When the Snow Melts

Trouble in Paradise

Hermione watched in irritation as Ron worked himself up into another fit over Malfoy while they were leaving lunch.

"He was mocking me," Ron cried out indignantly, his long legs carrying him away from the Great Hall at a rather brisk pace. Hermione was almost jogging just to keep up with the distraught red-head.

"Slow down," she panted, coming to a complete stop in order to force him to acknowledge her.

"Sorry," he replied, turning around with a sheepish expression on his face.

She let out an exasperated sigh, eyeing him with a disapproving look. "Sometimes I have to wonder if we operate in the same universe as you. Malfoy never once mocked you. In fact, he was on his best behavior while you - you were an absolute pig. You couldn't even pretend to be nice to him."

Ron made a flustered choking noise, his face turning red again. "But he wasn't nice...he - he - he kept eating and - and insulting me with his - his food!"

"Insulting you with his food?!" Hermione practically shrieked. "Honestly Ron, this is quite an unheard of level of paranoia - even for you. He was just eating."

"But he wasn't just eating. He was eating and being so damned smug about it," Ron stated incredulously.

"It's Malfoy; that's just the way he is. You're reading way too much into things," she admonished.

Ron crossed his arms over his chest in childish petulance. "Well, I refuse to share another meal with him. If the two of you insist on having him join us, I'll be eating somewhere else."

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Draco's heart fluttered as he caught a bashful look from Harry who was snuggled up on the far end of the couch reading and furiously blushing. It was adorable to see him so embarrassed over something they were already doing. He finished up the book before his face burst into flames and handed it back without making eye contact.

"Very informative," he croaked, clearing his throat before awkwardly retreating back to his corner of the couch.

As dinner time arrived, a self-satisfied smirk crossed Draco's pale face. Harry was totally engrossed in The Art of War, his brows drawn tight together forming a little crease as he concentrated.

"You ready?" he questioned, attempting to bring the boy back to reality.

"Give me second," Harry replied distractedly. "Let me just finish up this one part."

When Harry finally found a good stopping point, he set the book down and they headed for the Great Hall together. As they entered, the chatter came to a screeching halt before picking back up to a deafening roar. Ron had opted to sit further down the table with Dean and Seamus, he cast a smoldering glare in their direction as they approached Hermione. She snorted in disdain in Ron's general direction before giving the two boys a very weak apologetic smile.

"What's all that about?" Harry asked with a nod down the table as the feuding couple traded furious glares.

"Ron's being an idiot," Hermione huffed.

Draco had to work hard not to laugh as he remembered a similar sentiment being shared not too long ago.

"What's he done this time?" Harry questioned, taking the seat next to her so she wouldn't have to shout over the noise. Draco sat across from them and leaned in close to listen.

"He seems to think that Malfoy's good table manners were intended as a personal insult," she spat in disbelief.

Draco and Harry traded knowing glances, each trying desperately hard not to laugh. Hermione never liked having to admit that she was wrong - even when she was. It would be better if they kept up the ruse and waited things out.