𝙻𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 II SS/HG ✔️

The Next Day

Squeak squeak squeak.

"How do these bloody windows get so bloody dirty?" Ginny Weasley growled. The damp rag in her hand proved futile against the persistence of the months-old grime on the WC window. "Mioneeeee," she whined. "This spot won't come off."

Ginny and Ron were the only two in Grimmauld Place who weren't allowed to use magic, so Hermione obliged and pulled out her wand. She made short order of the offending matter. But the smell of the mold and mildew, left to grow freely with no visitors since last Christmas, would have to go away on its own.

"You're a life-saver." Ginny cast an appraising glance around the washroom. Then she noticed Hermione's glum face. "What's wrong with you?"

"I got another marriage proposal today," Hermione said as she wrapped her arms around her torso.

Ginny frowned. "I overheard the fight a few weeks ago. I don't think Umbridge expected this to happen."

Hermione snorted. "I don't think Umbridge can tell her arse from a tea-kettle, as George might say. She obviously didn't think through all of the potential problems when she greenlit this—this—daft law!" The brunette had started pacing and gesticulating but it was a tight fit with both girls in the small bathroom. "Or even worse, she knew how this law could be abused and was all the more for it."

Ginny sat on the edge of the tub. She put her elbows on her knees. "Have you asked Viktor?"

Hermione blinked. "Asked Viktor what? To marry me?"

"Yeah."

"I couldn't!" Hermione turned red.

Ginny chuckled. "You dated, kind of, for a while. He likes smart girls. He's probably got a bodyguard."

"I would have to leave the country, quit the Order. I can't do that."

"You can still do Order work, and come back for the fight. Bring a few Bulgarian Beaters back with you, too," Ginny joked.

Hermione gave her a look that said, "Yeah, right," and started to organize the medicine cabinet. "Is Charlie still single? He always seemed like a nice, smart guy."

Ginny didn't say anything. Hermione put down the soap to look at the other witch. Ginny twitched when she was caught spacing out.

"What?"

"Nothing," Ginny said, smile a bit sad. She tried to cheer up. "Charlie's great. For a brother, I guess," she laughed.

Hermione tried to laugh too. "Yeah, I guess I don't know him all that well."

It was awkward.

At least Ginny hadn't outright said, 'all Weasley's are off limits.'

The door swung open, causing the two witches to jump.

Harry said, "Professor McGonagall is looking for you, Mione. She's in the library."

"In trouble already?" Ginny teased.

"Wouldn't doubt it, knowing my luck lately," she said, tossing the rag into the sink.

"Ah, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said as she stood up from the couch. In an instant, her sharp, green eyes looked concerned. "Are you feeling alright, Miss Granger?"

Hermione nodded and rearranged her face to look less blank and more pleased to see her head of house. "I'm fine, Professor. Harry said you wanted to speak with me?" With the old books and the polished shelves—and with more space to breathe—she already felt, not better, but…less tense.

"Yes," Professor McGonagall affirmed. "On two matters—both are school-related, yet one deals with a more tricky subject." The professor sat down and motioned for Hermione to join her on the couch.