Mischief Unmanaged ➰ H.P

IX. Someone's Changing

A week passed and the four Sytherin bad boys seems to take a break from trouble making. They spent most of the time practicing Quidditch since their match with Gryffindor will takes place four days ahead.

"Oi Draco watch out!," but before he could even look at the source of shout; a Bludger already smack on his bicep, he was propelled a few feet in the air.

Harry and Blaise roared in laughter as they watched Draco fixes his position on the his broomstick. "What's keeping you distracted mate? Let me remind you, that won't help us win. If we lose this game, we'll be officially rank as third," Harry said.

"Oh don't start with me, Diggory overcome your speed on our last game. Such a shame that Hufflepuffs might probably be the champion this year," Draco taunted. Cedric Diggory, the new Hufflepuff seeker had improved his skills and speed in flying. Rumors start spreading that Cedric is now the best seeker in Hogwarts; better than Harry at least.

"Then we must double the hard work instead of day dreaming during practices right? And why can't you answer my question huh? Who's keeping you distracted?" Harry's tone suddenly went serious.

"None of your business," and with that, Draco maneuvered his broomstick and flew to the other direction.

* * * * * * * * * *

Hermione started loving the winter season; most particularly because she's now enjoying the taste of Fire Whiskey. It doesn't burn her throat anymore, and it was keeping her mind off of thinking unimportant things.

She entered in the Hogs head pub and was glad to find the place almost deserted, only two old wizards who were already asleep on each table because of drunkenness can be seen inside.

"Er, Firewhiskey please," Hermione placed a galleon onto the counter.

The man about thirty with a bushy beard across the cheeks thrust the beverage in front of her without any words.

Hermione sighed in relief as she settled on the left corner table. She took a gulp from her drink, wincing in satisfaction the moment it touches her lips.

"Hik! Oh God, not this time again," she immediately covered her mouth, she giggled and it was followed by another hiccup.

Hermione gazed at the door, feeling the vertigo strike through the nerves of her eyes. Her vision was blurred but she could make out the outline of the person with a bleach white hair approaching her.

"Oh... look at our role model over here," Draco laughed humorlessly; pulling harshly the stool opposite to Hermione and settled down. "What's wrong with you? Its not normal to see a prefect slash top notcher slash most favourite student, drinking like a teenage rebel,"

"Whats *hik* wong with mey? *hik*" Hermione giggled before banging her fist against the table.

"Hey! Hey, easy, they might kick us out!" Draco hissed, Hermione stared at him, wearing a stupid smile. Her eyes seems too tired to even stay open. She ignored him and took another swig from his drink. "Enough, it's already dark, you should go back now. Professor McGonagall send me to find you,"

"Yeah, yeah, dark and cozy... I better sleep, what d'ya think?," then she lay her head on her arms.

Draco irritable poke her head, "No, you should go back. Argh, fine, come here, I'll help you," he stood up to reach her out but Hermione slapped his hands.

"Don't you dare touch me!," she bawled.

"Fine-- fine, I won't touch you," Draco took a steps backwards with his hands raised in surrender.

"You have the guts to show me that pathetic face of yours?! Why? Aren't you satisfied enough? You made it to the top one, you had successfully embarrassed me in front of the class and Professors twice!" her voice squeaked as the tears began leaking out of her eyes.