For The Love of Cake
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, so it stands to reason that I don't own Harry Potter.
PAIRINGS: HG/DG mentioned HG/RW AG/BZ mentioned AG/DM also background DM/HP if you like this one, R&R to let me know if you'd like to see a companion Drarry piece or a sequel. As I said earlier, I have nothing, I live off of reviews. Save me.
Hermione's hand shot out and tightened instinctively on the handle of the broom, too high up and it started going down. She didn't know how to compensate.
"LET GO!" Harry yelled but that didn't seem smart at all. Drawing her wand as it jerked again, she cried out, dropping it. "HERMIONE!"
"HARRY!" She roared back, "I CAN'T!"
"YOU CAN!" Ginny yelled, trying to grab her, "LET GO!"
With that, Hermione let go. She wondered, as she fell, if Harry's broom would be hurt. A hand grabbed her arm and another her leg and lowered her easily. Ginny let go of her leg and Harry her arm. She jerked away, scrambling up and going to get her wand before going to Harry's broom. It had a bit of dirt on it but that was it. Face red and pride wounded, she shoved it at him before stalking off.
"Hey, Mione, you did-"
"Bugger off, Ronald." She snapped, stalking by. She needed to have a good cry and she'd be damned if anyone saw it. Checking over her shoulder, to make sure she wasn't being followed, she saw the rest of the teams watching and that hurt even more. Sitting herself down a little harder than she intended on the front steps she began to cry into her arms.
Hermione had to smile as a silent presence joined her on the steps, just standing there. She looked back and scrubbed at her face, knowing it would be a Professor. Madame Hooch smiled back, sitting down,
"You want to talk about it, love?"
"I really looked stupid, didn't I?" Hermione rasped, "and don't lie because you're a Professor, Madame Hooch."
"I'm hardly a Professor." the witch snorted, "I teach Quidditch." Hermione had to giggle at that and Madame Hooch smiled back, yellow eyes sparkling, "and no, you did not look stupid, you did rather well. I've not seen you on a broom much, there's no reason you'd know to let go. Without a wand, that's terrifying."
"It was a little scary." Hermione grinned.
"Especially when you're trying to prove yourself." the Professor nodded at Hermione's stare, "I've seen it before."
"I just...I could play Quidditch if I wanted to." Hermione pouted. Madame Hooch nodded. "they don't think I can, because I study so much, but...I taught myself to fly. I suppose I'm being childish over it, I just..."
"Have always been a terrible flyer," Hooch nodded, "I know, Hermione, I remember. However, if you really would like to learn, it's not just about Quidditch. A broom is useful for many situations." Hermione, remembering the friendfyre, nodded. "I also know what it's like to want to show them up, Hermione. That's why I started flying. I had several brothers who were great players and I couldn't get a broom to listen. Now, I teach it." she grinned, "do you want to learn? Because I rather enjoy helping those like myself."
"Yes." Hermione grinned.
"Alright," Madame Hooch nodded, shifting to face Hermione, "I have a plan."
"Were you in Slytherin?" Hermione blurted.
"Yes, I was." Madame Hooch nodded.
"I've seen that look," Hermione grinned, leaning in, "go on."
"First, you're going to need a teacher. I can't do it, that would make me impartial you understand." Hermione's grin widened and she nodded, "and I have seen each of the team members play, I know their profiles, and Miss Greengrass would be your best bet to learn from. She's taught all the replacements in Slytherin how to Keep and Chase. Do you think she'll help you or shall I speak with her?"
"She'll help me." Hermione grinned devilishly.
"I have also seen that look. Will it be safe for her to help you?"
"Yes."
"Alright, and then, when you've learned, I'll call for a rematch." Madame Hooch grinned, "and you play your best game."
"Got it." Hermione grinned, nodding. She followed Madame Hooch's gaze. The teams were returning, the few students who'd watched following. "Mission Keeper is a go." Hermione grinned, standing and not looking when Hooch burst out laughing.