Episode Fifty Three
While Graves was back in her life on a more regular basis Harry felt the wicked pangs of jealousy. He gave Graves the "fatty-stink eye" or "hairy eye-ball" on more than one occasion and was less than successful at communicating politely with him. Gwen dismissed it for exactly what it was: envy. Plain and ugly envy that was not Harry's usual style.
If she wanted to explore polyamoury she had picked the two lousiest candidates in the world. While Corwin tried to be the graceful gentleman, more than willing to let his lady love go, Harry's posturing threatened to break his patience. He was bordering on telling the great Harry Potter exactly what he thought of him.
After a rather restrained dinner and several games of wizard's chess in which Graves used several new cusses she would have to remember for use on Malfoy only, Gwen yawned rather loudly. It was definitely time for bed. The boys weren't taking the hint. They were setting up the pieces again.
"I can beat you this time." Harry said.
"I doubt that Potter. You're grasp of the game is rather mediocre." Graves intoned.
Harry raised a defiant eyebrow. "Is that a challenge? You want to make a bet on that?"
"50 galleons." The older boy said, staring his opponent down.
"Deal."
Gwen couldn't take this anymore. "Will you two grow up?"
"What?" Graves asked defensively. He knew what he'd done wrong, but he wasn't about to admit it.
"This childish behavior. I'm not impressed."
Harry looked at her, frustration leaking from every pore. "We're just playing chess. It gets competitive."
"Oh fine." She said, throwing up her hands. "Then play on, I'm going to bed."
With that she strode from the hall, leaving both boys to return to their deadly stares.
"Do you really want to play this out?" Harry asked.
"Are you talking about the game, or are you talking about her?"
"She's not a game."
"The one thing we agree upon." Graves said shrewdly. He stood. "I should get going, it's late."
Harry nodded. Graves nodded. Neither wanted to say more, so they both marched out of the hall, one taking the stairs, the other taking the main doors.
