Chapter 30

Ginny POV

The following morning, Ginny was up early to get a training session in. She'd thrown on a fairly thick jumper and some joggers, hoping that would be enough to handle the cold temperature and misty rain outside. Before she left her dormitory, she decided to check in with Demelza to see if she wanted to come along, although she was pretty sure she already knew the answer.

Ginny delicately opened the curtains around Demelza's bed and found the girl was fast asleep. A small smile spread across Ginny's face as she bent down and quickly kissed Demelza on the forehead before closing the curtains and heading downstairs.

As Ginny arrived at the Quidditch pitch, she happily found that she was the only one there. She took a few moments to stretch and to visualize a few moves that she was planning on tackling today before swinging a leg over her Comet 260 and kicking off hard from the ground. She flew for a bit, at different heights and speeds, before she got into her training. Especially when she was alone, Ginny had focused a lot on working on being upside down. Anyone that was at the training with Juliette had told her that it was just a freak accident and that it wouldn't happen again, but Ginny knew that if she hadn't timed the bracing poorly and if she had more control over her body when in precarious positions, she wouldn't have fallen. When she was alone, she could work on what could be deemed as "dangerous" without any flak from others.

Ginny flew down close to the pitch, hovering about six to seven feet above the grass. She then swung herself upside down into a Sloth Grip Roll, holding onto her broom with just her hands and feet. One at a time, she removed a hand, then a foot, then another foot, so she was holding onto her broom solely with her right hand, then one at a time she added back her feet and her other hand, then did the same routine with her opposite hand. At such a low height, she knew there was no danger in training this way, and she felt that in doing so she had really started to build up her upper body strength. After repeating this a few times, while also flipping right-side up in between so as to not lose consciousness, Ginny moved on to some high-speed flying tactics. After working in the freezing misty rain for nearly an hour, she figured she'd needed to get cleaned up before heading to Hogsmeade.

Once she was cleaned up, dressed, and ready to go, she was still about an hour off from Demelza or either of the boys waking up to go grab breakfast in the Great Hall, so she took the latest copy of Seeker Weekly down to the common room to read by the fire. It wasn't often that Ginny was able to take advantage of the fireplace or the comfortable armchairs in the common room, so she was thrilled that she'd have some time to do so. About half an hour into her reading, she heard footsteps descending one of the spiral staircases and she turned as she recognized the cadence of footsteps.

"Let me guess, up early to get some studying done, Hermione?" Ginny grinned at the brunette before turning back to face the fire.

Hermione walked over to Ginny and sat down in an armchair next to her, "Actually, I was going to go and visit Hagrid. He's been having trouble with the Blast-Ended Skrewts, and I offered to try and help."

Ginny looked at Hermione with a slightly horrified look, "Aren't those things nearly six feet long now? Is it safe for you to be helping him with that?"

Hermione chuckled, "Probably not, but I know that Hagrid is a bit overwhelmed by it all, and I couldn't help but want to offer my assistance, you know?"

Ginny smiled softly at Hermione, "I know. I mean, not enough to want to go down with you and risk my own skin, but I know where you're coming from. That's quite kind of you, Hermione. You might need more than just a Butterbeer after all of that is said and done!"

"Ginny!" Hermione scolded.

"Oh, you know I'm only joking Hermione. Although, I'm sure that Fred and George have got some Firewhisky stashed away somewhere, if you – "

"Ginny Weasley, absolutely not!"

"Okay, okay!" Ginny gave Hermione her signature crooked grin as the brunette shook her head at her.

"So, you're up early," Hermione stated, changing the subject.

"I try my best, especially on weekends, to get up early and get a training in. It's nice, not having to share the pitch with anyone."

Hermione nodded, "You've been working really hard, haven't you?"

"Yeah… I mean, after what happened with Juliette, and I know, I know, it was an accident... But after what happened, I've been more determined to work harder, build myself up a bit, and just throw myself into it. I'm enjoying it a lot. And, thanks to our two nights a week of studying, I haven't let my marks slip at all. So, no need to worry, mum…" Ginny said, shooting Hermione a playful look.

"I wasn't worried, I know you're on top of everything. It's really great, Ginny, that you're putting so much time into something you're so passionate about. I'm proud of you." Hermione smiled at Ginny.

"Thanks, Hermione. That means a lot, actually," Ginny said, feeling a bit of a blush forming on her cheeks.

"Well, I've got to get down to Hagrid's. Carry on with your reading! I'll see you at the Three Broomsticks at 2 pm. I won't forget." Hermione flashed Ginny a smile and then departed through the portrait hole.

Huh… She seems to be in a particularly cheery mood for someone headed down to deal with Blast-Ended Skrewts…

Ginny didn't have much time to get too lost in thought, however, as she felt two arms wrap around her shoulders from behind.

"Good morning, you," Demelza said as she planted a light kiss on Ginny's cheek. Ginny turned in her armchair to give Demelza a proper good morning kiss.

"Good morning, you're up earlier than I expected."

"Yeah… I couldn't get back to sleep after a certain dormmate of mine kissed me…" she said smiling. "How did training go? I assume that's where you were so early this morning?" Demelza moved to sit in the chair that Hermione had just vacated.

"It was great, actually! I'm feeling more and more confident on my broom, especially upside down. It was a good session, for sure!"

"That's great, Ginny. So, what's on schedule for today? Breakfast once the boys are up, then Hogsmeade?"

"Sounds good to me! Oh, and Hermione is going to be meeting us at the Three Broomsticks at 2 pm. Is that alright with you?"

"Sure thing! Are you sure you want the three of us around for that? I know you've been a little down about how little time you've been spending with her these past few weeks."

"I mean, I guess I don't care either way. Do you not want to hang out with Hermione?"

"Oh no, it's not that at all! I just know that we spend so much time together, I figured you'd want to hang with her just the two of you? Plus, do we really want to subject her to Colin and Ritchie after a trip to Honeydukes and Zonko's?"

"You do have a point… Well, if you're okay with that, then okay! Thanks, Demelza!"

"Of course, Ginny! I know how much your friendship with her means to you. And I know I can't always have you all to myself, so I guess I can share!" Demelza grinned, leaning over to kiss Ginny.

"Oh, you can, can you?" Ginny smirked.

"On second thought…" Demelza said as she got up from her armchair and sat on Ginny's lap, kissing for a bit before they were interrupted.

"Oi! Lovebirds! Let's go get breakfast so we can be the first to see what new stock they've got at Zonko's!" Ritchie shouted as he and Colin rushed past the two girls intertwined in the armchair.

Ginny looked up at Demelza and smiled, pulling her in for one last kiss before scooping her up into her arms and placing her feet on the ground.

"Ginny! When did you get so strong?" Demelza exclaimed.

"I told you, I had a good training session today!" Ginny laughed as she grabbed Demelza's hand and led her through the portrait hole.


Once again, Ginny and her friends were thoroughly enjoying Hogsmeade. They got there early, hit up Zonko's and Honeydukes, and then sat and chatted at the Three Broomsticks for a while. Once about 1:50 pm rolled around, Demelza stood up from the table.

"Alright boys, let's go!" she announced, grabbing her things.

"What? Why?" Ritchie asked, surprised.

"Ginny's going to meet Hermione and hang out for a bit, and I figured since we monopolize enough of Ginny's time, we could let them do that alone."

"Not sure me and Colin are the ones monopolizing all her time, but okay…" Ritchie muttered, grabbing his bag of sweets from Honeydukes.

"Have fun, Ginny! Say hello to Hermione for us!" Colin said as he and Ritchie headed out.

"I'll see you tonight, okay?" Demelza said, placing a quick kiss on Ginny's lips.

"Of course, thanks again for this!" Ginny thanked the girl, smiling up at her.

Suddenly, Ginny was alone at her table. A few minutes passed before Ginny saw a familiar brunette walk through the door, and shockingly enough she was carrying a book.

"Don't tell me you brought a book to read…" Ginny said, laughing as Hermione sat down.

"No, Ginny, of course I didn't," Hermione said a bit exasperated, "This is actually for you."

She turned the book to face Ginny, and handed it to her across the table.

"'Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland'…" Ginny stared at the book, then stared at Hermione, "Why are you giving this to me?"

"It's a gift, Ginny. I got to thinking about how hard you've been working on Quidditch, and I figured this would be something you'd find interesting and maybe even helpful in the future."

"Hermione, this is amazing! You didn't have to do this…"

"Oh, Ginny, please. I'm always looking for an excuse to go through the books at Tomes and Scrolls," Hermione smiled at Ginny.

"Anything to drink girls? Are you still working on yours?" Madam Rosmerta had suddenly appeared by their table.

"Um yes, I'm still working on mine. But put whatever Hermione here wants on my ticket, okay?" Ginny said.

"Well, well, what a lucky girl you are," Madam Rosmerta smiled at Hermione, "What would you like, dear?"

Hermione ordered a Butterbeer, and once Madam Rosmerta was gone she looked across the table at Ginny, sternly.

"Ginny, you don't have to pay for my drink!"

"Why not? You bought me this incredible book!" Ginny was still flipping through the pages.

"I guess you're right…"

"Don't worry Hermione, it's not a date," Ginny smiled at Hermione.

"What? That's not what I was – "

"Hermione, relax. I was just joking," Ginny laughed as Hermione turned red, "I can't believe how great this book is. It's got information on every team! Thank you so much Hermione," Ginny beamed across at Hermione, who was still a little red, "It's perfect."

"You're welcome, Ginny," Hermione smiled back.

"Here you are," Madam Rosmerta set down Hermione's Butterbeer in front of her. "Anything else, girls?"

"No, that should be it Madam Rosmerta, thank you," Ginny said politely, handing her a few sickles.

They sat in silence for a bit, Hermione sipping her Butterbeer and Ginny perusing her new book, when Ginny spoke up.

"So, are we going to address the mark on your neck?" Ginny said, smirking while still keeping eyes on her book.

Hermione coughed as she choked on a mouthful of Butterbeer and then sputtered, "Wha – What?"

"Hermione… The mark on your neck? The one you're clearly trying to hide with a scarf?"

Hermione hastily adjusted her scarf, covering up the mark, "Oh… Uh… Um, it's a burn mark! From the Blast-Ended Skrewts!"

Ginny looked at her with a disbelieving look, then smiled, "Hermione…"

"What? It is!" Hermione said defensively.

"Alright Hermione, if you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. But you do know that Ron has a new mark like that just about every week… So, I know that they're not from Blast-Ended Skrewts…" Ginny said, giving Hermione a knowing look, "Unless he's been helping Hagrid as well?"

Hermione was speechless.

"Look, we don't have to talk about it. I thought we'd have a laugh, but you obviously don't find it to be funny. I'm sorry, we don't have to talk about it."

Hermione still hadn't said anything, and looked to be processing Ginny's words.

"So, you and Krum are more than just friends now?" Ginny asked casually.

"What? No! No, it's not from Viktor, no. No," Hermione said quickly, "I thought we didn't have to talk about it?"

"We don't… Just figured I'd ask so I can eliminate him from the list of possible prospects that may or may not be on that list of yours…" Ginny mused, still looking at the book.

"Ginny!"

Ginny looked up, "Hey, if you're not going to tell me, this is what I've got to do! I'll figure it out, too, don't you worry Hermione," Ginny raised her eyebrows at Hermione, giving her another knowing look.

Hermione paused, lightly glaring at Ginny, then changed the subject, "So, how's Demelza?"

Ginny looked at Hermione, a bit perplexed. Hermione never brought up Demelza, "Uh, she's good. Great! We're doing great. Yeah, she's… She's great."

Hermione chuckled a bit, "Well, that sounds great."

"Sorry, you just never ask me about her, so I wasn't expecting that. No, it really is going very well. I don't think I ever really thanked you for pushing me to explore my feelings for her, so, thank you," Ginny said earnestly.

"No problem…" Hermione said before taking a long sip of Butterbeer.

"You don't have to say who it is… But obviously there's someone in your life right now. Is it serious?" Ginny asked, curiously.

Hermione took another sip of Butterbeer as she pondered the question, "No, it's not. It's just... It's comfortable."

"And they're good to you?"

"Yes… They are."

"Well, good. That's all that matters really," Ginny said, smiling at the brunette.

They continued drinking their Butterbeers and starting talking about loads of different topics. About two hours went by before either of them checked a clock.

"Well, shall we?" Ginny motioned towards the door.

The two got up and left the Three Broomsticks to start their trek back up to the castle. As they arrived at the castle, Hermione stopped.

"Ginny, I'm going to check back in with Hagrid and see if the Blast-Ended Skrewts have progressed at all since we worked with them this morning. You're welcome to join me if you – "

"Absolutely not. I don't want to risk getting burned, I hear it leaves a mark!" Ginny grinned at an unamused Hermione, "Thanks for coming out with me today, and for the book. It was nice getting to spend time with you outside of the library," Ginny said sincerely.

"It was, thank you for pushing me to get out. You were right, I needed it."

"Wait, what was that? Could you repeat that last part?"

"Ginny…" Hermione cautioned.

"I just don't think I heard you correctly…"

Hermione sighed, "Ginny, you were right…"

"Ah yes, that's what I thought I heard," Ginny grinned again, bigger than before, and Hermione shook her head at the girl.

"See you later, Ginny."

"See you, Hermione."

Hermione POV

Hermione watched Ginny walk away from her until she disappeared into the castle. Then Hermione marched down towards Hagrid's Hut, walked past it, and continued on until she arrived at the Beauxbatons carriage. She knocked the rhythm that she and Juliette had agreed upon as their secret signal, and Juliette arrived at the carriage door.

"May I 'elp you?" Juliette asked, smiling down at Hermione sweetly with a just a hint of mischief sparkling behind her eyes.

"Oh no, don't you start up all cute with me. Come on, we need to talk," Hermione said, trying to keep a stern look on her face.

Juliette chuckled lightly as she followed Hermione out a bit past the edge of the forest. They stood under the cover of many large trees, but Hermione still cast the Impervious Charm to keep them dry as the rain began to pick up.

"Did you do this on purpose this morning?" Hermione asked as she pulled her scarf away to reveal the mark on her neck to Juliette.

Juliette grinned at it.

"Juliette!"

"Oh 'Ermione, zat is nozing! It was your idea to meet up zis morning, not mine…"

"It doesn't matter whose idea it was to meet up and this is not nothing, Juliette! Ginny noticed! When I saw it when I was getting ready this afternoon, I just assumed it was a careless accident, but the more I thought about it…"

"'Ermione it was not an accident, but it is not zat big of a deal. Little Ginny took notice, did she?" Juliette's grin grew bigger.

"Juliette, it's not funny! She knows I've got some sort of involvement now!" Hermione huffed.

"Is zat such a bad zing? What does it matter to her?" Juliette asked, eyebrows raised.

"It doesn't, it's just… I want to keep this how it is… I'm enjoying my time with you, and I don't need anyone besides Harry to know about it…"

Juliette looked at Hermione, studying her face, "Okay, I am sorry, 'Ermione. I will make sure not to do it again. At least, not in a place zat is so visible…" Juliette leaned forward and brushed the mark lightly with her thumb, examining it. She glanced up at Hermione's face briefly, before leaning forward more and placing a gentle kiss on the mark. Hermione inhaled sharply.

"Does it 'urt?" Juliette asked softly.

Hermione shook her head no. Juliette kissed the mark again, then started to slowly plant light kisses all along Hermione's neck.

"Is zis okay?" Juliette asked as she noticed Hermione's breathing change.

"Yes… Actually… No," Hermione said, breathlessly.

"Wha – " Juliette had stopped abruptly, detaching herself from Hermione's neck so she could look at her face, when Hermione collided her lips with Juliette's, hard. Juliette smirked into the kiss, which spurred Hermione to deepen the kiss further. Hermione had tangled her hands in Juliette's long dark hair, and Juliette was pulling her closer by wrapping her arms around the girl. As the kiss built in passion, Juliette slowly backed them against a large pine tree. Once they made contact, Juliette reached down and grabbed the back of Hermione's legs to lift and pin her against the tree. Hermione moaned a bit into the kiss at this as she wrapped her legs firmly around Juliette's waist. She loved how strong Juliette was and how safe she felt when she was this close to her.

- snap -

In one swift motion, Juliette had set Hermione back down on the ground, turned, and drawn her wand, standing firmly between Hermione and the direction that the snap of the twig came from.

"Show yourself!" Juliette demanded.

Another snap, and the rustling of leaves, and suddenly a fox jumped out into the clearing where the two girls were standing. It quickly scampered off into the forest at the sight of them, leaving the girls alone again.

"Oh, thank goodness…" Hermione said, finally releasing the breath she was holding. Juliette turned and held her for a moment.

"Are you okay?" Juliette asked, concerned.

"Yes, I'm fine. Are you?" Hermione asked, studying the girl's shaken expression.

"Yes, of course I am fine. Why would I not be?" Juliette asked, almost a bit defensively.

"Juliette, it's okay if you were scared, I know I certainly was. That could've been anything or anyone."

"I was not scared. I was focused on protecting you, zere was no time to be scared," Juliette said firmly.

Hermione looked at Juliette. She was clearly shaken, but determined not to show any fear or weakness. Hermione stepped forward and took Juliette's face in her hands, bringing her close for a soft kiss.

Hermione pulled back from Juliette just slightly, "Thank you for protecting me…" Hermione whispered onto Juliette's lips.

She looked up into Juliette's eyes, which were shimmering with the gold and green sparks that were scattered across them. Juliette had only looked at Hermione that intensely a few times before, but for the first time, Hermione felt completely comforted by it. Hermione tucked her head into Juliette's neck and pulled herself into the girl for a hug. Hermione felt Juliette's body relax into hers, and she smiled. They stayed like that for a few minutes before they headed back to the carriage.

"When would you like to see me again, 'Ermione?" Juliette smiled down at the girl from the carriage door.

"Well, I want to say tonight, but I think we've had enough excitement for one day. Tomorrow morning? Or is that too soon?" Hermione asked.

Juliette laughed, "It is never too soon for me to be seeing you. Come get me tomorrow morning."

Hermione smiled, then turned and started walking back towards the castle.