Chapter Fifteen
Author's Note: Thanks so much for reading! I'm really nervous about the upcoming chapters. They were probably the toughest to write yet. I hope I captured Hermione's personality ok.
"Oi, Gilbert….what is it?" Hermione called to her pet owl who was tapping furiously on her bedroom window. She knew that Gilbert would be unable to hear her through the windowpane, even if he was capable of understanding the English language, but she was unwilling to get out of bed. It was still early in the morning and her bed was invitingly cozy.
The week following her dinner at the Leaky Cauldron had been uneventful for Hermione. She had hoped that she would have gotten a chance to see George, but his team had doubled up on practices to prepare for their first match and she was overwhelmed with work. Consequently, they hadn't had an opportunity to see each other. Throughout the week, Hermione had contemplated sending him a quick note or swinging by his flat to say hello, but decided such action would be unwise. After all, she was still unsure where exactly their relationship stood. She wondered if he would try to contact her, hoping perhaps that she might receive an owl from him during her work day.
However, he obvious had similar qualms as she, as Hermione hadn't heard from him since leaving his flat after dinner at the Leaky Cauldron. "Hopefully that's all it is," Hermione thought ruefully one day at work. During the days after their extend snogging session, she had oscillated between thinking that he genuine cared for her to convincing herself that he was simply bored and feeling amorous. There was a nagging sensation in the back of her mind that kept suggesting that George wasn't corresponding with her because he simply wasn't that interested in her. The way he had casually told her that he'd 'see her around' when he had said goodbye wasn't particularly reassuring. "What if he's not interested? Just because you've snogged, doesn't mean he thinks anything of you. What if you're not worth the effort? What if he's only looking for a quick shag? What if you're nothing more than the first girl he's encountered since returning to London? What if you're just one of many girls he's been snogging?" A series of distressing possibilities would often pester her when would allow her mind to wander at work. "Snap out of it, Hermione. Don't be so needy and pathetic," Her more rational side would always reprimand her flightier side. "You're the smartest witch your age…don't get derailed over a silly bloke." Too frequently at work, her internal debate would continue along such similar lines; occasionally her flightier side would prevail, but more often her rational side would be victorious and she would be able to shake off George-related questions and focus on her editing.
As her Gilbert continued to peck on her windowpane, Hermione groaned. It was Saturday and she wanted to sleep late. Her intention for the day was to stay and work in the Ministry library, hoping to discover useful information that she may have previously missed for the House Elf debate. However, knowing that she didn't have to deliver her speech until the end of the Ministry session, she was looking forward to using the morning to catch up on some much needed rest. Begrudgingly, she threw off her lavender duvet and clamored out of bed and across her room to see what her tiny owl wanted. As she strode across the room, her mind frustratingly landed on George and she regretfully acknowledged that she fervently wanted the letter to be from him.
"Ok, Gilbert…let's see what you got," Hermione said aloud, opening her window for the small bird. As Gilbert hopped into her bedroom with a small envelope tied to his leg, she tried to shake off the anticipation that her owl might be delivering her a note from George. After all, he hadn't contacted her all week; there was no reason to believe that he would be trying to get a hold of her now. Nevertheless, Hermione's sigh was with tinged with disappointment when she immediately recognized Ginny's distinct printing on the envelope.
Unsealing the envelope, Hermione pulled out a small scrap of parchment.
"Mione, hope you can make it," Ginny's note simply stated. Hermione reached into the envelope and found a stiff, rectangular piece of paper. "Puddlemore United vs. Hollyhead Harpies" was emboldened across the rigid paper in large, block lettering. Hermione chuckled; it was just like Ginny to invite her to her game on the very morning of the match. Even though watching Quidditch wasn't her ideal activity, she recognized that attending the game – and cheering on two of her closest friends – was superior to bunkering down in the library for the day.
Taking her time, Hermione got ready for the match and prepared herself a large breakfast of eggs, toast, and fruit. Quidditch matches often lasted all day and she didn't know when she'd have another opportunity for a decent meal. Not wanting to appear partial to either team or either friend, Hermione found her most neutral top, a grey tee shirt, and pulled it on over her dark, slender-fit jeans. George's team sported bright red and the Harpies were represented by burgundy, so Hermione figured that the grey safely conveyed that she didn't favour a particular team. Of course, her shirt choice wasn't overly pertinent, as she completed her outfit with her warmest parka and matching blue tuque, mittens, and scarf. The stadium was open to the elements and the London air was still chilly.
-o-O-o-
The grounds surrounding the Quidditch stadium were packed with people and buzzing with noise by the time Hermione wandered in from the nearest established apparating zone. Even though the game didn't start for close to an hour, the gathered fans were excited and many were already in the midst of cheers and songs supporting and celebrating their particular side. Hermione wondered how early some of the fans had shown up as – based on exuberance and intoxication – it seemed that many must have been there for some time. The Quidditch league was extremely popular with witches and wizards living in London and in the surrounding area, and many were eager to kick off the season. Drifting past the Butterbeer drinking supporters who were congregated outside of the stadium, Hermione continued into the large arena. She trekked up the nine flights of cement stairs to find her way to the seat Ginny had reserved.
"Oh hey guys!" Hermione joyfully exclaimed when she got to her seats. Harry and Ron were already settled in the same row. Hermione immediately noticed that Lavender was seated next to Ron. She couldn't be certain, but Hermione thought the pair might be holding hands. Unlike Hermione, Harry hadn't shown any restraint in wearing the colours of Ginny's Quidditch team. He was dressed almost entirely in the Harpies' burgundy: his scarf, shirt, and hat all boasted the Harpies' emblem. On one cheek, he had drawn a haphazard '4' in burgundy paint: the number Ginny sported on the back of her jersey. Ron, however, was not obviously supporting either team.
"Hey, I'm so glad you're here," Harry responded happily as Hermione sat down next to him.
"Yah, good seeing you, Mione…" Ron added, leaning across Harry to greet Hermione.
"Ginny wasn't sure you'd be able to make it," Harry said after Hermione exchanged pleasantries with her two dear friends and tersely said hello to Lavender, who woodenly returned the greeting.
"Well…she only invited me this morning," Hermione laughed. "So I suppose there could have been a very good chance that I wouldn't have been able to make it,"
"That's Gin for you," Harry chuckled in fondness for his fiancé.
"Yah, I had to keep pestering her to even get these tickets for me and Lav," Ron commented with a laugh.
"I haven't seen you in forever, Mione…what have you been up to?" Harry asked intently.
"Ahh…not much. Work I suppose," Hermione faltered. She didn't want to tell him that the most noteworthy event since she had last seen him had been her and George's recent snogging sessions and the fact that she had been preoccupied by thoughts of the handsome Weasley twin. Harry had always maintained that his two best friends should end up together. Even after she and Ron had broken up, it had taken some time before Harry was willing to admit that Hermione and Ron were unlikely to reconcile and become a couple again. Hermione wasn't sure how he'd react to the information that she had moved on to Ron's older brother. "What have you been doing, Harry?"
"Just Auror work," Harry replied amicably. "Spending time with Teddy…hanging out with Ginny, of course…"
"So, who are we cheering for here?" Hermione asked nonchalantly, hoping that she was successfully disguising that she was considering cheering for George's team.
"Harpies obviously," Harry responded with a wide grin.
"I just want to see a bloody good match," Ron answered vaguely. Hermione recalled that he was an ardent supporter of the Chudley Cannons, a different team in the same league.
"I don't care," Lavender shrugged, tossing her long, honey blonde hair over her shoulder. Hermione thought that Lavender seemed to be more interested in the contents of her large, bright pink purse than the conversation of the others or the prospect of the match. It was understandable, Hermione supposed; after all, the trio of her, Harry, and Ron must be rather formidable for an outsider. Hermione had to concede that it was admirable that Lavender had come along at all. She hoped that his relationship with their former classmate was making Ron happy.
"Who are you supporting Mione?" Harry asked intently, interest shinning from his emerald eyes.
"Ah, I don't know…is it possible for me to cheer for both Ginny and George?" Hermione replied. She was certain that her voice strained over George's name in a tell-tale way. "Actually, I think I'm going to cheer for Ginny's team," She hastily continued, eager to hide the fact that she would have reason to favour George. "Hey, where's Teddy, Harry?" Changing the subject seemed, to Hermione, the most prudent option.
"Oh, he's at the Burrow. All the other Weasley kids are there and he wanted to hang out with his cousins," Harry smiled proudly. Hermione returned his grin. Few things made her heart lurch with happiness as definitely as her dear friend's love for his tragically orphaned godson. The fact that he referred to the youngest Weasleys as Teddy's cousins only caused Hermione's smile to widen and a deeper warmth to fill her chest; She, Harry, and Teddy had all found an adopted family in the lovable and welcoming Weasley clan. While they waited for the match to begin, Harry, Ron, and Hermione made effortless conversation. Hermione found herself grinning broadly throughout their chat; there was nothing quite as special as spending time with Ron and Harry.
"Oh look, the teams are coming out!" Ron shouted enthusiastically as a loud cheer erupted from the stadium bleachers. Hermione stared at the field and saw tiny figures on broomsticks begin to stream onto the pitch from opposite entranceways at ground level. The players quickly rose to a higher elevation and Hermione was able to see each individual more clearly. As the teams completed laps of the pitch, Hermione easily picked out Ginny. Her long, bright red pony-tail made the petite Chaser almost impossibly to miss. George was tougher to spot. After scanning the teams several times, Hermione finally noticed him. His bright red hair was covered by a protective cap, but she recognized him by his casual posture on his broom. George flew capably, often dipping around or doubling back to complete complicated maneuvers. Frequently, he would stop and hover in the air to talk one of his teammates. Hermione smiled despite herself; the lackadaisical approach to warm-up was so like the easygoing twin. Peering through the hyper-magnified glasses provided at her seat, Hermione took a closer look at George. Even though he was sitting relaxed on his broom and grinning widely, the intensity in his eyes still registered. Hermione could tell that, even if his demeanor seemed exceptionally laidback, he was keen on winning the upcoming match.
Hermione glanced at her two dear friends beside her. Both Harry and Ron were on their feet, shouting loudly and clapping exuberantly. Both the loud roar of the crowd and the smiles Ron and Harry wore were infectious and Hermione found herself caught up in the excitement, standing and cheering along with the rest of the supporters. She didn't recognize the organized cheers and choreographed songs that would erupt from the different sections of the stadium, but she yelled along regardless, even though she hadn't yet decided which side to support.
Soon, the teams retreated to their respective sides. The captains met at half-pitch to shake hands. The game balls were released into the air. The game was underway. Harry leaned over to provide Hermione with his running commentary. The information that he provided didn't much help her to better understand the game, however, as all Harry wanted to discuss was the plays that Ginny was completing. Hermione did her best to keep track of the match, but found it difficult. There was so much action on all corners of the pitch at any given time that Hermione wasn't sure what was going on or even which team had the advantage. For the most part, she simply took her cues from the stadium bleachers. When the red-clad, Puddlemore United supporters would explode into cheers and gleeful yells, she assumed that George's side had succeeded. Likewise, when the sea of burgundy buzzed with excitement, she guessed that Ginny's team had scored points or completed an impressive play.
Hermione centred her magnified glasses on George, trying to keep up with his fast moving pace. His previous laidback attitude had faded entirely. The George she watched didn't wear a nonchalant grin and his blue eyes didn't twinkle with mischief. Rather, he was steely and intense. He flew with purpose, zipping through intricate patterns with his teammates as he determinedly swung his bat to ward off the large Bludger ball, preventing it from obstructing the paths of other Puddlemore United flyers. At one point, one of the fast-moving balls hit him squarely in the side. Hermione gasped, but George seemed to shake off the contact of the large Bludger. He didn't even alter his path or pace. Hermione wasn't exactly sure what his role in the game was and didn't want to raise suspicions by asking about him, so she just watched him, impressed by his confidence. As the game continued, Hermione tried to focus on the game, chatting occasionally with Harry about the state of the match.
-o-O-o-
Hermione figured that the two teams must be fairly evenly matched because the game lasted well into the afternoon. Harry told her the length was more likely due to the fact that both Seekers were still rusty at the start of the season, preventing either one from ably locating the Golden Snitch and bringing the game to an end. That the match lasted for hours didn't seem to bother any of the supporters. Despite its length, the entire bleachers maintained excited and energetic cheers throughout the match. The noise buzzing within the stadium never seemed to subside. As late afternoon approached, Hermione started to recognize many of the songs that the fans frequently repeated. Often she would join in with Harry, loudly singing in support of Ginny's team. Soon her voice was hoarse, her face was red, and much of her hair had escaped its braid. She had long since removed her parka; the energetic cheers, jumping repeatedly in place, and the heat from the other supporters rendered the extra layer unnecessary. Knowing nothing about the sport didn't prevent Hermione from enjoying the day. The atmosphere was too electrifying and the other supporters were too amusing for her to become bored. Looking past Ron, she noticed that even Lavender seemed to be swept away by the entertainment.
"What's happening?" Hermione squealed excitedly as the noise in the stadium grew to a deafening ring.
"Puddlemore's Seeker has spotted the Snitch," Harry yelled into her ear. Hermione tried to keep up with the play, but it was moving too fast and she grew lost on what was happening. The confusion was short lived, however, as the side of the stadium supporting Puddlemore United soon exploded into ear-shattering, joyous yells and screams.
"Did he get the Snitch?" Hermione shouted at Harry even though she knew the answer.
"Yup…guess that's the game," Harry sighed with disappointment. "Not a bad showing, I suppose…"
"Ginny played great," Hermione said reassuringly, even though she didn't have the knowledge to make such a claim.
"Hmm mmm, we should go find her," He replied with a smile. Hermione glanced around the stadium; the Puddlemore United fans were still in the stands, celebrating their victory, but most of the Harpies' supporters were already filing out to the exits.
"Alright," Hermione grinned. She hadn't seen Ginny since the engagement party and was eager to see her dear friend. Together, she, Harry, Ron, and Lavender made their way out of their row, to the outer part of the stadium, and down the many flights of cement stairs.
Author's Note: Thanks so much for reading. Bit of a filler chapter, but, don't worry, I'm taking the plot somewhere [And I know where that is!]. Leave me a comment, review, or encouragement or follow my story if you'd like to make my day awesome! Thanks!