AN – I own nothing!
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Chapter 50
Ginny held onto the glass of hot ginger and honey as Hermione drank from the straw. The both of them were alone in the room, since Severus had left them mere minutes ago. Ginny wasn't surprised at the caring and gentle manner in which Severus gave Hermione just before he left. Like he said, he loved her and it was obvious.
Before they entered the room, Severus explained that Hermione had gotten quite ill the day before, and almost got hypothermia. Not wanting her to be alone, he thought that it was best for her to stay with Hermione. He also told her that Hermione was probably in a phase of sorts and hadn't spoken too much since the night before.
Ginny understood, and just looked forward to spend time with her friend, and care for her.
Hermione pulled away from the straw, her head still laying on the pillow. As she looked up at Ginny, who was seated at the edge of the bed, she couldn't help but feel guilty. Ginny was one of her best friends, and her one and only girl friend. They were almost like sisters and told each other everything. Well in Hermione's case—almost.
"Is there anything you need or want Hermione?" Ginny asked softly as she rubbed on her friends arm.
Hermione didn't answer and just turned her eyes away from Ginny, looking elsewhere.
"Severus is quite something," Ginny told her.
Hermione frowned at Ginny when she said that. When did he become Severus to her?
"I am quite pleased that you are happy with him. Any woman would be jealous in your position. You have a husband who is madly in love with you. He even told me that you were six weeks into your pregnancy."
"You aren't angry with me, or disappointed at me?" Hermione asked as she looked at Ginny seriously.
"No. Why would I be?"
"Ginns, after all this time together, I have lied to you, and betrayed your trust."
Ginny shook her head. "You have done anything but betray my trust. I completely understand why you did not tell me the truth."
"You don't know how relieved I am to hear you say that," Hermione sighed with a small smile.
"No worries. We're all here to help you and protect you." Ginny wasn't stupid. She knew exactly why King Richard had called for a meeting even when she wasn't told the reason why directly. She simply just put two and two together. "And with the way Ron's been acting. He's being such an immature prat, and is still bitching about loving you and ranting about Brandon. It's so wrong!"
Hermione suddenly coughed, her body shaking as she did so. Afterwards, she tried to catch her breath.
"Hey, you okay?" Ginny asked with worry.
"Please let's not talk about Ron."
"Well, in that case…" Ginny said, and paused. She decided that it was time for her to reveal of secret of her own. One that she never told anyone. "You aren't the only one that has fallen for a Slytherin."
Hermione's eyes widened and she sat up. "Oh my God! Who?!"
"A certain blonde guy downstairs," Ginny admitted with a blush.
"Draco?!" Hermione said. "I can't wait to tell him."
"You can't!" Ginny protested. "As if he'll be interested is someone like me. I'm sure he's more into girls like Parkinson."
"No Ginns. Draco has been one of my best friends since childhood; we practically grew up together. I know he would be interested in someone like you."
"No Hermione, please don't," Ginny begged. She knew that Hermione would eventually tell Draco and try to set them up together. "I'd be too embarrassed."
"Well, I'm telling you to go for it and ask him out. You'll never know until you try."
"I might have my heart broken if he rejects me."
"He won't," Hermione said sadly as she lay back down. Heart broken indeed. Yesterday, she didn't just break her own heart, but surely Severus's as well. And still he said that he loved her.
"Is something wrong?" Ginny asked Hermione as she saw her sudden change of emotion.
Hermione sighed, "I hate myself Ginns. I don't deserve him. I've caused too much trouble for him."
"Is that why you won't speak with him?"
"It's not just him. I guess it's everyone. I've caused everyone a lot of problems, and I don't like it. My grandfather, and Uncle Lucius as well. I love Severus… it's just hard sometimes, because of everything."
"Do you doubt him?" Ginny asked; she had to know herself. Yes, Severus did have a different persona and may have seemed cold hearted. It was still difficult to believe that he was in love with Hermione. She never could imagine the man in such a position before—in love with anyone.
"Not him," Hermione replied. "I doubt myself."
"Why Hermione?" That wasn't the answer that she suspected.
"I don't know," she murmured and then didn't continue. A single tear slowly flowed from her eye. It was a lie. She knew why.
"Why doubt when you said that you loved him? And I for one know that he loves you too. I thought I'd never see another side to him, but I was wrong. You both love each other. Shouldn't that be enough?"
Hermione didn't reply. She wondered if her love was ever going to be enough. The thought still haunted her.
When Ginny saw that Hermione wasn't looking at her anymore, but outside the window, she sighed. She knew that she wasn't going to speak. So, she placed a hand on her arm and comforted her friend with unspoken words. One thing's for sure, she had to talk with Severus herself.
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AN – Some girl friend talk. Should I pair up Ginny and Draco? Hmmm... Review!
