A/N Hey folks...sorry no update yesterday, life got in the way of my writing...enjoy!
Ginny woke first the next morning, surprised to find herself still in Hermione's arms. She kissed the arm that still cradled her head and then slowly and gently turned to face Hermione. She reached out and gently moved the hair from her face so as not to wake her. She sighed as she realised that Hermione was only getting more beautiful as she got older.
As she lay there watching Hermione sleep, she felt her desire start to grow again and sighing, decided to get up and go find Luna. She got changed quickly and asked Rowena for a piece of parchment and a quill. She figured Hermione might worry and come looking for her, and so wrote her a quick note leaving it on the bed beside her.
She decided to give Harry's map a try and see where Luna was before leaving. After activating it she looked for Luna's name and found her sitting at the Ravenclaw table in the Great Hall. She decided to leave the map on the bed as well, so Hermione would think to check it to see where they were.
She hurried down to the Great Hall and spotting Luna right away went to sit with her.
"Where's Hermione?" Luna asked.
"Still asleep...we spent the night with Rowena last night." She replied quietly as she looked to the doors of the Great Hall where Ron and Harry had just entered, "Crap...you almost done eating? I want to get out of here before Harry sees me."
"He's not happy...what did Hermione do?" Luna asked as she watched the boys take a seat at the Gryffindor table.
"I'll explain on the way upstairs..." Ginny whispered to her.
They both got up and were almost safely out of the hall when they heard Harry yell at them, "Oi...Ginny!"
"Keep walking." Ginny said softly.
They had just made it to the first staircase when they heard Harry running up behind them.
"Oi...Ginny!" He called again.
Sighing, Ginny turned to face him, "Yes, Harry?"
"Where's Hermione?" He asked, slightly out of breath.
"No idea...haven't seen her since last night." She answered calmly.
He frowned at her, "Before or after she went to find you?"
"After...we went to bed as soon as we got back and she was gone by the time I left this morning...why do you care anyways?" Ginny answered.
"She borrowed something of mine...I'd like them back." He said, anger tainting his voice.
"Well, when I see her I'll let her know you're looking for her." Ginny answered innocently and, taking Luna's hand, walked away leaving Harry looking even angrier, and slightly stunned.
"So...going to tell me what that was all about?" Luna asked.
Ginny shook her head and laughed, "Hermione...she 'borrowed' his invisibility cloak and magical map of Hogwarts so he wouldn't be able to sneak out."
"What excuse did she give him, for wanting to borrow them?"
"She said she told him that she wanted to borrow them to go find me..."
"So you guys spent the night with Rowena so he couldn't find her and demand them back?" Luna asked.
"Basically..." Ginny replied. She looked at Luna and was surprised to find she wasn't wearing her necklace, "When did you take off your necklace?"
"A few days ago, actually...I realised with the ring I don't need it anymore." At Ginny's look of confusion she explained, "Remember what Minerva said about the Amice Witches? They created the rings when it became too uncomfortable in the outside world for both Fania and Fabiana?"
"So it works the same way Hermione's does...let's you focus in on one person at a time and blocking everything else you don't want?" Ginny asked. Luna nodded.
They walked up to the wall and Luna closed her eyes and asked to be let in. They entered to find Hermione awake and making breakfast.
"What did Harry want?" Hermione turned and asked them. When Ginny raised her eyebrow in question, Hermione pointed to the map on the table.
"Oh...wanted to know where you were, of course." Ginny replied.
Luna went to look at the map. "Come here...I think he's about to find out the tunnel is blocked."
Hermione and Ginny went to watch the map and saw Harry heading towards the statue of one-eyed witch. What they could see, and he didn't, was Minerva waiting for him in the tunnel.
"Oh, I wish I could see the look on his face..." Luna said quietly.
They all laughed quietly as they watched Harry's little dot meet Minerva's and then both of them return to Gryffindor Tower. "I'm going to step outside a minute and see if I can figure out if Harry is going to try another way...if you think that's okay?" Hermione asked them.
"He won't notice, right?" Luna asked.
"I doubt it...I'm just going to read him enough to see what he's planning...I don't think someone can tell unless they're actively trying to block me." Hermione replied. She started walking towards the door but stopped a moment to look at Ginny, "I didn't know if you ate, Gin, I made breakfast for you, too..."
'Thanks, Hermione." Ginny replied smiling.
Hermione stepped outside the room and tried to focus in on Harry in the Gryffindor common room. She smiled and turned to go back inside.
Ginny and Luna sat at the table while Ginny ate. Luna turned to look at Hermione, "So?"
"He's pissed...but he's staying put. He thinks I told Minerva about the tunnel, and gave her his cloak and map." Hermione replied.
Luna looked at the map and saw Minerva approaching the room and then looked to the door when she entered, "Hide the map." Luna heard Hermione, and quickly folded and put the map in her pocket.
"Good morning, you three!" Minerva said happily and then turned to Hermione who had resumed her seat at the table and had started eating.
"Good morning, Minerva." Luna said happily. She could feel how happy Minerva was and was glad that she had chosen to share the feeling with her.
"How angry is Harry?" Hermione asked her.
"I think livid, would best describe his current mood...the look on his face was priceless when he found me waiting for him in the tunnel." She replied, laughing slightly, "Which is why I'm here...I'm thinking Hermione, you'd like to avoid Harry for as long as possible?"
Hermione smiled, "At least until he cools off a bit..." she replied.
"I was wondering if Rosmerta could join us here for dinner tonight?" Minerva asked, "I've told her a lot about you three, and she'd like to meet you."
"That would be really nice, Minerva..." Luna said, sincerely.
"It is our pleasure, Luna...if it weren't for the three of you...well, we'd both like a chance to thank you." Minerva replied.
Hermione walked over to her and took her hand, "I'm really happy to see you looking so happy Minerva. If you don't mind me saying so...you look ten years younger..."
Minerva smiled and blushed, "You know, Hermione, I already knew about the tunnel Harry was using...I've been using it since your first year to visit Hogsmeade."
Hermione laughed, 'You know, I wondered about that? Whether you were secretly glad when I finally came to Hogwarts and you had more free time."
"I've been friends with Rosie since she took over the Three Broomsticks about ten years ago. Unfortunately, you're right, I didn't have much spare time until you came to Hogwarts but the truth is...the friendship she and I had, was all I was ready for." She went to join them at the table, "I told her all about you Hermione, and the time we spent together. And I've told her a lot about you two, "She said looking from Ginny and Luna, "and she really is excited to meet you all."
Ginny looked thoughtfully at Minerva a moment then asked her "Can I ask you something, personal, Minerva?"
"I dare say you can, Ginny...I might not answer, however." Minerva replied kindly.
"Is Rosmerta the first person you've been with since Radha?" She asked quietly.
"No...it has been forty years, after all...but none lasted very long. I suppose it felt like a betrayal to Radha's memory if I was happy with someone else." Minerva replied quietly.
"What changed?" Luna asked.
"I did...You three made me realise the best way to honour Radha's memory was to live, and love, again." Minerva explained simply, "And Hermione's encouragement gave me the extra prod I needed."
"It's funny...I didn't think you had anyone in mind until I saw you blush...and then when I told you about Harry going into Hogsmeade at Christmas I remembered how the two of you looked at each other."
Hermione said thoughtfully, "Of course I didn't know what to make of it at the time."
Luna went over to her backpack and took out her necklace. She walked over to Minerva and placed it on the table in front of her, "Thank you, Minerva, but I don't need it anymore."
Minerva looked shocked, "Really?"
"I remembered how you said they made the rings because of Fania and Fabiana...the rings block emotions as well...but I can still feel people if I need to...but when I do, it's easy to tell they're not my emotions."Luna explained.
"I knew, Luna, you would eventually figure that out but I wanted you to have the necklace as a backup, just in case." Minerva said, obviously impressed.
"I appreciate that, Minerva...but I thought maybe you'd like it back?" Luna said quietly, "I haven't worn it for a few days now...I really am okay without it."
"Cara?" Minerva said quietly and then turned to look at the little elf when she appeared, "Can you take this to my quarters? The usual enchantments please."
"Of course, Minerva." And with a crack, she was gone. Minerva turned to Hermione, "Would you step outside with me for a moment? I'd like you to check that Harry has not attempted to reach Hogsmeade another way."
"It's okay for me to do that?" Hermione asked, surprised.
"Your first lesson, Hermione, in using your gift...intent. Both yours and that of the person you are trying to read. If you read someone without their knowledge but it is something they want you to know...you can do so without ill effects. Much in the same manner you've been learning all these years. If however, it is information they would like to keep secret...they will notice when someone tries to take that information from them. And Hermione, if your intent is to only check on someone and not try to obtain information you would not otherwise know...then yes, in this case, it is okay to use your gift."
Hermione considered Minerva's answer a moment and considered telling her she had already done just that, when she had another idea. "Okay, then, let's give a try."
Hermione and Minerva exited the room and Hermione closed her eyes. She tried to locate Harry and found that he was still stewing in the common room. She then looked for Ron. It took a little while longer but she finally found him in Hogsmeade, waiting and confused, outside of Honeydukes.
She opened her eyes and looked at Minerva. "He's still stewing in the common room...I think he's waiting for me, so he can yell at me for turning him in..."
Minerva looked at her watch, "I'm going to go down to meet Rosie and walk back with her...I'll see you three for dinner around five?"
"Sounds good...About Harry, did you tell him I was the one who told you?" Hermione asked.
"Would you like to see for yourself?" Minerva asked, "It was quite amusing after all."
Hermione nodded her head and Minerva took her hand to show her the memory.
She opened her eyes and laughed.
"Thank you...mind if I share it with the girls?" Hermione asked.
"Be my guest...I'll see you in a few hours." Minerva smiled.
Hermione was still laughing a little when she came back in.
"What's so funny?" Ginny asked.
"The look on Harry's face when he found Minerva waiting for him...want to see?" She answered.
Ginny and Luna both nodded and went to take Hermione's hands.
They both burst out laughing.
"I can't believe she told him she was just there by chance..." Hermione said, shaking her head.
"He looked really angry, didn't he?" Luna asked.
"He'll get over it...I will give him his stuff back, when Black is caught..." Hermione replied.
"And if he doesn't?" Ginny asked.
Hermione shrugged, "He doesn't...I'm not too worried really, I've got you guys now..." she smiled.
…
The girls had spent the afternoon quietly getting their homework done and had finished just before Minerva and Rosmerta arrived for dinner. They had been watching the map on and off, making sure Harry didn't try to find another way to sneak off, but they had seen Ron return and meet up with him in the common room a little while ago.
They watched as Minerva and Rosmerta approached the room, "Oh shoot...Rowena? Rosmerta can come in." Hermione said quickly and the two older witches entered shortly after.
The three girls got up to greet them and as they approached Minerva said, "Rosie...I'd like you to meet Hermione, Ginny and Luna." As she had said each girl's name, Rosmerta had given each one a warm hug.
"I'll just clear the table for dinner," Ginny said after the introductions.
"Cara?" Minerva called.
The little elf appeared and grinned up at Minerva, "Good evening Minerva and friends!" she said happily.
"Cara...I'd like you to meet me new partner, Rosmerta." Minerva said and then watched as Rosmerta went to shake the little elf's hand.
"It's nice to meet you...are you the reason Minerva has been so happy this week?" She asked curiously.
When Rosmerta blushed and nodded the little elf went and hugged her around the knees. Cara looked up to Rosmerta and smiling said, "Thank you! It is so nice to her so happy again!"
"Well thank you, little one...for taking such good care of her all these years." Rosmerta answered kindly.
"It has been my pleasure Miss...Minerva, dinner for five?" Cara asked as she finally let Rosmerta's knees go.
"Yes, please...but we brought mead and Butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks..." Minerva replied.
Cara snapped her fingers and a sumptuous dinner appeared. Minerva looked over and then back at Cara, "You've outdone yourself, Cara, thank you...I will call on you again later to take us to the cottage."
Cara smiled, nodded and disappeared.
Rosmerta looked at Minerva and smiled uncertainly, "Are you ready for that Minerva...taking me to the cottage?"
Minerva smiled and went to take her hand, "I should have taken you there long ago, my love."
The three girls had watched the whole exchange between Cara, Minerva and Rosmerta in bemusement. Hermione cleared her throat to remind them they were still present, and asked, "Why not just apparate there, Minerva?"
Minerva looked from Rosmerta to the girls, "I must apologize...we're still a little..."
"Sappy?" provided Ginny, who then giggled.
"Well, yes, I suppose..." Minerva replied as she walked to the table, "I asked Cara to take us as she is able to apparate in and out of Hogwarts when we can not. Shall we eat?"
They all took their places around the table and, once they had all served themselves, looked to Minerva as she raised her glass, "To three amazing young witches and friends...thank you."
"To friends in love," Luna added with a small smirk to Ginny. After they had all clinked glasses they grew quiet for awhile while they ate.
Rosmerta cleared her throat and waited for everyone to look at her, "I really would like to thank the three of you...and you especially Hermione, for giving Minerva the push she needed..."
Minerva smiled and reached for her hand, "It was coming on for awhile, Rosie...I really am sorry it took so long.'
Rosmerta smiled warmly at her, "I know, love, you weren't ready yet...I understand...if we'd gotten together before now...we might not have had the chance we do now." Minerva leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips.
Ginny looked at Hermione and wondered how she was reacting to the older witches display of affection. It seem to bother her as much as Ginny was bothered when she saw her parents being affectionate to each other. Ginny also couldn't help but wonder if someday she might echo Rosmerta's words to Hermione.
Rosmerta looked down at her hands a moment and then, after her reaching into her pocket for something, looked back up. "Girls...I wanted you to be here for this because, well, you're partly responsible for making this possible," she slipped from her chair and knelt in front of Minerva as she opened the box, "Minerva...I know we haven't been together for very long, but we've been friends for almost a decade...I've loved you for almost all that time...will you marry me?"
Minerva looked shocked but slowly she smiled, "Of course, my love..." she replied as she stood and pulled Rosmerta to her feet to hug her.
The girls started clapping as they kissed.
Once they had sat again, Hermione raised her glass, "To Minerva and Rosmerta!"
The girls echoed her toast.
"So Hermione...I'm curious, how do feel about the fact that you've been scratching Minerva behind the ears for years?" Rosmerta asked mischievously.
Hermione had just taken a sip of Butterbeer, and choked on it, at the question. Once she caught her breath she saw that Minerva was blushing.
"You knew about that?" Hermione asked.
"I only found out because I was curious as to where Minerva had been spending all her time when suddenly a few years ago I started to see her a few times a week..." Rosmerta answered kindly, "Whenever I didn't know what to talk about, I'd ask her questions about you. So, you see, you've been helping me for quite awhile now..."
Hermione shook her head and smiled, "To be honest, it took more getting used to, using her first name, then the idea that I was scratching her behind the ears...it explains why you never ate the cat food I got you...I had to start saving pieces of steak to feed you."
"As Princess, I would find the smell enticing, but as a human in cat form, I couldn't bring myself to eat it...That's why I would usually come to visit after I'd already eaten." Minerva said.
"Did you just refer to yourself as Princess?" Luna asked, trying not to laugh.
Minerva nodded, "I starting referring to my cat form that way when Hermione named me that."
Luna turned to Hermione, "Why Princess, though?"
Hermione blushed, "I was a kid...Minerva was always so prim and proper, she'd even turn away when I got changed at night...how did you always know when I was upset?"
This time, Minerva looked down blushing, "I beg your forgiveness, Hermione.." She looked up to the bemused expression on Hermione's face and continued, "A charm was placed on you when you were born...it would let me know when you had performed accidental magic...you always grew confused when it happened. At first I would check on you every few days and then, as you grew older, I would also come when you needed me."
Hermione sat stunned. Even though she had figured out Princess' true identity, she hadn't realised the lengths Minerva and Dumbledore had gone to, to keep her safe.
"There's nothing to forgive, Minerva. How can I possibly be angry at you, when you went through such great lengths to ensure my well-being? And giving up your already limited free time to do it?" Hermione said, trying to reassure her friend. Seeing that Minerva still didn't look convinced she got up to give her a hug, "I'm going to miss Princess...she was part of the reason I got Crookshanks...to keep you company."
Minerva laughed as she let Hermione go, "You did one better, Hermione..." She replied as she again reached for Rosmerta's hand, "And real animals can always sense an Animagus...I doubt Crookshanks would have liked me very much."
"What's it like, Minerva, being an Animagus..." Ginny asked curious.
Minerva smiled and answered, "It is strange at first, but you grow accustomed to it...Animagi still think like themselves, but emotions are muted to that of the animal they become. I am lucky that my Animagus form is a cat as them seem to be more in tune with emotions than most animals. It also takes awhile to become used to the senses of your animal form. I think it's one of the reasons I enjoy it so much...my eyesight is incredible and my hearing too...I must admit, I also feel younger as Princess."
"Can a person change into any animal?" Luna asked.
"Once a person's Animagus form is discovered they can only become that animal." Minerva replied.
"So can anyone become an Animagus?" Ginny asked as she looked at Hermione and Luna to see if they'd just had the same idea.
Minerva studied the girls a moment, "It is easier for some, than for others, but yes, most can achieve it if they work at it hard enough. Many often give up when they find out that their animal form would be too fragile. For example, smaller animals who are natural prey."
Hermione looked at her two friends and then back to Minerva and asked carefully, "Given what you've seen us do...do you think, maybe, you could teach us?"
"It is already part of the plan for the summer..." Minera replied, smiling at the looks of astonishment from the girls, "I daresay at the rate you three are learning, we'll need something to fill our time this summer. However it takes most up to three years to achieve it...but I think we can make a good start of it."
"Thank you, Minerva." Ginny said sincerely.
"I hope you three weren't planning to spend the night here again? Although Hermione I would understand if you wanted to avoid Harry a bit longer, but your absence from your dorm rooms so often, is sure to arouse suspicion."
The three girls looked at each other, they usually spent every Saturday night together but Hermione could understand what Minerva was getting at...even being friends with the Deputy Headmistress had to have it's limits.
"Well, Ginny and I were here last night, but I can understand if you'd like us to keep it to one night a week." Hermione responded.
"I think that would be acceptable." She smiled.
"As for Harry," Hermione sighed, "I know I'm going to have to face him sooner or later, and I'd just as soon get it over with."
"You don't have to face him alone," Ginny said as she reached out for Hermione's hand, "I've got your back."
…
They had sat around talking until almost curfew, when Minerva called for Cara.
"Cara, would you please take us to the cottage," The little elf nodded and held out her hands, "Once I've said goodnight to my friends." Minerva added kindly.
Minerva went to hug Hermione and said,"I hope Harry won't be too hard on you, Hermione."
"I've been getting ready for him all day, Minerva...no need to worry. I wouldn't have turned him in if I couldn't handle it." She replied, smiling.
Luna and Ginny joined their hug and then motioned for Rosmerta to join them.
"And don't dawdle, you three, it's late." Minerva said as she let them out of the hug, "I will see you all Monday...if you need me before then just call, Cara."
Rosmerta looked at Minerva in surprise, "Monday?"
Minerva looked at her coyly and replied, "Well...it really is a beautiful ring and we still have a lot of time to make up for..."
Hermione couldn't help herself and giggled. She looked to her two friends and saw them giggling as well. When Minerva and Rosmerta remembered they were there they turned to them and blushed.
"My apologies again you three...we seem to keep forgetting ourselves." Rosmerta said.
"Good luck with Harry, Hermione, and I apologize for depriving you of their company tonight, Luna." Minerva said kindly.
"It's okay...it's not your fault these two didn't think to invite me," She replied, teasing her two friends.
"Which reminds me...I have heard from all your parents and you will be spending a few days of the Easter Holiday at The Burrow. We have arranged for you to use the floo network to get there and back, as there are not enough students going home this Easter to use the train." Minerva told them.
"Thank you, Minerva...Enjoy the rest of your weekend..." Ginny said, smiling as the two older witches took Cara's hands and disappeared.
"I'm sorry about last night Luna," Hermione said immediately as she turned to her, "I just came up with the plan right before curfew...I didn't want to get you in trouble."
"It's okay Hermione...but next Saturday, I get Ginny to myself, okay?"
Ginny frowned, "The whole day? Or just the night?" She asked.
"I still want us all to hang out during the day...but, I need some alone time with my best friend." Luna said quietly.
Hermione frowned a little but realised it was only fair. Besides, they would be spending three whole days together at the Burrow. "Okay...but you'll be walking me back to the tower before you go to bed..."
"Deal." Said Ginny. As much as she enjoyed spending the night in Hermione's arms every Saturday, after last night, she needed a break. She reminded herself to thank Luna later.
"Rowena? Can you please hide Harry's cloak and map...make it so only the three of us can retrieve them, please."
"Certainly...have a good night..." Rowena answered.
Ginny looked to Hermione and smiled encouragingly, "You ready to face him?"
"As ready as I'll ever be..." She replied, sighing.
…
After they had hugged and parted ways with Luna they headed for Gryffindor Tower in silence. Just before opening the portrait hole, Hermione took a moment to get a sense of Harry's mood.
"Crap...he's still really angry." Hermione said quietly, "There's a lot of people still around, hopefully it won't be too bad."
After taking a few deep breaths, Hermione felt Ginny's hand in hers and smiled, "If you can keep your temper with Trelawney, you'll be fine with Harry..."
"How did you know that is what I was worried about?"
"Good guess?" She replied but pointed at their bracelets which showed a thick strand of blue, "You'll be okay, Hermione, I'm right beside you."
After a few more calming breaths they opened the portrait and entered the Common Room. They were just a few feet inside the door when Harry yelled from across the room, "Oi, Hermione! Where the bloody hell have you been?"
Hermione squeezed Ginny's hand and thought to her, "Here goes nothing."
She let Ginny's hand go and, as she walked over to where Harry and Ron sat, said, "Keep your voice down, Harry, there's no need to shout." She sat in a free chair, Ginny perching herself on it's arm.
"Well...where's my stuff Hermione? Did you give it to McGonagall when you told her about the tunnel?" Harry asked quietly but with anger dripping from every syllable.
"I know you're angry, Harry...but after Black broke in again, I had to tell someone about the tunnel..." She tried to explain, but Harry interrupted her.
"You mean to tell me, you didn't tell McGonagall that I went to Hogsmeade at Christmas?" He asked.
"Well, yes, I did...how else would I have explained knowing about the tunnel?" She asked him simply, "Why are so so upset? Did you even get in trouble for it?"
"No...that's not the point...where's my stuff, Hermione?" He asked threateningly.
"I took it because I know how much your cloak means to you and I didn't want it to be confiscated..."
"Where's my stuff?" He interrupted her.
"I'll give it back to you when Black is caught." She replied and waited for him to explode.
Only he didn't. "You have no right..." he said angrily.
"What are you going to do about it, Harry, really? Tell Professor McGonagall that she took the two things letting you break the rules and wander the castle late at night with a killer on the loose?" Ginny asked quietly.
He frowned at her and then looked back angrily at Hermione. "That's stealing."
"It's not...I'll give them back..." Hermione said firmly.
"That's not fair, Hermione..." Ron said, speaking for the first time.
"Ron? I know it's not fair, but Black almost attacked you last time...you really think it's safe for Harry to go wandering off to Hogsmeade...especially if no one knows he's there?" Hermione replied, her temper starting to rise.
"Let me get this straight...you turned me in to McGonagall and took my stuff...to keep me safe?" Harry said quietly.
"I did Harry," She said as she stood, "Because as much as the two of you have been annoying me lately, I'd rather have you alive and hating me, than dead."
Hermione reached for Ginny's hand and went to leave for the girls dorms. They were surprised when they made it all the way to the stairwell without being stopped.
"Go on...take a listen...see what he's thinking." Ginny said quietly.
Hermione closed her eyes and then smiled.
"He's angry but he knows there's nothing he can do about it." Hermione said, "It went better than I expected."
"You were awesome...did you already have everything you were going to say planned?" Ginny asked as they ascended the stairs.
"Pretty much...I had a pretty good idea of how he was going to react, I've been friends with him for two years..." Hermione replied as they stopped at Ginny's door, "Is Luna angry about last night?"
"No...are you angry about next weekend?" Ginny asked.
"No...you two have been friends a long time, you should spend some time with Luna alone, I understand." Hermione said quietly.
Ginny looked at Hermione's bracelet and noticed a fine thread of green. "So she's jealous but not that jealous, interesting..." She thought to herself.
Hermione followed Ginny's eyes to her bracelet and laughed lightly, "I'm being silly? Aren't I?"
"A little...but it's okay..." Ginny replied as she hugged her, "Besides, Easter is coming soon..."
"I can't wait...three whole days away from those two...and the other two." Hermione said.
"Other two?" Ginny asked as they pulled themselves from their hug.
"Princess and dear-old-dad..." Hermione replied.
Ginny started to laugh and Hermione joined her.
Once Ginny had caught her breath she asked, "You're really not upset about the charm they put on you when you were born?"
"Without my, or my parents knowledge? Not really. I mean how can I be upset by it, when it's the reason I had someone to comfort me?" She asked.
"I have to wonder though...if dear-old-dad had meant for Princess just to watch you and not actually befriend you..." Ginny said thoughtfully.
"I think it may have started that way...but Gin...I had pretty lonely childhood...I think Minerva saw that and tried to help...she was my only friend, even if I thought she was just a cat..." Hermione said quietly.
Ginny tried to stifle a yawn, "I'm sorry...how come you didn't have any friends?"
"Didn't want them for the most part...I was always smarter than everyone else and they always made fun of me because of it...and I realise now I also pushed a lot of people away because it was too noisy, in my head I mean." Hermione admitted quietly.
Ginny went to hug her again, "You're not alone anymore...and you're never going to be again, understood?" Ginny whispered to her.
"I know, Gin...why do you think I've been so much happier lately?" She asked as she pulled herself away from Ginny and looked her in the eyes, "None of us...you, me, Luna, Minerva, Rosmerta...even little Cara...none of us are alone anymore..." She smiled.
"You forgot Rowena." Ginny said smiling as she pulled herself from Hermione's hands.
Hermione laughed, hugged Ginny one last time and kissed the top of her head.
"You have a good night, Gin...maybe a walk after breakfast...go see how Hagrid is holding up?"
"Sounds good, Hermione."
Ginny watched as Hermione ascended the stairs to her room and then entered her own. Sighing she went to gather her things for a shower. She had a lot of frustration pent up over the last twenty four hours and she thought she knew the best way to deal with it.
She undressed quickly and stepped under the hot water, "Oh Hermione...I swear you're going to kill me with kindness before I get the chance to show you how I feel..." She thought quietly as she let her hands explore her own body again. She knew it wasn't the same as being with Hermione, but it helped, a bit.