Winter had only just begun when November came around. Hermione was already missing the warm sun of summer. Her skin was chapped beyond belief, and she was always freezing. She thought that it would be nice to have someone to hold on to, and keep warm, but for now she had to suffer on her own.

Hermione tried as hard as she could to stop thinking about Ginny in a romantic way, she wanted to give up hope in the chance that there was something between them, but she couldn't let go. All thoughts led to Ginny, no matter what she was thinking about. Ginny had invaded her thoughts and dreams, and it seemed she wasn't going to leave them anytime soon.

She needed a distraction, something to keep her mind off her best friend, at least for a little while.

Ron's letter sat in front of Hermione, it had been too long without a response, and she knew Ron wouldn't like it if she completely ignored him. She was sitting in for McGonagall once again, letting the students do their work, while she watched.

I need to write Ron already. Just send him something. Hermione reached for something to write with, and started to think of what she was going to say.

Ron,

I'm sorry I haven't responded to your letter sooner, but I've been really busy as well. I love being a teacher's assistant, and am so happy that I came back. I'm glad to hear that your training is going well, hope Harry and you are safe. I'm looking forward to seeing the two of you over the holiday. As far as your other question goes, I don't know what to say. I am still undecided. We can talk more over the break, and don't worry about Ginny, she is doing great. She is the star of Quidditch, just as she always wanted to be, and her grades aren't so bad either.

Hermione

Hermione was satisfied with the way she wrote her letter, although she already knew the answer to Ron's question, she just didn't want to say it through a letter. She would have to let Ron down in person; it would be the right thing to do.

Already knowing her thoughts were going back to Ginny, she sighed and put down the letter. Hermione glanced at Ginny, who just so happened to be looking back. Hermione smiled like a fool in love when their eyes met.

Ginny kept her eyes glued to Hermione, and raised her hand like she had a question, which gave Hermione a reason to go talk to the girl. Hermione got out of her seat, and slowly walked toward Ginny.

"Can I help you with something Ginny?" Hermione asked, taking the empty seat next to her.

"Well I need help with this one question. I was wondering if you could help answer it for me?" Ginny asked, looking innocent.

"Sure Ginny, which question is it?" Hermione asked, looking over at Ginny's writing.

"It's this one, right here." Ginny pointed to a section on her parchment, and Hermione directed her eyes to it.

Will you have dinner with me tonight? Alone?

Hermione was taken by surprise; she had to double take to make sure she was reading the sentence properly.

"It's this question here, right?" Hermione pointed directly to the question, to which Ginny nodded.

"Yes professor, that's the question I need your help in answering." Ginny smiled.

Hermione cleared her throat, reached for her quill, and scribbled beneath Ginny's question.

Is this a joke, or are you being serious?

Ginny looked, and smiled. She took her own quill and wrote, No joke. I want to have dinner with you, and do something nice.

I would love to. Hermione wrote down, trying to hold back her smile.

"Thank you professor, that cleared up everything for me." Ginny laughed, and touched Hermione lightly on the shoulder.

Hermione leaned in to Ginny's ear and whispered, "Don't let anyone else see that though. It'll be our little secret."

Ginny nodded, and Hermione got out of her seat. "Class is dismissed. Whatever you didn't finish in class, do it for homework. Have a nice day everyone." Hermione said as she walked back to the front of the class.

The students hurried out of the class as usual, and of course Ginny was the last one there.

Ginny approached Hermione, and stopped in front of her. "I have a good plan for us tonight."

"I'm looking forward to seeing what you have prepared. What are we having for dinner?" Hermione asked.

"I can't tell you that, it's a surprise. Just meet me in your room around seven, and I'll take care of everything." Ginny said, slowly starting to walk away.

"Okay Ginny, I just hope this isn't a joke." Hermione watched as Ginny approached the door.

"It's not Hermione, I promise. I'll see you later." Ginny smiled, before she turned around to leave.

"Okay, bye Ginny." Hermione smiled, she couldn't help the feeling of butterflies in her stomach. Maybe it was just a friendly dinner, but Hermione had the tiniest feeling that there was something more to it than just being friendly.

All thoughts of Ron vanished until Hermione turned around and saw the letter lying on the desk. She groaned, and hurried to seal the letter. She would have to send the letter before her dinner with Ginny.

Meanwhile Ginny was smiling like a mad woman outside of the classroom. It was silly to ask her like she did, but she didn't know how to actually approach Hermione and ask her. She had no idea what was going to happen tonight, but hopefully it would be a step in the right direction for the two girls.

I've got to know what you feel for me Hermione. If nothing can ruin our friendship, then I need to at least try. Ginny thought to herself, as she walked back up to her room, planning on what exactly she was going to do that night.

Later that evening…

Hermione was waiting in her room for Ginny to come. It was past seven, and she still wasn't there. Hermione was becoming anxious, wondering what Ginny was up to and if she would even come. She was playing with her tie, loosening it, and then tightening it, and then just decided to take it off all together.

Of course she will come. She wouldn't stand me up like that. Hermione thought to herself, acting like it was a date.

She had taken her time in preparing herself, making sure she looked good enough for tonight. Hermione rarely used perfume, but she thought this would be a good occasion to put some on. She looked in the mirror several times, and thought she looked good enough.

It's just Ginny, calm down. Hermione began tapping her fingers against the bed, waiting for a knock on the door, or at least for an owl to come from Ginny explaining that she couldn't make it.

Finally there was a light tapping against Hermione's door. Hermione got up quickly to answer it, but she didn't want to seem too anxious. She stood at the door for a few seconds, calmed herself down, and opened the door slowly.

Ginny stood on the other side, holding a picnic basket, of all things, in her hand. "Sorry I'm late Hermione, I had to get the food from dinner, and some people were a little stubborn to let me have it."

Hermione laughed, "So you didn't make anything for dinner, you just took it from our table?"

Ginny smiled, and stepped inside, "Well it's kind of hard to make dinner when you're stuck at school. Wait until the holidays come, and I'll cook for you."

Hermione shut the door, curious as to why there was a picnic basket in her hand. "What are you planning to do with the basket? Have a stroll in the forbidden forest?"

"Oh Hermione, you know how I like to go for midnight walks in the forest, especially when it's forbidden. I thought it would be quite lovely this time of night, and having you there with me would make it so much more exciting." Ginny joked.

"Seriously Ginny, where are we going?"

"Well I guess I can't keep it a secret much longer. I thought it would be nice to have a walk outside, and eat in peace. It just gets too crowded at the Gryffindor table. I'd like to be alone with you tonight, if you don't mind?" Ginny asked.

"Not at all Ginny, I would love to spend some alone time with you."

"Well then it's settled. Follow me." Ginny took Hermione's hand and guided her out of the room, and through the castle.

"I know this place by the lake where no one ever goes, it's secluded and will keep us somewhat warm." Ginny said as they were walking through the castle.

"Should I feel special that you're going to share this place with me?" Hermione teased, enjoying the warmth of Ginny's hand.

"Of course Hermione. You're always supposed to feel special." Ginny pulled Hermione closer to where their shoulders were touching, adding to the warmth. Ginny felt her insides burn with desire. It was so hard to resist touching Hermione.

They were silent the rest of the way. Ginny lead them to a place by the lake, where a gathering of trees and a couple of boulders surrounded the water. The wind was blocked by the large boulders, which made the setting warm and comfortable. The castle lights were glowing against the water, making the setting that much more beautiful. There was a full moon above the girls, making it bright enough to where the girls could see what they were doing.

Ginny stopped and set down the basket against the ground. She reached into the basket, and pulled out a blanket, and placed it on the ground.

"Have a seat Hermione." Ginny said quietly, while she took out the food.

"So this is the place?" Hermione asked, admiring the beauty of the scene as well as the beauty of her friend. Hermione watched carefully as Ginny pulled out everything, eyeing her body, and wondering how there could be such a beautiful creation.

"Yes, I like to come here and just be alone sometimes." Ginny flashed her smile in Hermione's direction.

Hermione returned the gesture, and sat down beside Ginny. Ginny handed Hermione a plate of food, and she laughed.

"You took the plates too?"

"I told you they were being stubborn. I promised to bring them back, so they let me go." Ginny smiled.

"You're so smooth Ginny." Hermione smiled, and began to eat.

Ginny joined in not too long after Hermione had started, and managed to finish before her. "I could go for more."

"No Ginny, stay here with me." Hermione reached out to Ginny and pulled her closer. Ginny happily obliged, and snuggled up close to Hermione.

"Are you okay Hermione? You're not cold are you?" Ginny asked, trying to think of a way she could get closer.

"Well honestly; I'm freezing." Hermione was shivering slightly.

Ginny pushed aside the basket, and reached for the blanket to wrap around Hermione. She pulled the blanket over both of them, and wrapped her arm around Hermione's waist.

"Are you feeling warmer now? We can go back inside if you'd like?" Ginny asked quietly.

Hermione looked at Ginny, who was staring back at her and smiled. "I like it out here with you. This feels very nice."

Ginny moved her hands over Hermione's arms, slowly caressing her friend, massaging her shoulders lightly. She pushed her body hard against Hermione, letting her emotions take control of her actions. The desire for her friend was growing tremendously; she wanted so badly to place her lips upon Hermione's. Ginny was about to give in to her desires, she was letting it take over her thoughts. "Would you say it feels good, Hermione?"

Hermione had her eyes closed in pleasure, and her head was dropping slowly. "Yes" Hermione replied simply. The mood had changed quickly, going from friendly to romantic in just a few short seconds.

"You deserve to feel good. You've given me so many massages, and I haven't given you anything in return. Now that's not fair, it is?" Ginny asked quietly, continuing to rub Hermione. Ginny watched Hermione closely, licking her lips, trying to keep herself under control.

"But you need it more Ginny, you work so hard at Quidditch, and come to me in pieces." Hermione whispered, enjoying the feel of Ginny's touch.

"I don't want to neglect you though, you also work hard, at everything. If you touch me, then I need to touch you. It's only fair." Ginny wasn't going to last much longer.

Hermione's cheeks began to burn, and she felt a familiar tingling between her legs. "Touch me how?" Hermione asked, not realizing what she was asking.

"Whatever way helps you feel better. How would you want me to touch you?" Ginny asked, feeling moisture grow between her own legs. Her breathing had become heavy, she was moving in closer, preparing to cave.

Hermione didn't answer, and this made Ginny want to touch her even more.

Ginny moved her hand over Hermione's stomach, dragging her nails slowly across. "Do you want me to stop touching you, Hermione?"

Hermione let out a soft moan from the pleasure she was feeling. Hermione could feel Ginny's breath on her neck; she was so close. She turned her head slowly toward Ginny, making their lips just an inch apart from each other. "No Ginny, I would never want you to stop touching me."

In this moment, Ginny decided that she wasn't going to pretend anymore. She wanted Hermione, and she was going to go for it.

"So then, would you object if I touched you in a more intimate way?" Ginny asked, moving her lips closer toward Hermione.

"Not at all." Hermione whispered, right before she felt Ginny's lips press against her own.

Ginny moved her hands to cup Hermione's face, and pushed herself closer to Hermione's body. Hermione moved her arms around Ginny's waist, holding Ginny as close as she could get. Their kiss had started gentle, but became more intense soon after.

Ginny let go after a few more seconds of bliss, and couldn't help her smile. "That was amazing."

Hermione laughed, she felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. "I've never felt so free."

"Free?" Ginny questioned with a playful smile.

"I've been wanting to do that for so long, and it finally happened." Hermione pulled Ginny in closer, and kissed her once more. Ginny could feel the emotion behind Hermione's kiss, which made her passion burn that much more for Hermione.

Ginny pulled back, and smiled. "So you think of me more than just a friend?" Ginny questioned.

"Yes, I've fantasized about this moment so many times. I didn't think it would ever happen." Hermione was speaking more to herself than to Ginny.

"Oh, you've had fantasies of me, have you? Well go on, let's hear some." Ginny smiled, keeping her hands glued to Hermione's waist.

"In due time Ginny, but for now I'd like to carry on with what we were doing." Hermione reached for Ginny once more to capture her lips.

Ginny only had to make the first move to unleash Hermione upon her. All Hermione needed was a little push, and things started to fall into place. Ginny could see the possibilities with Hermione; she wanted to tear down the wall she had placed up over the years. Ginny wasn't sure where tonight would take their relationship.

Will we be together? Will we just be friends? Will anyone care if we are in a relationship? What would Harry think? And Ron? And my parents? Ginny had to force herself to stop thinking and just enjoy the woman that was currently kissing her. It will all be resolved with time, but tonight Ginny needed to relax and enjoy herself.

Ginny wanted to show Hermione love, for she loved her with all of her heart. Hopefully, they could find happiness with each other. The world is an evil place, and Hermione fought hard to survive. The war had hardened Hermione's heart, but tonight she felt love.

A/N: Bad news: my computer broke. Good news: I managed to save my files, so more updates! I hope you have enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reading.