Hermione stood up from her armchair in front of the fireplace. She had finally had enough of the Weasley twins Skiving Snackboxes demonstrations. It was OWL year for heaven's sake! How was anyone supposed to study while Fred and George were showing off Nosebleed Nougat? She left her essay unfinished on the chair and marched over to them. Fred was collecting money from a devoted crowd of first-years; George spotted Hermione coming and ran for it. She scowled as he scrambled up the stairs to the boys' dormitory, but didn't go after him.
Instead, she walked up to Fred, who had been abandoned by his loyal customers and was now stood by himself next to a pile of cardboard boxes marked 'WWW', whatever that meant.
"Fred," began Hermione, "You can't go on with these Skiving Snackboxes. It's only a matter of time before a teacher finds out and then you'll be in real trouble."
Fred smirked at her. "Hermione, how long have you known me? Do you really think I worry about getting a detention from old McGonagall? George and I decided a long time ago that our future is outside of academics."
"Well, goodie for you two. Meanwhile, some of us are very firmly rooted in academics, and it is unbelievably hard to concentrate over the sound of a dozen twelve-year-olds being fed Puking Pastilles!" she hissed, folding her arms authoritatively.
Fred loved Hermione when she was angry, though he tried not to show it. If Ron ever found out how he felt about her, life at the Burrow would be unbearable.
"Sorry, 'Mione." Fred said in a low voice, "I guess we didn't think of that."
Hermione was pleasantly surprised. "Oh, right. Well, that's fine. Thank you." she stammered. She had been expecting a long argument with Fred, but this was much more preferable. She gave him a rather confused smile and made her way back to her armchair.
Fred picked up a stack of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes boxes and began to lug them up to the dormitory. George was up there waiting for him with a knowing smile on his face.
"Why don't you just snog her already?" he asked.
"W-what? What are you on about, mate?" Fred spluttered.
George withdrew a long piece of flesh coloured string from the pocket of his robes.
"Extendable Ears, Freddie boy. They come in very handy."