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Me or Her: Part 1

Disclaimer: I don’t have a J or K and definitely not a Rowling in my name.

Word Count: 5274

Note: Italics means it’s in French. However, if it’s Fleur’s point of view, only speech will be like this because it’s hard to read if the whole thing is in italics. And I’m going to go with the film rather than the books in saying that Beauxbatons is an all-girls school.

 Pairings: For this chapter at the moment - none

[[Fleur’s P.O.V]]

“You withdrew from Beauxbatons?” I take a deep annoyed breath, I hate it when people interrupt me when I’m playing on my piano, and you of all people should know that, maman. Waving that letter around in my face won’t make me speak either.

“Fleur Isabelle Delacour, your silence does not mean anything,” I am seventeen, not seven, using my full name like that no longer scares me.

“Yes I have withdrawn maman, I have decided to attend Hogwarts.” You’re lucky we Veelas don’t age as fast, or the way you’re scrunching up your face in anger, you’ll have distinct wrinkles in no time.

“And what is wrong with Beauxbatons?”

“Nothing”

“Then why are you going to Hogwarts, Fleur?” Like I can tell you why I really want to go to Hogwarts…

“Look I love Beauxbatons, really, but after spending a year at Hogwarts I just think it is much better academically. Yes, Hogwarts is nothing compared to Beauxbatons physically, but there are more subjects to learn and the professors go through courses at a faster rate. I’m just ensuring I’ll learn everything I need to have a good future career. And you want what is the best for me, don’t you maman?” There, I said everything you’re probably expecting the good girl of me to say. I glance at the clock on the wall. This shouldn’t take so long. You’ve never denied me anything in my life and this should be no exception.

“But what about the boys, Fleur? The only times you have had to withstand mindless drooling is in the holidays. At Hogwarts, you will have to face this every day.” Try not to laugh Fleur; don’t forget she doesn’t know about how every other week you and your friends smuggled guys into your dormitories for late-night parties.

“But surely this is a good thing? When I leave school I will have to endure this all the time, so this is a good opportunity for me to figure out how to deal with them.” All these years of playing innocent in front of you has made me become the most incredible actress.

“But please ma cherie, think about this through before you do this. I can still speak to Olympe that you changed your mind” I look at the clock again. Merde, I’m late. I told J I’ll meet her two minutes ago.

“Enough. I have made my decision and you should know that I never change my mind, maman. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go and see someone.” I stand up abruptly and you flinch. I laugh on the inside at your reaction. No matter how much you sometimes get on my nerves maman, I will never hit you or anything like that. I’ll just grab my jacket from that chair and leave before I start snapping at you again.

“Oh okay Fleur, anything you want sweetie. I’ll tell Obéiree to pack your trunks with thicker coats. It’s awfully cold in Scotland and you need to keep warm or you’ll catch a cold. The English medicines are awful so I’ll send some to you just in case you need it,” I stop halfway across the room, my back to her. Damn this woman knows how to make me feel guilty. Maybe I should turn around and apologise…

“Fleur? Why are you still here? I thought you said you were meeting Jacquelyn this afternoon,” Its Gabrielle, she’s standing in the doorway, waiting for me to answer her.

“Oui oui, I’m going right now,” I quickly grab my jacket and put it on. Maman is still standing there looking… defeated. I blink at this sight.

“Maman I’m sor-” I change my mind and straighten up a little more, “I’ll be back for dinner,” Without waiting for a response I apparate away.

***

“And where the fuck have you been, Fleur?” I roll my eyes and sit down in the chair opposite my oriental friend.

“Bonjour to you too” I look around “and why the hell do you always choose to go to this muggle café nowadays? Every time we go out for a cup of coffee, you always insist on coming here” She flicks her black hair back and picks up her cup from the table in between us.

“Sorry princess, if it isn’t up to your standards but I rather like the coffee and the atmosphere in here. And don’t change the subject, you’ve always been a very punctual person, why the delay?” I’ve never liked talking about my family to my friends, even if she is my best friend.

“Look, I’m here and that’s what matters okay.” She sets her cup aside and looks at me indifferently. That’s what I love about Jacquelyn. She’s one of few people that doesn’t take my shit.

“Someone’s a bit touchy today.” I narrow my eyes at her and she waves her hand as if she’s waving the subject away. “Okay whatever. So why did you suddenly want to see me? I saw you two days ago for lunch already” I open my mouth just as the waitress comes.

“Salut, would you like anything to drink?” I look her over. She’s tallish, brunette, a bit skinny but still quite pretty. I decide she’s worth some of my interests.

“Salut, I’ll just have the same as her please,” I cock my head in Jacquelyn’s direction. Out of the corner of my eye I can see her glaring at me. Slightly confused, I ignore her. Instead I give a winning smile at this cute brunette standing in front of me. “My name’s Fleur, what about you?”

“I’m Andrea” Merde, she looks so flustered.

“Nice to meet you Andrea,” I flash her one of my endearing smiles, “have you just started working here? I don’t recognise your pretty face” I bit my lip, trying not to laugh at the way she’s blushing.

“Actually I’ve worked here for about two months now, but I used to just work behind the till doing drinks and stuff. I’ve actually seen you and your friend here a lot of times, it’s just usually you sit down and Jacque gets the drinks so we’ve never talked before.” I nod and turn to J to give her a questioning ‘you know her?’ look, but she was staring out the window, cheeks a little pink. Hmm. She was acting strange in front Andrea, the glaring and now the silence…

“Sacre bleu, Jacquelyn, you like her don’t you?” Ah fuck she threw her spoon at me. Luckily, I just about managed to evade it. She sprung up and grabbed her bag.

“Fleur Delacour, we are leaving. Now.” Ice was dripping off each word.

“I’m really sorry Andrea, I just remembered we have to do something, I’ll see you another time yeah?” Okay, the ice just melted into a puddle of honey. I stood up as well just as Andrea reached out to hold onto Jacquelyn’s wrist.

“Already? But you haven’t stayed for very long” She pouted and my friend melted some more. I had my hand over my mouth like I was about to sneeze, but actually, I was covering up the fact I was quietly chuckling at the pair of them.

“I know I’m sorry babe. I’ll text you later okay?” I frown slightly, what on earth is ‘text’? I figured it must be some sort of muggle thing when Andrea nodded happily. Still trying to figure out what it could mean, I missed the end of their banter and only had a chance to smile one last time at Andrea before I was dragged out of the café and side-apparated in the alleyway beside the shop.

***

We’re back at my house. Jacquelyn apparated us into my bedroom to be precise. She lets go of my arm and goes to sit on my bed, crossing her arms and glaring at me. I roll my eyes at her, such a drama queen.

“Oh come on, it’s pretty obvious you two like each other anyways, Jacque” I added teasingly. It felt weird calling her that, we’ve known each other since we were four and its always either been Jacquelyn or J.

“Merde, shut up” Grinning, she grabbed a pillow behind her and flung it at me. Grinning back, I caught it with ease and threw it back at her lightly.

“But really, you’ve never been a particularly shy one when it comes to girls,” She smiles.

“You wouldn’t understand” she sighs in that dreamy lovesick way which made me shudder.

 “Oui? And why is that?” She laughs lightly.

“You’re a player Fleur” I gave a dramatic swirl and bowed, exactly the same way as when I entered the Great Hall at Hogwarts last year.

“Merci, merci” We both laughed.

“Is that really a good thing?”

“Depends on how you see it I suppose,” Shrugging, I sat next to her.

“Seriously though, all the guys and girls you’ve been with haven’t meant anything to you apart from sex. None of them have actually made you smile just by just thinking about them. None of them had made your heart beat faster when you see them, you know?” I blink at her.

“That was…” She’s looking at me expectantly.

“Emotional? Powerful? Deep?” I put on my most serious face.

“I’m thinking more like… gushy” She shoves me gently and laughs.

“You’re untouchable Fleur”

“Actually many will beg to differ-” Jacquelyn shook her head and covers her ears with both hands.

“La la la la. I really don’t need to know about your sex life, merci beaucoup.” Smiling, I remove her hands from the sides of her head and held them both in my lap.

 “D’accord, d’accord, joking aside now.” Her smile slipped; looks like she noticed my mood change.

“I’m leaving J”

“Leaving?”

“Beaubaxtons” If I was not holding onto both of her hands, I’m sure she would have jumped up in shock.

“You’re what?”

“I’m leaving”

“No I heard you the first time. Where are you going to go then?”

“Hogwarts”

“What? Why?” Sighing, I finally let go of her and stood up to walk over to the balcony off my room.

“You’re going to think I’m crazy,” She followed me and grabbed my packet of cigarettes from my desk.

“Right now, I already do so spill,” She handed me two so I took out my wand from my jacket pocket to light both of them and gave one back to her.

“Well, you went to Hogwarts as well last year. I just found the subjects are taught better there and-” she scowls at me.

“Merlin’s sake Fleur, who do you think I am, ta maman? Non, you’re more likely to want to go to fuck around with the people there than because of education…” I reach over to shut her previously opened shock mouth before her cigarette falls out.

“You’re playing with me Fleur. Tell me you’re messing with me.” I knew this denial will come so I opted to ignore her and turn away to lean on the railings.

“Fleur, listen. You’re leaving France, all of your friends and your whole life behind to go to Scot-fucking-land so you can mess around with strangers. Do you not see the absurdness? You’re being… That’s just…just slutty Fleur. Even for your low standards.” Ouch. She’s right, but still. Ouch.

“I know your upset J so I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear that”

“Merde, how can you just stand there and flip this around like you’re the victim. Do you not see what the fuck you’re doing? Tu es un imbécile Fleur, c’est fou et stupide!” Relax Fleur, keep calm, she doesn’t mean it, you know she doesn’t.

“Go Jacquelyn. I don’t want to speak to you when you’re being like this.”

“That’s shit Fleur. When you want something, it always happens-“

“Enough J”

“You’ve always been so self-centred-“

“That’s enough”

“Making people fall in love with you has always just been a game to you-“

“Stop”

“And now you’ve used everyone you know and you want to go find more victims. That’s twisted Fleur-“

“I SAID SHUT UP”

Finally, she’s stopped. Merde, my hand is shaking so much I dropped my cigarette. I stamp it out before one of my potted plants catch fire. Deep breaths Fleur. Just grip the rails and don’t look at her. In and out slowly. Okay, now don’t raise your voice again. Just keep calm and speak gently, she doesn’t understand that’s all.

“Get. Out. Now”

“Fleur I-” Merlin, have some tact will you.

“No. Get out. Come back when you’ve calmed down.” Why are you still here?

“I- I’m-”

“Just leave!” Pop.

Sighing, I walk back inside my room and throw myself onto my bed. My eyes are stinging but I refuse to let the tears fall. I’m Fleur Delacour for Merlin’s sake, I’m not weak. I’m beautiful, intelligent, enchanting. I have good grades, have a way with people and can get anyone I want. The road to the future for me is massive, I can be who I want and do what I want. A sob catches in my throat. But what do I want?

I don’t know. I’ve never known. I do things because that’s what I’m expected to do. Jacquelyn thinks I’m leaving my home country and everything else in my life because I’m some whore. But it’s not like that. It’s because everyone I’ve grown up with, they know what they want. Jacquelyn wants to be a medi-witch and have an apartment in Paris, just beside le Tour Eiffel, Colette wants to teach Potions and have a child by the age of twenty-four, fuck, even Gabrielle knows she wants to do some sort of dancing when she’s older, the list just goes on and on. And I can’t face that anymore. It’s going to be the last year of school if I stay in France before I witness everyone I know heading off to do what they want to do. And what will I do then? Have a job that I have absolute no interest in and spend my life just pleasing other people. That, is the real reason why I party, have sex, smoke and leaving my home country. To get away from the reality that I’m Fleur Delacour – I have the beauty, I have the brains and I have the charms… but I have no ambition, no goal and no purpose in life.

** ** ** ** **

 Meanwhile back in England… [[Hermione’s P.O.V]]

Ah, I just got thrown out of the fireplace. Again. Just like practically every summer, every Christmas and every Easter, Just two more years to go until I can apparate to the Burrow rather than being chucked out in a dishevelled fashion. Before I even have a chance to brush this soot off my jeans, Mrs Weasley is squeezing me tight. I know she said to Harry and I to call her Molly, but we’ve always been raised to call friend’s parents by Mr and Mrs and, we both have yet to kick this polite habit.

“Hermione dear, how have you been? You’ve grown since I last saw you, becoming quite the young woman you are.” I’m blushing.

“Thank you Mrs Weasley, you’re looking very well too.” She’s just opening her mouth, no doubt to tell me to call her Molly again I bet. However, she’s interrupted by footsteps, which actually resemble more like a team of hunky rugby players running around. I listen more carefully. Make that, two teams of hunk rugby players running at each other. There’s a brief moment when I turned and I can see a tall grinning Ron just on the last step of the stairs, but that moment vanished and there’s a flash of bright blue eyes and long red hair and I’m suddenly an armful of Ginny. Laughing, I said to her,

“I missed you too, Gin,” She’s pulling back and giving me a smile.

“You better have missy, because I have been waiting for you for ages” I laugh again and in the corner of eye I can see Mrs Weasley slipping out into the garden.

“It’s only been three weeks since I saw you at the end of school. Besides I’ve sent you owls every week,” she pouts.

“That’s still twenty one whole days I haven’t seen you, Herm” Gin’s giving me a cheeky smile now, I just know she’s going to say something that will make me roll my eyes and smack her arm “and what are my measly little letter every week, compared to the lengthy daily ones you’ve no doubt sent to the ‘Bulgarian Bon Bon’”. I knew she would say something like that; the light shove I’m about to give her was almost reflexive. Unconsciously, my eyes darted to Ron just as I lifted my arms. He stood there, looking a bit tense and almost resentful when I can quite clearly remember him smiling and laughing in the background when Ginny was pouting. Because my mind was still trying to figure out why he was looking a bit jealous, I gave Ginny the chance to slip beside me, effectively evading my push. Since my hands connected with nothing but air, I almost fell forward. Luckily, Ginny caught me around the waist and pulled me back upright in time, before I landed straight on my face. Still with her body pressed up against me and arms around me, she leant forward to whisper in my ear.

“What’s the matter Herm, still feeling light and dizzy from thinking about Victor?” I was just about to thank her, but no, not after she made yet another teasing comment, I now want to do nothing but strangle her. I spin around to grab her properly but damn her Quidditch trained speed, she dodged, slipped past Ron and ran upstairs before I could even take two steps.

Sighing, I make a mental note to kill her later when I can actually catch her. I’m about to go upstairs to see where she could have run off to, but I stop when I notice Ron was still here, blocking my way. I wince inwardly, when I just realise that I have still yet to greet one of my male best friends. Just best friends? Yes, of course, where on earth did that thought just come from. To distract me from these thoughts, I spoke to him first.

“Hey Ron, how are you, sorry about that with Ginny” Why am I apologising about my playful act with Ginny?

“I’m all right thanks. Nah, Gin’s a bit mental so it’s okay.” I give a polite laugh. He looks like he can’t make up his mind about something. He keeps stepping forward and lifting his arms, but then pretends like he was just raising his hands to play with his hair. I figured he wants to hug me, the silly fool honestly, what’s with the shyness? Taking charge, I smile and wrap my arms around his neck. He got the hint and put his around my waist. We let go of each other almost straight away, but even though it was just a brief hug, all I could think about was one word. Awkward. In fact, it’s still painfully awkward. Think, Hermione, say something.

“I’m just going to go see if Mum wants some help in the garden-“

“I best go check out Ginny and see what she’s doing-” Great, we just spoke at the exact same time. Ron clears his throat and nods.

“Okay, I’ll just see you in a bit then Hermione” I nod back at him. He steps aside for me to walk past before he hurries off to the garden. Awkwardawkwardawkwardawkwardawkwardawkward.

Walking up the stairs, all I can think about was how uncomfortable I felt with him just now. My mind still distracted, I push open Ginny’s door and walk in. Looking up, I’m greeted to the sight of Ginny reaching for a top on her bed. However, the part of Ginny that I could see was her dripping wet auburn hair and her bare back. Half turning, she sees me looking stunned just inside of her room and screams. Hearing her scream, I scream. Hearing me scream, she screams back some more. So here we are, both just standing there screaming at each other for goodness knows how long. While the front of my mind was wondering about why we were screaming, I throw a hand to cover my eyes and step back out of her room.

“Wait, no no no!” Pausing halfway through my scream, I looked between my fingers and could see Ginny turned away from me hurriedly pulling her top over her head. Once done, she twirls, sits on her bed and pats the spot beside her. I step back into her room and threw myself next to her.

“Why were we screaming Gin?” She shrugs.

“Not sure, you surprised me when you walked in I suppose. But then you started screaming and I just couldn’t let you out-scream me, could I?” I roll my eyes. Merlin, she’s so competitive.

“Okay, so why isn’t the whole family here, seeing what the racket was about?”

“Well firstly, except from us, Ron and mum are the only ones home. Secondly, you see that,” she’s pointing at this lily on top of her messy desk. Just seeing the clustered state of her desk makes me want to get over there and clear everything up for her, Ginny puts her arm back down, “That’s from the pond out back and the twins have been playing around with it. They said they’ve added some sort of silencing spell on it, but I’m not entirely sure what, any ideas?” Silencing spells, hmm, I hate to admit it, but I haven’t yet looked that up.

“Silencing spells, err yeah, we should be studying that next year, but umm I’m not totally sure…” Ginny suddenly sits up straight and is looking at me in mock-shock.

“What’s this? Hermione Granger hasn’t studied ahead? She must have been spending all her time doing other stuff,” Oh great, she’s waggling her eyebrows, no surprise for what she’s going to say then. “Doing other stuff like writing to I’m-a-famous-quidditch-star-but-I-only-want-the-bookworm-to-ride-my-broom Victor Krum. Am I right Herm-own-ninny?” Wow, I’m impressed, that imitation of the way he would say my name was scarily accurate.

“Merlin Ginny, give it a rest already,” I jump on top of her, laughing. I’m trying to tickle her stomach but she’s surprisingly strong and is blocking most of my attacks. As I’m figuring out what to do, she flips us both over. Damn Quidditch for giving her this strength.

“Oh yeah, I so totally top you every time Herm”

 Thud. I look over to see what made a noise. There standing just inside of the room with a pile of clothes on the floor was none other than Mrs Weasley. Oh heck. My face is going red, I can feel it. I desperately try to push Ginny off of me but she wouldn’t budge at all. I can see Ginny’s face out of the corner of my eye so I know she definitely knows her mum is standing no more than ten feet away from us looking intently straight at our position. What on earth is she playing at?

“Hey mum, what’s up?” Mrs Weasley snaps out of her stare and quickly bends down to pick up her previously dropped pile of clothes off the floor.

“Oh nothing love, your clothes finished drying so I thought I’d come up and put them away for you.”

“Okay thanks mum,” Yeah just carry on having a normal conversation like Ginny wasn’t on all fours over me, with my arms pinned in the most easily mistaken position, and on the bed nonetheless.

“And Hermione dear I hope you haven’t unpacked yet. We need to go to Grimmauld Place for the rest of summer.” Grimmauld Place, Grimmauld Place… wait isn’t that…

“Ginny, didn’t you say in that letter about the Order of the Phoenix headquarter being Grimmauld Place? Why are we going there?” Mrs Weasley stopped putting the clothes in the wardrobe.

“Ginerva Weasley, do you not understand how dangerous that is, if someone intercepted your owl and read the location of where we gather, you would have put everyone in danger. I expected you to know better than to do that.” Ginny rolls her eyes.

“Its fine mum, I didn’t say the exact address number or anything so relax” Uh oh Mrs Weasley is frowning. Great, Gin is going to get this big tell off and I’ll be stuck underneath her awkwardly. Quick Hermione, Mrs Weasley is opening her mouth. Say something to prevent it.

“Ginny, Ginny, Ginny” Yes, she’s not said anything yet. Keep going, “Umm, didn’t you say you were, err you were, hungry, yes that’s it. You’re hungry. Let’s go downstairs,” No don’t start frowning, please have some clue to what I’m trying to do Gin.

“When did I say that-” okay that’s it. You made me do this. “Ow! Why the hell did you just poke me?”

“Because you’re hungry remember?” I’m slowing nodding my head at you and making very unsubtle looks between you and your mum. What else do you need, trumpets and a large flashing sign?

“I said I’m…” Merlin I can literally see on your face that it finally clicked into place. Sometimes you are so like Ron, it’s scary. “Hungry! Of course, yeah, I’m totally starving. Let’s go Herm, see you later mum”

Finally, Ginny stands, pulling me up too by my wrists. I only have time for a quick ‘thanksbyemrsweasley’ before I’m yanked out of the room.

***

“Hey Gin, there’s an owl standing by the window” She places her toast down and goes over first to the cupboard to get a treat. Strange, I don’t think I’ve ever seen this owl before so it can’t be from anyone in Gryffindor. While she’s untying the letter and the owl is helping itself to the treats at its feet, I decide to ask her about it.

“So who’s that from then?”

“Well wouldn’t you like to know”

“Since when have you not told me everything?”

“Since when do I need to tell you everything?”

“We’re best friends Gin”

“A little thing called ‘privacy’ still exists though Herm” Ah she’s smirking. Damn her and how she likes to wind me up.

“Okay fine. I give up on this imaginary game that you’re playing okay? You win. Now can you tell me who that’s from then?” Great, she’s doing that ‘grin of triumph’.

“As a reward I get to have the rest of your coffee”

“What? I asked you when I made mine two minutes ago, if you wanted one and you said no.” She shrugs.

“A girl can change her mind can’t she?”

“Not when that girl is you, she can’t,” So mature, she stuck her tongue out at me and reached over for my cup. Something just brushed past my legs and it gave me goosebumps. I look down and realise it’s only Crookshanks. Picking him up, I mutter random nonsense at him.

“So anyways who is the letter from then Gin?”

“I never said anything about telling you who it’s from” Oh, the little sneaky…

“Ginerva Molly Weasley” Ha, it made her flinch, that’ll teach her.

“Okay okay, Merlin, my mum is upstairs and I don’t need another one downstairs.” She sets the cup aside and takes out the letter from her pocket.

“Read it”

“Have you?”

“Nope”

“Should I read it out loud then?” She picks up the cup again.

“Nah I’ll read it later, gives me something to do at Grimmauld Place” Nodding I open the letter.

Let’s see then… dear Ginny… hope your holiday is still going good… missed you… we don’t write enough… can’t wait to see you… want to ask you something… know we don’t know each other that well… really like you… like to go out with me… wait, back it up, what did that say again – “I was hoping if you would like to go out with me?” This handwriting looks awfully feminine to me, I glance at the bottom. Yep, it’s signed by ‘Hannah’. Hmm.

“What’s up with the weird face Herm?”

“Nothing, just this letter must be some joke; this girl is asking you out” She swiftly takes the letter back, nearly giving me a paper cut.

“Don’t say that”

“Say what?”

“That it’s a joke”

“What else is it meant to be then?” Woah, why are you giving me this mysterious smile.

“Ginny, answer me”

“Look don’t freak out okay”

“What are you talking about?”

 “Oh come on, you know Hannah too, she’s in your year” Hannah, Hannah, Hannah…

“You don’t meant Hannah Abbott in Hufflepuff do you?” She nods.

“She’s cute isn’t she?”

“Yeah she is quite cut-” What on earth, am I saying, “Wait, back it up. What about Michael Corner?”

“What about him?”

“I thought you said two are going out” Ginny shakes her head.

“Nah, I said I got tired of Neville so we just flirted a bit at the Yule Ball”

Calm down Hermione, information overload. Think this though methodically. Ginny flirted and is not actually with Michael Corner. Sometime last year she met Hannah and seems to have gotten on rather too well. Hannah wants to date Ginny. Ginny said she’s cute. So that must mean Ginny is…

“Ginny. Why didn’t you move off of me when your mum came in earlier” She shrugs.

“Don’t know didn’t feel like moving I suppose... you don’t think I have a crush on you, do you?” Ah what should I say – play it cool or should I confront her. Ginny laughs.

“Don’t be ridiculous Herm, you’re my best friend and besides,” there’s that cheeky smile again, “I have better taste than you”

I roll my eyes. I’m relieved, of course, but strangely enough, I feel kind of hurt at the same time. All this time, I’ve been right here beside Ginny, but even my best friend hasn’t noticed me…

“Ron! Girls! Where are you?”

“Hermione and I are in the kitchen mum!” I can hear Mrs Weasley practically running down the stairs. I’m aware of the slightly scrunched letter in her hand as she catches her breath when she reached us.

“Girls, we have to go to Grimmauld Place now. Arthur just sent me a letter, it’s about Harry”

“What’s about Harry mum?” Ron just entered from the garden, looking rather muddy.

“He’s been attacked. By dementors” I can feel my blood turning cold.

“Is he all right Mrs Weasley?”

“A little shaken but should be okay. The others are going to collect him from his uncle’s house as soon as possible. Thank goodness Remus taught him the Patronus Charm.” I breathe a sigh of relief, “However,” damn, why must there always be a ‘however’? “The Ministry is threatening to expel him for using magic outside of school-”

“They’re what?! They can’t. There must be something in books about this. I’ll check it up. It’s simply unfair” Ginny places her hand over mine.

“Hermione calm down, I’m sure everything will be okay. Where is your stuff?” I quickly pat my trousers pocket.

“My trunks are in my pocket and Crookshanks here too,” Ginny nods.

“I’ll run upstairs, grab my trunks and we’ll floo straight to Grimmauld Place okay, you can do your research there. Harry is going to be fine” She let’s go of my shaking hands and disappears off. He’s going to be fine, He’s going to fine. He will be okay.

** ** ** ** **

End of chapter one, comment sil vous plait? And I have a feeling I’ve messed up the tenses and things like that, which I apologies for.

Title: Me or Her

Author: Both are me: Deepest_Impact [LJ] Precisely-My-Point [FF]

Paring: Fleur/Hermione, Fleur/Ginny

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I don’t have a J or K and definitely not a Rowling in my name.

Fleur is the player, the one who doesn’t care about the trail of broken hearts behind her.

Ginny is the lively enthusiastic one, eager and unafraid to try and experience all life has to offer her.

Hermione is the logical one, who has to see and understand everything or it simply doesn’t exist to her.

Ginny and Hermione have always been best friends - nothing has nor could come in between them… until now. For the first time, they both have a secret that they haven’t told the other. In fact unknowingly to the other, they actually share the same secret – being in love with Fleur Delacour. Fleur had joined Hogwarts after the tournament – she doesn’t let anyone know the real her, so nobody understood why she really left her home country. The beautiful angel takes an interest in the best friends and leads them both on, as she has always done in the past. However this time, the angel has fallen - in love. In these games she plays, never has this happened to her before,

And secrets only stay secrets for a while before they are exposed – but will this one secret be enough to shred and ruin the strong friendship? Confused and unsure, Fleur is confronted by them both and forced to only choose one, Either Ginny or Hermione. Either me or her.

Title: Promises (Part 8 - End)
Author: Deepest_Impact
Pairing: Hermione/Ginny
Rating: PG to PG-13 max
Disclaimer: I don't have a J or a K and definitely not a Rowling in my name. None is mine expect the plot even if the plot is rubbish. 
Word Count: 3887

Note: (It’s at the bottom)

Previously on Promises:

Thud. Then, there was nothing but blackness.

The pain hit her first. Ginny’s entire right side of her torso and her right arm felt like someone was constantly stabbing her with a knife. The worst thing was she couldn’t do anything about it. In fact, apart from feeling the constant pain, she couldn’t do anything at all. Not even open her eyes and she knew that she wasn’t even breathing by herself because she could feel the magic pumping oxygen into her. A particular stinging wave of pain interrupted her thoughts so hard; it pulled her out of her consciousness.

***

Finally, the pain began to subside and the redhead slowly began to be in control of her body again. Without opening her eyes still, she tested by clenching and unclenching her left hand. After having no problems, she attempted cautiously with her right hand the same thing. Although it still ached to move it, she sighed with relief that she could actually move it.

“Ginny? Was that you just then?” The question was whispered so the redhead was unable to identify who it was. She tried to open her eyes to see who was speaking on the chair beside her; however her eye lids were still too heavy and refused to cooperate with her. As Ginny was struggling to open her eyes, she could hear a pair of old doors creaking open and high-heeled footsteps entering.

“Ah, ‘ere you are, Minerva told me I would find you in the ‘ospital wing.” Ginny scowled, even though she couldn’t see who it was, she could recognise that French accent anywhere. “Why is she scowling? She will get wrinkles at such a young age if she is not careful.” The other person laughed.

“And since when did you care about Ginny?” If she could, the redhead would have smacked herself for not realising it was none other than Hermione by her side. Fleur let out a rather fake laugh.

“Do not be mistaken, I do not care about ‘er, even though you declined my interest I still care about you and I can tell that she means a lot to you.” Hermione’s laughter subsided and a thoughtful silence replaced it. Ginny could hear Fleur’s high heels walking over to her side, where she presumed Hermione was sitting.

“Ma cherie, why are you crying?” She’s crying? Ginny thought, instantly alarmed.

“It’s just I’m scared, Fleur, for Ginny.” Jealously, Ginny could imagine Fleur stroking Hermione’s hair, urging her to continue.

“It’s been three whole weeks and she hasn’t shown any progress in waking. According to some of the books I’ve checked out, with such a fall she should have woken a couple of days ago. What if, what if she won’t wake up, Fleur? Ever again?” The brunette didn’t give Fleur a chance to response as she continued, “What would I do? I never got round to telling her how I feel. Do you remember when I told you, I was going to tell her after that Quidditch match against Ravenclaw?” Ginny could hear a soft ‘oui’ followed by Hermione’s bitter laugh.

“I was so sure that she liked me back - the blushing, the nervousness and that time when I could have sworn we were about to kiss outside her dorm. I thought I’d tell her that I felt the same and everything would be great. But then, but then after you left us in that classroom, she told me she’s going out with Katie. And how am I supposed to compete with Katie bloody Bell out of all people? She’s older, far prettier, and far more popular than me and understands Quidditch in a way that I never ever will.” Finally the tell-tale sobs could be heard.

“And it hurts, Fleur, whenever… whenever I see them together, it’s like a constant reminder of what was always suppose to be mine but isn’t. And Ginny keeps trying to make… to make things go back to how it was before. And even though she never said it, I know she’s questioning my behaviour around… around her. But it’s not like I could tell her, could I, F-Fleur? More than anything, she’s one of my best friends and I only want what she wants. And if… if I’m not what she wants, then so be it. She just doesn’t understand that I can’t get over her if I’m around her every minute like we… we use to be. So then I’ve had to resort to avoiding her which has wrecked our friendship since she must be under some bizarre illusion that I h-hate her and can’t stand to be around her, when… when it’s not like that at all. I know you probably think I’m being silly Fleur, but I love her. I-I really do. And since she has been unconscious I’ve told her this over a million times, but what’s the use if she can’t hear me?” The brunette could no longer continue as she broke down, sobbing hard on Fleur’s supportive shoulder. If the duo had not been so focused on Hermione’s words, they would have noticed a single drop of tear sliding down freckled skin and staining the pure white bed sheets.

***

Two days later

“Oi, Gin! Wait up for me!” The redhead rolled her eyes and continued walking into the Great Hall although at a slower pace. A fluster of red hair to her right signified that Ron had caught up with her.

“Bloody hell Ginny, it’s the first day you’re out of the Hospital Wing and you’re back to your usual grumpy self already.” Before he could continue, he was smacked in the chest by his sister’s textbook which was accompanied by a “watch it Ronald”.

“Ow, okay, sorry I was joking. Merlin, you’re starting to remind me of Hermione. First the violence then calling me Ronald, next you’ll be pestering me to do my homework or something” Ginny was absolutely caught off-guard with this and started to babble her excuse.

“What? That’s just completely false. I don’t act like her. And not like I care that you think I do or anything but I’ve always called you Ronald so if anything she copied me. And I really don’t know what you’re saying because I can’t help being violent, I grew up with six brothers for goodness sake, what do you expect? So what you just said was totally crazy and totally not true at all, okay? Anyways why would I bother you about homework? Exactly, I’m into Quidditch and girls, not books and education, okay?” Ron blinked.

“Umm, all right, I’ll just think about what you just really quickly babbled while you sit down and learn how to breathe again.” His sister gave him a glare which he didn’t say anything back to, just simply raised both hands, palms forward in a defenceless position. After they had sat down opposite each other, Ron still wasn’t sure what just went on so he changed the subject whilst piling some bacon and sausages onto his plate.

“So anyways, what’s going on between you and Katie now then?” Ginny who had been sipping her cup of tea, placed it back down slowly and sighed.

“Well you know before the quidditch match, you came to get us from the kitchen?” As Ron’s mouth was too preoccupied with food, he simply nodded. “She broke up with me then, and the only people I’ve spoken to since I woke up last night were Madam Pomfrey and now you.” Ron looked insightful briefly as he chewed his mouthful and finally swallowed to speak without spraying his sister with bits of his breakfast.

“Katie used to come to ask me how you’re doing every other day or so. I asked her once, why she doesn’t just go see you herself and she said something like there is always someone with you already at the hospital wing.” Ginny nodded and started to butter her toast, but her brother wasn’t finished yet. “I think that person was Hermione, you know.” Her knife froze halfway up to her toast. Keeping her eyes on the butter, Ginny tried to feint a casual yet slightly surprised tone.

“Oh? Why do you think that?” Ron blinked quickly a few times then shrugged and poured some more tea into his and then Ginny’s cup.

“Well, you know, I guessed and, I mean, it was pretty obvious. Like she really had that much library research to do every night, so, I just presumed she was going to see you.” Ginny, who after so many years knew exactly when her brother was lying, raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“Ronald, I think you meant something along the lines of, ‘I used Harry’s map to check where she was going every night, but I won’t tell Ginny that because she’ll then think I’m some sort of creepy weirdo’ which, I already do by the way.” Ron sighed in defeat.

“How is it you always know when I’m lying to you?” Ginny giggled and tapped the side of her nose.

“I’ve told you before; I’ll never spill my secrets. Just call it a sister’s intuition,” The siblings both laughed.

“All right you, I’ll find out one day. Oh and for the record, Harry looked at the map too, so he’s just as weird,” Ron grinned.

“Umm excuse me?” Ron whipped around to find a mock-angry Boy Who Lived beside Hermione. The tip of Ron’s ears turned slightly pink.

“Oh hey guys. Harry, I was just saying to Ginny how we both looked at your map to see where Her- Ow!” He instantly sprung up, clutching his foot. “What the bloody hell was that Ginny?”

“Nothing, just you’re talking more than you’re eating so I wanted to check if you’re functioning properly” Ginny gave herself a mental pat on the back for the quick excuse-making. Everyone around them who heard her joke laughed while Ron simply scowled and sat back down as he was very use to being the person who was laughed at.

“Very funny Gin, keep going and you’ll be following Fred and George’s footsteps.” After he gave a big grin to show his sister he wasn’t really angry, he turned to Harry and Hermione who were still standing behind him. “Well come on sit down, or do you two need to make some joke too before you’ll do that?” They both rolled their eyes and sat down. Because Harry sat first next to Ron, Hermione had no choice but to sit next to Ginny. The redhead was careful not to make any eye contact with anything or anyone other than her very interesting fork. As minutes passed, the boys talked about Fred and George’s new inventions while Hermione and Ginny ate through a very strained silence. The brunette, who could no longer stand the awkwardness, restraint herself from slamming her utensils down and turned to the younger girl next to her.

“Ginny we need to talk.” The redhead feint innocence and carried on cutting into her sausage.

“What ‘bout?”

“You know, what about, Ginny. I don’t know why or how you know, but I do know that you know what we are talking about,” Ginny finally stopped cutting and turned to Hermione.

“No ‘Mione, I don’t. Why don’t you tell me?” Ginny said stubbornly, the brunette took a frustrated deep breath.

“Yes you do, Ginny. Stop pretending you-” The redhead had enough and cut her off.

“Why can’t you just tell me how you feel when I’m awake and listening to you? For weeks ‘Mione, that’s all I’ve been trying to do. Talk to you. And it should be really easy to talk to me about things between us ‘because we’re best friends ‘Mione. But no, you never said anything to me; instead you go and tell Phlegm of all fucking people in this world. You know I hate her, you know that, yet you still do it. Why can’t you use some of that bravery of yours to say it to me instead?”

The whole hall was silent, eavesdropping in on their conversation. Ginny was extremely close to crying but she didn’t want everyone to see her do so, so she got up and walked to the Great Hall entrance doors. She grabbed Katie who was sitting with her friends as she walked past the end of the Gryffindor table. Both girls walked in silence with Katie’s arm wrapped securely around Ginny’s waist, whose head was burrowed into the older girl’s shoulder. Katie led them to sit in the quidditch pitch leaning against one of the posts. After being together for a while, Katie found out that if Ginny wanted to tell anyone something, she would do so in her own time. So, the blonde sat in silence while slowly threading her fingers through Ginny’s hair who was had now tired herself to only hiccupping in Katie’s lap.

“Katie?” Ginny mumbled sleepily.

“Yes, love?”

“Why do you still care about me so much? I broke your heart.” Katie chuckled. Breaking, Katie thought, my heart is breaking that bit more with every tear that drops from your eyes.

“Just because we can’t be girlfriends, doesn’t mean I don’t want to be friends at all Gin. Ginny? Ginny, you still awake?” The blonde shook her lightly but gentle snoring could already be heard, the blonde smiled at the sleeping girl on her lap fondly.

“But you know why I really still care about you Ginny,” Katie whispered, “you can’t turn off love. I can’t do it to you, just like you never could do it to Hermione.”

The blonde sighed and reminisced the days when she shared with Ginny. Katie was so deep in thought she failed to hear the footsteps approaching until the awkward cough was right beside her. She jumped slightly and turned to see who it was. Although Hermione couldn’t help it, she felt a sliver of jealousy run through her when she saw Katie sitting there. Even though they knew each other, they’ve never actually talked before and Katie was unsure how to start the conversation. Luckily for her, Hermione spoke up first.

“Hi Katie, how are you?”

“Good thank you, and you?” Katie replied politely.

“Yeah same thanks,” the way the brunette was looking everywhere but at the sleeping redhead on the blonde’s lap was an obvious sign to Katie that Hermione felt extremely uncomfortable with their position.

“Look, Hermione. This,” Katie gestured to herself and Ginny, “really isn’t what you’re probably mistaking it for. Gin was really upset about what happened in the Great Hall earlier and the poor thing cried herself to sleep.” Hermione visibly winced at this.

“I didn’t know how much this would affect her; I just wanted to sort out what’s going on between us is all.” Katie nodded. There was a moment of silence until the blonde sighed.

“Hermione, just promise me one thing,” the said-brunette tilted her head in a questioning way; “promise me, you’ll never make Ginny cry ever again, no matter what.”

“Of course, I promise,” Hermione replied seriously. Katie nodded again and gave her a tired smile before turning to the sleeping beauty on her lap and shook her lightly.

“Ginny? Giiiiinny, wake up sweetie,” The redhead frowned and mumbled indistinctly, Katie shook her again, “Ginny, Hermione’s here. She wants to talk to you.” At the mention of the brunette’s name Ginny darted upright. She looked up and met Hermione’s gaze. They held each others look for what seemed like an eternity. Katie turned away, feeling like she was invading a very private connection. Ignoring the pain of seeing Ginny like this with another person, she cleared her throat loudly which brought the two out of their trance.

“I’m sure my friends are worried about where I’ve gone so I better go reassure them that Ginny didn’t kidnap me,” She gave a big smile at the two, “I’ll see you two around.” As she got to her feet Ginny reached out and clutched her hand.

“Thanks Katie, for everything,” the blonde could feel the tears gathering as Ginny leaned forward slightly to kiss the inside her wrist. Not trusting her voice, she simply nodded and turned away. As she walked pass Hermione, she gave the brunette an encouraging smile. Both girls watched the blonde go in silence until she was no longer in sight.

Ginny patted the grass beside her, beckoning the older girl to come sit beside her. Hermione complied and leaned like Ginny was doing against the post and looked up at the bright sky.

“Gin?”

“Yeah?” Hermione bit her lip and changed her mind.

“Katie loves you.”

“I know,” the redhead sighed, “she’s a great girl but I broke her heart.”

“And why’s that?” There was a brief silence before Ginny replied softly.

“Because I’ve always loved someone else, even when I was with her.” Hermione blinked a few times, she could feel her heart beat increase speed. Tell her, the brunette thought, say it. Say it now.

“Ginny?”

“Yes?” No, I can’t. I can’t do it.

“That wasn’t actually what I wanted to say,” Still looking the clouds floating up ahead, the redhead smiled.

“I know” You can, you can. Use that Gryffindor courage of yours and say it.

“Ginerva Molly Weasley?” The redhead chuckled then turned her head to look at her.

“Yes Hermione Jean Granger?” Still looking up at the sky, Hermione plucked up her courage. Come on, Hermione, just say it. Its three words, tell her-

“I love you” Finally you did it. See? Wasn’t that hard was it.

Ginny turned her head back around so she was facing forward. She tilted her head upwards and closed her eyes; a smile was slowly but surely appearing on her face. Upon hearing no response, the brunette frowned and glanced at her companion. Wait, you did actually say it out loud didn’t you? She gently nudged the younger girl with her shoulder.

“Did you even hear me?” The brunette took a deep breath, “I said I love you.”

“I know,” Ginny opened her eyes at last and looked at Hermione. “I’ve been waiting for so long for you to say that, I just wanted to hear you say it again.” Ginny smiled broadly, “I love you too. Always have and always will. I promise.” The older girl would have leaned in to seal that promise with a kiss if she was not desperately trying to control herself from jumping up and down with joy.

“So,” the brunette cleared her throat as an attempt to clear the thrill in her voice and at least look calm and collected even if she didn’t feel it. “What happens now then Gin?” Just as the redhead smirked and opened her mouth to speak the ten minutes bell went off. The younger girl instantly scowled and cursed schools and lessons under her breath as she stood, pulling Hermione up with her.

“Well we have bloody class to attend, but before that,” Ginny leaned forwards to claim the lips of the girl she had always pinned for. They would not have separated, if not for the two minute warning bell interrupting them again. Ginny reluctantly pulled away from Hermione breathing hard and groaned. Before she could even open her mouth, the brunette spoke up first.

“Don’t do it Gin, I know you’re going to give me your puppy-eyes and beg me to skip a lesson with you,” Ginny looked away with a guilty smile, “and you should know better than to even think I’d do such a thing, especially with O.W.L.S around the corner for you.” The redhead simply smiled and pressed her lips against the older girl’s in a short but searing kiss.

“Do you regret being with The Bookworm?” Hermione asked in a half-joking tone. Ginny tucked a loose strand of hair behind the brunette’s ear and looked seriously at her.

“Never. I promise I wouldn’t want to be with anyone but you.”

***

“By now, your potion should be dark purple and halfway finished. But by the poor standards of some of you,” Severus Snape gave a sneer at everyone on Gryffindor’s side of the room, “I will be surprised to find that you have even added the correct amounts of the ingredients. Potter,” Snape’s eyes narrowed further when connecting with Harry’s challenging emerald ones. “I understand that you are by far gifted at potions but I don’t suppose that you can at least read?”

“Yes I can sir,” Harry said, gritting his teeth.

“Well, read the instructions out to me,” Harry rolled his eyes and looked at the textbook in front of him.

“After stirring six times counter-clockwise, add five drops of salamander blood then…” Harry groaned, he had added one too many drops of salamander blood.

“And I stand correct as always. What a shame, you will have to start all over again,” He flicked his wrist and all of the contents in Harry’s cauldron disappeared, “and you shall have two extra feet of homework to do if you do not complete the Strengthening Potion by the end of the lesson.” Upon hearing his frustrated groan again, Snape smirked with satisfaction.

“Slimy git,” Harry muttered under his breath.

Unluckily for him, Snape had been expecting some sort of comment from him and had heard his remark. Before he could open his mouth to punish Harry, the old dungeon door opened and Hermione strolled in with the air of someone who didn’t really care that they had missed half of a lesson. Professor Snape’s lesson no less. Hermione flung her bag casually underneath the desk of where Harry and Ron were, who was staring at her open-mouthed in shock like everybody else was doing in the room. Snape was the first to recover, his shock changed to glee. How the smart as fallen, he thought, finally the day of being able to punish the female third of the ‘Golden Trio’ has arrived. And boy, was he going to enjoy every second of it. He masked his joy by using the monotone he had perfected over the years.

“Even though you claim to be smarter than everyone else, it is no excuse to miss thirty minutes of my lesson. That will be thirty points of Gryffindor, and where have you been Miss Granger,” He prepared to leer at the brunette, but when she looked up and smirked at him, he stopped short.

“Well professor,” Hermione said loudly, as if she was answering a normal academic question, “if you must know for the pass thirty minutes or so, I’ve been on the Quidditch pitch snogging Ginny, my girlfriend. I told her I wasn’t going to skip a lesson just to make out with her and I suppose I didn’t, it was just half a lesson that’s all.”

Silence. All heads whipped around to look expectantly at Snape. And for the first time in history, Severus Snape did not have a taunting respond. He opened and closed his mouth rather like a goldfish for sometime before he realised that nothing was going to come out of his mouth. Abruptly, he stormed into his office behind the teacher’s desk without saying a word and slammed the door shut. The stillness was broken moments later by Hermione’s laughter. So it is true, she thought, love can defeat all.

*******************************************************************

My last words about this story: And that is the end of Promises. From when I began this story, I’ve changed my mind about the plot a lot, hopefully for the better. It’s been great fun writing, and I hope it’s been good to read too. I apologies for the gaps in between the chapters but I blame school. So yeah, thanks for staying through the journey of Promises.

Title: Promises (Part 6)
Author: Deepest_Impact
Pairing: Hermione/Ginny, Ginny/Katie, and Hermione/Fleur ß Sounds complicated, I know
Rating: PG to PG-13 max
Disclaimer: I don't have a J or a K and definitely not a Rowling in my name. None is mine expect the plot even if the plot is rubbish. 
Word Count:

Note: Katie now has ash-blonde hair because I’m confusing myself who I am actually talking about whenever I say “the brunette”.

Just to clarify: Hermione – 18 years old (6^th year but has an early birthday), Ginny – 16 (5^th year) Katie – 19 (so 7^th year), Fleur – 21 (Trainee professor so has to be reasonable age)

Feeling an urge to throw up, Ginny immediately sat up with her eyes still closed and reached though the drawn curtains to get her wand so she could perform an anti-sickness charm. When her hand came into contact with make-up products rather than the quidditch magazines that should have been sprawled all over, she finally opened her eyes and drew back the curtains slightly. What she saw caused her to widen them dramatically. Instead of seeing her magazines, some sweet wrappers and her wand on her bedside table, there were cosmetics, an even more advanced guide to NEWTs level transfiguration and two wands sitting on the table. Panicking, Ginny threw the covers back whilst opening the curtains. As the sunlight streamed in, the body next to Ginny which she had not realised was there groaned. Jumping slightly at the sound beside her, the redhead turned and saw a half-asleep Katie rubbing her eyes and struggling into a sitting position. One thousand and one things were running through her mind and not a single one Ginny had an answer to.

“Morning Gin,” mumbled the older girl whilst kicking off the duvet that had covered her. Subconsciously, the redhead responded with a soft ‘morning’ and before Ginny could stop herself, she looked Katie up and down and was rather surprised at how pretty she was even though she had woken not even five minutes ago. All she had on was a very thin baby blue tank top and dark blue shorts and her ash-blonde hair was sticking up in ways that defied gravity. Whilst mentally scolding herself, Ginny coughed awkwardly.

“So Katie…umm what-” Ginny started but the said-girl cut her off.

“I need a shower, you need one?” Ginny blinked.

“Excuse me?”

“A shower,” Katie said dragging it out slowly as if talking to a young child.

“Right…” Ginny nodded dumbly, still unsure exactly what Katie was suggesting.

“Well?”

“Well what?” Katie burst out laughing at the lost expression on the redhead’s face.

“Oh honestly Gin, if you aren’t so damn adorable when you’re confused, I’d probably have gone mad from frustration. Come on, I know you want one,” With that, the older girl got out of bed, grabbed her hand and proceeded to drag the younger girl to the bathroom that was like an en-suite of the 7^th year dormitory room.

“Um you mean t-together?” Ginny stuttered. Katie, who’s other hand was already half twisting the door knob, gave her a surprised look.

“You want us to shower together?” Ginny’s eyes widened.

“What? No! I- you- thought- no” Katie chuckled lightly and shook her head at Ginny’s complete incapability to string a sentence together properly. Putting the young girl out of the misery, Katie cut her off.

“Look look. We don’t have to do anything right now, okay? Even though last night we didn’t do much, it was enough. I don’t mind taking this slowly with you, Gin. I really like you and I’m not going to pressure you into doing anything you don’t want to. So how about you go first and I’ll just shower after breakfast since I have a free period first thing.”

The redhead simply nodded, due to having too many questions and thoughts running around in her head, she was unable to actually voice just one of them.

“Well come on then babe, I’d go down to your room and get you some clothes and I’ll leave them by the sink for you.” After leaning in to give Ginny a very chaste kiss on the lips, Katie smiled and turned to leave.

Ginerva Molly Weasley. What on earth have you done? Ginny thought to herself, whilst sighing and shaking her head.

***

After the shower, Ginny felt much better both physically and mentally. During the twenty minutes she was in the bathroom, she had thought out exactly what had happened and what she was going to do. Obviously Katie was under the impression that they were an item; Ginny came to the conclusion that it must have been because of something that had occurred the night before. If only she was able to remember exactly what they actually did. However, she was sure that they mustn’t have had gone very far since Katie was worried about pressuring her and that she did wake up with a decent amount of clothes on. One thing she was certain about was that it definitely had to stop. Admittedly, Ginny did think that the ash-blonde girl was rather attractive and friendly, but she was still unconditionally in love with Hermione, despite what happened in that classroom between them and Fleur. The redhead had to refrain herself from punching at the closest thing by gritting her teeth.

She tried to bring her thoughts back to how she should let the other blonde girl down gently. They were nearing the Great Hall in a slightly strained silence. Katie kept bumping her hand against Ginny’s, in the least oblivious ways. Ginny on the other hand, pretended to be unaware with what was going on and simply just hummed a random tune quietly. Just when they had reached the doors to the Great Hall, Katie rolled her eyes and muttered gently under her breath “for Merlin’s sake” before grabbing Ginny’s hand and pulling her into the Great Hall. The surprised redhead looked down at their linked hands, when she looked up she noticed that nearly all students were looking at them. Katie ignored this and continued pulling Ginny to the Gryffindor table until she was sat on the opposite of Harry and the redhead was sat to her right, opposite her brother.

“Morning guys” Katie said cheerily whilst pulling some sausages and bacon onto her plate.

“Good morning indeed it seems,” Harry smirked and his gaze dropped to their still linked hands. Ginny blushed and pulled her hand out of Katie’s. She had tried not to look at Hermione, who was sat on the other side of Ron, but she finally failed and glanced over to see what Hermione was doing. The younger girl flinched automatically at the murderous look in Hermione’s eyes even though they were aimed at Katie. Ginny whipped her head around to see if Katie had melted due to the heated look, but thankfully the unsuspecting girl was too busy leaning forward to whisper something to Harry.

“’Ermione,” Ginny jumped at the word coming from behind her so much that she knocked over her cup of coffee.

“Oh Miss Weasley, it seems you are still as clumsy as ever and I’m afraid to say that you simply possess absolutely no grace whatsoever,” The young professor could barely hide the smirk that appeared on her face when Ginny flushed the famous Weasley red. The half-veela raised her hand, about to show off and perform wand-less magic to clean up the mess. Her hand paused half way in the air though because the liquid was already rushing back into the cup yet she had not performed the spell yet. She frowned and then aimed her attention to the girl sitting next to Ginny who was just about to tuck her wand away.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you Professor Delacour,” Blue-green eyes connected with grey-blue ones in a challenge, “But actually Ginny was helping me practise my reflex. I’ve been telling her to surprise me randomly to try catch me out. Her timing with you sneaking up on us was perfect, totally got me off guard.” Turning away from the slightly shocked Professor, she looked at Ginny and she added, “Thanks babe, seems like I’m still not quick enough. You’ll have to do something like that more often.” She placed her hand gently on the younger girl’s forearm and leaned closer, obviously looking for a kiss. Ginny hesitated; surprisingly she was torn in between leaning back away from Katie and leaning in to connect their lips. In the back of her mind she was aware that no doubt was the entire school watching, but more importantly Hermione was too. At the mention of the head girl’s name, Ginny remembered that the last thing she had said to her was that she was with Katie now. Might as well play the whole part, she thought to herself, besides, Katie deserves a kiss for standing up to Phlegm for me. Whilst mentally nodding to herself, she closed the distance between the two of them. The entire hall burst out with whooping and cat-calls came almost instantly. The couple was so absorbed with one and another that they didn’t seem to hear it. Neither of them noticed a certain brunette running out of the hall with a blonde professor hot on her tail.

“All right, all right, break it up now, you two,” Ginny opened one eye and caught sight of Ron who had covered his eyes with one hand and was waving the other one in their direction. At seeing this, Ginny laughed which brought the kiss to an end. The older girl opened back her eyes too; however she was still concentrated on Ginny. Her slightly darkened blue-green eyes ran over the redhead’s body and what she saw made her bite her lip. This action however, was caught by Ron who had uncovered his eyes and now had bright red ear tips.

“Please Katie; I really don’t want to see you look at my sister like that,” Ginny turned to raise an eyebrow at the ash-blonde who was now looking down at the table, refraining herself from bursting out with laughter. Ron ignored them and continued on, slipping into protective-older-brother-mode, “now Katie, since I’m the only one at Hogwarts still, I think I should be the one to give the talk.” At this, both girls whipped their heads up to stare at him with mortification written all over their faces. Ron was taken aback with their reaction and thought over what he had just said. His face flushed an impossible scarlet when he realised what they thought he meant. “No, no, no, no, no. I didn’t mean the talk as in ‘The Talk’,” he added quotation marks with his hand to prove his point, “I just meant as in the although-you’re–a-girl-I’ll-still-have-to-hurt-you-if-you-break-my-little-sister’s-heart-talk” Briefly, there was a silence but then the two girls, Harry and anyone else who was still ear wigging their conversation broke out into laughter. Ron, who by now was used to people laughing at him, simply sat there quietly to wait the humour out. It was Katie who recovered first and spoke to him.

“Ron, it’s okay. I’ll never ever harm Ginny. But if there was even a possibility that I do, I’m afraid I’ll have to hurt myself before you could get to me first.” And she added, smiling cheekily, “I’m afraid I might not always be able to not look at Ginny like I want to jump her though. She is one hell of a fine girl that I don’t plan on giving up ever.”

“Aww baby, come here,” Ginny turned and gave the older girl a hug, still aware that although Ron was smiling, there was still a chance that he would vault over the table and knock them off of each other. After they let go of one and another, Harry smiled whilst rolling his eyes.

“Okay, I’m going to go to the library and see if I can get Hermione to help with the Transfiguration homework that’s going to be due in fourth period today. Come on Ron.” Ginny’s blood ran cold instantly at the mention of the brunette. She was only dimly aware of her brother getting up to leave with Harry. The last few minutes were like she was in a trance, she had completely forgotten about Hermione and that she wasn’t actually suppose to like Katie. What is going on with me?

“…so, you had better go off to lesson now before I change my mind and kidnap you for the day,” Katie joked happily. Upon receiving no reply she turned and noticed the frozen, pale state her girlfriend was in. She frowned immediately with concern whilst laying a hand on top of the redhead’s who was clutching on the bench as if she was about to fall off it. “Ginny, honey, are you all right?” She raised her other hand and placed the back of it against the younger girl’s forehead.

“Y-yeah, I’m fine. I just- I just remembered I have to- have to get my textbook. From- from Luna, she borrowed it ‘cause people have stolen hers.” Katie nodded understandingly and tucked some hair behind Ginny’s ear. “So yeah, I had better go and catch her then. I’ll see you at lunch okay? Okay then, see ya.” She gave her a light kiss on her forehead and rushed out of the Great Hall before the older girl had a chance to say anything.

***

All the way through History of Magic, Ginny was mentally arguing with herself.

Have to break it off with Katie soon; don’t forget it’s Hermione you like.

Is it a crime to like Katie too?

It certainly is, when you are suppose to like Hermione.

Well maybe I don’t actually like Hermione then.

Take that back. Take that back now!

Okay, sorry, I didn’t mean that, but I still stand by that there is no harm in staying with Katie.

No harm?!? Whilst you was snogging her face off in the hall, you didn’t even notice Hermione running off! It was Fleur that was the one who chased after her.

Eurgh, Phlegm. I hate her so much, she’s ruined Bill and now she wants to do the same with Hermione.

I hate her too, but that’s not the point. It was meant to be you who raced after her.

Well I was busy wasn’t I? Besides, she deserves to be a little jealous, I’m not the one having a fling with a certain blonde trainee professor.

She said they weren’t doing anything together.

Oh please, like you believe that.

Okay fine, maybe they are doing something, but that still doesn’t mean you have to be with Katie.

Well why not? Katie is not only funny, hot and great to be around, she’s one hell of a kisser to boost. But anyways, I’ve always had a slight liking to Katie. You know that.

Still…

No that’s it; this unhealthy conversation of talking to myself must stop now. I’m staying with Katie and that’s final.


Until next time =], R&R will be greatly appreciated.

I love you C. So much. I've tried. I swear I've tried to get over you. But it’s hard you know. Different with E because now I look back I can see I was just attracted to her physically was all. But you? It’s different. So so so different. Like the difference between the sun and the moon. I thought she was my sun, but in reality, she was nothing more than my moon. I thought I couldn’t do with her, that she gave me the light to see. But I was wrong C. You are my sun. It is you who give me light to see. You give me warmth and every single thing I need to live. Apart from one thing though. Like the sun, I can never actually have you. And it is this that breaks me, knowing that we will be nothing more than mates. Knowing that I’m gay as and you’re straight as now. I told F you know, about me being gay. And about me liking you too. But as much as I can trust her I couldn’t tell her the full truth. I said I still like guys and I’m over you. But damn that’s a total white lie. I’m not into guys. I can recognise a cute guy, sure. But attracted to them? Hell no. As for the second, that’s even worse lie. I’m not over you. At all. To be honest with you C, I’m even more in love with you than ever before. It’s because we’re friends I think. Which is good and bad. I can spend time with you and it wouldn’t seem weird. I can lean on you, hug you, talk to you and it would look normal. You trust me and love me as a good friend. And I’m fine with that. But like all humans, I’m selfish too. No matter how many times you say how generous I am. I want you. More than friends C. Much much more than just that. I like spending time with you. Especially when it’s only us. Like when we were on the field the other day and you’d rather stay there with me than go in and do your make up with the others. You know, hat was some of the best times of my life so far. Just you, me and my iPod. I probably came across as just being tired and friendly, but damn did I want to just roll over and kiss you or something. We chatted and I might have seem lazy but inside, I was more awake than ever. You asked why I like GA so much. I replied casually that they’re good. But damn I wanted to bring back the topic of me being gay. I wanted to tell you the whole truth. That not only are they good, but they’re also fit as. But I didn’t. Because I’m a useless coward C. You told me I’m sweet and all I did was smile and look away. But really, I just wanted to reply that you’re cute. In my head, I was debating whether it was okay for normal friends to say that to each other. I still don’t know. I really don’t. Maybe it would have been fine but I got scared C. I didn’t want to give you any reason to back away from me. So I didn’t say it. Laugh lightly and change the subject. I just can’t seem to bring up the thing I want to talk to you most about. Why? Rejection I suppose. But also because I tried so damn hard to create what we have now, I didn’t want to ruin it. A strong, trusting, loving bond. Even if it is just a friendship bond. But that’s supposedly the hard part right C? Becoming friends first. And we have. So now I want us to progress on, keep developing that bond more. But it’s not going to happen. I know it won’t. Goes back to what I said before, I’m gay as and you’re straight as now. Still though, if you were into girls once, you can always be into girls again right? Supposedly anyways. But besides, that isn’t what I want. I want you to be into me. Just me is enough. Because I’m so head over heels for you it’s unbelievable C. I know it sounds cheesy but it’s true mate. I love you. As a friend and much much more than that. When I text you, I thinkit over at least 3 times before I sent it. When you text “love youu” I type, delete, retype, delete and type again what I’ve finally deemed as okay to say to you. And even after all that, my reply is just a replica of yours. When I write “I love you”, you’ve got to trust me C, I mean it with everything I have. You probably on’t even remember this, but on the last day of last year, I hugged you and you said “I love you Harriet”. I promise you this, I will never ever ever forget you saying that. Because that is the first and only time I’ve ever heard you actually say that to me before. And all I could do was reply with a casual “I love you too Charlie”. No matter how casual I replied, it was true. One thousand percent of it. And now, I know I’m probably going to contradict all of what I’ve said, but I don’t want you to get me wrong. I am happy being friends with you. Better than nothing right C? still though, deep down I think I’ll never truly get over you. Even when we leave and go on with our lives. Me with my law and you with your sports. I will never ever let you go properly. If someone was to ask you to say just one thing about me, I want you to tell them this. There will always be a space in my heart that has your name written all over it in permanent marker. I’m in love with you C. Now and forever.     H

Title: Promises (Part 5)
Author: Deepest_Impact
Pairing: Hermione/Ginny, Ginny/Katie
Rating: PG to PG-13 max
Disclaimer: I don't have a J or a K and definitely not a Rowling in my name. None is mine expect the plot even if the plot is rubbish. 
Word Count:1415

Previously on Promises:

Her sobs were muffled as her face was pressed against the other’s shoulder, whilst they stroked her hair lovingly. The redhead couldn’t stand it anymore, and barged straight in.

***

The pair immediately flew apart from each other when seeing an angry Ginny standing in the doorway of the classroom.

“Ginny…” whispered Hermione timidly. A shiver ran down the tall red-head spine at Hermione’s soft voice, but unlike usual, it didn’t calm her down very much.

“And what exactly are you doing, Hermione, with,” Ginny sneered before adding, “you, professor” The blonde teacher snapped out of her reverie and regained her normal elegant posture.

“I am simply comforting my student, Miss Weasley. Also, as a professor there is absolutely no need for me to explain myself to a student” Confident blue-grey eyes met Ginny’s electric blue ones, almost like a challenge. Before the red-head had a chance to retaliate, Hermione finally spoke up.

“Look Gin, relax okay, I’m really not doing anything with Fleur.” Ginny’s eyebrows shot up straightaway.

“Oh so it’s just Fleur now is it? First name basis and comforting with a teacher is totally normal.” The half-veela had had enough.

“I shall say this just once more Miss Weasley. I do not need to explain myself and my actions to you. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ve got plenty of marking to get through” Fleur turned to look at Hermione, who was looking straight down at the fascinating ground.

“’Ermione, if you need any more” Fleur glanced at Ginny, “soothing” smirking when seeing the red-head’s eyes blaze, she continued, “Then you know exactly where my room is. My door is always open for you.” Without looking up, the brunette nodded, still seemingly fascinated by the ground. Fleur sighed and turned to leave. When she walked past the doorway she made sure she bumped into Ginny on the way out, who was muttering something like, “that better not be your bedroom door that’s open for her”. Fleur smirked again but decided not to respond and continued walking, leaving the two students alone.

As Fleur’s footsteps could no longer be heard, Hermione finally looked up to see Ginny who was now leaning on the doorframe with her arms crossed in a very displeased manner.

“Look Gin-” The brunette attempted to start but was cut off by Ginny’s raised hand.

“Please ‘Mione just let me speak now.” Hermione sighed and nodded in agreement. Ginny echoed her nod and continued, “I’m sorry okay. I’m sorry for how I acted just then, but I don’t like seeing you with her. I simply want you to promise me this. Don’t go back to Phlegm, she is nothing but trouble. Look how Bill is, even after 3 whole years he still can’t flinch when she’s mentioned.” Hermione breathed out sharply, frustrated.

“No Ginny. I’ve told you already. We are not doing anything.”

“Not doing anything yet” The brunette chose to ignore this comment.

“Besides why do you care so much about us, even if we are doing something. It’s not like you and I are, I don’t know, a couple or something.” Ginny instantly felt winded by this, but she put a mask of indifference on.

“You’re my best friend, of course I care. And anyways,” She forced herself to laugh bitterly, “I don’t want to be in a relationship with you. I’ve already got someone.” The red-head couldn’t stop the tears from falling anymore. She turned away from the brunette, causing her to miss the pained expression on Hermione’s face, and once again stood in the doorway, internally debating whether she should run away now.

“Oh really? And who’s that?” Hermione forced herself to ask. Ginny struggled to be able to open her mouth without sobbing uncontrollably.

“It’s…its Katie.” And with that, she broke into a run back to the common room, leaving a heartbroken brunette and her tears alone in the empty classroom.

***

Only when Ginny came face to face with the Fat Lady who was talking absentmindedly with one of her portrait friends, did she remember about the victory party that was probably in full swing inside the common room. Unable to face anyone right now, she pivoted around, preparing to leave. Before she even took a step, she was spotted by Lavender and Seamus who was just rounding the corner of the corridor, both of them had their arms full of bottles of firewhiskey.

“Oh Gin, where are you going off to? Come on, you’re just in time, the fun has arrived” Seamus shook one of the bottles whilst wiggling his eyebrows madly. Well, it can’t do much harm can it? Ginny pondered, liquor is suppose to drown away the sorrow. Whilst she was thinking to herself, she had already been ushered inside the common room, where she was instantly blown away by the deafening music booming.

“Oi Gin!” Somehow Ginny managed to hear Ron call for her, and she turned to see him beckoning her over to where he and Harry were sat near the fireplace. Grabbing two bottles of liquor from Seamus, she slide around people and soon joined them sitting on the floor. Taking a big swig of firewhiskey, Ron asked her if she had seen Hermione anywhere. Almost choking on her reply, she shrugged as casually as she could. Seeing Ron’s slight frown, Harry added,

“Don’t worry Ron, she’s probably just in the library or something. You know how she feels about parties.” Ron visibly calmed and nodded in agreement. He looked over Ginny’s shoulder and all traces of worry before changed into a big smile.

“Ah finally, she’s here” Ginny tensed and was about to turn around, but she had already walked past Ginny and fell straight into Ron’s lap. Ginny relaxed and mentally told herself to stop being so paranoid.

“Oh right you meant her. Hey Luna,” Ginny offered a weak smile, which Luna beamed back.

“Hi there Ginny. You played exceptionally well today, some great passes and goals” The redhead nodded her thanks and continued downing the firewhiskey. Harry gave her a funny look, but the increasingly tipsy Ginny simply shrugged and mumbled something about liquor and happiness from a victory going well together.

Twenty minutes and two and half bottles later, a very drunk Ginny was trying to teach a cushion how to be a cushion properly.

“So I hope you’ve been listening carefully Cushy,” slurred the redhead, “’Cause no one wants an uncomfortable pillow, capishe?” A more sober Harry shook his head at her but didn’t say anything. Seeing a figure coming closer to them, Harry looked up and smiled when he saw who it was.

“Ah finally you’re here. Where have you been?” Katie returned the smile and rolled her eyes.

“Alicia’s been totally overprotective of George, and she demanded me to stay with her so we can watch and analyse his every move to see if he was flirting with anyone” She shook her head and glanced down to at Ginny.

“Oh dear, what have you done to yourself, Gin?” At the mention of her name, the redhead looked up and gave Katie a lopsided grin. Katie chuckled at her, simply saying “so cute”.

She reached down and supported the drunken redhead into a standing position before saying,

“Come on babe, let’s get you to bed”. After managing to take a couple of steps, Katie twisted her head around and frowned at Harry.

“And why did you not stop her from getting to such a drunken stage?” Harry shrugged.

“Well you wouldn’t be able to ‘take her to bed’ if she wasn’t totally wasted,” the raven-haired boy grinned when he say Katie doing the same.

“True. Have a good night, Harry” She turned back and began slowly walking away again.

“You too, Katie” He turned back to look in the fireplace again. Taking another swig from the bottle he thought back to that day when he arrived at the quidditch pitch early and found Katie crying against a goal post, who later confessed about having a crush on Ginny. He was determined to help Katie get Ginny, since he knew all too well what it felt like to like someone from afar. He sighed when his thought turned to him, and how they could never ever be together because of their background and his hatred for Harry. He sighed again, before deciding to head up to his dorm to sleep. No doubt that his dreams were going to feature his cold grey eyes, his tall and fit physique, and his messy blonde hair. His name was the last thing he thought about, just like every night, right before he fell asleep, Draco.

Title: Promises (Part 4)
Author: Deepest_Impact
Pairing: Hermione/Ginny, Ginny/Katie
Rating: PG to PG-13 max
Disclaimer: I don't have a J or a K and definitely not a Rowling in my name. None is mine expect the plot even if the plot is rubbish. 
Word Count:
Note: This is the first part of a multi-part fiction, and 'Promises' is the first of a 3 part series - I hope all that makes sense. It is set in Ginny's 4th and Hermione's 5th year. Yup I’ve finally written up the next part of Promises, apologies it took so long.

Ron’s voice could be heard in the corridor leading to the double doors which opened to the Quidditch pitch. The cue to enter the pitch was said and as the doors widened the Gryffindor team was met by cheers which covered the jeers from the Slytherins area. As both teams mounted their brooms and got to their starting places, Ron carried on his commentating.  

“...And so that was the line up from Gryffindor. And now the two captains – Harry Potter and Chang – shake hands with each other...and now...the balls are finally released!” There are more cheering from all sides of the pitch.

“The Gryffindor chaser has dived in for the ball – oh what’s her name – oh yeah Kathleen Felix, that’s it – anyways Felix passes to Bell – to Weasley – back to Bell – is she going to shoot? It certainly looks like it – oh no! It’s a feint to trick the keeper! She passes back to Weasley – she shoots –and she scored! Way to go Ginny!”

***

After forty minutes of accurate passing, goals and misses, scratches and bruises, the score was one hundred and ten to one hundred - Gryffindor was winning. Both teams were tired but they kept playing, after Gryffindor’s eleventh goal was scored by Katie Bell, Harry finally caught the snitch. The Gryffindors went wild, Ginny did a loop-the-loop to celebrate – big mistake. Both Ravenclaw beaters took this advantage and aimed both bludgers straight at her. Ginny had absolute no idea it was coming towards her until it hit her on her back, she lurched forwards and fell off her broom. The fall was like it was on slow motion, with everyone watching and gasping. The only person that managed to actually do something was Dumbledore who said a levitation charm just in time; stopping Ginny’s plumage only a few metres short of the ground. The whole audience breathed again and boos and angry curses were attacked at the Ravenclaw team from Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Hooch hurriedly blew her whistle and shouted at the two beaters for playing on after the match whistle was blown; they at least had the grace to look ashamed of themselves.

Ron and Hermione ran together down the stairs of the stand onto the field. Ginny was surrounded by her teammates who tried to hug her or support her. She barely acknowledged them since all she could see was Hermione from afar looking straight at her. This was it. Ginny had had enough of hiding her feelings for Hermione. The redhead was going to tell the older girl right now, she didn’t care even if the whole school was watching. Just as she was about to take her first step towards Hermione, she stopped. Or rather a gentle yet firm hand on her shoulder stopped her and spun her around. The redhead was a second away from shoving this person and running to Hermione. It was only when she realised that that person was a red-in-the-face-with-tears-flowing-down-her-face Katie, did she temporarily forget about her plans.

“Katie, are you okay? What’s wrong?” Ginny asked worriedly. A more selfish part of her was telling her to leave Katie and run off to Hermione, even though Ginny was tempted, she ignored it. Katie didn’t respond, she looked evenly at Ginny who was finding the situation slightly awkward. Just as the younger girl was about to make up some excuse to go off to see Hermione, Katie stepped forwards and flung her arms around Ginny, hiding her face into the crook of Ginny’s neck. Although the redhead was shocked, she reflexively wrapped her arms around the other girl’s waist. Wow I never actually realised this but Katie’s hair is actually really light, it can almost pass as dark blonde. I think it should be darker actually, like Hermione’s colour. The mention of the Head Girl’s name suddenly reminded her. What are you doing, Ginerva? It shouldn’t be Katie in your arms, it should be Hermione, remember? Ginny turned as much as Katie’s vice-grip would allow her to, to try and find where the said-girl was. As Ginny glanced around, she finally saw Hermione, but she was not alone. The brunette had her head down and was leaning into the other person, who had one of their arms around her. Both of them had their back to the chaser and the decreasing crowd around her, since they were heading back towards the school grounds. Jealousy flared into Ginny, she wanted nothing more than to march over to the duo and fling off the arm around Hermione. She took a quick furious step towards the pair who were nearly out of site by now; this made a surprised Katie let go of Ginny.

“Woah, Gin, we’re you going?” Ginny ignored her and continued taking deliberate strides. Katie was surprised at Ginny’s behaviour, by the time she snapped to her sense again she had to jog to keep up with Ginny.

“Hey, what’s suddenly gotten into you? Slow down, Gin. We need to talk remember.” The frustrated redhead stopped abruptly.

“Look Katie, I don’t want to talk to you right now.” Upon seeing Katie’s hurt expression, Ginny softened her tone a little.

“What I meant to say was, I’ve got a lot on my mind right now and there is something I have to do urgently. We’ll have to have that important conversation of yours when I get back, okay?” Katie visibly cheered up almost immediately.

“Oh okay, I’ll catch you later at the victory party then?” Ginny sighed and nodded; Katie’s grin was obviously one of being pleased, she pecked Ginny on the cheek and ran off back to the Gryffindor changing rooms before Ginny could even fully register what just happened. She sighed again; I really need to sort this thing between Katie out. As Ginny walked down the corridor, she heard muffled sobbing noises in a classroom on the right in front of her, she crept slowly over and peaked in to see who if it was Hermione. And indeed it was, however Ginny was anything but happy to see her. This was because the brunette was embraced with someone else. Her sobs were muffled as her face was pressed against the other’s shoulder, whilst they stroked her hair lovingly. The redhead couldn’t stand it anymore, and barged straight in.

Title: If you’re not the one
Author: Deepest_Impact
Pairing: Ginny/Gabrielle
Rating: Around PG
Disclaimer: I don't have a J or K and definitely not a Rowling in my name. 
Word Count: 1,714
Note: This is a songfic. ‘If you’re not the one’ is by Daniel Bedingfield. It’s quite old but trust me, it’s an amazing song so please do check it out. If anyone is having trouble picturing a grownup Gabrielle, I thought of her as Mischa Burton. Look her up if you don’t know who she is. Set around when Ginny is 24 and Gabrielle is only 2 years younger so she’s 22. Some angst and it’s not a particularly happy ending. Comments are welcome, thanks.

***

My doorbell rings. I know it’s you outside my apartment. In fact I can almost see you standing outside my door holding a single rose behind your back. Just like you always do when you take me on a date. It’s no wonder why my house is filled with so many different coloured roses.

“I’m coming, I’m coming” I shout whilst doing a final check in the mirror to see if I look okay. When I am happy with myself I unlock and open the door. I look up with a smile to meet your eyes. My smile slips as I notice something’s wrong.

If you’re not the one then why does my soul feel glad today?
If you’re not the one then why does my hand fit yours this way?
If you are not mine then why does your heart return my call
If you are not mine would I have the strength to stand at all

Instead of being filled with happiness to see me, your eyes are cold, expressionless. You opened your mouth to say three words that shook me from head to toe. No, it wasn’t “I love you”.

“It’s over Gabi” I don’t say or do anything. It’s like I’m in a trance. I don’t believe it.

Once I snap out of it, I force myself to laugh. If you could it even call it a laugh.

“Very funny Gin. Come on in, it’s freezing out here” I give another attempt to smile but one look from you and I immediately stop.

“Do I look like I’m joking? I mean it. We’re finished.” You’re lying. I know you are. You must be. I don’t look at you because I don’t want to see you’re empty eyes. In fact, I close my eyes all together. Maybe if I wait long enough, you will give up on your joke.

“Are you even listening Gabi? Or do I need to speak French? Nous sommes finis.”

I never know what the future brings
But I know you are here with me now
We’ll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with

Strange. I don’t even feel upset or angry. In fact, I don’t feel anything at all. My emotions must have not caught up with this new information yet.

“Why” It wasn’t even a question. It was more like a demand. I have to know why.

 “I can’t do this anymore, Gabi, I-“A flash of sadness in your eyes. As quick as it came, it went again. Only to be replaced by that cold, blank look again.

I don’t want to run away but I can’t take it, I don’t understand
If I’m not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am?
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?

“Look Gabi, I said it’s over and that’s that.” Finally my emotions are catching up now. I feel...anger.

“What? Fuck it Ginny. We’ve been together for nearly a year. You come over; I’m ready to go to the date that we had said. I open the door and you tell me it’s over and I don’t even get an explanation? What sort of fucking sense is that?” I was ready to yell some more but you dragged me into my apartment and practically threw me onto the sofa. You lock the door and sits across me in the armchair in a very business-like type of position.

If I don’t need you then why am I crying on my bed?
If I don’t need you then why does your name resound in my head?
If you’re not for me then why does this distance maim my life?
If you’re not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?

“Look, Gabi. I’m not going to lie to you because you deserve more than that. I either will tell you the whole truth or not tell you anything. I’m not going to leave anything out or make it easier for you to handle.” I look into the fireplace but I can still see you in the corner of my sight. You haven’t moved from your position and I realise neither have I. I slowly sit up properly so I’m not sprawled across your sofa. I feel... calm. Not proper calm. But the calm like in the eye of a storm. Despite feeling better, I still can’t trust myself to open my mouth and not start yelling. I opt to nod instead.

“Okay, well,” You take a deep breath, whilst I mentally prepare myself for what you are going to say. “I’ve been having second thoughts on our relationship. It just doesn’t seem right anymore.” I give you a funny look and you correct what you said. “I don’t mean as in I think I’m straight again. I meant as in, when we were younger, I didn’t care what other people thought about us. What our family could think.” I still don’t get it.  I decide to voice some questions.

 “What about the family, Gin? We already are family.” You surprise me by standing up suddenly. Fists clenched in a frustrated manner.

I don’t know why you’re so far away
But I know that this much is true
We’ll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with
And I wish that you could be the one I die with
And I pray in you’re the one I build my home with
I hope I love you all my life

“That’s exactly my point! We can’t be together because we are family. Why can’t you understand it’s just wrong?” I follow you by standing up too.

“That’s because it isn’t wrong. Times has changed, Gin, no one cares if we are family anyways. Besides it’s not like we are sisters.” You roll your eyes.

“Knock off the ‘–in law’ bit and we are sisters! It’s just not right anymore being with someone so... close.” You wrap your arms around yourself and face the fireplace, your back to me.

The calmness within me has passed. Now I feel like...crying. I feel ready to beg and plea you to take everything back and just carry on as before. Something inside me, probably my pride, is screaming at me not to be weak. Not to beg. But my heart is arguing against it. My heart wants you back and it doesn’t care what the process is as long as the result is me back in your arms. I follow my heart.

I don’t want to run away but I can’t take it, I don’t understand
If I’m not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?

 “Please Gin. Don’t do this to me. You know we are meant to be. We’re perfect together, nothing else matters. I don’t care what anyone else says. I know I’ve never said this yet but I love you. You’re the one for me, I know it.” I step forward a couple of steps to wrap my arms around you from behind. You relax into my arms and I’m starting to have hope again. I want to kiss you so badly but I don’t. I’m scared if I move; you might snap out of it and leave me, so we stay motionless. You turn so your face is in the crook of my neck and you’re hugging me back. More minutes have passed and I think it’s okay to speak again so I try my luck.

“Ginny...” Bad idea. You immediately freeze up at the mention of your name and leap out of my arms. You look like you are totally confused as to how come we were embracing. You try to put on the cold face again but you’re failing. I want to try and comfort you somehow but I can’t. I feel...numb. I’m surprised I’m actually still standing since I can’t really feel anything mentally and physically.

‘Cause I miss you, body and soul so strong that it takes my breath away
And I breathe you into my heart and pray for the strength to stand today
‘Cause I love you, whether it’s wrong or right
And though I can’t be with you tonight
And know my heart is by your side

 “Look Gabi, don’t make this any harder than it is. I’m not the one for you. You think I am and you think you’re in love with me but you will fall out of love with me. There will be a more suitable person that comes along in your life. By then, you would have forgotten about me. We’ll not totally, ‘cause we are going to see each other at the family weekends or something.” You shake your head to stop yourself from babbling. I can hear every single syllable you’re saying but I’m not listening. I don’t look at you. I want to remember our months together by all the happy times, not this. I want to remember our relationship when you are smiling and laughing besides me, not this.

You start taking steps away from me to the door. With each step, I feel the numbness go a little. When you’re nearly at the door, you stop. You bend down to pick up a rose you must have dropped. You don’t take any steps back but you stretch a little to place the rose on top of my table. You’ve reached the front door and your hand is on the handle. Without turning around you speak to me.

“Gabi...I’ll see you around” With that you push the handle and leave. By the time the door has closed, I feel...empty. I’m not upset or angry or anything at all. I think about what you said ...I’m not the one for you...you’ll fall out of love with me... I smile weakly. You’ll never know how wrong you are.

I don’t want to run away but I can’t take it, I don’t understand
If I’m not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?

Title: Promises (Part 3)
Author: Deepest_Impact
Pairing: Hermione/Ginny, slight mentions of Ginny/Katie but its very very slight.
Rating: PG to start with and will only go to about PG-13 later on
Disclaimer: I don't have a J or K and definitely not a Rowling in my name. None is mine expect the plot even if the plot is rubbish. 
Word Count: 1,571
Note: This is the first part of a multi-part fiction, and 'Promises' is the first of a 3 part series - I hope all that makes sense. It is set in Ginny's 4th and Hermione's 5th year. 

The next morning, Ginny woke up and did her usual routine of taking a shower, brushing her teeth, getting changed and all the usual stuff. She did everything extra fast so as not to ponder on what Hermione was trying to say last night. She went straight to the Great Hall knowing the Trio, mainly Hermione, was going to be there and it was going to be a good chance to speak to Hermione before her quidditch match began. As she was nearly about to enter the Great Hall, she bumped into Katie Bell, a fellow Gryffindor chaser, who was with two of her 7^th year friends.

“Oh, good morning Ginny. Excited ‘bout the match?” Ginny nodded, but secretly she was trying to speed up the conversation so she could go inside to see Hermione. Katie didn’t seem to notice anything and continued on.

“Yeah same, so am I. I hope we get to use all those techniques and stuff we practised.” Ginny nodded again. Under Harry (the Captain’s) demands, they had been having extra practise sessions to make sure they were going to be familiar with each other in actual matches. Why he never asked the other chaser, Demelza, to join was something Ginny never quite understood. She never questioned Harry since she thought he knew what he was doing.

“So umm, Ginny, there’s something I was wondering if I could talk to you about. Perhaps after the match when you’re not busy or anything,” Ginny nodded for the third time. There was an awkward silence between them, Katie looked as if she was waiting for the redhead to say something but Ginny had no idea what to say. One of Katie’s friends rolled her eyes and interrupted the silence by saying they had to go. Katie smiled at the excuse to leave although she still seemed a little reluctant to do so.

“So umm, yeah, I had better go then. Umm, yeah, so, erm, see you later in the changing rooms then.” Once Katie finished spluttering, she hurried off with her friends. Ginny chuckled lightly to herself, what was that about? All other thoughts vaporised as she stepped into the Great Hall and saw Hermione wave to her. She hurried over to the Trio and slid into the seat next to her brother and opposite Hermione who was next to Harry. The Trio smiled and said their hellos, but Ginny kept her eyes on Hermione. When she realised the brunette wasn’t going to say or do anything else, Ginny felt a shot of disappointment run through her. Perhaps I was just too tired last night. Maybe it was only my wishful thinking that Hermione was going to kiss me last night. The let down redhead looked away and avoided looking at Hermione for the rest of breakfast.

“Umm Gin, about that match against Ravenclaw today, I want to get to the changing room quickly to discuss some last-minute tactics.” Harry told Ginny whilst stuffing his last sausage into his mouth.

“Okay, Harry, give me a minute. I just came, you know, I haven’t ate anything yet,” snapped Ginny. She didn’t mean to snap at Harry but she had to get some of that emotion out. Instead of defending himself, Harry actually smiled.

“That’s good Ginny, keep hold of all that anger and express it on the pitch.” Ginny ignored him and reached over to grab a piece of toast. Her hand accidentally brushed against Hermione’s lightly but a sensation ran down her spine as if she had been electrocuted. The touch was so gentle, she was sure Hermione didn’t even feel it; instead she helped Ginny with the toast and smiled warmly making Ginny’s knees weak. Thank goodness I’m sitting down Ginny thought, then she mentally slapped herself, Jesus Christ Gin, get a hold of yourself. You’re probably seeing too much into things.

“Good luck Gin I’m sure you’re going to win since you’re the best chaser.” Hermione offered the compliment along with the toast.

Ginny’s heart melted at the simple praise, she could feel her cheeks grow hot, so she avoided looking at Hermione’s eyes and once again thought back to what had happened last night. Ginny gave a quick glance up at Hermione but was caught straight away since Hermione had not yet looked away from the redhead yet. Ginny immediately became engrossed at her plate and tried not to shiver since she could almost feel the brunette’s gaze on her. The redhead gladly got up quickly when Harry bugged her yet again to go since they were going to be late. Ginny stood and spun quickly but someone grabbed her hand; she looked over her shoulder and saw Hermione leaning over the table holding her hand. Ginny almost fainted.

“Gin, you’ll be careful all right? I overheard Terry Boot saying he’s got bets on how many bludgers you’re going to take. Ravenclaw are going to play worse than Slytherins today.”

Ginny was getting nervous not because of what Hermione said, but because the brunette was still holding her hand tightly. She couldn’t trust herself to speak so she just smiled weakly and nodded her thanks. Ginny thought if Hermione doesn’t let go of my hand right now, I’m going to either faint or jump her right here, right now. As if reading her mind, the Head Girl let go of her hand and gave her another bright smile melting the remainders of her insides.

“Oh and umm, Gin, I wanted to maybe, really quickly talk to you after your match. It’s about, umm, you know, last night.” Hermione blushed lightly as she said this, whilst Ginny’s heart nearly skipped a beat. As she was about to reply, the untactful King – also known as Harry Potter, interrupted them.

“Yeah yeah, Herm, talk after the match, we really need to go. See you guys later.” Without giving Ginny another chance to even open her mouth, Harry dragged her away.

***

After everyone had got changed into their quidditch kit in their changing rooms; the Gryffindor team gathered together to discuss last minute tactics. As they were doing some light stretches, Harry turned to speak to Ginny.

“Gin, I know I’m hardly the right person to tell you this, but you’re closer to what you want, than you think you are. Don’t be scared and don’t back down. Just keep doing what you’re doing. You’re really nearly there, Gin, just remember what I’ve said, and she will crack soon” Harry finished off his little speech with a pat on her shoulder. An absolutely confused Ginny was just about to ask what Harry meant, but Harry gave her a knowing look and aimed his gaze at Katie who was laughing lightly at something, then back to Ginny. This made Ginny even more confused than already if that was possible. Before she had a chance to question Harry, she could hear Ron’s, the commentator this year, voice introducing the match. As Ginny was getting ready to step out onto the pitch, she wondered if Harry had meant about Quidditch or possibly Hermione or even Katie. There’s no way Harry meant I’ve nearly got Hermione. There is absolutely no way he could have guessed it since I’ve been so discreet about my feelings. He must mean Quidditch and that we’ve nearly won the cup. This excuse sounded rather weak even to Ginny herself seeing as they were still in the winter term. God, who am I kidding? I know he meant Hermione ‘cause he said ‘she will crack soon’. How could he possibly have known? Wait. He might have meant Katie. But what on earth does Katie come into all this? I mean I play quidditch with her a lot and we have practised on our own loads of time but that was only so we could be better communicated during matches. In fact it was Harry who wanted us to practise more together anyways. Oh my God, I bet Harry thinks I have something for Katie so he arranged us to spend extra time with each other during those practises. The silly boy, honestly, and there I was scaring myself. I really need to explain to him afterwards. The said-boy waved a hand in front of Ginny and smirked when she had snapped back to reality.

“Gin, keep what I said for later, stay focused on the game for now.” Ginny playfully slapped his hand away.

“Okay okay, just remind me I’ve got to talk to you after the match.”

“About...?” Ginny fidgeted with her gloves a little.

“Erm, it’s about Katie, you see. Look-” Harry cut her off.

“No, it’s okay Gin. I totally understand.”

“No trust me Harry, you really don’t get it.” Harry shook his head, and Ginny knew it didn’t matter what she said right now, he wouldn’t listen to it.

“Look, Gin. You’re one of my great mates, so you can trust me when I say I’m totally okay with it. But if you want to talk, it will be after the match.” Ginny opened her mouth again to protest, yet again, Harry denied her.

“No Gin. We’ll talk later.” Ginny nodded, defeated. Now she was going to have to talk to Katie, Hermione and Harry after the match. She had no idea what was up with everyone that day, but she pushed all the thoughts away for now so she could focus on the game. 
                                                                                      ***

Sorry, this part ended so badly and this part was pretty rubbish overall. The main thing I was trying to do in this chapter was to start to introduce something that could happen between Ginny and Katie. I have already written way past the match and everything but it was just too happy so I wanted to change it and add a little more stuff that will make the ending better. Please comment on what you think about this chapter or later chapters or whatever, thanks.

Title: Promises
Author: Deepest_Impact
Pairing: Hermione/Ginny
Rating: PG to start with and will only go to about PG-13 later on
Disclaimer: I don't have a J or K and definitely not a Rowling in my name. None is mine expect the plot even if the plot is rubbish. 
Word Count: 1,033
Note: This is the first part of a multi-part fiction, and 'Promises' is the first of a 3 part series - I hope all that makes sense. It is set in Ginny's 4th and Hermione's 5th year. Oh and its fluff, please comment after.

Ginny was a smart girl, top of her year. She never really had any problems with any work but when Hermione offered to help her in Potions two days before the Hogsmead visit, she agreed a little too quickly, but Ginny covered her eagerness up by saying she didn’t want to fret over her homework during the visit. Hermione gave her a look that said ‘you can’t trick me Ginerva’ and did not break the eye contact until Ginny felt like she was going to collapse under the immense pressure of her stare.

They agreed to meet in the library that afternoon at lunch, Ginny was so excited she skipped lunch and went straight to the Library. Along the way she bumped into an unimpressed McGonagall who scolded her for running at such a speed. When she finally reached the Library, Ginny flung open the doors and scanned the room for Hermione’s bushy brown hair, she found her immediately sitting at the back of the Library, and head bowed down writing something.

“Hi Hermione”

Hermione looked up and gave Ginny a warm smile that that made her stomach lurch.

“Hi Gin, I didn’t expect you to be this early, I thought you would have your lunch first so I thought I might as well do some of my homework.”

Ginny looked at her, smiling slightly, drowning in those rich brown eyes and those warm, soft and pleasant lips...

“Well, Gin? Are you going to just stand there staring at me or are you going to sit down?”

Ginny blushed (yet again) and quickly sat down; her flame-red hair didn’t help her blush to disappear.

As the time went by, the closer the girls sat. Ginny was on Hermione’s left so every word she wrote she had to brush against Hermione’s smooth arm. She tried to ignore the feeling in her stomach every time Hermione’s breath tickled her skin. Hermione was talking about where they would find Belligents when she suddenly stopped. Ginny turned to look at her, she forgot how close she was to Hermione and when she turned, her lips accidentally brushed against Hermione’s. She backed away quickly, ignoring heart yelling keep kissing her, stupid! This is probably your last ever chance! Ginny muttered, “…sorry…”repeatedly. However, Hermione didn’t look afraid or embarrassed, unlike Ginny, but she gave her a friendly smile, “Don’t worry Gin, you’re my best friend, I’m not going to flinch away disgusted,” The head girl gave her another flashing smile and continued. Ginny, on the outside carried on as normal, but on the inside she was very disappointed. Is that all I am to her? Best friends? Maybe I’m reading the signals wrong or I’m seeing what I want to see. God, what happened to the bloody Gaydar?

By the time they returned to the dormitory that evening, after they finished, it was one o’clock in the morning. They reached the door to Ginny’s dormitory, and Hermione stopped. Ginny turned to see Hermione looking at her in a way that makes Ginny shiver.      

“What’s wrong Hermione?”

“Oh… it’s just…Ginny can I tell you something?”

“Sure, of course you can”

Hermione continued to make Ginny’s knees weak, Ginny turned away to face the door before she would do something that she’ll regret.

“Ginny… are you all right? How come you… Ginny look at me in the eyes”

Hermione grasped Ginny’s arm and turned her gently, Ginny plucked up her courage and looked straight at the milky brown eyes. Ginny noticed that the shade of Hermione’s eyes were the exact same colour as her hair.

“Ginny…”Hermione said - her voice was low and silky. 

Hermione was gently stroking Ginny’s arm. Please stop doing that thought Ginny please stop before I do something wrong. Ginny begged with her eyes, Hermione leaned in closer, Ginny’s heart stop, however when Hermione was inches away from Ginny’s face she stopped and said,

“Ginny… I’m so sorry…”

With that she vanished upstairs, Ginny’s chest was hurting, she forgot to breathe. Even after, she started breathing there was still a painful ache in her chest.

Ginny had an eye on a certain person in the Golden Trio. Unlike popular belief it wasn’t Harry. And no it most definitely was not Ron either, Ginny shivered with disgust at the thought of that. At this point you’re probably thinking ‘wait but that leaves...Hermione? Ginny can’t be a lesbian can she?’ Well it seems like she can and she is. Her feelings towards Hermione had started as simply friends, and then due to all the late-night chats at the Burrow, they grew to be best friends. It was when the DA was made, Ginny really looked at Hermione in a different light. Ginny just couldn’t help herself; she tried hard not to laugh too badly at her really awful jokes, she tried not to stare at her too much, she tried to do a whole lot more things but she failed badly. Ginny attempted to avoid these feeling for Hermione, not only because she was her best friend, but also she was a girl. At the age of only 15, Ginny was not yet ready to label her sexual orientations yet, although she knew deep down that she did prefer girls.

***

A chilly winter’s evening in the Trio’s 6^th year, Ginny was helping Hermione make some hats for the elves in the common room whilst the boys were playing chess as predicted. Ginny thought it was pointless but since Hermione loved it she couldn’t resist the urge to help her and have a good excuse to sit beside her even though the redhead was feeling incredibly tired, soon her fatigue showed by accidentally falling asleep. Ginny woke some time later at the sound of her own name.

“Ginny.....wake up sleepy head..... Ginny.....”

Ginny opened her eyes slightly and realised she was resting her head on Hermione’s shoulder. It was really comfortable so she feinted still sleeping.

“Get up Ginny, I know you’re awake” Ginny reluctantly took her head of her friend’s shoulder.

“How did you know I was awake?”

“Oh nothing special, just I’ve watched you sleep for so long, it’s turned to instinct.”

Hermione laughed at Ginny blushing. Ginny looked around and realised the boys had already gone upstairs to sleep and Hermione and her were the only ones left in the common room. They both started to get up to go back to their dormitories. As they were going up the stairs, Hermione turned to Ginny to speak to her.

“Oh Gin? I wanted to ask you are you going to the upcoming Hogsmeade visit?” Ginny nodded and gave her the look that said ‘Duh! Of course I am’.

“Ginny Weasley, don’t look at me like that, I was just checking. Anyways, I was just wondering if you maybe wanted to go with me. I’d understand if you wanted to go with anyone else. I mean, I know that you have a lot of friends and half the school is keen on you, not just boys too. So it would be absolutely okay if you had a date-”

Ginny placed a hand on the Head girl’s shoulder to stop her from babbling. Ginny could feel the slight spark going up her arm; she began talking to take her mind of that spark.

“Of course Herm. I’d love to. I- Wait. What did you say? About that half the school is keen on me but not only boys?” Hermione smiled sheepishly.

“I promised I wouldn’t tell you, Gin. Sorry, but I can’t. And don’t you make that face at me; you know I can’t resist that look- fine. But promise you won’t ignore her or do anything that will give away that I told you.” Ginny nodded quickly, which made Hermione frown. “I’m serious Ginny; she’ll kill me if word got out that I told you she fancied you.”

Ginny rolled her eyes, “Okay, okay ‘Mione. I promise not to act differently around her.”

“All right then, I’ll tell you. You know we had a Christmas party last week in the Common Room with a couple of Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs?” Ginny nodded, “Well after you went off to bed, Hannah Abbott, you know the blonde Hufflepuff who goes to the DA, when we were playing Spin-the-bottle she admitted that she had a crush on you.”

Ginny gasped, Hermione giggled at her reactions. Ginny thought for a moment about herself. She had never really considered herself to be particularly attractive. The redhead being slightly boyish had never worn a lot of make-up unless it was a special occasion. She disliked her hand-me-downs which had covered her physique but she had got used to the baggy trousers and loose shirt. I wonder if Hermione finds me attractive Ginny thought. Another thought suddenly hit her; Did she just ask me out on a date? Before Ginny could think more on that topic the said-brunette waved a hand in front of her causing Ginny to snap back to reality.

“You okay Gin? You sort of spaced out for a second there. Got something on your mind that you could share with your best friend?” Ginny secretly was disappointed on the inside when Hermione said ‘best friend’, Ginny wondered if that is all she would ever be to Hermione, simply best friends. All of a s

“Erm yeah Herm, there’s something I wanted to ask you.” Ginny fidgeted with the hem of her tie.

“Would it be okay if you told me tomorrow? We’re at your dorm, Gin.” The redhead looked up and realised they were in fact at the door of her dormitory.

“So, Ginny you are sure you haven’t asked anyone else to go to Hogsmead right? Okay then and stop giving me that face I was only checking. So I guess I’ll see you in the morning, good night Gin.” Hermione leaned over and kissed her on the forehead twice, by the time Ginny had got over the shock that Hermione had just kissed her; the brunette was already on the next flight of stairs. The red-head blushed lightly and rubbed the spot where Hermione’s lips had touched. This might be the best Hogsmead visit ever she thought. Slowly she drifted off to sleep thinking about a certain brown-haired Head Girl.