Of Foes and Friends

Hermione settled herself on a bench. She was sitting as high up as her fear of heights would let her. She'd brought some books along as well as a pillow to cushion her behind. Quidditch try outs could take longer than necessary in her opinion, but she needed to make an effort. For Ginny and herself. She was staring into space, thinking about how her life had turned out while the crimson and gold cloaked figures started zooming around the pitch.

"It's a lovely day out, isn't it?" Luna's dreamy voice cut through Hermione's reverie. Looking slightly ashamed Hermione nodded, "how are you doing? I'm so sorry..." Luna shushed her by waving her hand in the air. The spacey blond looked at Hermione with the most intense gaze she had ever seen, "there's nothing to apologize for. We all have something to deal with these days." 

"I'm still sorry I was a horrible friend to you, Luna. You had a rough go of it too." Hermione whispered in response. Luna gave her a crooked grin and just hugged her. They settled into a comfortable silence; each keeping occupied with the book in their laps. Knowing she had made up with Luna, Hermione felt much better about how her Sunday was going. 

It felt like hours before Hermione noticed a mass of green and silver walk onto the pitch, "oh no." She muttered, quickly throwing everything she could reach into her bag and running down. Not this again, she thought as she ran down the stairs and onto the field. Ginny landed right in front of Draco Malfoy; touching the ground with a thud.

"What are you doing here Malfoy?" 

Unfazed by the redhead Draco lazily looked up and down the pitch, "the same thing you are, it would seem." He lazily shrugged his shoulders and turned around to talk to the rest of the Slytherin hopefuls. "Okay boys and girls, we are looking for a beater and two chasers this season. All other spots are still taken from last year. We'll keep to the north end of the pitch as not to disturb the precious Gryffindor trials. They have to replace everybody because their team is such rubbish."

Ginny flung a stinging hex at Malfoy, aiming straight for his behind. Out of instinct Hermione launched herself between the two and pushed Draco out of the way. Consequently, she was hit in the leg with the hex instead. "Figures," Ginny muttered as she turned away from her wounded friend and talked to the assembled Gryffindors, "Try outs have been suspended for the day. We'll take it back up tomorrow. You, you and you," she pointed at three young and inexperienced players, "don't bother coming back." 

When she turned her attention back to Hermione, Draco had already helped her up and was walking her off the pitch. His arm was securely around her waist as she was limping slightly. He'd reversed the immediate damage done but Hermione was still in some pain from the stings that had hit her leg. Hermione and Draco were whispering to each other as he got her onto a bench and resting.

"What in Merlin's name do you think you are doing with her, ferret?!" Ginny bellowed.

Draco turned on the spot, faster than anybody had expected despite his seeker skills. "I think I am taking care of your so called friend. The one you just hexed." His wand was drawn as he walked closer to the youngest Weasley, "I suggest you leave us alone for a minute."

"Draco, no. I'm fine, I already told you," the words were barely audible but the silence was deafening. Hermione Jean Granger had just called her arch nemesis by his first name in public and both Slytherins and Gryffindors had heard the words. Everybody looked at the pair with their mouths agape and an astounded look on their faces. Everyone except Lovegood, she still smiled gently at everything going on around her.

Once recovered, Ginny snapped her mouth shut and directed her anger back at Malfoy, "You heard her, she's fine. Now bugger off." 

Ignoring the younger witch he sank to Hermione's level and looked her in the eye. "Are you sure you're ok?" He asked gently, pushing a stray hair behind her ear. Hermione nodded into the hand that was lingering on her cheek. 

Draco nodded as well, got up with a snap and started yelling at his housemates, "show's over! If you want a chance to make the team you better get on your brooms and in the air now!"

Hermione watched as Draco walked away, directing players like nothing had happened.

"That was nice of him," Luna suddenly said as she sat down next to Hermione and looked up at the Slytherins in the air. Hermione nodded, not daring to say anything else while Ginny was still furious. 

"I'm sorry 'Mione, I didn't mean to get you," the redhead finally said. 'I guess we're avoiding talking about Draco', Hermione thought as she felt the other girl sit down next to her. "I know," was all she said in reply. The three girls sat there silently, watching the opposing team's tryouts until it was time for lunch.

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Author's note: oh my, two in one day? Being on call instead of actively at work can do wonders. Please read, review and rate! Cheers and until next time :-)