A/N: Sorry for the late update, classes have started again, so I was super busy. I hope you enjoy this quite long chapter and please leave a review.

Chapter 12 – The Best of Both Worlds

When Hermione opened her eyes the next morning, she felt strangely happy and excited. It took her a few seconds before she realized that everything that had happened last night had not been a dream. It hadn't been a dream, right? Her eyes darted to Ginny's bed, but there was no Ginny, only slightly ruffled red and golden Gryffindor sheets. Maybe everything had been just a dream after all? However, when she sleepily rubbed her eyes and found them puffy and overly sensitive she was left with no doubt that everything had really happened as she remembered it.

Ginny had confessed her feelings to Hermione and Hermione had realized that she harbored similar feelings for the redhead as well. It was so easy, yet so complicated. Hermione was torn between happiness and excitement on the one hand and fear on the other. She had no idea how she was supposed to act from now on, no idea how to tell her friends about it and no idea if she would be able to finally let herself fall in love completely.

What if it wouldn't work out in the end? What if they found out that their feelings turned out to be falsely interpreted friendship? How would Ron and Harry react? Oh God, what about Mrs. Weasley?! And what if Ginny was still angry about the list? As so often lately, Hermione had no idea. And having no idea was something she really hated.

But then she thought of Ginny and only Ginny. Ginny's warmly shining eyes. Her elegantly bowed nose. The freckles scattered around it. Her pink lips curved into a smile. The thought of the redhead ignited a warmth in her chest that quickly spread through her body and chased away the doubts and worries that had haunted her until a moment ago, as if the thought was a Patronus working its magic from the inside.

Slowly, a smile appeared on Hermione's lips, growing into a grin and then into a laugh. All of a sudden, she felt full of energy, braveness and optimism. Ginny liked her. She liked Ginny. They would go on a date. It was so simple! She kept grinning while she kicked the blanked in pure joy.

Suddenly, Hermione heard someone snicker from the door. Startled, she jerked into an upright position and turned her head towards the noise. The immediate blush that spread on her face probably resembled the hair color of the woman she found in front of her.

"Breakfast's ready", Ginny announced with an amused grin on her face.

Hermione just stared at her dumbfoundedly. How embarrassing! She behaved like a teenager in love for the first time! Well…it was true after all. Being in love for the first time. At least it seemed like that. Was that the kind of being in love people talked about? Waking up confused, thinking about the other and doing embarrassing things you usually did not do?

"Hermione, are you alright?", Ginny asked, a slightly concerned expression on her face, which made Hermione snap back into reality. Apparently, she had just stared into space for a while.

"Uhm, yes…yes", Hermione finally said throatily. "I'll be downstairs in a minute."

"Okay, great", Ginny replied and left the room.

Hermione let herself fall back into the bed and buried her face in her hands. She wished they had taught something like Love and Dating through the Ages at Hogwarts.

Five minutes later Hermione found herself sitting at the long table in the Weasley's kitchen, munching on fried eggs and sausages while listening to Mrs. Weasley expressing her concerns about Harry becoming an Auror over and over again. Even though it had been three years since he had started the training and was about to finish it in a couple of months, Mrs. Weasley would never give up on trying to talk him out of it.

"-and the dangers! What if you get hit by an unforgivable curse again?", Mrs. Weasley went on as she placed a stack of pancakes on Harry's plate with a quick movement of her wand. "Have some too", she said to Hermione, but did not repeat the action for her. Hermione did not mind anymore. She had grown used to the fact that among Ron's friends, Harry would always be Mrs. Weasley's favorite. She mentally sighed while slipping one of the pancakes on her plate.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Weasley", Harry tried to convince her for the zillionths time since he had started his Auror career. "It only happened once and I was inexperienced then. Besides, the Cruciatus lasted for only a few seconds and you know that I experienced way worse when I fought Voldemort".

"Yeah Mum, he was the Chosen One after all", Ron chimed in.

"I told you to stop calling me that", Harry grunted.

"Molly dear, can't you just leave him alone for now? It's Christmas Day for Merlin's sake!", Mr. Weasley pleaded. He, his sons and daughter, Fleur and Angelina had not spoken a single word since breakfast had begun. They all looked tired and worn out by Mrs. Weasleys continuous rant.

"But Arthur, I am just concerned about the boy!", she protested.

"I'm not a boy anymore", Harry mumbled into his pancake, but Mrs. Weasley ignored him.

"And what about his future wife and children?", Mrs. Weasley continued. "They will worry to death about him!"

"Ehrm I don't really have plans to marry and have children at the moment", Harry replied, a trace of annoyance in his voice. Hermione wondered how he was still able to listen to the same rant year after year without exploding or storming out of the room. All he ever did was showing a little annoyance and a frown which usually went unnoticed by Mrs. Weasley.

"But certainly, you want to have a family in the future", Mrs. Weasley argued, casting a meaningful glance at Ginny. Hermione's eyes narrowed and she felt a sting in her chest as she started to comprehend what Mrs. Weasley was thinking. She wanted to protest, declare that Ginny was not Harry's anymore, that she belonged with her now, but she could not do that. Not now and not here.

Hermione noticed Ginny's sudden change in expression as she too, understood her mother's looks. She looked seriously angry and upset, which made Hermione feel happy but concerned at the same time. A full-scale fight between Mrs. Weasley and Ginny could ruin the entire Christmas day.

However, before Ginny could make her argument, unexpected help was provided.

"I zink 'Arry ees very 'appy wiz the work 'e is doing", Fleur spoke up. Bill, who was seated next to his wife, nodded in agreement. "Eesn't being 'appy the most eemportant zing een life? If 'ee is 'appy, you should be 'appy for 'im!" She looked at Mrs. Weasley expectantly and Bill continued bobbing his head. Fred showed her a thumps up and Mr. Weasley smiled approvingly.

Mrs. Weasley seemed seriously taken aback and it was the first time in years that Hermione had seen her rendered speechless. The middle-aged woman gulped and cleared her throat. "Well, I guess you're right, dear", she eventually said.

"And stop expecting Harry to get married with Ginny, Mum", Charlie spoke up. "Let them move on. My little sister has made her decision and we should respect that." He winked at his sister, who smiled at him thankfully. The anger in her eyes had dissolved.

Mrs. Weasley silently nodded while regarding her daughter. Ginny took her mother's hand and squeezed it slightly. Mrs. Weasley smiled at her tentatively and then resumed to place food on people's plates in silence.

Hermione's eyes found Ginny's and they exchanged shy smiles. The sting in her chest was gone and all she could feel was excitement for what the future might be holding for them. She wanted to get lost in those warm brown eyes, but she reminded herself that she was sitting at a kitchen table full of people, so she averted her gaze after a few glorious seconds. She let her eyes wander over to Ron who was sitting next to Ginny. Hermione startled when she noticed him staring at her with narrowed eyes. Was he assuming something? No, impossible, after all Ron still had the emotional range of a teaspoon, as she had stated so accurately a decade ago.

Hermione smiled at him innocently and quickly averted her eyes.

Luckily, the remainder of the breakfast went by without any fights or curses. Once in a while, Hermione would cast a glance or a smile at Ginny, careful to not to do it when Ron was looking in her direction. Although she doubted that he was being suspicious of them, she wanted to make sure.

When breakfast was over, she said her goodbye to everyone, because she had promised her parents to spend Christmas day with them at their house. Ron, Harry and Ginny accompanied her outside the Burrow. The air was cold and stung in Hermione's face, which made her shiver despite the thick coat she was wearing.

"See you soon hopefully", Harry said and hugged her first.

"Come over to our shop sometime soon", Ron said and hugged her as well. Hermione felt a little sorry that she had not told him about Ginny and her yet, but she knew that it would be way too early. She and Ginny weren't a couple nor just friends and Hermione needed to wrap her head around that first. She only hoped that he would understand by the time she would be ready to tell him. So instead she hugged him a little tighter and longer than she usually did.

"Don't let Sophie see that", Harry said and grinned.

"Cut it out, mate", Ron replied playfully and boxed his arm.

Then Hermione turned to Ginny, who smiled at her warmly. Reluctantly at first, Hermione took a step forwards and hugged the redhead. The moment their bodies were embracing each other it felt as if someone had thrown a blanket over them, which blocked the cold completely. The feeling was so different from what she felt when hugging the boys. Or anyone else for that matter. It was as if Ginny and her were the only ones around.

"I'll miss you", Ginny whispered into Hermione's ear, so that only she could hear it. Hermione gulped and felt heat crawling into her cheeks. If Ginny had said those words only a few days ago, she would have just thought of it as something friends said to each other casually, now, however, those words carried much more meaning.

"I'll miss you too", Hermione whispered back, knowing that she would from the moment she disapparated from here. She regretted that they had spent the few chances of being alone with each other on fighting.

The feeling of Ginny's hand slipping something into her own made her snap out of her thoughts. She closed her fist around it as Ginny retreated.

"See you soon", the redhead said and winked, which made Hermione blush a little.

It was the day before New Year's Eve, when Hermione stood in front of her small closet scanning the contents, trying to decide what to wear for her first date with Ginny. The usually neatly made bed was covered in a variety of sweaters, cardigans, hoodies and pants. In one corner, 'Wooing Witches – The Ultimate Guidebook [Lesbian Edition]' was lying opened, showing the heading 'Tips for the 1st Date – Dos and Don'ts. The subheadings were covered by a small piece of parchment, whose corners were already tattered because Hermione had held it in her hands too often.

"Don't forget about our date. Since I am still angry, you decide what to do and where. Impress me and I won't be angry anymore. – Ginny –" was written on it in Ginny's pretty, but slightly clumsy handwriting. The dot over every 'i' was formed like a heart, which had Hermione's heart pounding every time she read the note.

The days after Christmas had passed unbearably slowly. Hermione had returned to work right after Christmas, even though most colleagues had taken the days until New Year's off. Unfortunately, Pansy hadn't. Neither of them had said a word to the other, not even a 'hello' was exchanged. Talking to Pansy would only make Hermione think about the prediction, which she really didn't want to think about at the moment. She had more important things to do. Like re-reading Ginny's note for the hundred and second time. Or missing Ginny. Or planing a date. If fighting Voldemort had been the hardest thing she ever did, planing a date with Ginny came close in second.

What the hell did people do on dates? And more importantly, how could she impress Ginny? These questions had haunted Hermione the whole week, making her unable to focus on work. But nothing special had happened there anyways, just the usual boring stuff, so Hermione had not minded much. Only yesterday she had finally come up with some ideas for her and Ginny's first date.

But as soon as the question of what to do was answered, the next one popped up in her head. What did people wear for a date?

Hermione wished she had thought about the question earlier as she skimmed through the sparse selection of clothes in her cupboard. She barely had shopped for clothes over the last few years, so wardrobe-wise she was still stuck in her later years of Hogwarts. Jeans and a hoodie or pullover was all she'd ever wear, even at work. As long as you were not a supervisor, people at the ministry dressed quite casual and Hermione had always considered quality of one's work as more important than what someone wore. But now she regretted that she had never looked for something more mature and pretty.

Hermione's eyes fell on the dress she had worn to the Yule Ball in forth year. She shook her head at the thought. She would be overdressed and she had outgrown the dress around her chest and shoulders anyways.

She continued rummaging in the closet and eventually discovered a plain grey A-line skirt at the back. She had bought it after her first month of working, when she had been convinced that she would get promoted soon. What a foolish thought. No wonder she had forgotten about the skirt's existence.

She pulled the cloth out of the closet and placed it on a space of her bed that was not covered in clothes yet. Eventually she found some black stockings she could combine with the skirt.

About one hour later, Hermione critically eyed herself in the mirror that was decorating a large part of the wall next to the entrance door to her flat. The skirt fit nicely and she had combined it with a purple cardigan and a simple black t-shirt. Her outfit looked as plain as it could get, but it was the best she could do at the moment. At least she had curled her hair nicely and put a charm on it which made it shimmer a little more than usual. She had also put on some mascara and a light eye shadow, which was basically all makeup she possessed. She seriously needed to do some shopping soon.

A quick glance on the clock let her know that it was five to three. Quickly, she threw on her coat, grabbed the extendable bag and slipped into her sneakers. Unfortunately, she didn't poses any heeled shoes or flats, which would have worked way better with the skirt.

She hurried out of her building and was about to disapparate, when she suddenly hesitated. Why was she feeling so incredibly nervous? Her heart was pounding and her palms were sweating more than they had the day before the N.E. . She took a few deep breaths and tried to calm herself down a little. She reached in her pockets and grabbed her wand with one and Ginny's note with her other hand. She could do it. Let's go for it, she thought and finally apparated into Diagon Alley.

Hermione reappeared close to the wizard side of the Leaky Cauldron, where she had agreed to meet with Ginny. She took a look around, but Ginny was nowhere to be seen. She glanced at her watch. One minute to three. No need to worry, yet.

She did not need to wait long. A few moments later the typical apparition noise let her know that Ginny had arrived.

"Hermione! Good to see you", Ginny greeted her, a wide grin on her face. Hermione felt the heat rush into her head as she met the other woman's eyes, who obviously had put some effort to look even more beautiful today than she usually did. Ginny wore tight black jeans and a navy-blue coat, which she must have bought from the money she made as a pro-Quidditch player, because it looked quite expensive. Her hair looked neat and she had put a few strands of it into a braid which framed her face nicely. Ginny, too, had put on some light make up and again, she wore the white camellia earrings. Hermione smiled as she noticed the red and golden Gryffindor scarf, Ginny had slung around her neck.

Hermione made a step forward, since she wanted to hug the redhead, but she suddenly felt shy and the braveness she had mustered up left her. Ginny seemed to experience the same problem and a short, but awkward silence fell over them.

"Uhm…should we get going maybe?", Hermione asked insecurely. She felt as if it was her first day of elementary school again. Not knowing the rules, not knowing what to do.

"Okay, let's go", Ginny replied and Hermione noticed that her cheeks hat turned a little red. Ginny really was cute. If it weren't for her own nervousness she would have made a remark about that.

"So, where are we going today?", Ginny asked curiously as they walked side by side along Diagon Alley. She was walking close to Hermione, but not close enough for them to touch. It made Hermione less nervous, but she also felt a little disappointed. She wondered what it would feel like to hold Ginny's hand and have her fingers intertwined with the redhead's.

"It's a surprise, but you're going to find out soon. It's really close from here", Hermione explained. "It's a place I reckoned you'd like and where I also can learn lots of things."

Ginny giggled at that. "Oh Hermione, that sounds just like you."

Hermione shot her a smile and then slowed her pace. "Here we are", she said and gestured towards the shop.

Ginny fell speechless for a few seconds before she looked at Hermione in awe. "Blimey, Hermione! Quality Quidditch Supplies?! You must be kidding me! First, you give me the book and now you bring me here?! I'm indeed impressed."

Hermione could see Ginny's eyes lighting up and her excitement surely was contagious. Even though Hermione had used to avoid the shop, she suddenly could not wait to enter.

"You're impressed? So you're not angry with me anymore?", Hermione asked hopefully.

"No, still angry", Ginny replied playfully.

"Wait, but you said-", Hermione exclaimed, but Ginny had already dashed off towards the Quidditch shop. Hermione shook her head in bewilderment, but smiled.

They spent over an hour in the shop and it was more interesting than Hermione had expected. Ginny showed her around, explained about the newest trends in Quidditch, the new Firebolt, which she was dying to buy, but unfortunately the Harpies would not get new broomsticks until next summer. Ginny had also brought the book Hermione had made for her and together they bought a few items needed for some of the spells and Hermione explained some details to Ginny, who listened eagerly. They laughed a lot, which made them loosen up and soon the initial tension that had stood like a wall between them was gone.

They were standing in front of the Quidditch gloves as Hermione explained to Ginny the charm she had invented to make the gloves more anti-skid, so that the snitch could not easily escape one's grip after catching it.

"But isn't that against the rules?", Ginny asked doubtfully while she examined a set of gloves. "The spell is really useful and I will surely try it in training, but I don't think it is allowed in league matches."

"Don't worry about that. I checked all available rule books and even visited the Department of Magical Games and Sports just to make sure. As long as they don't create a new rule it will be just fine."

"Wow, Hermione, you really put a lot of effort in making this book, didn't you?", Ginny said appreciatively. "I suddenly feel way more confident about the match next week thanks to all of your help. Thank you so much." Ginny rested her hand on Hermione's lower arm and smiled at her thankfully. A tingling sensation spread at the spot where Ginny's hand was, even though she could barely feel the touch through her thick coat.

"Nah, it wasn't that much effort, really", Hermione replied and dismissed Ginny's assumption with a wave of her hand. Of course, she did not tell her that she had an extremely busy week including two almost sleepless nights in order to finish the book in time.

Ginny took another pair of gloves out of the shelf and they proceeded to the checkout, each of them holding a basket full of Quidditch supplies. Most things were for Ginny, but the redhead had also insisted that Hermione bought a green and golden striped Holyhead Harpies scarf and a poster of the Harpies' seeker, who was, of course, no other than Ginny herself. "Put that on one of your empty walls", Ginny had said happily.

Just as they were about to put their baskets on the counter a voice behind them called: "Ginny!"

The women turned around and Hermione saw a small woman with Asian features smiling at Ginny.

"Oh, hello Mina, I thought you went to visit your parents over the holidays?", Ginny said and smiled at the woman. "By the way, this is Hermione my…friend", she said. Hermione noticed the slight hesitation when she said 'friend' and she felt a small pinch in her chest. Still, officially they were friends, so Ginny's choice of words was correct. "Hermione, this is Mina Lee, she plays Beater for the Harpies."

The Beater offered Hermione her hand and Hermione shook it. "Nice to meet you."

"You must be the legendary Hermione Granger then?", Mina said and Hermione wondered where she was from, because her slight accent sounded unfamiliar. "I've heard all of your stories. Even my parents know you and they live in Korea." Aha Korea it was.

Then Mina turned towards Ginny and explained: "I decided to come back early to get some individual training. The upcoming match will be a tough one and I feel like I am still lacking here and there."

"No, you're really good, especially last training? It was amazing", Ginny said reassuringly.

"You're too nice Ginny", Mina said and laughed. "But I should get going, sorry to interrupt your date with your friend." She nodded towards Hermione and waved at Ginny. Her gaze lingered on the redhead for a second longer than necessary, which made Hermione frown. She would have to keep an eye on this person.

They paid for their articles and Hermione put all of their shopping into her extendable back, then they left the shop. "Thank you so much for coming here with me, Hermione. It was really fun wasn't it? I could see your eyes light up when you saw my poster", Ginny said mockingly.

"No comment", Hermione said pretending to be serious, but seeing the redhead smile at her like that she could not help but to beam back at her.

"So where do we go now?", Ginny asked.

"Well I thought, we could visit Madam Puddifoot's and have a cup of tea?", Hermione suggested. It was the only place she knew that would be suitable for a date, since the Leaky Cauldron as well as Three Broomsticks were not exactly romantic. Madam Puddiffot's was also listed as one of the recommendations in 'Wooing Witches'.

"Seriously?", Ginny giggled.

"I-it's the only place I know, which is not shabby or overcrowded…", Hermione tried to explain.

Ginny tilted her head while she seemed to mull over something. "I know something better", she finally said. "Thank you for thinking so carefully about the place, but as you know I used to go there with my exes on our Hogsmeade weekends and I must admit that the place is kind of tacky. Today is too important to me to spend it at a place like that."

"Sorry, I don't know much about dates and stuff like that", Hermione said insecurely and trained her eyes on a small stone lying on the ground.

"It's fine, Hermione", Ginny laughed. Then she held her arm out for Hermione. Hermione grabbed it and smiled at the sight of their linked arms.

"Ready to go?", Ginny asked.

"Y-", Hermione started to say, but Ginny had already initiated the side along apparition.

"Where are we?", Hermione asked when the unpleasant sensation of apparition ended. She took a look around and all she saw were a few huge trash barrels.

"We are near King's Cross station", Ginny explained. "There is a Muggle café I want to take you."

"A Muggle café? Wow, you never fail to surprise me", Hermione laughed.

"You're a Muggle-born after all. I reckoned you'd enjoy coming to a Muggle place once in a while. And also, it's really interesting for someone like me, who doesn't know the Muggle world well", Ginny said a little sheepishly.

Hermione smiled happily at the redhead, because she had considered Hermione and her background more than Ron had ever done during their relationship.

Ginny led the way from behind the trash barrels to a small café which was located only a few dozens of meters from where they had apparated. They entered and Hermione immediately liked it. The place was small but tidy, the interior vintage but not too conservative. Some dried flowers hung from the ceiling and framed vintage photographs plastered the walls. A white circular staircase led to the upper floor. A delicious smell of coffee mixed with fresh bakery products would have made Hermione smile like a fool if it wasn't for one problem. The place was bursting at the seams. All the tables were occupied, there was a long line at the take out counter and the disappointed look on the faces of those who descended from the stairs told Hermione that there were no seats left on the second floor either.

Ginny looked shocked and disappointed when she looked around with wide eyes. "I-I'm sorry, Hermione", she uttered. "When I came here last time the place was almost empty…"

"You've been here before?", Hermione asked.

"Yes, with Sinae, the beater we met earlier. We were literally the only ones here", Ginny replied.

The beater's mention irritated Hermione somewhat but she decided to ignore it for now. "When exactly did you come here?"

"A few weeks ago, before Quidditch training", Ginny replied. "It was a Monday morning."

Hermione laughed. Ginny did not know much about the Muggle world yet, she realized. "Of course there is no one here on a Monday morning, but today is Saturday and it's the last weekend of the year, one of the Muggle's favorite times to go out and meet their friends or families."

"Oh", Ginny said and looked utterly embarrassed. "I am such an idiot…Come on, let's go to Hogsmeade."

She was about to turn around, but Hermione stopped her. "It's okay Ginny, you're not an idiot", Hermione said and smiled at her encouragingly. "I really like this place and the coffee smells delicious."

"But there are no seats", Ginny remarked.

"No problem, I know just the right spells for that", Hermione replied with a wink, which made Ginny blush.

She led them up the stairs and quickly scanned the upper floor. Her eyes were drawn to a small table standing in one of the more secluded corners of the café. As expected, the table was already occupied. A young man and woman were holding hands and throwing each other lovey-dovey looks. Usually, Hermione would have frowned at their behavior, but now she wished nothing more than doing the same with Ginny.

She shook off the thought and tried to concentrate on the spells while they walked towards the table. She reached into her extendable bag and clutched her wand. One of the many advantages of that bag was that it allowed her to use her wand without pulling it out so that she could perform magic without being seen. She muttered a few spells and suddenly it was only Ginny, her and the table. Even the noise of talking and laughing was not audible anymore.

"How did you do that?", Ginny asked in astonishment.

"Sit down", Hermione said before she explained: "Just a couple of basic spells. A few disillusionment charms, a muffliato and a reversed one to blend out the noise and an enlargement spell for the table. We're actually sitting on the same table with the couple, but to them it looks like we're sitting three feet away. Making us invisible in front of the muggles could've been too dangerous."

Ginny stared at Hermione incredulously. "There is a reversed muffliato?"

"I invented it", Hermione replied proudly. "I sometimes used it when my colleagues were too loud and I needed to concentrate."

"That's incredible, Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed. "You should do something with that talent of yours."

"Let's not talk about it now", Hermione said. "It's really nothing special. So, what would you like to drink?"

Ginny let her know and Hermione got up from the table to place their orders. As she returned a few minutes later she noticed the couple next to them exchanging kisses and she hastily averted her eyes. The image of Ginny's face only an inch away from her own, her lips slightly parted, her eyes closed, flashed through Hermione's mind. If it wasn't for the tray she was holding she would've slapped herself in the face to get rid of the fantasy.

Hermione hurried over to Ginny and placed the tray on their table. Hopefully, Ginny would not notice the redness on her cheeks.

"Looks delicious", Ginny said and licked over her lips. The redness increased.

Hermione just smiled not able to say a word, because she was occupied with fighting the images of kissing Ginny that were bombarding her from all sides.

But it did indeed look delicious. Hermione had gotten a caramel latte for Ginny, a mint latte for herself and a piece of earl grey cake for them to share.

Just when Hermione was about to pick up her fork Ginny suddenly asked: "Do you want to kiss me?"