Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 6/23
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is not a continuation to "Models Have Fun".
Thanks for the reviews! Any thoughts?
**"Hey People! I asked for help last time. Please give me ideas on
what activities they're gonna do and names for the 2 teams."**
Title: Summer Camp
Chapter4:
Let the Games Begin
"Tough luck! You're paired with Parvati!" Ron was teasing Harry every chance he has. Parvati is an ok Gryffindor but she's in too deep with Divination that she's included it in every conversation. Harry and Ron (including Hermione) both saw Divination or specifically their professor rubbish.
"Lavender's just as bad Ron." Harry countered. Lavender and Parvati were best friends. They both love Divination, cosmetics, and fashion. What else was there in the world?
"Oh, shut up you guys! They're both bearable partners. Just look at who I'm stuck with?" Hermione didn't actually know whether to smile or be irritated. There would be more chances to argue with Malfoy without her bodyguards interrupting them. She didn't need them anyway.
"Don't worry about it, if he does or say anything to hurt you I swear." Ron clenched his fists not liking the idea of his girlfriend paired to a slimy git.
"Easy Ron, it's not as if I would let him do something stupid to me."
"Yeah Ron, she's a Prefect and a candidate for Head Girl. She can handle the stupid jerk."
"Thank you Harry. See Ron, Harry has faith in me. You as my boyfriend should do the same. Besides, if something happened to me who do you think the professors would point their fingers to?"
Ron dropped his case. He didn't like arguing with her. He remembered those early dating days with her when they were still at each other's throats. He didn't like it one bit. He'd do anything so that they would fight about anything. Besides, Harry was backing her. However he looked at the situation he knew he was on the loosing end.
~~~~~~~~~~
The students gathered in a pitch no less foe Quidditch activities. They lined up still according to their houses. They needed time to get used with the arrangement. The professors wouldn't have complained with the lines. Problem is, the Gryffindor and Slytherin lines were at opposite ends. The students were lined as follows: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
"Good day to everyone. We are glad to have you here this summer." McGonagall greeted as she scanned the crowd. "If you insist on lining up with your houses fine then! But, I have to arrange the lines itself. Gryffindor will be the 1st line, next would be Slytherin, then Hufflepuff and lastly Ravenclaw. I give credit to Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw for accepting their teams. I am sorry to say that I am disappointed at my own house at how they were acting. Remember that you are now teamed with Slytherin. I expect you to throw away your differences to accomplish a common goal. What are you all standing for? Fix your lines!" McGonagall was now getting impatient as she watched the students move to follow her orders. She was doubting that Dumbledore's plans were to succeed if the 2 teams loathed each other.
"Very good. Now, this Summer Camp as you all know is very different from that of your typical days in Hogwarts. Every weekdays there will be activities lined up for you. Each team will have different itinerary. I expect the teams to give think up of a name to describe your team. For the mean time I will call the Gryffindor-Slytherin team as team A while the other team as team B."
"Just like in Hogwarts each team would have their head of houses. Team A's head will be Professor Snape and team B's head will be Professor Lupin. He was kind enough to come in such short notice.
Most of the Gryffindors groaned as they heard Snape's name called for their team. Figures though since Slytherin was his house. There were some who reacted harshly at McGonagall's news. "Why Snape? Binns would have been better. Why not McGonagall herself or Lupin for that matter?"
The Slytherins however were rooting and clapping for their House Head. There were whispers going about, "We knew Snape wouldn't let us down." Basically everyone else was content at the moment. Lupin was popular for his Defense Against the Dark Arts. There were no complaints revolving with team B. What was to complain? He was a great professor.
Professor McGonagall continued her announcement over the chaos that was building. "Get your schedules from your respective heads. Any questions will be answered by them." She paused as the voices died down. "Every Saturdays the 2 teams will compete against each other. Remember any point gained in this camp will be included to next year's House competition. Sundays are free days. If all is clear then I say, let the fun begin." She tried her best to sound enthusiastic.
"Fun? McGonagall's the last person I thought would've mentioned that word. I'm surprised that it's even in her vocabulary." Ron remarked.
"Fun? With Slytherins and Snape? What fun with that? It's like a contradiction don't you think Harry?"
"I with you too Hermione. Now I don't know whether to be happy escaping another summer from my uncle or regret coming here?"
"Ouch!" Ron clutched his heart trying to look hurt. "Are you saying that we," Ron pulled Hermione close to him, "Don't mean anything to you? I'm shock and hurt. How could you?" He eyed Harry teasingly.
"Stop being melodramatic Ron dear. I'm sure Harry didn't mean it that way. Right Harry?" She was rubbing Ron's back joining the fun.
"I don't know, I mean you guys are great but." He paused and looked at his friends who were making faces now. "I was kidding! I'm glad that I'm spending my summer with you guys. The Dursley's are my living hell." He came between them and placed his arms on Ron and Hermione's shoulders.
"If you three are done with your sentimentality, Snape would like to talk to you Granger." Draco was disgusted at seeing the Gryffindor trio happy and contented. He swore before that he'd ruin their lives and this camp holds a lot of opportunities.
"What does he want?" She questioned him trying to see if he was lying. 'Why on earth would he lie?'
"Are you expecting me, a pureblood to answer the question of the likes of you?" He raised an eyebrow as if shocked.
"You're right." Hermione started as she stopped Ron from talking. "I wouldn't expect you to understand simple questions. Do you need me to explain? Are my words too hard for you? Why don't you hire a tutor to teach you to understand simple sentences? I believe that it is useful when you graduate. I'm sure your father wouldn't mind enhancing the brain capacity of his son."
Draco's face became bright red. "That's not the problem here is it?" As soon as he started to speak Crabbe and Goyle joined him. "The problem is that the little mudblood could not even answer the most obvious questions. And they say you were smart." He smirked at her.
This time, it was Hermione's turn to blush crimson red. Ron clenched his fist ready to lunge at Malfoy when he felt Harry's hands trying to stop him. "What?" He said irritably.
"What's the cause of delay Malfoy?"
"Granger deliberately disobeyed your orders sir. She questioned your authority sir."
Hermione wanted to protest but decided against it. Whatever happens, Snape would always assume that is was caused by Gryffindors.
Snape eyed Hermione then Ron and lastly Harry before he gazed back to Hermione. "You are now part of my team and I expect you to follow. I will not tolerate insubordination do you hear?" He waited for Hermione to nod. "I will not let any of you to ruin Slytherin's chances understand?"
Hermione nodded but it seemed like Snape was also questioning both Harry and Ron. They had no choice but to nod themselves. Draco and his goons were stifling their laughter at seeing the Gryffindor trio in hot water.
McGonagall suddenly appeared behind Snape and looked at the scene. "Professor Snape, they are your responsibilities now or have you forgotten what Dumbledore said?"
Snape understood and kept silent. The only time he spoke was when McGonagall left. "Very well then." He looked at Hermione and Draco, "It is good that our leaders are of different sexes. Malfoy would handle the guy's cabin and Granger with the women's. I hold you both responsible for any arguments that might occur in your teammates. Here are the rules if by chance some of you forgot it." He handed a small handbook, which Hermione took. "This is your schedule for the week." He passed a piece of paper to Malfoy. "Anymore questions?"
"Uh sir, will we do this activities as a team or will we be divided still by gender?" Hermione wanted to clear something.
"Read the rules Granger, tell me then if there was something written about separation of genders." He flipped his robe and started walking to his cabin.
Draco and Hermione glared at each other first before they left in opposite directions with their respective bodyguards behind them.
~~~~~~~~~~
The first activity that they had was on Quidditch. They all gathered in the pitch as they awaited a professor to join them. There was distinct separation between houses again. Each house was planning their players in fighting against each other. Reality struck them when they realized that they didn't have enough competent players in their house.
Madame Hooch came and started giving instructions. "Good day everyone. We will not play any Quidditch today."
Everyone started complaining. Everyone agreed that Quidditch was fun and they wanted to know which team would win under their circumstances.
Madame Hooch continued, "We are not going to play against each other. We will make a team out of you all." She scanned everyone in front of them. "There are some of you that I've never seen playing Quidditch. So this is your chance to start. As you all know Saturdays are competition days. The first competition is on Quidditch. It would be like testing the capabilities of a player. For example, there would be a contest on who's the best seeker, best keeper, and so on and so forth. Everyone is to compete at each category."
"Madam Hooch, what if your position is a keeper, do you have to join the other contests like for example seeker?" Ron was getting curious and didn't quite understand.
"The point of the competition Mr. Weasley is that everyone would join all the contest."
"Wouldn't that take too long?" Ron pressed on. He didn't want to look like a fool in front of everyone especially in Hermione's eyes. He had not practiced with all position. He was starting to get sick.
Parvati and Lavender were taken aback. They never thought that they would be participating in a rough game like Quidditch. It was just not for them. They went forward and tried to weasel out.
"No one will be excused not to participate except in near death situations."
"But I've never been interested in playing Quidditch before." Lavender was complaining.
"This is your chance to learn. Everyone will practice each position at a time. Is there a chaser among you?"
Dean raised his arm.
"Very well. Everyone will position as a keeper. One by one of course. When the person blocks the Quaffle 3 times, that's the only time another gets to try being a keeper."
"Uh Madame Hooch, I wouldn't be able to try being a keeper then." Dean asked her.
"I will be the one to try you out. Line up all of you now."
Lavender and Parvati chose to stay at the back of the line. The Gryffindors in general except of the 2 mentioned earlier were the first to try. Seamus was the first one to try. He lasted 15 minutes before he got the hang on it. Neville was talking to himself encouraging himself that he can do it. He lasted a good 30 minutes. Slytherins were having fits over his clumsiness. Dean got irritated at them and gave Neville an easy one so that he could finish.
Hermione was getting sweaty. She was not that good at flying but obviously better than Neville. She never experienced playing Quidditch before. Even though her best friends were in the team including Ginny she still didn't bother to learn how to play it. She told Harry and Ron that she'd rather go ahead of them so that she wouldn't look like fool. They had experience and being the person after Neville meant that she would look better.
She mounted a broom, took a deep breath and flew. 'Please let Dean throw me an easy one. Please let Dean throw me an easy one. Please let Dean throw me an easy one.' She didn't want to be ridiculed especially by her teammates. She flew and stopped in the middle of the hoops as she anticipated Dean's movements. As if by luck or talent, whichever side you're on, Hermione caught her 1st Quaffle. She smiled down at Ron as she passed the Quaffle back.
"Ms. Granger, how come you didn't join the Quidditch team?" Madame Hooch praised her catch considering it was her first ever catch.
"That was merely luck!" Draco was looking forward at laughing how bad she'd do but she hasn't failed yet.
Dean threw another one at her. He threw a harder one to see if she can stop it. Hermione watched carefully at Dean looking for signs at where he was going to throw it. And again, she caught it with ease.
"Dean must have some crush on her or he wouldn't have given her an easy pass." Draco was once again disappointed by her catch. He did however recognized how easy it was for Hermione to catch the Quaffle as if she was a natural. He was annoyed at he idea so instead he called at her, "Hey Weasley, looks like your girlfriend's better than you at protecting goals."
Ron turned red both with anger and embarrassment. He figured he'd teach Hermione one-on-one but from the looks of it she didn't need any help. She can manage on her own. At first he was cheering alongside with Harry as she caught the 1st one. He was actually proud. But when Dean tried a harder one and she was able to catch it, he felt what Malfoy had just said.
Harry was still admiring her ease with the role as a keeper. 'She's a real natural. Malfoy may be right. He watched her as she gracefully glided around the hoops protecting them from Dean. Madame Hooch was smiling at the new talent she's just saw. Harry saw that Hermione was flushed just like Ron, he wondered why.
Hermione heard Malfoy's comment and felt ashamed. She deliberately avoided the Quaffles thrown at her.
"Ms. Granger, why are you avoiding the Quaffles?" All the Slytherins laughed at Madame Hooch's remark.
"Yeah Hermione. Let us all have a try on it you've been up there flying around for 2 minutes avoiding those Quaffles." Harry said amused her best friend who hid her talent for quite a long time.
Hermione heard Harry's comment and decided to end it. She caught the 3rd one and went back down. Harry gave her a hug as he said how wonderful she was up there.
"You know Granger, it is much different when you guard that on a real game. You'd have to worry about bludgers and other stuff so don't make it like you're the best seeker or anything." Draco settled at ruining her aura.
"See if you can do that." She taunted him. Ron was all-quiet. He felt the pressure of doing better than her. He didn't congratulate her. He decided to look at how Harry was doing.
Harry caught the 1st one Dean throw at him. He felt it was easy. He let his guard down so when Dean gave him a hard one he got confused and missed. Harry was doing almost 8 minutes when he finally caught the 3rd one. Wherein during those 8 minutes, the Slytherins laughed their hearts out. All he could say as he touched the ground was, "Speeds no use up there."
"It's alright Harry, you were trained as a seeker obviously you'd act one." Hermione tried to comfort him.
Ron was next. He was shaking. He was under pressure. When he was up, he got very careful staying in the middle so that he can easily read where the Quaffle's going that he forgot to guard the rest of the rings. Time passed with Dean scoring past 200 points now but who's counting? The Slytherin's are. Harry, Hermione and the rest of the Gryffindors cheered on him but seemed like there was no difference. 15 minutes had passed and at last Ron caught 3. He got down to earth and stayed away from his best friends feeling ashamed.
Malfoy however could not resist the temptation of rubbing his face. "Did you bribe your girlfriend so that you can play instead of her?" He gave him his usual smirk.
"No he played so that teams like yours could stand a chance."
"Whatever you say Granger." He said sweetly as he looked at Weasley.
"Ron, wait, its not how I wanted it to sound. Wait!" Hermione called out at him as he hurried off somewhere.
A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking
This is not a continuation to "Models Have Fun".
Thanks for the reviews! Any thoughts?
**"Hey People! I asked for help last time. Please give me ideas on
what activities they're gonna do and names for the 2 teams."**
Title: Summer Camp
Chapter4:
Let the Games Begin
"Tough luck! You're paired with Parvati!" Ron was teasing Harry every chance he has. Parvati is an ok Gryffindor but she's in too deep with Divination that she's included it in every conversation. Harry and Ron (including Hermione) both saw Divination or specifically their professor rubbish.
"Lavender's just as bad Ron." Harry countered. Lavender and Parvati were best friends. They both love Divination, cosmetics, and fashion. What else was there in the world?
"Oh, shut up you guys! They're both bearable partners. Just look at who I'm stuck with?" Hermione didn't actually know whether to smile or be irritated. There would be more chances to argue with Malfoy without her bodyguards interrupting them. She didn't need them anyway.
"Don't worry about it, if he does or say anything to hurt you I swear." Ron clenched his fists not liking the idea of his girlfriend paired to a slimy git.
"Easy Ron, it's not as if I would let him do something stupid to me."
"Yeah Ron, she's a Prefect and a candidate for Head Girl. She can handle the stupid jerk."
"Thank you Harry. See Ron, Harry has faith in me. You as my boyfriend should do the same. Besides, if something happened to me who do you think the professors would point their fingers to?"
Ron dropped his case. He didn't like arguing with her. He remembered those early dating days with her when they were still at each other's throats. He didn't like it one bit. He'd do anything so that they would fight about anything. Besides, Harry was backing her. However he looked at the situation he knew he was on the loosing end.
~~~~~~~~~~
The students gathered in a pitch no less foe Quidditch activities. They lined up still according to their houses. They needed time to get used with the arrangement. The professors wouldn't have complained with the lines. Problem is, the Gryffindor and Slytherin lines were at opposite ends. The students were lined as follows: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
"Good day to everyone. We are glad to have you here this summer." McGonagall greeted as she scanned the crowd. "If you insist on lining up with your houses fine then! But, I have to arrange the lines itself. Gryffindor will be the 1st line, next would be Slytherin, then Hufflepuff and lastly Ravenclaw. I give credit to Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw for accepting their teams. I am sorry to say that I am disappointed at my own house at how they were acting. Remember that you are now teamed with Slytherin. I expect you to throw away your differences to accomplish a common goal. What are you all standing for? Fix your lines!" McGonagall was now getting impatient as she watched the students move to follow her orders. She was doubting that Dumbledore's plans were to succeed if the 2 teams loathed each other.
"Very good. Now, this Summer Camp as you all know is very different from that of your typical days in Hogwarts. Every weekdays there will be activities lined up for you. Each team will have different itinerary. I expect the teams to give think up of a name to describe your team. For the mean time I will call the Gryffindor-Slytherin team as team A while the other team as team B."
"Just like in Hogwarts each team would have their head of houses. Team A's head will be Professor Snape and team B's head will be Professor Lupin. He was kind enough to come in such short notice.
Most of the Gryffindors groaned as they heard Snape's name called for their team. Figures though since Slytherin was his house. There were some who reacted harshly at McGonagall's news. "Why Snape? Binns would have been better. Why not McGonagall herself or Lupin for that matter?"
The Slytherins however were rooting and clapping for their House Head. There were whispers going about, "We knew Snape wouldn't let us down." Basically everyone else was content at the moment. Lupin was popular for his Defense Against the Dark Arts. There were no complaints revolving with team B. What was to complain? He was a great professor.
Professor McGonagall continued her announcement over the chaos that was building. "Get your schedules from your respective heads. Any questions will be answered by them." She paused as the voices died down. "Every Saturdays the 2 teams will compete against each other. Remember any point gained in this camp will be included to next year's House competition. Sundays are free days. If all is clear then I say, let the fun begin." She tried her best to sound enthusiastic.
"Fun? McGonagall's the last person I thought would've mentioned that word. I'm surprised that it's even in her vocabulary." Ron remarked.
"Fun? With Slytherins and Snape? What fun with that? It's like a contradiction don't you think Harry?"
"I with you too Hermione. Now I don't know whether to be happy escaping another summer from my uncle or regret coming here?"
"Ouch!" Ron clutched his heart trying to look hurt. "Are you saying that we," Ron pulled Hermione close to him, "Don't mean anything to you? I'm shock and hurt. How could you?" He eyed Harry teasingly.
"Stop being melodramatic Ron dear. I'm sure Harry didn't mean it that way. Right Harry?" She was rubbing Ron's back joining the fun.
"I don't know, I mean you guys are great but." He paused and looked at his friends who were making faces now. "I was kidding! I'm glad that I'm spending my summer with you guys. The Dursley's are my living hell." He came between them and placed his arms on Ron and Hermione's shoulders.
"If you three are done with your sentimentality, Snape would like to talk to you Granger." Draco was disgusted at seeing the Gryffindor trio happy and contented. He swore before that he'd ruin their lives and this camp holds a lot of opportunities.
"What does he want?" She questioned him trying to see if he was lying. 'Why on earth would he lie?'
"Are you expecting me, a pureblood to answer the question of the likes of you?" He raised an eyebrow as if shocked.
"You're right." Hermione started as she stopped Ron from talking. "I wouldn't expect you to understand simple questions. Do you need me to explain? Are my words too hard for you? Why don't you hire a tutor to teach you to understand simple sentences? I believe that it is useful when you graduate. I'm sure your father wouldn't mind enhancing the brain capacity of his son."
Draco's face became bright red. "That's not the problem here is it?" As soon as he started to speak Crabbe and Goyle joined him. "The problem is that the little mudblood could not even answer the most obvious questions. And they say you were smart." He smirked at her.
This time, it was Hermione's turn to blush crimson red. Ron clenched his fist ready to lunge at Malfoy when he felt Harry's hands trying to stop him. "What?" He said irritably.
"What's the cause of delay Malfoy?"
"Granger deliberately disobeyed your orders sir. She questioned your authority sir."
Hermione wanted to protest but decided against it. Whatever happens, Snape would always assume that is was caused by Gryffindors.
Snape eyed Hermione then Ron and lastly Harry before he gazed back to Hermione. "You are now part of my team and I expect you to follow. I will not tolerate insubordination do you hear?" He waited for Hermione to nod. "I will not let any of you to ruin Slytherin's chances understand?"
Hermione nodded but it seemed like Snape was also questioning both Harry and Ron. They had no choice but to nod themselves. Draco and his goons were stifling their laughter at seeing the Gryffindor trio in hot water.
McGonagall suddenly appeared behind Snape and looked at the scene. "Professor Snape, they are your responsibilities now or have you forgotten what Dumbledore said?"
Snape understood and kept silent. The only time he spoke was when McGonagall left. "Very well then." He looked at Hermione and Draco, "It is good that our leaders are of different sexes. Malfoy would handle the guy's cabin and Granger with the women's. I hold you both responsible for any arguments that might occur in your teammates. Here are the rules if by chance some of you forgot it." He handed a small handbook, which Hermione took. "This is your schedule for the week." He passed a piece of paper to Malfoy. "Anymore questions?"
"Uh sir, will we do this activities as a team or will we be divided still by gender?" Hermione wanted to clear something.
"Read the rules Granger, tell me then if there was something written about separation of genders." He flipped his robe and started walking to his cabin.
Draco and Hermione glared at each other first before they left in opposite directions with their respective bodyguards behind them.
~~~~~~~~~~
The first activity that they had was on Quidditch. They all gathered in the pitch as they awaited a professor to join them. There was distinct separation between houses again. Each house was planning their players in fighting against each other. Reality struck them when they realized that they didn't have enough competent players in their house.
Madame Hooch came and started giving instructions. "Good day everyone. We will not play any Quidditch today."
Everyone started complaining. Everyone agreed that Quidditch was fun and they wanted to know which team would win under their circumstances.
Madame Hooch continued, "We are not going to play against each other. We will make a team out of you all." She scanned everyone in front of them. "There are some of you that I've never seen playing Quidditch. So this is your chance to start. As you all know Saturdays are competition days. The first competition is on Quidditch. It would be like testing the capabilities of a player. For example, there would be a contest on who's the best seeker, best keeper, and so on and so forth. Everyone is to compete at each category."
"Madam Hooch, what if your position is a keeper, do you have to join the other contests like for example seeker?" Ron was getting curious and didn't quite understand.
"The point of the competition Mr. Weasley is that everyone would join all the contest."
"Wouldn't that take too long?" Ron pressed on. He didn't want to look like a fool in front of everyone especially in Hermione's eyes. He had not practiced with all position. He was starting to get sick.
Parvati and Lavender were taken aback. They never thought that they would be participating in a rough game like Quidditch. It was just not for them. They went forward and tried to weasel out.
"No one will be excused not to participate except in near death situations."
"But I've never been interested in playing Quidditch before." Lavender was complaining.
"This is your chance to learn. Everyone will practice each position at a time. Is there a chaser among you?"
Dean raised his arm.
"Very well. Everyone will position as a keeper. One by one of course. When the person blocks the Quaffle 3 times, that's the only time another gets to try being a keeper."
"Uh Madame Hooch, I wouldn't be able to try being a keeper then." Dean asked her.
"I will be the one to try you out. Line up all of you now."
Lavender and Parvati chose to stay at the back of the line. The Gryffindors in general except of the 2 mentioned earlier were the first to try. Seamus was the first one to try. He lasted 15 minutes before he got the hang on it. Neville was talking to himself encouraging himself that he can do it. He lasted a good 30 minutes. Slytherins were having fits over his clumsiness. Dean got irritated at them and gave Neville an easy one so that he could finish.
Hermione was getting sweaty. She was not that good at flying but obviously better than Neville. She never experienced playing Quidditch before. Even though her best friends were in the team including Ginny she still didn't bother to learn how to play it. She told Harry and Ron that she'd rather go ahead of them so that she wouldn't look like fool. They had experience and being the person after Neville meant that she would look better.
She mounted a broom, took a deep breath and flew. 'Please let Dean throw me an easy one. Please let Dean throw me an easy one. Please let Dean throw me an easy one.' She didn't want to be ridiculed especially by her teammates. She flew and stopped in the middle of the hoops as she anticipated Dean's movements. As if by luck or talent, whichever side you're on, Hermione caught her 1st Quaffle. She smiled down at Ron as she passed the Quaffle back.
"Ms. Granger, how come you didn't join the Quidditch team?" Madame Hooch praised her catch considering it was her first ever catch.
"That was merely luck!" Draco was looking forward at laughing how bad she'd do but she hasn't failed yet.
Dean threw another one at her. He threw a harder one to see if she can stop it. Hermione watched carefully at Dean looking for signs at where he was going to throw it. And again, she caught it with ease.
"Dean must have some crush on her or he wouldn't have given her an easy pass." Draco was once again disappointed by her catch. He did however recognized how easy it was for Hermione to catch the Quaffle as if she was a natural. He was annoyed at he idea so instead he called at her, "Hey Weasley, looks like your girlfriend's better than you at protecting goals."
Ron turned red both with anger and embarrassment. He figured he'd teach Hermione one-on-one but from the looks of it she didn't need any help. She can manage on her own. At first he was cheering alongside with Harry as she caught the 1st one. He was actually proud. But when Dean tried a harder one and she was able to catch it, he felt what Malfoy had just said.
Harry was still admiring her ease with the role as a keeper. 'She's a real natural. Malfoy may be right. He watched her as she gracefully glided around the hoops protecting them from Dean. Madame Hooch was smiling at the new talent she's just saw. Harry saw that Hermione was flushed just like Ron, he wondered why.
Hermione heard Malfoy's comment and felt ashamed. She deliberately avoided the Quaffles thrown at her.
"Ms. Granger, why are you avoiding the Quaffles?" All the Slytherins laughed at Madame Hooch's remark.
"Yeah Hermione. Let us all have a try on it you've been up there flying around for 2 minutes avoiding those Quaffles." Harry said amused her best friend who hid her talent for quite a long time.
Hermione heard Harry's comment and decided to end it. She caught the 3rd one and went back down. Harry gave her a hug as he said how wonderful she was up there.
"You know Granger, it is much different when you guard that on a real game. You'd have to worry about bludgers and other stuff so don't make it like you're the best seeker or anything." Draco settled at ruining her aura.
"See if you can do that." She taunted him. Ron was all-quiet. He felt the pressure of doing better than her. He didn't congratulate her. He decided to look at how Harry was doing.
Harry caught the 1st one Dean throw at him. He felt it was easy. He let his guard down so when Dean gave him a hard one he got confused and missed. Harry was doing almost 8 minutes when he finally caught the 3rd one. Wherein during those 8 minutes, the Slytherins laughed their hearts out. All he could say as he touched the ground was, "Speeds no use up there."
"It's alright Harry, you were trained as a seeker obviously you'd act one." Hermione tried to comfort him.
Ron was next. He was shaking. He was under pressure. When he was up, he got very careful staying in the middle so that he can easily read where the Quaffle's going that he forgot to guard the rest of the rings. Time passed with Dean scoring past 200 points now but who's counting? The Slytherin's are. Harry, Hermione and the rest of the Gryffindors cheered on him but seemed like there was no difference. 15 minutes had passed and at last Ron caught 3. He got down to earth and stayed away from his best friends feeling ashamed.
Malfoy however could not resist the temptation of rubbing his face. "Did you bribe your girlfriend so that you can play instead of her?" He gave him his usual smirk.
"No he played so that teams like yours could stand a chance."
"Whatever you say Granger." He said sweetly as he looked at Weasley.
"Ron, wait, its not how I wanted it to sound. Wait!" Hermione called out at him as he hurried off somewhere.