Actions and Reactions...
Disclaimer: This is getting tired! I own nothing in the Potterverse...
A/N: Thanks to all who R/R...
The two teens head downstairs to where Harry and Ron are sitting in the garden room, playing chess. "About time you two came down!" said Ron looking up, "What kept y-y-you?" Seeing what Hermione is wearing, his mouth drops open. Turning around to see what's going on, Harry's eyes widen in surprise at Hermione and Ginny, before starting to blush. When Ron sees what Ginny is wearing, the tips of his ears slowly turn red.
"What the bloody hell are you doing?" exclaims Ron.
"Whatever are you talking about, Ron?" asked Ginny innocently.
"What are you playing at? Wearing an outfit like that?"
"There is nothing wrong with what I'm wearing."
"I refuse to allow my little sister to wear something so revealing!"
"Oh really? 1. It is not that revealing! 2. I don't recall asking for your approval of my clothes. 3. I'd like to see you try and stop me!" Ginny bellowed thoroughly pissed off.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley walk in at that moment. "What is this ruckus all about?" huffs Mrs. Weasley.
"Mum, dad look at the get up that Ginny is wearing." said Ron, "It is too revealing, and she is just asking for trouble dressed like that!"
"Bollocks! It isn't revealing anything; Mum there is nothing wrong with it." said Ginny.
"Ginny! Don't swear! I must say Ron, that I think Ginny is right, there is nothing wrong with this outfit." Mrs. Weasley said, looking over the clothes Ginny was wearing critically.
"Fine! Don't say I didn't try to warn you."
Remus walked into the garden room at that moment. Taking in the row between Ron and Ginny; amusement evident on his face. Turning to Harry and Hermione for an explanation, he bites back a surprised gasp at Hermione.
Bloody hell! Is that really Hermione? When did she get so bloody gorgeous? WTF! Did I really just think that? What the hell are you thinking Moony old man; she's young enough to be your daughter! Remus thinks; chastising himself.
Meanwhile Hermione is purring to herself- Hello salty goodness! Taking in Remus' brand new khaki trousers and the pale yellow linen shirt, with sleeves rolled up to the elbows; and the top two buttons undone; showing a glimpse of his lightly tanned chest. His brown hair was attractively shaggy. Their eyes meet and hold for the briefest moment, before the contact is broken.
"Well, best be off now, shall we?" said Remus.
Gathering around the fireplace, everyone grabs a bit of floo powder before each person steps into the fireplace and throws down their floo powder and call out- Leaky Cauldron. Stepping out of the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron; Hermione looks down and sees specks of soot on her jeans before she has a chance to dust it off, Mrs. Weasley "scourgfies" her jeans clean.
The group heads to the entrance to Diagon Alley. Tapping the bricks with his wand, the entrance opens and Remus allows everyone to enter before him. They head over to Gringotts to make a withdrawal before each group heads off in separate directions. Mr. & Mrs. Weasley head off to run errands for Harry's "surprise" birthday party. While Ron and Harry head off for Fred and George's joke shop- Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.
Remus walks with Ginny and Hermione until they spot a new shop- Betsey J's Muggle Fashions for the Sharp Dressed Witch. Squealing, the two girls make a beeline for the shop, whereas Remus decides to head over to Flourish and Blott's to purchase new books.
Once inside the shop Ginny and Hermione begin searching the racks for something to wear for Harry's birthday party.
After half an hour browsing each girl finally zeros in on their ideal outfit- Hermione picks a pair of dark rinse hip hugger jeans and a vintage three quarter sleeve gray and white raglan Def Leppard concert tee with a Union Jack emblazoned on the front. Ginny's outfit is also a pair of hip hugger jeans, though in a faded stonewash blue; and a white Porn Star in Training fitted baby tee. Also purchasing a few accessories to go with their clothes, they made to leave the store. Next on their list were presents for Harry. Ginny got him the latest broom servicing kit and a pair of seeker gloves, and Hermione got him a book titled- "Everything You Wanted (And Needed) To Know to Become an Auror"; and also "Defense against Most Dark Hexes" by Nigel HexedALot. They run into Remus at the queue of Flourish and Blott's. Ginny calls out "All right there Remus?" Turning at the sound of his name, he sees the two teens waving to him. He waves back, but then his turn to pay comes. After paying for his purchase, he makes to stand with the girls while they wait to pay.
"So where you headed after this Remus?" asked Hermione.
"I thought about heading over to see Harry and Ron at the twin's shop." replied Remus.
"We're going to go get some ice cream and sit for a bit, before we head over there. Why don't you join us? I did promise to buy you an ice cream sundae, after all." grinned Hermione.
"That sounds like a good idea. I'm there."
Outside Hermione pulls on a pair of super dark shades, the threesome heads over to Florean Fortesque's Ice Cream Shop. At the counter of the shop each of them place their request- Ginny got a chocolate peanut butter cone; Remus got a vanilla fudge mint cookie dough sundae; while Hermione got a green tea gelato cone. Heading for the tables set out in front of the shop with their treats, they sit at a table that is in partial shade.
"So Remus, what books did you purchase today?' asked Hermione curiously.
"I just got a few new books on DADA, and some books to help Harry on advanced defense (should he decide to continue with the DA), for his birthday."
"Speaking of DADA, I heard a rumor that Dumbledore has asked you to return to the position of DADA teacher. So, are you going to do it?"
"Where did you hear that?' asked Remus surprised. "It is not a rumor, he did, and I'm contemplating it."
"I think you should," said Ginny, "You were the best teacher for the subject."
"I concur." said Hermione.
"Yes well, I'm still deciding."
Looking out at the crowd, popping out of her seat, Ginny blurts out "There's Dean and Seamus! I'm going to go talk to Dean, be back shortly." Both Remus and Hermione watch as she tackles Dean in a big hug, chuckling at the younger girl's enthusiasm. Pushing up her sunglasses, Hermione turns to face Remus, studying him intently- "How have you been doing?" she asks quite seriously.
Knowing perfectly well what she is talking about, he responds "I am doing better today. I mean it comes and goes, it just depends on any given moment."
"I'm here for you, if you need to talk. You know that right?"
"Yes, I do."
"I really hope you accept the DADA job. Not only would it be good to have you back as a teacher and friend, but I think it would be beneficial for you as well. Needless to say, I think being cooped up alone in that house would not be healthy."
"Well, I'll give it some serious thought."
"Good, that's all I ask."
Their eyes make contact once again, and lock… Steel blue to honey brown… Neither one says a thing, unaware that they both are unconsciously holding their breath… After what seems an eternity, Remus once again breaks the connection, clearing his throat.
Ginny comes running up at that precise moment- "Hey guys! Are you ready to head over to 3W?" asked Ginny slightly out of breath. Pulling her sunglasses down over her eyes again Hermione said "Yeah, let's go." Both she and Remus stand up simultaneously, avoiding each others eyes, lost in thought….