Chapter Three
Tough Cookies
Author's Note: Wow I love you guys! I had the worst day (went to the dentist to talk about getting my teeth pulled then spent six hours at school for play pratice... Sucky Saturday if you ask me...) then I come home and I see these reviews... You guys have just made my day! About the stereotype about the guys, I don't think that it was just for the funny. Thank you sooo much! And here you go! Chapter 3 hope you like it!
So Hermione, Luna began, sitcking her head into Hermione's office. It's almost been seventy-two hours and boy wonder hasn't made any attempt to contact you. Have you lost him already?
Hermione smirked at her, No. He'll call.He's probably trying not to look too desperate, Lavendar interjected, walking into the office.
Do you eavesdrop all the time or is this a one time thing? Luna asked.
Lavendar raised an eyebrows at her, Someone needs a Midol.
Hermione snorted and tried to contain her laughter by busying herself at her computer.
F-Y-I, I was walking passed and I couldn't help but overhear, so I thought I'd donate my imput, she finished smartly, sitting down in a chair in front of Hermione's desk.
Luna rolled her eyes.
Don't worry, babe, he'll call, Lavendar reassured her.
I'm not worried, Hermione smiled brightly.
...
Harry stared at the phone, scratching his chin with his thumb. He leaned into the back of his chair... Should he call? What would he say? Would he seem too forward? He had waited three days, was that too long! He began to panick, had she forgotten all about him, had she-
How's it going? Ron asked, appearing at Harry's desk.
Trying to call Hermione, I just don't know what to say to her-
Ron laughed, Is she slipping away from you already? Harry snapped a little too quickly.
Ron raised an eyebrow then looked at the phone and pointed at it, How long have you been at this anyway?About an hour! Neville shouted from his desk, Harry hadn't known of it but Neville was monitoring his strategy to get Hermione to fall in love with him.
Thanks Neville, Harry shook his head.
he called, looking back at the file he was scanning over.
So are you ever gonna call her? Ron asked, looking away from Neville to the slightly shaky Harry.
Yes. Eventually, he released a trembling sigh.
...
Luna and Lavendar had agreed that Harry would call on the third day, from dating experiences of themselves and stories they had heard. He was playing hard to get and they decided he would call soon so they waited in Hermione's office as she worked.
Finally Lavendar sighed, she whined.
What is it? Hermione asked.
We've been waiting for God-Knows-How-Long and he hasn't called, why don't you just call him? she asked, clearly exasperated.
Hermione stopped working and looked at them, biting her lip, I can't.You can! Luna and Lavendar said in unison, all patience fading away.
Hermione breathed in a deep, nervous breath and picked up the phone, she dialed for information and looked at her friends unsurely. When she heard the operator on the other end of the phone she asked, Yes, can I have the number for Harry Potter?
...
Harry if you don't call her now I will rip your hair out!What do you care, Ron? Harry asked.
I'm looking after my bets, you're not going to find a girl if you don't call this one-
Ring! Ring!
Harry, Ron, and Neville's head snapped towards the phone.
Speak of the Devil? Ron shrugged as Harry reached for the phone.
Hi! How are you? he heard Hermione's cheerful voice from the other end of the phone.
Great, even better now that I'm hearing your voice, he said slyly.
Ron rolled his eyes and Harry made a slapping motion toward him.
Do you really think all those compliments work with me? she teased.
I'm working on it, he laughed.
Hermione laughed too and then got straight to the point, Say Harry I have a question.
She gulped, Is it too late to grab a quick bite for lunch?
...
Harry and Hermione sat at a small round table in a little café across the street from Hermione's office building. Lunch consisted of a cup of coffee, a cup of green tea, and four packs of sugar which Hermione was currently pouring into her tea.
Harry looked at her in amusement, What are you doing? he asked.
She looked up from the fourth packet that she had just ripped open, I can't drink tea unless it's really sweet.
He laughed, What kind of Brit are you? he joked, taking a sip of his coffee.
One who likes things sweet, she smiled, taking her spoon and stirring the sugar around the warm liquid.
So I guess you like me? he grinned.
She looked up and tried to hide back a smile but failed, Do you think of these lines ahead of time or do they just create themselves?
He laughed, It just works out that way.
She raised her eyebrows, and she took a sip of tea.
Harry looked out the window of the café, still smiling, then he turned to Hermione and suddenly asked, What do you think about tennis? she asked, looking up from the steaming drink.
He nodded.
I've never played but I love watching, she took another sip from her cup.
On Saturday at around three a mate of mine, Neville, is in a game to raise money for a local charity and he asked me to come watch. I was going to go with my other buddy, Ron, but I much rather go with you, his lip curved into a smile. Whatya say?
Hermione bit her lip teasingly, as if she was really contemplating not going. Harry watched her with hopeful eyes.
I suppose so, she smiled. Where is it being held?Oh it's an exclusive Men's Club, but don't worry there will be women there too. So dress a little...she suggested.
He laughed, If you want to put it that way, yes.Sure, I'd love to go.
...
Men's Club? You're going to a Men's Club tennis game? Lucky bitch, Lavendar said as she put down her lemonade glass, looking alert, towards Hermione.
Hermione laughed, There will be other women there. Lavendar said firmly. You're not fully comprehending what's going to happen. You will be at a tennis game outside, which means the men will get sweaty, which means there's a possibilty they will take their shirts off. Sweaty men, half naked... Are we on the same level here?
Luna snorted as she continued flicking through a magazine.
They were sitting on the balcony at Hermione's flat, sipping lemonade and chatting in the warm sun.
Hermione laughed again, Do me a favor, will ya? she waited for Hermione to nod. Take pictures.
Hermione laughed harder and shook her head, I refuse to humiliate myself at this posh club.Fine but you have to remember everything that happens, what everyone looks like... Everything.Don't worry, I will.
...
Hermione looked at herself one last time in the mirror, she was wearing a white strapless dress that pleated at the bottom half, over it she wore a black blazer, and last but not least excruciatingly painful black shoes that had a small heal and pointed at the toe. No matter how painful the shoes were Hermione thought they looked the part so she wore them.
Soon she heard the doorbell ring and only one thought ran through her mind.
Oh shit.
...
For about the 20th time that day Harry was dragging Hermione around the Men's Club recreation area. Passed people, around tables, away from men in heated arguments about Parliament, and let me tell you... Her feet weren't liking it.
She had to meet this person, she had to shake hands with this rich, important old man, all afternoon long, and while doing so she had to keep her poise and not look like the lame, clumbsy woman she was, especially with blistering feet.
Oh here's Neville, Harry said and took Hermione's hand, leading her into the crowd yet again, she sighed heavily and followed him.
Harry, I was beginning to think you were a no show, Neville said, holding what looked like iced tea.
Harry slapped Neville on the back and said, I couldn't let my best mate down like that. Oh Neville this is Hermione, Hermione this is Neville.
Neville stuck his hand out, Finally meeting the woman that he doesn't shut up about, this is good.
Hermione smiled and shook his hand, Nice to meet you-Is that who I think it is? they head a shrill voice call.
Soon a woman with short, grayish blonde hair, came through the crowd in front of them. She was wearing white pants that stopped at her shin and had an awkward green design running around them and a plain green top.
Richard, Harry's here! she shouted into the crowd. Dear it's so good to see you, she said, kissing him on the cheek. She turned to Hermione and her smiled faded, And who's this?
Hermione's face went warm as the woman's cold stare turned to her.
Oh Mrs.Beringer this is Hermione, Hermione, Ellen Beringer.
Hermione stuck out her hand for the woman to shake but she kept her hands firmly clasped together. Hermione's hand slowly fell to her side.
The woman nodded curtly at Hermione then turned to Harry and smiled again, Have you seen Alicia? I'm sure she'd love to see you.No I haven't, I was-Harry Potter! a booming voice came from the crowd and a man came up to them. He was a rather round man a slightly balding head and a grayish black beard.
Hey, Mr.Beringer, Harry smiled.
Call me Fred, son, he patted Harry on the back. Harry you come to this old club so much why don't you just join already?
A loud, slightly muffled voice came through the air and silenced everyone, Can everyone please find their way to the courts we're about to start the games.
Fred turned to Harry and Hermione and said, I guess we should move along then, huh? he laughed and started to follow the crowd toward the tennis courts.
Harry dear you really should find Alicia later, she's been absolutely dying to see you, she gave Hermione one last penetrating stare and began to walk off.
Shall we? Harry asked, offering his arm out to her.
She nodded weakly, only wishing she could get out of this horrible atmosphere known as the Men's Club.
...
Love, fifteen, the chair umpire said monotonously.
This is going to sound really stupid but what does love mean again? she asked.
Yeah, love means nothing, he said a little ditractedly, hypnotized by the game.
Do you believe that Mr.Potter? Hermione asked, looking at him with intrigue.
Do I believe what? he questioned, looking at her finally.
That love means nothing? she tilted her head.
Of course not-
As he finished his answer a zooming ball of bright green hit him in the side of the head.
Oh my God are you okay? Hermione asked, touching the side of his eye lightly.
He winced and looked down at the court, Neville stood looking up at Harry, a guilty expression clear on his face.
he shouted, standing up. he touched the side of his face then looked at his hand to see if he was bleeding.
Neville shrugged and shouted, Sorry, mate!Are you okay? Hermione asked again, as the side of Harry's grew a reddish purple.
Yeah I'm fine. It's fine, just keep playing! he called to the court.
Hermione looked at him half admiringly, half worried, Are you sure? he looked at her. I'm a tough cookie.
...
Two glasses of champagne please, Harry said, standing at the bar.
The bartender handed him the champagne and he gave Hermione a glass.
Thank you, she said, taking a sip.
Harrry, darling! a high pitched voice came from behind.
They turned around and saw a tall, skinny, blonde woman coming toward them.
he sent Hermione a beware' look and turned to look at Alicia. It's great to see you.Wonderful to see you too, pet, she got extremely close to him and stroked his bruise. Oh Harry that looks terribly painful, she whimpered.
No it's okay, he said, brushing her hand away politely.
So brave, she cooed. That ball must of been coming toward you so fast.No it wasn't too fast, I mean Neville was the one who hit it after all, he joked.
Alicia laughed in a forced way and for the first time Hermione could actually see her.
She was the vision of Rich-Bitch Chic.
She was wearing a black zipper up jacket(unzipped, of course), underneath was a yellow trapless bikini top that looked like a large bow taped to her chest, a short white skirt, and pink high-heel flip flops. Can't forget the black Gucci sunglasses that sat lazily on top of her head, pulling back her long, silky, golden hair.
Hermione snapped out of the trance when she heard Alicia speak again, I don't believe we've met, who are you?Oh I'm Hermione, she outstretched her hand again. I'm a friend of Harry's.
Alicia looked at her hand with disgust but shook it, barely touching her I might add.
Hermione, huh? You must have been teased on the play ground something awful, she said and looked back to Harry.
Hermione knotted her eyebrows, truth be told she was never in love with her name but she didn't think this long-legged bitch had any reason to be so rude about it.
Harry are you going to Rachel Vann Wilder's engagement party? she asked, acting as if Hermione wasn't in the area anymore.
No I can't say I am, he replied.
Oh that's too bad, she pouted.
Yeah it is, he lied.
After a few minutes of an awkward silence Alicia looked over Harry's shoulder.
Oh, there's Derek Hudson, I must go say hello. I'll see you later, ciao! she waved at them and walked away.
And that was Hurricane Alicia, I apologize for her forward behavior, she grew up spoiled.I can see that.
...
Neville downed about his seventh glass of scotch when Alicia sauntered over to him.
Neville come here, she beckoned him.
He stumbled over to her and asked, Whadisit Alizia? Hiccup.
Who is that girl with Harry? she whispered.
Oh! Tha's(hiccup) Herminny-mione, he began giggling.
I mean who is she to Harry? she asked impatienly.
Oh well you see, he began. Ron, you know Ron, my buddy Ron, he's a real nice guy-Get to the point! she growled.
Owell, you see Ron bet Harrrry that he couldn't megawoman fallinlub with him, he slurred. So he picked her out in a club and he's tryingtomegher fall in lub with him, he began laughing again.
Is she going to Dean's wedding? she asked.
I dink so, hiccup.
A sinister smile appeared on her face and she spoke, Thanks Neville. he waved at her. Keep em comin' Bart!My name's Jerry, the bartender said.
That too.
...
Harry, doll, do you mind if I borrow Helen here for a moment, Alicia said placing a hand on Hermione's shoulder.
It's Hermione, she answered politely.
Uh, sure, Harry replied.
Great, come with me, she smiled.
Hermione followed the girl into the crowd and to a group of women about her age sitting at a small table away from the crowds of people.
Hermione this is Claire Henry, she said pointing to a girl with imaculate black hair, and narrow blue eyes. This is Brianne Porter, her father's a diplomat, just got back from Egypt, she pointed to a girl with brown hair, tied into a perfect braid, her skin tanned also perfectly. And this is Natalie Raiden, she'll be modeling for Vogue in the fall, and she gestured to a girl with pinstraight red hair, piercing green eyes, and pale skin with just enough freckles.
Oh God, Hermione thought, it's the Rich-Bitch clan.
Hermione plastered a fake smile to her lips. Vogue, huh? That's amazing.
The red haired girl smiled, revealing her pearly white teeth, I know.Hermione... is it? Claire asked.
Hermione looked at her.
Who on earth colors your hair? she asked.
Oh it's my own, she smiled.
they all said, exchanging disapproving glances.
Well sit down, Brianne ordered.
Oh right, Hermione said and sat down at a chair at the table, and for the first time she noticed Alicia had already done so.
So Alicia, did you hear about Tom and Rebecca? Claire asked, as they all leaned in and listened.
Oh I know, it's just so delicious, Alicia trilled.
I can't believe her mother's letting it happen! Natalie interjected.
Suddenly Hermione was very interested in what they were talking about, what Rebecca and Tom did was curiously intriguing.
I know, having her wedding in her backyard, it's just... Unthinkable! Alicia's eyes bulged as she spoke.
Hermione shrugged a little, is that what they thought was horrible? Yes this definitely was the Rich-Bitch Clan.
Would you excuse me? Hermione interrupted, getting up and walking away.
When she was out of ear shot Claire asked, Alicia who the hell was that? she hissed.
That was Miss Hermione, Alicia said maliciously.
What is she to us? Natalie questioned.
She came here with Harry, Alicia announced.
They all looked apalled.
Exactly, we need to set her straight.How do you suppose we do that? Brianne inquired.
At Dean's wedding.
...
Hermione hid herself in the loos, she decided after a few minutes of hiding she'd go back out and find Harry.
She took out her mobile phone and punched in the number to Lavendar's flat. After a few miuntes she heard her voice on the other end of the line.
Lavendar? Oh my God, this place is like a living hell! she hissed.
Why? What happened?They're so perfect and judgemental and-What about the guys!
...
Harry walked up the table that Alicia and her passé still sat.
Excuse me, have any of you ladies seen Hermione? he asked.
Claire, Brianne, and Natalie said absently.
You might want to check the loos, she threw a follow me' look to her friends and continued. This is, what the seventh time, since she's been here with us that she's in the loo?
Natalie gave a thick, worried, gasp, Do you think she's making herself sick?No! You don't think she has an eating disorder do you? whimpered Claire. The girls continued rooting up unflattering comments about Hermione, they all knew Harry was Alicia's property and any other girl who decided to butt in deserved to be tortured.
Poor dear, I don't think she even ate anything all day, maybe a few sips of champagne, does she think she needs to throw that up? Brianne's eye widened in mock fear.
Um, thanks, I'll check the loo, Harry answered, walking away.
Harry made his way over to the loo and knocked on the door, I have to go, I'll talk to you later, Hermione whispered into the phone, closed it, and slipped it into her bag.
She opened the door and saw Harry who asked, You okay? she answered.
Ready to go? she replied a little too quickly.
As they walked back to the crowds to say good bye to everyone Harry whispered to Hermione, I think you should know, Alicia was kind of talking about you before with her friends.Oh really? What'd she say?She said you had gone to the bathroom seven times when you were with them and they thought you were making yourself sick, he looked a little worried.
Hermione laughed, That's ridiculous, I haven't gone to the bathroom more than once today.I didn't believe them I was just letting you know.Oh, well, thanks.
After they had sad good bye to almost everyone they made their way to Alicia and her friends.
As Harry appeared at the table Alicia stood up and smiled, You're not leaving are you? she asked.
Yeah we are, he took Hermione's hand.
Alicia's face turned stern, Oh, leaving so soon Hurl- I mean- Hermione? she smirked, the rest of them giggled.
Cow, Hermione thought
Yes I'm afraid so Ass- Uh I mean Alicia, Hermione stuttered as Harry held back laughter.
Alicia's mouth fell open and stayed like that.
It was nice seeing you again Alicia, see you, Harry said and turned to walk away.
Hermione stopped him a few meters away from the group, she turned around and took her finger and placed it under Alicia's chin and closed her mouth, as her hand fell to her side she said, Don't want to catch flies now do we? Ciao!
And they left.
...
Author's Note: Hope it was longer because I did feel my chapters were too short. Thanks for reading! Since it's my birthday you gotta review! Lol. Hope you liked it!