Hey lovelies! Not much in this chapter but it'll give you and idea of what the story is about. Thankyou to my lovely reviewers of the last Chapter, shaymars and CrunchyMunchers. I want to apologize as I go on Holiday on the 14th and will only return the following Tuesday! Please do not give up on this story:(.
Chapter Two.
The atmosphere in the Great Hall was as usual. The first years found great enjoyment chatting among themselves, overwhelmed by their surroundings. And as for the other years, they sat at their house tables and conversed about their summers. Harry and Ron were sat opposite each other next to Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnigan. On the other side they had saved two seats for Hermione and Ginny upon their arrival. Ginny seated herself next to her brother, and Hermione next to Harry, to avoid complications. They were graced with a beautiful buffet, which they ate, the boys a lot more than others, with content in their stomachs. Ginny picked at her food, she'd be pretty conscious of her figure lately, in fact most of the girls didn't eat as much as they usually did this year.
"Come on Ginny, you have to eat something," Hermione said, looking up to her best friend.
"I'd eat it if it was healthy!" She cried, picking at the sausages on her plate, "I've got to keep myself in shape for Quidditch."
Hermione sighed, and shook her head, laughing a little. She looked down the table at her old friends, Seamus cracking jokes as usual, Neville laughing awkwardly, Harry animatedly talking about what must of been a summer with the Dursleys, and Ron stuffing his face. She began to wonder what she ever saw in that boy, he was practically animal the way he ate, and table manners were a must to impress Hermione-
"Ouch!" Hermione moaned, as Ginny kicked her under the table.
Ginny nodded her head in the direction just above Hermione's shoulders, a smirk playing across her face.
"Don't make it obvious," she whispered, with a serious tone.
Hermione turned her head slightly, looking over in the direction Ginny had nodded at. Draco sat in the center of the Slytherin table, Blaise on his right, and Pansy throwing herself at him on his left. He didn't seem fazed by her though, and simply took a swig of his drink, never taking his eyes of Hermione's in the few seconds that passed. Blaise rubbed his chin, smiling like the cat who got the cream, looking just past Hermione, obviously to Ginny.
Hermione turned her head quickly, feeling her cheeks flush, and widened her eyes looking at the red-head in front of her. "What?!" Ginny spat, glaring at Blaise.
"Come off it Ginny," Hermione whispered, kicking her under the table, "We don't want to draw any more attention."
"Someone say something?" Ron turned to look at Ginny and Hermione.
The two girls shook their head in unison, trying to act as normal as possible.
"You girls are acting weird," Ron said through a mouth full of food.
Harry turned to look at Ginny and Hermione, nodding in agreement.
"We're acting weird?" Ginny started, but it was too late for Hermione to stop her, "You're to ones obsessing over the enemy. Sex on legs? Please!" She threw her head back and laughed.
"What?" Harry frowned, looking between Ginny and Hermione.
"Oh please, don't act so innocent. You know you've really stooped low this time. I mean, Pansy Parkinson, really?" Ginny raged, staring and Ron and Harry.
Ron practically spat out his sausage, choking on it, before taking a sip of his drink to calm himself down. Harry sat wide eyed, his mouth hitting the floor.
"Pansy- Parki- Parkinson!" Ron exclaimed, gasping through laughter.
"Deffinitely not," Harry stuttered, "She's just as slagish as always, the only thing that's changed about her this year is the shortness of her skirt, and the thickness of her skull!"
Ron curled over, still laughing heartily.
"I don't understand," Hermione cried, "Draco and Blaise told us-"
"Draco and Blaise?! Since when did you two start talking to them?" Ron said, becoming serious.
"Well, I wouldn't exactly call it talking-" Hermione began, before Dumbledore stood from his seat and silenced everyone.
Hermione could of died happy that night, knowing that she didn't have to explain herself just then, and by the relief in Ginny's sigh, she knew she felt the same way too.
"Students, Students, settle down please," Dumbledore's powering voice echoed. The noise died down and he continued, "Firstly, I would like to say welcome to our First Years, I'm sure your time here will be time well spent, and enjoyed. Secondly, we're happy to tell you that Hagrid will now regain his role as Care of Magical Creatures Professor." There was a roar of applause, apart from the Slytherin table who grimaced at the news. Hagrid looked practically teary eyed with pride.
"And lastly," Dumbledore called over the noise, "Could the following students please stay behind at the end of this gathering; Seamus Finnigan, Ron Weasely, Harry Potter, Katie Bell, Ginny Weasely, Fred Weasely, George Weasely, Blaise Zabini, Draco Malfoy, Marcus Flint, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle," He named the Gryffindor and Slytherin Quidditch teams as the students waited in apprehension, "And finally, Hermione Granger."
Hermione couldn't have looked more shocked, and apparently neither could her friends. They all stared at her in amazement for this was the first time she was called back from a Sorting Ceremony, and all she could do was simply shrug in confusion.
Dumbledore dismissed the Prefects, as they filed out their houses one by one to take to their common rooms. Hermione, Ginny, Harry, Ron and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team shuffled up to the front of the Hall, waiting for the Slytherin team to join them. Proffessor McGonagall, stood before them, as the teachers left to their offices and Dumbledore to his.
"Come along now, we don't have all night," she said, waving a hand for the Slytherins to hurry.
When they were all gathered, she clasped her hands together and began speaking,
"Do not be afraid, you are not in trouble. As you may or may not know, Quidditch this season will be very competitive. We are planning to have just under double the matches we had last year, to improve house participation. Our first match will be in 3 weeks time, and Slytherin and Gryffindor will be the first to play. So get training, and captains, organise a rota for your team. Everyone apart from Miss Granger, Mr Zabini and Mr Malfoy may leave."
There was a lot of mumbling as they students shifted away, and Ginny grasped Hermione's wrist, and whispered she would wait outside for her. Hermione nodded and when all was quiet, looked up to Professor McGonagall.
"I'm sorry to inform you," Mrs McGonagall began, "That according to the minister, basic flying abilities has now been added to the O.W.L curriculum, leaving you no longer top of the year, Miss Granger." Hermione's jaw practically hit the floor. She heard Blaise snort, and shot him a stern look. "We do however, have a willing tutor. Mr Malfoy has come forward and volunteered to teach you. I suggest you take this offer."
She didn't believe this news could get any worse, but apparently it could. Hermione dared to look up at Malfoy, who was grinning at her like a Cheshire cat, before turning away in pure disgust.
"Mr Zabini," Professor McGonagall addressed him, "As Mr Malfoy is captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team, you will be filling in for him if he cannot make it to training, or in any circumstance where it may be necessary."
Blaise nodded in response.
"You may go to your dormitories," She ordered, before leaving swiftly, as Hermione stood next to Draco and Blaise.
"Surprise, mudblood," Draco whispered, laughing and elbowing Blaise in the rib lightly.
Hermione turned on her heel and hurried out of the Great Hall, desperate to find Ginny.
"See you at six tomorrow morning, Granger," Draco called after Hermione, as she turned the corner to find Ginny filing her nails.
"Anything interesting?" Ginny inquired, looking up from her nails, smiling brightly.
"If you call learning to fly every day of the week with Draco Malfoy interesting, then yes," Hermione panted, as they hurried down the corridor to their common room.
"You cannot be serious!" Ginny cried, flinging her arms in the air.
"I wish I wasn't, oh and Blaise is filling in for captain when Draco is away," Hermione added looking at Ginny.
They approached the fat lady, "Fortuna Major," , and then raced through the common room, up to their Girl's dorms and collapsed onto Ginny's bed together.
They lay there for a while, just wondering what more surprises this year had in stall for them, before Ginny's voice broke the silence.
"You know what this means, don't you?" Ginny asked.
"How can it possibly mean anything more than despair?" moaned Hermione.
Ginny sat up, turning to face Hermione.
"Well, isn't it obvious?" Ginny cried, and when Hermione said nothing, she continued, "With Draco gone for most of training, we have a better chance of beating Slytherin, you get to find out inside information on their game, and I can easily distract Blaise when it counts now what he's temporary Captain. Besides, now that you're in with Malfoy, you'll be able to see the the anger on Ron's face," she explained like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Hermione sat up and rolled her eyes at Ginny. "That all may be very beneficial, but you're not the one experiencing it!"
Ginny lay down in a huff, folding her arms and staring at the ceiling, something she often did when she was thinking. Finally, she spoke.
"Why would Malfoy, the most slimy git that walked the earth, want to help you to regain your place at the top of the year, when he could take all the victory for himself?"
Now that she'd mentioned it, Hermione couldn't help but agree. Why was Malfoy trying to help her? Since their first year they were practically neck and neck in achievements, but Hermione always won in the end. Wouldn't he be glad to see her fail?
"I don't know, Gin," Hermione sighed, getting up off the bed and going to sit on her own, "Todays been a busy day, I think we both need some rest."
Hermione was awoke the next morning by a scratching at the window beside her bed. Though her eyes were heavy, she forced them open and squinted into the morning sunlight, to see a stern looking owl hovering behind the pane of glass. She went to open the window, and in swooped the owl, resting gently on the window sill. He dropped a note onto the side, and then flew away again. Hermione took the note gently in her hands, frowning curiously, before flipping it over and reading what it said on the back.
Rise and shine mudblood, training starts now.
Meet me at the Quidditch pitch in half an hour.
Draco.
Throwing the note aside, Hermione sat on her bed, her head in her hands. She really wasn't looking forward to this lesson, or the possible hundred to come. Do grades really matter that much? She thought to herself. Yes Hermione you have to do this! She battled with her mind, before getting up, grabbing some clothes, taking a shower, and leaving the Gryffindor common room in silence, remembering to take her wand. It was really hot outside, and Hermione found herself getting rather hot as she stormed through the grounds, throwing off her robes and carrying them over her shoulder. When she finally reached the Quidditch Pitch, she threw her cloak on the floor and sat on the grass waiting for Draco.
"Good to see you're early Granger, keep it up," Draco said, as he stormed past her, carrying his broom and another one.
He threw them both on the floor, and then stood in front of Hermione.
"Get up then!" He cried, folding his arms.
"Look, Malfoy," Hermione began, getting up, "I'm certain I don't want to be here more than you do, more probably, so lets just get this over with."
Draco laughed, before looking at her seriously.
"I'm the teacher in this lesson, and you do as I say. Understand?"
"Whatever."
Draco sighed, standing next to his broom, Hermione following suit.
"Call your broom, Granger," He ordered, as his broom shot up into his hand.
Hermione panicked. She'd never been able to call her broom, never mind riding it. Flying really, really, wasn't her thing. First years could fly better than her!
"I can't," she mumbled.
"What was that?"
"I can't! Okay? Get used to it because this could take a while," she cried.
"Okay, fuck it. Use my broom," Draco sighed, stepping away from his Firebolt.
Hermione stood next to the levitating broom, shielding the sun out her eyes using her hands.
"Well?" Draco said, gesturing to the broom.
"Well what?" Hermione spat.
"Get on the fucking broom!" He cried, as if it would come naturally.
"I can't, I'm wearing a skirt-"
"I don't give a shit Granger, get on or I'll walk out of this pitch and not come back."
Hermione rolled her eyes, and sighed so Draco heard. She hitched her skirt a little higher and swung a leg over to the other side of the broom.
"Looking good, Granger," Draco said laughing to himself. "Now grip it tightly."
Hermione moved her hands further up the broom, securing a firm grip.
"Not too tight," Draco cautioned, "Gentler, more loving, it won't flow if you're too rough," he purred, winking at the end.
Hermione was hating this already, but decided to count to ten in her mind to relax.
"Is this right?" Hermione sighed.
"Looks great from here," Draco said, eyeing her body up and down, "If I knew you'd look this good on a broomstick, I would've had you riding mine a lot earlier."
Hermione drew in a deep breath, as she listened to Malfoy purring his innuendos.
"Are you sure you're a broomstick virgin?" Draco laughed.
"Can we just get on with it Malfoy!" Hermione spat, impatiently.
"You know, I think that's enough for today," He said between gasps for breath due to laughing.
Hermione got off the broom and threw it on the floor, picking up her cloak angrily.
"I've got Quidditch training tomorrow, and the day after, so this week and the next two will be on and off teaching," Draco said, walking up to the castle with Hermione. Well, rather she paced ahead and he enjoyed the view from the back.
"Please, do take as much time off as you like, don't mind me, really," Hermione called as they reached the steps to the entrance, relieved she would get away from Draco after their third week of Flying lessons.
"Look, Granger, if we win the match this week, we'll be having an after party. Gryffindors probably won't come, but sometimes the odd Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff turn up. I'll be expecting you, and invite the Weasel. She seems daring and will probably liven the party," Malfoy bragged
"Don't get your hopes up Malfoy," she said as they entered the school, "Bye Ferret."
Hermione walked in the other direction up the stairs, rushing to the Gryffindor common room.
Once inside, Hermione went straight to her dorm, collapsing on her bed in a heap. Shortly, Ginny followed her in, sitting on the bed next to her.
"How was training?" Ginny sighed, patting Hermione's back.
"Shit, and that's coming from me," Hermione complained, sitting up next to Ginny as the two girls chatted.
"Draco said something about a party this week if they win the match, and told me to invite you. As if," Hermione laughed, looking over to Ginny.
"You know, that's big coming from someone who knows they're going to get beat. But hey, why not."
Hermione glared at Ginny who was smiling to herself. Ginny really did have a change of heart this year, any other year she would've been in her room beating up her pillow for not winning. Now she wanted to go to the enemies after party?
"Ginny.." Hermione stuttered, "No!"
"Oh shove over Hermione," Ginny laughed, pushing her gently, "We're having fun, remember?"
And so it was settled. Hermione prayed that night that they would win the game that week, she even tried to convince herself there was no way they could loose, but there was no hope. Slytherin was a good team, and with Malfoy playing again, Gryffindor didn't stand much more of a chance than with any other team.
A/N: God DAMN! I really cannot think of a song to go with this chapter, so many different feelings. Please suggest in the reviews!:( Here's a temporary one;
Blood Sweat and Tears - Paloma Faith
You tell me I'm a handful,
But believe me I know,
My worst audience is my mirror,
I put on quite a show,
Don't think you're perfect either,
But I love you anyway,
It takes two imperfect people,
To dance a sweet ballet,
Oh if you lost your way,
And it drove you crazy,
You would still have me, we work together you see,
Blood sweat and tears, blood sweat and tears,
I know sometimes it will hurt,
And you wanna hate me,
But we can conquer the world, leave our footprints on earth,
We'll put in blood sweat and tears, blood sweat and tears,
I know it will never be easy,
We'll become raddled, and drown in our own sorrow,
But I know that it all will be worth it,
If you don't believe then I'll be shouting,
No, no, no!
You think that you're my shadow,
But you're glittering like gold,
And when I take my mask off,
It's you I want to hold,
I thank you for your patience,
But I am patient too,
I will hold you up when you fall down,
Even if you say I'm rude,
Oh if you lost your way,
And it drove you crazy,
You would still have me, we work together you see,
Blood sweat and tears, blood sweat and tears,
I know sometimes it will hurt,
And you wanna hate me,
But we can conquer the world, leave our footprints on earth,
We'll put in blood sweat and tears, blood sweat and tears,
I know it will never be easy,
We'll become raddled, and drown in our own sorrow,
But I know that it all will be worth it,
If you don't believe then I'll be shouting,
No, no, no!
Oh if you lost your way,
And it drove you crazy,
You would still have me, we work together you see,
Blood sweat and tears, blood sweat and tears,
Oh if you lost your way,
And it drove you crazy,
You would still have me, we work together you see,
Blood sweat and tears, blood sweat and tears,
I know sometimes it will hurt,
And you wanna hate me,
But we can conquer the world, leave our footprints on earth,
We'll put in blood sweat and tears, blood sweat and tears,
