A/N - Woo, I'm back! I didn't manage to reply to all of your reviews, but I do appreciate all of them, guys! Thanks for sticking with me so far; I know a lot of you were upset, but everything (okay maybe not everything…) rights itself in this chapter! There's not much H/Hr here, but chapter 14 will have loads. Please review and tell me what you think. =)
Chapter 13:
That same night chaos erupted, the house seemed eerie. Usually, they all hung out and watched a movie downstairs, played cards, or just sat around each other. But now, the house was silent; there was no laughter, each player was in their own room, thinking, or otherwise.
This came as a real blow, especially for Hermione. She was really looking forward to playing in her first match, but it had all tumbled down. What's more, Adam was leaving. She didn't know what would happen to their relationship either.
She was sitting on her bed cross-legged, reading a muggle novel before she realized that she hadn't taken a word in. She put it down and sighed, rubbing her eyes. As if on cue, someone knocked once on her door.
"Hermione?" Jess called, coming right in.
"Hey," Hermione smiled, patting the spot beside her.
Jess smiled weakly and sat down, twiddling her thumbs.
Hermione wasn't sure why, but for the first time since she met Jess, they fell into an awkward silence.
"I guess you know what happened," she said softly, sighing.
Hermione nodded sympathetically. "I'm really sorry, Jess…"
"You know, if things were different, Oliver and I would be over the moon about having a baby. We both love kids. But because of the team…" Her voice died off.
Hermione reached over and grasped her hand comfortingly. "I know, love. I know."
Jess smiled sadly. "Harry's too nice to kick me out," she said in a small voice.
Hermione fingered her blue sheets thoughtfully, biting her lip as her stomach did an involuntarily back-flip just because of hearing his name. "No…he was telling me he would convince you to stay after the pregnancy. He thinks of you as a sister."
The blonde sniffed. "This is all my fault."
"Oh, I don't know about that," Hermione said, straight-faced, trying to make Jess laugh. "I thought Oliver has some hand in it too, doesn't he?"
"Shut up," Jess chuckled half-heartedly, sighing.
Her friend smiled. "That's better. The Jess I know isn't so emotional," she quipped.
She rolled her eyes. "Tell me about it."
"It'll be alright, Jess," Hermione commented sincerely after a short while.
"I hope so."
"Harry won't kick you out."
"For someone who hates him, you sure know how to defend him," Jess said slyly.
Hermione froze. "How do you know that?"
"I heard you yelling at him in the kitchen the other night when I wanted some water," she replied quietly. "What's going on, Hermione?"
"You'll be so mad at me when I tell you…"
"How about I decide about that? Tell me."
So Hermione told her. Right from when Harry had seen her come out of Adam's room to when she found out he was a player. She talked for half an hour straight and Jess merely listened quietly, the expression on her face hard to figure out.
At long last, Hermione took a deep breath. "I knew you'd be angry," she said woefully.
Jess was still silent. Then, slowly, she looked at Hermione in disbelief. "I can't believe you."
Hermione sighed and ran her fingers through her hair.
"I can't believe you," Jess repeated, staring at her. "You're so fucking stupid."
"…What?"
"I thought you were smarter than that."
"Jess, I know I did some really stupid things, okay? But see, I-"
"My brother's a dick."
Hermione did a double take. "What?" She asked stupidly, staring at Jess.
Jess rubbed her face wearily. "What do you honestly think of Harry?"
"I thought he was a really nice guy," Hermione started. "I thought the papers had it all wrong about him, but when Adam told me…"
"Adam lied to you. Hell, I know he's my brother, but...Harry's the furthest thing from a player you will ever find, despite being Harry Potter and all. He doesn't take advantage of his fame. Trust me on this one."
Hermione frowned. "I really don't understand…why would Adam do that?"
"He knew he was losing you to Harry," Jess rubbed her forehead, thoroughly annoyed by what her own brother did to her close friend. "Dumbass. I guess he felt threatened or something."
"That's ridiculous," Hermione snapped, furious. "That's just not a rational excuse!"
"I know it isn't," Jess said gently. "Maybe you and Adam should talk about this."
"Damn straight," Hermione fumed, jumping off the bed and strode outside. "I'm going to castrate him!"
"Oh boy," Jess stared at the door-way. "My poor, soon-to-be-sterilized sibling…"
* * *
Meanwhile, Abby and Seamus were spending a quiet evening at Abby and Ginny's flat, watching a movie.
"Seamus," Abby giggled, throwing a piece of popcorn at him from the bowl. "Don't look so sad....It's not that bad, for Merlin's sake."
"I can't help it," he broke out into a grin. "Chick flicks depress me."
"You're ridiculous," she shook her head.
"Let's watch something else," he shot a puppy dog look at her that made her laugh. "Please."
"I can't believe you couldn't even get twenty minutes through this thing."
"Yes, I did," he said defensively.
"Nu-uh." She said smugly, looking at the small display on the DVD player. "It says 17 minutes, buster."
"There were advertisements before it!"
"But they weren't part of the movie, were they?" She pointed out, amused.
He fell silent. "You suck."
"Really mature, Finnigan."
Seamus pointedly ignored her, twisting his mouth to one side. "Can we just watch something else?"
She rolled her eyes, and pointing the remote control to the TV, turned it off. "There."
Seamus stared at the screen for a second before turning his head to look at her. "I thought we were going to watch something else?"
"I don't want to anymore," she shrugged, scratching the back of her neck.
"I ruined the mood, didn't I?"
"No, I'm just…" Abby yawned, dropping her head onto his shoulder, her eyelids drooping.
"Tired?" He smiled, and slung his arm over the back of the couch so she could settle more comfortably in the crook of his neck.
"Very," she murmured. "Seamus, I'm worried."
He shifted a bit so he could look at her properly. "What's wrong?"
"I'm still throwing up," she said softly, looking up at him. "Not as much as before but…Is this normal? I couldn't sleep all night yesterday."
Seamus relaxed. "No, it's not," he agreed. "But there are women who do barf all through their pregnancy."
Abby paled and lifted her head up. "A-all through it?"
"How many months along are you now?"
"Five," she frowned, worrying her bottom lip. "I'm going to have to put up with this for four more months?"
"Well, not necessarily," he said carefully. "You get check-ups don't you?"
"Muggle."
"Go to a wizard healer then. I would've helped you but I don't specialize in this field…"
"You're basically like a muggle surgeon right?"
He nodded. "Do you know the sex of the baby yet?"
"Not yet…I want to, but I'm scared," her eyebrows knitted together. "Will you…will you come with me? I don't want to bother Hermione; the team's in a bit of a tight spot right now…"
Seamus' eyebrows lifted in surprise at her unexpected question, but he was pleased that she had asked him. "Sure."
"Thanks," she smiled gratefully, but then the corners of her mouth drooped and the smile slipped off her face. She looked forlorn, and was quiet for a few long moments. "I can't do this," she whispered.
He fit his arm more securely around her and hugged her to him. "Of course you can, love."
"Trusting him was the biggest mistake of my life," she said bitterly. "Gave me false dreams and hopes...and then he turned around and married someone else."
"I'm sorry," he whispered, rubbing her upper arm. His heart went out to her for all she'd put up with and gone through.
She fell silent, but replaced her head on his shoulder with a half-content, half-sad sigh.
Seamus kissed the top of her head affectionately. "You don't have to go through this alone," he said gently. "You've got me, you've got Hermione; Jess…We'll be with you every step of the way."
"Thank you," she put an arm around the other side of his neck and hugged him. "That means so much to me."
Seamus smiled and started to reply, but suddenly Abby winced and put a hand to her tummy.
"What is it?"
"Shh," she said, her eyes wide as she took his hand and pressed it to her stomach, before putting hers on top of it.
Seamus was silent for a few seconds before he grinned and whispered, "It's kicking."
Abby nodded her head up and down, smiling at him.
They noticed just how close their faces were, and almost involuntarily, Seamus started leaning in, transfixed by her wide almond-shaped eyes.
Abby, though, lowered her eyes, and the moment was broken.
Seamus blinked and righted himself. "Sorry," he muttered, and then asked uncomfortably, just to allow them both some distraction, "Is there anything I can get for you?"
Abby considered. "Would you mind getting me some iced water?"
"No," he stood up. "I'll be right back."
As if on cue, the door swung open and a very drunken Ginny stumbled in, giggling like crazy. "Oh, Dwacie!" She simpered, before breaking into another fit of giggles. Draco was holding onto her arm, drunk as well, but managed to look annoyed at her outrageous behavior.
"Ginny, contain yourself," he muttered, almost falling over with her when she tripped over her own feet.
"You big bad boy," she gasped out, clutching his shirt, but then her voice turned soft, "You…you…Mmmm, I love you, you know?"
Draco and Abby both froze, and Seamus just stared from the doorway with a glass of water held in his hand. But then the blonde just shook his head and slowly lead Ginny to her room, closing it behind them.
"What was that?" Seamus asked, sitting back down.
"Drunk Ginny," Abby grinned. "Just wait 'til I tell her she confessed her undying love to Draco Malfoy while drunk."
Seamus laughed and shook his head. "Evil, evil."
"I'm pregnant," she pouted.
"And that means you can be evil?"
"Sure," she crossed her arms. "I'm going through hell here!"
"Alright," he held up his hands. "Point taken."
* * *
Hermione couldn't remember being so angry at anyone before. Adam had just stepped way over the line. She couldn't believe it though…Sweet, considerate Adam…It was like this whole new, mean side of him. They'd talked about her and Harry; she thought he was okay with it, and he'd genuinely forgiven her. It was stupid of her to think he wouldn't get into a strop over it, she knew. What self-respecting man would be okay with his girlfriend kissing his friend, and just like that, willingly forgive her, without grumbling about just a little bit? She was stupid for believing him, but at the time she couldn't really fathom why he'd lie to her.
It all made sense now, though. Jess was right; he felt threatened by Harry. He could tell how attracted she felt toward the emerald-eyed wizard. But, still…They could've talked about it like mature adults instead of him lying to her in front of her face. It just wasn't right. He'd lost her trust. To Hermione, there was no relationship where she couldn't trust her partner.
She waited a whole two minutes in front of Adam's door, waiting for him to open up. Finally, he appeared in the doorway, bleary-eyed and squinting.
"Hermione," he yawned, blinking sleepily. "What's up?"
"I wanted to talk to you," she said coolly.
"It's one in the morning, Hermione," he said in confusion, but stepped back to let her in. "Here, have a seat."
Hermione didn't comply, but instead turned to him with her arms crossed menacingly. As hard as she tried, she couldn't keep her voice calm, like she'd planned. No, it raised at least one notch. "Why did you lie to me?"
If it was possible, Adam looked even more confused, trying to get his thoughts straight. "What--?"
"Adam," she glared at him. "Why did you tell me that Harry's a womanizer?"
His expression cleared, and finally aware, he frowned. "Hermione-"
"What were you aiming for exactly when you decided to bring him down in my eyes?" She snapped, taking a step toward him threateningly. "For god's sake, I humiliated myself in front of him, because of you!"
"I'm sorry," Adam said, having the decency to look bashful. "I just felt...I don't know," he finished with a mutter, shifting his feet on the carpet.
"Harry's a great guy," she said quietly, her eyes turning icy-cold. "I don't even know why I believed you. I thought I trusted you, but you just turned around and lied to my face. Adam, I don't think I can stay in a relationship with someone I can't trust."
"That's just it isn't it?" He scowled, ignoring her last comment. "You've been cheating on me right from the beginning with that bastard, and you expect me to just sit back and watch."
"I already told you that Harry and I kissed," she glowered at him, her throat constricting. "Nothing else. I told you because I didn't want there to be any secrets between us."
"Right," he scoffed.
Hermione was quiet for a few moments, and just looked at him before saying quietly, "What do you take me for? I-"
He shrugged unconcernedly. "A slut; isn't that what you are?"
Hermione's eyes flared up with anger, and in one swift motion, she slapped him hard on the side of his face. Her finger-marks were clearly printed there when she withdrew, and she felt a small surge of satisfaction and pride at the utter dumbfounded look on his face. She smiled sarcastically, but the tears in her eyes were apparent. "I was so wrong about you," she said, her voice, and the hands fisted at her sides, shaking involuntarily. "If you think we can pick up where we left off, you're wrong, Adam. I want nothing to do with you anymore."
Adam frowned and opened his mouth to retort, but nothing else was she said as she walked out the door, and out of his life.
* * *
The next day, Adam left.
Hermione was upset, and she couldn't even meet Harry's eye. At breakfast, she wordlessly handed him the maple syrup without even looking at him. At practice, she just muttered at whatever he said, and looked distracted, barely scoring once. Harry had to holler several times to get her attention.
"Time-out!" Harry finally shouted, annoyed. Even Oliver was frowning. "Granger, a word, if you don't mind."
Oh, she did mind; but how could she tell him that? Hermione sighed, looking in his direction. Harry motioned for her as he pointed his broom toward the ground and started to land, and against her will, Hermione followed. Who could blame her? Knowing Harry, she'd certainly get an ear-bashing.
"Seriously, what's wrong?" He frowned once they were both safely on earth, cocking his head at her curiously. "You've been distracted all through practice."
Hermione scuffled her feet, staring at a point beyond his shoulder evasively. "It's nothing. I'm just…you know."
Harry ran his hands through his hair impatiently, but forced his voice to stay calm. "Is this about Adam?" He asked gently. "Hermione, we have a match in a few days. We can't have you distracted like this…especially since we're going to play with six players, you'll have to work extra hard to keep up, even though I know you and Ron are going to ace this. But I need you to concentrate, no matter what's going on in your head. I need you to forget everything and go wild when you play."
"I know, I know," she sighed, rubbing her cheek sheepishly. "I'm sorry…It's just…"
"Adam."
"No," she shook her head. "Well, yes…but, not only exactly..."
"You can talk to me if you want…" Harry let his voice trail off, trying to get her to look him in the eye.
"I'll have to talk to you eventually…" she muttered under her breath.
"Sorry?"
"Nothing," she said hastily.
Harry frowned. "Would you look at me at least? And stop telling me it's nothing? Because I can tell there certainly is something wrong."
She crossed her arms and pursed her lips before raising her eyes to his.
"There," he said, satisfied. "That wasn't too hard, was it?"
"No," she lied softly before pausing, "I'm sorry I've been so horrible to you lately."
"Yeah, about that…What's up with you anyway?"
"I'll tell you later," she promised. "Shouldn't we be resuming practice? I'll try and concentrate, I promise."
"I don't want you trying. I want you to really concentrate."
Hermione finally chanced a small smile. "Okay."
"Harry!" Sarah, their PR manager, came into view, walking with a young man. For a second, both Hermione and Harry forgot who he was supposed to be.
"Who's this?" Harry asked her inquisitively as the pair came closer. Her male companion was a built, lean man; with a relaxed smile on his face, his brown hair gently wind-blown, and his eyes a gentle hazel color. His looks were definitely no model-type, but it was his smile that caught their attention. He was the type of person you'd look at and like instantly. There was just something different about him.
"Me?" He said in mock-surprise, coming to a stop in front of them with his hands in his pockets, the smile gracing his lips widening into a goofy, friendly grin. Harry heard Hermione release a small gasp beside him before Jerry said what he said next, cutting Sarah to the chase, in a thick Australian accent.
"I'm Jerry. Jerry Steel. Nice to meet you, oh fellow team-mates."
Talk about a dramatic entrance.
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