Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

As Hermione lay awake that evening thinking about her evening with George she was imagining what further dates would entail. She wondered if he would be the first man that she slept with. She giggled in spite of herself. She knew it was too early to be thinking of all of this, but she couldn’t help herself.

All that she could think about was the fact that someone thought that she was beautiful. She hugged her pillow and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Hermione woke up with a smile plastered on her face. She got ready for her day and made her way to her friend Ginny’s room. Ginny usually walked down to breakfast with Hermione.

The petite redhead looked at her bookish friend in surprise. Usually Hermione wasn’t so happy first thing in the morning. As a matter of fact it usually took Hermione a little bit of time to wake up.

Ginny looked at Hermione in surprise and said, “Mione, what’s going on? Why do you look so chipper this morning? Who is he?”

Hermione giggled and a blush crept up into her cheeks. She replied, “Gin, I don’t know what you are talking about. There isn’t anyone.”

Ginny rolled her eyes and answered, “Mione I’ve known you too long. You’ll break eventually. I just hope you aren’t throwing yourself at my dolt of a brother. It’s not worth it. I don’t want him to use you to get at Lavender.”

Hermione had stiffened at the mention of her brother but breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that she was referring to Ron. Hermione replied, “It’s not Ron. I’m past my feelings for him. He’s not worth it. But I will say this. This guy is very sweet. I’m just not ready to have you know about him yet.”

Ginny giggled and said, “I knew it. I knew there was something up. All right, I will let you keep your secrets for now, but you better tell me eventually. You know I love talking about fun girl stuff and I never get to do that with you.”

“I know, I know. We will, I promise Gin,” said Hermione. Hermione hugged her friend and the two girls made their way down to the Great Hall for some breakfast.

Hermione sat at the Gryffindor table next to Ginny. About five minutes later, the boys made their way to the table. Ron sat next to Hermione so that he could have a good view of Lavender who was sitting across the table. George and Fred sat across from Hermione.

Hermione could feel the blush creep up into her cheeks again as she thought back to George brushing his lips against hers. She smiled to herself, and Harry brought her out of her thoughts by asking her where she went the evening before.

Hermione was vague as she answered him and told him she went out to get some air. George locked eyes with her and she felt the heat radiate through her body. He gave her a quick wink and she smiled and looked downward.

All the sudden the owls starting swooping in and made their way all over the Great Hall to deliver their letters and packages to the students. One of the brown school owls stopped in front of Hermione and she took the letter from him. The old had a bit of her toast and then flew off.

Hermione opened her letter and read:

Hermione,

I had a wonderful time with you last night. I would like go on a proper date with you this weekend in Hogsmeade. I know how we can get there. I’ve not been able to get the thought of your lips under mine from my mind. Please reply as soon as you can about whether you can get away.

Until then…

Hermione tried to hide her letter, but Ginny who was on the other side of her noticed the letter. She had read bits of it. She squealed in excitement. When Harry asked her what was in the letter she told him it was nothing and her and Ginny left the Great Hall.