"Yeah, and too bad you didn't know he was only chasing after you because of a stupid bet."

"What the hell is wrong with you, Weasel? Hermione, I--,"

No one could honestly say that they had seen Ronald Weasley this smug. It wasn't a look that suited him, Hermione thought. Though certainly, the news that Draco had pursued and eventually begun a relationship with her based on a wager was unexpected, if true.

Hermione was nothing if not thorough with information.

"What do you mean, Ron?"

"Huh?" He shook himself out of silent gloating to look back at his best friend. "Oh, the bet!" He jerked his thumb towards Draco. "Turns out that Malfoy bet Zabini that he could shag you by the end of the year."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Ron, don't be coarse."

"But it's true! I heard them talking in the corridor!"

"Eavesdropping, Weasley?" Draco asked dryly. Ron, in appropriate fashion, colored at the ears and narrowed his eyes.

The girl between them rubbed at her temples, willing her headache to go away and very nearly catching her fingers in her curly brown hair. Without looking up, she asked in a no-nonsense voice, "Is that true, Draco?"

She didn't see his eyes shift, but heard instead the quiet explanation, "Hermione, it wasn't like that. I didn't know you, but if I could take it back--,"

"Ron." Hermione looked up at him. "Would you mind leaving us alone? I think Draco and I have something to discuss."

"Sure, 'Mione," Ron said, trying very hard not to grin. He turned around with a chuckle bubbling in his stomach. This would be great. Hermione would be a bit broken up, of course, but she would be back to hanging around with himself and Harry again. No more secrecy, no more "I'm busy tonight," just the Trio, back together again.

He almost had an attack of conscience when he decided to turn the corner and wait, perfectly silent, to hear the blowout argument. But no, it was too perfect. He just couldn't help it.

"So, Draco…" It was Hermione. "What exactly happened? And I want the truth. No pussyfooting around."

"It was at the beginning of the year, and Blaise bet a thousand galleons that I wouldn't be able to get you into bed. But that was before anything happened with us!"

"I can't believe you would do something like that! Not telling me?! What were you thinking?"

"I'm sorry, I—,"

"I mean you would have won so much sooner! And when does he pay you? I mean, technically I earned it too, the least you could do is take me out to dinner."

Huh?

"You mean—," Malfoy cleared his throat, changing his tone from emotional and scratchy to smooth and inquisitive, "You mean you're not angry?"

"Draco…" Ron's eyes shot wide open. That was not a tone he'd ever heard Hermione use. It sounded… sultry?

Unable to stand it any longer, Ron peeped his head around the corner. Sure enough, there was good ol' Hermione snogging Malfoy in the middle of the hall in a way that was bordering on pornographic.

Were his wits nearby, he would have felt like a voyeur. As it was, only shock registered until the couple finally broke apart.

"Though that's not to say I'm not angry," Hermione continued softly. "I suppose I should send Zabini a thank-you card." She pulled Malfoy's belt towards her and backed towards the entrance of the Heads' Chambers. "Or…"

"Or?" Malfoy's smirk didn't look like it would ever come off.

"Or, I could ask him for the same deal. Seems fair enough, if you ask me." She winked. "Don't worry, I'll tell you first. Oh, and Ron!" He ducked back behind the corner, but apparently not soon enough. "Your hair is quite distinctive, you know. You should wear hats while eavesdropping—not everyone is as oblivious as Draco."

He listened for the sound of the chamber door closing before looking around again. By the looks of things, the Trio reunion would have to wait—Hermione would be busy all night.