The hidden burden
What if Hermione Granger was just a cover? What if Hermione is someone completely different whom almost no one knows?
Hermione stares out the window from the Weasley's house. Night has fallen and the only light she sees by comes from the candle she set on the floor. Sleep is unlikely to come by after the ordeal she's just been through. How could the Death Eaters have known about them? There were seven Harrys, for goodness sake! She sighs and drops her gaze to the floor. A creak in the floorboards alerts her to a newcomer.
"Thanks for coming." She breathes once she realises who it is.
"Of course." Responds Ginny.
Ginny steps out of the shadows towards Hermione and takes her hand, never taking her eyes off of the witch.
"You know I have to leave." Says Hermione.
"I know."
"It's the only way to defeat him. I wish I could tell you, but-"
"Hermione. I said I know. You don't have to explain anything. I just wish I could come with you."
"Me too. But neither Harry, Ron nor I could do what needs to be done if we knew you were in danger."
"I understand." Her tone is calm as she turns away, but there are tears in her eyes.
"Oh, Ginny." Hermione grabs her in a tight embrace. Standing there, holding the girl she loved and knowing that they might never see each other again, Hermione thought back to the first time she really noticed the redhead.
It was the year Umbridge The Gargoyle had risen to power in Hogwarts and she and the boys had just formed the DA. Harry was teaching the class how to cast a Patronus Charm and she hadn't been able to take her eyes off of Ginny's. It was the most breathtaking mare, moving gracefully through the air. Then something else cought her attention. Ginny. The dappled light from the spell moving across her skin, eyes shining brighter than the sun, the smooth movements of her hand holding the wand... She was struck by that amazing beauty.
Later on, she saw Harry looking at Ron's sister differently than usual. He seemed... impressed. No wonder. She truly was amazing. It didn't make sense, though. He obviously liked Cho.
It didn't matter anyway. There was no way Ginny would return her feelings. Everybody knew she had a huge crush on Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived. What could she do?
Hermione is brought out of the past as Ginny pulls away.
"You know I love you, right?"
Hermione nods.
"You know that even if we survive this, if we both come out okay and and You-Know-who falls, we can never be together?"
"I know." Hermione looks down. "For the boys."
"It would destroy them if they found out."
"i just wish I had done things differently. I wish I had told you how I felt when I had the chance. Before Harry took an interest in you and Ron in me."
Ginny opens her mouth to say something but can't find the words. Instead, she leans forward and plants a soft kiss on Hermione's lips. The kiss grows deeper until Hermione's pushing Ginny against the window.
"Is there someone down there?" Ron's voice.
The girls disentangle themselves and rush quietly to their rooms.