Thank you, lovely, BEAUTIFUL readers. :) jedaisy, I'm trying to take your suggestion into consideration! This one is longer :) Also a big thank you to RavenclawPrincess90 and ShamelesslyObsessed for your great reviews :) I will get around to responding! Promise!
Here's the next chapter... I rewrote it. Twice. And I'm still not so sure I'm happy with it. But I can't keep redoing it or I'll get so frustrated that I'll never finish it!
Enjoy :)
-eedie
Hermione followed George in the back entrance of the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes shop in Diagon Alley. They had said goodbye to the family and Draco not even twenty minutes earlier. This particular door led into the offices for the company. Hermione didn't even have enough time to look around because George ushered her up a set of stairs off to the side. He swiftly unlocked the door at the top of the stairs and held it open for Hermione to enter as well. She grinned as she brushed up against his solid chest in order to enter the room. She heard his sharp intake of breath, but was disappointed when he shut the door and didn't say a word. Of course she was flirting with him. Hermione was interested to know how much fun she would be able to have in this flat. George turned to face her after shutting the door.
"Here, let me give you the grand tour. And then I'll show you what we've done with the shop too."
Hermione smiled softly. She hadn't been in this shop in nearly five years. She followed George through the small flat, listening to him babble on about the living room, then the kitchen, then his room, the bathroom, and then her room. He tossed her bag onto the bed and turned back to face her. A seductive gaze slid across her face, and George felt his neck grow warm under his shirt collar. Hermione stepped back out into the hallway, swooping her eyes from one end to the next.
"So there's only one bathroom in here?"
George nodded.
"And that's your room there?"
Another nod.
"What's going to happen if you accidentally walk in on me in the shower?"
George opened and closed his mouth a few times, looking flabbergasted. Hermione giggled again and started walking back to the living room.
"Don't worry, George. I won't be angry if you do. Actually, I think I will enjoy it."
George held his face in his hands for a second before following her out of the hall. This is going to be harder than I thought. George motioned for Hermione to follow him back down the stairs. Along the way, he flicked quite a few light switches, and Hermione could hear noises coming from all parts of the building. Machines turning on, toys coming to life…
"Now, this down here is the office area. Quite boring actually. Draco spends most of his time here, wooing the big-wigs to invest in our future and whatnot. Draco's secretary, Stacey, also works back here. Or inventing room is through that gray door back there, but this room is what you'll want to see."
He pushed open a large set of wooden double doors and Hermione squealed with glee. Not much had changed about the store. She could see the new items that lay on shelves, but it still had its disorganized sections and that Weasley charm about it. She walked around the entire store, taking in all the merchandise and giggling at the practical jokes held in each one. George silently followed her, watching her actions with curiosity. This was still that girl he knew once. Things like this shop could bring that side out in her. But something had hardened her in her life and caused her to really become who she is now. George knew he would have to get down to the bottom of it if he intended to make any changes. Plus, if she continued to wear clothes like that, the notorious playboy in him wouldn't be able to keep his hands off her. Maybe that's not a bad thing, Georgie. He shook his head to clear his thoughts, and found Hermione in the "female" section of the store. Love potions, seduction perfumes, you name it. This was the place women came to find help in making themselves more desirable. Hermione was reading the labels with rapt attention. George let out a snort and leaned against a shelf next to her.
"Honestly, Hermione, you're looking at this junk? Like you need any of it."
A perfectly shaped eyebrow raised in his direction. She placed the bottle of seduction perfume back on the shelf and turned to face him.
"Oh really? And why's that?"
George uncomfortably ran a hand across the back of his neck where a blush was starting to form. His eyes darted around the room, looking for something to divert Hermione's attention, but he couldn't find anything.
"Hermione, you know you're beautiful. You know you're confident. The purpose of those potions is to make an attraction possible if you are lacking in those areas. Men will do your bidding even if you blink in their direction. You don't need any help in that department."
Hermione giggled, and George suddenly noticed the closeness between the two of them. Hermione placed her dainty hand on his shoulder and leaned in close. She batted her eyes a few times and George felt dazed. A dazzling smile spread across her lips and she leaned back.
"If I asked you to do something right now, you'd do it?"
George looked into her eyes and let out an exasperated laugh.
"I probably would. If I wasn't letting my mind take over. But honestly, all I can think of right now is that you are my house guest, an old friend, and I don't want to mess any of that up."
He walked back to the cashier's counter and sat on it, running a hand through his hair. Hermione smiled and tapped her lip in thought.
"What a shame."
George hopped behind the counter and pulled out a company plan book, flipping through the pages in thought. Hermione waltzed over and slid onto the top of the counter. She lay down and stretched out along the counter, her long legs running in front of George. She sighed daintily and turned to face him.
"So how is business, George? I mean, this store is fucking fantastic. You seem to be thriving since the war."
George smiled as he flipped through the pages and stopped on one, eyes sliding across the scribbled notes. When he looked up, Hermione's eyes were on him, watching his actions with interest.
"Business is good. I don't think we would be where we are right now without Draco. I miss Fred every day, and sometimes I find it difficult to keep inventing without him. But I really do have some great friends who help me out along the way, and its helped the company thrive. We're not going anywhere."
Hermione hopped off the counter and walked toward George, placing her hand softly on his forearm. He met her eyes and saw remorse and sadness there.
"I'm sorry I missed the funeral."
George looked down and nodded, swallowing the lump that grew in his throat. The two sat there in silence for what seemed like an eternity before Hermione cleared her throat and hopped back onto the counter. She crossed her tan legs and leaned toward George, a smile on her face.
"Let's go out."
George raised an eyebrow and put his plan book away. It wasn't such a bad idea really. There were some clubs around Muggle London that he could take her to. He stood up and grinned at Hermione before lifting her off the counter.
"Let's do it. What sort of place are you looking for?"
He led her back up into the apartment, turning lights and machines off along the way. She giggled as she headed toward her bedroom to get ready.
"I want to go dancing. And I want to get down and dirty. You better get yourself ready, my friend. You're in for quite a ride."
She disappeared around the corner and George snorted. I'm in trouble. He whipped out his cell phone as he headed toward his room. He sent a text and tossed the phone on his bed before turning to his closet.
From: George Weasley
To: Draco Malfoy
Message: Taking Hermione to Flame in 1 hr. U better be there. Bring some friends.
George pulled off his t-shirt and stood in front of the closet, not sure what to wear. He had a reputation of being a "womanizer" these days, but he was sure that was due to his friendship with Draco Malfoy, playboy extraordinaire. Ever since they began hanging out together, they became each other's wingmen. And since Draco was so good at bedding women, he taught George his ways. He was a frequent club visitor, but this time it seemed so different. He was about to see "Penelope" in full swing, and George wasn't sure he was ready for it. He sat on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands, unable to focus on choosing an outfit for the evening. A light knock sounded on his door before Hermione poked her head in. She was wearing a faded t-shirt that wasn't even long enough to cover the delicious curves of her bottom. She entered and smiled as George sprang to his feet.
"I just wondered if you needed help picking an outfit!"
George laughed lightly and motioned toward the open closet. Hermione smiled and turned toward it, hands on her shapely hips. George was fighting an internal battle to keep his eyes off her ass. Clearly she didn't mind that she wasn't completely covered. She was a stripper after all, right? Hermione reached into the closet and pulled out a forest green button down shirt. She held it up to George, letting her hands press against his firm chest. She smiled and handed the shirt to him.
"Wear this. Dark jeans. Run some gel through your hair, but not too much. I'll be ready in maybe 20 minutes?"
With that, she swept back out of the room, leaving George dazed. She must've had a reason in coming in besides dressing him, right? George shook his head and set out to dress in the clothes Hermione picked out.
Down the hall, Hermione was grinning like a Cheshire cat. Sure, she had ulterior motives for going in the room. She wanted to see what George looked like without clothes on. He was only shirtless, but Hermione was pleased with what she had seen. His toned chest was tan and broad. A small trail of hair led down into his jeans, leaving Hermione excited for what was beyond. She wanted to go in there in just her delicates, but she figured he would freak out and act awkward, so she threw a shirt over it, thankful that it didn't cover everything up. She was enjoying George, although she wished he would loosen up a bit. He's just going to have to learn. Hermione slipped into a deep blue bandage dress that barely covered her ass. The sweetheart neckline was adorned with silver studs that gave the dress an edgy look. The back of the dress dipped into a daringly low V. She smiled as she circled in front of the mirror. She applied a gray and black smoky eye and painted her lips with a bright red. She charmed her hair to stay silky, straight, and blonde. Lastly, she slipped into a pair of dangerously high black stilettos with studs along the ankle strap. With one last look in the mirror, she grabbed her small clutch off the bed and walked down the hall. George pulled open his door as she raised her hand to knock. Hermione took a moment to admire the man in front of her. He looked strikingly good in the clothes she had picked out. His short hair looked somewhat styled, and Hermione grinned. He looked so much better that way. He raised an eyebrow as he took in her outfit, an appreciative smile growing on his face.
"You look amazing, Hermione."
She walked toward the living room, wiggling her hips as she went.
"Thanks! I'm glad you like what you see. C'mon, baby! I'm ready to get down!"
George rolled his eyes and held out his hand. Hermione readily took it and felt a sharp tug as the ground fell away. A few short seconds later and her feet her touching solid ground once more. She glanced around, noticing the dark alley they had apparated to. George grabbed her hand and led her out onto the busy street. Club-goers were milling around outside a large building, a line spreading down the sidewalk. George hesitated, ready to jump in line, when Hermione rolled her eyes and marched up to the bouncer at the front door. George sat back and watched in interest. The bouncer was a gigantic man with a bored expression. His Security shirt had the name Shane embroidered on the top. He turned on Hermione as she approached, his eyes taking in every inch of her perfect form. She smiled seductively and ran her fingers lightly up his arm to rest on his shoulder.
"Hi there, Shane, how are you tonight?"
The bouncer smiled lazily and nodded in approval.
"Oh, I'm just fine. You lookin' to get in tonight, beautiful?"
Hermione nodded emphatically, batting her long eyelashes at him.
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble. Can I bring a couple friends in as well?"
Shane stood back and unhooked the velvet rope, nodding his agreement. Hermione turned back to George and motioned in her direction. He approached and nodded toward the bouncer before slipping inside with Hermione on his arm. She smiled at the dense crowd gathered inside. The music was loud, the bass was pounding, and people were dancing all over the room. Hermione saw George wave and her attention landed on Draco and a small crowd of people who looked vaguely familiar. She followed George to the table and watched him greet the small gathering of people. Draco stood up and kissed Hermione's cheek in greeting and turned back to the table.
"Everyone, I'm sure you all remember Hermione, although she looks quite different these days. Hermione, I'm sure you remember Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, Astoria Greengrass, Lee Jordan, and Angelina Johnson."
Hermione smiled brightly and said hello to each member of the group. She snuggled into the booth in between Blaise and George. Blaise turned his dark eyes on her and smirked.
"So, Hermione… I have no idea what you've been up to. Actually, no one knows what you've been up to."
Draco cleared his throat, eyeing Blaise warily, before turning to Hermione.
"Don't say anything that you don't want in the Daily Prophet tomorrow. Blaise here is a very popular gossip columnist. He will do anything to get the dirt."
Hermione turned on Blaise and grinned cheekily.
"Well if you must know, I ran off into the wilderness after the war and started living with a pack of werewolves. They took me into captivity until a few months ago, but I had to be rehabilitated into regular society before people could see me. The only reason they didn't kill me was because of my dashingly good looks. "
Blaise narrowed his eyes at Hermione, unsure if she was telling the truth or not. George took that moment to step in.
"Actually, she ran off with a clan of vampires. They've been living in the Northern United States and going to high school with a bunch of muggles. Hermione decided to leave when a depressed son of a bitch started sparkling in a meadow."
The group started laughing quietly and Blaise rolled his eyes, catching on to their stories. Draco leaned toward Hermione and winked before speaking in his signature drawl.
"Actually, Mate, she's been shacking up in Las Vegas. She spends her nights getting sloshed and blitzed, then gets on stage and takes her clothes off."
The table was silent for a minute, and George looked at Draco in horror. Suddenly, the table broke out in raucous guffaws and fist-pounding. Blaise wiped at his eyes and clapped Draco on the back.
"Good one, Draco. Like anyone would believe that."
George turned to Hermione who winked before nudging him out of the booth.
"Let's go to the bar. I need a drink, and then I want to dance!"
George nodded and followed her. Several shots later, Hermione was loosened up. She walked back to the table and slammed her hands down.
"Who's going to dance with me?"
Blaise quirked an eyebrow and slid out of the booth. He grabbed Hermione's hand and led her to the dance floor. Instantly, Hermione melded her back to his chest. They were grinding and gyrating while the rest of the table looked on. George slid in next to Draco and tipped his cup in her direction.
"So what do you think of this? Think I can get her to pass as a classy lady in a few months? She's quite the… uh… charmer, I guess."
Draco chuckled and clinked his glass into George's.
"I think you've got your hands full, friend. I have no clue what she's thinking."
The pair sat and watched as Hermione danced with guy after guy. She drank more and more, and her movements were beginning to look sluggish and she was laughing more than usual. She would throw her head back and laugh uncontrollably at what her male suitors would say. She was pressing up against them, leaning in and whispering into their ears. At some point throughout the night, she began kissing the men she was dancing with. Draco laughed and George rolled his eyes, until Hermione approached him, asking him to dance with her. He agreed and let her pull him after her. The music was a slow and strong, the bass booming all around them. Hermione wrapped her body around George's, swaying and undulating against his firm figure. She ran her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck and tucked her head into the crook of his neck.
"Welcome to what I do each night. Having fun?"
George laughed and ran his hands up and down her body.
"I've been here countless times before, done this exact dance with who knows how many women, but I have to say that this time is the most interesting."
Hermione smiled and kissed the sensitive skin beneath his ear lobe. A shiver ran up George's spine as he felt her warm breath on his neck.
"I could make it more interesting for you, if you want."
George stiffened momentarily.
"Hermione…"
She pulled away and faced him, hands on her hips.
"Look, George. This is what I do. I drink, I dance, I strip, I fuck. That's what I enjoy doing each night. Just because I came to London for a visit doesn't mean I'm going to change my ways."
George grabbed her arm and pulled her off to a corner where the music wasn't so loud and there weren't so many onlookers.
"Hermione, I'm not going to sleep with you. You've been gone for years, and you haven't even been back for 24 hours! If you want to continue on with your lifestyle, that's fine, but I can't indulge you. Also, you can't bring men back to the flat unless they are wizards. So if you're going to sleep with Muggles you best find a different spot."
Hermione's eyes narrowed and she turned in a huff. George caught her arm just in time and pulled her back, closer than before.
"Hermione, I don't want you to be offended. Of course I'm attracted to you. But I'm having a moral dilemma about wanting to sleep with you, based on my family's history with you. I'm really not one to call the next day, if you know what I mean. It'll just make things weird and my mother would kill me. But don't think I'm judging you. I'm not mad. You do what you need to do, and I'll see you in the morning."
Hermione softened and stood on her tiptoes. She kissed George lightly on the lips before turning and walking back into the crowd. George went back to the table, knocked back his drink, and threw some money down on the table. Draco quirked an eyebrow, but George shook his head. He needed to leave, now. He scanned the crowd and found Hermione dancing with a new man. She met his eyes for a minute and gave him a small wave. He waved back, mouthed 'See you tomorrow' and walked out the door, apparating back to his flat. George collapsed on his bed, exhausted from the revelations of the day. His last thought before he drifted off the sleep was hoping that Hermione would get home safely.
Things will start picking up here soon! I'm just trying to help George see into the way Hermione lives... how can you change someone that you don't know? :)
