Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns everything but the plot.
Plot: Summer after fifth year, Sirius is still very much alive. Harry and Ginny have been together since Christmas. Can Harry love more than one witch at a time? How do the witches feel about this? What do the Weasley's think? How about the Headmaster; will he continue to manipulate Harry's life? We shall soon see. Harry also has an inheritance surprise awaiting him. Molly, Ron and Dumbledore bashing. Pairings: HP/GW/HG/LL/SB/DG/PP/PP; NL/HA; RW/LB
Chapter 2
Starting the next morning, Ginny kept a watchful eye on Hermione to see if she could gain any clues about the conversation from the night before.
She watched her greet Ron as normal at breakfast, while she completely ignored Harry. This, of course, made her pause. She looked at Harry and saw the hurt and confusion on his face. That's when she suddenly had an epiphany. Hermione loved Harry, just like she did.
She turned her gaze to her best friend, who was looking ready to cry again. Ginny caught her gaze and silently told her they needed to talk.
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After breakfast, Ginny and Hermione went up to their room to talk. Ginny didn't want to beat around the bush, but she also didn't want Hermione to think she was mad at her.
Sitting down together on Ginny's bed, they just looked at each other for a moment.
"You're in love with Harry, aren't you?"
Hermione was obviously shocked and a bit scared.
"It's alright Hermione, I'm not mad at you for that. How could I be. He is a very lovable man. What I am upset with is the fact that you hurt him this morning. That wasn't necessary, and you know it."
"I know, and I feel so guilty about that. I just didn't know what to do after last night, and I really did NOT want to hurt our friendship because of it."
"Do you really love him, Hermione? That way I do, I mean."
"I wasn't completely sure until after I spoke to you about it. But now, yes, I'm sure. I feel all those things you feel. It truly is an amazing feeling, but I have no intention of acting on it. I know he loves you. I would never do anything to harm or get in the way of the two of you. I swear, Ginny."
"I know, Hermione. Really, it isn't something I'm worried about. Now, I want you to at least go and tell you're sorry. Tell him you didn't sleep well and are going to take a nap to improve your mood. I'll take care of Mum. I really do want you to try for a nap. I'll wake you in an hour or two, ok?"
"Ok. Thank you Gin," Hermione hugged her, "I really appreciate everything."
I know. Now go apologize, then lay down."
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Harry watched as the girls disappeared upstairs to talk.
"Ron, do you know why Hermione seems to be mad at me?"
"No mate. Not a clue. Probably something to do with homework or studying or bloody books."
"I don't think so. I guess I will have to wait and see."
"Fancy a game of chess? That'll take your mind away from the problem of girls and their tempers for a while."
"Sure, may as well."
"Great mate! I'll set up the board."
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About 15 minutes later, Harry heard someone enter the room. Looking up, he saw Hermione standing in the doorway, staring at him with a look of guilt etched across her face.
"Harry, I wanted to say that I'm sorry for this morning. I don't really have an excuse other than having a bad night of sleep causing my bad attitude this morning. I'm so so sorry that I acted the way did. Really, I am."
"It's alright, Hermione. I'm just glad that I didn't do anything to cause the problem."
"Not at all. I really am sorry though."
"I know. Do you want to play the winner? We all know who it will be though, so I should really just forfeit now," Harry joked.
"No, thank you though. I think I'm going to go lay down for a bit instead."
"Ok. Feel better and sleep well, Hermione."
"Thank you, Harry."
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Twenty minutes after Hermione went back upstairs, the chess game ended. Ron was getting ready to try to trounce Bill in a game next, so Harry went off in search of his girlfriend. He found Ginny sitting at the kitchen table with a cuppa in deep thought.
"Knut for your thoughts?" He asked.
"Actually, you are just the person I was thinking about. I need to talk to you about something really important, but we need absolute privacy."
"Okay, is it bad? Are you going to break up with me or something?" Harry asked nervously.
"OH NO! Harry nothing like that. I love you. I'm not going to break up with you. Especially, not after it took a week to convince you not to ditch me after Dumbledore's funeral." Ginny hugged Harry and gave him a kiss. A kiss that, of course, deepened.
"Mmmmm…..this is great Harry, but I really do need to speak with you."
"Okay, let's go to the river. We can sit down there away from everyone and talk."
