Beneath the Covers / DRAMIONE (COMPLETE)

Banter and Betting

The meeting progressed unnaturally peacefully. Harry kept quiet, occasionally giving Draco accusing glares and looking perplexed. Hermione felt that their little group deserved a name.

She called out to Draco as he made to leave at the end of the session. It was nearing their own curfew.

"What are we to be called?"

Draco looked back. "What about The Avengers?"

"What?"

"We're taking revenge on the idiots that ruined our education, aren't we? Quirrell, Voldemort, Lockhart, Binns..."

"Alright, alright, I get the point," Hermione said hastily. Ginny laughed.

"It's got a ring to it," she commented. "I like it. Good one, Draco." She clapped him on the back and walked out, Harry following her. Blaise then left, deep in conversation with Padma and Lavender, both of whom were looking adoringly at him. Malcolm Baddock was speaking to Sue Li and Anthony Goldstein was conversing with Hannah and Ernie. It was just her and Draco who were in silence.

"Who do you think will be the first couple?" Asked Draco suddenly.

Hermione started, surprised. "Er, Blaise and Padma?" It sounded more like a question.

Draco smirked. "I reckon Potter and Weasley. Ginevra, not Ronald," he added quickly. "Even Potter's sick of Weaslebee."

"What are we saying then?"

"Five galleons."

"Five galleons! Five Knuts, more like."

"Ten Sickles."

"No. Ten Knuts."

"One Sickle."

"Fine."

Hermione glanced up at Draco.

"You know, we really shouldn't be gambling. We're Prefects."

"Of course I know," Draco replied calmly, looking down at her. His grey eyes were mesmerising. "Otherwise I wouldn't be a Prefect."

Hermione stared into his eyes, stock still. She finally awoke from her admiring trance when Draco coughed softly.

"Er, yes. Of course," she said at once, and hurried off.

Draco stood there for a moment, grinning to himself, before striding off himself. He knew what effect he had on the ladies.

*

Hermione met Harry and Ginny in the Great Hall for breakfast the following day.

"Hello, you two," she greeted and then saw their joined hands. "Any news?"

"We're dating," Ginny stated happily. She smiled at Harry and he beamed back.

"Surprised, Hermione?"

"No," Hermione replied to the blonde boy standing smirking a few feet away.

"Hand it over." He beckoned one pale hand. Hermione sighed and dug deep in her pocket for a shiny silver Sickle.

"I have nothing left for Honeydukes now," she said sadly, staring at her feet.

Draco looked at her. "I'll get you something," he reassured.

Hermione looked up in shock. "Really?" She practically purred.

"Of course."

Draco offered his arm to her and they walked out of the doors, Hermione stopping to grab some toast on the way. A long walk in the grounds seemed indicated, during which – if they had time – they might discuss the new couple.

*****

A.N. I apologise for the delay in updates - I gave up all my fanfics for a bit and just updated Severus... Reformed.

Hope you liked the chapter and the ending, and don't hesitate to comment!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!