Chapter Thirteen

Hermione wrapped her fingers around her hot mug of tea. The heat chased the chill from her fingers and Hermione wished fervently that there was a balm for her aching heart.

"This seat taken?"

Hermione looked up as Blaise approached. She forced a smile. "No. Not at all."

He took a seat, his eyes speaking his own worries. She sighed. "I'm fine."

"No, you're not." He reached out and brushed back her unruly hair with a smile of his own. There was nothing forced about his, she noticed.

"Hermione, what happened last night…you couldn't have prevented that."

Hermione winced. Last night… Last night she and Blaise had witnessed Ginny confessing her love for Draco Malfoy even if her best friend had no idea that they had been there.

Hermione knew she wasn't logically responsible for Ginny's feelings towards Draco. But she couldn't help feel bad for her friend. If she and Blaise had come out and told Ginny about them, she wouldn't have had to spend time with Draco and then…

Then Ginny would still be in love with him. If there was one thing Hermione knew about love it was that you couldn't count on it starting at a specific moment. Hermione herself had been half in love with Blaise from the moment she first saw him.

What if it was the same with Ginny? Had she loved Draco that long?

"What are you thinking about?" Blaise asked softly. Hermione jumped slightly then relaxed.

"I know it's not my fault but I think it's time we ended it."

Blaise tensed and Hermione continued on quickly. "I mean, I think we should tell them."

Blaise's tension melted and he leaned over the table, kissing her swiftly.

"But that doesn't explain what we're going to do about that."

Hermione and Blaise froze in their kiss. Finally they broke it and looked up at Richie.

"How long have you been there?" Blaise asked, half in exasperation, half in curiosity.

Richie shrugged. "Who knows? I'm wondering what you two are planning to do about that."

He pointed beyond them.

Blaise and Hermione both turned to look out the picture window.

Ginny Weasley was walking towards the front door, rooting in her bag for her keys. Behind her, talking to her, was Herbert West.

Hermione stared at the man. What was he doing here?

As she watched, Ginny turned on Herbert, looking ready to snap at him. Instead she took a deep breath and said something.

"What is going on here?" Hermione asked.

"Go into the back room," Richie snapped.

Hermione didn't question him, just dragged Blaise back into the back room.

"What is going on?" Hermione asked again as Richie joined them.

"Unless I miss my guess, Ginny is feeling bad because she loves Draco. She doesn't think he's capable of reciprocating her feelings and so is going to let herself think she's in love with Herbert."

Hermione stared at him. "Damn. How did you figure that out?"

"It's my gay tendencies. They make it a lot easier to read people. Any way…what are we going to do about it?"

Hermione looked at Blaise who returned her look with a slight smile.

"What indeed. The better question, Richie," she purred, a purely devious smile curling her lips, "is what won't we do."

(A/N: I'm going to try to finish this story before 20 chapters. I might be able to do it. We'll see. :3

To Unknown: Thanks! Glad you like it!