Disclaimer!!!!!-I am of the 'not owning" club which consists of anyone who, hey, doesn't own HP. Sad, but true.

Chapter 1: Act, Overact, and Ignore

Ron quickly changed out of his Quidditch robes. He wanted to finish Binn's essay so he wouldn't have any homework on his birthday. His watch read nine o'clock PM. Tonight's gonna be a long night, Ron thought. Hope Hermione will help me, doubt she will, but hey, you can't stop a guy from dreaming right? Ron sighed. He was the King of Procrastination, which always meant last minute homework. No wonder my grades are low… Ron sighed again. He was really quite smart, but he never did well on homework, and certain… distractions…in class caused him to lose concentration.

"Bog snargling," he said when he reached the portrait hole. He climbed in and walked toward the window, where Hermione sat in a cozy chair, reading. "Hey you," He greeted her.

"Hey you," she answered back. She wouldn't look at him, but Ron had a feeling that she was blushing. He managed to keep his blush down, with extreme difficulty, but a small smile wouldn't leave his face. He sat down and took out his essay. All that was written was a heading and a title. Ron's face drooped and he groaned, falling face flat on the table.

"Ouch." He moaned. Hermione giggled. "What?"

"Nothing," she answered, in a teasing tone. She went back to reading her book. Ron, interested, leaned in and stared at the text. …Your numbers are 1 and 3. 1 means that you are ambitious, independent, and self-sufficient. 3 means you are enthusiastic, optimistic, and fun loving.

"What are you reading?" Ron asked.

Hermione glanced up and drew back at once. Ron realized he was about two inches away from her face. "What?" she asked shrilly.

Ron could hear Hermione's heart racing. She smelled like fresh flowers from a meadow and wintergreens. Ron leaned back with a deep breath, fond of the scent. "What are you reading?" He repeated after a long pause.

"Um, The New Theory of Numerology."

"Oh." Ron paused. "Have you finished Binn's essay yet?"

"Of course!" she answered, matter-of-factly. "I finished it ages ago. Didn't you?"

Ron gave Hermione a look that clearly stated the answer. "Ah. Of course," She rolled her eyes and pulled the book closer to her face.

Embarrassed, Ron sputtered out "I know! I should've done it when it was assigned, like you, but come on! I have been busy, and I procrastinated a bit, but mainly the busy part, I swear! You can check my schedule, I you love!" He took a deep breath in, then, realizing what just slipped out, clapped his hand to his mouth.

Hermione's expression went from stern disapproval to utmost surprise. "What schedule?" she asked, shocked.

Ron sighed. She had missed the last bit. "The one I drew up when I found out how hard training for our N.E.W.T. s was," he replied, meekly.

Hermione's mouth dropped. She looked like she might faint. Ron smiled widely and gave her a gentle whack on the side of her head. "Wake up, 'Mione. You still need to help me."

"Sorry," she said. "It's just to much for me to handle… Oh, Ronnie, you're all grown up!" she cries throwing her arms around him.

"I know, shocking, isn't it?" Ron said, returning the hug whole-heartedly. Then, slipping into a Latvian accent "To vork! To vork!""

"Who the hell are you and what have you done with my darling Ronniekins?" Hermione jested.

"I've worked before! Just because I'm suggesting it this time…" Ron stopped mid sentence. "Touché," he acted ashamed and slumped a bit.

It was Hermione's turn to laugh. "Alright, I'll help you. Just go a bit lighter on the overacting! Honestly, I think you're the common rooms entertainment! Less act, more learn!"

"Fair enough." Ron agreed. Exchanging smiles they settled down.

"Where're Harry and Ginny?" Hermione asked looking around, and realizing her friends weren't there.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Harry's teaching Ginny a few seeker moves to help her when she plays instead of him. They're still on the field."

"But it's been nearly an hour since you got back!" Hermione said.

"Yes, it has. One must wonder what they're doing." Ron winked at Hermione, who blushed lightly.

"Yes, but are we really wondering? Or do we already know?" Hermione replied playfully, leaning into Ron's gaze.

"Exactly," he answered putting down his quill.

"Oh, Harry!" Hermione exaggerated, overacting the part of Ginny. "My love for you has burned since I met you!"

"Yes, Ginny, I, too, feel this passion! Quick, while no one's near, let us steal this firery kiss!" Ron said, just as cheesily.

"Darling, I've waited so long for you to say that!"

Hermione and Ron laughed about what was happening on the field. Meanwhile, Ginny was having less luck.

Ginny smiled and bluashed as Harry moved her hands into the correct position for the Wronski Feint. He pushed on her back and Ginny's blush grew. Harry blushed, but seemed to remain clueless to Ginny's emotional clues. She slumped with a fallen look, but Harry only straightened her arms, again.

"I wish they hadn't canceled the Hogsmead weekend. I was hoping someone would go to Honey Dukes with me." Ginny hinted, looking at Harry pointedly.

"Dean would've gone with you if you'd asked." Harry said, his face expressionless, wishing that he could've gone with her.

"You know, Harry, I'm really tired. I think it's time to call it a night." Ginny said, slightly exasperated. She'd been trying to get Harry's attention since the rest of the team left, but it seemed that Harry was oblivious, either that or just plain stupid.

"K. Night, Gin," Harry replied. He watched as she went into the girls changing room and came out moments later in a pair of school robes. He went into the boys changing room and banged his head on one of the lockers in frustration.