Chapter 7

Hermione POV

Hermione awoke to Crookshanks quietly purring in her ear - she could hear his tail swishing against the headboard of her bed.

"Who needs an alarm when I have you, hm?" Hermione muttered with a faint smile as she pulled herself upright in bed and rubbed her tired eyes. Almost instantly, her grogginess was swept away by eager anticipation for the upcoming day. She was absolutely positive that this year, today would be far, far better than last year.

She changed into her robes and descended the stairs with her usual, purposeful walk. Despite her good mood, she nearly groaned out loud when she first caught sight of the common room. To her distaste, or perhaps even horror, it was bordered with paper cut-outs of hearts and cupids. Professor McGonagall must have come in and charmed the place, or perhaps some overly zealous student had taken the liberty of making the room a little more "festive".

"Good morning, Hermione."

The brunette tore her attention away from the eye sores disguised as decorations and turned to see Harry approaching.

"Morning, Harry," she said, feeling pleasant once more.

Hermione looked down, distracted by something in her peripheral vision, and saw that Harry was holding a small gift-wrapped box. She looked up at him questioningly, but impressed just the same.

"I know," he laughed embarrassed. "It's nothing major – just some earrings."

"You bought her jewellery?" Hermione asked in disbelief.

"Um...yes?" Harry answered, unsure. "Is that bad?"

"No," Hermione laughed. "Luna's very lucky to have you. I'm sure she'll love the gift. I'm very impressed - any girl would be lucky to receive such a generous gift."

"Mornin'," Ron called as he came down the stairs and joined the pair. Hermione smiled as she saw Ginny in tow, Ginny returning the gesture.

"Now, question is, did you have the same foresight as Harry?" Hermione asked with an eyebrow arched as she eyed Ron.

"What?" He asked, looking between his two friends.

Hermione reached down and grabbed Harry's wrist to bring the gift up to eye level.

"Oh!" He exclaimed in realization. "Actually, Hermione," he looked at her pointedly, "you'll be very impressed to learn that I did in fact buy Katie a gift and I'm taking her out this Saturday for dinner, too."

"Oh my, soon I'll be reading that the earth doesn't actually revolve around the sun," Hermione teased.

Ron rolled his eyes before turning them on Hermione in a doubtful stare. "And what tricks do you have up your sleeve?"

Giving him a quiet grin she replied, "I can't very well tell you. It's a secret and I'd like it to remain a secret." Her eyes flicked towards Ginny, who still stood behind her brother.

"Right, right," Ron muttered. "And you?" He turned to face the younger Weasley. "Did you remember what day it was?"

"Obviously," Ginny snorted as she crossed her arms. "I was the one who reminded you to do something for Katie."

"Oh, right," Ron mumbled as he averted his gaze, his face slowly matching the shade of his hair. "Well, we better grab some breakfast," he announced, as he puffed out his chest in an attempt to dismiss his recent embarrassment.

"Git," Ginny chuckled as she gave him a playful shove forward. She took a few steps and came to stand in front of Hermione, a lopsided grin on her face. "Morning, Love."

"Good morning, Gin," Hermione said in a quiet voice that sounded a lot more excited than she had intended.

"Happy Valentine's Day," Ginny said softly as she leaned in to kiss the brunette on the cheek before grasping her hand and pulling her towards the portrait hole. "I was thinking we could have breakfast on our own today," she announced, and Hermione found herself being ushered in the opposite direction they would have normally gone to get to the Great Hall. Her anticipation grew.

"My, Miss Weasley, what do you have planned?"

"Don't make me hopeful, Hermione," Ginny snickered as she briefly tickled Hermione's sides. The older girl squealed as she felt Ginny's nimble fingers crawling along her sides, and nearly missed them as they pulled away. She leaned over as they walked and kissed Ginny's cheek in a fleeting exchange. She smiled quietly as the redhead shot her a warm, but cursory glance.

"So, any further word from the Ministry?" Ginny asked as they walked down the stairs.

Hermione sighed as she recalled the entire situation.

"No. I'm assuming I passed the first interview. I mean, Mr. Noirent told me I did exceptionally and he told me, unofficially, that I would be moving on to the second interview. But, other than that, I haven't heard any news."

"Well, I'm sure coordinating Ms. Blake's and Mr. Scrimgeour's schedules is not an easy task, so don't be too worried. They'll get back to you soon," Ginny promised.

Hermione sighed once more and put her hand in Ginny's once more. "I suppose. But for now all I can really do is wait. Never-mind though, let's just enjoy the day."

"Sounds like a plan," Ginny smiled as she came to a stop, giving Hermione's hand a tug and pulling her back. Hermione was about to open her mouth in question, when the walls starting shifting and grinding. She looked over to see a large set of double doors appearing. Flashing a knowing smirk towards Ginny, she stated the obvious.

"Room of Requirement."

Ginny didn't respond. She just raised her eyebrows and gave Hermione a smug look before leading her inside. As they entered the room, Hermione's smirk grew into a broad smile as she saw the simple, yet elegant set up that lay within. What made her smile the most though was the sound of classical music that filtered across the room. The redhead must have spotted the expression on Hermione's face as the music gently rose and fell, because she began to explain.

"You mentioned that you like classical...I found what I could from the muggle section in the library about it and, well, here we are," she shrugged as she casually looked around the room. "It's really pretty you know - this music. I can see why you like it."

"You really like it?" Hermione asked, suddenly nervous and hopeful and she wasn't really sure why.

"Yeah," Ginny nodded and offered the brunette a gentle smile before wandering off towards the table situated in the middle of the room. "It's dynamic - moving."

"I'm glad you like it," Hermione smiled. "And this is one of my favourite pieces," she announced happily. "How did you know?"

Ginny eyes flitted about the room momentarily. "Um, I...," she frowned in concentration and Hermione found herself mimicking the girl's expression. "Actually," Ginny said with a shrug, "I had no idea. I just guessed when I picked the songs. I guess I picked well," she declared lightly as she pulled out a chair. "Please, have a seat."

"Perhaps just a lucky guess. We'll see how the rest of your choices hold up," Hermione teased as she went along with Ginny's offer and sat down.

The girls had a quiet breakfast together. Hermione found herself telling Ginny rather excitedly about the operas and symphonies that she'd gone to see with her parents over the years. Though Ginny didn't entirely understand, she seemed interested nevertheless. Reluctantly, both girls eventually headed to class. Yes, Hermione had to admit that even she could've done without class this morning.

As Hermione sat in her Ancient Runes class, Mandy sitting as far away as possible - as usual and not surprisingly - Hermione was interrupted from her note taking as something suddenly popped into existence in front of her face. She gasped and quickly smacked it down onto her desk before rapidly peering around her to see whether anyone else had noticed, but amazingly no one had.

With a stern frown, Hermione looked down to see a small parchment airplane sitting on her desk. With a silent sigh of impatience, she shoved it to the side of her desk. She began to listen intently to the professor once more and tried to catch up on what she'd missed, but she found herself glancing back at the piece of parchment. Haughtily, she swiftly set down her quill to snatch up the parchment and began to unfold it.

A smile crept onto her face, which she tried very hard to repress. She managed to keep it down to a satisfied smirk, but let out a silent chuckle. Taking one last look at the parchment that read "Happy Valentine's Day!" coupled with a drawing of a heart with the words "Ginny loves Hermione" along with a, "PS - Sorry to interrupt" inside, the brunette folded up the parchment into a square. Letting her fingers trail along the paper tenderly, a broader smile tugging at her lips again, she put the note away in her bag.

Yes, this year was far better than last.

Ginny POV

Ginny sighed contently as she leaned against the wall in the empty Astronomy Tower that evening after dinner. She smiled fondly as she recalled Hermione looking upon the gaudy decorations in the Great Hall in strong distaste.

"Must they do this every year? Honestly, it's completely unnecessary," she had proclaimed in disapproval as she marched them to their seats. The whole scenario making Ginny somehow find the girl even more appealing than usual.

Dinner had been a lot quieter than usual in the Great Hall, as couples were seated together, some talking intimately, some cuddling, others same as every other day. Odd how one day, deemed as 'romantic', could have such a hold over people and their behaviour. Still, despite this observation, Ginny was just as much a victim to its pull as the next person. She wanted today to be special for Hermione.

Ginny sighed again, this time a bit disappointed, as she examined the wrapped gift she held in her hand. The gift was underwhelming, Ginny had to admit. She really wanted to get Hermione more, but frankly, she just didn't have the money. Someday hopefully, but unfortunately, not right now. And after overhearing Hermione compliment Harry on his choice of gift for Luna, Ginny had to admit she had some reservations on how well this gift may be received. She rolled her eyes at herself - she knew Hermione would appreciate it, but still, Ginny felt she should've been able to provide Hermione with more.

"Hi."

Ginny's eyes snapped up as she heard a chipper voice coming from the stairwell. A smile crossed her face as she saw Hermione walking towards her, the brunette's hands hidden behind her back and a mischievous smirk on her face.

"Oh, so you decided to show up, did you?" Ginny teased lightly as she walked towards her girlfriend. She chuckled at the blatantly offended look the older girl shot her. "I'm just kidding," Ginny said. Hermione glowered at her, unimpressed.

"I'm not late," she argued.

"I know, I'm just early for a change," Ginny smirked. Hermione avoided Ginny's teasing gaze and the redhead leaned in to lay a lingering kiss on the older witch's turned cheek. Ginny pulled back, proud of her efforts as Hermione turned back to give a small smile.

"Here," Hermione said, still smiling, as she pulled her hands out from behind her back to hold out a wrapped package to Ginny. The redhead had to laugh as Hermione went up onto her tip-toes in excitement as she eagerly held the gift out.

"Thank you," Ginny smiled. "Do you want yours now?"

Hermione shook her head. "Not yet. You first."

Nodding, Ginny put the gift for Hermione aside and took the one being offered to her. She glanced up momentarily before ripping apart the paper and revealing the gift inside. She couldn't hold back the gasp that escaped as her mind quickly deduced just what she held in her hands.

"A Quidditch Planner?" Ginny asked in disbelief as she looked back to Hermione, wide eyed, mouth hanging open. Hermione nodded enthusiastically, her eyes bright and a broad grin on her face.

"I know you're not captain yet," Hermione said pointedly with a wink, "but when you are, I believe you'll find that this will be rather useful."

Ginny felt overwhelmed as she stared at the item in her hands. Quidditch Planners were very rare, very expensive and highly coveted. Her and her brothers had always talked about them, each dreaming of owning one, but of course it was far out of their reach. Even with her brothers being as successful as they were now, buying a Quidditch Planner, if impractical at this point considering they'd all dropped quidditch, would still be a huge purchase. Only the most prominent quidditch players owned them.

"Hermione must've spent an absolute fortune on this," Ginny thought in wonder. This made the dress that Hermione bought last year look nearly insignificant when it came to cost.

Ginny's eyes wandered to the gift she brought for Hermione. She felt her breath leave her and her stomach tied in knots. If the gift felt underwhelming before, it felt absolutely pathetic now. Her mind tried to argue that it was sentimental value that mattered, but she couldn't help but berate herself. Hermione's gift was sentimental as well as very useful. Practical as ever, that Hermione.

Hermione's look of excitement faltered as she exhaled nervously, her eyes flitting away momentarily. "You don't like it?" She asked in worry.

"This is too much, Mione," Ginny said as she tried to push the gift back into Hermione's hand. The brunette let out a laugh shadowed in uncertainty as she pushed the gift back towards Ginny.

"Don't be silly," Hermione insisted. "I'm more than happy to give it to you," she smiled reassuringly.

"It's too much - really," Ginny insisted in a quiet voice as she studied the planner a few seconds longer before holding it back out to Hermione, determinedly.

"What?" Hermione asked as she shook her head in confusion, all the while refusing to take the planner. "What's wrong, Gin?" She asked. "Well, if you don't like it, just tell me. I'll get you something else, then," she offered in a light voice as she gave her girlfriend a gentle smile that Ginny could tell was masking impending hurt.

The redhead huffed and hunched her shoulders momentarily while averting her frown elsewhere. "I like it," she sighed, "It's great. I just - doesn't matter. Thank you," she said as she tucked the planner under her arm. She picked up Hermione's gift and grit her teeth at the feeling that came over her. She pushed past it best she could and held the gift out to Hermione. "Here. Happy Valentine's Day," she wished rather glumly.

Hermione gave her a frown, but quickly offered a smile as she took the gift. She turned it over in her hands for a moment, and Ginny's feeling of embarrassment and shame grew.

The brunette began to reach for an exposed flap of the wrapping when Ginny spoke rather urgently; a pre-emptive desire to defend herself taking over at least somewhat.

"Your fourth year, fifth, sixth," Ginny counted off on her hand before announcing, "for 3 years now, I've wanted to spoil you on Valentine's Day and this is my first chance to. I don't have a lot of money..." Suddenly, Ginny felt much more content to study the ground. She really didn't want to see the look of false excitement or the smile of consolation on Hermione's face when she saw her lacklustre gift.

"Listen to me, Ginny," Hermione said, as she reached out to rest a hand on the redhead's chest while seeking eye contact. The contact made Ginny's heart beat faster and warmth seemed to radiate from the spot. Once she finally looked up, Hermione spoke gently, but insistently. "It has nothing to do with money. You should know that," she declared. She waited for a nod, even if subtle, from her girlfriend before continuing. "The fact that it's from you is more than enough. And all the things you've done for me today, or any day for that matter," she said as a smile grew across her face, "that means more to me than any material gift. I just want you."

Ginny exhaled brusquely and momentarily rolled her eyes, refusing to bring them back to brunette. She was amazed that Hermione didn't snap at her or call her out on the action, rather, the girl continued to watch Ginny with caring eyes. Though her reaction should've made Ginny feel better, it actually made her feel worse. She really appreciated Hermione's words and she did believe her, truly, but it didn't change the fact that Ginny suddenly didn't feel good enough. That git, Percy's, argument from Christmas didn't really help either.

Having a job, even if it was just at her brothers' shop, certainly helped Ginny feel a bit better off, but it didn't change the fact that she was probably still the poorest girl, person,at Hogwarts - well, perhaps other than Ron. Hermione came from a good home, good money, and was used to nice things. The brunette never flaunted it, but Ginny knew that Hermione lived quite comfortably and had no financial worries. Ginny wished that she could whisk Hermione away on a trip somewhere exotic or surprise her with a gift that she'd wanted, but couldn't get for herself, but that just wasn't possible. The young Weasley knew very well that Hermione loved her, especially cemented by their talks at the Burrow over the holidays, but at times like this Ginny wanted more for Hermione.

"I know you don't believe me-" Hermione started.

"I believe you," Ginny interjected with resigned acceptance. "I just - I wish I could do more for you."

"Gin-"

"I bet some Ministry woman could take you to Italy - wine and dine you," Ginny said, only just now reconnecting her gaze with the brunette's. "Buy you nice jewellery or take you to an exclusive event."

"I don't need any of those things," Hermione insisted, her voice growing stronger. Some vulnerable part of Ginny was quick to interpret it as pity or consolation, of which she wanted neither.

"Right. You have your own money," Ginny stated evenly as she stared at Hermione defiantly.

"Gin." Hermione's tone was somewhere between warning and pleading.

"It's shoddy and cheap," Ginny announced in a flat voice as she gestured to the gift Hermione held in her hands. Not wanting to look at the brunette, Ginny settled with staring darkly outside. "You can just toss it under your bed or something."

"Gin, stop it right now," Hermione cried as she pointed a finger at the redhead. Ginny's gaze snapped back to see the older girl's eyes were shimmering with unshed tears and there was a level of anger and hurt behind them that Ginny hadn't seen in quite some time.

Hermione visibly swallowed and closed her eyes for a couple of seconds before opening them again. Her finger remained pointed at Ginny and she moved it in emphasis as she spoke. "You don't have any idea how horrible I felt last year. You don't know how much it hurt to see you choose Demelza over me - to see you two together every day while I sat on my own thinking about you, crying about you-" Ginny tried to interrupt, but Hermione shot her a look that made her back down. "-don't interrupt me! I know you feel bad, Gin, I do - about this," she said a bit quieter as she held up the still-wrapped gift, "And I know that last year was probably mostly my fault, but it doesn't change the fact that I did hurt every single day for months." She took a moment to catch her breath.

"My point is, you obviously don't know how terrible it was for me or else you'd know how much spending a day with you, any day, not just today, means to me. You would know how incredible it feels to wake up every day knowing that you love me and want to be with me. Knowing that the smile you flash across the table in the morning is for me, and no one else. So clearly, you don't understand or else you'd know that getting a gift from you at all means worlds to me."

Ginny was rendered speechless, even though the opportunity to interrupt had finally presented itself, she just didn't know what to say. Hermione cleared her throat and began to speak, her voice shakier than before.

"So, please, don't say things like that. They undermine our relationship and they imply things that don't even reflect a fraction of how I truly feel. It has absolutely nothing to do with money."

She took another breath and looked towards the Quidditch Planner that was still tucked under Ginny's arm. "I didn't buy you that to make you feel bad. I bought it for you because I know how passionate you are about quidditch and I know you want to pursue it professionally. I wanted to contribute to your dream in some way. I got it for you because I believed it would be thoughtful and practical, not because of the cost."

"I'm so sorry, Mione," Ginny said quietly as she took a tentative step towards the brunette who still had a finger pointed in the younger girl's face - though with much less conviction now. "I didn't mean what I said," she confessed with shame in her voice. "I'm sorry. I lashed out at you because I felt...," she glanced around nervously, "embarrassed...ashamed...I don't know," she sighed. "I just think you deserve better from me."

Hermione looked like she was about to erupt in emotion again, but Ginny gently, yet firmly, placed her hands on the girl's arms, ignoring how Hermione tensed up under the contact.

"Hear me out," Ginny begged. "I just - I love you so much. I would give you absolutely everything in this whole world if I could. I know you don't need those things though...I know. I just wish I was in a position to give them to you anyway. I want the best for you," she proclaimed. "I don't know, I heard you this morning talking with Harry about how lucky Luna was getting jewellery and my gift to you certainly isn't jewellery."

Ginny saw that Hermione about to interrupt, but didn't let her.

"I know, I know, I get it now. You don't want jewellery, but still, I just felt bad," she sighed. "And I'm sorry about last year, I really am. What you said about how you feel about us now was really sweet. It makes me really happy to hear that...and really, that's what's important to me. I just wish I could spoil you on top of that."

"You do," Hermione insisted. She stared imploringly at Ginny and went on. "The book you gave me over summer, that was so incredible. It shows just how thoughtful, caring and brilliant you are. And the fact that you gave it to me despite the...situation...that we were in, it means that much more. The Quidditch Planner doesn't compare to the book."

Ginny gave Hermione a look. "The Quidditch Planner is brilliant and very generous. It's great, truly. Thank you."

"That wasn't my point," Hermione asserted, looking very stern.

"I know. I'm sorry," Ginny sighed. She gave a few reluctant nods of her head and eventually leaned her forehead against Hermione's, who by now had brought her hands up to rest around Ginny's waist.

"Did I ruin Valentine's Day?" Ginny grumbled.

Hermione giggled softly and tilted her head up to meet Ginny's lips in a kiss.

"No, you didn't. This is still the best Valentine's Day I ever had," she smiled. "You know, last year I think I actually finally had a moment of understanding regarding Snape. I think every day must feel like Valentine's Day to him," she said with a teasing gleam in her eye.

Ginny rolled her eyes and gave a sad smile. "I'm sorry..."

"I'm just teasing, Gin," the brunette stated as she brought her hand up to Ginny's chin. "And I brought up last year to make a point - not to make you feel bad."

"Fine, I understand," Ginny accepted in exaggerated gloom. A moment later she mustered up her best, winning smile. "Next year's Valentine's Day will be even better - I promise."

Hermione kissed her once more and pulled back, biting her lip in anticipation as her eyes lit up. "Can I open your gift now?"

"Wait – one more thing. You said you want to contribute to my dream...I just need to know, do you think it's juvenile that I want to play quidditch? Do you think we'll actually grow apart? You're about to start great things, Mione..."

Hermione looked perplexed for a moment before replying, "What? What's gotten into you? Since when do you worry about those things?"

Ginny sighed in exasperation, more-so at the feeling of stupidity that was brewing inside of her. The whole thing was silly. "I don't know," she mumbled with a shrug. "Percy said some ridiculous stuff that kind of made sense at the same time."

"What? When?" Hermione replied with an intensity that forced the redhead to bite back a laugh.

"Christmas-"

"Gin! You've been worrying about this for over a month? You-"

"I know, I know," Ginny chanted with a few submissive nods. "I don't worry about it much. Just you know – sometimes."

"Ginny. Well, what did he say?"

"That you'll essentially outgrow me. He had a point though. You're about to change the world, all I want to do is play a sport."

"Honestly," the brunette scoffed as she folded her arms against her chest. "I can't believe you'd listen to his rubbish. Yes, you and I have different dreams, but I fell in love with you knowing and appreciating that. And neither dream makes one of us better than the other. I don't need or want you to be the same as me."

"But you were worried about what would happen to us after Hogwarts, too," the younger girl said in a bit of a sullen voice.

"For different reasons," Hermione argued. "God, Ginny. Everyone loves you. You have a bright future – lots of adventure and excitement in store. I'm going to be at a desk for the next 30 plus years. I've been worried about you getting bored of me. I have no doubts on how I feel about you."

"I don't think you're boring - at all," Ginny proclaimed. "I rather like you, actually," she continued flippantly. She smiled as she spotted the brunette rolling her eyes, but fighting back a smirk.

"No more nonsense, okay?" Hermione said with a meaningful stare. "Can I finally open my gift now?"

Ginny indulged the brunette in a small smile and nodded her response. She chuckled gently as Hermione 's smile brightened and immediately went to open the gift. The redhead watched in nervous anticipation as the contents of the package was rapidly revealed. Hermione gently placed the still-intact wrapping paper neatly on the ground as she looked at the cover of her gift. Before opening it further, she looked up to Ginny, still smiling.

A silent, yet relieved, sigh escaped Ginny's mouth as Hermione gasped when she looked at the first page.

"Gin," she breathed as she slowly flipped the pages of the album, her eyes intently scanning the contents of each page. "Oh, it's wonderful!"

From where Ginny was standing, she could see the various pictures that she had pulled together of her and Hermione through the years, along with the accompanying blurbs that she had wrote about each photo. Her throat tightened as Hermione closed the album in a hurry and threw her arms around Ginny, the hug nearly bowling them over. Ginny laughed and kissed Hermione's neck out of instinct.

When Hermione pulled back, she had tears in her eyes and Ginny repressed a small laugh.

"See," Hermione exclaimed in exasperation. "I would take this over all the gold in Gringotts - 1,000 times over!"

"I don't know," Ginny teased. "I think I'd rather have the gold." She laughed as Hermione delivered a swift punch in the arm. "Ow, okay, okay. I'm just kidding. I'm glad you like it," the younger girl smiled.

Hermione smiled warmly at Ginny, her dark eyes still watery. "It's incredible, Ginny. Thank you." Ginny smiled broadly as she was pulled into another hug. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Ginny reciprocated.

Hermione opened up the album once more and panned through it, smiling all the while. Ginny had to let out an amused laugh.

When the brunette looked up, she closed the album and gave Ginny a very unimpressed look. When she spoke, she spoke in a lofty voice, an eyebrow raised in something resembling arrogance. "You know, I don't typically care at all about Valentine's Day. It's a rather commercial, manufactured holiday," she declared. "However," she dropped her haughty facade and smiled a bit devilishly at Ginny, "now that you're involved, I think I quite like it."

Ginny suppressed her grin enough to plant a heated kiss on Hermione's lips. "That's good enough for me."

AN: I swear to God I didn't plan for this to be published on Valentine's Day (or close to), the timing just happened to work out perfectly. Okay, so much dreadful fluff - try not to hate me. It felt like a good idea at the time lol. I'll post the next chapter a bit sooner. Thank you again to everyone for sticking around and thank you to newcomers for giving this story a chance :)