Everyone knew it was going to happen. They just didn't know when. That 'when' was today. Finally, Lavender had broken Neville's heart.

The poor boy had spent the entire week locked away in his room, and no matter what anyone did, they couldn't coax him out. Lavender was tortured as well. She hoped she hadn't hurt Neville too badly. Her heart had been broken by Harry in the past, and every Gryffindor knew that she had still loved him. That is, every Gryffindor except Harry. Even Neville had known it was hopeless, but he had cared for Lavender so much... Ginny had to even feel sorry for him. No matter how badly he had screwed up by telling her he loved her. Now that Hermione was almost permanently out of the picture, Lavender realized her chance. And to Neville's misfortune, she had taken it.

Ginny was discussing the break-up with Michael. They were walking through the Southern Courtyard's Garden, holding hands, and talking. She felt that she and Michael could almost feel like a real couple, if things continued this way. Even so, most of the walk, she had tuned Michael out, and looked around. He was just chittering on nervously at random, anyway. It was now the end of October, and it was chilly. She shiverred, and waved Michael off impatiently when he attempted to give her his cloak.

He looked like a wounded calf, gazing up at her. She hated when he looked at her that way, and decided to accept the cloak. She heard the whisper of other students, saying how cute they were together. These students were also apparently thinking of voting for them as the King and Queen of the Winter Ball. She secretly hoped they would. Not that that was the only reason she was staying with Michael... sure, she seemed to not appreciate him enough now, but that was only because she needed to sort out her feelings. She wasn't sure if she truly loved him, or just liked him. Yes, that was it.

As she pulled her arm through the sleeve of the cloak, she spotted who she was looking for. Of course, she full out denied to herself that she had been looking for him. Telling herself it was only to check up on the project they'd been working on together for Potions. Seamus came strolling through the courtyard, his hair whipping around his face due to the wind. She practically stopped in her tracks to look at him. Michael waited patiently, blindly. She asked to be excused, and practically ran over to talk to Seamus.

"And the project, how's it coming?"

"Well, to tell you the truth, I think we need more supplies." All business with him. She gave an inward sigh, he was so cute when he was serious. Which wasn't very often.

"Okay, and how are we supposed to get them by Monday?"

"I'm going to Hogsmeade on Saturday to get them... do you want to help me?"

"Sure! I mean, after all, it is my project too." She knew she had answered that a little too eagerly... Seamus grinned, and she couldn't help but grin back. She loved how he was always so happy and confident.

"Allright then. It's a date."

"No, it is not a date! I'm dating Michael, remember?"

"You don't act like your dating him. I think, in fact, that you'd rather be dating me than him." She was sure her eyes gave her away, and lowered them quickly. She didn't even know what her eyes were giving away, but she figured she must be doing something wrong. She was even more positive this was so when she saw his face light up in pride. He said "You would rather be dating me, wouldn't you!"

"Don't be so conceited... I just want a good grade."

"Whatever you want to call it."

"You're such a jerk!"

"I bet that's what you like about me."

"No, it's not! Because you know what, I don't even like you!"

"At all?"

"No.. I like you, just, well, not that way, you know."

"Hm, I don't believe I know.. could you explain it to me?"

"It's not my problem that you're too stupid to know what I meant."

"Maybe it will be." He stepped closer to her, and leaned down to look her in the eye.

"Or... maybe it won't be..." she floundered for a come-back.

He laughed at her pathetic attempt for a come back, and she blushed furiously. He always made her feel like such an idiot. She wanted to yell at him, or possibly beat him up, but at the same time, she wanted to stare deep into his eyes, and fall asleep in his arms. He always confused her like that. His eyes twinkled, and he tapped her nose with his finger.

"It's a date, then." She made no attempt of protesting, and only watched as he walked away.