A/N: This is a story for my Lil' on her birthday and I hope she enjoys it!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter characters.

Silly

Chapter 1

Silly, she knew it was silly to be doing her laundry in the Muggle fashion, but she loved the smell, not to mention the warmth radiating from the freshly dried clothes. Hugging her favorite sweatshirt to her chest inhaling the fresh clean scent she found herself rudely interrupted.

"Just what are you doing?" a male voiced sarcasm dripping.

"What are you doing here?" she countered bluntly.

"Why, Miss Granger, where are your manners?"

"I save those for important people, or more appropriately people I like."

"Well, well, I seem to have struck a nerve, what's got your knickers in a twist?" the trademark I'm up to something grin returning to his features.

"Nothing, what did I do to deserve the wonderful pleasure of your visit today?" saccharine sweetness lacing her words.

"That's more like it," he added stepping closer to her. "I have decided to personally tutor you in the art of having fun."

"Excuse me," she scoffed.

"It is I that have hearing problems, not you Hermione, I did not stutter, I believe you need help."

"I know how to have fun," she snapped.

"Please, you call this," he gestured to their surroundings, "a way to spend Saturday night?"

"This," she emphasized, "isn't all I am doing tonight."

"Right you are there, because you are coming out with me."

"I most certainly am not."

"No arguments now, it's all settled, I will give you one hour to be ready."

"Again, I am not going out with you, George," she said raising her voice to make sure he heard her.

He cupped his missing ear, "Eh?" he croaked like an old man gaining a long overdue smile from the witch in front of him. "Hermione, there are better things to do than laundry, or reading books," he added quickly seeing her about to interrupt. "Have some fun," he encouraged.

"I'll have you know I do have fun, I love my job, and I enjoy doing laundry," all traces of the smile gone.

Shaking his head slowly, oh she really needed help; exceedingly dull was too nice for her life. She deserved so much more.

"I know your exciting career path is very stimulating but all work and no play makes you rather dull."

"Thanks a lot," she huffed. She wasn't dull, sure she had a quiet life now, but after all the turmoil of the war she'd wanted it, and worked her own magic to ensure she got it, and so what if she was bored silly sometimes. Oh where did that come from?

George studied the flashes of uncertainty in her expression, time to reel her in. "Come on, we're going out with the rest of our friends. We're meeting for a pre-party at the Three Broomsticks. Harry, Ginny, and Neville will be there." Don't mention Ron that might still be a gray area he told himself.

"Really?" it had been a long time since she'd been around her friends, after the break-up, and her long hours she'd missed them. "Oh, fine." She sat her laundry basket down, "Wait, what do you mean pre-party?"

"Just what I said, who knows where the night will take us, let's be spontaneous tonight shall we?"

She bit her lip, mulling things over.

"You deserve a night out, you work way too hard. Come out and play, Hermione."

The sparkle in his eyes pulled her in. "All right, let me go change."

Bubbly with excitement she found her hand reaching for the standby pants she wore when she went out, but stopped before reaching them, what exactly does one wear for an evening of spontaneity.

Her teeth worrying her lip once again she reached into the back of her closet pulling out a top she'd purchased in a Muggle store on a whim. She'd never worn it; her friends didn't know she owned this particular item of clothing.

A playful smile caressed her lips as she stared at the sweetheart tube top with its padded bust, the sweetheart neckline, the Grosgrain ribbon at the empire waistline lying on her bed. Turning to her closet a pair of low rise jeans that hugged her body like a glove joined the shirt on the bed, next came out the crisscross sandals with the 4½ inch stiletto heels. A slight frown marring her features at the heels, but she was a witch after all, she could transfigure them later if need be. Her smile returning she hurried into the adjoining bathroom, he'd given her an hour after all.

WMWMWMWMWMWMWM

Was that water running? Oh well he had given her an hour, it took less time than planned to actually convince her to go. He checked his watch, maybe he should change as well. Once in his flat he flooed Harry to say things were a go.

"Change of plans."

"What do you mean?"

"Ginny got this great idea to go into Muggle London to this night club she heard about, here's the address we're all meeting there instead of the Three Broom Sticks."

"Okay," he agreed fully hoping Hermione's choice of clothing appropriate. If it was the normal boring fashion he'd make her change. "Well I got to get back to her place and then we'll see you there."

"Right, mate."

Shaking his head he turned into the nothingness reappearing in Hermione's living room having forgotten to change wearing his T-shirt and jeans. Too late now he heard her coming down the stairs.

The first view he caught from his vantage point was a foot in a sexy sparkly heel. No he must be seeing things, there is no way Miss I'm Prim and Proper owns a shoe like that he thought watching a pair of jean clad legs emerge. Long legs, in tight jeans he amended, flat waist following and before he could comprehend it his breathing stopped, the most perfect set of breasts came into his eye sight.

Did Hermione have friends he didn't know about? Bare shoulders with soft curls cascading down, a graceful neck, and then her face joined the rest of her. His eyes widened in obvious surprise, it was Hermione, but a very different Hermione. Barely there make-up highlighted her honey eyes, bringing a softness to the rest of her features, while her lips looked full and pouty.

He knew he was staring but he didn't care, it wasn't everyday this vision stood before him.

A nervousness attacking her stomach caused her to pause before going over to George, realizing the reaction she caused, the playful smile put in an appearance as she took two fingers under his chin to close his mouth.

"Ready then?" he asked finally.

"If you don't think it's too much?" she whispered.

"Not at all, you look absolutely amazing."

"Yeah, right?" shaking her head she reached for her purse.

"No, Mione," he confessed. "You are absolutely gorgeous." How did he fail to notice it before?

"Shouldn't we be going?" a blush tinting her cheeks, she ducked her head checking her wallet.

"Naturally. Oh there has been a change of plans we are going somewhere else instead of the Three Broomsticks."

"Oh, am I dressed okay then?" she not having any idea of their destination.

"I think it'll do." He felt underdressed, but shrugged it away, it wasn't about him this evening, it was all about the stunning witch in front of him. "Shall we?" he held his arm out.

"What I don't get to know where we are going?"

"Not just yet."

Biting back the scathing retort she grasped his arm willing herself to relax and enjoy the night out. Merlin, she needed it.

WMWMWMWMWMWMWM

With a pop they appeared in a dark alley behind a dumpster.

"Oh so charming, is this where you bring all your dates?" Hermione cheerfully asked.

"Not funny, and who said this was a date, Granger?" he grinned back pulling her out into the open.

For some reason unknown to her at the moment his words stung, but before she could analyze the situation further she found herself in front of a Muggle night club.

"You are not serious? I can't go in there."

"And why not?" George faced her waiting, when no answer was forth coming he responded, "Come on everyone is waiting already."

"Everyone?" she mumbled.

"Yeah you know the people who are your friends in name because honestly no one has seen you in ages. Now come on," he tugged her arm.

"Oh fine."

"You could at least pretend you are going to have fun," he teased.

She pasted a big fake smile on following him into the club, which turned out to be almost empty making it easy to spot her friends. Harry, Ginny, Neville, Luna, Dean, Pavarti, and Padma were waiting at a big booth for them.

Harry stood as she reached the group, embracing her, "Long time no see," he said pointedly.

"I know, I'm sorry," she cried truly meaning it sliding in next to him once he sat back down as George grabbed a chair from another table flipping it to where the back was against their table, resting his elbows on it as he sat.

"Wow, Hermione, you look hot," commented Ginny taking her hand squeezing briefly.

"Thanks."

"I didn't even notice," added Harry which earned the infamous Hermione eye roll, which he laughed at openly. "There she is."

"It is good to see you out," Luna said smiling.

"I did miss everyone, I've just been so busy with work."

"Well that's good, because I thought you'd been avoiding us," stated Ginny boldly.

"Never," grinned Hermione. She really had missed them, she just never realized how much.

"Ginny," Padma interrupted, "I thought you said this place was popular?"

"It is, we're just a bit early is all, but let's get started anyway." She pushed Harry and Hermione out grabbed Hermione's hand and went up to the bar. Ginny came back with a huge smile while Hermione entertained a frowning face at what was ordered. Ginny scooted back in by Harry handing out the tube shots.

"What should we drink to?" asked Neville.

"How about to the birthday girl," suggested George staring at Hermione who was looking at everyone else wondering whose birthday it was then realizing everyone else was watching her. Bloody hell, she'd forgotten her own birthday.

"Happy Birthday!" they all shouted downing their shots. Hermione coughed as it burned down her throat, making a face at the bad taste. Before she had time to recover another tube was thrust into her hand.

"To good friends," she croaked clearing her throat.

"Friends," echoed around the table.

"You forgot your own birthday, didn't you?" whispered George, keeping his voice low so no one else would hear.

"Of course not," she lied. She would not admit to something as dumb as that, she was the cleverest witch of her age after all.

"Liar," he breathed into her ear causing her to shiver. She turned to glare at him, but felt the tension and heard the silence from the rest of the table. Her interest peaked she glanced around to find the root of the problem.

A tall red-head was making his way to a table with a girl in tow. Hermione immediately stiffened. Harry and George both realized what was going on, an arm flung around her shoulders, and a hand on her knee offered encouragement.

"Hey, guys," Ron greeted.

"Oh, did you start without us?" the girl asked. "Happy Birthday, Hermione," she said.

"Thank you, Susan," she said a tad stiff but beamed a genuine smile at the girl, she had always liked her in school.

"Yeah, Happy Birthday," Ron added shyly ruffling his hair, fidgeting a bit.

"Thanks." This was silly she thought, why couldn't they just go back to being friends, what was the reason for all the awkwardness?

"Where's Seamus?" Susan turned her attention to Padma.

"Oh he'll be along shortly, running late as usual."

"Another round?" Pavarti proposed.

"We'll get it," volunteered Ron as he indicated Susan. They moved toward the bar leaving the others to watch for Hermione's reaction.

"How long have they been going out?" she asked casually masking her true feelings.

"A couple of weeks."

"That's nice." Weeks, no one had told her Ron was dating, of course she hadn't really talked to anyone in a while, but still Harry could have told her. As if reading her mind Harry leaned in, "Sorry, I probably should have told you, but you just started to relax and I do want you to enjoy your night."

She smiled at him, if only it were that simple. He removed his arm as he leaned back to take a hold of Ginny's hand.

"Are you seeing anyone?" Pavarti slipped in as Ron rejoined the group.

"No, I've been way too busy," she said, the excuse sounding lame to her own ears. Her eyes studied the group resting on each couple briefly. Luna and Neville had their arms linked, Dean had an arm around Pavarti, and Seamus arrived giving Padma a quick peck. She automatically felt like a third wheel, they all had someone, and she didn't have anyone. Tears stung her eyes, she quickly looked down diverting her eyes noticing the hand still on her knee.

She raised her head to meet George's concerned eyes. "I don't either," he mouthed.

A smile played across her lips, as she accepted another shot downing it straight away.

"Whoa, Hermione, we didn't even toast," laughed Ginny.

"Well, it is my birthday."

"Cheers."

The club filled up in what felt like an instant, the tables were full the dance floor crowded, and a line formed outside the door.

"Oh, I love this song," exclaimed Ginny shoving Hermione, while pulling Harry.

"No, Gin, I don't want to dance."

"All you have to do is stand there."

A laugh escaped Hermione as she stood, lost her balance, and stumbled a bit latching onto George's arm for support. It hit her all at once, feeling a bit light headed she sat down in a hurry catching George's smirk.

"Light weight."

"Shut it."

The booth emptied out, "Do you mind if I steal him for a moment?" Susan inquired.

"Not at all," answered Hermione watching George stand.

"You sure?" he asked.

"Yep, I'm going to get another drink," she raised herself slowly this time, gaining her balance with no head rush to interfere.

A sigh escaped her as she reached the bar through the throng of people. "Great bloody birthday," she muttered.

"It's your birthday?" someone asked.

"Yes, it is," she blurted.

"Well Happy Birthday! Hey, Ted," he called the bartender, "we got a birthday girl over here," his beer bottle twitched in Hermione's direction.

"That so? All right Miss, you get one free drink tonight, make it a good one."

"Oh, can't you just make me something," she said flustered. She had a definite lack of drinking knowledge.

"No, that's all wrong," the guy said. "You should have something special for a special girl."

Heat flooded her face in a blush and a giggle escaped before she could stop it. Tipsy, she had to be tipsy; otherwise Hermione Granger would never have giggled, especially not like that.

"I mean this guy could mix you up something awful."

"Oh really, and what would you suggest, Mr.?" she drawled out the mister.

"Oliver, just Oliver."

The giggle came again, "I know an Oliver, but you don't look like him." He smiled and gave her a wink, which in turn caused another giggle. Oh, Merlin, where were these giggles coming from.

"And your name is?"

"Hermione Granger." The full name, she said her full name, she could have just said Hermione, but no she said her full name.

"Well, Hermione Granger, let's get you this drink, while it's still free."

"Ok."

"Hey, Ted, mix the lady up a," he looked her up and down, "screaming orgasm."

Those damn giggles were back, "No I don't think so, hey Ted how about a long island ice tea."

"You got it." She'd always wanted to try one of those, and why not she wasn't paying. She watched Ted closely so as not to look at Oliver who she knew was staring hard at her. She flashed him a smile with a wink before heading back to her table sipping her drink and swaying her hips enticingly.

Honestly, she thought what had gotten into her.

"Hey, Ron," she carefully sat herself and her drink down.

"Hey," he was alone at the table, everyone else still dancing.

"I've missed you," she blurted. "Our friendship," she clarified noticing the look of unease.

He visibly relaxed, "Me too, I wish things were back the way they were."

"Me too," she admitted. "Maybe we should work on that."

"Yeah, all right," he grinned. She was one of his best friends it had always been the three of them.

"Great," she giggled again. Ron raised an eyebrow but chose not to say anything, as she seemed to be enjoying herself.

"Hello all," Harry said claiming George's chair.

"Harry!" Hermione squealed.

"Are you drunk?"

"Not at all, can't I just be happy to see you?"

"I was gone all of five minutes."

"So?" she dared him.

Ron shook his head chuckling giving Harry a slap on the arm. "Let her be, mate."

"Fine, I could use another drink myself, want anything?"

"Hermione, what are you drinking?" Ron was unfamiliar with Muggle alcohol.

"A long island ice tea?"

"Oh I've heard of those," Dean said joining them.

"What's in it?"

"A lot of alcohol."

"Oh goody," giggled Hermione taking another sip.

"Here, let me try it." She handed him her cup, he grimaced.

"Ugh, why can't it at least taste good?"

"I like it," she shrugged her shoulders downing most of it earning curious stares from her friends. She laughed noticing their expressions, but she didn't care, with the help of Oliver, she decided to have a good time, she became determined to.

"Right, more drinks," urged Harry.

"Hermione," called Ginny, "come dance."

"Coming," and with that her whole drink was gone except the ice cubes.

Since their dates ditched them on the floor Ginny, and Pavarti started dancing together, and they pulled Hermione into their space. The alcohol in full control she felt her body moving to the beat and hoped she looked good doing whatever it was she was doing.

Lost in her own world she did not see the appreciative looks thrown her way, nor the blatant lust in some of the men's eyes. Ginny and Pavarti exchanged their own significant glances watching Hermione move her body in ways they'd never seen before.

"Thanks George," Susan said sitting back down beside Ron.

"No problem, where's Hermione?" he asked carelessly.

"Out there." He searched for a moment before he found her with Ginny. His eyes widened in shock.

"What's got into her?"

"Alcohol, mate, who knew," responded Harry who bristled as guys ogled his girlfriend and best friend, one of them actually daring to touch Hermione.