Unexpected Pleasures (Part 1/2)
Title: Unexpected Pleasures
Author: Kerisempai
Fandom: Harry Potter
Rating: M
Summary: A case of mistaken identity leads to questions for Hermione.
A/N: Harry Potter and his friends belong to the amazing J.K. Rowing I merely got a few of them naked, turned them gay, and let them have at it. This is an old piece, my first actually. I thought I should archive it with the rest of my stories.
“So, you gonna meet me after your Arithmancy class?” whispered a low tenor voice in Hermione’s ear.
The brunette straightened up from the drinking fountain, and turned to regard the tall red haired boy standing in front of her. Ron had his best ‘charming smile’ on, and despite her familiarity with it, she found herself falling under its power once again. Tall, gangly Ron had finally turned into the handsome man she’d always known was lurking just beneath the surface. Even Lavender Brown, who normally couldn’t tear herself away from Pavarti long enough to notice a talking tree frog right in front of her face, had made the comment that Ron seemed to have filled out in all the right places. Hermione couldn’t help but agree, even if one of those places mad her decidedly nervous.
And there in lie the problem. They’d been dating since fifth year, their friendship simply progressing to the next level, but Hermione couldn’t understand her hesitation at becoming more physical in her relationship with Ron.
“I don’t know Ron,” she hedged, “How would it look if we got caught making out in some supply closet? I’m supposed to set a good example.”
“Come on, Hermione,” Ron flashed that smile again, “No one’s going to catch us. Ginny has to make up a quiz for Flitwick, so I’ll just have her keep look out.” He gave her a pitiful mope, “Please, this is the only night this week we don’t have practice. I just want to spend some time with you.”
Hermione looked up in to his face and gave in. “Okay, Ron. I’ll meet you.”
“Great!” Ron’s mope disappeared, and he looked around quickly, “You go right after Arithmancy. You’ll get there first, and I’ll knock like this on the door, so you’ll know it’s me.” He demonstrated the secret knock.
Fighting the urge to laugh at his cloak and dagger antics, Hermione just smiled at him. “Okay, see you then.” She leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek, and they went off to their classes.
***
Hermione walked down the charms corridor, trying not to look suspicious. She stopped in front of the supply closet, pulled out her wand, and whispered, “Alohomora.”
The door opened with a quiet click, and she slipped inside. Hermione set her book bag down and glanced around the dark interior. She could barely make out shelving and such, but was afraid the glow of her wand would be noticeable from the other side of the door.
She wondered yet again why she was doing this. Lurking in dark closets was not Hermione’s idea of fun, beside which she had plenty of homework she could be doing. Maybe it was because this was their last year, or because everyone else was hopping in the sack with their respective sweethearts, but Hermione was getting tired of constantly putting Ron off.
What is wrong with me? She thought to herself. Hermione truly cared for Ron; she loved his family, and wanted things to work, but try as he might, Ron roused less passion in her than would light a candle. I just have to try harder.
A low knock sounded, startling Hermione, and despite her affirmation a moment before, her heart began to thud with nervousness. The door slowly eased open and a tall figure slipped in. Before her nerves could overtake her, Hermione grabbed Ron by the shoulders and kissed him. There was a shocked pause from him at her sudden action, before he began kissing Hermione back.
And what a kiss it was. Ron’s lips had never felt so soft before, and his usually sloppy kisses were perfect. Firm, but not ungentle. Hermione was loosing herself. A tongue traced the outline of her lips, and without a thought she opened to it. She kissed him back with an enthusiasm she’d never felt before. Ron’s hands began to roam over her body, and when those hands cupped Hermione’s bottom and brought her up against him, she heard herself moan, loudly.
Goodness, this is what everyone’s been talking about, she thought to herself. I should have tried this ages ago.
Hermione felt the muscles in Ron’s arms bunch a moment before the hands resting on her bottom lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around Ron, feeling her knees about to give out.
Hermione reached up and thread her hands through long silky hair. She felt soft breasts pressing against her own, and gasped at the contact, pulling the mouth even closer. Then it occurred to her that something was quite wrong.
She let go so fast that she almost fell. Catching her balance, Hermione pulled her wand out of her robes and practically shouted, “Lumos!”
A tall red haired Weasley stared back at her, but it was not Ron.
“Ginny,” Hermione barely whispered.
The tall girl’s face was flushed and terrified. Her lips were swollen and her robes askew. She stood like an animal trapped in the lights of an oncoming muggle car, wanting to bolt, yet rooted to the spot.
Hermione lowered her wand, and took a step toward the younger girl. Immediately, the spell holding Ginny was broken, causing her to jump back.
“I’m so sorry,” Ginny gasped, before wrenching the door open and running down the corridor, leaving a very confused Hermione Granger standing alone in the supply closet.
***
Ginny ran as if Voldemort himself were chasing her, castigating herself the entire way through the castle and out onto the grounds. Stupid! Stupid! Ginny’s feelings for Hermione were something kept in the dark recesses of her heart, visited often but never brought into the light of day. She’d fallen for the muggle born girl much as her brother had; friendship giving way to love over the years. Ginny had never intended to tell anyone of her unrequited feelings, let alone take action. Damn you Ron! Ginny longed to place blame on her brother for setting this all in motion, but his request had been innocent enough.
Ginny had been on her way to the charms classroom to make up a quiz for Professor Flitwick when she’d heard her name.
“Oy! Gin, wait up!”
“What now?” She said.
“I need a favor.”
Ginny merely raised an auburn eyebrow and looked at her brother.
“Go tell Hermione I can’t meet her?”
“She’s right down the hall, why can’t you tell her?” Ginny countered.
“Please Gin, you know she’s gonna be upset,” whined Ron.
Ginny snorted, “Oh poor Hermione! Deprived of my brother’s affections. Will she survive?” She laughed at the sour look on Ron’s face.
“Harry wants me to get in some extra practice before Saturday. You know how he gets before the Slytherin match.”
Ginny nodded in agreement, “So we have double practice tonight?”
“No, just me, Seamus and Andrew,” Ron said, referring to the two Gryffindor beaters.
“Reckon he’s gonna let them pelt bludgers at me; see if I can defend the goal.”
Ginny snickered at that.
“I wouldn’t laugh if I were you, he’s got wicked things planed for you chasers too.”
“Great,” Ginny sighed.
“So will you tell her?”
“Yes, brother dear. I will tell Hermione you aren’t coming.”
“Thanks Gin.” Ron smiled at his baby sister, and trotted off toward Gryffindor tower to change.
So Ginny had taken her quiz, and headed for the supply closet to inform Hermione that her boyfriend would not be meeting her. She’d never expected Hermione to grab her like that. Ginny had responded with all the pent up passion she had, and by the time she’d gathered her wits enough to realize what was happening, it was too late.
***
Hermione stood in the supply closet, wand clenched in her hand, starring stupidly at the open door. What on earth just happened? Her mind wanted to know. Her body, on the other hand seemed to know exactly what had happened. Her heart continued to pound, and her breathing had yet to return to normal. She felt as if she was in a stall; not really going anywhere, just idling.
She came to her senses rather quickly, as she suddenly noticed Professor Flitwick standing in front of her. He was studying her with a somewhat worried expression, which made Hermione realize he’d probably been standing there a while.
“Are you quite all right, Miss Granger?” The diminutive teacher asked.
“Ah… yes, Professor,” Hermione answered, trying to think of a reason to be standing in a closet, oblivious to things around her. Spotting a bottle of magical ink remover, she quickly grabbed it. “I completely forgot what I was looking for, for a moment.”
Professor Flitwick, of course believed her. She was after all Head Girl, and therefore totally trust-worthy. Once the teacher had toddled off, Hermione quickly gathered her things and headed for Gryffindor tower.
Dropping her bag by the desk, Hermione made her way into the bedroom and flopped down on the bed. Immediately question began running through her head. Where was Ron? How did this happen? Did Ginny know it was me? How does Ginny feel? What do I do? Can I ever look at Ginny again? Can I ever look at Ron? On and on, her brain spun like a hamster on a wheel. Finally, in exhaustion she drifted off to sleep.
When she awoke, candles had been lit and the sound of voices drifted in from the common room. Glancing at her wrist watch, Hermione saw she’d been asleep several hours.
“Guess I missed dinner,” she muttered to herself. Grabbing her books, she found a quiet spot at a table near the fire. She sat down and began her homework, hoping it would keep her mind busy. It did for the most part, and she was just finishing up her last Arithmancy problem when Harry and Ron came trudging in.
They plopped down on either side of her, shaking the table and making the jar of ink she was using wobble dangerously.
“I am working here, you know,” she said huffily. They both grinned at her, causing her to frown even more.
“Don’t be mad, Hermione,” said Ron, giving her the ‘charming smile’ for the second time that day. “Hey, did something happen with you and Ginny?”
“What…?” Hermione spluttered.
“Well, I know you were disappointed when I couldn’t meet you, but I hope you didn’t take it out on the messenger.”
Hermione shook her head, meeting Harry’s worried eyes.
“She was distracted during practice,” said Harry quietly.
“Yeah, real intense, but not all there,” Ron put in, “And then she flew off toward Hagrid’s right after we were done.”
“It’s not like her.” Concern was evident in Harry’s voice.
“Probably just nerves,” Ron said, waving away concern like a pesky fly. Neither Hermione nor Harry said anything.
The rest of the evening went by quickly, Ginny finally entering through the portrait hole, only to walk straight to the stairs of the girls’ dormitory without a word. Hardly anyone even noticed.
As Hermione lay in bed that night she thought of Ginny Weasley and the curious reaction she’d had to the other girl’s kisses.
***
Saturday dawned cold and rainy, matching Ginny’s mood perfectly. She made her way down the main staircase toward the great hall, knowing few students were up and about this early. Sitting down at the Gryffindor table, she contemplated the enchanted ceiling as she munched on toast and pumpkin juice.
“Hey, Gin,” said a quiet voice across the table. “Mind if I sit here?”
“No, go ahead Harry,” she answered, trying not to let him see that he’d startled her. She’d been avoiding Ron and Hermione, and Harry by association for several days now, hoping the mess of it would all simply go away, if given enough time.
Harry sipped at his own pumpkin juice, eyes studying the girl in front of him. Ginny felt the weight of his stare, and tried not to fidget.
“Is everything all right Ginny?” He finally asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she answered quickly, gathering up her things. The hand on her arm stopped her.
“You know why I became a seeker, Gin?” Harry asked. Ginny met his eyes for the first time.
“No,” came the soft answer.
“I notice things most people don’t,” he explained, “that’s what helps me find the snitch.” Ginny dropped her eyes to the table. “I know what it’s like to love someone from afar.”
Although he’d whispered the last part, Ginny jumped as if he’d shouted.
“I don’t… I… I have to go,” she stammered, grabbing her things, “I see you at the match.”
Harry sighed, shaking his head as he watched her go.
***
A light drizzle continued to fall as the majority of the Hogwarts student body made their way up to the quidditch pitch. While quidditch always drew a crowd, this years Gryffindor verses Slytherin match up looked to be a record setter. Hermione walked with a group of Gryffindor seventh years, wishing she were anywhere else. She’d always been a quidditch fan, and a true Gryffindor supporter, but today she just wanted to be alone with her own thoughts.
The fact that she might see Ginny for the first time since their closet incident had absolutely nothing to do with it, or so she kept telling herself. The truth was Hermione couldn’t keep the younger girl out of her thoughts. She’d replayed the entire scene in her head thousands of times, and had finally come to the conclusion that Ginny had known exactly who she was kissing form the get go. She knew she was kissing me the entire time. And that was what Hermione couldn’t wrap her brain around. The fact that Ginny Weasley, popular, beautiful, and smart, not to mention a top quidditch player had wanted to kiss her. She could have any boy she wanted. Hermione simply did not get it, and by dwelling on why Ginny had done what she had, it allowed her not to think of her own reaction.
Hermione continued toward the pitch, taking a seat next to Neville and Colin just as Madame Hooch stepped onto the field, the Gryffindor and Slytherin teams racing out a moment behind her. After a few seconds of aerodynamics the teas settled down into formation for the toss of the quaffle.
No matter how hard she tried, Hermione’s gaze went directly to Ginny. She looked splendid in her burgundy and gold robes. Her hair was held back in two braids with gold ribbons, framing her very intense face. Before Hermione could look away, Ginny glanced at her and their eyes held. That one look, lasting mere seconds haunted Hermione the entire match. The expression in Ginny’s eyes hadn’t been angry or hurt or embarrassed, but what it had been, Hermione was unsure.
Harry caught the snitch and hour or so later, winning the match for Gryffindor. Hermione was just relieved that she could head back to her rooms and hide for the rest of the day. She’d just come down the steps when she heard someone yelling her name. Turning, she saw it was Ron, now dashing across the field toward her.
“Hey Hermione, enjoy the match?” asked Ron, out of breath.
“Yes. Congratulations.” She tried to sound upbeat.
“Well, couple of us are going to the shack tonight to celebrate, want to come?”
“I don’t know Ron. You know how I feel about…”
Ron interrupted her, “Its okay Hermione. I didn’t reckon you’d want to come, but I wanted to ask.” He smiled at her, and she smile back.
“Do me a favor though,” at Hermione’s nod she went on, “Keep an eye on Ginny. She’s not been acting herself lately. I’m worried.”
Hermione felt like she’d been socked in the stomach. “Uh… sure Ron.”
“Thanks, ‘Mione,” and with a quick peck on the cheek went pelting back to the locker rooms.
Hermione gave a great sigh, “Just great.” And she headed once again for the castle.
Author: Kerisempai
Fandom: Harry Potter
Rating: M
Summary: A case of mistaken identity leads to questions for Hermione.
A/N: Harry Potter and his friends belong to the amazing J.K. Rowing I merely got a few of them naked, turned them gay, and let them have at it. This is an old piece, my first actually. I thought I should archive it with the rest of my stories.
“So, you gonna meet me after your Arithmancy class?” whispered a low tenor voice in Hermione’s ear.
The brunette straightened up from the drinking fountain, and turned to regard the tall red haired boy standing in front of her. Ron had his best ‘charming smile’ on, and despite her familiarity with it, she found herself falling under its power once again. Tall, gangly Ron had finally turned into the handsome man she’d always known was lurking just beneath the surface. Even Lavender Brown, who normally couldn’t tear herself away from Pavarti long enough to notice a talking tree frog right in front of her face, had made the comment that Ron seemed to have filled out in all the right places. Hermione couldn’t help but agree, even if one of those places mad her decidedly nervous.
And there in lie the problem. They’d been dating since fifth year, their friendship simply progressing to the next level, but Hermione couldn’t understand her hesitation at becoming more physical in her relationship with Ron.
“I don’t know Ron,” she hedged, “How would it look if we got caught making out in some supply closet? I’m supposed to set a good example.”
“Come on, Hermione,” Ron flashed that smile again, “No one’s going to catch us. Ginny has to make up a quiz for Flitwick, so I’ll just have her keep look out.” He gave her a pitiful mope, “Please, this is the only night this week we don’t have practice. I just want to spend some time with you.”
Hermione looked up in to his face and gave in. “Okay, Ron. I’ll meet you.”
“Great!” Ron’s mope disappeared, and he looked around quickly, “You go right after Arithmancy. You’ll get there first, and I’ll knock like this on the door, so you’ll know it’s me.” He demonstrated the secret knock.
Fighting the urge to laugh at his cloak and dagger antics, Hermione just smiled at him. “Okay, see you then.” She leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek, and they went off to their classes.
***
Hermione walked down the charms corridor, trying not to look suspicious. She stopped in front of the supply closet, pulled out her wand, and whispered, “Alohomora.”
The door opened with a quiet click, and she slipped inside. Hermione set her book bag down and glanced around the dark interior. She could barely make out shelving and such, but was afraid the glow of her wand would be noticeable from the other side of the door.
She wondered yet again why she was doing this. Lurking in dark closets was not Hermione’s idea of fun, beside which she had plenty of homework she could be doing. Maybe it was because this was their last year, or because everyone else was hopping in the sack with their respective sweethearts, but Hermione was getting tired of constantly putting Ron off.
What is wrong with me? She thought to herself. Hermione truly cared for Ron; she loved his family, and wanted things to work, but try as he might, Ron roused less passion in her than would light a candle. I just have to try harder.
A low knock sounded, startling Hermione, and despite her affirmation a moment before, her heart began to thud with nervousness. The door slowly eased open and a tall figure slipped in. Before her nerves could overtake her, Hermione grabbed Ron by the shoulders and kissed him. There was a shocked pause from him at her sudden action, before he began kissing Hermione back.
And what a kiss it was. Ron’s lips had never felt so soft before, and his usually sloppy kisses were perfect. Firm, but not ungentle. Hermione was loosing herself. A tongue traced the outline of her lips, and without a thought she opened to it. She kissed him back with an enthusiasm she’d never felt before. Ron’s hands began to roam over her body, and when those hands cupped Hermione’s bottom and brought her up against him, she heard herself moan, loudly.
Goodness, this is what everyone’s been talking about, she thought to herself. I should have tried this ages ago.
Hermione felt the muscles in Ron’s arms bunch a moment before the hands resting on her bottom lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around Ron, feeling her knees about to give out.
Hermione reached up and thread her hands through long silky hair. She felt soft breasts pressing against her own, and gasped at the contact, pulling the mouth even closer. Then it occurred to her that something was quite wrong.
She let go so fast that she almost fell. Catching her balance, Hermione pulled her wand out of her robes and practically shouted, “Lumos!”
A tall red haired Weasley stared back at her, but it was not Ron.
“Ginny,” Hermione barely whispered.
The tall girl’s face was flushed and terrified. Her lips were swollen and her robes askew. She stood like an animal trapped in the lights of an oncoming muggle car, wanting to bolt, yet rooted to the spot.
Hermione lowered her wand, and took a step toward the younger girl. Immediately, the spell holding Ginny was broken, causing her to jump back.
“I’m so sorry,” Ginny gasped, before wrenching the door open and running down the corridor, leaving a very confused Hermione Granger standing alone in the supply closet.
***
Ginny ran as if Voldemort himself were chasing her, castigating herself the entire way through the castle and out onto the grounds. Stupid! Stupid! Ginny’s feelings for Hermione were something kept in the dark recesses of her heart, visited often but never brought into the light of day. She’d fallen for the muggle born girl much as her brother had; friendship giving way to love over the years. Ginny had never intended to tell anyone of her unrequited feelings, let alone take action. Damn you Ron! Ginny longed to place blame on her brother for setting this all in motion, but his request had been innocent enough.
Ginny had been on her way to the charms classroom to make up a quiz for Professor Flitwick when she’d heard her name.
“Oy! Gin, wait up!”
“What now?” She said.
“I need a favor.”
Ginny merely raised an auburn eyebrow and looked at her brother.
“Go tell Hermione I can’t meet her?”
“She’s right down the hall, why can’t you tell her?” Ginny countered.
“Please Gin, you know she’s gonna be upset,” whined Ron.
Ginny snorted, “Oh poor Hermione! Deprived of my brother’s affections. Will she survive?” She laughed at the sour look on Ron’s face.
“Harry wants me to get in some extra practice before Saturday. You know how he gets before the Slytherin match.”
Ginny nodded in agreement, “So we have double practice tonight?”
“No, just me, Seamus and Andrew,” Ron said, referring to the two Gryffindor beaters.
“Reckon he’s gonna let them pelt bludgers at me; see if I can defend the goal.”
Ginny snickered at that.
“I wouldn’t laugh if I were you, he’s got wicked things planed for you chasers too.”
“Great,” Ginny sighed.
“So will you tell her?”
“Yes, brother dear. I will tell Hermione you aren’t coming.”
“Thanks Gin.” Ron smiled at his baby sister, and trotted off toward Gryffindor tower to change.
So Ginny had taken her quiz, and headed for the supply closet to inform Hermione that her boyfriend would not be meeting her. She’d never expected Hermione to grab her like that. Ginny had responded with all the pent up passion she had, and by the time she’d gathered her wits enough to realize what was happening, it was too late.
***
Hermione stood in the supply closet, wand clenched in her hand, starring stupidly at the open door. What on earth just happened? Her mind wanted to know. Her body, on the other hand seemed to know exactly what had happened. Her heart continued to pound, and her breathing had yet to return to normal. She felt as if she was in a stall; not really going anywhere, just idling.
She came to her senses rather quickly, as she suddenly noticed Professor Flitwick standing in front of her. He was studying her with a somewhat worried expression, which made Hermione realize he’d probably been standing there a while.
“Are you quite all right, Miss Granger?” The diminutive teacher asked.
“Ah… yes, Professor,” Hermione answered, trying to think of a reason to be standing in a closet, oblivious to things around her. Spotting a bottle of magical ink remover, she quickly grabbed it. “I completely forgot what I was looking for, for a moment.”
Professor Flitwick, of course believed her. She was after all Head Girl, and therefore totally trust-worthy. Once the teacher had toddled off, Hermione quickly gathered her things and headed for Gryffindor tower.
Dropping her bag by the desk, Hermione made her way into the bedroom and flopped down on the bed. Immediately question began running through her head. Where was Ron? How did this happen? Did Ginny know it was me? How does Ginny feel? What do I do? Can I ever look at Ginny again? Can I ever look at Ron? On and on, her brain spun like a hamster on a wheel. Finally, in exhaustion she drifted off to sleep.
When she awoke, candles had been lit and the sound of voices drifted in from the common room. Glancing at her wrist watch, Hermione saw she’d been asleep several hours.
“Guess I missed dinner,” she muttered to herself. Grabbing her books, she found a quiet spot at a table near the fire. She sat down and began her homework, hoping it would keep her mind busy. It did for the most part, and she was just finishing up her last Arithmancy problem when Harry and Ron came trudging in.
They plopped down on either side of her, shaking the table and making the jar of ink she was using wobble dangerously.
“I am working here, you know,” she said huffily. They both grinned at her, causing her to frown even more.
“Don’t be mad, Hermione,” said Ron, giving her the ‘charming smile’ for the second time that day. “Hey, did something happen with you and Ginny?”
“What…?” Hermione spluttered.
“Well, I know you were disappointed when I couldn’t meet you, but I hope you didn’t take it out on the messenger.”
Hermione shook her head, meeting Harry’s worried eyes.
“She was distracted during practice,” said Harry quietly.
“Yeah, real intense, but not all there,” Ron put in, “And then she flew off toward Hagrid’s right after we were done.”
“It’s not like her.” Concern was evident in Harry’s voice.
“Probably just nerves,” Ron said, waving away concern like a pesky fly. Neither Hermione nor Harry said anything.
The rest of the evening went by quickly, Ginny finally entering through the portrait hole, only to walk straight to the stairs of the girls’ dormitory without a word. Hardly anyone even noticed.
As Hermione lay in bed that night she thought of Ginny Weasley and the curious reaction she’d had to the other girl’s kisses.
***
Saturday dawned cold and rainy, matching Ginny’s mood perfectly. She made her way down the main staircase toward the great hall, knowing few students were up and about this early. Sitting down at the Gryffindor table, she contemplated the enchanted ceiling as she munched on toast and pumpkin juice.
“Hey, Gin,” said a quiet voice across the table. “Mind if I sit here?”
“No, go ahead Harry,” she answered, trying not to let him see that he’d startled her. She’d been avoiding Ron and Hermione, and Harry by association for several days now, hoping the mess of it would all simply go away, if given enough time.
Harry sipped at his own pumpkin juice, eyes studying the girl in front of him. Ginny felt the weight of his stare, and tried not to fidget.
“Is everything all right Ginny?” He finally asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she answered quickly, gathering up her things. The hand on her arm stopped her.
“You know why I became a seeker, Gin?” Harry asked. Ginny met his eyes for the first time.
“No,” came the soft answer.
“I notice things most people don’t,” he explained, “that’s what helps me find the snitch.” Ginny dropped her eyes to the table. “I know what it’s like to love someone from afar.”
Although he’d whispered the last part, Ginny jumped as if he’d shouted.
“I don’t… I… I have to go,” she stammered, grabbing her things, “I see you at the match.”
Harry sighed, shaking his head as he watched her go.
***
A light drizzle continued to fall as the majority of the Hogwarts student body made their way up to the quidditch pitch. While quidditch always drew a crowd, this years Gryffindor verses Slytherin match up looked to be a record setter. Hermione walked with a group of Gryffindor seventh years, wishing she were anywhere else. She’d always been a quidditch fan, and a true Gryffindor supporter, but today she just wanted to be alone with her own thoughts.
The fact that she might see Ginny for the first time since their closet incident had absolutely nothing to do with it, or so she kept telling herself. The truth was Hermione couldn’t keep the younger girl out of her thoughts. She’d replayed the entire scene in her head thousands of times, and had finally come to the conclusion that Ginny had known exactly who she was kissing form the get go. She knew she was kissing me the entire time. And that was what Hermione couldn’t wrap her brain around. The fact that Ginny Weasley, popular, beautiful, and smart, not to mention a top quidditch player had wanted to kiss her. She could have any boy she wanted. Hermione simply did not get it, and by dwelling on why Ginny had done what she had, it allowed her not to think of her own reaction.
Hermione continued toward the pitch, taking a seat next to Neville and Colin just as Madame Hooch stepped onto the field, the Gryffindor and Slytherin teams racing out a moment behind her. After a few seconds of aerodynamics the teas settled down into formation for the toss of the quaffle.
No matter how hard she tried, Hermione’s gaze went directly to Ginny. She looked splendid in her burgundy and gold robes. Her hair was held back in two braids with gold ribbons, framing her very intense face. Before Hermione could look away, Ginny glanced at her and their eyes held. That one look, lasting mere seconds haunted Hermione the entire match. The expression in Ginny’s eyes hadn’t been angry or hurt or embarrassed, but what it had been, Hermione was unsure.
Harry caught the snitch and hour or so later, winning the match for Gryffindor. Hermione was just relieved that she could head back to her rooms and hide for the rest of the day. She’d just come down the steps when she heard someone yelling her name. Turning, she saw it was Ron, now dashing across the field toward her.
“Hey Hermione, enjoy the match?” asked Ron, out of breath.
“Yes. Congratulations.” She tried to sound upbeat.
“Well, couple of us are going to the shack tonight to celebrate, want to come?”
“I don’t know Ron. You know how I feel about…”
Ron interrupted her, “Its okay Hermione. I didn’t reckon you’d want to come, but I wanted to ask.” He smiled at her, and she smile back.
“Do me a favor though,” at Hermione’s nod she went on, “Keep an eye on Ginny. She’s not been acting herself lately. I’m worried.”
Hermione felt like she’d been socked in the stomach. “Uh… sure Ron.”
“Thanks, ‘Mione,” and with a quick peck on the cheek went pelting back to the locker rooms.
Hermione gave a great sigh, “Just great.” And she headed once again for the castle.