Chapter 75
Ginny POV
A few weeks had passed, and the late summer weather was slowly transitioning to fall. Fortunately, it hadn't gotten too cold or rainy just yet, but there was the definite chill in the air that had often accompanied the change from summer to autumn a few weeks into the school term.
Ginny and Hermione were walking hand in hand, headed for Hogsmeade Village for the first Hogsmeade Weekend of the term. Hermione was dressed in a light grey sweater and jeans, while Ginny wore a Gryffindor Quidditch jumper and jeans, each had a scarf around their necks. Once they got to the village, they stopped and looked along the cobblestone road that was bustling with Hogwarts students walking from shop to shop, before Ginny turned to Hermione.
"Where to first?" she asked, gently brushing back a few loose curls that had been blown into Hermione's face by the light breeze.
"If you're hungry, we could start at the Three Broomsticks for a quick bite to eat? Otherwise, I'd say we start with Tomes and Scrolls. If we leave it for last, you'll be much more likely to voice how bored and miserable you are while I'm browsing. If I've got the Three Broomsticks and Honeydukes to dangle in front of you, I know you'll behave," Hermione said, lifting an eyebrow in a stern, yet affectionate expression.
Ginny grinned, "You know me so well. Let's start with Tomes and Scrolls then. Should only take what, three to four hours?" she teased, flashing Hermione her crooked smile.
"Is that the time you've allotted me in the shop? Perfect," Hermione laughing lightly at the astonished look on Ginny's face, before placing a quick kiss on her lips and pulling her over to the quaint shop.
While the shop was small, Ginny felt the number of books inside rivaled the amount in the Hogwarts library, it was that tightly packed. There were bookcases lining every wall of the multi-roomed shop, books were stacked all the way up to the ceiling in some corners, and fortunately for Ginny, there was a small sitting area that contained a few arm chairs that Ginny desperately hoped were as comfortable as they looked. Hermione had immediately disappeared into one of the rooms, so Ginny wandered a bit, checking out the Quidditch section. She shuffled through a shelf of old Seeker Weekly magazines, until she found the one she knew contained Gwenog Jones's very first interview from her rookie year with the Harpies. She sat down in one of the armchairs, and began to read.
About ten minutes later, Ginny looked up and was surprised to find Hermione with just one book, handing a few sickles over to the shopkeeper. Ginny put the copy of Seeker Weekly back on the shelf, and joined Hermione at the counter.
"Done already?"
Hermione nodded, "I was only looking for one textbook, and I knew approximately where I'd find it, if they had it. Which of course they did," she said, smiling at the greying shopkeeper kindly. The shopkeeper smiled back, placing the book Hermione purchased in a brown paper bag, before handing it back to her.
"Thank you so much," Hermione said appreciatively, before taking Ginny's hand and leading her out of the shop.
Once they were back out into the busy road, Ginny took the bag from Hermione to carry, as they made their way to the Three Broomsticks.
The pub was crowded, as it was the first Hogsmeade trip, and the third years especially were keen on checking out one of the most popular stops in the village. They managed to find a high-top near the back, and sat down.
"So, what'd we get?" Ginny asked, handing the paper bag to Hermione.
"I'd been doing a bit of reading ahead for Arithmancy, and saw a reference to a book I hadn't yet read, and I found it," Hermione beamed, pulling the dusty old text out to show Ginny.
Ginny couldn't help but smile at the girl, so clearly thrilled with locating what Ginny and likely everyone else would consider to be nothing too special. To Hermione, it was better than finding a sack of galleons.
"What'll it be, girls?" Madam Rosmerta asked, suddenly appearing beside their table.
"One Butterbeer, please," Hermione requested politely.
"Make it two, and a basket of chips, please," Ginny added.
"Coming right up," Madam Rosmerta nodded before walking away to attempt to corral a group of unruly third years.
"I was glad to see you'd found the Quidditch section. That's where I found the book I got you for your birthday," Hermione said as she opened her new Arithmancy book.
Ginny paused, and considered what Hermione had just said.
Hermione noticed that pause and looked up, "What?"
"When did you buy it?"
"What?"
"Beating the Bludgers… You said you found it at Tomes and Scrolls. When did you buy it?"
"I – The last Hogsmeade weekend last year, why?"
Ginny grinned.
"What?" Hermione asked, flustered.
"You bought it when we weren't talking, when you thought I was with Katie, didn't you?"
"I – I – Well, yes…" Hermione admitted, her face starting to turn red.
"You loved me," Ginny grinned wider.
Hermione, extremely flustered now, shot an exasperated look at Ginny and huffed slightly, "Well, what was I supposed to do? Not get you a gift I knew you'd appreciate and put to good use?" she asked, aggressively flipping through her new Arithmancy text.
Ginny put a hand on Hermione's, "Hermione, I love that you did that. I love that you were thinking of me, even when you were actively ignoring me and shooting me angry looks for months."
Hermione looked up, still a slight glare on her face, though her eyes had softened considerably.
"I love how thoughtful you are and how sweet you are under this stern and stubborn exterior," Ginny said earnestly, giving Hermione a soft smile.
Hermione rolled her eyes at this, but returned Ginny's soft smile with one of her own.
"Here you are, girls," Madam Rosmerta said, setting two Butterbeers down in front of them. "Chips will be up in a moment."
They both thanked her before taking a sip of Butterbeer. As Hermione brought her tankard back down to the table, Ginny noticed the foam mustache that had been left behind, and smiled. She reached across and wiped the foam away with her thumb just as Madam Rosmerta was sitting the basket of chips down between them.
"So, is the check with this one today, ladies?" she asked, nodding at Hermione. They looked at her in slight confusion. "Last time the two of you were here, you paid, didn't you? Or do you always pay?" Madam Rosmerta asked, looking at Ginny.
"You remembered that? The last time we were here just the two of us was nearly two years ago," Ginny stated.
"It's not often that I see two witches together in my pub."
"We could've just been friends…" Hermione pointed out, looking from Ginny to Madam Rosmerta.
"I see. Were you?"
"I mean, at the time, yes…" Ginny said slowly.
"And are you now?" Madam Rosmerta asked, doubt painting her voice.
The girls were silent.
"Didn't think so. Chips and drinks are on me, girls. Welcome to the club," Madam Rosmerta said casually before walking away to once again address the table of wild third years.
Ginny and Hermione exchanged shocked looks after watching Madam Rosmerta walk away.
"Welcome to the club? Did you know that Madam Rosmerta fancied women?" Hermione asked.
Ginny grabbed a chip from the basket and shook her head, "Ron'll be crushed," she said with a smirk before tossing the chip into her mouth.
They quickly ate their chips and drained their Butterbeers before heading out, opening a table up for paying customers, though they did leave a few sickles on the table as they left.
"Honeydukes?" Ginny asked as they exited the Three Broomsticks.
Hermione smiled, "We just ate and you're already thinking of sweets? I thought Ron was bad…"
Ginny shrugged, "We can skip Honeydukes if you want, but you'll be missing out on a few Sugar Quills from yours truly… But if you're too full, I guess we should just head back…" Ginny said nonchalantly, taking Hermione's hand and starting off towards the road leading back to Hogwarts.
"No! I want my Sugar Quills!" Hermione whined playfully, pulling a chuckling Ginny back towards Honeydukes.
The sweet shop smelled incredible, as it usually did. Hermione went straight to the Sugar Quill display, looking them over carefully before she selected two.
"Only two? Is that going to last you until the next Hogsmeade trip? Get a few more," Ginny encouraged as she scanned the fully stocked shelves, looking at the boxes of Peppermint Toads.
"Fine, but I'm getting you something too, then," Hermione responded, riffling through the Sugar Quills at the back of the display.
Ginny wandered over to the display counter, looking at the sweets behind the glass, when she saw what she wanted. Hermione came up behind her and looked over her shoulder.
"Oh, that all looks great. What do you want?" she asked, handing Ginny the Sugar Quills.
"The pumpkin pasties look good, don't you think?"
Hermione nodded, then turned her attention to Mr. Flume, the owner of Honeydukes, "Three pumpkin pasties please."
Mr. Flume grabbed three of the larger pasties from the case and put them in a paper bag, exchanging them for a few sickles from Hermione.
"I'd like to buy these as well, please," Ginny said, handing him the handful of Sugar Quills.
He did the same with the Sugar Quills, placing them carefully in a small paper bag and handing it to Ginny as she paid him.
"What'd you get?" a familiar voice rang out behind the girls. They turned, and saw Ron, Harry, Lavender, and Parvati, along with Parvati's sister Padma walking in through the door. "Anything good?" Ron continued, reaching for their bags.
Both girls instinctively pulled the bags out of reach, "Just pumpkin pasties and Sugar Quills," Hermione said.
"Wow, exciting," Ron muttered disappointedly, pulling Lavender by the hand over to the massive stack of Chocolate Frogs. The Patil twins also headed off to look at the shelves, while Harry stayed behind.
"So how many Sugar Quills should I get Ron for Christmas, do you reckon?" Harry asked with a smile. The girls laughed. "What have you two been up to?"
"We started with a quick trip to Tomes and Scrolls. Yes, it was actually quick…" Hermione added, taking in the look Harry shot at Ginny. "Then we got a bite to eat at the Three Broomsticks, and now we're just finishing up here."
"No Zonko's?" Harry asked.
Ginny shook her head, "I know it won't compare to Fred and George's shop, so why bother, you know?"
Harry nodded, "We were just there, and you're right. Zonko's doesn't quite have the excitement of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. By the way, I have decided to get in a practice tomorrow morning, first thing. I know it's a Hogsmeade weekend, but with the match against Slytherin coming up – "
Ginny waved him off, "I completely agree. I'll be there, bright and early."
"As will your number one fan, I'm sure," Harry added, giving Hermione a knowing look.
Hermione glared at him, "I'm there for you and Ron as well, Harry!"
"And yet, we never receive any mooning looks…" Harry sighed and shook his head in faux-disappointment as Ginny grinned at Hermione.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "If you'd like me to stop attending practice, you can just say that…"
Harry shook his head with a smile, "Oh Hermione, you know I'm only joking. Plus, I think this one here flies better when she's got someone to show off for," he said, ruffling Ginny's hair.
Ginny swatted away his hand as she laughed, "How about you make yourself useful and go make sure Ron's not blowing the little money he has on Chocolate Frogs, eh?"
"Sure thing, see you two later," he said with a smile as he walked over to Ron, who had his arms full of Chocolate Frog boxes.
Ginny took the Tomes and Scrolls bag, as well as the two Honeydukes bags into her left hand and grabbed Hermione's hand with her right, "Hogwarts?" she asked, as they walked down the steps leading to Honeydukes. Hermione nodded, and they made their way back up to the castle.
Hermione POV
The weekend after the Hogsmeade visit, Hermione found herself and Katie walking the familiar route to Professor Slughorn's office for yet another Slug Club supper.
"So, how are you and Demelza?" Hermione asked.
Katie smiled, "We're good. The closer we get to the match against Slytherin, the more anxious and stressed she's gotten, which has been a bit to handle, but other than that, everything is as good as it's always been. What about you and Ginny?"
Before Hermione was able to respond, Katie continued.
"By the way, I'm so sorry Hermione, for implying that I was concerned you would hurt Ginny."
"You are concerned that I'll hurt Ginny though, aren't you?" Hermione asked, looking over at Katie.
Katie paused, "It has nothing to do with you. It's more of a general big sister feeling of protection that I have for her. However, I know that you treat her incredibly well, and that there truly is no reason for me to worry. I just wanted to say that I'm sorry that I said what I did after the last Slug Club meeting, especially if it offended you."
"You didn't offend me. I appreciate how much you care about Ginny. It's nice to know that there are people out there who have her best interest at heart, just as I do. I will say it's a little difficult, only because I spent the greater part of last year under that assumption that the two of you were together, but that's beside the point now."
Katie shook her head and grinned, "Still can't believe you thought me and Ginny were together."
"You spent so much time together!" Hermione exclaimed, defending herself.
"I was there for Demelza, Ginny was just our relationship shield!" Katie laughed.
"Well, how was I supposed to know that? All I saw was Ginny suddenly spending all sorts of time with yet another girl who loved Quidditch, and how could I possibly compete with that?"
"I think you know by now that Quidditch players really aren't her type, Hermione."
"Yes, it appears she goes after the know-it-all bookworm types…"
Katie looked at her, "Surely that's not only how you see yourself?"
Hermione shrugged.
"You should hear the way Ginny talks about you, Hermione. Yes, your intelligence is absolutely up there on the vast list of reasons she adores you, but it is just the tip of the iceberg. She goes on and on about you, talks about you whenever she can."
Hermione blushed at this, "Really?"
Katie nodded, "You can ask Ron if you don't believe me. He in particular truly appreciates the way his sister rambles on and on about you," Katie grinned.
Hermione thought about this as they continued down the corridor to Professor Slughorn's. Ginny was always so sweet when it was the two of them, but she never considered that Ginny would talk about her with her friends. At least, not as much as Katie was suggesting she did. Hermione smiled at this, and struggled to think of anything else but Ginny all the way through the three hour Slug Club supper.
AN: Thank you to everyone who has read this story! Just wanted to give a heads up as has been less than stable lately, I have been cross-posting all of my HP fics on Archive of Our Own as well, so if anything ever happens, just know that you'll be able to find my fics there under maple321. Thanks for reading, as always, reviews are appreciated!