A/N: Here's the third chapter and now Hermione's getting a lot better. Next chapter should be the last one. Thanks for the great reviews guys!
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"Ok, Hermione, I think you're ready to try some Quaffle handling. Do you think you can do that?" Harry asked as he handed Hermione the broom.
"Harry, do you really think I would be any good as a Quidditch player?"
"Would the captain risk putting non-capable people on an undefeated team?"
"To kiss-up to his girlfriend? Maybe."
"Mione, I love you desperately. I honestly do. But I wouldn't risk Malfoy gloating over a Quidditch match just so you could be on the team," Harry replied with a laugh.
"Ah, don't want him saying that you only did it to get some?"
"Hermione!" Harry said, surprised. Then his tone turned serious. "But if you really wanted to be on the team, I'd let you. Malfoy be damned."
"I understand. Really, I do. I would never ask you to put me on the team just to be on the team."
"But there's the thing. I'm not just putting you on the team. I think you'll make an excellent reserve chaser. Then, maybe next year, you could be on the team, once Emma graduates."
"Well, you're the captain for a reason. I trust your judgment."
"Ok, good. Take off and I'll meet you in the air. I'm going to get the Quaffles."
Hermione did just that (proud that she could do it on her own now). She just flew around, taking several laps around the pitch. She even tried going really fast now and then.
Harry stood on the sidelines, just watching her. It was what he had wanted since he knew her. Hermione was finally comfortable on a broom. And she was good at it!
Finally, Harry joined her in the air. "Let's practice passing the Quaffle. I wish I could have gotten one of the team's chasers to practice, but none could do it. I'm not great with the Quaffle, but for now, I'll have to do."
Hermione smiled at that.
"So, fly over there and we'll work on short distance passing," Harry said.
Once Hermione was a good distance away, Harry gently tossed the Quaffle to her.
"Is that all you got, Potter?" she teased.
Harry laughed. "Ok, Granger. You want more?" He grabbed another Quaffle he had charmed to float behind him. "Get ready!" He threw this one a little harder. She caught it like an expert.
"Now, get flying. We'll try it while moving," Harry said as he circled around.
After a half an hour of throwing harder and flying faster, Harry was confident that Hermione would make a good chaser. There was just one more test.
"Ok, one more thing and we'll be done for the day. Goal scoring," he said.
"Can't I just pass the Quaffle?" Hermione asked, unsure of herself now.
"What if you're closest to the goal?"
"Wait for another chaser. Or better yet, call you over!"
"And who'll catch the Snitch?"
Hermione opened her mouth to reply and then closed it again.
"Exactly," Harry replied. "Ok, at least for this part, I do have a keeper to help us. Come on up, Ron!"
Hermione hadn't even noticed that Ron had shown up.
"Hey, Hermione," Ron cheerfully said as he joined his best friends.
"Hi, Ron."
"Don't be nervous. You're really good! I'm willing to bet you get a few past me!"
"I'm willing to bet she gets most past you," Harry joked.
"Hey!" Ron said, mock hurt.
"But there's no Lavender here to distract you, so we might be ok," Harry said.
Ron just stuck his tongue out at him.
"All right, boys. I'm nervous enough. Let's just get on with this!" Hermione said.
"Ok, ok. Ron, you take your position. Hermione, I'll pass you the Quaffle and you toss them through the hoops. At first, Ron, don't really try to block them. Let just make sure she can get them through," Harry instructed.
Ron gave a salute and just hovered around the hoops.
"Ready?" Harry asked.
"No," Hermione weakly replied.
"Well, too bad. Mione, you are very good at his. I swear that to you. I believe in you."
Hermione blushed. "All right." She grabbed a Quaffle and threw it at the center hoop, pretending that it was another player. It went right through.
"Wicked, Hermione!" Ron called.
"See? I told you!" Harry said as he tossed her another.
After about 15 Quaffles without a keeper, Harry told Ron to start blocking. Hermione got 7 out of 10 past him.
"Wonderful, Mione!" Harry said as he flew over to her.
"I did it! I scored some goals!" she said, waving her hands in the air. In all the excitement, she almost fell off her broom. Harry bolted over to her and caught her.
"Calm down there! Can't get his excited at game time," he said, smiling.
"Yeah, sorry," she said as he helped her back onto her broom.
"Hermione! Great job!" Ron said as he flew over to them.
"Thanks!" she said. "I cannot believe that went so well."
"Well, Ron, do you think we have a new reserve chaser?" Harry asked.
"Hell, I think we found a new chaser, period. As soon as Emma graduates, I think you are in!"
"Thanks, guys. Hey, I'm going to take a victory lap," she said as she flew off.
"Ok, Ron. Now that she's gone, tell me, did you go easy on her?" Harry asked.
"Not in the least. Let's just say I'm glad she's on my team! I'd hate to have to face her in a game."
"Excellent," Harry said. "See if she wants to practice anymore. I'm going to practice with the Snitch," he said as he headed to the ground.
Ron caught up with Hermione and they practiced while Harry tried to find the Snitch. Every now and then, Harry would throw a Quaffle at Hermione, telling her that it was Bludger practice.
After finding the Snitch 4 times, Harry ended the practice.
"Ok, guys. Wonderful practice!" he called as he locked up the Snitch. "Accio Quaffles!" All of the Quaffles flew to him and put themselves away.
Ron and Hermione joined Harry on the ground and put all the equipment away.
"Ok, well, I promised Lavender that I'd meet her for dinner. I'll see you later!" Ron said as he walked off. "Wicked work, Hermione!"
"Thanks, Ron!" she called.
"Well, Miss Granger. I believe there's a picnic dinner waiting for you by the lake," Harry said.
"And why is it waiting there, Mr. Potter?"
"Because I knew you would do so well that we would have to celebrate. So, are you ready?"
"Of course. I'll go with you anywhere."
Harry extended his hand to her and she instantly took hold of it. The couple walked to the picnic that Harry had so lovingly prepared. Hermione, proud that she had finally conquered a fear and Harry, proud that they had another connection between them.