The Performer, a harry potter fanfic

A/N this story is AU. Remus and Tonks didn't die and Sirius was retrieved from the veil. It's also set in present time because I'm using some modern songs. Was originally going to be from Hermione's point of view but I changed to an OC. A bit of a fun fic I wanted to write instead of writing one for my friend (sorry JR).

(I took this story down because I wasn't overly happy with it and just edited some things in it, making it better).

Warning – rated M for possible later chapters. Not sure where it's going to go.

Disclaimer – I sadly own none of the music or recognisable characters/settings in this story. Written purely for entertainment.

Enjoy – trainingfortheballetpotter

The Performer

Chapter One

I chased the little head of turquoise hair around the halls of number 12 Grimauld Place, slipping over as I rounded a corner. Stupid socks, betraying me once more. I scrambled to my feet and quickly caught up to the laughing boy. I scooped him into my arms and held him against me. He shrieked with laughter but didn't fight as I turned him to face me. He giggled lightly when I raised my eyebrows at him, a grin decorating my face.

"I caught you this time, Teddy," I laughed as I picked him up and placed him on my shoulders. He laughed once more and held onto my head with both hands. "But now it's time for me to return you to your parents."

"But, Willow!" He whined. I smiled lightly but continued down to the kitchen.

"No buts Teddy! I've played with you all day but I have to go to work soon." I told him, walking down a staircase. He let out a little 'humph' but started laughing again when I jumped from the last two steps to the ground floor. We were still laughing when I kicked open the kitchen door. Everyone in the room, many of which had drinks in hand, turned their heads to look at us. Remus and Tonks smiled when they saw us, both of them nursing butterbeers, and Teddy let loose another laugh.

"Hi Mummy! Hi Daddy!" He called out. I removed the toddler from my shoulders and placed him on the ground. Tonks and Remus stood up and made their way over. Tonks stooped down and scooped Teddy into her arms, blowing a raspberry on his cheek. Remus walked over and ruffled his hair and smiling fondly. He turned to me and pulled me under his arm, ruffling my hair the same way he did with Teddy's. I laughed and wrapped an arm around his waist.

"Thanks for watching him today, Will. You're really good with kids," He said to me. I just shrugged, waving at Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny from across the room. "Maybe it's time you have one for yourself." He added coyly. I gave him a sharp jab in the ribs and pushed away from him.

"Don't even go there, Remus." I grinned, walking backwards away from him. I turned around and bumped into someone's chest. I tilted backwards and nearly fell but an arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back up. I looked up and saw the face of Sirius Black smiling down at me. Not expecting to his face anytime soon the only logical thing I could do was figuratively (kind of literally as well) tackle him in a hug. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he wrapped his other arm around my waist, pulling me off my feet and spinning me around. I laughed into his shoulder and he responded by laughing into my hair. He placed my feet back on the ground but I didn't let go of him for a few more seconds, even then it was only because Sirius had pushed me to arms-length. We both smiled at each other again and he pulled me in for another hug. I wrapped my arms around his back and smiled like an idiot into his chest. Sirius had been out of the country for months and I hadn't expected him to be back until Christmas.

"I didn't know you got back!" I laughed into his chest. I pulled back a little and he took the opportunity to tuck me under his arm and ruffle my hair like Remus had done before.

"It was a surprise," He chuckled. "And I can see you're surprised."

"Very. I'm very surprised, and happy." I told him. "Oh, God, I missed you!" I added squeezing his waist. He squeezed my shoulder back and planted a kiss on the top of my head.

"I missed you too, Kitten." He whispered into my hair. He picked up a butterbeer and took a big mouthful.

"Not hitting the hard stuff tonight?" I asked him.

"Not yet anyway," He laughed. I giggled a little, I hadn't heard his laugh or voice in so long, and I will admit it, I missed his laugh. "Want some?" He asked, tipping the bottle towards me. I held up my hand in decline and checked my watch. I sighed and shrugged off Sirius' arm.

"Look, as much as I'd love to stay and have a couple of drinks with you, I have to get to work." I told him.

"Come on, Kid, Remus, Tonks and I are going out for drinks later, it's a muggle pub, you'd like it. You should tag along." Sirius said taking another swig of his butter beer.

"As much as I'd love that, Sirius," I sighed. "I've got a job to go to. And I'm not a kid. I'm 22." I added.

"Whatever, you should come out with us anyway." He said, his tone turning slightly annoyed. I turned and walked back over towards Remus, Tonks and Teddy, with Sirius following closely.

"Sirius, how many times do I have to say it? I have work!" I told him exasperatedly once more.

"Come on, Will," He pleaded with me. I simply rolled my eyes and grinned a little. He really wanted me to go out with him, Remus and Tonks. I guess he missed me more than he let on.

I reached Tonks and plucked Teddy from her arms, stretching my arms out and spinning around with him in my hands. I pulled him into my side and blew a raspberry on his cheek as he shrieked with laughter. I handed him back to Tonks and I gave her a kiss on the cheek. I stepped over to Remus and pecked him on the cheek as well, I turned to face Sirius and I opened my mouth to speak but Remus cut me off.

"I still think you should have a kid of your own," He said from behind me. I turned and punched him in the shoulder and turned back to Sirius. He snorted and laughed along with Tonks and Remus.

"As I was saying," I said once they had stopped laughing. "I have a job to go to, so as much as I'd love to come out with you guys, I can't." I told him. I placed my hands on his shoulders, leant up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "OK, I really have to go." I said checking my watch again. "Bye, everyone!" I called as I walked out the kitchen door. I got several variations of 'bye, Willow' in response. Once I was in the hall, I heard footsteps behind me and looked over to see Sirius following me. I rolled my eyes and continued up to my room. I'd taken the room offer at Grimauld Place as soon as Harry asked after the war. When Sirius had returned from the veil last year, I had expected to be asked to leave but it never came. Actually, Sirius frequently sought out my company and we had become quite close.

"Where do you work anyway?" Sirius asked, following me up the stairs. "I don't think you've told me."

"That's because I didn't and I don't plan to, either." I replied over my shoulder.

"Why not?" He asked me. I could nearly feel the quirk of his eyebrow that went along with his question.

"Because it's none of your business," I replied simply.

We continued up the staircase in relative silence until I reached my room. I opened the door to my room and walked in, but when Sirius went to follow me in, I put a hand up to his chest. He looked at me, his eyebrows drawn together in confusion.

"I'm getting changed, you can wait out there." I said to him, closing the door in his face. I pulled off my sweater and t-shirt and pulled on a flowy emerald green singlet top. I pulled off my socks and tights and pulled on my pair of well-worn leather pants, shoving my wand in the back pocket. I pulled on some socks and my ankle boots, leaving my curly brown hair out around my shoulders. I opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind me. I looked at Sirius, he was leaning against the wall with one arm crossed over his chest, casually sipping on his butter beer.

"You're going to get cold," He commented, surveying my outfit.

"My jacket's downstairs," I replied. He continued to stare at me, obviously annoyed that I wasn't going out for drinks with him. I sighed and placed my hands on his shoulders.

"Sirius, I know you just got back but I have to go to work. I'm sure you'll survive one night without me. I'll have drinks with you tomorrow. I promise," I told him. "Now can I please get to work?"

"I suppose so." He sighed. He pushed off the wall and I linked my arm with his and we walked down the stairs. I got to the front door and pulled on my light-blue denim jacket, black infinity scarf, grey beanie and red fingerless gloves. I put my wand in the inside pocket of my jacket and zipped it up. I looked at Sirius again and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Think about it this way," I reasoned. "You might end up going home with some girl from the pub, which is always a plus in my books." He considered this and smiled at me. I smiled in return, happy that I had cheered him up a little.

"That is true, Will." He smiled. "I always seem to forget you're bisexual." He added as an afterthought.

"A lot of people do," I grinned. "I gotta go, Siri, I'll see you soon." I said opening the front door. I stepped out and closed it behind me. I walked out onto the street, the chill biting at my cheeks, and made my way into London.

/XxXx/

I entered through the back door of the large pub dubbed 'The Dancing Pint' and made my way to the dressing rooms, the chatter and music from the actual pub echoing through the cold halls. When I entered the dressing rooms I was hit with more noise of girls and boys alike getting ready to perform. I went over to my mirror and pulled my gloves off.

"There you are, Willow!" I heard Cherry the pub manager call across the room. She stormed over to me and I knew I was about to get my ear chewed off. Cherry hates when people are late.

"Hey Cherry, look, I know I'm late, but I have a good excuse." I told her before she got really mad.

"It better be good." She ground out.

"OK, so I had to babysit for my friends and I left it a little late to get him back to his parents, and then when I found them, they were having a few drinks because my other friend just got back from overseas. I got a bit distracted because I hadn't seen him in nearly a year and he wanted me to go out and have some drinks with him. I explained to him that I had to get to work but he really didn't want me to go, so when I finally did get out, I was running late. But, I'm here now!" I explained in hurry. I figured out a while ago that if you give excuses quickly to Cherry it leaves little room for argument and she lets you off.

"Well, you are here now. So, get ready! Chop, Chop!" She cried, rushing back up to the pub. I sighed and pulled off my beanie, scarf and jacket. I went to the wardrobe and found the costume for my first performance for tonight. We all did individual performances, sometimes in groups, but usually by ourselves. Of course, with the exception of the end of year performance. Anyway, I kicked off my boots and peeled my socks off, kicking them beneath the bench. I undid my trousers and pulled them off, tossing them on the bench. I opened the costume bag and pulled it out. High-waisted leather hot shorts, thigh high boots, a small leather boob tube, and a black fedora. I grabbed the hot shorts and pulled them on, pulling my shirt off as well. I pulled the boob tube on and adjusted it, ensuring it wouldn't slip. I folded my clothes and placed them under the bench with my shoes along with my scarf, hat and gloves. I sat down and attached my microphone, tucking it in to my shorts. Once satisfied it wasn't falling out, I started applying my makeup. It was basic makeup until I got to my eyes. I applied eyeliner, giving it a sharp wing, and gave myself a smoky eye that made my gold eyes pop. I painted my lips a bright red glossy colour and added mascara to my long lashes. I brushed my mess of brown curls, trying to tame it slightly. I checked the clock on the wall, realizing I had 10 minutes until my turn to perform and grabbed my boots. Tucked inside were a pair of stockings that came up to my knees. I pulled them on and pulled on my boots as well, zipping them right up. I stood up, significantly taller than before thanks to the heel. My pre-painted nails matched my outfit considerably well. Black. That's what this outfit was. Black on black on black. Not that I minded, it was quite nice.

Cherry came down a few minutes later and told me I was up. I grabbed my hat and made my way backstage. My hat was sitting snugly on my head when I reached the audio station. I saw the curtain was down and waiting for me. They turned my mic on and I grabbed the wooden chair that was waiting for me. I walked to the middle of the stage, the chatter from the pub drowning out my footsteps. I placed the chair down so it was facing the front and sat on it backwards. I looked over to the audio station and gave Cherry the thumbs up. She walked out to the middle of the stage with a hand-held microphone and ducked under the curtain. I heard her voice projected throughout the pub and I grinned, anticipating what was to come.

"Settle down, settle down you lot!" she laughed, and the pub did just that; quietened down. "I've got your first performer of the night here. She's a crowd favourite and needs no introduction. You lot know who she is!" A collective cheer went up from the crowd and I grinned once again. "Well, I'll let her do what she's good at." Cherry ducked under the curtain again and an applause erupted from the pub. She turned her mic off and handed it back. She gave me a thumbs up and I got into position, my arms slung across the back of the chair, my back straight. The lights dimmed slightly in the pub, and the curtain rose. I prepared myself to sing and the music began.

It's a cold and crazy world that's ragin' outside
Well baby me and all my girls are bringin' on the fire
Show a little leg, gotta shimmy your chest
It's a life, it's a style, it's a need, it's Burlesque.

I ran my fingers along the brim of my hat, pulling it low over my eyes and spun in my chair. I crossed my legs, leaned forward and began clicking my fingers along to the beat.

E-X-P-R-E-S-S, love, sex
Ladies no regrets.

I stood and began walking to the edge of the stage.

E-X-P-R-E-S-S, love, sex
Ladies no regrets.

I whipped my hat off and through it into the crowd, where a man at a table in the middle of the bar caught it and put it on his head. I turned and started walking back to the chair.

Been holdin' back for quite some time and finally the moment's right
I love to make the people stare
They know I got that certain savoir-faire.

I grabbed the back of the chair, spun it around and sat on it backwards.

Fasten up
Can you imagine what would happen if I let you close enough to touch?
Step into the fantasy
You'll never want to leave, baby it's guaranteed
Why?

I stood and danced around the chair using it to help me.

It's a passion, and emotion, it's a fashion, burlesque
It'll move you, goin' through you, so do what I do, burlesque
All ladies come put your gown up, boys throw it up if you want it
Can you feel me, can you feel it? It's burlesque.

I stepped up onto the chair and placed when hand on my hip, the other making its way to my hair

I tease 'em 'til they're on the edge
They scream n' moan for more and then they beg.

I put one foot on the back of the chair.

I know it's me they come to see
My pleasure brings them to their knees.

I pushed on the back of the chair so it tipped and I slid along the stage on my knees.

Fasten up
Can you imagine what would happen if I let you close enough to touch?
Step into the fantasy
You'll never want to leave, baby it's guaranteed
Why?

I sat on the edge of the stage and crossed my legs.

It's a passion, and emotion, it's a fashion, burlesque
It'll move you, goin' through you, so do what I do, burlesque.

I uncrossed my legs and pushed myself into the pub, weaving throughout the tables.

All ladies, come put your gown up
Boys throw it up if you want it
Can you feel me, can you feel it? It's burlesque.

I'd nearly made it to the man with the hat but I danced around a few tables until I got behind him.

It's a passion, and emotion, it's a fashion, burlesque.

I ran my hands along his shoulders and down his arms.

It'll move you, goin' through you, so do what I do, burlesque.

I turned so my back was against his and lowered myself slightly and came back up.

All ladies come put your gown up, boys throw it up if you want it
Can you feel me, can you feel it? It's burlesque.

I grabbed the front of the hat and rolled of his head onto mine. I gripped the brim as I stepped next to the man. I got a good look at his face and realised at once who it was. Sirius. I looked at the two other people at the table whom I hadn't paid attention to. Remus and Tonks. Shit. Shit, shitty, shit! I forced it down any embarrassment I had and moved towards the stage. I hopped back up and spun the chair a couple of times. It's back was once again facing the front and I sat on it backwards, sitting in the same position I started in.

Burlesque.

The music cut and the curtain went down. The entire pub erupted into applause with various whistles thrown in. I got off the chair and took it with me off stage and the fellas at the audio station turned my mic off. I left the stage and ran into Cherry on the way downstairs.

"One of my favourites so far." I whispered to her, referring to the outfit

"Keep that one in the wardrobe," she replied. "You'll need it later."

I nodded my head and smiled, continuing down the hall, my heels clicking against the concrete. I slipped into the dressing room and made my way to my mirror. I sat down and put my head on the bench, groaning. How? How did they figure it out? Did Sirius follow me? No. I would've noticed. So, it was purely by chance. Of course. They said they were going to a muggle pub. Of fucking course it was my muggle pub. I lifted my head up and looked over at the wardrobe. One more performance and I was done for the night. I stood and grabbed my second and last costume bag for the night.

/XxXx/

I stood backstage once more getting my mic turned on and tucked into the waist band of my shorts. I adjusted the large belt around my waist and fluffed my hair up. I had on black high-waisted shorts and an orange tank top tucked into them. I had to perform in front of Sirius, Tonks, and Remus for the second time tonight. I was still going to put on a fantastic performance, though. I'd just force down any thoughts and pretend they weren't there. Let's do this shit. I was signalled to go on and I was standing centre stage when the curtain came up. The music started and I started singing.

Could dress up
To get love
But guess what?
I'm never gonna be that girl
Who's living in a Barbie world

Could wake up
And make up
And play dumb
Pretending that I need a boy
Who's gonna treat me like a toy

I know the other girlies wanna wear expensive things
Like diamond rings
But I don't wanna be the puppet that you're playing on a string
This queen don't need a king

Oh, I don't know what you've been told
But this gal right here's gonna rule the world
Yeah, that is where I'm gonna be because I wanna be
No, I don't wanna sit still, look pretty
You get off on your nine to five
Dream of picket fences and trophy wives
But no, I'm never gonna be 'cause I don't wanna be
No, I don't wanna sit still look pretty.

I stepped of the stage and weaved my way through the crowd dancing.

Mister Right could be nice for one night
But then he wanna take control
And I would rather fly solo

Then Snow White
She did it right
In her life
Had seven men to do the chores
'Cause that's not what a lady's for

The only thing a boy's gonna give a girl for free's captivity
And I might love me some vanilla but I'm not that sugar sweet
Call me HBIC

Oh, I don't know what you've been told
But this gal right here's gonna rule the world
Yeah, that is where I'm gonna be, because I wanna be
No, I don't wanna sit still, look pretty
You get off on your nine to five
Dream of picket fences and trophy wives
But no, I'm never gonna be, 'cause I don't wanna be
No, I don't wanna sit still look pretty

Sure, I'm a pretty girl
Up in a pretty world
But they say pretty hurts
And I don't wanna sit still
I'm a pretty girl
Up in a pretty world
But no, I won't sit still, look pretty

Sit still, look pretty
Sit still, look pretty
Sit still, look pretty
Sit still, look pretty

Whilst I was dancing, I stopped by every table, including Sirius' table. As much as it pained me, I schooled my expressions and stomached it. As I walked off stage, I stopped at the audio station once again and they removed my mic for me. I made my way back to the dressing room and got changed back into my own clothes. I hung both outfits back in the wardrobe, wondering what songs I would be performing with the leather outfit. I wiped my makeup off and pulled my jacket on, leaving out the back and going back into the pub. I walked over to Sirius, Remus and Tonks and sat down at their table.

"Well, Miss Devlen, that was quite a performance." Remus grinned, putting on his professor voice.

"What are you doing here?" I snapped in a hushed tone. Tonks' lips twitched as she did her best to hold back her amusement. Remus' lips were mimicking those of his wife's. I snapped my eyes away from the couple and onto Sirius. He was staring at me with an odd look on his face and I raised my eyebrows at him. "Well?" I asked him.

"We heard it was good here so we thought we'd check it out." He shrugged. "We weren't disappointed, Remus was right. That was quite a performance." I groaned and put my head on the table. I hit my head against the wood a couple of times and raised my eyes to look at them, glaring at Tonks and Remus as they sniggered behind their hands. Sirius was grinning, doing a damn fantastic job of not laughing along with them.

"Right, we're leaving," I announced standing up. "Get up you lot."

"But I like it here," Sirius complained. He pouted at me and gave me his best puppy dog eyes.

"Sirius Black, I will drag you out by your ears," I whispered harshly in his ear. "Now move."

He put his hands up in surrender, downed the last of his drink and dropped some money on the table. All three of them stood and made their way outside. When I stepped outside, I pulled my hat on my head, wrapped my scarf around my neck, and pulled my gloves on as well. Sirius, Tonks and Remus were all doing similar things. We grouped together and made our way down the street. We walked a couple of blocks in relative silence until Sirius thought it was a good idea to cut the tension.

"You know," He said to me. "That first performance was quite enjoyable. Especially the bit with the hat." I elbowed him in the ribs and shoved my hands into my pockets.

"Yeah, I think Sirius really enjoyed that bit." Tonks piped up, laughing when I scowled. Remus and Sirius joined in on the laughter and I crossed my arms across my chest and deepened my scowl. Just then my scowl was replaced by a huge smile when I saw the person guaranteed to light up my day. Casey. She was leaning against a building, seemingly waiting for someone. I ran up to her calling her name and hugged her tightly, any annoyance I was feeling from before melting away.

"Willow!" She exclaimed. She had a slightly panicked look but I ignored it, I was way too happy to see her. "I thought you had work?" She asked quickly, looking around.

"I did, I just got off. We were thinking about getting some drinks." I said indicating to Tonks, Remus and Sirius who were standing a few metres away.

"Well-" She started, but she was cut off by a girl coming up wrapping her arm around her waist and kissing her on the lips. "Summer, hi." Casey said wrapping her arm around this other girl. I stepped back as if I were slapped and my breathing sped up slightly. What was happening? No. No, no, no, no, no.

"Willow, I'm sorry," Casey said quietly. She looked ashamed.

"How long?" I whispered. It hurt so much and I could feel tears burn the backs of my eyes but I refused to let them fall. Casey was my girlfriend. If she was cheating on me and would've only ever have been for a few weeks at most. She had seemed distant lately, but why didn't she tell me. I thought she had loved me, so when her response came it hit me like a truck.

"4 months," She replied quietly. 4 months? My girlfriend has been cheating on me for 4 months? "I'm sorry, Willow," She said once more before turning and walking away from me, her arm still around Summer. I stood there on the foot path watching them walk away, and a tear slid down my cheek. I screwed my eyes shut and pursed my lips as a few more tears seeped out. Someone placed a large hand on my shoulder and I looked up into Sirius' grey eyes, tears blurring my vision. He wrapped his arms around me and I buried my face into his chest.

"Are you OK?" He asked me softly.

"I need a drink," I managed to croak out, my voice muffled by his shirt.

A/N OK, first chapter done and dusted. I am working on another story but it's moving along very slowly. This one sorta came to me and I was up till like 5 in the morning writing it. So next chapter will be up soon, so keep an eye out. And I'll try get this other story done (I'm so sorry JR!) Toss in a review if you liked it.

See ya soon - trainingfortheballetpotter