Hermione and Ginny had been dating casually for about a month. And to say it was going well was an understatement. Hermione had never expected the two of them to be so easy, to be so right. And despite all the anxiety she felt previously, they somehow… worked.

They had gone to Hogsmeade a few times, and nothing was nearly as weird as she had expected. When her and Ron started dated there were always some awkward and quiet moments, times when they stared at either each other unsure what to say, or stared at their drinks unsure how to act.

But her and Ginny spent hours talking without even noticing how much time had passed. They discussed things Hermione would have never expected, and Hermione was surprised at how engaging Ginny was. She was great conversation, and the girls complimented each other well. Hermione supposed it was something she hadn't noticed as all her time had been spent with the boys. But she was loving her uninterrupted days with Ginny, their time alone was as natural as it could be.

And more surprisingly, Hermione was beginning to find that maybe she didn't hate quidditch after all.

How bad could the sport truly be when she got to watch a certain red haired witch fly around in a fitted long sleeve top?

She had always hated watching Harry and Ron play, they were so dangerous and impulsive. But watching Ginny was like watching an artist work.

Ginny was so calculating when she flew, she could see it in her eyes, in the way she watched the field, spotting things before even Hermione could. It was amazing. She had come to watch her practices on a few occasions, sitting the stands while the captain directed the newer players to plays Ginny had created herself. Oliver Wood would be proud.

But she had been surprised when Ginny didn't invite her to her match, though Ginny promised it was because she just assumed Hermione wouldn't be interested. Hermione decided she would have none of that, this wasn't a match where Harry was trying to kill Draco Malfoy. Or one where Ron was trying to convince the school he was a halfway decent player.

Instead Hermione found herself wrapping a long scarf around her neck and following Dean, Neville, and Seamus to the stands for a cold winter match in one of Harry's old jerseys.

"Hermione's got it bad," Dean said as the witch used Neville's body to block the chilly wind from her face.

"I don't know what's more surprising, Hermione attending a quidditch game or her missing half an astronomy lesson because she couldn't stop staring at Ginny," Neville added with a laugh, and Hermione scowled at the boys as she remembered last weeks lecture.

"Like Granger couldn't teach the class if she wanted to," a voice chuckled from afar and Hermione turned to see Blaise Zabini guiding Luna to the seats directly behind them, Draco, Pansy, and Theo all in tow.

"Hello Hermione," Luna said in a light voice before greeting the other boys, "Neville, Seamus, Dean."

"Hullo Luna, hello Snakes," Hermione said to the rest of the group with a curt nod before turning back to the field.

"Snakes? Weaslette would be so ashamed to hear her girlfriend is being mean to her friends," Draco Malfoy drawled in response, a slight lilt to his voice.

"Ginny is not my girlfriend, and she's the one that calls you snakes," Hermione cooed back to Draco sarcastically.

"Awwww, she talks about us?" Theo said to Hermione with a dramatic swoon, a hand on his heart as he spoke.

"You wouldn't say the witch you flirt and fuck is your girlfriend?" Pansy added with a bit of indignation, and Hermione could feel her judgment.

Hermione's eyes widened at the brazen statement Pansy made, surprised to hear her use such vulgar language, and trying best to ignore the jab.

"Oh they don't fuck," Blaise said, his head propped on top Luna's as he looked at Hermione.

"And how do you figure that?" Hermione questioned. They most definitely had not had sex, not that she didn't want to... a lot. But she didn't think it was obvious. It just… hadn't happened.

"Well you're willingly at a quidditch match, seems like a good a try as any to get in her knickers," Neville said to Dean and Seamus quietly, though not as quietly as intended as it caused surprised laughs from the Slytherins.

"Oh sod off, Neville," Hermione mumbled before turning back to the field, she couldn't continue to listen to the Slytherin's about her and Ginny, especially when she felt their relationship was still so new, she didn't need their comments to make her second guess things.

She had finally discussed Ginny with Harry, and their friendship was still as strong as ever. Hermione was so grateful that nothing bad had happened to that relationship, Harry was the only family she'd had left. Especially after realizing she was unable to recover her parents memories, it had been a long couple of months after the war, and even longer nights on the horcrux hunt trying to research ways to fix the obliviate she had cast. She had spent some time with the Weasley's, and they had adopted her as a second daughter, though she found the most support from Charlie and the twins after her and Ron broke up.

Hermione wasn't sure if any of them knew her and Ginny were seeing each other, though she supposed probably not, she would have most likely heard from Ron by now if he knew, and Ron wasn't one to shut his mouth. But after her breakup with Ron, her letters from Molly had become nearly nonexistent.

She just hoped they all cared about Ginny enough to not completely blow up if they ever become official.

"Stop staring, Granger, her ass doesn't look that great," Blaise quipped from behind her, breaking her from her thoughts.

Hermione hadn't even realize the match started, and she surely didn't know how long it had been going on. Once she was caught up on the score and generally what had been going on, Hermione did her best to actually watch Ginny play.

She spent the rest of the match taking quips from the Slytherins about her and Ginny and tried desperately to refrain from hexing the group.

"Oh, you were fantastic!" Hermione exclaimed to Ginny as the girl headed to the showers, wrapping her arms around the captain's torso.

"Oh, don't! I'm all sweaty," Ginny replied as she pressed a kiss to Hermione's temple, causing a soft sigh to escape her lips.

Hermione reluctantly let go of Ginny at her insistence, moving back to observe the loose tendrils that framed Ginny's face beautifully, her face glowing from the sheen of sweat.

Hermione was always sort of transfixed when she noticed Ginny's beauty in moments she thought she shouldn't, she had always been completely disgusted when Ron and Harry would hug her after matches, shoving them off quickly as they laughed at her discomfort.

"I'm going to go shower and address the team about the match, but want to hang out? I was thinking a picnic near the lake?" Ginny said to Hermione with a look of pure adoration, causing Hermione's heart to leap in response.

"Yes, okay. I'll go get something put together?"

"No need, just go to my room and grab the basket near my trunk then meet me in the common room in…. an hour?" Ginny asked.

"An hour is perfect," Hermione said with a nervous smile before giving the witch a kiss goodbye.

Hermione began the trek back to Gryffindor, the grounds now quiet as many had already gone back after the match.

She allowed herself to once again get lost in her thoughts regarding their relationship, fears of Ron and Molly running rampant at the forefront of her brain.

Hermione quietly scolded herself, the two weren't even a couple yet. Even though she desperately wanted to be. There may be no need to worry about the what ifs right now, though she admitted to herself that was all Hermione knew how to do.

Ginny had been patient and kind when they started dating openly, always being the first to grab her hand as they walked through the hallways, sitting next to her at meals, and even telling their friends before Hermione could, completely erasing any sort of nerves Hermione was feeling.

She felt bad about the excessive worrying she had done prior, especially now that she knew how wonderful their relationship was. Hermione was all in with Ginny, something she hadn't felt… ever. Even though Ron was her best friend, she had always had small reservations about whether they would last, whether Harry or the war was what kept them together.

In hindsight, the fears turned out to be true. However, once she kissed Ginny, a switch flipped, and Hermione felt no worries regarding what would happen. Because she knew, that even if they did break up, the love she carried for Ginny would stay and their friendship would still be intact. But Hermione knew, if they didn't end up together, the heartbreak would eat her alive.


Ginny walked Hermione down to the lake, the wicker basket in her left hand, while she held Hermione's with her right. The relationship had been great, mostly. But she couldn't help and confess to Luna how terrifying it all was.

Now that Ginny knew Hermione cared for her the same way, she was completely afraid that she would mess it up. They had gone on dates and were able to comfortably interact alone and with others. But Ginny had hurdles she was afraid to jump, boundaries too afraid to cross.

"Granger is definitely a virgin, stop freaking out," Blaise said to her near the fire one night.

Ginny had run throughout the castle in a blind panic trying to find Luna, near a panic attack after an evening with Hermione in the library while she poured through notes for her 'Hogwarts: A History' rewrite.

She finally managed to find the white-haired girl through Theo, who explained he hadn't seen Blaise since lunch. Ginny knew the Snakes would know if Luna were in the dungeons, so she ran to Ravenclaw as if she were trying to beat her mile time.

"How would you know she's a virgin? She dated both Krum and my brother. Plus she seemed to know perfectly well what she was doing after the ball," Ginny said through narrowed eyes to the boy.

"I think Blaise means her aura," Luna said to Ginny. "Her aura feels innocent, don't you think?"

"Yes, sweetheart. It's definitely white in nature," Blaise said to Luna, though Ginny knew he was just appeasing her.

"Oh? Should we consult Trelawney while we're at it?" Ginny grumbled to them from the blue suede couch next to them. "Maybe she can tell me when the stars will align for Venus and affect her rising sun?"

"Oh no, Trelawney's aura is green when she has visions. I think she's jealous of those who have true visions," Luna said thoughtfully, causing an unexpected laugh from Blaise and easing Ginny's mood slightly.

"See, Ginny? Innocent aura. Even Luna agrees. So stop worrying about popping Granger's cherry," Blaise said to Ginny, the cool smile still across his face.

"It's not the sex, Zabini," Ginny exclaimed, laying back on the couch dramatically, her legs dangling off the side over the armrest.

"It's not?"

"Oh no, Ginny is in love," Luna said wistfully, and Ginny, who hadn't admitted as much out loud, was completely fucked when she realized Luna had known.

"Is it so obvious?" Ginny asked Luna desperately.

"No, I don't think so," she said with a finger to her chin as she thought. "But your nargles move much more organized now, it's a pretty pattern really, almost like waves."

"And Granger's nargles?" Blaise asked his girlfriend curiously.

"Hermione's nargles have been gone for weeks," Luna said with a proud grin. "I think between the cork necklace and Ginny her infestation may be gone."

Ginny rose from her position curiously at this. After years of friendship with Luna, she still wasn't completely sure what nargles were, but she knew Luna's opinions on them, and she trusted Luna with her life.

"And how many weeks have they been gone now?" Ginny asked.

"Hmmmm, I suppose since after the Remembrance Ball," Luna said after careful consideration.

"Merlin. Jesus. Bloody Christ balls," Ginny stammered as she bounced her head against the couch cushion again.

"Pardon?" Blaise asked.

"Muggle terms I've heard Hermione curse during studying," she exclaimed with a dismissing wave to him. "Her nargles are gone? All because of me? What if I'm rubbish and the nargles come back?"

"Well, the nargles could be gone because of the cork necklace," Luna said with a smile.

"Right, sorry, yeah." Ginny mumbled as she stared at the ceiling.

"So, what's the problem, Ginny? You finally got Granger after whining like a first year, so what? What could be wrong?" Blaise asked her firmly, and Ginny felt her face warm as he saw through all her bullshit. "And if it's not the sex, then what is it?"

"I don't know how to like… move us forward? I guess?" Ginny admitted to Blaise and Luna with a desperation for sound advice.

"But you love her?" he asked.

"Well yes, kinda…"

"You don't kind of love someone," Luna said firmly.

"Fine. I love Hermione," Ginny winced out, the words causing her face to heat.

"So then why don't you tell her?" Blaise asked after Ginny's face returned to its normal shade.

"Because of Ron and my Mum, they'll be miserable to deal with. I don't want to scare Hermione away!"

"You really think they'll be upset? Aren't Weasley's supposed to be the role model purebloods?" Blaise asked with unrestrained judgment.

"Yes well, we're still purebloods, so unfortunately we aren't perfect," Ginny snapped at him.

"I think you should tell Hermione you love her. And then you two can tell your family together? She is going home with you for Christmas, right?" Luna asked with a delicate smile.

"Shite."

And so that's how Ginny ended up taking Hermione on a picnic the week before Christmas.

She had this planned out for a few days now, trying to decide the best approach to progressing their relationship, and hoping that Hermione wouldn't run for the hills after it was all said and done.

It was okay if Hermione didn't love her back, truly. But Ginny had adored Hermione since third year and she was ready to admit her feelings were more, if only to make herself feel better.

As they neared a large tree against the shore of the lake, Ginny cast a quick glance at Hermione who was running her hands across her arms rapidly.

"Cold?" Ginny asked.

"A little," the witch admitted. "But I'll cast a warming charm once we get everything set up."

Once they were at the tree, Ginny set the basket down and pulled out a large quilt before laying it on the ground. Hermione took to casting a warming charm around the edge of the blanket while Ginny unpacked the snacks she had brought, some bread, cheese, and fruit. It was a simple picnic, but it was perfect.

"It'll be dark soon, maybe we should have done this tomorrow?" Hermione asked as she nibbled her bottom lip nervously.

"It'll be fine, Mione, there's only a week until break, none of the professors care anyway. Live a little," she teased back.

Ginny watched as Hermione furrowed her eyebrows before finally conceding with a timid smile. "Fine, but if we get caught, I'm blaming you!"

"And I will gladly take the blame," Ginny responded with her own smile.

The girls sat and stared at the lake, talking about the quidditch match and the upcoming week between snacks. The sky was getting darker now, and though Ginny thought Hermione would be anxious to get back to avoid punishment, she seemed completely relaxed now.

Ginny picked at her nails as she grew nervous, realizing she'd eventually have to talk about what she came out here for. She decided to rip the bandaid off and took a deep breathe before interrupting the silence between them.

"Are you coming to the Burrow for Christmas?"

"Erm, no, I don't think that'd be a great idea."

"Will you come, please?" Ginny asked her, knowing that truly communicating was the only thing that could help them. No need for half truths and lazy admissions.

"I love going to the Burrow, you know I do. I just...I don't want to have to explain whatever we are to everyone. I don't want to ruin your holiday is all," Hermione said nervously.

"We won't have to explain anything. I want to bring you to the Burrow... as my girlfriend." Ginny said through the tightness in her chest.

"As… your girlfriend? You want to be my girlfriend?" Hermione asked after a moment, and though Ginny couldn't see her face as clearly in the night sky, she could tell Hermione was once again chewing her lip.

"Of course, I want to be your girlfriend, Hermione! I love you." Ginny said as she reached for Hermione's hand, squeezing it gently before realizing what she admitted. "You don't have to say it back, you don't! I didn't even mean to say that! I've just… fancied you for so long, and it seemed like the right thing to say. Oh Merlin…"

"I want to be your girlfriend, Gin, I do," Hermione interrupted. "I don't know if I'm at 'love' yet… but I- this has all been so lovely and I didn't realize how perfect it could be. I'm sure I'll be there soon, just, not now?"

"You do?" Ginny questioned with a smile. She had been so nervous. She didn't think Hermione would turn her down, but she thought she still might not be ready. And that would be okay! But Ginny didn't know if she was ready for the denial.

Ginny just… didn't know.


Being with Ginny felt a lot like flying to Hermione, and Hermione was terrible at flying. The adrenaline of deciding to get on the broom was how she felt when she decided to try give her heart a chance. The freedom as she successfully navigated the broom herself was a lot like how Ginny made her feel always, light and carefree. But sometimes, Hermione remembered she might fail, she could fall at any time, and those thoughts are what kept her from giving herself over to Ginny completely.

Hermione had decided she'd be all in, and she was. But when Ginny asked if she'd go to the Burrow, she felt herself falter for the first time at the thought of Ron and Molly and Arthur and Percy and whoever else looking at her differently. Looking at Ginny differently.

The Weasley's and Harry were all she had left after she had lost her parents, and she couldn't bear to lose them as well. But that worry quickly dissipated when Ginny asked her to be her girlfriend. Hermione suddenly felt… whole. Like this was what she had been waiting for to make all the nerves vanish. Of course, it may not fix everything right away, but for now it felt good, right.

Hermione couldn't possibly turn her girlfriend down about Christmas, though she really wanted to.

"I suppose I'll come to the Burrow for Christmas…" Hermione said after a moment.

"Truly?" Ginny asked with a nervous grin, and Hermione felt her insides warm at the pale pink lips and the small glimpse of teeth she saw in Ginny's smile.

"Truly," she responded with a squeeze of Ginny's hand before resting her head against the girl's shoulder. "Are you ready for it?"

"I've been ready for years. Plus if it's doesn't great, I've still got you, right?"

"Yes, you'll still have me… though, if it is awful, can we agree to hide at Grimmauld with Harry for the reminder of the holiday?"

"Deal," Ginny said with a laugh. "Fred and George already know… they're happy for me. And Charlie and Bill too, so maybe it can't be completely awful."

"Oh, I hadn't realized you told them…" Hermione said anxiously. How long had they known? Maybe they were just pretending to be happy for Ginny? For them?

"Well, they don't know we're…. official obviously... But I told Fred when you agreed to start dating… he and George had been picking on me for years. Fred was the first person I told that I might like girls."

"Huh, I didn't know that, how did he take it?"

"Well, he's Fred, so rather well, naturally. And of course, you can't tell Fred something without George finding out as well…"

"Naturally," Hermione added with a grin. She knew the twins were Ginny's favorite, and she was there's as well. She was glad to hear they accepted her, she imagined she probably wouldn't be here now if they didn't….

Hermione felt the weight of Ginny's head lean against her own, and closed her eyes, savoring the sense of security she felt. She was lucky to have ended up where she was, in a relationship where she felt nothing but support and adoration.

She just hoped she provided the same for Ginny.

"I meant it, you know." Ginny whispered.

"Meant what?"

"I love you," Ginny said again, even quieter than before. "And I'm not saying that so you think you have to say it back, but I don't want you to think I said it just so you'd come to the Burrow either."

"I know you didn't," Hermione said meekly before nuzzling her head against Ginny's shoulder, the scent of musk and cinnamon filling her head as she drank in Ginny's scent.

Ginny placed a delicate kiss on Hermione's temple in turn, making Hermione's heart race as it did anytime Ginny touched her.

She craved the redhead in ways she had never wanted anyone before. And maybe Hermione wasn't ready to tell Ginny she loved her yet.

But she was ready to show her.