Mischief
Hermione lie on her front, on the Weasley's living room floor. Struggling to complete a particular hard piece of Runes homework. Ginny sat on the sofa waiting for Hermione's cue. Hermione frowned in thought at a certain question on her piece of homework and looked up to smile at Ginny. Ginny grinned back at Hermione, dancing with happiness inside.
Hermione bit the end of her quill in thought and twisted it this way and that, until the tip loosened and broke off between her lips. Hermione spat it out as Ginny laughed at her. Hermione threw the broken off piece f quill into the fire and watched the sparks fly. A rumble of footsteps came from the direction of the staircase and Hermione gave Ginny the signal by scratching her nose.
Ginny grinned at Hermione one last time before swinging her legs off the sofa and galloping into the hallway to greet Ron who was bounding down the stairs, no doubt excited about the prospect of Christmas presents/dinner in two days time.
'Hey Ron!' Ginny smiled as she rocked on the balls of her feet, holding her hands behind her back, looking suspicious.
'Uh, hi Gin … what's wrong?' asked Ron, concerned about his sister's weird behaviour. 'Nothing … everything's great … except, I'm a little worried about Hermione.' She'd got his attention. 'What's wrong with Hermione?' Ginny smiled inwardly at Ron's concern. 'Well, it's just … she's been working so hard lately, her last year of school is ever nearing and she has this burning need to succeed, which is wearing her out. I think she's stressed. You need to help her.' Ron looked worried. 'How am I supposed to help Mione?'
Ginny smiled. This was going just as she'd hoped. Ron was so easy to manipulate. But this was for his own good, so there was no need to feel guilty.
Ginny faked an expression of deep thought. 'You know what, you should take her to the lake. You know the one in that park the muggle kids swim in during the summer. The have ice-skating on the lake at this time of year. It'd be a good break for Hermione. I would take her but I … um … have to speak to Harry.' Ron smirked. 'You go do that.' Winked Ron. Ginny blushed as brightly as her hair.
'Hey Mione' Whispered Ron as he entered the living room, trying not to disturb her too much. 'Hey Ron' Smiled Hermione, flashing him her best, well-practiced smile. Ron's stomach fluttered. 'Do you fancy going ice skating?' Ron suggested, crossing his fingers at his side. 'I'd love to!' Exclaimed Hermione, pushing herself off her front and resting on her knees. 'I'll just go and get my cloak.' Hermione piled up all her books and purposely dropped her piece of parchment onto the floor where she'd been sitting.
'Won't be long!' Hermione shouted back to Ron as she ran up the stairs, her heart thudding.
Ron had been sitting on the arm of the sofa for a good two minutes before he noticed the piece of paper left behind by Hermione. Ron looked at the door to check if there was any sign of Hermione's return. When he was confident the coast was clear, Ron stood up and walked over to the piece of paper and picked it up. It was labelled 'My Lion'. Ron raised an eyebrow.
Ron unfolded the parchment and began to read …