Hermione's day didn't improve much. The executive goblins not only wanted her to handle the matter of the Wendel Cauldron Factory, but also to renegotiate their client investment contracts so that the bank could charge more fees. It was hard for Hermione to do a thing like that, but she was their employee and had to obey. Then she had to endure another scolding from her boss as she had to leave work early to deal with Lockhart. She sent a patronus to Ron saying that she had to work late, just in case Lockhart kept her out too long. It wouldn't be the first time she worked late, so Ron wouldn't have any reason to suspect anything.

—

Lockhart was waiting as usual, but this time when Hermione arrived at the hotel he was wearing a regular t-shirt and jeans. Hermione expected him to take her up again but this time Lockhart didn't. Hermione didn't know whether to be relieved or apprehensive. What did Lockhart want now?

Lockhart surveyed Hermione, purposely putting on a thinker pose, one finger tapping his lips.

"You look too professional." Lockhart gave an evil grin, and his hand went to his wand.

Hermione was still dressed for work but suddenly, her heels became dark blue flats, Hermione's work clothes were transformed into a white tank top and black jeans. The tank top revealed just a little of the top of Hermione's breasts and her shoulders. It clung to her tightly. She wasn't used to wearing clothes like this and felt awkward, but Hermione still thought Lockhart would just have his way with her and then let her go back home.

But Lockhart still made no move towards the hotel. Instead, he threw his arm around her and led her away. Hermione shied away, pulling Lockhart's arm off of her. It was strange, Ron always smelled sweet and grassy to her, but Lockhart smelled completely different. He smelled more of smoke and something like the smell of pine. While she felt totally safe with Ron, Lockhart still felt evil and dangerous.

"If you don't hold on to me, I can't take you there!" Lockhart said.

"We can't be seen like this…" said Hermione. "Remember this is the first week. You only have 3 weeks left."

"Then let's not waste time…"

With that Lockhart hugged her from behind making Hermione yelp, putting his head over her shoulder and apparated.

Hermione struggled to escape his hug, but Lockhart actually let go. Hermione looked around and found they were in the middle of a huge parking lot. She heard a lot of shouts and laughter from the distant gate, where people were standing in line and uniformed women and men were taking tickets.

It was a theme park.

"Don't worry, there are only muggles here, no one will know you." Lockhart said.

Then he grabbed her hand and pulled her forward. The force was unexpected and unconsciously Hermione stumbled forward to prevent herself from falling. In the end, Hermione couldn't stop herself from being led along.

"Let go of me. Let go!" Hermione hissed.

She tried to pull away but soon they were in a line of people, and they were getting stares. Lockhart was quite handsome, his brown hair with streaks of blonde an inch above his head, neatly cut. His sharp jawline made him solemn and severe, but when he smiled it still felt warm, and yet, the scar on his face made his smile seem dangerous at the same time. He was tall and broad shouldered, and he had piercing, blue-grey eyes. Hermione could see other women stealing a look from time to time.

The men seemed embarrassed by Hermione as well. Her hair had been in a bun all day but now it was let down, and it was lightly brown and shiny from all the magic potion she used to keep her hair straight for work. Where it fell above the shoulders her hair was slightly curled, giving her a look like she just tumbled out of bed. Hermione hardly used makeup, only some eyeliner and peachy lipstick but her face still looked elegant and caught the eye. Some of the younger guys stared openly at her, but the husbands who stared too long got angry looks from their wives.

There were little kids all over the place as well, shouting and laughing.

In front of all these people Hermione suddenly felt uncomfortable and hid behind Lockhart, trying to avoid the eyes of the people around her. She didn't want to make a scene, but it also upset her to just go with Lockhart into the park. There were too many people around. What if Ron somehow found out about this? And she had things to do tomorrow.

"I have work to do tomorrow," Hermione whispered forcefully, tiptoeing so she could reach his ear. "Why don't you just—" The words caught in her throat, and Hermione stopped. Just now, she had almost asked Lockhart to take her back to the hotel but that would mean…

Ignoring her outburst, Lockhart pulled Hermione through the entrance and peered at her. Hermione stumbled through the crowd, looked up and met his gaze. She couldn't believe what she saw. Lockhart was staring down at her intensely, with a look that seemed like it might be sulky. Hermione couldn't tell for sure, but Lockhart had never treated her this way before.

"You can't go back until I say you can."

"Stop it!", Hermione tried to pull her wrist away from Lockhart's hold, but he only closed his fingers tighter. "You're hurting me!"

Lockhart instantly let go, but his face changed for the briefest second. Hermione gave Lockhart a hateful look, rubbing her wrist, but inside she was also surprised. What was that look that crossed Lockhart's face? Was it a look of hate or anger or maybe even something else…?

Lockhart said with a tone that betrayed no emotion, "I won't keep you long. So unless you come ride that coaster with me, I'll tell Ron everything." Lockhart spun and turned around, pushing through the crowd to the line without another look back.

Hermione struggled with herself before she finally sucked in her breath angrily and thought to herself, only 3 more weeks, and followed Lockhart through the crowd.

—

Next Chapter 7