Chapter Four
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She woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and still thinking about Marie Laveau. Natalie rolled out of bed not long after and had to run to the bathroom. Hermione shook her head and checked on her friend. Natalie gave her a very pitiful look and asked if she could get her hangover potion out of her cosmetics case. She found it and brought it to Natalie. Natalie gulped it down and sat against the cool tiles covering the bathroom wall.
"Oh, I am never drinking again!" moaned Natalie.
"Hmm, famous last words. You'll be up for it again tonight." Replied Hermione.
"You're probably right. I am starting to feel better already. Did you have fun last night? I was a bit occupied with Matt." Said Natalie.
"Yes, I noticed you were busy with Matt. I had a great time. I danced with Lenny a few times and other guys asked me to dance too." Replied Hermione.
"What is up with you and Lenny?" asked Natalie.
"Not a thing, we danced a few times and that was it. I think Lenny is nice, but that was as far as it went last night." Answered Hermione.
Natalie smiled and said, "Are you sure? He is always checking you out. Watch out, I think he has a crush on you."
Hermione punched in the arm playfully and said, "Lenny is a nice guy and he just wants to make sure your friend has fun. That is all it is."
"If you say so, but I will not be surprised he puts the moves on you. Be ready and on alert. I know my brother well." Said Natalie.
The girls prepared for the day. They decided to sightsee a little more. There were still many places Hermione did not get a chance to see. She was looking forward to it. Just as they were done dressing, there was a loud knock on the door and of course it was Lenny. Hermione opened the door and he stepped in followed by Matt.
"Morning Sister dear. Did you sleep well? Do you even remember us helping you into bed?" asked Lenny.
"Lay off Lenny. I slept very well thank you. Let's go, I need breakfast." Replied Natalie.
Lenny shook his head and said, "I am shocked you and Matt are even up and about."
Matt and Natalie looked at each other and rolled their eyes. How many times was Lenny in the same situation and they made sure he made it home in one piece after a crazy night out on the town. Natalie figured he was trying to act like butter would not melt in his mouth to make Hermione think he was angelic. She thought to herself that Lenny is far from being an angel that is for damn sure. Natalie noticed the gleam in his eyes when he was checking Hermione's ass out in the fitted khaki shorts she wore that day. Hermione will not know what hit her when Hurricane Lenny decides to strike.
The group ate a quick breakfast in the hotel's dining area. The guys wanted to check out a sports memorabilia shop. Natalie and Hermione were not interested, so they decided to split up and agreed to meet for lunch. The girls made their way to the Jax Brewery to check out the different retail stores. On their way there, Hermione stopped to look at a display window of a jewelry store. There was a delicate gold chain with a gold charm which resembled a tooth.
"Pretty, it looks so dainty. Let's go inside and ask to see it." Said Natalie.
Hermione figured there was no harm in looking, but she had no intention of buying anything.
They went inside and the sales clerk pulled the necklace out of the display case. It was even more beautiful close-up. The clerk said that the tooth was a replica of an alligator tooth. Hermione's breath caught when he said that it was part of their Marie Laveau collection. Natalie noticed and gave her an odd look.
"It is really gorgeous. How much is it?" asked Natalie.
"It is $500 and it has been one of our most popular items." Answered the sales clerk.
Natalie sighed and said, "Let me think about it. I will probably be back."
"Sure thing. Thank you for stopping by. You girls have a good day." Said the sales clerk.
They exited the store and Natalie immediately asked Hermione about her reaction to the necklace.
"I noticed you were acting a little weird when the clerk mentioned Marie Laveau." Said Natalie.
Hermione stopped walking and said, "Well, I had what I guess is a dream about her last night. It just seemed so real, she had a message for me."
"Whoa, you had a vision of The Queen of Voodoo?" exclaimed Natalie.
"Keep it down, I don't want people to think I am bonkers!" answered Hermione.
"Honey, you are in New Orleans. I assure you no one will notice. Okay, start from the beginning, this is great." Said Natalie.
"She was in our room and I was not afraid. It was like I knew her. We walked around the Quarter and talked. She said that I needed to return to Hogwarts because it was my destiny and the love of my life is there."
"That is really something. I live here my whole life and have not dreamt of her once and you are only here for a few days and voila! I am glad for you, but she is really a big deal at my school. Our instructors claim that if she comes to you, you must be a powerful witch or wizard. This is pretty amazing. You need to heed her words. One thing though, I sure hope the love of your life isn't fugly Ron!" Natalie said as she was laughing.
"That is too funny! I mentioned that and she assured me it wasn't him. I have no clue who it could be and why it is so important to go back to school. I hadn't mentioned it to you, but I was having second thoughts about going back for my 7th year. I was thinking of applying to muggle universities. I thought it would be a welcome change, but I will make the best out of my last year at Hogwarts. College can wait another year." Replied Hermione.
"Please tell me that you will apply to Louisiana State University? You definitely have the grades and we would have such an awesome time!" Natalie said excitedly.
"Maybe I will. This change of scenery has been wonderful so far." Said Hermione.
Natalie smiled and linked arms with Hermione. People in the quarter smiled as the two friends walked by. They looked so happy and carefree. They made it to the Jax Brewery and found a few outfits. Hermione bought a distressed blue jean miniskirt that looked great. Natalie bought one too.
They caught up with the guys and had lunch, then headed back to the hotel where they frolicked in the pool for the rest of the afternoon. It was going to be their last night in the city. Lenny and Matt had to go back to LSU for football practice. Hermione was going to spend a few more days with Natalie and then head back to London. Lenny had made reservations at Broussard's Restaurant. Natalie told Hermione about the delicious seafood entrees; she could not wait to try one.
The girls prepared for their evening out and did each other's hair and makeup. Natalie was amazed at how Hermione managed to tame her hair. Hermione showed her Sebastian's products. Natalie opened one of the containers containing a waxy substance and sniffed.
"Hmm, you sure your boy Sebastian isn't a wizard? This does not smell like a run of the mill hair product." Said Natalie.
Hermione was thoughtful and replied, "Not that I am aware of, but his products have done wonders for my hair. There could be some magic involved to have tamed this wild mess!"
Satisfied with their beauty routine, they dressed for the evening. Natalie wore a strapless navy blue dress that was fitted at the top and flared at the bottom. She slipped her feet into a pair of strappy sandals of the same color as the dress. Hermione wore a sleeveless dark pink lace eyelet blouse with a short zebra print skirt. She wore this outfit with zebra printed wedges. She had to laugh at herself; it was only a few weeks ago that she would have never imagined wearing an outfit like that.
They met Lenny and Matt downstairs. As they stepped out of the elevator, both men whistled. The girls just laughed and they went to dinner. The dinner was great, conversation and wine flowed. Lenny told Hermione how glad he was to have met her. He and Matt had spoken earlier and agreed this was one of the best times they ever had in New Orleans. After dinner, they decided to bring Hermione to the tourist hot spots, Preservation Hall and Pat O'Brien's. She was glad to finally be able to sample Pat O'Brien's world famous Hurricane drink. It was quite tasty. They were seated and listening to the house band, when Natalie said she was a little tired and would go back to the room. Hermione got up to go with her and she told her not to worry and to enjoy her evening. Matt said he would go with Natalie so she would not have to walk alone.
As soon as they left, Lenny started laughing. He said, "My sister is so transparent. Like we cannot figure out they are going back to the hotel for a booty call! I knew she had a thing for Matt!"
Hermione was a bit embarrassed since she actually believed that Natalie was tired and Matt was just being a gentleman. She told Lenny, "I have to admit I wondered if there was something between them. I think they were afraid you would not approve."
Lenny replied, "Well, Matt has been my friend since we were eight years old and knows Natalie well. He knows what he is getting into and she could do much worse. Believe me, she has! No, I will be glad if it works out, but my sister is a flake. Hey, enough about them. How about a dance?"
Hermione gladly accepted. For such a muscular and tall guy, Lenny was an excellent dancer. He was very smooth and graceful. Hermione thought about the times she danced with Ron. If it was a slow song, he was as stiff as Frankenstein and barely moved. If it was a fast dance, he looked like he jerked around so much; he looked like he was being poked with a cattle prod. Ginny was always making fun of Ron for his dancing, but the sad thing was that he actually thought he was a good dancer. She gave a little shudder thinking about it. Lenny gave her a look of concern and asked if she was cold. She assured him she was okay and they continued dancing. She still could not believe that she was dancing with this absolute hunk and having such a wonderful vacation.
She and Lenny walked on Bourbon Street and took in the sights. They decided to go back to the hotel since they were checking out the next morning. Lenny brought Hermione to her room, but when they got there, a Do Not Disturb sign was on the knob. Lenny rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"My sister is a piece of work. I'm sorry about this. You can come back to my room. I hope you aren't uncomfortable." Said Lenny.
Hermione smiled and patted his arm. She said, "It's okay, I'll be fine. I am warning you, I might fall asleep though."
Lenny smiled back and they went back to his room. As they walked in, he picked up clothing that was thrown on the chair and sofa. He laughed and excused himself. Hermione did not care; she was used to guys being a little messy, especially after spending time with the Weasleys. She was a little surprised at how comfortable she was with Lenny. She supposed it was because he was Natalie's brother. They both had a way of making people feel at ease. He offered her something to drink and she accepted a bottle of water. She was not used to drinking alcohol, so the water was refreshing. She and Lenny sat on the sofa and started talking about Hogwarts and his school. It got a little quiet and Lenny pushed back a strand of her hair that lay on her cheek. She looked at him and noticed he was very close to her. He tilted his head and kissed her softly. It was such a nice kiss. The only kisses she had ever received were from Ron and he was so sloppy. She always felt like a St. Bernard had slobbered all over her face after a snogging session with Ron. Lenny was completely different. She knew he was not serious about her, but decided it would be fun and this moment fell into the "what the fuck" category.
Lenny enjoyed the kiss. Hermione was a beautiful girl and he wanted to kiss her since the moment he met her. She tasted so sweet. Their kissing became a little more intense, so they had to stop to catch their breath. He looked down at her and loved the way her lips looked, swollen with his kiss. She was so petite next to him, he was almost afraid he would crush her. He pulled her on his lap and she did not resist.
"Oh wow" Hermione thought to herself. She was so inexperienced. She had no idea kissing could be so hot. She loved the way he brought her onto his lap. She put her arms around his neck and they started kissing again. He had his hands at her waist and she felt one hand reach up and touch her breast. When she didn't resist, he started to rub her nipple through the fabric of her blouse. They kissed more and when Hermione noticed, her blouse was unbuttoned and her bra was undone. Lenny was very quick. They stopped kissing and Lenny looked into her eyes as he removed her blouse and bra and let them fall to the floor.
Hermione was very self-conscious. This was the first time a guy was seeing her breasts. She always wondered if they were on the small side and if that was why Ron or other boys were not attracted to her. She put that thought aside when she saw Lenny's reaction.
"Beautiful, you are a work of art." Said Lenny as he bent his head and took one of her breasts in his mouth. Hermione threw her head back and gave a soft moan. She had butterflies in her stomach and was excited at the same time. She had her hands in Lenny's hair as he suckled on each of her breasts. Lenny removed his shirt and next thing Hermione knew, she was lying underneath him on the sofa. She admired his flat stomach and hard abs. His skin felt amazing when it rubbed on hers. They kissed more and Lenny nibbled her earlobe and kissed her neck. Hermione knew that she was going to have to stop this, but she loved the way she was feeling. Lenny pulled down her skirt and she was only clad in her panties. He had stripped down to his boxer shorts and she could feel his member rubbing on her leg. It was large and very erect. He started to kiss her again, and then she felt him pulling down her underwear. She pushed on his chest and he pulled himself up and looked at her.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
Hermione had her head down and said, "You are going to think I am such a baby, but I have never done this before."
Lenny said, "You mean this would be your first time?"
Hermione nodded. "I am sorry, I didn't mean for it to get so far, but you are such a good kisser!"
"Oh wow, you don't have to apologize. I am the one that should be apologizing. I feel like I took advantage of you. Hermione, you are a beautiful woman. I know it is wrong to think that way, but I assumed that you were not a virgin. I am so sorry. Let me get your clothes, because I don't trust myself with the way you look right now!"
Hermione was worried that he would think that she was a tease. She was so relieved that he took it so well. She could not believe that she almost went all the way with Lenny. She was going to have to experiment more with guys, but not get so carried away! This was another new experience for her, to actually be desirable especially to a man as hot as Lenny!
"Lenny, it was my fault as much as yours, I am sorry for letting it get so far." Replied Hermione.
Lenny handed her clothes to her and he dressed too. He kissed her on the forehead and she knew that he was okay with everything. Their timing worked out well, for as soon as they were dressed, Matt walked in.
Lenny raised his eyebrows and said, "Well, look what the cat dragged in."
Matt laughed and went to the bedroom. He knew Lenny would never let him live this down.
Lenny walked Hermione back to her room and kissed her softly on the lips. He looked down at her and pulled her into a hug.
As they pulled away, he asked "Is it okay if I get your email address from Natalie? I would like to stay in touch with you. Who knows, Nat and I might make it out to London. Do you think it would be possible for you to come back to watch one of LSU's football games? I think you would enjoy that experience!"
Hermione was floored that he actually wanted to keep in touch with her. She replied, "Sure, I would love to hear from you. It would be great if you and Nat came to London, then I could show you all of the sights! I think it would be awesome to watch you play. I will have to check the schedules for school, but I am sure something could be arranged."
They said goodnight and Hermione got into her room. Natalie was still up and looked like the cat that ate the canary. Hermione threw a pillow at her and said "You whore!" and laughed. Natalie threw one back and said, "Oh and I just bet you and Lenny were discussing quantum physics in his room." Hermione giggled and blushed. Natalie immediately pounced on her.
"What happened? If I know my brother like I think I do, I can about imagine." Said Natalie.
"I must admit, it got a little intense, but we stopped before it got out of hand." Replied Hermione. She wanted to change the subject, so she asked about Matt.
Natalie smiled and said "I never kiss and tell. Let's just say I will be seeing more of Matt in the future."
With that, they prepared for a few hours of sleep. Hermione slept well with no dreams of Marie Laveau. She was a little sad that they were leaving the city. At least she would be able to spend a few more days with Natalie, than it would be back to being bored in London. She wondered if she would ever be able to top the great vacation she was having.
A little Lenny/Hermione action there. Will it lead to something more? Who knows? She will soon be heading back to London and Hogwarts will be right around the corner. There may be some interaction with Mr. Draco. Bear with me; I assure you he will be there! Thanks again for reading and reviewing!
