Fic: Semper Vigilans (4/?)
Author's Note: Don't know if anybody is reading this or not, but a kind word to let me know you're enjoying the story would be greatly appreciated!
Semper Vigilans
- Chapter 4 -
The Twins' Flat - Friday Morning
The sun's rays filtered through the window blinds, casting warm beams of light across the bed and its lone occupant. Hermione lay entangled in the bedding, her hair spread out in a halo around her head as she slowly began to awaken from her slumber. First one, then both eyes opened slightly, squinting as the harsh brightness assaulted them. A soft groan escaped her lips as she sat up and looked around the room in confusion.
'This isn't my room.' She thought drowsily.
Then the memories hit her. With a gasp she recalled everything that had transpired last night. Draco and his abduction of her, the unbelievable rescuer, her flight to the twins' flat and their comforting arms. They had calmed her fear, taking care of her and putting her to bed, but now...
Now she had to face the music.
She had to go to the police. Her car was crashed on the side of the road with most likely a dead body beside it, for goodness sake! She was surprised they were not beating down the door at this very moment. Of course, since she was at the twins' home and not her own, she couldn't be sure they weren't.
Her mind began to whir into action as she began to compile a list of all the logical questions she was sure to be asked. Stumbling from the bed, Hermione looked around only to remember that the only clothes she had with her were blood stained and lying in a heap on the bathroom floor. Tugging at the hem of Fred's shirt, she groaned as she realized she didn't have a thing to wear!
Resolving herself to the fact that she would have to emerge and do what had to be done, Hermione made her way to the bedroom door.
Through their link with the pretty brunette, the twins had sensed Hermione rousing from sleep. They knew it was only a matter of time before she emerged like a bushy haired whirlwind ready to 'do the right thing'.
Sure enough, she entered the living room with a look of determination on her face. George was sitting on the sofa, morning paper in hand. The sound of rattling pots and pans issuing from the kitchen area gave Fred's whereabouts away quite effectively. She couldn't help a small smile tug at the corners of her lips at the thought of Fred attempting to make breakfast.
George had looked up from his paper the instant he heard the bedroom door open. "Good morning, Sunshine!" He greeted her with a smile.
The rattling from the kitchen stopped abruptly and Fred appeared in the doorway not long after, sporting an identical smile. "You hungry, pet? I've got the kettle on for some tea. Would you prefer bacon or sausage with your eggs?"
Hermione smiled at the picture he presented. Fred was still in his pajama pants and t-shirt as he held a spatula in one hand and a carton of eggs in the other. A hand towel was thrown haphazardly over his left shoulder and he was donning an apron that read "My Main Ingredient Is Mischief" she hadn't ever noticed before. He looked quite adorable.
Hermione shook herself mentally. She couldn't be thinking things like that now! "No time, I need to go back to my house." she stated simply.
Fred and George frowned, looked at each other and back to her.
"Why?" George asked as he laid his paper on the small table before him.
Fred retreated back into the kitchen, reappearing a few seconds later sans dishcloth, eggs and spatula, though he still wore the apron.
"I need a change of clothes. The ones I wore last night are ruined," She said in response to George.
"And just what's wrong with what you're wearing?" Fred asked as he stepped closer to draw her into a hug. "I happen to think this look suits you."
Hermione blushed as she rolled her eyes at this but allowed herself to be pulled into Fred's arms. She returned the hug before drawing back to bestow a similar hug to George. "Well, I obviously can't wear your boxers and shirt to the police station, no matter how comfortable they are Fred."
As she was wrapped in George's arms, she missed the look shared between the twins. They had known she would worry about the events that had transpired the previous night once she was awake. Her brilliant mind was aces at working itself into a frenzy once given the chance. It was just what she did, overthinking. She was probably even blaming herself for whatever reason and they couldn't have that. They had to reassure her that none of it was her fault in any way, and that they had taken care of things.
That is, without giving away too much of exactly how they had.
Distraction seemed to be the answer, and so, without a word, Fred slid against her back as she was still wrapped up in George's arms, effectively making a very delicious Hermione sandwich.
He nuzzled into her neck, and softly murmured. "There's no need to go anywhere, love, we've taken care of everything, so you needn't worry."
Hermione melted into their shared presence, it was like the warmest sunlight and the softest silk caressed her. "Mm." She mumbled softly, but then what Fred said reached her brain. She stiffened slightly. "Wait. What do you mean you've taken care of it?"
Sensing that her mind was attempting to kick into overtime, the twins took action. Fred drew back as George moved to cradle Hermione's face with his hands, urging her to meet his eyes. "What we mean, Kit, is exactly what he said. We've taken care of it. Your car is safely tucked away at Lee's garage under repairs as we speak. And that git who attacked you, well, seeing as he was nowhere to be seen, I assume he's at a hospital somewhere recovering at this very moment.”
Hermione jerked back, eyes wide at this. "You went back there? Are you mad? He could have still been there. Even if he was protecting me, there's no reason to think he wouldn't have attacked you as well! And if Malfoy did survive then don't you think he would be calling the police to report the attack, even if it was something out of the ordinary?"
"Hush now, love," Fred wrapped his arms around her middle and drew her back against him, once more nuzzling her neck. George also resumed his position pressed against her front, his hands leaving her face to instead grip her hips in an almost possessive hold. Despite her sudden bout of panic, Hermione felt herself calming almost instantly.
"You said yourself that the creature seemed to be protecting you. And we went there with intent on doing the same. It is our sacred duty, after all, and I'm sure whatever he is sensed that we meant no harm and thus didn't bother us." The soft timbre of George's voice lulled Hermione as he whispered into her ear.
"And as for that Malfoy bloke, He'd be insane to admit to being attacked by some monster. I'm sure your secret Protector is safe." Fred's voice drifted into her other ear, completing her undoing as her mind became unraveled, her body relaxing between them.
Once they felt the tension leave Hermione's body, the twins' eyes locked above her head.
'Secret Protector? Really Fred?' George teased.
Fred blushed slightly. 'Shut it.' He retorted silently.
George smirked before drawing back from Hermione. Bringing a hand up, He used his fingers to too her chin up till she was looking at him. "Now, I suggest you take Freddie up on his offer for breakfast, seeing as we have quite the day planned for you."
"You do?"
'We do?' Fred's voice in his head sounded just as surprised as Hermione looked.
George smiled smugly. The idea had actually just come to him and he had yet to relay it to Fred. Sending a mental apology to his twin, He continued. "Indeed we do. We're taking you to the zoo. Seeing as you have a soft spot for exotic creatures and such, thought it might make you feel better not to mention take your mind off other unpleasant matters."
Fred had already withdrawn and was heading toward the kitchen. "That's right," He said, not missing a beat. "So my earlier question still stands, pet." He stopped at the doorway and looked back at Hermione who was smiling at the prospect of spending the day with them both. "Sausage or bacon?"
Hermione laughed. "Bacon, please." Then something occurred to her once Fred had entered the kitchen. She looked down at herself and so did George, remembering her attire and instantly knowing what she was going to say.
"You know; I can't go to the zoo dressed like this either." Hermione arched an eyebrow in question, her hands sweeping the length of her body as if to display her attire to George.
The way George's eyes heatedly followed the path her hands had made startled her. Was he really admiring her body? She could feel her cheeks ignite as her body reacted to his gaze. All of a sudden it was way too hot in the room, leaving Hermione panting for breath.
George licked his lips, averting his eyes and breaking the spell in order to gather himself. From the kitchen the sound of a pan hitting the floor followed by Fred cursing could be heard.
'What the bloody hell was that Forge? All of a sudden I'm dealing with a very prominent problem, if you know what I mean. Was that coming from you?'
'Actually, it was coming from Hermione.' George sent the mental reply to his brother at the same time he replied verbally to Hermione. "Well then, my dear Kit, we will just have to remedy that by making a quick trip to your place then, won't we. If you don't mind wearing a pair of my jogging bottoms, we can go fetch you an outfit and be back by the time Fred finishes breakfast."
"That's so kind of you, George, thank you." Hermione managed to say. She watched as George hastily made his way to his bedroom.
'Honestly, Hermione! Get a grip.' She mentally chastised herself, having finally gathered her wits after being hit by the overwhelming desire she had experienced. 'You've only just realized you fancy them last night. They don't even know! Besides, they only think of you as a friend.' Though, by the way George had been looking at her, she was beginning to doubt that assessment.
Once in his bedroom, George took the time to change clothes as he gathered his thoughts as well as emotions. The sheer lust had been visible in Hermione's eyes but a moment, but the impact had been like a tidal wave hitting him full force. He'd had to break eye contact or risk the possibility of doing something rather rash. Like grabbing her into his arms and snogging the devil out of her. Clearly, the link that had mysteriously established between them upon their first time meeting her had strengthened through time just as much as their friendship had. Fred's inquiry was a sure sign he had felt it too through their link, only he had more than likely sensed it from both sides. His and Hermione's.
Taking a last look at his appearance, George took a calming breath, before retuning with the promised article of clothing. He handed the soft, knit material to her and neither could stop the shiver as their fingers brushed when she took the trousers from him. He moved to the front door of the flat and drew a light jacket from a small closet as she donned the bottoms, and returned to hand it to Hermione as well. "Here. Until we get to your house and get you some proper clothes, this will have to do."
He helped her into the jacket, the knuckles of his hands sliding up her arms as he did so. He rested his hands briefly on her shoulders afterward, giving them a squeeze before he released her and moved to the kitchen doorway. Once there, he peered into the kitchen and grinned at the sight his brother presented.
Fred was furiously whipping eggs together in a bowl, his lower body pressed conspicuously against the counter. He shifted ever so slightly as he applied the tiniest bit of needed pressure. As George had thought, the wave of arousal that he and Hermione had exuded had doubly affected him. The twins knew of the backlash that occurred when one or the other had an intense emotional response to something and being as it came from a dual source Fred was definitely suffering the effects. His face was nearly as red as his hair. Oh, yes, the response Hermione had had to his admiring gaze was quite promising, indeed.
"Oi, Gred, I'm taking Hermione over to grab something suitable to wear to the zoo. You'll have breakfast ready by then, right?" George had to bit his lip in order to stifle a laugh at the look Fred shot him over his shoulder.
"I'll do my best!" Fred attempted to sound cheerful for Hermione's sake, but mentally he sent a plea to his brother. 'Do you mind taking the long way round, mate?'
'Need some time to yourself, Freddie?' George teased, then ducked back into the living room to avoid a flying spatula.
Returning to Hermione's side, George escorted her from the flat with a hand hovering, yet not quite touching, the small of her back. They exited the shop and went around to the side of the building where the twins kept their 1963 Ford Anglia. It had been passed down to them from their father, Arthur, and they treasured the battered, yet trusty, light blue car.
George opened the passenger side door and allowed Hermione to get settled in the seat before shutting the door and rounding to the driver's side. Once behind the steering wheel, he fired up the old car and put it in reverse, carefully backing out onto the busy street of Diagon Alley.
Hermione stole glances at her handsome chauffeur, while worrying her lip gently. She was feeling rather awkward about her awakening attraction towards the twins. Her reaction to George before they had left the flat had been a real eye opener for her. Without warning, George's eyes strayed from watching the road and darted in her direction. Her heart lurched and immediately she averted her own eyes and focused intently on staring straight ahead.
'Oh, heavens, I can't even look him in the eyes now. What am I going to do!'
George's lips curled slightly at her ridiculously shy reaction, and he knew that she could feel the air crackling attraction between them, as much as he did. Her resolve held though, much to his dismay, and she did not look his way again until they were pulling into the driveway in front of her quaint two-bedroom house.
"So, um... D-do you want to come in, or...." She shot bashful half looks his way as she blushed furiously, making her appear even more irresistible.
"Whatever you want, pet." George grinned mischievously.
His reply had the desired effect. Hermione spluttered in undecipherable words as she contemplated hiding her face in her hands. It had to be as red as a tomato by now! Her adorable display caused him to laugh merrily.
The sound of George's amused laughter was like being doused in ice water to Hermione, causing her to stiffen. Had he been teasing her? She was thoroughly mortified as she came to this conclusion. He was aware of her attraction and he was making fun of her because of it!
"I think it best if you stayed in the car. I won't be too long, so I'm sure you can amuse yourself." She replied curtly, piercing George with a cold glare that silenced his laughter instantly. Without another word, she flung open her door and piled out of the car, making sure to slam it shut upon her exit.
As George watched in confusion, Hermione marched up to her front door and unlocked it, making sure to throw a scathing look back at him before slamming that door shut as well.
Realization dawned upon George the second Hermione slammed her front door and immediately he grew mad at himself. How could he have done that? His grip on the steering wheel tightened so much his knuckles turned white and with a cry of frustration he slammed his head back against the car's head rest. He and Fred had been witness to the cruel teasing she had endured during school, had even defended her against it when needed. But the damage had still been dealt and if there was one thing that was sure to leave Hermione Granger angry and hurt and on the defensive, it was to laugh at her expense.
But surely she hadn't thought that was his intent? George moaned miserably as he recalled the pained expression that had glimmered across her features before she had shuttered it away beneath indignant fury.
In the back of his mind, George felt a stirring in the bond he and his twin shared. Sure enough, Fred's alarmed voice was soon echoing in his mind.
'Georgie? What's wrong? I can sense how upset you are from here. Is Hermione alright?' The worry in Fred's voice only caused George's guilt to double.
'I messed up Freddie.'
There was a pause, then: 'What do you mean you messed up? George what did you do?' Fred's tone had gone from worried to stern in two seconds flat.
George leaned forward, resting his forehead upon the backs of his hands which still clenched the steering while, though not nearly as tightly. 'I laughed at her.' He confessed.
'You what?' Fred's voice shifted yet again, this time to confusion.
George sighed. 'I was amused by the looks she kept giving me on the way to her house. She was just being so damn obvious with it, you know. It was adorable.' A smile ghosted across his lips before vanishing as he spoke his next words. 'Then we got to the driveway and she asked if I wanted to come in and I- well, I called myself flirting when I answered her, and she got so embarrassed and bashful-'
'Forge, just spit it out!' Fred, now fed up with George's rambling explanation, snapped impatiently.
'I told you. I laughed at her. And she took it completely the wrong way.'
'Shit.'
'I know.' George replied glumly.
'George. Where are you right now?' Fred's voice held an edge to it to caught his twin's attention.
'I'm in the car, why?'
A groan of irritation issued through the link and George braced himself for a good dressing down. Fred didn't disappoint.
'You stupid git! What are you just sitting there for? Get off your arse and go apologize this instant! I swear this is proof that I am definitely the smarter twin as well as the more handsome. I got all the good traits and all you got was a great big case of stupiditis!'
George cringed.
'Now go! Get in there and apologize!'
George was out of the car and standing at the front door so fast it was as if he had teleported. Not even thinking, he reached out and grabbed the doorknob, giving it a turn. The door swung open easily. With nothing more filling his mind than the thought of offering his sincerest apologies, George marched through the door. Not seeing Hermione anywhere on the first floor, he took to the stairs leading up to the second floor which housed the bedrooms and bathroom. He and Fred had been here on more than one occasion and knew by heart the layout just as well as their own flat's. He went straight to the door that led to Hermione's bedroom, instantly throwing open the door, ready to grovel at her feet if that's what it took to earn her forgiveness.
However, the lovely vision that awaited him on the other side of the door stopped him in his tracks.
~*~*~*~
Author's Note: I give you guys three guesses on what George finds on the other side of the door. ^_^
Semper Vigilans
- Chapter 4 -
The Twins' Flat - Friday Morning
The sun's rays filtered through the window blinds, casting warm beams of light across the bed and its lone occupant. Hermione lay entangled in the bedding, her hair spread out in a halo around her head as she slowly began to awaken from her slumber. First one, then both eyes opened slightly, squinting as the harsh brightness assaulted them. A soft groan escaped her lips as she sat up and looked around the room in confusion.
'This isn't my room.' She thought drowsily.
Then the memories hit her. With a gasp she recalled everything that had transpired last night. Draco and his abduction of her, the unbelievable rescuer, her flight to the twins' flat and their comforting arms. They had calmed her fear, taking care of her and putting her to bed, but now...
Now she had to face the music.
She had to go to the police. Her car was crashed on the side of the road with most likely a dead body beside it, for goodness sake! She was surprised they were not beating down the door at this very moment. Of course, since she was at the twins' home and not her own, she couldn't be sure they weren't.
Her mind began to whir into action as she began to compile a list of all the logical questions she was sure to be asked. Stumbling from the bed, Hermione looked around only to remember that the only clothes she had with her were blood stained and lying in a heap on the bathroom floor. Tugging at the hem of Fred's shirt, she groaned as she realized she didn't have a thing to wear!
Resolving herself to the fact that she would have to emerge and do what had to be done, Hermione made her way to the bedroom door.
Through their link with the pretty brunette, the twins had sensed Hermione rousing from sleep. They knew it was only a matter of time before she emerged like a bushy haired whirlwind ready to 'do the right thing'.
Sure enough, she entered the living room with a look of determination on her face. George was sitting on the sofa, morning paper in hand. The sound of rattling pots and pans issuing from the kitchen area gave Fred's whereabouts away quite effectively. She couldn't help a small smile tug at the corners of her lips at the thought of Fred attempting to make breakfast.
George had looked up from his paper the instant he heard the bedroom door open. "Good morning, Sunshine!" He greeted her with a smile.
The rattling from the kitchen stopped abruptly and Fred appeared in the doorway not long after, sporting an identical smile. "You hungry, pet? I've got the kettle on for some tea. Would you prefer bacon or sausage with your eggs?"
Hermione smiled at the picture he presented. Fred was still in his pajama pants and t-shirt as he held a spatula in one hand and a carton of eggs in the other. A hand towel was thrown haphazardly over his left shoulder and he was donning an apron that read "My Main Ingredient Is Mischief" she hadn't ever noticed before. He looked quite adorable.
Hermione shook herself mentally. She couldn't be thinking things like that now! "No time, I need to go back to my house." she stated simply.
Fred and George frowned, looked at each other and back to her.
"Why?" George asked as he laid his paper on the small table before him.
Fred retreated back into the kitchen, reappearing a few seconds later sans dishcloth, eggs and spatula, though he still wore the apron.
"I need a change of clothes. The ones I wore last night are ruined," She said in response to George.
"And just what's wrong with what you're wearing?" Fred asked as he stepped closer to draw her into a hug. "I happen to think this look suits you."
Hermione blushed as she rolled her eyes at this but allowed herself to be pulled into Fred's arms. She returned the hug before drawing back to bestow a similar hug to George. "Well, I obviously can't wear your boxers and shirt to the police station, no matter how comfortable they are Fred."
As she was wrapped in George's arms, she missed the look shared between the twins. They had known she would worry about the events that had transpired the previous night once she was awake. Her brilliant mind was aces at working itself into a frenzy once given the chance. It was just what she did, overthinking. She was probably even blaming herself for whatever reason and they couldn't have that. They had to reassure her that none of it was her fault in any way, and that they had taken care of things.
That is, without giving away too much of exactly how they had.
Distraction seemed to be the answer, and so, without a word, Fred slid against her back as she was still wrapped up in George's arms, effectively making a very delicious Hermione sandwich.
He nuzzled into her neck, and softly murmured. "There's no need to go anywhere, love, we've taken care of everything, so you needn't worry."
Hermione melted into their shared presence, it was like the warmest sunlight and the softest silk caressed her. "Mm." She mumbled softly, but then what Fred said reached her brain. She stiffened slightly. "Wait. What do you mean you've taken care of it?"
Sensing that her mind was attempting to kick into overtime, the twins took action. Fred drew back as George moved to cradle Hermione's face with his hands, urging her to meet his eyes. "What we mean, Kit, is exactly what he said. We've taken care of it. Your car is safely tucked away at Lee's garage under repairs as we speak. And that git who attacked you, well, seeing as he was nowhere to be seen, I assume he's at a hospital somewhere recovering at this very moment.”
Hermione jerked back, eyes wide at this. "You went back there? Are you mad? He could have still been there. Even if he was protecting me, there's no reason to think he wouldn't have attacked you as well! And if Malfoy did survive then don't you think he would be calling the police to report the attack, even if it was something out of the ordinary?"
"Hush now, love," Fred wrapped his arms around her middle and drew her back against him, once more nuzzling her neck. George also resumed his position pressed against her front, his hands leaving her face to instead grip her hips in an almost possessive hold. Despite her sudden bout of panic, Hermione felt herself calming almost instantly.
"You said yourself that the creature seemed to be protecting you. And we went there with intent on doing the same. It is our sacred duty, after all, and I'm sure whatever he is sensed that we meant no harm and thus didn't bother us." The soft timbre of George's voice lulled Hermione as he whispered into her ear.
"And as for that Malfoy bloke, He'd be insane to admit to being attacked by some monster. I'm sure your secret Protector is safe." Fred's voice drifted into her other ear, completing her undoing as her mind became unraveled, her body relaxing between them.
Once they felt the tension leave Hermione's body, the twins' eyes locked above her head.
'Secret Protector? Really Fred?' George teased.
Fred blushed slightly. 'Shut it.' He retorted silently.
George smirked before drawing back from Hermione. Bringing a hand up, He used his fingers to too her chin up till she was looking at him. "Now, I suggest you take Freddie up on his offer for breakfast, seeing as we have quite the day planned for you."
"You do?"
'We do?' Fred's voice in his head sounded just as surprised as Hermione looked.
George smiled smugly. The idea had actually just come to him and he had yet to relay it to Fred. Sending a mental apology to his twin, He continued. "Indeed we do. We're taking you to the zoo. Seeing as you have a soft spot for exotic creatures and such, thought it might make you feel better not to mention take your mind off other unpleasant matters."
Fred had already withdrawn and was heading toward the kitchen. "That's right," He said, not missing a beat. "So my earlier question still stands, pet." He stopped at the doorway and looked back at Hermione who was smiling at the prospect of spending the day with them both. "Sausage or bacon?"
Hermione laughed. "Bacon, please." Then something occurred to her once Fred had entered the kitchen. She looked down at herself and so did George, remembering her attire and instantly knowing what she was going to say.
"You know; I can't go to the zoo dressed like this either." Hermione arched an eyebrow in question, her hands sweeping the length of her body as if to display her attire to George.
The way George's eyes heatedly followed the path her hands had made startled her. Was he really admiring her body? She could feel her cheeks ignite as her body reacted to his gaze. All of a sudden it was way too hot in the room, leaving Hermione panting for breath.
George licked his lips, averting his eyes and breaking the spell in order to gather himself. From the kitchen the sound of a pan hitting the floor followed by Fred cursing could be heard.
'What the bloody hell was that Forge? All of a sudden I'm dealing with a very prominent problem, if you know what I mean. Was that coming from you?'
'Actually, it was coming from Hermione.' George sent the mental reply to his brother at the same time he replied verbally to Hermione. "Well then, my dear Kit, we will just have to remedy that by making a quick trip to your place then, won't we. If you don't mind wearing a pair of my jogging bottoms, we can go fetch you an outfit and be back by the time Fred finishes breakfast."
"That's so kind of you, George, thank you." Hermione managed to say. She watched as George hastily made his way to his bedroom.
'Honestly, Hermione! Get a grip.' She mentally chastised herself, having finally gathered her wits after being hit by the overwhelming desire she had experienced. 'You've only just realized you fancy them last night. They don't even know! Besides, they only think of you as a friend.' Though, by the way George had been looking at her, she was beginning to doubt that assessment.
Once in his bedroom, George took the time to change clothes as he gathered his thoughts as well as emotions. The sheer lust had been visible in Hermione's eyes but a moment, but the impact had been like a tidal wave hitting him full force. He'd had to break eye contact or risk the possibility of doing something rather rash. Like grabbing her into his arms and snogging the devil out of her. Clearly, the link that had mysteriously established between them upon their first time meeting her had strengthened through time just as much as their friendship had. Fred's inquiry was a sure sign he had felt it too through their link, only he had more than likely sensed it from both sides. His and Hermione's.
Taking a last look at his appearance, George took a calming breath, before retuning with the promised article of clothing. He handed the soft, knit material to her and neither could stop the shiver as their fingers brushed when she took the trousers from him. He moved to the front door of the flat and drew a light jacket from a small closet as she donned the bottoms, and returned to hand it to Hermione as well. "Here. Until we get to your house and get you some proper clothes, this will have to do."
He helped her into the jacket, the knuckles of his hands sliding up her arms as he did so. He rested his hands briefly on her shoulders afterward, giving them a squeeze before he released her and moved to the kitchen doorway. Once there, he peered into the kitchen and grinned at the sight his brother presented.
Fred was furiously whipping eggs together in a bowl, his lower body pressed conspicuously against the counter. He shifted ever so slightly as he applied the tiniest bit of needed pressure. As George had thought, the wave of arousal that he and Hermione had exuded had doubly affected him. The twins knew of the backlash that occurred when one or the other had an intense emotional response to something and being as it came from a dual source Fred was definitely suffering the effects. His face was nearly as red as his hair. Oh, yes, the response Hermione had had to his admiring gaze was quite promising, indeed.
"Oi, Gred, I'm taking Hermione over to grab something suitable to wear to the zoo. You'll have breakfast ready by then, right?" George had to bit his lip in order to stifle a laugh at the look Fred shot him over his shoulder.
"I'll do my best!" Fred attempted to sound cheerful for Hermione's sake, but mentally he sent a plea to his brother. 'Do you mind taking the long way round, mate?'
'Need some time to yourself, Freddie?' George teased, then ducked back into the living room to avoid a flying spatula.
Returning to Hermione's side, George escorted her from the flat with a hand hovering, yet not quite touching, the small of her back. They exited the shop and went around to the side of the building where the twins kept their 1963 Ford Anglia. It had been passed down to them from their father, Arthur, and they treasured the battered, yet trusty, light blue car.
George opened the passenger side door and allowed Hermione to get settled in the seat before shutting the door and rounding to the driver's side. Once behind the steering wheel, he fired up the old car and put it in reverse, carefully backing out onto the busy street of Diagon Alley.
Hermione stole glances at her handsome chauffeur, while worrying her lip gently. She was feeling rather awkward about her awakening attraction towards the twins. Her reaction to George before they had left the flat had been a real eye opener for her. Without warning, George's eyes strayed from watching the road and darted in her direction. Her heart lurched and immediately she averted her own eyes and focused intently on staring straight ahead.
'Oh, heavens, I can't even look him in the eyes now. What am I going to do!'
George's lips curled slightly at her ridiculously shy reaction, and he knew that she could feel the air crackling attraction between them, as much as he did. Her resolve held though, much to his dismay, and she did not look his way again until they were pulling into the driveway in front of her quaint two-bedroom house.
"So, um... D-do you want to come in, or...." She shot bashful half looks his way as she blushed furiously, making her appear even more irresistible.
"Whatever you want, pet." George grinned mischievously.
His reply had the desired effect. Hermione spluttered in undecipherable words as she contemplated hiding her face in her hands. It had to be as red as a tomato by now! Her adorable display caused him to laugh merrily.
The sound of George's amused laughter was like being doused in ice water to Hermione, causing her to stiffen. Had he been teasing her? She was thoroughly mortified as she came to this conclusion. He was aware of her attraction and he was making fun of her because of it!
"I think it best if you stayed in the car. I won't be too long, so I'm sure you can amuse yourself." She replied curtly, piercing George with a cold glare that silenced his laughter instantly. Without another word, she flung open her door and piled out of the car, making sure to slam it shut upon her exit.
As George watched in confusion, Hermione marched up to her front door and unlocked it, making sure to throw a scathing look back at him before slamming that door shut as well.
Realization dawned upon George the second Hermione slammed her front door and immediately he grew mad at himself. How could he have done that? His grip on the steering wheel tightened so much his knuckles turned white and with a cry of frustration he slammed his head back against the car's head rest. He and Fred had been witness to the cruel teasing she had endured during school, had even defended her against it when needed. But the damage had still been dealt and if there was one thing that was sure to leave Hermione Granger angry and hurt and on the defensive, it was to laugh at her expense.
But surely she hadn't thought that was his intent? George moaned miserably as he recalled the pained expression that had glimmered across her features before she had shuttered it away beneath indignant fury.
In the back of his mind, George felt a stirring in the bond he and his twin shared. Sure enough, Fred's alarmed voice was soon echoing in his mind.
'Georgie? What's wrong? I can sense how upset you are from here. Is Hermione alright?' The worry in Fred's voice only caused George's guilt to double.
'I messed up Freddie.'
There was a pause, then: 'What do you mean you messed up? George what did you do?' Fred's tone had gone from worried to stern in two seconds flat.
George leaned forward, resting his forehead upon the backs of his hands which still clenched the steering while, though not nearly as tightly. 'I laughed at her.' He confessed.
'You what?' Fred's voice shifted yet again, this time to confusion.
George sighed. 'I was amused by the looks she kept giving me on the way to her house. She was just being so damn obvious with it, you know. It was adorable.' A smile ghosted across his lips before vanishing as he spoke his next words. 'Then we got to the driveway and she asked if I wanted to come in and I- well, I called myself flirting when I answered her, and she got so embarrassed and bashful-'
'Forge, just spit it out!' Fred, now fed up with George's rambling explanation, snapped impatiently.
'I told you. I laughed at her. And she took it completely the wrong way.'
'Shit.'
'I know.' George replied glumly.
'George. Where are you right now?' Fred's voice held an edge to it to caught his twin's attention.
'I'm in the car, why?'
A groan of irritation issued through the link and George braced himself for a good dressing down. Fred didn't disappoint.
'You stupid git! What are you just sitting there for? Get off your arse and go apologize this instant! I swear this is proof that I am definitely the smarter twin as well as the more handsome. I got all the good traits and all you got was a great big case of stupiditis!'
George cringed.
'Now go! Get in there and apologize!'
George was out of the car and standing at the front door so fast it was as if he had teleported. Not even thinking, he reached out and grabbed the doorknob, giving it a turn. The door swung open easily. With nothing more filling his mind than the thought of offering his sincerest apologies, George marched through the door. Not seeing Hermione anywhere on the first floor, he took to the stairs leading up to the second floor which housed the bedrooms and bathroom. He and Fred had been here on more than one occasion and knew by heart the layout just as well as their own flat's. He went straight to the door that led to Hermione's bedroom, instantly throwing open the door, ready to grovel at her feet if that's what it took to earn her forgiveness.
However, the lovely vision that awaited him on the other side of the door stopped him in his tracks.
~*~*~*~
Author's Note: I give you guys three guesses on what George finds on the other side of the door. ^_^