Pink - for the School of Prompts Challenge at HPFC. 2.1: 200+ words.

Ottoman - for the Hot or Cold Competition.

Hermione/Ginny


The roses on the table, some a delicate pink while others were a deeper red, were there when Hermione got home from work at the Ministry. It was mid-afternoon, and she hadn't been expecting anything from Ginny until evening. The little gift from Ginny warmed her heart and brought a smile to her face.

The sunlight that streamed in through the window glinted off of something on the floor behind the ottoman.

Hermione, grabbing the bouquet, followed the metallic silver glint that came from... was it foil?

Taking small steps along the trail took her to the bedroom she shared with Ginny, though the door was closed. The pathway of foil ended, leaving her to turn in her place to see if she had missed anything else. Hermione worried that she had ruined some sort of surprise Ginny planned to finalize and execute later in the evening, though even her quick mind couldn't connect their bedroom to any kind of party Ginny could expect to hold.

Confusion and uncertainty filled her as she reached to the door handle. If she opened it and saw the surprise before it was ready...

"Is that the birthday girl loitering by the door? Why doesn't she come in?" Ginny's voice sounded out through the door, catching on a few words in a way that Hermione associated with their passionate nights more than anything else. Her palms grew sweaty around the cellophane holding the roses, but she wasted no time in stepping in.

"Happy birthday!"

Hermione stared in shock at the decorated room. Ginny had, it seemed, tried to use various decorations in unique ways. Streamers lined the floors, balloons had been charmed together in a wall and propped against the window to act as a colourful, translucent curtain, and at least ten birthday cards were arranged in a row along the small stand beside Hermione's side of the bed.

Hermione's eyes caught on the bed.

Ginny was propped up on her arms, leaning back in a way that exaggerated the swell of her breasts. She was wearing the least clothing possible while still wearing some. Her hair was gathered and twisted in a complicated way that brought out the curve of her cheekbone and the enthusiastic glint in her eyes. There was a healthy glow to her skin that made Hermione want to kiss every part of her.

"I can't believe you did this." Hermione said with a chuckle, still mystified by the extravagant lengths to which Ginny had gone. Paper crowns like the ones Hermione remembered came in New Year's crackers had been charmed to float above the bedposts.

"Twenty is a special year," Ginny said. "I wanted to celebrate it with you properly before the boys got here for the party. And what's a celebration without some improvised decorations?"

"You're brilliant!" Ginny probably had used leftovers from New Year and Ron's son's birthday, and Ginny's repurposing of the streamers and other details was absolutely endearing. Hermione set the roses on the dresser beside the door and launched herself in Ginny's direction, laughing with abandon. She leaned over, hoping to get a kiss.

No success. Ginny turned her chin away, neatly pulling from Hermione's reach. Hermione pouted, as her amusement and innocent enjoyment was becoming longing very quickly. Ginny gave Hermione an exasperated look, though her fingers wandered to Hermione's thigh. She squeezed once, then motioned to the side with her head.

"You have to read my cards first," she said with a matter-of-fact tone. Hermione rolled her eyes, but was never one to refuse an offer to read.

The first one began:

Hermione,
You bring happiness to my life in a way that makes me feel stronger and better. You are the vigour, the determination, and the colour in everyday life.
Red, for the love we share.
Pink, for the way you blush when we're as close to each other as possible.
Gold, because we're so lucky we have one another.
White, because we're both here to witness the start of a new decade in your life and to make the most of it.

Here's to a million more happy birthdays,
Ginny

With tears in her eyes and Ginny's hand gripped tightly in her own, Hermione picked up the next one. She felt incredible gratitude to Ginny for the time and care she'd clearly put into the heartfelt preparations. She knew great, long years lay ahead of both of them. Hopefully, all after a great, long afternoon. And then perhaps another great, long night after the boys left.

"I love you," she whispered to Ginny. On her second try, Hermione's kiss finally made it to the desired target.

"I love you, too," Ginny said, after they'd parted. "Though I'm starting to think you might be a little old for me."

Hermione swatted Ginny playfully. They giggled together, and Hermione started in on the next card.