Flatteries

Spoilers- Up to Order of the Phoenix
Disclaimer- Characters and settings are property of the lovely Ms Rowling; I'm just playing with them while waiting for the next book to be released.
Note- Strange ideas like these seem to be at home in my brain.
Note2- For those of you who might not remember, Sir Cadogan is the painting that took the place of the Fat Lady when Sirius slashed her canvas.
xxx

"Aww, come on, Hermione."

"No, Ron. You've known about the essay for two weeks now. It's not my fault you left it to the last minute again."

Ron huffed. "It's not like I'm asking you to write it for me. I just want you to check over it. It's already written, but I had Quidditch practice last night."

Hermione rolled her eyes. She opened her mouth.

"Ah!" Ron pointed a finger at her. "Not a word! You promised to lay off about Quidditch when Harry was made captain. And we've been getting all our work done haven't we?"

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest. "Just," she admitted reluctantly.

Ron grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop in the middle of the empty corridor. "Hermione, please?"

"Ron…" He was using the puppy dog eyes again. It wasn't fair! No one could resist that look.

He smiled charmingly at her. "We're almost finished our patrol and you know that you don't need to read Hogwarts: A History for the five hundredth time. Please, Hermione."

"Ah, fair lady. Does this knave attempt to pressure you? Shall I challenge him to a duel for your honour?"

The short, squat knight, Sir Cadogan, had ridden his fat, dapple-gray pony into a nearby picture of a lush paddock. The pony bent it's head down to munch on the grass, nearly sending Sir Cadogan toppling forward. He slid out of the saddle, landing in a crash of armour.

Ron's ears went red. "Duel? Honour? But I wasn't- It wasn't-"

"Ron was just asking me to look over his homework, Sir Cadogan. Nothing more." Hermione's cheeks were stained pink.

Sir Cadogan looked suspiciously at Ron. "Very well, my lady. But it would be no trouble. If not this one then perhaps the black-haired rogue who stares at you in such an unseemly manner?"

"What black-haired rogue?" Ron demanded hotly, the red from his ears spreading across his face and neck.

"No one, Ron. It's fine, honestly." But the darting of Hermione's eyes told otherwise.

"Is he not the one who shares the title of Head with you, dear lady?"

"Blaise! Head Boy Blaise! Slytherin Blaise!" The red on Ron's face darkened. "Hermione, why didn't you say anything?"

"Why? Because I knew you would react like this, that's why! It was nothing. He just made me feel a little uneasy. It was simple enough to organize to have patrol with you."

Ron scowled. "You still should have said something. You can't let him get away with this. It's harassment!"

Hermione exhaled nosily. "Honestly, Ron. You're being silly. Blaise didn't do anything. I was just a feeling. Promise me you won't do anything stupid like confront him."

Ron looked at the ground and mumbled something under his breath.

"Ron, promise me!" Her voice was sharp.

"Fine! I don't like it, but fine, I promise."

"Thank you." Hermione laid a hand on his arm.

Sir Cadogan let out a little cough. They both looked away from each other and Hermione dropped her hand.

"I'm sorry, Sir Cadogan, but we really should finish our patrol."

Sir Cadogan nodded. "Very well, I shall rest here a while if you have need of me. My noble stead requires rest and nourishment."

The pony snorted.

"If I may say, Lady Hermione, oft have I heard of your great cunning and intelligence but rarely do they mention your gentle beauty. And every day it doth come more pronounced. If you ever require assistance you need only ask and I am your humble servant."

Hermione blushed. "Oh. I- Thank you. I shall keep that in mind."

Ron glared at the knight. "Right, yeah. Come on, Hermione. Patrols to finish; books to read. Don't want to keep Harry waiting." He grabbed her arm and started tugging her down the corridor.

"Goodbye, Sir Cadogan. It was nice seeing you again." Hermione called out as she allowed herself to be tugged along.

Sir Cadogan waved enthusiastically at her Hermione disappeared from sight.

The sound of her voice floated back. "Ron, honestly. Do you have to be so rude? He was only trying to be nice-"

Sir Cadogan chuckled to himself.

"Are they gone?"

Sir Cadogan whirled around, half drawing his sword and tripping over for his troubles. His visor fell shut with a loud clang. "Who goes there?"

There was a light, airy giggle. "Oh, Sir Cadogan. Surely you haven't forgotten our meeting?"

"My Lady! How could I forget when my entire existence derives meaning from them?" He struggled to his feet and pushed up his visor. Before him stood a petite blonde woman with long, flowing hair to match her long, flowing yellow dress and robes.

Sir Cadogan sighed. "My Lady, you are a vision of loveliness."

The Lady giggled. "You are a flatterer, sir."

Sir Cadogan took one of her hands in his. "I speak but the truth, dear Lady."

She giggled again. "You were speaking with Lady Hermione and Sir Ron of Gryffindor?"

"While waiting for you, my dear Lady."

A playful light entered the Lady's blue eyes. "How goes their courtship? Have they acknowledged the feelings between them?"

Sir Cadogan smiled. "Alas, not yet. But not to fear, my Lady. It shall not be long. See how he rallies to her aid in the manner worthy of any knight defending his lady."

"So our investment shall not be for nought."

"Our investment is sound. It shall be before graduation." Sir Cadogan smiled gently. "Now come, my Lady. Our time together is far too rare and precious to remain speaking of the courtship of others. Shall we ride?"

The Lady walked towards the placid pony. "Oh, Sir Cadogan! Thy silver tongue does thee a great service!"

xxx

End.