Chapter 16 – The roads to be taken

Dear Hermione,

I hope you're doing well. Since you're one of my best friends, I want to be honest with you. I fancy Luna and we're kind of going out now. You're the first person I tell. That's why I want you to be honest with me as well. I might be wrong, but I think there is something you should tell me. I've been thinking about it ever since the Quidditch game last week. If you know what I'm talking about, send me an owl and let's talk soon. If you don't know, just ignore what I wrote.

Just know that there is nothing for you to be afraid of.

Love,

Harry

"I guess he knows, doesn't he?", Hermione said and looked at Mathilda.

The owl just hooted joyfully and blinked once.

Hermione scratched her head and read the letter once more. No doubt, he knew. She clearly had underestimated Harry's ability to interpret what was going on around him. Hermione hoped that this was not true for Ron, but when she remembered how full of suspicion he had eyed her and Ginny at Christmas her hope diminished significantly.

Absentmindedly, she fed Mathilda a couple of owl crackers and stroked her thick feathers. She did not seem to particularly enjoy being touched while eating, but she tolerated it. Hermione looked into the owl's bright yellow eyes and smiled. Then she sat down at the table and scribbled a short reply to Harry. She tied it to Mathilda's already outstretched leg and carried her over to the window sill.

"Have a safe trip", Hermione whispered when she opened the window. Mathilda hooted once more and took off.

Hermione leaned against the window frame and her eyes followed the owl's shrinking silhouette until the night swallowed her.

Hermione sighed and closed her eyes. Of course she had known that sooner or later they had to tell Harry and Ron. Still, she had not expected Harry to find out about her and Ginny that fast. She could only hope that there really was not anything to be afraid of. After all he was happy with Luna now, so he might just accept it. Yet, Hermione felt like she had betrayed him. Not because she was with his ex-girlfriend, but because she had not been open about it from the start. They shared so many memories, so much hurt and so much joy. Not sharing what might be the most important development in her life so far made her feel miserable. Hopefully, Harry would not be too angry that he had to find out by himself.

Hermione walked to the fridge and took out a bottle of lemonade. The drink was rarely consumed in the wizarding world, but for Hermione it was an important addition to the selection of pumpkin juice, butter beer and fire whiskey that every wizarding household usually provided. When she was a child, her mother had given her a bottle of lemonade with a straw in it, whenever Hermione had felt sad or upset – even though she was a dentist. That had made it even more special. When she drank lemonade now, it reminded her of those times and of the comfort and love she had received from her mother, which worked as well as any cheering spell. Drinking lemonade reminded her of her past as an ordinary muggle-child, but much more importantly, it reminded her that she was human. No matter if muggle or wizard, they were all humans after all. There were things you could solve with technology or magic and there were things you have to solve for yourself. Like telling your best friend you are dating is hex-girlfriend. Or finding someone from a prediction.

Hermione opened the bottle and set down at the kitchen table. Except for a tea light on the table the room was completely dark. "Accio straw", Hermione whispered and flicked her wand. Nothing happened.

"Accio straw", Hermione repeated in annoyance. She snorted when she realized that she had forgotten to buy straws. Grumpily, she drank from the bottle, but even without straw, it made her feel better immediately. She leaned back into the chair and her thoughts trailed back to her dinner with Ginny a few days ago.

"Hermione?", Ginny mumbled into Hermione's hair.

"Mmh?", Hermione breathed against the crook of Ginny's neck. She could not remember a time she had felt that comfortable. Snuggled up in Ginny's lap, their arms around each other, her body and mind were completely relaxed.

"I think my leg fell asleep", Ginny replied.

"Okay", Hermione mumbled but just hugged Ginny tighter. It felt so nice and she was slowly getting sleepy.

"Hermione?", Ginny tried again.

"Mmh?"

"I can't feel my left leg anymore."

Finally, Hermione snapped back into reality. "Oh, sorry, I didn't realize, are you okay?", she uttered while she hurried to get up from Ginny's lap.

"It's okay, don't worry", Ginny replied and shook her leg a few times. "You like that position, don't you?", she asked playfully.

"Yeah", Hermione admitted sheepishly. "But if it's too uncomfortable for you-"

"No, I love this", Ginny cut her off. "I'll increase my leg-routine, so next time, my legs won't fall asleep." She winked as she massaged her leg.

The redhead finished her leg massage and got up from the chair. "I should go now", she said with a faint sadness in her voice.

Hermione's smile vanished. "Already?", she asked in disappointment.

"I want to stay longer, but I feel like I should tell mum about us before I stay the night and stuff", Ginny explained. "She's assuming I'm just meeting you as my friend. It makes me feel like I'm betraying her somehow." Ginny hung her head and sighed.

Hermione took a step towards Ginny and grabbed her hands. "It's okay", she said softly.

"I want to tell her", Ginny said shakily. She rose her head and looked at Hermione. When Hermione saw the tears in her girlfriend's eyes, her heart ached as if it was her own pain. "But I'm still so afraid", Ginny cried.

Hermione had no clue what to say so she just pulled the redhead towards and enclosed her in her arms. Soothingly, she stroked her head and kissed her hair. It had only been a few minutes since they had happily chatted at the table and now Ginny was crying her eyes out. It was strange how fast people's emotions could change.

"Don't worry Gin", Hermione tried to comfort her. She did not even realize that she was calling Ginny by her nickname for the first time.

"You don't have to tell her now. Take as much time as you need", she said quietly.

"But what if she'll hate me?", Ginny sobbed. Hermione felt Ginny's tears on her neck and probably some mucus, but she did not care.

"She won't hate you. It might be difficult at first, but she will accept it eventually. Your mum is a wise woman and more importantly she loves you. She would never let you down", Hermione said.

Hermione took a step back and cupped Ginny's wet cheeks. "Look at me", she whispered.

Hesitantly, Ginny looped up at Hermione, her eyes red and puffy.

"Your mum killed Bellatrix Lestrange to protect you, right?", Hermione asked.

Ginny nodded.

"That's how much she loves you, Ginny. Do you really think she would suddenly hate you just because you like women?"

Ginny remained still for a moment, but then she shook her head. "No", she whispered. A hesitant smile played around her lips while she regarded Hermione. "Thank you so much."

The redhead leaned forward and placed a kiss on Hermione's lips. "I'm sorry I freaked out", she said.

"It's okay", Hermione replied, happy that she had been able to console her girlfriend.

"Okay, I really should get going now", Ginny said and reached for her scarf.

When Hermione walked her to the door, Ginny suddenly stopped her steps. "You know, about the prediction…", Ginny spoke hesitantly.

"Which prediction? Oh you mean the one I received from Professor Trelawney?" Hermione huffed. "I decided to forget about it, so don't busy yourself with it anymore."

"You decided to forget about it?", Ginny asked in surprise.

"It was a mistake to believe in nonsense like that", Hermione scoffed. "It only made my life more complicated."

"But, what if the prediction is true? What if you'll really lose your way forever, like it said?" Ginny looked seriously shocked.

"It's just fraudulent bullshit!", Hermione snorted. "I looked all around and there is no special person or sign or whatsoever! And even if there was, I don't have time to travel all over Britain or even all over the world just because of some silly prediction some old hag told me!"

Ginny flinched at Hermione's sudden outburst, which made Hermione immediately regret her choice of words. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you", she said and laid her hand on Ginny's lower arm.

Ginny remained silent and just stared at Hermione's hand that was resting on her arm. After a few moments, she finally spoke up: "So you couldn't identify that person, yet?"

"I told you, there is no such person", Hermione replied. She did not know what Ginny was getting at.

"But what if you won't be able to change your life the way you want to?", Ginny tried again.

"Don't worry, I can do that", Hermione reassured. "Maybe not now, but sometime in the future." Hermione nodded to emphasize that she was positive. Actually, she was not positive at all, that is why she did not tell Ginny that she just wanted to keep working at the ministry for now. After all it was a secure and comfortable job.

Ginny bit her lip and fell silent again. "So there was no sign as well? Nothing like a sudden sensation or, I don't know, something…uhm…signy?", she asked.

"No", Hermione replied truthfully. She wished they could stop talking about the stupid prediction already. She should never have visited Trelawney.

"Okay", Ginny said.

"Okay?", Hermione asked.

"Okay." Ginny closed the buttons on her coat and opened the door.

"I'll owl you soon", Hermione said.

"That'd be nice", Ginny replied. Then they hugged, but it felt different than before. Distant, somehow, but Hermione could not explain it, so it had to be her imagination.

She watched Ginny waited until she could not hear Ginny's steps on the stairs anymore, then she closed the door.

Hermione took a sip of lemonade as her thoughts traveled from the past into the future. How should she tell Harry? What would he ask? Should she tell Ginny?

The sudden noise of something scratching at her window pulled her back into the present. She glanced at the clock. Almost midnight. She wondered who would write this late on a weeknight.

She hurried over to the window and recognized Pigwidgeon, Ron's tiny owl. Surprised, she opened the window and let him in. Pigwidgeon hooted happily and stretched out his leg where a small piece of parchment was attached.

Nervously, Hermione detached the letter. Had Ron too found out already? She sighed in relief when she recognized Ginny's handwriting.

Dear Hermione,

I forced Ron to lend me Pig, but as you know, he's rather weak, so if the letter arrives late, I apologize in advance. You should also get an owl, it must be tiring to use the ministry owlery all the time.

Anyways, I'm happy to tell you that I'll be free this Friday. Thank you for asking! This time, I'll take you out, so look forward to it!

Also, I thought about what you said about the prediction and I'm sorry I bothered you so much. You're probably right.

See you soon and lots of love

Ginny

Happily, Hermione reread the letter a few times and smiled whenever there was a heart drawn in between the lines. While reading she walked around her flat before she gave a few owl crackers to Pigwidgeon and let him rest in her kitchen.

After she sent him off, she washed and got ready for bed. She worried about meeting Harry the next day, but then she thought of Ginny and her fears were replaced by excitement. She wondered if she got to kiss Ginny on Friday.

With a smile on her face she drifted to sleep.

The next morning, she woke early and followed her usual routine. Taking a shower, drying her hair, making breakfast, eating it while skimming through a book, packing her lunchbox, leaving for work. It was the same every day.

Hermione looked forward to the light exercise her walk to work provided, but as soon as she stepped outside, a raindrop hit her right on the nose.

She considered fetching her umbrella, but soon it rained as if all of the world's water was being poured down over London. Hermione gave up on walking and just apparated instead.

Due to her skipping walking involuntarily, she arrived at the ministry earlier than usual. Instead of heading directly to the fourth floor, however, she slowly wandered the atrium and observed the steadily growing number of wizards and witches arriving for work.

Once more she noticed how distant and aloof everything and everyone at this place felt. People were rushing past her, most of them complaining about the weather. Flying notes were all over the ceiling. Visitors were lined up in front of the security desk. Everyone was occupied with their business. Nobody seemed to notice the young witch, who stood forlorn next to the giant statue of Harry Potter.

"Good morning, Miss Granger", a voice said and pulled Hermione out of her somber thoughts.

"You arrived early today", Sera stated. His face was expressionless as usual, but Hermione found it strangely comforting. It was weird and she could not understand it herself: she was supposed to be happy, so why did she need comfort? Thanks to Ginny, she was happy, but why did it feel as if she was still missing something?

She averted her gaze from Sera and forced a smile on her face. "I had to apparate instead of walking", she explained.

"I see", Sear just replied and nodded. He too, seemed not particularly in the mood for meaningless small talk. On their way to the elevator a young witch who crossed their path smiled at Sera and from her wand she let heart-shaped sparks erupt and made them fly in his direction. Obviously, she was one of the countless witches trying to go out with him. Yet, Sera only frowned, looking uncomfortable, which did not go unnoticed by Hermione.

"Sera, would you like to eat lunch with me today?", Hermione asked him innocuously.

If Sera was surprised he did not let it show. He regarded Hermione for a moment and nodded once.

"Great", Hermione replied, satisfied. Even though she liked to eat lunch by herself, there was some information waiting to be found out.

The hours until lunch went by without any extraordinary occurrence. At one o'clock, Sera and Hermione got up from their desks and walked to the cafeteria. Their colleagues stared at Hermione in awe, since they had not seen her leaving office for lunch in months.

Hermione and Sera sat down in a more secluded area of the cafeteria which was far enough from everyone they knew, so they could not be overheard by them. Hermione had no idea what Sera was thinking about her admittedly strange behavior; he was just looking at her expectantly. Or was it his usual expression? Suddenly, she felt not so sure anymore and her confidence dropped in an instant.

They took a look at the menu and tapped the desired option with their wands. Only seconds after they made their selection, the food appeared in front of them. Hermione had ordered vegetable casserole. With a frown Hermione noticed that it looked way better than the sandwiches she usually brought to work.

"So is there any particular reason you want to spend lunchtime with me?", Sera inquired. "Have you – perhaps – found a liking in me too?" He seriously looked concerned as he considered the thought.

Hermione shook her head. "No, not at all", she said firmly. "Not that you weren't likable", she added hastily, not wanting to offend him. But Sera did not seem to mind, he only continued to look at her with an unreadable expression.

"You're not like the other young witches", Sera stated.

"No", Hermione replied. Neither of them tried to explain what they meant by 'not like', but there was no need for that anyways.

"There is someone I'd like you to meet", Hermione said.

"Are you trying to set me up on a date?", Sera asked. "Did some witch asked you to that for her?" Hermione could sense that he was getting angry, even though he did not really show it.

"I wouldn't necessary call it a date", Hermione continued, clearly aware that she had to choose her words wisely. "It would be more like a non-committal first meeting."

"Whoever set you up to this, tell her that I am not interested", Sera said dryly. The anger was now clearly visible in his face, something Hermione had not even considered possible. Silently, they stared at each other for a few seconds; Sera glaring, Hermione just looking curiously at him.

"His name is Neville Longbottom", Hermione whispered.

In less than a second, the anger in Sera's eyes changed into surprise. Perplexedly, he opened his mouth, but mothing but a weak croak escaped his throat.

"You might have heard of him, he was the one who killed You-know-who's snake", Hermione continued, her eyes not leaving Sera's.

"How did you find out?", he finally whispered. Nervously, he ruffled through his painstakingly well-styled hair; an action that was really out of character for him.

"Let's say, I learned to read the signs", Hermione answered vaguely. "But don't worry, I'll keep it a secret."

"May I ask you something, Hermione?", he asked and used her first name for the first time since they started working with each other. He did not wait for a response and continued: "Do you happen to fancy witches?"

Hermione tensed and stared at him in shock. For a short moment, she considered denying it, but there was no reason not to tell him. They had something in common that she never thought they would. Of course, the fact that they were gay alone did not lay the foundation for a friendship, but it made her feel more connected to him.

"I do", Hermione replied shakily. This conversation was turning out as a perfect practice for her pending talk with Harry she reckoned.

Sera nodded as if the news did not surprise him at all.

"Did you know?", Hermione asked, frowning. Had she been that obvious?

"Not really, I just thought I'd try", Sera shrugged. Hermione shot him a deathly glare, but it was more playful than serious and they started laughing simultaneously.

"So, you want to meet him or not?", Hermione asked.

"Is he single?", Sera inquired.

Hermione nodded. She did not mention about his crush on Harry because she wanted their meeting to be as unbiased as possible. Besides, she had not even gotten Neville's approval yet. She honestly had no clue whether he would agree to meet Sera.

"Do you have a picture of him?"

"Yes, wait a moment", she said and started rummaging through the extendable bag. After carrying it for around five years, there was literally everything in there by now. A photo of Neville should not be too hard to find.

Shortly after, she triumphantly pulled out a slightly crinkled photo of Neville and handed it to Sera, who took it carefully. Although he did a pretty good job at hiding it, Hermione was sure that he really liked what he saw.

"He's handsome, isn't he?", she asked.

"Well, not too bad", Sera said. "When did you say, could I meet him?"

"I'll ask him", Hermione said and smiled.

Hermione and Sera finally started eating and Hermione noticed how comfortable things had suddenly gotten between them. Maybe it would not be such a bad idea to have lunch with him more often from now on. The food was clearly an incentive.

Soon they moved on to work-related topics. They talked about their latest occurrence which was about an elderly witch who claimed to have spotted a nest of wrackspurts in the apple tree situated in her backyard. She clearly had spent too much time reading the Quibbler.

"Luckily, I got some help from Miss Parkinson, so it did not take too long filing the report", Sera said.

"Pansy? Honestly, I cannot stand her", Hermione remarked. Sera regarded her inquiringly.

"I went to school with her and she was horrible", Hermione reasoned. "And did you notice how nicely Mrs. Woodstock treats her? Way better than she treats me? And anyways, what are they doing, shutting themselves up in her office all the time? Isn't that suspicious? And did you see her overtime work meter? She has more pearls than you!" Hermione was about to fall into an endless rant about the issue, when Sera intervened.

"Miss Granger, I advise you to refrain from such suspicions. I'm sure there is a reason for these things and I assure you that Mrs. Woodstock is an honorable person, who is not involved in any illicit activities." He placed his knife and fork on his plate and stood up. "We should go, lunchtime is almost over. I want to get a coffee before going back."

Hermione fell silent. She told him that she would go up to their office first and watched him leaving for the café corner. Was is just her imagination or did he avoid talking about the matter?

Then, however, the thought of meeting Harry after work claimed all the space in her mind and left her nervous for the remainder of the day.

Hermione's nervousness had increased at least tenfold when she set foot into the Leaky Cauldron which was bustling with people at this hour. She quickly glanced around and spotted Harry at a table close to the bar. He had not noticed her entering and was staring down at a bottle of beer.

Hermione's heart started beating rapidly as she walked over to where her friend was seated. The time to talk to him about Ginny had finally arrived.

Hermione stopped her steps and cleared her throat. Harry turned around and - to Hermione's relief - smiled at her.

"Hermione, good to see you", he said as he got up and pulled her into a hug. Hermione was afraid he might notice how fast her heart was beating now.

"Sit", Harry said. "What would you like to drink?"

"A glass of fire whiskey please", Hermione mumbled. She was well aware of the fact that alcohol was no solution for her problems, but it would make it easier for her to talk or so she hoped.

Harry nodded and ordered the drink for her.

An awkward silence followed as neither of them managed to come up with the right introduction to what they were going to talk about. Finally, Harry cleared his throat and asked: "Uhm, so is there anything you might want to tell me?" He looked at her expectantly, but Hermione could not hold his gaze for longer than a second.

She wanted to shake her head, get up and leave. Just running away. But she knew that she had to go through this. For Harry. And especially for Ginny. But how do you admit to your best friend that you are dating his ex-girlfriend who had broken his heart?

"Okay", Hermione said and stretched the vowels as long as possible to buy some more time. Luckily, the whiskey was served just at that moment. She grabbed the glass and downed the whole thing in one go. She grimaced when the drink stung in her throat and she felt more nauseated than before. So much for her hope that drinking would help.

Harry ordered another fire whiskey for her. His expression was somewhere between amused and concerned as he was still waiting for Hermione to continue.

Damn it, she was a Gryffindor after all! Hermione took a deep breath, placed both palms on the table and looked Harry straight in the eyes.

"I'm dating Ginny. We're in love", she said determinedly. She could hear the blood rushing in her ears and sweat erupted from her palms as she waited for Harry's reply.

He did not smile, but he did not look angry either. Maybe he was too shocked? But he had already assumed it, right? Could it be that he was disappointed? Was he feeling betrayed? Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes and her bottom lip started trembling.

"Oh Harry", she rasped. "I'm sorry, I-"

But then Harry took her hands in his and a slight smiled appeared on his face.

"Don't cry, Hermione", he said softly. "What is there to cry about?"

But Hermione was already sobbing uncontrollably. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't tell you earlier", she cried. "I know how much you loved her, you must feel so angry, but I-I didn't mean to betray you, I swear, it's just that I-I really like her and I can't control my feelings and-"

"Hermione, stop crying, please", Harry pleaded. He reached out and tugged a strand of hair behind Hermione's ear. The affectionate gesture caused Hermione's sobs to die down. She looked at him with puffy eyes.

"I'm sorry", she whispered weakly.

"I know", Harry replied. "But don't be. I'm not angry, really. Of course, I wish you would've told me earlier, but I think I understand why you didn't." He trailed off as he was thinking about something. "If I was dating Ron I wouldn't have told you right away as well…but ugh I'd never date him", he joked, which made Hermione smile.

"You know, after I died and came back I realized that life is just life, that things can change and they change for a reason", Harry said. "I loved Ginny, I really did and she broke my heart when she left me. But I moved on and I realized that we were probably not meant to be. I knew that Ginny would find someone else eventually, though honestly, even in my wildest dreams I never expected that someone to be you." He grinned and Hermione felt her cheeks growing hot.

"Me neither", she admitted.

"I'm happy for you, Hermione", Harry said and Hermione could hear the sincerity in his voice. "And I'm happy for Ginny. Who am I to disapprove of you two snogging each other? I'm seeing Luna now, so it's not my business who Ginny fancies anymore. I already accepted the fact she fancies girls, so if said girl is you, so what?" Harry laughed and stroke Hermione's hair tenderly.

A wave of gratefulness and relief rolled over Hermione. It was hard to belief that she was blessed with a friend like Harry. It was astounding how much he had grown up.

Hermine started relaxing a bit and downed her second shot.

"Now tell me the whole story", Harry said after he ordered dinner for them.

After Hermione had told Harry about everything that had happened between her and Ginny – not too detailed of course – they fell into a comfortable silence - until Harry mentioned Ron.

Hermione groaned. "We haven't told him yet."

"Well you've got to", Harry said, frowning.

"Easier said than done", Hermione said dryly. "You know how he's like." She sighed while she picked at her food.

"He won't be thrilled, but eventually, it'll be fine", Harry replied. "He'll just need time, you know how he is."

"But first, he's totally going to freak out", Hermione said. "I wish we could just skip this part somehow. I thought it he might be okay with it, since he is with Sophie now, but I cannot imagine him take the news without losing it, actually. No one would be happy about their ex-girlfriend dating their little sister." Hermione hung her head.

"Listen Hermione", Harry said. "Ron's dumb sometimes, but he's not stupid. He'll find out someday and trust me, it is better you tell him before he figures it out for himself. Don't wait too long."

Hermione nodded. Harry was right, they had to tell Ron. There was no way avoiding him getting angry, but the sooner he knew the sooner he would overcome his anger. At least that was what she hoped.

But this wasn't for her alone to decide. She had to ask Ginny, because telling Ron would mean to tell the rest of the Weasley-family as well. If Ron knew, the whole family would know, since he would go running to his mum right away.

Hermione sighed. She loved Ron, but sometimes, she wished he would be less impulsive.

"I have to go to training camp in Ireland on Saturday", Harry said. "And I'll be back in three weeks. Tell him until I'm back."

"I will", Hermione replied.