When You Turn Your Back [Drarry]

[2] Had Some Drinks

2000
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The love for Quidditch had experienced a very tragic twist in his sixth year, when the burden of saving the lives of his parents had pressed him face down under the feet of the Dark Lord, though it was just now, that he realised his performance in the task didn't have to do anything with his decisions. It was a mere trick to lure him into the world of crime, and he had very stupidly fallen for it, in fear of even losing his life in the process.

But, if Hogwarts had ever taken anything from him, it was the assumption that he was the best in the game within the school, Harry being the living proof of it. It was a nice experience of witnessing Harry back on his broom again, trying to master the snitch in his grasp, just like old days. The only difference this time had, was his presence in the stands with the other eighth years instead of in the sky flying for his house to win the match. Cheering from beneath felt odd, yet he enjoyed the flushed excitement and thrill while following the red and green dots on the sky, sometimes jumbling up the identity of the players in his pinched vision.

It hadn't been very hard for him to decide to not take part in the game, keeping an eye on the uncertainty of his ability against Harry, which had been proven year after year in each game he had played against him. Though he couldn't point it as the definite reason behind his rejection, as the gradually growing urge in him to remain at the sides came in his way at every step he took. Maybe that was the reason he had apologised to Harry about his out of the line behaviour on the night of Christmas, and when demanded for the reason, he had just blamed it on his father, the easiest way to brush it off his shoulder.

The New Year's night had ended with Harry and Ginny splitting, though there was a possibility of Harry already wanting the separation, for he had seemed too composed for someone to feel remorse. Only Ron and Hermione could now confirm the fact about the actual reason of Harry being so casual about Ginny, not that Ginny herself had been a lot serious about the matter, but Draco was yet to bring up the topic with them.

Beside him, Blaise seemed bored out of his wits and Pansy had long since vanished from his eyesight, claiming that the game was straining her eyes and could start a headache. Being it the first week of January, the snow was still sticking to the ground and sometimes was replenished by the late night snowing. Fortunately, the wind wasn't very strong that morning, or he doubted the players would still be flying around the sky with such speed and not dropping like frozen flies.

“...and Harry Potter has caught the snitch!” the stands roared in familiar celebration, and even though Slytherin had lost, an appreciative smile played on Draco's lips as he saw Harry swish down on the magically dried ground and threw his hand clutching the snitch in air in excitement.

“The Slytherins lost.” Blaise pointed out from beside him with his hands pressed to his ears to block the deafening roar of complaints from behind him.

“I know.” he said, giving him a side-eye.

“Why are you smiling?” he raised his eyebrows.

“Because it was a fair game. Now let's go!” Draco urged, noticing the crowd gathering up near the exit, even after the several requests from McGonagall to form a queue.

On the grounds between the Forbidden Forest and Hagrid's hut, Draco waited for the group to gather up, as their plan to visit Hogsmeade for dinner was yet to be executed. From afar, he noticed the light on the small window glowing like a lamp in the dark, leading the way into the darkness of the forest. Once in a while, Hagrid invited the trio over his hut for tea and cake which they refused to talk about, but he kind of made it out himself that they didn't quite like the food they were served. That's the only thing that had remained the same from the very first year.