The Serpent and the Lioness

Chapter 14

"One, two-" Draco's count was halted by a stiff knock at the door. It wasn't unusual but it was definitely bad timing. He lowered his arm the same time Hermione pulled back. She took a few steps back up the stairs wary of just who would be knocking at his door.

Draco cast her a backward glance as he moved to open it. As the door swung open he frowned.

"Potter."

"Malfoy." Harry looked a bit uncomfortable he'd taken his lunch break to try and catch Malfoy at home. He didn't want to cause him any trouble as he was still in his Auror uniform and though they weren't the best of friends he didn't have a beef with him anymore.

"What do you want?" Draco crossed his arms casually leaning against the side of the frame blocking the man from entering.

"I just have a question."

"A question you had to personally deliver?" Draco raised a suspicious brow as Potter didn't meet his eyes, he could easily tell he was trying to see inside his home.

"Yea." Harry started slightly as a lock of brown hair disappeared around the frame of the staircase. His heart beat a little faster but he kept himself calm. "Do you know where Hermione is?"

Draco raised his brow his eyes twitching so as not to look behind him. "Maybe. Why does it matter to you?"

Harry scowled at him, he did not want to play games, "She's my best friend. I just want to make sure she's alright." He spoke louder than necessary his eyes glued to the spot over Malloy's shoulder.

"And if she doesn't want to see you right now?" Malfoy shifted his stance blocking the staircase from view.

"Sod it, Malfoy just tell me if she's here." Harry was trying to keep his voice level but the sounds of footsteps on stairs made both of their heads turn.

"Potter!"

Harry had pushed his way passed and hastily moved to the base of the stairs. Draco was hot on his heels trying to pull him back.

"Hermione!"

Their scuffle ended when a soft pop sounded just out of view on the upstairs landing. Draco growled and pushed Harry away from him.

"She was here!"

"Yea, was. I was just about to put an end to this mess and you had to come in playing Gryffindor hero!"

Harry stumbled slightly from the push but looked at him curiously, "What?"

"The only person she wants to see right now is waiting for her and now—thanks to you— she's running again!"

"Can't she just...go to him?"

"Do you think she'd be in my house if she could?"

The men squared up, both of them protecting their own. They glared each other down for a long tense minute before Harry's shoulders slumped in defeat.

"What can I do?"

"You have to find her, I have to stall Severus so he doesn't think she stood him up." Draco let out a deep sigh running a hand through his hair.