A/N: I haven't update in a while, so here is a nice, big, long chapter for all of you. Also Sirius, in this story looks a lot younger than he does in the movies. Cordelia's hair is longer, about shoulder length. Please review.

Chapter 9: What is Friendship?

Hermione walked into the house, trying to be as silent as she could. Cordelia and Spike had helped null her pain with stories and their constant insults to each other. Before they left Spike had threatened to come and kick Ron's arse as he put it. Cordelia had dropped Hermione off, even giving her an awkward one armed hug. Hermione tiptoed through the kitchen. Suddenly a light came on and Hermione saw Sirius standing there.

"Where were you?" he asked.

"With Cordelia and Spike," Hermione answered. She was too emotionally drained to prepare herself for the infamous Black temper.

Instead Sirius just looked at her. "Harry told me everything," he said.

Hermione sighed. "So what are you going to say about it?" she questioned.

"I'm sorry for you. What Ron said was truly awful. But I do believe that he feels remorse," Sirius told her.

"I'm not ready to forgive him," Hermione replied.

"You shouldn't be. Make him beg," Sirius said and Hermione smiled.

"Goodnight Sirius," she said.

"Goodnight Hermione," he replied.

I wonder if he's lonely, Hermione thought, as she got ready for bed. Maybe he needs someone. I could get Cordelia and Buffy to help me with that, she thought blearily, as sleep overtook her.

*

Breakfast was a truly awkward affair. Harry kept on trying to force the Ron and her into conversation. Hermione remembered doing the same thing in their fourth year. Meanwhile, Sirius sat by with an amused smirk on her face. Just as Hermione thought things couldn't get more awkward she heard a loud rap on the door. Sirius leapt up and answered it.

"Hi," Hermione heard Dawn say and Hermione turned to see Dawn standing in the doorway. "So we're going Bronzing tonight and we were wondering if you would like to come," Dawn said. "The whole gang will be there."

"That sounds good," Sirius replied. "What do you lot think?"

"What's Bronzing?" Ron asked. Hermione noticed him looking at Dawn with a look of interest in his eyes. She bristled.

"Oh it's clubbing. The Bronze is the only good place in town," Dawn replied.

"We'll go," Harry said. "It'll be fun," he responded to Hermione's glare.

"Sweet!," Dawn said. "Oh and Cordelia is bringing some clothes. She says the guys have to be dressed in style." With that Dawn bounded from the doorway. Hermione lightened up a bit at the thought of seeing Cordelia.

At about one in the afternoon Hermione heard the doorbell ring. She opened the door and saw Cordelia with her arms full of shopping bags.

"Willow has this spell which figures out a person's clothing size and their fashion taste. I swear it's the only useful spell she has ever done," Cordelia said.

"Thanks for coming," Hermione said and she hugged the brunette. Hermione felt Cordelia hug her back.

"You're welcome. I figured you needed it. The first day is always the worst," Cordelia replied.

"Now let's get the guys dressed and then I have to work on you. You are going to be the most gorgeous girl at the Bronze."

"Except for you," Hermione said.

"I'm twenty two, you're sixteen. If I say you're going to be the most gorgeous girl there, you are," Cordelia told her and she dragged Hermione into the kitchen.

"Hello Cordelia," Sirius said.

"Hi Sirius, Harry....Ron." Cordelia said the last name with such disdain that Ron looked startled. "Sirius this is your bag. Harry this is yours." Cordelia handed the bags to Harry and Sirius, but shoved the last bag at Ron without a word. Hermione stifled a laugh behind her hand.

"Sirius first. Look through and pick out what you like. Next you will model and then we will decide. Go," Cordelia ordered. Sirius winked at them as he left. He cam back in several minutes later with four outfits and Cordelia made him try on every single one. Eventually Cordelia decided on a black dress pants and grey button up shirt with a black waistcoat. The same process was repeated with Harry. Cordelia picked out an olive green shirt for him and a pair of nice grey jeans. Cordelia barely glanced at Ron and he ended up in a black t-shirt and plain blue jeans.

"Okay," Cordelia said, once she had finished. Now I'm going to be back about seven and we're going to leave at eight. I want all of you showered and the guys shaved. Hermione make sure your hair looks good and pick out a couple of outfits that you like."

"How come she gets to choose her own clothes?" Ron asked.

"Because she actually has at least some fashion sense," Cordelia said and with those parting words she left.

"Blimey, she's a nightmare," Ron said.

Hermione was about to give an angry retort when Sirius said, "From what I've heard, Ron, that isn't even half of it."

The rest of the afternoon was spent in a tide of laziness. Sirius made them a quick dinner at about six and Hermione was the first to shower and while the others took their turns, Hermione put product in her hair and tried to make it look good. At around seven Cordelia showed up. She sat Hermione down at the little dressing table and told her to wait. A few minutes later Cordelia reappeared, armed with hairspray, styling tools, and bobby pins.

"Did I not do a good job on my hair?" Hermione asked.

"You did a fine job with your hair, but it needs to be a little more elaborate. Relax and let me handle it," Cordelia said.

"How can I relax when you have hot instruments, pointy things, and chemicals near me, and are using them?" Hermione asked jokingly. Cordelia smacked her around the head in response.

"I bet my hair looks great now," Hermione said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

"Unless you want to arrive at the Bronze in sweats and flat hair, shut up and close your eyes," Cordelia retorted and Hermione did as she was told. She found herself relaxing as Cordelia's skilled fingers combed through her hair. She didn't even start when she felt the heat from the styling tools on her hair. About fifteen minutes later Cordelia said, "Open."

Hermione opened her eyes slowly, then stared at herself in shock. "Is that really me?" she asked.

"Surprisingly yes," Cordelia said, but the bite of the comment was dulled by Cordelia's huge smile.

"Cordy you are a genius," Hermione whispered. Her hair was gathered in a halfway twist and the curls actually looked controlled, shiny, and gorgeous instead of frizzy.

"Thanks. Now let's look at clothes," Cordelia replied. Hermione showed Cordelia the outfits she had picked out and Cordelia looked them over. They decided on a grey, one-shoulder top, with a purple, fake silk, mini. Hermione refused to wear heels and they picked a pair of shiny silvery black flats. Cordelia gave her a pair of pearly chandelier earrings. Hermione changed and Cordelia applauded when she came out. Hermione looked at herself in the full length mirror. She had to admit, she looked good.
"Are we done?" Hermione asked.
"Not quite," Cordelia replied. "We have to do your make up." Cordelia again steered Hermione into the dressing room chair. Hermione sat back and let Cordelia work her magic. When she looked at herself, she could hardly believe her eyes. "I used some soft pink blush, a reddish pink gloss, lots of black mascara, and a dash of eye liner. What do you think?" Cordelia asked.

"I love it," Hermione answered and Cordy grinned. "One final touch," Cordelia informed her and removed a small bottle. She sprayed a little perfume on Hermione's wrists and behind her eyes. Hermione inhaled the scent. It was fresh and sweet with a hint of musk. She already adored it.

"Spin," Cordelia ordered and Hermione obeyed. "Ron is going to eat his heart out," Cordelia told her. Hermione laughed, feeling a little guilty at being read so easily. Cordelia put on a leopard print dress and a pair of heels that Hermione knew she would never be able to walk in. She put on some make up and left her hair down. Even with the hasty operation, Cordelia looked amazing.
"You ready?" she said to Hermione. Hermione nodded. She felt like her air passage ways were constricting. She followed Cordelia until they reached the top of the stairs. "Remember head up and good posture. Walk down those stairs like you're the queen. Show Ron how hot you really are." Cordelia told her.

"Cordelia!" Hermione said.

"What? It's what you want," Cordelia responded. "Now go," and she gave Hermione a little push.

Hermione took a deep breath and started down the stairs. She saw Ron, Harry, and Sirius's heads turn toward her and she gave a little smile. When she reached the bottom, they were all staring. Sirius let out a piercing wolf whistle. Hermione glared at him.
"Just kidding Hermione. But I got to say, look out world here comes Hermione Granger. Nice job Cordelia," Sirius said.

"Wow 'Mione. You look amazing," Harry said in a stunned voice. Hermione looked at Ron. He eventually shut his mouth and stonily ignored her. Hermione felt her heart give a feeble thump. She had anticipated his reaction, but nothing could prepare her for the pain it caused. Hermione felt someone squeeze her hand. She looked down and saw Cordelia's hand wrapped around hers. Hermione looked back up and Cordelia gave he a small, sad smile.

"Sirius, why don't we just walk to the Bronze? It's really not that far," Cordelia said.

"Sure," Sirius agreed and they set off. Cordelia stuck close to Hermione as they walked and told her story's from high school. Harry listened to some of them and even Sirius laughed at a few. Ron, however, completely ignored them. They reached the Bronze and entered. Hermione was overtaken. Loud music was playing and there was low light. The place smelled like junk food, alcohol, and people. There were so many people, dancing and talking. Hermione broke into a grin.

"Do you like to dance?" Cordelia asked.
"I think so. I enjoyed it at the Yule Ball," Hermione answered.

"Good," Cordelia said and just then the Scoobies spotted them. They came over to greet them and all of them were there. But Hermione's eyes fell on Faith. She was wearing tight black jeans and top that showed a great amount of cleavage, but that had cap sleeves, and big black heels. Sirius doubled over in laughter. A second later a loud smack was heard and Sirius yelled.

"What was that for Faithy?" he asked, rubbing his head.

"Do not call me Faithy. And if you don't stop laughing, I'll murder you, slowly and painfully, and won't even mind having to go to jail for it," Faith said menacingly.

"You know you love it, Faithy. What's with the clothes?" Sirius replied.

Faith frowned. "Buffy said, and I quote,'Faith you really have to wear nicer clothes who you will appear more of a skank than you really are.' But I suspect the real reason was that looking at me in leather pants was making her horny." Faith finished with a wicked grin at Buffy, who choked on her drink.

"Faith, I disagree with your comment. Buffy only likes to have sex with men. But then does she like them dangerous which you are. Except Riley wasn't dangerous. He was boring and you say he was awful in bed," Anya said, thoughtfully. This time, Xander choked.

"An!" he yelled.

"What? I mean she never liked you even though you had a huge crush on her. And you aren't dangerous. But I don't mind. Because I love you and you're my husband," Anya replied.

Xander who was about to give an angry retort, softened at the 'I love you', part. "I love you too An," Xander replied and they started kissing.
Cordelia cleared her throat. "If you lot are done with your lame ass conversations, Hermione and I are going to dance," she announced and grabbed Hermione's hand. "Anyone coming?" Everyone decided to join them on the dance floor. While Buffy and Cordelia were teaching Harry and Hermione to dance and Faith was helping Sirius, Hermione noticed Ron dancing with Dawn, and he was dancing really...friendly. Hermione watched him grab Dawn's hand and they went off to get drinks. Hermione couldn't breathe. She vaguely heard Harry say he needed a moment, but she couldn't process what was happening. Then Cordelia whispered in her ear, "Just dance. Trust me," and Hermione did. Suddenly she saw Spike and ran over to him.

"Spike!" she called and he spun around. "Come dance with us," Hermione said.

"No thanks, pet. I don't dance," he replied.
"Neither do I, but I'm loving it. Please?" Hermione asked.
Spike sighed. "Fine, but only one song," he grumbled and followed Hermione onto the dance floor. The Scoobies seemed surprised, but they quickly got used to it. Then a really fast song came on and they all started dancing in a group, even Spike. Hermione laughed, a laugh of pure joy. She was dancing in Muggle club with people she had met only three days ago, but Hermione Granger, the top girl in her class, the brainiac, the rule stickler, was having the time of her life. Ron and the pain he caused could wait. She was going to have fun with her friends.

*

Harry searched the club for Ron, before he found looking incredibly cozy next to Dawn on the couch.

"Hey Ron, Can I talk to you for a minute?" Harry asked.

"Sure," Ron said and Harry led him into a corner.

"What do you think you're doing?" Harry asked.

"Huh?" Ron replied.

"Cuddling and dancing with Dawn," Harry responded.

"What? Can I not hang with someone I like now. I like Dawn," Ron said.

"You can, but can't you see what you're doing to Hermione? You're breaking her heart." Harry informed him.

"She doesn't seem too put out. She's dancing with the vampire and her new best friend. I don't think she gives a damn."

Harry felt his anger boil over. "How can you be so thick?" he yelled. "She's been in love with you for years. But apparently that doesn't matter. You can just go off with who ever you want and not even care. She's our best friend!"

"Our best friend is not a tart! This isn't our Hermione!" Ron yelled back.

Harry couldn't believe this. Calmly and deathly quiet he said, "Hermione has a friend who she cares about and I like Cordelia. Saying those things is bull. The only reason I'm not punching you as hard as I can right now is because you are my best mate. But until you spot acting like a complete and utter prat, leave me and Hermione alone," and Harry walked away.

He couldn't believe what he had just done, but he knew it was the right thing to do.

Then Harry heard a piercing scream. He knew that scream. It was Hermione. He ran out into the alley where he saw Buffy, Faith and Sirius already there. But that wasn't what drew his attention. Hermione was kneeling under on the ground beside Cordelia and Harry saw Cordelia's eyes rolling in her head, her body twitching. Cordelia opened her mouth and let out the most piercing scream and suddenly Harry realized what was happening to her. Cordelia Chase was under the Cruciatus Curse and just then, Harry's scar began to burn.

A/N: I am evil I know. But remember reviews make me write faster :).