The Approaching Storm

Chapter 9: Confrontations

The sky was dark and angry looking. Dark ominous clouds threatened to spill rain at any moment. A cold wind gusted, chilling to the bone. The cheering crowd below put up magical umbrellas in readiness for the onslaught of heavy rains soon to come. Gryffindor and Hufflepuff players flew determinedly against the unrelenting winds. This was not a day for the weak or frail to venture outside. Those who lacked endurance and strength need not show their faces. This was the day warriors proved they could brave against the elements of Mother Nature, with only one goal to be obtained, victory.

"Owen Cauldwell has the Quaffle. He dodges the Gryffindor Hawkshead Attacking Formation. He is heading for the Gryffindor goalpost. Can Ginny Weasley make this her tenth block of the day?" Jordan asked, as he watched Owen with anticipation.

Ginny studied Owens moves. She had figured out that Owen always faked a play before he would try to score. He always tried to put one past her as he was diving downward toward the goalpost. Ginny figured her best plan of action was to fake Owen out. She zoomed up, acting like she was following Owen's fake play. At the last second she shot back downward towards the goalpost. She swatted her broom at the approaching Quaffle, blocking Owen's shot. She smirked as she saw Owen's shocked expression. Yes, Ginny Weasley was a very good Keeper.

"Hufflepuff's shot is blocked!" Jordan yelled.

The Gryffindors cheered.

Angelina caught the Quaffle on the rebound.

She dodged a Bludger as Fred swatted the other away. She darted upward drawing in the Hufflepuff Chaser and dropped the Quaffle to Ron. The Hufflepuff Chaser grabbed hold of her broomtail right after she dropped the Quaffle.

"Angelina Johnson has the Quaffle. She does the Porskoff Ploy to Ron Weasley. Wait, Capper grabbed Johnson's broomtail. Foul on Hufflepuff for Blagging! Ron Weasley still with the Quaffle. This young man has scored twenty points so far ladies and gents, will he make it thirty?" Jordan asked, getting the crowd to cheer.

Ron ducked behind the goalpost and zoomed downward. Then he did an immediate climb and flip popping up behind the Hufflepuff Keeper. He threw the Quaffle into the unguarded goalpost, scoring.

"He does! Ron Weasley has now scored thirty points! Gryffindor forty to Hufflepuff ten," Jordan said, enthusiastically.

Harry flew up above Ron and the other Gryffindor players, scanning for the Golden Snitch. He smiled at Ginny's block and Ron's score. They had a very good chance at winning the house cup this year. Just then a golden sphere with wings popped up in Harry's line of vision. The Golden Snitch fluttered for a moment and then zoomed downward. Harry followed in close pursuit. Justin Fitch-Fletchley followed right behind Harry.

"Potter has seen the Golden Snitch and is in hot pursuit with Fitch-Fletchley right on his tail," Jordan said to the crowd.

"Potter is riding his remarkable Firebolt. I was hoping that maybe he would grace the Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch with a new Excalibur, which is the Chudley Cannons team broom this year. The Excalibur is the fastest broom to date. It can go from zero to," Jordan was interrupted.

"Jordan! Focus on the game! This isn't a sales event!" Professor McGonagall screeched.

Jordan coughed slightly and focused back on the game, "Potter is diving towards the Golden Snitch on his Firebolt. He would have caught it by now if he was riding an Excalibur," Jordan said.

"Jordan!" McGonagall yelled again.

"Oh yes, Potter is gaining on the Snitch. Fitch-Fletchley is gaining on Potter. If Potter catches the Snitch then Gryffindor wins," Jordan said, as he watched Harry gain on the Snitch.

Harry flew closer and closer to the Snitch dodging players and Bludgers along the way. He almost had it. Rain started to pour from the sky. Good thing Hermione had put a water repellant charm on his glasses. He was so close. He was reaching his hand out to grab the Snitch.

"Harry Potter almost has the Snitch, he's reaching his hand out to grab it, and he has it! Harry Potter has the Snitch, Gryffindor wins!" Jordan yelled, as he jumped up and down.

The Gryffindor stands erupted in cheers and chants of "Go, Go, Gryffindor."

Harry flew a circle around the Quidditch Pitch with the Snitch in his hand. All of his teammates came up and congratulated him along with congratulating each other for a good game. The Weasleys all had huge smiles. Gryffindors rushed the field with umbrella's covering their heads. Seamus went up and shook each of the player's hands. Hermione hugged Harry, Ron and Ginny. The twins looked upset since they hadn't received a hug so she hugged them too. Today was a great way to start the first Quidditch match.

The Gryffindors went back to the common room to celebrate their victory.

Ron and Ginny became quick celebrities, even with other houses. Many people from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff came and congratulated them on a great game. Ron had a small fan club of second and third years, even a couple of fourth years. His ears turned many shades of red from all the attention. Owen approached Ginny and told her how impressed he was with her Keeper skills. He shook her hand and gave her a big smile. Ginny thought she could defiantly get use to this.

********

The Gryffindor party was well under way. Hermione wanted to leave to go study. She felt she needed more preparation for the O.W.L.S. She tried sneaking out of the common room, but a firm hand planted itself on her shoulder. She let out a small squeak and turned to come face to face with Ron.

"Where are you going?" he asked, giving her a questioning look.

She kicked herself mentally for not escaping quicker.

"I need to freshen up on a few topics for the O.W.L.S," she said, waiting for his outburst. She could almost count down to the fit he was going to throw.

Three, two, one, she thought.

"What! Are you bloody mad? O.W.L.S. are still three months away, and you've been studying since last year. What more could you possibly have to freshen up on?" he asked, in complete shock.

"Ron, you know how I am. I'm not going to be happy unless I'm absolutely positive I have comprehended all the material," Hermione said.

"Hermione, you have comprehended more than the Hogwarts professors know combined. Besides, we are celebrating our victory right now. You can't leave to study, I won't allow it," Ron said, as he stood in front of Hermione, blocking her way.

Hermione sighed at the no win situation. She put a hand up to her forehead. "Fine, but I'm leaving in thirty minutes," she stated.

Ron gave her a scrutinized look and then nodded his head in agreement.

They returned to the party. Hermione declined George's generous offer of what looked like a dried piece of meat shaped like a stick. She noticed that Neville had accepted one. He took a bite and immediately he shrank as slim as a stick. Fred and George along with some other Gryffindors laughed at the new invention. Slim Jim's.

Hermione finally escaped from the party. Neville had stayed in his stick form for about ten minutes. Poor Neville, she shook her head and then snickered slightly remembering the event. She sat down at a table in the library. She hummed the tune in her head. Book upon book was stacked upon the table. All of her color-coded charts were spread out, everything in a specific order. She was now in her crunch time for studying.

"What in Merlin's name are you doing, Granger?" Draco asked, as he sat down at her table. He moved some of the stacked books so he could see Hermione. "What are these?" he asked, as he picked up one of her color-coded charts, giving her a quizzical look.

Hermione huffed.

If it is not one thing, it's another! I am not going to be able to get any studying done! Hermione thought irritated.

"You're going to get my things out of order," she said with an irritated face. "What do you think I'm doing? I'm studying for the O.W.L.S. of course. And those," she said as she grabbed the chart from Draco, "are color-coded charts," she concluded.

"Why would you start studying for O.W.L.S. now? They're still three months away for Merlin's sake," he said, with a flabbergasted expression.

"Start studying now? Don't be silly, I have been studying since last year. Haven't you been studying?" she asked, writing notes on her parchment.

"Are you bloody insane woman? Come on Granger, preparing and studying for exams are one thing, but this is ridiculous," Malfoy said, pointing at all the books and charts on the table.

"You sound like Ron," she said.

"Now there's no need to be rude. You are such a cheeky monkey. I haven't insulted you so don't give me such a nasty insult," Malfoy said, as he leaned his chair back.

Hermione looked up at him and shook her head.

"What are you doing here anyway? Don't you have anything better to do on a Saturday than bother me," she asked, as she looked back to the parchment and continued writing.

"I'm bored. Plus bothering you is quite enjoyable," Draco said, as he snatched the quill out of her hands.

"Hey! Give that back!" Hermione said, trying to snatch the quill back.

"No," Draco said, as he waved the quill back and forth, taunting Hermione.

"Fine, I'll just get another one," Hermione said, as she place her bag upon the table.

Draco grabbed her bag away from her before she could get a quill.

"Malfoy, give me back my bag now!" Hermione said, getting very annoyed.

"No," he said again, with a big grin.

Draco pointed his wand at the books, charts, and parchments on the table. He gave her a smirk and then said,

"Accersitus,"

All of Hermione's things flew into the bag and magically everything fit.

Hermione's mouth dropped open. All of her hard work at getting everything organized to study and Draco messes it all up.

She growled slightly and dove across the table at Draco trying to grab her bag.

Draco laughed at her, dodging out of the way.

He smirked even more and said, "Catch me if you can, Granger," as he dashed out of the library.

"Malfoy! Get back here now!" Hermione shouted.

Many heads in the library turned and glared at her for being so loud. Hermione's cheeks grew red from embarrassment as she dashed out of the library after Draco.

Madam Pince gave a very disapproving look at the two exiting students.

Hermione chased after Draco. He was far ahead of her, but she could still see him.

He turned a corner and as she approached the corner, she turned it also, only to go charging into Pansy. Both girls fell on the ground, landing on their bums.

"Ouch, Granger! Watch where you're going! You bruised my bottom, you stupid," Pansy was interrupted.

"Granger, you're slow, oh," Draco said, as he appeared to the scene, looking at the two fallen girls.

"Idiot, this is all your fault. Give me my bag back now!" Hermione said, standing up and rubbing her bottom.

Draco grew a smirk at this, and raised his eyebrows suggestively. Hermione charged up to him and snatched her bag away, mumbling "perverted git" under her breath. She stormed away, back to the library. Malfoy still smirked at her retreating form.

"What's going on, Draco?" Pansy asked, giving him a suspicious look.

Draco was snapped out of his thoughts. "What are you talking about, Pansy?" he asked, with a confused expression.

"You and Granger are what I'm talking about. You didn't even insult her. I dare say you were almost flirting with her," Pansy said, giving Draco a menacing stare.

"Don't be stupid, Pansy. I do not flirt with Granger. Are you mental? Did you fall on your head instead of your arse?" Draco said, giving Pansy an annoyed stare.

"I know what I saw. You have been giving more attention to Mudblood Granger than anybody else, even your housemates. I've seen you flying with her, giving her 'so called' lessons. They seem more like a little rendezvous to me. Draco Malfoy and a Mudblood, what would your father and mother think?" Pansy spat, giving Draco a look of disgust.

Draco stormed up to Pansy and grabbed her roughly by the shoulders, making her gasp. His words were harsh and cold.

"Shut up wench! You don't know what you're talking about. How dare you spy on me you little trollop. You best remember I'm a Malfoy, Parkinson. My name and family soars above your own. So don't you ever threaten me again! As for my family, my mother likes Hermione, unlike what she thinks of you. I will also tell you this, Granger, being a Mudblood is still more than you will ever amount too," he said, as he roughly pushed her aside and walked away.

Pansy was in a frightened shock. She had tears running down her face. She didn't know what was worse, how Draco spoke so viciously to her, or how he had called the Mudblood by her first name. She, in her five years at Hogwarts, had never heard Draco's lips say the name Hermione. She ran down the hallway sobbing along the way.

A figure came from around the corner. He had heard the whole conversation. Shock was written all over his face.

Have I entered the twilight zone? Harry thought, with a confused expression.

Malfoy just stood up for Hermione, well sort of, but he did it to a housemate, a fellow Slytherin, he continued his thought, and what's with the flying lessons? Since when did Hermione and Malfoy become close enough for him to give her flying lessons? She and I are going to have a long talk tonight, Harry concluded his thought, deciding on confronting Hermione.

Hermione made it back to the library. She scanned the area to make sure Malfoy was nowhere to be seen. She unpacked her bag, placing all of her things back into the organized order she had them before Malfoy's chaos.

Stupid prat! He always has to cock up my things. Why does he always have to irritate me? He's much more bearable when we are flying, he focuses on flying instead of taunting me, she thought, but then remembered some events to the contrary.

Last week Draco had popped up behind her while she was on her broom, scaring her. He did this many times during their lessons. Hermione wondered if he was intentionally trying to scare her off her broom. Another time he had also put a writing charm on her broom. As Hermione flew through the air, the broom wrote curse words in the sky. Professor McGonagall was not happy in the least about seeing the cloud like words as she sat in her office. Hermione had to sit through an hour lecture for that stunt. She had charged up to Draco after her little meeting. He was still laughing.

"Think it's funny, do you? Well if you pull another stunt like that, I'll find someone else to teach me to fly," she said, as she glared at him.

"Are you trying to threaten me with that? Please, who else would be strong enough to catch your heavy arse if you fell off your broom?" he said, as he inched closer to her face.

Hermione knew what her one Trump Card was with Draco. She smirked and inched closer, only a few inches from his face. Draco's eyes starred intently into her own.

"Harry," she replied, still holding her smirk.

Draco backed away from her. He snorted and gave a grumpy look.

"Although I'm sure you are a better coach and you're such a wonderful flyer, Harry wouldn't do those nasty pranks," she said, almost wanting to gag on the remark she just gave. She knew it was the only way to win him over.

Draco puffed his chest out slightly at her remark. He thought things over. He definitely did not want to lose at anything to Potter. Plus he liked his flying lessons with Granger. She was fun to torment

"Ok, fine. No more big pranks during flying lessons," he stated.

Hermione gave him stern look.

"Fine, I'll try to not do as many pranks. Don't give me that look," he said, as Hermione was still giving him the same look, "Look at who I am, you can only expect so much of me woman," he finished.

Hermione looked at him through narrowed eyes.

"Fine, but I expect you on your best behavior," she said, with a smug attitude.

"Deal," Draco said, with a smirk.

Hermione had won another battle against the unknowing Draco Malfoy. She smiled thinking about how well she is getting at dealing with and somewhat controlling Malfoy.

Hermione snorted as she remembered the event. Draco had played fewer pranks during their flying lessons. He still had his moments, but for the most he was bearable. Hermione could honestly say she enjoyed her lessons with Draco. Not to mention she was getting to see a new side to him. He wasn't too bad to be around. He made her laugh occasionally, and they actually had conversations with each other, just like she did with her other friends.

Wait, she thought, do I consider Malfoy my friend? Hermione continued her thought. He is a prat, but Ron can be also. He's arrogant, pompous, annoying, spoilt, and an all around git, but he does make me laugh. He is also determined, intelligent, witty, and charming when he wants to be. Maybe we do have a semi quasi-friendship, she concluded her thought, with a slight smile.

She opened her first book and began to take notes. A hand grabbed her shoulder from behind, making her jump.

"Malfoy, stop being so persistent," she said, turning to face the owner of the hand on her shoulder.

"Oh," she said, in slight surprise, realizing that it wasn't Malfoy's hand. "Hi Harry, what brings you to the library?" she asked.

"Hermione, we need to talk. Pack your things and come take a stroll with me," Harry said, with a serious face.

What now? I'm never going to get to study! What have I done to deserve this? Why is he looking at me with such a serious face? Hermione thought, as all of her organized study materials were disrupted, yet again, and placed in her bag.

"What's wrong Harry, you look upset with me," Hermione said, looking curiously up at Harry.

"Hermione, you wouldn't keep things from me, would you?" he asked, as they exited the library.

"What? Why would I keep anything from you?" Hermione asked, with questioning eyes.

Harry led Hermione into an empty classroom.

"I don't know, you tell me," he said.

"Harry, I don't know what you're talking about. Stop playing games and tell me what's wrong. You're starting to worry me," she said, as she sat atop a desk.

Harry sat beside her.

"Let's start first with your relationship with Malfoy," he said, turning to look at Hermione.

"Relationship?" Hermione said, with her mouth slightly open. Then she started to giggle and elbowed Harry in the arm. "You're so funny. Now what's the real problem," she said, still giggling.

"I'm serious, Hermione," he said, with a stern face. "You and Malfoy have been spending a lot of time together. Now I find out he is giving you flying lessons. You didn't come to Ron or me for flying lessons. You went to Malfoy to teach you. Tell me what's wrong with that picture," Harry said, with a serious face.

"How did you find out?" Hermione asked, with an astonished face.

"That's not important. Have you forgotten who he is and who you are? He is dangerous, Hermione. His father is probably Voldemort's right hand man. If Lucius Malfoy ever found out that is son was being remotely civil to you, I don't want to know what he might do," Harry said, holding Hermione's arm.

"Harry, you make it sound like some Romeo and Juliet forbidden love story. It's just flying lessons," she said, as she looked at Harry and shook her head.

"For our relationship, at best we have an acquaintanceship. Most classes have been requiring us to work together, since we are both top of the class," she said, smiling at Harry.

"As for Lucius Malfoy," she said, turning her head and rolling her eyes. "I'm really not worried about him. Draco's mother evidently has taken an interest in me. I guess because I saved her life. She has given me packages of sweets occasionally, sometimes when she sends Draco a package. She puts some kind of charm on the packages so he has to give them to me. Needless to say, I am not worried about the Malfoys. Besides Draco is basically the same prat to me that he's always been," she said, looking back to Harry.

"Now for the flying lessons, they started off as a challenge. I accepted, but he is a good coach, and I really wanted to surprise you and Ron with my flying skills. I know you don't want to hear this, but he's not always that bad of a person, granted it's only rarely," she said, smiling at Harry.

"Anymore questions I need to clear up?" she asked.

Harry gave her a smile. "No, all my questions from you have been answered. Just be careful ok? I want to see the progress you have made with flying sometime," Harry said.

"That's a promise. I have to go back and study now," she said, standing up.

"Oh, Harry, don't tell Ron about this. I don't think he will take it as well as you. He's not very clear headed when it comes to Malfoy," she said, turning to look back at Harry.

"I won't. See you later," he said, as he waved goodbye to her.

Hermione waved back and walked back to the library.

Harry watched her leave. His smile faded. He hadn't failed to notice that Hermione had called Malfoy by his first name.

********

The next day at dinner in the Great Hall, Professor Dumbledore stood up and clapped his hands together for the student's attention. The Great Hall went silent for the professor's announcement.

"Thank-you for your attention," Dumbledore said, as he looked around the hall at the student's.

"I have an announcement that many of you will find very exciting. I have just received an invitation for Hogwarts to attend the annual broom race in Sweden," he said. Students gasped and started talking excitedly between one another. Dumbledore waited for them to quite down before he began again.

"As most of you know this race is from Kopparberg to Arjeplog. The race invitation is for forth years and above, who meet academic requirements," he said. Some students made moaning sounds due to the fact they were not forth year or higher and some moaned due to the fact they were not in good academic standing.

"Bless you Hermione, I knew your dictatorship study habits for us had to pay off someday," Ron said, as he beamed a bright smile.

"Gee, thanks," Hermione said, not to happy with Ron's 'compliment.'

Harry was also smiling, but was still listening intently to Professor Dumbledore.

"The race begins on Saturday, April thirtieth. The race is three hundred miles long. Only those who qualify in the preliminaries will be allowed to race in Sweden. The preliminaries will start April first. All Prefects are required to attend. We will be leaving Friday morning by Portkeys. The Magisk Hejare Resort in Kopparberg will provide accommodations for Friday night, and the Magisk Haxa Resort in Arjeplog for Saturday.

Walpugis Night will be taking place in Sweden during our visit. It is a Swedish tradition that includes bonfires, singing, dancing, and much more. It is celebrated throughout the country on Saturday April thirtieth. This will be a wonderful event for you to attend and participate in. Good luck to you in the preliminaries," he finished, as he sat back down in his seat.

"Can you believe it, Harry?" Ron asked, in excitement.

"It is great news. I wonder who will qualify for the race?" Harry asked, as he looked at his Gryffindor housemates.

"Well I'm definitely trying to qualify. A woman has never won the race. I think I will be the first," Ginny said, as she imagined herself winning the trophy.

"There's a reason for that," Ron mumbled.

"What was that, Ronald?" Ginny said, giving Ron a nasty glare.

"At least you still will be able to go, Hermione, even though you won't be racing," Ron said, looking at Hermione. "Looks like you'll be a one witch Gryffindor team, Ginny," he continued.

"Who are you to say I won't enter the race?" Hermione asked annoyed.

"Don't throw a wobbly, Hermione. We all know you can't fly. Even if you tried to qualify you wouldn't make it. You can't be perfect at everything," Ron said, shaking his head.

Oh no, Harry thought. This is going to turn into a violent row, he continued his thought.

He slouched in his chair slightly waiting for the verbal onslaught. Harry noticed Ginny preparing herself also.

Hermione's face scrunched in an angry scowl, her breathing deep and staggered.

"You, Ronald Weasley, do not know everything about me. I will enter this blasted race and I will show you who is perfect! You pillock!" Hermione yelled, as she stood up and stormed away from the Gryffindor table.

"Who stuck the stick up her arse?" Ron asked the rest of the remaining Gryffindors

"Ron, how long have you known Hermione?" Ginny asked, as she gave Ron a stern look. "I would think you would know by now you do not tell Hermione she is bad at anything. Do you know that little about women? You have five older brothers for God's sake. I would think you would have picked up on the ways of flirting slightly. Rule number one, never insult the girl, you great prat," Ginny said, as she folded her arms and glared at Ron.

"Naff off, Ginny. I was not flirting with Hermione to begin with," Ron said.

"That's obvious," Ginny mumbled.

"You never know, Ron. Hermione might surprise you," Harry said, as he stood up to leave the Great Hall.

"Whatever," Ron mumbled leaving the table.

Seamus and Dean followed behind Ron, snickering at him.

Ginny walked with Harry as they headed back to the Gryffindor Tower.

Hermione stormed out of the Great Hall.

Who did Ron think he was? I'll show him, she thought, still with an angry scowl on her face.

She had one objective in her head at the moment. That objective was a couple of yards ahead of her. She picked up her stride and reached a hand out grabbing Malfoy's shoulder.

Malfoy was listening to Blaise ramble on. He rolled his eyes slightly, wishing that he were anywhere but with her right now. As if his wish came true, a hand grabbed his shoulder. He turned around to come face to face with Granger. Perplexed didn't even begin to describe the look she had on her face. Blaise stopped after she noticed Draco had stopped. She rolled her eyes at him and kept walking.

"Well Granger, I would say thanks for saving me from Blaise, but I don't think that is the reason why you're here," Draco said, smirking.

"Meet me at the Quidditch Pitch in fifteen minutes," Hermione said forcefully, turning back around and walking in the other direction.

"How do you know I don't have anything better to do," he asked, to her retreating back.

"Just be there," she said, as she walked briskly up the stairs.

Draco just stood there, watching her walk away. He wasn't sure if he liked Granger ordering him around.

He sighed and headed back to the Slytherin Dungeon.

********

Harry was sat on the couch in the Gryffindor common room. He watched Hermione storm in and up the stairs. About five minutes later she stormed back down the stairs in a different outfit and left the common room. Harry's face grew into a slight scowl, he had a pretty good idea where Hermione was going and who she was meeting.

"What's wrong, Harry?" Ginny asked.

"Nothing, I think I forgot a book back in the Great Hall. I'll be back in a little while," he said, as he stood and left the common room.

Draco walked out into the night and headed towards the Quidditch Pitch. He arrived about the same time Hermione did. He walked up to her as she went to the broomshed.

"Are you going to tell me what has gotten your knickers in a uproar?" he asked, grabbing his broom.

"I need to practice. After all, I'm going to enter the Sweden race," she said, grabbing her broom.

"What? Are you barmey? Why would you want to do something as stupid as that?" he questioned, giving her a dubious look.

She gave him a stern glare. "Do you think I can't do it? I will enter this race," she said with narrowed eyes.

"Calm down. I was just curious since it's a dangerous race. Even by some act of God you do qualify for it, you have never practiced for what is involved in the race. The climate is completely different, the terrain is unstable, and the weather is unpredictable. I would give it serious consideration. This race is not something you should do spontaneously," Draco said, looking down at Hermione.

"I don't care, I'm still entering it!" Hermione said angrily.

"Being determined is not always a good thing. Aren't you afraid you're going to get hurt?" he asked.

"No," was all Hermione said, a she mounted her broom and took off into the night sky.

Draco huffed and rolled his eyes. He mounted his broom and followed the pertinacious girl.

"We haven't done any night flying yet. It is dark and you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times," Draco said, as he caught up to Hermione.

"Ok. Can we work on some obstacle type courses so I can be prepared for the race?" she asked, looking over at Draco.

"I suppose," he said, looking towards her.

"You qualify for the race based on speed, agility, and endurance. I want to work on these things," Hermione said, as she speed her broom faster.

"Fine," Draco said calmly, as he came up beside her again.

Draco and Hermione flew through the night sky, going very fast at times. They also worked on Hermione's agility, as she had to follow Draco through complex flying patterns. An hour passed, then two. As they reach the third hour, Draco was growing tired. He noticed Hermione starting to make careless mistakes due to fatigue.

"That's enough endurance training for one night," Draco said, as he started to head back to the Quidditch Pitch.

"I can go longer," Hermione protested.

Draco snorted at her persistence.

"I'm sure you can, Granger, but normal people, such as myself, need our rest," he said, as he landed.

"Oh all right, but can we work on this again tomorrow?" she asked, as she landed.

"Like I would really have a choice," he said, taking her broom and placing it back in the shed.

"No, you wouldn't," she said, as she brushed passed him.

He smirked at her and jogged to catch up with her.

"So what's the real reason behind this determined Hermione Granger before me?" he asked.

Hermione sighed. "Ron," she said.

"What? What does Weasley have to do with you flying in the race," he asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"He doesn't think I can do it. Plus I want to show Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors I can do it," she said.

"Oh, and that is a wonderful reason to enter a race that is notoriously known around the world as the suicide sprint," Draco said back sarcastically.

She gave him an annoyed look.

"Keep it up and I might actually start to think you care," she said, as she slightly grinned.

"No, I just need you alive to be able to get into your knickers," he said, as he grinned at her.

Hermione punched his arm, giving him a disapproving look.

"You know I think your flirting with me, Granger," Malfoy said, as they entered the castle.

"A Granger never flirts, but is flirted with," she said, in a Malfoy type way.

Draco shook his head at her, as she went up the steps. He was yet again watching her retreating back go up the staircase.

She turned and waved goodbye.

"Thanks," she said, as she jogged up the remainder of the steps.

"I'm going to start charging soon, Granger. My time is valuable you know," he yelled to her.

"I know," she yelled back, disappearing down a hallway.

Draco had a slight smile on his face. It soon faded as he remembered how determined she was to enter the bloody race. He knew Hermione had improved greatly, but this race was very dangerous. He was worried about her, even if he would never admit that out loud.

"Stupid Weasley and Potter," he mumbled, with an irritated expression.

"Talking to yourself, Malfoy?" a voice said from behind him.

He swirled around to face whoever it was.

"Potter," Draco spat. "A little late for you to be wandering about, isn't it?" he continued, as he stared Harry down.

"I could say the same about you," Harry said back, giving him the same glare.

Neither was willing to break the others heated and hateful eye contact.

"I'm a Prefect, I'm suppose to be roaming the halls, looking for out of place students, like yourself," Draco said.

"I didn't know the Quidditch Pitch was considered part of the hallways, Malfoy" Harry said, dragging his name slowly.

"Don't you have better things to do than spy on your friends? Maybe they need a breather from you every now and then," Draco said, as he took a step forward towards Harry.

"Not when I know they are around slime like you," Harry said, as he took a step forward towards Malfoy.

Each boy was still giving the other a loathing glare.

Draco smirked. "Are you jealous, Potter? Afraid I might steal her away?" Draco asked, enjoying the opportunity to see Potter squirm.

"No, I'm not. Hermione is my friend and always will be, no matter what her relationship with you might be," Harry said.

Draco smirked even more at this. "Our relationship, is none of your business, Potter," Draco said, as he turned to leave.

"I know you care for her, I'm not sure what as, but it's obvious you do," Harry said to Draco's retreating back.

Draco cringed slightly. "Don't be stupid, Potter. You of all people should know I care only for myself, not for some silly girl," Draco said, as he turned back around.

"Deny it all you want to but I've seen how you are together. If you had the slightest concern for her then you would realize you are putting her in danger," Harry said.

Draco had started to walk away again, but after Harry finished his last comment, he had to turn around and gape at him.

"You're telling me, I put her in danger?" Draco asked astounded

"Yes," Harry said flatly back to him.

Draco marched up to him.

"You're telling me that I'm the one who puts her in danger?" he asked again.

"Yes," Harry said again.

"How can you be that full of cock and bull, Potter? Look at who you are!" Draco said, as he stepped towards Harry.

"So," Harry said.

"You're bloody Harry Potter. You have put your friends lives in danger every year you have been here! You have the Dark Lord hunting you down. Hasn't it occurred to you he will probably go after your friends to get to you!" Draco roared at Harry.

"I will protect them!" Harry yelled back.

"Oh yes, like the wonderful job you did with Cedric Diggory. I'm sure he is very grateful for you're protection. Oh wait, that's right, he's dead!" Draco said, as he pushed Harry roughly.

"Shut up, you bastard!" Harry yelled, as he pushed Malfoy back.

"Admit it, Potter, you're more dangerous to Hermione than I ever could be in ten lifetimes. Just like this bloody race. She's going to break her neck just to prove to you idiots she is as good as you are!" Draco yelled, pushing Harry again.

"I never asked her to do it. You know nothing about her, stop acting like you do!" Harry yelled, pushing Draco back.

"That's because I do know her! You're just mad because she confides in me and not you!" Draco yelled.

Harry took a swing at Draco, who ducked the punch. Draco in return gave Harry an upper cut that knocked Harry backwards. Harry growled and charged Malfoy knocking both of them to the ground. They rolled around on the ground, delivering blow after vicious blow. Cuts were being formed on their faces and blood started to ooze from the wounds. Bruises were forming on each of their eyes as they rolled around still delivering blows to the face and gut. Draco got a good kick into Harry's groin that knocked him off of him.

"What is going on!" the loud voice of Professor Snape boomed.

Both boys sat up slightly, still glaring at each other. Harry was bent forward still in pain.

"Who started this fight?" Snape asked, stalking between the two boys.

Neither of them replied.

"Draco, did Potter start this?" Snape asked, walking up to Draco.

Draco still did not reply.

Snape snorted with disgust.

"You two are both complete messes. Go to the infirmary and get cleaned up," Snape said.

Draco started to stand and follow Snape.

"Now, Potter!" Snape yelled at Harry

Harry painfully stood up and followed the pair.

Snape walked them into the infirmary.

Madam Pomfrey rushed to the two students.

"What happened!" she screeched, as she made the boys sit on opposite beds.

They were still glaring at each other.

"There has seemed to be a little scuffle between the two. I wasn't there to witness the event, and neither will speak of it, so I don't know who is at fault," Snape said, as he walked over to Draco and inspected his wounds.

Madam Pomfrey used some bandages and healing charms.

"Luckily, neither one of you have anything broken, just a couple of cuts and bruises. You should be fine to go back to your dorms," she said, as she finished the healing charm on Draco's eye.

Draco stood up and gave a final glare to Harry, then left, followed by Snape.

Harry sat on the bed with no emotion on his face.

Madam Pomfrey left him alone with his thoughts.

Harry could not stand Draco Malfoy. Everything about Draco annoyed Harry tremendously. He despised every inch of the bloody prat and one thing right now made Harry hate Malfoy with a passion. The one fact that Harry could not deny, that Draco Malfoy was right.