Voting Post: Best Dialogue in a Flash Fiction
Best Dialogue in a Flash Fiction (101-500 words)
Complete rules and procedures can be found on the main voting page. To summarize:
1. To submit your votes for this category, copy and paste the code below into a comment to this post (will be screened), or send it in an email to dramioneawards[at]gmail[dot]com. No anonymous comments allowed!
2. You must vote for your top THREE favorite fics, and rank them with your top favorite fic in the #1 position.
3. When casting your vote, please use the number assigned to the fic, rather than writing out the whole title.
CODE (6b):
6b - Best Dialogue in a Flash Fiction:
1. (TOP CHOICE)
2.
3.
Return to Main Page
Nominees:
-1-
A Simple Bargain, by dollfaced
“Okay, Granger. Fifty Galleons.”
Hermione rolled her eyes and, without even looking up, replied, “No. We’ve discussed this already. You know my price.”
“Your demand is unreasonable,” he whined.
“Well, considering you have no leverage and NEWTs are in a few days… take it or leave it.” She smiled up at him smugly.
Draco pointed his wand, ready to wipe that smile right off her face. She simply raised an eyebrow at his gesture.
Lowering his wand, he contemplated just how much Granger annoyed him, sitting there, leisurely reading her Arithmancy notes. Damn, he shouldn’t have skived off three classes in a row. Now he was truly at her mercy.
“You can get them from someone else,” she said with a chuckle.
He sneered. “Right, of the three that do take notes, Boot writes like a Healer, and Parvati, with those bloody hearts everywhere, did you know she fancies…”
Suddenly she was gone, taking her notes with her. He quickly followed her into the stacks.
“We’re not done.” He stood right behind her as she perused the books, not giving her much room to maneuver. Turning around, she didn’t even seem intimidated by him. Actually, she looked quite pleased with herself.
Gingerly running her fingers along the small stack of parchment, as if to taunt him, she said, “It’s so simple, Malfoy. I have what you want and all you have to do-“
“I know what you want!” He glared. “Granger, I can’t.” He did his best to look forlorn. Maybe, she’d have some pity on him. But her predatory grin dashed all hope he had of that.
“Say it,” she demanded.
“I hate you so much,” he growled.
“I know you do, that’s why I want to hear you say it.”
Her smile faded a little as he pushed closer. He brushed her hair away, allowing him better access to her ear. Draco wanted to make sure no one heard what he was about to say.
Pressing against her, he hesitated for a moment, his warm breath caressing her cheek. Finally, he gave in. “Granger, I need you.”
-2-
Beware Birds Bearing Notes of Death, by luvscharlie
Hermione wasn't sure how the owl found her. But, as she exited the tent, it called to her from its perch on a low branch and held out its leg to her. She removed the parchment attached.
I must see you.
That was all that the note said. A small key fell from it. She yawned and bent to retrieve it. The moment her hand closed round it, she felt a familiar tug behind her navel. She landed in a tangle of arms and legs somewhere deep in a forest. She scrambled for the wand in her pocket and was relieved to find it still there.
"I actually thought it would be more difficult than this."
She recognised the voice immediately-Malfoy-and went instantly on the defensive. "I just woke up you cheeky prat. Forgive me for not being on my best game."
"Be glad it was me. If the Dark Lord had sent you that bird, you'd be dead now."
Okay, he had a point-one she hated to concede-but a point, nonetheless. "I assume you didn't bring me out here to tell me to watch out for birds bearing notes of death." She noted the somber look that crossed his face.
"No. It wasn't supposed to be this way, you know? I've heard the stories for as long as I can remember. The Dark Lord will rise again, and we'll be ready to serve him, and all our dreams for this wizarding world will be realised. Just you wait, Draco, Father would say, just you wait. There will be riches beyond your wildest expectation. Our loyalty will be honoured above all others." He snorted in contempt. "Rubbish."
"You can still join us," she whispered. "It doesn't have to-"
"You're going to lose, Hermione. His power-it's growing faster than you can imagine. I've seen things-well, I've seen things I never hope to see again. But what chance do you have against a force that strong?"
"Is that why you brought me here?"
"I wanted to tell you to run away. To go as far and as fast as you can… before it's too late."
She noted the desperation in his voice. However misguided his deeds, they were well intentioned. "You came to save me?"
"For what little good it's done. I didn't think you'd listen. Too damned stubborn for your own good, that's what you are."
"Perhaps. But I believe in what we're fighting for. Can you say the same?"
He snorted at the ground in frustration. "I believe in surviving, Hermione. The Portkey will take you back."
She realised then, what he had risked by warning her. If his actions were discovered, he would be branded traitor and the punishment would most certainly be death. "Thank you," she whispered as he walked away.
He looked back over his shoulder. "Granger, one final piece of advice."
"Yes?"
"Beware of birds bearing notes of death."
Cheeky prat.
Fin.
-3-
He Said/She Said, by bookishwench
Blaise and Goyle were grinning much too widely as Draco sat down in their customary booth at the Leaky Cauldron.
“So? Do I need to pay Knott five galleons or have you kept your perfect record?” Blaise asked.
Draco dramatically paused, took a swallow of Fire Whiskey, then said, “Your gold’s safe.”
Goyle and Blaise gave loud whoops of masculine pride as they clapped Draco on the shoulder.
----
“Are you mental?” Ginny asked as they sat at their usual table at the Three Broomsticks. “What possessed you to go out with Draco?”
“He said please,” Hermione said, shrugging but barely hiding a coy smile.
Ginny’s jaw dropped.
“Seriously?” she said. “I didn’t know his mouth was capable of forming that series of sounds.”
----
“Did she actually beg?” Goyle said, snickering.
“A gentleman doesn’t tell,” Draco said, but his lecherous smirk told a different story.
“Thankfully, no one’s ever accused you of behaving like a gentleman,” Blaise said. “Details, if you please…”
----
“We went to a Muggle cinema and watched that new Disney film,” Hermione said.
“Draco took you to see Finding Nemo?” Ginny said, staring at Hermione in admiration. “Even with extremely good bribery I couldn’t get Harry to go to that. How’d you manage it?”
“It was his idea,” Hermione said, then added conspiratorially, “and he actually cried when Nemo finally got home.”
Ginny’s spit take was truly spectacular.
----
“Not a single character in the whole movie ever wore a stitch of clothing, and Granger was really into it,” Draco said smugly.
Goyle slugged Draco hard on the right arm, leaving a Quaffle-sized bruise on his bicep.
“Well done,” Blaise said, elegantly raising an impressed eyebrow.
“Yeah, it gave her loads of ideas for later,” Draco said, snickering wildly.
----
“A sushi bar?” Ginny said.
“The movie put the idea in my head, awful as that sounds,” Hermione said, “so I suggested dinner at Keiko’s Pagoda afterwards.”
“Draco ate raw fish?”
“Not really,” Hermione said. “He couldn’t quite get the hang of the chopsticks. After dropping his fifth hosomaki on the floor, he grabbed one off the plate, stuffed it in his mouth, and said he was done.”
----
“So how’d the night end?” Goyle asked.
“We Apparated to her flat, she gave me a quick tumble, and I went home for a shower and a cuppa before work,” Draco said.
----
“He completely missed you? Is that even possible?” Ginny said.
“When he went to kiss me, he fell down my front steps. Then he Apparated home in a huff. I’m not sure he’ll even want to go out again,” Hermione said sadly.
----
“Think you’ll bother with her again now you’ve got what you wanted?” Blaise asked.
“Hey! Don’t talk about her that way,” Draco said angrily. “It’s rude. And yes, I wouldn’t deny her the privilege of my company, and I know just the thing she’d like: a night of randy dancing.”
In Draco’s pocket sat two tickets to Swan Lake
-4-
Motion Sickness, by kalina_blue
"I hope you realise that if I die on this crazy bus, you'll never be able to find another wizard as charming, not to mention good in bed, as I am," Draco said, just as the Knight Bus swerved to the right, narrowly missing a set of townhouses.
"Draco, a flubberworm has more charm than you do," Hermione replied promptly.
Before Draco had the chance to protest against his girlfriend's rather unflattering assessment of his charisma, the bus made a particularly violent lurch forward, and Draco was knocked backwards onto the bed he was presently occupying.
"This is madness," he mumbled once he was able to sit up again. His skin had taken on a slightly green pallor.
"Are you alright?" Hermione asked, unsuccessfully trying to suppress a smile. She was clutching one of the bedposts so she wouldn't fall off the bed, but still looked decidedly more chipper than Draco.
His only answer was a mumbled string of curses, which Hermione wisely chose to overhear.
The Knight Bus suddenly jerked to a halt and a tiny witch in pink robes exited on shaky legs.
"Next stop, Malfoy Manor," Stan called from the front of the bus and they were off again.
"Thank Merlin," Draco exclaimed. "I can't believe Potter isn't connected to the Floo."
"He just wants his privacy," Hermione explained. "Besides, if you hadn't drunken so much Firewhiskey, we could have Apparated back."
"It's bad enough you objected me to an evening in the company of those imbeciles. Don't expect me to suffer through it sober," Draco replied, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"You're not going to throw up, are you?" Hermione asked apprehensively ignoring the jibe at her choice of friends.
Draco swallowed. "If I made it through the Weasel's nauseating account of how he proposed to that silly Lavender gal and not loose my dinner, I'm sure I can finish this ride without puking." He clutched the edge of the bed as the bus made a sharp turn to the left.
Another five minutes later, and Hermione and Draco stumbled out of the Knight Bus. While Hermione turned around to wish Stan a good night, Draco just stood there, gulping in the fresh air.
"Never again," he swore once the bus had vanished with a loud bang.
"Don't be such a baby," Hermione admonished. "It wasn't that bad."
"Sure," Draco agreed, his trademark smirk back in place now that the world around him had stopped spinning. "Let's see if you say the same tomorrow when we go for a fly on my new broomstick.
Hermione blanched. "Draco…"
"Not backing out, are you?" Draco drawled slowly. "After all it was you who said we should spend more time together and share each others' interests. Which is the sole reason why I let you drag me to that dinner at Potter's tonight."
"Right," Hermione intoned.
"Good, then tomorrow we'll fly." Draco said, seemingly oblivious to Hermione's stricken face. "Do you know what a Wronski Feint is?
-5-
Stating the Obvious, by pokecharm
The day had been dragging and it was hardly noon. She looked around her office and for once found it impossible to concentrate. Her mind kept coming back to one thing, one person. She could no longer deny it; she was feeling something strange when it came to him. Without planning it, or even thinking it through, she grabbed her cloak and bag.
She rushed past her assistant, who stood aghast at her leaving work for any reason and headed to the main corridor at the Ministry of Magic. She Flooed out to a mansion and stood for a few moments, contemplating what to do. Across the sun-filled lawn she could see him. He had his cloak rustling in the wind and was talking animatedly to someone.
One of his employees spotted her and smiled, nodding. In a moment he turned, his grey eyes finding hers in an instant. He grinned and she felt herself flush. He excused himself and headed towards her, taking long easy strides.
He stopped in front of her, still smiling. ‘To what do I owe this pleasure?’
She pushed a tuft of her hair behind her ear and looked down. ‘I…uh, I just haven’t seen you in a few days.’
‘I know, I was out of town,’ he replied smartly.
She bit her lip nervously. Her mind was having trouble focusing on one coherent thought. She wanted to do something, but she didn’t know which urge to follow. She looked up at him, the wind blowing strongly. ‘How…’ She fumbled and said quietly, ‘I missed you.’
He smirked. ‘Something you want to tell me?’
She gave him a tired look. ‘You’re not going to make this easy, are you?’
‘Not in the least,’ he replied, grinning devilishly.
She slapped him lightly. ‘Don’t make that face, Draco, it’s unbecoming.’
‘And what am I becoming?’ he asked innocently.
‘Very important to me,’ she answered simply.
-6-
The Good Things, by inadaze22
On the day Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes had their grand opening in Hogsmeade, the joke shop was crowded with investors, townspeople, running children, and parents. It was a breeding ground for germs, chatter, laughter, disease… and Weasleys.
Draco shuddered, not knowing which was worse: playing nice with the Weasleys for the second time this week or being run into by countless, ill-mannered children. However, when a chubby redheaded boy tripped and landed on his feet, Draco quickly concluded that it was a tie. He waited until the boy got to his feet to grab him by the back of his robes.
“Stop. Running.”
The boy let loose with an ear-splitting scream that forced Draco let him go in favour of protecting his hearing. And what did the little savage do? He ran off!
“We really need to work on your people skills.”
“What?!”
“And your hearing abilities, too.”
Draco frowned, turned, and ended up doing a double take at the sight of his girlfriend sitting on a bench perched against the wall with a book covering her face. “What in the hell are you doing?”
Hermione’s sigh was wistful. “Dying and going to literature heaven.”
“Now? In the middle of all this? Seriously?!”
She shot him a look and closed her book with a snap. “Well, not anymore, since you’ve ruined my reverie!”
“Reverie?” Draco scoffed and shook his head. “Sometimes I worry about you.”
Unfazed by his attitude, Hermione rolled her eyes. “Haven’t you ever gotten lost in a good book? I mean, if you’re going to get lost, doing it in a good book is the best way to go. Definitely beats getting lost while travelling or lost like those people who were stuck on that island and killed off one by one….”
Draco could only shake his head. “I don’t know how I keep up with you. I barely understood a word you said.”
Hermione frowned. “Nobody appreciates the good things anymore.”
He looked at her seriously. “I do.”
She blushed momentarily and stood. “I’m-going to find a place where Mr. Darcy and I can properly reacquaint ourselves.”
“I think you two have spent more than enough time reacquainting, Granger.” He closed the distance between them, but held back his grimace when another child ran into the back of his legs.
Hermione’s laughter turned into a cough when he glared.
Despite the interruption, he continued smoothly, “I don’t like to share for too long, you know.” Draco plucked the book from her hand. “Think I can steal you away from all these people and Mr. Darcy for a few hours?”
She forced a sigh, but couldn’t keep her smile at bay. “I suppose it is rather busy in here, and Mr. Darcy is about to propose to Lizzie in a very inept way. I’d be willing to forgo that in favour of a few hours alone with you. What did you have in mind?”
Draco smiled wryly. “I think we can figure something out.”
Return to Main Page
Complete rules and procedures can be found on the main voting page. To summarize:
1. To submit your votes for this category, copy and paste the code below into a comment to this post (will be screened), or send it in an email to dramioneawards[at]gmail[dot]com. No anonymous comments allowed!
2. You must vote for your top THREE favorite fics, and rank them with your top favorite fic in the #1 position.
3. When casting your vote, please use the number assigned to the fic, rather than writing out the whole title.
CODE (6b):
6b - Best Dialogue in a Flash Fiction:
1. (TOP CHOICE)
2.
3.
Return to Main Page
Nominees:
-1-
A Simple Bargain, by dollfaced
“Okay, Granger. Fifty Galleons.”
Hermione rolled her eyes and, without even looking up, replied, “No. We’ve discussed this already. You know my price.”
“Your demand is unreasonable,” he whined.
“Well, considering you have no leverage and NEWTs are in a few days… take it or leave it.” She smiled up at him smugly.
Draco pointed his wand, ready to wipe that smile right off her face. She simply raised an eyebrow at his gesture.
Lowering his wand, he contemplated just how much Granger annoyed him, sitting there, leisurely reading her Arithmancy notes. Damn, he shouldn’t have skived off three classes in a row. Now he was truly at her mercy.
“You can get them from someone else,” she said with a chuckle.
He sneered. “Right, of the three that do take notes, Boot writes like a Healer, and Parvati, with those bloody hearts everywhere, did you know she fancies…”
Suddenly she was gone, taking her notes with her. He quickly followed her into the stacks.
“We’re not done.” He stood right behind her as she perused the books, not giving her much room to maneuver. Turning around, she didn’t even seem intimidated by him. Actually, she looked quite pleased with herself.
Gingerly running her fingers along the small stack of parchment, as if to taunt him, she said, “It’s so simple, Malfoy. I have what you want and all you have to do-“
“I know what you want!” He glared. “Granger, I can’t.” He did his best to look forlorn. Maybe, she’d have some pity on him. But her predatory grin dashed all hope he had of that.
“Say it,” she demanded.
“I hate you so much,” he growled.
“I know you do, that’s why I want to hear you say it.”
Her smile faded a little as he pushed closer. He brushed her hair away, allowing him better access to her ear. Draco wanted to make sure no one heard what he was about to say.
Pressing against her, he hesitated for a moment, his warm breath caressing her cheek. Finally, he gave in. “Granger, I need you.”
-2-
Beware Birds Bearing Notes of Death, by luvscharlie
Hermione wasn't sure how the owl found her. But, as she exited the tent, it called to her from its perch on a low branch and held out its leg to her. She removed the parchment attached.
I must see you.
That was all that the note said. A small key fell from it. She yawned and bent to retrieve it. The moment her hand closed round it, she felt a familiar tug behind her navel. She landed in a tangle of arms and legs somewhere deep in a forest. She scrambled for the wand in her pocket and was relieved to find it still there.
"I actually thought it would be more difficult than this."
She recognised the voice immediately-Malfoy-and went instantly on the defensive. "I just woke up you cheeky prat. Forgive me for not being on my best game."
"Be glad it was me. If the Dark Lord had sent you that bird, you'd be dead now."
Okay, he had a point-one she hated to concede-but a point, nonetheless. "I assume you didn't bring me out here to tell me to watch out for birds bearing notes of death." She noted the somber look that crossed his face.
"No. It wasn't supposed to be this way, you know? I've heard the stories for as long as I can remember. The Dark Lord will rise again, and we'll be ready to serve him, and all our dreams for this wizarding world will be realised. Just you wait, Draco, Father would say, just you wait. There will be riches beyond your wildest expectation. Our loyalty will be honoured above all others." He snorted in contempt. "Rubbish."
"You can still join us," she whispered. "It doesn't have to-"
"You're going to lose, Hermione. His power-it's growing faster than you can imagine. I've seen things-well, I've seen things I never hope to see again. But what chance do you have against a force that strong?"
"Is that why you brought me here?"
"I wanted to tell you to run away. To go as far and as fast as you can… before it's too late."
She noted the desperation in his voice. However misguided his deeds, they were well intentioned. "You came to save me?"
"For what little good it's done. I didn't think you'd listen. Too damned stubborn for your own good, that's what you are."
"Perhaps. But I believe in what we're fighting for. Can you say the same?"
He snorted at the ground in frustration. "I believe in surviving, Hermione. The Portkey will take you back."
She realised then, what he had risked by warning her. If his actions were discovered, he would be branded traitor and the punishment would most certainly be death. "Thank you," she whispered as he walked away.
He looked back over his shoulder. "Granger, one final piece of advice."
"Yes?"
"Beware of birds bearing notes of death."
Cheeky prat.
Fin.
-3-
He Said/She Said, by bookishwench
Blaise and Goyle were grinning much too widely as Draco sat down in their customary booth at the Leaky Cauldron.
“So? Do I need to pay Knott five galleons or have you kept your perfect record?” Blaise asked.
Draco dramatically paused, took a swallow of Fire Whiskey, then said, “Your gold’s safe.”
Goyle and Blaise gave loud whoops of masculine pride as they clapped Draco on the shoulder.
----
“Are you mental?” Ginny asked as they sat at their usual table at the Three Broomsticks. “What possessed you to go out with Draco?”
“He said please,” Hermione said, shrugging but barely hiding a coy smile.
Ginny’s jaw dropped.
“Seriously?” she said. “I didn’t know his mouth was capable of forming that series of sounds.”
----
“Did she actually beg?” Goyle said, snickering.
“A gentleman doesn’t tell,” Draco said, but his lecherous smirk told a different story.
“Thankfully, no one’s ever accused you of behaving like a gentleman,” Blaise said. “Details, if you please…”
----
“We went to a Muggle cinema and watched that new Disney film,” Hermione said.
“Draco took you to see Finding Nemo?” Ginny said, staring at Hermione in admiration. “Even with extremely good bribery I couldn’t get Harry to go to that. How’d you manage it?”
“It was his idea,” Hermione said, then added conspiratorially, “and he actually cried when Nemo finally got home.”
Ginny’s spit take was truly spectacular.
----
“Not a single character in the whole movie ever wore a stitch of clothing, and Granger was really into it,” Draco said smugly.
Goyle slugged Draco hard on the right arm, leaving a Quaffle-sized bruise on his bicep.
“Well done,” Blaise said, elegantly raising an impressed eyebrow.
“Yeah, it gave her loads of ideas for later,” Draco said, snickering wildly.
----
“A sushi bar?” Ginny said.
“The movie put the idea in my head, awful as that sounds,” Hermione said, “so I suggested dinner at Keiko’s Pagoda afterwards.”
“Draco ate raw fish?”
“Not really,” Hermione said. “He couldn’t quite get the hang of the chopsticks. After dropping his fifth hosomaki on the floor, he grabbed one off the plate, stuffed it in his mouth, and said he was done.”
----
“So how’d the night end?” Goyle asked.
“We Apparated to her flat, she gave me a quick tumble, and I went home for a shower and a cuppa before work,” Draco said.
----
“He completely missed you? Is that even possible?” Ginny said.
“When he went to kiss me, he fell down my front steps. Then he Apparated home in a huff. I’m not sure he’ll even want to go out again,” Hermione said sadly.
----
“Think you’ll bother with her again now you’ve got what you wanted?” Blaise asked.
“Hey! Don’t talk about her that way,” Draco said angrily. “It’s rude. And yes, I wouldn’t deny her the privilege of my company, and I know just the thing she’d like: a night of randy dancing.”
In Draco’s pocket sat two tickets to Swan Lake
-4-
Motion Sickness, by kalina_blue
"I hope you realise that if I die on this crazy bus, you'll never be able to find another wizard as charming, not to mention good in bed, as I am," Draco said, just as the Knight Bus swerved to the right, narrowly missing a set of townhouses.
"Draco, a flubberworm has more charm than you do," Hermione replied promptly.
Before Draco had the chance to protest against his girlfriend's rather unflattering assessment of his charisma, the bus made a particularly violent lurch forward, and Draco was knocked backwards onto the bed he was presently occupying.
"This is madness," he mumbled once he was able to sit up again. His skin had taken on a slightly green pallor.
"Are you alright?" Hermione asked, unsuccessfully trying to suppress a smile. She was clutching one of the bedposts so she wouldn't fall off the bed, but still looked decidedly more chipper than Draco.
His only answer was a mumbled string of curses, which Hermione wisely chose to overhear.
The Knight Bus suddenly jerked to a halt and a tiny witch in pink robes exited on shaky legs.
"Next stop, Malfoy Manor," Stan called from the front of the bus and they were off again.
"Thank Merlin," Draco exclaimed. "I can't believe Potter isn't connected to the Floo."
"He just wants his privacy," Hermione explained. "Besides, if you hadn't drunken so much Firewhiskey, we could have Apparated back."
"It's bad enough you objected me to an evening in the company of those imbeciles. Don't expect me to suffer through it sober," Draco replied, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"You're not going to throw up, are you?" Hermione asked apprehensively ignoring the jibe at her choice of friends.
Draco swallowed. "If I made it through the Weasel's nauseating account of how he proposed to that silly Lavender gal and not loose my dinner, I'm sure I can finish this ride without puking." He clutched the edge of the bed as the bus made a sharp turn to the left.
Another five minutes later, and Hermione and Draco stumbled out of the Knight Bus. While Hermione turned around to wish Stan a good night, Draco just stood there, gulping in the fresh air.
"Never again," he swore once the bus had vanished with a loud bang.
"Don't be such a baby," Hermione admonished. "It wasn't that bad."
"Sure," Draco agreed, his trademark smirk back in place now that the world around him had stopped spinning. "Let's see if you say the same tomorrow when we go for a fly on my new broomstick.
Hermione blanched. "Draco…"
"Not backing out, are you?" Draco drawled slowly. "After all it was you who said we should spend more time together and share each others' interests. Which is the sole reason why I let you drag me to that dinner at Potter's tonight."
"Right," Hermione intoned.
"Good, then tomorrow we'll fly." Draco said, seemingly oblivious to Hermione's stricken face. "Do you know what a Wronski Feint is?
-5-
Stating the Obvious, by pokecharm
The day had been dragging and it was hardly noon. She looked around her office and for once found it impossible to concentrate. Her mind kept coming back to one thing, one person. She could no longer deny it; she was feeling something strange when it came to him. Without planning it, or even thinking it through, she grabbed her cloak and bag.
She rushed past her assistant, who stood aghast at her leaving work for any reason and headed to the main corridor at the Ministry of Magic. She Flooed out to a mansion and stood for a few moments, contemplating what to do. Across the sun-filled lawn she could see him. He had his cloak rustling in the wind and was talking animatedly to someone.
One of his employees spotted her and smiled, nodding. In a moment he turned, his grey eyes finding hers in an instant. He grinned and she felt herself flush. He excused himself and headed towards her, taking long easy strides.
He stopped in front of her, still smiling. ‘To what do I owe this pleasure?’
She pushed a tuft of her hair behind her ear and looked down. ‘I…uh, I just haven’t seen you in a few days.’
‘I know, I was out of town,’ he replied smartly.
She bit her lip nervously. Her mind was having trouble focusing on one coherent thought. She wanted to do something, but she didn’t know which urge to follow. She looked up at him, the wind blowing strongly. ‘How…’ She fumbled and said quietly, ‘I missed you.’
He smirked. ‘Something you want to tell me?’
She gave him a tired look. ‘You’re not going to make this easy, are you?’
‘Not in the least,’ he replied, grinning devilishly.
She slapped him lightly. ‘Don’t make that face, Draco, it’s unbecoming.’
‘And what am I becoming?’ he asked innocently.
‘Very important to me,’ she answered simply.
-6-
The Good Things, by inadaze22
On the day Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes had their grand opening in Hogsmeade, the joke shop was crowded with investors, townspeople, running children, and parents. It was a breeding ground for germs, chatter, laughter, disease… and Weasleys.
Draco shuddered, not knowing which was worse: playing nice with the Weasleys for the second time this week or being run into by countless, ill-mannered children. However, when a chubby redheaded boy tripped and landed on his feet, Draco quickly concluded that it was a tie. He waited until the boy got to his feet to grab him by the back of his robes.
“Stop. Running.”
The boy let loose with an ear-splitting scream that forced Draco let him go in favour of protecting his hearing. And what did the little savage do? He ran off!
“We really need to work on your people skills.”
“What?!”
“And your hearing abilities, too.”
Draco frowned, turned, and ended up doing a double take at the sight of his girlfriend sitting on a bench perched against the wall with a book covering her face. “What in the hell are you doing?”
Hermione’s sigh was wistful. “Dying and going to literature heaven.”
“Now? In the middle of all this? Seriously?!”
She shot him a look and closed her book with a snap. “Well, not anymore, since you’ve ruined my reverie!”
“Reverie?” Draco scoffed and shook his head. “Sometimes I worry about you.”
Unfazed by his attitude, Hermione rolled her eyes. “Haven’t you ever gotten lost in a good book? I mean, if you’re going to get lost, doing it in a good book is the best way to go. Definitely beats getting lost while travelling or lost like those people who were stuck on that island and killed off one by one….”
Draco could only shake his head. “I don’t know how I keep up with you. I barely understood a word you said.”
Hermione frowned. “Nobody appreciates the good things anymore.”
He looked at her seriously. “I do.”
She blushed momentarily and stood. “I’m-going to find a place where Mr. Darcy and I can properly reacquaint ourselves.”
“I think you two have spent more than enough time reacquainting, Granger.” He closed the distance between them, but held back his grimace when another child ran into the back of his legs.
Hermione’s laughter turned into a cough when he glared.
Despite the interruption, he continued smoothly, “I don’t like to share for too long, you know.” Draco plucked the book from her hand. “Think I can steal you away from all these people and Mr. Darcy for a few hours?”
She forced a sigh, but couldn’t keep her smile at bay. “I suppose it is rather busy in here, and Mr. Darcy is about to propose to Lizzie in a very inept way. I’d be willing to forgo that in favour of a few hours alone with you. What did you have in mind?”
Draco smiled wryly. “I think we can figure something out.”
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