Author's Note:

Hey guys! So sorry that I'm so late in posting, the weekend was a little crazy, and when I finally got a chance to post, I accidentally deleted the first half, which meant there was some recreating to do!

I hope none of you are too upset from the delay! Again, super sorry.

For all you Americans out there, have a happy Thanksgiving on Thursday everyone! If you don't celebrate it... well, have a great weekend/fall break!

This chapter may seem short, but I promise to make it up to you in the next chapter! And this one is more then just a filler!

Even though this posting is late, expect the normal schedule to return this weekend, although there will always be some weeks when posting is late.

Enjoy!

CHAPTER SIX

The difference

My teeth chattered slightly from the cold wind whipping around me. I wrapped my scarf thicker around myself and gazed at the silent stands. The Slytherin and Ravenclaw game didn't even start for half of an hour, but I had come out early anyway, needing some time alone after spending every waking moment with Ron and Harry. It was nice, having some time to clear my head and just think about nothing in particular.

As I sat all by myself, the Slytherin team came walking out of the changing room, broomsticks in hand, for some practice time before the upcoming match. I rolled my eyes as I watched Malfoy zip around on his broom, doing fast-paced turns and sweeping just above the ground, obviously showing off his skills to the rest of his teammates.

"He really does think he's more talented and important than any one else at this school, doesn't he?" A voice said to my left.

I turned, surprised to see a girl sitting herself a little ways down from me on the bench I was currently on.

"Florence Alistair. Some people call me Esme, as that's my middle name." She said stretching out her hand towards me.

I smiled and shook her hand. "Hermione Granger." I said lightly.

Her eyes returned to the players on the field and I let my eyes wander over her. She had a short, caramel colored braid on one shoulder, locks coming out and framing her face. She wore a plain grey jacket that may have been one size to big, a short black skirt with slightly-transparent tights underneath, and lovely purple flats. In her hair was a olive colored barrette that accented her eyes marvelously. Her eyes shone a lovely, startling leaf-green color, which seemed plain enough, but had the depth of one who observes much, but says little.

I looked about her for the usual house scarf that many quidditch supporters wore on game day, and in this cold weather, or a pattern on her clothes, but found none. There was no way of determining what house she was from, but considering her apparent dislike for Malfoy, and the fact she was the only one out there besides myself, one could easily assume she was a Ravenclaw getting an early seat.

I immediately took a liking to her. She seemed a little nervous at first, but now she had scooted closer to me and seemed content to sit in silence.

"Yeah he is... Very prideful I mean," I added seeing her slightly confused face.

"Yes, Draco has always been that way, along with many other Slytherins. I guess knowing their families, though, it's not unexpected. If you grow up taught that you are at the top of the food chain, I assume that's what you believe for your whole life, until someone tells you differently. I hope one day, however, Slytherin is known for more than just cruelness and pridefulness. "

Something at the beginning of her statement caught my attention but I waved it away as she changed the subject.

"Who are you cheering for today? Ravenclaw, I assume?" She asked airily.

"Yeah I am. With the whole hatred against Gryffendor and Slytherin I wouldn't imagine cheering for them, anyway." I noted.

"Yes, of course, quite right. I'm cheering for them as well. While of course I want my house to win the cup, I think it's an important lesson for the whole team to learn about pride coming before the fall. Especially Draco."

"Wait..." I said as something in my head clicked, "you're house? But..."
The way she had referred to Draco by his first name earlier, her talk of Slytherin being a better house one day...it all made sense.

"You're in Slytherin?" I asked, but I knew the answer already.

She gave me a small meaningful smile that I couldn't quite interpret. "Not all Slytherins don't want to make a difference in the world." She said simply.

"But you're just so... Different." I said trying to phrase it nicely, but realizing it could still be interpreted as rude.

"Yeah, I know. But maybe when I get older I'll be able to change that image of my house

." She said with a smile. Some of the students started filling up the seats, as the Slytherin went back into their changing rooms to be called back out for the start of their game. I sat beside Florence Alistair as the game went into full swing.

A kind Slytherin.

It seemed I had been so worked up about Malfoy and his friends that I had become prejudice against all those that were associated with him. Like Florence had said, Slytherin stood for more than just evil, it stood for those who are leaders, those who are determined, and those who are ambitious. I had lost sight of the fact that houses don't define you, but your character defines you. Maybe I had been wrong about more than just one Slytherin recently.

"Where were you during the match, Hermione?" Ron asked as we walked back to the castle over the loud noise of the usually refined Ravenclaws.

"I was sitting with someone else for once. Come on, I don't have to be with my boys ALL the time." I said in a joking manner as I started walked ahead of them.

"We're not your boys!" Ron yelled slightly after me.

"Yes we are." Harry said. I could practically hear the eye roll.

"Yeah, we are." Ron said, giving up.

I smiled to myself as I heard their truthful exchange of words, but quickly my smile faded away.

Walking behind the pack of cheering students was Malfoy, looking frustrated and dejected as he trooped through the heavy wind that had picked up during the game. Pride comes before the fall, Florence had said. Maybe he would soon come to realize this.

Stay awesome,

~ThePondFamily3