A/N: *waves meekly* Hey, guys, I apologize for the long wait, but between being sick, starting a new full time job, and my grandma being in the hospital, my energy level has been completely zapped. I was actually set to post this chapter over the weekend, but our internet got shut off because my roommate failed to pay a balance she owed from January... *facepalm*
Anyway! This chapter isn't as long as the previous two or so because I didn't want to keep y'all waiting any longer. As always, thank you so much for the feedback, it truly means a lot to me.
unexpected sabotage: Pretty sure I'm still on a high from the Quinntana in that episode... And thank you again for taking the time to review!
Keira-House M.D: Thank you! I hope you continue to enjoy the story :)
Kayluh Guy: Thanks! Sorry again for the long wait!
TobiasFangor92: I was torn between Santana/Hermione and Quinn/Hermione for the longest time, so I feel your pain! Erm, Mia is just a nickname Schue has for her and Santana kind of picked up on it and started calling her it too. I dunno what made me decide that haha. My friends/family all call me different things, so I guess I used that 'life experience'? :P Thanks again for the review!
Kayluh: Thank you! Sorry for keeping you waiting!
kitty pie: Here you go! I'm terribly sorry for not updating sooner!
nikyta: Thank you so much :)
ScOut4It: WOW. I don't even know where to begin... First off, thank you so, so, so much for all of your reviews. I came home from a crappy day of work the other week and saw all of your reviews and my mood was instantly lifted. I thoroughly enjoyed all of your in depth comments and they really gave me a lot to think about. Secondly, I really liked your idea of writing a companion story where Quinn gets the girl! If I have enough time, who knows, I may take a crack at it! I hope you continue to enjoy the story! Feel free to offer any other feedback! :)
Michelle: Thanks :) I hope you like this chapter!
Jackson Louis: Sorry! Here's an update, please don't die!
Whew! Lots of apologies there. Enough of my rambling though, how bout we get onto the story, eh?
Enjoy!
~Chapter 44~
Later that day, Hermione was walking down the hallway when she saw Kurt wave her over to his locker.
"Hey, love, what's up?"
"Are you heading to the motel tonight?" The well-dressed boy asked her quietly.
"Yeah, I was planning on it, why?"
"I think Sam actually has a night off for once, so I thought one of us could stay with Stevie and Stacy while the other takes Sam out to have some fun for once."
"That's brilliant, Kurt!" The wavy-haired brunette replied excitedly. "I can stay with the kids if you want while you take Sam out."
"Excellent. Blaine and I were going to a Reds game tonight and Blaine had an extra ticket and when I mentioned a little bit about Sam's situation, Blaine said to go on and invite him if he was free. Do you think he'd like that?"
"Of course he would! He loves baseball."
"Well, that makes one of us," chuckled Kurt. "I'm only going because Blaine looks absolutely adorable in his Reds jersey and hat."
"Why am I not surprised?" Hermione smirked with a playful roll of her eyes. "Sam will love that though."
"Fabulous! Where is that elusive blonde football player anyway?"
"Stop it," Rachel demanded, from behind Hermione and Kurt.
"Stop what?" The British girl inquired with a puzzled expression on her face. "When did she get here anyway?" She murmured to the blue-eyed boy, who merely responded with a shrug.
"Not you. Well, actually I guess I could include you too. I know you and Santana are on a break and I know Quinn is really rather pretty, but what do you think you're doing sneaking around at sketchy motels with her?" The British girl and the brown-haired boy simultaneously raised an eyebrow before Rachel addressed the boy. "Kurt, I am begging you. Sam is cute, but he is not worth losing Blaine over," the tiny diva spoke hurriedly as Hermione scoffed.
"What are you talking about?" Kurt asked monotonously.
"He's wearing your jacket, Kurt. I remember that jacket. You wore it April of last year. You said it was your Earth Day jacket because it was made of recycled hemp." Hermione and Kurt locked eyes and slightly tilted their heads. "I know how these things work. Whenever Finn leaves his letterman jacket at my house, I'll wear it to school the next day."
"Oi, enough. Have you been paying attention to this week's lesson at all?" Hermione asked wearily, running a hand through her hair.
"When Fleetwood Mac wrote Rumours, they weren't speaking to each other. Not even 'pass the non-dairy creamer'. They only spoke about the music and it was that focus that allowed them to make their masterpiece," Kurt informed the diva calmly.
"You're deflecting!" Rachel snapped, stomping her foot angrily on the ground.
"No, I'm being a team player as is Hermione."
"Rach, every single moment that is wasted on this silly gossip is just taking away from the time we could be spending on preparing for Nationals," the wavy-haired brunette pointed out reasonably before she and Kurt turned around and walked away.
The next afternoon, Hermione walked into the choir room and was met with several confused, angry, and upset stares.
"Um, hey, guys, what's going on?"
"Is it true?" Quinn asked quietly looking up from The Muckraker that Mercedes was holding.
"Is what true?" The British girl questioned slowly.
"Is Our Favorite British Girl Returning to Her Homeland and Never Coming Back?" Rachel read from over the African American's shoulder before promptly glaring at the older girl.
"What? Look, it's just a bloody rumor, ok?"
"You're lying," Santana finally spoke up, hurt evident in her eyes. "And I'm not just saying that to start more drama. I can see it in your eyes."
"I—I—um, well, it's partially true, I guess," Hermione murmured, refusing to meet any of her friends' gazes. "Harry asked me if I wanted to come back over the summer and I said yes. As for coming back next year, I'm not sure yet. I love you guys, but there are things I have to deal with back in London. Plus, I really miss my friends from back home. Look, I don't know what I'm going to do yet, but don't let that bring you down. We've got Nationals to win."
"Hermione, may I please speak with you outside?" The Latina inquired as she walked up to the wavy-haired brunette and grabbed her hand.
"Yeah, of course, San," the young witch sighed as she allowed herself to be led out into the hallway. As soon as the two girls disappeared, the remaining members of the New Directions began talking quietly.
"I think Santana is going to tear her a new one," Artie stated bluntly as Brittany hit him upside the head.
"Art, be nice. S won't hurt Hermy, she loves her too much. I think she's just going to ask her what's going on since she could see that this is tearing Hermy apart when the rest of us can't."
"Brit's right, you guys. Get back to minding your own business, alright?" Puck said as he briefly glanced to the door, silently praying that the former Cheerio would convince the British girl to stay.
"Mia, what's going on? I can see how miserable you are," Santana spoke softly as she released the older girl's hand once they were seated safely on the stage in the auditorium.
"I just feel guilty about so many things right now," Hermione whimpered, avoiding the concerned looks the raven-haired girl was throwing at her.
"Like what, princesa?" Hermione smiled slightly at the term of endearment before taking a deep breath.
"I feel guilty because I left London in such a hurry that I didn't even have a proper service for my parents. I feel guilty for leaving my friends when there are still Death Eaters to be found. I feel guilty because the last thing I want to do is hurt you all after you've done so much for me. I feel guilty for wanting to stay here and also wanting to return home. I feel guilty for making us take a break. I feel gu—"
"Stop right there, ok? First off, taking a break was the best thing for us if we want to work out in the long run. I didn't see that at first, but I do now. Secondly, everyone understands why you left London so quickly and they don't blame you for wanting to get away from the wizarding world for a while. Thirdly, it may take some time, but we'll understand if you want to go back to London as long as you promise to keep in touch and maybe even come back to visit, alright? We all love you, princesa, and we only want you to do whatever makes you happy," the Latina finished as a tear slid down her face.
"There's the girl I fell in love with," the British girl murmured as she gave the girl a watery smile.
"Come here, you," the former cheerleader ordered as she pulled the taller girl towards her and embraced her. Hermione immediately relaxed at the feel of the other girl's arms surrounding her and returned the hug, murmuring something into the raven-haired girl's neck. "What was that?" Santana questioned with a playful smile.
"You make me feel so safe," the Gryffindor repeated, a blush appearing on her cheeks.
"No need to be embarrassed, mi amor. I wouldn't want you to feel any other way," Santana responded happily, a large grin evident on her face, as she tightened her hold on the other girl.
A few days had passed and the New Directions were watching Rachel perform Go Your Own Way. As she was singing, the diva kept staring at Sam, Quinn, Hermione, and Kurt. When she finished, the room was silent until the former head Cheerio spoke up.
"Um, are you trying to tell us to leave glee club or tell Kurt to break up with Blaine? Ooh, or are you actually in love with one of us and trying to break up with Finn through song?" The hazel-eyed girl taunted as Sam, Hermione, and Kurt began snickering behind their hands.
"You're such a hypocrite! You little miss perfect prom queen, you're trying to drive a wedge between such a lovely couple by luring Hermione into your clutches!"
"Whoa, Rach, calm down," the wavy-haired brunette interjected before things got out of hand.
"And you're no better! How dare you go off to cheap motels to do god knows what with her! I guess those rumors about your reputation are true," the diva shrieked.
"Shut it, hobbit. There's nothing going on between Hermione and Quinn. I believe her and so should you," Santana spat as she shot out of her seat, only to be held back by Mike and Tina.
"Whatever. I blame Sam for all of this. He was spotted at the same motel with Kurt one night and Quinn and Hermione on another night. He's clearly trying to get more people involved in his scandalous ways."
"Are you even listening to yourself right now?" Hermione sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Well, Rachel does have a point, why hasn't Sam said anything about this?" Artie questioned as everyone's eyes fell on the blonde boy.
"Yeah, seriously, man. What you're doing is not cool. Kurt has a boyfriend, Hermione's gay, and Quinn's well, Quinn's a member of the celibacy club."
"Will you all shut up? Look, there is nothing going on between me and Kurt or Quinn and Hermione or Quinn, Hermione, and me. They're just helping me!" Sam called out defensively.
"Oh, is that what they're calling it now?" Mercedes said with a roll of her eyes.
"Hold on. How are they helping you out then?" Mike questioned as everyone looked at the blonde now shifting uncomfortably in his chair. The room fell silent as everyone eagerly awaited Sam's answer. Hermione wrapped her arms around the younger boy and whispered something into his ear.
"Kurt was bringing me some clothes, Quinn and Herms were helping me babysit my little brother and sister, and Herms was also helping me and my siblings with our school work along with doing a lot of other stuff to help us out," the blonde football player finally answered with a forlorn expression.
"Then why were you in that motel?" Finn immediately inquired.
"Because that's where I live now! My dad lost his job a few months ago and then we lost our house and now we live in that motel in one room. Are you all happy now? The truth's finally out!" Sam cried out angrily before storming out of the choir room.
"Sammy, wait!" Hermione shouted as she hurried towards the door. "Well done, guys," The British girl spat over her shoulder as she ran after the boy.
"You guys had no right to push any of us like that, especially Sam," Quinn declared while glaring at the majority of her fellow teammates before she and Kurt exited the room together.
"Why isn't Mr. Schue ever here to help deal with all of this shit?" Santana grumbled to Brittany who nodded her head in agreement.
"Should we go after them, Sanny?"
"Nah, not this time, Brit. I'm sure Hermione will call or text us if she needs our help with anything though, ok?"
"Alrighty. Do we have to stay in here or can we leave? I'm worried Lord Tubbington has figured out how to use the can opener and I don't want him ruining his diet…"
Hermione frantically searched the school for her friend and breathed a sigh of relief when she found him lurking around in the auditorium.
"There you are."
"Oh, hey, Herms," the blonde called out softly, trying to maintain his composure before sitting down.
"You doing ok?" The wavy-haired brunette questioned as she sat next to him on the edge of the stage.
"Not really," he answered. "I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to stay in glee. I could try to get more hours at work and spend more time with my siblings, but—"
"You can't quit glee, Sammy. You need the music. I of all people know what a saving grace music can be. I'm glad you chose to come here though because I have something I want to show you." Hermione stood up quickly and dragged the football player over to the curtain. "Ok, now wait here and close your eyes." The boy did as he was told as he heard the girl bringing something over to him. "And open them!" Sam opened his eyes and his heart melted for the girl in front of him as he took in the sight of his old guitar.
"Herms…"
"I know you sold it for some extra cash, but I tracked down the guy you sold it to and bought it back."
"You don't know how much I wish I was a girl right now because I would totally ask you out," he laughed as he wiped away a few tears.
"Sammy, no matter what happens, promise me you won't give up on music. You are far too gifted to silence your talent."
"You're the best friend I could ever ask for," the blonde muttered as he wrapped his arms around the older girl and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. "Love you, Herms."
"Love you too, Sammy. Now, I have an idea about a group number we could do and we could even include Stacy and Stevie," the British girl beamed as she grabbed another guitar. Sam chuckled, grabbed his guitar, and joined the brown-eyed girl as they played his favorite Fleetwood Mac song.
The next afternoon, Will walked in the choir room only to find his students reading The Muckraker yet again.
"Mr. Schue, is this true?" Mercedes asked him, fearful of his answer.
"Yeah, The Muckraker says you're bailing on us to do April Rhodes' big show. God, what it with this family and abandoning us!" Puck called out furiously.
"Guys, if there's anything that we have we learned from this week's assignment, it's that you can't believe every rumor that you hear," the choir director informed them.
"But isn't it your dream to be on Broadway?" Tina questioned with a gasp.
"I have a lot of dreams. My top one being taking you guys to Nationals."
"So you're going to stay?" Rachel questioned slowly.
"We are going to Nationals together and we are going to win."
"What about Hermione? Is she leaving after this year?" Quinn murmured quietly.
"Mia, has a lot on her plate right now and as much as it pains me to say, I'm not going to stop her if she wants to go back to London at the end of this year. I know she is going to be by our side at Nationals, but after that, I don't know." Before anyone could reply, a group of people entered the choir room.
"Hey, guys," Hermione smiled, holding a giggling Stacy in her arms.
"I hope you don't mind that I brought my brother and sister with us today, but Herms and I have been working on a performance that we thought would cheer them up," Sam informed them as he put Stevie on his shoulders. "So to the auditorium we go!" He called out goofily before charging towards the auditorium.
"Come on, you lot. Why the long faces? I guarantee Don't Stop will help bring us all back together again and I'm sure you all know it, so I expect you to join in," the brown-eyed girl grinned as she beckoned her friends to come forward. No one stirred from his or her seat until Santana finally walked towards the older girl. "Why thank you, Lopez, and can I say that you are by far the only person I know who can pull off overalls that successfully," she told her with a wink, causing the Latina to blush. "Oh! Stacy, this is Santana. And Santana this lovely little girl is Stacy."
"Hi," the young blonde girl said shyly. "You're really pretty."
"Thank you, so are you," the raven-haired girl responded with a grin before putting her arm around Hermione and leading them to the auditorium, the rest of the New Directions following behind them.
"You know, Herms talks about you all the time," Stacy told the Latina with a serious nod of her head.
"Oh, does she now?" The former cheerleader questioned with a wicked smile directed at the British girl, who was staring at the young blonde with wide eyes.
"Oh, yeah, she said that you were the prettiest girl she ever saw and that when you sing, she gets butterflies every time. She also said that when you smile..."
"Alright, Stace, that's enough!" Hermione called out, now having turned a dark shade of red.
"Stacy, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship," Santana chuckled as they entered the auditorium.
A/N, part II: So in my absence, I've actually though a lot about the sequel and I think (well, I hope) you guys are going to like what I have in mind for it!