"I suppose you want me to finish that for you, don't you?" I say, looking at his half-finished potions essay.

He nods unashamedly, and I sigh exasperatedly, although I honestly don't mind at all. I sit down on the couch in the common room, grab his essay, and begin writing.

Fifteen minutes later, I glance up from the now-finished essay to find him already looking at me, his bright blue eyes flickering in the firelight. "What?" I ask questioningly, wondering if I have an ink smudge on my face or something.

He shakes his head as if to clear his thoughts. "Nothing," he says quickly, then decides to tell the truth at the disbelieving look on my face, knowing I would get it out of him anyway if he doesn't offer it freely. "You just look cute when you write. Like, all intent and focused."

I smile at his words. "I am focused," I say, "focused on making sure you don't fail."

He rolls his eyes. "Whatever," he mutters. "You done yet?"

"Yes, Ronald, I am done writing your essay for you. This is cheating, you know. It's in the handbook, students are only allowed to help one another, and here I am -"

He cuts me off just as I'm getting into the middle of my rant. "Just shut up, Hermione," he says fondly.

I open my mouth to retort, but he cuts my words off with a kiss. I pull away, blushing and, for once, speechless.

He grins as if he's pleased with himself. "So that's how to shut her up," he comments, half to himself, as if he's made a scientific discovery.

I roll my eyes again, but can't come up with a clever comeback, which makes me very annoyed. I busy myself with packing away my things in order to avoid meeting his eyes. "It's late; I should be going to bed," I say, getting up to leave, but he grabs my arm.

"Come on, Hermione, it's only just after 11:00. You gotta live a little." His eyes implore me to stay, so I sigh dramatically as I give in and plunk back down on the couch next to him. He puts his arm around my shoulders, and I lean into him.

We stay there, talking about everything and nothing for hours before I finally succumb to sleep, curled up next to him in front of the blazing fire.