Lunch in the Great Hall with Harry, Ginny and Ron turned out to provide Hermione with a great distraction from her encounter with Draco. They were discussing, in far too great a detail for Hermione's liking, their strategy for winning this year's Quidditch Cup. Much to their dismay, Professor McGonagall had informed Ron and Harry (during their pre-class meeting, the previous day) that they would not be allowed to play for the Gryffindor team. "Too old and experienced" she'd said. They would, however, be allowed to coach if they so chose. Ginny, of course, was team captain, although not too thrilled about sharing leadership duties, but her disappointment was nothing compared to Ron's anger.
"Would you please just get over it already, Ron?" His sister spat. "We all know you had your heart set on playing for the Cannons one day, but that ship has sailed for now, and you are left with this. Take it or leave it."
"Take it or leave it?!" It wasn't the first time Harry and Hermione had witnessed the two red-headed siblings go at it, but their ferocity was new to everyone else in the room, and it was drawing a lot of attention. "In case you've forgotten... gaining more Quidditch experience is the only reason I wanted to come back this year! I'm okay with the fact that studies aren't my thing. I was willing to suffer through them, though, knowing at the end of the day there'd be Quidditch. But now... Now, I have nothing... NOTHING keeping me here."
His words hurt Hermione, but not as much as they would have a month ago. When they arrived home from Australia, and their lives started to look somewhat normal, Hermione slowly began to see that she and Ron wanted different things. He was constantly looking for the next big adventure, while she simply wanted to finish school, get a steady job and live a normal, some might say boring, life. She knew Ron would never be satisfied with that, not when he finally had a taste of the spotlight after spending so many years in the shadows. She realized the love she felt for him was more friendly than romantic, but she had spent so many years longing for him that it didn't feel right to give up so easily, so she remained with him, hoping her feelings could someday deepen. But when she saw his foul mood as he arrived on the platform, she understood that his happiness would always come more from external factors like fame and admirers than their relationship. That was not something she could move past, and this little outburst strengthened her resolve to end it with him sooner rather than later. She remained silent as the argument continued, mentally running over the words she planned to speak to him that night.
"Well, boo hoo for you!" Ginny was not about to let her brother's poor attitude ruin her final year on the house team. "Can you all imagine?" She swung her arm around to indicate the rest of the students in the room, "Having to actually focus on school, while YOU. ARE. AT. SCHOOL?!" A collective giggle was heard through the hall, as Ron's face reached a shade bordering on purple. "How terrible that must be for you. And another thing, big brother," when Ginny turned on the bitch, she really nailed it, "Professor McGonagall made sure we all knew who had the final say about whether you helped coach or not." His eyes narrowed as he dared her to cut him off from the team completely. "That's right... ME, and you're out!" She didn't leave him room to respond as she slammed her hands on the table, stood up, pulling Harry with her and exited the deathly silent room.
Ron stared at the bench his sister and best friend had just vacated, his fists and jaw clenched rhythmically. Hermione had seen him like this before. The last time he managed to wandlessly set the Burrow's curtains on fire. She knew she had to act quickly if she wanted to avoid a repeat of that incident here. She placed her hand softly on his shoulder. He whipped around, his wild eyes seemingly ready to shoot lasers straight through whomever had touched him. They only slightly softened when he saw it was her. "Ron," she spoke gently, "Let's get some fresh air."
She rose confidently, holding her hand out to him. He took it and allowed her to lead him from the castle. Hermione could feel him shaking with rage, but at least he didn't lose control and hurt someone. Once outside, she let him take the lead although she knew exactly where they would end up. It was a fallen tree around the backside of the castle. The three best friends and had discovered it in their third year. They often met there when the need to speak away from the prying ears inside the castle arose. What made this tree particularly appealing was the way it was nestled into a cove formed by two castle walls. The top end rested against the stone about a foot above their heads, forming a makeshift doorway to the cove behind.
Hermione took a seat on the hidden bench while Ron paced intensely. "How could she do that? She's my sister!" Ron bellowed.
"You weren't giving her much choice, Ronald." She always used his whole name when she was scolding him. "Its not her fault that you aren't allowed to play. She was trying to help you see the good in a bad situation, but you refused to listen to reason. All you cared about was not getting your way. You didn't even consider the up side of coaching." She paused, waiting for him to ask like she knew he would.
"What up side?" Ron huffed.
"Being able to understand the game from a different perspective, a mental one. Kind of like wizards chess. There's the physical element with the pieces getting smashed to smithereens, but more important is the mental element. Evaluating the other team's weaknesses, looking for holes in their formations, watching for patterns, being able to outsmart your opponent. Having someone focused completely on observing and making the proper adjustments is a clear advantage. Muggle sports teams all have coaches who don't play. I've often wondered why Quidditch teams never had them." Her words were calm, measured, making sure he took them all in.
His body relaxed as he joined her on the bench. "It makes sense, Hermione, really it does, and I have never thought of it that way, but it doesn't change the fact that if I want any chance to play professional Quidditch, I need all the actual playing time I can get."
"I understand." She felt sympathy for him, but also wished he'd make an adult choice for once in his life rather than pitying himself. "But you have to accept that that isn't in the cards for you here. Do you think you can do that?"
"Honestly, I don't know. I meant what I said about Quidditch being the only reason I am able to tolerate classes. There is no point in me staying here and being miserable only to fail out anyway." He was being honest, which she appreciated, but he still sounded like a whining child.
"Its your life, Ron. You're old enough to make the decision you feel is best for you. As your friend, I will support whatever choice you make. Just answer me this... If you leave, what will you do? Joining the workforce isn't all that different from going to school. You still have deadlines to meet and people to answer to. I don't think life outside of Hogwarts will be as fulfilling as you think."
"I won't know unless I give it a go."
"No, I guess you won't." Hermione dropped her eyes to her lap. If Ron was determined to leave school, she needed to do her best to help him succeed, even if it would take him so far away. "Ron?"
"Yeah, Hermione."
"In his last letter, Viktor mentioned the Bulgarian keeper was losing a step or two, and that they were looking to replace him soon. Would you like me to send him an owl saying you are interested in trying out?" She didn't want to see him go, but was putting his needs above her own.
Ron's eyes lit up, and the excitement was evident in his tone. "Really, Hermione? Did he really say that? Would you really do that?"
She smiled softly at him. "Yes, Ron, he did, and yes, I would. I'll go to the owlery after Care of Magical Creatures."
He snatched her into his arms and twirled her around. "Thank you, Hermione, thank you!"
His lack of consideration about leaving her made what she needed to tell them about their relationship that much easier. He didn't even stop to ask what would happen with them if he left. Every moment they spent together, it became more obvious where his priorities lay, and it wasn't with her. She felt like that should upset her, but because she'd already made the decision to end things with him, it didn't.
"You're welcome, Ron," she said as he set her down, "but please don't get your hopes up too high. There's a chance they have already filled the spot." She would hate for him to think her friendship with the Bulgarian Seeker guaranteed him the job.
"I know, and don't worry, I won't." He replied, but the look in his eyes said otherwise.
"I suppose we should head off the Hagrid's. Class will be starting soon." Hermione dipped back under the tree and out of their hideout, with Ron following closely behind.
Draco was still pretty hot and bothered when Hermione excused herself from the Potions classroom. He couldn't believe the brainy Gryffindor had that type of behavior in her. He knew the Hermione from under the oak tree had it in her, but the Hogwarts Hermione had never stepped over such a line. He couldn't deny that he had enjoyed it, but made a mental note to be prepared for whatever she could throw at him in the future. He couldn't lose control of his manhood again. Next time he might not be wearing his robes.
He allowed the potion to stop bubbling as she had instructed, then placed a vial on Professor Slughorn's desk, alongside Ron and Harry's. He noticed how different the two vials looked, his and Hermione's was a beautiful shade of sky blue and it shimmered like silk. The boys', however was a cloudy gray and chunky like cat vomit. He chuckled to himself as he wondered how Potter and Weasley managed to pass any class without Hermione's help.
It was lunchtime, and he was definitely hungry, but he didn't want to risk running into any of his fellow eighth years after what happened, so he decided to pay that visit to the fairydragon seahorses. It was a hot day, so a dip in the lake might even be in order. Skinny dipping in the black lake had never bothered him before, and it wasn't going to start now. He ate the green apple from that morning as he made his way, once again to the boat house.
Draco removed his shoes and dangled his bare feet in the cool water. It wasn't long before he felt the familiar tickle of wings flapping against his toes. Moments later, a silver head popped out of the water. Soon there were nine heads bobbing up and down in front of him. "Hey guys, did ya miss me?" He kicked his feet playfully, splashing the friendly creatures. They responded by dipping their snouts underwater and taking turns spraying him. He attempted to block the streams with his arms, but there were too many and he ended up soaked. The wet robes didn't bother him, though, as he had planned to take them off when he swam anyway.
He carefully laid them out on the dock where the sun could quickly dry them before he joined his sea horse friends in the lake. They swam for over an hour, Draco relishing every second he got to spend with the unique animals. He was a surprisingly adept swimmer and could hold his breath for minutes at a time. This allowed him to connect with them in their world, making it all the more special. Draco was so exhausted when he finally pulled himself out of the water that he simply laid, spread eagle, upon the dock. The warm sun felt good upon his wet skin, but if he lingered much longer, he'd be late for Care of Magical Creatures. He dressed quickly and promised the pod of seahorses he'd visit again soon.
