kidding me."
George didn't say anything, but just stared at the floor.
A stream of hissed profanities came from Ron's direction. He sounded furious. Angier than Hermione had ever heard him, she realised, which really was saying something, considering all of the arguments during their Hogwarts days.
Hermione decided didn't want to hear anymore. Soundlessly she hurried back to George's bedroom and covered herself under the covers. After a few minutes the door opened. She breathed steadily, pretending to be asleep.
"Hermione?" George whispered. "You awake?"
Hermione didn't move, but continued taking deep, exaggerated breaths. She knew George knew she was faking. No one could have slept through that argument. But she didn't want to talk about what she had just witnessed. The door closed and Hermione lay there silently until, at last, she fell back to sleep.
