Smells Like Teen Spirit
A/N: The writing for this chapter had been quite sporadic. Also, the Quidditch scene took a bit of time to write as I've never wrote something like that before. So if it seems a bit iffy, I apologise.
Thank you to two of my friends for lending me their names to combine to make a new character. :)
The stands surrounding the Quidditch pitch were packed as Bethany Golder, Ravenclaw's brainiest 6th year, started the game.
"Hello Hogwarts, and welcome to the first Quidditch match of the season. Today's game is between Gryffindor and Slytherin, so without further ado, lets welcome out the teams. For Gryffindor, we have: Potter, Weasley, Thomas, Robins, Peakes, Coote, and Weasley! And for Slytherin, we have Zabini, Greengrass, Nott, Jugson, Gibbon, Dolohov and Malfoy!" Cheers erupted around the stadium as the teams walked out, shouldering their brooms. Harry, Ron and Draco all looked as though they were going to burst out of their robes; they had put on that much muscle over the holidays. Madame Hooch stood in the centre of the pitch, hands on her hips. The teams approached.
"Now I want a nice clean game. No funny business." She gave the Slytherins an especially hard stare. "Captains, step forward and shake hands." Harry and Blaise both stepped forward proudly to shake hands.
"Good luck Blaise. I know Slytherin are going to need it." Harry said jokingly.
"Actually Harry, I think you'll find that it is Gryffindor need the luck, with how much we've practiced." Blaise retorted.
"We'll see about that. Prepare to lose Zabini."
"Same for you Potter."
They stepped away back to their teams as Madame Hooch released the bludgers and the snitch.
"Keepers, into position." Ron and Dolohov flew to their respective goals. "Seekers, in the air." Harry and Draco both rose. "Beaters in the air." Peakes and Coote both rose, as did Jugson and Gibbon. "Chasers into the air" Ginny, Dean and Demelza kicked off from the ground, closely followed by Blaise, Daphne and Theo. Madame Hooch hovered just underneath them, Quaffle in hand. "When I blow my whistle and release the Quaffle, the game will begin. Remember, no funny business. Three, two, one!" She blew her whistle.
"And they're off. Immediately, it's Zabini with the quaffle, heading straight for the goal it seems. He dodges Weasley, he dodges Robins, he…ooh, Thomas snags it! He passes it to Weasley, who sprints down the pitch. Go on girl! She dodges Nott, dodges Zabini, Greengrass is close on her tail but she's not going to get there! Weasley shoots, she scores! Ten points to Gryffindor! Dolohov has the Quaffle and passes it to Nott. Nott's off down the pitch, swerves passed a nicely hit bludger from Coote, round Robins, through Thomas and Weasley. He shoots…I don't believe it! The Quaffle gets knocked off course by a bludger! Has that ever happened before? I don't think it has. Oh well, there's a first for everything I guess. Weasley and Zabini are in hot pursuit for the Quaffle, but it's Weasley who takes it first. She rockets up to the game, Zabini's on her tail. She throws it to Robins, who flies away towards the goals. Dodge Nott, dodge Jugson, dodge Gibbon, passes it to Thomas, but it's intercepted by Greengrass, who just appeared out of nowhere! Greengrass is off down the pitch. She swerves passed all the obstacles. Just Weasley standing between her and a goal, Zabini and Nott right behind her. She shoots, but Weasley saves it again as Gryffindor start up the legendary 'Weasley is Our King!' Weasley throws the Quaffle back into the game, but it's Zabini who catches it. He hovers by the goal. He shoots, no! He passes it to Nott who shoots, and Weasley just can't get there quick enough. Ten points to Slytherin. The quaffle's back in play, but's what's this? It seems that Potter and Malfoy have spotted the snitch! They're in hot pursuit!" Indeed they were. Harry had seen the snitch first, and had flown in chase for it. A second later, Draco had followed, and now both boys were flying, side by side, after the snitch. It seemed that Madame Hooch had given them a quicker snitch then usual however, as it was hard to keep up. But the lower they lay on their brooms, the quicker they went, and soon, both their hands were outstretched for it. When it seemed that Draco might just make it, a bludger flew straight in front of them, forcing them to swerve, and causing them to lose sight of the snitch. There was a loud groan from the crowd, but Draco wasn't interested; he was more interested in finding out whether Harry was ok. The bludger had been closer to him after all.
He flew over to Harry. "Harry, are you alright? It didn't hit you did it?" Draco asked concerned, shouting over the noise of the crowd.
"I'm fine Draco. Don't worry. It didn't hit me." Harry reassured him. "Now get back to circling, we need to find that snitch." Draco did as he was told.
"Such a shame that, neither of the seekers catching the snitch. But never mind. Back to the game and Robins has just scored another! Gryffindor now lead Slytherin 20 to 10. Zabini has the Quaffle and he's gone shooting down the pitch. What's this? Zabini has tactics! Zabini in front, Greengrass on his left flank, Nott on his right. Jugson to Greengrass' left, Gibbon to Nott's right. Formation tactics there! Zabini passes back to Nott, who throws the Quaffle across to Greengrass. I like this! The boys have surrounded her, making it impossible for the chasers of the other team to get to her. She shoots, she scores! She's levelled out the scores, making it 20 all!" The game continued in this manner for another hour and half. The score was 110 each by the time Draco caught sight of the snitch again. There it was, hovering in front of him, patronising him. He reached out to grab it, but it flew upwards out of his way. He urged his broom upwards following it, only knowing that Harry was right behind him when he heard the Ravenclaw girl announce it. Higher they flew, side by side. Higher, and higher. Up into the clouds.
"Take it Draco!" Harry shouted. "I've always beat you in Quidditch games when I've played you! It's about time you won!"
"No way Potter! If I'm going to win, which I will, it will be fair and square! Because then, I can boast about it truthfully to your face!" Draco retorted, slipping back into their Potter/Malfoy regime.
"Fuck you Malfoy! Fine, you want to win it properly, you're on!" Harry leant forward on his broom, pulling in front of Draco slightly, which the latter was having none of. He also leaned forward on his broom. The boys followed the snitch like a bird after its prey, never taking their eyes off it. Suddenly, the snitch took a nose dive towards the ground, disappearing back through the clouds. The boys followed, not wanting to lose sight of it. They rocketed towards the ground, before veering off right after the little golden ball. The snitch went left, right, through the chasers, under the stands, over the stands, through the teachers, through the crowd, back under the stands, left again, right again, through the hoops. The snitch flew along the ground and seemed to slow. Draco and Harry both reached out for it, and Harry snagged it, but only just. The uproar from the crowd was deafening.
"Harry Potter has caught the snitch! Gryffindor wins 260 points to 110! Though not for an excellent trying performance from Slytherin, so congratulations to them as well." Bethany Golder announced, as the cheer from the crowd got louder. Even the Slytherins were applauding.
Madame Hooch called both teams down to the ground, collected in the balls, and made Harry and Blaise shake hands again.
"I suppose congratulations are in order Harry." Blaise said defeated, though not letting any dent in his pride show through.
"I should think so too. I did warn you though Blaise. Gryffindor always win. You should know that by now."
"Yeah yeah. Whatever. Congratulations. Now go on, fuck off back to your team. They're waiting to get to you." Blaise released Harry's hand and stepped back towards his team, smirking. Harry smiled back, before turning back to the Gryffindor team, which seemed to have quadrupled in size, and got engulfed in a massive hug. Together, arms around one another, they made their way back towards the changing rooms. The girls jumped in the one set of showers whilst the lads jumped in the other. Harry didn't though. He just stepped into his office and basked in the feeling of winning at Quidditch against Draco again.
xxxDHDHxxx
Half hour later, Draco was heading back towards the school on his own (all the others had left on their own) when he heard his name being called. He turned to find Professor Elliott heading his way.
"Good afternoon Draco. That was some excellent flying on your part I must say. Commiserations about not winning though."
"Thank you Professor. Of course though, being Head of House for Gryffindor, you were rooting for them. And it shows."
The Professor glanced down at her attire and chuckled. "Yes. As if the red and gold dress didn't give it away. Now, I happened to notice that most of the Gryffindor team left a while ago, but Harry is still in the changing rooms. Would you please go and fetch him?"
"Why me Professor?" Draco asked dubiously.
"Because, Draco, I'm a woman, and you are a boy. Harry is a boy. Being a changing rooms, and what with Harry being on his own, I think he would probably prefer it if you were to walk in on him rather than me, don't you think? Besides, what I want him for concerns the both of you."
"Of course Professor." Draco added a nod to reinforce his words, before making his way to the changing rooms. As he entered, Harry was standing in front of the lockers, his back turned towards the door, wearing just a pair of low cut black jeans. A tattoo on Harry's back caught Draco's eye, but before he could ask any more, Harry pulled a black t-shirt over his head, covering it. He turned round to face the Slytherin just as the latter slipped his mask back on, covering his features. The Gryffindor started.
"Draco! You startled me. I didn't know you were there. I'm surprised you're not up at the castle."
"I was going up but then Professor Elliott stopped me. She wants to show us something apparently, and I had to come and get you to preserve your modesty. Rather me walking in on you wearing your birthday suit then her, yes?"
"What does she have to show us, do you know?" Harry asked, curious.
"No, she just said to fetch you. Well done on winning by the way. I won't let you win next time though."
Harry laughed. "We'll see about that. Come on." Harry led the way back out of the changing rooms, locking up behind Draco as he left. The boys walked in silence back up to where Professor Elliott was standing waiting for them.
"Thank you Draco. Afternoon Harry. Well done. You certainly put the effort in with your team."
Harry smiled gratefully. "Thank you Professor. Draco said you had something to show us?"
"Yes, but it, or more importantly they, are in the Headmistress' office. If you would follow me…" she started up towards the castle, leaving Harry and Draco to run after her to keep up.
"Sorry Professor for my forwardness on a matter you clearly wish to keep quiet, but you said 'they'?" Draco questioned.
"Yes Draco, I did. All shall be revealed in due course. Just keep up." The tone in what she said clearly stated that nothing more should be said and that they should just wait and see. Harry turned to Draco with a questioning look.
"Yes Harry? What is it?"
"How do you do that? How do you have such a way with words? I've never quite understood that?" Harry asked immediately, as if he'd been dying to ask for a while now.
"My father taught me many things, and many of them were of no use. A few were. The 'Malfoy Mask' for example. He also taught me to have a good enough grasp of the English language so that anything from making idle small talk to having a serious debate about finances comes easy. A good grasp of the language one is speaking exerts authority. That is why I have such a way with words." Draco finished. Professor Elliott was smiling at his answer, although neither of the boys could actually see.
"I see. I'm pretty good when it comes to English if I'm writing it down, but when it comes talking and making up on the spot, I'm not very, what's the word?" Harry answered, gesturing with his hands to emphasise his emptiness for a word.
"Articulate?" Draco provided.
"Yes! That's it, articulate. See, that proves my point. It used to annoy Hermione to no end when we first met. Being raised by muggles who couldn't give a shit for you meant that nearly all the words I learnt were from conversations I'd overheard, or books I'd read. I spent a lot of time writing when I was younger, just mindless stuff so as to practice using the words, hence being able to use them in essays and letters, stuff like that. But I never had much of a chance to use the words, so when it came to speaking in first year, I was very clumsy and nervous. But, with patience and practice, Hermione and Ron helped me. Still struggle at times though."
"I noticed." Draco commented. Nothing else was said. When they reached the spiral staircase, no password was needed. Professor McGonagall had changed the wards so that the gargoyle stepped aside to the magical signature of a teacher or student only. Passwords could be stolen, learnt and used. A magical signature couldn't. A bit like fingerprinting in the muggle world, that's what Harry compared it to. They ascended the staircase as it started to move, Professor Elliott behind the boys. When it stopped, she spoke to them.
"Go through. This is for you after all." A small smile graced her lips as she spoke. Harry and Draco looked at each other and nodded, before Harry pushed open the door.
xxxDHDHxxx
As soon as he did, a loud squeal was heard, along with thundering footsteps. "'Arry!" Teddy came running over as fast as his little legs could carry him, his feature immediately changing to match Harry's, scar and everything. Harry scooped the infant into his arms and held him close, a big grin on his face. Draco stepped in and greeted his Aunt.
"Aunt Andie." He kissed her once on each cheek before giving her a hug. She may have been classed as a blood traitor for marrying Ted, but when Draco was small, his mother used to take him to see her, and out of Bellatrix and Andromeda, he loved the latter the most. After the trials, and his parent's deaths, Draco had seen a lot more of his Aunt, and his cousin, and had grown quite an affection to them over that time. He knew about Harry being Teddy's godfather of course, what with seeing him a couple of times over the holidays. What he didn't know was how strong the bond between godfather and godson was. The look of adoration and fondness in Harry's eyes, and the look of pure elation across Teddy's face was obvious and telling. Even though the infant was just six months old, he clearly had quite an attachment to Harry. Draco smiled and sneaked up behind Teddy, finger to his lips indicating for Harry to remain quite. The infant had his head buried in Harry's shoulder when Draco reached him. "What about me?" he asked softly.
Teddy spun around in Harry's arms. His grin seemed to get bigger as he saw his favourite cousin and playmate, his little arms stretching out to reach him. Draco scooped the child up into his own arms, and like Harry, held him tightly, eyes closed.
It was at this point that Professor Elliott spoke up again. "I know of the affection you two have of Teddy and Andromeda, so I decided, with express permission from Professor McGonagall of course, to invite them to the Quidditch game, and to stay for afters as well. I know how much you both miss your families, even if you won't admit to it, so I've given you the next best thing. You may stay as long as you like. I'll give you some time alone." She finished, before leaving them alone. Harry approached Andromeda and gave her a big hug.
"Good to see you Andromeda."
"And you Harry, and you. My word, when you last came to visit and told us you were going to have a makeover, I wasn't expecting one so, drastic. You're like a completely different person!" Andromeda chuckled.
"I feel like a different person." Harry agreed.
"Good, good. And you!" She pointed an accusing finger at Draco. "Why have you not replied to my letters young man? I said to you before you left, make sure you write, and you promised me you would. Why have I not had a single one yet?"
Draco hung his head. "Sorry Aunt Andie. I've been busy with school and I haven't had the time. I wanted to, but school work has kept getting the better of me."
Harry nodded in agreement. "It's true Andie. We've had absolutely loads to do, it's been impossible for any of us to write."
Andromeda turned to the Gryffindor. "Well you've managed it."
"Yes, but, Harry does less academic lessons then I do. His are more practical than mine. Arithmancy and Ancient Runes take forever." Draco interrupted.
Andromeda sighed in defeat. "Yes, well, I understand that. Your mother would be proud of you for taking such an interest in your work Draco, as I am, but you deserve a break once in a while. And in that break you could write to me."
"I'm sorry." Draco said quietly.
Andromeda held out her arms. "Come here you silly boy." Draco accepted her hug willingly, before pulling back as she spoke again. "Now, tell me all about this year so far…"
xxxDHDHxxx
They spent a good few hours in McGonagall's office, talking and playing with Teddy before Andromeda said it was time her and Teddy left. They all said their goodbyes and the boys left for the common room, meeting Luna on the way there. As she was going to see Neville, they all went together. Just as they entered the common room, Hermione ran over to them, worry etched all over her face.
"Hello Luna, here to see Neville?" The blonde girl nodded before drifting off to Neville's dorm. The brunette automatically turned her attentions to the boys. "And where have you two been? You've been gone ages!" She demanded, hands on her hips.
"Jesus Christ Granger, calm down." Draco shook his head as he made his way to the sofa, the other two following him. "We were with my Aunt Andie and Teddy if you must know."
"Andromeda and Teddy were here?" She asked, placing herself between Draco and Harry.
Harry nodded. "Yep. Professor Elliott invited them here. Said that she thought we would like some time with our family."
"Aaawww, that's really sweet of her." She said half-heartedly. Draco turned towards her, recognising that something was wrong.
"You ok Granger?" No response. "Granger?" Again, nothing. He stole a look at Harry, who was starting to look worried. Slowly, Draco reached out and took her chin, turning her head slightly to look at him. "Hermione?"
The use of her name seemed to pull her out of her daze. "I'm worried. I haven't seen Ron since the Quidditch match. I've searched the whole castle, and I can't find him."
"I know where he is." Luna stated in her dreamy voice as her and Neville descended the stairs hand in hand. "At least, I've got a rough idea as to where he is. I saw him as I was making my way to Ravenclaw after the game. I didn't even have to ask if something was wrong, the amount of Nargles and Wrackspurts around his head confirmed it for me. He asked me if I knew where the Grey Lady was likely to be, and then if I knew where the Bloody Baron spent his time. I told him and he ran off before I could ask why he wanted to know. He's a strange boy Ronald is. But Wrackspurts do that to you I suppose, make you strange." Just as she finished explained, as if summoned, Ron walked in through the portrait. Within three seconds he found himself with his arms full of Hermione.
"Ooof. Hermione, what's wrong?"
"I have been worried sick about you. Doing a disappearing act on me. Never do that again. Anyway, why were you talking to the Grey Lady and the Bloody Baron?" She questioned him.
"You'll find out soon enough. Now stop worrying." He pressed his lips to hers.
Draco stood and turned to Harry. "Excuse me while I retire to bed. I do not wish to be in the same room as sickly, loved up snogging couples."
Harry nodded. "I'll come with you. Don't particularly want to be stuck with them either." He stood also and both boys started to make their way to their dorm. Hermione's voice called them back.
"Draco?" He turned, surprised at the use of his first name. "Thank you." She said simply. Draco nodded and continued his climb upstairs, intent on finishing his plan for his Halloween costume whilst listening to some heavy music. As he entered the dorm it seemed as though Harry had read his mind; Motorhead was blasting loud through the speakers. Draco grinned to himself. Perfect.
xxxxx