Disclaimer – Harry Potter is only my life and soul and the most important part of my childhood, adolescence and adult life. Do I own it? No.
So classes started again… Hey I warned you not to get used to the super quick updates. I warned you!
Cocktails and Confessions
"There is no way I am getting into that thing!"
"Yes you are!" she stalked towards her decidedly.
"Ginny Weasley, one more step and I'll turn your beautiful red hair to bubblegum pink!"
"I don't know what you're so worked up about. It's not even that bad."
Hermione stared at the girl.
Not even – it was bloody backless!
Or – well – it looked like it at least!
Ginny handed it to her angrily, and she conceded, taking it from her and stalking off to the bathroom. When she came back out, she looked at herself in the mirror, shocked at her own appearance.
I look like a damn trollop but I look amazing!
"Ugh… It's really amazing. It fits perfectly. But I look like a floozy."
"Perfect!"
"No, not perfect!"
"Can you just shut your whiny mouth and let me do your hair and makeup?"
A knock on his door signaled the time to leave. Remus hadn't dressed up in a costume, opting for a pair of faded jeans and a simple black shirt. He rolled up the sleeves, and ran his hands through his hair, pushing it back, only to have the strands fall over his eyes again. He might have to cut his hair soon.
"Come in!"
"Remus! You didn't dress up!" Ginny gasped exaggeratedly when she saw him.
"I did. I'm dressed as a man who is too old to be out at a club on Halloween and frankly never cared for costumes."
"Why are both of you so insufferable?" Remus quirked an eyebrow at her, wondering what grief the girl had with Hermione, "Can you at least put a coat or something on? And we're at the door, so whenever you're ready…"
He shook his head as Ginny left, closing the door behind her. He had only agreed to go because angry or not, he hadn't gained control over the added magnetism he felt towards Hermione, and being away from her only made him suffer. Moreover, with the threat to her safety, he didn't feel comfortable letting her go out alone, even if it was in muggle London. He shrugged on his coat and walked out of the room, all set for a long night out. Turning for the door, he stopped in his tracks at the sight of Hermione. Both the girls had their backs to him, which gave him a moment to shut his hanging mouth, and compose himself. Her hair was tied in a loose Spanish bun, and she was dressed in a short, sheath column dress that fit her like a glove. It was made of sheer nude lace which would have done nothing to cover her had it not been for the hundreds of white jewels that adorned the material like splashes of stars. The sleeves were long, also entirely encrusted with gems, where the back was sparse, giving the dress a backless look. Her slender legs were covered only by knee-length, golden, gladiator heels which made her taller, but he still towered over her despite it. Hermione turned at the sound of his footsteps, and smiled shyly when she saw him, fidgeting with the hem of her dress. She wore her make up subtle and light for the most part, and the only thing that stood out, the thing that caught his attention and attraction more than anything else, was her lips. They had been painted a deep blood red, which made her lips seem more plump and kissable than ever. Around her waist she had a little see-through pouch with a golden apple inside it.
If the Goddess of Discord looked like you, I would wage wars in her name…
Ginny eyed Remus, as he stared at Hermione silently, smiling cheekily, "Ready?"
"What about Harry?"
"He'll be meeting us there," she handed them a piece of paper, "This is the address we're apparating to. It's a hidden alley just around the corner from the club."
Hermione tried to read the paper, preparing to apparate, when she felt Remus' hand slip into hers. She looked up at him but he didn't look down at her, nor did he say a word, and thinking of the address in his head, he side-along apparated with her, grabbing her waist as they arrived to make sure she didn't fall over.
"Thank you…"
Their eyes met for a moment and he cleared his throat, letting her go, and met up with Harry and Ginny, both of whom were standing out on the pavement a little ahead of them. He hadn't spoken to her in days and it seemed to be frustrating him more than it was her. He hated it more than anything, but the mistake she had made could have cost her more than she grasped, and he had to make sure she understood that. If something like that happened again, he wasn't sure they'd be as lucky, or he as strong. He sighed and followed them in, already wary.
Remus didn't think he had ever seen such a weird collection of people stuffed into one big building. Ginny had gotten to know a lot of the muggle characters because of Hermione and Harry's influence, but he was still oblivious to it all. He didn't know what the meaning of a costume depicting a giant banana wearing night clothes was, or of the man dressed in a red and blue morphsuit with odd cobweb designs on it. The group stood at the bar for a while, observing the crowd, until Hermione pointed at someone and burst out laughing. Harry looked in the direction she was pointing at, and it took him a moment to realize it, before he joined her. A man was standing at the other end of the bar, dressed in white, with a massive name-card tacked to his chest that said 'Life'. Every so often, he'd stop a passerby and hand them a lemon from the sack beside him. Ginny and Remus shared a look that clearly read bemused, while they waited for their companions to bring them in on the joke.
"Any time now…"
Harry looked at his girlfriend, and pulled her as close as he could through the numerous layers of his pirate outfit, wrapping his arms around her in apology, "Sorry! I know how you hate that. I couldn't help it though. Did you see what that Pikachu girl did? She threw the lemon right back at his face, and stole his drink!"
"It's a proverb Ginny," Hermione explained, "sort of like, never tickle a sleeping dragon. Which is an idiom. Technically. They are two entirely different things, proverbs and idioms. It's sort of like one is – "
"Hermione! Going off on a tangent!"
Remus smiled next to her, watching the exchange. She had a habit of doing that; going into the technicalities of things, teaching him about things he never knew.
"Oh, sorry… I guess I just – yeah. The proverb is 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade'. So basically, make the best of a situation life throws your way."
"Oh I see! It's not very funny though."
"It's just something you have to know and see to get the humor, Gin," Harry turned to Remus, "Well what do you say we get some drinks then?"
Hermione threw him a little salute, "Aye aye Cap'n! What would everyone like to drink?"
Ginny stepped in, knowing that Remus would hesitate to break his current vow of silence with Hermione, "Well since Remus and I don't really know the drinks they serve here, why don't you pick some shooters for us, and then we'll go from here, yeah?"
"Sounds like a plan," as expected, Remus had responded to Ginny, trying in vain to keep his eyes away from his wife for as long as he could.
Hermione ordered the group one Jager Bomb, Pornstar, and Tequila shot each, and they formed a small circle, waiting for their drinks. The bartender placed them in front of her, winking at Hermione as he handed her the chase she asked for. Her eyes instantly shot to Remus, who was stone-faced as per usual since the full moon. She divided the drinks up between them and they all toasted to one another, downing their drinks in an instant. It wasn't until another three rounds later that Ginny dragged Hermione away and onto the crowded dance floor.
Remus ordered some cocktail called Bullfrog, glaring at the bartender every chance he got, making sure no one caught him while he was at it.
Wink at my wife will you? Well I'll show you…
Doing tricks with damn bottles. Think you're so bloody fancy.
He looked at the dance floor and found his young bride, dancing without a care, while he sat in a corner and sulked like the bloody fossil that he was. Who was he kidding? She could date the blasted bartender and she'd be better off. He took a large gulp of his drink, irritated for opening up this topic with himself.
"You alright, mate?"
Remus turned to Harry, and smiled weakly, "Yeah… Clubs are just not my thing anymore. I grew out of the whole clubbing scene when I was younger than you."
"Tell me about it. I don't mind clubs but they are so congested on Halloween," he looked adoringly over to the two girls, "I won't lie. I'm only here because Gin forced me."
"And I am here only to make sure Hermione is alright…"
"Join the club," Harry smiled, "How are you and 'Mione doing?"
"We're alright."
"Doesn't seem like it."
He pursed his lips, thinking of ways to deny the truth in front of Harry, "What makes you say that?"
"I have eyes, mate. The two of you got through the damn Marriage Law crap with your heads on straight, and now you aren't talking directly to her? It's sort of obvious," he pushed a little more, "If you ever need to talk to someone outside of her, you can let me know. I care about her, and I want to help, if there is anything."
Remus didn't really have any male friends to speak to anymore, and he sat silently for a moment, considering the possibility of confiding in Harry. He knew Hermione better and longer than anyone around him, and they shared the same concern for her.
Sighing, he gave in, "She – I told her. Don't come down to my transformation chamber. The blood moon is unpredictable. I don't know if I can control the wolf. But does she ever listen to what anyone tells her? She got away with a knock to her head and a few scrapes."
Harry kneaded his forehead with his fingers, "Hermione… Gods!"
"I don't know what I would have done if something happened to her – if I was the reason something happened to her," he downed his whole drink and dropped his head into his hands.
Harry sighed heavily, "Look, mate, it happened. Hermione made a mistake. But punishing both yourself and her isn't the answer," Remus looked up at Harry questioningly, "Oh come on, I'm an Auror. The way you two look at each other isn't just a friendly glance. I'm not going to lie; I had my reservations, until Ginny smacked my head into place."
The way you two look at each other…
Does that mean – does she – I…
Don't get ahead of yourself, old man.
"What do I do? I'm bloody well solving everyone's problems but I don't have a clue where to begin with my own!"
Harry smiled a little, remembering a time when Sirius had said something very similar to him, "You Marauders sure need a lot of hand-holding," both the men grinned at their memories of the shaggy dog and Harry continued, "In my opinion, I think first and foremost, start talking to her. She is a smart witch. If you tell her the whats and whys of the issue, she'll understand. And then, do something for her; something that says, I'm interested in you, and not just as a friend."
"You think so?"
"You just have to take that first step, mate. Don't wait for too long," Harry looked ever to Ginny again, "Trust me, I know."
Harry put a hand on Remus' shoulder, giving him a final look, before pushing off the edge of the bar and walking into the crowd to Ginny. He hugged her from behind, giving her a little kiss before he joined in the dancing with the two girls. Remus ordered another Bullfrog, already feeling the effects of the first one, and sat on one of the few barstools as it emptied out.
In the distance, he caught a man, casually dressed, whispering something to Hermione as he danced with her. The music was too loud and they were too far for him to catch anything that was being said, so all he saw was her giggle at some remark he had made. As Ginny busied herself with Harry, he watched the man try to inch closer to Hermione, and anger unlike any other grew inside him. He stood up, emptying his drink, and stalked over, weaving through the crowd of drunken dancers. He came up behind her and placed an arm on her shoulder, the other going on her waist. Hermione tilted her head back in surprise, relaxing as she realized who it was. Remus dropped his head down to her shoulder, his nose brushing against the skin of her neck, as she swayed from side to side to the music. Glancing up for a moment, he saw the man turn his attentions to the next available girl, and he turned his attentions back to Hermione, inhaling her scent deeply. She pushed back into him, gyrating her hips against his sensually, slowly, and he tightened his grip on her body, nipping at the crook of her neck. They continued to dance their little dance, bodies pressed to each other, reveling in the little touches and nips, until the hour passed, and the two couples decided to head their separate ways.
With a pop, they were standing outside the apartment, and Hermione giggled as she turned to him, slipping her hand into his pocket. She felt around for the keys, and looked up at him through her lashes, to find him staring at her with heavy, dark eyes. Her face grew hot, and she lingered close to him for a while after finding the keys. She turned away finally, fumbling in her drunken state, trying to unlock the door, until she heard him move closer, felt his chest press against her back, and watched his arm slide around her waist, up to grasp her hand, steadying it. Remus arched his body against hers with every breath, and fit the key inside the lock slowly, taking his time, holding her hand, and letting them feel every second of electricity passing between them. She was lost in his touch, forgetting where he was directing her hand to, just that he was holding it, just that he was so close to her, alone, here in the middle of the night. He took a deep breath, burying his face in her hair, his lips almost grazing her ear, and turned his hand, along with hers. The click of the lock startled her, breaking the silence, and she stopped leaning into him, as the door swung open in front of her.
Remus led her inside, cold air filling the space she had been standing, and closed the door behind him, leaning back against it, tired. She was standing right in front of him, barely a step away, back turned to him, and he had no idea what was going on in her head right now. He had let his emotions take over, angry at her for being so careless, at the bartender and the other man for trying to make a pass at her, and frustrated at the distance he had maintained. He had let go, and she had too. Never had he cursed the clothes on their backs as much as he had today, wanting to feel her skin on his, and to share with her the heat that he felt. She looked back at him coyly, and when he didn't say anything, she turned to leave.
Remus didn't know what he should do, nor did he think about it, giving into whatever he was feeling right now, and he grabbed her hand, stopping her. She didn't turn back this time, letting him decide whatever it was that he needed to. Hermione let out a gasp as he tugged hard on her hand, spinning her and pulling her to his chest, still leaning against the door. They stood there for a few seconds, breathing growing heavy from the adrenaline of giving in. She stared at him, and he stared back, one hand still in his hold, the other on his chest. She rested against his body, leaning her head closer to his, the tip of her nose just touching his. Remus looked at her long and hard, trying to memorize every feature of hers; afraid that he would wake up from the dream he was in. He nudged her nose with his, testing the waters before he stepped inside. He watched her eyes droop low, her chin tilt up, and he dipped his head lower, bringing his lips to hover over hers. When his skin brushed against hers, the urge to crash his lips down on hers surfaced, but he didn't want to rush anything. He wanted to take his time to get to know her body the way he had known her personality – thoroughly, inside and out. Carefully, he grazed her lips again, bringing the thumb of his free hand up to her cheek, and running it along her jaw. Cupping her chin lightly in his thumb, he held her face exactly where he wanted it, bringing his lips to press against hers a little more urgently this time.
Hermione wrapped her arm around his neck, and pulled his head lower, deepening the kiss more, as her hand clutched his for dear life. She pressed her body to his, restless, wanting to feel the toned ridges of his muscles, to run her hands all over him. Remus ran his tongue along the crease of her lips, and she parted them, tilting her head to side, giving him better access. She had never been set ablaze with just a kiss, but today, she felt a fire growing in the pit of her stomach, threatening to burn her through and through. Hermione kissed him back as fervently as he did, and he dropped her hand, lowering his arms around her and lifting her up all of a sudden. As she wrapped her limbs around him, kissing him again and again, he turned her around, wedging her between himself and the door. He deepened the kiss once more, pulling back, and then crashing down on her, like waves that swept back and forth across the naked shoreline.
Remus pulled her off from against the door, and turned around, carrying her inside the house, to his bedroom. He held his head close to hers, keeping the kiss intact the whole time, and pushing the door close with his foot, he laid her down carefully on the bed. He kicked his shoes and socks off, and dropped his coat to the floor, pulling himself on top of her, and kissing her again. She sighed into him happily, shivers running up her spine as he began to kiss sensually down her neck and along her collarbone. His hands untied the pouch of apples around her waist, tossing it aside, and he moved lower, running them along the sides of her body, feeling every dip and curve she possessed. Pulling her knee to a bend, Remus kissed the insides of her leg, as he unzipped her heels slowly, sliding them off her legs, and discarding them. He continued to kiss her down her slender legs and stopped when he reached her ankles, massaging one foot for a moment, and then the other, placing little pecks on the inside arches of her feet.
He moved back up so that he was face to face with her, and ran his tongue along her neck, nipping at her ear. Hermione's mouth fell open, her eyes closing as she ran her hands through his soft hair. Remus let out a hot breath behind her ear and she moaned, turning her head to the side. He kissed up her jaw, bringing his lips down onto hers again, tasting her mouth. He had never imagined that he would be here, with this beautiful girl in his bed, opening up to him in ways he had only ever dreamed of. He knew he was far from deserving, that she could do so much better than him, but for now, he let all the worries slip away and allowed himself to enjoy whatever she had to offer.
Fingers caressing his messy hair, Hermione let her tongue explore his mouth. She moaned again, into his lips, as his hardness pressed between her legs through her dress. She could feel his desire for her, and it shocked her to the core. When Remus had wrapped himself around her at the club, dancing with her, scaring off the other man, the same shock had gripped her. Now, in his bed, Hermione didn't know what was real and what wasn't. She had wanted him so much for long that she hadn't given a thought to what she would do if she ever got to be with him. Afraid of this, whatever this was, ending before it started, she tightened her arms around him, committing each touch, and each smell, to memory. She pressed her core into him, arching her back, thrumming with desire.
Nothing went by him. He picked up every change in breath, every arch, every sound that she made. And he used it, focusing where she reacted the most, touching her sensitive points, making her quiver underneath him. Remus broke their kiss, fluttering pecks on her nose, her eyes, and her forehead. He brushed his lips against hers, hovering over her again, as they panted, trying to calm their breathing. Her eyes were still closed and he ran a finger along her eyebrows, down her cheek, prompting her to open them and look up at her. When their eyes met, it conveyed emotions that neither had the words to express, and she smiled bashfully, looking away.
"Don't…" He pushed her chin up, and they locked eyes again. He placed a light kiss on her lips again, "I have waited a very long time for this."
Hermione's eyes widened, before they dropped again as she moaned into his ministrations, "R-really?"
"Truly."
"Me too…" Remus' body shook with those two words, and he kissed her hard, breaking away only to breathe.
"I want to ask you something Hermione," She nodded, ever so slightly, her eyes filled with wonder and adoring, as he spoke, word by word, between kisses, "Will you – go out – with me – tomorrow?"
Hermione smiled widely now, nodding eagerly, relieved that he wanted to give this a shot, give her a shot. He sighed in content, gathering her up in his arms and rolling onto his back. He spread out on the bed, keeping his far arm on her waist, and the other stretched under neck. She rested her head on his shoulder, and he placed a chaste kiss on her forehead.
I could definitely get used to this.
Closing her eyes, she draped her arm over his chest, and relaxed into the side of his body. Remus fiddled with the ends of her hair, not ready to let go of reality yet. If he fell asleep now, he wouldn't get to feel her body against his, her head on his shoulder, her leg thrown on top of his. He wouldn't get to see her lips smile as she lay next to her, happy with him. But he felt the alcohol and the exhaustion pulling him down into slumber.
"Hermione, this will change everything between us, love."
"Everything has already changed between us, Remus."
She moved her head slightly, finding a comfortable position, and shifted closer to him, smiling, "And I'm glad it has."
Author's Note -
A little bit of info because I think it explains a bit of why certain characters behaved the way they did:
- Bullfrog cocktails aren't served in all parts of the world because it has an exorbitant amount of alcohol in it, bringing it waaaay above the legal percentage of most countries. It contains a shot each of Gin, Tequila, Vodka, White Rum, and Blue Curacao, and then Red Bull on top. Just one gets you sloshed beyond belief usually. Remus had two. The daring, no fucks given attitude had to come from somewhere!
- Harry is a bloody Auror. I hate when people write him as dumb and oblivious to what's going on around him. He is literally trained to pick these things up. Literally trained.
- I think Harry would want to be a companion to Remus because they share a lot of things like their feelings towards the Marauders, as well as, now, Hermione.
- "Join the club"! Get it? Because… they both are there… because of girls… and they are in a club. Join the club! Looooool puns. I crack me up sometimes.
- Reviewing (positive and negative) is proven to be good for the health of both the reader and the writer.
