Hey Guys! Here's Chapter 9!
Early on the morning of the first Magpies Match since Draco and Hermione had become an official couple, she woke up in her own bed, alone for the first time that week. She had been staying with Draco almost every night after work. Nights that she didn't stay at his townhouse, he stayed at her flat. However, the night before the Magpies' match against the Falmouth Falcons, Draco needed plenty of rest, so Hermione went home alone.
Their relationship continued to be a secret from everyone, including their close group of friends.
Hermione climbed out of bed and went to take a shower. While she was getting dressed, she heard her fireplace roar with the arrival of someone and Ginny Weasley called out, "Mione!"
"I'll be right there. I'm getting dressed." Hermione replied.
When she came out of her bedroom a few minutes later, Hermione was surprised to find not only Ginny but also Luna Nott.
"Luna!" She beamed, going over to hug her, "Where's Flynn?"
"He's with Molly, who insisted I go watch my husband play Quidditch today." Luna replied with a wide smile.
"Well, you can definitely trust Molly with any baby." Hermione smiled.
Ginny nodded, "Don't let how Ron or Percy turned out concern you, Luna. Two dolts out of seven kids aren't bad odds."
Hermione laughed and nodded, surprising the others.
"You're doing better about Ron, I see." Luna said with a smile.
Hermione simply nodded and said, "Yeah, I am." She looked at the clock on her mantel and added, "We should get going or we'll be late."
Ginny nodded while Luna looked at Hermione curiously for a moment.
Ginny Apparated them to Falmouth, England to the Falmouth Falcons' Quidditch Stadium. When they arrived, Hermione pulled her ticket from her back pocket and led the others towards the entrance. Ginny pulled her and Luna's tickets from her own pocket and looked over at Hermione's.
"Good. We're in the same section." The redhead said.
Hermione nodded choosing not to mention that Draco had been the one to purchase it and had made sure that she'd be with Ginny.
After the three witches got into the stadium, they went to grab some drinks before going to their section. They sat down, watching as the Arbitrator flew around the goalposts to check them for any possible charms or curses.
"Welcome everyone to the Falmouth Falcons Stadium!" The Announcer came on. "Today the Falcons are up against the Montrose Magpies! The match will be beginning briefly so if you want any snacks or beverages of any kind, you'd best go do that now." He added before going silent.
Luna's leg shook in steady rhythm, catching Hermione's attention.
"Are you okay, Luna?" the brunette asked her friend quietly.
Luna looked at her and sighed, "To be honest, I'm having some separation anxiety from Flynn."
Hermione nodded, "I understand. Do you want leave? I can take you to the Burrow?"
The blonde shook her head, "No. Molly was right. I should be here. I haven't seen Theo play in a while, and I miss it."
Hermione smiled and nodded, "Okay."
"I understand that." Ginny nodded, "I'm the same way. I rarely get to watch Blaise play in game. I see him practice some but our match schedules usually conflict."
"Well, not today." Hermione grinned, "I got to see both of them practice the other day."
Ginny furrowed her brow, "Really? When?"
"Last Sunday, I had to meet up with Draco at the Magpies Stadium and they were having a morning practice."
"Why did you have to meet him there?" Ginny asked.
"That's where the Charity Match is going to be held." Hermione replied.
"Really?" Luna asked excitedly.
"Yes. We're supposed to meet with someone tonight to see if they will be willing to be the Announcer for the match."
"Who?" Ginny asked.
"Lee Jordan."
"Ooh!" Luna said eagerly, "Lee would be wonderful and I'm sure he'd be willing to do it. He has always been an extremely kind and generous bloke."
Ginny nodded, "Yeah. When he and the twins opened the joke shop, Lee is the one who put up more than half of the cost of the building. The twins were determined to have a shop but didn't have enough funds, so Lee offered to help them. It's the kind of bloke he is."
"I sure hope he is available the day of the Fundraiser." Hermione said. "He'd be perfect. To have someone so generous and kind-hearted being the vocal influence of the crowd you need to be generous and donate…well that's ideal." She explained.
The other two nodded in agreement as the announcer came back on, "Welcome once again to the Falmouth Falcon versus Montrose Magpies Quidditch Match!" He said before the crowd cheered loudly, "It sure sounds like you are all ready for the Match to begin. First let's meet our teams." He said and the crowd applauded even louder.
"For the home team, our feisty Falmouth Falcons, we have Cormac McLaggen as our Keeper! The two iron-armed Beaters will be Samuel Rowel and Sebastian Martel." As he announced their names, they came flying out of the South side tunnel. "The Chasers for the Falcons will be Jacob Tollymore, Aria Stark, and Mila Lenoir. And lastly, the Seeker and Captain for the Falcons, Mason Essix!"
A little over half over the crowd cheered excitedly while the others jeered as the team flew around the pitch.
"And now, for the visiting team from Scotland, the Montrose Magpies! For Keeper, they've got Elias Huxley! Their Beaters include Theodore Nott and team's Captain, Xavier Crisp. The Magpies' three Chasers will be Blaise Zabini, Draco Malfoy, and Cho Chang." He announced as all three of them came speeding out of the Northern side tunnel. "Lastly, for their Seeker, they have Chloe Voland." He said, causing the Magpie fans to cheer loudly.
The crowd erupted into cheers as both teams flew around the pitch, warming up.
Hermione smiled, spotting Draco's blond hair billowing the wind as he sped around the pitch. He flew over near their section, but didn't look at them, keeping a determined and focused expression on his face.
"Malfoy's looking better than last week." A man said from the row behind the three witches. "He was dreadful last week against the Cannons. I bet he got his arse kicked by his coach and teammates."
"I think he looks good all the time. He's so bloody fit." A woman replied, "I heard that he's single."
"Oh yeah." Another woman spoke up, "Malfoy is Professional Quidditch's biggest and most desired bachelor and it's easy to see why. I can just imagine what he looks like without…"
"And the Snitch has been released followed by both Bludgers." The Announcer said, coming on just in time to save a complete stranger's life from Hermione Granger, who felt as if she had been about to lose his mind listening to their conversion.
"And the Quaffle is up! Zabini is the first to grab it but is quickly rammed into by Stark causing him to drop it, where it was immediately caught by Tollymore. Tollymore speeds past Nott and Oh! It a trick play! Malfoy was hidden behind Nott, and sped into an unsuspecting Tolllymore, gaining the Quaffle!"
Hermione smiled, cheering along with Ginny and Luna as Draco looped past a Bludger and made the first goal of the game.
"And he gets it past McLaggen, who is not at all happy with that." The Announcer said as Cormac slammed his fist into in the goalpost, regretting it instantly.
"Chang is the first to grab the Quaffle and passes it to Blaise Zabini. Zabini is quick to dodge a Bludger sent by Sebastian Martel before doing a marvelous no-glance pass to Malfoy. Malfoy avoids Lenoir by doing an impressive tunnel spin before getting another one past McLaggen!" The Announcer exclaimed with excitement as the crowd cheered.
Upon seeing Draco smirking, Hermione held back her own smirk but did cheer loudly along with Ginny and Luna.
"Jacob Tollymore quickly grabs the Quaffle for the Falcons and take off towards the Magpies' goalposts, He drops it down to Lenoir who speeds past Zabini almost getting hit by a Bludger. Lenoir passes it to Stark who gets it past Huxley and through the middle goalpost!"
The match went back and forth for another hour and a half until it was nearly tied with high scores.
"Whichever team catches the Snitch now, will have at least four hundred points." Ginny told Hermione and Luna while shaking her head in admiration of the high scores.
"And it looks like Essix has spotted the Snitch! He is off towards the Magpies side of the pitch! Voland has just spotted it as well!" The Announcer exclaimed as the Magpies' Seeker, Chloe Voland sped toward the middle goalpost before veering upwards and reaching out in front of her.
"And she's got it! Chloe Voland has caught the Snitch; ending the match and bringing the Magpies' score up to a whopping four hundred points. The Montrose Magpies win the match!" The Announcer shouted as the crowd erupted into cheers.
"Thank you all for coming to today's match and we hope to see you back next time!" The Announcer said before going silent.
Hermione, Ginny, and Luna watched, cheering as the Magpies landed in a celebratory pile on the field.
The stands began to slowly clear out as the team peeled themselves apart. Hermione watched as Draco helped Chloe out of the pile and was immediately pulled into a huge hug by her.
Hermione felt a fire rage in her gut when she saw that as they separated, Chloe pulled him into a kiss.
Theo landed in front of Hermione in the stands, grinning, "Hey ladies!"
Hermione looked around him, only to see them separate but talking with Cho Chang and Blaise.
Hermione had missed the entire conversation between Theo and Luna but was brought into it when Luna shook her to get her attention.
"Huh…yes?" Hermione said.
"The team is going to a pub in Montrose to celebrate and you're coming." Theo said with a nod before flying back down to the others so that he could go to the locker room and shower.
Hermione sighed.
The three witches met up with the team but the gate that led to the field. Hermione chose to stay by Ginny and Luna while Blaise, Draco, and Theo stayed with the team. Once the entire group was out of the stadium, Xavier Crisp, the team Captain, spoke up.
"We ought to go in smaller groups. Less likelihood of splinching that way." He suggested.
"Where are we going?" Luna asked.
"I'll take them." Draco said quickly as he stepped closer to the three women.
Hermione a sense of relief followed closely by one of nausea when Chloe walked over, saying, "Me too."
The rest of the group split up into smaller groups before they began Apparating out of sight.
Draco held his hand out to Hermione and waited for her to take it. She didn't meet his eyes as she slid her hand into his while taking Luna's hand with her other.
Draco waited until the five of them were all holding hands before Apparating.
The group appeared outside the Casual Clabbert Pub & Inn in Montrose, Scotland. Draco held onto Hermione's hand as long as possible before reluctantly letting go as the five of them made their way into the Pub.
"Voland! Malfoy!" The entire pub cheered as they entered.
Draco grinned, chuckling as fans congratulated him and Chloe, the two of them having been the last two of the team to arrive.
Chloe grabbed Draco's hand and pulled him over toward the rest of the team. Hermione watched as Chloe patted the bar top with her free hand and ordered two Firewhiskeys. They downed the drinks, and everyone cheered.
When Chloe ordered another round, Hermione decided she didn't need to watch as another woman tried to chat up her boyfriend in front of an entire pub that would support it.
It wasn't that Hermione was upset with Draco. She knew there wasn't much Draco could do about it. Their relationship was still a secret for reasons they had decided were important enough to hold off on announcing it. Chloe was his teammate, so he couldn't refuse her in any way that would put their team or image at risk. And of course, Draco was honestly a good bloke and wouldn't want to be rude to any woman.
"Mione, what would you like?" Ginny asked, catching the brunette's attention.
Hermione looked over to see the redhead standing by Blaise and a barmaid who was taking their order.
"Erm…actually, I'm going to go on home." She replied.
"Oh, don't!" Ginny groaned. "Don't go!"
Luna looked at Hermione with a curious expression and asked, "Is everything okay, Hermione?"
Hermione was about to reply when she heard someone shout, "Kiss her, Malfoy!"
All three of them turned to see Chloe laughing while Draco smiled and shook his head.
"You lot are just a bunch of trouble!" He said, chuckling before adding, "I am just going to go over here and spend some time with my mates." He turned to leave but Chloe squeezed his hand and smiled at him.
"Draco…" She said under her breath but where he could hear her.
Draco furrowed his brow and shook his head, just as quietly saying, "No, Chloe."
She exhaled but continued smiling so as not to let on to anyone what had just happened.
Draco turned and noticed Hermione watching him. He weaved his way through the crowd and over to her. He wanted so badly to hold her but knew he couldn't.
"Luna Nott." They heard the barmaid say and turned to see and owl with a letter in its beak on the barmaid's shoulder.
Luna rushed over and took the letter, opening it and reading, "It's Flynn. I have to go to St. Mungo's." She said quickly.
Draco looked around the Pub, over the heads of everyone before spotting Theo talking to Elias, their Keeper.
"Theo!" Draco shouted over the noise of the Pub.
Theo looked over and saw the expression on Draco's face before immediately jumping up and rushing over to them.
"What?"
"It's Flynn." Luna said, motherly fear thick in her voice.
"I'll take you two to St. Mungo's." Ginny said.
Luna nodded and quickly stepped outside with the others.
Ginny, Luna, Blaise, and Theo vanished, leaving Draco and Hermione in the street. Draco looked at Hermione and she could see the concern and fear in his slightly intoxicated eyes.
She held out her hands and said, "I'll Apparate us."
He silently nodded.
Instead of Apparating them to St. Mungo's, she took them to his townhouse. Draco was surprised but utterly relieved.
He looked down at her and pulled her closer, "Merlin, I've missed you." He muttered and kissed her forehead.
She nodded but didn't speak.
"Darling?" He said.
She said and bit her lip.
He gently lifted her chin with his finger, "It's about Chloe…isn't it?" He asked.
Hermione sighed and stepped away, shaking her head, "I just…you two kissed, Draco."
He swallowed and shook his head, "No. No, she kissed me, and I promptly pushed her off." He replied, looking at her desperately. "I love you, Hermione. You know that, right?" He asked.
Hermione swallowed and met his pleading, grey eyes. She knew that he meant it and she loved him as well.
"You know how you told me 'No more dates with other blokes'?" She asked.
He nodded letting out a quiet huff, knowing where she was going.
"Well, no more girls…in any form." She said, "Except friends." She finished with a small smile.
He chuckled and cupped her face in his hands, "Deal." He said. "I love you. I'm sorry that I was insensitive and that I didn't do a better job of pushing her off sooner."
Hermione shook her head, "You did a better job at the pub when you refused to kiss her."
"I hated that they acted that way." He muttered. "Why are they trying to push teammates together like that" He asked frustratedly.
She sighed, shaking her head, "I don't know, love."
He sighed and leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips, "I love you."
"I love you too." She whispered before she added, "We need to get to St. Mungo's."
He nodded and they used his fireplace to travel to the hospital where they found Ginny and Blaise in the waiting room of the Children's Trauma Department.
"What happened?" Hermione asked Ginny as she sat next to the redhead while Draco sat across form Hermione.
"Well, um thinks that Flynn may be a Metamorphmagus." She replied, "Apparently, while Dad was holding him, his hair changed to red, and freckles appeared on his face." She explained before adding, "The only reason everyone is so worried is because he is so young."
Blaise nodded, "According to the Healer, and all the research, this would a rather early…"
"Hey." They heard and turned to see Cho and Chloe standing there, looking concerned.
"Hey." Blaise said, confused, "What are you two doing here?"
"We noticed you lot leave and were concerned." Cho said.
Ginny went into an explanation.
Hermione glanced at Draco, who looked at her pointedly. She sighed silently as Chloe sat next to him.
After Ginny explained everything, they all waited for an update.
"Draco, could I speak with you for a moment?" Chloe asked, looking at her teammate.
The blond wizard sighed but nodded. Chloe led him towards the opposite side of the waiting room.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Are you okay?" She asked rather than answering him.
He sighed, "Yes…why?"
Chloe furrowed her brow and shook her head, "You're acting really odd."
He shook his head, "No, I just don't think you and I should be kissing. We're teammates.
"Well…what if we weren't?" She asked cryptically.
Furrowing his brow, Draco asked what she meant.
"The Harpies…they want me as their Seeker, and I think I'm going to do it. We won't be teammates then, so perhaps we could…" She began as she stepped slightly closer to him.
Draco shook his head, backing up a bit, "No, Chloe."
She huffed, "Draco, it's not like you don't do this a lot."
"Pardon me?" He said.
"Well, it's basically common knowledge that you shag around on a regular basis." She replied.
He huffed, and shook his head, shocked as he turned and walked over, sitting back down next to Blaise.
Blaise nodded to his friend and quietly asked what that had been about.
Draco huffed, "Truly fucked up shite." He muttered.
Theo came out from the corridor where the examination rooms were.
"Hey you lot." He said.
"Hey." Draco said, standing up, "How's Flynn?" He asked about his godson.
"He's fine." Theo replied, "He's simply a Metamorphmagus."
Blaise smirked, "Well, then I think it would be safe to say that you and Luna are in for some interesting years ahead." He said with a chuckle.
Theo smirked and nodded as the others laughed.
"I'd say you're right." He replied.
"Can we see him?" Draco asked, wanting to see his godson.
Theo nodded, "Sure. Come on. Follow me."
He led the six others through the doors and down the corridor to the room that Luna was in with Flynn.
Hermione did her best to not display any signs of just how irritated she was that Chloe was there. She couldn't believe that the witch had followed them to St. Mungo's.
Once they entered the room, she watched a Draco rushed over to see his godson. She knew how much he adored and loved the baby boy and how honored he felt at having been asked to be the godfather. He took his duties extraordinarily seriously.
She overheard Chloe whisper something to Cho who then replied, "Well, when you asked him out, what did he say?"
Chloe sighed, "He said no. Which I really don't understand. I mean, we've snogged multiple times before and nearly shagged as well. Now's he's acting completely… ugh!" Chloe groaned.
"Are you okay, Hermione?" Ginny asked quietly.
Turning her head to look at the redhead, Hermione inhaled and nodded, "I'm fine."
Cho whispered to Chloe, "So, are you still going to leave the team then?"
Hermione waited, listening intently to their conversation. Waiting until Chloe replied.
"I think so. It's time for a change."
Feeling a sense of relief, Hermione let out a long, slow, and quiet breath.
The group only stayed for a little while longer before leaving. Draco looked at his wristwatch as they walked, only to realize that it was nearly time for him and Hermione to meet with Lee Jordan. He turned and looked at Hermione.
"We've got to get going, Draco." She said before he could even speak.
He huffed a laugh and nodded, "I was just about to say that."
They quickly bid the others farewell before using the fireplaces in St. Mungo's Floo Room to travel to The Leaky Cauldron.
When they arrived in the pub, they found an empty table and sat down. The pub was utterly packed full of people.
"I'll go on up to the bar and get our drinks." Draco said quietly to Hermione, "What would you like?" He asked.
"I'd like a Butterbeer." She replied with a small smile.
"I'll be right back, Darling." He whispered before standing and going to the bar.
While he was gone, Hermione pulled out her notes from her purse and set them on the table. She began to look through them until she heard someone say her name.
"Hey Hermione."
She looked up and beamed, seeing Lee Jordan smiling at her.
"Lee!" She said, jumping up to hug him. "How are you?" She asked as they both sat down at the table.
"I'm really well. How about you? What did you need to speak with me about?" He replied.
"I'm doing well." She answered. "I…well actually, let's wait for Draco." She said just as Draco came over, hovering a Butterbeer and a double Firewhiskey in front of him.
After lowering them onto the table, he shook Lee's hand as he sat down beside Hermione.
"Here, you can have my Firewhiskey." Draco said, pushing his drink over to Lee.
Lee nodded, grateful, "Thank you." He said before taking a sip. "So…what's going on?"
Hermione smiled nervously before saying, "We are having a Charity Quidditch Match on June tenth to raise money for the sick orphans in the Children's Ward at St. Mungo's" She paused, and Lee nodded eagerly.
"Yeah. Yeah, I've seen the prints around Diagon Alley for that. What about it?" Lee asked.
Draco nodded, "We are in need of an Announcer for the Match."
Lee's eyes lit up, "And…and you're asking me?"
They both nodded.
"We are." Hermione said. "You always did such a brilliant job with the Hogwarts games."
Chuckling, Lee said, "Thank you. I appreciate that but I mean, those were just Hogwarts matches but this is a professional game. Are you certain that you want to have me as the Announcer?"
"Completely." Draco grinned. "You are a good bloke with talent when it comes to announcing Quidditch. It would mean a great deal to many people, including us, if you would do it. We can't pay you, but I can get you free season tickets for the Magpies matches this season and next."
Lee smiled and shook his head, "That won't be necessary, though that's very kind of you. But I would be absolutely honored to announce the Charity Match." He said with a broad smile and nod.
Hermione beamed excitedly, "Thank you, Lee!" She said.
Draco grinned and nodded, "Yes. Thank you."
"I'll need to know some more details." Lee said, "What time do I need to be at the stadium? I'll also need to know who will be on the teams and team names."
Hermione nodded, "I've copied all of that information down for you." She said, passing him one of the pieces of parchment he had gotten from her purse.
Lee smirked, "I should've known that you would already have that. You are Hermione Granger, after all."
Hermione laughed and shrugged, "I am who I am."
Lee nodded, grinning before looking down at the notes she just given him. He nodded, reading through them. "So, you've got the teams already made up then?" He asked.
Draco nodded, "Yes, we do. We had the help of my ten-year-old cousin, Teddy, with picking out Team A."
Lee chuckled, "I bet he was great help. Do you have names for each team yet?"
"Not as of yet." Hermione replied, "We were going to pick out team names after the first practice."
"You know…" Draco said, "See how we all interact and name us after that."
Lee nodded, "That makes sense. Do I need to be at the first practice or just the final one?" He asked.
"That's up to you." Draco replied. "We'll be having three practices before the day of the match."
Lee nodded, "Well, I don't mind coming to all of them so that I can make sure to learn about each team member."
Hermione nodded, "Okay, you will be welcome at all three."
After finishing up their meeting with Lee, the couple went back to Draco's townhouse for the night.
"I really am very sorry about today, Darling." He said quietly as she laid together in bed; both naked and sweating from their activities.
Hermione pressed a kiss to his bare chest and nodded, meeting his eyes, "It's okay, Love." she said, "There is something that I ought to tell you though. I erm…I overheard Cho and Chloe talking and Chloe is talking about leaving the team."
Draco nodded, "I know." He replied.
She looked at him, confused.
He sighed, "She wanted to be with me and thought that leaving the team would help with that."
Hermione nodded, "Well, I think she's leaving anyways."
He nodded, sighing. "I figured. I hate to sound like a terrible person but hopefully our new Seeker will be an upgrade. Maybe we can get Potter." He muttered.
Hermione sighed and rested her head on his chest, giving into the gentle, sweet pull of sleep as she murmured, "Maybe."
He smiled and kissed the top of her head before closing his eyes, following her into the unconscious realm.