A/N: Sorry it's taken me so long to update, I've had half-yearly exams. Now just don't mention the HSC! (That's New South Welsh final high school exams, for all you foreigners) Thankyou all for your lovely comments, we'll just have to see how it turns out. Any advice is welcome!
Chapter 2
Hermione was working late in the library. She had spent hours on this History of Magic essay, but didn't seem to be getting anywhere. Half a dozen reference books were strewn over the table, with scraps of paper marking her many pages.
"The goblins resented their oppression, as they were never truly acknowledged…" Hermione murmured to herself, but lost her train of thought.
"Oh, Merlin, I'm never gonna get this done." She ran her fingers through her long, brown hair, which was now somewhat more subdued than it had been in her junior years. Hermione sighed, shook her head, and tried again.
"The goblins sought a formal recognition and apology for the wrongs- wrongs? Is that the right word? I don't know anymore…"
It had been a long time since Hermione had had trouble writing; the last time was when Buckbeak had gone to trial. That was ages ago, Hermione thought, third year. I barely new Ginny then. Ginny…
She drifted, lost in thoughts of that vivacious redhead, and didn't notice a slim figure enter the library. Hermione was sitting in a pool of light, alone in the vast library, so the solitary young girl noticed her immediately. Her gentle footsteps barely made a sound in the thick carpet, as she walked slowly towards Hermione.
Ginny truly admired Hermione, as a role model, mentor, and friend. She took her time approaching the concentrating girl, watching the frustrated emotions pass over her mind, and the restless hand tap her quill on the table. Hermione brushed her hair from her face, revealing the eyes that Ginny so longed for. Her mouth turned up at the corners as she admired the rest of her form. Hermione had turned out alright, Ginny thought. Six years at Hogwarts had treated her well. Her teeth were perfect, her skin flawless, hair shiny and smooth, and her body was a natural gift. No magic could create something so elegant, well-proportioned, balanced.
Ginny stood behind Hermione, and placed her hands on her shoulders.
"Ginny…" Hermione breathed, still out to the world, eyes closed.
The younger girl admired Hermione's slender neck and beautiful shoulders, drawing patterns with her fingers over her shirt.
"I'm here." Ginny said, simply.
Hermione jumped out of her daze, suddenly conscious of what she had said, and who she was with. She turned, and met Ginny's gentle stare fixed on her face. Hermione felt the sparks, Ginny sensed the raw sexual tension, but neither was brave.
"I knew I could find you here. You're always so predictable." Ginny was stirring Hermione on purpose, and she smiled as the other girl reacted.
"I'll give you predictable." Hermione threatened, then kissed her, ever so lightly, on the lips.
Ginny was in shock. She had often dreamed of this moment, but now it was here, she didn't know how to react. So she followed her instinct, and, after a momentary pause, kissed her back. Her kiss was deeper, stronger, and caused Hermione to pull her further in, standing now, and press their bodies together.
It was at this moment that Madam Pince chose to close the library for the night, storming into the room with a lantern. She stopped dead when she saw the two senior students embracing by the only light remaining in the crowded library.
"Singulus discipulus" Madam Pince roared, well experienced in handling teenage students. Ginny and Hermione were forcibly separated, and lay several metres apart, shocked to see Madam Pince approaching. They stood, slowly, and hid their faces in embarrassment.
"Detention, here, tomorrow night, 8 o'clock sharp" she thundered, her face red with fury.
The two young felons nodded silently, both dreading the following night.
"Miss Weasley, if you will make your way to your dormitory please."
Ginny nodded glumly, and turned, flashing a pleading glance at Hermione, who went to follow.
"Miss Granger! I expected so much better of you, gallivanting about at such a late hour." Madam Pince was furious, but her disappointment was evident.
"I shall have to revoke your library privileges for the rest of the month. No more late nights in my library. And no borrowing of books."
She shook her head and glared into Hermione's pleading eyes.
"Now, off you go. Straight to your room, no distractions."