Just a warning, tiny bit of "mature" stuff. Nothing too steamy (yet ;-P ). Enjoy!


-Chapter 5: You and I-

When they got into Ginny's room Hermione closed the door and made sure it was locked.

"Before you are disappointed I just want you to know I meant what I said about taking things slow. No sex right now," Ginny said sternly.

"I understand, Gin."

"With anyone."

"What?!" Hermione nearly choked. "I've barely even...You know I'm still a...Why would you say that? Do you think I'm going to all of a sudden just start sleeping around?"

"No, 'Mione! That's not what I meant!"

"Has someone told you something? Whatever it is it's a lie..."

"No! Please just listen! I just meant...no anything with anyone else. I…I want you to be…I'd like to...maybe make this work, you and I? You know?"

"Oh. Okay...I-I'm sorry...I just...people were saying things after the Yule Ball fourth year," Hermione said.

"Yeah, I know."

"None of it was true...I've told you everything that happened with Viktor. And...well obviously what little that did happen meant nothing...I was just trying...trying to be normal. People expected...you know?"

"I know you told me everything, I trust you."

"This won't be easy, Gin," Hermione said in a tone just above a whisper.

"Nothing is going to be easy anymore, not for a while." Ginny stepped forward and took Hermione's hands into her own. Both girls looked at their hands, their fingers moved together. Hermione's fingertips explored Ginny's palms, callused from gripping splintered broom handles. Ginny smiled as her thumb ran over the writer's callus on Hermione's right middle finger, no doubt brought on by the hours of homework the brilliant witch threw herself into.

"We won't be able to talk about it at school. No holding hands, no glances, nothing," Hermione said softly.

"There's always the Room of Requirement. Fred and George will tell me where the hidden passageways are, I'm sure. Either that or we can steal that map of Harry's."

"Maybe. We'll see."

"I don't understand, Hermione," Ginny said, pulling her hands away and stepping back from Hermione who continued looking at the floor. "I don't get it, what do you want from me? You pull me up here looking for us to mess around a little but you try to talk me out of commitment..."

"Ginny, I told you! I told you that I wouldn't be able to handle it if I lost you!"

"I'm not going anywhere! I've felt this way about you for long enough that I know it's not going away anytime soon!" Ginny half-yelled, frustrated.

"You know that's not what I mean!"

"I have no intention of dying."

"Neither did Sirius!"

"Why are you so damn stubborn?" Ginny started pacing the floor, growling.

"Because I care about you!"

"I care about you, too! That's usually the reason people start a relationship, you know? Tell me what you want, Hermione. For the love of Merlin just tell me what you want from me!"

Hermione stepped in front of Ginny and stopped her from pacing. "I want you," she murmured and gently let her lips brush across Ginny's.

"We can do this. I know we can..." Ginny pressed her lips against Hermione's forehead.

Hermione nodded and Ginny pulled her in close. Hermione rested her head on Ginny's shoulder and the two stood in their embrace, Ginny ran her fingers through Hermione's thick hair and the brunette sighed.

"So do we consider this our first fight as a couple?" Ginny asked with a bit of a laugh.

"Why?"

"From what I've heard the aftermath of a fight is usually pretty fun..."

"Only you, Ginevra, only you."

Ginny put one hand on Hermione's neck and pulled her in for a kiss. As they kissed Ginny walked backwards and led Hermione to the bed. They broke the kiss and Ginny lay down on the bed, Hermione climbed in on top of her. Hermione intertwined her legs with Ginny's and let her full weight fall on top of her.

"Just tell me when to stop, okay?"

Ginny nodded and Hermione planted her lips back on Ginny's. They kissed, tongues colliding and dancing together. Hermione shifted her weight a little and kissed down Ginny's neck to her collarbone. She started to slide one hand up Ginny's shirt and Ginny nodded in approval. Hermione continued kissing her neck and her hand ran up Ginny's smooth, flat stomach to the bottom of her bra. She continued sliding her hand up over her bra onto Ginny's firm breast. Ginny let out a moan as Hermione massaged her over the material separating flesh from flesh.

"Mmmm Hermione…yes," is all she could get out when Hermione slipped her other hand up Ginny's shirt, shifted her weight again and massaged both breasts in sync. Ginny wanted her to go further but she was determined to stick to what she'd said earlier so when Hermione moved to unclasp Ginny's bra she shook her head.

"Far enough for now, 'Mione. I'm sorry," Ginny said breathlessly.

Hermione was content though, she pulled her hands out from Ginny's shirt and they kissed again. Ginny flipped Hermione over and onto her back.

"My turn to get a handful of your gorgeous body." Ginny winked and started kissing Hermione's neck. She slid a hand over Hermione's t-shirt up her stomach. She paused before she slid her hand over Hermione's breast.

"Please…" begged the desperate brunette, "I really want you to."

Ginny obliged and moved her hand back down to get under Hermione's snug t-shirt. Her fingertips explored the soft skin of Hermione's toned stomach and up to her bra. She gently ran her fingers over one of Hermione's breasts. She spread her hand over it and massaged, just as Hermione had done to her. A soft moan escaped Hermione's lips.

"Yes…Ginny…" Hermione gasped.

Ginny held herself up and slid her other hand up Hermione's shirt and caressed both of her luscious breasts. She stopped herself before she let it go any further. She leaned in and kissed Hermione again then moved over next to her. Ginny put her head on Hermione's chest and her arm across the older witch's stomach.

They both drifted in and out of sleep until Fred knocked on the door and told the girls it was time for dinner.