Dragonkin

Ten

"You're becoming very discouraged," Nikau observed when they took a break. Nigel Orpington had been particularly vacant as he burbled on about a set of jewels. What did she care about a tiara she would never wear?

"I am," she sighed, "...at least we're getting closer to the end of the alphabet....right?"

She practically whined the last part of that sentence.

"You're a bit done in aren't you?" Harry worried.

"I am a bit," she sighed before smiling at Nikau as he nodded and headed out to get another suitor, "but I'll manage. I could do with some of Mooney's famous chocolate stash or at the very least a cup of tea."

A small elf popped in with a tray with steaming cups of hot cocoa.

"Thank you," Hermoine gushed gratefully. She took a sip and began purring.

"Well, that is a lovely sound," came the cultured smooth tones of the next male. "How was it accomplished? I would like to know so I can elicit that sound again."

"Oh!" Hermione blushed as she shifted back in her seat. Her Draken was preening and purring at the dominant before her. He was another that wore his scales without preening like a peacock. Although he may have been justified. He was gorgeous. His scales were a deep dark blue shot with flecks of gold. He looked as though he had been carved in detail from a piece of Lapis Lazuli. She blinked as she tried to think of an appropriate response.

"Hello, Angel," He continued his charm offensive. He led his hand out as though to kiss her hand. "I'm Adrian."

She almost fell for it. Her hand had moved automatically for his but she stopped herself just before she touched him.

"Hello, Pucey," Harry sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Hermoine scowled at the dominant who merely ran his thumb across the pads of his fingers before smirking at Harry and taking a seat.

"Potter," He acknowledged with an unrepentant grin, "how's Gryffindor looking this year? Are you back to being a seeker?"

"Yes, but you aren't here to talk to me."

"True, but your sister is a little annoyed at me at the moment. I thought it wise to let her calm down, he grinned at Harry before turning back to Hermione. "I've heard quite a bit about you, Miss Potter."

"I'm sure you have," Hermione sighed. Her Draken had pouted when Adrian had turned to talk to Harry.

"Yes," he smirked, "from several sources, and not just common room gossip. I'm interested to see if the brightest witch of her age lives up to the hype. Nott is quite impressed with you. He's also rather disappointed that he was sent away."

"I couldn't very well let him stay when I sent all those still at school away."

"Couldn't you?" Adrian looked at her with raised brows. "I was always told it was a woman's prerogative to change her mind."

She smirked back at him; she liked the fact he challenged her without being either offensive to her or offended by her. "I suppose, but it's the principle of the thing."

"That's the problem with you Gryffindors," he grinned. "Too much principle."

"Ah, let me guess. 'Morals are paintings on walls and scruples are money in Russia'?," Hermione gazed back at Adrian with a raised brow.

"Not so," he chuckled in true amusement. "So far I must say you're living up to what I had hoped. Although a far sharper tongue than I expected."

"Hm. I'm afraid you have the advantage over me there. I've never heard of you off the pitch."