Chapter 83
Hermione POV
Hermione could barely believe how quickly time had seemed to pass over the past few months. One minute, she was taking Ginny to the Room of Requirement for the very first time for their first Valentine's Day together, the next, she was walking with Neville and Luna to the Quidditch stadium to watch Gryffindor take on Ravenclaw in a rematch of last year's Quidditch Cup Final on a beautiful warm day in May. Plenty had happened in those months in between, and although Hermione was a little sad that they only had about seven weeks until they'd be taking the return trip home on the Hogwarts Express, she was quite pleased with how she'd spent these past few months.
A little over two weeks after Valentine's Day was Ron's 17th birthday, which had coincidentally fallen on a Hogsmeade weekend. This of course meant a trip to the Three Broomsticks so Ron could order his first glass of Firewhisky. Hermione highly doubted it was the first time Ron had ever drunk Firewhisky, though he certainly acted like it, drinking far too much too fast and having to be lugged home by Neville and Harry while Lavender fussed over him. Ginny had found it to be quite funny, until Ron got sick all over the road back to Hogwarts, managing to get a bit on Lavender as well, then she found the whole thing to be absolutely hilarious. Ron ended up being somewhat himself by the next morning at breakfast, besides looking a bit worse for wear, and swore loudly that he'd never have another drop of Ogden's again. Ginny bet him a Galleon that he would, then offered him a plate of sausages, which had him turning a pale shade of green and pushing the plate away forcefully as Ginny smirked.
After Ron's eventful birthday, the sixth years had started their apparition lessons, and those who were of age were eligible to take the test near the end of April. Because Harry and Neville wouldn't be 17 until July, they hadn't been able to take the test, but most of the rest of the sixth years did, and Hermione passed with flying colors. She certainly didn't enjoy apparating, and would undoubtedly only use it as her last choice as a mode of travel, but she also saw the merit in getting her apparition license and was satisfied with how she'd done on her test. Ron, on the other hand, would need to be retaking his test next year with Harry.
The second Gryffindor Quidditch match of the season against Hufflepuff had been an easy win for Gryffindor, just as their match against Slytherin had been. The Chaser trio of Ginny, Demelza, and Katie was almost suffocatingly dominant, and the new Seeker that Hufflepuff had picked up to replace Cedric Diggory was nowhere near Harry's level. Gryffindor won decisively, and Hermione had enjoyed watching Ginny excel out on the pitch, just as she had against Slytherin. Hermione's chest swelled with pride each time Ginny scored, which was quite often, and the younger girl's elated expression she gave Hermione when they met outside the locker room after the match made Hermione feel like her heart may actually burst.
Between Quidditch practices, Prefect duties, class work, and their nightly study sessions to ensure Ginny was as ready as she could be for her rapidly approaching O.W.L.s, they had gone back to spending any extra time they had together. Gone were the days of Hermione maintaining that they don't sneak around, as the introduction of the Room of Requirement had provided a near guarantee that they wouldn't get caught, just as long as they were careful on getting to and from the room. That, and the lengthening of the days and increasingly warmer weather had provided more locations for them to spend time together versus being stuck in the castle when the sun set before dinner was served. Whenever the weather was really nice, they spent as much time as they could out under their favorite beech tree out by the Black Lake. From there they could study, do classwork, talk, or snog a bit, whatever they were in the mood for, without any risk of being marched up into Professor McGonagall's office by Madam Pince or any other authority figure. Hermione never did get her key to the Restricted Section back, and while that killed her a little inside, she'd made it her mission to get it back first thing next year.
Ever since the conversation she and Ginny had in the Room of Requirement on Valentine's Day, their relationship had felt somehow even more effortless. Hermione had come to realize that enamored wasn't nearly a strong enough word to describe how she felt about Ginny anymore – it was so much more than that. Being with Ginny made her happy, yes, but she was also realizing that it made her a better version of herself. More confident and sure, as Ginny refused to let that Muggle-born doubt creep back into Hermione's mind. And, as Professor McGonagall had mentioned, Hermione found herself feeling much less tightly wound. Just being around Ginny put her at ease, and talking to her, holding her, kissing her… That shifted her into pure bliss. She absolutely loved being around Ginny and spending time with her, and even though she knew it was a ridiculous thing to think about at such a young age, she could genuinely see herself spending the rest of her life with the girl.
"How about here? Will this work, Hermione?" Neville asked, motioning to the row he'd stopped at.
"Of course, great eye Neville," Hermione said, giving the boy an appreciative smile. She walked down the row first, settling in towards the middle, while Neville and Luna followed in behind. Hermione and Neville were decked out in Gryffindor colors, while Luna had on a hat with an eagle mounted on top that flapped its wings, along with strips of red and gold paint on her cheeks that matched Hermione's.
"Nervous?" Neville asked Hermione as he eyed her watching Ginny flying around the pitch during warm-ups.
Hermione didn't know how to answer that. She knew Ginny was capable of doing well and very likely would, but she couldn't deny the anxious feeling that would start in her stomach and make its way up into her throat whenever Ginny would compete on a broom. Hermione hadn't yet forgotten the injuries Ginny has sustained from Quidditch, and likely never would.
"A bit, yes. She'll be great though," Hermione said, trying not to come off as stressed as she was inside.
"She's the top target and priority for the Ravenclaw Beaters…" Luna said casually.
Hermione and Neville both looked at Luna.
"How do you know that?" Hermione asked, sounding more doubtful than she'd wanted to.
"I heard Cho talking to a few of the other Ravenclaw players about it in our common room this morning… They were trying to come up with ways to stop Ginny from scoring… They're very concerned about her productivity…"
Hermione furrowed her brow, "Shouldn't they have already had a plan that they'd been practicing long before the morning of the match?"
Luna shrugged, "Apparently they hadn't done so yet… They sounded very worried about the Gryffindor Chasers… Ginny in particular…"
Hermione couldn't stop the smile from forming on her lips. Yes, she was still quite stressed about watching Ginny play Quidditch, and likely always would be, as danger was an inherent part of the game. And hearing that the Ravenclaw Beaters would be aiming for her in particular wasn't helping her nerves one bit, but hearing that Ginny had been talked about in such high regards by her opponents, feared even… Her pride for the girl knew no bounds.
"Alright, there's Madam Hooch, it's about to begin! Go Gryffindor!" shouted Neville as he stomped his feet and clapped wildly with the rest of the Gryffindor section.
All of the players on the field had lined up opposite each other, with the two captains, Harry and Cho, meeting in the middle to shake hands. After Madam Hooch gave her instructions, each team kicked off the ground hard, flying up into the air and hovering in place, waiting for the whistle to begin the match. Ginny flew up just about level with Hermione. Hermione took in how beautiful and strong Ginny looked out there on her broom, her long red hair pulled back into a simple plait, her gaze intense and focused on the Quaffle still in Madam Hooch's hands. Then, Hermione suddenly connected with familiar bright brown eyes, and Ginny winked at her and flashed her signature crooked grin, before exploding forward at the sound of Madam Hooch's whistle. Hermione didn't even have time to blush, as she was immediately pulled into the match, watching it intently.
Ginny had gotten to the Quaffle first and was speeding along towards the Ravenclaw hoops, Demelza and Katie flanking her on either side. They wove as one unit, in and out of the Ravenclaw players, until
10-0 Gryffindor!
Ginny did a celebratory loop around the stadium before getting back into position, and that's just about how the game went. Gryffindor surged to a quick 50-0 lead with Ginny scoring all 50 points. Ravenclaw managed to get 10 points back, but by the time Harry finally succeeded in capturing the Snitch, Ginny, Demelza, and Katie had Gryffindor up 300-140. The final score after Harry hauled in the Snitch was 450-140, and the Gryffindor was once again the winners of the Quidditch Cup.
Hermione beamed as she watched her friends celebrate down on the pitch. They were cheering and hoisting the Quidditch Cup up above their heads as they walked over to the Gryffindor supporters section to celebrate with their housemates. Ginny forced the cup into Katie's hands and moved her to the front of the group, where all of Gryffindor cheered loudly for the outgoing seventh year. Katie certainly had had a remarkable six years on the team, and Hermione hoped that this wouldn't be her last match of Quidditch, as she definitely deserved to go on and play professionally.
Hermione could hear the noise of Colin's camera, rapidly taking picture after picture of the team, and she rushed down to where he was standing in the first row and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Make sure to get a picture of our three Chasers!" she said loud enough so he could hear her over the crowd.
He nodded and shouted out to Demelza, Ginny, and Katie, "Girls! Demelza, Ginny, Katie! Over here!"
The three walked over to him and stood together, Katie in the middle with the Quidditch Cup firmly in her hands, Demelza and Ginny with an arm each around Katie's back. Colin snapped a few shots before Ritchie jumped in.
"Oi, what about me?"
They all laughed as Ritchie laid on his side across the ground at their feet, posing with his elbow on the ground and his temple resting on his fist. Colin got a few more photos before the rest of the team joined for a proper Quidditch Cup Champion team photo.
"How much to get a copy of the photo of the three girls?" Hermione asked as Colin continued getting shots of the team hugging one another.
"For you? Ginny's girlfriend? Absolutely free," he said, maintaining his focus on capturing the celebration.
"Thanks Colin," Hermione said, stunned a little by his generosity.
"Thank you for treating Ginny so well," he said, pulling away from his camera to smile at Hermione.
Hermione smiled back, before turning her attention back to the pitch, where Ginny was now staring up at her, her ecstatic grin stretched as wide as it could go across her lips. Hermione motioned for Ginny to come to her, and Ginny happily obliged, mounting her broom and flying up to her, hovering just in front of her.
"I can't believe it's over! What a great season! And what a way to send Katie off," she said excitedly, turning on her broom to look down at Katie, who was now in a tight embrace with Demelza.
"I'm so proud of you, Ginny," Hermione said, her voice wavering slightly as she tried to choke back tears.
Ginny turned back to face her and laughed, "Hermione, why are you crying?" she asked as she reached out and wiped the tear that was rolling down Hermione's cheek.
"Because of you! You work so hard and love Quidditch so much, and I'm so proud of you for setting a goal for yourself and accomplishing it!" Hermione exclaimed, the tears coming freely now as her attempts to hold them back were clearly useless. "Not only did you make the team, but you dominated this season, and you're a Quidditch Cup Champion again!"
Ginny just grinned back at her, "I love you, Hermione."
Hermione nodded as she wiped her tears away, "I love you too, Ginny."
Ginny urged her broom forward just enough so she could lean forward and kiss Hermione, to whoops and whistles from the crowd, before reversing and going back down to celebrate with the team.
Ginny POV
Before they'd left the stadium, Harry had gathered the team in the locker room after the match to talk, but kept it short. He'd said how proud he was of each of them, and what an honor it was to captain the team this season. He then thanked Katie for the years she competed as a member of the team, and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Even Jimmy Peakes, who was known for his dry sense of humor and typically inexpressive personality, had teared up when Harry got emotional. After they'd packed up their gear and cleaned out their lockers, they'd made their way up to Gryffindor Tower to join the party.
The common room was completely packed and the party was raucous by the time Ginny and the rest of the team got there. When they climbed through the portrait hole, the room erupted in cheers and applause, red and gold fireworks exploding all around them. Ginny pushed her way through the congratulatory crowd before she found who she was looking for, and pulled Hermione in for a proper kiss now that she had her feet on the ground as well.
"Congratulations, two-time Quidditch Cup Champion," Hermione said as she beamed proudly at Ginny.
Ginny felt the heat quickly spread across her face as she blushed, "Thanks. C'mon, let's go somewhere a bit quieter."
She took Hermione by the hand and led her up the stairs to the girl's dormitories, bypassed her own dormitory, and pulled them into Hermione's.
"Well, isn't this familiar?" Hermione teased lightly as she sat down on her bed.
"Wild, isn't it? How different things were just a year ago? Aren't you glad you finally gave in to those unbearably strong feelings you had for me?" Ginny teased right back.
"What? I wasn't the one who sat me down and told me it had always been me, Ginny Weasley. That was you. Honestly, professing your love for me moments after I found out you hadn't been dating Katie the whole year. You weren't going to give me a chance to, I don't know, process that big piece of information?"
Ginny grinned, "With our track record of massive misunderstandings, I didn't want to risk anything! What exactly were you doing outside of my dormitory, anyway? We weren't talking at that point…"
Hermione blushed lightly, "I – I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to congratulate you on your win."
"Yeah? Just congratulate me, huh?"
Hermione blushed deeper and shot a light glare at Ginny, who had an incredibly amused expression on her face, "Yes…"
"Is that why you smiled at me down in the common room, too? Was that a congratulatory smile? Because now that I know your ways of seduction, Miss Granger, I do believe you were trying to communicate something else…"
Hermione huffed and glared up at Ginny, but Ginny could see right through to the tiniest uptick in her lips that indicated a smile was fighting its way out.
"You loved me…" Ginny grinned.
"Yes, of course I did!" Hermione broke, "Now shut it and come here!"
Ginny grin broadened and she ran at Hermione, tackling her gently down onto her bed.
"Ginny!" Hermione protested playfully.
Ginny looked down at the girl pinned beneath her, and sighed. The turn to warmer, sunnier weather had begun to bring out the collection of freckles that were scattered across the bridge of Hermione's nose. Ginny loved those freckles, and they reminded her that they'd be back at the Burrow soon, spending what would likely be their last summer spent there together. That didn't dampen how excited she was though, and she lost herself for a moment thinking about their future trips to Stoatshead Hill, the creek in Ottery St. Catchpole, cuddling every night in her bed. When she came back to the present, she found Hermione smiling up at her lovingly.
"Where'd you go just then?" Hermione asked softly, reaching up and tucking a few strands of hair behind Ginny's ear.
"I was thinking about how excited I am to spend the summer with you. Well, to spend August with you."
Hermione nodded, "I'm excited too. But we've still got a few more important weeks here, then a month apart, then it'll just be you and me."
"And Ron and Harry… And my parents… And loads of my family actually, because of the wedding…"
"Okay, but I'm talking about the moments where it's just you and me… Unless you'll suddenly be sharing a room with Ron this summer…"
Ginny winced at the thought, "Don't even joke about that…"
Hermione giggled then placed a hand on Ginny's cheek, guiding her down towards her, "You've made me wait long enough, Miss Two-Time Quidditch Cup Champion… Kiss me…"
And Ginny did just that.
Just a few days later, Ginny was nervously making her way to Professor McGonagall's office. It wasn't anything like the last time she'd been in her office, as this occasion had been planned ahead of time and wasn't being forced upon her by a seething Madam Pince, but nevertheless, Ginny was still incredibly nervous. This was her career advice meeting, where she'd get to have an open discussion with Professor McGonagall about what she'd like to do for her future career. Ginny only had one career in mind, to become a professional Quidditch player, and she was hoping she wouldn't be leaving this meeting thinking that she had been ridiculous to ever have had that goal in mind for herself in the first place.
Ginny arrived at the large wooden door and knocked twice, waiting patiently for Professor McGonagall to answer. Once the door opened a few minutes later, Ginny was surprised to find Demelza, who had obviously been crying, standing with Professor McGonagall.
"Demelza? What – "
"Miss Robins is okay, Miss Weasley. It is time for your career advice meeting now," Professor McGonagall said, swiftly escorting her into her office before Ginny could check on Demelza further.
"What's wrong with Demelza? Why was she crying?" Ginny asked firmly as she sat down in the chair opposite Professor McGonagall's desk.
Professor McGonagall gave her a stern look, "That is none of your business, Miss Weasley."
"But I – I'm her friend!"
"Yes, you are her friend. But she is allowed to keep some things to herself, is she not?"
"But she was upset!"
"Miss Weasley, this meeting is about you, not Miss Robins…"
Ginny crossed her arms over her chest, glaring slightly up at Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall sighed, and her stern look softened into a small smile, "It is admirable that you are so concerned about your friend. However, I must insist that we keep this conversation about you and your future career prospects."
Ginny kept her glare only for a few more seconds, before unfolding her arms and nodding at Professor McGonagall.
"Well then, let's begin. I have noticed that over this past year especially, your marks in your classes have been exceptional."
Ginny cracked a small smile, "Thank you."
"However, I am assuming that what you would like to do for your future career will have nothing to do with your classes at Hogwarts, am I correct?"
Ginny paused, then nodded.
"Miss Weasley, you are one of the finest Gryffindor Chasers I have seen since I've been the Head of Gryffindor House. Let me rephrase that, you are one of the finest Hogwarts Chasers I have seen since I've been teaching at Hogwarts. Am I correct in assuming that you will be pursuing a career as a professional Quidditch player?"
Ginny nodded again, "Yes ma'am."
"Would I be a fool to suggest that you give Montrose a good look, if they were to scout you?"
"I – What?"
"Montrose. The Montrose Magpies. They're my Quidditch team, Miss Weasley. Although, I suppose you have your heart set on playing for your favorite team?"
"I – Yes… The Holyhead Harpies…"
"Ah yes, the Harpies. Well, consider Montrose a back-up, then. It would be an honor to be able to cheer for one of my favorite students as well as my favorite Quidditch team."
Ginny's eyes widened as she looked across the desk at Professor McGonagall, "I'm one of your favorite students?"
Professor McGonagall smiled softly at her, "Yes, Miss Weasley. Despite your occasional skirting of the school rules, you have proven to be a strong student, a good role model, and an exceptional friend, as we saw just a few moments ago when I thought you may refuse this meeting with me over your concern for Miss Robins… You have many admirable qualities, and it doesn't hurt that you're a fierce competitor for the Gryffindor Quidditch side as well. I cannot imagine growing up with the brothers that you did, but you have clearly held your own and paved your own way for yourself. I am proud to have you in my house, and I look forward to what you will most certainly accomplish over the next two years at Hogwarts."
Ginny was stunned, and didn't know what to say. She didn't know Professor McGonagall had noticed her that much, or at all, really.
"I – Thank you, Professor."
"You're very welcome. So, Montrose? If Holyhead is foolish enough to not give you a proper look?"
Ginny grinned and nodded, "Yes, I'll keep them on my list."
"Excellent, Miss Weasley. Well, continue maintaining your grades and performing well out on the pitch, and I do believe that you'll have a good shot at any team you desire. No doubt you'll be a heavy contender for the team captain role once Potter is gone, that would help as well. If you have any questions or require further assistance with the recruiting process once it begins, do not hesitate to reach out to myself or Madam Hooch, we are both completely behind you."
"Thank you so much, Professor."
"You're welcome, Miss Weasley. Now, go off and enjoy the rest of your Monday."
"You as well, thanks again," Ginny said as she got up and exited Professor McGonagall's office.
A few hours later, she was in the Great Hall sitting between Colin and Ritchie as they ate dinner.
"Am I mad, or did Demelza miss every single class this afternoon?" Ginny asked the boys.
Ritchie managed to stop shoveling long enough to respond, "I ran into her after her career advice meeting, and she said she was going to skip the rest of the day. She looked really upset, so I figured her meeting didn't go as expected, and didn't want to pry," Ritchie shrugged before returning to his food. Colin nodded in agreement.
Ginny knew if Demelza wanted to tell her what was going on, she would, but she just felt uneasy about it. Hopefully she'd told Katie, and Katie was helping her through whatever had upset her. Hopefully it was just that the career meeting had gone awry and not something more serious.
Suddenly, Hermione sat down across from her and started filling her plate with potatoes and greens.
"So?"
"So… What?" Ginny asked, pulling herself from her thoughts about Demelza to focus on Hermione.
"So, how'd you meeting with Professor McGonagall go?"
"Oh! Actually, it went really well!"
"She agreed that Quidditch would be a good path for you?" Hermione asked, spearing a potato with her fork.
Ginny nodded, "She actually brought it up before I had a chance to. She supports it completely, and suggested I give Montrose a look."
Hermione looked up at her, light confusion evident on her face.
"Montrose is her Quidditch team," Ginny explained.
"I see. Did you tell her you were going for the Harpies?"
"I did, and she said if Holyhead was foolish enough to pass me over, to consider Montrose."
Hermione shot her an impressed look, "Wow, that's great Ginny."
"Yeah, it is. I was worried I'd go in there and she'd tell me it was ridiculous to think I could play professionally,"
"It's ridiculous that you thought anyone would say that to you… Have you seen yourself play?" Ritchie asked incredulously.
Ginny laughed lightly, "Thanks Ritchie."
"By the way, I call dibs on your first autograph."
Hermione looked up and smirked.
"What?" he asked, looking from Hermione to Ginny.
"I already promised my first autograph to someone else…" Ginny said.
"Oh, because that's fair! She gets to snog you and gets your first professional autograph?"
"Would you like to snog me, Ritchie?" Ginny asked, Hermione and Colin laughing.
"I – Of course not – You know what I mean!"
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, this arrangement happened long before we were snogging…" Ginny said, smiling across at Hermione.
"Whatever. I want the second autograph, then!" Ritchie demanded, stabbing aimlessly at a potato rolling across his plate.
"Deal," Ginny said, bumping him lightly with her shoulder.
"Ready to go over your Potions notes tonight?" Hermione asked eagerly.
Ginny took in a deep settling breath, then slowly exhaled, "Yes, one last push, right?"
Hermione nodded, "Once you're feeling confident about your classes, you'll rest until your exams. Sufficient sleep is actually more important in the end than cramming for your exams, mind you…" she added, looking at Colin and Ritchie.
"That's easy for you to say, being the genius that you are. And it's not fair that Ginny gets to basically borrow your brain to prepare for her O.W.L.s," Ritchie grumbled.
"I've asked you before, but I'll offer again… Would you like to study with us Ritchie?" Hermione asked politely.
"No, no… I'm just complaining…" Ritchie claimed, helping himself to another plate of food.
Ginny was relieved that Ritchie rejected Hermione's offer, as she really did enjoy the one-on-one time with Hermione, especially as the end of the year drew nearer. She placed her knife and fork neatly on her nearly empty plate and stood up, prompting Hermione to do the same.
"Out by the Black Lake?" Ginny suggested, offering Hermione her hand.
Hermione laced her fingers between Ginny's and nodded with a smile, "Sounds perfect."
AN: Another huge shout out to everyone who has been reading this story as well as leaving reviews, favoriting/following the story, or even PMing me directly! I appreciate all of it so much :)
Work is starting to get a little busier for me, so I'm going to be updating less frequently, but will still be aiming for once a week if possible. Again, thanks to everyone who has been reading this story, I'm still very much enjoying writing it! :)