Detention

"This is all your fault, Weasley."

Ron looked up from the bucket of dragon dung and scowled at the boy across the table.

"My fault?" he cried indignantly. "You bloody started it, Malfoy."

"I most certainly did not. A Malfoy never starts a simple exchange of curses like that. We are devious and cunning. We'd start something worse."

Ron glared. "You're the one who insulted my family, Ferret Boy."

Malfoy opened his mouth to retort but was cut off by an annoyed a third person.

"Oh honestly, can't you two just shut up so we can get these plants sorted? I'd like to be out of here before the library closes."

Malfoy sneered. "Yes, wouldn't want the Mudblood to be away from books for too long."

Ron jumped up. "You take that back, you slimy git."

Hermione quickly stood up and grabbed his left arm while Harry grabbed his right. "Ron, mate. Calm down. We can't get into a fight in detention."

"It doesn't matter, Ron. Let it go," Hermione reassured.

Malfoy just stood there and smirked.

Ron growled but relaxed his posture. "Fine, but only because we're already here. I'm not going to let you off so easy next time, Malfoy."

"I look forward to it, Weasel. It's not like you've ever done anything to me before. I'm starting to think you're just having me on with all these threats."

Ron grumbled and went back to shovelling dragon dung into the pots that Harry passed him, before Hermione planted the leaping toadstools.

"One of these days, Malfoy. One of these days," he grumbled under his breath.

The rest of detention passed by without incident and soon the trio was walking back from the greenhouses, watching Malfoy's black robes flutter behind him as he stormed back up to the castle.

"You know, as much as I hate to say it, Ron," Hermione began, "Malfoy's right. It was your fault."

Ron whirled to face her. "I can't believe you. This wasn't my fault. It was all him. Him and that bloody mouth of his."

"Don't swear, Ron, and it was your miscast curse that put Crabbe and Goyle in the Hospital Wing," she argued logically.

Ron looked over her shoulder at his other best friend. "Back me up here, Harry."

Harry shook his head. "This is one fight I'm going to stay out of, thanks."

Ron shot him a complimentary glare as well, before turning his attention back to Hermione. "I don't care what you say. I am completely blameless in this. Malfoy is the one you should be telling off."

With that he turned and began walking grumpily up to the front doors of the school. He heard Hermione's voice call to him.

"How do explain Crabbe and Goyle then?"

He turned his head partially over his shoulder, still walking, and called back, "I swear the evil attack caterpillars were not my fault!"