sunday
Draco woke up to his alarm. Throwing off the satin covers, he blindly reached for his phone, eager to cease the repetitive chiming.
He could openly admit he was itching to hit the ice today. He enjoyed playing the Gryffins. Saginaw beat their rivals year after year, so he was lined up for another promising game.
Though, he supposed, Mackenzie might not be there cheering for his team today.
Not that it mattered, really. He knew the moment his skates hit the ice today, he’d be dialed in on the competition. He briefly thought of The Weasel, and considered a wager with Theodore. Over/under on how fast he’d throw a punch. Who could instigate a fight with Ron Weasley first?
Draco drew immense satisfaction from pissing off that ginger wannabe. Coming from a long line of almost anybodies that didn’t make it anywhere.
Today, he was allowed to let that long standing hatred bubble to the surface.
He started his morning as he did everyday. Dressing quickly, and meeting his friends in the great hall for breakfast.
It was customary for the teams to eat together throughout the tournament, something about promoting inter-league unity. So from 7am until 9:30am, all the players sporadically popped in for breakfast.
Draco and his friends soon realized, the earlier they went to breakfast the less chance they of running into other teams. See, no teenage boys feel like waking up before 7am unless absolutely necessary.
---
“You know, maybe Oliver is onto something with his bedtimes.” Georgia observed, noticing Mackenzie rouse. Having risen naturally just five minutes earlier, she was convinced it was because they had gone to bed unseasonably early last night.
“While I wouldn’t call 11pm early by Oliver's standards, I agree. “ Mackenzie stared up at the maroon canopy above their bed as she wiped an irritiating stray hair from her cheek. She checked the time on her phone, still having five minutes before the doors to the Great Hall would open. “We’re actually awake in time for breakfast today.”
Georgia having gone back to sleep the morning before.
In her opinion, soggy hotel waffles weren’t reason enough to skimp on sleep. But this morning, she had no qualms with a continental breakfast.
---
Blaise had just finished his daily debate over whether he'd spread cherry jam or grape jelly on his scone that morning.
Cherry jam had been the decided favourite.
When the Great Hall’s oversized doors swung open, a pair of young women entered. Even if he hadn't recognized her immediately it wouldn’t have taken Malfoy long to identify Mackenzie and Georgia.
But he had.
His eyes were locked on her as she walked deeper into the hall. Her hair was loose and hanging at her back. She was wearing a loose pair of sweatpants, the waistband and cuffs rolled. A sheer, form fitting long sleeve was thrown over a black tanktop.
He knew it probably wouldn’t be a smart move, inviting the pair to sit with them. Lest they be seen by someone critical. Draco had decided he'd send a nod and a close mouthed smile her way.
A subtle greeting.
---
Six long tables occupied the majority of the Great Hall. Upon each table, was an elaborate buffet. The spread of food was much more appetizing than Georgia had anticipated.
They sat across from each other, and began filling their plates from the feast in front of them. Steaming silver trays of crisp sausage and bacon graced each table. A decorative tower, plates of still-warm scones, muffins and pastries. Fresh, out of season fruit filled multiple baskets.
“Why’s he smirking like that?” Georgia inquired, having witnessed Draco’s not-so-discreet hello. She slathered a thick layer of peanut butter onto a chocolate croissant as she spoke.
Seriously, was he even trying to be subtle? Catching the way he was currently staring openly at her friend.
“Oh, he does that.” Mackenzie turned and blushed as their eyes connected across the vast dining room. “Honestly, I think it’s his attempt at a smile.”
“He looks like he’s either plotting revenge or planning to eat you whole.” Georgia said candidly, taking a bite of the pastry in her hand.
“I vote for option B.” Mackenzie dropped her fork with a clang. She raised her hands and feigned an embarrassed smile. “Sue me.”
“I’m not judging, babes.” Georgia promised, around a mouthful of food. “It’s just intense, is all.”
“I know, but we talked last night and we’re just figuring out whatever it is going on between us.” Mackenzie risked another peek behind her. “Plus, the intensity. It’s kinda hot. No?”
“DUH!” Her best friend agreed, picturing the aggressive player off the ice and channeling that energy into other activities.
---
“Theo, man, she’s looking over again.” Draco whispered as he peeled the orange he had left on the side of his plate. His gaze was frequently drawn to the young women three tables away.
“Jesus, Malfoy.” Theo said, exasperated. “Go talk to her.”
“Well, first of all I’m Draco, not Jesus. Common misconception.” He joked, earning a series of groans from his companions.
“And second?"
“I can’t." Draco’s logic was sound. "I don’t need Andrew Kirke on my ass the day of the match-up.” He wouldn’t risk fueling an already bone-deep hatred any further. Especially not with someone as protective as Kirkey.
“Scared, Malfoy?” Blaise interjected, to which Malfoy shot him a particularly dirty look.
“Of getting into a fight on the ice with her brother and risking her being pissed at me for it? Yeah.” He lied.
“But you would." Blaise pressed, eager for him to admit to some nerves. "Hypothetically?”
“Yeah, man. I’d beat Drew’s ass.” Malfoy vaguely threatened, waving the spoon he had just used to stir his tea. More the promise of an attempt, because frankly Andrew Kirke was a big boy. But, Malfoy wouldn’t tolerate disrespect from the older player either, it was a fine line.
“Atta Boy.” Theo patted his shoulder from his spot across the table, effectively putting an end to that particular conversation.
---
“You finished?” Georgia asked, wiping her mouth with the linen napkin she had unfolded minutes before.
“Yup.” Mackenzie stacked their dishes in a pile and stood. Their crocs scuffing along the stone floor as they headed for the exit.
Draco and his friends had left a few minutes prior, and she was surprised he hadn’t said anything to her during the entire meal. She understood, but still, not even a wave?!
She had never done anything close to sneaking around before, she was unsure of how to proceed. It was odd not being able to have a regular conversation with him in the open.
Georgia was recounting her uneventful evening as they approached the lobby.
“So, I found him in the gym, then caught sight of the rest of the team in the training room alongside him. It was not the time for another steamy make-out.” She had wound up heading back to her room and flicking through her library book until she fell asleep.
They picked up their pace as they walked past Filches desk, continuing on to the elevator down the hall.
She should have predicted this, and should have staggered their departure times.
No. She wasn’t a flight attendant, she was just a girl taking the elevator.
So, there’d be nothing remotely suspicious about riding in the elevator with the three boys that were currently waiting at its doors. Except that’s exactly what got her into this in the first place.
“Elevator girl.” Blaise greeted her near silently, once she approached.
The elevator doors opened with a squeak. The five hotel guests stepped in, the three gentlemen stepping to the back while Georgia and Mackenzie stood directly in front of them, facing forward.
Theo waited until the doors had closed once more before he spoke.
“Haven’t you heard? She goes by Macker now.” Theo explained, being the first hand witness to her indiscretion.
“When’d that change?” Blaise was perpetually out of the loop, having to share a room with Adrian Pucey rather than his two close friends.
“When I caught her and Draco mack-” Theo began coughing, unable to finish his sentence as he clutched his midsection. Draco’s elbow had just connected with his stomach. “Bastard.” He wheezed.
“Stop running your mouth, Nott.” Draco warned, now fully convinced the only person he’d be telling his secrets to from then on was Blaise. At least he knew the anti-social prick would keep his mouth shut around mixed company.
“You’re the one getting handsy in a public space.” Theo reminded just where exactly to place the blame.
“In public, Malfoy?" Blaise pretended to clutch his pearls. "Colour me shocked.”
“Hey. Woah.” Mackenzie craned her neck, not turning around completely. “We were not getting handsy. It was one kiss.” Mackenzie defended her encounter, they were making it sound much more scandalous than it was.
“Well, it was two.” Draco specified, the details now ingrained in his mind.
“Not helping.” Mackenzie’s patience was razor thin, it was too early for banter.
The elevator stopped on the third floor, they were adding another passenger.
The carved doors opened to reveal a glasses-clad boy in a Gryffin’s hoodie. His black hair was a mess of static and was one of his most distinct features. If they didn’t consider the scar that ran from his hairline to his eyebrow, a crackling bolt of lightning.
“Mack, hey.” Harry greeted his mutual acquaintance with surprise.
She saw the moment he recognized the other passengers, the crooked smile dropping from his face.
“Gents.” He greeted broadly, not feeling terribly social toward that days opponents. As Harry stepped in, Georgia and Mackenzie took respective steps apart to make room.
Unfortunately, the elevator wasn’t exceptionally spacious.
---
Fortunately, the elevator wasn’t exceptionally spacious.
In a moment of sudden scandalous impulsivity, Malfoy’s right hand rose almost imperceptibly, to rest against Mackenzie’s waist. Steadying her as she stepped to the side.
He noticed the way her spine stiffened upon contact, before she relaxed into his touch.
“Potter.” Malfoy sneered, following the script of their typical brief interactions. “Headed down to the arena to concede?”
“In your dreams, Malfoy.” Harry spat back, insulted at the implication of cowardice. His emerald gaze remaining stubbornly forward, he wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of a reaction.
The glowing number increased as they arrived at the next floor. The doors sliding open again.
“Not usually what my dreams are about, Potter.” He joked suggestively. Draco’s hand slipped from Mackenzie’s waist to cup her ass briefly as he moved to step past her and off the elevator.
He would revel in the surprised gasp that slipped past her lips for the rest of the day.
As he dressed for pre-game, he tucked the crisp black button up into his grey slacks. Draco ran a comb through his snow-white hair, Mackenzie still firmly on his mind,
---
Mackenzie decided on the walk to the arena that she'd text him and Georgia was helping her draft a message. She handed back the bright pink iPhone that Mackenzie carried at all times.
Talk about handsy in public.
"Seriously, that's the best you could come up with?" Mackenzie demanded, as she read her friend's suggestion. Margot giggled from Georgia’s left.
"What?! It's funny." Georgia laughed at her own words. "He's a guy. He'll think it's funny, won't he?"
"Ugh, probably." Mackenzie thought about the jokes passed between him and his friends.
"God, boys are all the same." Margot complained, thinking about Cedric’s friends that the couple had just gone to the Three Broomsticks with.
“Told you.” Georgia singsonged. Her dark ponytail swung as she tilted her head to the side.
Overthinking what she should text him, Mackenzie suddenly became very focused on the hem of her maroon sweater as they walked. She had chosen Drew’s team merch from a year prior, a crewneck made of that breathable athletic material. She wore pale blue carpenter jeans and those same beat-up chuck-taylors.
Reminding her that she didn’t have to do anything right then, Georgia brought Mackenzie back to the present as they reached their section.
They hadn’t been sitting for five minutes before the seats in front of them were once again filled by the mother daughter trio from the day before. Each of them carried a steaming hot chocolate.
Doing a double take as she sat down, the matriarch turned towards them with a broad smile. “Ladies! Didn’t know we’d be seeing you again today, or we’d have grabbed you a cocoa too, eh?”
They laughed good naturedly and assured her it was no trouble.
Mackenzie enjoyed the morning game immensely. She came to the decision last night that she was done spying for her father, and she was going to attend the games with her friends and simply watch hockey without acting like a scout.
The trio in front of her introduced themselves before the puck dropped, insisting they’d all become fast friends.
Freya and Josephine were sisters, brought to the tournament by their mother Marie.
Josephine was older and in a committed relationship with the current Golden Goalie, Roger Davies. Her blonde hair was pin straight and she wore a pale blue baseball cap, the Sarnia Ravens embroidered across the front in nearly the same shade. A white knitted turtleneck brightened her features and brought out the blue in her eyes.
Freya, the spitting image of her mother and sister, insisted she tag along to find herself a committed relationship. Resenting the puck-bunny label, as she did actually just enjoy the sport quite a bit, she opted against team colours. Wearing a short fur coat and dark denim was the closest she’d get to the Ravens traditional navy and bronze. Her hair was twisted in a bun, and loose golden strands framed her face.
Marie was a kind, older woman with a clear passion for the game. She had hair the same shade as her daughters, a warm blonde. She was a wealth of league knowledge, having followed hockey at a provincial level since her youth.
The six women instantly took each other. Turning in their seats to share snacks, make snide remarks and of course, scout potential suitors for Freya both on and off the ice. Mackenzie even went so far as to share her dilemma with Wrong Room Guy, leaving out names, and asked the group what she should say.
"I dunno, Georgia was onto something with her response." Josephine offered her opinion. "It's funny and to the point."
In the end, Roger Davies made multiple impressive saves. His fanclub was louder due to it having doubled in size, yet, it was not enough to secure a win. The Ravens fell to the brutish Durmstrang with a final score of 2-1.
- - -
Theodore was going to be the reason they would wind up skating laps after the game. He knew he’d get in a heap of shit if he got caught with his earbud in, but he believed that The Beastie Boys could hype him up for a game better than Coach Malfoy ever could.
Lucius Malfoy was in the middle of what he thought was a compelling pep talk, but he managed to lose the attention of nearly each player.
Each in a various state of dress, having been interrupted as they donned their gear, the Saginaw Slytherin sat around their locker room feigning interest. They’d heard it from Coach before and they knew what needed to be done.
No matter what, the Guelph Gryffin’s would lose today’s game.
Theo reached down and began lacing his skates, not wanting to waste time. He could multitask after all.
Plus, Theodore hadn’t much respect for the brash coach with impossible expectations. He thought Lucius Malfoy to be an absolute pushover when it came to letting those around him have a say in the coaching process.
Riddle knows best , was a key phrase throughout the season. As if the rich owner had a clue how this team operated. While simultaneously leaving the Malfoy heir no wiggle room when it came to his in-game performance.
“So, I want a hundred and ten from all of you today." Their coach finally concluded. His long fingers curled around the clipboard he held, so invested, his knuckles began turning white under the force of his grasp. "No excuses, no exceptions.”
“Yes, coach.” The team answered back, simultaneously.
His job done for the time being, Lucius left his players to finish putting on their equipment.
Theo hadn’t the words to explain the way he felt lining up in the tunnel. The roar of the crowd growing as they walked closer to the ice, the rotation of familiar songs over the loudspeaker. Game after game, the energy was like nothing else. Even as the Away Team, there was a certain hostile energy that thrummed through the tunnel that fueled the players in its own way.
Knowing the insane amount of pressure he was under, Theo broached his captain carefully. The pair typically hit the ice right after one another, so they were positioned side by side as they waited for the warm-ups to start.
With a practiced familiarity only years playing together would achieve, Theo knocked his hockey stick into his captains, checking in. Malfoy’s attention was pulled to his teammate. His grey eyes, hard with determination, conveyed everything Theodore needed to known in that moment.
They had to win this game.
- - -
Georgia, Mackenzie and Margot were strolling the now familiar path from the hotel to the arena. The group passed the same tall bearded dude from the day before, waving to him as they reached the front door and went inside.
“Let’s go Gryffs!” His booming voice echoed through the entryway as they approached the ticketwoman, their routine now familiar.
The energy in the arena was electric. Each game thus far had had a solid turn out, but the place was abuzz with excitement. Fans packed the seats, some wearing face paint or carrying signs. Seeing her brother's jersey worn by young fans remained a surreal experience for Mackenzie, he’d always just be her anxious older brother to her.
Fans had spelled out their city, with boldly written letters, G. U. E. L. P. H. Each young woman holding a letter, apart of which, were the four girls Mackenzie had driven to the tournament. Lavender and one of the Patil twins had abandoned their letters to respond to a text. Their sign now reading GELP, as Mackenzie caught sight of them across the rink.
Georgia slipped away briefly for refreshments and returned with a large Dr. Pepper, a blue slushie and three iced teas.
“Seat-side service, courtesy of yours truly.” She beamed as she handed out everyone’s drinks, Marie thanking her repeatedly.
They were mere minutes away from puck drop, and Mackenzie had the sudden realization that she didn't see any Gryffins today beyond Harry. She hadn't wished Drew good luck yet.
“Crap.” She whispered. She was a terrible sister.
- - -
Slytherin won the face off and Draco Malfoy skated toward the net.
Doubling back with the puck suddenly, Theodore Nott disoriented his opponent long enough to snipe the puck to his lineman in front of the net.
"Does your coach know you're out here, Weasley?" He teased as he circled the defender.
Oliver Wood deflected a shot, sending it careening to the boards.
Ron Weasley was on the chase, determined to control the loose puck. Unfortunately, so was Draco. Shoving Ron into the glass, Malfoy glanced up at the crowd. Noticing Ron's girlfriend, Hermione, as he had made known to everyone the first morning in the Great Hall. Real secure guy, clearly. She was stood, sandwiched between a group of puck bunnies.
"Your girl is like a pack of timbits, for two dollars I can share her with the rest of the team." Malfoy smirked as Ron's face turned bright red, and an elbow flew into his gut. Malfoy coughed at the impact which quickly tuned into a laugh, as Bletcher dropped a dime in the top left corner.
Malfoy had distracted the Gryffin long enough for Miles Bletchy to swoop in and gain control of the puck, shooting high and fast toward the net. Securing the first point of the game within the first minute.
- - -
An intimidation tactic. Score fast, score first, Mackenzie recited. Saginaw wanted their opponents to be alert and on edge from the get-go.
Another five minutes of tense back and forth, and the Gryffin’s had their first real chance to score.
Harry hit the ice once more, Mackenzie tracked his movements as he beelined for the cluster of players along the boards. Hanging back slightly, he waited for movement, any sign of the puck coming loose or any player gaining possession.
Mackenzie saw the puck the same moment Harry did, it seemed. Springing into action as she inhaled sharply, Potter watched the puck ricochet to his right-winger.
Ginny Weasley extended her arm.
Stretching.
Reaching to stop the puck before it slid over the blue line.
She swiped the puck diagonally to Harry, who had moved into position for an effective screen, and chipped the puck over the goalie's shoulder.
Their section was on their feet instantly, along with over half the arena. Lavender and her friends waved their signs as they jumped up and down. Freya let loose a shrill whistle, it was clear the team she had chosen to root for. Donning red face paint, a G was drawn on her fair cheek.
“Following in his father’s footsteps.” Freya observed, impressed by the raven haired player. Harry and his father, James, were identical in nearly every way possible. The messy mop of hair, the crooked grin when he forgot what to say during a post-game, their positions on the ice and, not to mention, both Potter men won Rookie of the Year their first season out. Harry was continuing the Potter legacy. “And looking damn fine doing it.” The blonde turned around in her seat with a cheeky grin.
Opportunities to score were few and far between, and the few shots that were accurate managed to be deflected by the skilled players in net.
The clock wound down, the announcer calling out the last minute of play during the first period.
- - -
“We should be up by three!” Coach snarled, as he paced the locker room. His long hair hung loose around his shoulders, looking similar to the eclectic woman who had just sung the anthem. “An embarrassment.” He was addressing his son directly as he continued to ream them for their playing.
Draco would never admit it but, early in life, he became very good at tuning out his fathers hateful drawl.
Sitting across from him, Marcus Flint was sneering from his spot on the bench. The prick knew Malfoy would get the brunt of his fathers wrath. Sure, Lucius would yell and swear at all the players equally, but he was especially critical of his son's performance.
“Something funny, Flint?” Lucius caught sight of his smug expression and was keen on shutting it down immediately. The cocky center dropped his face into a neutral expression. “I don’t know why you’re staring all confused like that, it’s not a fuckin’ riddle. Is there something about your sorry excuse for a first period that’s funny?”
“No, coach.” He mumbled, his gaze trained on the Hogwarts crest painted on the floor. “Nothing funny about it.”
“Damn right.” Coach Malfoy slammed the clipboard against the wall as he continued. “Get your heads right, and get back on that ice.”
“Yes, Coach.” The Saginaw Slytherin chorused, clapping their hands together once.
- - -
As much as she wanted her brother's team to win, Mackenzie couldn't help but search for Draco’s now familiar jersey as the Saginaw Slytherin hit the ice for the second period. She watched as he gave his team a pep talk, too far away to hear what he was saying. The green-clad skaters nodded along, knocking shoulders as they amped themselves up.
The Gryffins were in fine form. Potter’s usual childlike expression was replaced by a cold stare, his green eyes locked on the competition.
“Honestly, that number 11.” Josephine commented, nodding appreciatively as he slammed a Gryffin into the boards. “Plays good, and looks even better.”
“We’re supposed to be rooting for Guelph, Jo.” Freya pouted as Saginaw gained possession once again.
“We are.” She reassured her younger sister, knowing she couldn't cheer for her boyfriend's rivals. “But, I can look at the menu. I just can’t order.”
Mackenzie laughed at the exchange in front of her, knowing she was fighting an internal battle of similar proportions. She had to cheer for Guelph, but that didn’t mean she wanted Draco and his mates to lose too terribly.