The other child's breathing became even as she went back to sleep. Hermione, however, couldn't help staying awake: the room was stifling hot and her mind was racing. The question of who had charmed her had been replaced by wondering about the attacker. It couldn't be Voldemort, she mused, since he didn't have a body, and him as Tom Riddle wasn't an option, because the diary had been destroyed by Harry over a year ago. It was someone else, but who? Who could possibly do this, and why was Harry affected?

The day trudged on slowly. Ginny kept herself busy and distant, sneaking worried glances Harry's way. Hermione didn't say anything about it. She could understand her friend's behavior without explanations.

At eleven, they all walked up to their rooms and got ready for bed. Hermione laid down and decided not to fall asleep. Something was amiss, and she needed to find out what it was…

Someone opened the door. She could only see the silhouette, not daring to open her eyes more without being discovered. It was definitely one of the boys, but she couldn't make out which one. She kept her breathing level as her heart raced. It was past midnight.

The boy closed the door behind him and walked past Hermione's bed, to sit down gingerly on Ginny's. Hermione turned her face slowly to be able to look at him, and saw him taking off his slippers, before climbing into the bed. Ginny's back was to her, and the boy laid down, spooning her.

Hermione's stomach turned: the boy was a redhead.

Ginny stirred.

"Ron…"

Her voice was sad, quiet and angry. He hushed her, raising his right hand to caress her. Hermione couldn't see where he touched her. Ginny let out a shuddering breath.

"Remember our deal, Gin." – He said flatly.

"You said it was only at school. You told me it would stop."

"Well, what can I say? Some things can't be helped..."

The redheaded girl whimpered softly.

"Now, now, Ginny, how about you relax a bit, eh?"

Hermione couldn't stand it anymore. She reached for her wand and –

"We're going back to Grimmauld Place. This is the second time someone has broken through the wards, and I'm not risking Harry."

The other adults at the Weasley's table looked at Sirius. They knew he was right. The attack they had been subjected to the other day, plus what had happened to Ginny and Ron just moments ago, were enough evidence.

"Yet I'm rather curious" – Lupin said calmly. – "as to why Hermione hasn't been the target so far…"

"She said she wasn't in the room." – Mrs. Weasley explained.

"She wasn't in her room, perhaps, but she wasn't in anybody else's and she can't have been in the kitchen because I was here." – He replied.

"And I was in the living room…" – Sirius added.

They all looked at each other, acknowledging quietly that she had lied. When their bemused looks changed to those of horror, Mr. Weasley broke the silence.

"No, no, no. It – I mean – She can't be! She's a muggle-born! She wouldn't – He wouldn't have accepted her! – She's – She can't be!"

And the room was still as they all wondered, mutely, if she was one, and if they could prove it. Making her uncover her forearms would be very hard indeed.