The Serpent and the Lioness

Chapter 64

"You had a nice Christmas?"

"Yes, absolutely wonderful." Hermione lowered her head down into her arms hiding the blush covering her face.

"Did you have dinner together?"

"Yes. It was very nice." Hermione couldn't help but squirm thinking more about their lunch. She hadn't been able to even look at a strawberry without getting red. Her body too seemed to react very pleasantly as well, a lesson they had learned on New Years when he made her favorite strawberry pancakes for breakfast.

Ginny couldn't resist, "How many times?"

"What?" Hermione was still unable to look her friend in the face. She was just thankful Harry was out with the boys to get some fresh air.

"Sex, how many times?" Ginny was nearly bursting with laughter and even had to stifle the giggle when Hermione tensed up pressing her legs tighter together.

Hermione knew she'd never leave alive without spilling. She stayed quiet for a few more moments before slowly lifting her hand from her crossed arm and raised all five fingers.

Ginny's loud squeal and hard shake of her shoulders jostled her head up far enough to look into the goofy smile plastered over the redheads face.

"You go, girl! How long did the dress last? Tell me!"

Hermione brought her hands to her face before letting them fall with a resigned sigh. The memories were still rather fresh in her mind and she had to reign in a soft groan just from the thought of all they'd done.

"It...made it until lunch..."

"You had lunch and dinner? How are you not gaining any weight? I'm so jealous of you right now."

"Well...lunch was...it was..."

Ginny's eyes widened a little, "You had him for lunch didn't you?"

Hermione grimaced at the crass wording but didn't deny her claim, though she was actually sure that he had had her for lunch.

"Oh, your face puts strawberries to shame!"

"Don't say strawberry..." Hermione lowered her head back down but couldn't keep her knees from rubbing together.

"Oh, my god. You...oh this is better than I ever imaged! You liked it right? Tell me you liked it!"

"Yes! Ginny, I liked it." Her tone was sharper than intended but the look on her face dispelled any offense. Hermione fell back into the chair, running her hands through her hair. "I liked it a lot..."

"Don't sound so guilty! There's nothing wrong with it." Ginny gave her a strong look but could barely contain herself. "What else did you do?"

Hermione pursed her lips looking into the nearly bouncing woman's face. She didn't really want to expose their private life but she also needed someone to talk to about some of it. Severus, of course, was there but she very well couldn't plan something for him with him.

"Did you use the gift I got you?" Ginny giggled softly into her drink watching the woman squirm. She knew she'd gone a bit daring with her choice but she held no regrets.