Hermione rubbed her temples, staring at Ron.
"No, Ron," she said for the dozenth time.
"Just close your eyes and pretend like you haven't seen me."
"I can't do that," she grumbled, slamming her palms to the tabletop, startling the pygmy puff that Ron had spelled to a fanged frisbee.
"I'm not going to hurt the little guy." He stroked the purple puffball's back.
"It's cruel, Ron."
"I don't have time to think of a new prank. They'll be here any minute."
"I am beyond caring about your reasoning. Tell them some ridiculous story, jinx them when they walk through the door, but you are notgoing to use that poor defenseless animal." She flicked her wand, releasing the creature.
"What? No! Why'd you do that?" He dived towards the puff as it scampered away. "You've ruined it! Now, I gotta-" he ranted, but froze mid-sentence as the door rattled open. "Get down," he whispered, shoving his head beneath the table.
"So then, he said, he didn't even like Laura."
"Who's he like then?"
"Granger."
"No!" There was a pause as something heavy was dropped onto the table. "Did you tell him she was out of bounds?"
"Course I did. Told him she was yours."
"Fred, come here; one of the pygmy puffs got out again."
George sighed as Hermione listened wide-eyed, as they cornered the small animal and returned it to its cage.
"At least the day's almost over. Why does everyone insist on pranking us for our birthday?"
"I know; it's just too predictable."
"George?"
"What?"
"You ever going to take Granger out?"
"Doubt it. She wouldn't want to go."
Hermione bit her lip. She couldn't believe they were talking about her. By the look on Ron's face, neither could he.
"Bet she would," Fred argued.
"I don't know, mate. What do you think Ron?"
Hermione gasped as twin faces dropped over the top of the desk to peek at them.
"Er..." Ron scratched his head, surprised.
"Hello Granger," Fred grinned and winked.
"Hi," she whispered.
"She's blushing," George said, smiling at her, long hair dangling.
"That means yes," Fred answered for her.
"Brilliant," George exclaimed. "I'll pick you pup tomorrow at six."
"Goodnight," they chirped together, disappearing from in front of them. A moment later, the door to their flat opened and closed, leaving Ron and Hermione alone in the near darkness of the closed shop.
"I...Do you think he's serious?" Hermione asked.
"Hard to tell. Guess you'll find out tomorrow." Ron crawled out and headed for the door. "You coming?"
"Yes, yes, of course." She joined him at the door. "What should I wear?"
"How should I know?" Ron scoffed.
Hermione turned back to the building when they reached the street outside. George was watching from his upstairs window. She paused when he blew her a kiss and moved away from the window laughing.
On the short trip home, she started planning her outfit for the following night, just in case.
The End. Happy birthday pentastic!