Capture the Flag
As Hermione was adjusting to her possibly new life, she still tried to stay strong for herself and Tonks. Even if others can’t see it, Tonks is feeling guilty and responsible for what happened that night. She was task to protect Hermione and her mother but she failed. She blamed herself for what happened and Hermione can see through her. The brunette tried assure her that it’s not her fault but the pink haired girl just chuckled bitterly and replied, “It really looks like we both have something in common... We’re both blaming ourselves.” But after a good talk, they decided to drop the blaming and tried to move on. And now, being part of the Hermes cabin, Hermione has to participate in a game called ‘Capture the Flag’ with a few campers from Athena and Aphrodite cabin. Hermione has a team that contains Harry Potter, Ginny, Ron, Fred, George, and Bill Weasley and herself with Tonks as helper. The group also has Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour, and Cedric Diggory from Aphrodite cabin. And Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang, and Roger Davies from Athena cabin. Their team was the Blue Team.
But the Red Team, the Ares and Hephaestus cabin containing Lee Jordan, Theodore Nott, Seamus Finnigan, Oliver Wood, and Blaise Zabini from Hephaestus cabin with Dean Thomas as their helper. And for the Ares cabin, they have Viktor Krum, Marcus Flint, Millicent Bulstrode, Tracey Davies, and Draco Malfoy as their leader.
“Alright campers!” Albus’s loud voice echoed through the camp. “There are simple rules in this game. You must place your flag at your base and protect it. Do not let the opposite team get their hands on them! There are no serious wound that will harm or put the camper on a life threatening state! That is all. Let the games begin!” A loud horn was heard as the campers held their flags and put it in their places.
While preparing, Hermione leaned and whispered at Tonks. “So did someone actually died playing this game?” Tonks paused for a bit then shook her head. “You hesitated.” Hermione stated.
“No. Nobody died. Just… considerable injuries.” Tonks tried to sugar-coat.
“Don’t worry, Hermione.” Harry Potter –who hasn’t been claimed yet- tried to reassure the girl. “Albus and Moody make sure that no one is seriously hurt.” Both girls just stared at him. Harry snorted and scratched the back of his neck. “I mean Albus makes sure that no one is seriously hurt.”
“Hah! Scared already newcomer?” A taunting and annoying voice said behind them. They turned around to see Draco Malfoy with his spear in hand. “I mean, I can’t blame you. You’re just a-“
“Malfoy.” A cold and stern voice interrupted the son of Ares. They looked at the side to see Fleur Delacour leaning against the tree. “Already coming after the beginner? Are you tired of losing against us that you tried to look for someone unexperienced?” Her voice was cold and mocking as the boy glared at her and the trio then walked off.
The word ‘unexperienced’ almost hit Hermione’s nerve as she sent a small glare at the blonde. The daughter of Aphrodite just raised her eyebrow at her and sent back a small smirk, irking Hermione. After a while, Bill’s voice snapped them out of their staring contest and Fleur took her place in the group circle followed by Harry to discuss their plan. Hermione heard Tonks snicker and turned to look at her curiously. “Wow, she never usually talk that much. Especially to Malfoy. Maybe she’s trying to defend you?” Tonks teased. Hermione just stared at her unamused and walked to the group and kneeled between Ginny and Ron, leaving the metamorphagus alone and to catch up.
“Alright team, let’s talk strategy. Hermes kids are fast, so Ron and Ginny…” Bill stated.
The two nodded and replied, “Foot brigade, got it.” After saying that the sibling ran at the said direction.
“Ok good. Luna, Twins, and Cedric, you guys defend and guard the flag.” The four nodded and did what was asked. “Tonks, you know what to do?”
“Yup.” Tonks replied and patted Hermione at the back before leaving.
“Alright! The rest of us only has one job, don’t let them get close to the base!” After that, the team shouted in determination and ran at their opponents.
Hermione tried to follow them but a hand on her shoulder stopped her. She turned around to see Fleur behind her. “I don’t think you should go out there.” The blonde said.
“Why? Because I’m ‘unexperienced’?” Hermione raised her eyebrow at the girl.
“Yes.” Hermione’s eye twitched and it took all her willpower not to grab the blonde’s neck. Before she can do anything, Fleur continued, “But instead, I have a special job for you.” The brunette looked at her curiously. “Just go to near the campfire.”
“And?” Hermione asked.
Fleur just looked at her like the answer is obvious. “Stay there? It’s your first day, we don’t want you messing this up.” And with a pat on the brunette’s shoulder, Fleur marched into the battle.
Hermione inhaled deeply and calmed her mind. No matter how much she wanted to throttle the blonde, she knew she was right. It’s her first time playing and she doesn’t even know how to fight skilled campers. Swallowing her pride, she made her way towards the campfire. “Ok, just stay by the fire and stay out of-“
“Trouble?” she flinched when she heard a familiar voice behind her. She turned around to see Draco Malfoy glaring at her by the other side of the burning firewoods. “Ha! Heard you were tough? But you don’t look like it.” Several more campers from Draco’s team came out and surrounded her. She cursed as Draco continued. “You’re going to be humiliated when I beat you down ‘till you can’t feel your face!” Hermione tried to find an escape or tried looking for a teammate but no luck. She was suddenly grabbed from behind by Tracey Davies and forced her to look at their leader. Draco then pointed his spear at the girl. “Maybe the lynx died from a case of laughing too hard from seeing how pathetic you are!” the group laughed but Hermione managed to get out of the hold.
“Look, Captain Crazy, but the flag’s not here!” Hermione looked around her and saw that she was really surrounded by weaponized campers. “You got some issue with me and that’s pretty clear.” Hermione returned the glare.
“You just faced a monster on your very first day!” Draco then readied his spear and stood in front of Hermione while scowling at her. “You lucky punk. Now, newbie, you’re going to be impaled! I’ll put you in your place!” He charged at the girl, weapon in hand and tried to stab her but she managed to dodge. The people around them started cheering for the son of Ares and the boy smirked at the praises. They circled each other until she her back was in front of the hot fire. Draco swung his spear at the girl for her to block it with her iron sword. But, Draco smirked as he activated the spear, letting out an electric shock, harming Hermione majorly. The girl let out a pained scream as her sword was kicked to the side. She backed away until she was close to the fire, not noticing her ring reacting to the heat. Draco let out a final laugh before swinging his spear at Hermione. The brunette closed her eyes and acted on instincts as she unconsciously activated her ring to a sword and met Draco’s spear. Gasps were heard as she opened her eyes, seeing the boy’s wide eyes and his weapon was sliced clean while the boy’s attire and armored was burnt. His face was also covered in ashes, resulting his black face and messy hair. She stared at her sword that was now on fire but quickly died down and morphed back into a ring. There was a moment of silence before they jumped at the sound of a loud horn followed by Albus’s voice.
“The Blue Team wins the game!” Albus’s loud announcement was followed by cheers of the Blue Team who has the flag in hand.