Snogging at the Burrow

Chapter 2

Hermione And Charlie returned to the burrow, swamped with Christmas presents for later, and as they clambered inside, still laughing, they were met with what felt a thousand stares. 

"What's wrong with you lot?"  Charlie asked, hanging his cloak on the hanger, which was crooked amongst the wall. 

Hermione's smile was completely gone, as she studied the room.  Harry and Ron sat next to each other glaring at Cormac whom was smirking, and Ginny who held her hands in her lap, staring at her feet.    The twins sat with amused expressions on their faces by the fire, and Lavender looked as though her birthday had come early.  No one was saying a single thing. 

"Is that Charlie?" Mrs. Weasley asked barreling to her second oldest son from the kitchen.  She had a worried look on her face.  "Did you two have fun?" 

Hermione nodded, but didn't understand the atmosphere in the room.  "Mind me asking, but what happened?" Hermione asked, and Charlie was listening as well. 

"I have no clue dear.  They aren't saying a word to me.  Would you two mind at least cheering them up?" 

"Where's Bill?"  Charlie asked.  "We stopped by Gringotts and had a run in with his boss.  I need to deliver a message."

"He's with the rest of us in the garage.  Your dad is showing Remus some of his muggle things." 

Charlie followed his mother out of the house, whispering to Hermione a good luck, before she was faced with the rest.  She slowly entered the room, and decided upon sitting next to Fred and George.  "What's everyone acting so strange for?"  She asked quietly to the twins. 

"You should ask Ginny." George said louder so that Ginny blushed crimson. 

"Hermione, come here for a moment?"  Harry suddenly called, in which she followed him out of the room, catching Rons eye on the way out, which was genuine. 

"Harry." She said with concern. "What is it?" 

"Ginny and Cormac were kissing." 

"What." She said in surprise.  It made no sense, but before she started to analyze how Ginny must be feeling, or consider the fact that Cormac no longer liked her, she worried about the pain hidden in Harry's eyes.  "Oh Harry." She said sympatheticly.

Instinctively she threw her arms around him, giving him one of her bone crushing hugs. 

"I'm fine Hermione. Really." He added seeing as she had not let go of him. 

"Are you sure?" She asked with concern. 

"If this is what it feels like, I don't know how you do it." 

Hermione smiled weakly.  The two decided to go out to the garage, seeing as it wasn't exactly ideal to return to the lounge.  Upon entering, Harry was instantly swept into conversation with Mr. Weasley. 

Hermione greeted Tonks politely, and complimented her hair.  But she couldn't help but notice Charlie and Bill in the corner, talking rather in depth about something.  She noticed Bill glance at her, a smirk forming on his lips before he tapped Charlie on his shoulder in a very brotherly fashion.  He nodded in her direction and Charlie snapped his head around, also meeting her gaze.  It seemed odd, but she shoved the thought aside, continuing to talk with Tonks.   

Eventually Tonks had said all she needed to about a particular wizard featured in witch weekly, and excused herself to the loo.