mickume/harry_potter_tiny · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Hermione didn’t fail to notice Harry’s expression light up as she said that. She turned, sharing a a smile with the witch.
Beneath the table, the witch’s finger had reached out and began drawing against the back of her hand, making Hermione’s mind feel like fireworks were going off. Gone were her thoughts of Harry, her concerns about horcux hunting that may occur––after all, Harry would be safe with Dumbledore.
Instead, her mind became solely focused on Bellatrix.
"We both have a free period after charms," Bellatrix said. "Did you want to study some private? I know a quiet spot."
She wasn’t sure if the witch meant to ask her to make-out or if there was something more she was expecting, but Hermione found herself unable to ask and instead agreeing, with an unusually awkward, "S-sure."
"Good," Bellatrix said, her eyes lighting up before she turned back to Ron.
The conversation returned to Quidditch, which left Hermione’s mind drifting as she felt the witch’s fingers play over her hand.
Charms seemed to go slowly, and yet Hermione felt as though her heart was thudding loudly in her chest. Bellatrix didn’t play with her hand as she had at breakfast, but she sat close enough that Hermione could feel her warmth.
Which only reminded her of how warm the witch had been last night. And how soft she was. And how her hands had felt on her body, and...she really needed to focus on class.
Professor Flitwick had them turning vinegar into wine, and while both Hermione and Bellatrix managed it easier, there were others who were...less focused. Harry managed to somehow cause his to freeze and Ron’s exploded soaking himself, Harry and Professor Flitwick as the vinegar went everywhere.
Bellatrix laughed, sharing a smile with Hermione.
It was pretty funny, though Hermione couldn’t help a small annoyance at the boy’s lack of focus.
After class, Hermione and Bellatrix packed their things away and before either Ron or Harry could ask where they were going, they were out the door, walking through the corridor.
"Where did you want to go?" Hermione asked.
Bellatrix smiled, leading her out the grounds to one of the Herbology greenhouses. "If anyone asks, we’re just checking on our plants," Bellatrix said, as she pulled Hermione into the back of the empty classroom, where it was more secluded.
Should anyone enter the greenhouse after them, they would likely not see anyone else in the room.
Hermione felt her stomach flip, wondering if she should say anything, but as Bellatrix’s mouth went to hers, there was no complaint.
The kissing was slow, enjoyable and Hermione melted into the other woman, noticing that Bellatrix’s hand remained still on her waist, holding her steady. There was no urgency or hints for anything else, and with that, Hermione felt the anxiety soften but not entirely leave her chest.
"You left early this morning," Bellatrix said, once they pulled away.
"I got up at the normal time. You were sleeping in."
"It’s good to indulge for a little bit. I like sleeping next to you."
Hermione warmed at the comment, shifting on her feet as she found herself saying, "I liked it too." There was a moment as they looked at one another that Hermione felt her heart race. "We’re not going to have sex here."
Bellatrix stood blinking, before she burst out into laughter. "No, Hermione. I’m not going to seduce you here in the greenhouse. There are nicer places in Hogwarts. Secluded ones that aren’t the forest, either."
Hermione blushed. "I didn’t want to give you the wrong idea," she explained. "If you had planned it. I wasn’t sure what it was like––"
"You’re not Daphne. And you don’t need to worry. When you’re ready, tell me and I’ll plan something so that you’re comfortable," Bellatrix said, tugging her close. "I know some pretty good transfiguration spells for pillows and blankets that will make it pretty comfortable," she assured.
Hermione laughed. "I know that spell too."
"Then between us, it’ll be fine," she assured, kissing her again. "You don’t have to worry with me. No one else has to know about us. It can just be private."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.
Bellatrix shrugged. "I would understand if you’re not ready to tell others, too. This can just be for us."
"Is that what you want?" Hermione asked.
Bellatrix shrugged. "I want you to be happy. Besides, I like the idea of kissing you in dark corners while no one else knows."
Hermione eased, melting into the kiss as she felt her worries spill away from her. In the greenhouse, surrounded by magical plants, Hermione felt as though she could never imagine being so happy.
That afternoon showed the return of Katie Bell, which meant that both Dean and Cormac were off the team, now that Ron had recovered from the poisoning, and Katie from the curse. During Quidditch practice over the next fortnight, Hermione would quietly sit the pitches, doing her homework and practicing small spellwork that wouldn’t distract the team.
But a lot of the time, she found her eyes following Bellatrix, watching her laugh at Ginny’s jokes, or practice hitting the bludger.
Never had she found the training more interesting than now.
She found herself going over and over what Bellatrix said. About no one else needing to know, and Hermione felt a strange tugging inside of her chest.
The idea of everyone knowing was...an uncomfortable thought. And yet, not telling those that mattered seemed to leave her feeling uncomfortable too. Would she have had this problem if it were someone else?
One afternoon, practice finished early as Katie apologised, advising that she needed to study and Harry, apparently being happy enough with how the team was flying, agreed that they all deserved an early mark.
Except, as everyone went inside to change, Bellatrix ended up flying to where Hermione was, grinning at her.
"I promised you that I’d help you overcome your fear of flying."
"Oh, no. Look, it’s okay, we don’t––"
"No one’s going to see, and if they do, they’ll just think we’re friends," Bellatrix said. "Do you trust me?"
Hermione held her breath, feeling her chest grow right as she nodded.
"Climb on. I’ll hold onto you and make sure you don’t fall," she told her. Her voice was so soft, so warm and patient that Hermione found enough bravery to stand up and swing her leg over the broom. Bellatrix caught her waist with one hand, holding her steady and for just a moment they hovered.
"Place your hands stead on the broom below mine," Bellatrix said, her breath warm against Hermione’s ear. "Good, now hold on."
"Wait, we’re not going to––" but Hermione didn’t get a chance to finish as Bellatrix adjusted the broom, and then suddenly they were flying off, into the air.
She would have yelped or screamed or something, but as Bellatrix’s body pressed into hers, holding her steady, Hermione felt the fear lower into levels where she could open her eyes again. Except, as she looked down, a wave of dizziness overtook her.
"I’ve got you," Bellatrix said, zooming her around the Quidditch pitch. "I promise you, I’ll keep you safe. Now...we’re going to go a little higher."
"Higher?" Hermione squeaked.
As they flew up, Hermione squeezed her eyes shut, until the wind softened, blowing only lightly against her hair.
"Open your eyes," Bellatrix said, and Hermione did.
There, high above the Quidditch Pitch, Hermione was able to see Hogwarts and its grounds. Even far away, she could make out the smoke coming from Hogsmeade village and the people that lived there.
The sun was low in the sky, setting a golden hue across everything. Hermione took a breath, feeling her lungs expand with the cool evening air, and felt herself really take in the sight. When she’d ridden on the Buckbeak, it had been terrifying. With only the feathers to hold onto, Hermione had been certain that at any moment, the feathers would fall out and she would slip off the shoulders of the hippogriff.
But here, with Bellatrix’s arm holding her steady, she felt safe.
"It’s so beautiful," Hermione admitted.
"It is," Bellatrix said. "It’s why I like flying. It gives you a different perspective on things. That...and it’s fun to go fast, but I know you’ll hex me if I do any sudden sharp turns."
"I will," Hermione said, feeling the nervousness return to her, but as Bellatrix’s laugh rumbled through her back, she felt herself ease again. Bellatrix would keep her safe.
"Let’s go back before it gets too cold," Bellatrix said.
The descent was slow and Hermione was thankful for it, but as they landed in the stands, amongst her books, Hermione found her heart fluttering. She was glad she hadn’t refused.
Only a few days before the Quidditch match against Ravenclaw did one of Hermione’s fears become true. Harry had used one of the curses in his schoolbook on Draco, nearly killing him––and despite how clearly dark the magic was, Harry continued to defend the author of the book, as if he was a good friend rather than a stranger.
"Listen, without the Prince I’d never have won the Felix Felicis. I’d never have known how to save Ron from poisoning. I’d never have––"
"––got a reputation for Potions brilliance you don’t deserve," Hermione said, her resentment slipping through. The last potions class had been enough with Slughorn providing glowing remarks to Harry once more, and Hermione was sick of it. No matter how hard she worked, or how well she followed the instructions, Harry somehow ended up being top of the class. Unearned, stealing the work of someone else.
"Give it a rest, Hermione!" Ginny snapped.
Hermione balked at the comment, looking to her friend but the witch’s eyes were ablaze as she continued, "By the sound of it, Malfoy was trying to use an Unforgivable Curse, you should be glad Harry had something good up his sleeve!"
"Of course I’m glad Harry wasn’t cursed," Hermione said, "But you can’t call that curse good. Look where it’s landed him! And I’d have thought, seeing what this has done to your chances in the match––"
"Oh, don’t start acting as though you understand Quidditch. You’ll only embarrass yourself."
Hermione flinched. In truth, over the last fortnight she’d noticed that Ginny had been a little cold towards her, but Hermione had placed it down to stress for the OWLs. Now, she was wondering if something else was going on.
She would have expected her frustration at Harry. Afterall, Harry, having been caught by Snape using the spell against Draco, had gotten himself banned from the Quidditch final.
And despite what Ginny thought, Hermione had been leaning about Quidditch. Bellatrix would sit and talk about it, and not wanting to look like an idiot before the witch, she had tried to learn as much as she could to at least have a conversation with her. She understood how the point system worked, she understood that if Gryffindor won by over 300 points in this match against Ravenclaw, they would come first.
She understood the stakes of this match!
But Ginny was angry with her and it had been an easy thing to dig at. And if Hermione was honest, it hurt a lot that she would even try to make a dig at her like that.
Bellatrix was away at a meeting with Dumbledore, when she’d finally returned, Hermione had pulled her away to talk about the disagreement, loudly complaining (behind the seclusion of her bed curtains) what had occurred and how rude Ginny had been.
But Bellatrix’s focus was elsewhere. "So Harry used a curse to defend himself and you’re angry with him?"
"Not for defending himself, of course. It’s just dangerous to use spells you don’t know," Hermione said. "You have no idea how dark something is. You can’t just trial them out on random people because someone scrawled the comment "for enemies’ besides it."
Bellatrix’s expression didn’t alter. "That’s not how you spoke about it. You said it like it was morally reprehensible that he would use a curse."
"A curse he didn’t know," Hermione assured. "Bella, you wouldn’t test a random spell you found on some kid you didn’t like."
"I might," Bellatrix said. "But I know enough of latin to know that curse is for haemorrhaging. Perhaps Harry should learn latin before using spells he doesn’t know."
Hermione sighed, curling up on the bed. "I didn’t mean to hurt you," she said.
"You didn’t hurt me."
"You sounded hurt," Hermione said. "You know that I...care for you, a lot. I know you’re kind."
Bellatrix gave a dry laugh. "You don’t know that."
"I do," Hermione assured. "You have been so patient and so kind with me. Me, a muggleborn. Someone you were taught to hate, and I know that you don’t have your old memories, but when we first were getting to know each other, you were hesitant and you still showed blood purity beliefs, and you’ve made every effort to learn from that. So yes, Bella, I know you’re kind. I know you’re equally capable of dark and dangerous things, but you’re also capable of so much more and I...I really admire that about you."
Bellatrix paused, meeting her eyes before she turned away. "I think you should speak with Ginny directly. Maybe she’s hurt that you’re spending less time with her."
Hermione hadn’t thought of that, but now she thought about it, there had been a few moments where Ginny had wanted to speak with her and Hermione had either had prefect duty or admitted that she’d already made plans with Bellatrix.
"I’ll speak with her tomorrow," she assured, offering a small gratuitous smile. "How are you feeling about quidditch?"
"With Harry gone, Ginny’s a decent replacement. Better than Ravenclaw’s chaser. Dean’s not as good a chaser, though, so it’s hard to say. Three-hundred points is a lot. It’ll be a team effort."
"Good thing you’ve got a good team."
"Might need some luck, still," Bellatrix shrugged. "You know...usually the partners kiss the players before the match for good luck. Maybe we should find a way to meet up to kiss beforehand."
Hermione laughed. "I didn’t take you for being superstitious."
Bellatrix shrugged, but there was an awkwardness to it before the witch changed the conversation again to the upcoming finals.
The morning of the match, Hermione managed to grab Ginny before she went down to breakfast. "Ginny...why are you angry with me?"
"Because you didn’t tell me about you and Bella?" Ginny asked. "I’m your best friend. I told you about everything with Dean and you’re off sneaking around like I wouldn’t notice and––"
Hermione froze. "I...I didn’t think you’d want to hear about it," Hermione admitted. "It’s all so new, and I don’t even know what we are, but we weren’t sneaking around. It’s not a secret. It’s just...private."
Ginny’s expression shifted. "I saw you after training the other day. She took you on a flight. And don’t give me some bullshit about how she was just "helping you’ to get over your fear. You wouldn’t get on a broom with me, let alone anyone else, so I know that it means something."
"Well, no...but..." Hermione looked around the common room to see if anyone was listening, but was thankful to find the area quiet. People had likely headed to breakfast early in anticipation of the match. "I wasn’t keeping it a secret," Hermione said. "Not from you."
"Are you worried about what others will think?" Ginny asked.
"Maybe," Hermione admitted. "I mean, she’s so beautiful. I hear how the boys talk about her, and I know I’m not ugly, but––"
"No buts," Ginny said. "Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. If anyone takes half a moment to look at the both of you, they’d see you’re a good match."
"Oh...well....thanks."
Ginny gave a tight nod, seeming to agree that the awkward moment was passed. "Right, well, are you coming to breakfast?"

Hermione didn’t fail to notice Harry’s expression light up as she said that. She turned, sharing a a smile with the witch.

Beneath the table, the witch’s finger had reached out and began drawing against the back of her hand, making Hermione’s mind feel like fireworks were going off. Gone were her thoughts of Harry, her concerns about horcux hunting that may occur––after all, Harry would be safe with Dumbledore.

Instead, her mind became solely focused on Bellatrix.

"We both have a free period after charms," Bellatrix said. "Did you want to study some private? I know a quiet spot."

She wasn’t sure if the witch meant to ask her to make-out or if there was something more she was expecting, but Hermione found herself unable to ask and instead agreeing, with an unusually awkward, "S-sure."

"Good," Bellatrix said, her eyes lighting up before she turned back to Ron.

The conversation returned to Quidditch, which left Hermione’s mind drifting as she felt the witch’s fingers play over her hand.

Charms seemed to go slowly, and yet Hermione felt as though her heart was thudding loudly in her chest. Bellatrix didn’t play with her hand as she had at breakfast, but she sat close enough that Hermione could feel her warmth.

Which only reminded her of how warm the witch had been last night. And how soft she was. And how her hands had felt on her body, and...she really needed to focus on class.

Professor Flitwick had them turning vinegar into wine, and while both Hermione and Bellatrix managed it easier, there were others who were...less focused. Harry managed to somehow cause his to freeze and Ron’s exploded soaking himself, Harry and Professor Flitwick as the vinegar went everywhere.

Bellatrix laughed, sharing a smile with Hermione.

It was pretty funny, though Hermione couldn’t help a small annoyance at the boy’s lack of focus.

After class, Hermione and Bellatrix packed their things away and before either Ron or Harry could ask where they were going, they were out the door, walking through the corridor.

"Where did you want to go?" Hermione asked.

Bellatrix smiled, leading her out the grounds to one of the Herbology greenhouses. "If anyone asks, we’re just checking on our plants," Bellatrix said, as she pulled Hermione into the back of the empty classroom, where it was more secluded.

Should anyone enter the greenhouse after them, they would likely not see anyone else in the room.

Hermione felt her stomach flip, wondering if she should say anything, but as Bellatrix’s mouth went to hers, there was no complaint.

The kissing was slow, enjoyable and Hermione melted into the other woman, noticing that Bellatrix’s hand remained still on her waist, holding her steady. There was no urgency or hints for anything else, and with that, Hermione felt the anxiety soften but not entirely leave her chest.

"You left early this morning," Bellatrix said, once they pulled away.

"I got up at the normal time. You were sleeping in."

"It’s good to indulge for a little bit. I like sleeping next to you."

Hermione warmed at the comment, shifting on her feet as she found herself saying, "I liked it too." There was a moment as they looked at one another that Hermione felt her heart race. "We’re not going to have sex here."

Bellatrix stood blinking, before she burst out into laughter. "No, Hermione. I’m not going to seduce you here in the greenhouse. There are nicer places in Hogwarts. Secluded ones that aren’t the forest, either."

Hermione blushed. "I didn’t want to give you the wrong idea," she explained. "If you had planned it. I wasn’t sure what it was like––"

"You’re not Daphne. And you don’t need to worry. When you’re ready, tell me and I’ll plan something so that you’re comfortable," Bellatrix said, tugging her close. "I know some pretty good transfiguration spells for pillows and blankets that will make it pretty comfortable," she assured.

Hermione laughed. "I know that spell too."

"Then between us, it’ll be fine," she assured, kissing her again. "You don’t have to worry with me. No one else has to know about us. It can just be private."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

Bellatrix shrugged. "I would understand if you’re not ready to tell others, too. This can just be for us."

"Is that what you want?" Hermione asked.

Bellatrix shrugged. "I want you to be happy. Besides, I like the idea of kissing you in dark corners while no one else knows."

Hermione eased, melting into the kiss as she felt her worries spill away from her. In the greenhouse, surrounded by magical plants, Hermione felt as though she could never imagine being so happy.

That afternoon showed the return of Katie Bell, which meant that both Dean and Cormac were off the team, now that Ron had recovered from the poisoning, and Katie from the curse. During Quidditch practice over the next fortnight, Hermione would quietly sit the pitches, doing her homework and practicing small spellwork that wouldn’t distract the team.

But a lot of the time, she found her eyes following Bellatrix, watching her laugh at Ginny’s jokes, or practice hitting the bludger.

Never had she found the training more interesting than now.

She found herself going over and over what Bellatrix said. About no one else needing to know, and Hermione felt a strange tugging inside of her chest.

The idea of everyone knowing was...an uncomfortable thought. And yet, not telling those that mattered seemed to leave her feeling uncomfortable too. Would she have had this problem if it were someone else?

One afternoon, practice finished early as Katie apologised, advising that she needed to study and Harry, apparently being happy enough with how the team was flying, agreed that they all deserved an early mark.

Except, as everyone went inside to change, Bellatrix ended up flying to where Hermione was, grinning at her.

"I promised you that I’d help you overcome your fear of flying."

"Oh, no. Look, it’s okay, we don’t––"

"No one’s going to see, and if they do, they’ll just think we’re friends," Bellatrix said. "Do you trust me?"

Hermione held her breath, feeling her chest grow right as she nodded.

"Climb on. I’ll hold onto you and make sure you don’t fall," she told her. Her voice was so soft, so warm and patient that Hermione found enough bravery to stand up and swing her leg over the broom. Bellatrix caught her waist with one hand, holding her steady and for just a moment they hovered.

"Place your hands stead on the broom below mine," Bellatrix said, her breath warm against Hermione’s ear. "Good, now hold on."

"Wait, we’re not going to––" but Hermione didn’t get a chance to finish as Bellatrix adjusted the broom, and then suddenly they were flying off, into the air.

She would have yelped or screamed or something, but as Bellatrix’s body pressed into hers, holding her steady, Hermione felt the fear lower into levels where she could open her eyes again. Except, as she looked down, a wave of dizziness overtook her.

"I’ve got you," Bellatrix said, zooming her around the Quidditch pitch. "I promise you, I’ll keep you safe. Now...we’re going to go a little higher."

"Higher?" Hermione squeaked.

As they flew up, Hermione squeezed her eyes shut, until the wind softened, blowing only lightly against her hair.

"Open your eyes," Bellatrix said, and Hermione did.

There, high above the Quidditch Pitch, Hermione was able to see Hogwarts and its grounds. Even far away, she could make out the smoke coming from Hogsmeade village and the people that lived there.

The sun was low in the sky, setting a golden hue across everything. Hermione took a breath, feeling her lungs expand with the cool evening air, and felt herself really take in the sight. When she’d ridden on the Buckbeak, it had been terrifying. With only the feathers to hold onto, Hermione had been certain that at any moment, the feathers would fall out and she would slip off the shoulders of the hippogriff.

But here, with Bellatrix’s arm holding her steady, she felt safe.

"It’s so beautiful," Hermione admitted.

"It is," Bellatrix said. "It’s why I like flying. It gives you a different perspective on things. That...and it’s fun to go fast, but I know you’ll hex me if I do any sudden sharp turns."

"I will," Hermione said, feeling the nervousness return to her, but as Bellatrix’s laugh rumbled through her back, she felt herself ease again. Bellatrix would keep her safe.

"Let’s go back before it gets too cold," Bellatrix said.

The descent was slow and Hermione was thankful for it, but as they landed in the stands, amongst her books, Hermione found her heart fluttering. She was glad she hadn’t refused.

Only a few days before the Quidditch match against Ravenclaw did one of Hermione’s fears become true. Harry had used one of the curses in his schoolbook on Draco, nearly killing him––and despite how clearly dark the magic was, Harry continued to defend the author of the book, as if he was a good friend rather than a stranger.

"Listen, without the Prince I’d never have won the Felix Felicis. I’d never have known how to save Ron from poisoning. I’d never have––"

"––got a reputation for Potions brilliance you don’t deserve," Hermione said, her resentment slipping through. The last potions class had been enough with Slughorn providing glowing remarks to Harry once more, and Hermione was sick of it. No matter how hard she worked, or how well she followed the instructions, Harry somehow ended up being top of the class. Unearned, stealing the work of someone else.

"Give it a rest, Hermione!" Ginny snapped.

Hermione balked at the comment, looking to her friend but the witch’s eyes were ablaze as she continued, "By the sound of it, Malfoy was trying to use an Unforgivable Curse, you should be glad Harry had something good up his sleeve!"

"Of course I’m glad Harry wasn’t cursed," Hermione said, "But you can’t call that curse good. Look where it’s landed him! And I’d have thought, seeing what this has done to your chances in the match––"

"Oh, don’t start acting as though you understand Quidditch. You’ll only embarrass yourself."

Hermione flinched. In truth, over the last fortnight she’d noticed that Ginny had been a little cold towards her, but Hermione had placed it down to stress for the OWLs. Now, she was wondering if something else was going on.

She would have expected her frustration at Harry. Afterall, Harry, having been caught by Snape using the spell against Draco, had gotten himself banned from the Quidditch final.

And despite what Ginny thought, Hermione had been leaning about Quidditch. Bellatrix would sit and talk about it, and not wanting to look like an idiot before the witch, she had tried to learn as much as she could to at least have a conversation with her. She understood how the point system worked, she understood that if Gryffindor won by over 300 points in this match against Ravenclaw, they would come first.

She understood the stakes of this match!

But Ginny was angry with her and it had been an easy thing to dig at. And if Hermione was honest, it hurt a lot that she would even try to make a dig at her like that.

Bellatrix was away at a meeting with Dumbledore, when she’d finally returned, Hermione had pulled her away to talk about the disagreement, loudly complaining (behind the seclusion of her bed curtains) what had occurred and how rude Ginny had been.

But Bellatrix’s focus was elsewhere. "So Harry used a curse to defend himself and you’re angry with him?"

"Not for defending himself, of course. It’s just dangerous to use spells you don’t know," Hermione said. "You have no idea how dark something is. You can’t just trial them out on random people because someone scrawled the comment "for enemies’ besides it."

Bellatrix’s expression didn’t alter. "That’s not how you spoke about it. You said it like it was morally reprehensible that he would use a curse."

"A curse he didn’t know," Hermione assured. "Bella, you wouldn’t test a random spell you found on some kid you didn’t like."

"I might," Bellatrix said. "But I know enough of latin to know that curse is for haemorrhaging. Perhaps Harry should learn latin before using spells he doesn’t know."

Hermione sighed, curling up on the bed. "I didn’t mean to hurt you," she said.

"You didn’t hurt me."

"You sounded hurt," Hermione said. "You know that I...care for you, a lot. I know you’re kind."

Bellatrix gave a dry laugh. "You don’t know that."

"I do," Hermione assured. "You have been so patient and so kind with me. Me, a muggleborn. Someone you were taught to hate, and I know that you don’t have your old memories, but when we first were getting to know each other, you were hesitant and you still showed blood purity beliefs, and you’ve made every effort to learn from that. So yes, Bella, I know you’re kind. I know you’re equally capable of dark and dangerous things, but you’re also capable of so much more and I...I really admire that about you."

Bellatrix paused, meeting her eyes before she turned away. "I think you should speak with Ginny directly. Maybe she’s hurt that you’re spending less time with her."

Hermione hadn’t thought of that, but now she thought about it, there had been a few moments where Ginny had wanted to speak with her and Hermione had either had prefect duty or admitted that she’d already made plans with Bellatrix.

"I’ll speak with her tomorrow," she assured, offering a small gratuitous smile. "How are you feeling about quidditch?"

"With Harry gone, Ginny’s a decent replacement. Better than Ravenclaw’s chaser. Dean’s not as good a chaser, though, so it’s hard to say. Three-hundred points is a lot. It’ll be a team effort."

"Good thing you’ve got a good team."

"Might need some luck, still," Bellatrix shrugged. "You know...usually the partners kiss the players before the match for good luck. Maybe we should find a way to meet up to kiss beforehand."

Hermione laughed. "I didn’t take you for being superstitious."

Bellatrix shrugged, but there was an awkwardness to it before the witch changed the conversation again to the upcoming finals.

The morning of the match, Hermione managed to grab Ginny before she went down to breakfast. "Ginny...why are you angry with me?"

"Because you didn’t tell me about you and Bella?" Ginny asked. "I’m your best friend. I told you about everything with Dean and you’re off sneaking around like I wouldn’t notice and––"

Hermione froze. "I...I didn’t think you’d want to hear about it," Hermione admitted. "It’s all so new, and I don’t even know what we are, but we weren’t sneaking around. It’s not a secret. It’s just...private."

Ginny’s expression shifted. "I saw you after training the other day. She took you on a flight. And don’t give me some bullshit about how she was just "helping you’ to get over your fear. You wouldn’t get on a broom with me, let alone anyone else, so I know that it means something."

"Well, no...but..." Hermione looked around the common room to see if anyone was listening, but was thankful to find the area quiet. People had likely headed to breakfast early in anticipation of the match. "I wasn’t keeping it a secret," Hermione said. "Not from you."

"Are you worried about what others will think?" Ginny asked.

"Maybe," Hermione admitted. "I mean, she’s so beautiful. I hear how the boys talk about her, and I know I’m not ugly, but––"

"No buts," Ginny said. "Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. If anyone takes half a moment to look at the both of you, they’d see you’re a good match."

"Oh...well....thanks."

Ginny gave a tight nod, seeming to agree that the awkward moment was passed. "Right, well, are you coming to breakfast?"