Just Friends

Chapter 13

Draco concluded his Quidditch practice late in the afternoon, gearing up for the upcoming first match of the season against Gryffindor the next day. Seizing the opportunity, he soared through the sky, letting the brisk wind tousle his platinum locks. The freedom and weightlessness enveloped him as he navigated the expansive grounds of the school. Taking it slow, he allowed the rhythmic motion to clear his mind, immersing himself in a serene calmness that permeated his entire being. In those fleeting moments, he yearned to prolong this sense of serenity, wishing he could linger suspended in the air indefinitely, untouched by the concerns waiting below.

As Draco busied himself stowing his Quidditch gear at the edge of the pitch, a voice rang out behind him.

"Yo, Ferret!"

Turning, Draco spotted Ginny Weasley, also in her Quidditch uniform, addressing him. "Ah, the she-weasel... what brings you to my neck of the woods?" Draco's smirk was layered with saccharine sarcasm.

"I've drawn the short straw. Hermione wants you at the entrance," Ginny replied, gesturing toward the quidditch pitch's entrance.

Draco frowned. "And what business does she have with me?"

"Couldn't tell you. Frankly, I don't know why anyone would seek your company. Anyway, that's my cue to fly. Later, Ferret!" With a smirk, Ginny zoomed off on her broomstick.

Upon reaching the pitch entrance, Draco spotted Hermione engaged in conversation with a tall, blonde-haired guy, his back turned to Draco. Curiosity piqued, Draco observed the individual's features—a slight curl to his blonde hair, a striking height that bordered on almost excessive, accompanied by a sturdy yet lean build. The man sported a khaki-coloured trench coat, a garment that Draco recognized as an expensive piece,a testament to the person's refined taste. However, in Draco's discerning opinion, the coat would have exuded even more sophistication in black.

As Draco approached, the man's voice grew clearer, his tone filled with nervousness and distress.

"I'm... I'm so nervous, Hermione! What if he rejects me? Merlin, he's going to say no, isn't he? If he does, I swear on Godric Gryffindor, I might just end myself. This is beyond embarrassing!" The individual continued to ramble, completely unaware of Draco's presence standing directly behind him.

"Um, I think you should calm down..." Hermione said with a tone of amusement in her voice as she tried to smother a smile.

"Calm down, Hermione? How could I possibly calm down? I've been fantasising about him for a very, very long time, you have no idea, really. I was too embarrassed to admit it back then, but those platinum locks, those sparkly grey eyes, and- and don't even get me started on that physique! I couldn't help but notice during those post-match showers in the locker room. It was... it was, C'est magnifique!" He punctuated his statement with a chef's kiss gesture before continuing, "It drives me crazy just thinking about it! You know, back when I was still in school, sometimes when I'm alone in bed at night, I'd start to..."

Draco, not particularly eager to delve into the details of what the man did alone in his bed at night with his image in mind, decided to put an end to the revelation. He approached the pair and cleared his throat, announcing his presence.

The person talking abruptly halted and froze in place, while Hermione erupted into uncontrollable giggles, thoroughly amused by the unfolding situation. "I did try to tell you to calm down, Cormac, but you never listen," she managed to say between giggles.

After her laughter subsided, Hermione walked towards the person and turned him to face Draco as she said, "I believe you two have crossed paths before, but allow me to reintroduce you. Malfoy, meet Cormac McLaggen." Hermione stepped aside, watching as Draco and Cormac faced each other. Draco's eyes widened in surprise at the person before him, while Cormac flashed a bashful smile, scratching the back of his head like a shy teenager in Draco's presence.