AN: My apologies for the longer than communicated hiatus! I think I overdid it just a bit with all of the writing I did in October and November, so a little break was necessary, but I wanted to get at least one more chapter out before the end of the year! No promises on the next update, but know that I am fully committed to seeing this story through, it just may not be as frequently updated as it was in the past. As always, thanks for reading, and enjoy! :)

Chapter 90

Hermione POV

Hermione sat beside Ginny at the end of the long table in the kitchen and happily watched as she tore open her presents at her 16th birthday breakfast. New Quidditch training gear from her parents, Bill, and Charlie, a handwritten playbook that Harry and Katie had been exchanging owls all summer to put together for her, a Chudley Cannons t-shirt from Ron (who insisted the colors didn't clash with her hair as it certainly didn't clash with his…), a large box of Pygmy Puff treats from Fred and George as well as an assortment of goods from their shop, a book on choosing N.E.W.T. level classes in order to best prepare for future professions from Percy, and a small box from Hermione. As Ginny grinned up at her and pulled at the ribbon on the box, Hermione interjected, putting her hand softly on top of Ginny's.

"Actually, how about you open that later?" she suggested, a hint of red in her cheeks.

The twins whistled loudly which brought color to both Hermione and Ginny's cheeks, but it dissipated quickly as Mrs. Weasley shushed the boys.

"Honestly, can't you just let a sweet moment be sweet?" she chastised the boys before turning to Hermione. "I'm sure whatever you've gotten our Ginny for her 16th birthday will be just lovely."

Hermione gave her a nod before she caught Ginny's eye, who was clearly anxious to know what was inside the box. Hermione shook her head softly and gave the girl a knowing look, earning herself a crooked smile in return.

"Ginny, are you going to finish those sausages?" Ron asked, eyeing her plate as his was currently lacking any bit of the food he'd piled on at the beginning of the meal.

"I believe that would be a question for coach, over there," Ginny said, nodding towards Katie.

"Leave her one, Ron, she hasn't had any yet. Birthday girl has been far too distracted with her gifts to properly fuel herself, it seems," Katie said, playfully narrowing her eyes at Ginny.

This was Katie's last day at the Burrow. She'd received the news the evening before that she'd been offered a spot on the practice roster for the Falmouth Falcons, and she'd sent an owl back accepting the offer. She'd leave this afternoon, and would be off to Falmouth where she'd hopefully keep that spot. Obviously, everyone was very excited for her, but Ginny was especially pleased with the location as it wasn't too far from Shell Cottage.

"We can all go and stay at the family cottage in Tinworth to watch you play!" she'd declared excitedly as soon as Katie shared the news.

"It's just a position on the practice squad, Ginny, let's not get too ahead of ourselves," Katie had returned.

"But still! A position on the professional practice squad! You'll be impressing the coaches in no time, I'm sure," Ginny had grinned, before jumping on Katie in excitement.

Hermione herself was very proud of Katie, and was looking forward to following her journey this year. Hopefully it'd lend good insight into what was in store for Ginny's future, as that had really been in the back of Hermione's mind lately. She loved Ginny, that much was undeniably obvious, but it was really starting to hit Hermione now that there would very likely be a future between the two of them. A future involving two different careers, as Hermione would hopefully land a position with the ministry and Ginny would be playing Quidditch professionally, and how would that work? She knew she shouldn't be worrying about that now, and she wasn't necessarily worrying, per se, but thoughts of their future were a constant in her mind. She wanted them to have a future together, and what was the best way to make sure that could be a possibility? She didn't want to misstep now and cost them later on. She wanted to do what she could to ensure the two of them could have a bright future, together.

"Hermione?" Ginny's voice cut through the noise in Hermione's head, bringing her back to the kitchen at the Burrow as the Weasleys, Harry, and Katie all started to get up from the table.

"Hmm? Sorry, what?"

Ginny smiled, "I asked how long I'd have to wait to open my gift."

"Let's wait until tonight, okay? It'll be worth it, I promise," she smiled back.

Ginny's smile pulled into her crooked grin as she kissed Hermione on the cheek, "I'm sure it will be. Are you going to come out to watch us train with Katie one last time?"

"It's a bit hot, so I think I'll help your mum clean up in here instead. Is that alright?"

Ginny nodded as she pushed back her chair and stood as Harry, Ron, and Katie headed out the back door. "Of course. We'll meet you back here for lunch. Don't miss me too much, alright?"

Hermione smiled, "No guarantees."

Ginny grinned, planted a kiss on the top of Hermione's head, and disappeared out the back door as well.

"Ah, to be young and in love… Eh George?" Fred asked airily as he picked up Hermione's plate and carried it over to the stack by the sink.

"So lovely, so sweet…" George wrapping a long arm around Fred's shoulders and eyeing Hermione moonily as she blushed at their teasing.

"Oh, you two, leave the girl alone…" Mrs. Weasley said, shooing the boys out of the kitchen. "It is sweet, dear, don't let them tease you too much about it."

"Oh, I know. I don't mind it, really," Hermione said as she walked over to the sink and grabbed a plate to begin washing it before Mrs. Weasley waved her off.

"You've been doing far too much since you've been here, dear. Now, I don't blame you if you don't want to go and sit out in the sweltering heat to watch the four of them practice Quidditch for the bulk of yet another day, but why don't you just take some time to yourself?"

Hermione gave the woman a thankful smile and nodded, "That actually sounds quite nice, thank you Molly."

"Thank you for all of your help. You're far more helpful than any of my children, you've earned some time to relax."

As Hermione headed upstairs to grab a book to read outside in the back garden, she pocketed the small box for Ginny, feeling her heart race just a bit as she thought of its contents.

Ginny POV

Her 16th birthday had been nothing short of incredible. Breakfast was perfect, the gifts she'd received from her friends and family had been thoughtful, and the rest of the day was spent out in the orchard, playing Quidditch one last time with Katie, Harry, and Ron. She eventually was the last one pushing for more, and ended up having to accept defeat as the other three insisted they should head back to the Burrow to clean up and rest before dinner. As they walked into the back garden of the Burrow, Ginny spotted Hermione leaning against one of the trees, looking comfortable and content in its shade. Ginny broke off from the others, heading for Hermione instead of inside the house. Hermione looked up as she approached and smiled.

"Good last session with Katie, I take it? You four were gone for ages," Hermione said as Ginny sat down beside her. "Oh Ginny, you're soaked!"

Ginny grinned and scooched closer to Hermione, "I think I'd like to cash in on my birthday hug, if you don't mind?"

Hermione laughed as she placed a hand on the center of Ginny's chest, keeping her at bay, "Absolutely not, Ginevra!"

Ginny stuck out her lower lip, pouting playfully, "But Hermione, it's my birthday, and you haven't even let me open my gift from you yet!"

Hermione just smiled, "I'll hug you once you're good and clean, and you can open your gift after dinner, okay? I promise."

"Hermioneee…" Ginny whined lightly, trying again to get close to Hermione to no avail.

Hermione let up on the force at which she was pushing Ginny away, allowing them to get just close enough to kiss. As Ginny leaned forward to close the gap, Hermione pulled back.

"I promise, it'll be worth the wait…" she whispered before placing a light kiss on Ginny's lips and pushing Ginny away with a playful shove.

"I'm gonna hold you to that…" Ginny said with a crooked grin as she stood up, stripping off her drenched t-shirt and heading towards the Burrow.

"I'm looking forward to it…" Hermione called after her from the base of the tree, and something deep inside of Ginny surged with anticipation.

Once dinner was over, Ginny's feelings of anticipation had been swapped for feelings of pure sadness. After 11 days at the Burrow, Katie was finally leaving to set off for Falmouth.

"I know you're not big on writing letters, but can you commit to once a month?" Ginny requested as she pulled Katie into a tight hug.

"You've got it. I'm looking forward to hearing how you take over the Gryffindor Chaser ranks this season. We've set quite the standard over the past few seasons, so you better not let me, Angelina, and Alicia down…" Katie faux-threatened as she hugged Ginny even tighter.

"Got it coach," Ginny grinned as she pulled back from Katie. They both had evidence of tears in their eyes, but each were clearly trying their best to fight them.

Katie hugged and thanked the rest of the Weasleys, leaving Hermione for last, and pulled her into a hug as tight as the one she gave Ginny.

"Take care of our girls for me…" Ginny heard Katie whisper into Hermione's ear. Hermione nodded as a tear escaped down her cheek, and that set off all three of them, plus Harry and Ron.

"You two as well?" Katie laughed through her tears.

"Well, what do you bloody expect, we're not made of stone!" Ron exclaimed, wiping at his eyes furiously.

Everyone laughed as Katie gave Ron an extra hug, then grabbed her bag and headed out the front door. She turned and gave one last wave, nodded at Ginny, and with a *crack, she was gone. Hermione and Ginny stayed at the door the longest, wiping away their tears.

"So… If you'd rather wait until tomorrow after such an emotional goodbye with Katie, I'd completely understand…" Hermione started as she wiped away another one of Ginny's tears with her thumb.

"If this is about my gift, then you're barking mad, Hermione…" Ginny said seriously, making Hermione chuckle through her tears.

"Alright. Stay here."

"What?" Ginny questioned in confusion as she watched Hermione go upstairs. She badly wanted to follow, but Hermione returned almost as soon as she'd gone, though this time she was carrying a bag.

"Think you can carry this for me, birthday girl?" Hermione said as she handed the bag to Ginny.

"Uh, sure… But what about – "

"Molly, we're heading out!" Hermione called as she nudged Ginny out the front door.

"Alright dear, have fun you two!"

"Wait, where are we – "

"Hold tight, Ginny," Hermione said, holding out her hand.

"Are we going to – "

As soon as Ginny grabbed Hermione's hand, she was immediately sucked into the truly horrible sensation of being forced through an uncomfortably small space. As she felt her feet make contact with the ground again, she wasn't able to regain her balance quick enough, and fell backwards onto long, and thankfully soft, grass.

"Oh Ginny, are you alright?" Hermione asked, worry painting her features as she knelt down beside her.

Ginny took a deep breath, her previously non-existent lungs expanding once again as she looked around, trying to get her bearings.

"I'm – I'm fine… Did we just Apparate?"

Hermione nodded nervously, "Your parents suggested I didn't tell you we were going to Apparate, as apparently when people who haven't side-Apparated before know it's coming, it's far easier for things to go wrong... I didn't want to risk you getting splinched…"

Ginny nodded as she slowly got to her feet, "Not a great feeling is it, Apparating?"

"No, it's certainly not…" Hermione agreed, "But it can be convenient."

Ginny just closed her eyes, as after standing she'd begun to feel nauseous.

"Here, sit back down. It'll pass soon. I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Hermione said, easing her back down to the ground before sitting down beside her.

"S'alright…" Ginny muttered as she leaned against Hermione, focusing on breathing deeply and slowly. "So are we… Are we at the grounds for the Quidditch World Cup…?" she asked as she opened her eyes again, still trying to scan her surroundings to figure out exactly where Hermione had taken her.

Hermione nodded and smiled softly, "We are…" Hermione reached into her pocket and handed Ginny the small box. "Go on, open it."

Ginny sat up and finally, after waiting all day long, took the top off the box. She furrowed her brow slightly as she wasn't immediately sure what she was looking at. She tipped the box into her hand, spilling its contents out, and lifted her hand to examine it closer. It looked like a miniature tent.

"A tent…?"

The soft smile grew on Hermione's lips, "Do you recognize it?"

Ginny nodded, "Yeah, it looks a lot like the tent we shared at the Quidditch World Cup. So, you got me a miniature version of it? Uh, thanks Hermione! That's – That's quite thoughtful of you!" Ginny said, trying to sound as happy as possible about the gift that was more than a little confusing to her. She wasn't sure if her brain had been jarred too much by Apparating, but none of this was quite making sense to her just yet.

Hermione shook her head and laughed softly, "It's not a miniature version of it. It's the tent we shared here, at the Quidditch World Cup. I've just shrunk it down so it'd be easier to transport while we Apparated."

Ginny's eyebrows sprung up as the realization hit her, "Wait, are we staying here tonight?"

Hermione nodded, "Since we reunited two weeks ago, the Burrow has been a complete mad house. I know that Katie left tonight and we'd have been back to sharing your room alone, but I figured it'd be a bit more special for us to go on a little adventure, just the two of us…"

Warmth and gratitude spread through Ginny quickly. The Burrow had been so crowded and loud and busy as of late, and while she did love spending time with her family and friends, all Ginny had been wanting the past few days was to spend time just with Hermione, just the two of them.

Ginny sighed as her body relaxed, leaning up against Hermione again, "Honestly, I couldn't have thought of a better birthday gift if I tried…"

Hermione chuckled lightly as she pressed her lips to Ginny's temple, kissing her briefly before wrapping an arm around her. They sat like that for a while, both taking in the beautiful rolling hills of the vast campground. Off in the distance, they could see a few tiny tents clustered together, a whirl of smoke coming up from the center of the cluster. Muggles on holiday, Ginny reckoned.

Once Ginny was feeling up to it, they got up and began setting up their own campsite, chatting comfortably as they worked. Hermione enlarged the miniature tent to full size, and the two worked side by side securing and stabilizing it. Ginny noted there was only one cot inside, instead of the two she remembered from the Quidditch World Cup, but didn't think too much of it. They'd been sharing a bed every chance they got these days, so of course they'd share a cot tonight, no matter how small it may be.

Once Hermione was satisfied with the protective charms she'd cast around the perimeter of their campsite, concealing them from anyone who happened to stumble across their set up, the sun began to set in the west, just beyond the crest of one of the farthest hills. They settled onto a blanket Hermione had pulled out of the bag she handed to Ginny before their departure from the Burrow, and cuddled up as they watched the sun set, painting the endless sky in a myriad of colors before it settled into darkness. As the stars began to reveal themselves, they laid back until they were flat on their backs, taking in the first-quarter moon as it lit up the sky, casting just enough light on both of their faces so they could still see one another. The air had a slight warmness to it, as faint scents of grass, lavender, and honeysuckle drifted around them. It was incredibly relaxing, and while Ginny felt so much more, the word that came to mind in this moment was content. She was so content, here with Hermione, in their own little world.

"So… Why here?" Ginny asked quietly as she rolled into Hermione. Hermione opened up to her, wrapping an arm around her as Ginny laid her head on Hermione's chest, her hand coming to rest on the older girl's stomach.

"When I first thought of the idea to take you camping, I considered Stoatshead Hill," Hermione started. "But when I thought back to the last time we'd been camping, here, at the Quidditch World Cup, it seemed like the right place to take you. I can still hear your voice asking me to lay with you on your cot… You'd had such a long, intense day, and you said that I made you feel calm and safe… Honestly, Ginny? I swear, in that moment I knew I'd do anything to make you happy…"

Ginny tipped her head so she could look up at Hermione, her bright brown eyes connecting with Hermione's darker brown, "You're doing an incredible job, making me happy…"

Hermione smiled softly, "Good…"

"You still make me feel safe and calm… And though I come from an incredibly loving family, lucky as I am, I've never felt as loved as I have been with you… And I've never loved someone as much as I love you, Hermione…"

Ginny felt Hermione's chest rise and fall as she took in a deep breath, ducking her chin at Ginny as her eyes began to glisten, "I love you, Ginny…"

"I love you too, Hermione…"

Ginny pushed herself up a bit, just enough to connect her lips with Hermione's. It started slow, soft, gentle… Tentative… Before it quickly built into something more. As soon as their tongues touched, Ginny couldn't help but roll herself onto Hermione fully, craving more contact with her as she deepened the kiss. She could feel Hermione's hands on the back of her head, pulling her in closer to her. Once they finally came up for air, Ginny looked into Hermione's eyes, wordlessly asking if what was happening was really happening. Hermione nodded, and even under the dull light of the moon above, Ginny could see the faint blush on Hermione's cheeks.

Ginny pushed herself up and offered a hand to Hermione, pulling her to her feet as well. She grabbed the blanket from the grass and pulled open the flap of the tent, motioning for Hermione to go in first. The light from Hermione's wand lit up the tent as they entered, casting the small space in a warm glow. As Ginny opened her mouth to comment on the size of the cot in an attempt to reassure Hermione that they both surely could fit, Hermione transformed it into a replica of Ginny's bed at the Burrow. Ginny's breath caught in her throat as she looked at Hermione, whose blush was burning just a touch darker than it had outside as she set her lit wand on the small table beside the bed.

"Ginny, are you sure?"

Ginny nodded quickly, swallowing hard. "Are you?"

Hermione nodded as well, taking a step towards Ginny and taking her hand, "I'm always sure when it comes to you."

Again, that feeling of warmth and gratitude spread through Ginny. Her love for Hermione was warming her from the inside out, and gratitude settled in her heart, overwhelming her with the knowledge that she was safe with Hermione, safe to do what they were about to do.

Ginny, courage welling up inside her at Hermione's words, was the one to take the first step towards the bed, pulling them beneath the familiar light quilt that they'd been sharing in her room at home. Kisses were exchanged, slow, soft, and gentle, as clothes were removed, piece by piece. Once there was nothing else between them, and it was truly just the two of them, Hermione spoke up one last time.

"Ginny… Yes or no?"

"Yes."

"Nox."