Chapter 12: The Quidditch House Cup

We woke the next day, entangled with each other in Draco's fancy silk sheets.

After realizing we were late for breakfast we hurried around his dorm, attempting to find our articles of clothing that we seemed to have thrown all over his room. I couldn't stop the grin on my face when Draco handed me socks to wear from his drawer to place on my feet before stepping onto the cold tiles.

Our friends were all lounging in the common room when we arrived, all wearing the same knowing look.

"How did everyone sleep?" Adrian asked, picking his bag up as we all started to move towards the portrait door.

Theo scoffed "I don't think some of us got enough sleep"

Blaise raised his eyebrows dramatically, overacting confusion "And why was that Theo?"

Theo struggled to hold back his smirk as he let out a loud moan "Oh Draco!" He slammed his fist against the wall as he neared the entrance to the common room. "Harder! Harder! Faster!"

Blaise, who was snickering behind some of his books, started to join in on Theo's fun. "Oh, Hermione!" He lowered his voice dramatically, doing a shit impression of Draco, "You feel so good!"

Draco was rolling his eyes, letting them have their fun, but slapped them both on the head as we exited through the door. I was giggling with Daphne while Pansy chose to act as if she was higher than everyone, scoffing at their vulgarness.

"Even though you two were trying to get under my skin," Draco said, a smirk pulling at his lips "I can't help but think you two were complimenting me on how responsive I can make Hermione"

"Draco!" I squeaked, slapping his arm. I widened my eyes, scolding him for giving them any hint about what we do behind closed doors.

"Hermione?"

I stilled and so did the rest of the group, their laughter dying quickly as we all turned to see who was calling my name outside the Potions classroom. I didn't have to turn to know who it was. My stomach dropped as I made eye contact with a redhead.

"Ginny," I smiled. "What're you doing here?" I asked crossing over to her, leaving space between us and the Slytherins.

Ginny wasn't looking at me as she replied "Forgot to turn in my potions essay the other day, so I turned it in this morning before the game. They wouldn't have let me played if I didn't"

I tried to advert her view of the group, stepping more in front of her, "Well, thank goodness you did, today is such a big day after all"

Her eyes snapped to mine, burning through them "Yes, it is, which is why I'm a bit confused as to why I found you with the whole team our house is competing against, and even a few more Slytherins who aren't even on the team"

I tried to act nonchalant about setting "Well, you know I'm friends with Adrian and Daphne"

She creased her eyebrows "But you said you weren't fucking him, so why didn't you come to your dorm last night, and why are you leaving the Slytherin common room so early in the morning?"

I saw Draco's jaw click at the mention of Adrian. I never would've thought of Draco being jealous of Adrian and I's friendship. I felt my body grow warmer as the lies continued to fly off my tongue. "Can't I just sleepover with my friends? Daphne and I hung out and it got late, you know I can't get caught after hours anymore" I gestured slightly to Daphne, and once my face was out of view of Ginny's I pursed my lips at Daph, pleading for her to go on with my lie.

Daphne caught on easily, nodding along as if I was with her all last night when in reality I saw her once on the way to Draco's dorm. Ginny looked between the whole group and me, clearly deciding whether she believes me or not. I was hoping to have no run-ins with any Gryffindor's this morning because it'd only complicate things when I tell them all everything later.

She finally looked back at me, her face not giving off much of what she was thinking. "Fine," my lungs filled back up with air, "But if I find out you're lying, Hermione, I will make sure you seriously rethink what it means to be someone's best friend" She left, shoving past the group without a second glance.

"Fuck," I whispered once she was out of view, sagging against the wall, sinking to the floor, pulling my knees into my chest.

"This could've been avoided if you would have just told them from the very beginning," Draco said, moving to sit next to me as if he was going to comfort me after that statement.

I glared at him while Daphne walked up to him, "Draco, not now" She said through clenched teeth, before walking to sit next to me on the floor. She looked over at the others who were standing around aimlessly, "Don't you all have breakfast to attend? I thought you'd want to get to the pitch right after you were all finished" She snapped.

The boys, grateful they finally had something to do that wasn't standing around awkwardly, began their journey to the Great Hall. Draco stayed back a few beats until catching Pansy's eye from where she stood near us on the ground. She had moved over but chose not to sit on the floor, most likely because "Parkinson's don't sit on floors".

Once Draco was at the end of the hall with the others, Daphne started doing what she knows best. Reassurance. "It will all work out after the game tonight, Hermione, don't let this mess with your head"

"If you let this fuck up the game today, I will personally shave off all your hair when you least expect it"

"Wow, thanks Pansy" I looked up at Pansy, who despite just throwing quite an insult at me, kept picking at a piece of loose parchment sticking from the top of one of her notebooks.

She smirked looking down at me, "Anytime" She winked before pushing off the wall asking "Are we done here? I want to get to breakfast before that Gryffindor table of yours goes all rowdy with anticipation for the game"

I laughed, "I guess we're done, as long as you two won't treat me like trash when the Gryffindors do"

"Of course, Hermione"

"We'll see, Bush-Head"

~0~

Having had a run-in earlier with Ginny, I decided to wait a little longer after Daph and Pansy entered the Great Hall, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention.

They were already seated with the other Slytherins, digging into their morning meals when I finally entered. Draco caught my eye for a moment, sending me a tiny grin. As much as I didn't want to, I averted my gaze over to the Gryffindor table at the opposite side of the hall.

"'Mione!" Harry waved over at me, gesturing to the seat next to him, the one not occupied by his girlfriend, Ginny.

I smiled, hoping it didn't come off as nervous as I felt. "Harry, how are you?" I asked, sitting down. I grabbed a plate, filling it with a scone, some eggs, and a few different types of fruits.

He ran a hand through his wild black hair, "I could be better" He admitted, looking down at the table.

I instantly stopped what I was doing, reaching over to take one of Harry's hands. "Why? What's wrong?"

He looked up at me, slightly shaking his head. "I don't know, I just got a bad feeling about today. The weather's bad, our two tables are already having to be separated from disputes earlier…" He bit his cheek, furrowing his brows. "I just can't explain it 'Mione, but something's wrong, something's going to happen"

The hand that wasn't holding Harry's was clawing into my thigh, trying not to let my face show anything.

"Harry, I'm sure it's nothing"

Oh, no. It's definitely something.

"I'm sure it's just nerves, the Slytherins have been playing exceptionally well this year," I said, squeezing his hand.

He nodded tentatively before stopping and looking over at me raising an eyebrow, "What do you mean they've been playing exceptionally well?"

Fuck, I can't get anything by him. Lifting one of my shoulders as I turned back to my meal I said "Heard a few others mention something about the Slytherins playing well in the common room the other day"

"Funny"

I turned my head, looking at him as I asked "What's funny?"

"You're never in the common room anymore," He leaned forward a bit, almost as if he was about to accuse me of something "And I don't know any self-respecting Gryffindor that would openly, in the common room, admit how well Slytherin has been doing"

My body has yet to cool down from my exchange with Ginny in the dungeons, now it feels like I'll need to change my shirt from sweat stains. "Are you accusing me of something Harry?" I asked, on the verge of scolding him. It's not as if he's wrong for assuming I am doing something wrong, because I very much am, I'm leading the enemy.

Leaning back he continued to look skeptically at me, but ended up straightening his glasses "It's nothing" We both knew it wasn't 'nothing' but I could tell he didn't want to get into it at this very moment.

Breakfast had been awkward, no one was conversing with me so I spent the majority of it thinking about what I need to do before the game, or listening in on their usual Hogwarts gossip chats.

I did not hesitate to count to 10 after watching the Slytherins leave to go get ready. Once I reached 10 I quickly grabbed my bag which looked like a normal school bag but had an extension charm on it that allows me to carry a lot of things for Quidditch. "See you all at the game!" I smiled at everyone besides Ron, who sat at the other end, wearing his ridiculous Keeper's helmet. "Good Luck!"

There were cheers and chants from the table, started by Seamus, as I left to catch up with the real team I was rooting for.

~0~

You could hear the crowd filling the seats above our heads. There were loud stomps, cheers, and hollers from all the houses.

I was able to stick my head out and see that the majority of the pitch was covered in red and yellow, showing that most loyalties lie with Gryffindor today.

If it weren't for that one night out, being caught by Professor Snape, I would also be in the large cluster of Gryffinsor's, decked out in red. I would have no other view of Slytherins, I would think they are mean and vile, wanting nothing but for them to lose today's game.

Now all I can do is hope they win.

After further analyzing past games between the two houses, I noticed Gryffindor always won, no matter what. I usually just assumed it was because they were better, but now I realize they aren't.

Hearing some of the things the Gryffindors yell towards the Slytherin entrance is sickening, no wonder they are thrown off their game. I looked towards the ground of the entrance, seeing visible trash that had been thrown. Waving my hand I vanished the mess with an angry huff, turning to return to the tense locker room.

"This is bullshit" I muttered, sitting next to Draco on the couch, leaning into him.

He kept his eyes forward and focused, "And why is that?"

I crossed my arms, blowing hair out of my face, "The way they treat you all is ridiculous! It's never been this bad before"

"It's like this every year when we make it to the finals," He finally shifted to look at me, "We try to ignore it though, we haven't even realized how bad it's gotten"

I stammered "What do you mean you haven't noticed?" I gestured to the main door, "There were piles of trash and how can you not hear the insults they are yelling right now?"

Theo walked in, running his hand through his hair, "Silencing charms" He shrugged.

"But of course we hear it once we leave," Blaise exhaled. He was lounging in his chair, but his foot was bouncing slightly, showing he wasn't as relaxed as he acted.

Silence fell onto the room as some of the players started their before-game rituals. Adrian's consisted of him tying a white ribbon to his broom. I asked him about it once, why he did it, but he just lifted a shoulder saying he doesn't know why but it works for him.

Montague still looked the same, standing stiffly next to his cubby. Theo and Blaise were running through different play patterns quietly while Crabbe and Goyle did finishing touches of wax on their brooms and beaters.

Draco never did anything besides a few stretches that made my imagination fly towards other things. As he was stretching his arms over his head, the announcement was made for players to make their way to their starting points.

I slipped on my Slytherin jacket and followed them out, watching them all hit their brooms at the top of the doorframe. We didn't have any type of meeting or pep talk today, we all decided it wasn't needed.

They knew what to do.

I stood hidden behind a pillar as they got into their flying formation, swinging their legs over their brooms, adjusting all their padding to make sure it fits. I took one last peek out at the stands, finding Neville standing next to a small dot of green in the Gryffindor stands. I squinted, my eyes trying to adjust through the rain to see who it was. The flash of white-blonde hair I saw as they turned to speak to Neville told me Luna was rooting for Slytherin.

I didn't need to turn to see who it was that placed their hand on my hip, pulling me back against them. "Hi," I said, turning in his arms.

"Hi," He whispered. He didn't need to say anything else, I could tell he was nervous. To try to calm his nerves I lifted onto my toes, planting a firm kiss on his lips. "Kiss for good luck?"

I nodded and smiled "And because I just wanted to kiss you"

He smiled, but just as the bell started ringing, letting them know to begin flying out as announcements started. I stepped back into my hiding spot to watch the game as he made his way to the front point of the 'V' formation.

Boo's filled the sound of the pitch as Slytherin was called out. It was already hard to hear the stats over the rain and thunder, but you couldn't even hear the weather over everyone's despise.

I could feel my stomach turning anxiously, praying that they wouldn't let the crowd get to their heads and stay focused on the game.

Gryffindor caused a huge reaction, some of the players, like Ron, had started doing tricks, flying around waving their hands to make the students louder. I rolled my eyes, how have I never noticed how self-absorbed Gryffindors can be?

Harry was flying around, readjusting his goggles as he sent a sneer towards Draco, who only glared back before going and finding another spot to occupy. Biting my lip, I shook my head, disappointed in Harry. I knew quidditch meant the world to him, but to stoop so low was embarrassing.

Hooch called them all to the center, attempting to yell the rules and expectations over the storm, then they were off.

Blaise was lucky to catch the quaffle first, speeding quickly around the ground making it to Ron, who missed the shot as the Quaffle flew perfectly through the center of the lower right hoop.

Protests sprang from the audience, but they kept playing just like they were at practice, ignoring the masses. "Perfect" I whispered to myself as Adrian and Theo completed a play seamlessly.

Despite starting strong, the Gryffindor team slowly caught up, constantly keeping the game tied.

I could tell our chasers, along with Crabbe, were losing their energy. Luckily, so were the Gryffindor chasers, even surprisingly, Ginny.

As the others played to try and untie the game, everyone else waited anxiously for the seekers. Once the game had started they both took off, going out of sight.

The storm clouds had moved in, making it even harder to see than before. I just silently prayed to myself that Draco was okay and able to catch the snitch. I hope Harry was well too, but he always survives everything, I'm not so sure about Draco.

The game was now creeping towards 3 hours in the pouring rain. Both teams' players were becoming exhausted. I was getting worried, thunder and lightning were cracking overhead constantly. What if something happened?

My heart sank. I needed to do something. I moved from my alcove onto the pitch, being careful to avoid any players or rogue balls. Making my way over to Madame Hooch on the ground, I waved my arm frantically to get her attention.

I startled her, but she gave me her full attention. "We need to stop this game!" I yelled over rolling thunder "It's been almost 3 hours and no seekers have been seen, the winning point is based on them so why don't we just stop and wait for them to return!" I suggested, pleading.

Madame Hooch looked just as nervous as I felt, we both looked up towards the sky just as two players crashed into each other, now tumbling from the sky. I didn't even hesitate to know who it was.

"Theo!" I screamed, attempting to run towards where Theo and a Gryffindor player I hadn't identified yet landed, but Hooch held me back.

"They must only be approached by the team healer-"

"I am the bloody team healer" I sneered, pulling myself from her grip.

Mme. Pomfrey was already helping Parvati sit up while Theo stayed motionless in the mud.

"Stay away, let the healers have some space!" Hooch yelled to the players who had all descended and were now forming a circle.

I could feel Ginny's eyes on me as I felt Theo's neck for a pulse, which was still beating rapidly. Ignoring the people that had formed around us, I shook Theo, "Theo? Can you hear me?"

He grunted back, shifting but then cursing "Fucking hell, my head"

I opened my bag, looking quickly for a pain-relieving potion made specifically for concussions. Once I handed it to Theo he chugged it and I could already see the relief in his eyes as the potion started working.

While I casted a quick diagnostics spell, I was vaguely aware of Pomfrey having to paralyze Parvati, preventing her from moving anymore so she doesn't hurt her back further. I bit my lip, poor Parvati, back injuries are serious. Finding nothing else wrong with Theo I sat back breathing in, "Lucky you, you're just going to have some mild bruising on your back from where you fell"

"Thank, Salazar" He sighed, throwing his head back. "I don't know what I would've done if something happened, don't we need to keep playing?"

Madam Hooch, who seemed to be standing over my shoulder answered for me, announcing to everyone "The main players of each team, Keepers, Beaters, and Chasers are done with the game! The Seekers, when they return, will determine who wins!"

All the players eased, this weather was painful to even stand in, let alone play in. I helped Theo up and returned the tight hug he pulled me in. Blaise walked over to us as everyone walked to the sides of the pitch, out of the rain. "You sure know how to give everyone a heart attack," He said, slapping Theo on the back.

Theo grinned "Good to know you still love me, Blaise"

Blaise barked a laugh, moving the two away towards the other Slytherins who were anxiously observing the sky from a bench. I stood awkwardly at the end of the bench, the other one only a few paces away holding a team of fuming Gryffindors.

I couldn't acknowledge them, not yet.

After about 30 minutes of sitting and waiting, a blur finally flew in from the sky.

A red blur.

The Gryffindor team and supporters roared their victory, their team running to greet Harry as he settled.

"Shit!" I heard Goyle sound as he stood, already making his way to the locker rooms. The others were saying muffled curses, agreeing that it was once again rigged and how much they hated playing Gryffindor.

I stood still in awe. I couldn't believe this. They had to have won. Draco has worked so damn hard. My stomach turned angrily as I thought to myself Harry doesn't deserve it.

Looking up, I could see the majority of the stands moving to join the celebration in the pitch when I noticed there was no celebration at the center of the pitch. Harry, Ginny, and Ron were all having a row. Harry gestured wildly with his hands pointing to the sky. Both Ginny and Ron's hair matched the color of their faces as they shouted.

I tilted my head up, smiling as I saw Draco finally return, hand in the air pumping it proudly as he grasped the snitch tightly.

He had started flying around, basking in his long-awaited victory. I would've usually thought about scolding him for taunting like this, but after what I witnessed from the other houses, I let him.

He quickly got the attention of the other Slytherins, which were now cheering, chanting. I ran with them to greet Draco, not caring what the others saw.

The game was over, I could be with Draco now.

As his feet touched the ground he dropped his broom and the snitch, quickly pulling me up against him, spinning in a circle as he connected our lips.

I squealed against him "You did it!"

He pulled back, pushing my wet curls from my face "Couldn't have without you"

My heart soared as the others crowded, celebrating one of the first Slytherin House Cup victories in ages.

I wish I could live in this moment forever. The rain was hitting us, but we were not caring as our adrenaline was keeping us warm now. Draco holding me to him as he flaunted.

I could see reporters already taking pictures of either the winning team, or just Draco and me, but I didn't care, the smile couldn't even be wiped off my face by the rain.

The moment continued as the podium appeared, the team being pushed onto it for pictures and to be handed the Quidditch House Cup. I insisted on waiting on the side of the stage, they were the ones who played and earned the cup, but Draco picked me up playfully, bringing me on stage with them. He plopped me down in the middle of the group, between him and Blaise.

I could see the questions in everyone's eyes as I stood proudly with the winning team, but when I looked over at both McGonagall and Dumbledore, they looked quite pleased I was being included. I smiled brightly, taking chances to look up at Draco, who seemed like couldn't even contain his content.

It was too rainy for the post-game interviews and press talks, delaying them for another week, but Dumbledore still proudly made a show to the cameras of handing Draco the Quidditch House Cup. More pictures, more smiling. It seemed hours later we were all finally allowed to leave back to the locker rooms.

~0~

As we walked back to the locker rooms, we were stopped by none other than Lucius Malfoy himself. "Well done, Draco" he congratulated, but didn't seem enthusiastic.

Draco stopped dead in his tracks, slightly stepping in front of me. Lucius had already seen everything, but I wasn't too keen on discussing it with him right now, or ever.

"Thank you father, now if you'll excuse-"

Lucius turned his gaze towards me, interrupting Draco's dismissal. "I have a few things to say"

The others, uncomfortable by the showdown between the two Malfoys, slowly left, leaving just the three of us alone. Theo gestured to go with them, but I shook my head no, deciding to stay.

"I'm sure you do," Draco grumbled.

Lucius rested on his cane casually "I see we need to address this…" he waved his hand around, trying to find the right word "situation"

I stepped forward, around Draco. If Lucius wants a conversation, he will speak to me properly, not hiding behind his son, who he doesn't have a dose of respect for. "And what situation is that?"

He squinted his eyes, "You, mudblood"

I laughed, while I noticed Draco's hand clench. I reached for it, taking it into mine, ignoring the silent gasp Lucius made a display of. "I don't see anything wrong, care to explain?"

Lucius stood at full height "You are a mudblood, you come from muggles-"

"-Great to see you know how blood properties work"

"-Purebloods don't mix with any blood group. Draco's heritage has been bred for centuries to keep our lines pure, I can't let him just ruin it all for you, some girl, some mudblood with no class" Lucius sneered, not taking his eyes off me as he insulted who I am.

Draco spoke up now, knowing his father's rant was over "I don't care what you think father, Hermione is at least as brilliant, if not more brilliant, than any pureblood witch you can dream up for me" I grinned as he continued, squeezing his hand "I don't know if you noticed, but I don't care anymore what you have to say. I did my job, I won the House Cup, our reputation is still solid-"

Lucius stepped forward, attempting to tower over his son. He clearly hadn't done so in a long time because Draco now towered over him. "The reputation we've worked so hard for is about to be destroyed tomorrow morning after the papers publish the pictures of the two of you. Did you even think of that?"

Draco smirked, "I did think of that, and I loved it"

I couldn't hide my smile as he pulled me to the locker room, ignoring Lucius' tremendously loud objections.

The last thing we heard as we closed the door was "Wait till your mother hears about this! She'll be devastated!"