Song Of The Guardians

The First Wave

"I can't believe you're going to let them bring Looney Lovegood in as a Guardian," Draco grumbled, as he sat down across from Severus in the staff room.

Severus rolled his eyes impatiently. "As I recall, you voted in her favor," he retorted with smirk.

"I wasn't going to vote against Caroline," Draco replied, in a tone that suggested that he was stating the obvious. "You on the other hand could have put a halt to that idea before it came to a vote. Just because Granger suggested it..." He fell silent at the thunderous expression on the potions master's face.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Severus growled. "There was really no alternative aside from obliviating her and that plan was rejected. Granger was merely the first to suggest it."

Draco sighed. He never should have mentioned Granger. "I know we don't talk about more personal matters very often," he said carefully. "I would never expect you to go on about your 'feelings' or anything of the kind. However, I do consider you to be a friend. As much as two Slytherins can be anyway." He smirked and went on. "You seem to see Granger as more than colleague. "

"There is nothing between Ms. Granger and myself," Severus snapped.

"I know," Draco said in exasperation. "But I think you like her. I also think that you've been putting a lot of effort into making everyone think that you don't. You at least like her more than anyone else here."

"Or perhaps I just hate her a bit less than others," Severus replied with a sneer.

"Call it whatever you like," Draco said with a shrug. "Is it really such a terrible idea? Even I think Granger is alright. Why would you want to just continue your life alone?"

"You are being ridiculous," Severus said, standing up to leave.

"Am I?" Draco asked, his tone defiant. "I can understand not spouting about feelings like a lovesick Gryffindor, but you can't even manage to be honest with yourself."

Severus whirled around to glare at Draco. "Even if you were right, it would not change anything," he growled. "You seem to forget that she is seeing someone, so your argument is pointless."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Granger's not seeing anyone," he said flatly.

"She's dating that twit, Andy," Severus said, sneering again.

"Not bloody likely," Draco snorted in amusement. "She's not his type."

"Are you saying that he's just toying with her?" Severus asked furiously.

Draco growled in frustration. "He's gay!" he blurted out. "Andy is gay. Granger knows it. Nearly everyone knows it. I never mentioned it to you because I didn't think it mattered, but I was obviously mistaken."

"Ridiculous," Severus grumbled as he sat back down. To say that he was shocked would be an understatement. Seeing Andy touch and kiss Hermione had been infuriating. Now Severus had to contend with the fact that perhaps he had been jealous. He had nearly convinced himself that his anger had been an intense dislike for Andy. He wasn't apt to like people in general, but truthfully Andy would have been easily overlooked most of the time if not for Hermione.

"It certainly had your wand in knot," Draco smirked. "Don't pass up a chance to finally be happy because you want to obstinate. If you like her, do something about it. But don't bother denying it."

Draco left the teacher's lounge without another word, closing the door firmly behind him. He spotted Harry approaching the door and stopped him. "I wouldn't go in there just now," Draco muttered, motioning for Harry to follow him. "I just had a little chat with Severus and something tells me he needs a moment to himself."