AN: Since not a lot happened in the previous chapter I'm posting this up to get things moving. Please don't forget to review! Suggestions and ideas are always welcome!

JK owns it.

Chapter 5

By Friday Ginny was feeling remarkably better. She attributed most of her high spirits to the unannounced visit she had received from Hermione earlier in the week. Despite the fact that she absolutely hated to be seen in a vulnerable state, the older witches presence was more comforting than she expected. Just having here there had put her at ease to such an extent that she had fallen asleep mid conversation, and thank gods she did! Encouraged by the drowsiness from the medication and the warmth she felt from Hermione next to her Ginny had a sudden need to reveal how much she really liked the brunette; how much she wanted to spend more time getting to know her- all of her. Form her favorite color, to her deepest fears. Never had Ginny felt such an all consuming desire to get to know someone. She felt an inexplicable pull to the girl. Sweet Merlin, thanks for letting me fall asleep before I made a fool out of myself AGAIN and completely terrified Hermione. While Hermione's visit could have been a bold move to spend time with her, the more rational part of her brain wrote it off as a kind gesture from a concerned friend.

In an effort to return the friendly favor she figured she would drop by Hermione's office and invite her to lunch - again. After getting lost a few times and looking a little more frazzled than she would like (blame the lift for that) she finally found her destination. Trying to seem as casual as possible and masking her increasing nervousness she approached the secretary with a smile.

"Hello, excuse me; do you know where I can find Hermione Granger?"

Ginny could practically see the wheels turning in the woman's head trying to remember where she recognized her from. Her eyes widened and she smiled in awe. Bingo.

"Oh sure! Please her office is down the hall to the right. Ms. Weasley, correct?"

"Yes, thank you very much um..."

"Alice" the woman finished.

"Thanks Alice" she smiled warmly at the witch as she made her way down the hall.

Ginny knocked softly on Hermione's partially opened door.

"Yes come in" Ginny made herself seen and was not surprised to find the brunette hidden by a stack of papers and books on her desk. She finished scribbling something down and then slowly turned her head up to face Ginny.

"Ginny! What are you doing here? How are you feeling?" Ginny smirked inwardly at Hermione's surprise. You're not the only one who can play this game Ms. Granger. She saw Hermione stand up and take a few quick steps towards her. She noticed the brunette hesitated briefly before engulfing her in a welcoming hug. Ginny automatically put her arms around the woman glad for the contact. She immediately felt that warmth spread throughout her body that only Hermione's closeness could bring. Focus Ginny, time to let go now. She extracted herself from Hermione's embrace and recovered before she met Hermione's eyes again. Good, stay in control Ginny.

"Oh I'm much better thank you. Good as new! Coach will have me playing tomorrow and everything. I told him I recovered so quickly because I was taken good care of. Thanks for dropping by the other day by the way, and for the soup, where did you get it? It could rival mums. Oh gods please never tell mum I said that" Breathe.

Hermione laughed at Ginny's look of horror "Don't worry I won't say a word. I actually grabbed it at this great muggle restaurant I like to go to. Perhaps I ought to take you some time." She gave Ginny a smile that was dangerously close to flirtatious.

"Yes that would be great! Actually that's why I came by I was wondering if -"

"Hermione are you ready for lunch?" A tall golden haired man confidently walked into Hermione's office. He was undeniably handsome, that much was certain. Who is this git? Is this someone more along her "type"? The man looked at Hermione and then back at Ginny.

"Blimey! You're Ginny Weasley!"

"The one and only" the redhead answered evenly trying with all her might to keep out the jealousy she felt building inside her. She forced a smile on her face to strengthen her resolve.

"Pleasure to meet you! I'm Owen. I'm sure you hear this often, but I'm a big fan. Truly amazing flying!"

"Thank you"

"I used to be keeper back in Hogwarts. Now it's all paperwork and meetings. Grown up things, you know? Not nearly as much fun." Ginny tried to ignore his offhanded insult and brushed it off quickly before it caused her to say something completely inappropriate in front of Hermione. He turned back to the brunette now "you ready then? "

"Actually Ginny and I were in the middle of -"

"Oh no Hermione. I was just leaving anyway. Please don't let me interrupt your plans" She turned her gaze quickly missing the disappointment Hermione failed to hide. Before the brunette could muster a response Ginny continued, "Owen it was nice to meet you. Thank you for your support as well. Speaking with you reminded me that I'm very lucky to be able to have a high paying job doing something I have fun doing unlike some other less fortunate adults."

Hermione couldn't help but smile proudly at Ginny's jab. Her smile was replaced by a frown when she realized Ginny had just walked out of her office without another word.

Blood sodding great! What just happened? She thought to herself in mild panic.

"Care to explain what just happened Ms. Granger?" Owen's eyebrows cocked in amusement; his eyes glimmered with curiosity. He eyed the brunette carefully and waited for some sort of reply but she was frozen in place her furrow still burrowed in confusion. Realizing he wasn't going to get any response, he pressed on.

"Since when are you friends with one of the most famous quidditch players in England?" Still Hermione gave no indication that she was listening.

"Hermione!"

"Oh goodness what?" she reeled on him exasperated. She was about to lose it and she knew it. She was so irritated by Ginny's little vanishing act and even more irritated at herself for being so affected by it. She disliked not having control over herself, and this girl knew just how to get under her skin. Just bloody perfect! That was plain rude- leaving just like that. What was her problem? Honestly. Despite her obvious anger, Hermione was also fighting down an equally aggressive and almost desperate need to go after the redhead. Taking a deep breath to regain control she looked up at the man still standing in front of her looking slightly terrified.

"Sorry Owen. Ginny is Ron's sister actually"

"THE Ron who- ?"

She chuckled bitterly "Yes the same Ron. I met her recently"

"She's bloody gorgeous! And she has a bite to her too. I love a woman who can stand up for herself"

"Yes, she's something alright" Hermione mused more to herself than anything.

"Right well, are we off to lunch then? You said you needed to talk to me about something?"

She sighed loudly, "Yes, yes I do"

-

"You what?"

"Merlin could you not make such a big deal about this? And please lower your voice people are staring" she glanced around the small pub and sure enough there were some people giving them pointed looks.

"Well I'm sorry but this most definitely a day to be remembered. Hermione Granger wants me, Owen Manfield, to take her to the next Harpies match?"

"Yes that's correct"

"Why not ask Harry or Ron instead?"

"It would be too complicated" she responded with a frustrated sigh

" I don't mean to be rude but every time I invite you anywhere after hours you are kind enough to remind me that you don't like to mix your personal relationships and your professional ones. So where is this sudden change of heart coming from? Wait a second!" his eyes widened in understanding "This wouldn't have to do with that delectable redhead that came wondering around your office just now would it?" he inquired grinning suggestively.

"No.. I mean, yes. Maybe. Oh goodness I don't know!" With watery eyes the witch covered her face with her hands and shook slightly.

"Hey, I'm so sorry. What's going on?" His hand reached for hers and he looked at her patiently.

She looked up at his comforting eyes and took a deep breath. Although Hermione and Owen weren't nearly as close as she was with Ron and Harry, once he grew tired of having his advances continuously rejected, he had somehow become a sort of big brother figure for her. Now they had a strangely comfortable relationship and while Hermione didn't usually like to open up about her feelings, she felt his detachment from the current situation a breath of fresh air.

"I'm not sure. I just- I want to get to know her better. And we spoke about quidditch already and so I figured I might as well learn about it more myself. Have something to talk about, you know?"

"Hermione you never run out of things to talk about be it related to quidditch or not"

"I know! But with her I just- I just don't know. Look, are you going to take me or not? I can find someone else if not" She said matter-of-factly.

"Hermione, of course I'll take you. Next match is tomorrow. I'll pick you up at your flat at 6?"

"Yes, thank you." She said glad that he didn't push the issue further.

"Are you sure about this? You are running the risk of becoming a normal quidditch obsessed person"

"Yes I'm well aware"

"Brilliant!" he smiled triumphantly at her and she couldn't stop herself from returning a smile.

-

Stupid. Bloody Stupid. What on earth was I thinking just showing up to her office, for what? Did I expect her to be available? To drop all her very important and adult work just to humor me? Gods how could I have been so blind. That's it Ginny! Whatever this is, or was, it's over. You've given this girl way too much power and that's just not something you do. As of today your interactions will be strictly platonic. No flirting, no lunches, no anything that would be perceived to be out of the ordinary. You are going to stop thinking about her and that perfect skin she has and you will focus your attentions to men. Available and interested men. Not heterosexual and completely out of your league women.

She turned her head to her desk and saw the book she had received earlier that day form her friend's mother in America. Shortly after her conversation with Hermione Ginny wrote to her friend and her mother describing some or the work Hermione was doing in the Ministry and the limitations she faced from the lack of relevant research materials. A day later she had received a book titled The Empowerment of House Elves in the 20th Century and some brochures with some of the advancements her organization had made over last few decades. Feeling something very close to remorse she stuffed the book in her drawer. I'll give it to her eventually. Her desk now cleared she found a note from Harry she hadn't had a chance to open before.

"Ginny,

I heard from Ron you are feeling better! Hope you didn't mind me intruding too much while you were sick. I'm not sure if you've heard but there is a Ministry Spring Gala coming up in a few weeks and I'd be honored if you would be my date. If you don't have any other plans that is. If you do then that's fine. Please don't worry about it. Oh, Ron will be attending as well as Hermione, just in case that sways your decision towards joining us.

Harry"

Pushing aside a feeling of dread she quickly grabbed a piece of parchment and replied

" Harry - I'd love to go.

Ginny"