Chapter VI: Blood Brothers

Disclaimers: I do not own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does though! I do not own Blood Brothers, Willy Russel does! I merely get enjoyment from this story, no profit.

Beta Services: Special thanks to DarcLover, who points out my every flaw! :P


Neville Longbottom was the first guy awake the next morning. He took a quick shower and started to prepare breakfast for himself. He heard a knock on the door just as he was finishing his eggs. He put down his food and walked into the foyer and to the door.

Hovering in front of the door was another one of Hermione's envelopes, bright purple this time with a silver ribbon. Neville grabbed it and went back inside, beaming.

"Guys! Wake up! We've got mail from Hermione!" Neville called out, and watched as the men in various stages of grogginess came from their respective rooms.

Stan was the first one to make it down to where Neville was standing, and he was quickly joined by the rest of his mates. "What's it say, Neville? If that is your real name." Stan stared intently at Harry.

Harry suppressed a laugh, and Neville scratched his chin thoughtfully.

"Well, I don't know about all that, but here's the letter.

My men,

Today we're going for a bit of fun in my backyard, a bit of sun and fun for all who are attending. On this date will be; Charlie, Draco, Lee, Viktor and Seamus. The rest of you will simply have to find your own means of amusement until a bit later. A rose will be given, and the lucky recipient will be safe during the next elimination.

For later on this evening, I hope Neville & Stan don't cringe at the thought of blood. Put on your best attire, and I'll see you on the West End. A rose is on the line, and the one of you who doe s not receive it will not be returning to the house.

Kindest affection,

Hermione."

Neville finished reading, immensely pleased at the thought of going on a date with Hermione. "You guys'll have a great time today, it's gorgeous outside. If you'll excuse me though, I have to figure out what kind of shoes I should wear, brown seems too tame, yet black seems …hmm…" Neville walked off, shaking his head from side to side, his breakfast forgotten.

"Hell yeah, don'tya think? We're going to get a peek in at her backyard today. Spot on for a good time there!" Seamus clapped his hands together, smiling knowingly at Charlie and Lee.

"I'll be in my room." Draco said, red faced and palms clenched.

"I do not understand, we would get more than a peek at her backyard, we will be there for some time I imagine." Viktor seemed confounded.

Oliver clapped Viktor on the back. "Our eager and crass friend was alluding to her arse, Viktor."

The five men met Hermione around eleven that morning, in her backyard was a swimming pool and lawn chairs. Little barbeques were setup and a little bar was fully stocked.

The men were getting a good look at all of this when the patio door opened, and out into the sunlight walked their favorite witch in a two piece bikini. She held a margarita in one hand and her wand in the other. Her hair was lying on her shoulders, and she looked like she had been tanning already this morning, her skin the color of almonds.

#

Seamus Finnigan was peering into the camera, his hands were grasping around device it seemed. "I wish she would hold my wand like that, oh to be a mere splinter on that wand…by the fates….mmmmmm…" Seamus backed up and did a little dance which involved him riding an invisible horse, and slapping his own ass.

#

Hermione was careful to strut over to the men, walking slowly and swaying a bit; every eye was on her and it felt magnificent. "Hello everyone, I see you're all in your swimsuits. Are we ready for a little fun? A little competition for my affections maybe?" Hermione winked at them, and turned away, motioning to the lawn chairs with her wand.

The men followed her eagerly, and Viktor shook his head bemusedly.

#

"If her backyard is her behind, then I want to be her full time gardener." Viktor said into the camera, making scissor motions with his hands. "Make sure it is tended to properly."

#

Hermione sat down on her chair and sat her margarita down on a table next to her. "Now then, we're going to have a little bit of sport today. Have any of you ever heard of a Chicken Fight?" She paused, searching their faces. She wasn't surprised by Draco's ignorance of the sport, he didn't exactly know a lot about Muggles, she'd have to work on that if they were to have any hope. "No? None of you have? Well, it's all rather simple."

She sat her wand down next to her margarita and stood with her hands on her hips.

#

"Yes, it was at that moment that I was glad I had just had some alone time. Her standing there all defiantly was enough to make a man turn to stone." Draco said, nodding his head, as the scene faded back to the party.

#

"Well, a Chicken Fight involves two people per team. One sits on the other's shoulders in the water and you try to dismount the other team. Only the people on shoulders can do any attacks, grapple them, hold on to them, whatever you think will make them fall."

"Will you be sitting on my shoulders then?" Charlie asked her, stretching in an all too obvious fashion.

"That sounds like an enjoyable arrangement, Charlie, thank you for offering yourself to me." Hermione smiled in a way that made her have dimples. Charlie's smile couldn't have been any brighter.

#

"I usually don't have a problem with the Weasley's." Lee said, his arms crossed in front of him, into the camera. "But Charlie snatching Hermione like that, it got to me. Charlie boy, I know where you're sleeping tonight, that's all I'm going to say."

#

The men were divided into teams, Draco sat upon Lee's shoulders, and Seamus sat upon Viktors. The men waited in the water and watched as Hermione wrapped her legs around Charlie's chest, and Charlie lifted himself from his sitting position and waded out into the water to the other men.

"Okay, Draco & Lee, go against Seamus and Viktor!" Hermione said, turning her head to see that the rose she had requested was being dropped off next to her wand and drink by a House Elf.

"Thank you!" Hermione called, and when the men saw what the House Elf had done, their faces grew determined.

#

"Really." Hermione laughed. "As soon as the rose was brought out, it was like a charm. They all got so hormone crazy and determined, it was a real turn on."

#

Draco watched carefully as Viktor tread in a circle around him. Draco had a thought that if Lee moved when Viktor decided to charge, he could send Seamus tumbling into the water. However, Lee didn't stand a chance against Viktor's strength and skill in the water. Viktor rushed right into Lee and Lee couldn't maintain his balance. Draco started calling out in surprise as he went falling backwards into the water.

Viktor pumped his fists into the air, well pleased with the joint victory.

"Now then, Charlie and I will try to overtake you. If Charlie wins, he gets twenty minutes alone with me. If you two win, you can each have ten."

"Oh I am ready." Viktor assured her. "I only wish I could have more time with you!" He laughed.

Charlie moved quickly, so much so that Hermione had to grab onto his hair in order to stop herself from falling backwards, maybe the drink was working on her already. Seamus was within reach of her by the time she had recomposed herself.

Seamus reached out at her with a look of glee on his face, his hands both outstretched towards her chest, as she knew they would be. She leaned backwards and Charlie pivoted around in the water, Viktor's momentum kept him going and he was no match when it came to gravity. All the same, he would have fallen even without the push Hermione gave Seamus and his greedy palms.

Charlie clapped his hands wildly and did a brief dance in celebration of his victory. He knelt down in the water and let Hermione get off of him, she treaded the water in front of him, and took his hand when he offered it.

"Let's go have a walk, there's a little path to the side of the house." Hermione held to his hand longer, as his found her back. Hermione grabbed the rose before departing, and looked out at the disappointed faces. Together they walked, so far out that neither could hear the slanders being said against Charlie.

Hermione spied a nice shady spot in a copse and she sat down on a convenient twist of large tree root, she waited for Charlie to sit down beside her.

"I'm glad to have won. Does that mean I get a rose?" Charlie inquired, putting his arm around her shoulders and cradling her close to him.

Charlie smelled of spearmint, Hermione's favorite scent on a man. He was well built, though he bore some scars and burn marks from his career choice. "I am going to give you the rose. "

"I will happily accept it." Charlie ran his hand down Hermione's hair, sending chills down her spine.

"So Charlie, I've been wondering about this since you first came here. I'm you ex-sister in law, how does that make you feel?" Hermione asked him.

Charlie wasted no time in addressing it. "I never knew you well before the war, I'd seen you here and there around the Burrow on my trips home, but I never got to talk with you. While you were married to my idiot little brother, I got to see what a sophisticated and charming woman you are. I tried giving Ron a bit of advice, but he never followed it."

Hermione was curious. "What kind of advice?"

"Well, I don't want to come off as forward, so don't count any of this against me."

"Go on." Hermione encouraged him.

"I told him food can be beautiful , but the eyes of a lady can hold attention for an eternity."

"Sounds kind of corny, speaking of food." Hermione smiled.

"I also told him that women liked to be touched, and his hands were soft enough to keep a woman's attention, unlike mine."

"I don't think they're rough at all, firm yes, but they feel reassuring."

"I told him to kiss you at every opportunity as well."

"And why did you tell him that?"

"Because his food was getting more attention from his mouth than you were."

"That's a sweet and honest statement." Hermione laughed, and looked into his brown eyes. "You're very handsome, Charlie, thank you for telling me all of that."

He leaned in and kisses Hermione on her lips, she hadn't expected it, yet she reciprocated. His lips were softer than his hands were, and his tongue was a cool rush against hers. They spent the remainder of their time together lip locked, and it was only when Viktor came across them did they split apart with a loud smack.

"I am interrupting. Forgive me." Viktor said.

Hermione saw him curl his lip slightly and so she didn't believe him sorry for the act.

"Viktor, don't look now, but your trunks are falling off." Charlie said, and sure enough, they were. Viktor made a hasty retreat, cursing fluidly all the while.

Charlie helped Hermione up, and walked with her hand in hand back to the men. "He seemed a bit angry, didn't he?"

"Well, the games known now, I've started kissing." Hermione smiled.

"I'm glad to be the first." Charlie smiled down at her.

"Don't be so presumptuous Mr. … Charlie." She said, hesitant to say his last name. Was that a bad indicator for the future? She worried it was.

As she rejoined the men, she saw that Draco was on the barbeques, cooking up something delicious smelling.

"Draco," she called. "Have you been practicing culinary magic?"

"Does it show?" He said, and she saw him take off his shirt and put on a gaudy apron.

"Kiss the Cook?" Seamus called out. "Kiss the Cook-Coo is more like it!"

"I think Draco's doing a great thing getting all that food ready for us. Shut your gob Seamus." Lee said.

"Why don't you make me, you daft sod!" Seamus said getting up, clenching his fists.

Draco nonchalantly continued to grill the burgers, waving his wand lazily over them while humming softly.

"I think you should calm down, guys, I don't want to have any bad feelings between anyone this early!" Hermione pleaded, her efforts fell on deaf ears.

Seamus & Lee were exchanging jinxes already, Lee's head was the size of a watermelon and Seamus had lost his sight. He stumbled over into Draco, causing Draco to burn himself badly on the grill.

"Oh! You dung beetle!" Draco said, pushing Seamus into the pool to cool off.

"Guys…" Hermione called out.

"Wanna go to back to the trees with me? A lot nicer back there to be sure." Charlie asked.

"Hermione, look out!" Viktor called out, as a beach ball with fangs hurtled towards her.

"STOP IT!" Hermione shrieked, causing all the men to stop dead in their tracks and their shouts, and Seamus to cease his poolside cursing. "I cannot believe you all are acting like this!"

"I wasn't." Charlie chimed in.

"Yes, and I appreciate it immensely Charlie," Hermione hugged him.

"As for the rest of you, I recommend cold showers to get this tension out of you! I'll see you later on, if you're very fortunate!" Hermione stormed away, wrapping herself in a beach towel as she went.

#

The camera focused in on Draco, still wearing his gaudy apron. "Really, Lee & Seamus were like animals, released from a cage and given energy elixers. I don't think we should all have to suffer because of them. I was merely trying to get Seamus away from me, my hands still really hurt, healing spells can only do so much." Draco said, staring down at his red hands.

#

" I am really angry at the two of them, I was up for one of the best days with Hermione so far, we had kissed and everything. Which reminds me, she alluded to me not being her first kiss! What was that about, and if not me, then who? My immediate thought is Harry, they've been close for ages. I wouldn't be surprised were it him."

#

"Lee was out of place, so I had to put him back. It's what any real man would do." Seamus said defensively, his arms crossing in front of him.

#

Lee just shook his head. "I'm not pleased. To think, Hermione might think bad of me now for what Seamus did? I am not ready to go home over something so trivial. I'm here for love, I'm here for that beautiful girl who just left in a rage. I'm going to go talk to her, hopefully smooth some things out."

#

Hermione was in her room, brushing her hair vigorously and trying to forget the fiasco that had just ensued outside. She peered out her window and saw Draco cleaning up the barbeques, waving his wand carefully in the air.

She heard a knock on her door and exhaled loudly while letting her brush fall loudly onto the table in front of her. She stood up and told herself she needed to calm down over the mornings events. She walked slowly over to the door and opened it.

Lee was standing just outside the frame, his brow was creased and his hands at his sides. "Hello Hermione. I hope you have a minute."

Hermione rested against the door frame, and Lee kept looking into her eyes, whether it was a play or honest, it worked on her. She felt her stress melt away and she invited him in. "Come on in then."

He smiled and followed her into her room. She hoped he wasn't so daring as to close the door, that would be a real test to her today.

"Hermione," He sat on the corner of her pink canopy bed. "I wanted to apologize for this morning, it was uncalled for really. I was just, caught up in the moment I guess."

"Well, I wasn't pleased with it." She knew she would forgive him, but men were so strange sometimes.

"I know, and the Fanged Beach Ball charm I did…really, that got out of hand."

"Actually," she blushed. "Oh no, I shouldn't even say it." She laughed, as she looked away from him, hoping he wouldn't notice. But no, up he came. He stood behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.

"Oh come on, you can tell me, I won't tell anyone."

Were his lips really that close to her ear? Blast it! "Okay, I'll tell you. The Fanged Beach Ball actually reminded me of Fred & George, with their Fanged Frisbee fascination."

"Haha! Yeah, wow. God, though, Fred."

Lee's touch suddenly lost some of its spark, and Hermione knew he was thinking on their old friend.

"Fred was a brave and exciting man. I think he would have liked the beach ball."

"Yeah, I wish I'd have thought of it. I can tell George though, he'll enjoy it." His hands wrapped around her as he held her closer.

"So, Charlie got the rose?" Lee spoke after a lull in the conversation.

"Yes, he did."

"That's good. He out of all of us deserved it today." Lee said, slipping his hands off of her. "Well, I'm going to go take a shower. Thanks for seeing me, Hermione."

Lee left the door open, and Hermione left her heart open to him, hoping that she could believe he wouldn't be so quick to erupt next time.

#

Hermione walked down the stairs in her ivory dress, Neville and Stan were standing at the bottom of the stairs. Neville was wearing a nice brown suit and Stan was in a light blue shirt and tie. Stan walked towards her, while Neville stood transfixed.

"You look wonderful, Hermione." Stan said, kissing her hand. "Let me just say it's a pleasure to be included in this date, and I want you to know, I'll miss Neville when you send him home tonight."

Neville's head tilted. "Sorry?"

"Don't be, really. It's only natural she'd select the more handsome of us." Stan said, pushing Neville playfully. "Buck up, chum. You might have these looks when you're my age."

"Shall we go now then?" Hermione asked, eager to get on her way.

Hermione extended her arms and had each of the men grab on to her. "Hold on tight." Hermione said, neither of the men looked like they needed much encouragement on that front. With a twist, they were gone, and the screen went black for a moment.

Hermione reappeared with both men in a shadowy little alleyway, far from the view of any peeking Muggles. "Right!" she said excitedly. "This way then."

Together they all walked into the busy streets of the West End, and eventually they found their way to their destination.

"Blood Brothers." Neville read, gazing up at the posters. "This looks good, nice cast, very bold poster."

"It's about arm wrestling?" Stan asked.

"You'll find out. Come on, let's go in."

They took their seats in the very first row of the Dress Circle and waited for the lights to dim. Hermione heard the Overture, and it was all magic from there.

They exited the theatre, and Hermione felt Neville place a kiss on her cheek. "I think you're sexier than Marilyn Monroe. Just so you know." He smiled.

"I think I'd like a little time alone with each of you. Mind if we get something to eat? I've got money." Hermione suggested, and the men agreed.

They stepped into an all night café, and Hermione had to recall how eerily similar this café was to the one she had frequented months back. Tottenham Court road was only a few minutes away, she made sure to pay attention to the other patrons.

They all ordered drinks, once they had arrived she asked Neville to have a look around, so she could talk to Stan in private. He agreed, and spent some time looking over the menu a few tables over.

"Muffliato." Hermione whispered, not that she didn't trust Neville, but she definitely didn't want any Muggles hearing anything.

"Hi." Stan volunteered to start the conversation.

Hermione smiled. "Hello."

"Lovely night isn't it? Charming little place?" Stan took a gulp of his water and winked at Hermione. "I used to drive around here all the time with 'Ern. 'Ern was my driver on the Knight Bus you see."

"Yes, Harry told me about that. It seemed like an interesting career choice." Hermione began.

"Yeah it was, best years of my life on that bus. Met the most fascinating people."

"Stan, something I've been wondering is…"

"Whether I was a Death Eater or Imperiused? Well, read the Propeht, it said it all in there. Now I can see where you drew that conclusion, what with the interesting people comment. Rest assured however, if you choose me tonight, I'll not curse you once." He chuckled reaching out for her hand, which she hesitantly accepted.

"Actually, I was wanting to know more about you. What you think about life." Hermione couldn't help but remember the talk of Stan being accused of Death Eater activity. It was his fault.

"Well, I've got a strange taste in lifestyle choices. I try stay fit, get myself in good working order. I like to see my lady friends take the same charge, and I can tell you, you have got it together."

Hermione simpered.

"Also," he went on. " I like to have a girl with a lot of charm, and you are quite the witch. I bet Flitwick gave you the best grades, you've charmed the heart right out of me."

Seven…eight..my god nine! Does he look in the mirror, or does he think those scabs are unnoticeable?

"Course, when I was in Hogwarts, Flitwick was always testing me out. Trying to see how good I could summon rabbits."

How well…how well…I wonder what Neville is doing. She peeked around surreptitiously.

" He knew who he could count on, and darling, you can count on me for love. I'm your man, through and through. Just gimme that rose, and kick Longbottom out the door."

"Yes, right. It's Neville's turn actually, so if you could possibly wait over there?" She pointed at a table.

"Sure, Hermione. Let him down easy though." He leaned over and pecked her cheek.

When Neville came to sit down she hoped he would be better.

"That play, really got to me, Hermione. I want to thank you for taking me to it. It reminded me of," he paused, smiling a bit. "Well, of my parents. And Gran, of course. "

Hermione leaned forward. "How so?"

"Well," Neville said, "The choices our parents make when we're little really affect us. If my parents hadn't stood up to Voldemort, I would have been able to be raised by them. "

"Neville, I'm going to tell you something, very few people know."

He reached for her hand and she took it in hers.

"You can tell me." Neville said, his eyes were locked onto hers.

"During the war, I wiped my parents memories and sent them to Australia, so they'd be far away from me and Voldemort's threat. I knew that certain risks had to be taken, even if it meant I had to suffer."

"Just like Mrs. Johnston. She wanted her child to live a better life, it kind of makes a lot of sense when you say it like that, with regards to my situation. But goodness, that must have been so hard on you. I knew you were strong, but to possess that level of fortitude. I admire you, Hermione. Thank you for sharing that with me. Have they gotten their memories back?"

"Yes, they have. They understood why I did that, but it hurts me still to think of it. I feel guilty for doing it, but—well, you understand."

"I do. You're an honest girl."

Hermione considered him, and found she liked him a great deal. "Neville, what do you want to do with your life, once things settle down?"

"Well, it's a good question. Pomona had asked if I would be interested in taking an assistant position with her at Hogwarts this fall. I really think that could be fun. Think of it, me a teacher's assistant."

"I can see the appeal. Hogwarts is a wonderful place. I still think so."

"I mean, you'd make a good teacher someday I believe. If we were to, well, if I am to be your husband someday, you could find a job at Hogwarts easily. You were the top of the class, they'd be fools not to take on someone like you."

"I like when you said that just now. You spoke seriously of the future, and no guy has yet to do that here. It's a first Neville." She caressed his hands, feeling hopeful.

"I like you a lot Hermione, always have, you know that. I wanted to see if there was something more between us, and I'm glad to say it seems there is."

"Neville," Hermione reached into her small purse, and rummaged around for a glass case containing the rose. It took some searching, but eventually she found it. She pulled out the rose and let Neville see it.

"Oh, Hermione." Neville peered down at it.

"Will you accept this rose, and continue our date?"

"I will."

She pinned the rose to his suit. "I have to let Stan know he's going home. I won't be long."

Neville nodded, and she left him sitting there.

Hermione was at Stan's side, and he looked at her pleasantly. "Hello again, fancy meeting you here." He nudged her playfully.

"Stan, I'd like to talk to you for a minute."

"You've got my ear as long as you want it, 'Mione. Don't you worry 'bout that none. I was just thinking to myself, why don't we give Neville the toss and have a night on the town?"

"Stan." She held out her hands and put them on his shoulders. "I'm sorry. But, I don't think we're compatible, you and I. You seem to be very busy and all, and I don't think I'm ready to commit to someone with such grandiose ideas. Can you forgive me?"

Stan's lips trembled, and he twiddled his thumbs rapidly. "You..I'm…oh." Stan managed.

"I'm really sorry, I know there's someone special out there for you. It just can't be me."

"It could be though, really, I can change. You want me to settle down and give up the high life, I will. I'll cancel my membership to Warlock Wild Ones right now. No more adventure, just quiet silent Stan Shunpike. I promise, please?" He got down on his knees, and looked right up into Hermione's eyes.

"Stan, get up, please." Hermione hissed, looking around and seeing everyone was watching the affair. She stared out the windows and saw the tiny floating cameras shaped like Snitches.

"Alright." He sniffled. "Fine, I'll get up. I'll even leave this café. Don't expect me to pay the bill. I'll leave, Hermione. Bet your last Knut, I will. But you'll always remember this night, you'll remember how you lost your chance at love! Good bye!" he shouted, and stormed from the café, the little bell above the door jangled violently.

"Can I drop off your bill then?" the waitress asked impatiently, and Hermione nodded, handing her a five pound bill. She deserved the good tip.

Neville & Hermione walked out of the café and immediately burst into laughter.

"He was a bit of an embarrassment." Hermione laughed, and stared into Neville's moonlit eyes.

"Never knew he was such a loose fuse. I guess he's on his own way now though."

"I want to try something. Promise me you'll allow it?"

"Will you Imperius me if I don't?" Neville grinned.

"Now that would take all the fun out of it!" she stomped her foot playfully, and she felt his arms wrap around her. He was getting the idea.

"You can try anything you want, unless it involves exotic dancing, I've never been really good at that type."

Hermione touched Neville's face and felt a year of abuse upon it, yet it didn't turn her away. She tilted her head and parted her lips under that starry sky. She remembered Neville dancing at the Yule Ball, he danced much better than Viktor had. Yet, no matter how talented his feet were, surprisingly; his tongue was more so.

AN: Reviews are loved, so are +Favs; so thank you to everyone who's been giving 'em!

This chapter was a bit tricky to write, some of the characters weren't working with me.

Cheers!

Towermage