This was the very first one I wrote, on holiday the summer after book five came out. Sorry for the three-book jump.
Let the Games Begin – TOOTP, Ch… er, can't find my book but just after Harry kisses Cho.
"You're getting really good," Harry said, beaming at the DA members. "When we get back from the holidays we can start doing some of the big stuff, maybe even Patronuses."
Ron and Hermione helped to collect the cushions scattered around the room and stack them in the corner. When all the cushions were piled neatly, they headed for the door. It wasn't until they were in the corridor outside that they realised Harry was no longer with them- and a swift glance through the open door told them why.
Cho.
Without saying a word, Ron and Hermione started towards Gryffindor Tower.
Ron broke the silence a few minutes later.
"I reckon she likes him you know," he said casually as they jumped a trick step.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Of course she does, it's obvious," she replied. "Almost as obvious as Harry liking her."
Ron snorted. "I saw Marietta come out after us," he said, "which means they're all alone in there." He paused. "Do you think they'll get together tonight?"
"No," Hermione said instantly.
Ron's eyebrows went up. "What makes you so sure?" He asked.
Hermione shrugged. "I just think she's still too hung up on Cedric to-"
"I think it'll happen tonight," Ron said decisively, cutting her off. Hermione scowled.
"It won't."
"Not even one kiss?"
"Not even one kiss."
"It will."
"It won't."
"How much do you wanna bet?" Ron asked as they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady.
Hermione frowned even more. "I'm not making a bet on Harry and Cho!" She said indignantly. "Mimbulus Mimbletonia."
They clambered through the opening and headed over to a table next to the fire. The Common Room was empty apart from some second-years by the window, so they were able to get the best seats.
"Aw, go on Hermione," Ron said cajolingly, refusing to give up. "10 sickles."
"No."
"Chicken."
"Excuse me?"
"You're afraid to lose."
"I am not!"
"Prove it then."
Hermione glared at him. "Fine," she spat. "10 sickles it is. You should do your Transfiguration homework."
Ron's grin turned into a groan but he obediently pulled out his wand and summoned his homework. It landed next to him on the hearthrug and instead of picking it up he simply dropped down next to it. Hermione pulled a half-finished letter out of her pocket and spread it on the table.
Ron opened his book. "I hope you've got cash," he said airily.
"You are not going to win."
"Yes I am."
"You are not."
"Yes I am."
"This could go on for a long time."
"No it couldn't."
"Yes it cou- oh, shut up Ron!"
Ron laughed, but Hermione frowned again. "How are we going to find out anyway?" She asked.
"Huh?"
"Well," she said. "I doubt he's going to broadcast what happened to the Common Room."
"Good point," Ron said looking slightly put out. He visibly brightened a moment later. "You'll have to ask him."
"Me? Why me?" Hermione demanded sounding panicked.
Ron shrugged. "I wouldn't know how," he said.
"And you think I do?"
"Well… I don't want to."
"Whereas I'm just waitingfor the chance!" Hermione said, starting to get angry again.
Ron was silent for a moment and then pulled a bronze knut out of his pocket.
"Wands or stars?" He asked.
Hermione had to smile. "In the Muggle World it's 'heads or tails'," she said.
Ron snorted. "Yeah, why do they have heads on their coins anyway?" He asked.
Hermione waved her hand impatiently. "No time to explain now- Harry will be back any second. Stars," she decided.
Ron threw the coin in the air and let it land on the rug in front of him where they could both see it.
It was wands.
"You ask!" Ron said, whooping with triumph and laughing at the look on Hermione's face.
She glared at him. "Fine," she snapped. "But do you reallyhave to whoop like that?"
"Why shouldn't I?" Ron asked, still grinning.
Hermione opened her mouth to answer, but at that moment Harry entered the Common Room, looking fazed out. Ron and Hermione looked at each other and both narrowed their eyes. Let the games begin.