The Royal Witch

Chapter 16 - Trials and Tribulations

One of the trials of life is that we do not usually receive immediately the full blessing for righteousness or the full cursing for wickedness.

-Ezra Taft Benson

Weekend came bringing with it a sunny clear sky. It seemed as if the weather was as excited for Quidditch season to start as the students are. Hermione reached the common room before everyone else and found to her surprise Harry waiting for her.

"Why are you so late? Come on, Draco is waiting for us" he didn't giver her a chance to respond and dragged her all the way to the Quidditch Pitch. And indeed Draco was there holding two brooms. The boys started jumping as soon they reached each other. Hermione rolled her eyes at them and made her way to the stands. The boys started flying chasing each other and Hermione found herself smiling by looking them. This friendship will be very good for both of them. Draco will give Harry ambition and Harry will keep Draco grounded. She asked Tibby to bring them breakfast and found a nice tree behind the stands to have the breakfast.

Draco and Harry were still smiling wide from their flights and it became contagious and she couldn't help but smile. Draco was a bit cautious at first but soon, he started laughing and joking around with Harry and Hermione. Even Hermione was surprised at how easy it was for them to get along with each other. Soon it was time for Draco to go and tryout for his team. Hermione and Harry found a seat the stands and with great struggle kept themselves from cheering for Draco. Draco was trying out for seeker, but Hermione couldn't help but notice that the other candidate was much better than Draco with his techniques. Harry must have felt the same because he lost his smile and looked in worry.

At the end of it the other candidate has caught the snitch nine times and Draco only thrice. He joined them at the stands after the Slytherins had all left. Before Harry could start consoling him, Draco smiled brightly and shouted "I am selected as a reserve! First years are rarely looked at. This is brilliant!"

"That is brilliant Draco! Now wish me luck, the team is here" True enough, the Gryffindor team was making their way on to the pitch and also the stands have filled in with more students since they arrived. Harry rushed down to the pitch to meet the team and Draco sat with Hermione.

"Aren't you worried that someone will see you sitting with me?" asked Hermione really curious.

"I have decided not to care. It's much easier being with Harry and you. I can breathe easier" said Draco looking straight at the pitch.

Hermione smiled to herself and turned her own eyes to to the pitch to see a pair of blue eyes looking at her from the air. The usually laughing eyes were now frowning and she didn't understand why until she realized who she was sitting with and what it must look like. Before she could smile at George, he had flown away.

Draco had no qualms about cheering for Harry and shouted his lungs out which made Hermione laugh out loud in happiness. Harry was infinitely better than the other candidates and made a full lap of the stands giving Draco a high five when it was announced that he was selected. Hermione who was expecting Draco to be jealous was again pleasantly surprised.

They spent the rest of the day outsides taking turns flying and wondering how to find a work around to the no broom for first years rule. They finally made their way to the Great Hall for dinner and went to their own house tables. Draco received strange looks from his house mates but no one said anything. As Harry and Hermione sat down, Professor McGonagall made her way over to them and gave them each a parchment.

"Hermione is visiting her grandmother in London tomorrow and her parents were kind enough to offer to take you to the Trials Mr. Potter. These are your passes for being out of school and for entering back.Please keep them carefully." After a moment she added "All the best Harry" and made her way back to the head table.