Chapter Twenty
Author's Note: As always, thanks so much for reading. I think you're all fantastic. Sorry about the lenghty delay. I've been experience quite a bit of writer's block lately and been working on my exams...hopefully I'll get back into the writing grove.
"Mione, you made it. I'm so excited," Holly exclaimed loudly as Hermione entered the section of the Quidditch stadium that had been reserved for guests of the players. Hermione was surprised to see that, instead of being rows of bleachers, like where she had sat for George and Ginny's game, the section was a small room that only those with special passes were permitted to occupy.
"This is bizarre," Hermione replied, wandering over to join Holly beside the wall of windows that looked out over the pitch. The pitch was tiny from their impressive height. The small room was on the very top level of the stadium. Hermione had climbed up all twelve flights of cement stairs to find it. Based on the others in the room, she guessed that most didn't mind being so far above the pitch and away from the action of the game. Several women were in the room with her and Holly, but they were all lounging on the plush, leather couches situated away from the window or enjoying the bar and food provided at the back of the room. Only Holly was standing by the windows, looking out over the field, watching the teams as they warmed up for the match.
"Well, this is what you can expect as a WAG," Holly laughed with an exaggerated wink as Hermione came to stand next to her. When her co-worker had discovered her relationship with George, Hermione has experienced some good-natured ribbing at work and she wasn't surprised that Holly was keen on continuing to tease her about her newfound status.
"Right….wives and girlfriends," Hermione repeated the term that George had taught her in the café several days prior. She hadn't seen George since they had shared dinner on his roof and watched the stars and fireworks. However, this time, Hermione knew it was because of the misfortune of their busy schedules, not because he wasn't interested. Since that night, most of her evenings included Gilbert, her owl, delivering her a letter from George. Most of his letters were short and bereft of great detail, but they were always welcomed, always unquestionably sweet, and always managed to make Hermione laugh. One night, his letter included tickets to his Quidditch match; something Hermione was rather excited about attending, even though the fanaticism that surrounded Quidditch still left her confused.
"Oi, you can't wear that, Mione," Holly laughed, casting a pointed look down at Hermione's outfit.
"What's wrong with this?" Hermione asked. She was certain her slender, dark jeans and fine mauve blouse were perfectly suitable. Glancing around, she noticed that most of the other occupants of the room were dressed similarly, even if they were all accessorizing with significantly flashier pieces and were wearing their hair in fancier styles than Hermione's simple braid.
"You have to support the team, Mione," Holly responded quickly and definitively.
"What?"
"Here," Holly added, riffling through her large, honey coloured purse. "You can wear this," She said, handing Hermione a bright red garment. "You're lucky I have both shirts…I couldn't decide between the main logo and the alternate so I brought both in case I changed my mind." Hermione straightened out the wrinkled piece of clothing and looked it over. A large image of the Puddlemore United crest was emblazoned across the front. She glanced at Holly and saw that her friend was also wearing a bright red shirt that professed her support of George and Oliver's team. The casual tee shirt was at odds with Holly's sparkly, mini skirt, but somehow the blonde managed to make the combination look more than suitable. "If you're going to watch from up here, you have to watch like a real fan," Holly declared defiantly. Hermione noticed that Holly had also painted the crest across one of her cheeks and a small, red number '1' – the number Oliver wore on his jersey – on the other. Her small, dangling earrings also depicted the tiny crest.
"I don't know if that's quite right, Hol," Hermione laughed, pulling the top over her head. The much taller girl's shirt was oversized on the petite Hermione and it fit over Hermione's blouse easily. "You seem to be the only one doing so," She whispered motioning around the room. No one else was sporting the team colours or logo.
"Well, I'm the only one who knows how to do this properly." Holly grinned. "And you too now…I think you look great…I have my face paint in my bag…do you want George's number?"
"Why not," Hermione laughed. Even though going to such lengths to prove her fandom felt silly, Holly's obvious enthusiasm was contagious and Hermione was enjoying herself.
"Here, look at me," Holly instructed. Holly's tiny paintbrush tickled Hermione's cheek as Holly directed it in the pattern of the number '6'; the number that George wore. "Now you look fantastic," The blonde admired her handiwork on her friend. "So, you and George, eh," Holly casually mentioned as she tucked the small bottle of paint and the tiny paintbrush back into her massive purse.
"Me and George," Hermione repeated nondescriptly. She knew what her friend was getting at, but didn't want to make it that easy for her to introduce the conversation.
"I would like some details," Holly laughed.
"I think I told you everything you need to know on Monday," Hermione replied cheekily. Holly had come to her office first thing Monday morning for the weekend briefing. When Hermione had told her of her conversation with George and their rooftop dinner, Holly had been ecstatic. Her reaction to the news was almost greater than Hermione's had been; she had squealed loudly and had playfully pushed Hermione in the shoulder so forcefully that she almost caused Hermione to lose her balance in her chair. Nonetheless, Hermione had appreciated her friend's enthusiasm. It was encouraging to see that she cared so much to get so excited.
"I doubt that, Mione. I'm sure there's more that you can tell," The blonde inquired.
"I told you about the fireworks,"
"Yah," Holly sighed wistfully. "You didn't tell me about how you snogged him stupid afterwards though," Her grin was mischievous.
"We didn't," Hermione glanced poignantly at her coworker.
"That's unfortunate," Holly replied.
"It will happen in time," Hermione answered.
"And when it does, you'll tell me all about it, right," Holly laughed heartily.
"Doubtful," Hermione returned her friend's laughter.
"Well…at least the game should be starting soon," Holly idly commented.
Hermione looked through the wall of windows out onto the pitch. She could barely see the tiny players and couldn't discern each individual. The majority of the stands were made up of fans in bright red Puddlmore United clothing, although several sections consisted of supporters in the Chudley Cannon's orange. As Hermione watched, the players retreated to their respective sides and the game begun.
-o-O-o-
The match ended much quicker than the first Puddlemore United game verses the Harpies. A mere twenty-five minutes after the game balls had been released, the Puddlemore United Seeker claimed the Golden Snitch, ending the match and guaranteeing victory for George's side. Holly had feverously jumped up and down on the spot, pumped her fists into the air, and squealed energetically when Puddlemore had secured victory and Hermione found herself joining in with her friend. She knew that the others in the room were watching her and Holly quizzically, but didn't mind. There was something positively infectious about cheering for a Quidditch side and Hermione realized that she cared far more about the outcome of the game than she had initially anticipated.
"Now what? Do we just leave," Hermione asked, surveying the scene through the windows. The Puddlemore team was taking a celebratory lap of the field to the ecstatic cheers of their supporters. The Cannon's fans were filing out on mass: disappointed that their team had lost so soundly and that they hadn't even gotten a decent match for their money.
"No, we go join the team," Holly practically shouted. Even though the secured room was impenetrable and the sounds of the field could not be heard, Holly was still evidently swept away by the celebration and the excitement. Hermione looked around the room and saw that the other women had already apparated out, likely to go elsewhere to wait for the team. "Here, grab hold," Holly offered, holding out her arm for Hermione. Hermione grasped her friend's arm with both hands. Once her grip was secure, Holly initiated apparition and the pair disappeared from the room with a loud snap, leaving it empty.
-o-O-o-
Hermione and Holly rematerialized instantly in the Puddlemore United team room in the underbelly of the grand stadium. The team, coaches, alternates, and trainers were all present, situated around the room. Some were playing billiards, some were drinking Butterbeers out of cans, several were playing cards around a circular table, and others were lounged across the couches. Hermione recognized several of the women who had been with her and Holy in the private viewing section seated on one of the many couches, chatting animatedly together.
"Oi, look, there's Ollie and George," Holly pointed to one corner of the room to where George and Oliver had claimed several of the couches with some of their teammates. The couches were positioned in the corner of the room as they might be in a sitting room, creating a semi-circle of couches for visiting. Holly grabbed her hand and eagerly led Hermione across the large recreational room. Hermione noticed that more team banners had been added since the last time she had visited the room, including a large scarlet, rectangular one that proudly proclaimed 'Congratulations Puddlemore United: 2-0;" presumably, Hermione figured, in reference to the team's two wins to their zero loses.
"Hey, look at you," George proclaimed excitedly when Hermione and Holly came to stand next to the semi-circle of couches in the corner of the room. He was lounging in one of the couches with his feet up on a coffee table, finding a rare clear spot on the surface amidst the many Quidditch magazines and playbooks that covered it. He had changed out of his team uniform and was wearing jeans and a Puddlemore United tee shirt emblazoned with the same crest as the top Hermione was wearing. His hair was wet and slicked back. His smile was wide and Hermione easily realized that he was still excited about his team's win. "You look awesome….red is a great colour on you," He laughed gleefully, jumping up from the couch to greet Hermione with a playful hug and kiss her on the cheek that wasn't painted with his number '6.'
"Hey, George," Hermione echoed his lively greeting. "Nice win,"
"Thanks," George chuckled. "I barely had to do anything…the lads played great though. Is this a new shirt?" He asked, glancing down appreciatively at Hermione's Puddlemore United top.
"No, it's Hol's…she insisted I wear it…and that I put this on my face," Hermione chuckled, motioning at her decorated cheek.
"I think it's brilliant. It's a good look for you," He chuckled. "I hope the game wasn't too boring."
"No, it was actually a lot of fun," Hermione replied truthfully. "I think watching with Holly is the best way to watch the game,"
"Of course it is. Hol's one of our best supporters," George grinned, pointing appreciatively at Holly who had joined Oliver on the couch. The couple was sitting exceptionally close to each other, but none of the team seemed to mind.
"Mione's giving me a run for my money," Holly laughed, flashing Hermione a thumbs-up sigh.
"That's what I like to hear," George looped his arm around Hermione's shoulder. He turned to face those of his teammates who were congregated on the couches. "Hey, do you guys all know Hermione?" He yelled out to the general vicinity.
"Of course," Oliver called from his spot next to Holly, motioning with his hand in an absentminded wave.
"Hermione Granger, right?" Asked a tall, lankly, dark skinned man who had come to stand next to George. Like George and Oliver, he was also wearing a Puddlemore United top. Hermione wondered if the team was expected to change from their jerseys into other Puddlemore attire, or if all the players had simply done so on their own accord.
"Yup…the one and only," George responded. "Mione, this is Reid…Reid, Hermione." He continued.
"Brilliant…lovely to meet you," The tall man said while vigorously shaking Hermione's hand. "I've heard so much about you," He smiled brightly. Hermione blushed, her face matching the colour of her painted '6.' She didn't know if he meant that he had heard much about her from George or because of her famed status. Either way made her feel rather self-conscious and she didn't want to ask for clarification.
"Reid is Ang's cousin," George offered by way of an explanation. "And he's a world class Seeker."
"Oh, I don't know about that," Reid answered modestly. Hermione thought that the man – who she guessed was several years older than she – looked vaguely familiar. She wasn't sure if it was simply his resemblance to Angelina or if he was perhaps one of the people who had worked with the Order of the Phoenix and she had crossed paths with him as a result of that.
"Don't be so modest, mate," George was saying as they all snagged spots on the couch. George had pulled Hermione down snugly next to him. He never removed his arm from around her shoulder. Hermione smiled slightly and bit her lip; it was reassuring to know that George had no problem asserting to his teammates that they were a couple. "Today was one of the best performances I've ever seen," George continued to compliment his teammate.
"It really was, mate," Oliver interjected. "Considering I only had to make maybe five saves,"
"You made three," Holly pointed out, good-naturedly nudging her boyfriend with her elbow.
"But they were brilliant right?" Oliver asked.
"Mediocre," Holly responded with a giggle, winking at Hermione. "Hermione and I weren't impressed, were we Mione,"
"Hardly," Hermione laughed. "I don't even think I noticed you on the pitch," She joked towards George, impressed with her own ability to sound like she knew what she was talking about regarding the sport.
"Ouch, well if I knew I had my own cheering section, I would have played a little harder," George chuckled, rubbing Hermione's shoulder. "If we keep playing games like that, we won't even need Beaters. Thanks mate, you saved me a game of working hard…and likely a couple injuries, I'm sure," He leaned across Hermione to slap hands with Reid who was sitting on the other end of the same couch.
"Any time, mate," Reid returned George's laughter. The atmosphere within the room was light and almost giddy. Hermione was certain that it was largely accredited to the team's win and, thus-far, perfect season. The players talked and laughed affably as Oliver dug cans of Butterbeer out of a cooler beside his couch and tossed them to the players in the vicinity.
"Want one, Mione?" Oliver asked pulling another can from the cooler.
"Sure, that'd be nice," Hermione answered pleasantly. Oliver lobbed the can to her and she caught it ably. The drink was sweet and Hermione enjoyed it as she leaned against George, listening to the conversation of the players. Even though the game had only taken twenty-five minutes to complete, dissecting it took twice as long. All the players had to discuss, in great deal, every single play: even those that Hermione was sure had no bearing on the actual outcome of the game. While the conversation wasn't particularly interesting for her, Hermione was continually entertained by George's passion for his sport. He wore a continual grin and shone radiantly as he and Oliver broke down one of the plays that had lead to ta Cannon's scoring opportunity. George's joy was contagious and Hermione found herself grinning along with him. Of course, her smiles were largely accredited to Holly's exaggerated eye-rolls at the Quidditch team members' lengthy discussion. As amusing as Holly's facial expressions were, Hermione knew the blonde was joining the conversation as she contributed just as much as the team did in the analysis. While the conversation wasn't interesting to Hermione, she liked being a part of the collegial atmosphere. Sitting on the couch, in the team colours, with George's arm firmly draped around her shoulder, it was easy to feel like she was a member of the team. It didn't hurt that most of George's teammates took time to ask her what she thought of the game and to thank her for attending.
"Hey, lads" – Matty loudly interrupted his teammates' game breakdown, coming over to semi-circle of couches and heavily plopping down in between Hermione and Reid – "So, are we all going out now, or what?"
"We have practice tomorrow morning," George pointed out with a smile. "I don't think going out's going to happen."
"No, we have to get going," Oliver added, motioning to Holly.
"Yah, I need to get home too," Reid interjected good-naturedly.
"Boo…you're all rubbish," Matty contended. "Hermione, you and me? Want to join me for a couple bevies?"
"W-what?" Hermione stammered, dumbfounded that Matty was coming onto her in front of George.
"None of that, Matty," George laughed, pulling Hermione a bit snugger next to his chest and shaking his head at his teammate. His good-natured tone, however, indicated to Hermione that he didn't take his teammate's come-ons seriously. "Did you want to get out of here, Mione?"
"Ah, that sounds good. Sorry about that Matty," Hermione said, chuckling at Matty's expression of mock disappointment. Accepting George's hand, she boosted herself off the couch. After saying quick goodbyes to George's teammates, she and George wandered out of the team room.
-o-O-o-
Once they entered the cement corridor, George placed his arm securely around Hermione's waist and initiated apparating. Hermione braced herself and held on tightly to George's arm while her centre was whisked away through the apparating process. With a loud crack, they landed with a thud in the middle of George's living room. Hermione gratefully sank into the leather couch while her head continued to spin from the sudden transportation. She shuddered slightly when remembering the events of the last time she was on George's couch, but conscientiously relaxed, knowing that the circumstances were significantly different than the time of her and George's conversation following his previous Quidditch game.
"Thanks for coming out today, Mione," George grinned, sitting down next to Hermione, wrapping his arm around her.
"Of course…it was actually kind of a goodtime," Hermione laughed, surprised that what she said was true.
"It was awfully nice having a cheering section," George joked, placing his free hand lightly on Hermione's knee. "I hope you can come next weekend. It's going to be a tougher game…so we could use all the support we can get."
"I'll consider it," Hermione responded noncommittally. "I might need the time to get some work done…I'm feeling pretty behind on everything,"
"Alright…well…if you get the chance, there's always a ticket for you…"
"Brilliant," Hermione smiled as George pulled her a bit tighter into his torso.
"I like having you there," George said, moving his hand from Hermione's knee to her chin. He gently stroked her delicate skin and then leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her lips. Hermione hesitated, considering if she should return his kiss. Quickly thinking through the events of the last few days, she recognized that George had been acting in a way that demonstrated that his feelings were authentic. Deciding he deserved the benefit of the doubt, Hermione leaned in to reciprocate his kiss. George's hand found the back of her head and he held her snugly in place. The kiss was sweet and innocent, but Hermione enjoyed it. It lacked the manic desperation of some of their previous kisses, but it didn't need it; neither needed to experience the entirety of the other, since they both knew that the other wasn't going anywhere. Hermione sighed. There was something amazing about the feel of George's lips on hers and she was sure she would never tire of the experience.
"Mmm…I'm so glad you're here, Mione. I'm so glad with everything…" George murmured, pulling his face from hers.
"Me too," Hermione breathed contently. She leaned against George's torso, rested her head on his shoulder, and tucked her feet beneath her, as George entwined both his arms around her. As George softly rumpled her hair, she closed her eyes, overwhelmed and overjoyed by the recent events.
Author's Note: Thanks so much for reading. Please follow my story or leave a comment if you get the chance and would like to make me very happy! I realize the last few chapters have been very filler, but that's because (a) I quite like writing filler and (b) I really want to develop their relationship…And that seems to mean filler, fluff chapters…There is some plot coming up though!