Chapter 8

Ginny POV

Ginny yawned as she flipped a page of her History textbook, blinking hard in an attempt to refocus her eyes on the writing before her. She took a moment to check her watch and a small sigh escaped her. She'd have to go to practice soon, whether Hermione had returned or not.

Currently, Ginny was hiding out in Hermione's dorm room. The privacy was always a perk, but Hermione had also requested that Ginny be there when she got back from her final interview with the Ministry. Hermione had acted very nonchalant this morning before departing, even saying that it didn't matter whether she got the job or not. Ginny had played along, knowing that it comforted the older girl to go with that approach, no matter how far from the truth it was. That had been nearly three hours ago, now.

Ginny was still lounging on the bed, struggling through the dry material of the latest lesson when Crookshanks shot up from his spot on her lap and bolted over to the door to begin pacing impatiently back and forth. The redhead watched the door, knowing that Hermione was on her way. Sure enough, Ginny heard Hermione say the password and the door began to open to grant her access to the room.

Ginny returned her gaze to her textbook as she saw Hermione's figure emerge from the doorway. She casually looked up to the brunette and greeted her with an easy, "Hello."

The older girl merely sighed heavily in response while setting her things down on a nearby table. Ginny wasn't put off by Hermione's lack of an articulate reply, and instead waited with an unusual sense of patience for Hermione to tell her about the interview in her own time. Quietly admiring Hermione in her sharp new outfit wasn't a bad pastime either.

The redhead continued to look at the passages in her book, but was truthfully watching Hermione slowly remove the bobby pins from her hair, noting how the brunette was staring into the mirror in a somewhat scrutinizing manner. Ginny was about to lose interest when suddenly a loud noise erupted across the room, enough to startle Crookshanks into scurrying under the bed, as Hermione slammed her hand down on the dresser and spun around to face Ginny.

"Who does she think she is?" Hermione spat as she took a couple of purposeful steps forward into the center of the room and began angrily pacing.

Ginny didn't have a chance to respond before the older girl carried on in the same vehement way.

"She thought I was so naive. You should've seen her face when she read S.P.E.W. in my cover letter. 'Spew?'," Hermione relayed in a mocking tone before huffing her exasperation. "The woman just looked so absolutely put-off not just by me, but the whole project - like it was a waste of time and she was forced to be there; likely, she was."

"Mione, I know you're upset, but maybe she and the Minister were doing the whole good guy/bad buy routine," Ginny suggested and ignored the look her girlfriend gave her, though she was pleased that Hermione had at least stopped moving around. Ginny forged on. "And if she really is uninterested in the project, I guess her involvement just means that someone higher, the Minister, is interested. And you know that she's just trying to pick the right person for the job, she's probably just testing you. Dad says she's reasonable, the Minister likes her - she can't be that bad. And if she's remotely logical, she'll see that you're the perfect person for the job."

Ginny ignored Hermione's look of disdain, the girl slowly spinning on her heel to begin her pacing once more.

"That woman," the brunette scoffed, "she hated me from the get-go." She locked eyes with Ginny and spoke in the same mocking voice from earlier, "'Gryffindor girl, hm? I was a Slytherin girl, myself. Head Girl as well.'"

Ginny had to admit that that would've set her off, too. But she had to at least attempt to be positive for Hermione's sake. "I'm sure it wasn't that bad."

The older girl sighed wearily. "I don't know," she said quietly as she trudged over to the bed and finally took up a seat on the edge. "Well, the Minister seemed to think I was...okay," she relented. "But Ms. Blake seemed very doubtful of me. She asked me what inspired me to work on the house-elf initiative and I gave her my speech and she nearly laughed in my face," Hermione exclaimed, her previous gloom replaced with indignation once more. "Oh, it was terrible, Gin," Hermione moaned as she buried her face in her hands.

Ginny scooted over to the spot next to Hermione and put her arm around her, kissing the top of the girl's head before speaking.

"I'm sorry it went that way. But, first things first, I'm going to guess that when you said the Minister thought you were 'okay', that meant he really liked you. Plus with the glowing recommendations from Dumbledore and McGonagall, you're a shoe-in for sure. I'm sure you did incredible."

Hermione still didn't look convinced, but she did look considerably less upset. She absently pet Crookshanks who had ventured out from under the bed to settle himself into her lap.

"Maybe," she conceded. "I just felt so...young. And inexperienced."

"You're mature and you've done a lot more with your life already than a lot of people have who have years on you, so you know that's not true. I'm sure Ms. Blake was just messing with you, see how you held up under pressure. If you're going to be presenting new, controversial policies to a reluctant government, or at least reluctant public, then you'll need to be strong and she needs to know you can handle it."

Hermione sighed in defeat. "I guess you're right. Ah well," she shrugged, "they told me that I'd hear their decision, either way, in a few weeks time."

Ginny nodded. "And keep in mind that a lot of people were already cut from the competition. The fact that you made it this far says a lot." Hermione gave a reluctant nod. "Well," Ginny shrugged with a small smile, "guess it's time to play the waiting game. In the meantime," she said as she drew out the word, "try not to fret too much, okay? I know you're going to over-analyze the whole thing relentlessly, but just try to relax. You did great – I'm sure."

"You know I can't relax," Hermione retorted, looking irritated.

"Try."

Ginny bit back a laugh as the brunette rolled her eyes in frustration, but said nothing further. Leaning forward, Ginny lay a kiss on Hermione's temple before standing up next to the bed. "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I have to go to practice. You don't have to come, I know you have a lot on your mind."

"No," Hermione more or less groaned as she forced herself up from the bed. "I'll go."

"Don't be so enthusiastic, Mione," Ginny winked. She ignored her girlfriend's unimpressed stare and continued on. "I'll try to make it an eventful practice. There are some new plays I want to try. One of them is a bit dangerous though, I-"

Hermione cut off Ginny's explanation with a noise of discontent. "Please, no. My nerves can't handle anything more. Just listen to Harry for a change, will you?"

Ginny sighed. "Oh fine - just take the fun right out of it."

Hermione POV

Hermione settled herself against the wall of the vacant Astronomy Tower and opened her book bag with a sigh. She should be in the Great Hall having lunch, but she just had no appetite right now and was on the brink of a very large decision. Knowing that the Astronomy Tower would be empty, she retreated to it in hope of peace and solitude. She didn't even tell Ginny that she was coming here.

Hesitating, Hermione pulled out the letter she received from her parents earlier that morning at breakfast. She unfolded the letter and read it over once more.

Hermione,

Hi sweetheart, how are you? We just got your letter, I think the owl must have understood our request because he's still here waiting for us to write you this response. First off, we want to let you know how very proud of you we are. We know that you're scared right now, this is a very significant time in your life, but you know that you have our support whether you decide to accept this opportunity or not. And no, you are not silly (entirely) for wishing for a 'no' instead, it is always easier to make a decision when there are no choices left to pick from. It looks like you impressed the Ministry and now you have to decide whether to pursue your passion or not – not an easy decision.

We're sure you have support from others, too. What about Ginny? We somehow foresee that she'd support you just as enthusiastically as us.

Well, we know you will make the decision that is best for you. Let us know what you decide.

Love always,

Mom and Dad

Hermione frowned as she read the letter. When she sent the letter to them just yesterday letting them know that she was offered the job, she already knew that they wouldn't make this decision for her, so that wasn't a surprise. What caught Hermione off guard was the segment on Ginny. The feeling that Hermione had last year about her parents knowing a tad more about the dynamic between her and Ginny, even before they were dating, popped up again. She couldn't be completely sure, but she wouldn't it put it past them - she did have to get her brains from somewhere, after all.

Releasing another quiet sigh, Hermione folded up the letter and tucked it away. She reached into a different compartment of her bag and pulled out the letter of offer from the Ministry. All she had to do was sign here, there, and everywhere, send it off and it'd be done. There was the requirement that she submit proof that she passed her N.E.W.T.s at the end of the year, but that shouldn't be an issue at all.

"Hello, Hermione."

Hermione started and her head snapped up to see Luna reaching the top of the stairs and taking a few steps toward her.

"Luna," she exhaled in surprise, "I didn't hear you come up. What are you doing up here, shouldn't you be having lunch?" She asked.

"I ate enough," Luna replied airily. "My appetite never stays for too long when the Wrackspurts are around and they're practically everywhere today."

"Ah," Hermione said, stopping herself from laughing or rolling her eyes.

"Have you made your decision?" Luna asked, still standing in the middle of the room, hands behind her back, as she eyed Hermione with quiet curiosity.

"Oh," the older girl said, looking down at the documents in her lap. She gave a bit of a strained laugh. "Not really." She considered ending her response there, but there was always something about Luna that made her say more than she would otherwise. "I want someone to make the decision for me, but I know nobody can. I think it's a situation where I already know the answer, I just don't really like it, although it's my choice in the first place."

Luna nodded and proceeded to walk over to the railing, leaning against it, the light from outside illuminating her nearly translucent hair. "A lot of responsibility, and a lot of change," Luna commented. "But, you have taken on far more responsibility than most from day one, and someone of your nature is more than capable of dealing with this sort of challenge. I would imagine that you actually thrive on it - especially in this case, you would be learning so much."

Hermione was about to respond when the other girl spoke once more, her voice still light as ever. "But that's not what you're worried about, are you?"

Hermione watched Luna closely. The Ravenclaw looked calmly around the room, quietly taking in their surroundings and not bothering to make eye contact. The older girl imagined that Luna knew she didn't need eye contact to make her point.

"No," Hermione responded softly.

Luna waited a few moments before asking, "And?"

"And, I don't know. I know Ginny is supportive, but...I don't want to leave her," Hermione admitted and surprised herself with how easily she made the admission to Luna, not even blushing over the statement.

"Other than the obvious reasons, what has you worried?" Luna asked, still not letting her gaze fall upon the brunette.

The Head Girl idly examined the floor as she worked through her thoughts. "I trust her," Hermione proclaimed sincerely, "that's not the issue. I just," she paused as she began to stumble over her words, "I have always been content to be on my own, I didn't need anyone. But now..." Hermione shook her head and laughed in embarrassment. "I don't really know how it happened, but I need her. I can't be the same as before. It's silly, really. You must think-"

"I'm very happy to hear you say those things," Luna interjected, finally looking to the brunette. "It was painful watching you repress your emotions so much last year and even the year before. It's great to see you so open now," she smiled, drawing that inevitable blush out of Hermione. "But, as you said, Ginny supports you. She'll be with you even if you're in France, you know. She's very loyal and I think she's quite fond of you," Luna declared with a light smile. "I think you two are lucky enough that you can be apart and love each other the same or even more than before. You won't be alone."

Hermione gave Luna a watery smile and thanked her, feeling as though a great load had been lifted from her shoulders. It was not as though she and Ginny hadn't had this discussion, it just felt even truer to hear it from someone else, and she knew Luna's word was good. The blonde gave Hermione a small smile and began to walk over toward the stairs.

"Oh, you don't have to go, Luna," Hermione called out to her.

"It's okay," Luna said lightly. "I don't want to intrude."

"It's fine, really, I was just going over some documents. It was really nice talking with you, it wasn't an intrusion at all," Hermione insisted.

Luna took one step down and turned to wave at Hermione, still smiling.

Hermione went to call out again, but realized that Luna did everything deliberately and there was likely a reason she left when she did. The brunette sighed and returned her attention to the letter of offer that was still in her lap. A few minutes later, she heard quiet footsteps ascending the stairs, a quicker pace than Luna's had been when she left.

Hermione silently observed the staircase, looking for any sign of who was arriving and a quiet smile played across her face as she saw a mane of red hair.

"There you are," Ginny greeted, sounding somewhat exasperated, but mostly cheerful. "I saw Luna skipping by in the hall and she was singing some song about Jupiter and stars," she quirked an eyebrow and gave Hermione a knowing grin.

"She's a clever one, that Luna," the older girl concurred. "And oddly sneaky."

"I'd like to blame that on Harry, but I think she was like that even before him," Ginny laughed as she crossed the room and sat down next to Hermione. She eyed the document that the brunette was holding and she merely stated, "Letter of offer."

"Yes," Hermione responded, nearly gulping in the process.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Ginny asked, not sounding offended or hurt like Hermione had anticipated she would be, just curious.

Heaving a heavy sigh, Hermione responded. "I just needed to think about it. I contemplated just sending them a 'no'." She was quickly faced with a look of indignation from her girlfriend and hurriedly finished. "But, I knew I couldn't do that."

"Good."

Hermione gave Ginny a tired look. "I guess you and I have both known what was coming. I'm just afraid, even more so now that the moment's here."

"I know," Ginny said, and Hermione felt the redhead sling an arm around her waist, pulling the brunette closer. The older girl was content to just sit quietly in the embrace. Ginny placed a soft kiss on Hermione's head before releasing her and reaching across into her book bag. After a moment, Ginny pulled back and presented Hermione with a quill and bottle of ink.

"You know what you need to do."

With a hint of reluctance, Hermione unsteadily took the items and set them down next to her. She laid the letter of offer down on the floor, flipping to the first appropriate page and dipped her quill in the ink. Her hand hovered mere millimetres above the parchment. "I don't know, Gin. I-"

"Hermione," Ginny cut in, her tone unyielding, her eyes seeking out the brunette's. "Listen to me." Hermione nodded half-heartedly. "You were personally approached by the team lead for this groundbreaking project. You have been championing elf rights since fourth year. You will never get another opportunity like this. You have to take it. You know you have to. And you know that if I wasn't in the equation you would've signed that document in a heartbeat."

Hermione sighed heavily and her shoulders fell forward. She was about to speak when Ginny cut her off.

"And I'll dump you if you don't take this opportunity." Hermione's jaw dropped in offense over the threat, and the younger girl gave her a teasing grin. "Well, temporarily, anyhow. And I'd just put you in a body-bind, forge your name and send that acceptance off, so really, just make it easy on yourself and do up the paperwork of your own free will."

The brunette gave Ginny a look of reproach before it abruptly faded into a solemn smile and she leaned forward, capturing Ginny's lips in a kiss.

"Thank you," Hermione whispered. "I don't think you have any idea how much I love you."

Ginny gave her a bit of a cheeky grin. "Well, feel free to give me a few hints from time to time."

"I will," Hermione laughed as she leaned in once more to kiss her girlfriend. The brunette leaned her forehead against Ginny's for a few moments before pulling back and with a steadying breath, she put quill against parchment.

A while later, she and Ginny had walked to the owlery. With a large, shuddering sigh, Hermione sent the owl on his way, cementing a future for herself which would lead her down a path that she didn't quite yet know.

AN: Okay, so I seem to have lied about updating sooner. I apologize for the delay - I ran into a few minor complications. So, a big thank you to a certain someone (you know who you are) for helping me get back on track. Is there any less fluff in this chapter? I'm not really certain lol. But, we're still chugging along...there will be drama someday! I hope everyone has a great week!