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Chapter Text

Draco’s jaw dropped as Madam Hooch’s words replayed in his head. “You must be mad if you think, I, Draco Lucius Malfoy , am going to let you kick me off the quidditch team.” This was ridiculous. The lady must have a few screws loose if she thinks letting Draco go was ‘The best decision for this team.’ 

“I understand why you are upset, Mr. Malfoy,” Madam Hooch started, rubbing her temple with an exhausted look on her face, “but if we want this team to be as good as it was before we have to start over. That’s why I’m picking a new captain. That is all I have to say on this matter, you are free to leave.” She let out a sigh as she walked back over to her desk. 

Of course, the blonde boy went after her. For him this conversation was far from over. “But, why am I not allowed to try out? If it’s because of the whole death eater thing, that was in the past and I regret doing all of that. Isn’t us restarting this year supposed to help the ex-death eaters start over? I definitely thought it was but I guess since I was dumb enough to get pressured and manipulated into becoming a-”

Madam Hooch cut Draco off by dropping a stack of paper onto her desk. “I didn’t want to say this but, frankly, Malfoy, your performance has dropped. Last year you didn’t join the quidditch team, because of this you became rusty,” she sat in her chair, “I’m not letting you tryout because you won’t make the team. If you manage to bring up your performance before tryouts then I will allow you to come and try. Otherwise, this conversation is over. You may leave, Malfoy.” With that she started sorting through the stack of papers on her desk, not bothering to look up at Draco at all.

Clenching his fists, Draco stormed out of the room. His performance had dropped? Were they thinking of the same Draco? Who did Madam Hooch think she was anyway? Draco let out a breath he was holding, he had finally calmed down. If he wanted to get back on the quidditch team (oh he wanted to be on the team again so bad. It was the only thing that could bring him joy during this repeat year) he would have to get ‘better’, aka good enough for Madam Hooch’s standards, then try out for the team. What Draco would never admit out-loud was that Madam Hooch was right. He had gotten rusty after not playing for a year. Draco knew that without someone to train with (he didn’t need help because he is a good player already, training with someone is just easier) he wouldn't get good enough in time.

So, Draco set out to find someone to train with. He had asked anyone who was on the Slytherin quidditch team, last year, first. To his dismay they had all said no. All because they were too worried about training themselves. Since they were the only people Draco could think to ask, he gave up and decided to spend that Saturday sulking on the couch in the Slytherin’s common room.

oOo

“Draco? What are you doing?” Pansy asked as she strolled into the room. Draco was curled up in the corner of the couch reading a book called ‘Quidditch For Dummies’.

Draco let out a loud and obnoxious groan as he threw the book across the room before using a vanishing spell on it (the library wasn’t going to miss that book anyways). “Madam Hooch said I can’t try out this year because my performance has dropped,” Draco sat up, “even though it didn’t! That old hag has no clue what she is even saying! I was forced to find someone to train with, even though I really don’t need it! Training alone would be boring anyways and sometimes you need two people-but they are all too busy with themselves!” Draco was panting slightly from talking too fast.

Pansy blinked a few times, trying to process what he had even said, before a sly smile appeared on her face. “I know someone who could help…” She trailed off. 

The annoyed look on Draco’s face was soon replaced with hope. “Who?”

“Well, I was talking to Hermione-”

“Granger.”

“That’s what I said, Hermione.” Pansy didn’t bother to stop the smile that adorned her face. Draco just rolled his eyes at this. “Anyways, she said that Potter was training for the Gryffindor quidditch team,” she crossed her arms, one hand poking out to make gestures as she talked, “and he was offering to help someone train, but since the entire Gryffindor team of last year is basically guaranteed their spot back on the team, no one has taken the offer yet.” There was silence for a moment before Draco roared with laughter. 

Hugging his stomach as if that is going to stop him from falling onto the floor and rolling around in a fit of laughter. Draco wiped a tear from his eye. “You don’t actually think I would let that prat train with me, do you? If so, then you need to go see the nurse.” Draco refused to let Potter think that he was better than him just because he had been denied a spot on the team for ‘not being as good as he used to’. “Thank you for that wonderful suggestion” Draco spoke, his words laced with sarcasm, “but I’ll, gladly, pass.”

Pansy shrugged. “Your loss,” she turned to leave the common room, “oh also, don’t spend your entire weekend in the common room moping. You shouldn’t sulk about something that you have the power to change.” She left the room, leaving Draco to think.

Deciding that the last thing he would ever do is let Potter train with him, he headed up to the boy’s dorm room to take a well needed nap. Draco had a big week of training ahead of him.

oOo

As soon as Draco woke up that following Monday he quickly slicked back his hair and went out to the quidditch field. Saturday night he had decided that skipping breakfast and training every morning would be the best option. People training for tryouts would make the field crowded at noon. Before going to the field, Draco made a quick stop to borrow a snitch from Madam Hooch’s supply room. 

When he had gotten to the field it was completely empty, just as he had hoped. Setting down his bag (made specifically to carry his things for quidditch) Draco put on his gloves and prepared himself to release the snitch. He decided to count down to three and then release it. “One…” He put his broom in between his legs, getting ready to get airborne, “two…” Draco would be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous. He could barely remember the last time he had chased a snitch. 

“Three!”

“Malfoy?”

Right when Draco had let go of the snitch someone had startled him causing him to not go after it immediately. “Oh bollocks!” Draco shouted as he quickly flew in the air. Potter had gone after him-of course it was Potter. It was always Potter.

Potter was now by Draco’s side. “Malfoy, what are you doing!” He tried to glare at Draco but was too scared to quit looking forward in fear of falling off his broom.

Glancing at Potter, Draco scoffed. “Buzz off, Potter.” He leaned forward so that he could zoom past Potter and toward the snitch. 

The bloody snitch did not want to make this easy for him. It was moving in a zigzag formation and would randomly do drastic moves like diving down or making drastic inclines. Draco leaned forward on his broom in an effort to go faster. It worked slightly but not enough. So, Draco reached his hand out as far as he could, a slight pain throbbing in his shoulder. He felt that if he tried to stretch any further his shoulder would pop out of its socket. After a few minutes of this he was finally close enough to reach the snitch. Pushing his body past all limits necessary, he felt his gloved fingers graze the snitch before someone grabbed his hand. If Draco didn’t have smoke coming out of his ears before he definitely did now. 

“What are you doing?!” Draco shouted, trying to pull his hand out of Potter's grasp but to no avail. Merlin when did he become so strong?

Tugging him harshly toward him, causing Draco to almost fall off his broom, Potter responded, “I should be asking you that, Malfoy!” Potter decided to let go of Draco and go for the snitch.

Obviously, Draco being Draco, he now viewed this as a competition. Quickly speeding past Potter, he was so close. Close enough he could catch the snitch in his mouth just as Potter did years ago. A large sly smile grew on his face as he felt the snitch in his hand, but that smile was quickly wiped off when it wasn’t. Potter had sped past him, grabbing the snitch in the process. 

Potter had won. Again. Draco felt as though he should have been angry. He should have hexed Potter’s entire bloodline. In reality, Draco felt dejected. This just proved that he had lost his touch. If he was even good in the first place. He slowly flew down to the ground, making his walk of shame toward Potter. Draco stopped in front of him. He searched his face for a moment. Draco wasn’t really sure what he was trying to find. Maybe pride, smugness, or even anger. He didn’t stare for long before quickly brushing past him to grab his bag. (Of course he made sure to bump his shoulder against Potter’s.) He didn’t look back as he headed for the locker rooms.

“Malfoy!” Potter called out. Draco stopped walking, but he didn’t turn around. Potter took this as a sign for him to continue so he started to walk toward him. “I don’t know if you heard, you probably didn’t,” He had made it to Draco, “but I’m offering to help train someone.” At some point Potter had moved in front of him.

Draco scoffed, “If you are going to suggest that you help me, I don’t think I will be able to hold back from hexing you.” He crossed his arms.

There was a moment of silence while Potter tried to think of what to say next. “Okay...Then I’m not offering to help you. I’m offering to…” He trailed off. Potter looked as though every single gear in his mind was suddenly turning. “...to practice with you,” Potter seemed to like the way that sounded so he repeated, "yeah, I'm offering to practice with you.” Potter smiled, but it looked forced (in Draco’s eyes anyway).

Staring at him like he had three heads, Draco thought for a moment. His first thought was that he hated Potter and that not even Merlin himself could make him practice with him, but after what happened earlier he might reconsider-not the hating Potter part, that was something that would never change. It was fun though (which Draco would never admit). Draco and Potter fighting for the snitch like old times definitely struck something inside of him. On one hand, Potter is such a git so there was no way he could survive training with him for two weeks. On the other hand, it was only two weeks, and this would really help his performance. After the weeks are up he would never see him again, except on the field, if this goes well. “Five AM.”

“What?” Potter asked.

“Get here by five AM tomorrow and I’ll consider your offer.” With that Draco headed off to the Slytherin locker rooms to change. Leaving Potter standing on the edge of the field gripping the golden snitch.

Draco couldn’t believe he had actually accepted his offer. If he doesn’t make the team then he will definitely avada kedavra everyone, starting with Madam Hooch. 

It was going to be the longest two weeks in history. 

Chapter Text

Draco awoke Tuesday morning feeling as refreshed as a flower on a sunny day. He had slept like a baby, probably due to him not waking up as early as he did yesterday. It was seven by the time Draco had gotten dressed and headed to the quidditch pitch. As he made his way down the corridor and down the steps, outside the window he could see Potter pacing back and forth on the pitch. “Oops.” Draco snorted. Of course he didn’t forget he was supposed to meet Potter two hours ago, he just decided that if Potter wanted to practice with him so bad then he could wait-definitely not because he has been craving a reaction from him since they came back for their eight year.

Draco still tried his best to get on Potter's nerves when they had gotten back, and it worked...sometimes. He would cause Potter to storm off or send a hex his way, but the best of all was when he would argue back with Draco. When he would acknowledge that Draco does in fact exist and is screeching into his ear like a mandrake. It was evident that Potter was ignoring Draco on purpose, but, of course, that was not going to stop him.

When Draco had finally made it to the quidditch pitch Potter had halted his manic pacing. “‘Bout time you decided to show up! I’ve been waiting out here for two hours!” He took three angry steps toward Draco, just to shove an accusing finger into his face. “I should’ve known you would pull something like this! If I didn’t have a brain I would have strangled you by now!” Potter stopped his rant and took a breath. He gave Draco an expectant look, Potter must have wanted him to explain himself. Draco’s face still had that same bored look that he had when he had walked onto the quidditch pitch-just one sole eyebrow was raised, a look that said ‘what is there to explain?’ Potter huffed and spun around mumbling something along the lines of ‘I should’ve known to never trust a Malfoy’ under his breath. For the first time since he had gotten here an amused look adorned Draco’s face.

“I’m here now, aren’t I?” Draco spoke up. “There is no use dawdling about this when we could be using our time for training,” He strode over to where Potter had his things placed and put his bag right next to his, “Merlin, Potter, we only have an hour to train. Can you quit wasting our time?” If Potter wasn’t going to hex Draco before, he was definitely going to now. Draco turned around-excitedly, but he would not admit that-and waited for Potter to snap. Unfortunately for Draco, Potter seemed to catch onto what he was doing and just took a few deep breaths. 

Potter walked past Draco and grabbed his gloves and broom. He seemed to notice the annoyed look on Draco’s face, “do you want to train or do you want to stand there all day? ‘Cause I’ll gladly find someone who will put my skills to good use.” Potter had a, stupid, smug look on his face because he thought he had won. Draco just grumbled a few profanities as he grabbed his broom.

Once they were done getting ready, the two boys took off into the air to start their training. The training was not awful... Once Draco and Potter had started, Draco swore to be on his best behavior, surprisingly, he was. Draco made sure to focus on training and not the stupid all mighty Boy-Who-Lived. (You know the one with the giant head to contain his ego? Yeah that’s him.) But they ran into their fair share of bickering and fighting–not the type of fighting Draco was looking for, but it’ll do. He knew they had a long way ahead of them before Draco stops snapping at him for telling him what to do.

After practice the two boys wordlessly headed to the locker rooms to shower then headed to class. It wasn’t that bad-well, it was about as good as training with a dunce like Potter could be. Draco wouldn’t dare to admit that it might have actually gone well. The thought of it made him physically shiver, causing Pansy to start questioning his health-she started sputtering some nonsense about him worrying too much about the quidditch tryouts. Draco had zoned out a bit in the middle of it.

oOo

Later in the day Draco, along with Blaise and Pansy, was making his way to lunch. The three were chatting about something funny that they had seen earlier. That’s when Draco had bumped straight into someone’s back. “What the- ah, of course it was a Weasley standing like a big oaf in front of the door.” Draco spat. He dusted off his robes- he didn't like touching a Gryffindor, let alone a Weasley. Draco hadn't even said anything offensive yet, but it looked like Weasley was going to have an aneurysm from pure anger.

“Oh shove off, Malfoy!” Weasley exclaimed. He was going to take a step forward but Potter had stopped him by simply putting his arm over his chest and shaking his head. They turned and were about to start making their way inside but of course Draco stopped them.

Draco rolled his eyes at this sad reaction. “It’s obvious that Weasley is just trying to compensate for something other than his lack of money,” he gestured toward Granger, “with his mud-blood wife here I don’t think I’m that far from the truth. Not like it would take much to impress her anyway. If she was willing to get with you then anyone has a chance.” Draco smirked when Weasley struggled in Potter’s grasp. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, they are serving treacle tart for dessert.” 

Pansy grabbed Draco’s arm. “Yeah, let's go inside.” She looked over at Granger, “I’ll see you later ‘mione.” Draco then noticed the pleading look Granger was giving Pansy, causing him to roll his eyes again. He also looked over at Blaise who hadn't said a word (he usually didn’t) and noticed the amused look he had on his face. 

The golden trio stepped out of the way, but Draco had one last thing to say. “One more thing, Weasley,” he was so close that he could almost taste the anger he’d get out of Potter, “how do you think Granger has such a high grade in Arithmancy? In such a hard class there is really only one way she would be able to get such a good-” His words were cut off by Pansy smacking him. Draco grabbed the side of his face, he was sure that she had left a mark. ‘Ow! What was that for, Panse?” 

Pansy’s eyebrows were furrowed and her nose scrunched slightly-it was a little sign that showed that Pansy was indeed serious and she was not messing around. “Don’t ‘Panse’ me! I don’t know if you forgot but Hermione is still my friend! I’m not going to let you say something like that about her!” Draco was confused, where was she when he said something about Granger two seconds ago? He rubbed the side of his cheek which was throbbing slightly. “You are a grown man so quit acting like a twat and get in the lunchroom!” She stepped closer to grab Draco’s arm. Pansy leaned down and lowered her voice, “I told you to stop messing with Potter, didn’t I? At any moment he could send us all to Azkaban for last year. I can’t go to Azkaban, Drake!” It seemed like Potter had heard her since his eyes had widened. 

Rolling his eyes Draco just shoved her off of him. “No one is going to Azkaban! Will you quit that nonsense?!” He dusted himself off for the second time today and gave one last look at the golden trio before stomping into the Great Hall. 

“I’ll see you later, ‘mione.” Pansy repeated, chuckling awkwardly. She wrapped an arm around Blaise’s (who was absolutely losing it. The git thinks Draco getting smacked is hilarious.) and walked into the Great Hall. She didn’t forget to give Potter a nervous glance before stepping inside.

oOo

Later that day a certain blonde Slytherin was sitting in a black upholstered chair, his signature spot when it came to lounging in the common room. He had his legs thrown over the side of the chair. Beside him on the couch was Pansy and Blaise. One was lecturing Draco and the other was laughing at him.

“Panse, can you please bugger off? I get it okay, Granger is not shagging Madam Vector and Potter is still a git.” Draco huffed. He had better things to do than talk about Gryffindors, like not talking about Gryffindors. 

Pansy pinched the bridge of her nose and took in a deep breath. “But you really don’t! And where did Potter come from? I didn’t say anything about him.” She just waved her hand in dismissal-she must have changed her mind since it was probably just Draco being Draco. “Whatever, you are a lost cause. Don’t come crying to me when Potter sends you to Azkaban or worse, sentences you to a dementor’s kiss.” She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help shivering at the thought of being chained up and forced to endure such a painful way to go.

For the first time in the past twenty minutes, Blaise spoke up. “Pansy, leave the poor boy alone. He obviously is missing a few brain cells,” he let out another laugh, “let him dig his own grave.”

Draco shot Blaise a glare. “For your information I have the right amount of brain cells, thank you.” He adjusted himself in the chair and put his feet onto the ground. “No one is going to get sent to Azkaban. Saint Potter has an image to uphold, remember? He was the great chosen one who took pity on the poor children who were forced to be Death Eaters.” Draco rolled his eyes. Honestly, he’d rather be in Azkaban with Father Dearest than have Potter pity him. “He acts like he’s all that. Especially today when we were training-”

Blaise cut Draco off, “wait, you took up his offer?” If there was one thing Blaise loved more than making fun of Draco, it was gossiping. “Never in a million years did I think you would let Potter train you.” Blaise snorted.

“He didn’t! He offered for me to train with him! I only said yes because it was obvious he wanted my help.” Draco scoffed. Draco couldn’t believe that, that damn arsehole would even think that he would ever let Potter help him with anything. 

“You actually took up his offer?! Why didn't you tell me!” Pansy squealed as she hit Draco.

“Ow!” He exclaimed, that was the second time she had hit him today, “I didn’t think I needed to!” He groaned, “Merlin, both of you are giving me a splitting headache,” He stood up, “I'm taking a walk.” He headed for the exit.

Behind him, Blaise spoke up, “try not to bump into Potter while you’re out there. He might try to do more than just train you.” Draco responded to this by shooting him a glare before leaving. He tried his best to ignore Blaise and Pansy’s laughter.

oOo

Draco didn’t really know where to go, so he decided on heading out to the quidditch pitch. He just wanted to get away from Blaise and Pansy before he pummeled one of them (or maybe even both of them). “Damn wankers, they are. I swear the day either of them make it out of this school is the day Potter stops being an absolute git.” Draco muttered to himself as he walked out of the dungeons. It was ridiculous that any of them could think that he would ever need Potter’s help, if anything he needs Draco’s help. 

When the aggravated blond made it to the quidditch pitch he couldn’t help but let out an exaggerated groan. “You’ve got to be bloody kidding me!” He exclaimed, causing him to gain Potter’s attention. Draco wanted nothing more than for the ground to open up and swallow him whole–maybe there is a spell for that.

Potter made his way over to Draco. “What are you doing here Malfoy?” Potter was covered in sweat. Stray hairs stuck to his forehead while the rest was sticking up wildly. It was as if he had woken up from a bad dream and went straight to the quidditch pitch.

“Do I have to have a reason to be here? Maybe I just wanted to come out here to smell the fucking flutterby bushes.” Draco huffed. Although he had initially come out here to just stand on the quidditch pitch and do nothing, heading down to Greenhouse Three and actually smelling flowers didn’t seem like a bad idea. Draco faked a gasp, as if he had shocked himself, “or maybe I came out here to revive He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. Right here. In the middle of the quidditch pitch.” He rolled his eyes.

The Boy-Who-Lived blinked blankly a few times before finally finding something to say, “do whatever you want… I guess. I don’t own the quidditch pitch…” He sounded very hesitant. Draco figured he would too if Potter had done the same as he did. For all Potter knew Draco could have something up his sleeve. Potter scanned Draco before turning around, but suddenly he turned back around. “I forgot I wanted to tell you this,” he started, Draco was already hating this, “you have to apologize to Ron and Hermione for what you said today.”

Draco raised an eyebrow at Potter and crossed his arms. He shifted his weight onto one leg. “And why should I?” 

Potter stepped closer to Draco. “Because if you don’t then don’t bother showing up to training tomorrow.” He crossed his arms as well. Was Potter challenging him? Because it seemed like he was challenging him.

“Why would I care? Please, enlighten me.” Draco challenged. Why in the world should he possibly care if Potter stopped training with him? If he decides to stop training with Draco then he can just train by himself. 

“Fine, you want a better reason?” Potter stepped even closer to the point that their noses were almost touching. Draco could feel Potter’s breath as he spoke, he could practically taste the treacle tart he ate for dinner. “If you don’t apologize to them, then I’ll be forced to tell Madam Hooch that you stole that snitch from her.” A smirk now adorned the golden boy's face, “how many days of detention can you get again for stealing? I think it could be a good week or two. And I’m sure Madam wouldn’t want you on the team after she finds out you stole from her.”

At this point Draco’s face had flushed and suddenly Potter was too close for comfort. He swallowed the lump in his throat and took a step back. Headmaster McGonagall barely let him come back this school year since he was such a pain in the arse last year, he knew if he had gotten in trouble again she wouldn’t take it lightly. He mumbled a few profanities under his breath before speaking, “fine. I’ll apologize to Granger and Weasley.”

Potter clasped his hands together. “That’s great! Now that we have that settled, you can get on with whatever you were doing. Remember to apologize to them at some point this week or else I might talk to McGonagall instead of Madam Hooch.” Draco just nodded as Potter turned around and walked back to the middle of the quidditch pitch. 

Draco didn’t feel like being in the same place as Potter for any longer, so he decided to head over to Greenhouse Three. The rest of this week was definitely going to be horrible. 

Chapter Text

The very next day three remarkable Gryffindors were making their way to potions class when they were stopped by a very embarrassed Draco. He stood in front of the trio, his mouth opening and closing as he thought about what to say.

“I’m-ugh,” Draco gagged at the thought of the words he needed to say. “I am–mmm,” Potter looked at him as if he was crazy as he gagged, exaggeratedly, again. “I’m so–ahh–” This time Draco’s gag was cut off by a very impatient Weasel.

“Has someone hit you with a slug vomiting charm? I hope you haven’t come here to throw up on Hermione and I so you can add onto your insults from yesterday.” Weasley grimaced. 

Draco scoffed, how disgusting did he think he was? Strangely, Weasley’s words encouraged him to just spit it out. “I’m s-sorry,” he swallowed the lump in his throat that tried to prevent him from speaking further, “for what I said yesterday.” He said through gritted teeth. If they didn’t know any better they would have thought someone had slipped him some Veritaserum. 

Potter’s eyes widened slightly and his mouth formed an ‘O’ as he realized what was happening. The shock expression was soon replaced with a smug smirk as he crossed his arms and enjoyed the show. Granger was the first, out of her and Weasley, to break out of her shocked daze and speak up, “is this some sort of trick? Are you hoping that you can catch us off guard so you can hex us into oblivion?’

“Merlin, just take the apology!” Draco huffed, throwing a very glaring glare at Potter, “this is unbelievable, if you can not appreciate my apology then-” He was cut off by Potter clearing his throat. Draco whined, sounding almost like a sob, and looked as if he was about to throw a tantrum. “I’m sorry. There. Goodbye.” Draco turned on his heels and hurriedly stalked to potions.

“What in the world just happened?” Weasley gasped, then looked at Potter, “what did you say to him?”

Potter shrugged, “nothing noteworthy, guess he just had a change of heart.” A sly grin adorned his face as they walked into class.

oOo

“Thank you.” 

The disembodied voice behind Draco made him jump, before he realized it was the stupid git that had made him humiliate himself. “Happy now, are you?” He scoffed.

Potter gave him a sly grin, “very.” He stepped forward, placing his quidditch bag down and pulling out a golden snitch. He tossed it to Draco, who caught it with little effort. “See, not being an absolute twat is sometimes rewarding.” He said smugly. 

Draco rolled his eyes and just saved his argument for another time–maybe in the hall during class change–and focused on the practice at hand. For some reason, the two had decided to practice late at night. It could’ve been from Draco being curious as to how it felt to be out here with the cool breeze, ever since he saw Potter here the other day. Or it could have been that Potter wanted more privacy, people have already spotted the two together in the mornings and began to talk. Mostly saying things along the lines of “I bet Draco charmed him into helping him against his will”, everyone refused to believe Potter would help Draco willingly.

The two boys went on for a while, from fighting each other for the snitch in the air to Potter giving him pointers (which Draco didn’t need and for sure already knew) and letting Draco test them out on his own. Although they still hated one another’s guts, Draco found it easier to relax a little when they were out here. Something about the night sky and the cooling wind made him feel more comfortable with the situation. And if it weren’t for the fact that it was Potter, Draco might have enjoyed their training. He liked to close his eyes at some moments and pretend that he wasn’t training with a stupid idiot who he had wanted nothing more than to beat their face in. 

“Alright, I have something I’d like for you to try.” Potter spoke up, gesturing for Draco to get on his broom. Draco obliged, normally he’d protest that they weren’t doing this to train him, but Potter has been blackmailing him with telling on him to Madam Hooch like a first year. Just because he saw how well it worked the first time. “Now,” Potter stepped forward, “Lean forward, till your chest is touching the broom.”

Draco huffed, “this is ridiculous. I am not some amateur, Potter, I don’t need the basics.” He crossed his arms and did not do as Potter said. The brunette responded by placing a hand on Draco’s back, which was immediately swatted away. “What are you doing?!”

Potter groaned in frustration. Draco knew Potter thought he was being difficult. “Could you just trust me for once in your life? My hand on your upper back will not kill you.”

“Me, trust you? You’ve got to be kidding. Do you realize what you even said? I should hex you for being so awfully daft.” Draco was staring at Potter wildly. He must have lost his mind if he’s requesting things such as that. The blackmail must've gone to his head, why else would he even think to say that . 

“Fine,” Potter started to gather his things, “I guess we are done here.”

Draco held onto his pride for a few moments, his arms crossed and his nose pointed high up in the air away from Potter…before he realized he was actually going to leave. “Okay! Okay! Now get back over here and show me this dumb thing you wanted to show me before I cast a bat-bogey hex on you.” 

Potter decided to ignore Draco’s threat and dropped his bag back on the ground. He made his way back over to Draco and tried again. “ Now , lean down until your chest hits your broom.” Draco, reluctantly, did as he was told, but found the position to be very uncomfortable. So, he pulled back a bit till he was still leaning down, but more comfortably. “Malfoy, you have to be all the way down.”

“But it hurts.” Draco whined. He suddenly jumped as Potter’s hand found its place on Draco’s back, but this time he ignored the urge to cut it off. Potter pushed lightly, guiding him back down to the broom. Draco drew in a breath as an uncomfortable pain spread across his hips.

Wordlessly, Potter continued the stance he was putting Draco in by moving to an arm that was gripping his broom. Draco let him pull his arm away and bring up in the air in front of him, “Okay, leave this here,” he did the same to the other arm, “and this here.”

Draco could only imagine how absolutely stupid he looked. “I look like someone put an imperious curse on me then told me to look as stupid as possible.” He sighed.

Potter couldn’t help but laugh, earning a glare that Draco threw at him from over his shoulder. “I know it feels dumb but once you’re in the air you’ll realize it certainly isn’t.”

“In the air?-” Draco’s words were cut off as Potter suddenly cast a spell causing Draco’s broom to fly high above the pitch. He was still within earshot of Potter, though. “What the hell?!” Startled, Draco went to grab his broom but Potter shouted at him to stop.

“It’s a training for your body,” Potter shouted, “if you do this over and over again you’ll feel more comfortable not holding your broom, leaving your hands free to grab the snitch!” Draco thought about his words. What he said almost seemed…brilliant? Though, Draco would never give Potter the satisfaction of saying that out loud. Potter had his hands cupped around his mouth now, “try flying around! Get used to it, and then I’ll release the snitch!”

Draco did as he was told, slowly at first, then picking up the pace until he was flying around the pitch. His heart raced with anxiety at the thought of falling off, but that was nothing compared to the feeling of the strength of this pose. Draco felt like without the worry of plummeting to the ground he could grab anything anyone threw at him, because both his hands were available and stretched out as far as possible.

Potter felt as though he was ready, and released the snitch. 

The snitch zipped around the pitch feverishly, seemingly making circles around Draco. Draco felt a newfound hunger for the snitch and was off. Chasing it without even touching his broom. He already got closer in seconds, even grazing the snitch once. That’s the fastest he’s ever caught up to one of them. But, of course, Draco got too caught up and leaned too far left that his broom had spun. He quickly grabbed it, hanging with his hands above his head. Draco suddenly felt embarrassed as Potter laughed at him, loud enough for him to hear it from up there. He spun his broom around and sat on it how he usually would, not feeling as powerful, and eventually caught the snitch. He brought himself back down and tossed the snitch to Potter as he swung one leg around the broom to where he was leaning against it. 

“What did you think?” Potter asked, a gleam in his eye. Draco could tell he was waiting for him to praise him for discovering such a training.

“S’not so bad.” Draco shrugged. He wasn’t going to try and expand Potter’s ego bigger than it already is. “Is that all you have for tonight?” He asked, ignoring Potter’s disappointed expression. 

Potter looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking, “‘spose so,” he pushed up his glasses, “same time tomorrow?”

Draco just gave him a nod before packing his things and heading for the Slytherin locker rooms.

oOo

As a few days had passed, Harry started to become really serious about his training with Malfoy. Even after getting to his dorm late at night he couldn’t help but sit in the common room with a piece of parchment scribbling ideas down, so as to not forget them. 

Hermione, of course, picked up on this quickly. 

One night, as Harry entered the common room and sat down with a quill and parchment, ignoring the idea of sleeping completely, a drowsy Hermione was walking out of the girls dormitory. She sat beside Harry, peering at the paper curiously. “You are really interested in helping him, huh?”

Lost in his scribbling, Potter responded, “who?” His eyes not leaving the tip of the quill as he wrote.

“Malfoy.”

Potter stopped his writing and looked up at the girl. A pink blush spread across his face as he realized how embarrassing this was, even though the question was simple. “Uh, yeah…I guess.” Potter said, rather slowly. “It’s not so much that I enjoy training with Malfoy, it’s just the idea that I’m genuinely helping someone improve,” Harry explained himself (as he felt the need to), “plus, he is actually quite tolerable now. I hate to say it but it is true.”

“Mhm.” Hermione replied. Her eyes were not looking at Harry, instead they slid back and forth as she read what he wrote. Once she was done she looked back at him to give him a focused reply, “that’s good. I am happy you are finding something to do in your free time. Like a hobby.” Hermione tapped her leg absently. “So, tolerable? You really think that?”

“I mean,” the blush returned as he spoke, it seemed weird that he could talk about something that involved Draco and being able to talk about said things in a good way, “he still has his grade school taunts in the halls but during our practices he just treats me like a…a…um.” Harry tried to think of the right word he was looking for.

“Colleague?”

“Yes! Exactly, a colleague! Sure, he is sometimes a bloody wanker, but otherwise we are able to practice together with minimal to no fights. It’s almost like he actually respects my presence on the field.” Harry continued.

Hermione listened intently as Harry spoke. “That’s very surprising, to say the least,” giving Harry her thoughts, “do you think this strictly-quidditch-pitch relationship will roll over to your lives off the pitch at some point?”

“You mean like…becoming friends? Because we are far from friends on the pitch, let alone off it. Don’t let what I said fool you because-”

“Yes, I mean becoming friends,” Hermione cut off Harry’s inevitable rambling, “from the sound of it, that is where it looks like it’s going.” 

Harry shook his head, “I highly doubt it. Draco still tries to make my life a living hell at any time he can. I guess since this is benefitting him he doesn't want to risk me hexing him then running off.” He imagined a livid Draco eating mud as he ran into the Gryffindor locker room. 

A yawn escaped the older girl, but she still managed to respond to Harry thoughtfully. “I suppose that could be true,” she stood up, “but, hey, you never know. Maybe you and Malfoy could grow to be best friends.” She snorted. 

“I highly doubt that.”

“Well, I am off to bed. Don’t stay out too long.” She placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder and squeezed it before she headed back to her dorm.

Harry finished his writings before rolling up the parchment and heading to his dorm to finally go to sleep.

oOo

On the other side of the castle, Draco seemed to be getting the same treatment, but instead of being talked to gently he was more or less getting interrogated.

“Draco, you can be honest with me–with us,” Blaise started, “if you are planning to do something against Potter, let us know. Y’know I wouldn’t mind throwing a few jinxes or two if you need me to.” 

Pansy immediately protested, “whatever you are planning needs to stop now ! I am not going to see something happen to you because you decided to prank the strongest wizard in the school. And Blaise,” She turned to him, “shut the fuck up.”

Draco rolled his eyes. “I’m not planning anything. Merlin, you two are just as bright as you look.” He sat up in his signature chair and started again, “look, I know how unbelievable this seems, but we are genuinely just training. Sure we have our moments of bickering, but you know how soft Potter has gotten, he won’t do more than call me a name casually.” Draco remembers how hard it was to practice with Potter at first, but as time went on, and he learned how to pretend that Potter wasn’t Potter, it became more tolerable. He wouldn’t ever admit outloud that he actually kinda enjoyed being able to forget about everything else and just focus on the wind. 

“Right.” Pansy clicked, it was obvious how much she didn’t believe him. “So, are you two friends now… or something?”

“No! Of course not!” Draco put his hands up, shaking them as if it would rid Pansy of her awful thought. “Whenever we train it just feels like he just… is there. He tells me tips and I take them, then we talk strictly about quidditch the entire time. So, really, he is just like a teacher? Yeah, I would say teacher.” 

Blaise blinked at him, “bloody hell…you two are friends!”

Draco stood up. “Are not!”

Before Blaise could continue the childish ‘are too! are not!’ Pansy immediately disrupted it. “Children! Silence!” Once the boys settled down and Draco returned to his chair (his arms crossed and pouting) she spoke more calmly. “If Drake says they aren’t friends,” she looked at Draco, “then they aren’t friends.” She then muttered under her breath, “although it may look like it.” 

To save himself from insanity, Draco chose to ignore Pansy’s extra words and stood up–more calmly this time. “I am heading to bed. I can’t stand to hear the two of you anymore.” He headed toward the Slytherin dormitory.

“They are definitely friends, maybe even going to start shagging by the end of this.” Pansy smacked Blaise’s arm, hard. “Ow!”

“Shut up.”