Just Friends

Chapter 11.5

Draco was practically beaming all morning, a grin stretching from ear to ear, showcasing a set of pearly whites. Every person he encountered received a warm, genuine greeting, his mood practically contagious in its exuberance. Though he tried to convince himself otherwise, there was an extra skip in his step that day, an unexplainable buoyancy that had settled in.

Clad in his quidditch attire, he feels good about the game against Ravenclaw today. It is not for the fact that Theo had promised he would come and see him play today, no, definitely not because of that. He just was in a good mood, for no apparent reason, or so he said to himself.  In the locker room, he surprised his teammates with fist bumps, a departure from his usual poised demeanour. Their confusion was evident, but Draco paid it no mind; he was on a different wavelength today.Standing poised and ready with his teammates, anticipation coursed through Draco. He relished the prospect of stepping out onto the pitch, eager to witness the sea of supportive faces that awaited them for the game.

As they entered the pitch, a roar of applause came alive from the audience, even though he tried hard to suppress it, a thin smile etched across his face as he jogged to the middle of the pitch, his eyes wandered around to the audience, wondering if he could catch a familiar face or two.

As the game started, his team played marvellously, as if they are also affected by Draco's good mood today. Draco didn't want to miss on contributing to the team, he was extra vigilant today, looking for the golden snitch, eager to prove himself to their avid supporters that are willing to come and give their support today.

Their team won by a landslide,  their exceptional teamwork and skill evident throughout. The crowning moment occurred when Draco, engaged in a thrilling aerial duel with the opposing seeker, managed to skillfully capture the elusive Golden Snitch. Raising it triumphantly above his head, Draco basked in the deafening cheers of the crowd. A proud smile played on his lips, not only in acknowledgment of the team's success but also in the knowledge that Theo, in all likelihood, witnessed him at his best on the field—not that Draco cared what Theo thinks.

"Not bad, Malfoy. You certainly made it worth it, coming to watch you play today," Theo quipped, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. Despite his nonchalant demeanour, a swell of pride surged within him as he witnessed Draco's splendid performance on the field. Sports had never held much interest for Theo, yet seeing Draco shine out there stirred a newfound admiration and respect for his best friend.

Turning to face Theo, Draco mirrored the smirk, their banter a familiar comfort between them as they stood on the sidelines of the pitch. Draco busied himself, tidying up the equipment from the day's game.

"Is that the best you can do to acknowledge my utterly magnificent display today?" Draco teased, a playful glint in his eye as he shot Theo a sidelong glance. "Come on, Nott, I expect a standing ovation or at least a parade in my honor for such brilliance."

"How about we take this victory to the Three Broomsticks for a celebration? I'll even treat you to as many treacle tarts as you want," Theo teased Draco, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Draco's face immediately brightened at the mention of his favourite dessert. "Consider it a deal," he replied, a smirk dancing across his features as he turned and sauntered toward the locker room. "I'll be waiting at the entrance in half an hour!" he called out over his shoulder before disappearing from view.

Theo couldn't help but smile as he watched Draco, a warmth swelling in his chest at the sight. The sheer joy that flickered across Draco's face at the mention of his beloved treat was genuinely endearing. It was a fleeting moment, but one that Theo found himself treasuring.

"What?! How could you not have treacle tarts today?" Draco exclaimed, his disappointment palpable. He had been eagerly anticipating savouring the delectable pastries, and the revelation that The Three Broomsticks wasn't offering them today left him feeling utterly downhearted. In place of his beloved treacle tarts, the menu featured pumpkin pasties, a substitution that failed to lift Draco's spirits.