Written In The Body
Poetheather
A/N: Another round of fun and games, and since we have over 100 followers you guys get an extra chapter this week as well. So bonus chapter this Thursday as well!
Still not JKR. Like for reals though.
Thirteen
"You know… when we get back to school we're going to have to work on your flying." said Ginny thoughtfully, as they were walking towards Harrods, thankfully in a crowd free space.
Hermione frowned, clearly not pleased with this particular plan. She knew that Ginny was aware of her issues with flying and that she hadn't really done any on brooms since first year. She was just too scared to even try. "Is that really a good idea?"
"Oh absolutely. I think part of the problem you were having is that the school ones are terrible and you need something better, something designed for someone not into sports. There are a number of those out there for people who want to buy them. Remember the one that Mad Eye had?" asked Ginny, turning to face her and walking backwards, trying to talk around anything that could get her in trouble for breaking the State Statute of Secrets.
"The recumbent? Yes I do. I must admit that it was an interesting design." said Hermione, having to concede that particular point. That one had looked a good bit more stable than the others and certainly more comfortable since it had an actual seat.
"Well, just so you know, there are a lot of designs out there made for all levels of flyers. What you need is something designed more for your degree of skill and comfort, but also for your intention. For me it is all about the speed and handling, so I need something high end, considering I have hopes of becoming a professional athelete. However that is not even remotely what you should be looking for as something like that would be more problem than help. What I think you need something stable and comfortable and not too fast, basically something that is good for touring." said Ginny with a big grin as she finished up.
With a bit of a laugh Hermione shook her head in disbelief and said, "Despite the fact that I will probably say no, you really have put some thought into this haven't you."
"I have. And I figured that all you need is the right kind of… tool for this and the right reason to fly and you should be right as rain. With some practice you will be just great at it, like you are with everything else." Ginny seemed supremely confident as she spoke, almost as if she knew something that Hermione did not, which was a bit unnerving.
"And what reason is that, pray tell?" asked Hermione, wondering what Ginny was going to answer with. She had to admit to a degree of curiosity as to what the answer would be.
Ginny grinned at her, clearly sensing victory. "The view. The school looks absolutely amazing from up there, in ways you just can't describe. I know you haven't been able to fly up there to take a look for yourself for a number of reasons and so you have never seen it from that particular vantage point but I want to make that happen for you this year. It will really give you a lay of the land that being on the ground just can't and a better appreciation for the scope of the school. Think of it as a great way to supplement Hogwarts: A History."
"So I take it from the way you are talking that you have some ideas on how to get me to do this then?" Hermione asked, making sure they were still isolated enough to continue this conversation since it seemed to be drifting towards topics that would be more difficult to talk around.
"Oh yes. There are a number of good traveling uhm… planes out there that I think are more your speed. I think that might have been a better place for you to start with instead of just dumping you on one of those old bollocksed up Cleansweeps that were nearly shot. That was part of the problem. I know I am good at flying and I had a few problems with those things. Now I think Madam Hooch has one or two available of the things I was talking about that I might be able to borrow so I can show you what I mean. I am almost positive that it might really change your perception of flying." Ginny was clearly passionate about this idea. The more that Hermione thought about it the more she was willing to give it a try. Honestly, it was hard for her to deny Ginny much of anything, including doing something that scared her. But this?
"So that is what you have planned for us when we get back to Hogwarts?" asked Hermione, trying to steer the conversation away from her hovering over the ground on a tiny piece of wood. She was having enough ideas with her degree of acceptance now. If she thought more about it there would be no way she would be able to do it.
"One of the things. I think we need to make sure that we find a way to balance the stress of studying for our NEWTS and your work as Head Girl and my work as Captain to make sure we can manage to have fun and can relax as well. We might have to schedule that in there so we can ensure we do things that are not related to either or else I think it will drive us mad. I would really like to make it out of there with some sanity left." stated Ginny, thoughtfully.
Hermione nodded. She had been thinking along those lines herself. It was not a bad idea and certainly had merit. And if there was anybody who would be able to get her to have fun and relax it would be Ginny. Ron had been good at that but with his propensity for getting into arguments with her relaxation had often turned into spats. Ginny at least had that going for her as the two of them did not fight all that much. "That is an excellent point. You know… there are a few ideas I have to help with our stress relief but they aren't very Head Girl like. Did I mention that I was given a bequest from Professor Lupin?"
"No. What did you get?" Ginny was a bit wide eyed at this news, quite surprised to hear of this. She knew that the Trio had greatly had respected Professor Lupin and she had known that he had been a good teacher as well. She just couldn't figure out why that alone would be a good enough reason for him to leave Hermione something.
"Well, because of a number of different factors, he left me his school journals." Hermione gave her a subtle smile, knowing that in this case it would make her a bit crazy.
"Okay…" Ginny did not sound very impressed so far. There had to be something else to this but it was clear that nothing was registering.
"You are aware that he was one of the Marauders, right? That group that designed the Map that Harry used all the time to get around the school without getting caught? Fred and George used it for the same reason as well. Well, these particular school journals have his notes of their pranks, spells, ideas, everything. And I have them, as well as a few other items he included in there."
Ginny froze. Hermione took another two steps and then turned, aware that she no longer had a companion. She stared at Ginny who was just standing there staring at her in complete surprise. She took a step back toward the redhead somewhat concerned, "Gin?"
"Professor Lupin was one of the Marauders? One of the guys Fred and George worship as pranking gods?" asked Ginny in a halting voice.
Hermione nodded slowly, her eyes focused on the redhead. "Yes, so were Sirius, and Harry's father. Padfoot and Prongs respectively. Professor Lupin was Moony because of his furry little problem. Pettegrew was one as well, but that's neither here nor there. So these journals give me the information about their various ideas and plans and I have to say it is fascinating reading. He really did take wonderful notes."
Stepping forward, Hermione took hold of Ginny's arm as the redhead looked a bit faint and swayed a little. Ginny looked at her almost as if she had never seen her before, "Wait… what are you saying? Are you, Hermione Granger, suggesting that we prank some people? You? The bloody Head Girl are wanting to do this? You?"
She shrugged and smiled. "Well, I figured that pulling a few pranks on the school and not specific individuals might be fun as long as they aren't that mean. Even your brothers managed to pull some of those off and they were pretty funny and helped lighten the mood. And think about it Ginny, we will have information about how to do it from the only people better at pranking than the twins. If we got George to help we would be unstoppable."
Ginny stared at her as if trying to see through a disguise and asked pointedly, "Who are you and what have you done with Hermione."
With a bright laugh, Hermione raised her hands a little, as if surrendering, and said, "What? I think it might be fun. I am not saying we go crazy like the twins usually did and pull these things all the time, but if we pull a few, now and again it just might help with stress relief for us and maybe amuse the other students, and that's in addition to whatever other devious plans you might have for stress relief."
"I am completely in, as this is something I would have to see to believe and even then I might have my doubts. There is no way I would pass this up. Even George is not going to believe it without proof. Wow… really 'mione? You really want to do this?" Ginny was incredulous.
Hermione just grinned cheekily and reached for one of the doors for Harrods, pulling it open as she said, "Oh yes Ginevra dear, now let's go shopping and see if we can find anything that we like."
They spent a few hours wandering around Harrods, looking in the various sections on the different floors, trying on clothes and generally having a good time. By the time they left the two of them were both a bit tired, Hermione more so than Ginny, and ready to head home. Sitting in the back of the bus with a number of seats between them and the next closest passengers so they couldn't be easily overheard, Ginny leaned in to her friend and said, "Thank you for this summer. It has really been a lot of fun. I can't remember the last time I have had this much fun. And the fact that there were so few chores helped out as well. You know, I have to admit that life as a muggle is actually pretty impressive."
Hermione grinned, pleased to hear the statement, but raising one eyebrow. "Really now? Do tell."
Ginny shoved Hermione with her body, snorting softly. "That's not what I meant and you know it. I just mean that it isn't what most wizards think. It isn't anything like I thought it would be. I mean, there is just so much to do and see that it is incredible. The ways that muggles have found to do so much without magic and even the things that cannot be done with magic are amazing. I mean you showed me that people went and stood on the moon. The moon! That's crazy. Who does that? Who thinks of that? The muggle world has so much stuff in it that is just so fabulous that I really wish there were a way that our two worlds could interact with each other in a way that wouldn't cause absolute chaos. Think of all the good it could do for both sides."
"I know. Merlin, Ginny I know. There is so much that I miss when I am at school but there is so much there that it kept me occupied. I would come home to try and keep up with my studies on the outside, in science and math and literature but it is so hard to do over the summer even with magic to help. And that isn't even taking into account just wanting to see the movies or hear the music or just seeing things. Ron just never could understand why I wanted to spend time with my family in this world on holidays or any chance I got. Harry got it, but he was trying to avoid the Dursleys so that made perfect sense why he never wanted to go back. Ron never cared to listen or even to really try. He never got how much it really hurt me to Oblivate my parents." Hermione sounded a bit glum about that. Even though she knew they were not meant to be together it was one of the sticking points in their friendship. This muggle/ magical divide was such a divisive issue in the wizarding world that it just made her crazy sometimes. In a lot of ways the magical world was wonderful and in a lot of ways it was completely backwards and there was no reason for it to be. It was really no wonder that a lot of the muggleborn did not choose stay in wizarding society in the long run, especially in the last fifty years or so. Why would they want to stay in such a backwards world despite how wonderful it could be? Why not go back to the world you knew and be careful?
"Well, just to let you know I will happily come with you to visit your parents anytime you want. They're great and this is has been a lot of fun. There are so many things here that are just amazing, how could I not want to do this? I can see why my dad is so fascinated. And as for Ron… I think part of the whole not getting it thing is while family means as much to him, he couldn't sacrifice it like that." Ginny was looking out the window as she said that at the passing cars and lorries.
Hermione took that last piece about Ron thoughtfully, digesting it. It was a bit uncomfortable to think of and she really did not want to dwell on it right now. Anything else would be preferable to that. "Thanks Gin. I may take you up on that. Might even drag you with us on a trip over Christmas break. So are you excited about turning seventeen?"
"Yes. Getting the trace off me will be lovely and being able to apparate will be so completely worth it. I have practiced with George some with Mom's permission of course. That has been fun, so I am ready for my test when I am allowed to take it. I really want to get my license so I can go wherever I want whenever I want. Being pretty much stuck at the Burrow all the time is not as much fun as you might think. Anyway, the party should be great fun as well, what with Mum's planning and all. Probably not as big as Harry's was and that's okay." said Ginny.
Hermione grinned and said, "Just so you know, you get your gift from me before I take you home. The night before actually."
"Really? What is it?" Ginny bounced slightly in her seat, eyes wide and excited. It was a nice change from the girl grown up too soon because of the war. They had both relaxed and that was for the better in her opinion. This was just Ginny with too much energy and excitement and that made her happy.
"Well, you and I are going to get dressed up really nicely and I am going to take you to dinner and then to a show in downtown London. Since you liked some of the musicals we have seen I found a musical that is based on an opera called La Boehme that is supposed to be very good. So we will both go out and see a show in a real theatre with real actors, as it is a very different experience from watching a movie. I haven't seen this particular musical either so it will be exciting for both of us." explained Hermione with a bit of a twinkle in her eye.
Ginny smiled slightly, fluttered her eyelashes and said coyly, "Why Miss Granger, are you attempting to take me out on a fancy date and have your wicked way with me?"
Hermione blushed and looked down at her hands, since that was partially what she had been thinking. She did remember how Ginny had looked at the Yule ball back in her fourth year and since she was more mature and a good bit more attractive that this would be a lot of fun. Ginny laughed at the response. "You know I am only teasing you 'mione. I know this is only going to be as friends. You know, your first girlfriend is going to be really lucky."
"Thanks." Hermione looked at her feet and thought to herself 'I hope it's you.'
"So what are we going to see?" asked Ginny, quite curious.
"That's a surprise, Gin. Honestly." Hermione rolled her eyes at that.
"Can't blame a girl for trying." Ginny shrugged and laughed a little at the response.
Hermione shook her head, the kind of things that Ginny would get up to. She would have to be on her guard to make sure that the girl did not find some way to worm the answer out of her between now and then. Then again if she could hold secrets from Bellatrix under torture she could probably keep this from Ginny. She tisked and said chidingly, "Ginny it's called a surprise for a reason."
"Fair enough. So, what's it like?" asked Ginny, looking out the window again.
"What's what like?" Hermione wasn't sure what Ginny was getting at. There were too many options and it wasn't all that descriptive in this case.
"Fancying girls."
"Oh. Well, you know, in a way it's a lot like fancying guys. There are things about them that interest you both physically and in their personality. And you kind of want to spend all your time with them. You know, just like when you fancy a guy. No difference really, except that it is with another girl. Not having been in a relationship yet I guess I can't really say more than that with any authority." answered Hermione. The books she had been reading had helped her figure these sorts of things out and come to terms with these things herself. Having her feet on solid ground on this issue certainly helped her deal with these sorts of questions.
Ginny nodded and said a bit absently, "You know there are a couple of players on the Holyhead Harpies that are like that, into women. It really is no big deal, though one of them is a bit of a slag. That actually gets more notice than the fact that she likes girls really. Ugh, and some of the girls she gets together with…"
"Really? I didn't know what the wizarding world thought about this sort of thing. There are all sorts of opinions about it here in the muggle world, from acceptance to outright hatred. I was actually a little worried about it to tell you the truth." admitted Hermione, shifting a bit in her seat.
"Well, it's not exactly common and it might get a few eyebrows raised at you by some people but no one really cares about it, not nearly as much as some people care about stupid blood purity or even the houses you get sorted into to a degree. Blood matters more to most of these people than anything else. Bloody wankers if you ask me. I mean, look at where that got us." said Ginny, shaking her head in disgust.
Hermione let out a sigh of relief. One of her biggest fears had been alleviated. "Oh good. I was a bit worried about all of that. I thought people might get all weird about my coming out."
"Well, I do know some people who might be sad because you will be off the market for them but there are others who will probably get really excited about the prospect. There are a few girls who will come running once they hear about this." commented Ginny, still looking out the window.
"Oh? Really? Anyone I know?" asked Hermione with interest.
Hermione could see the tips of her friend's ears pinking. "There are a few girls I have heard make comments about you that have shown more than a casual interest in you. But no, I'm not going to make it that easy for you."
"Really now? My, my… that's excellent. My dating possibilities might just be changing for the better. Look out Hogwarts, here comes Hermione Granger. Rowr!" Hermione clawed the air with one hand.
Ginny had turned some and managed to catch the end of that action. She goggled a little and then started laughing, falling against the window. "Oh Merlin… what… what was that?"
Hermione pretended to pout and look affronted at that. "Hey! I'll have you know that was my playful sexy kitty look."
"Oh yeah, 'mione… that look… that look's a keeper. You are going to slay them. That look is dangerous." Ginny kept snickering, shaking her head.
"What? I am dangerous." protested Hermione with a huff.
"Did I say you weren't Miss Granger?" countered Ginny with a grin.
"I'll show you dangerous." growled Hermione in playful menace, holding up her clawed hand.
"Really? Here? Now? On a public bus?" asked Ginny innocently, blinking her eyes enticingly.
Hermione realized where they were and then blushed a bright red as she noticed that a few people were looking their way, some clearly amused by the girls' antics. Ginny just snickered some more at the girl's embarrassment. Hermione smacked her lightly on the arm as she looked at the floor. "Prat."
"What? I'm just teasing you." Ginny hugged Hermione briefly. "That was just really cute and I couldn't let that pass without teasing you about it. You know that it wouldn't be the Weasley thing to do."
"Fine." She groused briefly. "What do you want to do this evening?"
"I don't know. Don't you usually look through your school books before classes, to get a jump on things?" asked Ginny.
Hermione looked a bit surprised at the question, as that is exactly what she would normally be doing if Ginny had not been here with her. "You would really want to do that?"
"Well, maybe for a little bit. You know I have been trying to do well on my schoolwork unlike some younger Weasleys. You have the best study habits of anybody I know, so if I want to really succeed in my NEWTS then I want to study with you and like you. If that means that I need to look over the books early in order to review the material and get a jump on things, then so be it." said Ginny with a shrug. "Besides, between you and Luna, I don't want to feel like the idiot cousin when we get back to school."
With a lighthearted laugh, Hermione said, "You aren't an idiot Gin."
"My two best girlfriends are both bloody geniuses 'mione, each in their own way. I want to try and keep up with you both somehow but I know I haven't been the best student either. Granted I'm no Ron but I also know I'm not in the same category as either of you. I have gotten E's and a few O's but I want to do better. I know I really want to play Quidditch professionally but that doesn't mean I should just ignore my studies." explained Ginny, wanting to make her stance on things clear, so that Hermione would not think she was being down on herself.
"That is a very mature point of view to have Ginny. And you will need a career after sports so having the NEWTS to ensure you can get whatever job you want to have will be helpful." said Hermione.
"I really want to play Quidditch, because it makes me happy, and now that the war is over I don't have to worry about having to fight anymore. I can just relax and just be me. It is such a relief. So I have been planning on really working the team hard this year and trying to impress the scouts when they come by with how the team plays and how I play. I want more than anything than to play for Holyhead but I know that if I do it by showing off that it won't happen. I have to be smart. Getting on that team has been my dream since I was a little girl and I want it so bad 'mione. That would be fantastic if I could do that." Ginny was looking out the window again but clearly not seeing anything except her dreams.
"I am sure you can do it Gin. You are a great player, even Harry says so, and he is the youngest Seeker in what, a hundred years. Even I can tell you are good at the game and I have no clue about anything. You fly really well, better than everyone else. I am sure you can make this happen." said Hermione, trying to make Ginny feel better about her chances.
"I am not sure what I can do to ensure that I can make this happen. I can only train so much and I can only push the team so hard. And if I sacrifice my studying time for training time I'm screwing myself in other ways. This is going to be so difficult."
"Then maybe all you can do is your best and see what happens." Hermione rested a hand on Ginny's shoulder. She knew it was only a platitude but sometimes that was the best you could do in some situations and that did not make them wrong.
"You're right, I know you're right, but that doesn't mean that I have to like it." pouted Ginny, sticking out her bottom lip a little.
Hermione had to fight against the urge that hit her so strong at that moment to lean forward and kiss Ginny. She looked so adorable right then, with her lip out and pouting and her brown eyes kind of sad that it was almost killing her not to kiss the redhead. She needed to change the topic if she was going to have any chance of resisting. "So what do you want to do this evening? My parents are going out on a date, leaving us alone on our own devices. I mean, besides studying."
"Well, how about some of the take away from that Chinese place by the bus stop? We can bring it to your place, you can put it under a warming charm and we can have it later. That way we can have food with very little effort or cleanup." said Ginny. "Their Sesame Chicken was very tasty."
"I'm okay with that. We can have a little bit of a buffet and that could be fun." Hermione was rather amused. Ginny had really taken to Chinese food once she had gotten introduced to it. That was a good thing in her opinion as Hermione did like it as well. Having grown up having a wider range of food options than just your English standard cooking that Molly excelled at and Hogwarts generally provided, made her really crave different foods when she returned home for the holidays.
Hermione turned her thoughts to the things she had to do later, such as study, make sure she had everything ready for Hogwarts, get any last minute things from Senior Healer Bainsley for Madam Pomfrey, things along those lines. She also wanted to be able to spend the tail end of August doing as little as possible, besides her standard book review. Oh yeah, she also had to come out to her parents early enough so that they had a chance to reply before she got on the train. That was sure to be a lot of fun. It made her stomach churn just a little to even think about it. Maybe she could just skip the whole thing?
That also reminded her, did she need to get her parents their own owl so they could mail her on their own? That way she could keep up correspondence with them instead of only relying on the occasional letters back and forth when she sent Perdita to them. It would certainly make things easier. She groaned as she realized the additional hassle she created for herself.
Ginny turned from the window and looked at Hermione with some concern, asking, "What's wrong?"
"I am just wondering if my parents need their own owl." said Hermione, rubbing her forehead as it almost felt like she was getting a stress headache. She pinched the bridge of her nose, to see if that would help.
Ginny stared at her a few seconds and then busted out laughing. This was not a simple laugh but a full belly laugh as if she had been hit by a spell. Hermione was shocked, unsure what she was supposed to feel or think but that reaction to what she had said was not what she had expected. People were staring at them again and it made Hermione feel somewhat self-conscious and unsure what to do.
The bus reached their stop shortly thereafter and Ginny and her exited the bus with the redhead still clearly amused by whatever had been in that statement that was funny. The girl was still unable to talk, as she was chuckling away, very much amused with everything. As the bus pulled away and it was clear there was no one around them for the moment Hermione blurted out, "Ginny, what is so damn funny!"
"Hermione, you have been in the magical world for how long? And it only just occurred to you now that your parents might want their own owl? Oh Merlin… that's so bloody funny." Ginny bent over laughing again.
Hermione looked up to the sky and asked Dumbledore to give her patience. It did not really help. She started counting to ten. That did not help. She then switched to French. That did not help either. Her irritation exploded out, "Honestly Ginevra Molly Weasley!"
Ginny was immediately silenced as if hit with a silencing spell and stood up straight. Her brown eyes were somewhat wide with traces of fear and she stared right at Hermione who was glaring at her. It would probably have been a funny sight if she had not been so upset.
"Prior to all of this my parents and I were close but not too close, nothing like your family. It is only now that it is an issue. Before it might have been interesting but they never seemed overly interested from what I could tell and honestly I was too busy focusing on school and Harry's problems to notice much of anything. With the biggest issue keeping me from really talking to them now gone my priorities have completely shifted as have my parents' priorities." Hermione was clearly worked up and her hands were clenched.
"I'm sorry 'mione. I really am. I didn't mean to upset you." Ginny sounded honestly contrite.
Hermione took a deep breath and let it out slowly, feeling her irritation ebb. It was clear that the girl meant what she was saying. She rubbed her forehead, trying to push back the slight tension headache that was almost ready to crash into her. "Thank you Ginny. I know you didn't mean to upset me, it's just that… the last several years, especially since Voldemort returned, I haven't been able to tell my parents anything about what had been going on, so they didn't know how bad it was getting in that world. I did that because I knew that if they did know they would pull me from Hogwarts in a heartbeat. If they did that I was certain that my wand would be snapped, my magic bound, maybe me and my whole family Oblivated and Harry would die and I could not live with that, could not take that chance. But now… now I really want to let them in. I miss my family and I hate the fact that this stupid war drove me away from them."
Ginny enfolded Hermione in her arms, hugging the older girl tight. "It'll be okay Hermione. You'll see. And your parents are wonderful people and love you very much. It is clear to me at least that you all have a wonderful relationship. I think they will be quite happy with their own owl and will enjoy sending you letters and such. It'll all be okay."
Hermione sniffled a few times, trying to fight back her tears. It felt so good to be in Ginny's arms and she wished that things could just be this way, with Ginny and her dating. To be able to be held like this in these arms all the time, their comforting embrace chasing away all her fears and worry, keeping her safe and warm, there could be nothing better in her mind. However it did no good for her to live in delusion and would only hurt more in the end. She had to face facts, regardless of how sad they made her. Ginny was not her's.
Ginny just held her and rubbed her back gently, not worrying about the fact that Hermione's arms were wrapped low about her hips. As Hermione pulled back a little, lifting her head from Ginny's shoulder but not getting it too far from the girl's face, a guy walked out of one the nearby businesses, glanced at them and scoffed, "Bloody dykes!"
Ginny immediately released her, spun towards the man, eyes wide with anger and yelled back, "Fucking arsehole!"
The man flashed her the two fingered salute and Ginny made a move towards her wand. Hermione grabbed her arm and barely stopped her from doing that given how quick the Chaser was. "No. No Ginny, I don't want you to get in trouble over some stupid git like that. It's not worth it. Please, let's just get the food and go."
"Did you hear what that bloody arse called you?" She was clearly incensed over the whole situation and wanted to take some sort of action. Her fists were clenching and unclenching.
"What he called us, and yes, and screw him. I'm a lesbian and that's okay. I'm gonna get called that, more than once and probably worse. It sucks but that's the way it is. Not everyone is like that but there are enough to go around. Now let's get our food and go home. I have to say though you were my brave bold Gryffindor hero for going after him like that." said Hermione, with a smile and a cheeky wink.
"S'not bloody right. Should of Bat Boggied him. That would have learned him." grumbled Ginny, still distracted with the thought of that incident, eyes still cutting off in the direction the man had gone.
Deciding that she just wanted to end this line of discussion and move on, Hermione leaned in, kissed Ginny on the cheek and said in a near swoon, "My Hero!"
Ginny blushed a bright red and looked down at the sidewalk, unable to respond. Hermione laughed brightly and pulled Ginny along behind her towards the Chinese restaurant.