Chapter 3- A Game of Chess

"Hermione!" Ron screamed.

Before Ginny could think, Ron dove into the spot Hermione had disappeared.

Harry tried to spring out of their hiding place, but Ginny stopped him.

"No, let him get her."

Harry turned to her. His green eyes twin suns of emerald fury.

"She could drown Ginny." His voice was thick.

"I know. Let him try Harry." It was hard to breathe. She didn't know what made her say it. Any other time she would have been running to get help.

Harry's arm bulged in her hand.

"I'm going." Ginny flinched. The rage in his voice burned.

"Okay." They started to move, when Ron's bright head popped up by a brown one; followed by a racking cough emanating from Hermione.

The muscles in Harry's arm relaxed.

"She's breathing." He sounded almost surprised.

"Thank Merlin." Ginny took a deep breath to steady her heart.

They saw Ron gradually move Hermione to shore.

Ginny could clearly see the strain and fear on Ron's face.

But it was how Ron was looking at Hermione that caused Ginny's lungs to contract.

He was looking down at her as if she was precious.

Like she was light.

It was breathtaking.

Her own eyes blurred by stinging tears. "Come one Harry." Once again Ginny pulled on his arm.

"What!" he hissed, "don't you want to know if she is okay."

Ginny shook her head, her eyes on the grass and consternated on dragging a reluctant Harry Potter with her.

"I don't need to Harry; Hermione is going to be fine. More than fine." Swirls of emotion were drowning her. Why did she feel so overwhelmed? She was relieved Hermione was okay and Ron had saved her. She knew without a doubt was that look meant.

And it was killing her.

Maybe the gnome was up to this, a cruel joke showing her what she wanted yet couldn't have. She shouldn't been jealous, but she was.

At least the youngest Weasley male won his prize.

"Ginny are you alright?" Harry's quite voice started her.

She had forgotten he was here! Wow, that was a first.

"Sure Harry, why do you ask?"

His eyes were a darker, kinder green, "You're crying."

They stopped. Was she? She let him go and swiped her face, surprised to encounter wetness on her cheek.

"I'm fine." She tried to grin. Harry didn't seem to believe her. Ginny sighed, "I'm just happy for them. "She was, deep down, pass the hurt, a sister was dancing, singing, "About time!"

Just act cool Ginny, until you get in inside.

"It's a girl thing." She winked, hoping he would let the subject die.

But he didn't.

Harry looked confused, "But we didn't see anything happen. I mean besides-"

Honestly, boys were so clueless! Ginny smiled softly, "Harry, trust me, when you see them again tonight, they will be together." She turned away from him and headed to the Burrow. The sight her house banished a bit of the sadness around her heart.

There things made more sense.

Harry hurried next to her.

"Ginny?' Her name sounded almost like a whisper on his lips.

"Yes Harry."

"Do you want to play some chess?'

She took her eyes off the house and tilted her head to Harry.

He appeared interested in her answer. His eyes focused on her face.

Maybe it wasn't want she really wanted from him.

But for now it would be enough.

"Sure."

Harry smiled.

A/N Thanks for everyone who read! It meant the world. After spending so much time reading, I now understand the values of the review! By the way, I have enabled anonymous reviews and you shouldn't have to log in to leave one.

Also special thanks to my beta Ili for reading and fixing my embarrassing mistakes!

Look out for Ron and Hermione's side of the story. What happened after Ginny and Harry left? It should be be out soon!

Thanks again!