Veela Love

Chapter Twelve: Twenty Questions

            Draco and Hermione fell into a rhythm: Hermione avoided Draco all day, except during all their shared classes where he would sit next to her and annoy her. She had to admit his teasing had lost its meanness, and sometimes he was even funny.

She wasn't ready to tell Harry and Ron, at least that's what she told Ginny. Ginny thought she was just a coward.

"Where's that Gryfinndor courage, Hermione?" Ginny asked, tossing her long hair behind her shoulder.

"It's here, it's just... currently on vacation." Hermione sighed deeply.

"The longer you wait, the worse it's going to be. You know that."

"I know, it's just, they hate him so much."

"But you don't."

Hermione bit her lip, and Ginny had to stop herself from smirking. "No, I don't. I actually rather enjoy his company. But don't tell him that; his head is big enough as it is."

"Can you blame him? He's gorgeous."

"Ginny! I thought you liked Harry!"

Ginny sighed. "I think that ship has sailed, Hermione. I can't wait around forever, and I've given him plenty of opportunities since the end of the war. He doesn't have any excuses anymore."

"Oh, Gin, I am so sorry." Hermione wrapped her in a tight hug.

Pulling away, Ginny checked her watch. "I have to get going. I'm meeting Blaise."

Hermione's eyebrows rose. "Oh, are you?"

Ginny felt herself blush. "It's nothing."

"It's so not nothing! You're going to tell me later!" Hermione glared at Ginny, making sure the other girl knew she was serious.

Ginny just rolled her eyes and turned away, heading outside. At the quidditch pitch, she looked around but didn't see him. Suddenly hands covered her eyes. "Guess who?"

On instinct, Ginny threw her elbow back, walloping someone. "OOF!" The hands dropped. Turning, she found herself face to face with Blaise.

"Why'd you have to do that, Red? That hurt!"

"Sorry, Blaise," Ginny said, grinning wide.

"Bullshit."

Ginny batted her eyelashes at him and was surprised to see a faint blush crawl across his cheeks. She felt her cheeks color in response.

"We have a problem," Blaise announced after clearing his throat.

"What?"

"Our friends aren't any closer to falling in love."

Ginny shook her head. "They seem to be tolerating each other better. Although Malfoy is still sleeping on the couch."

"So I've heard. Apparently, it's not very comfortable. He won't stop bitching about it. So what do we do?"

"Well, first, I think they need to be friendly in public. That way, it will be less jarring to the school when they start dating."

"Do they even need to be dating when they're already destined for each other?"

Ginny hit his arm. "Of course they do. This has to be their choice, not the Veela's choice."

"Ow, Red, that was painful. You pack a mean punch." Blaise rubbed his arm and took a step back from Ginny, although he looked rather impressed.