The next day came and went, without so much as a word from Snape. The only proof she had that he had really been in her house was the broken glass over the photograph. She had not repaired it, though she easily could. She left, it as a reminder of his visit, although it was a bit disturbing to have the spiderweb crack threading across the picture. It was a Muggle photograph of herself and Hermione on Holiday with Hermione's parents. They had all gone to France two years ago, and Hermione had invited Ginny along. Ginny had just broken off an engagement, with nasty consequences, and Hermione had nursed her through her woes. They had become very close, and as Ginny stared at the picture fondly, she felt a little guilty.

She really should come clean with Hermione about the bet, and how they had all meddled so shamelessly in her love life. Ginny owed it to her. Perhaps the picture falling had been auspicious. . .to remind her that hse had a friend, and could confide in her, and trust her implicitly. If she would still speak to her after learning the events preceding her and Remus' marriage.

Ginny grinned. Nah, Hermione wouldn't be angry, and Remus would probably laugh. After all, weren't they good enough sports to laugh off the Boggart joke Snape and the twins had pulled on Remus? and if you could forgive someone that. . .

She was actually surprised at how easily the truth came out. She took Hermione out to lunch the second day after Snape's visit. She talked while Hermione ate ravenously, apologizing once for being so hungry.

" No one at the Ministry believes in eating! " Hermione said around a mouthful of fish. " Sometimes I think I am going to starve on my feet! "

Ginny toyed with her own salad as she slowly told Hermione everything about the Bet.

" Ha! So everyone did know?" Hermione asked, taking a large drink of soda. I figured as much afterwards, but i didn't know you had all gove tht far!'

" So your not upset?"

" No. I have come to expect anything." she grinned. " However if we had known. . .we would have held off for as long as possible, just to make everyone nervous."

" Oh they were nervous enough. It took months! What is incredible is how you didn't notice. I mean, you are supposed to be ' The-Most-Brilliant-Witch-Of-Your-Age, according to Remus."

" Ironic, isn't it? I guess neither of us are incredibly astute!" Hermione bit into large pice of pastry. " However I am willing to make a bet myself, and say that you did not invite me to lunch just to confess everyone's sins."

" Well. . ., no. Not entirely. That is just the first part."

Ginny launched into the full story, having to pause ever so often so that Hermione could clarify a point.

" Desert Desserts? Is that why I was so thirsty?" she laughed, at one point when Ginny was explaining about why Hermione's cauldron had exploded.

Ginny went on to describe the 'special' canary cremes,and how Charlie had used one to seduce Tonks-

" As if she needed so much enticement.'' Hermione broke in. " So you are saying that you suspect that Harry and Ron charmed the candy? So I'll bet it was the two of them that broke into my flat! "

" I wouldn't have believed it. . ." Ginny said, " I mean, it isn't like the two of them have done anything serious in the last five years."

" Sixteen years." Hermione said, grinning.

" Exactly. However. . ."

And she proceeded to reveal the rest of the story, right up until that morning when she had been looking at the cracked photograph. After she finished she took a delibrately large bite of salad, watching and waiting for Hermione's response. It was less surprised than she would have thought. . .Hermione really had come to exect anything.

" Snape actually said "I love you" ? " Hermione raised a brow.

" No. . .as he pointed out, he said he believed he loved me."

" Yes, but he actually said the '' L" word? I don't know that there is a potion in the world that is that strong! "

" It isn't funny."

'' Sure it is. If you had so much amusement at my expense, then certainly I can have a few laughs on you."

" Yes, but that doesn't help me figure out waht to do."

'' What's to worry about. He might really have meant what he said, and be gone for good! "

" But what if he isn't?" Ginny asked

" Well. . .tell him to sod off if you aren't interested. You aren't interested, right?"

" I am not certain. I might be interested, if he proves to be sincere. You know how I feel about black hair. . ." Ginny smiled.

" Yes. I know" Hermione commented drily. ' Let me count the boys; Harry Potter, Michael Goodlong, Francis Wolf, Adrien Cusp. . ."

" His hair was dark brown."

" It doesn't matter. The point is that you are constantly getting into bad relationships with blackhaired men. I don't think you should choose a mate based simply on hair coloration."

" Sure I should. I am totally justified in that."

" Totally justified?" Hermione raised a brow.

" Of course. That way, when we've been married for ages, and his disposition has soured, I can petrify him and keep him in the corner. He'll be jsut as pretty, and I won't have to make him breakfast." Ginny waggled her brows at Hermione.

Hermione laughed.

" Well, you won't have to wait with Snape, you can go ahead and add him to the decor, he is already sour."

" I guess that depends on whether or not he actually tries to prove himself. I am not falling for lame easy ideas like jewellry or flowers. It has to be something. . .that says he is truly trying. "

" Are you going to keep a score for him? Above average with the remembering birthday, exceeds expectations with choosing that romantic way to first kiss me...oops, I guess he blew that one already!"

" Maybe I will. . .but he is definately not gaining any points for such lines as "and I couldn't flush you out of my mind' ''

" Oh, I think he ought to earn something for originality. But seriously. . .are you going to allow this? If you aren't interested, you should tell him from the beginning, and not let him bang his head against a brick wall. Like that poor guy in France."

" I tried to tell him I wasn't interested. We just had a language barrier. And. . .yeah, I think I am interested. It's not like I am having luck with anyone my own age. You don't think it will cause too much of a scandal do you?"

" Oh. . .no. Besides the fact that between you and I it will look as though their is a half-price sale on Hogwarts Professors. . .but seeing as you are a professor yourself, I am sure it will be fine. Besides, when have you ever cared whether or not you caused a scandal?"

' I don't want everyone snickering and betting behind my back."

" Oh, it's not so fun when it's you?" Hermione grinned. " well, then I suggest you make it as public as possible. If he will make a fool of himself for you in front of everyone, then he loves you. "

" Even under a spell?"

" Even under a spell."

'' Thanks Hermione."

" No problem. That's what friends are for. So where are you off to next?"

" First I am going to find my dear brother Ron, and aske him a few. . .gentle questions. Then, I am going home. I have a lot of lessons to prepare before school begins."

" Good Luck. And Ginny?"

" Yes?"

" Don't eat anything he hands you."

" Right. Well, if it weren't for my habit of never eating Fred and George's candy to begin with, I would probably be in bed right now. . .a silk-sheeted bed in Snape Manor"

" Bleh. I just ate."