Friends and Bets

A/N: Just a warning, it's almost over. One, two more parts at the most. :-)

*****

Graduation is fast approaching. Just a few more weeks. I'm studying in a dark corner of the common room right now. Trying to study, anyway. I'm getting no where, because, as usual, my mind keeps wandering over to Harry Potter. Damn him. I randomly scribble his name on a piece of scrap paper.

"So that's who you like." I look up to find Pansy looking over me. Wonderful.

"If you say a word to anyone, I'll hex you into next Tuesday," I threaten, but none too forcefully. Soon I'll be out of this pit, and It won't matter.

"No can do, Draco. I have five galleons riding on this." She sat down in an empty chair beside me. "Eloise Midgeon said it was Professor Flitwick." She laughed.

"You were *betting* on me?" God, I can't believe this. This just gets worse. And worse and worse.

She shrugged. "You're big talk in all social circles these days. Especially among the girls. Poor, poor Blaise. She was certain you were going to ask her out, then all of this came into light. I don't mind. I mean, I knew there had to be a reason that you dumped me."

I laughed, if not a little bitterly. "Maybe you're what turned me off of women."

"You're a real arse, you know that?"

"I know."

"I could be your friend you know, but you're just too rude." She starts to get up and I wonder if I should stop her or not. "And in case you haven't noticed, you could use a few."

I let her walk away.