Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 7/28
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? Thanks for the suggestions.
Guys, I'm asking your forgiveness this early because I am suffering
from a major mental-block case. I don't know now what will happen
next. My mind just keep on drifting to my other story, so unless you
guys would help me out by giving suggestions on how can I make
Hermione spend some more time with Draco, I might stay away from this
story until I can think of some more ideas. Frankly, I think pairing
them because the professors want them too is getting overrated. I
need help!
Title: Summer Camp
Chapter12: Potion War
After the party Harry was determined to make things between the 3 of them right again. Ron's revelation about moving on has both saddened and exhilarated him. Saddened because Hermione once told him that he wanted to get back with Ron. They were a couple for a long time now it he didn't want to see it all end up because of nothing. Exhilarated because somewhere inside him he longed to hear Ron's words the night of his birthday.
The week passed by slowly as the students worked mechanically. They were grouped according to tasks. Draco joined the team on testing the potions conjured on the Gryffindors. Hermione joined Harry and Ron on making protective potions. The trio altogether was back but there were still a few awkward moments between the 3 of them especially where Lavender was concerned. Ron and Hermione would avoid each other's eyes. Harry kept Hermione busy while Lavender did the same thing with Ron.
Draco was upset because he didn't like the idea of Hermione going back with Weasley, most especially with Potter. From his perspective, now that she joined their group again it would take just a little more time for the friendship to get back where they left off. He wasn't really that worried about Ron because of Lavender. The thing that occupied his mind was the scene he saw at the beach, Harry and Hermione kissing and in front of other people. 'That's not what friends do to each other!'
He carefully watched every action that was passed between the two. Hermione seemed to be natural. She didn't mind the teasing, the smiles passed between them but there was something different in Harry's actions. Being Harry's rival, Draco knew how he acted. He had been studying him, looking for his weaknesses. He had watched him together with his friends so he knew how he acted towards them. This time, all his smiles and teasing and the little touches were different from before. If he read him correctly, Harry was admiring Hermione.
Instead of confronting either Harry or Hermione, he put all his irritation towards using Neville as their target practice. He found this relaxing. In no time, his mind drifted to the encounter inside Lupin's cabin. He didn't like the idea pf leaving the island not because he was going to miss all the activities. He didn't care about them. He wouldn't even mind if they replaced the activities with summer school. What made him object was the fact that his time with Hermione would be cut short.
'Does this mean that I am starting to like Hermione? Or am I still part of this spell?' He decided to find out soon enough.
~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday came. The two teams put up their barracks as they awaited the signal from their professors. Both team wanted to end the Potion thingy to get on with the Quidditch match. Before the game started the strategic leader asked for a meeting. Draco repeated each of the positions of his teammates.
"Listen everyone, this battle does not end in whether we win or lose. This ends with the Quidditch match. I want all of you to target first at their best players especially their chasers. I know that that's their strategy as well." He paused and watched a few heads nod in agreement.
"It would only make sense to put the useless people as our front liners. It would include: Longbottom, Finnigan, Patil, Brown."
Before he could continue Hermione butt in, "Hey that's not fair, Seamus is a better player than Pansy!"
"If you would have let me finish the list then you would hear her name as well." Hermione's face glowed red at this. Draco sure enough did call out Pansy's name but something everyone got surprised when he didn't mention Hermione's name.
Pansy wouldn't let it go, "And what about Granger?"
"She won an award before didn't she?"
"Still she wouldn't be playing this time would she?"
"Yes she would."
"Excuse me but who said anything about me joining the Quidditch team?" Hermione was getting tensed. She didn't like surprises like that. She wasn't prepared.
Ron didn't like the idea as well, "If Hermione would be doing the Keeper, what position am I going to play?"
"I forgot, Weasley you're part of the front liners." Draco said matter-of- factly.
"Wait, I am not going to play Quidditch and that's final!" Hermione was getting irritated for not being heard.
"Hermione, we have little resources and I as the strategic leader think it is best to utilize well what little we have."
Ron couldn't believe what was happening. "Does that mean then that Harry will be our Seeker?"
Draco faced him, "I don't think that that's the best way to utilize our resources."
"Are you saying you're going to play Seeker!?!" Harry now was getting agitated. 'He's playing with us! That Prat!"
"Guys, listen!" Hermione almost shouted. "Our strategic leader in potions is different form the one in Quidditch. As the team's leader, I choose Harry for Quidditch."
Everyone grew silent from Hermione's outburst. "Draco chose himself for this part now it's my turn to chose for Quidditch."
Draco eyed her dangerously and she didn't back down. "Harry, I think that you should choose the players now so that we would know who to protect." Hermione didn't take her eyes off of him.
Harry couldn't talk, he was team captain for Gryffindor's Quidditch team and knew how to lead but the fact that he was to cooperate with the Slytherins wasn't going to be easy.
"Well Potter? Who are you choosing then?" Draco glared at him.
Harry thought for a moment before answering, "I think that the people who won awards before have talent for that position so I think that they should be included in the team. That's Dean, Crabbe, Malfoy, Hermione and me. So there's still room for 2 Chasers. Any volunteer?"
Hermione was upset. She didn't expect that Harry would do such a thing. "Harry I don't think I can play?"
"This is the only thing I can think of which is fair."
"Are you sure you want me to be your Beater Potter? No wait, the question is do you trust me for your Beater?" Draco challenged him.
"I have no choice, do I?" He looked carefully at Ron who was obviously red with rage. He mouthed sorry to him. "Would you like to be a Chaser today Ron?"
Ron didn't trust himself to look at him he knew that he did this just to be fair but to be rejected for a newcomer really did hurt his pride. "Whatever."
Harry nodded his head, "Anybody else?"
One of the Slytherin people volunteered for the spot. After deciding who'll be the front liners they marched towards the middle of the pitch.
Hermione felt like her stomach would give away. Her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment. She didn't want to play Quidditch, and she definitely does not want to increase the rift between her and Ron. She decided to let herself get hit from one of the potions from the other team. That'll give her the excuse of staying away from Quidditch.
When they reached the pitch, Hermione noticed that they have the same strategy as well. The Ravenclaw's best chasers were surrounded by shields. Actually their barracks was made specially so that they could protect these players.
The match started with McGonagall's words, "I'm watching so play nice!"
Every time Hermione went near the front liners there was always a hand pulling her back. The closest she got into getting herself hit was when Draco swerved a potion towards him. Still she didn't get hit. Neville used himself as a shield to protect her. He knew he was no good both in this match and Quidditch. When Hermione saw this she got really frustrated. It looked like Neville grew an extra nose on his face. She felt angry for the close call and especially for what the potion did to her friend.
"Neville, are you alright?"
"No worries, I'm sure the professors can fix this." Neville pointed at his face.
Hermione didn't calm down instead she wanted to cause the same harm on the other teams. She took a flask from their trunk and carefully aimed at the other students. But before she could throw the flask someone pulled her away.
"Harry what do you think your doing?"
"This is merely a game, don't take it too hard. Neville will be alright."
"How can you say that? They used a potion for deformities. I don't think its fair."
"I think Hermione, you're missing the point here."
"And what may that be?"
"Look around, everyone is having fun."
Hermione did as he was told. She saw Dean's face. He was smiling even from the fact that he had butterflies coming out of his ears. She looked at Lavender and Parvati and they seemed to be having the time of their lives. Actually, she saw everyone enjoying themselves.
"You see I believe the professors asked as to do this so that we could forget about our problems. Look even Ron doesn't look irritated for a bit."
Hermione couldn't help but smile. Ron was usually all red but now he looked purplish because of a potion that got out of hand. "I see your point."
"The only ones that are not enjoying this are the strategic leaders and those who avoid every potion that came their way."
"Are you saying we should just accept the potions? Some of them are really harmful."
"What I'm saying is, do you want to be someone who's mechanical?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Sometimes the best way to learn is by experiencing it."
"You're right. I have been uptight. Maybe its all about the Quidditch match later."
"You will do fine. Plus you won't be alone. Ron and I will be there, even Malfoy." He remembered their talk in Lupin's cabin.
"That sounds reassuring."
Harry didn't know whether it was sarcasm but he smiled all the same. "Just let loose and have fun."
When Hermione finally relaxed she found herself enjoying the game. It was as if they all went back to their childhood. She forgot all of what's in stake. She didn't care anymore about the Quidditch game afterwards or even getting hit, anyway, she knew whatever the other teams doing to them can be reversed or cured easily by the professors.
The Potion war ended without a winner. Most of the students got hit one way or the other. Most of them didn't care about winning anymore; all that mattered was that for once they had fun. Draco wasn't most of the students; he didn't like what happened. He saw that Crabbe, Weasley, and even Hermione got hit. He was not glad at the results, all he wanted was to win and the decision of the professors to him was injustice. The only consolation that he got was when he hit one of the Ravenclaw chasers with a binding potion. To him, that seemed to lock their victory later at Quidditch. He didn't bother to talk with his teammates since everybody looked as if they had the time of their life. In fact, he didn't even bother to eat lunch like everybody else. He remained in the pitch and mounted a broom as he did rounds all over it. He wanted to release his anger and irritation but didn't know how. Then the scene at the beach kept rewinding in his head. 'So Potter got a little crush with his best friend huh. I guess I could use that information to my advantage.' He felt his stomach churn, he didn't know whether it was from hunger or from the fact that Harry and Hermione ending up together was more likely to happen than.
'What the bloody hell am I thinking?'
'It seems like your feelings towards Hermione doesn't stop with the fairies' spell anymore.'
'I don't like her; this is all temporary. When I leave this island everything will be clear again.'
'You sure that's what you want? Then why are you silently wishing that you'd get stranded here forever?'
'Isn't that a tad bit dramatic?'
'Isn't that the truth though. I mean, why haven't you made your move against Potter? Instead, you keep driving Hermione away from you.'
'What does it matter?'
'You keep driving her away because you don't want her to get hurt. Admit it, you already care for her.'
Draco's other half couldn't think of a comeback so instead he doubled his pace as he rounded the pitch as fast as he can.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Professors were a little glad at the event that had happened during the potion war. It seemed for them, the students have forgotten their differences as they worked together. What seemed hopeful to them was the fact that there were some of the Slytherins interacting with the Gryffindors. Only the stubborn one such as Draco, refuse to have any contact with the Gryffindors, well maybe with the exception with Hermione. They were after all partners.
Most of the professors liked what was happening. They were beginning to think that Dumbledore's plan was going to be a success. But there were 2, well technically 1, professors that were having doubts about the plan.
Lupin dragged Sirius into his cabin as they recount the events. "So what do you think about Dumbledore's plans?"
"I've never objected to it. until now."
"What made you think otherwise Padfoot?"
"I like the part where the Slytherins would have a second chance on which path to choose but if it will be at the cost of loosing someone from our side, I just don't think that its worth it."
"You're talking about Hermione?"
"The 3 isn't in good terms with each other or haven't you noticed?"
"Hermione and Ron broke up, what would you expect?"
"But she's getting really close with that Malfoy."
"Come on now, can you blame them? You know that they have to."
"Why didn't we just agree with Hermione's plan of going back to her parents?" Sirius looked at Lupin and he finally understood what was happening. "Wait a minute, this is your doing isn't it?"
"Look mate, you only see the changes in Hermione, if you looked at Malfoy you'll also see that he too has changed. For me these changes are positive ones."
"What the hell are you talking about!?!" Sirius' face suddenly became all red. "We're talking about Hermione here, Harry's friend!"
"I just think that Hermione can be very persuasive."
Sirius didn't let him finish. "Did you consult this with Dumbledore?"
"Calm down Sirius, he agrees with me."
"Malfoy can be pretty convincing as well."
"You don't see the whole picture, Malfoy doesn't have any friends to back him up while Hermione have 2 more convincing friends at her back, not to mention us."
Sirius gave up he knew he couldn't argue with Lupin when he's closed his mind on the subject. "Well I just hope you know what you're doing. Frankly, controlling people's lives isn't exactly very tempting." He turned around, turned back into his other form and left the cabin.
~~~~~~~~~~
After lunch the students flooded towards the pitch. Most of the injured students were already cured and ready to take flight. Harry went to Hermione's side to try to comfort her. "Remember, you're not alone in this game. You have me, Malfoy."
"And me." Ron rushed towards them.
Hermione couldn't help but smile as they meet. "Your not mad at me anymore?"
"Mad? Never!" Ron said dramatically.
Hermione rolled her eyes while Harry shook his head.
"Well, I was kind of childish wasn't I?"
"Yeah, you were."
Harry prepared himself again for another fight.
"Don't rub it. I came here cause I thought I'd give you some tips."
"Helpful ones?" Hermione teased.
"Of course, I'm not letting petty things like that to come between us. anymore anyway."
Hermione gave her smile, the one that she gave him when they were still in a relationship.
Harry felt a little pang shot through his body. "Well, I guess you guys don't need me anymore." He boarded his broom and sped to the other side of the pitch. 'Do I really like her?'
'Of course stupid, why else would you feel jealous over them?'
He didn't want to admit it and did a few more rounds around the pitch to take his mind off of his feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry wasn't the only one feeling that pang. Draco gave icy glares at the person giving personal lessons at Hermione. 'The nerve of that guy, she's better at it than him and he gives her lessons. What the hell is he playing at?'
Then he spotted Madame Hooch. He started flying low towards the middle of the pitch. All the other players gathered around as well. He didn't like what he saw. Aside from the fact that Hermione was positioned between Harry and Ron, he saw that he Ravenclaw chaser that he hit earlier was there too. It seemed like it didn't really mattered whether you were hit earlier or not. He cursed himself silently.
"Just like before, I expect a good and clean game." Madam Hooch scanned the faces of the players. "You will play here not with 4 teams but only 2. Remember who your teammates are. If there's anything else?" She looked for any questions stopping her gaze at Hermione. "Very well, positions everyone." Within minutes, she released the balls and the game started.
The first few minutes were ordinary. Harry and the other team's seeker flew high to avoid getting hit. This time though, Harry was not only looking for the Snitch, he also kept glancing towards Hermione's directions. 'She's a little tense. I wouldn't blame her, first times are always hard.' He watched her as she tried catching a Quaffle as it passed her way. She wasn't quick enough though. She was shaking as she reached for the Quaffle. Harry couldn't bear to see her all nervous. He flew down toward her. The other seeker followed him thinking he saw the snitch but he didn't care.
Hermione was getting embarrassed as she once again missed catching another Quaffle. She saw Harry going towards her and her face brightened to an even deeper shade of red. "What are you doing here?"
"Didn't I tell you that you're not alone here?"
"Yeah well, I'm the only one who's catching the Quaffle. Please look for the snitch and grab it quickly." She begged.
"I'll tell you this again. Try to relax. It doesn't matter whether you catch the Quaffle or not, just loosen up. Just relax, try to enjoy the feeling. You'll love it."
Hermione didn't seem to believe him but nodded. She watched him fly away back to higher grounds.
The next attempts were getting close. She quickened her pace and reaction time but she was still intimidated of all the other players.
It was Ron's time to give some encouragement. "Hermione, I know what you feel. We all do. We all had our first times and mine wasn't great. Nobody here will judge you. Harry's first was great because he felt flying was part of himself. If you'd forget everything, you would surely do better. Just relax okay?"
Hermione appreciated all the support she was getting. In turn she put their advice to use. In no time, she began catching the Quaffle and it felt good. Every time she caught one her feelings toward the game improved. She began flying smoothly and quicker.
Draco saw the change and wanted to congratulate her so he left his post and flew towards her. "You're getting real good."
"You shouldn't be here, what if Ron or Harry get hit?"
Draco shrugged, "I thought I could boost your confidence."
"I'm fine now, I think you'd better do your job."
Draco shook his head and flew away. He was getting used to her authoritative attitude and somehow he was beginning to like it. When he turned around to scan what was happening he saw a Bludger coming towards Hermione he increased his speed and headed straight for her. Because of his skill as a seeker he was able to shield her from it, but he wasn't quick enough to be able to use his stick to rappel it, he used his body instead. Hermione watched in horror as Draco fell into the ground.
Lupin watched Draco helplessly falling. "Now do you believe me?" He patted his friend's head.
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? Thanks for the suggestions.
Guys, I'm asking your forgiveness this early because I am suffering
from a major mental-block case. I don't know now what will happen
next. My mind just keep on drifting to my other story, so unless you
guys would help me out by giving suggestions on how can I make
Hermione spend some more time with Draco, I might stay away from this
story until I can think of some more ideas. Frankly, I think pairing
them because the professors want them too is getting overrated. I
need help!
Title: Summer Camp
Chapter12: Potion War
After the party Harry was determined to make things between the 3 of them right again. Ron's revelation about moving on has both saddened and exhilarated him. Saddened because Hermione once told him that he wanted to get back with Ron. They were a couple for a long time now it he didn't want to see it all end up because of nothing. Exhilarated because somewhere inside him he longed to hear Ron's words the night of his birthday.
The week passed by slowly as the students worked mechanically. They were grouped according to tasks. Draco joined the team on testing the potions conjured on the Gryffindors. Hermione joined Harry and Ron on making protective potions. The trio altogether was back but there were still a few awkward moments between the 3 of them especially where Lavender was concerned. Ron and Hermione would avoid each other's eyes. Harry kept Hermione busy while Lavender did the same thing with Ron.
Draco was upset because he didn't like the idea of Hermione going back with Weasley, most especially with Potter. From his perspective, now that she joined their group again it would take just a little more time for the friendship to get back where they left off. He wasn't really that worried about Ron because of Lavender. The thing that occupied his mind was the scene he saw at the beach, Harry and Hermione kissing and in front of other people. 'That's not what friends do to each other!'
He carefully watched every action that was passed between the two. Hermione seemed to be natural. She didn't mind the teasing, the smiles passed between them but there was something different in Harry's actions. Being Harry's rival, Draco knew how he acted. He had been studying him, looking for his weaknesses. He had watched him together with his friends so he knew how he acted towards them. This time, all his smiles and teasing and the little touches were different from before. If he read him correctly, Harry was admiring Hermione.
Instead of confronting either Harry or Hermione, he put all his irritation towards using Neville as their target practice. He found this relaxing. In no time, his mind drifted to the encounter inside Lupin's cabin. He didn't like the idea pf leaving the island not because he was going to miss all the activities. He didn't care about them. He wouldn't even mind if they replaced the activities with summer school. What made him object was the fact that his time with Hermione would be cut short.
'Does this mean that I am starting to like Hermione? Or am I still part of this spell?' He decided to find out soon enough.
~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday came. The two teams put up their barracks as they awaited the signal from their professors. Both team wanted to end the Potion thingy to get on with the Quidditch match. Before the game started the strategic leader asked for a meeting. Draco repeated each of the positions of his teammates.
"Listen everyone, this battle does not end in whether we win or lose. This ends with the Quidditch match. I want all of you to target first at their best players especially their chasers. I know that that's their strategy as well." He paused and watched a few heads nod in agreement.
"It would only make sense to put the useless people as our front liners. It would include: Longbottom, Finnigan, Patil, Brown."
Before he could continue Hermione butt in, "Hey that's not fair, Seamus is a better player than Pansy!"
"If you would have let me finish the list then you would hear her name as well." Hermione's face glowed red at this. Draco sure enough did call out Pansy's name but something everyone got surprised when he didn't mention Hermione's name.
Pansy wouldn't let it go, "And what about Granger?"
"She won an award before didn't she?"
"Still she wouldn't be playing this time would she?"
"Yes she would."
"Excuse me but who said anything about me joining the Quidditch team?" Hermione was getting tensed. She didn't like surprises like that. She wasn't prepared.
Ron didn't like the idea as well, "If Hermione would be doing the Keeper, what position am I going to play?"
"I forgot, Weasley you're part of the front liners." Draco said matter-of- factly.
"Wait, I am not going to play Quidditch and that's final!" Hermione was getting irritated for not being heard.
"Hermione, we have little resources and I as the strategic leader think it is best to utilize well what little we have."
Ron couldn't believe what was happening. "Does that mean then that Harry will be our Seeker?"
Draco faced him, "I don't think that that's the best way to utilize our resources."
"Are you saying you're going to play Seeker!?!" Harry now was getting agitated. 'He's playing with us! That Prat!"
"Guys, listen!" Hermione almost shouted. "Our strategic leader in potions is different form the one in Quidditch. As the team's leader, I choose Harry for Quidditch."
Everyone grew silent from Hermione's outburst. "Draco chose himself for this part now it's my turn to chose for Quidditch."
Draco eyed her dangerously and she didn't back down. "Harry, I think that you should choose the players now so that we would know who to protect." Hermione didn't take her eyes off of him.
Harry couldn't talk, he was team captain for Gryffindor's Quidditch team and knew how to lead but the fact that he was to cooperate with the Slytherins wasn't going to be easy.
"Well Potter? Who are you choosing then?" Draco glared at him.
Harry thought for a moment before answering, "I think that the people who won awards before have talent for that position so I think that they should be included in the team. That's Dean, Crabbe, Malfoy, Hermione and me. So there's still room for 2 Chasers. Any volunteer?"
Hermione was upset. She didn't expect that Harry would do such a thing. "Harry I don't think I can play?"
"This is the only thing I can think of which is fair."
"Are you sure you want me to be your Beater Potter? No wait, the question is do you trust me for your Beater?" Draco challenged him.
"I have no choice, do I?" He looked carefully at Ron who was obviously red with rage. He mouthed sorry to him. "Would you like to be a Chaser today Ron?"
Ron didn't trust himself to look at him he knew that he did this just to be fair but to be rejected for a newcomer really did hurt his pride. "Whatever."
Harry nodded his head, "Anybody else?"
One of the Slytherin people volunteered for the spot. After deciding who'll be the front liners they marched towards the middle of the pitch.
Hermione felt like her stomach would give away. Her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment. She didn't want to play Quidditch, and she definitely does not want to increase the rift between her and Ron. She decided to let herself get hit from one of the potions from the other team. That'll give her the excuse of staying away from Quidditch.
When they reached the pitch, Hermione noticed that they have the same strategy as well. The Ravenclaw's best chasers were surrounded by shields. Actually their barracks was made specially so that they could protect these players.
The match started with McGonagall's words, "I'm watching so play nice!"
Every time Hermione went near the front liners there was always a hand pulling her back. The closest she got into getting herself hit was when Draco swerved a potion towards him. Still she didn't get hit. Neville used himself as a shield to protect her. He knew he was no good both in this match and Quidditch. When Hermione saw this she got really frustrated. It looked like Neville grew an extra nose on his face. She felt angry for the close call and especially for what the potion did to her friend.
"Neville, are you alright?"
"No worries, I'm sure the professors can fix this." Neville pointed at his face.
Hermione didn't calm down instead she wanted to cause the same harm on the other teams. She took a flask from their trunk and carefully aimed at the other students. But before she could throw the flask someone pulled her away.
"Harry what do you think your doing?"
"This is merely a game, don't take it too hard. Neville will be alright."
"How can you say that? They used a potion for deformities. I don't think its fair."
"I think Hermione, you're missing the point here."
"And what may that be?"
"Look around, everyone is having fun."
Hermione did as he was told. She saw Dean's face. He was smiling even from the fact that he had butterflies coming out of his ears. She looked at Lavender and Parvati and they seemed to be having the time of their lives. Actually, she saw everyone enjoying themselves.
"You see I believe the professors asked as to do this so that we could forget about our problems. Look even Ron doesn't look irritated for a bit."
Hermione couldn't help but smile. Ron was usually all red but now he looked purplish because of a potion that got out of hand. "I see your point."
"The only ones that are not enjoying this are the strategic leaders and those who avoid every potion that came their way."
"Are you saying we should just accept the potions? Some of them are really harmful."
"What I'm saying is, do you want to be someone who's mechanical?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Sometimes the best way to learn is by experiencing it."
"You're right. I have been uptight. Maybe its all about the Quidditch match later."
"You will do fine. Plus you won't be alone. Ron and I will be there, even Malfoy." He remembered their talk in Lupin's cabin.
"That sounds reassuring."
Harry didn't know whether it was sarcasm but he smiled all the same. "Just let loose and have fun."
When Hermione finally relaxed she found herself enjoying the game. It was as if they all went back to their childhood. She forgot all of what's in stake. She didn't care anymore about the Quidditch game afterwards or even getting hit, anyway, she knew whatever the other teams doing to them can be reversed or cured easily by the professors.
The Potion war ended without a winner. Most of the students got hit one way or the other. Most of them didn't care about winning anymore; all that mattered was that for once they had fun. Draco wasn't most of the students; he didn't like what happened. He saw that Crabbe, Weasley, and even Hermione got hit. He was not glad at the results, all he wanted was to win and the decision of the professors to him was injustice. The only consolation that he got was when he hit one of the Ravenclaw chasers with a binding potion. To him, that seemed to lock their victory later at Quidditch. He didn't bother to talk with his teammates since everybody looked as if they had the time of their life. In fact, he didn't even bother to eat lunch like everybody else. He remained in the pitch and mounted a broom as he did rounds all over it. He wanted to release his anger and irritation but didn't know how. Then the scene at the beach kept rewinding in his head. 'So Potter got a little crush with his best friend huh. I guess I could use that information to my advantage.' He felt his stomach churn, he didn't know whether it was from hunger or from the fact that Harry and Hermione ending up together was more likely to happen than.
'What the bloody hell am I thinking?'
'It seems like your feelings towards Hermione doesn't stop with the fairies' spell anymore.'
'I don't like her; this is all temporary. When I leave this island everything will be clear again.'
'You sure that's what you want? Then why are you silently wishing that you'd get stranded here forever?'
'Isn't that a tad bit dramatic?'
'Isn't that the truth though. I mean, why haven't you made your move against Potter? Instead, you keep driving Hermione away from you.'
'What does it matter?'
'You keep driving her away because you don't want her to get hurt. Admit it, you already care for her.'
Draco's other half couldn't think of a comeback so instead he doubled his pace as he rounded the pitch as fast as he can.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Professors were a little glad at the event that had happened during the potion war. It seemed for them, the students have forgotten their differences as they worked together. What seemed hopeful to them was the fact that there were some of the Slytherins interacting with the Gryffindors. Only the stubborn one such as Draco, refuse to have any contact with the Gryffindors, well maybe with the exception with Hermione. They were after all partners.
Most of the professors liked what was happening. They were beginning to think that Dumbledore's plan was going to be a success. But there were 2, well technically 1, professors that were having doubts about the plan.
Lupin dragged Sirius into his cabin as they recount the events. "So what do you think about Dumbledore's plans?"
"I've never objected to it. until now."
"What made you think otherwise Padfoot?"
"I like the part where the Slytherins would have a second chance on which path to choose but if it will be at the cost of loosing someone from our side, I just don't think that its worth it."
"You're talking about Hermione?"
"The 3 isn't in good terms with each other or haven't you noticed?"
"Hermione and Ron broke up, what would you expect?"
"But she's getting really close with that Malfoy."
"Come on now, can you blame them? You know that they have to."
"Why didn't we just agree with Hermione's plan of going back to her parents?" Sirius looked at Lupin and he finally understood what was happening. "Wait a minute, this is your doing isn't it?"
"Look mate, you only see the changes in Hermione, if you looked at Malfoy you'll also see that he too has changed. For me these changes are positive ones."
"What the hell are you talking about!?!" Sirius' face suddenly became all red. "We're talking about Hermione here, Harry's friend!"
"I just think that Hermione can be very persuasive."
Sirius didn't let him finish. "Did you consult this with Dumbledore?"
"Calm down Sirius, he agrees with me."
"Malfoy can be pretty convincing as well."
"You don't see the whole picture, Malfoy doesn't have any friends to back him up while Hermione have 2 more convincing friends at her back, not to mention us."
Sirius gave up he knew he couldn't argue with Lupin when he's closed his mind on the subject. "Well I just hope you know what you're doing. Frankly, controlling people's lives isn't exactly very tempting." He turned around, turned back into his other form and left the cabin.
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After lunch the students flooded towards the pitch. Most of the injured students were already cured and ready to take flight. Harry went to Hermione's side to try to comfort her. "Remember, you're not alone in this game. You have me, Malfoy."
"And me." Ron rushed towards them.
Hermione couldn't help but smile as they meet. "Your not mad at me anymore?"
"Mad? Never!" Ron said dramatically.
Hermione rolled her eyes while Harry shook his head.
"Well, I was kind of childish wasn't I?"
"Yeah, you were."
Harry prepared himself again for another fight.
"Don't rub it. I came here cause I thought I'd give you some tips."
"Helpful ones?" Hermione teased.
"Of course, I'm not letting petty things like that to come between us. anymore anyway."
Hermione gave her smile, the one that she gave him when they were still in a relationship.
Harry felt a little pang shot through his body. "Well, I guess you guys don't need me anymore." He boarded his broom and sped to the other side of the pitch. 'Do I really like her?'
'Of course stupid, why else would you feel jealous over them?'
He didn't want to admit it and did a few more rounds around the pitch to take his mind off of his feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry wasn't the only one feeling that pang. Draco gave icy glares at the person giving personal lessons at Hermione. 'The nerve of that guy, she's better at it than him and he gives her lessons. What the hell is he playing at?'
Then he spotted Madame Hooch. He started flying low towards the middle of the pitch. All the other players gathered around as well. He didn't like what he saw. Aside from the fact that Hermione was positioned between Harry and Ron, he saw that he Ravenclaw chaser that he hit earlier was there too. It seemed like it didn't really mattered whether you were hit earlier or not. He cursed himself silently.
"Just like before, I expect a good and clean game." Madam Hooch scanned the faces of the players. "You will play here not with 4 teams but only 2. Remember who your teammates are. If there's anything else?" She looked for any questions stopping her gaze at Hermione. "Very well, positions everyone." Within minutes, she released the balls and the game started.
The first few minutes were ordinary. Harry and the other team's seeker flew high to avoid getting hit. This time though, Harry was not only looking for the Snitch, he also kept glancing towards Hermione's directions. 'She's a little tense. I wouldn't blame her, first times are always hard.' He watched her as she tried catching a Quaffle as it passed her way. She wasn't quick enough though. She was shaking as she reached for the Quaffle. Harry couldn't bear to see her all nervous. He flew down toward her. The other seeker followed him thinking he saw the snitch but he didn't care.
Hermione was getting embarrassed as she once again missed catching another Quaffle. She saw Harry going towards her and her face brightened to an even deeper shade of red. "What are you doing here?"
"Didn't I tell you that you're not alone here?"
"Yeah well, I'm the only one who's catching the Quaffle. Please look for the snitch and grab it quickly." She begged.
"I'll tell you this again. Try to relax. It doesn't matter whether you catch the Quaffle or not, just loosen up. Just relax, try to enjoy the feeling. You'll love it."
Hermione didn't seem to believe him but nodded. She watched him fly away back to higher grounds.
The next attempts were getting close. She quickened her pace and reaction time but she was still intimidated of all the other players.
It was Ron's time to give some encouragement. "Hermione, I know what you feel. We all do. We all had our first times and mine wasn't great. Nobody here will judge you. Harry's first was great because he felt flying was part of himself. If you'd forget everything, you would surely do better. Just relax okay?"
Hermione appreciated all the support she was getting. In turn she put their advice to use. In no time, she began catching the Quaffle and it felt good. Every time she caught one her feelings toward the game improved. She began flying smoothly and quicker.
Draco saw the change and wanted to congratulate her so he left his post and flew towards her. "You're getting real good."
"You shouldn't be here, what if Ron or Harry get hit?"
Draco shrugged, "I thought I could boost your confidence."
"I'm fine now, I think you'd better do your job."
Draco shook his head and flew away. He was getting used to her authoritative attitude and somehow he was beginning to like it. When he turned around to scan what was happening he saw a Bludger coming towards Hermione he increased his speed and headed straight for her. Because of his skill as a seeker he was able to shield her from it, but he wasn't quick enough to be able to use his stick to rappel it, he used his body instead. Hermione watched in horror as Draco fell into the ground.
Lupin watched Draco helplessly falling. "Now do you believe me?" He patted his friend's head.