Author: Lash_Larue

Title: The Hunt of the Lonely Heart
Pairing:Ginny/Hermione
Word Count:9400
Warnings:Femsex, fairly explicit.

The Hunt of the Lonely Heart

Ginny Weasley had grown up the baby, and the only girl. Far from being spoiled, she had been in some ways lonely, and she had learned early on that if she wanted something that she had to go after it with determination, and she had to be smart about it. And there was something that Ginny wanted very badly indeed. She had been determined, and she had been smart, and she had been patient.

It had never been an innocent game, not even in the beginning.

Ginny Weasley had set out to seduce and ensnare Hermione Granger not long after she had met the older girl, and she had played her cards in a manner that would have secured her the World Poker Championship. Ginny had no regrets, and no guilt, not even a little, at steering Hermione away from Ron, for clearly Ron had never deserved her. Aside from some excitement during the war, that relationship had always been tepid at best.

Harry?

Harry would be just fine; women (and men) were lined up deep trying to get his attention. But Harry had been a central figure in Hermione's life, and Ginny had sought to co-opt that space, that attention. She was careful to always be available for Hermione, a shoulder to lean on, an attentive and sympathetic ear. And all the while she was subtly leading Hermione away from Ron, suggesting that perhaps Ron simply wasn't right for her, that she deserved someone who would appreciate her more, and not take her for granted.

Hermione came to rely on her, and found herself drawn to her. Ginny made her feel safe, and appreciated, and Hermione felt closer to Ginny than anyone else. She was really the perfect friend. In time Hermione had come to assume that Ginny would always be there, simply because she could not imagine life without her.

And after the war Ginny had moved in for the kill.

The "Golden Trio" had become a quartet; the four of them were almost always together. Ginny and Hermione shared quarters when they traveled, or when Hermione came to visit at the Burrow. In a calculated move, Ginny gradually became less reticent about changing in front of Hermione, their long friendship rendering modesty an unneeded formality in Ginny's view. Ginny was careful however, only to discreetly display her charms. A glimpse of breast, a glimmer of buttock, the occasional reveal of a neatly trimmed groin, and Hermione found herself trying to see more, the tantalizing peeks playing on her natural curiosity. Ginny had a truly beautiful body, especially if you favored the athletic type, and Hermione did, perhaps because her own figure was more Rubenesque. Before too long Hermione wondered what that soft-looking, freckled, skin would feel like, how it would be to hold and touch this woman who had always been there for her, who had never failed in her love for Hermione.

Ginny noticed this attention, and the thought of Hermione wanting to look at her set a fire in her belly that would not go out. She was seated at her dresser brushing her hair one evening at the Burrow, her robe casually open and her nipples occasionally showing through the hair that lay shining and thick on her breasts as she brushed it. Hermione was in bed reading, or pretending to, as she stole frequent glances at the mirror. Ginny took care to graze her nipples with the brush, and they responded eagerly, wrinkling and tightening and taking on a glow in response to the stimulus. Hermione soon abandoned all pretense of reading, and when Ginny saw that, she slowly began to pull and roll one of her nipples between a finger and thumb. She was careful not to make eye contact with Hermione in the mirror; so it was as if she had forgotten that Hermione was there. She even let her eyes close as the pleasurable feeling spread through her. The knowledge that Hermione was watching, that she wanted to watch, sent the blood rushing to her pussy, and the need built.

Hermione could scarcely breathe; how often had she imagined Ginny naked as she masturbated alone in her bed? She had tried to think of Ron, of Victor, even Harry, but when her body yielded to the pleasure it was always Ginny's face that she saw, and Ginny's hands that she imagined. It did not occur to her that this was by design, that Ginny had wanted her to feel that way, that the years of listening and holding had always been for Ginny something other than friendship. Ginny had kept things very low key during the war, because she knew that Hermione had an important part to play and she cared too much for her to fundamentally alter her world while she was in such peril.

But that was then, and now she was prepared to gather in the net she had woven.

Ginny allowed a sigh to escape her lips, and her legs shifted apart as she sat before the mirror. Hermione could not see Ginny's left hand slide across her thigh and in between her legs. But Hermione could see the motion of that shoulder under the thin robe, and as her brain worked out what must be going on her mouth went dry. Of its own accord, one of Hermione's hands abandoned the book and slipped beneath the sheet, the fingers trailing up her thigh and across her stomach before sliding into her panties. She soon found where the moisture in her mouth had gone to. It did not occur to Hermione that she was in fact indulging in mutual masturbation with her best friend, because the moment blended so seamlessly with her fantasies, with the myriad glimpses she had had of Ginny, and with her own imaginings, that this seemed wholly normal.

Not that she could have stopped at this point, and when she saw Ginny's hips begin to move she slipped a finger into herself and moaned softly as her eyes closed. Ginny heard that, and opened her eyes just enough to see. Her heart nearly stopped at what the mirror revealed to her.

Hermione was propped up in bed, holding a book with one hand while the other was obviously busy beneath the sheet. "She's mine," Ginny thought, and she swiveled around to face Hermione and dropped the robe off her shoulders. "Hermione," she called in a low voice.

As in a dream, Hermione's eyes opened and fell on the sight of Ginny seated before her. She was naked and open, and her fingers shone with the wet from inside her.

"I want you, 'Mione," she said, "I have loved you and wanted you for years and now there is nothing keeping me from telling you, and showing you. You don't have to say anything now, just watch, and see how much I want you."

Hermione could do nothing but watch. Well, apart from tending to her own arousal, that is. She had never seen anything half so beautiful in her life, and as she watched Ginny straining for release it occurred to her that she was actually in love with her. It was quite a nice thought to have as one came she decided as she rode out her orgasm.

Hermione opened her eyes to see Ginny standing beside the bed, she said nothing, but slid over and opened the sheet in invitation. Ginny slid into bed beside her and embraced her.

"Gin, have you really had these feelings for me for a long time?" Hermione asked her.

"Yes."

"Why didn't you say something sooner?"

"It wasn't the time; you didn't know you loved me yet. You thought you loved Ron, and you didn't know you could love another girl like this. I had to take my time and show you."

"Show me what?" asked Hermione in typical curiosity.

"Me, mostly," replied Ginny, "just a bit at the time, until you were ready."

"So you planned this?"

"Every step of the way. It was too important to leave to fate. Are you upset with me?"

"I'm a little overwhelmed, truth to tell. And flattered, and impressed. Weren't you worried that I wouldn't be attracted to a girl, though?" Hermione asked.

"I didn't want you to be attracted to a girl, I wanted you to be attracted to me," Ginny said as she pressed her lips to Hermione's cheek.

"Mission accomplished then," breathed Hermione, "so it was no accident, all those times I happened upon you not quite dressed?"

"Not a bit of it," Ginny admitted.

"Suppose it hadn't worked?"

"It would have still been fun; I got a rush out of you seeing me. It excites me for you to look at me, it always has."

"I'd never have the nerve to do something like that," Hermione confessed.

"We'll see about that later, but right now I want to sleep with you in my arms, and wake up with you still there. I've waited a long time for this night, 'Mione."

"I guess I have too," mused Hermione, "I just didn't realize it."

"You always were a little slow," Ginny agreed as she flicked her wand and put out the lights.

xxxxx

"Good morning, 'Mione," Ginny greeted her when Hermione woke up.

"Morning… did what I remember really happen?"

"If you mean did I masturbate in front of you and tell you that I love you, then yes, it really happened," Ginny assured her.

"You really want to be with me? Really; a real couple?"

"I really do."

"What are we going to tell Ron and Harry?"

"The truth, I reckon," Ginny answered, "I'm not worried about George and Bill and Charlie, or Harry either for that matter. Percy might pretend to disapprove, but I've been ignoring him for years. Ron has no gripe, since he's been seeing Lavender again, and frankly I think they're good for each other. Lavender makes him feel smart. I'm pretty sure Dad will be okay with it as long as I'm happy, and Mum… I bet the first thing she says is something about grandchildren. What about your parents?"

"They like to think they're open-minded and progressive, I guess this will be their chance to prove it. Ginny, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't kind of nervous about all this."

"I know 'Mione, and you can leave the telling to me. I've wanted this for so long I can face anything, just as long as I have you. Honestly, if you are the only person left in my life I will be perfectly content. And as much as I want to kiss you right now I think we'd better get down and help Mum with breakfast. Big news lands easier on full bellies."

"Good idea, but you have to kiss me at least once before we get up. Call it practice if you like," Hermione insisted. Ginny's lips found hers, and Hermione was overwhelmed by the softness of Ginny's mouth, the gentle and yet overwhelming nature of the kiss that was unlike any she had experienced. Hermione whimpered as Ginny broke the kiss. "There was never a kiss like that…" she whispered.

"That's because you've never been kissed by someone who loves you like I do," Ginny told her, "now let's get dressed" Ginny got up and casually dressed, and then turned to see Hermione still in bed. "Bit slow there, Granger."

"I just wanted to watch you," Hermione admitted.

"Good. Your turn now though," Ginny replied. Hermione rose and found a pair of jeans to pull on, and as she had slept in a t-shirt, bra, and panties that was the bulk of her dressing.

"I - I'm still a bit modest, Ginny," Hermione explained, "I don't have your body or your confidence."

"You're beautiful, never doubt it, and I know you're modest. It's cute, but I'll have you dancing naked before you know it," Ginny said with her impish grin. Hermione tended to doubt that, but she knew better than to underestimate Ginny's power of persuasion now. They put on their shoes and headed down the stairs.

"Good morning girls!" greeted Molly as they entered the kitchen.

"Best morning ever, Mum," Ginny told her.

"And why is that dear?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"I think I'll wait and tell everyone at the same time," Ginny demurred.

"As you wish, but if it's about you and Hermione, I have to say that it's about time! Honestly, the two of you belong together like bacon and eggs! Speaking of that dear, would you go and get some eggs?"

"Mum, are you a Legilimens?" asked Ginny in shock.

"Ginny darling, do you think that I don't know my own daughter? I've known how you feel about Hermione for ages; it just wasn't my place to say anything. Hermione darling, I'm thrilled! I always wanted another daughter, and if I could have asked for one special, she would be just like you," Mrs. Weasley promised.

"I'm surprised," Ginny said hesitantly, "thrilled, but surprised. I thought you'd go on about Grandchildren, or fret about Ron, or something."

"Ron! Pish, I love him of course, but Hermione would be wasted on him. Gin dear, you're a much better match for our Hermione," Molly promised.

"But… ," Hermione began, "doesn't it bother you that I'm a girl?"

"You're not a girl Hermione, you're a woman, and so is Ginny. Did you think that I wouldn't know love when I saw it? Or did you think that that I had never known the love of a woman? Because you would be wrong there, Arthur won over some pretty fierce competition, I can tell you! It nearly drove him mad because he didn't know how to compete with her."

"Then do tell, Mum," urged Ginny, "who was she?"

"Who she was is my business," Molly replied, "and Hermione dear, do call me Mum, or Molly, as you prefer. I've always loved you, and I'm thrilled that you want to be with Ginny."

"But… Ron…" Hermione stammered, unable to leave the subject.

"Please," said Molly, "as I said, he's no match for you, Hermione. You need a firebrand like my Ginevra. And while I am thrilled for you both, I do have to mention that not everyone else will be so happy about this."

"That's okay Mum," Ginny told her, "I'm just relieved you didn't get on me about Grandchildren."

"There is time enough to discuss that later," Molly replied, "now would you gather the eggs? The others will be down here shortly, and I would advise you to wait until after breakfast before you spread the good news."

"Thanks Mum," said Hermione, "I can't tell you how happy I am that you're okay with this."

"And why shouldn't I be happy that you love my daughter? You're a remarkable woman, Hermione, all the more so because you love my Ginny. But let's get ready to feed the masses now, would you check on the bread, dear?"

And just like that Molly Weasley had a new daughter.

That would be the highlight of the morning, however.

Breakfast at the Burrow was always chaos when everyone was there, and this morning pretty much everyone was.

There was Fred's empty chair of course, and the plate of food that was always put there for large gatherings. All of the assembled felt his presence at these times, and while the food never disappeared, none of them would have admitted to surprise if it had. Fred's sense of humor, they felt, was proof against death.

Bill and Fleur were there with Victoire, Charlie, George, Ron of course, Percy and Penelope, Arthur and Molly, Harry, and Ginny and Hermione. Lavender had been unable to attend this time, but only Ron really missed her. Lavender was an acquired taste, and only Ron had really acquired it so far.

"So what's going on with all of you?" asked Arthur Weasley as he beamed at his family in sated content.

"Lavender says to say hello to you all, and that she's sorry she couldn't make it this time," offered Ron.

"Well you be sure and tell her hello from us," Arthur replied, "and tell her that we understand and respect her wish to be with her own family."

"Indeed," agreed Molly fervently. Ron's brow wrinkled as he worked on that.

"Oliver wants me to play seeker for Puddlemere," Harry volunteered.

"That's marvelous Harry!" Charlie enthused. "Are you going to?"

"Well, I was," Harry began, "but then England called…"

The table erupted in shouts of joy and excitement, Ginny no less than the rest.

"They may not even notice when I tell them," she thought, "not after that!"

It took several minutes for the bedlam to die down, and Ginny was just about to speak when Bill stood and cleared his throat…

"We're pregnant again!" he exclaimed, and the table erupted in joy once more. This time it was more than a few minutes before things settled down, and there were several surreptitious nose-blowings.

"Hermione and I are together," Ginny exclaimed joyfully, "we're a real couple now!"

A profound silence greeted this announcement, and the joyful grin on Ginny's face faltered. Hermione's face flamed red, and then went white. Ron glared fiercely at them both, and then left the table without a word. George looked stunned, Percy and Penelope were whispering urgently to each other, Bill and Fleur stared openly at Hermione and Ginny, Charlie looked thoughtful, and Harry looked worried. Molly wore a shaky smile, and Arthur… Arthur looked like a thundercloud.

"And how long has this been going on?" he asked coolly.

"I – I just told her last night how I felt," Ginny said tentatively, "but I've felt this way for a long time. It just took me a while to, you know; get up the nerve to tell her?"

"So, you have been knowingly violating one of the few rules of this house?" Arthur asked sternly.

"Dad?" Ginny began.

"You know very well Ginevra, that none of my children have been allowed to stay in the same room with their paramours in this house. Not until they were married. You knew this, and you broke this rule," Arthur said, his voice trembling. "Molly, how long have you known about this?"

"I just told her this morning," Ginny interrupted.

"I was not speaking to you, Ginevra," Arthur injected. "Well?"

"I may have had my suspicions…" Molly said hesitantly.

"So, you passed your aberration on to my daughter, I had thought that behind us," he said in clipped tones. "Hermione, I have always held you in the highest regard, and I have no wish to think that you were part of this deception. However, I think it best if you leave soon," Arthur said formally.

"Dad…" began Charlie.

"My house, my rules," Arthur said flatly, "you all knew them, and if you broke them the rest of you had the sense not to flout that. Should you and Hermione marry, Ginevra, you may of course stay together in the Burrow," he ended in a reasonable tone.

"You know we can't marry, Dad," Ginny said numbly.

"I do indeed," agreed Arthur, "and there is a REASON for that!" he hissed as he stood swiftly and stalked from the room.

"You could have warned me, Mum," Ginny whispered.

"I had thought that he had changed," Molly confessed. "He's not as bad as that sounded, but what I told you about earlier just about drove him over the edge. I'm sorry Ginny, Hermione, just give him time."

"No, I don't think so," Ginny said as she stood, "and bugger Ron too. Anyone else want to tell me how depraved I am? Now is the time."

"I think it's brilliant," Harry said firmly, "you two were made for each other."

"Thanks Harry," Ginny said gratefully. Hermione was crying softly, but she looked at Harry in gratitude. Ginny put her arm around Hermione. "Anybody else?"

"You should have known better, Gin," Charlie said sadly.

"I should have known my father was a homophobic git?"

"Well yeah, sis," George told her, "where you been the last forever?"

"You're welcome at Shell Cottage," Bill told them, and Fleur nodded agreement. "Both of you, any time at all." Ginny's eyes, and Hermione's, filled with tears.

"Interestingly enough," Percy began formally, and everyone braced for the worst, "at the next session of the Wizengamot there is a resolution to allow same-sex marriage coming up for a vote. I myself intend to support it vigorously."

That surprised Ginny more than anything else that had happened.

"I was going to anyhow," Percy explained, "but now it's a bit more personal." Ginny sped around the table and squeezed Percy 'till he begged for mercy. Percy patted her awkwardly on the head until she turned him loose.

"Thanks Perce," she said fervently.

"Ginny, I want to leave," mumbled Hermione. Hermione could not shake the vision of Arthur Weasley's face from her mind. A man she had regarded as a second father, and he had glared at her like she was some sort of vermin, because she loved his child. She simply could not deal with that.

"Here, Gin," said Bill, tossing her a set of keys, "these will get you through the wards and into the house."

"Thanks Bill," Ginny said as she plucked the keys from the air, "come on 'Mione, I need some fresh air." Hermione allowed Ginny to lead her outside, and the crack of Apparition echoed through the morning air.

"We should go soon love," Bill said to Fleur, "help them settle in, like."

"Non, we shall give them time, and finish our visits as we planned, "I do not wish to upset Victoire further, and she has been looking forward to these visits for a long time."

"She's right you know," George agreed, "best to pretend nothing happened."

"I can't do that, I'm afraid," Harry said as he stood, "I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley, but I have to leave now."

"I understand Harry," Molly said as she gazed at her dark-haired son,"I really do. And I'm so sorry."

"That's okay Mum," Harry said, knowing it would thrill Molly to hear him say that, "I'm just glad I found out now. I'll see you." Harry swiftly went outside and Apparated away.

"Are the queers gone?" asked Ron aggressively as he stalked back into the kitchen.

Percy hexed him.

xxxxxx

"Oh Hermione, I'm so, so, sorry," Ginny told her as she held the brunette in her arms. "I really had no idea Dad would react like that." Hermione fought to control her tears.

"Whatever shall we do, Gin?"

"Hermione, do you still want to be with me? I mean, after all that," Ginny asked in a trembling voice.

"What? Of course I do, I wasn't dumb enough to think that everyone would be supportive, I – I was just surprised that your Dad was so vehement on the subject. I suppose nearly losing your Mum to a woman left some scars. That won't be the last time that sort of thing happens, either. No, I meant what shall we do, where do we live, and things like that."

"Oh!" exclaimed Ginny in relief. "Well, we'll just get our own place then, won't we? I've only been staying at the Burrow because it was fun there, and that's sure gone now. You work, I do pretty well with the Harpies, so we could live almost anywhere we liked."

"Our own place… that sounds quite lovely. At the moment though, I have to pee something fierce, could you get the door open?" Hermione confessed as she fidgeted a bit.

"Need any help?" Ginny asked with a grin as she opened the door and moved aside. Hermione's fierce blush was all the answer she received, and she grinned again before she threw herself on the couch in the living room and cried. "Dad, how could you…" she thought. She didn't hear the plumbing, nor Hermione's footsteps, but she felt herself enveloped in a soft, warm, hug, and she recognized Hermione's scent. "It was worth it," she admitted to herself, and she turned so that she could put her arms around Hermione, "it was worth it all."

"Do you suppose we should go to my parents now?" Hermione asked.

"Get it all over with at once, huh? I'm not sure I'm up for a replay of that scene just yet, do you suppose either your Mum or Dad would freak out like mine did?"

"I don't think so, but I wouldn't have thought that your father would be so- so-"

"Vicious?" supplied Ginny.

"I wasn't going to go that far, but yes. That about sums it up I suppose."

"Then let's take advantage of the peace and quiet while we have this place to ourselves," Ginny suggested, and she pressed her lips to Hermione's. "Now then," she said when the kiss ended, "I fancy a walk on the beach with my girl, how about you?"

"That sounds lovely," agreed Hermione, "do you suppose the water is too cold for swimming?"

"The water here is always cold, but we can check it out if you like."

"I don't have a suit, and one of Fleur's wouldn't fit me by a mile," Hermione mused aloud.

"I rather doubt that Fleur owns one, this place is pretty secluded. Last time I was here we just went skinny-dipping," Ginny explained.

"You saw Fleur naked?"

"Yup."

"And after that you still want me?" asked Hermione in amazement.

"Oh for crying out loud, 'Mione, she's my sister now. And she never has been and never will be you. Now come on, let's go."

The two women stood and took the path to the beach, leaving their shoes on the bench at the end of the path. The sky was clear that day, and the breeze gentle, Ginny took Hermione by the hand and they strolled along the edge of the water while the waves lapped gently at their feet. The tranquility of the scene, and the comfort of each other's presence calmed them both, and the tension from the horrific scene at the Burrow faded gradually.

"Think it's too cold?" Ginny asked as the water swirled around their feet.

"A bit bracing perhaps, but not too bad, there still remains the question of attire, however." Ginny grinned and began removing her clothes.

"Not a problem for me, and if you're shy leave your undies on, we can dry them easily enough." Hermione stared openly as Ginny piled her clothes on the beach and then ran and dove into the ocean.

"God, she's gorgeous…" Hermione breathed aloud.

"Come on, 'Mione!" called Ginny as she stood waist deep in the sea. "It's really lovely!"

Hermione took a long look in both directions before hastily dropping her jacket and jeans and running to join Ginny. She was quite certain that she looked ridiculous in her t-shirt and panties, and she knew very well that her run was perfectly awkward compared to Ginny's athletic movements. The water reached her knees, and she halted.

"Merlin! It's freezing!" she gasped.

"You'll get used to it," promised Ginny, "do I look cold?"

"Actually, yes," answered Hermione, "you're covered in gooseflesh and your-" she blushed fiercely.

"Oh, yeah," admitted Ginny as she glanced down at her chest, "but that's more to do with you than the cold. Now come here, woman." Hermione waded out to her, and Ginny embraced her. "See? Not all that cold is it?"

Hermione was framing a reply when she felt her feet leave the sand, and she caught a twinkle in Ginny's eye.

"Don't you dare Gin-"

Ginny threw herself backwards into the water, holding Hermione close to her, and as the water closed over them Hermione felt Ginny's lips find her neck, making a warm spot in the chill that covered the rest of her. She surrendered to the feeling, and let her hands roam over Ginny's back. She had not even thought of breathing yet when Ginny set them back upright.

"Are you mad, 'Mione?" Hermione put on the sternest face she could muster, but the sight of Ginny with her hair plastered to her chest looking like a Siren, made it impossible to hold it.

"I'm soaking wet and it's all your fault," Hermione said fiercely.

"Good," replied Ginny as she took Hermione's face in her hands. "So am I, and that's how it should be."

This time Hermione let her hands drift lower on Ginny, and she cupped Ginny's bottom in her hands and pulled them together. A low moan passed through Ginny's lips, and she shifted a bit and pressed her thigh between Hermione's legs.

"God, 'Mione, what you do to me…" Ginny slid her hands beneath Hermione's shirt and traced circles on her back. "You slept in a bra?"

"Well, if you recall I got sort of sidetracked at bedtime last night, but I sometimes sleep in a sports bra, yes. Not all of us have perfect breasts, Gin."

"You think mine are perfect?" asked Ginny happily.

"Absolutely," breathed Hermione as she stared.

"They're yours, you know," Ginny said throatily, "all of me is yours." She pulled Hermione's mouth to her breast, and before Hermione realized it she had taken the hard pink nipple into her mouth and was sucking gently on it. "Harder," hissed Ginny as she ran her fingers into the wet dark hair on Hermione's head. "Yesss…"

With a gasp, Hermione pulled back and straightened up.

"Ginny, I can't do this here, not right out in the open. Suppose someone sees us?"

"Their good luck, I guess," answered Ginny, "but I'm not sharing." Hermione followed Ginny's gaze and flushed as she saw how the t-shirt was plastered to her body. Even the bra was a tiny bit see-through now, and her own erect nipples were quite evident.

"I look like a cow," Hermione muttered as she compared the softness at her hips and waist to the tautness of Ginny's body.

"You make me look like a boy, Hermione Granger. You are the sexiest woman on this earth, and if you really can't do this here then let's get back to the cottage before I burst into flames, ocean or no ocean."

"You can't really believe that Ginny, I have eyes." Ginny seized Hermione's hand and placed it between her legs.

"Does that feel like I don't believe it?" Hermione's eyes grew round, for even in the water the slick heat of Ginny's arousal was obvious, and Hermione felt a melting warmth growing inside herself as well.

"Let's get back to the cottage," she said through numb lips. Ginny kept hold of her hand and fairly dragged her to the beach.

"Oh…" breathed Ginny as she watched Hermione bend over to retrieve her jeans, the transparent panties stretching across Hermione's bottom. "You've got a great arse, 'Mione. Can I have it?"

A sly grin came to Hermione's lips, she still had no idea why Ginny liked to look at her, but she had to admit that it felt good. She threw a glance up and down the beach again before standing with her jeans in her hands.

"No point in getting my jeans wet too," she said, and with her back still to Ginny she pulled her panties down and stepped out of them. She quickly pulled her jeans up and gathered her jacket before turning around. Ginny was staring at her open-mouthed. "At least put your shirt and jeans on Ginny, I really don't like the idea of someone else seeing you like that."

"Oh. Right. Good one 'Mione, I didn't expect that."

"Hurry," urged Hermione. Ginny hurried.

Hermes was waiting for them when they reached the cottage, and Ginny hesitantly unrolled the message. "It's from Bill," she said in relief, "he and Fleur are going to her parents after they leave the Burrow. They'll be back Monday. He says for us to use their room, and whatever clothes or food and stuff we want." She looked up at Hermione with a grin on her face, "he also says that he and Fleur are happy for us, and that Percy actually hexed Ron because he was acting like a jerk."

"I always rather liked Percy," Hermione admitted, "now feed Hermes something while I go and rinse the salt off would you?" Hermione went to Bill and Fleur's room, passing through into their bath where she stripped and stepped into the shower. She was not at all surprised when a few moments later she felt Ginny's arms encircle her from behind, and she leaned against the warm skin as Ginny's hands gently washed her, slipping over her as the scent of Fleur's soap filled the shower.

"I love you 'Mione," Ginny breathed into her ear as she massaged Hermione's soapy breasts, "and I want you."

"I love you too," Hermione answered, "and I'm yours, all of me." Hermione urged Ginny's hand downward, and her back arched as the soapy fingers slid over her bare, slick, mound. "All of me," Hermione panted, "inside and out…" She shifted her legs apart and reached back to touch Ginny as Ginny slowly slid a finger into her. A tremor shook her as Ginny curled the finger just – so, inside of her.

"Ginny, I can't reach you," she protested.

"This time for me, please," Ginny asked, "I've wanted this for so long, just let me make you feel good, love." Her breath was warm on Hermione's neck, "let me make you come." Hermione moaned as Ginny's teeth nibbled her neck, as her tongue tasted the skin there, as a second finger slipped into her quivering core.

"Oh God Gin, that feels so good… it – you – oh, ohh!"

Ginny pressed her pussy as tight to Hermione as she could get it without stopping what she was doing, the feel of Hermione responding to her touch, the scent from Hermione that was blending with that of the soap, the hot water, and most of all the clinging softness that pulsed around her seeking fingers… it was so much better than her dreams. Hermione guided Ginny's free hand to her breast, and mewed as Ginny pulled and twisted the nipple.

"Yes, oh yes, just like that, don't stop. Please don't stop," gasped Hermione as her legs began to tremble.

Ginny had no intention of stopping, her heart pounded and her ears rang as she felt the woman she loved melt in her embrace. Hermione's breath came in gasps, she shook, she trembled, she –

"For you Gin, I - I'm c- coming - for you - Oh GOD!"

Ginny's fingers were squeezed in a heated velvet vise, and the shower was suddenly wetter than it had been. They slid together down the tile wall of the shower, and they kissed until the water began to cool.

"Ginny, my love, we need to get out of here…" Hermione breathed.

"Anything you say, love," Ginny replied as she helped Hermione to her feet. Ginny turned off the water and supported her rubber-legged lover out of the shower. "Do you need to sit down?" she asked.

"Frankly, I could use a nap. These emotional extremes have worn me out, I've never been so upset and so happy in such a short time. And I've never had an orgasm to compare with that one."

"Good," Ginny told her, "but they'll get better. Everything will get better now." Ginny found her wand and dried them both off. "I'm kind of tired too, let's go to bed."

They crawled under the covers and fell asleep in each other's arms, it was evening before they woke.

"Gods, Hermione, you are so much more than I ever dreamed," Ginny greeted her upon awakening, "and I dreamed a lot. You melt me, you burn me, you fill me, and you empty me."

"I'm fat," Hermione countered.

"You, my love and my lover, are what a woman was meant to be. Soft, and strong, and brilliant, and sensual, and passionate, and so damn sexy that I fear I will simply DIE of desire in your presence. I wouldn't change the least bit of you. Except maybe that modest streak, I would purely love to do you in front of strangers"

"Ginny! That's – that's – why would you want to?"

"Because you're mine now, and I want to show you off. I want to brag, I'm a jock, Hermione."

"But I'm dumpy!" Hermione protested. "I could understand ME showing off YOU, but honestly, Ginny my love, I'm nothing special to look at, really."

"Like I said before, you were always a little slow. Are you willing to let me prove it to you?"

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

"There is a lesbian club near here. No guys, and everyone there is very respectful of relationships, and very appreciative of hot women. Hermione, you may not be what Hollywood is after right now, but I can absolutely promise you that anyone who really loves women would crawl through broken glass on their hands and knees to get to you. I know I would."

"Do you expect me to get naked in front of a bunch of strangers?" Hermione asked in shock.

"Not at all, I just want the chance to show you how beautiful you are, and how desirable. Nobody will see anything but how much I want you. I promise."

"But you're a famous Quidditch player, everyone will recognize you. Or is this a Muggle club?"

"I want them to recognize me, and no, it's a Witches club. You might be surprised who's there."

"I trust not Millicent Bullstrode," Hermione said dryly.

"Actually, Millie owns the club, she and Pansy Parkinson."

"You have to be joking! Millicent – a lesbi- oh. Yes, I can see that now, but Pansy?" Hermione asked incredulously.

"Yup. Like a three Galleon coin. But she's rich, and the club is good, and Pansy doesn't care if you're Pureblood, "Mudblood", or Muggle. Pansy is all about the pussy."

"Oh dear," mumbled Hermione.

"The food is good too, get dressed and let's go."

The nearest thing to fitting Hermione that they found was very stretchy, and very tight. It was a sleeveless, silvery sheath of some magical fabric that displayed plenty of leg and an impressive amount of cleavage.

"I can't possibly go out in public wearing this," protested Hermione, "I look like Bibendum."

"Bullshit, you look like Eve, and you make me wet just looking at you," countered Ginny.

"Perhaps, but I already know that you're a bit off, love. I accept that you find me desirable, and I take joy in it, but the average witch, lesbian or not, is going to hurl."

"A hundred galleons says you're wrong," Ginny said bluntly.

"Don't be silly, and how do we judge? You can't measure desire."

"Okay. Go with me, I promise not to let anyone see anything they shouldn't, except for your face when you come. That, I will share with the other women, and they will thank me for it, and you will understand what a fabulous woman you are. Okay?"

"You're serious, aren't you?" Hermione asked in wonder.

"Damn right. 'Mione, you're hotter than the sun."

"Nonsense, but under the terms as stipulated, I agree. Best to disillusion you quickly," Hermione replied.

"Same to you. Now, let's raid Fleur's closet for me…"

What they found for Ginny was a red leather mini and a black tank top, and black leather boots high enough to make Ginny as tall as Hermione. "Try these on," Ginny said as she handed Hermione a pair of grey suede boots, "we can adjust them if we need to."

"They are a little snug," Hermione admitted as she reached for her wand. "Oh! I can adjust this dress too! I should have thought of that earlier."

"Don't you dare," Ginny said as she took the wand from her hand, "you look perfect."

"Ginny, I'll be embarrassed," Hermione protested.

"Why?"

"You know why. Besides, I think it's rude to expose strangers to this," she gestured at her body.

"So if they thought you looked good, it would make a difference?" asked Ginny.

"Well of course, everyone likes to be admired, but I've never drawn much attention for my looks. Except at the Christmas ball that time, but that was only because I was a little less ugly."

"You have to get over this, Hermione. I don't have a problem with you being modest, like I said, it's cute. But I can't have you thinking you're not attractive, so trust me. Try this, and if I'm wrong I'll never try and make you do something like this again. Deal?"

"All right then, but I hope you're ready to console me through a crying jag when I get laughed at."

"I'm always ready to console you, but I'm not worried about that happening tonight. But I do have a question for you, if you don't mind," Ginny asked.

"Of course not, ask me anything."

"It's kind of – intimate," Ginny temporized.

"For goodness' sake Gin, we just had sex in the shower. How much more intimate can it be?"

"Fair point. Okay, here goes then… I like it, I mean I really like it, but what made you decide to go bare down there?" Hermione blushed again, she had been doing a lot of that since Ginny had pounced.

"Well, it was because when I thought of –" the rest of the reply was an unintelligible mumble.

" 'Mione?" queried Ginny. Hermione drew a huge breath.

"It was because when I used to imagine making love with you it seemed to me that it would be better for both of us this way. The hair on my head is hard enough to deal with, and I'd never properly feel your tongue on me there through all of that shrubbery." Ginny gaped.

"And you don't think you're sexy?" Ginny asked in wonder. Hermione shrugged. "We need to go right now, or I'm going to tear that thing off of you and eat you with a spoon."

"Okay," Hermione agreed.

"You're killing me. Come on," Ginny said as she took Hermione by the hand and walked to the apparition point. "I'll drive since I know where it is, okay?" Hermione nodded assent, and the couple vanished, reappearing in a narrow, but very clean alleyway. "Millie and Pansy set this up, it's a Muggle-shielded point and the enchantment prevents collisions with other arrivals. Let's go!"

Hermione was still dreading it, but Ginny's enthusiasm was infectious, so she actually had a bit of a smile on her face as they entered the club. The place had an elegant atmosphere without being pretentious, cloth-covered tables, leather- seated booths, dark corners, a dance floor that passed from light into shadows, all-in-all it was a very pleasant place, and it was full of women. Women of every description, and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. Hermione felt herself relax a little.

"Weasley!" said a voice Hermione had not heard in years, and she couldn't suppress an icy trickle of dread. "Long time since you were here," Millicent observed as she approached them. She looked sort of like Hermione remembered, except for the smile that truly transformed her face. "I see you brought your own yummies," Millie said as she frankly appraised Hermione. "The girls here will be disappointed, but it's not like you ever took one of them home, anyway. Who's your friend?"

"She's more than a friend, Millie, she's my life," Ginny replied, "and you already know her." Millicent stared at Hermione for a long moment, Hermione maintained a nervous silence.

"Granger?" gasped Millie.

"The one and only," Ginny assured her.

"Goddess, Granger, you're fuckin' hot. Pans, get over here!" Pansy arrived in a slither of black silk and a waft of very expensive perfume.

"Ginny! Great to see you again, and is this gorgeous creature my birthday present?" Pansy was not shy.

"Nope. This one is all mine. You're welcome to look though," Ginny said generously.

"Oh, I'm looking," Pansy said in admiration, "I have to say, Gin, I like your taste in women, I get tired of the scrawny look that passes for sexy today. This one is a woman all right," Pansy licked her lips. Hermione was rendered speechless, but she also felt a tiny tingle in her stomach.

"It's good to see you again, Pansy," Hermione ventured, not quite sure if it really was, just yet.

"Hermione Granger…" breathed Pansy, "damn. Do you suppose if I hadn't been such a bitch back in school that I'd have had a shot here?"

"You never would have," Ginny promised, "I've been hunting her since second year, I spent first year working out how."

"Rats," said Pansy, "but on the bright side, you two are going to sell a lot of drinks for us tonight. Your money's no good here tonight ladies, I'll get a table ready for you." Pansy slithered off.

"So Millie, are you and Pansy…" Hermione asked tentatively.

"Not really, Pansy is still sowing wild oats, actually both of us are, so if you two ever want a little strange in the mix, give us a call, okay?"

"This is going to take some getting used to," Hermione said slowly, "the last time we were together you were sort of trying to kill me, and now you want to have sex with me?"

"Yeah, well, Pansy and I were both kind of idiots back then; Voldemort messed up a lot of heads. I'm glad we didn't manage to kill you Granger, it would have been a waste of first-class stuff. You guys have fun, okay?" Millicent took her leave and headed to greet some new arrivals.

Hermione turned to Ginny with shock plain on her face.

"Told you so," Ginny smirked.

"You put them up to that, didn't you?"

"No, I swear," Ginny answered, "now lets go to the table Pans got for us, and I warn you, it's going to be conspicuous. Pansy is a businesswoman, and we're good for business."

"Conspicuous", was not too strong a word. The table was in full view of the dance floor and spotlighted. It was also on a slightly elevated platform. A buzz ran through the crowd as they sat down.

"Ginny," Hermione said to her, "I feel like I'm in a display case."

"We are," admitted Ginny, "and do you think Pansy would have put us here if she thought nobody would look?"

It was in Hermione's mind to point out that it was Ginny who rated the display, and while that was undoubtedly true, even Hermione was not so insecure as to miss the hungry looks that came her way. The tingle grew stronger.

A server arrived with some appetizers and a wine list, and when Hermione went to put her napkin in her lap she felt a jolt run through her.

"Ginny!" she hissed, "if I so much as twitch, everyone here could see my knickers!"

"So twitch," Ginny shrugged, "are you wearing knickers?"

"Barely, Fleur's things are kind of – exotic."

"Look around, 'Mione, exotic is the order of the day. Listen, one reason I like this place is because it's safe for women, safe for us to admire each other and feel sexy. Every now and then someone might get a little out of line but Millie takes care of that. You don't have to put on a show, but relax; nobody is going to think ill of you because your knickers show a little, its part of the fun." Ginny raised her hand and the server appeared, Ginny ordered wine, and the server grinned at her and then winked at Hermione.

"See? Fun," Ginny told her. Hermione actually began to relax a little, but she sat with her knees firmly together. The wine arrived, and it proved to be very good. It also helped Hermione to feel more at ease. "Want to dance?" Ginny asked as she topped off Hermione's glass.

"Not just yet, I want to get used to the place a little more, and is the music always fast like this?"

"The DJ will play whatever anyone wants, especially if they're sitting at this table," Ginny promised.

"Good, because it would be hard for you to do me on the dance floor with this racket playing," Hermione said bluntly as she looked hungrily into Ginny's eyes. Ginny felt a little spasm in her panties, and a tiny bit of humidity.

"I was kind of kidding about that," whispered Ginny.

"You better not have been," countered Hermione, "you wanted me to feel sexy and desirable, and it's starting to work. Unless you're ashamed for people to see you with me, that is." The look on Hermione's face gave the lie to that statement, and she languidly shifted her legs a little. Two couples collided on the dance floor, and Hermione smiled broadly at Ginny. "You were right, this is fun," admitted Hermione.

"God, you're sexy, 'Mione," breathed Ginny, "you aren't gonna dump me for one of those chicks drooling over you are you?"

"Never, and you aren't going to dump me for one of the ones drooling over you either, because neither one of us alone will ever be hot as we are together. It's a chemical thing, trust me, I'm the brightest witch of our age," Hermione said in a voice that curled Ginny's toes.

"I've created a monster," Ginny mused. Hermione passed the tip of her tongue over her lips and remained silent.

"Can I have your autograph, Ginny?" asked a timid voice.

"Huh? Oh, sure thing," Ginny answered as she shook off the daze. The girl handed Ginny a quill and extended her forearm.

"Make it to 'Willa', please," asked the girl. Ginny scrawled an autograph on the girl's arm in a looping script, and the girls eyes shone with excitement. "Thanks Ginny!" she exclaimed as she hurried back to her friends.

"Does that happen often?" Hermione asked.

"Often enough, part of the job, there would be no pro Quidditch without the fans."

"Every woman in this place is jealous of me right now," Hermione said smugly.

"That's just what I was thinking. More wine?"

"One more," said Hermione as she crossed her legs, "and then I want to dance…" Ginny shifted uneasily in her seat.

"What have I done…" Ginny thought to herself. Ginny poured the wine and her eyes widened as Hermione drained the glass in one go.

"I'll be right back," Hermione said as she stood and picked up her small bag, "I want to visit the loo. Why don't you get the DJ set up to play something slow?" Hermione walked away, and Ginny's were not the only pair of eyes staring at the sway of her hips.

Ginny went and found Pansy, and a wide grin spread across the face of the Slytherin graduate as Ginny explained what she wanted.

By the time Ginny returned to their table Hermione was back, and as she and Ginny approached the dance floor the music changed, and most of the lights went out, leaving only some pencil spots making bright circles on the floor. The music was light classical, piano and guitar, and Hermione molded herself to Ginny and simply let the feel of this woman she loved and the sound of the music carry her away.

Hermione nuzzled Ginny's neck as they danced, she threaded her fingers into the red hair, and she softly touched Ginny's ear with her tongue. "I'm yours…" Hermione whispered to Ginny, "all of me, forever."

Ginny's hands slid down Hermione's back to her hips, and she held their lower bodies tightly together. It restricted their dancing a lot, but this was really another kind of dance, and they were not the only couple dancing. Hermione saw others similarly lost in each other when her eyes drifted open, and the sight added to the liquid feeling that overtook her.

Ginny led them through a lighted spot, and Hermione chose that moment to kiss her.

"Damn, Millie," said Pansy as they watched Hermione and Ginny, "I knew Weasley was hot, but how on earth did we ever think Granger was a dog?"

"No idea, but the two of them are starting a lot of fires tonight, I hope we have enough booze."

Hermione and Ginny passed back into the deep shadows, and Ginny's hands slid to Hermione's bottom and squeezed. "Mmmmmm…" purred Hermione against the skin of Ginny's neck. Hermione trailed her fingers down the side of Ginny's face, Ginny tried to catch them with her lips, but the fingers slid on down her neck and kept going until Hermione was cupping a breast. Ginny's breath hitched as Hermione teased her nipple with a thumb and sucked on the side of her neck. "Mmmm… yes…" breathed Hermione.

Ginny eased them back through the light, the spot picking highlights from their hair and glinting from the wet that Hermione's tongue had left on Ginny's neck. All conversation had ceased, the couples dancing were far too involved in each other for speech, and the patrons not dancing were fully occupied by the charged atmosphere of the room and the sight of the couples. Especially the redhead and the brunette that now drifted back into shadow.

Ginny slowly eased her right hand around to Hermione's thigh, and then slid it in between their bodies. "Mmm-hmm," whispered Hermione as her teeth nipped Ginny's earlobe, "all yours…" Ginny's heart raced as her fingers slipped under the hem of Hermione's dress and slowly quested upward until they met…

"God, 'Mione," moaned Ginny as her fingers came to the smoothness of Hermione's pussy, unimpeded by any scrap of fabric.

"I couldn't ruin Fleur's panties, now, could I love," Hermione muttered, "now please baby, make me come for you." Ginny traced Hermione's lips with her fingers, and was rewarded by a sigh of content that was replaced by a hiss of desire as she entered the wet heat between those lips.

Hermione gasped softly into the hollow of Ginny's neck as the fingers curled inside her, unerringly finding that certain place that made a shudder run through her body. "Yessss, oh yes, Gin, oh, oh…" Hermione panted softly.

A few other couples drifted nearer to them, but as they were no longer dancing so much as swaying in place it was no matter. Hermione's eyes opened and met the hungry gaze of a blonde who was similarly involved with her partner. They smiled at each other, and a soft moan slipped from Hermione as Ginny thrust rhythmically inside her, pressuring her clit with the heel of her hand. The blonde gasped, and that couple eased towards a darker place.

Hermione teased Ginny's ear with her tongue and slid a hand into the neck of Ginny's top, stretching the fabric until she could grasp Ginny's nipple with her fingers. "Not now," Ginny breathed, "put your arms around my neck." Hermione complied, and Ginny sped up her fingers inside Hermione, and pressed harder on her clit. Ginny felt a quiver in Hermione's legs, and felt her hips start to buck a tiny bit. She caught Hermione's ear in her teeth, and bit lightly before whispering to her, "Come on baby, come on…"

The motion of Hermione's hips increased, and her eyes found those of a brunette standing alone nearby, Hermione ran her tongue up Ginny's neck and smiled at the girl, whose mouth dropped open slightly as her hand slid into the waist of her pants.

"Almost there…" Hermione breathed, "almost, al-almost, oh yes baby, oh yes, yesyesye-" Hermione fastened her teeth in the juncture of Ginny's neck and collarbone, trying not to bite too hard as she came.

"God 'Mione, but I do love you so," Ginny said, and Hermione let her head fall back limply as Ginny spun her through the light once more. The spotlight burned the image of Hermione's face into the mind of nearly everyone in the room, the image of a woman totally in love, and totally loved, and utterly complete.

Ginny made a couple judicious arrangements to their clothes, and they simply stood in each other's arms for a time. Hermione stirred, and then reached for Ginny's hand and sucked the fingers clean.

"I never in my life imagined that I would say this," Pansy's voice said from nearby, "but you, Hermione Granger, are the sexiest thing I have ever seen."

"Told you so," Ginny said with a grin, "and you owe me a hundred galleons."