Hello, all. I know I haven't updated in almost two months… but remember I have two other stories and I gave TWOT two chapters and 1995 one.
Unfortunately, my school has blocked FF, which means I can only update in the early morning or at night. So it's lucky for my European readers (including my lovely cousin…).
Reviews: Thanks for all of them. However, I find myself very frustrated when it's been at 99. So the hundredth reviewer gets a oneshot of their choice. (HP and no Ron/Hermione)
I have found I am very bad at thinking up interesting clothing. Help me out a bit in a review, if you can describe something you'd like someone to wear. I'd be happy to oblige. :)
"If it isn't Lily Black, I'll eat my dress," drawled a voice from the depths of the fitting room. "I thought you quit the business?"
"I am quitting," Hermione said back, wry humor in her voice. "But Kate roped me into one last show. And it's nice to see you too, Hanna."
Laughing, the two girls gave a perfunctory embrace and separated, eyes assessing the other for any sign of change. In the world they lived in, a single pound could make or break a girl's career. But Hanna was as trim as ever, curly red hair that was almost as unmanageable as Hermione's carefully styled, thin hands braced on slim hips, and a tight grin on coral lips.
"Looking as good as ever, Lily," she said, almost regretfully. "What pieces did you get assigned?" The models had almost never had a choice of what they could wear- it was selected for them according to skin tone and hair color and height and weight along with many other things.
Hermione smirked slightly. "I choose one of the fancy gowns- the one with the long sleeves and no back. And then one made almost entirely of lace, and-"
"You chose?" Hanna said incredulously. "Lucky bitch. What exactly happened?" The jealousy in the redhead's eyes was only thinly veiled.
The smirk on Hermione's face grew wider. "I wasn't going to do the show originally, but…" she shrugged. "Kate changed my mind. You know how she is."
"I am how I am," Kate's brassy voice said as the American woman strode into the room. "Lily, darling, you're not in here. Two rooms down. Maria is waiting to do your fitting." Hermione nodded, giving her friend and agent a quick nod before leaving the almost empty dressing room.
Two doors down was a smaller room, only built to hold a few people. In it was an old woman, sharp eyes hidden beneath wrinkles and a cheerful smile, and a long rack of beautiful clothes. Hermione felt herself grin, for real pleasure this time. It was the same smile of the face of every girl being offered free designer clothes made to fit them especially.
The fitting went well, with only one or two small changes necessary. Hermione was impatient for the fitting to end- she wanted to see her other friends who were currently getting ready for the practice run.
It was five o'clock before Hermione could finally leave the nice hotel where the show would be. She left all her clothes in the room she had been in before, and joined a group of girls in the lobby. She held in a smirk, keeping her face impassive as she observed the scene. A group of gorgeous models talking and laughing while wide eyed business men blessed their secretaries- just like every other major city in the world. Half hidden behind a potted plant, Hermione slid on her shades and straightened her back, pulling a mysterious smile to her face.
She was wearing a little scarlet dress with matching heels, a fancy purse, and gold bangles and a tangle of gold necklaces, perfect for interacting with the girls she would be walking toward. She inhaled, and exhaled. Leave all the problems behind and strut your stuff. Best advice she'd ever gotten.
And strut she did. She was tanner than she had been in a while due to a handy spell, and she knew how to stride like a pro in heels. It was almost comical how heads turned her way, and the grubby imprints of their eyes stuck to her backside. Her hair was wild around her face, curls carefully uncontrolled. She might not have been the prettiest girl in the room, but she could act like she was.
The conversation stopped as she arrived at the gaggle of models. At the forefront of the group was Hanna, and with her were four other girls. Oksana, a Russian-American she had known for a few months, gave Hermione a wide smile. Marissa smiled also, tossing her head of black curls while tightly gripping Phoebe's arm. Phoebe was another red-head, again with a head full of ringlets. In fact, the only girl who didn't have curly hair was Janette, who was a blonde with a sleek bob.
"Hello, Oxy," Hermione said to Oksana, accepting a hug from the tall brunette. "I thought you were staying in Moscow."
Oksana shook her head. "Work there has dried up. London is but a temporary stop on my way to Paris." She pulled away to look down on the witch. "Word is that you're giving up modeling."
"The word is true," Hermione said with an excited grin. "I got a job with some advanced research into some unique medical cases."
Hanna shook her head. "Always thought you were a little strange, Lily. We're going for drinks at the bar. Wanna come?" She was obviously expecting Hermione to refuse, as Lily Black was infamous for her love of cranberry juice and water.
"Sure," Hermione replied. "I'll stay with you lot while I wait for my friend." She dug in her purse for her cell, dialing Harry's number from memory.
"Hello?" Harry sounded bored. She smiled a little, recalling a messy haired teen staring blankly at History of Magic texts.
"It's me, love," Hermione said quickly. "I'm done. Are you finished with your work yet?"
She could almost hear his eager smile in his voice. "Yes. I'm done." In the background she could hear him saying loudly, "Ben, I need to leave. Hermione needs me to come and get her."
And then she heard a man she presumed was Ben counter. "She's a witch. She can Apparate," he said, before bursting into laughter. "Go, Potter."
"I'll be there in a few minutes," Harry said. "See you in a few."
"Bye," Hermione said, hanging up.
She walked over to the bar with the group, sliding smoothly onto a stool. "Do you have cranberry juice?" she asked the bartender. When he nodded, confused, she smiled kindly. "I'll have that, thanks."
"So, Lily," Marissa said with a curious smile. "Why this last show?"
Hermione accepted her drink from the bartender and took a small sip while considering how to answer the question. "The best way to go is with a bang." At the stumped looks, she sighed. "One last great act before disappearing into anonymity."
They were saved from responding when Kate strode into the bar, making a beeline to their table. "Hello, girls," she said with a nod. "Lily, these are for your friends. I got you seven front seats."
"Thanks, Kate," Hermione said, tucking the tickets into her purse. "My friends are extremely excited."
"No problem, babe," Kate said with a wink, face going stern when she turned to the other models. "My lovelies, I know make-up can do wonders but if any of you go out partying tonight and show up tomorrow drunk, hung over, or looking anything less than perfect, you will be banned from the show and I will personally tack your hide to my wall. Understood?"
Hermione stifled her giggles as the girls glanced dubiously at the drinks in their hands. "Yes, Ms. Pierce," Phoebe said, subdued.
"Tell that boy of yours I say hi, Lily," Kate said with a wink. "See ya tomorrow."
"Bye, Kate," Hermione said with a wave, watching as the confident American navigated the confines of the dimly lit British hotel bar.
All five of the girls were watching her with predatory gazes. "Boy?" asked Janette. "You did not mention a new beau."
"Because he's not my beau," Hermione said with an eye roll. "Contrary to popular opinion, a guy and a girl can just be friends." The tall man entering the bar brought a smile to her face, a smile he returned. "Speak of the devil," she murmured.
"That him?" Hanna asked. When Hermione nodded, she shook her head. "Damn. He must be gay. Please do not let Lily's hot friend be gay."
"He's not gay," Hermione said with a laugh. "Promise."
Harry looked at all the girls, and gave Hermione a pained expression. "Please tell me you were not just discussing my sexuality?"
"We were not just discussing your sexuality," Hermione said, perfectly serious. "Harry, this is Hanna, Oksana, Melissa, Phoebe, and Janette. You'll see them tomorrow at the show."
Harry smiled charmingly, green eyes heated. "Delighted," he said cordially. "Darling, we're expected at Grimmauld for dinner in about ten minutes. Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes, of course," Hermione said. "Kate gave me the tickets." She called over the bartender, and gave him a few bills. She then stood and accepted Harry's arm. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said with a nod.
"Bye," Marissa said with a wink in Harry's direction. "Don't forget that the after party will be at Dmitri's place." She ran her eyes over Harry and smirked. "And you are definitely invited."
"Thank you," Harry said gravely. With a quick wave over her shoulder, Hermione all but dragged Harry out of the bar and into the lobby. They left, walking in conspicuously for a few moments before turning into an alley.
Hermione yawned, and stretched, relieved to be out of the sight of so many eyes. "Are we really having dinner at Number Twelve?"
"Yes," Harry said with a nod. "Neville told me. And he said Ron has finally decided to stop being stupid and join us." She inclined her head, and turned on her heels to appear on the front stoop of Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place.
Harry cracked into existence at her side moments later, looking at her oddly before knocking firmly on the door. The door swung open, revealing Luna, smiling serenely with hand on her belly. "Come in, Harry, Hermione," she said sweetly. "You look very promiscuous, Hermione."
"Thank you, Luna," Hermione said laughing. She and Harry entered the safe house, both sighing at the delicious smells coming from the kitchen. "Molly's cooking?"
"Of course," Luna said solemnly. "It seems that the Diddering Ninclefamers have bound her to kitchen appliances. But the rest of us are unaffected so we're waiting in the sitting room."
They followed her into the house greeting Neville, Ginny, George, and Ron in the sitting room. Ron gave her and Harry a sheepish look, then stepped forward to give Hermione a hug. "Sorry," he whispered.
She shook her head. "I left you with no warning and no contact. You had a right to be mad."
"But I didn't have a right to be a prat," Ron replied. He was genuinely sorry- he knew when he had messed up, and although it did take him a while to apologize, he did so sincerely.
"I have the tickets for the fashion show tomorrow night," Hermione said with a large smile, finding the tickets in her purse and holding them up. "I can give them to you now so you can get in without be tomorrow night."
She gave two to Neville, one for him and one for Luna, one to George and Ginny each, and one for Ron and one for Harry. "Remember that this is very fancy. Classy Muggle cloths are suits and ties, boys. Ginny, Luna, nice dresses. You can borrow one of mine if you want, Gin."
"I can't wait to raid your closet," Ginny said gleefully. "You were right when you said that it's improved since our Hogwarts days."
Dinner went smoothly, Molly's cooking impeccable and George, Hermione, and Ginny providing humorous quips to amuse their friends. After dinner, it was necessary to stay for tea, and talk in the sitting room for a while. As a result, the London sky was dark and smoggy when Hermione stepped out of the gloomy house.
"Are you going back to your flat?" Harry asked. "I can go with you, if you'd like."
She gave him a wan smile. "No, that's fine, Harry. I'll see you tomorrow." In her heels she still only came up to his neck. He bent amused, to allow her to peck him on the cheek. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Hermione," Harry said back seriously. "Be safe." His green eyes were worried.
"Always," Hermione said seriously, clinging to him for a moment before pulling away. "Later, love." With a reassuring wink, she turned and disappeared with a soft crack.
"I need to step out for a few minutes, Kate," Hermione said under her voice, leaning in to speak in the woman's ear. "I'll be back in fifteen minutes, twenty tops."
Kate glared. "If your ass isn't back in less than twenty I will personally thank you for changing your mind about the modeling business and agreeing to do any show I ask in front of all these lovely people."
Smiling sweetly, Hermione fluttered her lashes. "Thank you, Kate, love." She laughed as she walked to the alley she and Harry had Apparated from the day before. With a quick turn and pop, she landed at her flat. Harry was there- she left him the key and instructions to let everyone wait there for her to make sure they looked their best.
"Hello, everybody," she said, announcing her presence. "I have fifteen minutes before I need to be backstage."
She checked Ron first, sighing and slapping his hand away from his neck. "I know it itches, but you cannot keep scratching, Ronald." He opened his mouth and she glared. "That is my word and tonight, my word is law."
Neville and Luna were next, Neville in a finely cut suit and Luna in a periwinkle dress that fell gracefully over her belly. "You two are fine," Hermione said with a nod.
Ginny had raided her closet. Although the brunette was shorter and had a bigger bust, Ginny had managed to fine a pale green empire waist dress that she had paired with a nice pair of strappy sandals and one of her own necklaces in silver. "You look good, Gin," Hermione said. "Make sure your brother stays looking nice."
"I'm next!" George shouted. "How beautiful do I look, darling?" he asked in a falsetto.
She straightened his tie and smoothed the jacket over his shoulders. "Eight," she said seriously, but she was unable to hide her smile for long.
"You wound me," George said, hand over his heart, and a pout on his face. "See all the lifeblood spilling on the floor?"
Hermione smirked. "I don't care. You're the one who'll have to clean it up," she retaliated with a shrug.
"And how do I look?" Harry asked. He was the only one who looked at home in the fancy clothes, as a result of many Ministry of Magic To Muggle Ministry functions.
And he can certainly pull it off, Hermione thought to herself. "You are fine, Harry. Do you remember where the hotel is?"
He nodded solemnly. The sleek suit made him look even taller, and his shoulders broader. It was true- all men look better in suits. She couldn't resist the urge to run her hands over his shoulders and down his chest. "Dashing," she finally pronounced. "But I need to get back to the dressing rooms. Harry will get you all there, won't you, love?"
"Of course," Harry assured her. "Go. We'll be in the front row." She gave him an absentminded smile, and spun and Apparated.
She hurried into the hotel, almost missing the tall blonde leaning gracefully against the welcome desk. She walked passed, then paused and turned.
"Gwen?" she asked. "Is that you?"
The blonde slipped her sunglasses into a large bag, grinning easily. "Vraiment, cherie." Hermione smiled back, hugging the French model.
"It's been a long time, love," Hermione said. "When did you get off the plane?" She linked her arm through Gwen's and they headed toward the area set up for the models to dress.
Gwen tossed her thick hair over her shoulder and pouted. "Hours ago. I needed my beauty sleep," she said in a heavily accented voice. "Kate said you could show me where everything was when you got back. Have you taken up smoking, Cherie?"
"No," Hermione said firmly. "I still firmly believe those things are poison in white and yellow paper and that Sasha will get lung cancer one day. I just made sure my friends knew how to get here." They turned into the hallway, heels clicking on the tiled floor.
Laughing throatily, Gwen shook her head. "Well. Who is coming?" She widened her big blue eyes at Hermione. "Surely you are bringing the mysterious Harry Potter?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes, love. He's on his way. This is where we are." She gave Gwen another hug, and left with a wave to get dressed.
She could hear the soft rumble of voices from the area surrounding the runway. It seemed that the people were settling down with glasses of wine and champagne. The first category was casual- as always. She stepped into a dark blue sundress, wedge heels, and put her hair in a loose bun. Anne did her makeup, something simple that could be wiped of and replaced in a few minutes.
She looked good, if she did say so herself. Long legs, hair falling in ringlets down her back, and simple silver jewelry. Her scar was hidden with a glamour, and she was feeling fine.
"Lily," Gustavo cried. "Beautiful, beautiful. Are you ready for the runway?" The man's black hair was slicked back and his teeth flashed against his tan skin.
Hermione gave her best 'mysterious smile' and nodded. "As always. Am I up first?"
"Yes," Gustavo said with a nod for emphasis. "Wait until you hear your name called." The models got in line behind the entry way that lead to the runway. Gwen had saved Hermione a spot, which she took with a grateful smile.
"Merci," Hermione said, pecking the blonde on the cheek. "You look perfect, love." Gwen's hair was up in loose bun, and she was wearing a pair of simple slacks and a draped silver shirt.
Gwen just grinned. "It was no problem, cherie. Get ready." She winked at Hermione, who smirked back.
"Thank you all for coming. And to reveal our special surprise of the night: Lily Black! She has graciously agreed to do one more show for us tonight."
There's my cue, Hermione thought, smiling widely as she strode onto the runway. The lights were bright and the faces turned up in their seats were expectant. She strode forward, one hand on her hip, giving a wave to the announcer. Her friends were sitting along the right edge of the circular platform at the end of the runway. She made it there, blew a kiss, and spun to walk away.
She passed Marissa, and exited the runway to the chaos of backstage. She waved a Gwen, who was getting ready to go. The French woman nodded, then walked onto the runway.
Hermione made her way to her dressing room, slipping in and stripping quickly. Next was business wear- suits and skirts and dresses. She had chosen a beautiful grey skirt with a high waist- right underneath her ribcage. Tucked into that was a long sleeved cream blouse. The sleeves were loose until her wrists, and the shirt revealed a generous amount of cleavage. She had a small scarf tied around her neck, and heels that would have tipped her over two years ago. Her hair was wrangled into a bun, and a small set of glasses were perched on her nose. A touch of lipstick to darken her lips, and a brush of rouge across her cheeks.
Before she knew it, she was on the runway again, heels clicking against the floor. She caught Harry's eye, and winked, causing a murmur to spread through the crowd. She looked out toward the back of the room just in time to see Gustavo frown and motion toward her hair.
Smirking, she took of the glasses and pulled the tie from her hair, using a bit of magic to help it along. She shook out her curls, and pouted at the audience. Gustavo grinned, and nodded. She turned, and strutted of the stage.
The outfits passed, one after the other until it was time for the last one, the grand finale. It was sleeveless, and the darkest red she had ever seen- in the shadows, it was black. There was no back, only the sides of dress clinging to the sides of her body, and coming together at the base of her spine. The skirt was long and fell to swish around her ankles. Against her pale skin, it was stunning. Her lips were painted scarlet, her eyes smoky. Her curls were bound against her neck to allow the audience to see her back, with the exception of a few wisps that curled against the sides of her face.
A necklace dropped a heavy ruby just above her breasts, and a large pair of earrings hung heavy against her neck. She had been made a few inches taller by bold heels, allowing the skirt to sweep just above the floor.
"Lily, you are up next," said Kate, popping her head in the door, a clip board in her hand. "Wow. Babe, you are gorgeous."
Hermione smiled slowly. "Thanks, love. Wish me luck." She chuckled, low in her chest. The dress alone made her feel sexy as hell…
"There is no need," Kate said, still admiring Hermione, a gleam in her cool blue eyes. "They already love you." She gave Hermione one last approving glance, and stepped aside from the door to allow the woman to pass through. "Strut that stuff, Lils. Last one."
She heard the announcer call out for the next model, her cue to step out and walk. The dress fluttered around her legs, the top clinging to every line of her body. She kept a seductive smile on her face, moving her hips in order to 'sell' the dress. As flattering as the dress was to her, she was being paid to sell the gown, not to look pretty.
She caught Harry's eye, at the end of the runway. His eyes widened, then his eyelids came down and he smiled slowly at her, green eyes darkening. He raised his glass to her, filled with what looked like champagne (it was probably water he had charmed to look like the beverage) and nodded. She had to fight to control the light blush that rose to her face, only smirking a bit more before turning to head back the way she came.
The light drumming in her chest made her cheeks suffuse with a warm flush as soon as she was hidden from view once more. The pleasurably sharp spikes that shot their way through her chest filled her with thoughts of Harry, the smile, the glass, the nod. The desire in his face.
She changed into her cocktail dress silently, preparing for the after party in an almost dreamy state. Her dress this time was slinky, a long slit up one side the skirt to expose a long leg. The dress was black, a deep V-neck formed by two straps that crossed at her back. A swipe of deep red lipstick, and a quick shake of her curls, and she was ready for the after party.
She stalled behind the other models, making her way to where Kate was leaning against a wall, watching her girls with a sharp eye.
"How did it go?" Hermione asked softly. "Are there magazines and boutiques hungry for the clothes?" In these shoes, she was only about an inch shorter than the American.
Kate laughed throatily. "Yes, there are. Of course, there are now more ravenous designers who hunger for their clothes on your body. Can I…" she let her voice trail off. "C'mon, Lily. Think of all the-"
"No," Hermione said firmly, cutting her off. "No. This was the last show. I have a new job. I'm starting Monday. I do not need to model anymore. That part of my life is over. Now I have to get back to the life I left before showing up in America with no place to go."
"Then go out and enjoy your last night of fame," Kate said, closing her eyes and leaning against the wall. "Kiss that boy for me."
Hermione just shrugged in reply, exiting the backstage area and joining everyone else where they were mingling. Gwen was talking with a group of men, throwing back her head to laugh, while Marissa and Hanna chatted with a few designers. She felt invisible, for a moment. No one was looking at her, paying her any attention. She was just another model in just another dress.
And then Gustavo was approaching, arms spread wide. "Lily. Thank you so much for doing your final show for me." He offered his arm, and she sighed internally and threaded her arm through his. He led them up to the podium, where he tapped the microphone.
"Thank you, everyone," he said proudly. "For coming to the introduction of my new line. I would like to introduce the model who inspired the entire line: Lily Black. For those of you who don't know her, this will be your last opportunity."
Hermione smiled widely, and leaned into the microphone. "This was my last show. I'm retiring."
Gustavo continued with a few remarks, then the stepped down. Hermione was scanning the room, trying to spot Harry, Luna and Neville, and the Weasleys. "Excuse me," she said to Gustavo. "I need to check on my guests. If you will?" He released her arm, and watched as she crossed the room to the cluster that was the Hogwarts group.
They were all clustered together, looking uncomfortable. Ron was tugging at the collar of his shirt, while Neville's fidgeting was contrasted to Luna's look of dreamy calm.
"Honestly," Hermione exclaimed with a huff. "Mingle. Have fun. Don't drink too much champagne. Ron, George, there are available models here. Try your luck."
George winked at her, and put an arm around her. "Would you like a drink, most beautiful of the available models?"
Hermione hesitated, which Harry saw and interpreted. "I'll get one for her, George," he said, slipping away through the crowd toward the bar.
Smiling serenely, Luna took Neville's arm. "There are some interesting drugs being used there, Neville," she said. "So we should go see if the girl over there is really wearing a dress made entirely of feathers."
Ron shook his head. "Introduce me to someone, Hermione?" Hermione stiffened, and he flushed. "Sorry. Lily."
"Of course," Hermione replied. "I'll introduce you too, Gin."
Because he still towered over her, Ron had to lean down to whisper, "It's bloody weird to call you after Harry's dead mum."
Hermione laughed lightly. "I know, Ronald. But it worked." They were approaching Gwen, and two of the men she had been talking with.
"Lily," Gwen exclaimed, pale cheeks a pleasant shade of pink. They kissed the other's cheeks quickly, and Hermione hugged the two men.
"Gwen, Marco, Alex, this is Ronald Weasley and his sister, Ginny. Ron, Ginny, this is Gwenaelle Dumont, Marco Beamont, and Alexander Wester." Hermione said in a rush. "Gwen?" she sent the French girl a plea with her eyes, and Gwen nodded.
"No problem, Lily," she said, putting a reassuring hand on Hermione's arm. "I'll take good care of these two." Her eyes widened. "Tall, dark, and handsome at six o'clock," she said. "Please tell me that is the Harry you told me so much about."
"Guilty as charged," Harry said, handing Hermione a flute of juice disguised as champagne. "Harry Potter. Pleased to meet you." They shook hands, and Harry put an arm around Hermione's waist. "There was someone you wanted me to meet, love?"
"I'll see you in a bit, Gwen," Hermione said. She and Harry wove their way through the people, taking a seat at one of the available couches.
"So." Hermione stalled. "What did you think?" She waited impatiently for him to answer. Instead, he just shrugged, sprawled out on the couch.
"Pretty girls, pretty clothes," he said. "Although I particularly like you in this dress." At her look, he just laughed. "You look gorgeous, Hermione."
"Thank you," she said with a quick peck on his cheek. "Do you want to leave yet?"
A rumbling laugh from behind her made her turn around. "You can't leave yet, Lily. The party's barely started, princess," said Jon. He held out a hand to her, pulling her up. "I don't think Harry's met Gustavo yet, has he?"
"No," Hermione replied. "Harry?" He rose and they walked through the room, greeting the people Hermione knew and talking briefly to some of them. It was going fine until Hermione saw a very familiar man with slicked back hair who was speaking with Gwen, Ron, and Ginny.
"Jean-Baptiste," she said with a smile. "It's been a while." The Frenchman flashed a smile at her, pulling her in for a hug.
"Indeed, Lily. It has been too long," he said, with a heavy French accent. "And who is this?" The man glanced at Harry, who had grasped Hermione's hand for a second before letting it go.
"Harry Potter," Harry with a respectful nod. "Nice to meet you."
Ginny smiled sweetly at them. "Jean-Baptiste is so interesting, Lily. He was just telling us about the two of you."
It was impossible to find a place to end this. So… I left with a little cliffy.
Tell me what you thought. I'd like to hear it. Next chapter will not be after such a long wait. Love to all.
If anyone is interested in my life, I think I passed with my short story and report. I should be getting the grade in a few days. So many thanks to all of those who helped me with the story. I am looking forward to Spring Break: no school! I'm exhausted, and overloaded and still I find time to write for you… a miracle.
See you next time. Review, please. Best way for me to evaluate what you like and don't like.