Jessie Cave will play the lip-locking part in 'The Half-Blood Prince'

"Harry Potter" fans may view her as the hussy trying to keep Ron and Hermione apart, but Lavender Brown has been cast for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."

According to media report out of England, 20-year-old British actress Jessie Cave has been cast in the role, which may primarily require her to make out with Rupert Grint.

As readers of the book know, Lavender is best friends with Parvati Patil and a member of the Gryffindor house. In "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," Lavender and Ron begin a hot-and-heavy relationship that makes everybody just a wee bit uncomfortable.

The role was very briefly played by Jennifer Smith in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban."

As has been the case with a number of supporting roles in the "Harry Potter" franchise, the part of Lavender was cast via an open call that drew thousands of aspiring Ron-kissers. While previous calls have often lead to the casting of non-actors, Cave's credits include the features "Summerhill" and the upcoming "Inkheart."

David Yates, director of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," will return to direct "The Half-Blood Prince," which is scheduled to be released in November 2008.