Title: Perhaps
Spoilers: Up to the end of HPB / beginning of DH
Warnings: girl/girl relationship
Summary: It didn't begin as an accident, or a conscious decision. So perhaps – against every other "perhaps" – it would end well.
Disclaimer: Ahh, I wish it was mine. However, this is "fanfiction" for a reason.
PERHAPS
No one knows about it yet. Not that it's a secret, per se, but neither of them feels the urge to go announcing it to all and sundry.
Both tell themselves that it's not exactly serious enough to be announced, anyway, and then toss and turn for hours wondering just how much they wish it was. Neither is who the other longed for after all, neither ever considered such a relationship with another girl seriously, and certainly neither wants to allow these slow-rooting feelings to continue growing if it will only end in disappointment.
It wasn't an accident, though. Perhaps that's enough reason to hope – that it simply happened. No alcohol involved, just tea and cake on a sunny day; and loneliness so deep each could feel it in her marrow. One moment the were comforting and commiserating with each other after another day of male ignorance, then kisses on the cheek migrated to jaws and throats and lips. Hermione hurtled through a quick list of spells to keep interruptions at bay – including a muttered "Muffilato" despite her general hatred for it – whilst Ginny removed their shoes and socks. The older girl was pressed back against soft cushions by curious fingers and a wandering mouth. A bright splash of copper graced her torso as Ginny nuzzled her stomach through the thin t-shirt she'd hauled from her over-stuffed duffle that morning.
It had been too hot for that sort of exercise really – a muggy, lazy afternoon in late July, just days before collecting Harry. By the time Hermione had been stripped and had twisted to cover Ginny's longer form, the redhead's clothes were damp and clinging, and the elder's hair was frizzed and fluffy. By the time Hermione's wrists were pinned and Ginny's mouth was tearing sobs from her throat both the girls and the sheets beneath them were well and truly soaked.
If either had noticed, it's pretty certain they wouldn't have cared.
The next morning, both expected the other to pull away, make her excuses and run. Each was pleasantly surprised and very much relieved when the other didn't. They were unexpectedly overjoyed when the other didn't shy away later. And again when soft kisses became more common between the two. And again when sleeping curled against each other occurred for ten straight nights.
They aren't fools, though. Both girls know what this is. Just the same as they both know that Harry does still adore Ginny, and that Ron will realise what they both know he wants and pursue Hermione to the ends of the Earth. They know that this "little fling" has the potential to cause serious damage; that logic dictates that it won't – can't – last.
But who says that the princess has to keep waiting, after her prince places her second, third, fifth, time and again? Just because everyone expects two people to end up together, does that mean they should let themselves be pushed for the sake of logic?
What if Prince Charming wasn't the only beloved Cinderella found at that ball filled with the most wonderful Princesses and Ladies?
The magic may be real, but perhaps the fairytales have been tweaked.
So perhaps they'll stay tangled together for a few more minutes this morning.
Thank you for reading! If you have the time, a review would be very much appreciated. No flames please, but constructive criticism is as loved as compliments!