Arc 11Gryffindor’s Second Team

Draco taught Hermione to fly, then built a second Quidditch team that challenged Gryffindor’s veterans and won their scrimmage. As the team took on Slytherin, Draco and Hermione helped secure a decisive victory that left Gryffindor celebrating and Slytherin silent.

  • Draco helped Hermione learn to fly, and she later joined him and Harry in rescuing Neville during his first flying lesson.
  • McGonagall invited Harry and Hermione to try out for Gryffindor’s second team, and Draco helped recruit and train its players.
  • During the Halloween troll attack, Draco and Hermione stunned the troll, then Draco told Hermione that Voldemort possessed Quirrell and sought the Philosopher’s Stone.
  • Draco gave Hermione a custom broom, and the second team used it to beat the first team 211–210 in a scrimmage.
  • Draco took charge of Gryffindor’s House Cup campaign as the team reviewed its rivals and prepared to face Slytherin.
  • Hermione scored and helped clear a path for Draco as Slytherin tried to stop him from reaching the Golden Snitch.
  • Draco outmaneuvered Higgs and caught the Snitch, giving Gryffindor a 200–70 victory as the teams and professors applauded.
Chapters 251–275 Vol. 3 Read

Ch. 251Next time, for sure

Draco used his influence over Peeves to make Filch back down and finish his Trophy Room detention. Afterwards, he invited Hermione to practice flying and teased her until she got flustered, then apologized and promised to help her in the Room of Requirement.

  • Draco threatened Filch by mentioning Peeves, and Filch reminded him to clean the Trophy Room.
  • Draco and Hermione stayed behind to clean while their friends returned to the common room.
  • Draco offered Hermione a broom and claimed his pocket had a Space Extension Charm, but Hermione found it empty.
  • Draco teased Hermione about kissing her, then admitted he was joking when she got flustered.
  • Draco apologized and invited Hermione to the Room of Requirement for flying practice.

Ch. 252Now that you mention it

Draco helped Hermione practice flying in the Room of Requirement, guiding her past her fear of heights until she learned to control the broom herself. The lesson ended with Hermione speeding around the padded room while Draco clung to her.

  • Hermione and Draco agreed that if she failed to learn to fly, he would owe her a favor, and they chose the Room of Requirement for practice.
  • Draco padded the room, simulated gentle winds, and demonstrated how to hover and balance on a broom.
  • When Hermione remained afraid, Draco took her flying from behind until she relaxed and began steering steadily.
  • Draco teased Hermione by grabbing her waist, making the broom lurch, but she steadied it and realized she could fly on her own.
  • Hermione accelerated wildly around the room, while Draco held on and shouted for her to slow down.

Ch. 253Husband and wife join forces

After Hermione lost control of her broom, Draco protected her from the crash, and they comforted each other after landing safely. They discussed playing Quidditch together and decided to consider forming a second team once Hermione could fly steadily.

  • Draco removed the Wind Charm, and Hermione lost control of her broom and plunged toward a Quidditch practice post.
  • Draco shielded Hermione as they crashed onto the padded field and rolled to a stop.
  • Hermione clung to Draco and cried, then apologized for flying too fast; Draco reassured her and teased her about giving him mouth-to-mouth.
  • Draco asked whether Hermione wanted to play Quidditch, and she said she would consider it after she learned to fly steadily.
  • Draco suggested forming a second Quidditch team so Hermione could play without displacing anyone from the existing lineup, and Hermione agreed to keep practicing.

Ch. 254The Three Joined Forces

Hermione continued practicing on a broom with Draco until she felt confident flying alone, and the Gryffindors’ first flying lesson soon brought a dangerous emergency. Draco, Hermione, and Harry worked together to bring Neville safely down, while Professor McGonagall headed toward them with a stern expression.

  • Hermione flew confidently around the Room of Requirement with Draco until the curfew bells rang.
  • Before the first flying lesson, Draco warned Neville not to mount his broom while nervous, and Madam Hooch stressed that students should prioritize safety.
  • Madam Hooch repeatedly corrected Draco’s flying posture as Slytherins mocked him for needing instruction.
  • Neville panicked during takeoff, lost control of his broom, and shot high into the air.
  • Draco, Hermione, and Harry flew after Neville and coordinated to steady his broom and guide him safely to the ground.
  • Professor McGonagall witnessed the unauthorized rescue flight and went downstairs with a stern expression.

Ch. 255Demonstration

After rescuing Neville, Draco, Harry, and Hermione earned Madam Hooch’s praise and demonstrated their flying skills to the class. Neville remained afraid of flying but began to hope he might improve.

  • Madam Hooch deducted points for Neville’s reckless flight and for the three students taking off without permission, then awarded Draco, Harry, and Hermione points for rescuing him.
  • Madam Hooch let Neville sit out and continued correcting Draco’s flying posture.
  • Draco took off with perfect control, impressing his classmates and earning Madam Hooch’s approval.
  • At Madam Hooch’s request, Harry and Hermione also demonstrated steady, precise flying.
  • Madam Hooch reminded the class that flying required control and responsibility, and the three students acknowledged her lesson.

Ch. 256The Second Team

After Harry and Hermione impressed Professor McGonagall with their flying, she invited them to try out for a Gryffindor Quidditch Second Team. Wood announced the first practice and proposed selection matches, leaving both teams set to compete for a place representing Gryffindor.

  • Ron praised Harry and Hermione's flying, while Draco teased Hermione and claimed he had helped teach her.
  • Professor McGonagall invited Harry and Hermione to try out and proposed a Gryffindor Second Team whose players would compete against the first team.
  • Harry and Hermione agreed to try out, and Draco joked that Hermione had accepted because of him.
  • Wood hurried to the Great Hall, announced practice for the next evening, and said the second team would provide competition and reserves.
  • Draco reminded Wood not to overlook the existing players, and Wood proposed selection matches so the strongest players could represent Gryffindor.

Ch. 257Wood's familiar pitch

Wood announced that Harry, Hermione, and Draco could try out for Gryffindor’s second Quidditch team, prompting debate over whether first-years could compete with older players. At the tryout, Hermione excelled as a Chaser, and Wood awarded her the position.

  • Wood’s announcement that three first-years could try out for Gryffindor’s second team caused an uproar in the Great Hall, where students argued over their age and ability.
  • Draco reassured Hermione that doubters would give them a chance to prove themselves, and Harry and Ron agreed they would show their skill on the pitch.
  • On Friday, Wood asked Harry and Hermione what positions suited them, and Draco suggested Hermione try out as a Chaser.
  • Hermione weaved through the obstacle course with the Quaffle and scored every shot, impressing the veteran players.
  • Wood praised Hermione’s balance, ball control, and aim, and declared that the Chaser position was hers.

Ch. 258What else could you do besides date?

At Gryffindor Quidditch tryouts, Harry caught the Golden Snitch and was chosen as a second-team Seeker, while Hermione made the second team as a Chaser. Draco asked to join Hermione’s team instead of keeping his first-team place, leaving everyone to tease the pair about his motives.

  • Wood praised Hermione for passing her tryout and then invited Harry to test as a Seeker.
  • Harry tracked down and caught the Golden Snitch, impressing Wood and the veteran players.
  • Wood named Hermione a second-team Chaser and Harry a second-team Seeker.
  • Draco asked to join the second team and move Harry to the first team, explaining that he wanted to be with Hermione and lead the younger players.
  • Hermione and Harry tried to persuade Draco to stay with the first team, but he declared he would help the second team defeat them.
  • Ron joked that Draco and Hermione were two commanders without an army, and the pitch erupted in laughter.

Ch. 259Catching All the Weasleys in One Net

Draco and Wood organized open tryouts for Gryffindor’s second Quidditch team, drawing students from every year. The team took shape with Hermione, Olivia, George, Fred, and Ron among its players, and Wood sent Draco off to lead them in training.

  • Draco persuaded Wood to open second-team tryouts to students from every year, and Lavender and Ron argued over whether they could make the team.
  • News of the tryouts spread through Hogwarts, while Ron secretly practiced flying despite insisting he would not join.
  • At the crowded tryouts, Draco selected Hermione’s roommate Olivia as a Chaser and George and Fred Weasley as Beaters.
  • Draco called Ron out of the crowd, tested his flying, and put him on the second team despite Ron protesting that he had not volunteered.
  • Draco selected another Chaser, completing Gryffindor’s second team, and Wood told him to bring the players to training on time.

Ch. 260Making a move

Hogwarts’s four houses formed second Quidditch teams after Gryffindor’s lead, while Harry received a Nimbus 2000 for his role as first-team Seeker. At the Halloween feast, Draco spotted Professor Quirrell preparing to act and led Hermione out of the Great Hall, leaving his purpose unclear.

  • Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw formed second Quidditch teams, and Slytherin began preparing one after Gryffindor’s second team sparked competition.
  • Harry opened Professor McGonagall’s letter and learned she had sent him a Nimbus 2000 as the first team’s Seeker.
  • Two months later, the students gathered for Hogwarts’s Halloween feast and admired the decorated Great Hall.
  • Draco noticed Professor Quirrell’s expression change and his fingers tighten as though he was about to act.
  • Draco quietly asked Hermione to leave with him, then led her out of the Great Hall while their friends teased them.

Ch. 261Ambush

Draco tells Hermione a troll may be in the castle and leads her to an ambush near the abandoned third-floor bathroom, believing Professor Quirrell released it to distract the staff. They prepare to fight the troll while Quirrell carries out another part of his plan.

  • Draco tells Hermione about the possible troll and persuades her to trust him and join the fight.
  • Draco stops Professor Quirrell in the corridor with questions, delaying him until he hurries away.
  • Draco leads Hermione to a shadowy spot near the abandoned bathroom and explains that Quirrell intends to use the troll to distract the professors and staff.
  • Draco outlines their battle plan, assigning Hermione a supporting role, and she agrees to follow his instructions.

Ch. 262It Knocked Itself Out in a Fall

Draco and Hermione worked together to knock out the troll in Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom, then slipped away and persuaded Myrtle to keep their involvement secret. Professor McGonagall and Snape arrived to find the troll unconscious, while Quirrell was left bewildered and Myrtle claimed it had knocked itself out.

  • Quirrell lured the troll into the abandoned third-floor bathroom, where Draco and Hermione entered after he left.
  • Draco disarmed and distracted the troll while Hermione hindered it, and they stunned it together.
  • Draco and Hermione asked Moaning Myrtle to conceal their role, promised to visit and talk with her, and escaped through the back door.
  • Professor McGonagall and Snape arrived and examined the unconscious troll as Quirrell stared at it in confusion.
  • Moaning Myrtle told Professor McGonagall that the troll had fallen and knocked itself out, then refused to answer further questions.

Ch. 263The upcoming Quidditch scrimmage

After returning safely to Gryffindor Tower, Draco and Hermione rejoined their worried roommates and kept the troll encounter secret. In the common room, the group discussed an upcoming Quidditch scrimmage between Gryffindor’s first and second teams before heading to bed.

  • Draco and Hermione met Olivia, Lavender, Parvati, Ron, and Harry in the corridor and hurried back to Gryffindor Tower.
  • The roommates complained about the troll disrupting the Halloween feast, while Hermione and Draco let them assume they had simply gone for a walk.
  • Draco proposed that Gryffindor’s second team face the first team in a scrimmage to decide the final playing spots.
  • Harry agreed to the match, and Ron and Olivia said they trusted Draco to help the second team win.
  • The group discussed other houses forming second teams, then wished one another good night and went to their dormitories.

Ch. 264Telling Her in Advance

Draco told Hermione that Quirrell was possessed by Voldemort and had released the troll to distract the professors while he tried to reach the protected object. Hermione realized they had nearly entered Voldemort’s plan, but Draco reassured her that Dumbledore was watching Quirrell, leaving her calmer.

  • Hermione left the dormitory after realizing she could not sleep, and Draco met her on the tower landing.
  • Draco took Hermione to the Room of Requirement and told her Voldemort was possessing Quirrell.
  • Draco explained that Voldemort had possessed Quirrell in the forest and was hidden beneath Quirrell’s turban.
  • Hermione connected the troll attack to Quirrell’s attempt to distract the professors and reach the object guarded near the Third Floor Corridor.
  • Draco assured Hermione that Dumbledore had been watching Quirrell, and Hermione’s fear began to ease.

Ch. 265Don't come any closer

Draco reassured Hermione after revealing Voldemort possessed Quirrell, then disclosed that he had warned Dumbledore in advance and become his ally. Hermione was left flustered as Draco teased her, and she begged him not to come closer.

  • Draco comforted Hermione and she said she wanted to know the truth and fight alongside him.
  • Draco teased Hermione by demanding a kiss in exchange for a more shocking secret, and she agreed to owe him one.
  • Draco revealed that he had told Dumbledore Quirrell was possessed by Voldemort, which made them allies.
  • Hermione reacted in shock, and Draco bragged that Dumbledore supported him before joking about showing her his body.
  • Hermione covered her eyes and backed away as Draco moved closer, telling him not to come any closer.

Ch. 266You dare order Dumbledore around?

Draco explained to Hermione that Voldemort wanted the Philosopher’s Stone to regain a physical body, and that Dumbledore’s enchantment allowed only those intent on protecting it to find it. Dumbledore revealed his trust in Draco and left the Room of Requirement to the pair for the day.

  • Draco told Hermione that Voldemort planned to steal the Philosopher’s Stone and use it to rebuild a stronger physical body.
  • Draco explained that the Stone could be found only by someone who genuinely wanted to protect it, and Hermione understood that she and Draco were acting as its protectors.
  • Dumbledore emerged from the shadows and praised Draco’s knowledge and trustworthy character.
  • Draco challenged Dumbledore for eavesdropping, while Dumbledore hinted that the third-floor obstacles were prepared for them and thanked Draco for earlier clues.
  • Draco told Dumbledore to stop searching and return tomorrow because they had commandeered the Room of Requirement, and Dumbledore agreed.

Ch. 267Scarf

Draco told Hermione that the fourth-floor obstacles and the objects tied to Voldemort’s resurrection would involve them both, and Hermione agreed to face the danger with him. In November, Draco gave Hermione a Gryffindor-colored scarf and wrapped it around her neck.

  • Hermione demanded an explanation of the fourth-floor obstacles, and Draco said they had been intended as trials to help Harry grow but that they would now be involved too.
  • Draco explained that the objects were crucial to Voldemort’s resurrection and that destroying them would prevent his return.
  • Hermione promised to face whatever came with Draco, and he reassured her that he would not leave her out of their plans.
  • Draco walked Hermione to the girls’ dormitory stairs, and they exchanged quiet good-nights before going to their rooms.
  • As November turned cold, Draco surprised Hermione in the Gryffindor Common Room with a red-and-yellow scarf and wrapped it around her neck.

Ch. 268Even a Match Called for Showing Off...

Draco and Hermione showed off their matching portrait scarves before he revealed custom-made matching brooms for them. They headed to the Quidditch pitch with their new brooms for the afternoon match.

  • Hermione and Draco wore matching Gryffindor scarves embroidered with each other's portraits, drawing amused attention in the Great Hall.
  • Their classmates teased them about the scarves, and Draco joked that he could stay home and keep Hermione warm while she built her career.
  • After Potions class, Draco led Hermione to the Room of Requirement and showed her two custom-made brooms that surpassed the Nimbus 2000.
  • Draco named Hermione's broom Draco's Protection and his own Hermione's Hero, then he and Hermione left for the Quidditch match with a broom each.

Ch. 269The scrimmage officially begins

Gryffindor’s first and second Quidditch teams faced off in an eagerly watched scrimmage, with Draco and Hermione drawing attention as they entered with matching custom brooms. The first team took control early, but Hermione and the twin Beaters kept the second team from falling too far behind as the first team prepared another attack.

  • Students and professors gathered to watch Gryffindor’s scrimmage, and Draco and Hermione entered with matching custom-made brooms that drew cheers and commentary from Lee Rock.
  • Madam Hooch sent both teams into the air, and Draco encouraged the second team to treat the match as training before she officially started play.
  • The first team used its experience and coordinated attacks to seize control, while Ron, Olivia, and Sam struggled to keep pace.
  • Hermione used her broom’s speed and stability to intercept attacks and keep the score close, while George and Fred used their teamwork to ease the pressure.
  • Katie, Angelina, and Alicia rallied the first team for another surge against the second team.

Ch. 270There it is! The Golden Snitch

Gryffindor's first team dominated the practice match and built a large lead over the second team. When the Golden Snitch appeared, Draco and Harry raced after it, and Draco's broom quickly outclassed Harry's Nimbus 2000.

  • Coote urged Gryffindor's first team to widen the score gap, while Hermione, Olivia, Sam, and the Weasley Twins struggled to keep the second team's defense together.
  • The first team extended its lead as Hermione carried much of the second team's effort, Olivia and Sam gradually found their form, and George and Fred deflected Bludgers.
  • Lee Rock announced that the first team led 210–60, and Katie scored again despite Wood warning his teammates not to underestimate Draco and Hermione.
  • The Golden Snitch appeared, prompting Draco and Harry to pursue it as the first team intensified its attack.
  • Draco's Hero shot ahead of Harry's Nimbus 2000, astonishing the spectators with its speed, acceleration, and handling.

Ch. 271One Point Short

Draco caught the Golden Snitch, and Gryffindor’s second team defeated the first team by one point after a dramatic comeback. The match ended with Hermione and Draco celebrating together while Harry and his teammates accepted their narrow loss.

  • Draco’s faster broom repeatedly beat Harry to the Golden Snitch, while Hermione led the second team’s determined counterattack and Ron blocked two crucial shots.
  • Harry abandoned his straight-line pursuit and tried to intercept the Snitch from the side, but Draco caught it just as Alicia scored for the first team.
  • Lee Rock announced that the second team won 211 to 210, prompting cheers across the pitch and praise from the professors.
  • Draco flew Hermione’s Hero to Hermione, pulled her into an embrace, and told her he had been her hero.
  • Harry apologized to Wood and the first team for failing to catch the Snitch, and Wood reassured them that they could win it back in the next House Cup.

Ch. 272No celebration

After Gryffindor’s second team defeated the first team by one point, Professor McGonagall praised both sides and reminded them to report Draco and Hermione’s custom brooms. Wood then handed responsibility for Gryffindor’s House Cup campaign to Draco, who vowed to lead the second team through serious training.

  • The spectators dispersed after the match, while Pansy left in anger and Ravenclaw students discussed the second team’s broom advantage.
  • Draco and Hermione flew together as their teammates celebrated the comeback, while Harry and the first team struggled with their narrow defeat.
  • Professor McGonagall encouraged the first team, praised the second team, and told them to report their two custom brooms before the next match.
  • Wood formally entrusted Gryffindor’s House Cup campaign to Draco, who said the second team would treat the victory as a measure of their progress and train as if every session were a match.
  • Gryffindor’s players returned to the Great Hall and sat together in a quiet, focused mood.

Ch. 273Good luck

Gryffindor’s Quidditch team analyzed its opponents and prepared for the House Cup, then faced seven-time champions Slytherin in the opening match. The match was about to begin with Draco and Hermione playing for Gryffindor.

  • Draco, Hermione, and the other Gryffindor players reviewed Slytherin’s, Ravenclaw’s, and Hufflepuff’s strengths and weaknesses and planned how to counter each team.
  • Wood expressed confidence that Gryffindor would win the House Cup, and the team committed to working together and staying focused.
  • Lavender led Gryffindor supporters in decorating the stands with a banner, while Dean, Seamus, Parvati, and Neville helped.
  • Draco and Hermione put on their new Gryffindor uniforms and joined the second team as they entered the pitch.
  • Madam Hooch prepared to referee as the opening matchup was announced: Gryffindor versus Slytherin.
  • Lee Jordan introduced the teams and began teasing Draco and Hermione before Professor McGonagall silenced him; the players prepared to take flight.

Ch. 274The final showdown!

Gryffindor's second team faced Slytherin in the House Cup opener, overcoming dirty play to fight back from an early deficit. With the score at 70–50 for Slytherin, the Golden Snitch appeared and Draco and Higgs began their showdown.

  • Draco, Hermione, and their teammates traded taunts with Flint's Slytherin team before Madam Hooch ordered both sides to mount their brooms.
  • Flint led Slytherin's aggressive attack, and Pucey scored as Ron struggled in goal, putting Gryffindor behind 40–0.
  • Hermione stole the Quaffle from Flint and scored, inspiring George, Fred, and Ron to fight back and steady Gryffindor's defense.
  • After Flint fouled Hermione, she scored the penalty, and Gryffindor narrowed the gap as the score reached 70–50 for Slytherin.
  • The Golden Snitch appeared, and Lee Jordan announced the final showdown between Draco and Higgs.

Ch. 275Victory secured

Draco caught the Golden Snitch after Hermione and the Gryffindor team broke through Slytherin’s attempts to block him, winning the match 200–70. The Gryffindor Second Team celebrated its historic victory as Slytherin’s seven-year reign ended.

  • Draco raced for the Snitch, but Flint ordered the Slytherin team to surround and stop him.
  • Hermione led Olivia and Sam into the scrum to clear a path for Draco, while George, Fred, and Ron held off the other Slytherins.
  • Draco broke through, outmaneuvered Higgs, and caught the Golden Snitch, securing Gryffindor’s 200–70 victory.
  • Draco and Hermione embraced as their teammates gathered around them, and Draco declared that Slytherin’s era was over.
  • The Gryffindors celebrated while Slytherin’s players and supporters watched in silence, and the professors and other teams applauded the winners.
Arc 11 of 37
Arc 11 of 37