For the Vocabulary Book Competition on Megsy42's Forum

Disclaimer- One day Elephants will fly and Snails will be the fastest animals alive. And when that day comes, I shall own Harry potter.

Summary- Nonchalant- Calm, Casual.
Now let's all hope that Ronald Weasly is a good actor.

Word: Nonchalant- Calm, Casual
Prompt: Surprise
Pairing: Ron/Hermione

"Ron!" Hermione hissed to the red head beside her, who was now clutching his stomach, "This is why I wouldn't tell you!"

Ron made sure to glance first at Harry who was too absorbed in his new broom, a gift from Shackelbolt, to notice the two's conversation.

"Alright 'Mione, that was one slip up, he barley noticed. No reason to hit me so hard!" He whined quietly, rubbing his injured stomach. Hermione rolled her eyes and stood, hesitantly.

"I almost don't want to leave you alone with him." She mumbled. Putting on a fake expression of hurt, Ron put his hand to his heart.

"I am hurt by your lack of trust, Hermione" She glared. "What'd I do now?" Hermione sighed.

"Just act casual, Ron. Don't give anything away, it's just one night." She told him, looking warily at Harry.

Ron stood and pecked her on the lips. "No worry's, 'Mione. I get it. Calm, casual, nonchalant!" Hermione shook her head, a pink tint on her cheeks, and began to walk upstairs with nothing else left to say. Somehow, Ron was gonna mess this up.

Talk about trust.

That evening, Harry, Ron and Ginny sat in the den of Grimmauld place, Ginny with a book and the boys finishing last minute homework.

"So, Ron, you got a date with Hermione tomorrow?" Harry asked, breaking the growing silence. Ron glanced at Ginny who shot him a warning look.

"What makes you ask?" Ron asked in a voice that, to him, sounded even and calm.

"Hermione said she had plans for tomorrow, all suspicious like, so I just assumed..." Harry started with a funny look on his face.

"Oh... OH, oh yeah- Sure I do have... ermm, plans with Hermione." The red haired Gryffindor covered quickly. Cooly. Harry still stared. "I just... forgot."

"You forgot... That your having your first official date with Hermione?" Harry asked slowly. Ginny sighed loudly looking at Ron. She still didn't get why Hermione would tell Ron.

"Smooth, Ron." She commented, leaving the common room. Ron looked nervously at Harry.

"I- No, I, just-" He tried. Harry glanced at the doorway, making sure Ginny was really gone, before bursting out laughing. Ron paused and stared in confusion. When he regained his breath, Harry finally spoke.

"Ron... This is about that surprise birthday the girls are planning for tomorrow isn't it?" He asked, grinning. Ron continued to stare.

"Y- You knew?" He questioned, shocked.

"Well, it was pretty obvious. I'm not totally oblivious," Ron raised a brow teasingly. Harry sighed, "Fine, George told me this morning... for 5 galleons." Ron shook his head and laughed, relieved.

"And they were worried about me not telling..."

Harry smirked as he stood, taking up the parchment as well as his quills. He then started to leave as Ron began to clean up too.

"Yeah Ron... Now all you have to do is keep them from finding out I know. It'll be easy," He called behind his shoulder. Ron visibly paled. "Just remember, calm... cool... collected... nonchalant."

(a/n- Ha! I just made it! Not my very, very best, it seemed a bit rushed actually.)