WITHDRAWAL. draco malfoy

x. hermione

AUTHOR'S NOTE; please read the real a/n at the end of the chapter, it'd make me very happy!

« HERMIONE »

Today was the first quidditch game and even if Lillian did not have her head in the whole thing she could sense Ron was nervous and definitely not ready.

"So, how was it?" Ron asked, looking a bit moody.

"How was what?"

"Your dinner party."

"Dead boring. Though I think Harry enjoyed dessert." Hermione answered with a smirk.

The two girls shared a knowing look, Lillian trying her best not to annoy Harry about Ginny in front of Ron. She knew Ron was very protective over his sister, even if he didn't show it much.

"Slughorn's having a Christmas do, you know. And we're meant to bring someone.."

"I expect you'll be going with McLaggen. Isn't he a member of the Slug Club?"

Hermione frowned, visibly hurt. "Actually, I was going to ask you."

"Really?"

"Really. But seeing as you have such a distate for the idea—"

"Good luck today, Ron! I know you'll be brilliant!" Lavender exclaimed as she walked by.

Ron faintly smiled, swallowing hard. "I'm resigning. After today's match, McLaggen can have my spot."

"Have it your way. Juice?" Harry offered.

The four gryffindors were soon joined by Luna, wearing a heat that strongly resembled a real lion. For a second, Lillian imagined what it'd be like to have Luna in their house, walking around with this sentiment of innocence and youth in her eyes.

"Hello everyone! You look dreadful, Ron." Luna said as she watched the two men swallow their drinks. "Is that why you just put something in his cup? Is it a tonic?"

That is when everyone noticed the tiny vial of Felix Felicis shining in Harry's palm.

"Don't drink that, Ron!" Hermione said cautiously.

"Oh, don't be so tight, Hermione! Go for it Ron."

To Lillian's happiness, Ron drank the rest of his juice with a determined look on his face. She didn't want to see him ruin his chance to shine just because he was scared to fail.

"You could be expelled for that."

"Don't know what you're talking about."

"Come on, Harry. We've got a game to win."

+ + +

The game had been an incredible success, first because Gryffindor had obviously won and also because Ron had been the hero of the game, stopping every quaffle in a way he had never done before.

Lillian decided not to go to the 'celebration party' that was taking place in their common room. Even though she was very happy about the turn of events, her mind was busy with many other things and she didn't feel like faking any smiles or laughs when she really only wanted to cry.

"Lilli?" A whisper startled the blonde who was sitting in front of an empty cauldron in the potions classroom. "Lilli, are you here?"

"Yes." She simply answered as she watched Hermione walk inside until she sat in front of her.

"Why're you staying alone? I mean, there's the party going on."

"I could ask you the same thing, you know."