THAT LAST CHAPTER WAS SO FLUFFY.

( It wasn't planned, I swear. )

( Get used to the fluff while you can, 'cause that normally happens before stuff goes down, you feel me. )

I just love Pansy Parkinson, okay. I don't know what I'm doing to make you guys think that I can write the Slytherins as lovable jerks, buuuut I must be doing something right because of your constant love and support. So thank you!

Also, not gonna say any names, but uh-

*clears throat*

ME AND THE BAE AJ ARE THROWING A PARTY AND YOU ARE NOT INVITED.

As for the rest of you, enjoy the chapter. For all of you action lovers, things will definitely pick up by Christmas ;3

"Granger!"

Hermione turned her head just as Pansy caught up with her, the Slytherin slinging a casual arm around the Gryffindor's shoulders. Students passing by could only gape but the two payed them no mind as they wandered down the corridor.

Smiling faintly, she greeted Pansy with a simple, "Hello."

"Where are you going?"

"Quidditch field."

"Off to go watch your boyfriend?"

"Yes. The both of them." Hermione stuck her tongue out at her, and Pansy snorted, letting her arm fall to her side.

"Well, Draco and Blaise are nowhere in sight so I guess your company will suffice." Pansy followed the bookworm outside.

"Haven't seen them?"

"No. Have you?"

"No. In fact, I've barely seen Malfoy at all this week, and when we go on our patrols, he's..."

"Off?"

"Yeah...do you know what's wrong with him? Is he not getting any sleep at all?"

"How should I know? He never tells me anything."

"I would have figured that since you two-"

"It gets that way sometimes. One minute we're fine, and the next he has the nerve to ignore me." Hermione watched as Pansy's facial expression darkened for a split second, shoulders stiff and jaw taut; she knew there was something else, and had a good feeling what it was. There was a time when Pansy and Draco dated ; and even then, she was still neglected. Hermione knew what that was like. To be ignored. "I mean, whatever. He can do whatever he wants," Pansy's abrupt voice brought Hermione back out of her thoughts. "My world does not revolve around him."

Not anymore, thought Hermione.

"Nervous, are you?"

"About what? Me? I'm not nervous. No. Why? Who told you? Was it Ginny? Ginny told you, didn't she?"

Harry pried Ron's fingers off of his shirt, lips quivering. "It's alright to be nervous, Ron. It's going to be your first game tomorrow."

"Maybe I could use a little luck?" sighed Ron as they walked to the field, Harry now turning his attention to his shoes. Ron may not be the best player in the world, but he still mattered. Harry knew he was referring to Potions class. He was never an ace in that class until now, with the help of his handy dandy-

"Harry!"

Both boys turned around just as Hermione walked up to them, surprised to see Pansy Parkinson with her. Harry still kept his guard up around the Slytherins despite their sudden "change", especially Malfoy. And he was just looking out for Hermione, that's all. It wasn't his fault that he expected any one of them to glare or taunt and tease or utter, "Mudblood" whenever Hermione's around.

So it's safe to say that his smile is a little strained at the moment. "Hermione."

"Potter. Weasle."

"Parkinson," uttered the boys awkwardly.

Pansy expected that, like he knew she would, and sighed impatiently. "Can we go now? This better be worth my time, Granger."

Hermione opened her mouth to answer but she was already sauntering her way to the stands.

"Ron."

"What?"

"You're staring."

"At what?"

"Not what, who."

"Who?"

"You know who. -Don't you dare," Harry turned his gaze onto Hermione knowingly, the latter giggling and pressing her lips together.

"We should get to the field, Harry." Ron was already walking ahead of them, the other two staring at the back of his head quizzically. "I want to embarrass myself before I wet my trousers."

"What's wrong with him?" said Hermione.

"Dunno," said Harry. The two then turned to each other, identical grins beginning to spread across their faces. The kind that was effortless, and didn't take much thought. "See you later?"

Hermione nodded. "Good luck out there."

Harry watched Ron closely as they practiced. Everyone was getting the hang of things pretty fast, but Ron was still a little spotty in places. "You're thinking too much, Ron!" he called out to him with his hand over his mouth, and Ron looked up at the wrong second because it was right then that he got hit in the face with the Quaffle. Harry winced, his gaze then flickering to Ginny.

"Sorry!" Ginny called back, and Harry nodded. But if looks could kill, Ginny would be on the ground. Harry chuckled at the look of rage on Ron's face; he could even see the outline of where the Quaffle had hit him, the patch on his face redder than his hair. Harry decided to turn his attention from Ron and focused on his Seeker skills instead. He was a bit rusty, so he needed the practice too. He scoped the field for the Snitch until he spotted a flicker of gold. And he sped right for it without a second thought.

Hermione sat up straighter, and Pansy frowned at her reaction, her own icy orbs following her gaze to see what the hype was about. Honestly, she was never into Quidditch, and even when Draco joined she had no idea what was going on.

Oh. Right. Pansy smiled darkly. She was watching her boyfriend.

The Slytherin arched an eyebrow at Weasley's pathetic attempts to block Weaslette's shots. Was he serious? She did nothing to hide her snort when he got hit several times, and she had to give props to the youngest Weasley who she was positive was doing this on purpose. What a klutz.

"Parkinson, watch out!"

Pansy whipped her head around just in time to see Potter head straight for her and Granger, a devious smile on his face and his hand outstretched. Both girls screeched as he suddenly fell forward, flipping so swiftly that for the first time, Pansy thought she was crazy and nearly missed it. Having jumped in opposite direction, Pansy and Granger sat up, Pansy looking murderous and the muggleborn placing a hand over her startled heart.

Potter was now sitting upright on his broomstick, holding the golden Snitch in his hand, and grinning in victory.

"Harry!" whined Hermione.

"Sorry. Startled you, did I?" He was still wearing that grin on his face.

"A little!" she squeaked. Breathless sarcasm.

Harry snickered.

"Harry! That's not funny! You could have got us hurt!"

"But I wouldn't have."

"Could have!"

"Hermione-"

"What?!"

"You're making a scene."

Hermione's wide eyes never left his, afraid to look anywhere else. "Everyone's staring at me, aren't they?"

"Pointedly." Pansy smirked. "You must feel pretty stupid right now."

Harry glared at Pansy, who gave him a mocking look in return, before settling his gaze back on his best friend. "Come on," he said simply, reaching for her hand.

"What?" Hermione's hand was already in his before she realized what he was trying to do.

"Come on," repeated Harry, tugging her hand with a little more force, flying to the side so the broomstick was in reach.

"What are you doing?"

"Hermione-"

"I am not-"

"You're being difficult-"

"I don't want to-"

"Come on-"

"No-"

"Come on-"

"N-!"

But it was too late, because by then Harry had coaxed her into throwing one leg over, and even her body was acting against her brain. Now she sat on his broomstick, him flush behind her, his arms wrapped around her to reach the front of the broom. Or at least, that's what she thought. His hands found hers first instead, maneuvering them into the correct grip. Her heart felt like it was about to burst out of her chest, and she wondered if it had to do with the scary heights or something else.

And it was reflected on Harry's end. He obviously didn't think this through, and took his racing heart to be the adrenaline rushing through his veins, and his eagerness to have Hermione experience the fun that was flying. He's always wanted to teach her. And now he was, whether she liked it or not, he mused.

He watched his hands come over hers, their fingers lacing together slightly as he rearranged them. He liked the way her hands felt under his; soft and slender. Hermione slowly turned her head to meet his gaze, his meeting hers simultaneously.

His lips pulled up in both corners, his smile so stupid and boyish that she couldn't resist not returning.

"I'm going to vomit."

Ignoring Pansy's comment while positive Hermione shot her friend a look, Harry's grip tightened on her hands. Bringing her attention, he asked her for silent permission for him to continue ( like she had a choice if she refused ). Hermione barely got out a nod before they were suddenly being launched downwards, and her screams and his laughter lit up the sky with their sounds.

Her back was pressed into his chest as far as she could go, gripping his broom for dear life and ( possibly ) screaming for her life. Harry, finding all of this amusing, cheek in perfect alignment with hers, could only laugh and whoop and holler with her. Screw practice. He preferred this any day.

Especially now that he knew that her screams were of jubilance instead of fear. She was giggling. Actually giggling, and that made him speed things up a little, angling his broomstick up.

Her eyes were wide in fascination, heart jumping around again as they soared higher and higher, disappearing into the clouds. The view from there was amazing, even if all she could see was the clouds. How far were they going to go?

Their gazes met again over her shoulder, both smiling; Harry wagged his eyebrows at her and she felt him rear left and down.

And before she knew it they were pummeling back down to the earth. The further Harry angled the broom, the steeper and faster they went. Her hair was past messy at this point -and they'll argue over who's hair was the messiest later- whipping back into his cheeks. But the grin never left his face. Her fingers lifted and spread, his subconsciously intertwining with hers and locking in place.

Finally, after what felt like forever, they came to a swift stop, Harry laughing at Hermione as she stumbled off, her legs wobbling and hands out to find her balance; Hermione was not amused, chest heaving and ready to lung herself at her best friend, who was still laughing as he hopped off his broomstick with unbelievable grace. The arse.

"You did it! Shouldn't that count for something?" He dodged each punch, grabbing each wrist from an opposite position. "Admit it." He barely felt her straining as his hands left her wrists, curving around each palm instead. "You had fun."

"Harry," whined Hermione.

"Hermione," mocked Harry, shaking their twined hands.

"You are so-!"

"Amazing? Wonderful? Taller?"

Hermione opened her mouth to protest when she realized he was...right?

"By a hair," she teased, leaning in a bit.

"Granger, I believe your measuring is a little off." He was leaning too.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Says who?"

"Me."

"Out of the two of us, who exceeds in everything?"

"With the exception of Quidditch?"

"Y-"

"And Potions?"

"You little-!"

"It's not cheating if you simply read the instructions, Hermione. And, you know. Follow them?"

Hermione ripped her hands from his grip, aiming to punch him instead. With his Seeker reflexes Harry was faster, avoiding her completely and reversing his footing, firmly grabbing her from behind. Hermione squealed, feeling her feet leave the ground, fingers finding his and clenching them as his arms encircled around her frame completely, Harry twirling her around so fast that her legs became loose noodles and she couldn't tell right from left anymore.

"Stop, stop, stop!" She laughed.

Of course he didn't. And she didn't want him to either.

"Ahem."

Harry stopped - bloody hell, now he was dizzy too - and blinked several times before the image of a very smug Ginny came to view.

"Ginny? Is that you?" Hermione stumbled forward and the youngest Weasley giggled in response, her arms coming around the girl to steady her.

"Sorry, Hermione, but our dear Captain needs to focus for our first game," teased Ginny, shooting Harry a pointed look. "You might want to tone the affection down a notch there," she whispered to Hermione as she guided her back to the stands. "Wouldn't want to give Parkinson enough juice to spread rumours with, would you?"

"She's plotting, isn't she?" Hermione stopped walking to rub her forehead, closing her eyes to stop the world from spinning so fast.

"From the look on her face? I'm guessing it's a little late for that," said Ginny.

"It's only a matter of time," Pansy was saying to her little clique, Daphne Greengrass among the eager eyes, hungry for more information. Hermione marched right over to her, not paying attention to the sneering she was given by the majority of the girls.

"Excuse me, but may I borrow Pansy for a moment?"

She didn't give time for anyone to answer, grabbing Pansy's arm and yanking her around the corner.

"Watch the hand. This is a new shade." Pansy was nonchalant as ever, pulling her arm away to examine her manicured nails.

"I don't care! What the hell do you think you're doing?" snapped Hermione in a whisper.

"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm telling them what they want to know."

"And now I'm telling you to stop it right now!"

"Okay, Mom." Pansy rolled her eyes. "What's the problem?"

"Right now, you're my problem."

"Care to elaborate?"

"...Don't make me say it..."

"Ohh, right now I'm starting to think you want me to." Smirking.

"You know..." Hermione made an impatient gesture with her hand, and when Pansy made no move to speak again, she sighed impatiently. "...aboutmeandhhh..." she grumbled in a small voice.

"About you and 'hhh'? Who's 'hhh'?" Pansy mimicked the sound, thoroughly smug and amused.

"...Harry...!" Hermione forced the name out of her lips, desperate to get it over with and done.

"Potter?"

"Shh!"

"Okay, bossy boots."

"Parkinson, I know you and I know what you do!"

"What's wrong with being happy at the expense of others?"

"Everything!"

"Okay, okay, calm down. Don't get your knickers in a twist. I didn't tell them about you riding Potter's broom yesterday. Ugh, finally." Hermione went very pink in the face and Pansy giggled darkly. "What? With all that screaming you were doing, it was hard to ignore-"

"Please stop talking."

"Watching people squirm is just another hobby of mine, bonus if I cause it."

"Your hobbies are disturbing."

"Says the one riding broomsticks."

Now counting down from ten.

Nine. She slowly turned on the heel of her shoe and began to walk back where she came from.

Six. Five. Four.

"Make sure his broom is riding-ready for today, Granger! No one likes a loser with a limp-"

Hermione's hands came over her ears, speeding up her walking. "Please stop talking!"

"You look pale," noted Luna.

"Gee, thanks," grunted Ron.

"Luna's right. You need to eat." Harry set a glass in front of Ron. "Juice."

Hermione's eyes narrowed at Harry as he slipped Felix Felicis back into his pocket.

"Wouldn't want you to get sick...Is that why you put something in his cup?" asked Luna.

Ron slowly picked up the cup, Harry eyeing him expectantly.

"Ron! Don't drink that!" warned Hermione.

Ron did it anyway. It took a moment, but the color returned to his face and a confident, goofy grin spread across his face.

"C'mon, Harry. We've got a game to win!"

The two grinned and did a little handshake as they got up to leave to prep before the game.

"Wait!"

Hermione jogged up to them, and the duo stopped walking to face her. She shot Harry a firm we'll talk later look before softening her gaze on Ron.

"Good luck today, okay?" Brown orbs flickered from blue pools to green flames. "Be careful. The both of you."

"Came to give us our good luck kiss?" Ron smiled down at her, and she scoffed before leaning up on her tiptoes. Ron bent down so she wouldn't have to strain, smiling wider when she kissed his cheek.

Moving on to Harry, she scowled at him as she leaned up to kiss him too. Startled, he stiffened a little when she grabbed the back of his neck, lips at his ear. "I know what you did." And she kissed him on the cheek right after doing so.

Harry grinned at her backside, watching her walk away. He followed Ron out of the Great Hall, his liquid luck, untouched and shut tight, jumping around in his pocket.

No you don't.