Written for the January Twin Exchange Challenge. Prompt: Wind. Quote: "Don't be thick." Could also fit in my He Noticed Her universe.

"Did anyone ever tell you that you look like a lion?"

Hermione glanced up from her book, confused for a moment as she squinted against the wind in an attempt to figure out who had interrupted her solitude. She had been sitting out in the school's courtyard, enjoying the peace and quiet while everyone else was inside, hiding from the cold.

It was Fred. Of course. "You sure know how to flatter a girl," she said darkly, leaning back over her latest novel.

"Don't be thick, Mi, I didn't mean it in a bad way."

Hermione sighed, shutting her book with a bit of a 'humph' and setting it down on the bench next to her. "Please Fred; explain to me how telling a girl that she looks like a lion is in any way a compliment, because I honestly haven't a clue."

Fred sat down on the bench and studied her carefully. Hermione shifted in her seat, uneasy under his heavy scrutiny.

"Well, the way I look at it," he finally began, "is that lions are these majestic, brilliant creatures that everyone looks up to. They are always able to take charge of a situation, and they pretty much own whatever area they're in, because no one would dare say no to them. And you're kind of like that."

Hermione was grateful for the bitter wind that had her cheeks a brilliant pink already or Fred would have easily been able to tell that she was blushing. She tightened her scarf around her neck and tried to look indifferent.

"Are you done?" she sniffed.

"Lions are the Gryffindor mascot." Fred continued talking like he hadn't heard her. "And you're a Gryffindor, so you shouldn't mind being compared to one. Plus, lions are beautiful. Like you."

Hermione rolled her eyes and leaned forward until her lips were connected with Fred's. They remained that way for a good couple of minutes, fitting together like the last two pieces of a puzzle, effortlessly and completely.

"If you wanted a snog, all you had to do was ask," Hermione said lightly once they broke apart.

Fred was paying her no mind. His hands were still wrapped up in her hair, which was flowing loosely in the wind.

"And your hair," he said decidedly. "It looks like one giant lion's mane, especially in the wind."

Hermione rolled her eyes again and smacked his arm. "Don't ruin the moment, you were doing great."

Fred laughed, rising from the bench and kissing his girlfriend on the cheek. "I'll see you at dinner love; try not to get blown away by the breeze."

Hermione let out a small laugh and returned to her book, flipping aimlessly through the papers for the right page number.

Her, a lion? Honestly, she barely understood his mind sometimes.