Practice Week 1

Arlina Bisby; Chaser…Tristan Cattermole; Chaser…Everett Harpole; Seeker…Huxley Maddx; Beater…Draco Malfoy; Beater…..Emery Pell—

Hermione stopped walking. Her eyes scanned back up the roster until they found the name that she initially mistook for a a typo.

Draco Malfoy….Beater.

She could comprehend the words, the name and the meaning. She understood that his name being on the roster meant he was the starting Beater for England's national team, but for whatever reason, when her eyes ran over the black ink, her brain could not articulate any emotions or reaction.

"Huh." She mumbled under her breath and continued walking to her office.

The door opened as it felt her magic neared, her head was still tilted down at the paper in her hands. She re-read the list of athletes and their physical injury history included in one giant packet, but her eyes kept floating back to Draco Malfoy.

"I see you've gotten the news."

Hermione jumped at the noise, not expecting anyone to be in the training room when the first team meeting didn't start for another hour. She breathed deeply, placing a hand on her chest while throwing the packet on one of the bench tables.

"Yes," She said, the thick packet slapped against the cushioned table and crossed her arms, "was going over everyone's injuries and requests."

Malfoy nodded, sitting relaxed and languidly on the edge of the sink counter. He bounced his foot, making his massively muscular thigh move with the motion. She only briefly looked at his leg, just…briefly.

The two stared at each other silently, Hermione waiting for him to say something since he clearly was seeking her out in the training room. He had found out first, received his packet of the team roster and staff, seeing she was the National Team's physical healer.

He blinked slowly, almost as lazily as he spoke. Malfoy's voice was lower, less shrill and urgent. It was one of the multiple changes in him. A few were a bit more obvious.

"Look," he began, pushing himself off the tub to his full height. Good Godric, the roster wasn't lying when it listed him at 195 cm. Hermione had to look up at him even a full table away.

"I know the last time we spoke was…over four years ago at my probation sentencing so I wanted to make you aware of my presence and know there will be no animosity from me. We'll be working together so you can expect the most professional attitude from me."

By the time he was done speaking, Malfoy stood across from her, separated by the cushioned table. Now a meter apart, she couldn't believe his stature.

His shoulders were wider, arms and biceps as well. It looked like the Malfoy in front of her ate two of the old Malfoy's she remembered seeing years ago. His face was flushed, eyes bright with life. It seemed he gained an appetite back, obviously. Perhaps after the war all he could do was eat and work out. Hermione deduced maybe quite literally, that's all he was afforded to do while under house arrest.

That's why he had grown. That's why he had put on so much muscle in his upper body. Beater's did typically have large and powerful arms. Malfoy fit the description.

And his legs….gods.

Wearing white spandex and bright red shorts over them, the attire accentuating his tree trunk of thighs. His skin was slightly tanner from playing quidditch outside and the beginning of summer. She could see the muscles struggling against the tight material, could see the thick tufts of hair getting darker the higher up his thigh it went.

His thighs were just…fucking perfect.

Hermione swallowed and reached for the packet, needing something in her hands to distract her mind.

"Malfoy," she said with a sigh, "you apologized then, and while this extra bit of courtesy reassurance is…thoughtful, it's not needed. I have no hesitations or worries while working with you for this next month."

"Month and a half," He said, rather quickly.

Hermione looked up, raising her eyebrows at him.

"The World Cup championship is in six weeks." He clarified, his voice abnormally low and dragging.

She squinted her eyes.

"You think England is going that far?" Hermione asked, her voice edging on a side of playfulness.

"Absolutely," he told her, eyes narrowing like hers, "you don't?"

Hermione took a large breath, falling into an easy conversation with Malfoy felt so foreign but at the same time, natural. She almost laughed. No hostility between them, years of anger and hate behind them. Now they were discussing quidditch and the chances of England winning the cup. She did end up chuckling, just a bit.

"Egypt, Bulgaria and New Zealand are looking pretty fierce. I think we'll go far but we need to be realistic."

As she gave her answer, she summoned the rolling chair and decided to sit and read over her players report. Malfoy surprisingly sat down on the table, laxed as he leant back against the wall.

"How did you get here, Granger?" He asked after a moment.

She answered without looking up from her report.

"Portkey."

There was a faint release of air from him, too soft to be considered a snort. It almost made her smile.

"Cheeky," he said and she nodded to acknowledge. Her eyes were reviewing Everett Harpole's back tightness and current treatment options. Malfoy didn't seem to mind her lack of eyes on him. To be fair, if she did look at him, she might stare all day.

"Decided I needed a break from things that stress me out. I wanted to be a healer, but after the war, I didn't want to see any more death." She explained and paused with a sigh. "Physical healing was actually very simple yet incredibly complex. Still gives me time to research and incorporate muggle healing practices as well. It was the perfect change of scenery."

"And you just became so good that you're now the head physical trainer for the England national team? Where were you before?" He inquired, pushing his thigh further onto the table. She only glanced briefly.

"A company that has locations in Europe and the United States. My name was suggested by my supervisor and by Viktor Krum." She explained, eyes not really digesting her report when there was a muscular thigh in her line of vision.

"You still speak with Viktor Krum?" He asked indifferently and she nodded.

"Mhm," she said and decided to wait until Malfoy was gone to read up on her player's injuries and what they all needed.

Malfoy had crossed his arms over his chest, making his arms ripple and contract. She couldn't believe how much bigger he was. It seemed impossible for someone to change so much in only four years.

"How did you get here?" She threw back the question and leaned her chin into her palm.

"I apparated actually." He said, a tiny lightness in his eyes forming. She hummed and rolled her eyes and he continued without her asking. "Didn't have much to do while under probation. Had a lot of anger and regret to work through, so I figured the best way to let go of it was by beating the shit out of a bludger."

She tightened her mouth to prevent a smile. "That's healthy."

"I know." He said, looking as if he was fighting off his own. "I was exercising so much that I didn't realize I had gotten bigger. Blaise told me to join a recreational team, and I did. A scout from Portree happened to be at one of the matches and asked me to try out for the team."

Malfoy ended with a shrug, the story so bland and boring that she wasn't entirely sure Draco Malfoy was actually sitting in front of her. Half her suspicions were correct then, but the way he ended up in the league was based on fate and pure outstanding talent. He had quickly brought the Portree's up to third place in just two seasons, and now he was on the National team.

It was magnificent, and not a conventional way to become a professional player. Especially with his last name.

"And now here you are with," she said and grabbed the packet, flipping it to where Malfoy's list of injuries and treatments were, "muscle tightness in your quads and back as well as cramping. Some numbness in your hand too."

Now he had a smirk.

"A dream come true."

Hermione scoffed but couldn't stop the smile from spreading over her lips this time.

"Will you be needing treatment then?" She asked professionally, not noticing any treatment written down.

"I usually just stretch to make it go away." He told her. She must have made a face because he raised his brow. "I take it that's not enough."

"No. Not at all. You're a high level athlete which means you need more care. Especially since you've grown profusely. Your body probably needs more attention to prevent long term injuries." She said, her authoritative voice on.

"That's where you lost me." He said and slipped off the table.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Don't expect me to come in for treatment."

Malfoy was heading to the door, so she swirled in her chair to face him.

"Why not? You certainly have some minor things that could be tended to." She said, somewhat confused.

"I don't really see the point. I ice, I heat, I stretch. Nothing really works." Malfoy said, pausing in the doorway.

"Well to be fair, you've never had me as a healer." She said with a breath of unintentional cockiness.

"So you're automatically going to heal my aches and pains?" He pushed disbelieving.

Hermione smiled coquettishly.

"Come visit me and find out."

Malfoy gave her a look, one like he couldn't believe who he was jeering with but there was a certain pleasing look behind his eyes. He turned on his heel and called behind her.

"We'll see."

Malfoy was a beast as a beater.

Hermione couldn't take her eyes off him during their practices. The sheer aggression and tenacity was astounding. The power behind the hits, the way he could lift his weight off his broom and get behind the bludgers to send them flying at his opponents or far out of the pitch was remarkable.

She could see why he was made a starter for the National team. He was outperforming almost everyone, even the chasers.

Not only that but he was so…commanding. He never stopped yelling directions at others or warning them of defensive players nearby. Malfoy was a leader.

She could not drag her eyes away from him, it was almost impossible. Not only was he exciting to watch as a player, but she had to admit, given all of Malfoy's recent bodily transformations, he was exciting to watch, period.

Every time he hit the bludger his arms rippled. Any time he leaned off his broom his thighs were taught. Malfoy's large body cradling over his broom made it look like he was hovering on a tiny twig.

By the time practice ended, multiple players were walking with her to the training room, no Malfoy though. Their needs were pretty common; some needed salves and pain relieving potions, others just wanted to sit in the ice bath or whirlpool.

The last person she saw was a chaser, Arlina, who was receiving stimulation treatment on her shoulder when Malfoy walked in, looking fresh from the shower.

"Need something?" She asked him as she took off the pads from Arlina's shoulder.

Malfoy carefully walked over to them, sitting on the opposite table.

"Just observing." He replied almost cautiously.

Arlina huffed.

"You look like you're approaching a manticore, Malfoy. Relax." The chaser said to her teammate, leaning up so Hermione could wrap ice around her shoulder.

"There were wires connected to your arm, forgive me for being hesitant." He said, eyeing the machine situated next to Hermione.

"Muggle technology," Arlina stated walking towards him, "keeps me healthy so I can win the games for us."

Just as she reached Malfoy, she punched him hard in the chest. He barely flinched and Hermione simply shook her head.

"That would be me, Bisby." He called back, not turning around to watch her leave.

Arlina ignored him and wished Hermione a goodnight, she quickly replied and then her and Malfoy were left alone. She cleaned the table with a simple disinfecting spell and sent her supplies back into their cabinets.

"How did practice go for you?" Hermione asked, turning to wash her hands in the sink. Malfoy stood right beside her.

"Fine. Don't know why you're asking. You seemed pretty focused while watching."

Just as she had shut the sink off, her shoulders straightened and she turned to stare at him. His face gave nothing away, all stone-like with an intense gaze, but she knew what he was implying.

He had noticed her watching. Him specifically. She refused to blush.

"I'm looking after my players and staying close in case of injuries." She replied, drying off her hands and tossing the rag in the bin behind him.

He nodded once, looking not totally sold on her reason.

"You're sure you don't need anything? Not even a bag of ice?" She offered and summoned her reports. "How's your hand?"

He lifted his left hand up, flexing it into a fist a couple times and dancing his fingers around. Hermione quickly noted that he charmed his dark mark. Both arms were completely bare.

"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about." He said and put his hand down. She raised a brow.

"Oh? Actually seeking out my help are we?"

"Not yet," he said, "let's say hypothetically I came to you needing treatment for my hand. The numbness is reaching irritating levels. What would you suggest?"

Hermione wanted to make a smart remark to him about the dangers of ignoring his health, but instead she placed a hand on her hip and began rattling off treatment.

"I'd say we do stim once a day, some therapy for muscle strengthening. Have to start now if you want something to change, especially once the season's over." She told him, a serious look over her face to show that healing his injuries would be a slow process.

Malfoy looked contemplative, checking the machine that Arlina was hooked up to.

"And what if, 'stim,' doesn't work?" He asked, clenching his fist again.

"Well, maybe there would be deeper nerve damage but we still need to determine how severe it is." She said and lifted her hands, "May I?"

Malfoy glanced at his hand before just barely offering it to her. She could feel his eyes, carefully observing the way she handled him. Hermione was surprised by how warm he was. His palm was covered with callous scars, but remained almost hot to the touch.

She began pushing her thumb at certain points, asking if he felt any pain or how far the numbness went. After quickly asking questions about how long he experiences this and what it feels like when he's playing she let go of his hand and took a step away.

"You certainly need treatment." She deducted. "Did you want to start today?"

It was almost humorous to see Malfoy, a giant of a man in all aspects, eye a tiny machine with such trepidation.

"What will it feel like?"

"Like pins and needles mainly. It's not totally irritating but it's not comfortable either. Though, you do get used to it while sitting there." She explained, hoping to ease his anxiousness.

Malfoy glanced back at her with a furrowed brow and a frown. She nearly considered it a pout and accidentally found the expression rather cute.

"Isn't there anything else to help with the numbness?" He asked.

Hermione shrugged, rolling her lips inside her mouth to keep from laughing.

"Acupuncture."

He raised his eyebrows in question.

"I'd stick needles into your skin to get the muscles to loosen up."

She laughed when his face grew even more horrified. Hermione walked past him and into the ice bath room. He followed.

"You must be insane." He mumbled as she threw open the ice machine and scooped a large amount into a plastic bag.

"I'm certified and I've been told by many former athletes it's soothing." She said, then placed the bag of ice up to her mouth, sucking all the air out before quickly spinning the bag and knotting it.

Malfoy's eyes remained on her through the entire six second ordeal. Her stomach tingled as she handed him the bag.

"Here," she said, "at least take this so I can sleep at night."

His finger's brushed hers as he took the ice. His hand was still warm.

"Come back tomorrow for more of this spectacular healing treatment." Hermione said sarcastically, he grinned.

"As long as there's no needles." He replied, turning on his heel and leaving the room with her behind. She faintly smiled and proceeded to finish cleaning up for the night before heading to her hotel.

Hermione controlled her eyes during their practice, however much a struggle it was. She observed their drills and wrote down where injuries and soreness seemed to take a toll on some of the players. Many of them quickly took a liking to her which was nice. They found her mixture of muggle and magical healing techniques to be interesting and fun.

Except Malfoy. Every day after their practice, he would come into the training room and watch Hermione treat some of his teammates. He'd ask questions, massage his hand while making faces at her explanations. And everyday, he'd refuse her aide and take a bag of ice.

The song and dance had been going on for the entire week of practice. Hermione had thought for as often as he came in, that perhaps he was just warming up to the technology. He still hadn't taken her up so she had no idea why he'd waste thirty minutes of his time after practice just to not receive treatment.

It was silly and made her shake her head at his nonsense. She was eager to see what he'd do today. With five minutes left in practice, Hermione headed inside the small training building by the pitch. She began setting up the machines for Arlina and prepared some bags of ice. Since it was the day before they left for Egypt, Hermione anticipated a few people would want to take advantage of the ice bath as well. She turned the jets on and threw in a bucket of ice for good measure.

Arlina was the first to come in, like always. She plopped down on the table and chatted with Hermione about practice. Emery followed next, asking if she could get a bag of ice taped to her shoulder.

"I can't wait to leave tonight. I've been pumped with jitters all day." She said, nearly bouncing on her feet.

"I feel the same. I've never been to Egypt before." Hermione replied.

The team was to arrive in Egypt tonight. Their side of the bracket would be playing the first round on the one seed's home pitch. Each team could have one full day of practice before their scheduled game in order to familiarize themselves with the environment and weather.

"You're coming to dinner with us right?" Emrey questioned as Hermione spun the tight and stretchy plastic around her body.

"Yeah, I'll be there." Hermione grinned. Perks of being a part of the World Cup team; endless food, clothes and extras. It was a massive welcome dinner hosted by the International Magical Games and Sports Department. Each team in their bracket would be getting a massive congratulatory and celebratory dinner at a private restaurant to kick off the tournament.

"I know. I'm so excited."

"Too bad we can't drink." Arlina called from behind them.

"Well, the day before the first round, I don't think your coach would fancy his players being hungover." Hermione looked at her and smiled, only to receive an eye roll and a face.

"One glass won't hurt." Arlina replied and Hermione chuckled just as a new voice entered the conversation.

"But one turns to two, and with you Bisby, we all know two turns into three bottles." Malfoy drawled, causing Hermione to turn her head towards his voice.

Her stomach leaped from within as her eyes settled on his figure. Malfoy was shirtless, towel strung over his shoulders, cheeks still flushed from the sun and practice, and the only bottoms he wore were tight black spandex material, riding up his middle thigh.

She nearly dropped the plastic roller from her hand and luckily, Arlina chose to reply, keeping Malfoy's stare away from Hermione's blushing cheeks.

"I've played some of my best quidditch games hungover I'll have you know."

Malfoy only rolled his eyes and continued walking to where Hermione and Emery stood.

"There," she said, lightly tapping the shoulder, "feel alright?"

"Yeah, all good. Thanks." Emery smiled and turned to leave, making more room for Malfoy's massive figure to approach her.

She turned away, pretending to rearrange some towels by the sink that were already folded and perfectly stacked. Despite being around fit athletes all the time, she was still unaccustomed to the transformation of Malfoy's body. He was so…large.

"No push to do some insane treatment method today, Granger?" He asked, voice teasing but slow and deep. She nearly shuddered.

"I've wasted my breath all week. Figured if you really want my help, you'll come to me when you're ready." She said and took a steadying breath before facing him. "Here for an ice bath?"

He nodded once.

"Most of us are, I just wanted to get in here before it got too crowded."

Hermione blinked a couple times, finding it hard to keep her eyes upwards on his face.

"Well it's in there, jets are on. I added a bit more ice so it should feel normal for reptiles like you."

Malfoy made a faux amused face and she grinned. Turning back to Arlina, she heard the door open and close to the ice bath room, he was gone.

"He's fit as fuck." Arlina said and she made a noncommittal noise. "And an unbelievable beater. It's hard to fathom how quickly he took to the new position."

Hermione nodded to agree.

"If you've got the free time and will to push yourself, anything can happen." She replied.

"I know but still! If he keeps getting better, he'll have a historic year. Portree is lucky to have him. Though his contract is up after next season. Maybe I can convince him to play with me."

Arlina played with the Falcons, who took the cup last year and two years before. Hermione almost made a comment of how that would be like having a super team, but figured she'd keep it to herself.

Just then, the rest of the starters walked in. All had a towel and were down to their spandex and sports bras.

"There's two tubs and four can fit in each. No more than that." Hermione told them as Arlina left.

"Aw, bloody hell. Malfoy's already in one. He practically takes up the entire tub." Reese Murphy, the other starting chaser, complained. "Oi! Move your fat arse and give us some room."

She watched as some of the team members laughed and heard Malfoy yell a profanity back at all of them. Hermione shook her head and sanitized the table where Arlina was. Everett quickly poked his head out and called her name.

"Malfoy's not sharing. Can you make him move or threaten to take his ice bath privileges away?"

Hermione smirked, happy to have the opportunity to scold Malfoy in front of his team.

Everett wasn't lying. The way Malfoy sprawled his entire body in the tub and sunk in the water made barely enough room for one person. His eyes were closed, totally uncaring to others around him but she could still see a subtle arrogant smirk on his face as others complained.

"See. Go on Hermione, hex him until he shares." Reese said and at her name, Malfoy's eyes opened and found hers.

"Everyone is entitled to the ice bath, Malfoy. If you don't move over I think I'll talk to Coach Proggs about mandatory acupuncture for you." She threatened and watched his eyes narrow into slits.

"Play fair, Granger. I'm a big boy and in need of some extra leg room." He grinned unfairly handsome at her. Her words were momentarily lost.

"Fuck off mate. Hermione doesn't want to be here all night cleaning up after us. The sooner we're all in the sooner we can all leave." Everett said and heard the rest all agreed.

Malfoy's eyes found hers. Bright and shining under the lights of the room. They were intensely serious, and Hermione couldn't dare look away.

"Please?" She asked, voice softer but still light.

After a pause, and a somewhat prolonged silence, Malfoy rolled his eyes and wordlessly adjusted in the tub. Even with his large body, only two more could fit in. She smiled gratefully at him then turned away.

Everett followed her out, having to wait for his turn in the tub.

"Think you could scrape my back while I wait?" He asked and Hermione agreed, telling him to lay down.

She first massaged petroleum jelly onto his upper back then grabbed her scraping tool. Sitting down on one of the chairs, Hermione began working his tight muscles.

"How are you feeling?" She asked him and received a shrug.

"Honestly, a bit nervous." He told her and Hermione raised her eyebrows.

"Really? You haven't been practicing like it." She noted and he chuckled.

"Well I'm a captain so I have to keep my emotions in check. But yeah, don't know. Suppose it feels like there's more on the line, since we have a good chance to win the championship." He explained.

"I get that," she said, "but it's the same game just like always. Everyone's been playing well together too."

"Yeah I know." Everett said softly. "Sort of mad how we actually have a chance."

Hermione grinned, easily detecting the awe and excitement in his voice. She continued to loosen up his muscles, going softer when he'd wince and asking if he was fine.

"Can you go to the left again? Yeah, right there. That bothers me when I sleep." He told her.

The door to the ice bath room opened. Seconds of loud noise filled the room and both heads looked at the newcomer. Malfoy's body was a blistering red from the water and he tied his towel loosely wrapped around his hips. Hermione turned away, worried she had looked for too long.

"Bothers you when you sleep? What position do you usually sleep in?" She asked, digging the tool into the tight muscles.

"Just like this, on my stomach, arms under my head." Everett said, then added after a beat. "Unless I'm keeping company over. Then I'm on my side with her."

"Come off it. You keep no company. How could you with an ugly mug like that?" Malfoy said, gesturing to Everett's face.

"More than you, mate. Benefits of being the best looking seeker in all of Europe." The man boasted.

"Europe is fucking blind then." Malfoy commented.

"Don't be sour just cause you haven't hit puberty yet."

"And it has for you? You haven't gotten a single piece of facial hair. Look like a twelve year old." He drawled.

"Birds fancy the baby face!" Everett defended. "Hermione, please humble Malfoy. Tell us who's more attractive. I'm tired of this newbie thinking he's fitter than me."

Hermione was amused by the friendly jabs but went wide eyed at the command. She awkwardly met Malfoy's stare who seemed to have gathered her uneasiness. At first, she thought he would do the gentlemanly thing and say something to get her out of it, but then he sinisterly smiled and panic surfaced.

"She'd say you, Harpole. Only because her taste in men is completely atrocious."

"Hey!" Hermione and Everett both said in protest.

"My taste in men is perfectly fine and just for that, Everett you are the more handsome one." She replied childishly, jutting her chin out at Malfoy who rolled his eyes.

"Yes!" Everett said, rising from the table after Hermione wiped his back off of the jelly. "Great taste in men, in my opinion. Thanks Hermione."

He gave her a wink and walked back into the ice bath room. Alone with Malfoy, she looked up at him and was surprised to see his expression judgmental.

"So, still have piss poor taste I see. "

She gave him a look.

"Had to disagree with you out of spite." She replied, washing her hands and cleaning her scraper.

Malfoy leaned up against the sink, arms holding onto the counter, making his arms appear bigger.

"So it was out of spite? And not the truth?" He questioned.

Hermione paused, wiping her hands dry and thinking of her answer to an odd question. It felt like she was going to get trapped no matter what she said. The teasing back and forth could have gone on longer, but unsure and unable to read him, she decided to answer blandly.

"Does it matter?" She responded and saw his eyebrows and shoulders barely move to show his boredom.

"Curious is all."

"Okay…." She mumbled and turned to throw away her rubbish, hearing a small huff of an amused sound from him.

"See you at dinner, Granger." Malfoy then said, his back already turned to her.

In a move she can only suspect was intentional, Malfoy undid his towel and threw it over his shoulder, allowing her to appreciate his plump arse on the way out. His broad back was pulled tight and Hermione ogled him for a second before letting his hypnosis end.

Dinner. A vague feeling of dread by his words. There was suddenly an urge to shoo everyone out of the training room, go home and start to get ready.

A/N: WOOOWWW. It has been a minute. So happy to share this little short story and get back into the swing of writing. Been extremely strange last half year but i'm so excited share my recent works with you. A lot more to come. Thank you as always for the love and support! 3