2. Green Apples

It took quite a good measure to surprise the brains of the Golden Trio, Hermione Granger and there was no exception on this day. However, if anyone could have surprised her, it was bound to be Head boy: Draco Malfoy. Perched on a stool in the kitchen, facing away from the front door was the pale haired boy. Dropping her bag on the lounge-chase facing the hearth, Hermione studied his broad shoulders and finely muscled back. When he had not automatically turn around to see her enter or make a comment about her messy appearance; she simply figured it was because he was still giving her the silent treatment due to their row over who had watchman duties that very eventide. As she stepped more firmly into the room and walked towards him; he did not even lift his head or shift in the slightest. That, roused her suspicion and moving behind him, she peered over his shoulder and froze.
Settled in neat rows of five were at least thirty green apples on the table top. Shaking her head, she rolled her eyes, watching him re-arrange them into rows of three, then rows of ten. Strange. Very strange.
"What in Merlin's name are you doing, Malfoy?" she muttered and watched as he didn't even falter in his task.
"If you must know Granger, I'm making a field plan for the up-coming match against your house" he retorted, his brow burrowing in deep concentration. Realization clicked in. She had forgotten all about the Qudditch match. No wonder he was so tense and snappy. She had quickly taken note, that when Malfoy had a game, he was at his crankiest. No wonder they had gotten into such a row that very morning. Sure, they argued and bickered like two spitting cats tied together, but having lived together for so long now; they had adjusted and become accustomed to each other and their unique habits and quirks. One of Malfoy's biggest was his passion for Qudditch. Hermione recognized his drive and dedication; it was the exact drive she had for school and the thirst for knowledge. She also knew that more than anything he wanted to win. For once, beat her house in a match.
She had long ago stopped attending the matches involving Slytherins and Gryffindors; not sure what side she was on. Having witnessed Malfoy's relentless determination and later his heartbreaking disappointment and anger; she wanted him to win. Just once. That alone had caused her to flee-every time-at the mention of a match between their houses. She couldn't take it; seeing him work so hard just to get let down. That however, was the partial cause for her missing attendance at such matches; the broader reason being herself and what she might or might not do. It was one thing to secretly cheer for one house but another completely to out oneself and have her two closest and best of friends-who were on the opposing side-find out. It would be chaos indeed if she were to be there, see Malfoy come close to catching the snitch, cheer him on and have her whole house brand her as a traitor. No, it was better that she retreated to the library and watch from the large window facing the Qudditch field. She was safe there and her secret was secure and well-kept to herself.
And then it hit her. Maybe if she gave him a little push in the right direction, his obsession would subside. Besides, it would give Harry and Ron a good and well-deserved awakening. They were becoming too relaxed and arrogant and this was for their own good. Nodding her head at that, she leaned over him and reached out for an apple. She couldn't help but notice that although she didn't quite touch him; his warmth was searing enough to reach her from where she was and she shouldn't even think about his scent. It simply wasn't fair that a boy of such masculinity could smell as good and divine as he did in fresh scented soap and light but intoxicating cologne. Before he could protest in her earlier movements or stop her however, she spoke.
"I swear Malfoy, if you hurt anyone because of this, I'll hex you into the next millenium!" When he only cocked a brow at her, she sighed and looked at him squarely.
"I'm only going to do this just this once. It's tiring watching you sulk like an eight year old every time you lose. Now listen carefully-"
"I'd say Granger, if I didn't know better, that you're helping me" his voice was teasing and amused.
"Do you want my help or not?" Signaling for her to proceed, he leaned back into his seat and folded his arms; not even budging as she rested a hand on his shoulder to steady herself as she rearranged the apples. It was a long hour and a half later when they were finished; all the key points that needed covering fully worn out. He now had a well initiated plan to win and grinning a pleased grin, he looked up at her. She was still close and her scent had mingled into the atmosphere around them. He didn't complain however for she smelt of citrus and something else he couldn't quite place his finger on but gave him a thrill anyway.
"Very Slytherin of you Granger." She rolled her eyes at him and folded her arms across her chest.
"I pick up on a few things here and there when I've had first hand teachings from the best" she stated lightly and so matter-of-factly that he couldn't help but shoot her a lopsided grin, a blond brow quirking slightly at her compliment.
"However, if any Gyrffindor gets hurt Malfoy-especially Harry or Ron-"
"Yes, yes. I know. You'll hex me here and hex me there" he stated, snorting at the impossibility of that.

Taking one look at Malfoy's face told her she had done the right thing. He looked as if he had swallowed the sun itself and his smile was dazzling. No wonder his parents give him everything he wants, she thought mesmerized by the beams and rays of light that glowed around his triumphant face. He had quickly rushed back to their shared quarters, to congratulate her on her successful planning. She hadn't wanted to see the damage, positive that if she did she would feel guilty. The sudden feel of her feet leaving the ground snapped her out of her thoughts and she gasped as she felt Malfoy's hands wounding around her waist and lifting her off her feet. He crushed her to him and spun around a good two or three times. When he settled her back down on her feet, she stumbled and made him chuckle; reaching out to steady her.
"Thanks to you, I now have cause to celebrate a good victory!" he stated and moving away from her; walked towards his room.
"The team's going down to Hogsmede for butterbeer" he added, pulling off his gloves and shrugging out of his protective gear.
"I guess I'll personally have to go and assess Harry and Ron's injuries" she replied and caught his grin.
"They're not that bad. Just sulking, you should have seen Potter's face!" Shaking her head at his retreating form, she prepared herself to hear about this for a very long time from Harry and Ron. She moved after him, picking up his discarded gloves, knee pads and green cloak and placed them neatly on the armchair closest to his door. As she made up her mind to get Harry's favorite comic book from the library and a box of chocolate frogs for Ron on her way to visiting them; Malfoy stuck his head out of his room.
"Oh and Granger-" at the turn of her head in his direction, he grinned again.
"Thanks." Just like that, simple and sincere. Smiling indulgently at him, she nodded in acknowledgement.
"You're welcome." As he disappeared again, she smiled. Yes, it was definitely worth it...just this once...to be a little like a certain pale haired Slytherin...