Chapter Two

Coach Donald Rickman sat before his fire, talking to the jabbering Russian head in the ashes. "Well, like I said, when they graduated from Durmstrang I knew the Cannons was the only place for them to play."

Rickman smiled. "It's nice to see that our reputation stretches all the way over to," he looked at his file, "East Prussia."

"You're legends!"

"Thanks. We work very hard to make that list. I hope these guys can contribute."

"Yeah, well I'm certain they will. Like I said, they're twin brothers. Best set of beaters I've ever seen. Around here they call them 'The Wall.' Now there is one more thing I should tell you about these boys. They're the best players I ever coached, but they are a little... unique."

"Unique?"

"Weird."

"Drug problems?"

"No! No, no, no. They're just a bit strange. I can't explain it."

Coach Rickman laughed. "Coach, if these guys can start for me, I don't care if they think they're house elves. I appreciate the call. Good luck with your season."

"Yeah, yeah. Thank you. I'll need it." With a pop the head was gone.

Rickman shook his head and laughed about the funny Russian coach before poking his head outside his office. "Would you send in Harrison and Daniel Gregori, please?"

A moment later, two hulking men walked into his office. They were completely identical, except that one wore an earring. They were the kind of players who looked like they ate babies for breakfast, and only just out of school. "So, I hear you boys want to play some Quidditch?"

"Maybe," said one.

"Maybe," said the other.

They looked at each other, then looked at the coach. "Maybe."

After a few minutes talking strategy with the coach, the rest of the team filed in, muddy and tired from practice. Coach Rickman called out, "Weasley! Get in here, I've got a couple of new players for you to show around!"

Ron bounded across the room with a grin, "Har-"

Draco jumped out of his seat, shortly followed by Harry, sure their cover was about to be blown.

But the sight of two hulking Russians made Ron freeze. With a look of confusion he cleared his throat. "Uh, hmm, har- har- Happy to do it coach!"

Rickman looked a little bewildered, but he shook it off and clapped Ron on the back. "This is Ron Weasley, our keeper. Between the three of you, I'd say our defense has got some great potential. See you boys tomorrow for practice."

Three minutes later in the now empty locker room, Ron turned to his companions. "Harry?"

"Yeah?" they both answered.

Harry shot Draco a look, then said, "It's me Ron, it's Harry."

"Oh good. But your letter didn't say anything about a twin. Who's this guy?"

"He's my partner."

Ron still looked confused. "Yeah, ok, but who-"

"Oh don't tell me you've forgotten me Weaselbee?"

In a second, Ron had Draco up against the lockers by the neck. "Malfoy? You scum! How dare you-"

"Ron!" Harry grabbed his friend's arm. It was a good thing too, because Draco was starting to black out. "Look, I'm not crazy about it either, but he's here under ministry orders, just like me."

Ron still looked unhappy, but with a shove he stepped away from Draco. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Probably for this exact reason," Draco leaned against the lockers in an attempt to hide his gasping for air. "What would people say if you had an already developed loathing for someone you just met?"

Harry gave a sheepish shrug and nodded.

Ron looked back and forth with an angry expression, but soon it melted into exasperation. "Well alright, fine. But how am I supposed to tell you apart? It's gonna be bloody difficult."

"Not really," Harry pointed, "look, Malfoy's got an earring so you can tell on sight. And our cover names are Harrison and Daniel. H for Harry and D for Draco. Just don't slip up or we could have some problems."

Ron showed them around, albeit begrudgingly when it came to Draco. Draco felt uncomfortable so he chose a locker far away from Ron and Harry's. When he'd finished moving in his stuff he followed a few yards behind. They rounded a corner and came to a lobby where a witch in a green sweater was waiting. "Darling! You're here! Hope you haven't been waiting long!" Ron called out a little too loudly.

It wasn't hard to miss the surprise on her face at his enthusiastic greeting, but as soon as she saw he had company she smoothly covered it up and put on a big smile. "Ron!" She jumped up and hugged him, then turned to Harry with a quizzical look Draco recognized.

"Granger?" She looked amazing! Gone were the buck teeth and the frizzy hair. She had cut it short in a pixie cut that showed off her neck and shoulders. And the green sweater she was wearing... For a moment he was frozen. At the sound of his voice, her brown eyes looked over Harry's shoulder and found him.

"That's Weasley now," Ron growled. Draco had heard they got married right out of Hogwarts, but until now he had never actually believed it. He stood their dumbly oggling her new look while Harry explained again who he was and why he was there. Her reaction was much different from her husband's. She glanced first at Ron as if to gauge his reaction, then to Harry for reinforcement that this was in fact Draco Malfoy, and then back to him. She simply nodded. "Malfoy."

"Granger."

Ron gave a snort of disgust and put his arm around Hermione. "Well come on Harry, you're coming to dinner at our place."

To his credit, Harry glanced over at Draco, but Draco held up his hands. "It's called the Golden Trio for a reason. See you at practice."