Disclaimer: Not mine, end of story.

Note: So thanks to all my wonderful reviewers. I feel all tingly inside. So onto chapter three!!

Chapter 3

Hermione and Ron – contrary to popular belief – were only sharing there lovely breakfast and talking. There was a little kissing... but while Ron was willing, Hermione held back.

"I'm sorry Ron. I just don't feel ready." She said, looking down at their joined hands. Now how had that happened? She couldn't remember.

"That's fine. I don't want to rush you. I can wait." He said smiling at her and squeezing her hand reassuringly when she tentatively smiled back. They sat like this for a little while, their thoughts very far away, and even farther from the others, until Hermione yawned. And then yawned again. And again.

"I think you need some sleep. You look tired and confused, neither of which are normal things for you. Why don't you just stay here and take a nap? You look like you could definitely use the rest." He said, looking concerned.

"I can't miss class Ron, and I need to turn in my assignments. I have a huge paper due in Arithmancy, and it can't be late." She protested feebly, privately agreeing with his assessment.

"I'll turn in your assignments for you. I doubt you'll be able to get much done in class in that state." He said, seemingly to read her mind.

"You read my mind." She said smiling, though blinking sleepily.

"Well, no wonder I'm always so confused." He teased, winking as he rose and bent to kiss her forehead. "Hand over those assignments and then go to bed."

"Fine then. Be like that." She said, grinning sleepily up at him. She grabbed the stack of papers on her desk, looked through them to make sure they were all there, and then relinquished all her hard work to her helpful boyfriend.

"Sleep good precious." Ron said, pecking her on the lips, then putting the papers in his bag, and walking to the door.

"Sleep well, not good. And thank you." She said, lying down on her now empty bed.

He just smiled ruefully and shook his head, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

----

She had been lying there, periodically dozing, for about an hour when she heard the door open once again.

She cracked open an eye and was surprised to see a different redhead than she had expected. "Ginny?" she asked, opening her other eye and sitting up. "Is there something wrong?"

Ginny's face was tired and drawn, but she smiled at Hermione's concern. "No, just wondering why you weren't at – breakfast or arithmancy. Ron came in – turned in your homework. Said – you weren't feeling well." Her dialogue was broken up with long yawns. She was really nervous, but she was desperately trying to be casual in her inquiries.

"Yeah – I was really tired. Ron brought me breakfast and told me – to play hooky. I couldn't help but agree." Her speech was riddled with yawns as well.

Something about the way Ginny was acting caught her attention, and she looked at her friend closer. Ginny shifted under her stare, uncomfortable in more ways than one.

"You look about as tired as I feel. You want to play hooky with me? The bed is more than big enough for both of us." Hermione offered, wondering why she wanted Ginny to accept so badly.

Ginny sat at the edge of the bed, almost too tired to think. She was astonished at the offer, and she was trying to figure out exactly what she meant by it. The tone of her voice made shivers run down her spine, and she knew what she wanted to happen – and it didn't involve sleeping. But she doubted Hermione had meant it that way. Either way, they were both too tired to do anything but sleep anyways.

"Sure." She replied, throwing caution to the wind and taking the offer at face value. She figured if she were this tired she wouldn't have the energy to do anything that would scare Hermione off.

They both settled down on the large bed, not bothering with the comforter. They were both careful not to touch each other, though they tried to steal glances when they thought the other wasn't looking.

Finally, blushing after being caught staring again, Hermione snuggled down and whispered, "Sleep well Ginny."

"Sweet dreams." Ginny murmured, watching Hermione until her own eyes fluttered close.

A/N: Yay!!! Sorry guys, there is definitely something going on, but right now, they're going to stay... friends.