THE QUIDDITCH TRYOUTS didn't take that long to finish. Isaac could tell why, as most of the tryouts were either too confident or just outright left.

There was one guy that stuck out the most. If he remembered well, the fellow student was Cormac Mclaggen. He heard tons of things about him, and watching him play Isaac knew he was somewhat cocky and too confident for his own good.

Well aside from watching their tryouts, he chatted with Hermione about absolutely anything and he quite enjoyed himself. He did feel the stares of Cormac on him though, almost as if he was trying to analyze something about it.

Eventually, Isaac shrugged them off and continued to talk to Hermione. Though, it seemed she noticed Cormac's stares and his cockiness since she cast Confundus under her breath. Not only that, Isaac took notice how once in a while she'd give a disgusted look towards Lavender Brown.

Lavender Brown, although Isaac never talked to her, was somewhat pretty in her own way. Not that he liked her, he just wasn't one to judge. Isaac noticed how Lavender seemed to fancy Ron.

Isaac tried not to feel too saddened at the idea that Hermione was jealous because someone liked Ron.

But because he can't control his emotions, Isaac accidentally almost broke the bench he was sitting on. He was lucky Hermione didn't notice it. Although she did notice the look on his face, one that looked of pure frustration and something else she couldn't exactly pinpoint.

Hermione reached out and put a hand on his arm, getting his attention away from the ground. "Are you alright Isaac? You seem frustrated by something..."

"I'm fine Hermione. Just.. thinking about stuff." Hermione frowned at the use of her full name. Usually, he'd use her nickname and she liked hearing it from him.

Isaac saw the change in her mood and gave her a small smile. He stood up and patted her head like usual. "I'm sorry, I have to go now. I've uh... I have a study session with Violet."

At the mention of study sessions, Hermione immediately perked up. She frowned at this and looked up at him. Study sessions were their thing.

And there was that feeling again. Hermione's frown deepened at the feeling bubbling in her chest. She already knew what it was, but she didn't want to accept the fact that it was indeed what she thought it was.

Jealousy.

Before these thoughts could taint her mind, she called out to Isaac's walking form. He stopped momentarily before facing towards her.

Hermione's breath hitched a bit. She couldn't help but admire his form from where she stood. He was tall, about a head taller than her. His blonde hair, styled to the side in a bit of a formal way. His stormy grey eyes that looked as if it always had a storm that rained with curiousity and kindness.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Isaac moving closer to her. She shook her head, clearing herself of those thoughts and conposed herself. "Isaac, on the next Hogsmead trip..."

She hesitated, Isaac could see. He moved a bit closer to her, to reassure her its fine. Hermione breathed in deeply before looking at him with a determined face. "Can we... hangout?"

Isaac looked at her, surprise written in his features. He blinked owlishly at her, not fully understanding what she just said. When he looked at her again, he could tell she was somewhat nervous. Isaac smiled softly and took her hand in his. "Sure we can. Although, I have to atleast hangout with my friends for a bit. Is it alright if we meet up in front of the Three Broomsticks? At around 2pm?"

Hermione looked at him with her eyebrows furrowed together. Once she realized what he said, she smiled happily and nodded enthusiastically.

Isaac, despite knowing she meant this as friends, couldn't help but feel excitement bubble inside him. He smiled widely at Hermione, who smiled back just as wide. He couldn't wait for this, their hangout.

Hermione, out of too much excitement, lunged at him with a very tight hug. Isaac felt himself grin and hug her back just as tight. He relished the feeling of relaxation and safety he felt whenever they hugged. He dreaded what the Headmaster told him the last time he visited.

Remember Isaac. Worse days are to come, but you musn't dwell to much on them. Focus on the task I have given you.

Isaac nuzzled into Hermione's long hair, trying desperately to forget the events Dumbledore told him about. He really hoped Hermione didn't notice his somewhat tense figure.

Unfortunately for him, she did feel how Isaac tensed a bit and hugged him even tighter. She whispered softly into his ear, feeling that he didn't want anyone to hear. "Are you alright?"

Isaac chuckled dryly at her question. He moved away from the hug and gave her a reassuring smile. "Quite alright if I say so myself."