Chapter Five

Draco didn't move for a long while, he just stared at the door that Hermione had just exited. He was rooted to the spot, so lost in his own thoughts. 'That wretched witch, she does nothing but fill my head with self-doubt.' Of course he couldn't ask for help. Who would he have asked? 'Excuse me, but The Dark Lord is living with me and wants me to kill the headmaster, he's threatened to kill my mum if I don't, do you think you could help? I would be forever grateful….. Stupid girl.' She knew nothing about his life, nothing about how he had to grow up. Malfoy's don't ask for help, any of his burdens were his alone, why would he try to give someone else his responsibilities? He wouldn't have even asked Hermione if he didn't need her cooperation on the matter.

A sudden burst of purple smoke clouded his vision and a vile smell assaulted his nose, snapping him out of his reverie. He cursed, 'Damn that witch, now I've ruined my potion.' He rushed over to the cauldron to try and stabilize the potion before any further damage could be incurred.

He was suddenly emotionally exhausted. The events of the day catching up with him. He had actually picked a ring for Hermione, while a draining experience, the worst was the questions. He had never shared so much with someone his whole life, except for maybe Blaise. He was sure that Theo had some insight into his personal life but only because of how observant he was, not because Draco actually shared personal information with him. Just like how Draco never asked for personal information from his friends, they all knew what was going on, but no one asked. That was the way the elite families were, they were private, and now with a few questions Hermione already knew more than his best mates, and this was only the first day of questions. What else was she going to uncover? It wasn't fair really, he had found nothing of importance about her, but I guess that is what happens when you lead a private life, everything becomes a secret.

He sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. He really was tired. He glanced at the clock and groaned, she wouldn't be asleep yet, he had decided he would avoid actually going to bed with her at the same time to avoid awkwardness. He dumped out the contents of his ruined potion and decided he had time to start it again before going to bed.

~0~

Hermione got in bed and stared at the door. She was waiting for him to come after her, to yell at her for her ridiculousness. To scowl at her and tell her that he would make her life hell if she told anyone his secrets, but that never happened.

When she realized he wasn't coming after her to threaten her, Hermione sunk further into the bed. She welcomed the softness of the sheets and tried to let the fluffy pillows lull her to bed, but her mind would not stop racing with all this new information that she had learned. She really was uncomfortable seeing Draco as more than her hated bully, he had actual emotions and they contradicted her image of him as an evil death eater. She really didn't know what to do with all this information. She supposed this was a step in the right direction, she might actual be able to get along with this side of Draco, she might actually be able to like him. But she really didn't know which route was the safer one, hating him or actually liking him? She let out a strangled groan, she had promised Harry she would atleast try.

She tossed and turned but sleep would not claim her. Her mind not being able to stop thinking about these new turn of events. She heard Draco as he entered the room and stiffened. She tried to control her breathing and hoped that Draco wouldn't notice that she was awake.

"I know you are awake little lioness, you can stop insulting me by pretending to be asleep," he huffed at her.

Hermione instantly opened her eyes and sought out his shadow in the dark. She saw his figure as he rustled out of his shirt, her cheeks instantly blushing, even though she heard him more than she actually saw him taking off his shirt. "What difference does it make if I am awake?" she inquired.

"Ah my dear, the difference is that you won't be able to accuse me in the morning."

"What do you mean?" she shot back at him.

He didn't answer her though, instead he leaned over the bed and started slowly taking her pillow wall down, pillow by pillow, and throwing them on the floor.

"Hey!" Hermione screeched, "What do you think you are doing?" Her voice reflecting the horror she felt at being so vulnerable and exposed to him. Each pillow he took representing her feelings of safety.

"I am not going to sleep like this any longer, one night was unpleasant enough, I will not repeat it. Your little pillow wall encroaches on my side of the bed and there is no reason for it. We are married and will be expected to share flesh soon enough, yet you try to hide behind the safety of your pillow wall, I will not tolerate it," Draco informed her.

Draco mentally chided himself. There was really no reason for him to get this angry of her small measure of safety but he was emotionally raw and it really wasn't fair that she could have a safe haven when he felt so exposed. He tried to take deep breaths to calm down, he needed to gain control of his emotions. He had never lost as much control as he had in the past couple of days. It was unnerving to think that this witch could do that to him. No, it must just be a product of their situation, not her. Either way she would not sleep with a pillow wall their whole life, better to stop this before it forms into a habit, he tried to reason with himself.

Before she could protest further he climbed into bed and just to spite her he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. If he was going to feel uncomfortable then so would she. She had tried to protest several times but Draco had cut her off each time. He eventually buried himself in her hair and slowly drifted off to sleep, with Hermione close behind him.

~0~

Draco woke, well rested and vaguely aware that he was alone in bed. He knew he was going to pay today for his actions yesterday. It couldn't have been helped though, he know that he had let his emotions get the better of him, something he vowed would not happen in the future, but it was a necessary evil to obtain his goal. Last night he had gotten a full night's sleep without being woken up by Hermione and her nightmares. He let the feeling of victory wash over him, until he sobered up enough to remember that maybe the means wouldn't justify the ends, it would all depend on what revenge she sought to inflict on him today for his transgressions last night. Maybe it would be better to just slip her a dreamless sleep draught, but he had a problem with drugging women, even if it was for their own good.

He quietly made his way down the stairs, he wanted to know where Hermione was before she could locate him, a simple safety measure on his part. He looked everywhere, every nook and cranny in the library, the study, and even all the guest rooms. He returned back to the kitchen baffled, until Bimble bowed to him and held out a note for him. He braced himself, had he really scared her off that much that she wouldn't even face him? Who was running away now? So much for that Gryffindor courage.

Ferret,

Since you have decided to sleep all day, I was unable to inform you that I have plans for lunch with the girls. I will be at Tracey's should you need me, but please hesitate if you do.

~Hermione

He rolled his eyes at the contents of the letter, it seemed last night had not scared her in the least for she was her same haughty self. He quickly glanced at the clock and did notice that it was, in fact, the afternoon. He just shrugged. It wasn't his fault he had slept poorly the last couple of nights. He turned to Bimble and ordered lunch.

~0~

Hermione had arrived at Tracey's house with some trepidation. They had gotten along yesterday, but that could have been a fluke, they couldn't even consider themselves friends, they were just allies in this unfortunate circumstance. It would probably go smoother than yesterday, just having the girls then the boys with their over raging hormones.

She was able to take a deep breath to prepare herself before the adjoining door swung open and Tracey quickly walked over to her and greeted her.

"Hermione, I am so glad that you could join us, everyone is here except for Luna." The girl smiled at Hermione and led her down the hall to a large kitchen where the girls where all seated around the wooden table. They each greeted her warmly before she made her way to Ginny's side. They all sat in an uncomfortable silence while waiting for Luna. The tension in the room making everyone uneasy. Hermione fidgeted in her chair uncomfortably and took in the surrounding room.

The dining room was an open concept, like in Hermione's house. It was attached to the living room and the kitchen. The kitchen had dark wooden cabinets with light marble countertops and colorful adornments lining the counters. The living room had a grey couch with two large matching armchairs. Each couch was adorned with colorful blankets. The whole room looked bright and clean. It was a welcoming sight and put Hermione at ease.

They all heard the pop as Luna arrived in the room down the hall. Tracey slowly got up from the table to go greet Luna and bring her back to the group. They all waited until Luna sat down before Tracey nodded at the waiting house elves. While the house elves began to fill the table Hermione looked over at Luna.

"Luna, was everything okay, you left so fast yesterday?" Hermione questioned the blonde.

"Oh yes, Theo had gotten into a fight," Luna stated calmly, "Apparently he went out with Blaise after ring shopping and got into a fight with some guy at the bar they were at. He never did tell me why the fight started but he is fine now. Thank you for asking."

All the girls looked at Luna with wide eyes as she continued to cut the chicken that was on her plate, completely oblivious that she was the center of attention. When she finally looked up she gave everyone a wide grin.

"He has never gotten into a fist fight before," Daphne said, her eyes wide with curiosity, "He's too smart for that."

"He really is fine," Luna admonished, "I must admit I am curious to what ring he has picked out for me. It won't be too long before I get to see it though." Luna sighed dreamily.

"When will you be getting engaged?" Ginny asked.

"Oh in two months' time and then we will get married the following month." Luna answered. "How about you?"

"In one month and then we will be married four months later. At least I have some time, not much though," Ginny shook her head at the omission. She then turned her head to look at Tracey.

"Oh we will be getting engaged in three months, with the wedding a month after." Tracey responded to her unasked question.

"We are supposed to arrive engaged at the celebration and then get married by the end of this month," Daphne said and nudged Pansy.

The nudge from Daphne had prompted Pansy to answer, "We will be engaged this month and then married the month after." A sour expression adorned her face. "What about you, Hermione?"

"Oh, it seems I am the only one that will be made a spectacle of then. We will be getting engaged at the celebration at the end of this week and then married in six months' time." Hermione said, her cheeks reddening at the thought of the public display that she would have to endure.

"It makes sense, the Malfoy's would make an engagement a big affair," Tracey said quietly, "They will have Daphne and Potter married as soon as possible to help kick start this law and then they will end it with the most unlikely couple to be married, and that should really help with everyone accepting this law."

Everyone slowly nodded at the genius of this plan and Hermione let out a dramatic sigh.

Pansy quirked her eyebrows at her and asked, "What are you exasperated about, Hermione? At least, Draco is not some pale faced ginger, no offense Ginny. Do you not find Draco handsome?"

A faint blush blossomed on Hermione's cheeks as she averted her eyes trying to ignore the questions. She turned back to her plate and promptly stuffed her mouth.

"Oh my god," Ginny exclaimed, "You do!"

Hermione glared at the girl next to her, which prompted laughter from Pansy.

"Well I have eyes!" Hermione admitted.

"Well he looks so much better now that he can actually eat without fear of his life. He certainly has filled out, he isn't the scrawny boy he used to be. Not having The Dark Lord on his back, really agrees with him," Pansy teased.

Hermione narrowed her eyes, "Well it is his own fault he had The Dark Lord on his back."

"Oh no," Daphne said quietly, "Hermione, I really don't think that you understand what he had to go through, what most of us had to go through."

Hermione just scoffed at the girl across from her, "Regardless, everyone has choices, Draco just didn't make the right ones."

Tracy slowly shook her head at Hermione, "Have you watched his confession video, Hermione?" When Hermione only shook her head no in answer, she continued, "You should watch Draco's confession video, Hermione, maybe then you will be able to understand the lack of choices he really had."

Hermione just shook her head, she wasn't going to watch that video. She knew that she wasn't going to feel bad for him, it was his choice to take the dark mark, it was his decisions that led him to be the sickly human he was a year ago. No, Hermione knew exactly what type of man Draco was, he had proved how cruel he was every year in school, with every teasing jab he took at her. No, Hermione was not going to feel sorry for him and yet there was a small throb of self-doubt in her head. She thought about his omission's yesterday and closed her eyes. She would not watch that video, if only to save her sanity. She was already so confused when it came to Draco, she didn't need to add to the confusion she already felt.

~0~

Draco had the intention of simply doing nothing all day. He wanted to lounge around in his sweatpants and not move from his spot on the couch. It had been a very long time since the Malfoy Heir had been able to do nothing and not have to be constantly on his guard. He thought that after the last couple of days he had earned being lazy, but Blaise had other plans for him.

Draco was lounging on the couch in the living room, with a book in his hand, when Blaise found him. It was a little unnerving that Draco had not realized he was in the house sooner, but Draco was not going to let Blaise know that.

"Zabini," Draco turned towards his friend, looking at him over the back of the couch.

"You look productive," Blaise drawled.

"What do you want Blaise? I am in no mood to bicker with you, I get enough of that with Granger," Draco bit out.

Blaise just laughed at him, "Oi, that little lion causing you trouble, mate? Do you need assistance in taming her?" He winked at Draco.

Draco was momentarily blinded by rage, that little lion was his! Draco clenched his jaw and quickly regained control of his emotions. Where did that even come from? It must be the bond. He knew that Blaise was just trying to rile him up and judging from the amused expression on his friend's face he had succeeded.

"What do you want Blaise?" He asked again, glaring at the Italian.

"Well, Potter has invited us all for a game of Quidditch, apparently the Manistee has decided to bestow a pitch in his backyard," Blaise said with a shrug, "he has sent all of the guys an owl to see if they wanted to play while the girls are otherwise occupied. I stopped on my way there to get you."

Draco narrowed his eyes at his friend, "I didn't get an invitation and I doubt I am invited, and frankly, I don't want to go."

"Come on Draco, don't get your panties in a bunch, I can see the letter on your table right now," Blaise gestured at the accused table behind Draco, "just think of how nice it will be to ride on a broom again, I really think that it will help get our mind off of everything, besides," he smirked, "how are we going to beat Potter without you?"

Draco sighed but knew he was in, Blaise just had to bring out his competitive side, "Fine, give me a second."

Draco pulled himself off the couch and ran upstairs to change into his Quidditch practice gear and hurriedly walked back to where Blaise was waiting for him.

Blaise smirked at his friend, "You ready to kick some ass, if we lose I am blaming you completely."

Draco patted him on the back, "Let's go Zabini, I assure you if we lose it won't be because of me, besides you've already admitted that you need me to win." He turned a smirk on his friend.

Draco and Blaise arrived in the same room that they had yesterday, this time the room was filled with the other boys. The boys were all sitting on the couch and Harry was in the middle of convincing Neville that he wouldn't hinder their team by being on it.

Draco smirked at this. They would definitely win if Longbottom was playing, he was terrible.

"Yes, please be on their team, Longbottom," Draco teased.

Harry's eyes flicked to him, "Why, scared you won't win without him on our team?" Harry's eyes quickly flew to Neville, "No offense, Neville."

Draco shrugged before answering, "We can win with or without Neville on your team, in fact, he can be on ours. You can have Theo, and I assure you that you have the better end of that trade." Draco's eyes glittered with mischief as he challenged the chosen one.

"No, I don't think so," Harry exclaimed, "We both know that Theo would throw the game, Neville is on our team, and that is final. "

Draco just smirked in response, exchanging amused expressions, with his friends. Harry had just fallen right into his trap, he was so predictable.

Harry explained the rules, since they were only playing with three people, with was not enough for a regular Quidditch game to be played. They would play with the Quaffle, the Snitch, and one Bludger that would be enchanted to just fly around. There would be a Keeper, if the team decided to do so, or everyone could help protect the goal posts. Everyone would also get a Bludger bat, to protect themselves, and they could have a designated seeker or again everyone on the team could try to find it. No contact with other players either. You couldn't intentionally try to harm another payer. This last rule was mostly because the Ministry would kill them if they showed up to the party with bruises and broken appendages, not because of a safety precaution. They all knew they would love to send a good aimed Bludger at one another.

They walked outside Harry's house and down the patio, there was a small garden and a group of trees that the Quidditch pitch was behind, complete with small benches for spectators. Draco felt a small wave of jealousy hit him. He would love to have a pitch in his backyard. His thoughts turning to his backyard, and how the lake glistened in the sun, how the flowers moved with the breeze and quickly forgot his thoughts of jealousy. He liked his backyard, it was like his own personal sanctuary.

Harry set down the chest he was carrying and enchanted it so the balls would be released once they had all mounted their broomsticks and were in the air. He then handed everyone a bat and then regrouped with his team to talk strategy.

Draco turned towards his friends and they quickly decided that they were not going to have specific positions, per say, Theo would guard the goal posts, unless he saw an opportunity to score or catch the snitch. Blaise would be the team's chaser. He was the most ruthless and would easily be able to score on the Weasel. Draco would assist him but his main goal would be to find the Snitch. They nodded their heads in agreement once they had figured out their plan and turned back towards their opponents, waiting patiently for them to finish. When the other group finished they nodded at Draco's team and they all shook hands before mounting their brooms and pushing off into the air.

The heaviness that he felt from the last couple of days instantly vanished as he flew higher in the sky. The breeze rustling in his hair and cooling his cheeks. He had always felt so alive when he was on a broom. The rush of the wind in his ear as he barreled through the sky at high speeds, made him feel exhilarated. He stopped his broom from climbing any higher as he stared down at the ground, waiting for the chest to release the balls. The men were gathered in a circle around the box, twenty feet in the air, all thrumming with excitement as they waited for the game to begin. The chest finally threw open releasing the balls into the air. Blaise and Ron both darted to grab the Quaffle, as Theo and surprisingly Neville made their way to the opposite ends of the field to guard the goal posts. Draco urged his broom higher into the air so he could see his surroundings. His whole mind focused on finding the snitch.

~0~

"Where is Neville?" Hermione asked, trying to change the subject.

"Oh," Tracey said, "He is at Harry's. Harry decided to throw a small Quidditch game."

"Ya," Daphne interjected, "He figured that since we were going to be getting together, the guys should too."

Hermione narrowed her eyes, Draco didn't tell her they were getting together. "Was Draco invited?"

"Yes," Daphne responded, "Harry didn't send out the invitations until this morning though."

"Oh," was all Hermione responded with, that explained it. She had left him sleeping, so he probably didn't even know about it. She frowned slightly. Was it really a good idea to have the boys together? Playing a competitive sport, nonetheless. Flashes of fighting, bloody noses, and broken glasses danced in her head. This did not sound like a good idea to her.

"What's wrong Hermione?" Ginny asked her noticing the scowl on her face.

"I just don't see how this won't end in a fight."

"Well, if you are so worried," Pansy said dramatically, her voice rising with each word "We can go and watch them and make sure that they behave themselves. We can be their protectors, making sure that they don't fall into the clutches of the dark wants that they have of punching each other in their faces!" She clutched at her chest with one hand while the other was held out in front of her in a fist.

The girls all giggled at her ridiculous spectacle.

"That isn't a bad idea," said Daphne, "I mean not for that reason," she added rolling her eyes, "but it might be fun to go and watch them."

They all nodded in agreement, Hermione only shrugging not really caring, but it would be a welcome distraction and take the conversation off of their marriages. They all quickly flooed to Harry and Daphne's house. Daphne led them through the house and out the patio doors, where Hermione could see the Quidditch Pitch behind a group of trees.

She could see the figures flying in the air, and could tell that the game was well underway. The boys oblivious to their sudden appearance. As they cleared, the small group of trees, a small set of spectacle bleachers were on the side lines of the field. The girls quickly made their way towards the bleachers and made themselves comfortable as they watched the group of men fly around.

Hermione took her seat next to Ginny and Luna and squinted her eyes towards the sky as she tried to make out Draco. Her breath caught in her throat once she spotted him. He was seated on top of his broom with such a calm commanding that it made her jealous. He looked like he belonged on top of that broom. His hair, which was usually slicked back, was flying around his face. His usually pale cheeks, were tinted with a pink. His face was calm and was plastered with determination. He looked so different in the sky. Hermione took in a deep breath and then turned away from him.

Ginny pointed next to her and she directed her eyes to the location. She saw Neville land and start walking toward them. She heard the shouts of dismay as his teammates noticed his absence.

"Hey!" Neville said cheerfully as he got closer to the group.

"Neville, dear," Tracey responded, "You can't just land in the middle of a Quidditch game." Her face held a small smile as she directed her gaze at Neville.

He just shrugged as the rest of the men landed and trudged towards them, all halting when they reached Neville's side. All spurting out different variations of greeting before turning their attention back towards Neville.

"Neville," Harry said, "Are you quitting? Because we kind of need you."

Neville turned away from Harry's gaze and back towards the women, "No, but I wanted to say hi to the ladies and figured that they might want to play. We can just restart the game!" He said probably hoping that with the addition if the ladies he wouldn't be the worst player in the air. Or he could just be trying to be the gentleman that he was and include everyone.

"Yes, please!" Ginny exclaimed as she jumped up from the bench besides Hermione. Most of the girls just nodded and made their way off the bench and towards the men. Her eyes widening as she realized what was happening. 'No, no, no, no,' she thought, 'this is not happening, I am not going to be made to go up on a broom and try to play this game.' Hermione closed her eyes, she hated flying. She wasn't very good at it and she hated how out of control it made her feel. She did not have sturdy ground beneath her feet when she was up in the air and it made her feel helpless. She could fly, of course, but it wasn't as steady as she would have hoped. She didn't like the feeling of flying and she didn't like knowing that she was not exceptionally good at it, both of those paired together was not a good combination for her confidence. She was not going to make a fool out of herself, especially after seeing how good Draco was at it. He was like a God on a broom, she didn't want to give him any ammo for making fun of her, and falling off of her broom, or not being able to fly in a straight line, would certainly be ammo.

She opened her eyes and found them all staring at her expectantly, she cursed silently before forming a response to inform them that she did not have any intention of riding that death stick, before Harry cut her off.

"You don't have to Hermione, I am sure someone else would be willing to sit out if you don't want to play," Harry stated calmly before scanning over the gathered group, looking for someone to volunteer on her behalf.

"Oh yeah," Ginny said, "I don't need to play, I'll sit and watch with you 'Mione." Hermione saw the flash of longing in her eyes before Ginny started heading back towards her. She scanned the crowd and caught Draco's eye, his silver eyes boring into hers before he lifted his eyebrow in question at her. She sighed before she felt her shoulders sag in defeat.

"No, no, Ginny, don't be ridiculous. I'll play," she said with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. Even to her own ears it sounded like she was horrified with the idea. She slowly got off of the bench and made her way towards the crowd. She saw Draco smirking at her and she straightened her shoulders. She would play and she would make sure her team kicked his ass.

Turns out that she was going to be on Draco's team. It was a miserable idea, really. They thought it would only be fair to have spouses together, though she thought that it was Harry's way of making sure that he didn't get both Luna and Neville on his team. It was going to be harder for her to not be noticed by Draco if she was on his team, even now she could feel his steely gaze on her, following her movements, observing her hesitation.

She stared down at the broom in her hand and steeled her resolve, its fine, she will be fine. She'd flown hundreds of times without incident, why would this time be any different? 'Maybe because there is going to be balls flying at your bloody head trying to get you to fall off of your broom,' she thought darkly. She felt her anxiety heighten and she looked at the chest holding the retuned balls, the Bludgers shaking in their restrained compartments, rattling the box. Her breath quickened and her vision blurred as she thought about getting hit with one of those.

She started as she felt a hand on the small of her back and a presence next to her.

"I'm not going to let anything happen to you," He calmly reassured her, "If you really don't want to play I will sit out with you, they would just have to redo their teams which can be done easy enough."

She studied his face, his eyes held her gaze steadily. She tried to search for some hidden intent, but all she could find was honesty and concern. She frowned, that wasn't right, that look did not belong on Draco's face especially when directed at her.

"Why?" she asked him with narrowed eyes.

He just shrugged before casually responding, "Because you are my wife and my responsibility."

She just stared and him and looked at his calm expression before thinking it over in her head. He clearly enjoyed Quidditch, he had looked so carefree while he was up there on his broom. He was normally so serious and uptight that she didn't really want to take this away from him. She started biting her lower lip while thinking of what she should do. She shouldn't care if he got some enjoyment out of doing this, but she did. Her thoughts where Draco Malfoy were concerned were jumbled now at best. Was he truly doing this to put her at ease, or was he just looking for more ammo to torment her with later? Which option would give him the least amount of ammo? Not even getting on her broom or getting herself thrown off of it? She kept worrying her bottom lip, her eyes glued to Draco trying to dissect his intentions.

He huffed at her before adding in a bored voice, "I am glad that I finally found something little miss perfect is dare I say it, bad at, and to think it is something as mundane as riding a broom."

Hermione raised her chin and stared him dead in the eye, "Not likely, Malfoy. I have best you in almost everything and I intend to add this to the list."

She mounted her broom and kicked off into the sky.

~0~

Draco applauded himself inwardly, he knew she wouldn't be able to back away from a direct challenge and was glad that he had forced her hand in making a decision. He knew she didn't like brooms and flying. It was a wonder she had passed Madam Hooch's class, her flying was shaky at best. He thought it had something to do with getting too caught up in her head, she couldn't just focus on feeling and directing the broom. Her kick-off was impressive though and was almost flawless, if her broom didn't start wobbling once she started hovering in the air, twenty feet above him. He mentally chided himself, he just made this game way harder for himself, not only was he going to have to keep an eye out for the Snitch, he was also going to have to make sure his wife didn't tumble to her death apparently. He should have just let her walk away from the game, but then he knew he would have had to sit out with her.

He mounted his broom and kicked off in a graceful manner, smirking at Hermione when he caught her eyes. Her face flushing in anger but she just rolled her eyes at him and pretended not to care. He could see her white knuckles gripping on her broom handle, terrified. He made his way over to Blaise and Theo and gave them a meaningful look at Hermione. They both nodded their head in understanding, they would keep an eye out for her too. That made his job a little easier.

They all circled around the center of the field waiting for the balls to be released again. Harry had decided that they would still only play with one Bludger since there were many less experienced players playing with them now. They all sat silently on their brooms while Harry explained the rules again for the benefit of the ladies. All of the men sat stiff and calmly on their brooms, ignoring Harry and taking in their surroundings. All of the ladies sat demure and quiet on their brooms, except for Ginny, who gripped her broomstick in eagerness, a look of anticipation on her face, and Hermione who was swaying slightly and had a pale look on her face. At least she wasn't swaying as much as she was when she first started hovering. Thank Merlin it wasn't a windy day, or she would have just blown off of her broom.

The sound of the chest banging open and releasing the balls indicating the start of the game, drew his attention. All of the players, whizzed in different directions and Draco urged his broom higher, before taking in the sights around him. When he glanced down, he saw Hermione still glued to the same spot that she had started in.

He lowered himself back to where she was and looked at her face. She was pale except for her cheeks which were rosy from the cold. Her fingers were clutched around the broom and she was staring intently straight ahead at what Draco suspected was a tree in the distance.

"Hermione, you know you are going to have to move? Part of playing Quidditch is moving and participating in the game?"

She darted her eyes towards him for a second and then focused back on the tree, "I am up in the air, does that not count as being involved?" She asked.

"No." he answered her certainly. "It does not count at all. Hermione give me your hand," he demanded.

Her eyes darted to him wearily again but this time they stayed on his face, "What?" she asked confused, her brows wrinkling.

"You can either ride the broom on your own or with me, and since you do not seem interested in riding by yourself you will be riding with me," he stated calmly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"No!" she shouted at him in horror, "I will not ride with you like a child."

"Then I suggest you start moving and being involved in the game or I will forcibly remove you from your broom and place you safely on to mine." He narrowed his eyes at her, his mouth was set in a grim line, "I will not have you be a sitting duck down here."

He started to rise again leaving her to make her decision, if she did not make a decision in the next ten minutes he would go back down there and fulfill his promise, but he knew he wouldn't have too. She had already straightened her shoulders and had raised her chin. Her fear had seemed to be wiped off of her face and replaced with defiance again. It had seemed he had goaded her a second time into compliance. The first time had been enough to get her one the broom but not enough to make her forget her fear once she had gotten into the air, the second time it seemed had done the trick.

He tore his eyes away from Hermione and took in the sights around him, he had risen to be on a higher plane then the rest of the game. He took in the action and it seemed that the Sheweasel had the Quaffle and was making his way towards her brother, who was now guarding the posts for the other team. He was taunting her, but she paid no intention, she threw the Quaffle and scored the first goal of the game. She stuck her tongue out at Ron and went to retreat back to her side of the field. Blaise beamed at her but she just shrugged in embarrassment and turned to ignore him.

This perked Draco's interest. He looked at Blaise who was staring at the redhead's back. His eyes never leaving her. This was not normal behavior for his friend. Even when Blaise was into a girl, he had never given them much attention or focus outside of a sexual nature. He heard a whizzing and he jerked his head back, a Bludger barely missing his head. He shook his head and tried to clear his thoughts, he would focus on Blaise later, right now he needed to focus on the game.

His eyes roamed the field, a glitter in the sunlight catching his eye on the opposite end of the pitch. He got ready to dive towards the Snitch, his eyes carefully tracking the golden movements of the ball. He leaned closer down to the broom handle preparing to dart towards his victory when he heard a cry behind him. He instantly straitened and shot his eyes to the direction of the noise. His eyes widened as he was greeted with the sight of Hermione hanging from her broomstick. Without thinking he dove towards her. He put his arms around her waist as he tried to convince her to let go of the broom.

"Hermione, let go of the broom," he pleaded.

"I…..I can't." Her breath was shaky and he could see the pulse on her neck as it thudded against her throat.

Draco looked around helplessly, but no one except for Theo seemed to notice what was happening. He could see Harry at the other end of the field chasing the Snitch, he could see Ginny making her way towards the goal posts again, and saw Blaise trailing closely behind her. Neville seemed to be staring off into the sky and Luna was flying loops around the outside of the field, muttering to herself about Blibbering Humdingers. All the Slytherin girls hovered in a circle, hands waving animatedly in the air, oblivious to the game around them. He saw Theo move to make his way towards them, but Draco shook his head.

Draco looked back at Hermione and saw the fear that overtook her face. How could a girl who had faced torture, who had faced the Dark Lord head on, and had constantly stood her ground be so scared of something as simple as a broom, as simple as falling, even while knowing that Harry had enchanted the field. She would fall but the enchantment would catch and she would land softly and safely on the ground.

He tried again, "Hermione, please let go."

She just shook her head. Her lips were thin and pale, her face drawn in fear. He looked around one more time before urging his broom up a little higher. His hands were still around her waist, but his face was now level with hers. Her eyes wild with fear. He leaned his head forward and kissed her. His lips tingling as they slowly caressed hers. He felt her cry of surprise against his mouth and he felt the full weight of her as she let go of her broom in surprise. He broke their kiss and hauled her against him and onto his broom. Her back was leaning against his chest and he kept one arm firmly planted on her waist as the other reached around her to grab the broom handle. He cocooned her to his body and slowly made his way down to the ground. He was aware of the cheer that went up above him and knew that Potter had caught the Snitch but he didn't care, his eyes never left Hermione.

They landed and he felt her legs wobble as she tried to take a step away from him. His arm at her waist anchoring her and stabilizing her. She turned towards him, her eyes wide with shock now. They stared entranced at each other, neither one sure what they should say. He slowly saw the color return to her face. He had kissed her to shock her, to get her to let go of the broom, and it had worked, but they had both felt the electricity that had danced across their lips.

He heard someone shout behind them and saw Hermione jerk her body away from him and turn towards the cheers.

"Harry," he heard her say as she rushed towards him, "You played wonderfully." She threw her arms around the golden boy and he spun her good naturedly.

Draco narrowed his eyes. She hadn't even thanked him and was now hugging another boy, the same boy that she had scorned him for before. His fists clenched at his side in anger.

"Oi, I told you it would be your fault that we lost, mate," Blaise crooned, teasingly. One glare from his friend shut him up though.

"Ha!" Pansy exclaimed as she slinked through the now landed players and towards the Slytherin boys. She gleamed at them in triumph like she had caught the Snitch herself. Draco just glared at her but she didn't seem to pay him any attention, as Tracey and Daphne cheered around her. She threw her head back and let out a high pitched squeal. "I have never won anything in my life!" her face was pink with delight and exhilaration as she jumped up and down with her friends. "We must celebrate! That's it, a party at my house tonight!"

Draco felt his anger ebb slightly as he saw the delight etched onto her face. He rolled his eyes at her theatrics. 'Bloody women," he thought to himself, 'she literally sat there and talked to her friends, not even lifting one manicured nail to help her team.' It warmed his heart how happy she was though. Pansy rarely had anything to be happy about and while she might not have helped her team, he couldn't help but believe her when she had said that she had never won anything before. He smiled at her before looking towards Hermione who still had her back to him, stiffening as she felt his gaze land on her.