Hermione was hunched over a parchment in the Gryffindor Common Room, as her brown bushy hair flowed over her head. She was lovingly putting the finishing touches to a rather long Potions essay for Professor Snape and was already thinking about her cosy warm bed, even though it was still early in the evening. She was trying to figure out whether goat hair really was the best hair to use for Brandt's Elixir when the door swung open and an angry redhead stormed in. Several heads turned but not many paid as much attention as Hermione, who wanted to ask Ginny what was wrong. "Ginny?"
Either she was ignoring Hermione or she didn't hear her because she didn't even look round from her brisk march to her dorm. Her usually delicate features were contorted in anger and her face was a bright red, a common sign of Weasley anger. Hermione knew Ginny didn't get mad over nothing so hurried after her friend. She followed her into her dorm where Ginny was lying on her bed, fuming. "Oh, Hermione, it's you," said Ginny, turning her head and giving a half hearted smile. "I came to see what's wrong," replied Hermione, sitting down on Ginny's bed near her head. She began to stroke Ginny's silky hair, feeling it glide through her fingers. "Thanks, but I'm fine," was Ginny's response. Hermione gave her a look that said do you really expect me to believe that? "Oh, alright. I broke up with Michael." Hermione experienced a surge of vindictive pleasure, but tried to rid herself of it. She shouldn't be thinking of that. Instead, she asked, "what happened?"
Ginny moved her head on to Hermione's lap, which caused Hermione to go red thinking how close Ginny was to her desired place. She continued to run her fingers through her hair and allowed them to rub Ginny's shoulder soothingly, relishing the opportunity to touch her. Her clothes were very soft. "Michael was being a pig. He kept pushing me when I didn't want to do things," said Ginny angrily. Hermione watched her friends face, particularly her big, brown eyes and pink, plump lips. She looked so desirable, especially when she was under her like this.
"Are you ok?" asked Hermione concernedly.
"Course. He's not though," said Ginny, with an evil smile. Hermione felt a huge amount of pride in her friend. "You're amazing Hermione," Ginny added suddenly, as her hand held Hermione's. Hermione was sure that her face was so red Ginny would notice, but the younger girl said nothing about it. Ginny's hands were small and warm and Hermione wanted to hold them forever. "Really," she continued. "You're always there for anyone who needs you and you know exactly how to make them feel better. And you're pretty and intelligent too. I've never known a person better than you."
"You're the same Ginny," said Hermione, blushing and trying not to let Ginny's complements get to her head. "Remember the other week, you comforted me when I was feeling down. And you're way more attractive than me." Ginny opened her mouth but Hermione shushed her putting a finger against her soft lips. She felt a sudden recklessness and before she knew it she had placed her lips on Ginny's, bending over her.
The kiss was better than Hermione had ever imagined it would be. Ginny's lips were full and smooth and felt so right; Hermione wondered why she had never done this before. It was the best kiss she ever had, even if it only lasted a few seconds. And then she opened her eyes, and saw Ginny's eyes, as wide as saucers. The revelation of what Hermione had just done was like freezing water had been chucked over her. She was pulled out of heaven before she could even experience it. She had just kissed Ginny, and without her consent. Without a second thought, she leapt from the bed and streaked out of the room.
Hermione ran to her dorm and pulled the curtains around her bed. She'd blown it. You can't just kiss people without asking. Ginny would be angry and she wouldn't want to be with Hermione, even if she would have been open to it before. Why, why did she always mess these things up?