Butterbeer and Chocolate for the Gryffindor's Soul

Hermione didn't exactly run back to the Gryffindor common room, but the maze of passageways still seemed like a blur. She stopped in surprise about ten feet in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady, amazed that she had even managed to find her way alone.

She took a deep breath in an attempt to compose herself. What the hell just happened? she thought to herself. Then she blinked. Did I just swear? Granted, it was only in her head and not terribly extreme, but in principle Hermione considered the use of vulgar expletives to be for irrational, unreasonable minds. Well, she reflected, I haven't acted particularly rationally today anyways.

Hermione noted with wry amusement that she could hardly remember the source of her original argument with Ron. Hmm... Ah yes. Ron had been procrastinating as always, and had not taken it kindly when she reminded him once more about their approaching OWL tests. Of course, Ron had expressed some annoyance, which she had taken as further proof of his general lack of responsibility. Naturally, the disagreement had progressed into a full-blown argument that the entire Gryffindor common room had witnessed. Then she had stormed out of the portrait hole and ran into...

She swallowed. She couldn't, wouldn't think about that. Never, ever had she even considered... No. Just a reflex reaction to the hug. She had no feelings whatsoever towards him. After all, she still cared for Ron, didn't she? Closing her eyes, she imagined Ron as he smiled, his laugh, the way he would blush until his cheeks matched the color of his hair, the warm twinkle in his eyes when he looked at her. The familiar warmth returned to her heart. Yes, it was still there--that intangible feeling of her insides melting that she had begun to wonder was love. With new resolution she walked towards the portrait hole.

* * * * *

George stared at the door long after Hermione left. Finally he blinked, noticing that his handkerchief was still on the floor. He stooped to pick it up with a sigh, and sat down on the couch while still holding it. The fact that the handkerchief was still slightly damp did not seem to register.

Stars peaked through gaps between the clouds. The storm was over, but wet drops still clung to the window. Wet drops that reminded George suddenly of a pair of brown eyes that had shown with unshed tears. He closed his eyes and willed himself to forget.

After some time he stirred. With mild surprise he noticed the handkerchief in his hand and stuffed it in a jeans pocket. Slowly he stood up, and with a quick spell he returned the couch to its original state. He moved towards the door, then reconsidered. Reaching under the teacher's desk, he grabbed more butterbeer and chocolate frogs. Fred would ask fewer questions if he didn't return empty-handed. Making sure that the classroom appeared undisturbed, he made his way back to the Gryffindor common room.

The party was in full swing when George returned. Plenty of sweets still remained, but he suspected that his contribution would nevertheless be appreciated. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Fred demonstrating their latest products to a crowd of eager second-years, but he continued to scan the room for the face that he wished to see the most. Finally he found her on one of the couches facing the fire, chatting peacefully with Ron. With the pretext of distributing Chocolate frogs, George slowly made his way towards the couple after giving a handful to some fourth-years.

He reached them just as Ron offered Hermione a bowl.

"Would you care for some Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Hermione?" Ron asked hesitantly. Clearly, though the arguing had ceased, all was not resolved.

George quickly jumped in front of both of them. "Or would you prefer a Chocolate Frog instead?"

Hermione met his eyes for a moment, then deliberately turned to Ron. "Yes, I believe I will try some." She carefully took a black bean and put it in her mouth. Moments later, she gagged. "Charcoal," Hermione said in explanation, and rushed to drown the taste with some of George's butterbeer.