Hermione broke down in tears as she entered her apartment, she couldn't believe what had just happened. She was embarrassed to be crying, she had never been the pathetic crying-about-boyfriend-troubles type before. She somehow managed to remain standing as she stumbled into her apartment. It had been like she was watching a muggle movie in slow motion and in her grief Hermione had forgotten that Ginny was home today.
"Hermione," Ginny said sympathetically, leading her friend to the couch in the lounge. "Fred just owled me, what is going on?"
Hermione managed to control her tears with Ginny hugging her tightly now curled up on the couch.
"It isn't going to work out," Hermione said simply.
"What did my prat of a brother do this time?" Ginny asked with a weak smile, still holding her friend close still.
"He didn't do anything," Hermione whispered, returning Ginny's smile.
Noticing Ginny's sceptical look, "seriously he didn't do anything."
"Was he supposed to do something?" Ginny asked, wondering if Fred forgot something important.
"It isn't like that Ginny," Hermione explained.
"Then why? I know you love him and he loves you. In his owl he said he wants to talk to you, just talk." Ginny mediated.
"Ginny I don't want to talk about it," Hermione said as she wiped her face with the back of her hand.
Ginny looked at Hermione suspiciously for a few moments before saying, "if he didn't do anything... What did you do?"
Ginny instantly recognised the guilty that flashed across Hermione's face. It was then that Ginny realised that is why Hermione was crying, it was something she had done, not something that had been done to her.
"What did you do?" Ginny repeated when Hermione didn't answer her.
"It doesn't matter," Hermione said firmly, "it is over okay?"
Ginny reluctantly dropped the subject and instead went to start making the pair of them dinner. When Hermione headed to the shower Ginny took this chance to visit her brother, apparating into the back room of their shop with a 'pop'. She was surprised to see Verity alone in the shop, the woman informed Ginny that her brothers were upstairs.
Ginny made her way up the stairs but paused when she reached the front door of the flat, she could hear her brothers having a hushed conversation on the other side of the door.
"What am I suppose to do now?" Ginny heard Fred ask George. Fred didn't sound upset, more frustrated than anything else.
"You know why she is acting this way," George said unusually carefully, "all you can do is talk to her about it."
"She won't talk to me," Fred explained.
"It has only been an hour mate," George said calmly, "give her a bit of time. She only did it because she feels too guilty to even look at you.
Ginny desperately wanted to listen on to find out the source of Hermione's guilt but her own guilt got the better of her and she finally knocked. She heard shuffling before Fred opened the door, Ginny let herself in with her hands on her hips.
"You are going to tell me what is going on right now Fred Wealsey!" Ginny demanded impatiently.
"Why don't you ask Hermione?" Fred said a little coldly, he know knew why she had dumped him, but that didn't stop him being annoyed at her for not talking to him.
"I tried, once she had stopped crying, I got nothing. She looked guilty but I have no idea why," Ginny explained. Ginny shot Fred an intimidating look that was usually flowed by a certain hex.
"Okay," Fred admitted finally before stretching the truth. "Hermione is feeling guilty because she has feelings for George."
Ginny eyed him off suspiciously, "and George?"
"George also admits having feelings for her..." Fred said intentionally awkwardly, he wanted his little sister to leave already.
"Oh," Ginny said surprised. "Well, I will talk to her again when I get home, but you two definitely need to talk."
"I am working on it and we would all appreciate it if you could keep this information to yourself please," Fred assured her, glad to see her walking towards the door, clearly uncomfortable with this revelation.
Ginny left with a simple farewell, leaving she seemed to have more questions than when she had arrived.
It had not even been twenty hour hours since she had broken up with Fred and Molly was on Hermione's door step.
"I came as soon as I heard," Molly said as Hermione opened the door. Wrapping her arms around her second-daughter, "what did my silly boy do now?"
Hermione couldn't help but smile, even if it was a pained one. Everyone was assuming Fred was the guilty party, nobody was even considering that Hermione was the horrible person here.
"I assure you Molly, Fred did nothing. Our relationship simply ran its course," Hermione smiled. "I am fine, I promise."
Hermione suffered through a cup of tea with Molly, as the woman attempted to obtain information regarding Fred. Hermione nodded and shook her head politely as Molly asked her question after question in an attempt to make conversation.
"How about I talk to him for you?" Mrs Weasley offered.
"Molly, I broke up with him and I will talk to him when I am ready. I do not need others talking to him for me," Hermione insisted. It was true, she had come to the realisation that she and Fred shared to many friends, namely his family, to not be on speaking terms with each other.
Molly seemed to sense Hermione frustration with the topic and shortly left to tend to her household chores, much to Hermione's delight. It hadn't even been a full day and the Weasley clan was driving her up the wall! Tomorrow she planned on keeping herself busy by applying for jobs, she had her hopes pinned on a medical research job at St. Mungo's. She wasn't exactly academically qualified, but she did have graduated with great NEWTS and had invented a few medical related spells and potions whilst work at WWW.
Hermione was incredibly pleased when a St Mungo's employee responded in person merely a few hours after she sent her application off. Hermione looked in the peep hole and saw the woman formally dressed wearing a St Mungo's lanyard and a name badge. Hermione silently praised the heavens that she knew some amazing cosmetic and fashion spells. Hermione waved her wand quickly to change her casual robes into more classy ones before speedily fixing her hair and applying simple make up. Once she looked more than appropriate Hermione opened the door with a smile, "hello".
"Miss Granger, my name is Diane Kramer, you can call me Diane. Sorry to drop by but I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions about your application." The woman at the door said enthusiastically.
"Please come in Diane," Hermione said slightly flustered, "and please call me Hermione".
Diane accepted Hermione's and when invited followed Hermione into the kitchen where Hermione offered her tea.
"That would be lovely thank you," Diane said taking a seat at the kitchen table.
As Hermione poured the two of them some freshly made tea Diane spoke, "I must say Hermione, we were very surprised when we received you resume this morning."
"Pleasantly I hope," Hermione smiled charmingly, she wanted this job. She saw it is a positive that St Mungo's had replied to her application so quickly.
"Of course. Your fame, brains and beauty all precede you."
"You are to kind," Hermione blushed modestly.
"Can I ask why you are no longer working at the joke shop?" Diane asked curiously.
"It really was great there, but it is time I settled myself into a more serious career. Upon my graduation I was offered a position in your Healers training program, but having worked at WWW I am now convinced that magical medical research is the job for me." Hermione said charismatically.
"We certainly think so too, I actually came here to ask when you can start?" Diane said standing up and offering her hand to Hermione. Hermione jumped up so quickly she nearly knocked her chair over.
"I will see you tomorrow," Hermione said as she shook Diane's hand. She couldn't believe it had been that easy.
"Great, are you happy for us to hold a press conference tomorrow to announce this? It will help bring in some extra donations for research," Diane explained.
Normally Hermione would object for her fame being used like this, however she couldn't complain since it was for medical research. "Not a problem, I will see you tomorrow at nine?"
"Sure, just go to reception in the morning and they will set you up with everything you need," Diane instructed. "It really was lovely meeting you Hermione; I am looking forward to working with you."
"You too," Hermione said kindly, she was also trying not to explode with excitement. Hermione then walked Diane to the door, thanking her for the opportunity. As the door shut behind Diane, Hermione realised the past twenty minutes had been the first time in the last two days where she hadn't thought about Fred and George Weasley.
To prolong her distraction she ran to her room to find an outfit to wear tomorrow. She ended up deciding on a simple black and white dress, a black petticoat and a pair of low heels. Hermione then started baking like a mad person, she wanted to make a good impression and be liked by her new co-workers. Hermione had a feeling her more qualified co-workers could possibly resent her getting the job so easily, especially since many of them had to undertake years of postgraduate study. Hermione knew how to cook with the help of magic, but she was a fan of baking the muggle way. Hermione transformed a bowl on the table into a picnic basket with a large tea towel in it. Hermione filled the basket with her famous, apple, banana and chocolate, ABC muffins.
Hermione wrapped up the now cool muffins in the tea towel and cast an enchantment over the basket that would keep its contents perfectly fresh till tomorrow morning. Hermione quickly threw something together for lunch and ate it alone with her thoughts. This sitting still was not good for her though. Hermione then started on an elaborate dinner for herself and Ginny, it seemed the only way to keep her mind off a certain pair of red heads was to keep her hands and body otherwise occupied.
Many hours later Ginny arrived home from work, "Hermione, it smells amazing!"
Hermione smiled clearly impressed with herself, thankfully Ginny had had perfectly consistent timing. Hermione had already set the table and was just pulling the roast lamb and roast vegetables out of the oven.
"Is that mint sauce?" Ginny asked, clearly impressed.
"Yes," Hermione smiled, she knew how Ginny felt about mint sauce.
"Wow, it smells so great!" Ginny exclaimed again.
Hermione carved the meat with magic while she plated up the vegetables.
"Bon apatite," Hermione said spinning around with the two full plates of goodness. She placed the two delicious meals on the table before removing the apron and taking a seat.
"Fred came to see me today," Ginny stated simply.
"Oh," Hermione queried. As much as she pretended she didn't want to hear from him, she did want to know that he was okay.
"He is upset," Ginny started, carefully watching Hermione's reaction.
"Ginny, can we not talk about his?" Hermione asked plainly, she didn't want to hear about how upset Fred was. She felt horrible enough already.
Ginny nodded, "okay."
"I have something to tell you anyway," Hermione smiled, hoping to distract Ginny from the whole 'Fred' conversation topic.
"I got that job at St Mungo's," Hermione said, clearly excited.
Ginny said nothing, she was clearly surprised by this news and Hermione wonder why her best friend wasn't more excited for her.
"What is it?" Hermione asked noticing the look of confusion on Ginny's face.
"I'm just surprised that is all, didn't you only apply for that job this morning?" Ginny lied.
"Yes, a woman came over and interviewed me before giving me the job. That isn't it though... Why aren't you more excited?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
"It's just..." Ginny started, "... I thought that things with Fred would blow over and you would go back to him and your job at the shop."
"I'm not." Hermione insisted, "can you please just be happy for me?"
"I am Hermione, I promise, it's just that I want you to be happy," Ginny pleaded with her friend. She didn't want Hermione to be upset with her, but she just knew Hermione wasn't happy without her brother. Although she wasn't even sure which one she was suppose to be with... Hermione and George as a couple was something Ginny had never considered, since after all she had been with Fred, but the more she thought about it the more it made sense. Hermione had never been as out there as Fred, she was much more comfortable to work behind the scenes like George.
"I appreciate that," Hermione explained, "I am happy though. I wanted this job so terribly."
"I am glad you got it," Ginny smiled nervously.
Hermione's dreams that night made her uneasy; Fred and George intermittently came and left her dreams. They weren't sex dreams, it was just Hermione hanging around her own apartment and the boys coming to visit her one at a time. In her dream she would watch movies or eat with them. Hermione woke in the middle of the night and made her way to the bathroom, racking in the medicine chest she found a sleeping draught, this would stop her dreams. She took a large swig and went back to sleep, although this time without the confusing dreams.
Thanks to the draught she woke feeling refreshed, even more so once she had showered and the dressed in the outfit she had picked out yesterday. Hermione ate only a very light breakfast and picked up the basket of muffins before she left for her first day of work.
St. Mungo's was quite busy considering it was only 8:30am when she arrived. The receptionist happily handed Hermione a lanyard with her ID card on it and a magically key to give her access around the hospital. Hermione couldn't stop smiling as she was escorted to her laboratory; her jaw nearly hit the ground when she finally arrived there. The primarily white and silver laboratory was immaculately set up, everything was spotlessly clean and organised beautifully. There were four moon shaped work stations laid out in a circular pattern, three of them had paperwork laid out on them and one was empty.
"Hermione, I am glad you made it," Diane smiled as she shook Hermione's hands in hers. "We are all very excited to work with you."
It was only then that Hermione noticed a young woman and a young man standing behind Diane.
"I am very happy to here," Hermione said honestly, "muffins?"
"Hermione I would like you to met Deb and Michael, they are a part of the team here which is run by me." Diane explained. Micheal and Diane took a muffin, as did Deb once Diane threw her a dirty look. Hermoine then took one herself before sitting the basket on a nearby table.
"It's a pleasure," Hermione smiled as she shook her new co-workers hand. Michael shook her hand friendly and Deb just gave her half a smirk as she loosely shook Hermione's hand.
Pointing into the empty desk in the far corner, "that is your station but you can check it out later. Since you are early we have time to go over what is going to happen at the press conference."
"Sure," Hermione said as the four of them pulled up a chair each with one hand as their other hands were busy holding their delicious muffins.
"It shouldn't take too long, I will go first and announce your employment as a part of our research team. Then they will of course want to hear from you, I was thinking just give them the usual spill about how you are excited about this opportunity blah blah blah," Diane said as she read off her clipboard. She paused to take a few bites of her muffin.
Hermione, Deb and Michael all nodded in agreement so Diane continued, "then I was thinking Deb and Michael can say just a quick piece about how they are happy to have the brightest witch of our time as a part of the team?"
"Of course," Michael agreed quickly, "that will be easy. If half the things I have heard about you are true Hermione I am incredibly impressed."
Hermione laughed as she smiled at Michael, "I would be more than happy to confirm or deny all of those stories you have heard. I hope I can live up to your expectations."
"Deb?" Diane asked firmly.
"Sure, whatever," Deb agreed clearly not caring.
"Great, but can you be a bit more convincing in front of the presses camera," Diane said rolling her eyes. "Now after Deb and Michael have said their piece, Hermione and I will step forward again and we will have a bit of a Q&A session."
Hermione asked nervously, "Q&A about my job right?"
Diane noticed Hermione's concern, "I have instructed the press to only ask questions relating to your new career with St. Mungos or with your past success. I have told them that anyone who asks about your personal life will not be invited back and black listed from any Ministry related press conferences.
"Thank you, I appreciate that," Hermione said cheerfully.
"Great, now we have twenty minutes till the press conference starts, so we had better make out way up to the conference room." Diane instructed as she stood up and went to lead the group out of the room. Wanting to get away from Hermione Deb was on Diane's heels as she left the room.
Michael hung back slightly so that he could talk to Hermione without Deb or Diane hearing, he yelled after the leaving women, "Hermione just wants to check out her test, we will be right behind you."
Hermione mimed pulling her hair out causing Michael to laugh, "don't worry about Deb, she is like that with everyone."
Hermione raised her eyebrows sceptically. Michael laughed again, "Okay maybe she is a little worse with you. But in her defence she has heard how amazing you are; she can't help but resent you."
Hermione smiled at the flattery, "then why are you not resentful?"
"I am clever enough to realise it is an amazing opportunity to work so closely with someone as amazing as you. Oh and I hope you weren't joking about confirming or denying the many stories I have heard about you?" Michael asked charmingly.
"I wasn't," Hermione smiled.
"How about you can tell me some stories over dinner tonight?" Michael asked smoothly.
"I don't think that is a good idea," Hermione said quietly. She did have her standing reservation tonight but she had no intention of using it. It was too soon, having been there with George only last week.
"Maybe some other time then," Michael smiled weakly, he was clearly let down but he still recovered nicely. "We had better get to this conference and show you off."
"Sorry," Hermione said quietly, Michael seemed like a great guy and he certainly wasn't a sight for sore eyes. She couldn't help but notice that he looked a little like Cormac McLaggen, except obviously way less of a douche.
"Don't worry about it Hermione," Michael said genuinely, "now we had better get a move on before the press thinks there is more of a story here then there actually is."
Hermione laughed, "that is just what I need, a story about me and a co-worker."
The pair of them then quickly made their way to the conference room and were there a few minutes before the conference was suppose to start.
Hermione stood in the corner of the room talking to Michael and Diane, while Deb sulked to herself. Hermione was surprised at many different news companies were here, seeing a familiar face Hermione called out "Luna."
"Hi Hermione," Luna greeted her friendly. "This is all very exciting isn't it?"
"Yes it is," Hermione smiled, "all very hush hush though."
"I am happy to wait and see, it is more dramatic that way," Luna smiled airily.
"Excuse me, Hermione, they are ready for us," Diane announced, "I will ask you to join me in a moment."
Walking up to the front of the room, which was slightly elevated by a small platform, Diane stood in front of the magical microphones. "I would like to thank you all for coming here today so early in the day." Diane paused to create a little suspense before continuing, "as I am sure many of you have noticed the great was heroine, Hermione Granger, is here today with us."
Diane gestured towards Hermione who understood this meant she wanted her to join her on stage. Hermione careful walked up the few steps and onto the platform, taking her place next to Diane. Diane then explained that Hermione was joining their team, however Hermione didn't hear this as she had just noticed Fred and George trying to hide behind some of the news crew. Hermione wasn't sure why but she felt instantly annoyed, although thankfully she managed to smile in spite of it. She couldn't believe they had come here, couldn't they understand she wanted to move on!
Hermione started listening to Diane again just in time, as she had just explained that Hermione wanted to say a few words. With something to concentrate on Hermione blocked out all thoughts of the Weasley twins.
Hermione couldn't help but blush after Michael spoke so highly of her and how excited he was to be working so closely with her. It took all of Hermione's will power to not roll her eyes when Deb tried to mimic Michael's spill. She did seem half convincing though.
Hermione suddenly got nervous when she realised it was now time for Q&A.
"You are only nineteen Miss Granger, are you planning on staying with St. Mungo's for your career, or is it a stepping stone?"
"Yes I am quite young, which is why I don't want to limit my options. I have stepped onto this first stone; I will keep stepping onto the next one and see where it leads me." Hermione said diplomatically.
"How do you think this job will compare to your job at WWW?" A short reported asked.
Hermione swallowed before answering, she knew someone would ask about WWW, but it didn't mean she didn't want to answer it. She saw Diane move to step in so she answered before she did, "I did enjoy my short employment with WWW. It was a great fun job, a breath of fresh air after all those years at Hogwarts and fighting in the war." Hermione answered diplomatically before continuing, "I have always loved research and I think my new role here suits be perfectly. We are doing important work and I hope to work here for many years to come."
The reports were bustling, all trying to gain Hermione's attention. "Yes Miss Lovegood?" Hermione asked her friend. Hermione knew Luna was often ignored at these serious proper type invents, her magazine is not given much credibility.
"Do you have any particular areas of research you are wishing to focus on?" Luna asked professionally... Unfortunately she didn't finish there, "perhaps a potion to ward of Wrackspurt's?"
Hermione somehow managed to not laugh at the Wrackspurt comment, instead answering professional. "Thank you Miss Lovegood. Yes, I currently hoping to work on an immunisation for dragon pox amongst other things."
"Miss Granger, are you getting along with your new co-workers?" The last interviewer asked.
Hermione knew she was supposed to nod and say 'yes of course', but she could see Fred and George grinning slightly. Hermione knew they were both thinking of times when she had 'got along' with them. Hermione decided in heart beat to put those boys in their place.
"The team is amazing, I had tea with Diane yesterday and tonight I am having dinner with Michael here." Hermione boasted slightly, she threw a friendly smile in Michael's direction. It did not go unnoticed by the twins, especially seeing how pleased Michael was with himself.
"Thank you for your questions." Diane smiled, "I am sure you can all understand that Miss Granger is keen to get on with her first day of work.., so that will be all for today. Thank you again for coming."
Seeing the twins try to move closer to the stage Hermione quickly slid out of the room into an employee's only area, followed closely my Michael.
Being alone again Michael took a risk and kissed Hermione before she had a chance to blink. He was firm but in no way forceful, he was clearly waiting for her to reciprocate. Hermione, still feeling guilty about the twins, wanted to push him away but she didn't want to seem hot and cold. Instead she kissed him back.
"What changed your mind?" He whispered as he nuzzled her ear.
"I just realised I do want to get to know my new co-workers," Hermione lied.
"Oh hope you don't plan on getting to know them in the way i plan to get to know you. Actually I take that back, if you want to 'get to know' them, I want to watch," he joked playfully.
Hermione playfully slapped his arm, but quickly retracted it when Diane and Deb joined them
"That went great Hermione," Diane said clearly impressed with how everything had gone.
"You will never guess what happened? After your Q&A Lucius Malfoy pulled me aside and made a sizable donation for any research you would like to undertake." Diane said, clearly excited. "He is out there with the press now explaining how happy he is to help out such a bright young witch as yourself."
Hermione snorted unintentionally, "of course he is." Hermione then blushed slightly, "sorry."
"Not a problem," Diane giggled, "just never do or say that in front of a camera please. We all understand you have history with the Malfoy's."
"I bet he is pleased with himself, supporting a muggleborn war heroine with her medical research." Hermione laughed coldly, as much as she hated Lucius she had to admit he was a public relations expert.
"He is good with the public," Diane sighed. "I would hate him too except I have seen the size of the cheque he just wrote!"
Hermione enjoyed her first day thoroughly, working in a proper lab was amazing, and everything she could ever need was here. There were also many substances and ingredients that were controlled substances that she would never otherwise have had the opportunity to work with. Her first day was mostly spent learning where everything was and the procedures of the institute. Hermione organised dinner tonight during her lunch break, he was meeting her at her place then they were going to walk to the restaurant.
"If you have any problems with anything, please ask one of us," Diane said as she shook Hermione's hand. Deb and Michael had left already; Hermione had hung around knowing Diane would want to say something to her. "I will," Hermione assured her.
"You and Michael have a good time tonight," Diane smiled.
"Thank you," Hermione sighed, "it will be a nice end to this day."
"I am sure you will have a good time, Michael is great," Diane smiled.
"You are having dinner with a guy?" Ginny hissed waving the evening prophet at Hermione when she walked in the front door after work.
"I thought you said you were going to be supportive?" Hermione said grumpily.
"It has only been three day!" Ginny exclaimed.
"They came Ginny, the two of them case to the conference!"Hermione said clearly upset now. She was furious that they had come, surely they knew it would unsettle her. Hermione silently prayed that the press had not noticed the twins and interviewed them.
"I'm sorry Hermione, they shouldn't have done that. But you still should go out with this Michael guy." Ginny said softly, with her paper now lowered.
"May I?" Hermione asked, holding out her hand till Ginny placed the copy of the paper in her palm. Hermione quickly then sped read the article which started on the front page and continued onto page six. It was quite standard, first it explained a little history of her life before explaining what was said during the interview. She then read the bit about Lucius Malfoy, having to pause her reading of the article to roll her eyes. She then read a quote from her previous employers expressing that she will be sorely missed but they wish her all the best with her future endeavours.
"Are you really going to go out with this Michael guy?" Ginny asked tentatively.
"He is a nice guy," Hermione defended.
"I am sure he is, but so are my brothers, this is about you Hermione, not the men in my life." Ginny said quickly.
There was awkward silence as Hermione eyed Ginny off, "what did they tell you?"
"I don't know what you are talking about?"Ginny said, trying to realise what Hermione was talking about.
"You just said your brothers, as in plural, what did they tell you?" Hermione asked trying to appear calm.
"I... I ... I..." Ginny stuttered nervously before realising she might as well tell the truth.
"Fred told me about you and George," Ginny gushed out before burying her face in her palms.
"He what?" Hermione asked. Firstly, she couldn't believe George had confused to his brother and secondly she couldn't believe Fred had then told Ginny!
"I walked in on them discussing you and he just said that you broke up with him because you have feelings for George as well and that George has feelings for you to," Ginny explained.
Hermione was incredibly thankful that she had not said anything incriminating. She assumed that George had told Fred and then they must have lied to Ginny as a cover up the conversation she had walked in on.
"I have to go shower and get ready for dinner," Hermione stated plainly before heading towards her bedroom.
"Please don't be mad at them, I made them tell me what was going on." Ginny begged.
"I'm not mad at them Ginny, I just want to move on," Hermione said as she paused momentarily.
"Okay," Ginny accepted. She would drop it for now, but she wasn't going to let it go as she knew that Hermione still had feelings for her brothers.
Having showered before getting dressed in an outfit that was probably sexier then was strictly necessary. Hermione knew it was reasonably likely that she and Michael would be photographed on their way to dinner and she didn't want any doubt as to the fact her infamous relationship with Fred Weasley was over.
After magically curling her hair in lose ringlets she did her make up by hand, only using her wand to blend her makeup. Hermione looked in the mirror and was quite pleased with herself. Hermione heard a knock on the door a few minutes later. As much as Hermione didn't want Ginny to met Michael she also knew that even if she ran for it, Ginny would still beat her to the door.
Hermione casually made her way out of the bathroom, small bag in hand, as she made her way to the front door Ginny had just opened. "You must be Michael?" Ginny said clearly resentfully.
"Good evening, Ginny I take it?" Michael asked friendlily. Ginny's attempt to intimidate had clearly failed, she assumed because Michael was probably aware of who her brothers and had expected it.
"Yes," Ginny said snidely before noticing Hermione over her shoulder. "She needs to be home by ten, we don't want her getting a reputation."
"Thank you Ginny," Hermione said forcefully as she walked past Ginny and stood by Michael in the door way.
"You look amazing Hermione," Michael compliment before kissing her only the cheek. However the kiss was too close to the corner of Hermione's mouth for Ginny's comfort. Hermione accepted the compliment with a smile, the clingy little black dress certainly highlighted her best assets and thee shoes not only made her four inches taller they did wonders for her legs.
"Have fun guys," Ginny sulked as she left in a huff.
"Sorry about her," Hermione apologised on behalf of her friend. "She hasn't gotten over the fact that things between her brother and I are over."
"No problem," her tall dark haired handsome date smiled before kissing her again, this time without prying eyes. Michael kissed her gently and briefly before wrapping his arm around her waist, "let's get out of here."
Hermione smiled politely before agreeing and escorting Michael out of her apartment. The maitre d' covered his surprise well when he saw Hermione enter the restaurant with an unfamiliar man. "Miss Granger, your usual table is ready." The maitre d' smiled as he led her and Michael to her table, grabbing a bottle of wine from the bar as he walked past it. Once at the table he held out the seat for Hermione before pour the pair of them a glass of red wine, "on the house. Let me know when you are ready to order."
"We will have some bruschetta will we decide on mains thank you," Hermione said as he passed them their menus.
"Of course Miss Granger," the maitre d' said with a nod before heading out towards the kitchens.
"This is really cute, I take it you come here often?" Michael queried as he took a sip of the win in his glass.
"Yes I have this table as a standing reservation," Hermione smiled as she to drank from her glass. "The food is amazing here."
"Are you sure you want to be here?" Michael asked, his intention was clear. He certainly didn't want to rush her after all her wasn't an idiot, he knew she was fresh out of a relationship.
"I like you, even more now you have asked that," Hermione smiled. "You are right though, I am not looking for a serious relationship right now," Hermione continued slightly awkwardly.
Seeing that Hermione was embarrassed by her confession Michael reassured her, "Hermione, don't worry about it. I want whatever you want."
After Michael's reassurance Hermione the mood instantly relaxed, that was until half an hour later when she spotted a familiar body sitting at the bar. Although the man was a brunette she instantly recognised the posture of the man as that of Fred Weasley.
"Can you excuse me Michael," Hermione interrupted min-sentence.
"Of course," Michael replied.
"Sorry," Hermione said as she stood up. "This shouldn't take too long" she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before heading to the bar.
"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked aggressively.
Fred turned to face Hermione slightly sheepishly; it was then that Hermione noticed the man sitting behind Fred was George. "I said what are you two doing here?" She repeated angrily.
"Don't be mad Hermione, you can't blame us for being curious," Fred said softly.
"We miss you," George added.
"Well if you cared about me you would leave me alone," Hermione explained. Hermione had to hold back her tears of anger; she didn't want to look weak in front of the twins.
"Hermione, George told me what happened. Please can we just talk about this?" Fred asked.
"And say what?" Hermione asked rhetorically in a hushed whisper, "Now I would appreciate it if you would both leave now."
"We will leave because we care about you, but we aren't going to stop trying to get you back?" George explained.
"We? Hermione asked, "don't be stupid. Oh and you look ridiculous with that brown hair by the way." She said before storming off back to her date. For some reason the memory of George walking up the stairs with Verity popped into her mind. Then it came to her, she had to do the same thing to the twins, push them away. As Hermione arrived back at the table she saw the twins taking their sweet time to stand up and put their jackets on. They had not even started looking for their wallets to pay their tab yet. Enough was enough, Hermione decided as she stood behind Michael, placing her hands on his shoulders she nuzzled his neck before whispering in his ear, follow me. Michael certainly didn't need to be told twice, obediently following her into the women's bathroom just as she had done with George only last week. Thankfully the coast was clear and Hermione lead the way to the end cubical.
The second Michael had shut the door behind the pair of them Hermione was kissing him without hesitation. Her hands then made incredibly quick work of the front of his robes to find him only wearing boxers underneath. Hermione could not believe how incredible muscular Michael was under his robes, that was the trouble with robes, they could be quite misleading. If she were to guess earlier she would have guessed that Michael was roughly the same height and weight as the twins, but as she kissed the open robed man now she realised this could have been inaccurate. He was roughly the same height, but he was also incredibly toned Hermione discovered as she ran her hands down his bare chest still kissing him. Hermione couldn't help but think, that although he wasn't hugely buff, his large muscles would most likely to strong enough to bench press her is he wanted to. Hermione kissed her way down his chest, as she ran her tongue over one of his nipples her hands lowered his boxers to his knees, where he was able to then shake them off. It was then that Hermione noticed his tan line, she hadn't seen one of those since she had started dating Fred since both he and George were tan less.
Hermione quickly focused her mind back to where it was suppose to be. Kissing her once again he bent his knees a little further this time, enabling him to run his hands from her knees and up the outside of her thighs and under her dress. By the time his hands reached the top of her waist he realised she wasn't wearing any underwear, smirking as he kissed her he shuffled his wrists bunch the dress up around her waist. With his hands on her sides he ran them under the dress again, curling it up underneath itself into a position where it would hold itself up. Kissing her on the mouth again Michael noticed her hips pushing out of the wall he was pressing her against.
With her dress now tightly secured on top of her waist, Michael swooped down to thighs. In an attempt to lessen her weight Hermione wrapped her arms him as he started kissing her again, however he pulled back.
Cocking an eyebrow Michael laughed quietly, "I've got it." He assured her in a whisper before instructing, "now put your hands up and get ready to enjoy the revenge sex."
Hermione smiled devilishly, she was enjoying being told what to do and did as he told her. Slowly she raised her arms above her head, smiling to herself as she saw Michael watch her breasts lift as she did so. Michael lifted Hermione up the wall further now she had done what he asked, with both hands still placed under her thighs supporting her full weight. Hermione instinctively wrapped her legs around Michael's upper waist to offer him some assistance in supporting her weight. Michael then pressed his chest into hers to further support her. Michael took this opportunity to remove one hand from thigh and use it to reach between them. With this free hand he grabbed his cock and angled it upwards so when he leaned back slightly and lowered his hand a few inches he slid into her wet heat easily.
Michael thought he was going to come straight away with the low moan Hermione let out as he entered her. Take a moment to take control of himself Micheal used his free hand to slid down his right hip and hook under Hermione's left knee. Michael then turned his hand so it was pressing on the wall next to Hermione unwrapping her leg from around him and lifting it higher and wider. Once again enabling him to press his body close against hers to help hold her against the wall. It was only then that he started grounding his hips against hers in a circular motion. Michael managed to move his hips in a way that thanks to his arms and chest kept Hermione from sliding down the wall.
Hermione bit her lip hard as Michael's hips continuously ground against hers, she could feel the lactic acid building up in her arms, she lowered her hands so they were now gripping her hair at the top of her head. Hermione laughed slightly in surprise as Michael bucked unexpectedly and lifted both of his hands in a successful attempt to lift Hermione a bit higher on the wall.
Hermione bit her lip even harder as she held her breathe once she heard the bathroom door open. Two gossiping girls entered the bathroom loudly. Hermione couldn't help but notice the contrast to the last time she was in this situation. Last time she had been horrified by George's Fred-like confidence when he didn't stop when someone entered the bathroom. This time Hermione hardly gave them any notice as buried her face into Michael's shoulder not wanting any sound to escape., with her arms now draped loosely around his neck. However Hermione attention was partially drawn outside the stall when she heard her name mention by one of the girls.
The second girl then responded, "I know I can't believe it either. If it is a work date wouldn't the whole team be here?"
"I know right and how could she go on a date with someone so soon after breaking Fred's heart?" The first girl asked dramatically.
Frustrated Hermione bit Michael's neck where her face had been buried only moments ago, he didn't seem to mind at all.
"I mean really? What a bitch," The second girl responded. "Did you see those photos in the prophet the other day, he looked so depressed."
Hermione pulled her head away from Michael's shoulder and neck, instead resting it on the wall behind her in annoyance. She saw Michael roll his eyes and shake his head, clearly he wanted her to ignore them. To regain her attention Michael moved his hand from under her leg and placed it on the back of her thigh near her arse, lowering her leg to wrap around his waist like the other one. This new position gave Michael a better grip on Hermione and allowed to thrust in and out of her as opposed to the hip grinding he had done up to this point. Michael nearly completely withdrew from her, leaning back slightly as he did so causing Hermione's back to leave the wall, before he ploughed back into her hard, thrusting her whole body against the wall. The pleasure was intensifying so much she didn't even notice the pain of it.
Hermione was so engrossed in Michael's forcefully thrusts she didn't even notice the girls in the bathroom leaving. It only took a few more well placed firm thrusts before Michael's mouth fully covered Hermione's to swallow her climatic moans. The combination of Hermione moaning into his mouth and one last thrust was enough to push him over the edge also. To maintain his balance Michael leaned heavily against Hermione whilst he regained the use of his body.
Once Michael was back in control of his body he gently lifted Hermione down the wall before adjusting her dress back into its proper position. "Don't you look completely ravished," he smiled before kissing her.
"You don't look so bad yourself," Hermione laughed before pushing him gently against the other side of the cubical wall which rattled, "a bit indecent though."
Michael laughed as he bent over to pick up his boxers before putting them on before Hermione did up the buttons on his robe as she kissed him again. "I will see you at work," Hermione said leaving him hanging she left the bathroom smiling at Michael one last time before she left. As much as she had enjoyed herself, she knew the moment she left the bathroom she had to go back to reality... At least for a little while.
Hermione saw Fred and George sitting in the corner but she decided to pretend she didn't see them. She wanted to end the night on a high, not dealing with those two immature arseholes. She knew they were eventually going to corner her but tonight was not that night. She felt that she was spiralling around the drain, she knew that no matter how fast she tried to run away she would somehow end up back in their apartment... No matter how much she claimed she didn't want to be there.
OMFG loyal readers... I don't know how this just happened... But I just wrote over 7500 words in one chapter!
I am glad so many of you guys are reading this =) Thanks for the alerts. Reviews are very gratefully received =) I have written a few other twin/Hermione fics, so please check them out and add my to Author Alerts if you want to read more! Oh and if I get a request I like I am happy to write it (when ever time permits).
Oh and one last thing, sorry if there are errors in this chapter (possibly more than usual) since this took so long to write I really didn't want to go over it all again haha.
Love DF