IT WAS FAR PAST seven o'clock when the Gryffindor Quidditch team's practice came to a halt. Harry had scheduled it for Tuesday and Jade couldn't have been happier when she told Slughhorn to inform Malfoy that she had to cancel their tutoring session.
It was Dean's first practice with the team, as he had replaced Katie due to her still being at St. Mungo's. He worked pretty well with his girlfriend and ex-girlfriend, surprisingly. Jade was a bit worried the three of them would have a difficult time working together but they made an amazing trio. Harry, of course, was perfect, and the Beaters, Peakes and Coote, were getting better all the time.
The only problem was Ron. His inconsistency, exacerbated by nerves and a persistent lack of confidence, emerged like a shadow under the looming prospect of the season's opening game. Jade recognized the old insecurities bubbling to the surface, casting a pall over the otherwise vibrant atmosphere.
After letting in half a dozen goals, most of them expertly scored by Ginny and Jade, Ron's technique devolved into a chaotic frenzy. His movements became wilder with every attempt to block the Quaffle until, in a moment of sheer frustration, he unleashed a punch directly at the oncoming Jade Rosier.
"It was an accident, I'm sorry, Jade, really sorry!" Ron shouted after her as she zigzagged back to the ground, dripping blood everywhere. "I just—"
Jade landed on the cold, unforgiving ground, instinctively reaching for her stinging lip. Blood oozed from the fresh wound, coating her hand. As she touched the injury, her vision blurred momentarily, and for a haunting second, she felt transported back to the presence of her mother.
"Panicked," Ginny said angrily, landing next to Jade and examining her swollen lip. "You prat, Ron, look at the state of her!"
"I can fix that," said Harry, landing beside the two girls, pointing his wand at Jade's mouth, and saying "Episkey. And Ginny, don't call Ron a prat, you're not the Captain of this team —"
"Well, you seemed too busy to call him a prat and I thought someone should —"
"In the air, everyone, let's go..."
Jade was grateful for their bickering because it honestly kept her from disassociating and allowed her to continue to practice. The heated exchange between Ginny and Ron grounded her in the present and allowed her to focus on the Quidditch practice. She wasn't sure how well she'd do on a broom if she were in the middle of a panic attack...
"Good work, everyone, I think we'll flatten Slytherin," Harry said bracingly.
Jade knew he was trying to boost the team's morale after the state that Ron was in. He wasn't wrong, everybody had been doing exceptionally great except for her redhead friend.
As she walked up to the castle, Harry and Ron jogged to catch up with her.
"Jade! I'm so sorry again for hitting you, I really didn't mean to," Ron apologised, genuine concern etched on his face.
Grinning, Jade replied, "Next time, Ronald, I might have to punch you back."
Ron chuckled, relieved by her lack of anger.
By the time they reached the second floor, Ron was looking marginally more cheerful about his abilities after some much-needed confidence boosting from Jade and Harry.
Harry pushed open the tapestry to take their usual shortcut up to Gryffindor Tower and they found themselves looking at Dean and Ginny, who were locked in a close embrace and kissing fiercely as though glued together.
YOU ARE READING
𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍 ! [ draco malfoy ]
Fanfic𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬. IN WHICH Jade Rosier, unfortunately, has to be tutored in Potions by Draco Malfoy. She loat...