Chapter 4
Gryffindor won their second successive quidditch match against Ravenclaw. Harry was happy with the progress of the team and was quietly confident of lifting the trophy after their last match against Slytherin. Voldemort and his supporters had meanwhile kept very quiet throughout the year. Dumbledore thought that this was because of the number of death-eaters they had lost during the Ministry of Magic incident. Harry had never had had such a quiet year. He was hoping that the year would pass without any mishaps.
Ron and Luna had got very close. In fact so close that Ron felt guilty about ignoring Harry and Hermione. He apologized to Harry one night. Harry was very understanding and said it was not everyday a man fell in love. Ron looked bewildered at the comment. Harry laughed at him and said it was obvious to the entire school that he and Luna were deeply in love with each other. He also advised Ron to confess his love to Luna. Ron blushed before hesitantly agreeing. One night Harry and Hermione were studying together when Harry spoke.
"So you sure about joining auror training after Hogwarts?" he asked.
"More or less sure. It's always been what I've wanted to do. What can be better than working to eliminate dark forces? Especially after I heard about the prophecy, I've got more determined. You must be hundred percent sure", she replied.
"Yes I am. Even if I wasn't I have to be. The prophecy has said that I don't have a choice. I have to kill him no matter what. I've suffered enough because of him and I won't let others suffer. However after Hogwarts I'll be very lonely during the time that I'm training", he said.
"Harry you'll always have me. I will be your shadow and make sure that you are never lonely. We'll face him together. Others may not think so but I firmly believe that he will be gone forever. Then all of us can live a happy life", she said softly.
"Thanks for the support Hermione but as I said I can't let you face him. I don't doubt your capabilities but he is beyond anyone except maybe Dumbledore. I would have avoided him at all costs but you know I can't. Thanks a lot again. I don't know what I'd do without you", he replied. Both of them sat close to each other without speaking much. After sometime Harry said that it was getting late and they should be going to bed.
The quidditch final was approaching. It was a final because both Gryffindor and Slytherin had won their two matches. Whoever won the game would lift the cup. Harry was hoping that Ravenclaw would upset Slytherin so that the pressure on Gryffindor lessened. But that hadn't happened and it was a `winner takes all' situation. Harry calmed the nerves of his team during practice, especially the five new members. He had increased the number of training sessions to four a week.
One morning after breakfast Hermione was making her way to Hagrid's hut when somebody stopped her in the corridor.
"So mudblood, you're looking quite nice this term", said Draco Malfoy putting his hands on Hermione's shoulder to stop her from moving.
"What do you mean Malfoy? Stop obstructing my way and shut up", she replied, trying to find her way past him.
"You know I was telling the truth. Can't you even take a compliment well? I know that I don't compliment people very often but this time I really meant what I said", he said pinning her to the wall. He was slowly bringing his face down upon her. She tried to move away but he held her tight. She was about to scream but before she could do so….
"Expelliarmus!" shouted a voice sending Malfoy flying. Harry was standing at the end of the corridor. Hermione ran up to him. Harry didn't say anything to her but walked towards Malfoy. He picked him up by the collar and punched him thrice on the face. Malfoy staggered backwards. Before he could balance Harry's fist again connected with his face. This may have gone on indefinitely if Hermione hadn't stopped Harry.
"What the fu** are you doing Potter? I just said how nice mudblood was loo…", he couldn't complete as he felt another punch, this time on his stomach. Harry picked him up and held him firmly by the shoulder.
"Listen to this for the last time Malfoy. I don't care what you say about me but if I hear you insulting my friends again I'll kill you. Yes I can. I've sent your dear dad to Azkaban; I faced Voldemort on countless occasions so you will be just a piece of cake. And don't dare to come near Hermione again. You'll be very sorry if you do", he finished looking murderously at Malfoy. For the first time in his life Malfoy was scared of Harry. He went away without a word.
"I hope that he didn't succeed in what he was trying to do", Harry asked walking towards Hermione. She shook her head but looked shaken. Harry put his arm around her.
"Don't worry he won't bother you again. He'll have to face me if he does and I don't think he'll like that idea", he added. They walked together to Hagrid's hut as Harry felt that Hermione didn't want to be alone. There was no mention of this incident by either of them that day. In the night however Hermione came up to Harry and thanked him for his help. She also wished him luck for the quidditch final which was going to be played the next day. Harry felt a rush of anger as he was reminded about the day's events. First Cho and now Malfoy. He just couldn't stand people insulting Hermione.
The final was a keenly fought contest. The Gryffindor `youngsters' were matching the more experienced Slytherin team stroke for stroke. It was all going to come down to the seekers. Harry and Malfoy, fresh from the previous day's encounter were determined outdo each other. As it happened, both spotted the snitch exactly at the same time. They were moving side by side but in the end the Firebolt's speed was too much for Malfoy. Harry caught the snitch to secure Gryffindor their third successive qudditch cup. As got down Hermione ran toward him before enveloping him in a bear hug. As he lifted the trophy he felt it was the happiest moment of his life. Feeling proud and overwhelmed he made his way to the dormitory to get fresh clothes.
However his joy was short lived because of what he saw on his bed.
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