NOTE: Huge thanks to the following-

WantingtobeBeautiful, SunLover92, Somnus Verus, rdcprecious818, LightningRose, hannahinthesky44, ykaitot, maridell1111, AngelLover88, Honoria Granger, bluestriker666, Beetle126, a fan (Guest), xXMizz Alec VolturiXx

Thanks to GIA for the beta read again! Enjoy!

xoxo-BKC

Chapter 32

It was long after the crowd had roared and cleared out of the stadium before Hermione managed to pull herself up off the floor. Michael had left her in the care of Nigel some time ago, but Nigel couldn't stand the sight of her. He coolly sat himself at his desk outside her office, trying not to listen to the sounds of her sobs. After everything they had worked for, she'd gone and gotten involved with a player. Somehow he knew their amazing season would be over shadowed by this scandalous event.

He threw another tabloid magazine into the growing pile currently residing in the rubbish bin. Another cover with Hermione's face gracing the cover. Letting out a heavy sigh, Nigel pushed the remaining rags into the trash and looked at the calendar on his desk. Three red circles stared back at him. They had three more regular season games before the Cup finals began. Looking at the last red circle, Nigel knew the game against the Harpies would be difficult. Compared to the final game of the season, the two leading up to it should be cake, or at least they would have been had everyone kept it in their pants. Nigel let his fists fall heavily to the desk in frustration.

"Nigel?" Her voice was soft and for just a second, he forgot how furious he was with his curly hair boss. He stood, slowly making his way to her doorway. She looked like a pitiful mess, holding onto her desk for support. He stared at her, waiting for her to give him an order. She wobbled a bit and he rushed forwards, catching her arm to steady her.

"Miss Granger, no offense, but you're a wreck. I think it's time you went home." He tightened his grip and forced her to let go of the desk.

"But the game…"

"The game finished hours ago Miss, Granger. The Falcons won." Nigel moved his hand from just her right arm and wrapped his arm under her left armpit to try and help her walk a bit more steadily.

"And Draco?" Her voice was soft and he almost hadn't heard her. Nigel shifted her in his arms causing her to cry out. He turned his head forward, refusing to look at her.

"No one's seen him. Gudgeon played in his place." Hermione nodded her head stiffly.

The walk down to the entrance was long. Neither said a word. Hermione found herself grateful her lose hair was able to hide her face. Never had she imagined Nigel being cross with her, but his behavior and attitude proved otherwise. A driver was waiting for them. He opened the door allowing Nigel to help Hermione into the backseat.

"Nigel," he stopped turning his head back towards her slightly. "I'm sorry I've disappointed you. I promise I'll find a way to keep you here when I'm gone." He curled his lips together, forming a straight line with his mouth and gave her a nod.

"Goodnight, Miss Granger." The door closed with a snap and the driver took his seat. Not bothering with her buckle, Hermione laid across the cool, leather seats.

"She can't stay locked away forever."

"Maybe she isn't ready to talk yet."

"Can't say I blame her. I could never show my face after that."

"RONALD!" Two voices rang out in annoyance.

"I'm just saying." Hermione let out a heavy sigh. She assumed, of course that they'd come. To be honest, she was surprised it had taken this long. She'd been holed up in her flat since the driver brought her home Monday night. As far as she could tell, it was currently Thursday, maybe morning judging by the sun. A knock at her bedroom door brought her back from her thoughts.

"Hermione?" It was Ginny's soft voice followed by the creek of the door and a splash of red hair. "Can we come in?" She didn't wait for a response before opening the door the fully allowing Hermione to see Harry and Ron also standing on the other side.

"Oh 'Mione." Ginny took in the sight of her best friend and let out a heavy sigh. She was currently tucked into a small ball, laying on her side, staring out the window. Her eyes were blood shot and her nose was very red. Ginny took a seat gingerly on the bed, a creek following her moments. She brought her hand up to Hermione's face and gently began pushing her tangled locks from her eyes. Harry and Ron took seats on her other side, Harry gently rubbing small circles on her back. Ron awkwardly patted her leg through the blankets. They heard her let out a sniffle before her body began heaving up and down.

The three looked at each other and back down at Hermione. Never had they seen her quite this broken.

"MALFOY! Get your arse in gear! Move up those stairs! MOVE!" Sweat dripped down his face. He licked his lips in hopes of removing the unwanted substance. Knees high, Draco took stair after stair feeling the eyes of his teammates following him. Not a single one had spoken to him since he missed Monday's game. Thankfully for him, Galvin had caught the snitch otherwise he was sure he wouldn't even be getting the opportunity to get his spot back. When he showed up for practice Tuesday morning, he'd received more dirty and hateful looks then he'd received as a Death Eater. Coach O'Kelly had been severely disappointed in him. Draco tried his hardest to keep his emotions in check during the coach's rant but by the end of their conversation, Draco was wiping his eyes and O'Kelly was promising him another chance until he was told otherwise.

"Get those knees higher, Malfoy! Losers have low knees! Be a winner!" Gritting his teeth in determination, Draco pulled his knees as high as he could.

"Winners get the girl. Winners get the girl!" Draco's rugged breath repeated over and over, growing louder with each step. "WINNERS GET THE GIRL!"