A/N- Again thanks for the views. Some reviews would be helpful for pointers and your opinions on what should happen. I'm going to add some other people's perspectives and POV's other than the main three characters. I hope you like this chapter:) ~Ahna
Chapter 7- The Victory Girl
Harry, Hermione and Ron had some things they needed to get off their chests on a cold day in mid-November. It wasn't necessarily advice they needed, since they all knew well that Hagrid wasn't one to go to for advice, not good advice anyway. He was a great listener though, not to mention the trio and him had some catching up to do. They hadn't spoken in a month, with Umbridge constantly watching over them like a hawk and its prey. They were finally able to escape in between classes when the Professor was distracted by a group of Slytherin mischiefs spray painting some vulgar language on the wall not far from her class. For the first time ever the three Gryffindor's were thankful for a few Slytherins.
Harry knocked on Hagrid's large, wooden door. He was usually the one to do so, since he took the most bravery and compassion when it came to confronting the large, jolly and boisterous Rubeus Hagrid. Harry couldn't help but notice how good his door smelled, in fact nothing of Hagrid's including Hagrid himself ever smelled better than a wet dog.
After a few moments the door opened, and Hagrid stood, smiling. Harry and the trio smiled back.
"Well if it isn't the Golden trio themselves! How's it goin'?" Hagrid asked, while embracing Harry.
Harry smiled, gasping for breath from Hagrid's tight and overwhelming hug of force. He was able to quietly mutter, "We're all doing j-just ff-fine thanks."
"Great! Why don't you all come on in!" He proclaimed loudly, stepping aside to let the three in. The pot above the fire was brewing, and the hut smelled like pot roast.
The three took a seat at the table, and Hagrid got them all pumpkin juice and a slice of pot roast. Hermione decided to break the silence by saying, "Your home smells nice."
It was something the three agreed on, and confused them a bit.
Hagrid looked down to the floor, and an expression of slight stress hit his face.
"That's probably because that annoying Madam Umbridge was here just ten minutes ago. Lately she's been threatening all of the staff on our 'behavior.' Of course she is agitated by even the slightest flaws in our methods." He muttered, as he took a seat.
The group silenced. "Oh." Hermione quietly stated.
"Yup, things are just getting harder and harder here at Hogwarts this year I'm afraid." Hagrid added.
"You're right Hagrid. Especially with you know who back ready for a killing spree. We really need to start taking precautions, and with Umbridge always up our backs, preparing for the war is going to be a difficult task." Harry quoted. Hagrid didn't really know how to respond, he understood how what Harry meant by the difficulty of the stalking Umbridge, but he himself knew that he wasn't too great with useful advice.
"I'm sorry about that Harry…I'm not great with advice."
"I know, but I felt that we should at least tell you about our plan." Harry told him.
"You have a plan?"
"Yes. The three of us have found a hidden room in one of the corridors, so we're going to form a group of recruits to train on protection and duel against Voldemort. I'm going to lead the cause, and Ron and Hermione are going to assist me. I've got a lot of it planned out already, we just have to have a meeting in the cabin in Hogsmeade in a couple weeks, but only if Umbridge is out of the picture."
Hagrid liked the idea of Harry and the gang taking so much responsibility for the upcoming war, but was shaken a bit by his assumption on how Harry wanted him to take Umbridge 'out of the picture.'
"Great plan Harry. I'm very proud of the three of you taking so much responsibility for what's to come, but uh, what exactly do you want me to do about Umbridge? It's not like I can really get rid of her if that's what you're thinking."
The group looked a bit disappointed, but Harry spoke up assuring him that he didn't have to do anything with Umbridge.
"Oh no sir, you don't need to do anything to harm her, although I personally think that would benefit all of us, but we would like you to take part in keeping her distracted while we go on with our plan. If she were to find out what we're doing, then she will surely put a stop to it, no doubt."
"Alright, I'll see what I can do. So, have you thought up a name for your cause yet?"
Harry smiled, liking his idea.
"Dumbledore's Army."
"So what did you get on your potions test Mione?" Ginny asked her while they were at lunch.
"I passed it of course. I got a 98%, but only because Snape marked me down for not giving full analysis on the brew of healing insomnia. It's strange though, I wrote five bleeding paragraphs."
"Don't worry about it, Snape doesn't like any of us, he was just being too judgmental is all. You most definitely should've gotten a 100 on it." Ginny responded.
"Thanks Gin."
"No problem, hey, that's funny…"
"What?"
"I think I just caught Malfoy staring at you, actually, he is right now."
"What? Why would he be?"
"He just is."
Hermione slowly turned around to see Draco staring at her. She gave him a strange look, and his face turned red. Not knowing how to react, he did what any Malfoy would to do a mudblood. He glared at her, and then smirked, raising his middle finger. Hermione blushed, then got furious and returned the action. She swirled around quickly and faced Ginny.
"You know I actually saw that coming. Don't tell me next time when Malfoy decides to piss me off by glaring at me, he's been doing that quite often lately."
"Hmm, that's strange, it's almost like he…"
"No, don't even think about,"
"Likes you."
"Shut up Weasley! What a horrible consideration! He hates my guts, just like I do to him."
Ginny giggled at how furious she was over something so little. She took her word for it though; he did just flip her off after all.
"Alright, if you say so. Are you excited for the Quidditch game today?" Ginny asked, changing the topic.
"Of course. Are you?"
"Yes, I've got to admit that even those Slytherin boys look hot on those broom sticks."
"Oh please." Hermione replied laughing.
….
'I can't believe the mudblood just caught me! Of all the bad luck this is by far the worst. Now she's always going to be cautious, damn, I guess I won't be getting anymore sweet fulfillment of those curves and wavy hair…bloody hell, what the hell am I talking about? I'm supposed to hate the bitch…'
It snowed lightly at that day's Quidditch game. It was Gryffindor's versus the Slytherins. Harry was excited for that day's game, just like how he was for every game. Draco on the other hand, wasn't too hyped up at first. For the past couple weeks he had only had his mind set on Hermione. It was driving him crazy. He wasn't sure what it was about her, was it her big teeth? The wavy hair? Her smarts? Pansy didn't contain any of those characteristics or features. Just the stringy black hair, pale skin, and C averages.
'Not today mudblood. Today my mind will be set on winning this game and that only. I'm going to capture that bloody snitch without having your hideous face on my mind. Not now. Never again. This ends today.'
The game was to start in five minutes. Draco was ready now, unlike a few minutes earlier. He was confident and fierce, ready to win. He went over his plan, including avoiding injury and ways to obstacle the game perfectly to beat Potter to that snitch. Pansy confronted him with an embrace, and to ensure that he had completely wiped the muggle born from his thoughts, he pulled his girlfriend in for a kiss. She giggled and whispered, "Good luck handsome."
He smiled, showing off his white yet slightly crooked teeth, and said, "Won't be needing it baby." She trotted off and got into the Slytherin stands.
He soared into the air after those five minutes passed, confident and ready. 'Pansy, Pansy, Pansy, just Pansy, not that pathetic, stubborn, all knowing piece of filth.' He thought to himself, just as Madam Hooch blew her whistle and threw the snitch into the air. He darted for it, actually seeming to surprise Potter a bit with his eagerness and enthusiasm. Harry wasn't about to let his sudden motivation prevent him from getting that snitch, so he bolted for it just seconds after Draco did.
Harry flew alongside from Draco, just as willing to win for his team.
"Wow, I guess someone's eager today." Harry told Draco, flying just slightly ahead of him, just fifteen feet from the snitch. Being the selfish, loathing, true team player he was, Draco sped up and rammed his broom into Harry, almost throwing him off.
"Damn straight Pothead, I believe I will be getting that bloody snitch today." He shot back, reaching out and gaining access for the golden prize.
Harry decided to get even, even if it meant going against his usual respectful standards. He sped his broom into Draco, only shoving him slightly. Draco laughed and kicked Harry who was just a foot and a half beside him. Harry held his side in pain, but didn't slow down.
"You're not exactly being a fair team player Malfoy." Harry shouted, trying to increase momentum and win for the Gryffindor's yet again.
"I never have been Potter."
"Well maybe you should be, it would help you win."
Harry rammed his broom into Draco with more force than before, still not knocking him out of the clearing much.
"Is that all you've got scar head? Ha! I bet Weasel could shove me harder than that!"
Ten minutes had passed already, and Harry and Draco were still fascinated with catching that snitch, not even worried about the other obstacles they could do to raise points for their teams. The Gryffindor's were slightly ahead of the Slytherins.
Another ten passed, and then five more. At this point the two were pretty bruised up on their sides, and very frustrated and impatient.
"Just let me get that damn thing already Pothead!" Draco screamed, ramming into him for what seemed like the 50th time.
"Not a chance."
"You don't know how to give up do you?"
"Not the slightest clue."
"Well maybe you should start studying it!"
Draco gave one last ram into Harry, and this time he was able to throw him back about twenty feet. Draco was finally able to capture the snitch. He was so happy and surprised that he nearly crashed into the Hufflepuff stands. He heard loud cheering and clapping from the Slytherin booths, and dead silence from the other three houses.
He landed with the snitch grasped tightly into his palm. Harry landed as well, looking furious as ever. His friends and girlfriend confronted him, high fiving, and hugging.
Pansy threw her arms around him, and said, "You did it Drake!"
He smiled, but then turned pale, realizing that he wasn't thinking about her before he caught the snitch, but Hermione Granger.
"I can't believe we actually lost this one." Harry said sadly at dinner, while stirring his soup.
"Yeah, the Slytherins haven't won a match in nearly five years. What happened Harry?" Ron asked, with concern spread all over his face.
Harry shrugged, not exactly sure what really happened.
"I don't know, I guess I just lost my balance."
"Since when do you lose your balance? You're great at Quidditch." Seamus Finnigan spoke up.
Harry sighed, and glared over at the Slytherin table, where they were celebrating their win.
"Inglorious bastards." Ron mustered, along with a nod from the Gryffindor's around him.
"I would've gotten that snitch if Malfoy hadn't shoved me aside so hard." Harry stated, resting his head in his hand.
"That selfish prat."
….
"You guys should've seen it! Pothead totally didn't stand a chance! All I had to do was push him a bit and he lost control, it was so simple!" Draco exclaimed to his friends.
"We knew you could do it mate!" Goyle stated.
"Yeah, I bet even I could've done it!" Crabbe proclaimed happily, silencing the group.
"I think that's a bit of an understatement buddy." Goyle told him, patting his back.
Suddenly something unexpected happened. Draco and the guys turned their attention to an unsatisfied girl who approached their table.
"You cheating bastard! You know it's against the rules to physically harm another in a game of Quidditch just to get your team points!" Hermione yelled, glaring at Draco. He simply smirked knowing how to handle this.
"You're just jealous Granger. I did not cheat; Potter was just a weak git today is all. So why don't you go take your PMS back over to the loser table."
The guys high fived him and laughed at his crude response. Hermione however didn't give up.
"Cram it Malfoy! You know bloody well that you're an ungrateful cheater! Just like your daddy!" She spat out, getting attention from the entire Slytherin table, as well as some people from the Ravenclaws.
"Ooh, someone's pissed." Draco muttered, attracted by her anger.
"You're damn right I'm bloody cross! Now go apologize to Harry for your pathetic behavior!" She growled.
"You're not my mother, bitch."
She pulled her wand out of her back pocket and aimed it at him.
"Do it now damn it."
"Make me."
Harry approached her and took her arm.
"Just forget about it Hermione. We all know that Malfoy doesn't know the meaning of a fair game."
She gave him one last glare, and showed him her middle finger. The guys laughed, and Malfoy raged internally.
Harry yanked her back to their table.
"I really appreciate your methods of comeback Mione, but you know that nothing with convince that moron to change his ways." Harry told her as calmly as he could, not cooling her down.
"I know Harry, but still, that jerk has no right to get his way like that. I just want him to come to terms with his nonsense."
"Yeah, like that'll ever happen." Ron protested.
It was early December, and the trio was all set up and ready for their plan. They were able to sneak a bunch of students into Hogsmeade when Hagrid created a…creative distraction.
"I never would've guessed Hagrid's rear was…that large." Hermione said, blushing, on their way to a small meeting cabin.
"Yeah, and I thought it was big with pants on…" Ron replied.
"Let's stay on task guys." Harry broke in, breaking the awkwardness.
Once they all arrived to the cabin, Harry started the issue.
"Hello everyone. In case you're wondering what this is for, then just listen, because this is very crucial to your understanding. You know who has returned, and since the new DADA teacher is ignorant enough to not open her eyes and realize just how grave our danger is, we'll have to take these dilemmas into our own hands. From here on out we all need to know how to defend ourselves from the dark forces. We need to gain experience on how to fight back as well as shield ourselves. If we don't start preparing now, than our fates will clearly be inevitably horrible. The three of us have found an area in the school where we can meet up a few times a week and begin training. I will be leading the event, and Hermione and Ron will assist. Any questions?"
The group remained temporarily silent. Everyone seemed confused, and slightly afraid.
"So, why are we doing this?" Fred asked bluntly, only to have his brother, Ron, answer his stupid question.
"Cause you know who is back you dolt."
"Ah, I didn't know that already…" He replied sarcastically.
"Anyways, I have a petition here for anyone willing to join our cause."
There was another moment of silence. Finally some people stood up, including Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom. Then the Weasley twins, then some Gryffindor's and Ravenclaws. Not too many Hufflepuffs, for they were more on the fearful side. Only two Slytherins signed the board, which was very expected.
"Looks like we're off to a good start." Harry proclaimed proudly.
"We've got to start working a bit harder gentlemen. It seems as if some people are disobeying our orders and rules." Umbridge told her team. Of course the only one who really cared about her wishes was Argus Filch. He was wide eyed and eager to participate with her. The four Slytherin boys just rolled their eyes, and 'really looked forward' to working longer hours.
"Don't worry Madam. I'll make sure we catch those hooligans and bring you justice. Isn't that right gentlemen?" Filch spoke up, glaring at the Slytherins.
None of them answered, so he jabbed Goyle's shoulder.
"U-uh, yes sir." He said.
"Don't tell me, tell the mistress." Filch screeched, while Umbridge stood smiling with her hands behind her back.
"Yes Ma'am, we'll help you out." He repeated, satisfying her and Filch.
"Excellent." She said, almost mischievously.
...
'Ugh, I completely resent ever agreeing to do this. Suddenly that beer doesn't seem so satisfying anymore.' Draco thought to himself, as he stood in one of the corridors on another late night patrol.
"We should do something to pass the time." Crabbe insisted, not really grabbing anyone's attention.
"Got any bright ideas?" Draco mustered, exhausted as ever.
"Uh, well no, not really." He replied, kind of embarrassed.
"Alright then, keep your mouth shut."
Ten minutes passed, and the boys were on the brink of passing out. Suddenly Goyle said something the boys were all thinking.
"That tears it, I quit."
He walked away, off to bed, leaving the three stranding in the dark and cold hallway at 1:00 in the morning.
"Wimp." Draco muttered.
"Well I guess he won't be getting free beer." Blaise broke in.
"Ha ha yeah. More for us." Crabbe stated bluntly.
Draco was too tired to stand any longer. He knelt down to the floor and leaned against the cold, hard wall. His legs were numb, and his eyelids felt like they were a hundred pounds. Within minutes, he dozed off.
….
"You're such a moron Malfoy! A cheating, pathetic, loser! You know damn well that Harry deserved to win today's match, just like he does every one. I hate you."
"You sure are a jealous one aren't you Granger? You can't accept the fact that I'm faster and stronger than Potter."
"To hell with that you irritating toad! I know bloody well that Harry has much more nerve than you!"
"Oh, is that because he's the 'chosen' one? Well my bloody sympathy to him then. You know, I almost feel sorry for the little vulnerable rat. He'll be Voldy's soon anyway."
He received a smack across the face, and then another, but he stopped the third one.
He tugged her in tightly against him. He loved how she always wore a small nightgown and slippers in these situations.
"You better shut up Granger…I'm quite the expertise when it comes to deadly spells."
"Up yours."
"You're quite the dirty talker for a sweet, Gryffindor girl, but I think it's my turn to get dirty…"
He pressed his lips into hers and traced his hands behind her back.
"Why do you do this to me…every bloody time?"
"It's like…I hate you so much…that I love you."
He pulled out of the kiss and took his attention to her ear.
"You made me win Granger…I was thinking of you the whole time I was up there."
She went from struggling against him, to freezing, holding as still as a statue.
"Yeah, you're my victory girl."
….
"Wake up Draco! Filch is letting us go to bed!" Crabbe yelled, awaking him from his satisfying slumber.
'I guess I'll have to finish this there then…'
