Chapter 1
It was a few years after the wizarding war of Hogwarts now. All had seemed calm and peaceful for some time, leaving the hero's to relax and bask in a slight bit of normality. But soon those realised, how wrong they were.
It was the day of the quidditch world cup, and the stadium was hustling and bustling. Crowds roared and screamed as the players flew, and played the game hard. The Weasleys took a big part of the seats. Their red hair was evident, like a sea of noticeable gingers. All screaming and cheering each time Ginny scored.
The crowd was silenced as a shot of green flew from the seats, striking one of the Harpies beaters. The girl dwindled on her broom for a moment, as the game came to a pause. As if in slow motion she fell, taking her broom with her. Crashing to the floor. People watched the body, plummet towards the ground, in shock and horror. It had come from nowhere, and the sight shook everyone.
In a moment Deatheaters were coming from all corners of the stadium now, as a patronus rushed onto the field. "The ministry has Fallen, Surrender, or die" It said, in a loud roar, before the death eaters swarmed. Firing curses here and there.
Ginny rushed to her family, all of them fighting to keep the cloaked figures at bay, enough for those around them to get away. Protego was set around small groups of the innocent. Hermione shot flashes of red from her wand, vigorously trying to apprehend the attackers.
Ron was in the midst of duelling a masked man, finally he sent the figure flying backwards, wandless and in a body bind.
Harry was frantically firing spells into a group of the deatheaters, along with Ginny. They stood, their wands almost alight in a constant stream of coloured sparks. Looking up, they saw Hermione get hit with a binding charm. Ginny automatically clinching her fists, anger building within her as she shot spells toward the man now approaching the incapacitated brunette. After a few more spells the man crumpled to the floor and Ginny went to help Hermione out of the bind. Finally free she wriggled and jumped up. Ginny gave a growl as another approached the two. "Have they not had enough?!" She grumbled, forcing a rain of sparks to come down on the death eater hard and fast. Before he even knew what had hit him, he was down.
The group looked around the stadium, the assault had slowed and eventually stopped. No more figures could be seen. People were vanishing with small popping sounds everywhere, and they thought it best to not stick around to find out what was happening. Either way they thought about it, it wasn't good.
They Apparated, all at once to the Burrow, and in a rush tried to formulate any plans they could think up. If the patronus was right, the Ministry had been taken right from under their noses. A panic set in, as the wizarding world had begun falling apart. The rest of the Order was summoned, and they gathered quickly.
In a matter of weeks, the Death Eaters had taken charge, and taken action of the ministry completely, and the most frightening part, was nobody had seen it coming. There was nothing anyone could do now, but vanish. A swarm of them, like vermin, had infiltrated from the inside. Killing any who stuck around long enough to be killed. The orders had been given; kill all you can, take no prisoners.
Voldemort had been gone for months, but had left even more sadistic and marginally insane followers in his wake. Planning an uprising, working day and night. Their new leader hadn't been blinded by power, but insanity. She was even more ruthless then the previous Dark Lord had been. Driven by the need to avenge the beliefs of Voldemort. She would ensure those who helped with his downfall, paid their dues.
Now the Magical world had been fogged over by that grey cloud, once again. Those who fought for the light had been banished into darkness. Shielding their identities. The only way to avoid death was to hide their faces, and live a life on the run. To plan how they would fight back, how they would overturn the Ministry. Taking back what they'd worked so hard for, for all of those years. After all, there had to be some good left, some double agents... There always were.
Our Golden Trio, and any who played a large role within the battle of Hogwarts, were now in danger. Rewards were placed for the capture or killing of the groups. Though many had managed to get away without a trace, small hiding places were built and the Order of the Phoenix was working on taking back the magical world.
They were all sat around a small fire, in a large abandoned home, one of which seemed to have been left a long time ago. It wasn't the cleanest of places, but it would do. They continued, planning to overthrow those on the dark side, to take back what they had fought so hard to keep.
They had done it once; they would surely do it again. It was just a matter of time. They could do it; the order had grown in numbers. Those of the ministry who had escaped had joined them. The man power was more than enough for two armies, let alone one.
The group began to dwindle, as the meeting was coming to an end. Plans to meet again had been made.
A loud set of 'cracks' ricochetted off the home, and deafened the members contained inside its walls.
A loud tearing sound ripped through the building, and before they knew it, half of the house had been torn away. Volleys of light and colour shot through the exposed sanctuary. Everyone took cover, and began their offensive strategy. They knew, if they had been found, other arrangements for the next set of meetings would have to be made. They couldn't risk being found again, and their plans would have to be left behind.
Molly and Arthur shot spells here and there, while everyone else made a rush to grab their bags. Molly never setting hers down, this had been part of the plan. Everyone had one bag, all ingeniously enlarged with the same charms put on Hermione's beaded bag. Filled with basic supplies in case of separation.
Death Eaters surrounded them, and spells were flying everywhere. Flashes of colour whizzed past as they were returned. None of the Order had been hit yet, though some of the Death Eaters had already begun their retreat.
Hermione had dodged spell after spell, firing back in every attempt to disarm their attackers. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a flash of red, and the youngest Weasley fly back and land with a thud not far away from the older witch's position.
The girl lay stunned and unconscious, unable to fight back. Ron and Harry had seen, and moved to defend the redhead, showering the approaching cloaked figures in a series of spells. Hermione ducked and managed to avoid another few spells sent her way, and tumbled over towards the redhead on the floor. Thankful for the boy's protectiveness at that moment in time.
In a panicked effort to get the injured Ginny away from the fight, Hermione gripped the sweater the youngest adorned and apparated them both leaving the group with a crack and squeeze into darkness. It lasted for a few seconds before they landed with a heavy thud, next to what looked like a large lake. Just like Hermione had imagined.
Her and her parents had taken many walks along this area; they had explored the forests around the lakes.
Many managed to get away, as far as the others were aware. The elder witch was sure the rest of the Weasleys had gotten away safely. Though not in large groups but pairs and three's. Whoever was close enough to grab, and apparate with. Luckily, they had planned this far ahead, though no further. And Hermione was sure she wasn't the only one clueless as to where to find the others, were they would go from there.
As she apparated the redhead and herself she had seen Harry and Ron, and the eldest Weasley's get away. Sure the others were soon to follow.
Giving a sigh, she checked the redhead over, ensuring she hadn't been splinched on the way. With that she stood, and hurried to get to work on setting up protective spells. The small area they would reside in had been completely charmed, ensuring even if they were followed, they wouldn't be found.
Leaving Ginny unconscious on the floor, in a soft grassy patch. Hermione glanced over as she worked; making sure the girl was still there, watching closely for a few seconds at a time to watch the heave and fall of the redhead's chest.
The older witch made sure all of the correct spells were in place, checking and double checking, like she had so many times before while on the search for horcrux's with Harry and Ron.
She had always been teased for being a bookworm, and logical. But times like these just proved how well it came in handy. Setting up the small enchanted tent, she pulled the younger girl inside. Levitating her onto the small cot that occupied part of the tent. Hermione shuffled the girl into a good position, and managed to cover her with a small woollen blanket Molly had knitted. It had taken place on the small cot since the first of their travels. It was warm, and enchanted to stay that way.
The brunette sighed and moved towards the small pit in the middle of the tent, surrounded by rocks to hold the heat. The older girl started a small fire and sat upon a small wooden bench, facing the redhead. Pulling maps and sheets out of her beaded bag, a quill and some parchment. She needed to plan, and make sure they were somewhere safe. She needed to know exactly where they were, and exactly where they would go next or how they would find the rest of the group. She focussed hard, on keeping her mind away from the injured redhead; she would have to just wait for her to come round.
It had been a few hours since Hermione had been able to set up, when the redhead started to stir. Grumbling, a groggy Ginny sat up slowly; clutching at her bruised chest as if trying to force herself to breathe.
"What happened?!" She spoke suddenly, wide awake and alert now. Staring around the area, a sudden surge of panic rushed through her veins. She wasn't with her family; she wasn't where she had left them.
Hermione jumped, startled by the sudden speech, looking up from her maps that she'd laid out on a small wooden bench. Regaining her composure, she cleared her throat before she spoke calmly,
"We were found". Her words were simple, yet to the point.
"I know that!" The younger snapped, standing up quickly, she began to pace. Anger boiled within her, causing her cheeks to ignite with a bright red tint. She couldn't believe she had allowed herself to get sloppy, to get hit and taken out of the battle.
"Why are we here? Where is everyone else?" She spoke fast, trying to piece it all together. Moving back and forth, as if that would help something, as if standing still did nothing but cause a pain that wasn't anything but mental. A panic shot through the redhead, as she strained to listen to the older girl.
"You got hit with the Stupefy hex, I was the closest to you and so I got us out before they could follow us. I don't know where everyone else is, by the time we left the others had started leaving too, just like we had planned" Hermione explained, Keeping her cool as best she could. She knew what the youngest Weasley could be like, and had expected worse when she awoke.
"So we have no idea where anyone else is, and it's just us? Did you at least grab my wand?" The redhead asked as she turned her attention directly towards the brunette, her eyes staring holes through the eldest witch. Hermione just pointed, having left the younger witch's wand on the table next to the small cot. Ginny moved slowly as her eyes fixed on the spot Hermione had pointed to, part of her relieved; at least she could still defend herself.
"Where are we?" She asked her voice quiet, as if all the anger had vanished with one breath.
"The lake district, somewhere" Hermione spoke, looking back down at the maps splayed in front of her, "I think we'll be safe here for a few days, but when we move on we'll go to Aberdeen, and camp out in the forest. It should provide as much cover as we need" She said quietly, trying to calm the redhead with the fact she'd already started planning. Looking back up at Ginny, who was stood rubbing the centre of her chest where she had caught the spell, "I have bruise removal paste, and a small amount of dittany in my bag" the brunette spoke again, her voice calm and soothing. Pulling her bag towards herself, searching through it for the objects she had just described; setting them on the table before her.
Ginny was aware she'd done this before, had been on the run for a long while. Keeping her beaded bag with her was a case of habit, and preparation. In that moment, Ginny had been thankful. She could handle a few cuts and bruises if she had to, but she'd never turn down a healing potion. The redhead sat down once again on the small cot. She pulled her jumper off and over her head. Not bothering to try and cover her bruised, exposed flesh over. Hermione had seen it before. She revealed a large dark purple and black patch that spread across her shoulders, and down the the top of her belly button. With a sigh she pulled an odd face, poking the sensitive area once or twice. Like a small child would do to a bruise on their knee. "Who'd have thought a hex could bruise so badly" the redhead said, almost amused by the simple injury.
Her actions inadvertently caught Hermione's attention. The brunette's gaze was locked on the injured girl before her. She hadn't realised the spell that hit Ginny was that powerful. Willing the urge to get up and help the girl away, she bit her bottom lip gently,
"I'm glad I packed bruise removal paste then, we'll need to ration it though, I don't know how long its going to be until we find another wizarding town, not completely controlled by the deatheaters" Hermione sighed, stealing her eyes away from Ginny's chest as the redhead pulled her jumper back on.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it" Ginny nodded, smiling a small smile "you didn't happen to pack anything to eat did you? Because I'm rather hungry..." The redhead hinted. Her stomach had been twisting with hunger since she roused. "Because, I can't think on an empty stomach" The redhead spoke, earning a roll of the eyes from Hermione.
"When are you ever not hungry?" She asked, a small smile tugged on her lips. She knew the younger girl could eat for four; all of the Weasley's were the same. The brunette stood, breaking away from her study of the maps. Taking the beaded bag from the redhead, she rummaged for a moment or so before pulling out a small basket which contained bits and pieces she had managed to gather from small stores and market stalls. "We haven't got very much..." The brunette's brows furrowed.
"We can find a small town, and stock up" Ginny reassured her, though she was sure Hermione would argue. "Don't even bother arguing" The redhead said sternly. "We need to eat, or we may as well just let the Death Eaters find us" She said in a mater-of-fact tone. Hermione sighed,
"But Ginny, every town around will be infested with them looking for us, what town exactly do you propose we go to?" She shot a glare at the younger girl, and finally gave in when the glare was shot right back.
Hermione knew the redhead was right, and was too stubborn to let herself be stopped.
Ginny beamed a bright smile at the elder girl, her eyes glinting with triumph. Though it was small, she knew she had won the argument. She had convinced THE Hermione Granger of something.
"Don't be so smug Ginny" The brunette joked, a small smile pulled at her lips. Even in the darkest of times, at least Ginny could find a bright side. In a way, the older girl was happy she got herself landed with Ginny. She knew the younger girl would be easier to bare then the two boys. "It's getting late", Hermione spoke quietly, her voice hitching in her throat. There hadn't been anything worse than the nights she had spent on the run. Her eyes stuck on a small apple that the basket held. With a swish of her wand, the apple tore in half. Taking one half, she began nibbling on it. It would be the only thing they had to eat until the morning.
Ginny moved closer, taking the other half of the apple. She nodded as Hermione had spoken.
"We should get some sleep, if we're going to get some supplies we'll have to get them early and before anyone else is around" Hermione said quietly as she finished eating the small half of the apple; obviously lost in thought.
"Is there another bed?" Ginny asked, her voice, though mumbled through a full mouth, managed to pull the book-worm from her thoughts. "Because if their isn't we should at least make this one a little bigger" She commented, standing up slowly she took her wand casting an extending charm on the bed, and before Hermione had a chance to answer, the small cot was now extended to twice its original size. Ginny stood over it beaming happily.
"No... But apparently that's not a problem" Hermione gave a chuckle; secretly relived she wouldn't have to sleep alone like she had done so many times before. When the nights consisted of hardly any sleep, when the nights consisted of a chilling cold and even more chilling thoughts. When Hermione hadn't been able to share the burden with anyone else.
With a small wave of her wand, the brunette made the small fire even smaller; moving towards the cot. "Ginevra Weasley! Make some room!" She scolded, as she tried to get into the cot. "You extended this, and you still take up more room than someone three times your size!"
With that Ginny burst into a fit of giggles, she had been waiting for it. Hermione always had a habit of scolding, or sounding like the Weasley Matriarch. She'd spent the majority of her teen life heavily involved with the Weasley's that Molly had actually become like a surrogate mother to her. It was no surprise that she had picked up on the matriarch's habits.
Hermione stood with her arms folded over her chest as she cast a glare at the younger girl, waiting for her to calm and shift so she could get into the bed. Ginny soon noticed the glare, having felt eyes burn through her.
"Okay, okay don't get your panties in a twist" she sighed, shifting towards the one side of the bed; allowing Hermione plenty of room to get in. Both girls settled for a moment or so, laying in silence. There was an air of unease that fell around them, strewn through the dark and the quiet of the night. Ginny gave a small sigh. "I'm still hungry..." She spoke, trying to break the tension. Listening closely, Hermione's breathing had gotten deeper. She hadn't expected it, but the older girl had fallen into a whirlwind of dreams.
Ginny lay back, staring up at the ceiling. Her mind and thoughts consumed with what may or may not happen. Nobody had seen this outcome, and she was sure nobody knew how they would get out of it this time. With those thoughts, she fell into a gentle sleep.
Chapter 2
A few weeks had passed since the raid, the night Ginny remembered little of. It was warm, but the sun had already descended below the tree's that masked their hiding place. A salty breeze whipped around the trees attacking Ginny's senses. Overloading them, as the salt stung her nose.
The youngest Weasley stood guard, watching and listening for anything that may suggest their position had been compromised. Ears strained against the wind, eyes strained against the darkness of the trees.
Her long red hair blew gently as a small gust of wind tore through the trees, stronger than the slight sea breeze breaking through the wall of tree trunks and shrubbery that surrounded them. Cutting the warmth like an icy knife, causing a shiver to crawl up her spine; chilling her being. Her light brown eyes focused on the distance for another moment or so. Her ears strained against the silence, she could hear waves crashing against the shore in the distance and the sound seemingly carried on the wind.
There was an eerie calm lingering in the air, it had been there since they had been found that night. Thoughts of her family and where they were crossed the girl's mind. She hadn't managed to get in any kind of contact with any of them since that fateful night. She knew full well they had to be safe. They just had to be. Each and every one of them had been through far too much to just give up because of this.
Ginny pinched the bridge of her nose, and gave a small sigh. Staring down at the dried out ground beneath her, she couldn't help but wonder just how they would get out of it this time or even if they would get out of it.
With a low grumble she moved, stretching herself out as she did so, her back giving a few cracks. The cot hadn't been much to sleep on, but she couldn't complain. Hermione had worked so hard on trying to make the small tent homey for the two of them. For that Ginny would forever be grateful.
Unzipping the door she stepped into the fabric, and was immediately enveloped in the warmth and comfort it held. Wandering into the small tent's living area, she immediately caught the eye of the older girl. Who smiled a large smile, which was returned with one of Ginny's winning grins.
The sight of the older girl was enough to lift Ginny's spirits. Just knowing she was happy and healthy and safe under the redhead's guard gave Ginny more than enough hope to get her through an eternity.
"Can we eat yet? Seducing you is hard work" Ginny teased, beaming a sly grin in Hermione's direction. They had gotten to the point where both were going stir crazy, not having much to do in the way of entertainment. The redhead found herself openly flirting with the older girl, more and more as the days went on. She wasn't shy about her sexuality, and she knew Hermione hadn't minded.
Hermione rolled her eyes,
"Or it could be that your stomach is big enough to eat for several" the elder girl stated simply. She wasn't sure if Ginny's flirting was serious, or the girl was mearly teasing her. Hermione was a bookworm, and everyone knew it. She hadn't had much experience in the way of flirting, though she knew Ginny had, and sometimes the younger witch's words threw her for more than a loop.
The redhead moved over towards the small fire contained in the middle of the tent, sitting opposite the brunette,
"I'm sure other people just don't enjoy eating as much as I do" She winked, dragging her tongue across her bottom lip. Causing a light brush to tint Hermione's cheeks as she pretended not to watch.
"Well most people don't have a mother like yours, who seemingly enjoys stuffing people until they can barely move" the brunette gave an awkward laugh.
Ginny smirked, shaking her head slightly. "I don't think having six brothers helped either. I had to put as much food on my plate as possible before they ate everything" She shrugged, "I always ended up with piles, and Mum always made me eat every last bit"
At the thought Hermione laughed a little harder. The brunette had seen it so many times. Ginny's plate being full to the point were her food was falling off the edges. She had always put it down to a large appetite, and the typical Weasley appetite.
"You're almost as bad as Ron!" She laughed, shaking her head. She had spent many times in the Great Hall yelling at the boy for talking with his mouth full.
Ginny gave an almost offended look, "Hey! My table manners aren't that bad!" The redhead said, in mock hurt; before her smile could take over once again.
The brunette couldn't help but return the smile. There was no denying it, having been cooped up in such close proximity to each other for such a while, lead to a strong bond neither could explain but both knew existed. They had never spoken about it, however. Neither knew the other knew, it was that simple.
As they sat in silence, the fire cast elongated shadows across the small space. It was as if they weren't alone, as if the objects around them sprang to life in the haze of the fire light. The shadows danced across the expanse of the room.
Ginny's eyes fell on the one thing that kept hope burning within her, the only person she'd had contact with over what felt like months. Her gaze was heated with admiration, and Hermione could feel the stare. Looking up sheepishly from the small pan she was holding over a metal rack magically suspended over the fire, she gave the redhead a small smile.
"You can stop staring, dinner is almost finished" she spoke as she shifted the contents of the pan around. "You could help by getting plates out" Hermione ordered, unable to help the bossy nature that she was so known for.
"Alright alright, keep your knickers on" Ginny retorted, a sneaky grin pulling her lips into a curve. "Or don't, saves me a job" She winked, earning herself an eye roll from the brunette.
"You're all talk" Hermione stated as she watched Ginny move to pull plates and forks out of her extended bag; placing them neatly next to the brunette. Ginny stopped for a moment, looking up at the girl.
"Oh you think so do you? Well I'll just have to prove otherwise" She stated, as if it was a fact. A smug grin took its place on her face, but she remained still.
The older girl unloaded half of the pan onto each dish, and they both began eating. Ginny practically inhaling the contents of the dish placed in front of her; sighing once she had finished. With a whip of her wand the dish was clean, and back in Hermione's bag. The brunette's plate soon followed.
The younger girl sighed calmly, placing her wand back into the holster against her thigh. Taking as much comfort in the silence that fell around them as possible. If it was quiet, they were safe. They sat for a while allowing the crackling of the fire and the dancing shadows amuse them for as long as they remained amusing.
However the safety was short lived, and the silence was broken by twigs snapping in the distance. Hermione and Ginny both snapped to look at each other, faces pailing. Their ears strained against the silence, listening for anything else. Their eyes grew wider as another set of twigs snapping could be heard in the distance. A ward went off, then another and they knew they had to leave, and quickly. The magic of the shields had obviously been detected, and their position had been found.
The elder of the two raised a finger to her lips, and the redhead gave a nod. Motioning for her to start packing. Ginny stood slowly, pulling her wand from its holster strapped to her thigh. Waving it, things began quietly making their way to Hermione's bag.
They both knew the charms and shields would give them a few minutes to grab everything they could, but the magic could be sensed by those magical. Peaking her head out of the tent's door, she spotted not far off, a group of masked figures.
With a flick of her wand the fire went out, and Hermione knew they had to leave, definitely. Both stepped outside the tent. Ginny shrinking it down and shoving it away as quickly as she possibly could. They couldn't loose it; it was the only thing they had to keep them sheltered from the hell the world had become. Their small sanctuary, were only they could be close to each other.
As they had everything packed, they began quietly making their way from the sight, away from their dwelling of a few days. It was sad, in a way to have to leave. They always had to leave, as soon as a place started getting familiar, they would have to go. Leaving each girl with a craving for some constant, for some normalcy.
They continued checking behind them as the cloaked figures began getting closer and closer; gaining on them.
Before they could exit the small area they had enchanted, their shields were down. Ashes of the enchantments showered them, and the volley of spells had begun.
Both girls automatically started blocking and defending, sending a rain of spells back. As they began to run quicker now, not caring about noise, they could feel sparks whiz past. Dodging and ducking as best as they could. Turning to fire spells back, putting up quick protection spells, shielding their escape.
Spotting a large tree, Ginny wrapped her hand around the older witch's arm, pulling her behind a tree as a spell whipped past, slamming into a tree behind them with a loud crack. They had missed being hit with the spell only slightly.
Wood splinters flying out as Ginny did her best to shield the brunette from the onslaught of debris, pressing Hermione's back to the tree they had taken cover against. Using her own body as a cover, knowing she was a lot bigger than the older girl. Ginny could feel shards of the tree embed into her skin, she knew that wouldn't be comfortable later.
Hermione looked on, in a moment of piece as the girl kept her from being injured. Protected her in the depth of a fight. Amazed Ginny remained in her own mind enough to keep her from danger. Even more amazed, that it could have been done on sheer instinct.
The brunette was pulled from her thoughts as Ginny's eyes went wide, before her face scrunched in pain and she gave a small growl as she winced. She'd been caught slightly with a jinx, and a small amount of blood seeped through the now torn jumper and down her arm,
"This is getting old, and quickly" the redhead grumbled, earning an agreeing nod from Hermione before ducking down and around the tree trunk to send a volley of spells back.
Different coloured sparks shot from the end of her wand, distracting the oncoming group enough for her to put a good strength protego up behind them.
Hermione, as always remained calm. Her chest heaved and fell as she leaned against the tree, trying to pinpoint where their assailants were by the direction the spells were coming in. She took a breath, and moved from behind the tree, grabbing Ginny's arm they broke into a sprint. Needing to put some distance between themselves and the Death Eaters.
Their foot beat the ground underneath them, twigs snapping, and leaves crunching as they ran. Spells firing over their shoulders, and ricocheting off of trees they ducked and swerved behind for any type of cover.
Ginny had been caught with a tripping jinx, and fallen only to catch herself in a roll and send a stupify back; sending one of the assailants flying backwards.
Hermione yelled "Incendio!" And a spark of fire ignited the dry leaves on the ground, briefly stopping the attackers in their tracks as they tried to deter the flames.
The tree's moaned and crackled under the heat, warping and twisting as the flames climbed higher. The shouts of the deatheaters chasing them could be heard, and both girls knew they had an opportunity to get away.
"Brilliant!" Ginny yelled, as she scrambled to get off the floor. Pushing herself up she grinned, running for the brunette. Happy to see the edge of the forest not far in front of them.
Ginny soon caught up to the shorter girl. Her longer legs and quidditch toned body giving her a slight advantage. The brunette looked over as they reached the edge of the forest, and ran out onto a grassy field. The younger girl moved towards Hermione, running behind her covering the girl as much as she could. If any of the deatheaters caught up, she would be hit first and at least then the brunette could get away.
In an 'Aha!' type moment, a quick thinking Ginny pointed her wand towards the famous beaded bag, "Accio firebolt!" She yelled through laboured breath, grinning at the brunette when her firebolt sprung from the bag and into the air. Releaved they had thought to grab it in the rushed packing.
With one swift move she mounted, and flew towards Hermione. Grabbing the girl around the waist she used all the strength she could muster to heave her onto the broom.
Hermione gave a yelp when she felt herself being hoisted from the floor, struggling against the arm that held her. "Bloody hell Hermione, stop struggling and help me out here" the redhead growled, giving one last pull with as much strength as she could muster. The brunette stopped struggling against her, and finally helped, trying to scramble onto the broom.
The older witch landed awkwardly in front of Ginny, blinking a few times she straightened up, and shut her eyes quickly.
"What the bloody hell are you doing?! We were perfectly fine on the ground!" She yelled, moving back on the broom, pressing herself closer to the redhead, gripping the handle so tight her knuckles turned white.
Ginny rolled her eyes, "If you would much rather be down there with them, Then be my guest!" She spat, speeding up their pace by leaning forward, pressing herself into the brunette. Green flashes shot past them, either side of the broom. In an attempt to deter them, she cast a quick protego around the broom.
As she focused on flying, and just flying, she could feel the older girl shaking against her, well aware she didn't enjoy heights.
With a grumble, Ginny placed her hands over Hermione's, squeezing her closer. "I'm going to take us down after this hill, we'll apparate after that so be ready!" She explained, flying was quicker, either way you looked at it.
Especially when the person flying was a professional. The broom began its decent, and soon they both hopped off quickly, shrinking the broom back down and shoving it back into the beaded bag. Hermione without a second thought gripped onto the younger girl one more time and with a 'crack' they were gone.
Chapter 3
Landing with a soft thud, in another second they had apparated again in an attempt to loose any trace of them, to stop them from being tracked. Hermione wasn't stupid, she was well aware the magic could and would be traced if they had been quick enough to the apparation area.
Ginny doubled over in an attempt to clear the odd feeling side along apparation left her with. Her arm still dribbling blood through a slice in her jumper. Hermione hadn't spoke since the abrupt raise into the air. She stood with her arms folded across her chest, glaring at the girl now doubled over.
"What on earth were you thinking? What /was/ going through your head? Do you ever think? We could have been killed!" Hermione shrieked, causing the redhead to straighten up and sigh.
"Well we're alive, aren't we?" She retorted, rubbing her arm awkwardly, trying not to bring any attention to it. She gave a small smile to the older girl and immediately getting a better reaction. "It was quicker then being on the ground, I knew what I was doing" Ginny explained. "It would have been harder to get away on foot, and it was the best way to keep you safe" She continued before going quiet, pulling at her jumper. Ginny looked around the area, eyeing the dense forest, and little light that broke through the canopie above.
Hermione rolled her eyes, moving towards the redhead. Putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. Ginny winced; great she'd get blood all over her hand and start worrying.
The brunette furrowed her brows as she contacted something warm and sticky under her palm.
"Are you bleeding? Again?" She asked. It seemed Harry wasn't the only one always bleeding. Ginny had a knack for getting injured, she always had. Being a star chaser for the previous few years meant she had landed herself with a few injuries.
But now, Hermione knew they had to be careful. There was no medi-witch to help, no potions to heal bones, and no idea what spells could fix what. She looked over the redhead, with slight worry. Wondering and hoping there weren't any more injuries.
"It's fine" Ginny shrugged, "I'm always fine" she spoke, winking at the older girl. "I guess we have to get used to this, being injured, and just having to deal with it." She sighed, flinching as Hermione poked at the wound on her arm; moving the ends of the ripped fabric from the gash so she could inspect it closely.
"Of course" Hermione sighed; she wanted nothing more than the insanity to stop, to be able to stay in one place and just plan. "We should start putting enchantments up, and get the tent together so I can fix you up" She said quietly, still inspecting Ginny's arm. Luckily, it didn't seem it was too bad. The jinx had just about missed and just caught in the right way.
With a nod the redhead pulled away, and began the enchantments. Putting everything necessary in place to keep them safe. Cloaking charms, disillusionment charms, sound cancelling charms, anything anyone could think of and more. They had to keep safe, and they had to keep hidden. Grumbling quietly to herself each time she stretched her arm too far.
Going over and over the enchantments, multiple times, strengthening them, and ensuring there was no way they would be detected. Even by magical beings.
Meanwhile, Hermione was working on setting up the tent they had lived in for a while now. Pulling it out of her bag she sighed and placed it on the floor, her wand pointed at it for a moment before she spoke,
"Engorgio" She said quietly, and the tent began to grow. Her dark eyes fell on the make shift home she shared day in, and day out with the redhead. Where they slept, and shielded themselves from the weather, to hide away from the world. Just for them, their sanctuary. It held the hope, and the happiness they had when they were hidden away from the world within the small walls.
Hermione was pulled from her thoughts by an arm around her waist, a familiar and welcomed embrace. The redhead stood beside her, holding her close in an attempt to reassure and comfort. Though she wasn't sure which one of the two needed it most.
Giving a small tug Ginny gave a crooked smile, making every attempt to cool the situation and comfort the older girl,
"It'll be okay, we'll get out of this mess and I'll play for the Harpies again, and you'll go back to working for the ministry" she spoke in a hushed voice, blushing slightly as her stomach began rumbling again. "But we should eat again... Its hungry work saving you from deatheaters and flying bits of tree" She trailed off, pulling away to stretch out. A wide grin split the redheads face as she looked down at the playful scowl the older witch wore.
"You did not save me I was fine without you, you just wanted to play the hero" Hermione retorted, though she beamed happily at the redhead. She really was happy she had managed to land herself with Ginny.
The younger witch sighed as she moved away, wincing as she felt small pieces of wood sticking out of her back for the first time since it happened. The adrenaline must have been wearing off now.
She focused, and immediately changed her facial expression she tried to hide the pain with a grin. "We should really eat though..." She spoke as her stomach gave another small grumble. She could eat for someone double her size and she still wouldn't be full.
Hermione gave a chuckle at the second mention of food, trust Ginny. Always thinking about food first. Though, she was sure she caught a quick flash of pain rush across the Weasley girl's cheeks. She would address that later.
"We'll have to satisfy that stomach of yours then, won't we?" The elder girl asked, though she already knew the answer. However she didn't expect what she got. She felt breath on her ear, and a body pressed to her back. Her breath hitching in her throat as the sensation creeped up her spine.
"If you're in the mood for satisfying things... My stomach can wait..." Ginny trailed off, giving a breathy laugh before disappearing into the tent for a moment. The older witch straightened her clothing out, smoothing her shirt against her as best she could. Keeping her emotions in check the best she could.
Over the past few moments she had been taken aback, and she didn't really know why. She knew she had hated flying, and she was sure that was to blame. Well, she hoped that was to blame. Though, she was too smart to leave it just as that. There was more to it, and she knew exactly what it was. However, the why was the most confusing.
The close proximity to a certain witch had evoked different feelings within the brunette. The flight didn't make her feel anything, nothing but safety. Perhaps, not at first; at first she was terrified, but as Ginny had gotten closer, she had calmed.
The redhead waited, for the arrival of Hermione within the tent. After a few moments Ginny poked her head back around looking to see what had taken the girl so long. The younger girl eyed Hermione, who was clearly lost in thought. Giving it a second or two more, Ginny cleared her throat she spoke, "I take that back, I'm starving, and I need you to help bandage me up, I don't want to bleed over everything and these pieces of wood keep catching my jumper and pulling funny. I'd hate to rip it even more" She beamed, making light of the situation.
Jumping as the younger girls words hit her ears; the brunette blushed a heavy blush. Deciding to shake it off before following the redhead into their small home was the best idea; she gave a small smile and nodded.
"Please, don't bleed everywhere, I don't want to have to clean that up too" She laughed a genuine laugh, unable to help the small smile that spread across her lips. Hermione sighed one last time, before moving towards their home and disappeared behind the zip up door.
A few hours later, once everything had settled and they had eaten once again the brunette found herself concentrating hard on pulling fragments from Ginny's skin. Meanwhile, Ginny lay quietly, on her stomach; stripped down to her underwear. A slightly guilty Hermione had insisted on trying to pull out all of the pieces of wood from the tree, the muggle way none the less. She thought it would at least kill some time.
The brunette sat, beside were the redhead lay. Her wand ignited with a simple 'Lumos', inspecting all the small wounds. Removing all the pieces of splintered wood from the smooth skin. Ginny wincing slightly each time Hermione slid a shard from under her skin. "I didn't think there were that many pieces" Ginny spoke, grumbling at the small amount of pain.
"There are only a few pieces left" She smiled reassuring the girl spread out on the cot. "You didn't have to stand in the way like you did..." She spoke quieter now, "Thank you" she said, blushing as Ginny turned to face her; a wide beam splitting the redheads face. "It doesn't matter, it's the least I can do" she nodded, going back to lying down. Sighing slightly as she ignored the pain.
Eventually they had finished, Ginny mended. As best as they could manage without the right potions. Both girls went to start a small dinner, rationing the supplies they had. As neither wanted to venture into the public any time soon.
The last time they ventured into the public hadn't gone as brilliantly as they had hoped. Though they managed to get plenty of supplies, they had nearly run into deatheaters. Luckily, they had been cloaked enough, that nobody paid much attention to either one of the girls.
Hermione was frying off sausages in a small pan, and Ginny was fetching a small amount of water for each of the two to drink.
"We're going to have to start looking for everyone else, searching for them" Hermione spoke quietly, looking up to meet the cinnamon eyes of her companion. "We'll find them, I have an idea as to where they could be, and thinking about it, I'm starting to think more and more that's where they actually are" she nodded. Ginny looked astounded, but wasn't exactly shocked. Hermione was brilliant, and it was only a matter of time before she'd have figured out places to look.
"Where do we start?" Ginny asked with a raised brow, "When do we start?" She asked, pouring the water into two glasses as she concentrated on Hermione's voice.
"France" Hermione said quietly, "with the Veela's, and Fluer's family, tomorrow. We'll have to travel at night; it's too far of a distance to go just by apparating. We'll have to walk, fly, and apparate. It's going to be difficult, but it shouldn't take too long, maybe a month or two" She explained, her eyes trained on the cooking sausages. When she didn't get a reply, the elder witch looked up, the brunette found the redhead gaping at her. "What?" Hermione asked, trying to shift the stare.
"That's genius! Why hadn't we figured that out before?!" Ginny launched herself towards Hermione, engulfing the brunette in a bone crushing hug. Kissing her cheek she grinned. "You're brilliant Hermione! Bloody brilliant! Merlin's beard, I'm so glad you're the one who dragged me off" the redhead stated. Kissing the brunettes burning cheek one more time before pulling a sausage from the pan. Burning her fingers slightly as she blew on it to cool it down.
Hermione blushed a deep blush as Ginny grabbed her. "It's nothing really..." She mumbled, laughing lightly as she watched Ginny burn herself to pick up a sausage. "That hungry huh?" Hermione asked through a smirk, enjoying the small amount of closeness.
The two falling into a comfortable silence and for a while they sat like that.
Chapter 4
A small fire raged in the middle of the enchanted home, it burned and crackled as the girls sat in silence. The radio's buzz was the only other sound to be heard in the small space. The girls listened closely, as the man reeled off names of those captured. Each silently hoping with every breath they drew, none of the names would be familiar. That none of those they held close would be mentioned, because each knew if they were, there would be nothing they could do to change that fact.
Ginny sat on a small armchair, next to the radio that was speaking names of those who had fallen, of those who had been caught by the Death eaters and their reigning master. Staring at the ground, her eyes burning with an intensity that any who witnessed it was sure to be frightened. It was as if the carpet that lay beneath the chair she resided on, had assaulted her violently, and she was staring her curses into it.
The redhead's mind swirled with possibilities, a small smile tugged at her lips as the announcement was over. Through out the list of names, nobody's they knew was called off. She let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding. Allowing her gaze to soften, and fall upon the brunette sat opposite her, on a similar chair.
Hermione had perched herself on the second armchair, Legs crossed as she hugged herself. Her thoughts stuck on how they would get out of the mess, how they would make it this time.
Her lips tugged down into a small frown, as she stared into the distance; focused on any plan she could conceive. She was the brightest witch of her age she had to come up with something, something new. What if her original plan hadn't worked? What if they weren't with Fluer in France? They would have nowhere to go after.
If anyone could figure out the step after, the backup, it was her.
In a way, she felt pressurised to save the wizarding world, like she had helped to do so before. Her chest constricted, and her breath caught. An argument raged within her now, she had no idea where she would look if they weren't where they should be.
How was she supposed to even find everyone else if this plan failed? How were they supposed to find anyone else? It didn't seem like there was any way other than the first. That prospect scared Hermione, the unknown was frightening.
Ginny watched as the scene unfolded before her, as Hermione began to panic. The turmoil written across her entire expression; obvious on her features. What was worse was, the fact the brunette didn't seem to realise how obvious it was.
With widened eyes the redhead scooted over to the girl, kneeling before her on the floor. "Hermione? What's wrong?" She spoke softly, in the most calming tone she could muster. Her eyes fixed on the brunettes soft skin, on her frantic dark orbs. Taking her hands, she gripped them firmly, running her thumb gently against the back of the older witch's hand.
"I don't know how we're going to get out of this, I don't know, I don't know anything, and I don't know how to find them!" She spoke through tears. "What if they're not there? What happens then? We won't have a clue were to go then! I can't think of another place they'd be!" She gasped. Trying her best to keep herself calm, her hands shaking in Ginny's grasp. Her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath, steady her breathing so she could go back to thinking rationally. Her heart pounded, and threatened to escape through her throat; as she suddenly became so alone.
Ginny's breath caught, as she watched the scene portrayed before her. As a seemingly strong Hermione broke apart, crumbled. The redhead did the only thing she thought would help. Standing, she pulled Hermione with her.
In one swift movement the elder witch was engulfed in a fierce embrace. Ginny's arms tight around her waist, keeping her as close as possible.
"It'll be okay, we'll find them before we're found you've already planned so much Hermione, you're just over thinking again, we'll find them! They'll be with Fleur, you've already figured it out, and we just need to get there now" the redhead soothed, though her own voice began to crack. Her hands rubbing gently over the base of the brunettes back.
"We'll be alright, you'll see, we'll win all over again, because there is no stopping us, we have more than they ever will, even if they force us to live on the run while we scheme" She smiled, pulling away to brush strands of curls from Hermione's face. Relieved to see how her words seemed to calm the older witch.
Her hazel eyes seemed to catch the interest of the brunette's darker ones, and they stood trying to read what was held within the others gaze. Trying to read exactly what was there, the emotions.
Ginny broke the short silence, but never the eye contact. "We have the smartest witch of her age on our side, and that counts for something, especially when the smartest witch doesn't have to do it alone" she paused for a moment,
"Never alone Hermione, we're in this together always together, I promise you that. We'll follow your plan, such a brilliant plan it is, and we'll find them and they'll all be okay, and the deatheaters will be long gone, and I promise you we'll do it all together. I will not leave, and I will help as much as I possibly can" She gave her pledge, her promise, her word.
Hermione could feel an instant calm as she was pulled into the embrace, as Ginny's scent consumed her.
She couldn't help but relax into the younger girl; she believed the words that were spoken. Allowed them to banish any worry she had. Hermione felt her stomach twist, as she was captured by the fiery cinnamon eyes of the younger girl.
Her insides exploded with a bought of butterflies, and she couldn't help but stare, enthralled by the redhead that stood before her.
Captured by the look of complete honesty written all over the younger witch's face as she gazed down at the brunette. The way her fiery mane fell over her shoulders in a cascade of glinting red silk. How her skin was soft and her features gentle and welcoming.
Ginny's words sounded far away for a moment, as she watched her lips move with words she couldn't quite comprehend at that moment.
Finally she was giving a small nod, and she allowed a small smile to tug at her lips, Ginny's words warming her through as she finally let them sink in. "I believe you, Ginny." She spoke simply, before burying herself in Ginny's grasp once again.
The redhead smirked, pulling Hermione down into one of the chairs, and into her lap. Her arms wrapping around the girl instinctively, securely and firmly. Her fingers running through the mass of curls. "I'm glad you do" she said quietly, placing a small kiss on Hermione's exposed cheek.
The kiss was brief, though caused the spot she had made contact with to ignite, like the brunette had been kissed by fire. As if the flames themselves had licked at her skin. The feeling was strange, though she craved more. She craved the start, but never the end of the very feeling. The ignition that sent a pulse of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Warming her completely. It humbled the brunette, and without a shadow of a doubt, replenished her hope.
Ginny smiled content; she would never let on to the fact she too had boughts of butterflies explode in her stomach, or a fire ignite within her every time Hermione simply looked her way.
She'd play it cool, keeping everything platonic, no matter how much she joked about it being more than that. She'd never pressure, she knew she wouldn't. As far as she was aware, Hermione was far from that side of the fence. So she would settle, for any contact she was allowed. Small friendly touches, and hugs were a long way off quenching her thirst and hunger for the older woman. But they would suffice, they would have to.
The older girl huddled herself as close to the redhead as she could get, resting her head on her shoulder. Hermione curled up in the girl's lap, as the youngest Weasley held her tight.
When Ginny kissed her cheek, a new internal battle raged. What on earth was going on? Why did she always get butterflies when the younger witch did the simplest of things, why did she enjoy being so close to her? Why did every time something happened, she wanted to grab Ginny and just run away from the world, and stay exactly like they were at that moment in time?
She wanted so much, and she just didn't understand why. The last time she checked, she didn't exactly find herself attracted to women, so why start now?
Hermione gave a sigh and shook her head, why argue with such defined and strong emotion? She wouldn't. But she would wait, and see what the redhead did. She knew one thing was on her side. Ginny's well known sexuality, the fact she didn't actually like men.
When she looked up, she noticed Ginny's eyes closed, and her breathing deep. The look of complete content written across the redheads face was enough to melt Hermione's heart. It was enough to make the brunette second guess herself already, and think, maybe it isn't just being alone together for so long.
The brunette placed a light kiss on the redhead's nose as she slept. Just watching her for a moment or so before ruining the picture.
Finally she gave a small sigh, and shook Ginny's shoulder gently. Causing the redhead to jump and grab her wand. "What! What is it!?" She yelled, looking around the area.
Hermione gave a small giggle, taking Ginny's hand and pulled it down, so she didn't get accidentally hexed. "Relax, you fell asleep in the chair, and I thought I'd get you to the bed" She explained, as Ginny was giving her a funny look.
Rolling her eyes Hermione gave Ginny a playful glare. "I'm not speaking a different language you know?" She spoke, running her thumbs absent mindedly across the girls arm.
"Oh, right yes..." The younger girl spoke, as a deep blush creeped up her neck. Avoiding Hermione's gaze, as she sat awkwardly. Trying to remove any images from the dream she had been awakened from, away from her mind.
Hermione eyed the girl underneath her carefully, noticing the blush.
A small smile tugged at her lips, as she watched. "You plan on moving any time soon? Or are you just going to sit there and gape?" She asked, as she moved from Ginny's lap. Immediately missing the contact and warmth the redheads embrace provided. Moving to get a set of clothes for both girls to sleep in, rummaging through her bag. Fighting to keep any thoughts of Ginny in a less than platonic way at bay. With a bright smile she turned to the still silent Weasley, and held out a pair of shorts, and a large shirt the girl had been sleeping in recently. "Come on then, get changed, we haven't got all night" She teased, earning herself a grin from the girl. Waving the garments around for a moment or two, waiting for the response.
"You just want to get me naked Hermione, don't try and deny it" Ginny finally retorted, standing she gave a large stretch, yawning casually as she watched for Hermione's reaction. Feeling muscles and bones click into place.
The brunette blushed a deep blush, and gaped at the redhead. Hermione tried her best to search her mind for a comeback, just as good as the original statement. "If I wanted to get you naked, I wouldn't be handing you clothes" She replied, calmly as she regained her composer. Ginny's grin faltered, and her face twisted in concentration. Unaware Hermione could partake in flirting as well as that. "A well thought out plan Miss. Granger" she finally managed.
Slinking over to the other girl, their gaze's meeting once again. Ginny moved slowly, and gracefully. Dragging the motion out as much as possible.
Both women were filled with butterflies, the redhead not entirely sure what she was going to do, and the older witch unable to think that far ahead. Once again captured by the movement. Hermione stood stock still, as she watched Ginny get closer and closer, unsure what to do, or were to move to, or even if she should move.
Ginny finally came to a stop in front of Hermione, taking the clothing she had held out for her. Leaning over so she could whisper in the brunettes ear, "Thank you" she grinned as she pulled away, moving to get changed.
Hermione had stopped breathing, her cheeks had flushed with colour and she was sure she was staring off into space. The heated breath on her ear had sent what felt like electricity down her spine, and shocked her.
After a moment or so, she shook it off. "Not a problem, Ginevra" She said simply, her voice firm, and unwavering. She turned away to change, giving the younger girl some privacy. Quickly changing, she pulled a large t-shirt over her head and a short pair of shorts on.
The cold attacked her body in the short space of time, and she finally became aware of her surroundings more than she had been before. It was cooler at night, and she was sure the winter wouldn't be far off. "We need to get more blankets, and warmer things to wear" she said out loud, sure the redhead would hear.
Hermione began folding her jeans and jumper neatly before casting a quick cleaning spell on them. They hadn't got much in the way of clothing, not thinking to pack much more than a few jumpers, t-shirts and a few pairs of jeans.
They hadn't had enough time, and other things had been more important.
Ginny smirked, as the older girl spoke. She liked how Hermione planned things out this far ahead. It was reassuring; at least she could count on the older girl to be prepared. There was a definite nip to the air, though she hadn't taken much notice.
The redhead sighed, she'd changed quickly and now her attention was free to fall on the brunette. Ginny watched as Hermione pulled her jumper up and over her head. Her eyes fell on the warm, smooth skin of the brunettes back. The curve of her bottom exposed, and hugged nicely by the fit of her jeans. Her hair fell perfectly over her shoulders, casting a curly cascade down her soft looking back.
The redhead's breath caught, and she swallowed hard as a delicate hand reached round and unclasped the bra that held her together. 'Oh gods...' Ginny thought to herself. Trying desperately to steal her gaze from the older witch's form.
Ginny was brought out of her daydream as a shirt was pulled over the girls figure, obscuring the view. Though she didn't look away, she watched as Hermione moved gracefully and calmly, cleaning as she went.
The redhead's mind was stolen by thoughts of the girl in front of her. She was beautiful, and Ginny's attention was held completely by the girl. 'She has no idea, that's the most frustrating thing', the redhead thought, grumbling to herself.
She was pulled from her mind as Hermione's eyes caught hers. A deep red creeped up her neck as she quickly tried to look away, as if she hadn't been looking the entire time. Rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly Ginny cleared her throat. "Uh... T-That was a good c-cleaning spell... What w-was it?" She asked, tripping over her words. She was trying to make it seem as if she'd been watching the spell work, rather than the girl.
'Bloody hell weasley, get yourself together woman! It's just Hermione!' The redhead scolded herself mentally.
There was an awkward pause, a silence that drowned everything out. Both girls continued their stare, unwavering. Ginny gulped again, and waited for the punch. Waited for the words to let her know how disgusted the brunette was with catching her looking.
Hermione's eyebrows climbed as she caught Ginny's stare, the look on her face a mix between smug and frustration. As Ginny looked away, a similar blush crept across the brunette's nose, and over her cheeks. "The same cleaning spell we've been using since this whole escapade started..." She smiled, laughing to herself. In a way, the realisation releaved her.
On the flip side, it scared her. It brought her own feelings to the forefront of her mind, and forced her to think about them, forced her to realise that maybe it wasn't just the close circumstance they were in.
'Fuck she noticed, fuck, fuck, fuck! She noticed, oh my god she hates me, she hates me' Ginny swore at herself inwardly, her blush getting worse as she thought about it. The redhead stared off to the side, suddenly finding the tent wall incredibly interesting. "Oh, that's... It looked different" She lied, it looked exactly the same, of course it did.
Hermione shrugged, moving over to the bed Ginny was currently sat on. Perching on the edge she smiled a small smile, entwining her fingers with Ginny's and giving her hand a small squeeze. "Me too" Was all she could muster, all her confidence would allow her.
The older witch's words took a moment to get to Ginny's ears, to register. Turning so quick, she almost gave herself whiplash, her cinnamon eyes were the size of plates as she looked at the sheepish expression Hermione wore. "You too? You too what?" The redhead quizzed, trying to make sense of what was just said. Her heart throbbing so hard she was sure the brunette could hear it from where she sat.
Chapter 5
Hermione blushed a crimson shade; sure she matched the colour of Ginny's hair. Hoping with everything she could hope with she hadn't got it wrong, hadn't mixed the signals.
Scooting closer to the younger witch, she looked up into her eyes. For a moment she debated, should she? Or shouldn't she?
It was so unlike Hermione to throw all resolve to the wind and take a chance as big as this. But as she thought on it, it was obvious the entire time. There was want for each other, in every way, written and drug through each and every one of their actions.
The redhead was captivating, and enthusiastic. Each word she said, each time she spoke Hermione wanted to throw her arms around the girl and never let go. She knew she would never be able to let go. Not once she had it, if she had it.
Little to the brunettes knowledge, the same thoughts where racing through Ginny's mind. Had been racing through her mind for years. Though, with those same thoughts, came a hopeless pain. In thinking Hermione didn't lean that way, in thinking she had no chance in hell with the brunette that stormed her dreams.
The brunette plagued her mind, with such a sweet and beautiful disease. Made her very heart throb, and her stomach heat like her entire body was on fire. It was like she was dying, the sweetest death, and the purest of last breaths. Each last breath was a breath in which she was close enough to inhale the scent of the elder witch. Her entire world collapsed each time, and rebuilt itself with every exhale.
Before this point, the older witch hadn't ever been attracted to women. But in the current predicament, she wasn't prepared to give that even a second thought. There was too much complexity in the world, and debating over her feelings wasn't something she was prepared to do. Not when they were so evident, and always at the forefront of her mind.
The pause felt like it spanned decades, as they sat each staring at the other. Each completely lost in a world of their own, completely enveloped with thoughts of the other.
As Ginny's face contorted into something that much resembled confusion, Hermione was pulled from her mind. Without a last thought, she gave in completely to her body. Allowing it to do as it so pleased, as she so wanted.
The brunette shocked herself as she leant up and took the redheads lips with her own. They sat like that for a moment, no movement, just the slight contact between the two. The contact, that was just enough to convey everything.
Each felt like a thousand volts of electricity had coursed through their bodies. Something had awakened, and as they pulled away, it clawed at each of them. Trying to draw them closer, pulling them in. A raw magnetism tore at their chests, at their minds and senses. There was no mistaking it, both knew it was there.
Contact was made again, only this time Ginny initiated it. Forcing her lips to the brunette's with a hunger that hadn't been there before; a need that washed through the two. As the kiss was returned, they allowed it to stay simple, and chaste. It was too soon, to soon to be giving in to the lust that bubbled within their veins. There would be so much time for that later. For then, they just needed to be, they just needed to sit in the silence, and bask in the silent commitment each kiss held.
As Ginny pulled away, Hermione's eyes fluttered open, and the brunette smiled a shy smile. There was a lack of words, Ginny found herself unable to formulate a simple sentence, let alone speak in any coherent tone. It was as if Hermione had sucked the words from her body.
The redhead found herself staring down at the elder girl in disbelief.
"Well...?" Hermione spoke, more of a question than a statement. Unable to keep from blinking a few times under the intensity of the redheads burning stare. Her hands squeezing around Ginny's larger ones, as if holding on to the moment. Afraid of what exactly would come from the redhead's mouth when she spoke.
"Say something Ginny!" The brunette demanded, fear beginning to creep into her emotions now. Her eyes searching for anything that might give the redhead's answer away.
"So... What does this mean?" Ginny finally asked dumbly, not wanting to assume before anything was said. Giving a small timid smile, the youngest Weasley could feel the blush burning her skin. It felt like she had been smacked with a heated frying pan, and her skin was torched by the flame touched metal.
Hermione flashed her a wide smile, "I hope it means everything is mutual?" She said quietly, knowing exactly what Ginny had meant. "And there is some hope after all..." The brunette reasoned, more to herself. Not wanting to seem too eager.
Ginny thought for a moment, processing everything. Allowing her brain to catch up to her hormones. "So... A-Are we... Going to try and be a thing?" She asked, awkwardly. Blushing and spluttering as she tried to form the sentence.
The older witch watched as the redhead tried her best to form the sentence, as she stumbled over her words. Her heart warming at the scene, so used to Ginny being the confident one, the quidditch star, brave beyond her years.
It was refreshing to see this side, once again. See the warmth, and sincerity ooze from the girl in front of her, watch the mask dissolve and know she was the reason for it. It gave Hermione a new hope, and a new reason to believe, and she couldn't answer why.
"I think so... I hope so?" She questioned, raising a brow "I'm not against it, are you?" She asked caution weaved through her words.
Ginny frantically shook her head, "No! No, I'd love to! I just never thought it would happen... I always thought you thought I was joking... When, I said things..." She laughed, shaking her head, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly.
In a moment Hermione had been pulled into a bone crushing hug. "Now I have to do even more to make sure those bastards don't hurt you" Ginny stated, like she wasn't trying hard enough before.
Hermione sighed, and allowed herself to be enveloped in the hug, enveloped into the warm protection that was Ginny Weasley. "Like you haven't already done enough?" She asked, raising a brow. Though, the youngest Weasley gave no answer.
With a small yawn, Hermione gave a light squeak. Blinking as she looked up at the girl, giving a sheepish smile. "I hate to ruin the moment, but we should really sleep..." She sighed, moving from the embrace. Missing the closeness as soon as she had exited it.
The redhead nodded, with a small smile she crawled onto the cot, and got under the covers. With a wave of her hand, the fire had died down, giving minimal light. Making sure her wand was strapped securely to her calf, she wrinkled her nose. Pulling the older girl into the warmth with her. Both automatically relaxing into the others embrace.
"Goodnight Hermione" Ginny mumbled into the back of the girls neck, as she moved closer, pressing her stomach against the older witch's back. Draping an arm over the taught stomach of the brunette.
"Goodnight Ginny" Hermione smiled, reaching for Ginny's hand. Entwining their fingers together.
Ginny lay there for what felt like hours. Unable to sleep, her chest felt as if it were to burst with happiness. Just knowing the brunette returned the feelings, gave the redhead hope. She held the brunette as close as possible. Inhaling the sweet vanilla sent of the girl she held close. Allowing it to calm her senses, reassure her that this fight was for something. People like Hermione existed, and that in itself made the fight worth it.
Ginny ran her fingers across the brunette's stomach, listening to her breathing. The sound was peaceful, and beautiful. It consumed the small space, and drowned out the hell the world had become. In every way, Ginny had been hooked, and what she didn't realise, was that Hermione lay doing exactly the same.
The brunette lay awake, mind swarming with possibilities. Hope spread through her body, and warmed her heart. Her fingers held Ginny's held them for dear life. It was as if at that moment, holding onto her was the only thing that kept the brunette grounded.
Rolling over, Hermione was startled to find Ginny still awake. Her eyes went wide as the redhead gave a small shy smile.
"Hello"
"Hi"
They sat there for a moment or so, quietly just staring. Ginny move slowly and pressed her lips to those of the brunettes, as gently as she could. The contact lasted only seconds. Much to the brunette's disappointment. "I didn't wake you did I?" Hermione asked her voice soft as she brushed a few loose strands of red away from her face. Running her thumb over the smooth skin of the redhead's cheek.
"No, I haven't fallen asleep yet" she smiled a small smile, leaning forward to rub her nose against the brunettes. "Too excited for sleep, I kind of feel like its Christmas" Ginny laughed quietly.
Now it was Hermione's turn to give Ginny a confused look. She really didn't understand why, or what the girl was on about. "I mean, through all the bad things happening right now, I still managed to get something good, completely out of the blue" with a small pause, she sighed "I didn't even know you were on this side of the fence" she said with a shrug.
Hermione wrinkled her nose, "I didn't know either" she laughed, shaking her head. "I don't fancy thinking it over too much. The feelings were clear enough, and that's a good enough reason for me" She sighed, leaning up to give Ginny another quick peck, which soon deepened. Much to each of their pleasure.
They both fought for dominance, pushing for the lead. Hermione pulled Ginny's bottom lip between hers, nibbling it gently. Giving a small smirk as the redhead seemed to blush a dark shade of red. Staring like a deer caught in the headlights.
The youngest Weasley sat there blinking, a heat evolving in her stomach. One she knew she would have to keep under control, keep it at bay. There was no way she would let herself get too excited, and risk rushing the brunette.
As they broke apart, each sucked a deep breath of air into their lungs. Breathing heavily, in an attempt to calm their breathing. Ginny gave a large yawn, kissing Hermione's cheek gently. "I'm ready to sleep now" She said quietly. The brunette nodded in agreement, placing another quick kiss on the redheads bruised lips before turning over once again.
"We'll have to get moving tomorrow, we'll wake early and go into a small village somewhere. We need to gather more clothing, and a few more blankets and food, its going to be a while before we find anyone, and it's already getting colder" Hermione spoke, she had obviously lay there thinking it over.
Ginny took a breath and gave a sigh. "It sounds like a plan to me" She nodded, kissing the brunettes shoulder tenderly. Giving a yawn she relaxed, pulling the smaller girl into the curve of her stomach. Admiring how they seemed to fit together so perfectly. A comfortable silence fell around them, as they both shut their eyes and lay in the dim glow of the fire. Their embrace heating them, keeping them calm.
It didn't take long for either witch to fall asleep. Pulled into the depths of their minds as the dark consumed them.
A peaceful sleep lay ahead for both of the girls, finally having something they could count on. A constant that kept them both as happy as they could get in the predicament they've landed themselves in. They lay contented by the embrace they both found each other consumed by. The warmth it provided radiated through them.
It would be a long day ahead, preparing for their travels. Their search to find the rest of the order would take its toll, but both had the evening they had spent together. They had that one simple thing to ward off any evil that came their way.