"Alright, girl, show us your shit," Mary giggled. "Last is always best."
Hermione gestured toward the booth, and Flint turned on the song. Her body felt electric as her heels clicked while she ran her hand down her neck and arched as her fingers grasped the pole. That moment before starting was always this extreme anticipation.
I just want to dance with you.
Hermione wandered around the pole and began her routine. Simple flexes and turns to get her body ready. It was a form of showing off. The girls challenged each other before the meetings. Hermione loved it, and it was always different.
She bent down and stroked her chest before jumping into action for the chorus.
Gimme more, gimme, gimme more.
She loved the pole. It was fun as fuck as she hung and swung around with one of her legs out. She landed and slung around while bending, smiling back at the girls. Hermione knew she was fluid; she put her mind to it and learned swiftly while climbing up the pole, she contorted and gripped her legs in a wicked spin that left her stretched on the ground.
The center of attention.
The elements of combining sex and dance with the pole were the fun part. She was always surprised at the high and enjoyment. People were watching. It tapped into the part of her personality that her former therapist told her it was a need for approval. Well, he might have been right, but he also wanted to fuck her.
I just can't control myself.
Hermione swirled around the pole as her legs pushed her up and then bent to an arch as she raised off the ground. It was blissful. Her leg stretched around the pole, and she relied on gravity to swing her around with her hands caressing her body. Flipping positions, she gripped the pole and twirled roughly as she stretched her legs out. Hermione breathed deeply as she set herself back down, swinging around the pole once more before ending the routine.
"Jesus," Beatrice hissed. "Do you know how to suck at something?"
Hermione sauntered at the edge of the stage and bowed. "No."
There was clapping, and Hermione turned to see… Lockhart, Regulus, and… Sirius. What the fuck?
"Damn, darling, if I knew you could do that, I would have asked you to use the pole more often," Gilderoy snickered.
Hermione blinked. The brothers… she could about die. Did Sirius know about her before her drunken spree? Was that why he was so attentive? He couldn't have.
"Hey," Pansy snapped. "What's going on?" She growled, glancing at the two new strangers.
"We'll address that momentarily," Lockhart said in a firm tone. "Why don't you come down here to join us, Strawberries?"
Hermione breathed and paced toward the stairs. This was going to suck. She combed out her messy curls with her fingers and moved toward the brothers and Gilderoy. "Well, it seems you found trouble to get into, Sirius," she said stiffly.
"Oh, you know each other?" Gilderoy questioned.
"Oh my god, that's the bartender!" Pansy hissed to Romilda next to her.
Hermione nodded once. "We do."
Regulus gestured to Sirius. "This is my business partner, Hermione."
"I can see that," Hermione huffed.
Sirius ran a hand over his hair and puffed. "Well, full disclosure, I hadn't known you worked here before we made a decision."
Hermione pursed her lips. She could hear the girls behind her. "Did she shag him?" Charlotte whispered.
"No," Pansy snapped.
Hermione arched her eyebrow and rolled her neck as she crossed her arms. "Well, let's get the meeting started," she voiced before turning to the girls. Hermione ignored them and gripped her notes on the platform. "As always, we'll start with accolades."
The door to the right snapped, and Marlene huffed as she came out. "Oh, I'm sorry ladies, I don't mean to be late, but the kids."
Hermione beamed and waved her over. "We were just about to start, Mars."
"Mars? Mars that is you!" Sirius exclaimed and wandered over to the older woman.
"Sirius? Sirius Black, Jesus! I haven't seen you in like fifteen years!" Marlene shouted as she raced over to greet him.
"Wow, I didn't know you worked here. Coosh gig," Sirius snickered as he caressed her shoulder.
Marlene grinned and patted his face. "You're an awful dog as you always were."
"We'll catch up soon, why don't you join the others?" Sirius offered as he led her to the chair near Charlotte.
Hermione nodded and raised her pages. "Accolades. Charlotte and Nerissa for having a decent run this week. They're going to be our new fill-ins when Flora and Hestia take time off."
There was clapping, and Hermione hummed. "As we know, Marlene's son is about to graduate school. We'll be having a small party for him at his favorite restaurant. This is a child-friendly location, so dress conservatively, please," she finished while glancing at Pansy.
"Fine," Pansy sighed.
"I don't think we have to repeat that there's no heavy drinking in the private rooms," Hermione murmured while shuffling pages. "Too many girls are getting tipsy before sets, and that's dangerous. If they offer you a drink, take a sip and set it aside. Exhibiting a bit of moderation is key to the element of Blame, girls."
"Harry's party?" Pansy asked.
Hermione's cheeks tinted as she glanced over at the men. "Are we still doing Harry's party?" She asked.
Lockhart glanced at the brothers, who nodded. "Of course, darling."
"Okay," Hermione sighed. "Well, Harry's party is going to be in a month. We will be shut down Wednesday evening. Ginny already agreed that this would be a no-child event. Meaning, if you need a sitter or you can't make it, that's fine. If you plan on inviting people to come with you, it is an extra cover charge. It should be fun, and Harry is very excited. We'll plan on working on the dance for those of you that want to participate in two weeks."
"It's also going to be a good time to practice our new tricks out, Flora," Pansy agreed with a nod.
"Oh, I do like that prospect," Flora said.
Hermione reshuffled her sheet and scowled. "So, that leaves us with the beginning of summer themes. I heard from a few of you that Torture Tuesday was a blast. I have a few ideas, but I would like to open the floor to possibilities. We want to make the weekdays full, so those that can't or don't work on the weekends have a shot at getting a bit more cash."
"It would be fun to have an evening where we can be a bit retro," Hestia declared.
"Like throwback Thursday?" Sirius offered.
Hermione grabbed her pen and sighed as she made notes. "Seems appropriate. I'm sure Marlene wouldn't mind the project of helping us craft the outfits. Unfortunately, I can't sew," she laughed.
Marlene nodded and folded her legs. "I can have them ready by the beginning of June. I just need you girls to pitch in and by the base outfits. I'll have the details by this weekend."
"What about a circus theme?" Charlotte asked.
Hermione smirked and set her pages down. "Yes, I already have that in the works. Marlene almost has her ringmaster outfit done."
Lockhart moved over to Hermione and nodded. The woman exhaled and sat down next to Pansy as he adjusted his lapel. "My lovely girls," he purred.
Both Hermione and Pansy rolled their eyes at each other.
"I have an announcement. There are many things that change in our lives, but one truly consistent thing remains. Family. We have been a growing family since I bought this club and made it into our Blame seven years ago," he paused and smiled down at Hermione. "We've had our moments of true genius and heartache. We've laughed, cried, and made plenty of memories together."
He paused and gazed out at the rest of the girls. "But, there comes a time in life where we must move forward. In two weeks' time, I will no longer be your leader in this journey."
The girls gasped and were murmuring to each other. Pansy glared and punched Hermione in the arm who pouted and rubbed the spot. Of course, Hermione knew, but she hadn't said anything yesterday. It was deserving.
"Who?" Charlotte gasped.
Lockhart gestured to the Black brothers who wandered over. "Good afternoon, ladies," Regulus murmured.
"This is Sirius and Regulus Black. They are going to be finalized as new ownership of Blame in two weeks," Lockhart announced.
"Are there going to be changes? Are we going to keep our jobs?" Flora questioned.
Sirius waved his hand and hemmed. "Ladies, I promise, no one is losing their jobs. Nothing is going to change without your consent and comfort dramatically. My brother and I are going to provide you with the same stability and room for creativity that you have to date."
"And all the requests for repairs, when do we expect those to be done?" Hermione questioned as she folded her legs.
Sirius arched an eyebrow as he looked to Regulus. "Within the next two weeks. I've even created a plan for a far more superior back exit so you ladies can leave without fear of harassment."
Hermione nodded as she crossed her arms. "Thank you."
"Any questions or concerns?" Sirius asked the group.
"When did the legalities of the transfer of ownership begin?" Hermione questioned.
Sirius stared down at her with a tight expression. "Monday."
"So, you had been looking into the club for a while?" Hermione continued.
"No," Regulus declared as he moved Sirius back from his defensive pose. "This was sudden. I found out through Mr. Lockhart that he was interested in selling."
"Look, love, I'm just a name on the deed. I'm not here to boss you about," Sirius hummed.
Hermione shook her head as her lips thinned. "Well, that's excellent news."
Regulus straightened his form and ran a hand over his suit. "I know you ladies are shocked and a bit dismayed. Change is scary and always brings in questions of uncertainty. We are here to make the most out of this transition. That means that the only thing that's going to change is who keeps the lights on and the doors open. Your craft is what brings life to this club, and we plan on cultivating it with professional structure."
"What's going to change then?" Pansy asked.
"Good question," Regulus declared. "We are going to in the next month possibly add an aerial silk rig. We know that Miss Parkinson and Miss Doyle have education on performing with such. I'm positive if anyone else is interested in learning, we can supply the time for lessons. The time and effort would be compensated."
Hermione blinked and glanced over at her grinning flatmate. "That's quite a change," she murmured before glancing up at the men.
"We know someone who can get it promptly," Sirius announced.
"Any other suggestions, we would be happy to take in an email. We are inclusive, transparent, and hoping that you ladies are comfortable. Our main goal with this transition is to hope that you won't feel compelled to hide your doubts," Regulus said with a nod.
Hermione tapped her leg and breathed. "So, in essence, you're continuing most operations as usual?"
"Aside from your input on new show ideas, yes," Sirius responded.
The girls were whispering and sounding in approval. Hermione knew they were sold on the handsome Blacks. She nodded and smiled as she stood up, extending her hand. "Well, welcome to Blame. We are sad to see Gilderoy go, but happy to see you aren't going to change our beloved club too much."
Regulus took her hand and grinned. "Hermione, it's going to be a pleasure working with you." He paused and glanced at the girls behind her. "All of you."
Hermione turned and shrugged. "I guess we're good."
The girls began to climb to their feet and crowd around the soon-to-be owners. Hermione felt infringed on, but she maneuvered away so they could get some face time. She just needed a moment.
Lockhart approached and caressed Hermione's shoulder. "Why don't we go have a drink?"
"No thank you, I'm going just to take a moment. I have dinner with a friend tonight," Hermione sighed.
Gilderoy pressed his knuckles to her cheek and grinned. "You have a good evening. I'll see you tomorrow."
Hermione sat on the platform and exhaled as the mass of people started to motion toward the office. Obviously, everyone was concerned. Hermione didn't blame them, but she knew Sirius's character already, or she thought she did. How did it happen? What the fuck?
"You want a song to work it out, Granger?" Flint called down to her.
Hermione glared through the lights up at the booth. "You're a snake, Marcus."
"I know, but it's fun to know the scoop on drama," He laughed.
"Yeah, give me something slow?" Hermione sighed as she crawled on the stage.
She rolled her neck, and Dive started to play. "You're such a fuck," she called back with a smile.
"I know you love your Eddy."
Hermione exhaled as she swung around the pole. Her body manipulated while her mind was at work. She was so upset that Sirius didn't tell her. Why would he hide it? Wouldn't that mean that Mr. Bashful was indeed the mild-mannered professor? Oh, everything was distorted.
That was something that bothered her the most. She had spent years separating her life from Blame just for it to bite back at her. How could she retain her distance if it was demanding her attention now? The guitar blared as she twisted downward.
She landed on her feet and swung out to have her hand grasped. Hermione's eyes grew wide as she glanced up to see Sirius. "Sirius," she growled.
"Don't, just dance with me," he whispered and twisted her into a hold.
Hermione glanced away from him as they shifted about the platform. "I'm angry with you," she breathed.
"I know," he responded.
He twirled her, and she gazed up at him. "Why? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Business, love," Sirius sighed.
"And Remus?"
Sirius winced and stretched her out in a step. "He is our voice of reason when needed."
"So, you both knew and didn't tell me?"
"Now, to be fair, he wasn't planning on seeing you Monday," Sirius said as they met again.
Hermione tore her eyes away from him and breathed. "You both must think so poorly of me."
The song ended, and Sirius shook his head. "Not in the least. Are you too angry to come to have dinner with us tonight? We can apologize to you."
"I don't mix work with reality, Sirius," Hermione declared as she pulled away.
"Then don't, Hermione. We're just happy to have a friend over for dinner," he told her.
Hermione exhaled and stared up at his eyes. "You promise? Promise that this isn't going to affect our working relationship? I'm not an object."
"No, you're an intelligent woman who demands respect. I didn't know who you were when I came to this club. The last thing I want you to think is that we bought this club so we could own you."
Hermione stifled the smile and crossed her arms. "Well, you'd be out of luck if you did. I'm not bought by money or shallow gifts."
"No problems there, love. We aren't that kind of people," Sirius laughed.
Hermione's brows tensed as she licked her lips. "How does this work?"
"Well, you can either see me as the devilishly handsome bartender, or a man that happens to be the name on the deed at the place you work. I don't want to be your boss, love."
Hermione shuffled her feet and glanced out at the empty club. "You are my boss, Sirius."
"Not really," Sirius shrugged. "But if that's how you prefer to see me, then I'll let it be."
Hermione manipulated her lips and nose before glancing at him with her arms still folded over her chest. "Well, then, I suppose a dinner won't hurt. I don't want the girls to think I'm trying to suck up to the new management."
Sirius barked out a stream of laughter. "I'm the wrong brother to suck up to. Regulus is going to run the place. I'm just the older brother who needed to sign off on it. Family money, family rules."
She dropped her pose and nodded. "Alright, then. I'll see you both at six," she said and moved to the staircase.
Hermione looked back at him while grabbing her bag. He was watching her with interest, and she suddenly felt that vulnerable texture. He knew about what she did, and so did Remus. What did they really think? The woman went to the exit to the back and disappeared from his view.
Author Notes: I forgot to credit the song lyrics on the last one. It was the Rhianna and Brittney Spears remix of S&M. The two songs in this one are Gimmie More by Brittney Spears and Dive by Ed Sheeran. I hope you all are enjoying it!