Beta'd By Maddiechu.
AN: We're slowly catching up to where we should be…
"She's wearing green." A horrified whisper followed her.
"Who?"
"Hermione Granger, the Head Girl. The War-Heroine; she's in green." The whisperer emphasised, confusion now tainting the words as they left the girls mouth.
"But shouldn't she be in the Hufflepuff colours? It's Hufflepuff against Slytherin after all," the guy responded, uncomprehending.
"Exactly! Why is she in the wrong colours?" The whispers followed her, loud and invading, her green and silver scarf failing to block out the speculations. The emerald green of her sweater, tugged lower over her wrists and she smiled to herself, her lips only just lifting.
"You don't think?"
"Think what?"
"What if the press is right, what if…"
"Her and Malfoy?" the whispers became incredulous, disbelieving.
"Yeah, what if it's true."
"It can't be; there is no way."
"You hear Pansy Parkinson caught her and Malfoy kissing in a corridor, her screams were heard up in transfigurations."
"There is no way that can be true."
"But she's in green."
"Maybe she's just doing her job as Head Girl, and trying to support house unity by supporting the most disliked house." Ginny suddenly joined in, her voice loud and carrying in the corridor as the whispers fell to a stunned hush, noting the Weasley girls forest green jumper, a silver 'G' on its front. "Hermione!" She continued loudly, and Hermione turned, choosing to now join in the conversation.
"Hey Gin, wearing one of the family jumpers I see." She smiled in greeting, her own voice matching the volume of Ginnys', as the whispers began to rise again.
"Getting cold out," Ginny shrugged, still speaking in a louder than normal tone. "Anyway, come sit with Luna and I, Luna brought snacks."
"Sure," Hermione nodded, as the girls fell in step with one another. "Muffiliato," she whispered as the girls headed towards a particularly packed section of corridor, the pointing of students increasing as hands began to head towards mouths, whispers poorly hidden.
"I thought you might not be quite ready to have people say you're definitely Malfoy's girlfriend, and two people wearing green cuts back on that kind of rumour." Ginny said lowly, as Hermione threw her a grateful smile.
"I never thought my wearing Slytherins colours would lead to this kind of reaction, even if it was an intended hint that maybe Draco and I are more than just tolerating each other." Hermione said, as Ginny smirked.
"They're hungry for gossip. The Daily Prophet even printed a picture of Harry and I at Hogsmeade, with the headline of us house hunting. Apparently the building we're stood in front of is a cottage for sale, and as I'm apparently pregnant, it's why we need to find a house together. Especially considering that must be the only explanation as to why I'm engaged right now." She said blithely as Hermione threw her head back in bellowing laughter, tears blurring her vision.
"When have you had time to fall pregnant?!" Hermione gasped in between giggles, "with Harry constantly complaining of photographers in his letters to me…I didn't think you were into that kind of-"
"Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed with a falsely scandalised tone, before dissolving into sheer hysterics herself.
"Oh, it really is ridiculous the speculation." Hermione chuckled, pulling herself together, as strange looks began to be added to the repertoire of pointing and hidden whispers as the two girls joined the fray of students walking down to the pitch.
"When did you go to Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked her, noting that the weekend set aside for the first trip was next week.
"Oh, just after Harry saw you, I had two free periods in a row, and we wanted some sort of privacy, McGonagall gave me permission to go." She explained as Hermione nodded. "So tell me, is the rumour of you and Malfoy being caught by Parkinson true?" She asked slyly, as Hermione blushed furiously.
"Yes, yes it is." She confirmed as Ginny smiled.
"Well that's quite something, definitely explains the rise in Parkinson temper tantrums." She laughed.
"Just more fuel for the rumour mill, I mean, Draco and I did agree to reveal it slowly, and we didn't plan to end up kissing in the corridor-"
"But things just happened, one thing led to another…" Ginny said teasingly as Hermione smiled.
"Yeah, pretty much! Pansy finding us was just…not ideal." Hermione sighed, "at least there are rumours about us now at least."
"Ah, but that…that might make them worse." Ginny said in a shockingly sober tone given her laughter seconds before.
"Huh?" Hermione breathed, as Ginny nodded in front of them. "Ah." She said, as her eyes met the silvery grey eyes of Draco, his expression brighter than a super nova, a smile split over his pointed features. His eyes only for Hermione.
"Now, I don't think anyone in this school has ever seen Malfoy smile like that. And he's doing it at you. When he's supposed to be in the changing rooms…" Ginny said pointedly, as Hermione began to smile goofily back; her heart lifting into the clouds, and into the worlds beyond. He waved at her, then turned and ran; cat like and beautiful towards the pitch. "I think someone wants to start rumours." Ginny decided aloud, watching him go as Hermione began to blush.
:: :: ::
"Oh hello Ginny, Hermione," Luna said, moving over on the bench; her outfit typically outlandish for a match as usual. The blonde Ravenclaw had clad herself in various shades of green, ranging from a rather offensive neon shade on her cloak, to the verdant forest green hue on her boots. A stuffed snake of felt had been patched onto a rather large hat, and much like her Gryffindor ensemble, it hissed and wriggled once in a while.
"I see you're supporting Slytherin," Ginny observed, sitting down heavily on the bench as the people around them began to stare at the three girls in various shades of green. Horrified and curious expressions followed them, the lone bruise in a sea of yellow and gold.
"Oh, yes," Luna said, slightly startled, "I've always liked snakes," she finished, as Hermione settled herself on to the bench beside Ginny. A girl in the row behind them suddenly leant forward, tapping a rather spindly finger on to Ginny's shoulder. Ginny jumped, not expecting the contact, and twisted about curiously, missing Luna offering her a packet of fizzing whizzbees. Hermione grinned thankfully to Luna, taking a handful as the girl smiled airily back.
"Yes?" Ginny asked a rather angry looking Ravenclaw.
"You're in green." The girl said, finding herself unable to meet Ginny's gaze, despite her furious expression.
"You're in blue." Ginny stated, readying herself to turn back around and watch the players about to stream onto the pitch. McGonagall had already signalled for Madam Hooch to begin the set-up for the match, and the stands were beginning to boil with excitement.
"That's not the right colour!" The Ravenclaw girl spurted, as Ginny's auburn locks began to twist in the wind.
"I don't care. I'm happy whoever wins." Ginny shrugged as the Ravenclaw looked startled, Hermione raised her eyebrows slightly, sharing a worn expression with Ginny, who slipped her arm comfortingly through Hermione's own. The girls eyes slid to Hermione and her jaw fell open.
"But you're the head girl!" She spluttered, alarmed at the emerald jumper Hermione had donned. Hermione sighed, not facing the girl with her accusations, and turned her attentions to the side of the pitch, waiting for the players to stream out.
"House unity." Hermione replied carelessly, wondering why she was dignifying the girl's outburst with a response.
:: :: ::
The wind was little; just enough to give good lift and speed, but not so much that it was easier for the snitch to be caught. The weather was fine. It would be chilly, but he had on thick clothing, and his dragon hide gloves would keep his fingers in top form.
"I want a good, clean game guys; let's show the school we're not the bad guys." Jenna was saying, her face oddly pale, as if she knew something he didn't. The team nodded somberly, an eager note underpinning their anxieties.
Their names were called, and they nodded to each other soberly, their nerves on fire. He straddled his broom, kicking off as Jenna flew out the gate.
The boos were thunderous, an echoing call of distaste and horror. In a dreadful pang he noticed their own house, the muted patch of green in the stands was quiet, clapping alone; the usual defiant roar was quieted, now nerves had stolen away their pride. He scanned the stands, looking in amazement as within the golden swarm that was the Hufflepuff supporters, showers of green sparks were being shot, as well as a snake like firework. What he wouldn't have given for a pair of ominoculars.
"Hey, Jenna. Ignore the boos, we've some supporters," he said, turning to speak to the disappointed team captain. She looked at him quizzically and he pointed to where the bright green snake was slithering over the heads of the yellow clad sports fans. She smiled weakly.
"I'll bet you ten galleons that's the head girl, there's a rumour she's wearing green today; everyone knows she's a stickler for rules, so it wouldn't surprise me if she's on a house unity thing. Then there are those rumours about you and her…" Jenna said pointedly, as if the shower of green sparks meant nothing. He sighed, rolling his eyes.
"Take it Jenna. Even if it is Granger, just take it."
She nodded, wincing as the boos turned into a deafening cascade of elated screams. The Hufflepuff team was out. They flew up to face them, as Madam Hooch settled herself by Jenna, giving her a warning look.
"No funny business." She said as the Hufflepuffs came closer. Jenna blushed, offended.
"I've told my team I want a clean game, they'll be off it if they don't comply." She replied tersely, clearly hurt. Draco found himself sneering at Madam Hooch, irritation at the idea they'd be the bad guys once again causing him to bristle. This was why Jenna was right; they had to prove they weren't the bad guys.
The Hufflepuffs began to face their Slytherin counterpart, the atmosphere around them sparkling with unrestrained malice. The Hufflepuffs swapped excited, vicious glances between themselves, their eyes alight with adrenaline. Draco eyed the seeker opposite him warily, she was a small; wiry looking girl. She had thin brown hair with dark brown eyes, rosy appled cheeks and a soft jawline, her arms and legs slender. Yet she looked as if she could rip his throat out with just her teeth.
"Good game." Madam Hooch said suddenly, as the announcer finished reeling off their names. "Captains shake."
Jenna stretched her hands out at once, and the Hufflepuff captain took it, his chasers grip immediately put to use.
"Ow!" Jenna squeaked as he let go of her, his eyes full of triumph.
"Sorry," he shrugged, unable to mask the small smirk coming to life at the corner of his mouth. Draco's stomach dropped. It didn't look as if they were interested in having a game. Or if they were, it wasn't going to be very pleasant.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle, and the Hufflepuffs seeker blew him a kiss, vanishing afterwards.
"And the game begins!" The announcer, a fifth year Ravenclaw was saying, seeming genuinely excited. "And the Hufflepuff chasers, Jones, Milton and Ayles are using a formation I've not seen before! Have they created a new move? Oh…oh no…" he said as the crowd began to scream in approval.
Draco stopped his circling, confused as to why the two sounds didn't match up, the announcer and his surprise, and the crowds cheering. He peered down, and noticed Feltham gripping his side in sheer agony, his broom angled downwards as he failed to pay attention where he guided it.
"Slytherin's chaser Feltham seems to be injured here's hoping he shakes that off after the Hufflepuff attack. Slytherin still in possession of the Quaffle." The announcer said, as Draco felt slightly sick. He'd said attack. Not accident. Attack.
:: :: ::
"What the fuck was that." Ginny said. The astonishment in her voice almost smothered by the gleeful roaring around them.
"What?" Hermione asked her as Luna's perpetually surprised look mutated itself into genuine alarm.
"The Hufflepuff chasers seem to be under the influence of a Wrackspurt, clearly they have the fuzzy brain they give you." Luna explained rather unhelpfully. Hermione nodded with a smile on her face, as Luna turned back to the match.
"They deliberately rammed a Slytherin chaser with the tip of one of their brooms in a strange formation that was obviously not going to work. I'm not sure how they'll play it off, that chaser didn't even have the Quaffle. It can't have been an accident." She began to reason out instead of explain. She shrugged, setting off another Slytherin inspired firework that she'd got from George.
"But the boos?" Hermione asked to no-one in particular, as things began to fall into place in her mind.
"I suppose…I suppose maybe it was deliberate, which means…" Ginny swallowed, suddenly looking incensed.
"Which means what?"
"Hufflepuff aren't looking for a Quidditch match, they're out to cause pain." Ginny said as the crowd began to scream triumphantly once more. Hermione's hands shot to the ominoculars about her neck, raising them to her eyes and quickly focusing in on the Slytherin supporters the other side of the pitch. Their faces were a mixture of terror, fear, and confusion.
"Look." Hermione said, nudging Ginny who was covering her mouth with her hands, her eyes wide with alarm.
"Hmm?" Ginny replied, still glued to the pitch.
"Take these, and have a look at the Slytherins." Hermione said impatiently as Ginny looked at her confused.
"Listen to what Nick is saying, the announcer; don't think I'll need to look. Hufflepuff isn't playing Qudditch after that move." Ginny told her, her voice trembling with anger.
:: :: ::
He paled, watching as Mason began to plummet into the middle of the stands, and slip down the side, his arm at a queer angle. The Hufflepuff chasers seemed to be absolutely delighted with themselves, and Madam Hooch was looking at them in confusion. She blew the whistle, calling for a penalty to be given to Slytherin, and Jason went to take it, as the announcer called for Mason Jacks to receive medical attention. Jenna was looking at him, waving for him to find the snitch, but a coldness had sunk over him, as the Hufflepuffs seemed to have given each other a slight nod, just enough that they knew what to do.
Jason was lining up to take the penalty shot, as the beaters and chasers of the Hufflepuff team shot towards the Slytherin keeper. Jason threw the Quaffle, scoring the first points of the game, as a ding came from the Slytherin hoops.
The Slytherin keeper was bleeding heavily from his head, leaning back on his broom through the top hoop he was supposed to be guarding. The Hufflepuffs scattered again, deftly injuring Jason, and then zooming off to take out the other beater.
The crowd was screaming in frenzy, delighted with what seemed to be all out bloodshed, as Jenna rushed over to help the keeper down from his tentative position wrapped up about the goal posts.
:: :: ::
"Accio broom!" Ginny bellowed, her wand right into the air as Luna copied, her startled expression softening as the horror of what was happening on the pitch sunk in. Madam Hooch had started to blow her whistle, but the Slytherin's were being injured faster than she could control it, and the Hufflepuffs seemed to have no intention of stopping.
"Hermione!" Ginny said frantically, as a high pitched whistling began to near them, "I think some of the Slytherin players are going to be in a lot more danger if we don't get them off the pitch, help me from the stands." She told her, grabbing her broom from mid-air and swinging her leg over it, vanishing before Hermione could nod her agreement. Her ominoculars told the truth of it, only two players were unconscious, but one seemed to be holding his arm into his shoulder socket; while another players forearm was at an unnatural angle. The first victim of the match was pale, paler than Draco; still bent over double on his broom, while the Keeper was bleeding so much from his head she feared for his life. The captain was pressing something to his head, trying to get him down as Ginny came into view, waving for her to get away from him. She frowned, wondering why Ginny would do such a thing, as the Hufflepuff seeker with a malicious look on her face started to appear behind the Slytherin captain. Ginny brandished her wand as Jenna looked over her shoulder, and paled, flying away as the seeker looked furiously at Ginny; who was now binding the passed out player onto her broom.
"It seems the Gryffindor captain has decided enough is enough!" The announcer was saying over the screaming, his voice a mixture of relief and sadness.
"Off I go," Luna announced, floating away on her broom and heading towards another injured player. A jolt of horror shot at her, and she began to search the pitch for Draco, wondering where he'd managed to hide himself in the mess of a Qudditch game, and found him, circling the way Harry used to, high up above the others in the pitch. He looked fine, tense and alarmed, but fine. No arm out of socket, not blood down his face. He looked; healthy. She sighed in relief, watching his silvery eyes flick about the pitch, and his head turn to check over his shoulder.
He would be ok for the moment.
:: :: ::
"MALFOY!" Jenna bellowed; her face terrified as the two Hufflepuff beaters streaked behind her, their bats at the ready. "JUST CATCH THE SNITCH!" He nodded to her grimly, surprised she hadn't figured the match was already over; and ready to dart off in another futile attempt to become hidden, as a Hufflepuff chaser swarmed beneath Jenna, grabbing hold of the top of her broom and yanking it upwards. She began to find herself at a vertical, her expression shocked as a beater slammed his bat in to her stomach, she let go; terrified and winded.
She slipped from her broom. Plummeting like a feather. Slowly. The beaters high fived one another, their gazes now focused with deadly intent on him.
He ignored them, the fact he'd not been targeted for so long was a blessing. Then it hit him like a bludger to the gut.
He was the prize. They'd taken out as many of his team as they could, so that his defeat would be easier. Sweeter.
His stomach dropped, as Jenna continued to fall; her expression resigned to what she assumed would be her death.
He aimed his broom downwards, as the shrill shriek of the whistle burst through the air. A boom followed afterwards, and the crowd fell utterly silent, the sick cheers they'd been emitting dulled as they watched.
He dived, streaking after her. She was close, very close.
A red headed girl was shooting like a star towards her, her wand out, her expression determined.
Jenna seemed to be levitating in mid-air, stunned, but the terrified expression on her face had changed to one of sheer relief and astonishment. The red headed girl began to pull her on to her broom awkwardly, lifting the spell on Jenna so she could move. She streaked back to the stands, her face livid. With shock, he realised it was the Weasley girl.
"DRACO!" Hermione screamed, and he glanced at the stands in shock, only to meet her stark white face, and her wand pointed right at him. His eyes widened, and he dived, the snitch forgotten. The Quaffle slammed into the stands just as he dived, leaving a large dent where it had been thrown. Hermione was starting to shout something unintelligible, but she was aiming the levitating spell at the injured Slytherin players, as they struggled to stay on their brooms. He continued to dive down, weaving in and out of the Hufflepuff team as they shot towards him, their arms outstretched, intent on capturing him. He rapidly climbed out of his dive, shooting over the keeper; confirming his suspicions that they weren't interested in playing the game, due to him being in the middle of the pitch, and not by his hoops. He began to fly straight into the path of a randomer on the pitch once more. A girl clad in the most offensive green shades it seemed she could find was lazily guiding a broom with a dozing player on it into the stands. Her neon green cloak with a bright ruby stain upon it.
A gust blustered by his ear; followed by the black ball of a bludger. He swallowed, beginning to dart from side to side once more as Ginny flew beside him.
"Game's over! Just get inside!" She called to him, pointing to the players exit just below them. Her face held no hint of deceit, only barely controlled fury. He nodded as another bludger blasted past his previously broken elbow, and he willed his broom into full speed. Determination gritted into a ball in his stomach as he rocketed towards the exit. Madam Hooch was tearing about the pitch, chasing after one of the Hufflepuff chasers, whose expression was wrought with fear, given the fury upon her face.
Hermione had clearly cast sonorous, as her voice was booming across the pitch, calling for all the prefects to escort their houses back to their common rooms. A tabby cat patronus, bright and sweet with its playfulness was vanishing up to the school; he focused his eyes once more, aiming towards the exit as McGonagall's voice took precedent over Hermione's.
"All Quidditch players, both Hufflepuff and Slytherin to remain on the pitch please. On the ground."
He turned immediately, not even thinking to disobey, a small shimmer of pride bursting through his chest as he did so. He could do this change of life style. He could do it.
:: :: ::
"YOU CALL THAT A MATCH?" Ginny was shrieking, furious, her wand in her hand as Madam Hooch stood between her and the Hufflepuff captain. "I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO GOING UP AGAINST HUFFLEPUFF BUT NOT NOW!" She roared, as McGonagall made her way finally onto the pitch, her lips white anger resonating off her as if a bell had been tolled; the echo of it reverberating off the walls of the stands. The two teams were standing, in the case of Hufflepuff, with their brooms confiscated, with Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout standing either side of them. The expression of disappointment upon Sprout's face was too painful to look at, as Flitwick threw her sympathetic glances. The Slytherin team were a mixture of sitting, standing, and flat out lying on the ground, Jenna in particular bent over double and breathing in deeply. Their expressions grim and worn, yet a bright note of pride hung above them, free from the expected note of arrogance. Hermione was stood between the two teams, eyeing each of them carefully, her eyes lingering on Draco for longer than they should have. The action warmed him, and he settled himself onto the floor, staring at the Gryffindor princess.
"But you're in Gryffindor, not Slytherin." The Hufflepuff captain said bewildered, "We wouldn't do that to you."
"THAT'S NOT THE POINT YOU STUPID SHIT. YOU WILLINGLY ENDANGERED OTHER PLAYERS. EVEN THE ONES ON YOUR OWN TEAM. FOR WHAT? YOU THINK I'M STUPID ENOUGH TO RISK MY PLAYERS INCASE YOU HAVE A BAD MOOD THE DAY WE PLAY? YOU HAVE NO SENSE OF SPORTSMANSHIP. THAT WASN'T A MATCH!" Ginny was screaming; her face was bright red, her auburn hair a wild halo about her head, as Hermione began to rub her back, attempting to calm her. Her brown eyes were wild, her mouth practically foaming. The Hufflepuff captain looked confused, astonished at her rage, as Madam Pomfrey began to run past McGonagall, whose own progress was being slowed by her fury.
"But, you're not in Slytherin." The captain repeated, now slightly affronted at the accusation he had no sportsmanship.
"THAT MAKES NO SENSE!" Ginny bellowed back.
"Well, we wouldn't play Gryffindor like that," he attempted to explain as Ginny rolled her eyes, looking scarily like Bellatrix Lestrange.
"WHY WOULD YOU 'PLAY' SLYTHERIN LIKE THAT!"
"Because well…they're Slytherin, they all think they're better than us, being pureblood and stuff." The captain said weakly, an uncaring shrug given.
"I'M PUREBLOOD!" Ginny shrieked as Madam Pomfrey bent down next to her, rummaging through her bag as Madam Hooch looked unbelievably relieved and Hermione looked sick at the words coming out the Hufflepuffs mouth.
"Yeah but you're not…"
"SLYTHERIN?" Ginny asked furiously.
"Well, yeah." The captain acknowledged, as a furious snarl slipped from Ginny's throat.
"HAVE YOU SEEN WHAT FUCKING COLOUR I'M WEARING TODAY?" Ginny asked in a low roar, struggling against Madam Hooch as she noticed the calming solution Madam Pomfrey was now holding.
"Green." The Hufflepuff said astonished, as if he'd only just noticed.
"GOOD THING TOO. NO WAY CAN I SUPPORT A FILTHY, BRUTAL HOUSE LIKE HUFFLEPUFF. YOU CAN'T EVEN DENY IT AFTER THAT PLAY. GOOD THING YOU DIDN'T MANAGE TO KILL THE SLYTHERIN CAPTAIN, THEN WHAT WOULD PEOPLE SAY?" Ginny screamed, as Madam Pomfrey raised the goblet with the potion in to her lips. She threw a withering look to the medi-witch, before sighing, and gulping the solution down, accepting her frantic state was not ideal.
Madam Hooch released Ginny's arms, and she immediately stumbled forwards, making the Hufflepuff captain trip over his own feet in his attempt to get away from her. She stilled, straightening up, and looking apologetically at Madam Hooch and Pomfrey.
"Sorry" she shrugged.
"Just had to scare him Miss Weasley?" McGonagall asked in a withering tone as she caught up to the group, her eyes scanning the gathered players carefully, as Madam Pomfrey began to mutter under her breath about the violent sport, and ran her wand over the arm of one of the Slytherin chasers. Ginny began to sway a little, the calming solution taking effect. She smiled dozily to McGonagall, nodding as she did so; Hermione gripping her arm as she grasped for the floor.
"Poppy, that seemed a little strong," McGonagall said, her irritation bleeding through.
"The draught?" She answered, as she rummaged through her bag once more, a bandage winding itself about the chasers arm without her attention.
"Yes."
"I apologise, but; she was rather out of control. She won't sleep; just feel a little worn out."
"As long as that is it. Miss Weasley, you will go back to your common room." McGonagall dismissed her tersely; she nodded, as Madam Hooch raised her eyebrows at her, her expression warning.
"Mr Crossley," McGonagall said, facing the Hufflepuffs captain who was brushing his robes off nervously, his body jerking as if he'd been slapped at her address. "I wonder what your aim was in that game. All you have achieved is that Hufflepuff can no longer be trusted to play Quidditch again this year. You and your team are banned from the sport for the rest of your time at Hogwarts. You each engaged in dangerous; dare I say it, life threatening tactics. In fact, I don't believe you actually set out to play a game. You set out to harm and injure. You shall each receive detention with Hagrid every Saturday for the rest of the year, and twenty points lost each. Never have I been so angry in my life." McGonagall hissed, managing to have each syllable squeezed from her deathly white lips with a terrifying clarity.
The Hufflepuffs looked sick, some of them paled, whilst others flushed red. The stink of shame fluttered over them, polluting the ground they stood on; Crossley opened his mouth as if to retort, before a girl on what used to be the Hufflepuff's team threw him such a filthy look he closed it.
"As for the Slytherin team, I have to say I am impressed with your ability to not retaliate. Twenty points each." She said, the anger slipping away a little. "Miss Granger, and you Mr Malfoy as you don't seem to be injured, help those who are injured up to the Hospital wing, unless Madam Pomfrey says otherwise." She finished, giving Draco a lingering look that ended with a slight nod of her head.