A Whole New Beginning (Completed)

Chapter 8

"You're looking extremely happy," Hermione said, grinning at Harry. He smiled down at her.

"Yeah," he said, grasping her hand. She looked over and noticed he was holding his firebolt in it. "I've missed this."

"It really makes you happy, doesn't it?"

"When I'm flying, everything just disappears."

They reached the changing room and Hermione gave Harry a quick kiss and left for the stands. He entered the changing room, changed into his robes and waited for Angelina to start the practice.

"Today, we need to work with Ron and get him prepared for the games. Harry, I also want you working on catching the snitch. It's been a while since any of us have played, so I suggest we play a practice game as well."

The team nodded and followed her out onto the pitch. Everyone mounted their brooms and waited for Angelina's instructions. She nodded and they flew off.

"Ron, listen to me," Angelina said, watching as Ron took place in front of the posts. "Just relax, and block as much as you can. You ready?"

"Yeah," Ron called out.

Hermione watched as they threw the quaffles at Ron, who did his best to try and block them.

"He's just terrible!" a voice snarled behind her. She rolled her eyes and out let out a sigh.

"What are you doing here, Malfoy?"

"Checking out the competition. Don't know what I have to worry, though. There's clearly none here."

"Go away, Malfoy!"

"Is that your boyfriend, Granger? Still don't know what he sees in you."

"How's your nose, Malfoy? I'm pretty sure I broke that over a year ago. Doesn't look like it's improved."

Malfoy shot her a look of anger. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at her, watching as she pulled out hers as well.

"MALFOY!" Hermione heard Harry cry out.

"Mr. Malfoy!" Professor McGonagall said, as she walked up to the pitch. Malfoy attempted to put his wand away. "May I ask what you are doing here?"

"Just checking out the team, professor."

"Then you'll be happy to check out my team in detention with me tomorrow night after dinner. Now go!"

Malfoy and his goons glared at her as they left the pitch. Professor McGonagall turned to Hermione as Harry flew down by her.

"Are you ok?"

"She's fine, Potter. Get back to practice. We need a win."

Harry nodded as he flew off again. Professor McGonagall turned back to Hermione.

"You mind if I speak to you for a moment?"

"About what, professor?"

"This," she said, handing Hermione a piece of parchment. Hermione looked at it, confusion filling her as she saw whose assignment it was.