Am I Doing This Right?

“Did you know that the tracks made by our races have been interpreted by Muggles as evidence of extraterrestrial life?” Hermione said as Draco pulled out of his charms box.

“Like tentacle monsters from Mars?”

Hermione smiled at his tone, warm with amusement and the hint of disbelief. “The very same. We’re making crop circles, and the American Muggle media has a field day with them.”

He hesitated for a breath. “Hermione, are you making a pun?”

The accusation clicked, and Hermione threw her head back, letting out a too-loud, “Ha!” Draco’s line on her clipboard juddered in response. “I suppose I am. That was clever, wasn’t it?”

“Don’t give yourself too much credit,” he grumbled. “What’s got you into such a cheery mood, anyway? Good visit with your parents?” Draco’s voice picked up an edge, like he knew that a brief visit with her parents was the least exciting part of her summer break.

Her smile faded. She couldn’t tell Draco about Bulgaria. Not before a race, maybe not even before the end of the season. The last thing she needed was him getting distracted, losing focus, or flying angry. And while she didn’t like keeping a secret from him, him needling her about it was hardly fair.

“Draco…” The comms unit caught every nuance of her exasperation. “This isn’t the best time.”

“If not on track, and not later in my room, then when?”

“Maybe when we’re not at work?”

Draco’s hands tightened along the handle, causing a brief judder around the penultimate lake before he started the climb back to the starting line.

“What was that? My data showed—”

“I know exactly what it showed,” he said. “When are we not at work? We practically live in the shed. I spend more time atop a broom than I do in my own bloody bed. Though I’m hoping you’ll help me change that.”

She huffed, half outrage, half frustration. “Yes, but we agreed—”

“We agreed to be discreet,” he said, “but I don’t recall us laying out any specific rules of engagement last week. I think you were too busy enjoying my fingers on your—”

“Draco! Stop being so… difficult.”