AN: This will be a series of very short one-shots, that don't follow a linear time frame. They are all set in the same universe, which is the same as that of 'Lessons' and 'Those of Wit and Learning'. However, while those were deeper and more introspective, this is much more light-hearted for the most part. It is not necessary to have read them at all, though it may enhance your reading experience.

The only reason why this story is under Terry and Padma is to keep it consistent with the other two stories in this universe. Not every one-shot will feature all four, I'm afraid, but I will try to make sure that as many as I can do have all four.

For those who have, feedback on whether or not I have managed to capture the same characterizations in this much less deep, much less introspective story would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Anthony rolled his eyes.

'He's not jealous, Mike. He doesn't get jealous-'

'Yeah, because of some logical self-discipline thing... in other words, Terry's in denial!'

The subject of their argument simply ignored them, pulling dark blue dress robes over his head.

'He isn't in denial, it's just his nature. We've known him for four years now, and we know he doesn't get jealous!'

'Yeah, yeah, because he thinks that wanting things you can't possibly have is a waste of time and effort. Like anyone thinks that way-'

Anthony adopted an expression akin to what one would have while trying to explain a concept to a small child.

Terry cleaned his glasses.

'Mike, after four years in Ravenclaw, you should know by now that no matter what you come up with, someone will believe it, someone will think that way and someone will act that way. Besides, what's your proof?'

Terry sat down on the edge of his bed and began tying his shoelaces.

'He said that she looked wonderful and that her date was a really lucky guy!'

Anthony sighed, exasperated.

'He also told Parvati, when they-

'Besides the point!'

'-that she was sure to catch lots of eyes tonight! And then he also told-'

'But that's not the same thing! That doesn't involve another guy directly! It's not a jealousy-based comment!'

'-that she looked beautiful, and not to doubt that, no matter what happens, no matter what anyone says, tonight! If you're going to be talking about jealous comments, then surely that's even more so! And we all know that Terry doesn't-'

'Tony, Mike, if we don't leave now, we're going to be late for the Ball.'

And without another word, Terry swept out the door.

Michael was practically jumping up and down.

'See! See! He's avoiding the topic! And did you see that look on his face? Calm, neutral, that's a sure sign that it's a carefully schooled expression-'

Anthony stood and glanced at his watch.

'No, that's just Terry's normal expression, Mike. And he's right, actually. We are going to be late if we don't hurry up. Face it, he's not jealous.'

'But he is! I mean-'

By the time they reached the Great Hall and took their seats, Michael had outlined all of the jealous signs that he had observed in Terry's behaviour.

Anthony maintained that there was no change at all in Terry's behaviour.

There was no change when the particular male was mentioned, no anger, no signs of dislike, no focus on him, no indifference, or ignoring of him, simply what was normal behaviour, for Terry, at least.

'But he's being all indifferent about this conversation we're having! He's ignoring us, because he knows that we know that he's jealous, and he's in denial!'

'Pork chops!'

'See, he's interrupting our conversation!'

'...I don't think ordering dinner, which is what we're supposed to be doing right now, constitutes interrupting. And if I were him, I'd be ignoring us too. '

All through dinner, Michael didn't let up, Anthony became even more exasperated, and Terry continued to engage the diners near them in polite small talk.

'See, see!'

Michael was pointing across the room, where the couple who had sparked this entire argument were talking and laughing amicably.

'Look, Tony! He's ignoring them, not even looking in their direction at all!'

By now, Michael was whirling his arms in an excellent demonstration of the flight technique of a Doxy.

'...That's because his back is to them, Mike.'

'But-'

Anthony simply put his head in his hands, wondering what in the world he had done to deserve this.

'Tony, your sleeve is in your mashed potatoes. Mike, Ginny Weasley is staring at you funny, and I have no idea why.'

And with that, Terry promptly diverted his attention back to his pork chops.

Michael gestured even more wildly.

'See, see!'

Anthony just groaned as he tried to clean mashed potato off his brand-new dress robes.

Terry was not jealous of Seamus Finnigan, and he did not have a crush on Lavender Brown.

If only he could make Michael see that...

Terry smiled to himself through a mouthful of pork chop.

His modified Selective Hearing Charm had proved most useful.

Disclaimer: I don't own, nor do I claim to own Harry Potter.