Chapter 4: Hermione's First Game

My first game was today, and we couldn't be more ready for ravenclaw.

The slytherin boys actually took my critics very well, and applied them to their playing, if we don't win that means the other team definitely cheated. This was also the first game of the season that counted towards the Quidditch House Cup. I would really like them to start the season off right.

When they played ravenclaw earlier this year they won, but the ravenclaws weren't too far behind in score, so we can't get comfortable.

I knocked on the door to the locker room about 30 minutes or so before the game was supposed to start. Adrain was the friendly smile I met as he opened it for me. Besides the night with Malfoy in the closet, Adrian had walked with me back to the castle after every practice. It was nice, he was nice.

"Ready for the game?" I asked, walking past him, seeing the others all at their cubbies either continuing to get dressed or starting their pregame rituals.

Adrian nodded, "Definitely, all thanks to you and your help"

I blushed a little, "Pucey, keep the flirting to a minimum, don't get distracted," Flint said, adjusting his knee pads.

"I wasn't flirting!" The brown haired boy shot back.

That earned him a pat on the shoulder from Nott, "Sure you weren't" Everyone laughed as Adrian not so discreetly left the room.

I dared to take a look at Malfoy, who after our experience in the closet had been...odd. He'd either be that flirty, funny, Malfoy, or a complete utter prick.

He was staring at me, already decked out in his slytherin jersey, I was about to look away when he suddenly asked "Do your little gryffindors know you do this Granger?"

I felt everyone eyes on me, "No," I said with a small shake of the head, "They don't, the only people who suspect I'm up to something is Harry and Ginny, but Ginny just thinks I'm with a boy"

Draco smirked "Ah, so we're just your dirty little secret"

My mouth went a little dry as I rolled my eyes. Damn, him.

Flint motioned for us to sit in the center of the room on the couches, I sat next to Nott, sadly on the end closest to Flint. After hearing Flint's comment about me in the locker room the other day, I had been doing whatever I could to avoid him.

"Anything you need to say Granger?" He asked, I nodded standing up.

"Remember Zabini, Flint, and Crabbe have scouts here, but that doesn't mean you can't always be spotted, so play like there's a scout watching you." I sat back down as everyone nodded. I noticed they aren't talking a lot, but that probably means they are just focused on the game and that's all that matters.

"Very well-" Flint began to say before Zabini cut him off.

"I have a question for Granger," He said. I nodded my head for him to continue, "Why aren't you wearing green?"

I looked down to my solid black tank and jeans. I shrugged "This was the best I could do, I don't own any slytherin green"

He shook his head tutting "That can not do Granger, you need to support your team-"

"-This isn't my team"

"-And wear green" He finished saying.

I crossed my arms, "Well apologies, I don't have green, nor do I wear it"

He shook his head and got up going over to the equipment closet, he came out holding up the oldest, most vintage slytherin letterman jackets I've ever seen, with a grin wide on his face. "Voila, here's something you can wear"

I laughed standing up to grab it, it was huge, no way I could wear this "You can barely touch it without dust flying off" I said demonstrating with a light swat of my hand, causing dust to visibly fly off.

Nott pulled out his wand and casted a quick cleaning charm on the jacket "Now you have no excuse, wear it Granger"

I rolled my eyes and heaved on the jacket. If it weren't on the verge of deteriorating, I might've actually liked it. It was grey with slytherin green sleeves, and on the back was "slytherin" embroidered over the shoulders then the crest underneath it. On the front there was a spot for a name, but it was so faded I couldn't read it.

Everyone's eyes became serious when the announcer bellowed "Players, start making your way to the field!"

I watched everyone go and grab their brooms, hitting the top of the door frame with the tip of their broom as they left. I was startled out of watching them when Malfoy's voice came from right behind me "I'm liking the green Granger"

I spun around, he was close again, just as close as the time in the closet. I rolled my eyes, "Shove off" I said, stepping away.

"Think we're going to win?" He asked, crossing his arms.

I nodded, "Of course-"

He grinned, "Will I be the reason we win?"

I soon did the same as him, crossing my arms "I'm not a seer Malfoy," I went to move away from the couch, "I think you should start heading for the pitch and warming up"

He grabbed my arm leading me to the back of the couch, standing very close to me. I had to fully lift my chin to look up at him "Do you think I'll catch the snitch?" He rumbled.

"Does it matter?" I snapped back.

He shrugged his shoulders. "It might," I tried to ignore the short glance he did towards my lips, "You are the one who had corrected my flying, so shouldn't you know?"

I moved to look away, "If you're focused you will"

Malfoy grabbed my chin, moving my eyes back to his, his squinted eyes at me, "With you there, I'll do my best to try and be". Without waiting for my retort he left the room, hitting the tip of his broom on the top of the door frame as he left just like the others.

I stood there watching him leave. I wasn't breathing. There's no way he's inferring he's attracted to me, that I would be the reason he wasn't focused, that's impossible. He's tormented me through my childhood.

What's changed?

After collecting myself, I went to a small alcove under the pitch that's away from the crowds eye but still has a great view of the game.

The boys were all already flying around, practicing their basic drills here and there. I couldn't help my eyes now, always gravitating towards Malfoy, who was warming up by himself.

He was stretching on his broom, pulling at his arms, rolling his head, freeing his neck. With the sun behind him, he could be compared to a god. The skin that was exposed was practically glowing in the sunlight. Then he started practicing his corkscrews and dives, with a certain ease I don't even think Harry has.

I wanted to slap my wrist for even thinking that Malfoy might be better than Harry, but after actually paying attention to the blonde, I genuinely think he has more talent than my best friend.

I watched as Malfoy pulled off the glove on his right hand and ran it through his flopping hair.

Oh how I want him to run that hand through mine.

No, Hermione, stop, we're not doing this, especially not with Malfoy.

When I finally gave myself the will to look away, he looked over to me, completely staring at him.

I could've looked away, all flushed and embarrassed, but after he made me look like a fool twice now, I kept my eyes locked with his. Challenging him. His hand holding the broom gripped slightly tighter. I mouthed to him very slowly, motioning, "Eyes" I pointed my index finger to my eyes "on the prize," I then moved my finger over to the box that holds the snitch, "Malfoy" I smirked at him.

He looked a bit flustered but quickly straightened himself, then grinned back at me raising his eyebrows, mouthing back "Oh, I am Granger"

I couldn't look away as he flew in line with the others back down to the entrance to get ready for their entrance. They were called out first by the announcer, flying in their basic 'V' formation with Flint at the point, going around the pitch.

Ravenclaw flew in the parallel lines earning far more cheers, because like how I used to be, no one wanted slytherins to win besides slytherins. Now that I've worked with the boys and have spent a bit of time with them I've realized that they aren't so bad. When all this is over and I have no connection to them anymore, I might just have to secretly clap for them when they enter the pitch, even if it's just for Adrian, Nott, and Zabini. And if Malfoy stops being a prick, then maybe him too.

I took notes on all corrections I noticed, since this was the first time I was really watching them play in a real game. They were small little mistakes, but they will all help in the long run.

Both Padma and Malfoy have been nowhere near the pitch, either way up high, or out of view, behind the towers. Padma had taken Cho's place after the latter graduated last year. It was starting to get hotter and I was getting a bit irritated that Malfoy hasn't gotten the snitch yet.

The score was 90-40, slytherin.

If it weren't for Malfoy's platinum blonde hair, I wouldn't have seen both seekers re-enter the pitch, finally having caught sight of the snitch. Padma was a lot smaller than Malfoy, everyone is a lot smaller than Malfoy, so she's a lot faster than he is. Luckily for us, he knows how to maneuver his broom.

They were head to head going after this snitch.

I felt like it was all in slow motion as Malfoy reached forward, towards the snitch. I watched as his hand tightened, holding the broom, keeping it steady as his outreached hand closed around the snitch.

The slytherin towers roared with cheers. I felt myself smiling as I silently cheered for them from my secret alcove.

You could see the pride radiating off Malfoy as he flew around with the snitch in hand, pounding it in the air. I shook my head at myself, he's acting like he won the Quidditch House Cup, yet there are still many things he could improve on.

I decided to let them celebrate a little on the field, so I went ahead to the locker room to find my first aid kit, seeing Adrian and even Zabini had a few cuts and bruises.

Malfoy was the first to enter, with a smile still resting on his face. He gave me a nod as he went over to his cubby, grabbing a towel, winging it over his shoulder, then heading towards the showers.

Goyle, Nott, and Adrian entered, all in conversation, followed by Crabbe and Zabini, who were trailed by Flint.

"Zabini," I called out, "Let me heal your shoulder"

He nodded and moved over to the couch, "How do you think we did?" He asked, as I started laying out all the balms and potions that come with the kit.

I smiled down at him, "You all did alright, I wish Malfoy would just hurry up and catch the snitch" I laughed.

He also laughed, "Agreed. If he wouldn't take so damn long, we'd all leave every game without a scratch"

"You try being a seeker for once Blaise, then you can criticise my choices" Malfoy said from the entrance of the showers, moving back over to the cubby.

I did my best to ignore Malfoy's nude body as he removed the towel he had wrapped around his hips, revealing his bare arse, which he quickly covered with a pair of black boxers.

I looked back to Zabini who was smirking up at me from his spot on the couch. I rolled my eyes as I motion with my hand and said "Shirt off, I need to get to your shoulder"

His smirk only widened "Hear that Draco? Granger wants my shirt off"

Malfoy only shook his head laughing as Zabini took off his jersey, revealing an also very fit body. What are they feeding the slytherins?

"Should my trousers come off next?" Zabini asked innocently.

I flicked his injured shoulder which earned an 'ouch' from Zabini and a secret chuckle from the blonde. "Shut it, unless you want to see Mme. Pomfrey for your shoulder"

"No, please fix it" He begged. I smiled as I tried to lightly rub in the Bruisewort Balm from the first aid bag into his shoulder.

Nott sat next to Zabini on the couch, nudging his non-injured shoulder "So, ready for the party tonight? I heard Daddy Severus had to go into Hogsmeade for the weekend so we have no restrictions"

Zabini raised his eyebrows "Oh really?" Nott nodded, "Well I'll make sure we have enough alcohol to celebrate this whole weekend"

Nott grinned as Adrian entered back from the showers, redressed in normal robes. "Are we talking about the party tonight?"

Zabini nodded, "Planning on coming to this one?"

"Depends," Adrian shrugged, running his hand through his shaggy brown hair.

"You know parties aren't allowed at Hogwarts" I said, keeping my eyes on Zabini's shoulders as I continued to rub in the balm.

Of course, Malfoy laughed as he said "Boys, how could we forget we're talking about rule breaking in front of the biggest rule follower herself"

"That makes me sound snobby" I said moving back over to the first aid bag to grab a pain relief potion for Zabini, "If I followed every rule I wouldn't be here right now, working for you all"

Nott nodded along "She's got a point"

Malfoy crossed his arms, leaning down to rest them on the back of the couch, "Not much of a point though"

Adrian budded in, looking over at me expectantly "So that means you're coming to the party tonight right?"

I laughed as I handed the potion over to Zabini, "No, why would I?"

"You're a part of the team"

I shook my head "I just work for you all, that's it"

Adrian didn't let it go, he looked over to Zabini and Nott "Don't you two think she should come?"

The two on the couch smirked over to each other and nodded "Of course she should, it's only right, it'll be fun" Zabini said, way too energetically.

"No, she can't," Malfoy said, looking down at Zabini and Nott, then up to Adrian.

"Why can't I, Malfoy?" I questioned, then forced Zabini to take the potion that he had just been holding, avoiding taking it. Malfoy seemed to wait to answer once Zabini was done gagging after downing the potion.

Malfoy answered as he moved from his elbows to his hands on the back of the couch "You're not a slytherin, they're the only ones allowed at slytherin parties, it's very exclusive"

"Bullshit!" Zabini shouted, "As long as you have a proper invite from a slytherin, you're in. But the only reason that rule is in place is because Hufflepuffs have the best weed"

My eyes widened. "You smoke weed?" By the look on all their faces, I regretted asking.

"Why so surprised?" Malfoy asked.

I spluttered, "I didn't know people brought muggle drugs in the wizarding world"

Nott laughed, "Of course they do, they make great profit, especially off of the purebloods"

"What other ones do they bring?" I asked, now my curiosity peaked.

Malfoy stood at full height, lifting one brow, "Know much about muggle drugs Granger?"

I rolled my eyes "Of course I do, I'm a muggleborn remember?"

The blonde raised his hands in defence "Seems I forgot. The hufflepuffs bring weed and the ravenclaws bring the coke. Gryffindors never come, and if they do it's only to bring more alcohol and then leave"

"So gryffindors aren't welcome?"

"Yes-" Malfoy began to say.

"-But you are," Adrian smiled.

I nudged Zabini to move out of the seat, for Adrian to sit as I addressed the brunet "Is that a proper invite?"

He nodded as I did small enchantments on the cut over his brow. "You could come with me?" He asked a bit shyly.

Everyone's brows in the room raised, even those who weren't a part of the conversation like Flint and Goyle's. I tried not to blush or chuckle as I answered "Sure, Adrian"

Nott awkwardly patted Adrian on the shoulder as he stood to leave, along with a lot of other people.

Flint hollered at me before leaving "See you tonight Hermione"

"Granger" I corrected, keeping my eyes on Adrian's almost healed cut. I saw Flint stop in my peripheral area, then leave quickly.

When I finished up with Adrian, he moved over to his cubby while I went to the equipment room to rehang the letterman jacket. As I went to exit I was stopped by Malfoy, "Don't come to the party, it isn't a place for you"

I was taken back a bit "It's not your decision if I come or not, and I plan to"

He shook his head "Don't forget I warned you" Then he turned, grabbed his stuff from his cubby and left.

I watched the door close till Adrian drew my attention back over to him, "I can pick you up and walk you down at around 9?"

I nodded "Sounds good, I don't really know how to get to the slytherin common room"

"That's why I'll be there"

"Should I bring alcohol? You know, being a gryffindor and all" I asked, moving to grab my things off the shelf.

He shook his head, reaching to grab my bag and heaving it over his free shoulder. "Of course not, we have plenty"

We then started talking about the game and what I thought about how he played. We talked about the game all the way back to the gryffindor common room. I thanked him for walking me and holding my bag before he left.

After he was gone from sight I went straight to my room, grateful to see it empty.

What did I get myself into?