Ernie entered the common room after a long Quidditch practice. The only thing he wanted to do was to shed his gear, take a long hot shower and curl up in front of the fireplace with his head in Susan's lap. He turned away from the closing door and stopped short. He was surprised to see Susan sitting at the table in the center of the room, her head very nearly touching Wayne Hopkins' head. He had his hand covering hers on the table and he was whispering to her. Her head tilted back as she laughed, and then Wayne was laughing. Ernie could feel his fingers tightening around his rucksack, his knuckles whitening. He was breathing through his nostrils and knew by the way his teeth were clenched that he was scowling now. He watched them a moment more and then with a determined stride he went over and stood over them.

"I'm not interrupting, am I?" he said as evenly as he could manage.

"No, of course not," Susan said with the laugh still on her lips. Wayne released her hand quickly as Ernie took another step forward, effectively separating them. He put one hand on Susan's cheek, holding her head steady as his eyes held hers, and he kissed her. He knew she realize soon enough what he was feeling and she would be angry at his jealousy. She had probably not even noticed it until he gave her that kiss. That kiss that was private, but given in the very public common room. That kiss that said, 'you're mine and no one else's.' That kiss that made her eyes flutter and her lips quiver. That kiss.