'Hermione, are you coming or not?' Harry's voice floated into the room where Hermione was desperately trying to fix her hair.
'Coming!' she yelled and quickly tied her hair back.
They had set up the tent and it was the same one that they had used before. Hermione smiled as she remembered how fun it had been. They had cheered for their teams and of course Viktor Krum... He had also played and Hermione had danced with him at the Yule Ball. She blushed just by thinking of him. Maybe she would see him today as well as Bulgaria were playing... Hermione rushed out of the room and Fred stood up, sighing dramatically.
'You're such a girl, Hermione!' he joked and peeked out of the tent. As he opened the tent, a wall of noise blasted upon them which got Harry and Ron on their feet too, 'I reckon we should go before all the good seats are taken.'
'Come on,' muttered Ron and he took Hermione's hand.
Hermione grabbed her hand back and didn't wait to see Ron's reaction. She walked behind Harry and Fred who were talking animatedly about the teams that were playing and who they would bet on.
'Obviously Bulgaria are not going to lose! Come on! Last year-'Fred was cut off as Harry glanced at him sharply.
'Yeah last year Ireland won and they'll win this year too, mate. Krum is a good player you have to admit that,' shouted Harry over the noise of excited men and woman and their children. Harry turned to Hermione and shook his head as she blushed, 'Maybe he'll give us a free bobble head or something since you... know him.'
Fred waved the Ireland flag he was holding and Harry and Fred got into another debate about positions in Quidditch that Hermione just ignored. She looked around and saw many familiar faces. Lee Jordan was one of them but he hadn't noticed Fred was here too. Hermione saw some Slytherin girls who were in a huge group descending the stairs.
'Whoa!' shouted Hermione as someone behind her shoved her as she walked up the stairs.
Fred caught Hermione before she face planted the ground and pushed the man back. He grabbed Hermione's hand and led her to their seats. There were lots of seats but no one was going to sit. They were all too excited.
'You okay?' asked Fred as Hermione got pushed into him again.
Hermione nodded and Harry yelled them over. They finally got to seats and Hermione was crammed between Fred and Ron. Ron discreetly took her hand but Hermione pulled it out of his and rested it on the railing in front of her. Ron leaned forward and looked at her and before he opened his mouth Hermione knew he would apologize.
'Hermione, I'm sorry. I was only worried about you. I didn't mean to control you like that. Please forgive me?' asked Ron and took her face in his hands. He leaned down to kiss her and Hermione let him. Pulling back he said, 'I love you, Mione.'
'I forgive you and I love you too,' said Hermione and she hoped he could hear her over the loud noise.
He grinned showing that he did hear her. Ron took her hand and they leaned over the railing to look at everyone taking their seats.
'LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!' a loud voice boomed over the mike and seemed to vibrate the ground under Hermione's feet.
Everyone who was talking were now hushing other people and excitedly grinning at their friends and family members. Hermione glanced to Fred and saw that he was nearly jumping up and down out of excitement. Everyone was so quiet that the voice made them jump even though it was close to a whisper.
'Everyone ready?' asked the whispering voice.
Everyone cheered and chorused 'YEAH's and 'GET ON WITH IT's. The laughter came from the intercom and then the voice spoke again. Hermione was well aware that Fred's arm was brushing against her as he nearly started jumping.
'Dimitrov, Ivanova, Levski, Zograf, Volkov, Vulchranov? The names sound familiar? If not... how about the super seeker... VIKTOR KRUM!' The voice hadn't finished announcing the names as everyone cheered as though their life depended on it.
Hermione's heart lurched into her throat at the mention of Viktor Krum and she watched as seven figures zoomed out on probably the best broomstick money can buy – according to the gasps from Harry and Fred. Hermione cheered as she saw Viktor Krum but it seemed like her cheers were drowned as everyone in the whole stadium cheered for them. They zoomed across the whole Quidditch pitch and their pictures illuminated the screens around them. Fred, Harry and Ron were still cheering as they stopped riding around their brooms.'
'Let's hear it for Ireland! Troy, Mullet, Moran, Barry, Quigley, Connolly and of course the impressive AIDAN LYNCH!'
The Ireland team zoomed on their impressive brooms and Hermione heard the cheers again and knew she would have a good time. She was enjoying herself and the game hadn't even started yet. The Ireland team quickly burst flames from their wand which burst into the sky and took their position across from Bulgaria.
'Let the game begin!'Fred leaned down and muttered into Hermione's ear and she grinned.
'LET THE GAME BEGIN!' the voice bellowed and Fred gave her a grin as she chuckled.
Hermione's eyes fixed onto Viktor as he winked at the nearby crowd and they cheered louder than ever. Ron let go of her hand and quickly leaned forward as the team players got ready to move at the sound of the whistle. Before Fred could jump any higher the whistle blew and the game began.
'COME ON! CATCH THE BLOODY SNITCH... COME...catch... come on,' Hermione grabbed Fred's back to stop him from toppling over the railing but he didn't notice as his eyes were trained on Krum and Lynch as they reached for the snitch, 'COME ONE KRUM!...YESSSSS!'
Fred outrageously loud cheers were enough to deafen Hermione but everyone in the whole stadium let out a deep breath and then took a deep breath in. The stadium was sensationally quiet for a fraction of a second before everyone cheered and hugged and kissed those who were around them. Harry couldn't believe it as his mouth was open and Ron was the same. Fred grabbed Hermione and pulled her in for a hug. He let her go and clapped Harry's back.
'That'll be ten galleons, mate,' Fred said to Harry who was still looking happy even though he lost some money.
Hermione watched as Viktor flew around the stadium holding the snitch up in the air. He flew very fast that the camera's had a hard time keeping on him. Aidan Lynch flew to the ground and walked off the stadium angrily. Ron turned to Hermione and kissed her happily. Fred turned Hermione around before Ron could speak.
'Come on, Mia, we'll see if we can get something off of Krum,' Fred winked and grabbed her hand.
He started to lead her down the stairs and ignored Ron's protests. Hermione laughed as they climbed down the stairs. She was vaguely aware that Harry and Ron were having a hard time following them. She was incredibly happy and was sure that her face was flushed from excitement and maybe a little embarrassment as people watched them go down the stairs like fire was chasing them. They reached the bottom of the stairs and Hermione stopped Fred by grabbing his hand and pulling him backwards. He was grinning, out of breath as was Hermione. They waited for Harry and Ron who finally arrived. Ron looked annoyed but Harry was still grinning.
'Come on, mate, look lively,' Fred clapped Ron's arm and let go of Hermione as Ron glared at him.
They walked quickly to outside of the changing rooms and they waited there, near the first in line, for Krum. Hermione was excited and quite nervous to meet him. Ironically so was Ron even though Hermione and Krum had history together, Krum was still Ron's favourite player. Hermione took Ron's hand and quietly squeezed it to show that he could trust her. He managed a grin in her direction, thankful for the gesture. After what seemed like ages the door of the changing room opened and the Bulgarian players came out with huge grins on their faces. Last but not least Viktor Krum came out and Hermione waved to him, getting him to notice her. He was looking at everyone else and signing autographs and Hermione kept waving. As he neared her she moved to be beside him and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around and frowned slightly. For a horrible second Hermione though that he had forgotten her but he smiled.
'Hermione!' Krum, to the disappointment of the many fan girls, pulled a blushing Hermione in for a hug, 'It's been too long!'
'Almost three years, I know,' Hermione said and was shoved aside by Harry.
'Hey, Krum,' said Harry and Viktor seemed to recognise him straight away as did most of the other people – as sighs and gasps issued around them.
'Hey, I am having a party, you are all very velcome to come if you wish?' Viktor whispered into Hermione's ear and passed her a card, 'but please do not tell anyone. I do not vish for other people to come to this. Only people I vant.'
'Sure,' giggled Hermione.
They walked away and Hermione quickly told them about the party and handed the card to Fred who was grinning broadly.
'I guess we'll taste some fire whiskey there,' winked Fred and they walked over to their tent.
They walked into the huge tent and Hermione realised that it was nearly dark. Fred walked straight into the sitting room as Ron walked into the kitchen. Harry followed Fred and Hermione shed her scarf and followed Harry. They decided to play a game of chess when Ron came back and Hermione watched them play. She felt at peace as the two brothers and Harry played. She read a book and found herself drifting off to sleep on the sofa.
'Bishop to D6' muttered Harry, with a look of concentration on his face.
The bishop piece obeyed and moved to its designated area as Ron followed it with his eyes. He was aware that Hermione was sleeping on the couch and was also aware that Fred was watching her. It annoyed him but he tried not to say anything as he knew Hermione would get angry and embarrassed... although she was asleep now. Ron turned to face Fred who was still watching Hermione.
'Fred, stop staring at her,' said Ron, glaring at his brother.
'I wasn't...' Fred trailed off and then shrugged, 'Fine, I was staring at her.'
'Yeah you were. I think you're forgetting that she's my girlfriend, not yours,' said Ron, standing up.
Fred stood up too and frowned at Ron as though he was talking an alien language but really, Fred knew this was coming soon. It wasn't like he was trying to hide his feelings from Ron.
'I'm just taking care of her. Something you should be doing,' said Fred and now Harry stood up as Ron narrowed his eyes.
'Guys, come on,' muttered Harry as Ron grabbed Fred's shirt.
'I love her and you don't. You didn't care about her when George was alive but now that he's dead-'
Fred glared, pulled back and then bought his fist up to smash into Ron's jaw. Ron staggered backwards and Harry, taking an opportunity, waved his wand in order to make a shield appear between them but the two boys ignored the shield. Fred was shaking from anger and Ron, who thought that he hadn't said anything wrong, was clenching his fists.
'You don't have the slightest idea... Yeah, I've changed but so would you if your twin had died in a bloody war that had nothing to do with us! ATLEAST HE WAS BRAVE UNLIKE YOU!' Fred was shouting now and Hermione was stirring.
Hermione gasped as she took in the scene with her eyes. The sight made her sleep run away and she stood up, aware that she probably looked a mess. Fred was shaking with anger and if not for the shield between them, she thanked Harry a million times for the shield, she was sure both boys would have their wands pointed at each other. Hermione grasped her wand for reasons she couldn't understand and she stared at Ron.
'I FOUGHT FOR HER,' yelled Ron, unaware that Hermione was standing up now, 'WHILE YOU WERE TRYING TO DEFEND YOURSELF! YOU DIDNT CARE ABOUT HER AT ALL! I'VE BEEN THERE FOR HER, HER WHOLE SCHOOL LIFE!'
Fred turned to Hermione and they locked eyes. A moment passed where Hermione thought Fred wanted to say something. Say something to her or Ron? She wasn't so sure. Hermione was lost for words and Fred only sighed like he was giving up and looked back to Ron.
'Okay, I get it. I only wanted to protect her but since you think you can do the job better... she's all yours, mate. If you hurt her or do anything to make her cry or fight you...' Fred stopped and chuckled darkly, 'I'll be there and I'll forget the word brother since that word means absolutely nothing to you. You don't understand me at all. George... He would understand me even if I hadn't said anything. He would get what I meant if I only looked at him because he's my true brother, Ron. It's alright; I'll get over the death of my twin without anyone's help. Enjoy the party without me.'
Silence pursued the sentence and Fred glanced once more at Hermione and then looked to the ground as if it was the most interesting thing at that moment.
'Hermione, I know you feel like you haven't helped me at all but... but you've helped me a lot and for that I am thankful. I can get by on my own. You should stay with Ron, he'll take care of you. I am going home, have fun.'
Fred turned on his heel and it seemed like Hermione couldn't move or speak. She wanted her voice to work so that she could stop Fred. She didn't want him to go 'home' where he would be alone and think about George and possibly drink until he passes out. She would much rather that he stays here so she can watch out for him. Unfortunately, even if she could move, she wouldn't get too far as the shield was in between her and Fred. She watched Fred walk away and wished that someone would stop him. Ron was looking at him with an expression of frustration and disbelief and Harry was staring at the ground like he was trying to do a tricky spell.
'He thinks he's the only who has lost in the bloody war!' shouted Ron, making Hermione jump and clutch her wand tighter, 'I lost my brother too but it's not like YOU care about me! You only helped him whereas I was trying to make sure that you went too upset because of the war!'
'Harry, remove the shield,' Hermione ordered and grabbed her wand tighter.
Harry quickly did the counter spell and the blue light separating them was suddenly removed. Without a backwards glance or anything, Hermione shot out of the tent and into the night air. The moo was shining bright in the sky and everyone were making colours shoot out of their wand so it was nice and bright but the air was cold. It was really noisy and Hermione pushed past the people, in search of Fred and knew that he would be headed for the exit since he could not apparate in these grounds. She just hoped she got there in time.
'Excuse me... Sorry, I...' Hermione tried to push past the rowdy boys but they were laughing outrageously and wouldn't let her through. Growing impatient, Hermione stepped on one of their feet and yelled, 'MOVE!'
The group of boys which Hermione realised were a couple of years older than her, turned to face her and suddenly Hermione's palms started to sweat. Without another word she pushed past them, knocking one of them sideways and ran towards the exit. After searching and searching he spotted a tuft of red by the gates and shot like a bullet towards who she hoped was Fred.
'Fred, please,' Hermione panted and grabbed his arm and turned him around.
She grew red as the person, who clearly was not Fred, pushed her off and muttered something in a very British accent. She muttered an apology and then looked around her. People in robes and armed with wands walked around but there was no Fred! Giving up, thinking he must be home by now, Hermione made for the tent and then stopped. She couldn't go back to the tent and face Ron. She didn't want to and couldn't be bothered with a fight. Before Hermione could make up her mind on what to do, a voice was calling her name and she looked around trying to identify it when someone turned her around.
'DON'T GO RUNNING OFF!' yelled Ron as he grabbed her arm painfully.
Hermione winced and then scowled at him. She pushed him away from her, already fed up with his constant bossing her about. Ron grabbed her hand but she pulled back again.
'I'm going home and you are not going to stop me!' shouted Hermione over the loud laughter and cheering.
She turned on her heel and hoped that Ron would not follow her. Hermione walked away from the Quidditch pitch and tent areas and finally the noises quietened down and she grabbed her arms. An owl hooted nearby and suddenly her stomach twisted. She wanted to get home as soon as possible. Hermione closed her eyes and quickly apparated to her street. She didn't have her key but she did have her wand. Hermione walked up the wet steps to her house and touched on the fact that it must've been raining a few minutes ago. All thoughts of weather and rain and Ron were cleared from her mind as the door of her house was open... she had made sure to lock it. She was positive that she had locked her door.
Hermione grabbed her wand and withdraw it from her coat pocket. She braced herself and opened the door, biting on her lip as she was sure that someone or... something would jump out at her. She noticed the kitchen light was on so Hermione quietly moved towards the kitchen with her wand held up high to defend herself if need be. She peeked into the kitchen and saw that no one was there. Frowning she turned the big light on as one of the smaller lights were only lit. She must've forgotten to close the smaller light and possibly forgotten to lock the door?
'Oh, there you are,' a hand on her back made Hermione scream until her throat hurt and whack the person's face with her hand. She moved backwards into the kitchen and tripped over something and fell onto the ground. Hermione still had her wand and pointed it too the person, 'OW!'
Hermione's heart slowed, only slightly, as she realised that it was Fred who had been in her house. She took deep breaths and lowered her wand as Fe massaged his own face. Hermione turned red at the realisation of what she had just done. Fred, ignoring his face now, held out a hand for Hermione and pulled her up.
'I'm so sorry, Fred, I got scared and-' apologized Hermione.
'Well the burglar will think twice about robbing this house,' muttered Fred but sighed and shook his head, 'It's okay anyway. I shouldn't have been in here.'
'What are you doing here? I ran after you and couldn't find you so I apparated home,' explained Hermione, and was aware of how red his face was.
'I... um... I just had to check up on you to see if you were Alright... I had a feeling you would come after me but please tell me that you didn't come after me alone?' said Fred sternly.
'I had to come after you alone!' said Hermione.
'Ron let you run off after me and didn't even stop you yet he claims that he can take care of you,' raged Fred and Hermione sighed.
'He did come after me,' whispered Hermione.
Fred glared at the floor and then must've realised how close he was to her so he moved backwards and leaned against the kitchen counter. He looked to Hermione, who waited.
'You can't work with me anymore but I did find you some work. Lee Jordan has a store and I asked him if you could work there because he needs new workers and he said yes, you start on Monday,' explained Fred, clenching his jaw tight.
'I want to work with you,' pleaded Hermione, 'Fred, please.'
'I'm sorry. You work with Lee Jordan on Monday. I can't give you any work,' Fred paused and then moved towards the back door, 'I'll see you whenever I see you, Mia'
With that as his final words, Fred opened the backdoor and disappeared into the night as Hermione stared after him an unbelievable expression on her face. She felt rejected and pretty much... alone. She now realised how much she had relied on Fred to help her. Now who would help her?