Chapter 2
Puddlemere United had won the match. And as it came out in the Prophet, they journalists made sure that everyone knew about it. The article was under the headlines of "PUDDLEMERE UNITED THRASHED THE MONTROSE MAGPIES' UNBEATEN RECORD OF 3 YEARS".
Over the last couple of years and more, the Montrose Magpies had thrashed Quidditch records in their volley of unbeaten games in the British and Irish Quidditch League (BIQL). They had also finished as the season before last's champions with a stunning win over Puddlemere United with a score of 400-110.
However, their reign came to an abrupt and humiliating end as the relegated team Puddlemere United got promoted once more and had completely whipped the Quaffle out of the Chasers from the Magpies. Not to mention the immense speed United had put into its players.
"Zacharias Smith, Marcus Flint and Roger Davies were unbelievably fantastic," Said Mr. Malfoy, the team's manager. "And we must not forget Cedric Diggory, even though he was late in catching the Snitch, however I thank him for taking his time and letting the team score wonderfully into the nets of the opposing. On our performance today, I am glad that I am leading my team to victory right after our promotion from the Second Division."
United player Zacharias Smith had scored two Decades in this game which might have broke the Magpies fans half way through but they didn't lose hope and kept on singing their team's anthem even when they knew they were about to lose.
The Magpies' Beater, Gregory Goyle had committed 87 fouls in this game, the first of fouls from him since his three-match ban last season. The United's star Beater, Fred Weasley had troubles with Goyle and had to defend his own back more than the Seeker's or the Chaser's. Caught in the moment was Roger Davies, who unfortunately fell but somehow survived a heavy blow to his head and is at St. Mungo's. Goyle, however, was only left with a warning. Davies' unfortunate event however worries Manager Draco Malfoy as the team has a current injury crisis and their entire substitute Chasers are ill. Either Mr. Malfoy would get a Chaser on loan or he would place ads for people who are interested before the next match against the Wimbourne Wasps commence.
The Wizard of the Match went to Zacharias Smith followed by a short interview with the team's captain, Oliver Wood. He had said the team were progressing well, after their ultimate break through back to the Quidditch League and he hopes that they well smash records on the way to the this season's Title. United have won all of their games held on home ground this season. – The Prophet Sports, River Piddle, Dorset.
Draco was immensely happy and the team players got to go for their Hawaiian trip. Ginny still hadn't met with Fred. Draco was right, she needed to make time for her brothers. She couldn't believe she was agreeing with a Malfoy, but then again, it had happened before. She missed Fred out of the twins as she sees George almost daily when she goes to work. Fred was like the odd one even though he had an identical twin. The war had changed him a lot. And she was happy to see Fred talking to other people and mixing with them. She thought the Hawaiian trip would do him well.
Ginny couldn't wait for the time when Blaise and Hermione finally tie the knot. It would be fun to see Draco's expression. She wondered if he would still be Blaise's friend as he would have to deal with Ginny more.
*TTW*
"Hey, Draco? Mate! Look at me." Blaise said, raising his voice slightly.
"What do you want, Blaise? Can't you see that I'm in pain?" Draco groaned and rolled over, burying his face in the pillow.
"But you have to help me. You promised, Draco." Blaise exclaimed, pulling the sheets off Draco's body.
"Tomorrow, Blaise, please, I promise I'll come tomorrow. Just leave me be for now." Draco mumbled, curling into a ball.
"Not my fault you got drunk over night. You have to come now." Blaise took hold Draco's arm, and pulled him forcefully out of his bed.
"Sweet Merlin, Blaise, just give me an hour okay. The thing's tonight. Just give me an hour. You can wait in the drawing room. Or you can just wait here." Draco said, nursing his headache and moving to the bathroom. This is gonna be a long day, he thought. Blaise sighed, settling himself in one of Draco's sofas and clasped his hands together, waiting for his friend to get ready.
Draco looked into the mirror, running a hand through his hair. His eyes were red and his lip was cracked and bleeding. His forehead has a slight bump while his right cheekbone looked swollen. Nothing a little magic can't hide but thank Merlin he didn't get a black eye. What had he done? Oh right, he had a brawl with a Weasel.
He heard a knock, rousing him from his thoughts. It had to be Blaise. He splashed cold water on his face and wiped it off before opening the door.
"Draco? You okay, mate?" Blaise asked, leaning against the doorframe, his face masked with worry.
"Yeah, totally fine. Just the after-effects of the migraine. Do me a favour and grab me some decent clothes will you?" He said, before shutting the door and brushing his teeth. He emerged minutes later, his hangover completely gone and clean shaven.
"I thought you drowned in there Draco. You shouldn't shower that long. It's not healthy." Blaise said.
"Well, since we won't be coming back till late in the morning tomorrow, I think it's fair to shower until I was thoroughly clean, unlike you Blaise. I think you only shower twice a week now." Said Draco, wrinkling his nose.
"Hey! I shower twice a day. Besides, it's my new scent. Bought it when Hermione took me to a Muggle store. It's called Axe."
"No wonder you smell like a potion gone totally wrong."
"You sound like you know what it is."
Draco shrugged. "Of course I do. Granger told me about your obsession on Axe and showed it to me. I'm worried for her, Blaise. You're gonna kill her with the smell."
"I'm gonna kill her?" Blaise smelled his shirt. "So you're saying this smells bad and does not attract girls."
"Yes, girls hate that smell. Here," Draco said, grabbing a designer perfume from his cabinet. "You can borrow this but make sure you don't overdo it. That's not attractive either. Oh, and if Granger likes it, you can keep it."
"Way to ruin the good mood. Anyway, I picked these out for you. The slacks are fine, but look at the shirt. Poor fellow was stuck at the back of the cupboard. But the colour stands out very nicely." Blaise said, handing them to Draco. It was a pair of black slacks and a red long-sleeved button down, the shade of Ginevra's dark hair. Draco sighed, but changed into them anyway.
"What's this?" Blaise asked, holding up a small black box covered in velvet. Draco quickly snatched it away.
"It's nothing." He said, blushing. He opened the box to make sure the ring was in there and he placed in his drawer. He turned to look in the mirror. He had the shirt tucked in.
"Blaise, are you sure you didn't pick this out on purpose?" He asked.
"On purpose for what? It's just a nice colour."
"It's a Gryffindor colour."
"Well, still a nice colour and no arguments."
"Okay, then..." Draco straightened his collar, before grabbing his wand and shoved it into his pocket. "Let's go."
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Blaise asked, crossing his arms.
Draco smacked his forehead. "Right, the suit..." He opened his cupboard and took out a newly tailored suit and shrunk it, placing it inside his pocket. "Little bugger better not get wrinkled."
"Relax; you can just smooth them with a simple spell." Blaise said, smiling.
"Where's yours anyway?"
"Hermione's bringing it. You know me, important things and I don't get along."
"And your wand. How about that? Still forgot it?"
"Hermione charmed it to always be with me."
"Right, so we got everything and we'll pick up the ribbons on the way, is that alright?"
"Absolutely. Meet you there." Said Blaise, Disapparating.
"Gladly." Draco put up his wards and then followed suit.
*TTW*
"A little to the right, a bit up. Yes, perfect." Blaise said, smiling.
"Don't you dare let go of me, Zabini. Or the next thing you see would be the inside of your grave. Bring me down." Draco demanded, looking down at Blaise.
"Oh, wait a moment. Accio Draco!" Said Blaise, pointing his wand at Draco, who came flying at Blaise feet. Draco stood up and dusted himself.
"I would say that wasn't necessary and there were many more spells that you could've used, but I'm glad you didn't kill me, although you almost attempted to."
"I didn't, therefore, you can't accuse me. Besides, look at what you did. Just beautiful."
"It was your idea Blaise."
"Aww, you're making me blush Draco." Blaise said, making a face. Draco laughed and looked around at their handwork. The Great Hall looked amazing. Candles the colour of the houses floated below the ceiling. White ribbons decorated the frames of the windows, with Dean and Seamus placing black bows here and there. Neville was placing flowers into a vase where the teacher's table should have been. Metres above the vase was the Hogwarts crest, hanging from the ceiling and shining its glory to the onlookers. It was the biggest object hanging from the ceiling besides the big chandelier and a big ball of Snitch, specially made for this occasion.
"It's nice, isn't it?" Neville asked, wiping his hands on his pants.
"Nice? It's absolutely tremendous. I love the snitch especially." Said a new voice. Draco turned to look at Blaise and Hermione hugging.
"Mione? You're early. Is this your idea of a surprise?" Blaise asked, smiling down at her.
"I got off work early so I came early. Oh, and I brought Ginny. Draco, please be nice to her and I don't want any repeat of last time." Hermione said, giggled at him. Draco merely nodded, a smile decorating his lips and looked away, straight into Ginevra's eyes. He looked down at his hands, pretending to examine them, but he noticed she was smirking. "Anyway, Neville just charm some flowers onto the windows, they're looking rather plain. I'm going to the library." Hermione said, waving at them before leaving. Blaise looked over at Draco, mischief in his eyes.
Draco sighed. "Fine, you can follow her." Draco said, to thin air as Blaise didn't wait for any reply. "Lo- Neville, I guess I'll help you with the flowers, then."
"Whatever you say, Draco." Neville shrugged, pointing a table filled with roses to Draco. "I'm going to go pick more flowers from Hogsmeade. You can arrange these they way you want to. And um, if Ginny wants to help, just let her. She's good at this kind of thing."
Draco just grunted in response, sauntering over to the table and started analysing them in his head. There were yellow, pink and blue roses. A few sunflowers were next to a bunch of daffodils and chrysanthemums. Then there were some orchids and lilies and a few other types. It was literally a table garden.
"Funny, haven't heard of that word before." Ginny stated, observing the flowers. Shit, he thought, did I just voice my thoughts.
"It's a garden on the table, Ginevra. A table garden. It's a Muggle term. Thought you'd know." He said, picking a pink rose from its bunch. "The red ones would've been nice but too bad; this is just a friendly get together."
"It's not just a friendly get together; it's the Battle of Hogwarts Anniversary. The fourth to be exact." Ginny said, snatching the rose from him and put it back in its place. "What do you want me to do?"
"I just want your Weasley mouth shut and handing me the flowers I ask." Draco said, taking a bunch of daffodils in his hands.
"But I don't like shutting my mouth." Ginny pouted.
"Don't pout Ginevra, it's not attractive." Said Draco, walking towards the windows.
"Fine." Ginny followed him, with her wand out.
"Here, hold this." He said, handing her the daffodils, keeping two and took out his wand. He held the two flowers close together, and put a Temporary Sticking Charm on them, binding them to the fabric of the white ribbon.
"Should I compliment that or let it go?" Ginny asked.
"I'll give you a third choice, how about you and I have another tickling war?" He asked, a smile playing on his lips. Ginny purposely punched his arm, and Draco feigned hurt. They both laughed before continuing their work.
By the time Neville came back with more flowers, Draco and Ginny were halfway done and were working on the last bunch of flowers along with Blaise who was back quick. Neville dropped the flowers on Draco's table garden, which he levitated back all the way. Draco turned to look at him.
"Neville, do you like the arrangements?" Draco asked him, rolling his sleeves up.
Neville's eyes lit up. "Like? I love them! Everyone's gonna love them. It's like a mini garden on the windows." Neville said. Draco chuckled, grabbing more flowers before moving on to the next strip of ribbon. They were soon done, and not long after, people started coming in. Draco and Blaise left together, to go change into their formals and were back in time for Blaise to give his speech. Draco made his way to Hermione and Ginny while Blaise stood directly below the Hogwarts crest. He muttered a quick Sonorus and started speaking.
"Ladies and gentleman, wizards and witches, not forgetting the little ones, welcome to the Hogwarts Reunion. First of all, I would like to thank each and every one of you for attending this Reunion on this specific day. We all know how much we have lost on this day, and never forget how much we have gained." Blaise said, his eyes shifting towards Hermione and his lips curved to a smile.
"But nevertheless, we have gathered here for a reason. To forgive and forget, to remember and be thankful. So let's put the past behind us, but let's not forget the lessons it taught us, one of them being to never ever rob a child of its childhood, but let's not dwell into it too much. Let's enjoy this night and Happy Fourth Battle of Hogwarts Anniversary." Blaise said, quieting his voice and moving away from the middle. Hermione ran up to him and hugged him, telling him he was amazing out there. In the background, Celestina Warbeck started singing her song. Some of the couples started dancing, so the rest cleared the middle space for them. Blaise and Hermione went to get some punch while Draco and Ginny silently followed them.
Suddenly, Blaise grabbed Draco's hand and led him away from the girls.
"What? What's wrong?" He asked; panic clearly showing on his face.
"No, nothing's wrong. Everything is perfect. Look, Draco. The perfume you gave me? Hermione likes it. So, does that mean I can keep it?" Blaise asked. Draco raised an eyebrow and nodded but didn't say anything as he saw Hermione and Ginny coming their way.
"Why don't you and Draco go dance?" Hermione asked them, taking a sip from her drink.
"I would but my hands and feet hurt from decorating this place, so I think I'm gonna pass." Draco said, stretching his hands above his head.
"She helped you decorate the windows, Draco, you owe her at least one dance." Blaise said, coming up behind Hermione. They both smiled at Draco, making shift his weight from one foot to another. He looked at Ginny who was trying not to laugh.
"Well, one dance won't hurt, right Ginevra?" He asked, offering her his hand. She hesitated and looked at Blaise and Hermione who nodded their heads. Both Draco and Ginny winced when Ginny took Draco's outstretched hand and he led her into the throng of dancing people. His hands were on her waist and she placed hers on his shoulder as they started dancing. They both tried to be as far away from each other as they can without breaking away. Blaise and Hermione were wrapped around each other not far away, swaying to the beat of the music.
"They look happy, don't they?" Draco asked Ginny, changing the subject.
"Don't you mean totally in love they'll get married." Ginny replied.
Draco coughed. "As much as I hate to admit it, when they get married, I'm moving to Mars and will start teaching at Pigfarts."
"And how exactly are you gonna make it to Mars?"
"Unlike you Ginevra, I have the money and skills to get to Mars." Draco smirked. Ginny's grip on his shoulders tightened.
"Don't underestimate me, Malfoy." Ginny whispered in his ear.
"Tsk, tsk, Weasley. What have I said about controlling your ego?"
"That I should use it more on you, trying to break your ignorant face."
"You're way more ignorant than me, Ginevra." He said, spinning her.
"And how did you conclude that?" She asked him.
"I got plenty of experiences since Hogwarts."
"Talking about Hogwarts, remember the time Hermione and Blaise tried to set us up together? I mean, I deserve better, even if it was one date."
"Feeling's mutual, Ginevra. I deserve way better than you." Draco said, releasing his hold on her. "I promised one dance and your one dance is over. I'm gonna get some punch." He said, leaving Ginny stranded there without a partner.
"Need a non-bipolar partner, Ginny?" A familiar voice asked.
"George!" She squealed, leaping into his arms as he moved forward to hug her. "I've missed you so much. Merlin! What happened to your face?" She asked, touching a tender bruise above his eyebrow. He had a stitch on his forehead and his lips were cracked.
"Eh, nothing. Just had an accident in the shop. I missed you too, Ginbug." He said, as Ginny kissed his cheek.
"Oh, so the battered old lad gets missed but the handsome hunk behind him doesn't?" Asked Fred, his arms crossed standing behind George.
"No, of course I missed you." Ginny stepped out of George's grip to hug Fred. "I missed both of you. Where have you guys been? You hardly visit me and Hermione anymore."
"Now that Hermione has a boyfriend, I don't think that he would approve of us visiting his girl." Fred sighed.
"It's not like you're someone else. We've known her for as long as we've known Harry and she's practically like a sister to us." Ginny said. Fred just grunted in response. Ginny turned to George. "So where have you guys been?"
"Well, you know me. I'm always in the shop. Business has suddenly skyrocketed. But Mr. Number Two is away for his training most of the time. Do you know how hard it is to manage a humungous shop on your own?" George said, frowning at Fred.
"Speaking of which, where's Draco?" Fred asked, looking around.
"Speak of the devil and he shall appear." Draco said, bowing his head slightly, a grin etched on his mouth.
"Hey, big boss! How are you?" Fred exclaimed in a fake American accent, stretching his arms out to hug Draco. But Draco stepped back, holding up two goblets, indicating that he can't hug him yet. Fred pouted, letting his arms fall to his sides. Ginny shifted her eyes onto George, who was glaring at Draco.
"Is that for me?" Ginny asked, trying to break the building tension.
"Of course not. It's for Fred." Draco smiled, handing Fred the goblet. As if the situation needed George to curse Draco into oblivion and murder him.
"Let's go dance." Ginny said, taking George's arm.
"No, we may not." George pulled away from her grip, still staring at Draco and Fred who were talking in hushed voices.
"Suit yourself." She said, interrupting Draco and Fred's conversation. She snatched away Draco's drink and gave it to Fred, dragging him by the hand to the dance floor and started dancing with him, Draco totally dazed because of her actions.
"Your brother's shooting daggers into my head." He finally said, breaking the silence between them.
"Which one? I have half a dozen of them." She grinned.
"The one with the ginger hair."
"Yes."
"The twin." He finally said, deciding upon the word.
"Who?" She asked, in a bored tone.
"George." There, he said it.
"Ah, but surely he has a right to."
"A right to glare at me? What the hell did I do? You were the one who brought me here to dance."
Ginny eyes darkened. "George thinks you're stealing Fred away from him."
"Why would I steal from a Weasley? I already have everything." He said, then lowered his mouth to her ear and whispered, "I wouldn't stoop so low." Ginny took a step back in shock, staring at him. "Or of course, you were meaning something else completely." He said, pulling her closer when she pushed him away harshly and left in the direction of her brothers.
Draco sighed in relief. Finally got rid of her, he thought. He turned and walked towards Blaise, who was talking to a couple of his other mates. He stopped in his tracks. Unlike himself, Blaise has other friends and since he usually hangs with Draco and Hermione, he hardly has time with the others. Maybe he should not disturb him at all. Draco turned away once again, spotting Ginevra's red hair. She was dancing with one of the twins. Probably George as he was still looking a little mad. George spun her, her long green dress flowing around her. He shook his head and walked past all the people and left the Great Hall. He needed peace right now and being in the same room as George Weasley is not only testing his patience but is making his hands twitch.
He suddenly crashed into a body, a cry of surprise coming out of the person's mouth.
"Draco."
"Granger." He acknowledged her.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't see where I was going." She said, fidgeting with her fingers.
"What's wrong, Granger. Something wrong?" He asked her, thinking he better do it or get killed by Blaise.
"Just worried for Blaise." She blankly stated.
"What's wrong with him?" Draco asked, getting worried by the moment.
"He's started talking to himself a lot. Like literally to himself. It's scaring me and he's also hiding something from me. He'd be holding something in his hands and when I walk in he hides it, saying it's nothing. It's been happening for a few weeks now. I still haven't gotten a hold of that thing. And that's not the worst. I'm worried you and Ginny won't last till the marriage."
Draco almost choked. "What marriage?"
"Oh, mine and Blaise's. I wonder if he's even gonna pop the question. And the way you and Ginny are hitting away, I won't be surprised if I come home to a blown up house. I'm just scared your fight will affect Blaise."
"Yeah," Draco agreed. "He's pretty sensitive but it wasn't just a fight, it was a passionate fight." Hermione wiped her eyes and he realised she wasn't wearing make-up. When had she started crying?
Hermione tried to smile. "Would you like to dance?"
"Well, seeing that you're my best friend's girlfriend and also my ex-sworn enemy, I don't really know how to respond to that."
"Let's just say think of it as a brother giving his sister their last dance."
"The first in our matter but okay." Draco said, taking Hermione's hand. "But I don't wanna go in there."
"Why?" She asked, but started dancing with him in the hallway as the music was loud enough.
Draco sighed. "George Weasley is in there and is trying to murder me." Hermione laughed at that, which lightened the mood as Draco joined in too. But then Hermione frowned.
"Are you serious?" She asked.
"Absolutely." He said, his face turning grim.
"What happened? If you don't mind me asking."
"Last night after practice, I went for a drink in Diagon Alley and I met George there. Well, I don't exactly remember what he said because I was drunk but I do know that it was something about Fred. I'm not sure who threw the first punch but in a matter of seconds we were being pulled apart by his friends."
Hermione sighed. "Look Draco, if George got into a fight with someone, it's probably something very serious. But murdering? I know him too well to know that he wouldn't hurt a fly."
Draco raised his eyebrows. "Are you sure about that?"
"Well, not exactly but he's genuinely a nice person. My advice, you better talk to him and settle things with him."
"I'll keep it in mind but I won't guarantee you that I will fulfil it."
"Very well. Can't do anything to change your mind, can I?"
"Not exact-" Draco started but got interrupted when someone screamed Hermione's name.
"Hermione! I've been looking everywhere for you. And look at that, you found Draco as well." Blaise said, jogging to a stop in front of them. Draco let go of Hermione, who turned to look at Blaise.
"Why? What's going on?" She asked, her forehead creasing in worry.
"You'll know soon enough. Just go in there and wait for me. In the centre would be nice. Oh and I think you'd better take Draco with you." Blaise said, and walked away, leaving them stranded there.
"What's going on, Draco?"
Draco coughed. "I have no idea, Granger. Best we do what he said." He said, leading the way back to the Great Hall. Hermione sighed, but followed him nevertheless.
"Draco, are you sure you don't know what's going on?"
"Absolutely," Draco said, coughing again. Damn, gotta stop doing that. But before he could say anything more Blaise was walking towards them and Draco moved back a few steps. Better give them some space.
"Hey, Hermione," Blaise said, and raised his hand up, silencing her before she could say anything. "I don't want to utter a single word till I'm done okay. I think it's best if I do this now. Let me start from the beginning. I wasn't looked upon when I came to Hogwarts. But you were and that was how I noticed you. You were so good in everything that it made me feel like a small hut compared to your castle. And then I started getting noticed too, and don't deny it, Hermione, you noticed me too. And then, I thought. Maybe I have something for you. But I shook it off, thinking it was just a phase. Then came the- you know what came and then it was time for proper schooling again and I was kind of drawn towards you I guess." Blaise ran a hand through his hair.
"The first time I talked to you, I was drawn by your voice. It was absolutely gorgeous and it made me swoon. And then your flustered look after you do a potion. Merlin, I can't explain how beautiful you look even like that. And over the years, leading to this moment, I don't regret anything I did, even the part where I confessed my feelings to you drunk. That was a terrible way for you to know, but nevertheless, I'm glad you at least knew that way. And Hermione, I don't want to regret this. I don't want to ever regret so, will you let me be grateful and make me the happiest Wizard alive?" Blaise asked, getting down on one knee, producing a ring.
Everyone stared at Hermione. She was crying but Draco knew, those were happy tears. Ginny squeezed his shoulder, tears staining her cheeks as well. Blaise did a great job on the proposal and he was sure half the girls in the place were already swooning. But he was feeling a bit woozy. Granger better say yes, he thought. Hermione looked at Ginny, who just smiled and nodded.
"Yes." She said, and Blaise placed the ring on her finger and they both embraced.
Draco fainted.
A/N: I did a lot of research for this chapter, especially the article. Hope it's satisfactory, thanks.
R/r ~ Lys