I have been a long-time fanfiction reader but up until relatively recently I had never tried my hand at writing. This story was just an idea that I had one day that I figured I would attempt to put to pen & paper. As of right now, I plan on this being a short story with only a couple of chapters. I have not completed this story yet so no promises in terms of updates. Who knows, maybe after the couple of stories I have started thus far I will decide to skulk back to the shadows and simply consume other's amazing fanfictions. We shall see.

Similarly, to all others here, all characters & story elements you recognize from the wonderful world of Harry Potter are the creation of JK Rowling and I am just an enthusiastic muggle with a love for stories and all things magic.

The Jersey

"Huh, who knew green suited you." Ginny stated with a slight head tilt.

She was peering over Hermione's shoulder as the brunette frowned at her reflection. She was dressed in her typical weekend wear of jeans, tennis shoes, and an oversized warm top but instead of bringing her comfort, the top was the reason for the deep furrow in Hermione's brow and pursed lips. Splashed boldly across the front & back was the name 'MALFOY' in large capital letters framing his quidditch number.

Why on earth had she taken that bet again? Oh right. He had goaded her until she was blinded by the desire to best the smug blonde. Maybe she could make excuses for herself due to potion fumes? No, she was overly confident and misjudged. She should have known when he had been so quick to propose the bet that her odds were not as sure as she thought.

It was the perfect storm for her to fall neatly into his trap. She had had a particularly long day, had not slept well due to staying up late reviewing for her NEWTS, and Ron had been particularly whiny throughout every class that morning. So, when Malfoy had smirked over at her saying that he could brew the class potion better than her, she had not only been affronted but also keen to prove him wrong.

She was even more motivated by the stakes of the bet. If he won, she would have to wear one of his Slytherin jerseys to the much-anticipated Gryffindor-Slytherin match. If she won, he would have to sport the Gryffindor lion headpiece of Luna's creation to the next quidditch match. Even the potential blasphemy of having to wear green in the lion section of the stands was worth the potential mortification that Malfoy would endure while wearing the over-sized lion headpiece if she won.

It was a potion that she had brewed before but even as she was doing the crucial stirs she could not quite remember if she had done the correct number or direction. Apparently, she was off just enough to produce a well-done potion, but not one to the same standard as the very smug blonde. He flashed a smile in her direction after the confirmation that his potion was in fact superior to everyone else's in the class.

While she muttered a multitude of curses beneath her breath whilst packing her bag, Malfoy loudly reassured her that he would provide her with a jersey before the game. Unfortunately, he kept his promise that night at dinner when he dropped the offending jersey on Hermione's lap while he continued to walk confidently toward the Slytherin table.

"I mean it could be worse." Ginny said with a shrug.

Without looking away from the mirror and making eye contact with the redhead, Hermione simply raised a single eyebrow in sarcastic disbelief.

"I am going to attend the Slytherin versus Gryffindor quidditch match while sporting Malfoy's jersey. Yeah that will go over great." Hermione deadpanned.

Ginny flopped on her bed with her feet snug in her mud caked quidditch boots hanging over the edge.

"Hey if anyone should be mad it should be me. I mean here is my best girlfriend decked out in the colors of the enemy. This is grounds for us to have a falling out." She stated with a casual laugh. "But really. You are worrying too much 'Mione, we all know you lost a bet so even with as many complaints as you hear it is really directed towards that slippery snake Malfoy."

Ginny swung herself off the bed, smoothing her uniform out somewhat while double checking that she had all her gear.

"Well I will leave you to your hair and overthinking. I'll head to the common room to again remind our fellow Gryffindors of your lost bet and to threaten to hex them if they give you too much trouble. Don't be too long!" Ginny shouted over her shoulder while already out of the dormitory door.

Hermione sighed and considered this while trying to determine what could be done with her rather uncooperative hair.

Typically, she preferred to put it in a braid with a hat both to tame her hair in the windy pitch and to stay warm. Not today however. Hermione spelled her curls into fairly tame curls and shook it out letting it spill down her back and shoulders. With how long her hair had become it nearly obscured the name on both the front and back of the jersey. With her mane down it provided a little form of rebellion whilst still complying with the punishment of the bet. Plus, with the large mass of curls framing her face and shoulders she very much embodied her beloved house's mascot. With a smirk at her slight opposition, she turned away from the mirror and started her long trek to the pitch with her friends all garbed in scarlet and gold.