Chapter 33
Ginny POV
"Do you need anything else, dear?"
Ginny glared up at her mom for what felt like the hundredth time since they'd arrived at the Granger household in London. While Ginny was grateful for her parents' support, she didn't appreciate how her mother was attempting to smother Hermione. She knew that was just how her mother was, but right now that wasn't what Hermione needed - at least not from her.
"I'm fine, thank you, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione replied quietly.
At the moment, the brunette was sitting rather stiffly on the couch next to Ginny. Though Hermione was home, her posture was erect and alert. Ginny glanced over at Hermione, who held her hand with a fearsome grip, and wished she could do something about how on edge Hermione seemed.
"Molly," Mr. Weasley chided softly. "She needs space. She'll let us know if she needs anything," he said as he turned to the girl in question and smiled gently at her. "I'm sure they have everything under control here. Perhaps we should go," he offered and Ginny hoped that her thanks shone through in her eyes.
"Are you sure?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she looked at her husband a bit bewildered, but quickly retracted her reaction. "Sorry, you're right," she smiled a bit tightly. She sighed before turning to Mr. and Mrs. Granger and offered them kind smiles. "I'm so sorry that we had to meet again under these circumstances - I was hoping for tea or something a bit milder," she joked weakly.
"No, thank you for keeping us updated, we appreciate it," Mr. Granger said as he stood, Mrs. Granger joining him a moment later. "We're happy that Hermione had so many people looking after her over there."
Ginny searched his statement for any hint of aggression or malice, but found none. If she was right, he was being entirely sincere. All the while, she worked to swallow the guilt that Mr. Granger's words invoked. 'Looking after Hermione'...well, apparently not good enough.
"It's so scary having her so far away, you just never know, and then this...," Mrs. Granger trailed off before her husband put his arm around her shoulders and she righted herself and smiled bravely at Ginny's parents. "Thank you, honestly. We can see how much each of you care for our daughter, and it's such a comfort knowing she has that support."
"Not to worry," Mr. Weasley smiled. "Please let us know if you need anything at all - we'd be more than happy to help."
"Thank you," the Grangers said in unison as they smiled in a united front.
"Ginny, you'll be staying here?" Her father asked as he looked to her in question.
The redhead looked over to Mr. and Mrs. Granger as she didn't know what their stance was on this. She gently squeezed Hermione's hand when she felt the girl stiffen furthermore at Ginny's hesitation.
"If you don't mind, Ginny, I think it'd be best if you stay," Mrs. Granger requested.
"Absolutely," Ginny replied as she nodded vigorously, exchanging looks between both sets of parents.
"Alright, write to us soon, Ginny," Mr. Weasley said as he nodded her way.
Ginny contemplated getting up to hug her parents fiercely, but she just couldn't bring herself to part from Hermione. And in the case that she would've wanted to separate, the grip on Ginny's hand and Hermione's proximity would've banished those thoughts straight away. So instead, Ginny settled with just promising her parents that she'd keep them updated and soon they disapparated along with Ron and Harry.
Soon, the house was still and quiet, the only sounds being the fire in the fireplace crackling and Crookshanks quiet purring. The four sat in silence for several moments, Ginny afraid to really look at Mr. and Mrs. Granger - afraid of the looks they might give her - so instead she just quietly watched Hermione.
"Did you need anything? Want to lie down?" Mrs. Granger asked gently as she scooted forward on her cushion and eyed her daughter concernedly. A moment later, Hermione nodded.
"Sure," she replied impassively.
Ginny adjusted herself slightly and kissed the top of Hermione's head before gently encouraging the older girl to stand. Ginny looked to the Grangers who began to rise from their seats and she nodded to them to let them know that she had everything under control. They quietly sat back down and nodded back. The redhead let her gaze linger on them for a moment before walking with Hermione upstairs. Ginny walked right past Hermione's room and ushered her into the bathroom. Only once they were inside did the brunette look around in question before a frown formed on her face.
"Gin, I just want to lie down," she quietly pleaded as her shoulders sagged.
"I know, baby," Ginny whispered as she sat Hermione down on the edge of the tub and began to run the bath. "I think you'll feel better after a nice bath, though." Hermione looked pained and shook her head wordlessly. "Mione, you know I'm right," Ginny tenderly pointed out. Eventually she received a resigned nod from her girlfriend.
Ginny leaned down and tested the water with her hand and satisfied with the result, scooted over to Hermione and gingerly undressed her. There was nothing sexual about their interaction, but Ginny could feel the great amount of trust and love that was involved nevertheless.
She helped ease Hermione into the water and sat next to her on the edge of the tub while Hermione just relaxed in the comforting warmth of the water. After giving the brunette several minutes of peace, Ginny helped her wash up and rinse off. Quickly retrieving a fresh towel and pyjamas for her, Ginny stood by as Hermione dried off and got changed. Already, the redhead could notice an improvement in her girlfriend's demeanour.
Waiting for a signal from the older girl, Ginny then led them to the bedroom. She was about to ask Hermione if she wanted anything when she was caught off guard by the brunette pulling her into a tight hug.
"Thank you, Gin," Hermione whispered, the first either of them had spoken since their minor debate about the bath.
Ginny shook her head against Hermione's and responded, "No. I'm just so happy you're home."
"Me too," Hermione breathed in a shaky voice, but ultimately holding herself together. "I owe you so much. What you did for me, it was incredible...and I don't even know the half of it yet."
"I would do anything for you." Ginny realized how cheesy the statement was when it was partway out of her mouth, but she didn't care to stop it.
"Gin," Hermione whispered and the redhead felt herself being pulled closer to the older girl. "Well, you didn't have to do any of it, but you did, and I will never forget that. I don't know what I did to deserve you."
"Please don't say those things," Ginny implored. "You know I hate when you talk like that."
"But it's true," Hermione argued while giving Ginny one of those stern looks that the redhead didn't realize she could miss so much.
"No, it's not," Ginny retorted. She sensed Hermione readying to retaliate, so she cut off the impending defense. "Let's just say we're both lucky to have one another."
"How?" The older girl cried in a strained whisper while pulling out of their embrace. "Ms. Blake could've killed you, or Harry, or Ron! If she didn't kill you, she could've absolutely ruined you and your entire family and I dragged you into it," Hermione said as her voice broke with emotion.
"Hermione," Ginny said, her voice now sharp and catching the brunette's attention. "She had you under the Imperius Curse. You were encouraged by everyone, literally everyone, to take that position with the Ministry. Even Dumbledore didn't know what was coming." Hermione opened her mouth to object, but Ginny silenced her with a look. "And, she was one of the most important people in the Ministry - she pulled a lot of tricks and fooled a lot of people to get to that point. However, you are the one that discovered her secrets and exposed her. You're amazing! When I think of all of this, I don't wish I didn't know you, I think about how incredibly proud I am to not only know you, but to call you my girlfriend. It's unreal!"
Hermione still looked put off, frowning deeply at Ginny, but eventually her features softened and she let out a reluctant laugh. "You really are too sweet."
"That's all well and good, just don't tell too many people," the younger girl winked.
"I love you so much, Gin," Hermione smiled.
Ginny brought her hand up to gently cup the side of Hermione's face before leaning forward and capturing the girl's lips in a kiss. They hadn't had a full-on kiss since they'd last seen each other before the chaos struck and Ginny relished the feeling of the girl's lips on her own. The kiss lasted for several long moments, and eventually Ginny felt Hermione tilt her head up to deepen the kiss. The redhead pulled Hermione closer and they kissed for a while longer until pulling back and just holding each other.
"You must be tired," Ginny said softly as she pulled back to look the brunette in the eye. "Let's get you into bed."
Hermione sighed, but walked over to the bed to climb under the covers. She propped up the pillows though and sat back against them, looking at Ginny.
"You're not going to sleep?"
"No, I can't right now. My mind is racing," Hermione sighed once more before patting the spot next to her on the bed. "Sit with me." Wordlessly, Ginny crawled onto the bed and joined her girlfriend.
She watched quietly as Hermione twiddled her fingers and stared a bit vacantly at the bedspread. Ginny was about to interrupt her thoughts when Hermione's voice rang out through the silence.
"So how did it all happen? How did you get Ms. Blake to reveal Brumski and how did you get her wand?" Her eyes didn't leave the bed.
Ginny sighed and readjusted herself on the bed, frowning as her mind went over the events in question.
"Long story," she said.
"So Harry tells me," Hermione replied.
"Yeah," Ginny nodded.
With another heavy sigh, Ginny went into the story. While Hermione had heard bits and pieces earlier, Ginny told her the full picture, though she decided it best not to mention the injury she sustained in the duel with Ms. Blake. She just knew that Hermione would blame herself for it and that's the last thing Ginny wanted right now. At the end, Hermione slowly nodded.
"Wow, you guys were brilliant – mad, but brilliant. Thank you so much," she said.
"Just our good deed for the year," Ginny joked lightly, earning her a tired, yet affectionate look from the brunette.
"So she's locked up for good now?" Hermione asked, though it was actually more of a statement.
"Yes," Ginny assured her. "Life in Azkaban; maximum security; dementors galore."
"Good," the older girl nearly spat. Ginny watched as Hermione's shoulders tensed and her brows furrowed together, her eyes flashing with anger. "That woman ruined everything! Everything!"
"I know, Love," Ginny said quietly.
Hermione was about to say more, but she cut herself off and instead just sat silently, tensely on the bed.
"You have every right to be mad," Ginny announced firmly, yet gently. Hermione just nodded. A moment later, she let out a small sniffle and turned to face the younger girl.
"Ginny, I was so worried about you," she said in a small voice. "When Ms. Blake was speaking to me in the interrogation room, I let it slip that you and I were still together. I thought she was going to harm you...I would've never forgiven myself."
Ginny shushed Hermione and wrapped her arms around the brunette as she began to cry once more.
"It's okay, Mione, I'm fine. I was at Harry's - she couldn't get to me. It's okay."
Hermione calmed down quickly this time and was soon just resting in Ginny's arms. A moment later, Ginny spoke up once more.
"I was really worried about you, Mione. I didn't know how your time...there, would be." She just felt she had to side-step mentioning Laurophey for now - it just felt like the sensitive thing to do. She felt Hermione shake her head against her.
"I don't want to talk about it right now, Gin," Hermione said quietly.
"Sure, whenever you're ready though, I'm here," the redhead promised as she kissed the top of Hermione's head. The brunette nodded once more.
Ginny held her girlfriend for a while longer and felt the girl relaxing considerably. Eventually, she felt Hermione's breathing deepen and she realized that the girl must've fallen asleep. Carefully, she pulled Hermione off of her and laid her down on the bed, doing her best not to wake her. Laying back on the bed herself, she tried to find sleep, but in truth it wasn't even 8 o'clock at night and she just wasn't even remotely tired. With a glance over at her sleeping companion, Ginny saw that Hermione was very much asleep, and decided it would be safe to get up and at least go grab a glass of water.
With focused stealth, Ginny cautiously climbed out of bed and tip-toed for the door. With exaggerated slowness, she opened and then closed the door before softly padding downstairs.
"Oh," she exclaimed quietly as she entered the kitchen and came upon Hermione's parents seated at the table. "Sorry," she whispered as she contemplated walking out of the room.
"Ginny, is everything okay?" Mrs. Granger asked as she began to rise from her seat.
"Oh, yes, yes," Ginny replied hurriedly as she put a hand out to indicate to Mrs. Granger that there was no need for alarm. "Hermione's fine - she's just sleeping right now. I just came to get some water," she announced as she gestured to the fridge.
"Oh, okay, that's very good to hear. I was worried she wouldn't be able to sleep," Mrs. Granger went on and her husband nodded in agreement.
Ginny gave them a quiet smile and nodded in turn. She sensed that heavy silence was about to cloak them and without another thought she blurt out her pre-emptive defense.
"I know you guys might hate me or blame me for what happened to Hermione. And in all honesty, I can see where you're coming from - I get it. But please believe me when I say that none of us knew that this was going on or what was going to happen. If I had even the slightest clue that this was going to happen, I would've never encouraged Hermione to go to Paris. We did all that we could to get her out of Laurophey as soon as possible - this was the best we could do." She could see that Hermione's parents were about to speak, but she charged on with her speech. "But even if you do blame me for all of this, you need to know now that I will be with Hermione through every step of this and anything that follows. I love her and I am here for her wholly and completely and whatever she needs or wants, I will do my best to give her. So I really hope we can get along - for Hermione's sake. The last thing she needs is for us to be at odds. But if there's anything I can do to make it up to you, please let me know. I intend to be in Hermione's life a long time...so, I really hope we can work things out."
As Ginny finished, she realized that she had dropped her defiant stance and had relaxed her demeanour, though she was still holding her head high. She continued to lock eyes with Hermione's parents and waited for their reaction. Her heart raced and she felt her eyes grow wide as Mr. Granger reached over and pushed out an empty chair and gestured towards it.
"Ginny, please, have a seat."
With a flurry of thoughts that whirled into an unreadable blur, Ginny crossed the room and sat down, tightly clasping her hands together in her lap as she glanced between Mr. and Mrs. Granger. She nearly flinched when Mrs. Granger reached out a hand - Ginny's breath caught and only released a relieved sigh when Mrs. Granger chuckled softly.
"It's okay, Ginny. We're not mad at you at all. I'm sorry that you thought we were upset with you. We just had so much on our minds and we were so worried about Hermione. But please know that we were sincere in what we said to your parents earlier - your support has been incredible, and we know that Hermione is in good hands," she smiled as she gave Ginny's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"Oh Merlin, you guys scared me," Ginny said in a breathless laugh as she managed to smile at them.
"Sorry," Mr. Granger offered. "Things could've been far, far worse for Hermione if you guys weren't there to help and for that we're forever grateful. And I believe it's safe for me to say that I speak for both of us when I say that we're very touched by how dedicated you are to our daughter - it's obvious that you really love her and we know that she feels the same for you."
Despite her best efforts, the young girl felt a blush creeping up on her cheeks.
"Hermione is a bit fragile right now, but we're well aware of how strong she is and know that she'll be fine and she'll be better even sooner thanks to your support."
"Well, don't disregard your support either," Ginny countered. "She really needs you guys right now. Nothing compares to the love of a parent." They smiled at her and she blushed even deeper. "Well," she started as she cleared her throat, "I'm just very happy to hear that you don't hate me."
"Not at all," Mrs. Granger laughed with a kind smile.
"You said you wanted water?" Mr. Granger asked as he began to rise.
"Oh, no, it's fine, no need to get up, please," Ginny urged as she stood up hurriedly. "I can get it myself, and I should probably get back up to Hermione, just in case."
"Sure," they said in unison. "Have a good night. Thanks again."
"No, thank you," Ginny insisted as she looked at them earnestly. "Good night."
Ginny quietly ascended the stairs to Hermione's room, drink in hand. As she reached Hermione's door, she slowed to a stop and tentatively placed her hand against the door and pushed it forward, praying that it wouldn't creak. Though her prayer was answered, she was upset by the scene that greeted her. She rushed over to Hermione's side, still quiet, and placed her glass down on the nightstand before cautiously reaching down to place her hands on the brunette's fidgeting body. Ginny could immediately feel the goosebumps and sweat on Hermione's skin.
"Mione," she whispered as she gently tried to still her girlfriend. "Mione," she repeated a bit louder as she gave the brunette a small shake. She took her hands off of Hermione as her fits increased in severity for a split second before dying off completely and Hermione's eyes snapped open in panic coupled with a gasp that escaped her lips. As her brown eyes settled upon Ginny, there was a moment of stillness before Hermione dramatically relaxed.
"Ginny," she breathed as her head collapsed back into the pillow.
"Sorry," Ginny mumbled as she sat down on the edge of the bed and placed a hand softly upon Hermione's hip through the covers. "You were having a nightmare."
Hermione groaned and rubbed her eyes in frustration before releasing a sigh. "Thanks," she said in a bit of a dull voice. "I'm fine now."
"Do you want some water?" Ginny asked carefully. After a moment's contemplation, Hermione nodded and forced herself upright in bed. Ginny scooted forward and reached to the glass of water on the nightstand and held it out to her girlfriend.
"Thank you," Hermione said softly, her voice a bit raspy, as she tentatively took the glass and slowly brought it up to her parched lips. Several moments later, she had drained the glass of its contents and set the now-empty glass down on the table with a clink. She sighed heavily once more before lying down again.
"Are you okay?" Ginny asked with that same level of caution as she put her hand back on Hermione's hip. "Do you want to talk about your dream?"
"No," Hermione said as she shook her head.
"Okay," Ginny replied dumbly at a loss for words. She watched her lover, feeling rather helpless. Reaching out, she tenderly pushed a stray strand of curls away from Hermione's face and tucked it behind the brunette's ear. Bending down, she placed a gentle kiss on Hermione's temple before pulling back and swiftly moving around to the other side of the bed, noting the frown on Hermione's face, and climbed under the covers to join her girlfriend. Instantly, Hermione repositioned herself so that she had an arm and leg draped over the redhead's body - Ginny automatically putting an arm protectively around Hermione's shoulders and pulling her towards her to plant a fleeting kiss on the top of her head before relaxing her grip.
"I love you," Ginny whispered as she laid her head back on the pillow. She smiled as she felt Hermione lay a few kisses upon her collarbone.
Numerous minutes passed and Ginny could tell that Hermione still hadn't fallen asleep. From the way that Hermione's body felt taut with tension in the younger girl's arms, Ginny could tell that the brunette wasn't about to find sleep anytime soon. After some time, Ginny felt Hermione fidget restlessly against her and release a quiet sigh.
"Why don't you tell me what happened in your dream," Ginny suggested softly.
Hermione turned her head to look up at Ginny, flashing her an apologetic look. "Sorry - I'm keeping you up. I'll give you some space," she said as she began to lift herself off of the redhead, only to be firmly pulled back down.
"No, don't worry. Tell me about your dream," Ginny repeated.
"It's not important, really. I-"
Ginny huffed, effectively cutting off Hermione's protests, and continued on with her own. "Mione, it clearly upset you. Maybe you'll feel better if you talk about it," she argued.
"Gin, please," Hermione pleaded as she buried her head just a bit against Ginny's collarbone.
A few moments of silence permeated the room as Ginny internally debated if she should forge on with the argument or let it slide. She inhaled heavily before speaking. "Well, I wish you'd tell me. I truly think you'd feel much better if you did, but if you're not comfortable doing that, then just know that you can talk to me about anything at anytime, okay?" She compromised.
A beat passed and Ginny felt the brunette nod against her. "Thank you, Gin." The redhead held her breath unknowingly waiting for Hermione to go on, but when no more words were said she exhaled heavily, indirectly causing Hermione to readjust herself.
"I want to tell you, Gin, I just-" Ginny forced herself to patiently wait for Hermione to gather her thoughts. "I hate thinking about it."
"Well, I don't want to upset you, you know," Ginny clarified. "I just thought you would feel better if you talked about it. But if it's too upsetting, I won't push you."
"Well, it was about you," Hermione admitted slowly in a voice that Ginny was just barely able to hear.
"Me? What happened?" Ginny asked as she tilted her head to look down at the brunette was who looking down towards the foot of the bed anyway. Hermione inhaled deeply, her shoulders rising as she took in the breath before relaxing a bit heavily upon Ginny once more.
"Um, well, when I was in Laurophey...some of the guards, they manipulated my thoughts - made me live through different scenarios, like it was some sort of game, a sick game," Hermione explained, her voice growing unsteady as her account of what happened went on. "Thankfully when they ended the spells I was able to tell that the scenarios weren't real, but still," Hermione's trailed off and Ginny could hear the girl sniffle in the darkness of the room. The redhead instantly pulled Hermione closer and began to rub her back. "And as if I wasn't worried enough already. Ms. Blake talked about hurting you, and I just had no idea if you were okay...If I wasn't worrying on my own, they were doing it for me."
"Mione, I'm so sorry," was all she could offer, at a loss for words, really. She was absolutely furious that her love had to not only go through Hell with Ms. Blake and being sent to prison at all, but then the people there made it worse - it was just too much to bear.
"It's fine," Hermione mumbled. "Like I said, it wasn't real."
"They should be locked up for what they did to you. Those spells are illegal, too," Ginny argued.
"Gin...please, not right now. Do you want me to tell you about my dream or not?" Hermione asked wearily.
"Yes, sorry, go on."
"Well, they made up scenarios like, my parents disowning me, having my sentence extended, things like that, but the absolute worst was about you."
Ginny lay quietly, allowing Hermione to take her time, and continued to caress the brunette's back as she waited.
"Essentially," Hermione started, "it was of me finally being released. Nobody was there to meet me when I got out, which was bad enough, but when I went back to London, things got worse. I went to the Burrow to speak with your parents, to find out where you were living these days, but they slammed the door in my face. They said they didn't want to see me, couldn't believe I had the audacity to show up, and assured me that you would never want to see me again either."
"Mione-" Ginny interjected. The idea of any of those things happening was just complete rubbish and she couldn't help but want to put them out right away.
"I know, I know," Hermione chided. "Anyway, so you can imagine that I was already really upset. So, eventually I was able to figure out that you were living in Wales, so I went there and was able to locate your flat and made the mistake of going there."
"Oh Merlin," Ginny groaned in anticipation of what was coming. She subconsciously hugged Hermione tighter, possibly a bit too tight, and only realized it when Hermione chuckled lightly and looked up at Ginny with a bit of a teasing look. "Oh, sorry," Ginny mumbled as she relaxed her hold on the brunette. Hermione planted a soft kiss on Ginny's collarbone before continuing her recollection.
"For some reason, the door was unlocked and for some reason I went in uninvited. I went down the hall and what I assumed was your bedroom door was open just a crack." Hermione sighed before going on. "Well, sure enough, you were in bed with another girl and she was certainly thoroughly enjoying herself as you put your talents to work. I wanted to run away, but I guess the guards set it up so that I couldn't. Instead, I was rooted to the ground and had to watch for what felt like ages. Sadly, the worst part was hearing you tell her over and over again that you loved her." Hermione's voice cracked at the end and Ginny felt the brunette tightening her grip on Ginny, the redhead dipping her head down to kiss the top of her girlfriend's head.
"I know the whole thing was fake, but you have no idea how real it all seemed. Anyway, it didn't stop there. So eventually you two realized I was there. The coldness in your eyes when you looked at me," Hermione paused for a second, "I've never seen your eyes like that. It was absolutely wretched," Hermione finished. "Anyway, my nightmare was just a flashback to that..."
"Where do I even begin in response to that," Ginny sighed, drawing a small laugh out of the brunette. "Well, okay, you don't think any of that could've happened, right?"
"No, I can't really imagine that. But I really had no contact with the outside world, I had no idea what you or anyone else was thinking about the entire situation," Hermione reasoned.
"Well, everyone in my family, even Percy, knew that you were innocent. Even if you did have to serve the full five years, my family would never turn you away when you got out, and I hope that you know that I'd be right there waiting for you," Ginny proclaimed with earnest.
"Five years in a long time, Gin. You would've been done with school for four years...a lot can happen," Hermione pointed out in quiet rebuttal.
"It could've been ten years and I'd still love you just the same. Hermione, I don't know how you can't understand by now how much I love you. There's no one else for me. Even if you had said to me during those five years, 'Oh Ginny, I don't want to be with you anymore because I'm pretending to be selfless, even though I'm actually just crazy for thinking that I'm doing you a favour'," she ignored Hermione's laugh and went on, "Even if that were the case, you know how relentless I can be; I'd just try to win you back once you got out."
"Like that would take any effort," Hermione teased; the turn in the brunette's attitude giving Ginny just a bit of relief.
"Hermione, you're the only one for me...," Ginny declared in quiet sincerity.
"Gin," Hermione said softly before tilting her head to lay a lingering kiss on the redhead's shoulder. "I don't know what I've done to deserve you," she said with a slight shake of her head, a smile in her voice, "but I'm so happy and I'm so lucky."
"Silly girl," Ginny joked as she dipped her head to kiss Hermione's brown locks once more. "Try to get some sleep - I know you're exhausted." The only response the younger girl received was Hermione slowly nodding her head.
Only after Ginny felt Hermione's breathing deepen in slumber did the redhead allow herself to fall asleep.
AN: Hello again! So, things aren't quite back to normal for the girls just yet, but at least poor Hermione is home again :p Thank you again for all your feedback and support! I hope you liked the latest update.