Title: The Match

Author: Bell Pie <toggledog@yahoo.com>

Rating: PG- mild sexual situations as it goes on.

Pairings: Harry/Draco, Ron/Hermione.

Author’s Notes: Ron’s POV. The gang are twenty. This was my first ever Harry Potter fic. Just thought I’d post this as a break to my oh so depressing ‘Rumours’. This fic is already written and only will go for about three or four chapters. Enjoy! J

That was Ron Weasley’s first thought as he passed the extravagant, house sized garage.

What would anyone do with two hundred cars?

As they had passed the glass walled enclosure, he and Hermione had counted the various automobiles, all lined up according to make, colour and size.

Most looked very similar to muggle makes. Ron was sure that it was a coincidence. Malfoy wouldn’t dare buy a muggle car. Indeed, Ron was well aware that if he even mentioned the similarity, Malfoy would launch into a tirade.

Which wasn’t unusual.

"Ron!" Hermione gripped his arm. Look at this one."

"What one?" Ron tried to follow her pointing arm.

"The one on the green box."

Ron finally spotted the vehicle, hidden behind a giant jeep. One of the most pronounced oddities he had ever seen, it appeared to be a giant stag/car hybrid. The proud animal looked to them with large brown eyes, before lifting up one of its legs to lick the wheels that made up the feet and ankles. Ron and Hermione watched in amazement as its tongue polished the silver to a high shine. It suddenly drew back and sneezed violently. It’s colossal side popped open to reveal a cushioned interior, done up in Gryffindor colours. The stag neighed softly and twisted its head to push its side closed with its nose.

"That must be Harry’s." Ron said.

"Ron." Hermione smiled sweetly. "Do you really think that Harry would go out and buy a stag car?"

"What exactly are you saying?" Ron frowned at the stag now licking its second wheel.

"I’m saying that I think this may be a present for Harry from Malfoy."

This was too hideous an idea to contemplate.

"I don’t think so, Herm. No, that makes no sense at all."

The fact that Harry was living with the intolerable git was horror enough for Ron. He didn’t want to contemplate the idea of what was, in his own mind, Draco trying to buy Harry.

"I think it’s a beautiful guesture."

Ron simply grunted.

The garden consisted of rows and rows of multi-coloured flower beds, intercut with blue grass. The formality of the scenery was very much reminiscent of the garage, the flowers and plants organized according to colour and size. Ron noted that not a single gnome could be seen amongst the blooming foliage. The pair followed the winding path to the heavy oak brown door. Before either could knock, it opened to the sneering face of Draco Malfoy. For about the thousandth time in the past four years, Ron wondered what Harry saw in him.

He had contemplated it from so many angles and couldn’t come up with a sufficient answer. Sure, Ron was pained to admit he was good looking, but he knew that wasn’t the top of Harry’s priorities. He had a certain grace and wit, but, again that didn’t tally with what Ron knew of Harry and what he wanted. To Ron, Draco’s flaws more than outshone his benefits.

"So, did you come here from the rubbish tip you call your house? I hope you scrubbed all that muck off you, weasel. I don’t want you trudging your dirt through my house."

"Hello, Draco."

"Hello Draco." Hermione smiled.

"Hermione." Draco nodded but didn’t lose the sneer. He turned his attention back to Ron, smiling a little.

He’s having fun, Ron fumed.

"Are you going to let us in, Malfoy, or what?" Ron couldn’t hide the edge to his voice.

"Now, now, Ron. Don’t get so upset. I’m sure Hermione doesn’t like it when your skin takes on even redder hue."

"Let us in!" The breeze rolling off the ocean nearby had a rather chilling bite to it that cut through their thick jackets and scarves. Ron noted that Draco was wearing thin summer robes.

"Yes, I guess it is pretty cold out there. Shame, because it’s toasty in here."

"Then let us in." Hermione said.

"So, I hear Longbottom’s married your sister, weasel." Draco ignored the bushy haired girl. "Let’s just hope they don’t sprout little redheaded Longbottoms. I think it will put back-"

"Draco!"

The pale boy jumped, his face instantly registering a guilty look.

tbc…