Promises Part 3/8

Disclaimer: I don't have a J or K and definitely not a Rowling in my name.


The next morning, Ginny woke up and did her usual routine of taking a shower, brushing her teeth, getting changed and all the usual stuff. She did everything extra fast so as not to ponder on what Hermione was trying to say last night. She went straight to the Great Hall knowing the Trio, mainly Hermione, was going to be there and it was going to be a good chance to speak to Hermione before her quidditch match began. As she was nearly about to enter the Great Hall, she bumped into Katie Bell, a fellow Gryffindor chaser, who was with two of her 7th year friends.

"Oh, good morning Ginny. Excited 'bout the match?" Ginny nodded, but secretly she was trying to speed up the conversation so she could go inside to see Hermione. Katie didn't seem to notice anything and continued on.

"Yeah same, so am I. I hope we get to use all those techniques and stuff we practised." Ginny nodded again. Under Harry (the Captain's) demands, they had been having extra practise sessions to make sure they were going to be familiar with each other in actual matches. Why he never asked the other chaser, Demelza, to join was something Ginny never quite understood. She never questioned Harry since she thought he knew what he was doing.

"So umm, Ginny, there's something I was wondering if I could talk to you about. Perhaps after the match when you're not busy or anything," Ginny nodded for the third time. There was an awkward silence between them, Katie looked as if she was waiting for the redhead to say something but Ginny had no idea what to say. One of Katie's friends rolled her eyes and interrupted the silence by saying they had to go. Katie smiled at the excuse to leave although she still seemed a little reluctant to do so.

"So umm, yeah, I had better go then. Umm, yeah, so, erm, see you later in the changing rooms then." Once Katie finished spluttering, she hurried off with her friends. Ginny chuckled lightly to herself, what was that about? All other thoughts vaporised as she stepped into the Great Hall and saw Hermione wave to her. She hurried over to the Trio and slid into the seat next to her brother and opposite Hermione who was next to Harry. The Trio smiled and said their hellos, but Ginny kept her eyes on Hermione. When she realised the brunette wasn't going to say or do anything else, Ginny felt a shot of disappointment run through her. Perhaps I was just too tired last night. Maybe it was only my wishful thinking that Hermione was going to kiss me last night. The let down redhead looked away and avoided looking at Hermione for the rest of breakfast.

"Umm Gin, about that match against Ravenclaw today, I want to get to the changing room quickly to discuss some last-minute tactics." Harry told Ginny whilst stuffing his last sausage into his mouth.

"Okay, Harry, give me a minute. I just came, you know, I haven't ate anything yet," snapped Ginny. She didn't mean to snap at Harry but she had to get some of that emotion out. Instead of defending himself, Harry actually smiled.

"That's good Ginny, keep hold of all that anger and express it on the pitch." Ginny ignored him and reached over to grab a piece of toast. Her hand accidentally brushed against Hermione's lightly but a sensation ran down her spine as if she had been electrocuted. The touch was so gentle, she was sure Hermione didn't even feel it; instead she helped Ginny with the toast and smiled warmly making Ginny's knees weak. Thank goodness I'm sitting down Ginny thought, then she mentally slapped herself, Jesus Christ Gin, get a hold of yourself. You're probably seeing too much into things.

"Good luck Gin I'm sure you're going to win since you're the best chaser." Hermione offered the compliment along with the toast.

Ginny's heart melted at the simple praise, she could feel her cheeks grow hot, so she avoided looking at Hermione's eyes and once again thought back to what had happened last night. Ginny gave a quick glance up at Hermione but was caught straight away since Hermione had not yet looked away from the redhead yet. Ginny immediately became engrossed at her plate and tried not to shiver since she could almost feel the brunette's gaze on her. The redhead gladly got up quickly when Harry bugged her yet again to go since they were going to be late. Ginny stood and spun quickly but someone grabbed her hand; she looked over her shoulder and saw Hermione leaning over the table holding her hand. Ginny almost fainted.

"Gin, you'll be careful all right? I overheard Terry Boot saying he's got bets on how many bludgers you're going to take. Ravenclaw are going to play worse than Slytherins today."

Ginny was getting nervous not because of what Hermione said, but because the brunette was still holding her hand tightly. She couldn't trust herself to speak so she just smiled weakly and nodded her thanks. Ginny thought if Hermione doesn't let go of my hand right now, I'm going to either faint or jump her right here, right now. As if reading her mind, the Head Girl let go of her hand and gave her another bright smile melting the remainders of her insides.

"Oh and umm, Gin, I wanted to maybe, really quickly talk to you after your match. It's about, umm, you know, last night." Hermione blushed lightly as she said this, whilst Ginny's heart nearly skipped a beat. As she was about to reply, the untactful King – also known as Harry Potter, interrupted them.

"Yeah yeah, Herm, talk after the match, we really need to go. See you guys later." Without giving Ginny another chance to even open her mouth, Harry dragged her away.

***

After everyone had got changed into their quidditch kit in their changing rooms; the Gryffindor team gathered together to discuss last minute tactics. As they were doing some light stretches, Harry turned to speak to Ginny.

"Gin, I know I'm hardly the right person to tell you this, but you're closer to what you want, than you think you are. Don't be scared and don't back down. Just keep doing what you're doing. You're really nearly there, Gin, just remember what I've said, and she will crack soon" Harry finished off his little speech with a pat on her shoulder. An absolutely confused Ginny was just about to ask what Harry meant, but Harry gave her a knowing look and aimed his gaze at Katie who was laughing lightly at something, then back to Ginny. This made Ginny even more confused than already if that was possible. Before she had a chance to question Harry, she could hear Ron's, the commentator this year, voice introducing the match. As Ginny was getting ready to step out onto the pitch, she wondered if Harry had meant about Quidditch or possibly Hermione or even Katie. There's no way Harry meant I've nearly got Hermione. There is absolutely no way he could have guessed it since I've been so discreet about my feelings. He must mean Quidditch and that we've nearly won the cup. This excuse sounded rather weak even to Ginny herself seeing as they were still in the winter term. God, who am I kidding? I know he meant Hermione 'cause he said 'she will crack soon'. How could he possibly have known? Wait. He might have meant Katie. But what on earth does Katie come into all this? I mean I play quidditch with her a lot and we have practised on our own loads of time but that was only so we could be better communicated during matches. In fact it was Harry who wanted us to practise more together anyways. Oh my God, I bet Harry thinks I have something for Katie so he arranged us to spend extra time with each other during those practises. The silly boy, honestly, and there I was scaring myself. I really need to explain to him afterwards. The said-boy waved a hand in front of Ginny and smirked when she had snapped back to reality.

"Gin, keep what I said for later, stay focused on the game for now." Ginny playfully slapped his hand away.

"Okay okay, just remind me I've got to talk to you after the match."

"About...?" Ginny fidgeted with her gloves a little.

"Erm, it's about Katie, you see. Look-" Harry cut her off.

"No, it's okay Gin. I totally understand."

"No trust me Harry, you really don't get it." Harry shook his head, and Ginny knew it didn't matter what she said right now, he wouldn't listen to it.

"Look, Gin. You're one of my great mates, so you can trust me when I say I'm totally okay with it. But if you want to talk, it will be after the match." Ginny opened her mouth again to protest, yet again, Harry denied her.

"No Gin. We'll talk later." Ginny nodded, defeated. Now she was going to have to talk to Katie, Hermione and Harry after the match. She had no idea what was up with everyone that day, but she pushed all the thoughts away for now so she could focus on the game.