A/N: Extremely short, but it's kind of like a Part one of Two chapters coming out together. I just wanted to leave you at a cliffie :
Chapter 32: LaughterHermione watched as the Slytherin team trudged off the pitch and into their locker room.
"Poor Draco," she thought aloud.
"Come on, Hermione! Let's go celebrate!" Neville (one of the few who didn't run onto the pitch) suggested.
Hermione smiled weakly. "That's alright Neville, I'll be there a bit later."
Neville gave her a strange look. "You sure?"
Hermione nodded and stepped back so Neville could get through.
With a sigh, she followed suit.
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Draco stepped out of the steamy shower room, only to face his sullen teammates.
There was a moment of awkward silence, in which Draco stood unable to find reassuring words.
"Well…" Draco began. "Erm, next year mates. We'll beat those damn Gryffindors, even if it isn't under my lead. Right?"
A few of the team murmured their responses.
Blaise stood up and pulled Draco aside.
"So, Draco, how does it feel to lose the Cup to Gryffindor in your last year?" Blaise said, with a joking air.
"Shove it, Zabini," Draco returned.
'At least I have my love to cheer me up,' Draco thought, with a yearning feeling.
Draco zipped up his jeans and pulled on a dark green t-shirt. He messed with his hair a bit and stepped out of the locker room.
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Hermione found herself lying down, hands behind her head, on a stone bench near the locker rooms, waiting for Draco.
A myriad of stars dotted the clear sky, and she sighed as she took in the sight.
Suddenly, a hand appeared in front of her.
"Any assistance, milady?" came Draco's voice.
Hermione smiled as she took his hand and hopped off the bench.
"Surprised to find you here," Draco said, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Hermione slid her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his, in a loving, gentle kiss.
"Just waiting for you, love," she smiled up at him. "So sorry about the game…"
"No worries, we'll beat 'em next year," Draco shrugged.
Hermione looked up at him. "I thought it would have more importance to you?"
He shrugged again. "You're of more importance than any game."
He leaned in and brought her closer to him, planting kisses along her cheek.
"Hermione, words do not explain…" he said in between kisses.
She pulled back and put a finger to his lips.
"Then don't speak…" she whispered, leaning in close to him. "Just…CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!" she pulled back quickly, taking off through the school.
Draco stood for a moment, dumbfounded, but quickly caught on. He took off after her.
Hermione laughed as she ran through the corridors, with Draco behind her.
"Oh no you don't!" he called after her, as she sharply turned a corner.
Luckily, there were no students around as Hermione arrived, panting, at the portrait.
"I've got you!" Draco yelled, pinning her against the wall.
The two, laughing uncontrollably, fell into a pile on the floor, Draco with his arm around Hermione.
"Oh gods, Hermione," Draco sighed, as he caught his breath. "I can't remember the last time I've laughed so hard."
Hermione smiled, and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Anytime, love."
Thankfully, no one was around to observe the display…all except for one, of course.
From a dark corner, she watched.
"I'm sure Lucius won't be too happy about this at all," she whispered to herself, giggling maliciously. "Not too happy at all."
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