If it Could Only be.... Draco and Hermione story

As the doors opened and the loud cheers were heard the Gryffindor team quickly flew out to the applause and joy of the rest of the Gryffindors in the stands. Harry circled the pitch high up in the air hearing another loud cheer this time from the Hufflepuff side as their team made their way out.

As they soared around Madam Hooch, Harry looked across at Robert Goodrich, the new Hufflepuff Captain who played Chaser. He immediately thought about Cedric. "I shouldn't be here," thought Harry as he stopped listening to Madam Hooch instructing both teams to play a good, fair game. Her whistle brought Harry out of his reverie, and the game begun.

It was obvious they missed the leadership of Cedric as the Gryffindor Chasers were scoring so quickly that Jordan Lee had trouble keeping up. The score was quickly 70-0 to Gryffindor and it was clear it would become an embarrassing defeat for Hufflepuff. Right when Katie scored again Harry decided to take a time-out. The rest of the team looked very confused as they gathered around Harry on the pitch.

"What's wrong Harry?" asked Fred.

"Yeah, we're beating them into the ground. Did something happen?" frowned George.

"No, nothing like that. I just thought we should try to end this quickly. It's obvious they're not going to score, and I just thought we shouldn't embarrass them. I'm sure you would feel the same," Harry said firmly.

The rest of the team looked at each other, and they knew what other motives were behind this unexpected behavior of their captain. They decided not to press the issue and just gave Harry a nod. They decided to keep scoring until they were beyond reach even if Harry would not catch the Snitch, however unlikely that was. After that it was up to Angelina, Katie, and Alicia to keep the Quaffle while Harry searched for the Snitch. Madam Hooch blew her whistle to signal the end of the time-out, and the game continued in much the same fashion as it had before.

Harry was flying around the stadium trying to spot the Snitch, but there was no sign of it. He looked over at Ginny who was looking, if possible, bored out of her mind. Hufflepuff had only been able to get off three shots so far, and Ginny had blocked them with ease. They locked eyes and they exchanged a brief smile before she turned back her attention to the game. When she had soared up by her hoops at the beginning of the game she had looked determined to focus on the game and nothing else. Harry heard Lee Jordan screaming as Alicia spun around to score for the fifth time. The score was now 160-0 and Harry saw the familiar glimmer at the far north side of the pitch. He quickly checked to see if Lori Clemons had seen the Snitch, and then dove turning himself into a blur as he sped across the pitch.

Ginny had felt very uneasy about playing Quidditch after what had happened last week. Colin had died, and Hermione was still laying in the hospital wing unconscious. When Harry had asked her how she was doing she had been close to breaking down and just running out of the room. The promise he had made her and the thought of doing this for Colin had given her strength and determination. It turned out to be a rather boring first game for her Quidditch wise. She had only had to stop three shots, and it did not look like she was going to have to touch the Quaffle until their next practice.

After the time-out she had forced herself to show some kind of interest in the game, but her eyes strayed towards Harry who was flying high above the rest of them. He finally came to a rest over by the Gryffindor supporters. She heard Lee Jordan proclaim that Katie Bell was one of the finest Chasers ever to come through Hogwarts as she scored again. She watched as the Quaffle was quickly taken by Alicia from Padgett, one of the Hufflepuff Chasers. "And here we go again," she thought to herself yawning.

She turned around where Harry was hovering and they exchanged smiles before she went back to watching the blue sky trying to figure out exactly what shade of blue it was. Just as she was about to start a serious conversation with herself about the different shades of blue she heard Lee screaming out Alicia's name and the score. Only moments later she saw a streak of scarlet fly through the air coming to a halt at the other side of the field. Harry was holding up the Golden Snitch and Madam Hooch sounded the whistle to signal the end of the game.

The Hufflepuff team looked happy to finally have the torture over with, and the Gryffindor side was busy celebrating their win. Before anyone was able to storm the pitch, Harry signaled for the team to join him up in the air. Without a word they came together in a circle once again only to soar high up in the air in silence for a short time thinking about Colin and the rest of the Creevey family.

***

The Center for Apparation Arrivals in Cairo was bustling with activity, and Remus was trying to find the way out into the Muggle world. Sirius was being inspected by an Egyptian Apparation officer who apparently found the very sight of Sirius suspicious.

"I don't speak...whatever you people talk," tried Sirius as he was feeling under pressure. This would not be good if he was arrested on foreign soil.

The officer kept twisting Sirius' wand and finally gave it back waving to Sirius to leave. With a sigh of relief Sirius went to find Remus. Thankfully most of the signs had been translated into English, and within a few minutes he found his friend standing by the exit.

"Well, that was nerve racking," sighed Sirius, as he glanced at a few of the women who were giving him a wink. He smiled broadly at them and puffed out his chest.

"If you didn't look like a criminal," Remus paused, "everything would've been fine." He looked over at the women who were getting Sirius' attention.

"C'mon you big lug. We have somewhere to be, if you don't mind?" grunted Remus.

"Oh, yes. I know. I just thought I'd get acquainted with the locals, if you know what I mean?" Sirius said winking.

"I know exactly what you mean Padfoot, and that's why we're leaving right now. You wouldn't want the "Vienna incident" to happen all over again, would you?"

"Hey, that wasn't my fault," huffed Sirius.

Remus just shook his head and went to buy some suitable clothes at the one of the many shops at the Apparation Center. They decided to split up in the shop and meet by the exit in ten minutes. Remus had no clue as to what or where he should go, but he decided to ask one of the officers what shop was the most respectable. He was directed to Khalif's Clothing for Men where a salesperson was very helpful in picking out clothes that were a perfect fit for Remus. The beige robes actually looked similar to his wizard robe, but he decided it was better to blend in with the rest of the people.

A few minutes later Remus was standing by the exit wondering what was taking Sirius such a long time. He heard some people laughing as the crowd was parting to give way for someone. Nothing could have prepared Remus for what he saw next. Sirius was walking through the crowd wearing a bright green turban, and a pair of robes that could only be described as shocking. The neon pink stripes were clashing horribly with the green, and everybody's eyes turned to watch this spectacle of horrible clothing. Remus was still standing with his mouth wide open when Sirius came up to him.

"Well? What do you think? Ali said this was the latest for all handsome men to wear," said Sirius with a pleased smile on his face.

Remus blinked several times to regain his composure and finally closed his mouth.

"What...do you think you're wearing?" he asked stunned.

"Ali said...," Sirius trailed off, turning around only to find the rest of the terminal staring at him and laughing.

"Sirius...I...let's just go," sighed Remus. "By the way, I don't know you."

Remus walked through the gateway to Cairo accompanied by Sirius and the laughter from the rest of the terminal ringing in his ears.

***

Egyptian Folklore was located on a small off street on the outskirts of Cairo. The directions they had been given at the Apparation Center had been very precise, perhaps knowing what might happen to tourists who get lost in the Muggle world. The door swung against a bell hanging above it, and a young boy quickly came up them.

"Good day, my name is Yosef. How may I be of service on this glorious day?" he said, giving Sirius an amused look.

"We are looking for a man named Mahmoubi," said Remus eyeing the young boy.

"One moment please."

The boy disappeared behind the counter and voices could be heard coming from the adjacent room. Shortly after an older man came through the doorway. His burly face and white teeth were accentuated by the dark tone of his skin.

"I am Mahmoubi. How can I help you?" he said in an inquisitive tone.

"We were sent here by a mutual friend, Ashmir," Remus whispered.

Mahmoubi's eyes went wide, and he quickly looked around as to make sure no one had heard their conversation. He gestured for them to follow him, and told the young boy to keep an eye on the shop while he attended to some important business. They went back into another room where a small wooden table with 4 chairs around it was the only focal piece. It was dimly lit and there was a faint smell of tealeaves. Mahmoubi invited them to sit down.

"No need to introduce yourselves," said Mahmoubi, "Ashmir has already informed me about all the details. Here are your identification papers in case anyone should ask," he said handing over two neatly folded papers. "You should find everything is in order. Here are your instructions. We have reason to believe there is a spy amongst us at Gringotts here in Cairo. We also believe one of the people working there is in grave danger. Your job is to keep an eye on any suspicious activities as well as protect our operative. Here are the rest of your instructions."

He handed them a blank piece of paper earning a couple of raised eyebrows and two questioning looks.

"Just say Apparere, and the text will be revealed. Only you will be able to read it," said Mahmoubi reading into their faces. "Transportation is waiting for you outside to take you to your new home. Now I bid you farewell, and good luck."

Mahmoubi rose from his seat and shook hands with Remus and Sirius. Outside of the shop a car was waiting for them, and they got in without knowing where they were going.

***

After the match Harry made his way up to the Gryffindor common room with the rest of the students. Usually huge celebrations were in order after such a fantastic display, but it did not feel like the right thing to do. The death of Colin Creevey had affected everyone deeply. For some they had lost a dear friend, or as in Dennis' case, a brother. However, most students were now worried about the powers Voldemort must have to be able to strike at Hogsmeade, a place that was so close to Hogwarts. Congratulations were given and received, but the fear that was seeping into the minds of all the students was getting the better of them.

All of a sudden the portrait hole swung open and Professor McGonagall walked in, stopped and searched the room, then headed straight for Harry, Ron, and Ginny.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Weasley. I thought I would inform you that Ms. Granger is awake. Mr. Krum is currently with her, but I thought you might like to go visit her. Madam Pomfrey of course objected, but I persuaded her to let you have a few minutes with Ms. Granger."

The three of them leapt to their feet and ran past McGonagall heading towards the hospital wing. When they arrived Hermione and Viktor were having a conversation, while Madam Pomfrey was giving Viktor a disapproving look. She turned to look at who else might be disturbing her patients, but let out a resigned huff when she saw Harry, Ron, and Ginny. It must have taken all her resolve to let one, let alone four, people visit one of her very tired patients.

"Just a few minutes, and that's it," she said sharply, shuffling through some papers.

Ginny did not listen as she ran over to Hermione and embraced her in a hug that made Hermione gasp for air.

"Gin...ny...need...to...breathe," she gasped.

"Sorry," said Ginny, tears forming in her eyes as she let go.

Harry went over to give Hermione a friendly hug while Ron was standing back trying to decide what to do. Finally he walked over by her bed and gently patted her hand. Harry could only smile as he saw how embarrassed the two of them were.

"Um...I'm glad to see you're all right," said Ron, being careful not to let his eyes wander from her hand. "I...we were so worried. I care...I mean, we care so much about you...I...it's good to see you awake again."

Ron's ears were now turning pink and Harry could have sworn he saw Hermione give Ron's hand a squeeze. The fact that Ron's face was turning the same colour as his ears only confirmed it.

"Hermione, I really wanted to talk to you about something," said Harry, smiling at his two friends who were having problems telling one another how they really felt.

Harry did not get any further than that as Madam Pomfrey rose from her desk and set her sights on them. Knowing this was not the time for it Harry simply looked at Hermione and mouthed "later."

"Now all four of you, yes even you Mr. Krum, need to leave. Ms. Granger needs to rest," Madam Pomfrey said, sounding like her usual self. "Get on."

Viktor slowly got up to leave and leaned in and gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek that made her blush. Ron's eyes flashed with anger, but he was able to control himself by clenching his fists.

"Goodnight Herm-own-ninny, I'll be back tomorrow morning so ve can finish talking," said Viktor, turning around giving Madam Pomfrey a scowl.

Madam Pomfrey escorted them out of the hospital wing and she was kind enough to close the door right behind them. They all headed back to the Gryffindor common room where Viktor quickly went up to his room. Ron flopped down in one of the chairs, and Harry sat down next to Ginny whose eyes were still a bit red. Harry instinctively put his arm around Ginny startling her. He quickly drew back not knowing what had possessed him to do such a thing. He was grateful that Ron had been busy studying the fire or else he was sure Ron would have ripped his arm off. They sat there for a few minutes without anyone saying a word. The crackling from the fire was all that could be heard. Suddenly Ron rose out of his chair and went up to his room without a word.

Harry was not sure what to do. He was feeling very uncomfortable sitting so close to Ginny. Thankfully Ginny got up and said goodnight before heading up the stairs leaving Harry alone on the couch. He looked at his hand that had done the unspeakable act.

"What are you doing?" he muttered to himself putting his head in his hands. When he looked up he could see Dean and Seamus in the middle of a heated discussion about Quidditch and football.

When he came up to his room Ron was already lying in bed. There was no one else up there and Harry quickly got ready for bed, lying down exasperated.

"Harry?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think I'm a stupid prat?"

"No, you're just a prat," chuckled Harry.

He turned around and put his glasses on his bedside table.

"Harry?"

"Yes?"

"Why did you put your arm around my little sister?"

Harry was now in a state of shock and panic.

"I...I...uh...umm...I just thought she looked like she needed a hug," stuttered Harry, instantly slapping himself for not managing to come up with something better than that.

"Just wanted to make sure you weren't trying to do something," said Ron suspiciously. "If you were...I'd kill you."

"Ha ha...Me? Trying to do something?...Very funny," said Harry with a strained laugh.

"Yeah, I guess so. Goodnight Harry."

"Goodnight Ron."

"Just so you know...I'd kill you."

Ron turned over and within a few minutes he was asleep, snoring loudly. Harry however, was having trouble sleeping as he pictured himself getting his arms ripped off, and his head fed to a Lupertilio by a furious Ron.

End of Chapter 1