Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, the characters; blah blah (I'm pretty sure you all know that anyway...and if you don't...well...) there is most definitely sex, violence, and language. If you don't like that sorta stuff, you're weird-but be sure to get the hell away.
Summary: ( Post-Hogwarts)
Hermione Granger's life turned around the day she got fired. An unexpected picture brought her back to her old friend's she once loved. At an engagement party she makes a deal with the devil. Can this wreck of a woman find happiness...or maybe...even love?
P.S.
Great thanks to my best friend Kate for editing this story for me.
A Story Of A Girl
Chapter I
Sexy and Rich
"Hello Ms. Granger," A friend and colleague, Allie, waved as the successful and may I say, beautiful,brunette came strolling into the office with her hair in a tight bun and her suit freshly pressed.
"Hello Allie, have you finished your report on the Quidditch boys? I just can't wait to see that," she teased. Hermione Granger was now assistant editor of the Daily Prophet.
"No, not yet, but I'll let you be the first to look at the new pictures!" She giggled and turned the corner.
Hermione continued her walk down the hall to a door that had the name "Ms. Granger-Assistant Editor" inscribed into it. She smiled as she saw it, still proud of all she had accomplished. She turned the doorknob, a faint smile still on her face. The only good part about her office was that it had one of those large picture windows, showing off its amazing view of London proper. It was very rare that she ever look out of it though, the window blinds usually did their part in blocking it out.
"Another article finished." Her smiled widened as she picked up the stack of papers that were stapled together. This was the only thing that made her smile like that.
"What's this?" She asked herself, her voice a harsh whisper. She quickly sat down in the chair behind her desk, "A side note?" She frantically flipped through her pages, trying to figure out what had gone wrong, or if she had made a critical error in the editing process.
You must put more dedication in your work, Mrs. Granger…
"It's Ms." She corrected out loud, the anger apparent in her tone.
You have been slacking. Another mess up like this could cost you your job.
"What?" She nearly shouted, "I have put my whole life into this job."
Hermione stood from her chair and tightened the grip she had on the four pages of hard work. Sure she had slacked off a bit, but she was Hermione Jane Granger, assistant editor of The Daily Prophet, Co-Chairwoman of the Literacy for Witches program, and advocate for the Witch's Rights Association. Nothing could stop her, not even rude remarks about her writing skills. All she had to do would be to confront the editor and try to persuade him that everything would be fine and she would write it over.
"Mr.Wiltman?" She knocked three times for good measure.
"Yes?" He sounded a bit disappointed. Not a good sign, she thought but tried to block out any negative thinking.
Hermione entered and shut the door behind her in a gentle fashion, "I'm here to discuss…" She trailed off and took a seat in the chair in front of his large, oak desk. Why didn't she have a polished oak desk?
"I know," He held up his hand when she planted her unpublished article on his desk, he studied it as if it were garbage, "It's just not up to, what's the word…?"
"...my level?" She asked cautiously, "Because I know if I put more time into this..."
"It's just not what we are looking for at the moment," He clasped his hands together and his face remained expressionless, "We want a young woman who is excited about her life and interested in bettering the lives of others, or a new fashion column."
"We have three fashion columns." Hermione interrupted, but yet again her input was ignored.
"We want a woman who is capable of writing a column that is…uh, happy." The editor frowned at her, exasperated that she wasn't getting it.
"My column is about real life. It's about what is happening around the world!" She paused and studied his face, "Do you want me to lie to my readers?"
"Not lie, per say, but thinking on the positive side of life," he smirked at her and his thick eyebrows twitched upwards, "Are you getting what I'm saying?"
"No." She said truthfully, sinking into the lounge chair, "I'm supposed to be happy in my writing?" She raised an eyebrow at him, questioning his weird attitude today.
"Not exactly, we just want to bring in new people." He sighed.
"Are you…" She paused, her brain calculating it out, "…are you firing me?"
"Ms. Granger. You are a great asset and many newspapers would be willing to take you." He added, as if that made it any better.
"It's fine." She said, faking a smile.
"Great, Ms. Granger, I'm sure another newspaper will…"
"Of course." She said and stood with the most composure she could muster, and left his office.
----------------
"He can't fire me," she said aloud in her office. Denial. She grabbed a box filled with papers and dumped it into the trash.
"Why is he firing me?" Questioning. She began throwing knick knacks and papers into it.
"That pig can fire me if he wants to. I can do better on my own." Acceptance. She grabbed her single box and left her office.
The elevator opened and she bumped into two people on her way in. She didn't let the tears come until the doors shut.
"I hate him. I worked s-so hard on ev.er.y.thing." Thank god for empty elevators, "I try so hard to-be-become someone, and look where it gets me." Her voice was cracked from sobbing. Tears fell down her cheeks and she could taste the salt, it reminded her, for some reason of school, but she shook her head.
"We want someone who is happy," she mocked in a high pitched voice, "a bimbo blonde so you can grope her , you perv," she hissed, but started to chuckle through her hysteria. She wiped away her tears and looked up at the floor numbers blinking one after another.
"First floor." Hermione took out her wand and removed the puffy redness that revealed she was truly upset about getting fired.
Hermione,
I heard about you. Even though, you don't work here anymore, I wanted to send you something. I'm sure this will cheer you up.
Love,
Allie.
Inside the envelope was a picture.
"The World Cup Champions," Underneath the picture was the name of the team, The Chudley Cannons. A list of players was also underneath the picture.
Gregory Milcrot (Beater), Frances Jolioster (Beater), Harold Frankhort (Catcher), Ronald Weasley (Captain)…She stopped reading names.
"Ronald?" She sat up straight on her couch and studied the picture for the red head, "Ron Weasley," She said with sigh and a smile, "Long time …"
Her flat resembled her office. It was plan, dark and far from 'happy'. She had lived there for three years, able to afford the nice conditions with the excellent job. The Hermione she used to be would've wanted to cure diseases, help the homeless, and volunteer. But, you rarely get your dream job. Writing was another passion of her's. All of her teacher's always fawned over her essays; even Snape complimented her in-depth research on foreign potion making skills.
The thought of school caused her stomach to twinge again. Looking at the picture of Ronald Weasley brought back long forgotten memories. She was twenty three now. The Second War had ended five years ago, that was part of the reason that her friendship with everyone evaporated. She assumed some of her old classmates had died or left the country.
"I wonder if Ginny is doing alright…and Harry," She thought aloud, tempted to owl her. But, she didn't know where Ginny lived or worked or whether she was married. It would've been odd to think, back in her school years, that she would go five, almost six years, without speaking a single word to any of them.
She held the picture, still contemplating whether or not to send an unexpected hello. A little part of her brain felt excited to finally say hi and see how they were doing and then another told her that she would only be disappointed.
"Maybe I should just see how he's doing." She looked around her flat and rummaged around until she found some parchment. She smiled as she wrote the letter, all the memories of Hogwarts returning.
"Mum!" Ginny, twenty two, still supporting freckles and long red hair, held up a letter, "It's from Hermione!" She ripped it open and read it as soon as Harry entered the kitchen.
Ronald,
I saw your picture in the Daily Prophet, just seeing how everything is doing. I couldn't resist saying hello.
Say hello to Ginny and Harry, if you ever get a chance to.
Sincerely,
Hermione
P.S.
I still am not sure if you still reside at your parents, if you do not I would hope you still receive this somehow. It'd be lovely to meet up again and talk. You and me and maybe all four of us.
"Wow," Harry scoffed, "Took her long enough to say hello." He scratched his head and Ginny turned red with anger.
"At least she owled," she spat. "You would be mad if she never did. Better late than never, I say."
Mrs. Weasley nodded and left with her cup of tea. Harry shrugged and walked over to his fiancé.
"What should we say back?" Ginny asked, ignoring Harry's pouting.
"It's technically "Ronald's" letter," he pointed out.
"Stop being a smart arse!" She hissed and quickly sat down at the table, "Hello Hermione, we are happy to hear from you," she looked up at Harry for approval.
"It sounds fine," he said.
"We should definitely find some time to meet up, maybe Diagon Alley, or here, at the Burrow, where Harry and I are staying before we can get off our feet. I have news for you, Ronald is still single by the way, but Harry and I are getting married," She squealed the last part. Harry rolled his eyes and began to make himself another cup of coffee.
"Hope to see you soon, love Ginny."
"P.S." She scribbled hastily, "Our engagement party is on the 31st we would be happy if you came, it's at The Burrow."
She ran to the window and directed their owl, Hedwig, to Hermione's flat.
A soft tap tap tap made Hermione jump out of her train of thoughts. She turned her head swiftly, not expecting a reply.
"Hedwig." She smiled, petting the bird as she read the reply.
"Engaged?" She smiled again, "Ronald is single eh?" She smirked as she thought of all the possibilities. Maybe rekindling a romance would make her a more 'happy' person.
Congrats, and I'd be delighted to come.
"Guess who owled last night?" Ginny nudged her brother when he came to visit, "Hermione." They sat down in the living room.
"Really?" His face brightened, "Surprising, haven't heard from her forever."
Harry nodded in agreement and mumbled something like 'that's what I said', but Ginny sighed, "At least she said hello, you have got to give her credit for that."
"Hermione Granger," Ron repeated with a familiar look of lust on his face, "Haven't seen the bookworm in years."
"We've already established that," Ginny responded, "I invited her to our engagement party."
"Then that means…" Ron trailed off, thinking about all the possibilities himself.
"Yes, and so is your whole Quidditch team," she huffed, looking over at Harry. Harry had become a big fan of the team over the years, he was proud that his best friend was the Captain. Ron had changed the team; they were undefeated since last year. It was something to brag about, the least everyone could do was shut up about the minor mistake he had made. If his friend's saw that he could get The Chudley Cannons at his engagement party-they would be more than impressed. Ginny always found this to be a bit childish.
"And that means…" Ron said looking a bit frustrated with the decision.
"Precisely," She crossed her arms over her chest, "He'll be there."
"It's not like he'll come anyway," Harry added.
August 31st, the engagement party.
"The flowers look fine." Ron scowled at his little sister.
"I'm sorry I'm concerned about my appearance, Ronald," she looked at him in disgust, "You could have at least worn a better shirt,"
"This is a fine shirt!" He hissed and picked up a glass of wine from one of the dinner tables. The party was hosted outside, in the backyard of The Burrow, where they all used to play Quidditch together in their younger years.
"Don't drink so much," she barked, taking the champagne away and putting it to her lips, taking it all down in one swig.
"Ginny…" He whined, but before they could continue their fight, Harry took Ginny aside.
"Stop fighting," he said against her cheek, holding her hand tightly.
"I can't help it…" She whispered and he let go of her hand.
The room was filling up with people. Ron wandered over to the table filled with most of his teammates. Harry and Ginny anxiously awaited everyone's arrival and prayed no one had had too much of their elf wine even before the party started.
Hermione had her hair up in a messy, yet classy hairstyle she had perfected during many cocktail parties the editor had hosted. She didn't know what to wear to an engagement party, so she decided on a white, sparkly, dress that ended right above her knee. The make up she wore completed her look and with a deep, frustrated sigh, she stepped out into the yard. A soft breeze blew around them; the sunset overhead cast a pink glow. The crickets began to chirp and she felt out of place.
"There she is!" Ginny pointed to the girl in the white dress.
"Are you sure that's her?" Harry let go of her hand as she hurried across the lawn towards her long lost friend.
"Hermione!" She squealed and wrapped her arms around her in a tight embrace.
"Ginny?" Hermione felt better, "I haven't seen you in forever." She ended the hug to study her friend.
"Wow, Hermione Granger, top of the class…" Her smile widened, "And hot as ever, where's your sexy, rich boyfriend?"
Hermione laughed at the joke, "Still hasn't shown up."
"You mean he's coming?" She squealed, "What's his name?"
"Um, you'll meet him…" Why did she lie? Maybe jealously played a part, or just pure embaressment that she didn't arrive with a date like everyone else.
"Sorry about the…engagement party being on our lawn, we couldn't find a decent place that was cheap enough." She blushed.
"It's fine," Hermione smiled, near panic.
"Come on, Ron and Harry are dying to see you!" Ginny wasn't so sure that they were, but she beckoned Hermione to follow her to where Harry was standing adjusting his tie.
"Hermione…" Harry forced a smile out of his nervousness.
"Hey," Hermione waved shyly, he looked much older than she ever remembered. His black hair was combed neatly and his green eyes showed that he wasn't that excited to see her. It was awkward, but it had been awkward between them since seventh year.
Ginny's smile softened and she pointed over to the table Ron was sitting at. Hermione felt herself try to shy away from talking to him, but before she could excuse herself, Ron caught her eye and left his table.
"He's coming over." Ginny nudged her friend.
"I have a boyfriend…" Hermione lied, nudging her friend back.
"Nice you see you again, Hermione." Ron held out his hand, but she didn't take it.
"Yeah you too," She looked him up at down and wasn't disappointed, "But I have to go find…someone…" Hermione meant that literally, but Ginny assumed it to be her handsome, successful boyfriend. That would be hard to find in this batch
"Okay, come back…" Ginny waved and her expression changed when Hermione was out of sight, "She's changed, a lot."
"Totally…" Ron was still staring at the spot she had been standing a minute ago.
"I didn't mean that!" Ginny said a hint of jealously in her words, "She seems…what's that word?"
"Hot, sexy…" Ron added.
"Gross Ron." His sister slapped him on the arm.
Unhappy, Ginny thought, that's the word.
"Excuse me," Hermione pushed her way through the crowd. That was weird, they all seemed so different.
"Watch where you're going, Miss." A cold voice drawled.
"Sorry." Hermione looked up. At least he got it right. "For my…" She trailed off once her eyes met the ones of this blonde god. He glared down at her, his stature and intimidating nature seemed familiar, but she just couldn't place him.
"I get that a lot, but if-"
"I need a favor!" She blurted.
"A favor?" He continued to stare, "what kind of favor," His voice was very suggestive.
"Yes, a favor," She looked around and pulled him aside, "Will you pretend to be my boyfriend…Ginny thinks I do and I actually don't…they all think I'm some big business woman with this great life…"
"And you're not?" He finished.
"Well, I was…but…"
"What do I get?" He spat, straightening out his tuxedo.
"I dunno" She shrugged, "tell me after I prove to Ginny that I do have a sexy, rich boyfriend…" She stared at the three of them.
"So I'm sexy?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Uh, yeah…" She nodded.
"This will be easy…" He smirked. Does she not know who I am? He thought to himself as she grabbed his hand and led him across the lawn, oh well, this is a better way to ruin their engagement party instead of spiking that punch, which only worked at school.
As Hermione approached all three of them, they stared at her in wide-eyed disbelief.
"Hermione?" Ginny said, her voice hoarse, "Draco…. Malfoy… is your boyfriend?"
To be continued...