***
Hermione wasn't a great fan of Quidditch. She preferred spending her time on more worthwhile things like extending her knowledge or knowing she would get 113% or over in her next exam. She got the same thrill as Harry did when on a broomstick, when she walked into a class knowing she could answer any question thrown at her correctly. Such matters exceeded all importance of a silly sport such as Quidditch.
Now she wished she had paid more attention. When Malfoy had said a game of Quidditch, Hermione had presumed he had meant a search for the golden snitch. She'd been wrong. Malfoy had an ingenious idea which consisted of two teams of house elves.
Malfoy had gathered a couple of house elves, who had been more than eager to restart working, after the slaves had escaped. He had divided them into two teams and gave them uniforms. His own team wore the Slytherin colours and Harry's bore the Gryffindor colours.
Harry was to act like a captain and pick each house elves position on his team. He had twenty four hours to train and teach them some Quidditch moves. He was the team's seeker and Malfoy was his own teams seeker.
Hermione knew the seeker had the most important position on a team but knew Harry would have to teach his house elves some moves or else he had a possibly of losing, even if he did catch the snitch.
Draco had to train his team as well, and so he told her that although she would miss him for that day, she needn't worry because she would see him and only him for the rest of her life.
"Let's hope my life is short, then," She snapped.
"Don't push your luck," He retorted coolly.
Hermione had been brought up to a new and bigger room than before by a house elf. Hermione thanked the house elf and entered the room and froze.
Ron, who had followed her, let out a startled yelp.
There was a four poster bed with hangings cascading from the head and foot of the bed, and a canopy. A roaring fireplace set a warm unearthly glow around the room. A huge bookcase towered over her, revealing a lifetime supply of literature. She fingered them gingerly, knowing she wished to read each and everyone of them.
The room was huge, bearing much more space than what was needed. She looked at the gallery of paintings decorating the walls, many of which were famous and the originals. Hermione, who had a great interest in art, gazed at them all in astonishment, taking in all the exquisite beauty each painting owned.
She was snapped out of her thoughts by Ron yelling, "Have you seen this bathroom?"
Hermione knew what has astounded Ron the minute she entered. It was simply magnificent. The bath was the size of a large pond. Indeed as she approached it, the tap sprung to life and asked her should it ruin a bath for her. Once she had muttered in the negative, it turned dead once more. Candles were lit all around the tub. There was another door which led to a sauna.
"Hey," Ron joked, "If Malfoy wants, I'll stay here with him."
Ron laughed. The sound of him laughing triggered so many happy memories in Hermione. As she looked at the twinkle in his simple blue eyes, and the easiness in his stance, she knew how much she was going to miss him when the game was lost.
Because Hermione knew Malfoy would win. She knew him better than the other two boys, and she knew, without a doubt, that if he thought he was going to lose, he wouldn't have started the game.
Her eyes began to fill with tears. Ron's cheeky grin melted away into a face full of concern and love for his best friend. She reached for him and he took her in his arms and held her close as she started to cry.
***
Harry was working as hard as it was possible for a human being to work. He was going to play his best match ever. Harry knew Malfoy had been getting better at Quidditch at Hogwarts, He had evolved from that snobby little Daddy's boy, who had no talent but lots of money.
What Malfoy didn't know was that Harry had evolved also. No longer was he that naïve little boy amazed by everything around him. No, he was different now and he would beat Malfoy.
He would play better than his father ever did. He would play a game that would make his Godfather proud. Harry would win.
He'd do it for Hermione.
***
Hermione was scared. Harry had to win this Quidditch game because if he lost, than Malfoy was in the lead by two and he would win. If Harry won, then it'd be one-one and Hermione would have a chance.
The Malfoys had their own personal Quidditch pitch. She could practically see the envy sparkling in Ron's eyes but he didn't utter a word.
Harry was standing in front his house elves. He saw Hermione and flashed her a smile and she suddenly felt much better. Harry was good at Quidditch. Harry might win.
Malfoy stepped onto the pitch also. She averted her eyes away from him. She didn't want to look at him. She wanted to spend her time with Ron and Harry without him interfering. Just in case she never got to see them again.
***
How dare she? Now she wasn't even looking at him. Draco felt rage bubbling in his veins but decided that when he won the game, she wouldn't have anybody to look at but him. He turned to his house elves. Vile disgusting creatures that they were, house elves were terribly useful. He had considered ordering Potter's house elves to disobey everyone of Potter's commands but Draco felt he was much to proud to do such a thing.
Draco would prefer to win Potter properly but if he didn't, he still had Weasley to play chess with.
Draco was very skilled at chess.
With that encouraging thought resting in Draco's mind and one more glance at the girl he loved, he mounted his broomstick.
***
Hermione and Ron sat at the edge of the pitch and watched as Malfoy and Harry mounted their brooms and flew into the middle of the pitch to meet each other. They grasped hands, like all Quidditch captains did, and met each other's eyes. They remained like that for the good part of a minute until finally Harry let go, probably feeling the pressure of Malfoy's stare.
A new house-elf opened up the trunk which contained the balls. Hermione wasn't sure of the different balls names but she could recognise the Golden Snitch for the second she saw it.
The game began.
She could only see swirls of colours as the house elves flew. There were sounds of balls occasionally getting hit. Ron cheered and booed and groaned and laughed throughout the game. Ron commented throughout the game and from what Hermione gathered from his excited screams, it was very close. Harry would be in the lead but then Malfoy had strike back, and he'd be in the lead.
It was easy to see what Malfoy's strategy was. He had trained his beaters very well and they were striking bludgers faster than the Weasley twins ever did. Harry kept getting his search for the snitch interrupted by flying bludgers. He had much too many close calls with them. If not for his flying experience, Harry would have been a dead man.
Harry's strategy was simple but effective. He had taught each house elf what to do and although his house elves weren't great, they were putting up a good fight against Malfoy.
Malfoy, Hermione examined, wasn't paying much attention to the game. He was looking for the snitch, yet keeping a close eye on Harry. Occasionally he glanced in her direction.
Hermione looked at him closely. His silvery blonde hair was glistening in the bit of sunlight present. It was blowing slightly in the wind. Harry seemed to be having problems with his hair. It kept getting blown in his eyes and he had to push it back furiously.
Both boys, Hermione thought to herself, are so good looking in completely different ways.
Hermione was snapped out of her thoughts by Ron gasping. Malfoy was diving towards the snitch and Harry was following him into the dive. He was speeding up, trying to catch up with Malfoy. Hermione knew she had her breathe held.
Malfoy and Harry were now head to head. Malfoy elbowed Harry but Harry was not stirred of course. Both boys were leaning to the front of their broomsticks, urging it faster. Their eyes were narrowed in determination.
Harry scooped a little bit ahead. His hand reached for the snitch. Malfoy was right behind him, also with his hand outstretched. Harry caught grip of the snitch in one fluid movement. He made it look so easy. Malfoy was still reaching forwards but Harry was skidding onto the ground by then, landing safely still gripping onto the snitch.
He jumped off his broomstick smoothly. Ron seemed in disbelief and Hermione finally let out her breath.
Malfoy landed himself, his eyes on Harry. Harry opened his hand to Malfoy, revealing the snitch. It quickly flew up into the sky but that did not hold any importance now. The fact remained: Harry had caught the snitch. Malfoy had lost.
"He won! He won!" Choked Ron.
Harry flashed a victorious smile at Malfoy. Malfoy turned to face them all, seeing Harry's smug face, Ron's choked delight, and Hermione's bright smile.
"So it's one-one," He spat, "That means nothing. You," He pointed at Hermione, "You stop smiling. You haven't won anything yet." He stormed off furiously. All the house elves were wearing the same face full of fear.
"Well, that was uncalled for! Right little temper, he has, eh?" Harry said brightly. "But I won. There's nothing he can do to change that. I won."
"Yes," She looked at Harry, and gave him a smile, "You did. Thank you."
"One-one," Ron swallowed, "That means it's all on the chess game tomorrow. It's all on me."
A tense silence hung in the air until Ron broke it by wailing, "Oh no!"
****
A/n - Okay, I just have to say THANK U to all reviewers. I was having a really bad day and I opened up my emails to find a lovely bunch of reviews and I just had to say THANK U SO MUCH!!!! Every review meant so much to me. I wouldn't have got through yesterday without you all!
Oh, and I was thinking that if anyone wants me to email them when I update, just leave ur email address and I will email you! Is this a good idea?
Thank u to Shadow_Violet212 (I don't know who I want to win either. But I have it decided now and I can't turn back now. Have a good summer too. ( ) Islandgirl4 (Thanks for the great review. I'll update as soon as I can) Dreaming One (I don't know how to end this story. I'll just have to keep writing and see how it turns it out. Thanks for advice cos I dunno what I'm going to do) Raineblade-ace (I have a good couple of L J's books so I don't really mind that they're out of print. Glad to meet another fan)
Bufuzzled (Thanks for the lovely review. Means so much to me) Dazed Panda (Sorry he lost, now it's all on the chess game tomorrow) Soccargirl2044 (Thanks for review. :-) ) Lady Tskuja ( Yeah, a duel would just be a bit boring, I think. Hope the games turn out okay for you) Hotaru420 (You don't like Snape? Thanks for the review) Yen yen (L J Smith is supposed to be releasing Strange Fate next summer. Check out Nightworld.net for updates or news about it.) Mykah Malfoy (Thanks for the review. It makes me so happy)
XoXo*wo-ai-no*oxox - (Ah, you're a Tom Riddle fan. Yep, Draco is an imbisle. I agree with you totally. But I still love him. Thanks for the review) Danishgirl (Thanks for the review. I was as quick as I could be with the update) Dancingfae (Yes, Julian is sexy. Draco is sexy. L. J. Smith's next book is out June 2004. Thanks for the review) Emeraldgirl (Don't go nutters! Thanks for the review) I give it all to Mr. Black (You're review was so flattering. I read it a couple of times cos it made me so happy. You're a Sirius fan, are you? I was as well and I had a plan for him in this fic but then he died (How unfair was that?) and couldn't. Thanks for the very very nice review!)
Ardent Entity - (Don't u DARE kill off a major character in your story or I will make Draco turn gay, grow a new obsession with pink fluffy blouses and fall in love with Neville Longbottom! Oh, and by the way, I'm not planning to update until you do now, so if you don't update soon, you won't know who wins Hermione!!! HA! Don't think I won't either! Your laughter peels? Oh, why am I not surprised? You belong in St Mungo's, you do!!! HA! You can share a room with wrinkly old Dumbledore, your future husband while I live at the Malfoy Manor with Draco! HA! (Okay, maybe I'm a tad bit insane too! Thanks for the extremely funny review!!!! U update soon and I will!)
Toothpick (I think Draco just has a lousy temper! Thanks for he review!) AmericanAngel1 (Thanks for the review. Couldn't write this story without u!) Padsfootknightingale (Thanks for the review! U make me SOOO happy!)
A/n -Oh yeah, I change my name, formally Amy O B to Taintless.
Talk to you soon! Plz review!
Ciao
Hermione wasn't a great fan of Quidditch. She preferred spending her time on more worthwhile things like extending her knowledge or knowing she would get 113% or over in her next exam. She got the same thrill as Harry did when on a broomstick, when she walked into a class knowing she could answer any question thrown at her correctly. Such matters exceeded all importance of a silly sport such as Quidditch.
Now she wished she had paid more attention. When Malfoy had said a game of Quidditch, Hermione had presumed he had meant a search for the golden snitch. She'd been wrong. Malfoy had an ingenious idea which consisted of two teams of house elves.
Malfoy had gathered a couple of house elves, who had been more than eager to restart working, after the slaves had escaped. He had divided them into two teams and gave them uniforms. His own team wore the Slytherin colours and Harry's bore the Gryffindor colours.
Harry was to act like a captain and pick each house elves position on his team. He had twenty four hours to train and teach them some Quidditch moves. He was the team's seeker and Malfoy was his own teams seeker.
Hermione knew the seeker had the most important position on a team but knew Harry would have to teach his house elves some moves or else he had a possibly of losing, even if he did catch the snitch.
Draco had to train his team as well, and so he told her that although she would miss him for that day, she needn't worry because she would see him and only him for the rest of her life.
"Let's hope my life is short, then," She snapped.
"Don't push your luck," He retorted coolly.
Hermione had been brought up to a new and bigger room than before by a house elf. Hermione thanked the house elf and entered the room and froze.
Ron, who had followed her, let out a startled yelp.
There was a four poster bed with hangings cascading from the head and foot of the bed, and a canopy. A roaring fireplace set a warm unearthly glow around the room. A huge bookcase towered over her, revealing a lifetime supply of literature. She fingered them gingerly, knowing she wished to read each and everyone of them.
The room was huge, bearing much more space than what was needed. She looked at the gallery of paintings decorating the walls, many of which were famous and the originals. Hermione, who had a great interest in art, gazed at them all in astonishment, taking in all the exquisite beauty each painting owned.
She was snapped out of her thoughts by Ron yelling, "Have you seen this bathroom?"
Hermione knew what has astounded Ron the minute she entered. It was simply magnificent. The bath was the size of a large pond. Indeed as she approached it, the tap sprung to life and asked her should it ruin a bath for her. Once she had muttered in the negative, it turned dead once more. Candles were lit all around the tub. There was another door which led to a sauna.
"Hey," Ron joked, "If Malfoy wants, I'll stay here with him."
Ron laughed. The sound of him laughing triggered so many happy memories in Hermione. As she looked at the twinkle in his simple blue eyes, and the easiness in his stance, she knew how much she was going to miss him when the game was lost.
Because Hermione knew Malfoy would win. She knew him better than the other two boys, and she knew, without a doubt, that if he thought he was going to lose, he wouldn't have started the game.
Her eyes began to fill with tears. Ron's cheeky grin melted away into a face full of concern and love for his best friend. She reached for him and he took her in his arms and held her close as she started to cry.
***
Harry was working as hard as it was possible for a human being to work. He was going to play his best match ever. Harry knew Malfoy had been getting better at Quidditch at Hogwarts, He had evolved from that snobby little Daddy's boy, who had no talent but lots of money.
What Malfoy didn't know was that Harry had evolved also. No longer was he that naïve little boy amazed by everything around him. No, he was different now and he would beat Malfoy.
He would play better than his father ever did. He would play a game that would make his Godfather proud. Harry would win.
He'd do it for Hermione.
***
Hermione was scared. Harry had to win this Quidditch game because if he lost, than Malfoy was in the lead by two and he would win. If Harry won, then it'd be one-one and Hermione would have a chance.
The Malfoys had their own personal Quidditch pitch. She could practically see the envy sparkling in Ron's eyes but he didn't utter a word.
Harry was standing in front his house elves. He saw Hermione and flashed her a smile and she suddenly felt much better. Harry was good at Quidditch. Harry might win.
Malfoy stepped onto the pitch also. She averted her eyes away from him. She didn't want to look at him. She wanted to spend her time with Ron and Harry without him interfering. Just in case she never got to see them again.
***
How dare she? Now she wasn't even looking at him. Draco felt rage bubbling in his veins but decided that when he won the game, she wouldn't have anybody to look at but him. He turned to his house elves. Vile disgusting creatures that they were, house elves were terribly useful. He had considered ordering Potter's house elves to disobey everyone of Potter's commands but Draco felt he was much to proud to do such a thing.
Draco would prefer to win Potter properly but if he didn't, he still had Weasley to play chess with.
Draco was very skilled at chess.
With that encouraging thought resting in Draco's mind and one more glance at the girl he loved, he mounted his broomstick.
***
Hermione and Ron sat at the edge of the pitch and watched as Malfoy and Harry mounted their brooms and flew into the middle of the pitch to meet each other. They grasped hands, like all Quidditch captains did, and met each other's eyes. They remained like that for the good part of a minute until finally Harry let go, probably feeling the pressure of Malfoy's stare.
A new house-elf opened up the trunk which contained the balls. Hermione wasn't sure of the different balls names but she could recognise the Golden Snitch for the second she saw it.
The game began.
She could only see swirls of colours as the house elves flew. There were sounds of balls occasionally getting hit. Ron cheered and booed and groaned and laughed throughout the game. Ron commented throughout the game and from what Hermione gathered from his excited screams, it was very close. Harry would be in the lead but then Malfoy had strike back, and he'd be in the lead.
It was easy to see what Malfoy's strategy was. He had trained his beaters very well and they were striking bludgers faster than the Weasley twins ever did. Harry kept getting his search for the snitch interrupted by flying bludgers. He had much too many close calls with them. If not for his flying experience, Harry would have been a dead man.
Harry's strategy was simple but effective. He had taught each house elf what to do and although his house elves weren't great, they were putting up a good fight against Malfoy.
Malfoy, Hermione examined, wasn't paying much attention to the game. He was looking for the snitch, yet keeping a close eye on Harry. Occasionally he glanced in her direction.
Hermione looked at him closely. His silvery blonde hair was glistening in the bit of sunlight present. It was blowing slightly in the wind. Harry seemed to be having problems with his hair. It kept getting blown in his eyes and he had to push it back furiously.
Both boys, Hermione thought to herself, are so good looking in completely different ways.
Hermione was snapped out of her thoughts by Ron gasping. Malfoy was diving towards the snitch and Harry was following him into the dive. He was speeding up, trying to catch up with Malfoy. Hermione knew she had her breathe held.
Malfoy and Harry were now head to head. Malfoy elbowed Harry but Harry was not stirred of course. Both boys were leaning to the front of their broomsticks, urging it faster. Their eyes were narrowed in determination.
Harry scooped a little bit ahead. His hand reached for the snitch. Malfoy was right behind him, also with his hand outstretched. Harry caught grip of the snitch in one fluid movement. He made it look so easy. Malfoy was still reaching forwards but Harry was skidding onto the ground by then, landing safely still gripping onto the snitch.
He jumped off his broomstick smoothly. Ron seemed in disbelief and Hermione finally let out her breath.
Malfoy landed himself, his eyes on Harry. Harry opened his hand to Malfoy, revealing the snitch. It quickly flew up into the sky but that did not hold any importance now. The fact remained: Harry had caught the snitch. Malfoy had lost.
"He won! He won!" Choked Ron.
Harry flashed a victorious smile at Malfoy. Malfoy turned to face them all, seeing Harry's smug face, Ron's choked delight, and Hermione's bright smile.
"So it's one-one," He spat, "That means nothing. You," He pointed at Hermione, "You stop smiling. You haven't won anything yet." He stormed off furiously. All the house elves were wearing the same face full of fear.
"Well, that was uncalled for! Right little temper, he has, eh?" Harry said brightly. "But I won. There's nothing he can do to change that. I won."
"Yes," She looked at Harry, and gave him a smile, "You did. Thank you."
"One-one," Ron swallowed, "That means it's all on the chess game tomorrow. It's all on me."
A tense silence hung in the air until Ron broke it by wailing, "Oh no!"
****
A/n - Okay, I just have to say THANK U to all reviewers. I was having a really bad day and I opened up my emails to find a lovely bunch of reviews and I just had to say THANK U SO MUCH!!!! Every review meant so much to me. I wouldn't have got through yesterday without you all!
Oh, and I was thinking that if anyone wants me to email them when I update, just leave ur email address and I will email you! Is this a good idea?
Thank u to Shadow_Violet212 (I don't know who I want to win either. But I have it decided now and I can't turn back now. Have a good summer too. ( ) Islandgirl4 (Thanks for the great review. I'll update as soon as I can) Dreaming One (I don't know how to end this story. I'll just have to keep writing and see how it turns it out. Thanks for advice cos I dunno what I'm going to do) Raineblade-ace (I have a good couple of L J's books so I don't really mind that they're out of print. Glad to meet another fan)
Bufuzzled (Thanks for the lovely review. Means so much to me) Dazed Panda (Sorry he lost, now it's all on the chess game tomorrow) Soccargirl2044 (Thanks for review. :-) ) Lady Tskuja ( Yeah, a duel would just be a bit boring, I think. Hope the games turn out okay for you) Hotaru420 (You don't like Snape? Thanks for the review) Yen yen (L J Smith is supposed to be releasing Strange Fate next summer. Check out Nightworld.net for updates or news about it.) Mykah Malfoy (Thanks for the review. It makes me so happy)
XoXo*wo-ai-no*oxox - (Ah, you're a Tom Riddle fan. Yep, Draco is an imbisle. I agree with you totally. But I still love him. Thanks for the review) Danishgirl (Thanks for the review. I was as quick as I could be with the update) Dancingfae (Yes, Julian is sexy. Draco is sexy. L. J. Smith's next book is out June 2004. Thanks for the review) Emeraldgirl (Don't go nutters! Thanks for the review) I give it all to Mr. Black (You're review was so flattering. I read it a couple of times cos it made me so happy. You're a Sirius fan, are you? I was as well and I had a plan for him in this fic but then he died (How unfair was that?) and couldn't. Thanks for the very very nice review!)
Ardent Entity - (Don't u DARE kill off a major character in your story or I will make Draco turn gay, grow a new obsession with pink fluffy blouses and fall in love with Neville Longbottom! Oh, and by the way, I'm not planning to update until you do now, so if you don't update soon, you won't know who wins Hermione!!! HA! Don't think I won't either! Your laughter peels? Oh, why am I not surprised? You belong in St Mungo's, you do!!! HA! You can share a room with wrinkly old Dumbledore, your future husband while I live at the Malfoy Manor with Draco! HA! (Okay, maybe I'm a tad bit insane too! Thanks for the extremely funny review!!!! U update soon and I will!)
Toothpick (I think Draco just has a lousy temper! Thanks for he review!) AmericanAngel1 (Thanks for the review. Couldn't write this story without u!) Padsfootknightingale (Thanks for the review! U make me SOOO happy!)
A/n -Oh yeah, I change my name, formally Amy O B to Taintless.
Talk to you soon! Plz review!
Ciao