Chapter 20

A few weeks had passed and it was now halfway through October. It was early afternoon and Hermione was milling around the house looking for something to occupy her time and her thoughts. The brunette witch still had not spoken to her sister-in-law, nor had Ginny attempted to get in touch with her. She knew that eventually she would need to contact Ginny. Not only could she not avoid her because they were family, but Hermione was feeling that uncomfortable pull to be near the other witch.

"To hell with it," Hermione thought, "I have to face her some time, may as well be now." Not bothering to mind such formalities as announcing her visit, she apparated directly in front of the Potter residence without a second thought. She stood on the stoop and knocked firmly on the door. After a few moments the door opened and there stood a very confused Ginny Potter.

"Hermione, hello," the red head was stammering, "what are you doing here? I mean it is nice to see you, I just wasn't expecting you."

"Hello Ginny! May I come in?" Hermione said while taking the initiative to walk through the half open door. "How are you doing? Well I take it?"

"Yes, well I am fine. As fine as one can expect given the current situation."

"Oh, and what situation is that Ginny?" Hermione said plainly.

"Well, I haven't heard from you in weeks after you stormed out of the spa the way you did. And I have had to lie to my husband as well as my mother telling them everything is fine between us when it most certainly is not," the red head snipped to the woman who was now making herself comfortable on the couch.

"I'm am sorry Gin, but that was a lot of information to just lay on me like that. Out of no where." Hermione jibed right back.

"Out of nowhere? You must be joking! You asked me about the scar, would you have preferred I just lie to you?" Ginny was beginning to flush with anger.

"You mean like you lied to me over the last twenty year about it then?" Hermione was remaining completely calm, not rising to Ginny's temper.

"I did not lie to you! I just, I just chose not to tell you is all," the younger witch replied beginning to feel a bit foolish.

"Regardless, I am not here to pick a fight with you. Rather I am here to see if we can just put this behind us. I am not too thick to realize what you did, though idiotic, was done simply out of love and concern. And I appreciate the gesture." The brunette woman paused to take a breath and in doing so reached out gingerly for the other woman's hand. When their hands met, Hermione felt a certain energy streaming between them but kept her cool and continued, "that being said, it was a very long time ago and I suggest we put this nonsense behind us and just move on from the whole thing."

Ginny was contemplating what Hermione said. She had thought a confession of that magnitude would only serve to bring them closer but that did not seem to be the case. It appeared to have done just the opposite, rebuilding the wall between them. She could not grasp what her sister-in-law was playing at but having her here in her living room was far better than being avoided for weeks on end.

"So, you're saying we just forget it then? Forget what I told you about the magic connecting us?" Ginny finally managed to get out.

"Yes. That is what I am saying exactly. Just a silly little thing between two teenage girls, easy enough to be forgotten, no?" Hermione added coldly. Ginny knew she was implying something much deeper but was not about to broach that topic now.

"Okay then, moving on," the red head accepted dejectedly. It wasn't worth arguing about. Not now at least, when she needed Hermione to be close.

"Excellent," Hermione actually hadn't expected Ginny to just let it go like given her usual stubbornness. It was almost sad to see the red haired witch give up so easily, but Hermione quickly remembered it was she who wanted this. "So, how's quidditch training going? Ready for the big exhibition match?"

"Um, well things are going fine. I was certainly much more out of shape than I'd thought," Ginny replied. She realized Hermione was still holding her hand, but she did not move to pull it away. The simple act felt so natural she decided to relish in it a bit longer. "But Viktor has been great, really encouraging and everything. I think he was a bit surprised how quickly I got the hang of everything again. The match is on Saturday November 23. Do you think you can make it? Ron too of course."

Hermione was very aware she was still holding the red head's hand; she couldn't make herself let it go. She gave her sister-in-law's hand a reassuring squeeze, "yes, of course I will be there. And Ron I am sure will want to go too. Did you tell Harry yet about all this? Your grand comeback to quidditch."

"Actually, no not yet. I am not sure how to tell him," Ginny replied, looking somewhat like a child who was afraid to be reprimanded by a parent.

"Gin, you are a grown witch. Grow a pair and tell your husband you're going to play quidditch and if he doesn't like it, well then he can fuck off!" Hermione said firmly causing Ginny to look up in surprise at her crassness.

"Wow Herm. Is that how you talk to my brother?" The red head asked with a bit of a chuckle, "Because I would like to see that!"

"You were always so bold and sure of yourself, I just find it odd that you are afraid to tell Harry something as simple as this. I always figured you had him wrapped around your finger. And to answer your question, no, I do not talk to Ron in that manner. Most of the time," Hermione added the last part with a devilish sort of smile that made Ginny's heart flutter a bit.

"Right, I'm sure it is only some of the time. And Harry is not 'wrapped around my finger' as you put it. I am just nervous because of everything I told you before, about how he was the one to make me quit in the first place. And, if by some act of the gods, I am actually good enough to join the league again, I will be traveling for the summer just in time for the kids to be home. He will also try to tell me that it is just too dangerous for a woman my age." Ginny paused looking to the older witch for some reassurance.

"I think you are over thinking it Gin. Your kids are grown now, they don't need a parent at home all the time. James will be 15 for Merlin's sake. Harry had his reasons for wanting you home with the kids when they were younger, but now, if he loves and supports you the way I think he does, there is no reason for him to be against your playing quidditch. And for as far as being too old to play what happened to the confident witch that was telling me all about this triumphant return a few weeks ago? Where did she go? I thought you were going to show those 'kids a thing or two.'" Hermione was playfully nudging Ginny trying to get her to relax a bit.

It was true that Ginny had lacked her usual amount of bravado lately. The perky, fiery, confident red head had lost some of her spunk and she was fairly certain it was because of her most recent rift with the brunette witch. Ginny had always drawn a certain amount of her courage from Hermione though she wasn't always sure why. Perhaps just having someone that always believed in her gave her that boost, but now with Hermione waffling around with her actions toward her, Ginny was feeling somewhat lost. Right now however, with her sister-in-law sitting here, once again on her side and remarkably still not letting go of her hand, she was suddenly filled with all the confidence in the world.

"You are so right Hermione, like always. Why do I doubt myself? I can do this! I am going to kick some ass out there on the quidditch pitch, who cares that I am 38! And I can handle Harry, right? I will tell him just how much it means to me and how I gave it up for him so many years ago the least he can do is support me now!" Ginny was so visibly excited now that Hermione couldn't help but smile warmly back at her.

"Excellent! Tell him tonight then. That way I can tell Ron and we can all clear our calendars for November 23!" Hermione said returning the younger witch's enthusiasm. Seeing Ginny like this made her feel so warm inside, and that pull inside her was getting stronger. Apparently she was just doomed to be tortured like this for the rest of her life.

Ginny had ended up telling Harry that night and he wasn't at all upset. In fact, he had thought it was a great idea for his wife to try at quidditch again. He'd admitted he always felt guilty about making her quit and now he would be 100% behind her. Harry had even offered to give Ginny massages every night when she'd come home from training with Viktor and would run her warm baths and bring her tea when she was sore. Having been so busy with the kids all these years she had forgotten what a doting husband Harry really was.

The rest of the Weasleys were not all totally sold on the idea however. Molly was beside herself with worry for her daughter's safety, threatening she wouldn't be witness to Ginny's certain grave injury, whereas Arthur was excited to see her in action again. George was totally behind it but that didn't stop him from giving his sister as much crap as he could for being "old." Charlie was thrilled too and said he'd try as best he could to make it to the match, leaving his precious dragons for the weekend. Bill thought it was a bit silly to go back to quidditch after this long but Ginny thought he was just mirroring his wife Fleur's reaction. Percy could care less, never really having been a fan of athletics, but leant towards the side of his mother thinking it was a bit risky. And finally Ron was happy for Ginny but Hermione could tell he was also a bit jealous, as he always had been of his little sister's natural talent. Of course all the kids were shocked and were upset they couldn't leave school to come watch the game. No one was more thrilled than Rose who had always looked up to her aunt as an idol and couldn't wait for Christmas holiday so they could play together at the Burrow.

Over the next few weeks, Hermione still tried to keep her contact with the red headed witch to a minimum but certainly did not avoid her completely. They had agreed to keep a standing lunch date for each week. They always kept the conversation casual, usually centering on Ginny's training but Hermione was still finding these dates tough. She found herself doing all those same things she did when she was 19. Getting up she would place her hand on the woman's shoulder. Often when trying to reassure the red head for one reason or another she would grab her hand and continue holding it just to feel the warmth of her skin. Hermione had even brushed an errant strand of hair off of Ginny's face and tucked it behind her ear causing both women to blush and look away. It was as if the brunette's hands had a mind of their own and no matter how hard she tried she could not stop herself from touching Ginny. Consequently she both looked forward to and dreaded their weekly meetings. On one occasion, Viktor Krum had joined them for lunch so Hermione was able to control her self a bit better. Of course when she got home to tell Ron he was beside him self with jealously. After all these years he was still caught up on her short lived fling with Viktor during their fourth year when the real threat came in a smaller, much closer, and more feminine form.

It was finally the day of the aptly named The Holyhead Harpies Fogies vs. Fillies Match, a name that fueled Ginny, who was now brimming with self-assurance, even more. Ginny had told her family the day before that the former MVP team was a little rough around the edges as they didn't really have much time to practice as a unit but they did have more experience, so what if they were a little slower.

The whole Weasley clan, including Molly, and Harry were sitting up in the stands waiting for the match to start. George had made a banner that read, "Tear 'em a new one Ginny!" and was bewitched to shoot fireworks should his sister score a goal. Molly along with Fleur thought the sign was a bit crude for the family environment but everyone else thought it was amusing.

"Oh come on Mol! Lighten up! It is a quidditch match for Merlin's sake, not a tea party! A bit of vulgarity is expected!" Arthur chided his wife, which did nothing to improve her mood.

"Forgive me for trying to maintain a touch of class. It is bad enough I am here to watch my only daughter be ripped apart but women half her age!" Molly responded sternly.

"Way to have confidence in Ginny, Mum. I am sure she'll do great," Charlie said encouragingly.

"Yeah, she'll be fine Molly. Gin can certainly hold her own on the quidditch pitch," Harry chimed in hopefully. He did have faith in his wife but certainly couldn't help be worried for her.

Hermione had remained mostly silent all morning. She, like Harry really believed Ginny would do well but couldn't bear the thought of her getting hurt. When the teams walked out of the locker rooms and mounted their brooms, Hermione's eyes were immediately glued on the red head. "Damn," she thought to herself, "I'd almost forgotten how good Ginny looks in a quidditch uniform." The sound of the announcer reading the line-ups snapped her back to reality.

When Ginny's name was called there was a huge roar of cheers not only from the Weasleys' section but also from around the rest of the stadium. Ginny had always been a favorite amongst not only Harpies fans but also quidditch fans in general and when she left the sport a lot of people were left really disappointed. Upon hearing of her return for the exhibition match, tickets sold out in record time that was how strong her following had been. Ginny always claimed it was because of her talent which was definitely a factor but Hermione knew it was because she was one of the most gorgeous woman to ever mount a broom.

"Sounds like Gin's the star of the match and she hasn't even done anything yet!" George pointed out.

"Yes, it would appear so." Molly conceded but still looked worried.

It was the first year since her own retirement that Gwenog Jones had not decided to play in the exhibition match, now 51 she opted to act as the referee and she was now blowing her whistle to signify the start of the match. She tossed the quaffle into the air and it was like déjà vu for Hermione as Ginny swooped down to get it before any of the other players, let alone the crowd, could react. A loud shout of approval erupted from the spectators as she effortlessly zig zagged her way through the younger women toward the goalposts hurling the quaffle passed the dumbfounded keeper. George's banner started shooting fireworks in every which direction.

"Still worried about Ginny, Mum?" Bill said between cheers.

Molly was apparently over her concern as she was now hooting and hollering louder than anyone!

"That's my girl! Give em hell Ginny!" Molly shouted.

"Yeah! That's the spirit Molly!" Arthur along with everyone else was laughing.

Hermione couldn't believe, not even a minute into the game and Ginny was already showing everyone up. After she had scored the goal, Hermione couldn't for sure tell because she was quite a distance away, but she thought the red head had turned and looked straight into her eyes, like she had scored the goal for her, and her alone.

The game proceeded in much the same fashion, the "Fogies" leading significantly over the "Fillies" thanks mostly to Ginny's phenomenal skill and leadership. George had obviously not anticipated how well his sister would do as his banner was now only fizzing and sparking when she scored. The young team was getting even sloppier as the game progressed after being embarrassed by the team of old retirees.

Eventually the score was 250-100 and the younger team's seeker, Georgia St. Andrews, was furiously searching for the snitch to hopefully end the game in a tie. The younger woman had an advantage over the "Fogies" seeker, Gertrude Sproggins, seeing as though she was nearly 70 and blind as a bat. The only reason she had agreed to play was that every year prior, the younger team had won so decisively that the seeker for the older team was somewhat of a pointless position and she could just fly laps around the stadium. This however was not the case in this match and when Ginny saw Georgia streaking after the small gold blur she sprung into action. She was not going to lose this match. She wrested the quaffle straight from an opposing chaser's arms, deftly avoided both oncoming bludgers and managed to score another goal mere milliseconds before Georgia's hand closed around the snitch making the final score 260-250.

The stadium went wild! Not only had the Fogies not beaten the Fillies in a Harpies' exhibition match since 1948 but no game had ever come to a closer or more exciting end. Everyone was chanting Ginny's name over and over. It was certainly the comeback she had hoped for and then some. The Harpies would for sure want Ginny to fill Harriet Driver's empty spot. This time after she'd scored the goal, Hermione was certain she was looking at her, only at her, as if she was the lone person in the crowd.

The Weasleys all clamored down to the pitch to greet Ginny who was still circling in the air shaking the hands of other players and waving to the cheering crowd. When she finally landed she was beaming at her family. Somehow, Hermione pushed her way to the front of the pack and ran towards the red head. Ginny picked her up and spun her around just as she had so many years ago. Then she kissed the brunette woman square on the lips. It really was only a peck, a friendly kiss to any observer, but both women immediately let go of one another. Hermione felt heat surging through her body and wanted to grab Ginny and pull her into a real kiss but by the time she recovered and turned around, Ginny was in the arms of her husband sharing with him the kiss she desperately wanted.