Venom and Velvet

The Weasel and the Ferret

14. The Weasel and the Ferret

This chapter is dedicated to bluedevils3, who votes for every chapter without fail. Thanks, boo! ;)           

"Harry, it's so good to see you! It was such a shame when you couldn't make it to visit last month," Hermione said, still not letting go of Harry. "I've been worried. How has your work been going?"

            "Not great so far, we've only managed to capture two. We just got a lead, though, so hopefully that will improve our numbers. How about you?" Harry pushed her pack gently and put his hands on her shoulders so he could look into her eyes. "How are you doing?"

            Hermione knew he would be able to tell if she was lying. He was one of the few people who knew she had a tell.

            "I'm doing as well as can be expected. But no more of this. Harry, say hello to Draco."

            Harry looked past her to see him, still sitting at the table, watching their exchange with a blank expression. Draco met his eyes, still not betraying his thoughts.

            "Malfoy," Harry gave him a curt nod.

            "Potter," Draco returned the gesture.

            Hermione was about to scold them but thought better of it. Even as cold as the exchange had been, it was a vast improvement on their previous relationship.

            "We were about to make our way over to the Hog's Head. Are you two lovebirds coming?" Ginny asked Hermione quietly, giving her a poke in the ribs.

            "Yes, I think so. And we're not lovebirds."

            "Whatever! Harry and I have been in here for an hour. I saw the little trick with the rose, and I saw you blushing like mad, AND I saw you making eyes at him when he was paying the bill. You totally like him."

            "Ginny, you make it sound so infantile. It's a really complicated situation."

            "Sure, sure... You do like him though," she winked.

            Rolling her eyes, Hermione turned to Draco.

            "Are you ready?"

            He gave her a look that said "Do I have to?" and shook his head the slightest bit. Hermione nodded almost imperceptibly, replying with her own "Yes you do, stop acting like a child" expression.

            "Guess so," he said.

            The four of them made their way down the lane back to the Hog's Head. Draco lagged a little behind. He couldn't believe he was about to have drinks with Potter, the Weasel and Weaslette, Longbottom and his girlfriend, Loony Lovegood, and Hermione Granger. He could always just bail, they'd probably be expecting it of him. On the other hand, he owed Granger more than that after this morning. He'd never stop owing her, actually. Not after he stood by and let his aunt do that to her. Not to mention, she now had way too much information on him. He HAD to stay on her good side now. If she ever told anyone about any of it they'd all know how weak he was: a coward and a fool.

            As if sensing his thoughts, Hermione slowed to walk beside him. She hesitated for a moment, then reached out to take his hand. He didn't grasp hers in return but didn't pull away either. What a dangerous situation he'd gotten himself into. Things would all be a lot simpler if she'd just found a different compartment.

            "I don't know if Ron knows about... about you," she said. "I don't know how he'll react. But before we go in there I want to say that I'm glad we were together today. I... I'd like to do it again sometime... That is, if you want to, I mean, I don't just want to assume anything... Anyway, I don't want you to feel like you have to stay if you start to feel uncomfortable. But at least give it a shot."