AN: This is a short one, so I figured I'd do a mid-week post! Again, thank you to everyone who has given this story a read and has reviewed, favorited or followed it, I really appreciate it!

Chapter 50

Ginny POV

The last two weeks of summer at the Burrow seemed to fly right by. Many delicious meals were enjoyed outside in the garden, numerous pick-up Quidditch matches were played out in the orchard, dozens of chores were completed, countless laughs and stories were shared, and suddenly, Ginny found herself up in her room the night before they would all be boarding the Hogwarts Express. As she emptied the trunk at the end of her bed and stuffed her school trunk full, she reflected on how the last two weeks at the Burrow had gone, especially between herself and Hermione.

Since their trip to Diagon Alley, Ginny felt as if they really found the groove in their friendship again. Nothing had been awkward, there had been no tension, it was just… Nice and easy. Comfortable. Comforting, even. Yes, sometimes Ginny would catch Hermione doing something undeniably cute like moving her lips along with the words as she read or talking to the chickens in a sweet and always "respectful" way, but Ginny did her best to not let those moments stick with her for too long. She was determined to move past this, and was confident it was working.

As Ginny was putting the finishing touches on packing her school trunk, Hermione walked into the room carrying a very disgruntled Crookshanks.

Ginny laughed, "What's up with him?" she asked as she walked over to the pair and started scratching Crookshanks behind his ears while Hermione held him in her arms.

"He just won't leave the gnomes alone! I've told him over and over to just let them be, but he's fascinated by them. I'm worried they'll outnumber him at some point and he'll get hurt," Hermione said.

"Oh, I think Crookshanks can take care of himself." Ginny grinned as he purred at her. She could feel Hermione watching her as she continued scratching Crookshanks behind the ears. "What?" she asked, looking at Hermione.

Hermione shook her head, "Sometimes I feel like he's just the cat version of you. Stubborn, risk-taking…"

"I prefer persistent and brave…" Ginny gave Hermione a crooked smile as Hermione rolled her eyes and just barely let a smile ghost on her lips. Crookshanks wriggled out of Hermione's arms and hopped up onto the windowsill, looking out into the night sky. Ginny went and sat on the bench beneath the window and watched as Hermione packed up her things.

"So, Prefect Granger… How many second-chances will you be giving me this term?"

Hermione turned and gave Ginny a look. "If you behave as you should, I won't need to be giving you any. Undoubtedly, all of my second, third, and fourth-chances will be going to Fred and George," Hermione said, taking a deep, settling breath.

"Oh, I'm just joking Hermione, and you know they'll behave. Er, somewhat."

Hermione shook her head and went back to packing. Ginny turned her attention to Crookshanks, petting him as he purred and looked up at her. He moved from the windowsill and curled up on her lap, quickly falling asleep. Ginny continued to mindlessly pet him as she watched Hermione meticulously pack.

"I know you're feeling a bit stressed about this year with O.W.L.s and Prefect duties, but are you excited too?"

"Oh, of course I am, Ginny. Hogwarts is the first place where I really felt like I could be myself, so it'll always hold a special place in my heart. I can't wait to get back into the classroom and watch you and the boys out on the Quidditch pitch. It'll surely be a great year, and vastly different from last year." Hermione's voice got quieter as she said the last sentence.

"You miss her a lot, don't you?"

Hermione turned to face Ginny and sat down on her bed next to her trunk, "Yes, I do," she sighed, gently grabbing ahold of her necklace.

"You haven't heard from her at all since you left?"

Hermione shook her head, and looked down. "I figured I wouldn't. She was off to train with the French National Team before going off to Beauxbatons. I knew she'd be busy, but I at least hoped I'd hear from her before we went back to school. It's been quite a big adjustment, going from seeing her every day to not at all, and then not even hearing from her…"

Ginny nodded, "I'm sure you'll hear from her soon. Maybe she's already sent something off to Hogwarts to be there for you on your first day?"

Hermione looked up at Ginny, and gave her a weak, trembling smile, "Yeah, maybe…"

Ginny paused, then carefully placed the sleeping Crookshanks onto the bench beside her, and moved to go sit by Hermione. She closed Hermione's trunk and placed it on the floor, then sat right next to her.

"Come here," she instructed to Hermione.

"What?" Hermione looked at her, and Ginny could see that she was fighting back tears.

"Only if you want, but my shoulder is available if you need…" Ginny said softly.

Hermione studied her face for a moment before leaning up against her. Ginny couldn't see her face, but she could feel from her slight shaking that she was crying. Ginny cautiously put her arm around Hermione, spurring the brunette to relax further into her embrace and cry a bit harder. Ginny held her tighter.

"It's alright… Distance or not, you know she loves you. You'll hear from Juliette soon, you know you will. And you're going to have a great school year. You're going to learn likely more than anyone else, you're going to be a phenomenal Prefect, and you're going to get straight Outstandings on your O.W.L.s... It's going to be different than last year, surely, but it'll be alright. You've got this, Hermione, and I'm here for you for whatever you need…"

Hermione looked up at her, and Ginny froze, realizing how close their faces were. It seemed like Hermione had realized it too, as Ginny thought she saw Hermione's deep brown eyes widen slightly as they flicked down to Ginny's lips before looking back into Ginny's bright brown eyes. Ginny's breath caught in her throat, she was still completely frozen, when suddenly Hermione pulled back from Ginny. Ginny took her arm back, and Hermione wiped away her tears before turning to face Ginny again.

"Thank you, Ginny, for being so sweet."

"I – I uh, thought I was stubborn and risk-taking…"

Hermione laughed lightly and gave Ginny a small smile, "I believe I said persistent and brave…"

Ginny smiled back, and they sat there for a moment, just looking at each other, until Crookshanks starting scratching at the door to get out. Ginny got up to let him out, and Hermione took the opportunity to grab her toiletries.

"I'm going to go get ready for bed."

Hermione headed up the stairs towards the bathroom and Ginny took a moment to compose herself.

You can be there for her and support her, that's fine, but do not cross any line… Be a good friend, and a good friend only...

Ginny quickly changed into a light t-shirt and shorts and once Hermione came back, she took her own toiletries upstairs to get ready for bed herself. As she returned to her room, Hermione was already in bed. Ginny settled into the cot for the last time that summer, and rolled over to face Hermione. Hermione was already facing her, looking at her. The two held eye contact for a moment before Hermione spoke.

"Thank you…"

"Of course… What are friends for?" Ginny said, smiling lightly.

Hermione smiled back before rolling over to face the wall, "Goodnight, Ginny."

"G'night, Hermione."