Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 6/27
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
Chapter7: Caught?
Hermione and Draco began a habit last night that would very well continue for the rest of their time in the camp. unless of course they get caught.
Hermione would always wake up before Draco in the cave. She'd wander around the lake waiting for him to awaken. She'd sit on the rock and try to understand what the lake possessed that could make them do stupid things.
'Why is it that every time Malfoy and I stay here, we end up kissing?'
'Maybe because you're starting to like him.' This was said by a voice inside her that was carefree and fun.
The sensible side argued with it, 'Never! He's done things that I could never ever forgive!'
'Maybe, but it doesn't hurt that he's a wonderful kisser.'
'Shut up! He and I agreed that whatever happens in this place should not leave this place at all. Besides I already have enough trouble with Ron.'
'Yeah, Ron would like it very much that you sleep with him.' **PLEASE read my A/N last chapter. **
'He doesn't have to know.'
'No one would blame you if you look at others. Weren't you looking for something exciting for a change?'
'Yeah, but Ron.'
'Ron's dull.'
'He's brave.'
'So is all Gryffindor.'
'He knows me and likes me for who I am.'
'Another point for being dull.'
'He's a good friend and I know he wouldn't hurt me.'
'Wasn't he the one who wanted a break because you were better than him?'
'Aaaah!' She shook her head trying to shut her other side.
"What are you doing Granger?"
"I just. never mind. Shall we go?"
"Do you think it's good if people saw us together?"
"Depends."
"Depends?"
"If the people that saw us were our professors then I'd say it's ok."
"And if the people who saw us are your friends, let's say Potter and Weasley?"
Hermione was taken aback. "I'd think of something. Besides, they pretty much avoids me now, I don't think there's anything worse."
Draco and Hermione started heading back to the camp. "You know Granger, you're pretty fair as a Keeper."
"You think so?" Hermione was startled that she'd received a compliment from him.
"I think it was wrong for Weasley to get jealous at you but I think he has reason to."
"But just as you said before, playing for the Quidditch team is different to protecting goals from one person.
"It's not that different. There are other players to help you out. You'd have no trouble protecting your rings if you have decent Beaters."
"Maybe, but I still don't think I can play in front of a lot of people."
"Are you kidding? Most of the players' reason for playing is to get recognition."
"Well I don't want any."
Draco looked at her not believing that someone would refuse to be acknowledged. "I think it's my turn now."
Hermione raised an eyebrow not knowing what he was talking about.
"I think it's your turn to praise me and stuff." He teased her.
"Oh," Hermione blushed as she tried to find something to say. "I admit that you're the only one that can stand against Harry."
"That's not a compliment!"
"I think it is. Harry's no doubt the best Seeker in Hogwarts."
"I think you forgot who you should be complimenting."
"But it's true Harry's a talented Seeker and you know it."
"I can't seem to find my compliment."
"I'm getting there. Harry in my opinion is great at his position because he has inborn talent. I think you're competition for him because you have passion for it." She added as whisper, "It's most likely passion to beat Harry than passion as a Seeker."
"Is that the best you can do?" Draco was having fun teasing her.
"Fine, I think you've got chance in succeeding in any position in Quidditch as long as you practiced.
"That's better. That wasn't so hard was it?"
"I don't know, I think I had a hard time lying." It was her turn to tease. They've arrived at camp early. There were still no students awake.
"Lying eh?" He placed his fingers at her side and started tickling her.
"Stop it!" She was struggling out of his reach. She was very ticklish and couldn't help herself from laughing.
Draco seemed to gain some sense. He stopped tickling her and shushed her instead. "Keep it low, someone might see us." He looked around checking if there was anyone hiding in the shadows. All he saw was a black dog carefully watching them. Draco didn't seem to mind. Dogs can't talk.
Hermione pursed her lips to stifle any other sound from coming out of her lips.
When Draco was satisfied that there's no one looking he faced her again. "We're done with all of the positions in Quidditch except for one. I'll make sure I'll prove you wrong." He winked at her.
"You wish! Harry would beat you any given day." She wouldn't back down.
"We'll see about that." He turned around determined to practice for the big moment.
Hermione didn't feel good about trying out the Seeker position. She was never keen at speed and that's the key point in catching the golden snitch. She did however looked forward to Harry and Draco's showdown.
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry and Ron were already in the pitch waiting eagerly for Madame Hooch. They were having fun at trying out different positions. It was also giving them a better understanding of what each player had to go through. Now they've gained respect for each player.
Hermione wished badly for Harry and Draco's match up to last for a long time. She would do anything to avoid playing today.
When she arrived at the pitch, Harry and Ron were busy discussing tactics. They seemed excited at playing the game. She wished that she could ask Harry some tips but seeing Ron beside him made her feel a little uneasy. In short, she felt guilty. She wanted to make up with Ron but it seems like he has no interest in doing so.
She looked around and saw Lavender and Parvati talking under a tree. She decided to pass time with them.
"Hey guys what are you talking about?" Hermione sounded uninterested.
"Hey. Sit down, we have a lot of things to ask you." Lavender asked her eagerly.
"What about?"
"Well, we wanted to know where you've been going all night this week?" Parvati was just as eager.
"Did you and Ron had rendezvous every night?" Lavender asked.
"Have you been looking around? Ron's still avoiding me."
The two girls were taken aback.
"Sorry I just don't want to talk about it."
"Then where did you go?"
Hermione looked from behind her and saw Harry and Ron standing behind her. "Ron, Harry?"
Harry sat down beside her. "We heard that you've been sneaking out of your cabin every night."
"Where did you hear such rumors?" She was embarrassed and couldn't see him eye to eye.
"Fluffy's got some keen senses, being a dog and all."
Hermione's face turned red. 'Did Sirius see me with Malfoy?'
"Are you alright Hermione?" Harry asked concernedly. Ron still didn't talked.
"Yeah I guess."
"Are you gonna tell us then?" Lavender was glad that Harry and Ron were here so there's no way that she can avoid her questions anymore.
"The forest looked amazing especially at dawn. I just wanted to see it everyday. It gives me some inspiration." Well that was not an entire lie. I do want to see nature's beauty I just didn't tell them about the lake.
No one believed her story. They knew she was keeping something from them. "What about the news about you and Malfoy?" Lavender was thirsting for answers.
"What about it? We're partners that's all." She tried to act dumb.
"That's not what I was talking about." Lavender protested.
"Tell me then Lavender, what are your business with Malfoy? Do you fancy him?" Harry was getting irritated at her questions. "That's the only reason I can think of that can make you talk about him this much."
Hermione gave him a weak smile to express her gratitude.
Lavender eyed him icily for even suggesting that she liked Malfoy.
"Come on Lavender, Madame Hooch's here." Parvati pointed at someone coming closer into the pitch.
"Nice going mate, you just agitated my partner." Ron said finally.
Hermione's heart made a little cartwheel as she finally heard his voice. But before she could address him, he was already on foot towards their professor. She gave a deep sigh as he walked away.
"He's still a bit pigheaded. He just needs time." He winked at her and began walking towards Ron.
"Uh, Harry?" She called for him.
Harry turned around and looked at her, "What is it?"
"Could you give me some tips on."
Harry gave her a warm smile. "Sure," he started giving simple tips about looking out for the snitch.
Hermione's head was spinning with everything that she had to remember. On top of that Hermione was getting sick at the idea of wind rushing towards her. Instead of trying to understand Harry's tips she began making excuses in avoiding the task.
"Good morning everyone. You must now know that the position we are to play is the Seeker position. The rules are; each student will compete at another student to capture the snitch. The person who'll be able to catch the snitch would then be replaced by another until everyone else has finished. Any questions?"
Neville raised his hands. He was obviously thinking the same thing that Hermione was thinking. "What if a player was not able to catch any snitch?"
"He'll stay in the game until s/he's become successful. If not, the person would be playing till the end. I would also suggest that those who do not have any experience in catching one should attempt first so that they will have more chances in getting the snitch. Anymore questions?" She waited for a while before continuing. "Let the game begin!"
'That's just great! I'd be the longest person up in the sky today.'
Neville found himself a broom as he readied himself. Lavender mounted one as well. She wanted this to be over with. She decided that she'd have better chances against Neville than with anybody else. She was right. When the snitch appeared, she was the first among the 2 of them to see it, dash towards it, and caught it first.
Hermione's face whitened just by looking at them. Harry gave her another tips that just went inside one of her ears and left the other. She could tell that there were at least a million butterflies in her stomach. 'Maybe I should go next?' But before she came forward towards the broom, Parvati mounted to try her luck.
Parvati won because of Neville's carelessness. More and more came fighting on who'd challenge Neville next, Hermione included, although she didn't really mind people getting ahead of her. 'It's alright, I just need to calm myself first.' Harry was being supportive of her. Every time Neville made a blunder, he'd tell Hermione of what she was to avoid doing. The problem is that she wasn't listening. She dreaded the moment that she would have to go catch the snitch. Everyone that challenged Neville was successful, it came to a point were the only ones left was Ron, Hermione, Harry and Draco.
Hermione didn't want to go against the 2 top Seekers or Ron so she finally got the courage to go against Neville. She was shaking the moment she mounted her broom and her flying reflected her feelings. Harry, Ron and Draco watched as she glided clumsily towards Neville. They both smiled at each other. When the snitch was released, the two players nervously scanned for it. Harry saw it first and tried to tell Hermione. He liked Neville but Hermione looked like a mess up there that he wanted her to get it first. He also wanted her to experience the same feeling he feels at catching and flying after the snitch. The feeling for him was exhilarating and he wanted nothing more than to fly high and fast with the wind on his face.
Harry wasn't able to alert her. They both saw it. At first Hermione regained her composure but as she sped up her blood rose. She suddenly felt faint. She practically didn't give Neville much of a challenge. She just followed faaaaaaaaar behind. When Neville caught the snitch, everyone except Harry, Ron and Draco clapped their hands for his finally successful catch. Neville turned bright red with embarrassment. He didn't want to win against Hermione since she's so kind to him but she didn't even give a fight. He had no choice. Hermione on the other hand was as pale as a ghost. She felt faint and embarrassed for loosing to Neville and the wind wasn't helping either.
Harry and Ron looked at each other feeling sorry for her. The chances of ever winning against any of them were pretty low. Neville was the only chance for her to win and that didn't happen. Ron signaled Harry that he'd go first. Harry nodded. He believed this was a good chance for them to make up.
Ron mounted his broom almost immediately and flew towards Hermione. "Look, you did good for your first attempt. You just need a little confidence and a lot more speed."
Hermione was surprised to find him talking to her. 'Oh great! The only way for him to forgive me is if he pitied me.' She'd have argued with him but she still felt faint.
"I'll give you a head start. I'll pretend I didn't see the snitch. When you see it, go towards it as fast as you can."
She barely nodded. 'Didn't he know that my fastest is his slowest?'
They looked carefully for the snitch. Once again Harry saw it and tried to warn Hermione. Ron then saw it but instead of coming after it, he faced Hermione and told her about it. She counted to 10 before going after her. To his dismay, she didn't have much of a lead. He easily over took her. He didn't go after the snitch at full speed. He stopped just as soon as the snitch increased its speed and disappeared. He faced Hermione again and gave her some encouraging words that didn't seem to come into her. He then gave her another head start and the same thing happened again. He had no choice in the third appearance of the snitch but to capture it. Every Slytherin were hooting at them already.
He met Harry and just shook his head. Harry looked around for other who hasn't gotten up yet. He saw that he and Malfoy were the ones left. He crossed the pitch and mounted a broom. He chose the oldest among the brooms and went towards Hermione.
"Hi! I was watching earlier."
Hermione's eyes started to swell with tears.
"You were doing great."
"Yeah right. I think you were watching somebody else."
"No, and I'm not just saying this to make you fell better."
Hermione turned her back not wanting to show her tears that was now flowing.
"Hermione, look at me." When she refused, he went to her other side and held her eyes. He already saw the snitch but he didn't care to move. He wanted to talk to her first. "You just lack a little confidence that's all."
She sniffed. "I just don't like the wind rushing towards me, as if attacking me."
Harry smiled at her. "That is one fear you can overcome. Trust me, all you need is confidence."
Hermione stopped crying and looked at him. She saw sincerity in his eyes. She wanted to believe him. "Confidence?"
"Yes, confidence on yourself. I have no doubt that you'd find it within you. You possessed conviction on your S.P.E.W., you have joined me against Voldemort, and you have been a successful Prefect for all of these years. You've faced a lot of hardship in between and now you're scared of a little air rushing against you? That's not the Hermione Granger I know. She'd face her fears and even risk everything for her conviction."
Hermione blushed at his every word. "Stop it, you're making me blush."
"It's the truth, and you know it. Now the question is, are you Hermione Granger that I know?" He winked at her.
She smiled and took a deep breath. "Let's try this again." She flew from side to side.
Harry saw a glimpse of the snitch. "Right, follow me then." He faced her as he backed slowly at first, then steadying to go faster. He figured the snitch would be coming their way and the only way he wouldn't see it is if he's back was facing it. A few minutes passed and the snitch flew past him into Hermione's view. Hermione remembered every word that Harry said and went after the Snitch. She gained speed without even realizing it. She didn't want to let Harry down. Harry faked with loosing control of his old broom. That gave Hermione extra time before he rushed slowly towards her. He watched her as she let go of her fears and reach for the snitch. She finally caught it. She was beaming as she faced him.
"Thank you Harry." She hugged him before she descended.
Harry was smiled at him and called after her, "That wasn't bad wasn't it?"
Hermione shook her head. Ron was waiting for her to come down. When she reached the ground, she heard a lot of murmurings coming from the Slytherin side. "Bout time." She just rolled her eyes.
Ron stepped closer and gave her a hug. He was smiling at her as well. She felt content at everything that's happened. She loved her friends for being very supportive. The last challenger was Draco. He mounted a broom and sped towards Harry.
"Nice play Potter. Does that mean that Longbottom could've easily won over you?"
"If that is so then I suppose you're not much of a Seeker since you've been loosing to someone Neville could easily win over."
"Smart ass!"
They glared at each other before scanning for the snitch. Draco saw it first and he rushed towards it. Harry was close behind. He had no trouble flying in an old beaten broom. The broom didn't hold him back from doing incredible stunts, stunts that landed him with the snitch. Every Gryffindor roared their praises at him for stumping Malfoy once again. Every Gryffindor cheered, including his two best friends.
"Very well, I've seen great talents once again. I also saw those who have potential who'd grow into wonderful Quidditch players if she just put her mind to it. I'll meet you again tomorrow."
"You were great Harry." Ron and Hermione greeted him. They kept on talking about the way Malfoy looked when Harry caught the snitch.
Hermione scanned the crowd to look for him and when they met eye to eye she winked at him. She then went back to her friends. She was surprised to see a black dog with them.
"I think Snuffles would like to talk with you." Harry told Hermione.
She nodded and led Sirius into a deserted place. She watched him return to his original form.
"I saw you earlier."
"Yeah, I always hated flying in top speed."
"I'm not talking about the Quidditch practice." He looked at her dangerously.
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I'm talking about, you and Malfoy, coming out of the woods together in the wee hours of the morning."
Hermione was panicking. She didn't know what to say. "I.I."
"You know that that kid shouldn't be trusted." Sirius began preaching as a concerned parent.
"It's nothing really." She was trying to convince him and at the same time, herself.
"It looked like you two were becoming close."
She lowered her head trying to avoid his eyes.
"I hope that this would not ruin your relationship with Ron. I care for you 3 and I don't want anything to happen with any of you. Be sensible Hermione, Ron would be devastated if he knew. There's nothing good that can come up with hanging with Malfoy. From someone who cares, I ask you to stay away from him. It's for your own good."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"I should. but I won't."
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: If you're all wondering why Hermione wanted to return to the lake all the time, it's because the lake possesses powers that make them forget all their worries and relaxes them. This will be explained later on in the next chapters.
I want to thank everyone for their enthusiasm and kind words. I have another story, "Models Have Fun". Would you mind reading it as well? I know the title sounds stupid; it's my first fanfic ever. I've received high praises and criticized as well. Hope you have time. Thanks again!
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
Chapter7: Caught?
Hermione and Draco began a habit last night that would very well continue for the rest of their time in the camp. unless of course they get caught.
Hermione would always wake up before Draco in the cave. She'd wander around the lake waiting for him to awaken. She'd sit on the rock and try to understand what the lake possessed that could make them do stupid things.
'Why is it that every time Malfoy and I stay here, we end up kissing?'
'Maybe because you're starting to like him.' This was said by a voice inside her that was carefree and fun.
The sensible side argued with it, 'Never! He's done things that I could never ever forgive!'
'Maybe, but it doesn't hurt that he's a wonderful kisser.'
'Shut up! He and I agreed that whatever happens in this place should not leave this place at all. Besides I already have enough trouble with Ron.'
'Yeah, Ron would like it very much that you sleep with him.' **PLEASE read my A/N last chapter. **
'He doesn't have to know.'
'No one would blame you if you look at others. Weren't you looking for something exciting for a change?'
'Yeah, but Ron.'
'Ron's dull.'
'He's brave.'
'So is all Gryffindor.'
'He knows me and likes me for who I am.'
'Another point for being dull.'
'He's a good friend and I know he wouldn't hurt me.'
'Wasn't he the one who wanted a break because you were better than him?'
'Aaaah!' She shook her head trying to shut her other side.
"What are you doing Granger?"
"I just. never mind. Shall we go?"
"Do you think it's good if people saw us together?"
"Depends."
"Depends?"
"If the people that saw us were our professors then I'd say it's ok."
"And if the people who saw us are your friends, let's say Potter and Weasley?"
Hermione was taken aback. "I'd think of something. Besides, they pretty much avoids me now, I don't think there's anything worse."
Draco and Hermione started heading back to the camp. "You know Granger, you're pretty fair as a Keeper."
"You think so?" Hermione was startled that she'd received a compliment from him.
"I think it was wrong for Weasley to get jealous at you but I think he has reason to."
"But just as you said before, playing for the Quidditch team is different to protecting goals from one person.
"It's not that different. There are other players to help you out. You'd have no trouble protecting your rings if you have decent Beaters."
"Maybe, but I still don't think I can play in front of a lot of people."
"Are you kidding? Most of the players' reason for playing is to get recognition."
"Well I don't want any."
Draco looked at her not believing that someone would refuse to be acknowledged. "I think it's my turn now."
Hermione raised an eyebrow not knowing what he was talking about.
"I think it's your turn to praise me and stuff." He teased her.
"Oh," Hermione blushed as she tried to find something to say. "I admit that you're the only one that can stand against Harry."
"That's not a compliment!"
"I think it is. Harry's no doubt the best Seeker in Hogwarts."
"I think you forgot who you should be complimenting."
"But it's true Harry's a talented Seeker and you know it."
"I can't seem to find my compliment."
"I'm getting there. Harry in my opinion is great at his position because he has inborn talent. I think you're competition for him because you have passion for it." She added as whisper, "It's most likely passion to beat Harry than passion as a Seeker."
"Is that the best you can do?" Draco was having fun teasing her.
"Fine, I think you've got chance in succeeding in any position in Quidditch as long as you practiced.
"That's better. That wasn't so hard was it?"
"I don't know, I think I had a hard time lying." It was her turn to tease. They've arrived at camp early. There were still no students awake.
"Lying eh?" He placed his fingers at her side and started tickling her.
"Stop it!" She was struggling out of his reach. She was very ticklish and couldn't help herself from laughing.
Draco seemed to gain some sense. He stopped tickling her and shushed her instead. "Keep it low, someone might see us." He looked around checking if there was anyone hiding in the shadows. All he saw was a black dog carefully watching them. Draco didn't seem to mind. Dogs can't talk.
Hermione pursed her lips to stifle any other sound from coming out of her lips.
When Draco was satisfied that there's no one looking he faced her again. "We're done with all of the positions in Quidditch except for one. I'll make sure I'll prove you wrong." He winked at her.
"You wish! Harry would beat you any given day." She wouldn't back down.
"We'll see about that." He turned around determined to practice for the big moment.
Hermione didn't feel good about trying out the Seeker position. She was never keen at speed and that's the key point in catching the golden snitch. She did however looked forward to Harry and Draco's showdown.
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry and Ron were already in the pitch waiting eagerly for Madame Hooch. They were having fun at trying out different positions. It was also giving them a better understanding of what each player had to go through. Now they've gained respect for each player.
Hermione wished badly for Harry and Draco's match up to last for a long time. She would do anything to avoid playing today.
When she arrived at the pitch, Harry and Ron were busy discussing tactics. They seemed excited at playing the game. She wished that she could ask Harry some tips but seeing Ron beside him made her feel a little uneasy. In short, she felt guilty. She wanted to make up with Ron but it seems like he has no interest in doing so.
She looked around and saw Lavender and Parvati talking under a tree. She decided to pass time with them.
"Hey guys what are you talking about?" Hermione sounded uninterested.
"Hey. Sit down, we have a lot of things to ask you." Lavender asked her eagerly.
"What about?"
"Well, we wanted to know where you've been going all night this week?" Parvati was just as eager.
"Did you and Ron had rendezvous every night?" Lavender asked.
"Have you been looking around? Ron's still avoiding me."
The two girls were taken aback.
"Sorry I just don't want to talk about it."
"Then where did you go?"
Hermione looked from behind her and saw Harry and Ron standing behind her. "Ron, Harry?"
Harry sat down beside her. "We heard that you've been sneaking out of your cabin every night."
"Where did you hear such rumors?" She was embarrassed and couldn't see him eye to eye.
"Fluffy's got some keen senses, being a dog and all."
Hermione's face turned red. 'Did Sirius see me with Malfoy?'
"Are you alright Hermione?" Harry asked concernedly. Ron still didn't talked.
"Yeah I guess."
"Are you gonna tell us then?" Lavender was glad that Harry and Ron were here so there's no way that she can avoid her questions anymore.
"The forest looked amazing especially at dawn. I just wanted to see it everyday. It gives me some inspiration." Well that was not an entire lie. I do want to see nature's beauty I just didn't tell them about the lake.
No one believed her story. They knew she was keeping something from them. "What about the news about you and Malfoy?" Lavender was thirsting for answers.
"What about it? We're partners that's all." She tried to act dumb.
"That's not what I was talking about." Lavender protested.
"Tell me then Lavender, what are your business with Malfoy? Do you fancy him?" Harry was getting irritated at her questions. "That's the only reason I can think of that can make you talk about him this much."
Hermione gave him a weak smile to express her gratitude.
Lavender eyed him icily for even suggesting that she liked Malfoy.
"Come on Lavender, Madame Hooch's here." Parvati pointed at someone coming closer into the pitch.
"Nice going mate, you just agitated my partner." Ron said finally.
Hermione's heart made a little cartwheel as she finally heard his voice. But before she could address him, he was already on foot towards their professor. She gave a deep sigh as he walked away.
"He's still a bit pigheaded. He just needs time." He winked at her and began walking towards Ron.
"Uh, Harry?" She called for him.
Harry turned around and looked at her, "What is it?"
"Could you give me some tips on."
Harry gave her a warm smile. "Sure," he started giving simple tips about looking out for the snitch.
Hermione's head was spinning with everything that she had to remember. On top of that Hermione was getting sick at the idea of wind rushing towards her. Instead of trying to understand Harry's tips she began making excuses in avoiding the task.
"Good morning everyone. You must now know that the position we are to play is the Seeker position. The rules are; each student will compete at another student to capture the snitch. The person who'll be able to catch the snitch would then be replaced by another until everyone else has finished. Any questions?"
Neville raised his hands. He was obviously thinking the same thing that Hermione was thinking. "What if a player was not able to catch any snitch?"
"He'll stay in the game until s/he's become successful. If not, the person would be playing till the end. I would also suggest that those who do not have any experience in catching one should attempt first so that they will have more chances in getting the snitch. Anymore questions?" She waited for a while before continuing. "Let the game begin!"
'That's just great! I'd be the longest person up in the sky today.'
Neville found himself a broom as he readied himself. Lavender mounted one as well. She wanted this to be over with. She decided that she'd have better chances against Neville than with anybody else. She was right. When the snitch appeared, she was the first among the 2 of them to see it, dash towards it, and caught it first.
Hermione's face whitened just by looking at them. Harry gave her another tips that just went inside one of her ears and left the other. She could tell that there were at least a million butterflies in her stomach. 'Maybe I should go next?' But before she came forward towards the broom, Parvati mounted to try her luck.
Parvati won because of Neville's carelessness. More and more came fighting on who'd challenge Neville next, Hermione included, although she didn't really mind people getting ahead of her. 'It's alright, I just need to calm myself first.' Harry was being supportive of her. Every time Neville made a blunder, he'd tell Hermione of what she was to avoid doing. The problem is that she wasn't listening. She dreaded the moment that she would have to go catch the snitch. Everyone that challenged Neville was successful, it came to a point were the only ones left was Ron, Hermione, Harry and Draco.
Hermione didn't want to go against the 2 top Seekers or Ron so she finally got the courage to go against Neville. She was shaking the moment she mounted her broom and her flying reflected her feelings. Harry, Ron and Draco watched as she glided clumsily towards Neville. They both smiled at each other. When the snitch was released, the two players nervously scanned for it. Harry saw it first and tried to tell Hermione. He liked Neville but Hermione looked like a mess up there that he wanted her to get it first. He also wanted her to experience the same feeling he feels at catching and flying after the snitch. The feeling for him was exhilarating and he wanted nothing more than to fly high and fast with the wind on his face.
Harry wasn't able to alert her. They both saw it. At first Hermione regained her composure but as she sped up her blood rose. She suddenly felt faint. She practically didn't give Neville much of a challenge. She just followed faaaaaaaaar behind. When Neville caught the snitch, everyone except Harry, Ron and Draco clapped their hands for his finally successful catch. Neville turned bright red with embarrassment. He didn't want to win against Hermione since she's so kind to him but she didn't even give a fight. He had no choice. Hermione on the other hand was as pale as a ghost. She felt faint and embarrassed for loosing to Neville and the wind wasn't helping either.
Harry and Ron looked at each other feeling sorry for her. The chances of ever winning against any of them were pretty low. Neville was the only chance for her to win and that didn't happen. Ron signaled Harry that he'd go first. Harry nodded. He believed this was a good chance for them to make up.
Ron mounted his broom almost immediately and flew towards Hermione. "Look, you did good for your first attempt. You just need a little confidence and a lot more speed."
Hermione was surprised to find him talking to her. 'Oh great! The only way for him to forgive me is if he pitied me.' She'd have argued with him but she still felt faint.
"I'll give you a head start. I'll pretend I didn't see the snitch. When you see it, go towards it as fast as you can."
She barely nodded. 'Didn't he know that my fastest is his slowest?'
They looked carefully for the snitch. Once again Harry saw it and tried to warn Hermione. Ron then saw it but instead of coming after it, he faced Hermione and told her about it. She counted to 10 before going after her. To his dismay, she didn't have much of a lead. He easily over took her. He didn't go after the snitch at full speed. He stopped just as soon as the snitch increased its speed and disappeared. He faced Hermione again and gave her some encouraging words that didn't seem to come into her. He then gave her another head start and the same thing happened again. He had no choice in the third appearance of the snitch but to capture it. Every Slytherin were hooting at them already.
He met Harry and just shook his head. Harry looked around for other who hasn't gotten up yet. He saw that he and Malfoy were the ones left. He crossed the pitch and mounted a broom. He chose the oldest among the brooms and went towards Hermione.
"Hi! I was watching earlier."
Hermione's eyes started to swell with tears.
"You were doing great."
"Yeah right. I think you were watching somebody else."
"No, and I'm not just saying this to make you fell better."
Hermione turned her back not wanting to show her tears that was now flowing.
"Hermione, look at me." When she refused, he went to her other side and held her eyes. He already saw the snitch but he didn't care to move. He wanted to talk to her first. "You just lack a little confidence that's all."
She sniffed. "I just don't like the wind rushing towards me, as if attacking me."
Harry smiled at her. "That is one fear you can overcome. Trust me, all you need is confidence."
Hermione stopped crying and looked at him. She saw sincerity in his eyes. She wanted to believe him. "Confidence?"
"Yes, confidence on yourself. I have no doubt that you'd find it within you. You possessed conviction on your S.P.E.W., you have joined me against Voldemort, and you have been a successful Prefect for all of these years. You've faced a lot of hardship in between and now you're scared of a little air rushing against you? That's not the Hermione Granger I know. She'd face her fears and even risk everything for her conviction."
Hermione blushed at his every word. "Stop it, you're making me blush."
"It's the truth, and you know it. Now the question is, are you Hermione Granger that I know?" He winked at her.
She smiled and took a deep breath. "Let's try this again." She flew from side to side.
Harry saw a glimpse of the snitch. "Right, follow me then." He faced her as he backed slowly at first, then steadying to go faster. He figured the snitch would be coming their way and the only way he wouldn't see it is if he's back was facing it. A few minutes passed and the snitch flew past him into Hermione's view. Hermione remembered every word that Harry said and went after the Snitch. She gained speed without even realizing it. She didn't want to let Harry down. Harry faked with loosing control of his old broom. That gave Hermione extra time before he rushed slowly towards her. He watched her as she let go of her fears and reach for the snitch. She finally caught it. She was beaming as she faced him.
"Thank you Harry." She hugged him before she descended.
Harry was smiled at him and called after her, "That wasn't bad wasn't it?"
Hermione shook her head. Ron was waiting for her to come down. When she reached the ground, she heard a lot of murmurings coming from the Slytherin side. "Bout time." She just rolled her eyes.
Ron stepped closer and gave her a hug. He was smiling at her as well. She felt content at everything that's happened. She loved her friends for being very supportive. The last challenger was Draco. He mounted a broom and sped towards Harry.
"Nice play Potter. Does that mean that Longbottom could've easily won over you?"
"If that is so then I suppose you're not much of a Seeker since you've been loosing to someone Neville could easily win over."
"Smart ass!"
They glared at each other before scanning for the snitch. Draco saw it first and he rushed towards it. Harry was close behind. He had no trouble flying in an old beaten broom. The broom didn't hold him back from doing incredible stunts, stunts that landed him with the snitch. Every Gryffindor roared their praises at him for stumping Malfoy once again. Every Gryffindor cheered, including his two best friends.
"Very well, I've seen great talents once again. I also saw those who have potential who'd grow into wonderful Quidditch players if she just put her mind to it. I'll meet you again tomorrow."
"You were great Harry." Ron and Hermione greeted him. They kept on talking about the way Malfoy looked when Harry caught the snitch.
Hermione scanned the crowd to look for him and when they met eye to eye she winked at him. She then went back to her friends. She was surprised to see a black dog with them.
"I think Snuffles would like to talk with you." Harry told Hermione.
She nodded and led Sirius into a deserted place. She watched him return to his original form.
"I saw you earlier."
"Yeah, I always hated flying in top speed."
"I'm not talking about the Quidditch practice." He looked at her dangerously.
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I'm talking about, you and Malfoy, coming out of the woods together in the wee hours of the morning."
Hermione was panicking. She didn't know what to say. "I.I."
"You know that that kid shouldn't be trusted." Sirius began preaching as a concerned parent.
"It's nothing really." She was trying to convince him and at the same time, herself.
"It looked like you two were becoming close."
She lowered her head trying to avoid his eyes.
"I hope that this would not ruin your relationship with Ron. I care for you 3 and I don't want anything to happen with any of you. Be sensible Hermione, Ron would be devastated if he knew. There's nothing good that can come up with hanging with Malfoy. From someone who cares, I ask you to stay away from him. It's for your own good."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"I should. but I won't."
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: If you're all wondering why Hermione wanted to return to the lake all the time, it's because the lake possesses powers that make them forget all their worries and relaxes them. This will be explained later on in the next chapters.
I want to thank everyone for their enthusiasm and kind words. I have another story, "Models Have Fun". Would you mind reading it as well? I know the title sounds stupid; it's my first fanfic ever. I've received high praises and criticized as well. Hope you have time. Thanks again!