Chapter 21
Hermione POV
"Glad to see you didn't dump our baby sister."
As Hermione's vision adjusted to her new surroundings, she took in the sight of George grinning at her from his seat in the living room of the Burrow.
"Yeah, we'd hate to see Ginny all dark and brooding again," Fred laughed. "Though those sorts of nasty mood swings could probably help her on the pitch come game time."
"Very funny," Hermione said dryly as she set her bag down against the wall and released Crookshanks from his carrier.
"Hermione, oh, it's so good to see you again!"
Hermione turned at the sound of her name and smiled as Mrs. Weasley walked briskly towards her, arms open in the calling card of a Weasley matriarch hug.
"Hello, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione greeted as she hugged the older woman, laughing as Mrs. Weasley hugged her back with enthusiasm bordering on ferocious.
"Oh goodness, dear," Mrs. Weasley said as she pulled back. Her voice and her eyes laced with worry. "Have you been sleeping well? Eating? You look so tired."
A self-conscious laugh bubbled up Hermione's throat and she smiled at Ginny's mom. "I've been under a bit of a stress, but I'm fine, really. I think this time off will do me good."
Mrs. Weasley gave a decisive nod, seemingly satiated with the girl's response. "Well, anything you need, you let me know, you hear?" The woman said as she pointed a finger in Hermione's face.
"Yes, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione replied with a bit of forced patience.
The older woman placed a gentle hand on the brunette's arm and coaxed her to the side of the room, supposedly away from prying eyes. When she spoke, her voice was quiet, hardly above a whisper.
"I would like to apologize for all the trouble Percy has caused you." Her eyes dropped from Hermione's for a split second before coming up only partway to settle on the wall behind the brunette. "Frankly, I don't know what's wrong with that boy. We tried to raise him to be good, and kind, and well, anyway, that's besides the point." She locked eyes with Hermione again, her voice stronger this time. "Point is, I'm very sorry. I hope things haven't been too horrible. And I did apologize to Ginny for sending her that snap howler that one day...I probably should've been a bit more scrutinizing of the article."
"Don't worry, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione assured her as she gave Ginny's mom a firm look, her eyes sincere. "I had to come out at some point. True, this was a bit unexpected, but in all honesty, the reaction hasn't been that bad. And Ginny and I got through Rita Skeeter's meddling just fine, so no need to apologize. You're not responsible for Percy's actions."
"Oh," Mrs. Weasley said, a watery smile forming on her face and she abruptly pulled the younger girl into another hug. "I'm so glad you and Ginny are together." Mrs. Weasley released Hermione and clasped her hands together in a sort of very pleased, satisfied way before saying, "Ginny's up in her room. She's been talking about your arrival all day. Go on up and see her, then."
"Thank you," Hermione smiled, trying her best to not let her amusement shine through. "It's really good to see you again, Mrs. Weasley. Thanks again for letting me stay."
"Oh for Heaven's sake, you're family. And it's really good to see you too, dear. Rest up," Mrs. Weasley called as Hermione grabbed her bag and headed for the stairs.
"Boys," Hermione said in a flat voice as she eyed the twins in a haughty matter, giving them the slightest nod.
"Bye Hermione," they said in unison, dragging the phrase out in their typical, teasing manner as they grinned cheekily at her. She flashed them a smirk before disappearing up the steps.
The brunette ascended the stairs until she reached Ginny's room - the door closed. She contemplated knocking, but decided she'd rather surprise the redhead. A breath later, Hermione swung open Ginny's door and stepped inside. She caught sight of Ginny laying in bed, sleeping peacefully on her side, her back to the door.
The brunette stilled her movements and slowly, carefully set her bag down by the door. With soft steps, Hermione approached her girlfriend and leaned over her sleeping form to study her. She reached out a hand and before she knew it she was letting out a high pitched screech as she was unsuspectingly grabbed and flipped onto her back. By the time she blinked, she was enclosed by a mane of red hair draping down from above her.
"Jesus, Gin," she breathed, only then noticing that her hands were pinned down on either side of her head by the younger girl who was now straddling her waist.
"Hello, gorgeous," Ginny grinned, her seductively low voice. "Geez, I thought I was going to have to sleep all by my lonesome tonight."
The brunette exhaled in a mixture of exasperation and frustration. "Wh-what are you doing? Come on, let me up."
"What do you think, I'm doing?" Ginny purred as she leaned her head down and began to lay a trail of kisses along Hermione's all-too-sensitive neck.
Between ragged breaths and a flurry of other sensations, Hermione's eyes focused on the door.
"For goodness sake, Gin, the door's wide open," she breathed.
"Well, keep quiet and we might have nothing to worry about," Ginny whispered as she began to nip at Hermione's skin in teasing bites.
Hermione bit back a moan and tried to not shift her hips under her girlfriend, knowing that would only encourage her tremendously.
"Gin, I'm serious," she said, her voice feeble as she tried valiantly to sound stern.
Ginny mumbled a knowing noise and gave a particularly leisurely nip, tugging lightly at the skin, before abruptly climbing off of Hermione and walking over to the door to close it.
Hurriedly, Hermione sat up, putting her back against the wall and her knees up. Ginny shot her a withering look that was quickly wiped away with a defiant smirk as she strode back towards the bed.
"Gin," Hermione warned as she held a finger up, "we agreed - not at your parents' house."
Ginny stood at the side of the bed with her hands set on her hips, the expression she gave the brunette was one of scrutiny.
Hermione held her hand out to her girlfriend. "Sit with me," she smiled.
The redhead rolled her eyes and came to sit on the bed next to Hermione, but not before smirking and planting a fleeting kiss on Hermione's raised knee.
Hermione smiled as Ginny settled in next to her, their arms and legs touching and they linked their hands together.
"Thanks, Gin," Hermione said as she leaned over and kissed her girlfriend on the cheek in an effort to comfort her over her dashed hopes.
"Let's just say that you owe me," the redhead teased. Hermione gave her a scandalized look. "Well, no need to worry, I have no doubt that you'll be able to satisfy my demands."
"Demands?" Hermione asked in mock outrage. Ginny just gave her a light smile and nodded. "We'll see who will be making the demands," the brunette went on as she arched an eyebrow at the younger girl.
"That sounds like a challenge," Ginny remarked as she narrowed her eyes at Hermione in rebuttal.
"Isn't it?"
Ginny gave an airy laugh. "Okay, okay." She brought her free hand over to pat Hermione's hand and inquired, "So, how was your trip over here?"
"Good," the brunette shrugged. "How were your tests?"
"They went fine. Snape tried to deduct marks from me on a question, but I pointed out that his wording was open to interpretation and he had to give me the points in the end," Ginny told her with obvious pride. Hermione was about to congratulate her and comment on how much of a bully Snape could be when Ginny cut her off. "So, was Percy still at the office when you left?"
"Yes," Hermione said, her expression now matched the suddenly solemn atmosphere between them.
"Mum said he wasn't coming until tomorrow. Just staying for Christmas dinner and then leaving again," Ginny said. She frowned as she went on, "He might as well not even bother. We'd all be better off."
Now it was Hermione's turn to caress Ginny's hand, hoping that it would sooth the girl's distress that she was trying quite hard to play down.
"It's okay, Gin. I know you're upset with him. He has different priorities than the rest of us, he'll come to his senses eventually. And like I was telling your mom when I came in, I had to come out at some point, so I guess he just expedited the process for me. It's okay now though."
Ginny grumbled in discontent and readjusted her posture so that she was lounging back a bit more. "How's your project going?"
Hermione's lips downturned slightly at Ginny's plain attempt to change the subject, but she obliged the girl and answered anyway.
"Quite well. Surprisingly well, actually. The support we've received has been phenomenal. Actually, just yesterday Mr. Noirent informed me that Beauxbatons has signed on to provide all of our necessary funding. It's," Hermione momentarily found herself at a loss for words, "it's brilliant. I'm so proud, you know? I'm so happy that these people see the injustice that has been going on and that they're willing to support change. I really was doubtful for a while there that we'd get support, but how things have turned out...it's inspiring."
"I'm happy for you," Ginny smiled. "And you should be proud, you're the backbone of this project."
Hermione scoffed. "Don't be silly. We're all doing our part." Hermione saw that Ginny was about to make a quip about Percy, but she shot her a cautioning look that made the redhead think better of it.
"Well, we should probably get some sleep," Ginny sighed. "The sooner we get to sleep, the sooner we can wake up and open presents!" Her tone much more chipper than before.
Hermione gave Ginny an admonishing look, but nodded her head as she climbed out of bed and to her bag in search of her pyjamas.
"You know, you can always just skip the whole pyjama thing-"
"Gin."
"Okay, fine."
The following evening, Hermione gently padded down the stairs as she casually tied back her just-dried hair after her shower. She was only halfway down the stairs when the escalating murmur of voices carried up the way and caught her attention - one of the voices being Ginny's. Hermione paused momentarily on the steps with her hand on the rail as she tilted her head to overhear the conversation a bit clearer. She couldn't make out any specifics from up here, but it was clear that Ginny was having a row with someone, and if Hermione was correct, it was Percy.
Continuing her descent, now at a quicker pace, Hermione only slowed to a stop when she reached the top of the final flight and could clearly hear and see the exchange. Peering down, Hermione quickly saw Ginny and Percy standing toe-to-toe staring one another down with Mrs. Weasley standing guard.
"Ginny! Don't talk to your brother that way," the matriarch scolded.
"Brother," Ginny spat. The disgust in her voice was evident and though Ginny's back was to Hermione, she could easily imagine the expression the young redhead must be wearing. "He's not my family," Ginny continued. "Family doesn't do what he did to me or Hermione. Hermione's my family, not him," she proclaimed.
"Ginny," her mother warned, or maybe it was pleading. To Hermione, it sounded like the latter. There was a brief lull in the confrontation and the brunette determined now was as good a time as any to step in.
"Gin?" Hermione called softly as she tentatively came down the last steps.
"Hey," Ginny said quietly, turning as Hermione came up and put her hand on the redhead's arm as she stood next to her.
Despite Ginny's apparent foul mood, just that small action seemed to calm her down tremendously. Hermione noted that as Ginny turned back to face Percy, the younger sibling's restored ease proved to be fleeting when she saw the look he was giving them.
"You have something to say?" She challenged.
"Nothing." His voice was nearly dripping with disdain.
"Okay, that's enough," Mrs. Weasley decided as she stepped towards the siblings and pushed them apart. "Both of you, go cool down." They both merely grumbled in reply.
"Come on, Gin," Hermione urged softly as she gently pulled her girlfriend away from Percy. Unfortunately, this second attempt to calm Ginny down didn't fare so well, because it was plain to the brunette that Ginny was positively seething. "Come on, let's go for a walk outside," Hermione suggested quietly. The fresh air would do Ginny some good.
"It's freezing out there," the redhead muttered as her eyes flickered towards Hermione and away again. Hermione inwardly sighed and put her hand on Ginny's arm once more, leaning in towards her ear and whispered, "All the more reason for you to keep me warm."
Finally, Ginny cracked a smile. "You make a good argument. How can I refuse?" She conceded.
Percy sniggered and Ginny turned in a flash to shove him, hard, sending him sprawling backward and eventually crashing against and nearly onto and over the table. He shot back up and came at Ginny, though the youngest Weasley didn't seem the slightest bit concerned. Rather, she looked eager to engage in the fight. Hermione watched in alarm as Mrs. Weasley called to them both, but was unable to physically interfere as the two siblings' limbs were now flailing as they fought. The brunette noted in the back of her mind that Mrs. Weasley was reaching to her wand, but Hermione beat her to it, and she urgently cast an invisible shield between Ginny and Percy.
Percy stumbled back and put a hand to his bleeding lip, eyeing Ginny darkly. Ginny, however, was still spitting mad and she pounded the enchanted barrier once with her fist before reluctantly backing away. Her shoulders heaved up and down as she tried to catch her breath.
"What the bloody hell is going on down here?"
Hermione, along with the others, sent a look up to Ron who now stood on the stairs. The brunette knew that her expression was still sick with worry, and Ron came down to quickly examine her before spotting the states that Ginny and Percy were in.
"Blimey, what the Hell...," he trailed off as he walked towards them.
"Ron, help me with Percy," Mrs. Weasley ordered in a curt voice. Hermione dropped the shield and Mrs. Weasley walked briskly towards Percy, wrapping an arm around him and beckoning to a confused Ron to help her bring him to the kitchen.
"Ginny," Hermione breathed softly as she came up behind her girlfriend and put her arm around her, looking to Ginny for any indication that she was hurt. It only took a glance for Hermione to determine that Ginny fared far better in the scuffle than Percy. "Are you okay?" She asked, concern shining blatantly through in her voice.
"Yeah," Ginny said in an almost resigned voice. She refused to look at Hermione.
The brunette gently rubbed Ginny's back and after a few moments Ginny turned her head away and Hermione heard an unmistakable sniffle - she knew better than to comment on it though, Ginny would just get defensive. No matter how close they were, Hermione knew that the younger girl just couldn't stand to cry. To compromise, Hermione leaned her head down and tenderly kissed Ginny's shoulder. The action sparked something in Ginny, and Hermione soon found herself enveloped in a desperate hug as Ginny clung to her. The brunette could feel Ginny bury her face in against her neck; the younger girl didn't make a sound, she didn't move, just held her.
Hermione caressed the redhead's back and planted a series of kisses on Ginny's shoulder, hoping that the gesture was what Ginny needed right now. In the other room, Hermione heard the rumblings of a verbal spat beginning between Ron and Percy. Though she hated to disturb Ginny right now, she knew that it was best if they leave.
"Want to go up to your room?" Hermione gently asked.
Ginny pulled her head back from the crook of Hermione's neck and sniffled once, rolling her eyes and wiping irritably at her nose before responding, her voice coarse. "No, outside."
"Okay," Hermione nodded. She gave a couple of flicks of her wand and her and Ginny's jackets flew into her waiting hands.
Wordlessly, she held Ginny's jacket open for her, waiting for the girl to put her arms through the sleeves. Normally, the redhead would've protested such a gesture, but tonight she complied without a fight.
Hermione shrugged her own jacket on and they headed outside. It was certainly chilly, but in all honesty, it was still better to be out here than inside with another argument starting up. They walked for a bit until they came to the small bench around the side of the house. Hermione wiped the snow off of the bench and they sat down. She took Ginny's hand and held it between her own.
"What happened, Gin?" She asked quietly, careful to not set Ginny off with her tone.
"He's a twit who can't keep his mouth shut, that's what happened," Ginny replied curtly. Hermione didn't flinch though, she knew the anger wasn't directed at her. She patiently waited for Ginny to relax a bit. Eventually, the redhead sighed heavily. "He said some stupid things about you."
Before Hermione could stop herself, she exhaled wearily. "Gin, please, I appreciate what you're doing, but it's just getting you into trouble."
"You don't know what he said," Ginny retorted as she flashed a glare at the older girl.
Hermione found herself very tempted, but decided it was best to just let it be. Perhaps she'd inquire later, but with Ginny worked up the way that she was right now, it was not the time for curiosity to win out.
"Please don't worry about it, Ginny. It doesn't matter what he thinks," Hermione stressed as she stared imploringly at her girlfriend.
After a few moments of hesitation, Ginny finally heaved a sigh and gave a resigned nod of acceptance.
"I still hate him," the redhead proclaimed defiantly as she shot Hermione a cursory glance.
Hermione didn't say anything - she didn't know what she could say, so she just stroked Ginny's hand. The redhead gave a tired sigh and leaned her head on Hermione's shoulder. A few minutes passed and the brunette felt Ginny shiver against her. Wordlessly, she brought out her wand and cast a warming charm upon the two of them.
A short while later, Hermione broke the silence and suggested that they go inside. Ginny didn't put up a fight and wilfully followed the brunette inside and up the stairs; both thankful that they didn't run into anyone during the small journey.
When they were settling into bed, still stuck in separate beds on opposite sides of the room, Ginny muttered, "I'm sorry, Mione. I didn't want your Christmas to be like this."
"Baby, don't be sorry," Hermione said in earnest, sitting up to look at Ginny in an effort to stress her point. "I'm just worried about you. I know you're upset."
"How can I not be?" Ginny exclaimed as she propped herself up on her elbows to look over at the older girl. Hermione just came back with an imploring look that eventually caused Ginny to exhale in frustration and let herself fall back onto the bed to stare up at the ceiling. "Fine."
Hermione was tempted to say more on the topic, but decided to just leave it at, "Thank you."
"And don't worry about me," Ginny went on. "You should be worrying about yourself. You've been so run-down the past while. Are you feeling any better?"
"Yes, much better already," Hermione replied with a small smile. "See? I told you - I just needed to get away from work for a bit, come home, be with you." Even in the dark, Hermione could see the smirk on Ginny's face.
"I'm glad," Ginny responded. "I was really worried about you, you know. I'd never seen you like that; even during N.E.W.T.s."
"I'm fine, Gin," Hermione assured her girlfriend. "But thank you. And even Crookshanks is doing better now, too. I really don't know what was wrong with him."
"He knew you needed a vacation - he really is a clever cat." Ginny teased. "And please take better care of yourself when you go back..."
After a moment's hesitation, Hermione swiftly threw the covers off and crossed the room while giving a couple of waves with her hands to Ginny, indicating that she needed to move. With a quiet laugh, Ginny moved to the far side of the bed and lifted the covers for the brunette to crawl under.
"Well, hello Miss Granger," Ginny winked as she brought the blanket down upon them. Hermione smiled as she felt the redhead wrap an arm around her and pull her close.
"Just for tonight," Hermione warned playfully, "just because you're upset."
Ginny kissed the top of Hermione's head and spoke quietly. "I'm not arguing."
The next morning, Hermione and the rest of the Weasley clan – Percy notably absent - were at the dining table having breakfast when an owl swooped, catching everyone's attention. Hermione watched with curiosity as Mrs. Weasley got up and approached the owl to retrieve the letter it was carrying. Even from the opposite side of the room, the brunette could recognize the Ministry's emblem on the letter.
"Hermione, it's for you," Mrs. Weasley announced as she began to walk over to the young girl to hand her the letter. She had only made it a few steps when Crookshanks appeared out of nowhere and began hissing at Mrs. Weasley, his back arched high and his fur bristling.
"Crookshanks!" Hermione snapped as she rushed out of her seat and scooped him up. Even then, he still made a fuss and never took his eyes off of Mrs. Weasley. "I'm so sorry. I think all this travel has got him agitated," Hermione apologized through an uneasy laugh as she carried Crookshanks into the next room and set him down. "Have you gone absolutely mad?" She whispered in a bit of a harsh tone to him as she stood back up. "Behave yourself," she ordered as she closed the door to the room, making sure to not let him escape.
Hermione returned to her seat and offered Mrs. Weasley an apologetic smile as she took the letter from her and turned it over in her hand to examine it before breaking the wax seal.
"Told you that cat of yours was bonkers," Ron remarked as he shovelled a forkful of food into his mouth. Normally, Hermione would've retaliated and a spirited round of banter would ensue, but right now she was actually thankful for the comment since it seemed to have sparked conversation at the table once more and gave the illusion of privacy. The conversation was as such that the small sigh that escaped Hermione as she finished reading the letter wasn't heard by any of them, other than an ever vigilant Ginny.
"What is it?" Ginny asked quietly as she leaned in and glanced down at the letter, only to hurriedly avert her gaze as Hermione looked up to catch her eye.
A knot formed in Hermione's stomach as she pondered how to deliver the news to her girlfriend. This was the last thing she wanted right now, it was so good to be with Ginny, everyone, but...duty called.
"I have to go back to Paris sooner than expected," Hermione admitted and hoped that her regret was clear in her voice and eyes. The look on Ginny's face broke Hermione's heart and her mind raced to think of a way out of Ms. Blake's request.
"Mione," Ginny nearly pleaded, her voice still quiet, but her tone urgent enough to catch the attention of everyone at the table as conversation skidded to a stop one mumble at a time.
Hermione looked out across the table at others who were now keenly watching them, and she cleared her throat before speaking. "Ms. Blake has requested that I go back to Paris tomorrow." She saw that everyone was about to start talking over one another and protest, so she quickly explained the rest. "We're in our final stage of prospecting - securing support from the most influential families, and apparently a couple of them have asked to speak with me specifically...," she trailed off, pondering how unlikely it seemed and wasn't sure quite yet whether to be flattered, intimidated, or even sceptical. "Anyway, they're hoping to meet first thing on Wednesday. I need to go back and prepare with Ms. Blake and Mr. Noirent."
"That's outrageous. That's so inconsiderate of them. Honestly, don't they know it's the holidays? How could anything be that pressing?" Mrs. Weasley cut in with a displeased huff. "Do you know if Percy has to go?"
"I'm afraid I don't," Hermione replied as she scanned the letter once more. "I would imagine so, though."
"They're running you absolutely ragged over there," Mrs. Weasley added as she began to busy herself around the table like she usually did when she was upset. "It's not fair. And you know, I'm not certain that they have Percy working quite as much as you. Dear, you were just starting to look more rested. I think I speak for all of us when I say we're worried about you."
"I appreciate your concern," Hermione accepted with a blush and tried to keep her tone affable - she was just getting sick of everyone telling her how worried they were. "Everyone's been working hard, Percy included."
"Are you sure you have to go?" Mrs. Weasley asked once more. Hermione glanced as discretely as possible over at Ginny, who had been oddly quiet during the past leg of the conversation. Just that flickering glance told Hermione that Ginny was clearly disappointed, but trying hard to appear neutral. The sight made Hermione want to put her hand on her girlfriend's leg, kiss her cheek, anything really to console her and tell her she felt the same, but it just didn't feel like the right setting for such an act.
"I'm afraid I do have to go. I am sorry that I have to leave early though, I was really looking forward to spending the next few days with all of you," Hermione offered in earnest.
Mrs. Weasley sighed heavily and looked like she was about to make one more attempt to get Hermione to reconsider, but Mr. Weasley stepped in. "We understand, Hermione. These things can't be helped sometimes. There will be other times for us all to spend time together," he proclaimed with a kind smile while giving his wife a pointed look. Mrs. Weasley sighed once more and rolled her eyes briefly before speaking.
"He's right, dear," she relented. "Well, eat up. Your food is getting cold - have to keep your energy up."
"Thank you," Hermione said with a bit of a chuckle as she gathered up a forkful of food.
"Ginny, you too," Mrs. Weasley pressed as she directed her attention to her youngest child.
"I'm full," Ginny replied as she pushed her plate forward, despite the fact that there was still food on it. The gesture caught everyone's attention.
"Ginny," her mother warned and settled for giving the young Weasley a look of warning.
"I said I'm full," Ginny stated. Although the words were a bit harsh, her tone was flat. "I'll help you clean up, Mum," she announced as she stood up and began gathering up empty plates. Hermione's guilt grew as she watched the scene unfold.
"Let me help you," she offered as she, too, stood and reached out for the nearest empty plate.
"No, Mione, it's fine. Relax, finish your food," Ginny ordered in a soft, yet firm voice, as she gently took Hermione's outreached hand and pulled it back, urging the girl to sit.
"No, I'm fine, really," Hermione insisted.
"No," Ginny said with a bit more authority this time, now making eye contact with the brunette and consequently ceasing her protests. "You only had, what, two days off? Just relax, Hermione. Please."
"Ginny..." Hermione didn't know what else to say. She sat in her chair and watched, feeling helpless and wretched beyond compare as Ginny silently gathered up the rest of the dishes, joined by Mrs. Weasley, the only noises in the room being the slow, awkward scraping of cutlery on the plates.
Mercifully, in time, Ron started up conversation around the dining table once more and the tension from before was greatly diffused. However, Hermione just couldn't focus on the conversation at hand and instead her gaze kept shifting to mother and daughter working away in the kitchen off to the side. That tightness in Hermione's throat grew as each time there was an opportunity for her and Ginny to lock eyes, Ginny refused, or perhaps couldn't be bothered, to look her way.
After what felt like an eternity, Ginny finally left the kitchen and took the long way to get to the stairs, but still unable to evade Hermione's watchful eye. Excusing herself, the brunette rose from her seat and hurried after her girlfriend.
"Ginny," she called softly, as she came up behind Ginny on the steps. It took the younger girl a moment, but eventually she came to a stop and turned around.
"Do you need to pack?" Ginny asked. There was no malice or blame in her voice; it came out as merely a question spurred by simple curiosity.
"No, I came to talk with you," Hermione replied in what she hoped wasn't complete exasperation.
"About what?" Ginny asked, feigning ignorance that couldn't fool either of them for a second.
"Gin," Hermione beseeched as she went a step up to join Ginny and took the girl by the hand, tugging lightly and though receiving a hint of initial resistance, pulled Ginny down so they were sitting on the step together. A moment passed and eventually Ginny's frosty demeanour faded away and she brought her other hand over to clasp Hermione's between her own. Encouraged by the action, Hermione leaned her head over and planted a soft kiss on Ginny's shoulder before resting her head on it. She smiled as she felt Ginny lean against her.
"Gin, I'm so sorry," she said with a sigh. "I know you're mad-"
"I'm not mad," Ginny interjected, shifting her head to look at Hermione. "I mean, of course I've missed you like crazy and was looking forward to this time together, but...I understand that you have other obligations."
"Gin-"
"No, I understand, I do, and I support you. I just don't think it's fair that they're doing this to you. You should be allowed to have a week off and not get called back in after two days," Ginny explained.
Hermione had to admit she was in full agreement with Ginny on that. "I know," was all she could say.
"Promise me you'll rest up as much as you can before you have to go? And that you'll at least try to get more rest when you're back in Paris? Don't let Ms. Blake work you to death," Ginny asked, though from her tone Hermione could tell it was more of a demand than anything.
"I promise."
That evening after dinner Hermione went up to Ginny's room to begin packing her bags, Ginny in tow, insisting on keeping her company during the task.
"Really, Gin, you don't have to stay, you can go outside and play quidditch with the boys," Hermione offered once more as she started to gather up her things off of the nightstand.
"Mione, I've spent like what, a week with you in the past four months? Believe me, I'd rather spend time with you than play quidditch with the guys. And besides, we all know I'd win anyway," Ginny joked with a cocky grin that earned her an admonishing look from the brunette.
"Glad to see you've kept your ego in check," Hermione offered as she began to carry her things over to her bag, only to be tripped and sent stumbling a few steps as Crookshanks shot between her feet to stand in front of the bag, blocking her path and hissing once more, only this time at her. "Crookshanks!" Hermione nearly bellowed as she regained her balance and began picking up some of the things she'd dropped, Ginny helping as well.
"Merlin, what's gotten into him?" Ginny muttered as she handed the items back to Hermione and in one swift movement picked up Crookshanks and tried to sooth him despite his struggling.
"I have no idea," Hermione replied tersely as she roughly put her things away and glared back at her increasingly moody cat. "He's been acting out for weeks now. I took him to the vet, twice, but they couldn't find anything wrong with him."
"He doesn't want to go back to Paris," Ginny cooed as she pet the now somewhat subdued feline.
"Well, too bad," the brunette snapped, "he's just going to have to deal."
"She's mad at you," Ginny said in a sing-song voice to a pouting Crookshanks and chuckled lightly at the look that Hermione sent her way. "It's okay, she's been mad at me too. She gets over it...eventually. Though she does have a tendency to never forget and she may bring things up again at a later point."
"Here, give him to me," Hermione requested in a much gentler voice than before as she reached out for Crookshanks, and merely arched an eyebrow at Ginny's teasing. "I'm going to take him downstairs. I won't have him ruining our night."
A few minutes later, Hermione returned to the bedroom to find Ginny lounging on her bed reading a quidditch magazine. Hermione took a moment to survey the scene before her until deciding to stride over toward her girlfriend. She had to swallow the laugh that would've bubbled up otherwise over the yelp of protest that came from Ginny when her magazine was plucked out of her unsuspecting hands.
Hermione set the magazine down and climbed into bed and on top of Ginny, who was now looking rather cheeky.
"There will be plenty of time for quidditch readings later. Since I'm leaving sooner than expected, I think I owe you a proper goodbye."
AN: Well, a short-lived trip to the Burrow for our dear Hermione. Of *course* there had to be interruptions. Again, thank you to everyone for being so patient. Things will pick up very soon - I promise!