Hermione entered inside. Ginny didn't turn. The only warmth in the room came from Professor McGonagall's steady, encouraging smile.

Hermione's voice broke the silence. "What happened, Professor?"

Professor McGonagall laid a reassuring hand on Hermione's shoulder. "It would be best if you heard it directly from Miss Weasely."

With that, McGonagall began to make her way out of the classroom. "And yes, Miss Granger, I'll leave you two to talk. I must see Professor Dumbledore about a matter of some importance."

As McGonagall departed, Hermione's gaze followed her until the door clicked shut. She turned to face Ginny, who remained motionless, her face cast down in a way that spoke of deep disappointment.

Hermione moved closer, gently lifting Ginny's chin with her fingers. "Why the long face?"

Ginny's eyes met hers, filled with an emotion that hinted at both vulnerability and frustration. "Are you really interested in listening? You seem to have no time for me."

The words stung Hermione more than she expected. Despite her intentions to maintain distance, Ginny's words cut deep. She had been hesitant, but it wasn't due to a lack of care.

Hermione settled onto the bench beside Ginny, their shoulders brushing as they sat.

She leaned in slightly, her voice soft and sincere, though it might have carried a hint of something more. "I'm here now."

Ginny met Hermione's gaze, and in that moment, the truth was unmistakable. The sincerity in Hermione's eyes spoke volumes, and Ginny could see that, despite everything, she was genuinely present.

Ginny's voice was a whisper, barely audible. "Not a lot of people know about me and Fleur."

Hermione's brow furrowed, a hint of suspicion crossing her features. "You and Fleur had…?"

Ginny shook her head quickly, a dismissive gesture. "Uh… No."

"Then what is it?"

Ginny hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "Everyone knew that Ron had a crush on her. Don't worry, I didn't. But we were more like friends. After the Triwizard Tournament, when she was going back, we really talked and connected a lot."

Hermione had been aware that Ginny had spoken with Fleur before Beauxbatons had disappeared, but she had assumed it was a fleeting conversation. The revelation that they had developed a friendship was unexpected.

Trying to avoid prying, Hermione asked gently, "What kind of friends? Like you and me?"

Ginny's response was immediate, her tone carrying a hint of intensity. "Don't compare yourself with anyone. You're… something else to me."

Hermione, feeling a mixture of surprise and discomfort, responded hesitantly, "Um… No thanks… I'm happy just being your friend."

The words seemed to weigh heavily in the air, and Ginny's expression grew even more somber.

Hermione, unaware that she was deepening the rift, pressed on. "Can we talk about Fleur, please?"

Ginny sighed, her eyes drifting to a distant point as she spoke. "Okay. She used to confide in me about how tough the tournament was for her, how she missed Beauxbatons. So, no, she wasn't my closest friend or anything like that. But we did care about each other."

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "I never knew that."

Ginny shrugged slightly, her voice tinged with melancholy. "I never brought it up before. But you must have heard from Dumbledore—recently, all the Beauxbatons girls were transferred back after what that… well, what Snape did to them."

Hermione's mind raced with the implications. Was Snape truly to blame for all that had happened?

She nodded, attempting to reconcile the information. "Yes, all the girls were transferred. Isn't that a good thing?"

Ginny's gaze fell. "But not Fleur."

Hermione's posture stiffened, her voice coming out sharper than she intended. "How did you know?"

A surge of defensiveness coursed through her. She was concealing something significant—Fleur was with her, and she was keeping her safe. The question was whether to reveal this to Ginny or not.

Ginny's eyes narrowed, her tone unwavering. "I have my sources. Why? Do you know something?"

Hermione struggled to find the right words.

Ginny's voice grew more insistent, a note of desperation creeping in. "Hermione, do you know anything?"

Hermione's gaze inadvertently fell to Ginny's trembling lips. She could see the earnest need for answers in Ginny's eyes.

Conflicted, Hermione grappled with her decision. She trusted Ginny, but revealing Fleur's whereabouts could expose her to further danger if Ginny was being manipulated.

Yet, the choice had to be made. For her friend's sake, Hermione decided to take the risk.

"Not here," Hermione said firmly.

Ginny's face hardened with frustration. "You don't want to tell me. I knew it."

Hermione quickly moved to hush her, her voice urgent. "Let's go somewhere private. Please."

Ginny's eyes flashed with skepticism. "Now you're just making excuses."

Desperation fueled Hermione's next move. She had no romantic feelings for Ginny, but protecting Fleur had to come first. With no time to think through the consequences, Hermione took a deep breath and grabbed Ginny's face with both hands.

Without warning, she pulled Ginny toward her and pressed her lips against hers. The kiss came with an audible smack, a sharp, surprising sound that echoed in the transfiguration classroom. Ginny's eyes shot wide open, her entire body freezing in shock. Hermione felt the softness of Ginny's lips and the slight tremble as the unexpected kiss hit her.

Hermione broke the kiss abruptly, her voice now laced with a plea. "Ginny, please."