7 August 1995

"We already knew all of that from the Extendables, though," Ginny mused, frowning thoughtfully in the direction of where Hermione was sitting, cross-legged, on her rickety camp bed. "I mean, we already knew that You-Know-Who was plotting to get more followers—"

"But we didn't know about the weapon," Hermione interjected grimly, her jaw clenching slightly. "Whatever it is."

"It can't be worse than the Killing Curse, though, can it?" Ginny reasoned, brows furrowing further. "Honestly, what can You-Know-Who do with some weapon that he can't do with his wand?"

Hermione bit her lip. "I'm not sure I want to know," she said softly. Then, she sighed, closing her eyes and leaning back against the wall. "I can't think about this right now, Ginny."

Ginny rubbed her eyes with the heels of her palms. "I'm sorry, I just—" she broke off suddenly, freezing. In a single instant, both she and Hermione fell completely silent.

Footsteps were coming down the hallway.

"Your mum," Hermione gasped, rocketing out of her bed and blowing out the gas lamp.

There was a creak of floorboards from outside the door, and Ginny pressed her lips together tightly, as several excruciatingly long moments of silence passed. Then, finally, the floorboard creaked once more, as her mother started up the nearby staircase to check on Harry and Ron.

Ginny sighed in relief, murmuring through the darkness, "I swear, she doesn't trust any of us anymore."

"Why should she?" Hermione exhaled heavily. "It's not like we're making an effort to do anything she asks. We've been eavesdropping on meetings and badgering the Order for information, all summer long."

"We have a right to, though!" Ginny protested in a fierce whisper. "It's not fair for them to leave us in the dark, Hermione! Clearly, You-Know-Who is building up an army. We can't just sit around and expect everything to be all right for us!"

Hermione didn't respond immediately. Ginny squinted her eyes and stared across the room towards Hermione's bed. Through the darkness, she could just make out the elder girl's bleary outline, sitting up in bed with her knees pulled up to her chest.

Then— "You sound like Harry when you say things like that," Hermione said quietly.

Ginny could feel like cheeks flushing with color. Suddenly, she was very glad for the lack of light. "Say things like what?" Ginny asked nonchalantly.

"Say things like…how we can't just expect everything to be fine," Hermione explained. "I just…I think Harry would agree with you."

Ginny's heart soared, fluttering madly in her chest. But just as quickly, it plummeted. "I doubt it," she said dully. "Harry still sees me as Ron's baby sister."

"Don't say that," Hermione said sharply. "Remember what I told you last year? Just be yourself when you're with him, Ginny—see other people, even. That way, you'll feel less awkward around him."

Ginny pondered this for a long moment. Then, with a deep breath, she revealed, "Michael Corner asked me out at the end of last year."

There was a dull pause. Then, with a distinct rustle of blankets, Hermione sat up straighter. "Really?"

Ginny's lips twitched. "Yeah."

"You never said!" Hermione exclaimed in a loud whisper, plainly thrilled. "What did you tell him?"

Ginny shook her head, smiling at Hermione's eagerness. "I told him that I'd write to him over the summer."

"Well, are you waiting for a sign or something?" Hermione demanded. "Write to him, and tell him you will! Honestly, you're thicker than Ron sometimes—" she broke off, inhaling sharply, and Ginny raised her eyebrows.

"What was that?" she asked innocently.

"I—nothing," Hermione spluttered, sounding flustered.

"Hermione," Ginny prodded gently. "What happened between you and Ron after the Yule Ball? Maggie and Demelza told me they heard you arguing in the common room."

Hermione cleared her throat uncomfortably. "I—nothing happened, really," she admitted. "He was just annoyed that Viktor asked me to the Ball. He said that I was fraternizing with the enemy."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "That's a giant load of dragon dung," she announced, and Hermione snorted softly.

A long silence filled the room.

When Ginny could stand it no longer, she whispered, "Hermione?"

Hermione's voice, uncharacteristically small, floated up from the other end of the expanse. "Yeah?"

Ginny hesitated. Then, clearing her throat, she said slowly, "Ron is without a doubt the most clueless and immature git in the Wizarding world…but…he's all right, when it matters."

There was a brief pause.

Then— "I know," Hermione said quietly, and Ginny smiled. Another silence emerged, enveloping the room, but this time it was very comfortable. Ginny felt her eyes begin to droop slightly.

Stifling a yawn behind her hand, she stretched her arms and legs contentedly before collapsing backwards onto her mattress. "What time is it?" she asked Hermione sleepily.

"Nearly three."

"Wow," Ginny laughed, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "Do you really think three in the morning is the appropriate time to be discussing this?"

Hermione chuckled. "Sometimes, it's the only time we have," she said softly. "Any other burning secrets you want to tell me?"

"Well…I'm planning on getting into Quidditch this year," Ginny added casually. "I reckon I'll be able to make it on the team as a reserve Chaser, or something of that sort."

"How do you even know how to fly?" Hermione sounded surprised. "I can't imagine any of your brothers would've been willing to teach you, or lend you their broomsticks."

"I've been breaking into the family broom shed since I was six, and flying out each of their brooms in turn."

"Oh," Hermione's tone was half-disapproving, half-impressed. "That's…well—er—good luck for tryouts, then."

Ginny giggled, closing her eyes and snuggling into her covers. She could dimly hear the muffled sounds of her parents and Sirius making their way up to their respective bedrooms.

"Goodnight, Hermione."

"It's three o'clock in the morning, Ginny."

"Right."


Author's Note:

HI, EVERYONE! Announcement: I am currently running The "True Colors" Competition over at HPFC. I would love if you could take a look and (hopefully) decide to enter!

Anyway, this one-shot was for Macceh's "Three AM" Challenge. Love these two and their friendship :)

Ari