Chapter 8: Confessions
The week that followed Ginny leaving her husband was a rough time for not only the red head but Hermione too. Harry had called almost everyday, and she had had to answer and tell him that his wife didn't wish to speak to him. Despite their recent grievances Hermione couldn't help feeling sorry for her former friend; although she knew it was his own mistakes that had caused his marriage breakdown, she knew that she had played a part in it too.
Hermione had taken a week off from work to care for Ginny, who - despite her reluctance - had accepted her help after her friend had put up a strong argument. They'd eaten ice cream, watched trashy romantic comedies and cried over their failed relationships.
It was now the last night before Hermione went back to work, and Ginny, who was in a much better place than she had been a week ago, had suggested a good old fashioned teenage sleepover night. They'd been shopping and bought loads of treats, ordered pizza and rented some cheesy DVDs for the night.
They'd wasted no time in scoffing the chocolate and pizza, and once the movies had finished they'd laid back on the makeshift bed that had been set up in Hermione's living room. It was three o'clock in the morning but neither woman was tired; they were too hyped up on sugar and giddy from the feeling of being a teenager again. They were basking in the afterglow of a couple of thousand calories and some cheesy romcoms when Ginny turned to her friend with a wicked grin on her face.
"What?" Hermione said sceptically, not trusting the look her friend was giving her.
"Lets play truth or dare," Ginny practically squealed, her eyes lighting up with excitement. Normally Hermione would have said no, but for some reason she happily agreed to her friend's childish suggestion. Ginny squealed with excitement and it made Hermione happy that they could forget their troubles
"Okay, truth or dare?" Ginny asked.
"Truth," her friend replied, taking the easy option first.
"Erm, what is your favourite childhood memory?" Ginny smiled, not wanting to get too invasive too soon. Hermione thought for a moment and then gave her answer, which obviously satisfied Ginny who smiled happily. Hermione then asked Ginny a similar question, which Ginny was happy to answer, and soon their game was in full swing.
Three hours and two bottles of wine later, both women were slightly tipsy and a whole lot more daring. It was now Ginny's turn to ask Hermione something, and neither could stop giggling despite them trying to be serious.
"Okay, Hermione, other than Ron, who have you always liked?" Ginny grinned slyly, and Hermione gulped nervously.
"I can't answer that Ginny," she gasped, trying to fight off the blush that was threatening to creep up her face at her friends questions.
"Aww, come on Hermione. I already told you my biggest secret, so you have to tell me. You know I won't tell anyone."
"Fine, but you better not tell anyone. Okay, since the start of my unofficial eighth year, I've had this massive crush on Draco. I knew it would never happen, plus I was seeing Ron by then." Hermione was flushing with embarrassment, but she was also relieved to finally be able to tell someone her secret.
"Wow!" Ginny was practically glowing, a conspiratorial look in her eye. She knew something, and Hermione wanted to know what it was.
"Ginny, you know something. Tell me what it is," she admonished, hoping her friend would return the favour after what she'd just divulged.
"Look, Hermione. I love you, and I've seen you go through hell with my brother. I wanted to tell you ten years ago, and I wish I had because then I could've prevented your heartbreak."
"Go on," Hermione prompted, though she was fearful of what her friend was going to tell her.
Ginny grinned.
"Draco likes you."
