Broken

Falling

Everyone filed into the great hall, talking and laughing loudly. Hermione's fingers were intertwined with Draco's. Her heart skipped each time he smiled at her. They sat at the Gryffindor table, with minimal grumbling from Draco.

'So, you mad Oliver?' George grinned belligerently at his team captain. 'That we helped out the "enemy"?'

'They're not the enemy,' Oliver shrugged. 'Just our competition. And you guys played well today, Malfoy. Congratulations on getting through to the finals!'

Hermione tensed as she felt a crowd of people standing silently behind her. She glanced back and saw the Slytherin team shuffling awkwardly. Their captain stepped forward, looking nervously at the Gryffindors.

'We, uh, just wanted to say...thank you. For helping us out. And, um, good luck tomorrow.'

Ginny jumped to her feet, smiling. She shook each of their hands. Angelina and George were quick to follow. Oliver nodded solemnly, one captain to another.

'You're welcome to sit here,' Teddy called out, as the team left for their lonely table.

'Oh, er, that's really kind but...'

'It's not so bad,' Draco smirked, gesturing to the empty seats beside him.

Scorpius, Rose, Albus and James each took a player by the hand and tugged them to the table. The others followed, looking stunned.

'That's settled then,' Angelina smiled warmly, passing them a jug of pumpkin juice.

*****

'I swear, this week just gets weirder and weirder.'

'Hmm?' Hermione looked at Draco, as he lay sprawled by the lake, his arms cushioning his head.

'All the friendliness between our houses. It's weird. I kind of want to insult Potter, just for normalcy's sake!'

'I'd rather you didn't...'

'I know. That's why I haven't. Tempting, though.'

Hermione dumped a pile of grass and flowers onto his head. Draco sat up, spluttering, daisies stuck in his hair.

'Oh, it's on now, Granger!'

He splashed her with cold water from the lake, grinning as she squeaked. A splat of mud caught him in the chest.

Draco jumped to his feet as Hermione ran away, laughing. He sprinted after her, grabbing her by the waist. She spun into him, her eyes staring up into his.

Draco leaned down, his lips brushing against hers. Leaves cascaded into his head, as Hermione cackled and ducked away.

'Right! You're going in the lake!'

'Noooo!' Hermione squealed as he scooped her up, his strong arms wrapped tightly around her.

Draco walked to the edge and unceremoniously threw her into the water with a big splash.

Hermione flailed and shrieked, slipping repeatedly under the water. Draco waded out to her, his hand outstretched.

Hermione grabbed him and yanked him into the lake, crowing.

'It's not even that deep!' Draco scowled at Hermione. He stood up and the water barely reached his waist.

'I can't believe you fell for that!' Hermione smirked at him, her head bobbing in the water.

'I didn't.' Draco pulled her to her feet, wrapping his arms around her. 'I fell for you.'

Hermione was lost for words as he kissed her. Her whole body tingled with warmth.

Then he pushed her back in the water.