Mischief Unmanaged ➰ H.P

XXVI. Always Like First Time

"Do we really have to ride that thing?" Hermione can be heard complaining at the backyard of Hogs Head pub, her eyes darting with disgust over the four broomsticks floating three feet high.

Theo went beside her, his eyebrows fidgeting up and down. "Scared of heights but not of falling?" he said teasingly before gesturing to Harry and Draco who were both waiting for Luna inside the pub.

Blaise took a step next to Hermione, he too had the mocking look across the face. "A rat trapped between two snakes. " he whirred.

Hermione gave them sharp glares although cannot deny the fact about Theo and Blaise's implication were quite accurate. "I'm not interested at either of them. Not anymore," her gaze went to the open window to look at Harry and Draco.

They have caused too many changes in her life already, most especially the two boys inside the pub. A part of Hermione was quite amazed since her demeanor had indeed changed a lot too but it's also been the reason why her friends became distant to her.

Was it right to blame herself though? Ron was the first one to break their relationship and hook up with another girl instead of giving her motivation to stand still despite of humiliation. Ginny and Neville were all busy with their own partners to even ask how her day went at least once in a while.

In fact, she hates to admit it but the four Slytherin seemed to fill the emptiness in her heart.

"What if an unexpected occurrence knocks in your door that you have to choose between them, who would it be?" Blaise asked, his tone shifted into pure curiosity.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Where that ridiculous prompt came from?"

"Let's admit it, you have a thing for both of them but it can't be equal now can it? There is one who has a higher chance in your heart," Theo interjected.

Hermione raised her hands over her chest, "Whoa! Is this some kind of interrogation? 'Cause I'm telling you I am not guilty," she chuckled to ease the forming tension.

"Let us tell you a brief history of our mischief deeds," Theo began. "Draco and Harry never turned their backs at each other. Never. Remember the time Harry planted dung bombs in the staffs table? Dumbledore found Harry guilty but Draco said it was his idea. And each and every one of those troubles, same things always happened. So, what do you think is happening now? What's so cranky about Hermione Granger that our mum and dad filed divorcement?"

Hermione nearly choked at Theo's last sentence although aware that it's just a weave of sarcasm.

"That was astounding but I think you're both taking this too seriously. Let me remind you, I only volunteered to help because Harry don't trust anyone but me and honestly I'm also getting sick of it," Hermione defended herself.

She had already explained to Harry that they're no longer dating but didn't actually tell him the reason why. He will find it soon and he should feel bad about it, she thought.