28 Chapter 28: Second year

Draco and his friends were sitting in their house looking at the sorting ceremony for the new first years. Draco couldn't help but notice their house head, Professor Snape missing along with Potter and Weasley. 

Thinking back to the events that may happen this year, he was not interested in stirring up trouble and decided to enjoy this year. 

The next day, during lunch we were interrupted by a loud scolding howler sent by Mrs. Weasley to Ron, about secretly stealing and driving his dad's car to school. Also, his dad was inspected by the ministry at work, as the car was seen flying by two Muggles. We had a great laugh. 

Nothing interesting happened, except figuring out Professor Gilderoy Lockhart to be a dud and his first lesson turned into a pixie disaster. 

The week past and today happened to be Gryffindor's turn to use the quidditch training ground but Draco got permission from Professor Snape to use the ground today. 

The Slytherin Quidditch team along with Draco was heading for training when they met the Gryffindor team. Two team captains were talking. Flint, Slytherin team captain showed Wood, Gryffindor team captain the permission slip from Snape, which allowed the Slytherin team to use the training ground to train their new seeker. "New seeker, you got a new seeker. Who?" asked Wood. To which Marcus introduced Draco as the new seeker. 

While this was happening, Hermione and Ron noticed the commotion and joined them. At the mention of Draco as the new seeker, Harry was surprised and exclaimed," Malfoy? ". Draco introduced "That's right. And that's not all that's new this year." then showed them the new brooms. 

"Those are Nimbus 2001s. How did you get those?" exclaimed Ron. "A gift from Draco's father" answered Flint. At this, Draco boasted "You see, Weasley, unlike some, my father can afford the best". 

"At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in. They got in on pure talent." Hermione said abruptly, in a proud manner to stand up for their friends and house. 

This sentence silenced the crowd. Draco was also taken aback. He didn't mean anything at first, just showing off, but Hermione's statement meant he didn't have the talent and got in the team, not by his strength, but by bribing the team. He really worked hard for the team and Slytherin's name was on the line. This means he couldn't back down, he was put in a tough spot. If he dismissed her, it would be like admitting to what she said was True. 

Looking deeply at her, he couldn't help but think, it would be impossible for him to be friendly with a Gryffindor. He even briefly, opened legilimency to see what she was thinking, only to hear her thinking, daring to let him explain. At the state of things, being friends with her would cause trouble for her and him, so he decided to stop here and let him be the villain. 

"No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood." Draco said, looking right at Hermione. He could see her completion going dark, her eyes squinting and acting stubbornly not to cry. She should know the meaning of the word. 

Draco also stubbornly stared at her; he knew they would never come along as friends again. Although it was for the best, he also regretted it a little.

He was distracted and let his guard down at the moment to notice Ron taking out his wand casting a curse on him. Luckily, due to Ron's broken wand the curse 'Eat slugs' backfired on himself and Ron was flung out, curled on the ground and lay there vomiting slugs. 

These attracted both Draco and Hermione's attention. Hermione went to help Ron and Draco continued to the grounds for training.