In light of all the reviews on Learning How to Sleep (which I do recommend you read before this one, though you could read this as a stand alone), I decided to write another little "episode" about the same topic. Enjoy.

Walking into his bedroom, Severus expected Hermione to be fast asleep, as usual. But, reminiscent of the first night she'd stayed, she was flat on her back, staring at the ceiling.

"You're awake," he said, pointing out the obvious.

"How observant of you," she quipped.

His lips pursed as he held back a scowl. "I say this because you're usually asleep by the time I get back from hallway patrol."

Hermione stared at the ceiling, not really knowing what to say. Just as the first time she'd stayed, she didn't want to go on a tangent, explaining why she was still awake. After a while, Severus became annoyed. "It is now your turn to say something," he spat.

She bit her lip and said, quietly and quickly, "Ican'tsleepwithoutyounextome."

He blinked, being too tired to catch what she said, and raised an eyebrow in question.

"I can't… I can't sleep without you next to me," she said, more slowly.

The hovering man stared at her. "You decided this suddenly, tonight? You are always asleep before I arrive."

Again, Hermione was silent. She didn't want to tell him she'd been faking sleep for a while now. The need to do her old routine had faded, but she now had a new one to replace it, one that kept her up much later than before.

She had never told him why she was always so tired in the morning, and he, as usual, chose not to question her.

On an assumption, Severus said, "Or you aren't asleep?"

Hermione shook her head quickly in response. "I… I'm always awake. Until you come to bed."

"You are a peculiar person. I do hope you know that."

She nodded then glanced at the empty space beside her. "Come to bed, please? I'm sleepy…"

He rolled his eyes, muttering something that sounded like 'stupid girl,' and walked over to bed, slipping under the covers in one fluid motion.

She kissed his neck softly, eyelids drooping over tired eyes. He turned and caught her lips in a delicate kiss. "Go to sleep," he said lightly.

The girl moved over subtly and rested her hand on his chest. He set his on top, rubbing it gently. As Hermione drifted off to sleep, she murmured, "I love you…"

Severus gazed down at her. "I love you, too," he whispered to her slight, resting form.