Quit Before You Lose Everything

5. Six Motel Rooms

September 7th, 2001
6:14 am

Hermione stomped up the stairs, kicked Fred's door open then kept going. She hesistated, knuckles brushing George's door when it suddenly blew open.

"Oh-" George stopped short, hand reaching to scratch his chest before he dropped his hand in a flash, only to slap it back up, fingers splayed across his bare chest.

Hermione nearly laughed, if not for the fact she was struck silent with shock. Sure, she had seen him shirtless before. She had seen several of the guys on the team in states she didn't care for.

But it was something about the intimate atmosphere of his bedroom doorway that cause Hermione to flush warmly.

"New regimen working for you?" She asked, voice high, raising her brows. She cleared her throat before turning on her heel. But George's hand shot out grabbing her elbow, causing her to spin back to him.

"You knocked?" He asked, leaning against the door jam.

"Van leaves in ten." She spoke, jerking her chin up slightly at him.

George smiled, dropping her elbow and ran his hand through his hair. He quirked a small smile, then dragged his eyes starting at her toes and working his way-

"Your Da says we can't flirt during games." She spoke in a fluttered rush, rocking on her heels.

"Did he?" George asked, leaning towards her.

"Yes." She nodded, stretching up on her toes.

"So the bus, locker room, practice-that's all fair game?" He asked, waving his hand in the air as he talked.

"I guess." She shrugged, then tilted her head. "Reckon here's good to." She nodded, then turned starting for the stairs. "Eight minutes!" She called, skipping down the stairs.

She pounded her fist on Fred's door, he jumped, landing in a sprawled heap on the floor. A tangle mess of duvet, a hockey jersey and his awkwardly long limbs. Luckily wearing bottoms, that wasn't always a guarantee and Hermione had the unfortunate experience of being on the receiving end of that.

"Mum-bloody well dreaming-you aren't Mum." Fred dropped his head back, the crown of his head bouncing off the floor. He groaned lowly, squeezing his eyes shut.

"2nd pre-season game tonight Freddie!" Hermione hollered, pounding her fist once more. "Rise and shine!"

8:32 am

The bus was loud, little to no surprise and she had George fidgeting next to her. Messing with a yo-yo, sending it rolling down the aisle before yanking it back to his hand. Each yank harder, zapping it into his palm. A concentrated effort of hand to eye.

"I need your help Curly." A pale hand came over Hermione's head, dropping a phone into her lap. "Trying to say sorry to my mum, missed her birthday." Draco's head came hanging between her and George's. He chanced a glance at George, before turning to raise his brows at her.

George leaned away, though his knee crashed against hers.

"Send her flowers, as soon as we get to the hotel." Hermione spoke, fingers flying across the key pad. "Do you tell your mother you love her?" She paused, thumbs hovering.

"Yes-but in a very manly way." He nodded at her, resting his chin on the seat. Blaise laughed loudly from behind her, but they both ignored him. "But not too manly, so she knows I'm her son not some bloke down at the market that likes the way she looks in her Sunday dresses." He grinned, bobbing his head towards her.