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Low
Hermione slowly came out of her depressive funk as she spent more and more time talking to Ron. He had gone into even greater detail about their vacation, and then began pining for Luna. She couldn't help but marvel at how romantic and even poetic he had become in regards to their Ravenclaw friend. It was sweet, and she admired how much he really cared for her.
She told him about her mostly uneventful summer. She had traveled a bit with her family and had even managed a get together with her extended family as they gave her something of a sendoff party. They all found it terribly exciting that Hermione was just beginning her life. Unfortunately, she lacked their enthusiasm.
Ron told her that he had never been to Paris before, so Hermione offered to show him some of the great muggle landmarks of the city. They spent the rest of the afternoon walking along the Siene, climbing the steps of the Eiffel Tower and sampling some of France's local eats (which, unsurprisingly, turned out to be one of Ron's favorite things). They ran out of time to visit the Louvre, as they had to return to the hotel for dinner.
Ginny was waiting in the living area, flipping through a muggle fashion magazine, when they returned.
"There you are! I've been wondering where you'd gotten to. Oh Ron," she grabbed something from the coffee table, "Luna just sent this. Thought you might want to read it."
Ron grabbed at it then headed for his room. "Don't be too long! We're supposed be at dinner in 45 minutes," she called after him. "So, what did you do this afternoon?"
"I took Ron sightseeing."
"Right - and did you happen to run into Harry?"
"Yes, him and his new ornament."
"Met Ratia then I see. Charming girl isn't she," Ginny replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Most charming, if you like doxies!"
"Hermione!" Ginny mocked being scandalized.
"Well, what else would you call something with that many teeth? Honestly!"
"Why Miss Granger - I do believe the kneazle has claws after all."
"Oh shush you! I'm going to get ready for dinner." Hermione went to her room, grabbed a robe, then shut herself in the bathroom to take a relaxing bath.
Ginny smiled again. She had missed Hermione, and forgot how easy it was to taunt her, especially when it came to Harry. Why they hadn't gotten together yet was simply beyond her. As if on cue, the door to the suite opened and Harry came in.
"Don't be too long dear..." She could hear Ratia's voice drifting down the hallway.
"See you in a bit then Ratia." Harry responded, then closed the door, nearly sinking against the back of it.
Ginny smirked, "Ratia been keeping you busy then?"
"You've no idea. She must have shown me all of Paris twice over this afternoon. I had no idea this city was so big." He looked relieved to be back in the suite.
"What are you doing hanging around with her anyway? She's really quite a boor!"
"Ginny, that's not nice." Harry seemed to contemplate something, "it may be a little true, but it still isn't nice." He smiled at her, and she laughed back. "I just can't bring myself to be rude to her. I have so little experience dealing with anyone new. I can't tell you again how grateful I am that your family managed to shelter me this whole summer. I guess I'm just going to have to face the world eventually."
"Well, sad but true Harry, but you're going to encounter quite a few 'Ratias' out there."
"Seriously?" Harry seemed aghast.
"Seriously. Sorry 'bout that. Seems the only benefit that you had when facing Voldemort is that you at least knew what his intentions were. With people like Ratia, you never really have any clue until it's too late."
"Thanks for the warning." Harry slowly rose from the floor. "Where is everyone?"
"Ron's reading a new letter from Luna, so he could be locked in his room for hours. Hermione's getting ready, and I was just going to check on Fred and George."
"You're not still extorting them about that bachelor party thing are you?"
"Harry, I'm offended," she teased. "Besides, extortion is such a dirty word. I prefer to think of it as 'ace up my sleeve', thank you." She smiled and then left the room.
Harry looked at the clock and decided he best get ready as well. He checked in on Ron, who was still wholly engrossed in Luna's letter.
"Just come and get me when it's time to leave. I'm ready." Ron waved at him, never looking up from the letter.
"Alright then." Harry grabbed a robe from his room and some fresh clothes. Being paraded around Paris by Ratia had left him feeling desperate for a bath. He brought in his watch so he wouldn't lose track of time, and drew a hot bath to sink in to.
Twenty minutes later and Hermione figured she had indulged herself as long as she dared without being late. She drained the tub, wrapped herself up in her robe, then exited to the large bank of sinks that lay between both bathrooms.
"Ginny? Hello?" No answer. Ron was probably still in his room reading, and she didn't even want to think about what Harry might be doing at the moment. She sighed, then retrieved her small makeup bag and started touching herself up for the evening. The expansive mirrors and opulent lighting that bridged the bathrooms were ideal for the task. She didn't even initially notice the door to the other bathroom open.
Harry emerged wearing a pair of boxers, his robe open, and a handful of clothes draped over his arm. He had just put his glasses back on when he noticed Hermione at the mirrors. She was in her silk hotel robe, same as his, and leaning over the sinks while applying mascara. He stood there, transfixed, as he realized he had rarely ever seen her in anything more revealing than dress robes. Feeling a blush creeping over his face, he gave a small cough to announce his presence.
"Harry! Oh Merlin you startled me! I thought you were already downstairs."
"I was just about to get dressed. Sorry I didn't have a chance to talk to you earlier today."
She tried to read his expression, but couldn't quite place it. She also couldn't ignore his state of undress, as it was definitely the most she had ever seen of him. His open robe exposed a still moist expanse of torso, and she noticed he wore a small chain that looked like it was hanging backwards around his neck. A small smile crept across her face, "Oh, I'm sure we'll have a chance to talk later." 'He actually wants to talk to me? Maybe there's some hope yet.' The smile on her face grew.
"Like I said before, about leaving you at St. Mungo's..."
But whatever he was about to say was lost. There was a rather insistent knocking on the door, and then an unmistakable, grating, absolutely irritating voice, "Harry, are you ready dear? I was just about to let you walk me down to dinner."
Hermione's smile quickly disappeared. "You'd best get that, dear," she said coldly, then went back to her mascara.
Harry's face fell, but she was too upset to notice. He walked quickly to the door, opened it a crack, and told Ratia he was running late and would have to meet her downstairs. He even managed to close the door quickly enough to cut off her response. But as he turned around to finish talking to Hermione, he heard the doors to her room slam shut.
He sighed, then quickly got dressed, knocked on Ron's door to collect him, then headed downstairs.
***
One of the hotel's spacious dining hall's had been reserved for the large party. Many of the closer knit friends and family members from both sides of the wedding party were present. Although the wedding was still two days away, both sides had thought this little get together would be the perfect way to introduce everyone to one another, so that they'd be more comfortable at the wedding. There were several groups of tables throughout the room, littered with Weasleys and Delacours.
Harry and Ron had managed to beat Hermione downstairs and had secured a space for her at a table with the twins, two of Fleur's part-Veela cousins and Ginny. They left a chair between them for Hermione, and kept scanning the room for signs of her arrival.
It took Hermione a bit of time to bite back her anger. She couldn't figure out if she was more mad at Harry for hinting that they could still have some semblance of a friendship, or at herself, for hoping it to be true. She finished fixing her hair, put on a dress robe, then headed downstairs.
She spotted Ron waving her over through the crowded dining room, but as she approached the table, she saw Ratia walk up and take the last available seat.
"Actually Ratia, we were saving that for Hermione," Ron growled at her.
Ratia took his meaning perfectly, then flashed one of her Lockheart smiles at Harry, "Oh, but I'm sure Harry wouldn't mind if I sat here." She turned on the charm full blast.
"That's alright Ron, maybe I can find Percy. I've been keen to hear what's been going on at the Ministry since we defeated Voldemort." Hermione took great pleasure in seeing Ratia flinch at the name, and blanch at the implication that Hermione had been one of the key players in the defeat.
"Nonsense. Here," Ron pulled out his wand, conjured a chair between him and Ginny, then performed a slight engorgement charm on the table.
"I'm impressed Ron! I guess you did learn something in school after all!"
Harry laughed, and the sound made Hermione's spirit lift, until she remembered she was still trying to be cross with him. "Not without you I didn't. Isn't that right Harry? We'd probably still be in remedial everything if it wasn't for you!"
"Oh," Ratia replied. "I'm sure you're giving Harmione way to much credit." She flashed that nasty smile again.
"No, they're not giving Hermione too much credit! Everyone knows she's one of the smartest witches ever to grace Hogwarts," Ginny defended her vehemently.
Hermione blushed slightly, glad for Ginny's defense. But whatever nasty little quip Ratia was about to fling was lost as the first of many toasts and announcements were made for the evening.
Two hours later and the dinner began to finally wind down. The twins, being quite enamored with Fleur's cousins, were reluctant to call it a night.
"Oh, but I have a brilliant idea," Ratia looked at Fred and George as she spoke. "Let's go visit one of those muggle nightclubs. I'm sure we'd have a fabulous time."
Ginny was quick. "Why that's a great idea Ratia. We'll just grab Harry and Ron and change into some muggle clothes then." She grabbed Hermione's hand, stood from the table, then motioned Harry and Ron to follow suit.
Ratia bared a malevolent smile, "alright dear, if you think you'd all be comfortable in tagging along."
"Not at all Ratia. I just hope you don't feel too uncomfortable, seeing as how we've all known each other for years," Ginny shot back, then herded the group upstairs.
"I don't know Ginny, I don't really have anything to go clubbing in," Hermione said, as the boys went into their rooms to find something to wear.
"Hermione, I am not letting that smarmy bint get away with shutting us out of something. Honestly, the nerve of her." Ginny rifled through her drawers, coming up with a pair of jeans, a pink t-shirt and some heels. She sighed, "I guess this will have to do then."
"Can't say I'm much better over here either." Hermione had also found a some jeans, a tank top and a pair of sandals.
"That's not half bad tho', here," Ginny made to pull back her hair, than applied some more makeup. "Oh, that's loads better, now do me!" Hermione put some more mascara on Ginny, then touched up her lipstick.
"Oy, you ready then?!" Ginny shouted towards the boy's rooms.
Ron and Harry both emerged from their rooms, looking about the same as the girls - jeans, trainers, and while Ron had a blue button down shirt, Harry wore a light sweater that matched his eyes. Hermione couldn't help but note how nice he looked. Apparently he thought the same of her.
"You look very nice Hermione."
"Um, thanks Harry. You too." She shouldn't have been at all nervous, but she was.
They met up with the twins and their dates in the lobby, and Ratia joined them, looking resplendent in the latest muggle clubbing gear.
"Oh, I'm sure she didn't plan this at all...," Ginny remarked to Hermione, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Ratia led them downtown towards a venue frequented by 'backpacking through Europe' college-aged muggles. The club, known as La Salle Sombre, was located in a narrow alleyway next to an all night coffee shop and a darkened gallery that showcased local artists. There was a large line of people waiting to get in, but Ratia, without even flinching, strode directly up to the bouncer, whispered something to him (and Hermione could've sworn she had pointed towards her and Ginny), and then laughed with that shrill, banshee-like cry of hers, then motioned them forward. She immediately grabbed Harry, then Ron, and strode through the opening the bouncer created by opening the velvet rope. The twins and their dates followed suit, but when Hermione and Ginny approached, the bouncer stopped them.
"No no my little ones. Can't let you in."
"What do you mean you can't let us in!? Our friends are in there!" Ginny was in a right state.
"Sorry, but you're underage."
"We are not," Ginny protested, and Hermione placed a hand on her arm to stop her, but it was too late, "we're both seventeen!" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Exactement ma petite chouchou, no one under 18." He gave a menacing smile, then turned his back to them.
"What does he mean, 'no one under 18'! What's so important about 18?" Ginny was livid.
"I'm sorry, I tried to stop you. Eighteen is the legal age in the muggle world, not seventeen."
"Oooooh, that wretched slag!"
"Ginny!"
"She knew we weren't old enough - that's what she told that big brute over there! Bastard! Well, we'll just see about that then!"
"What do you mean?"
"We're going to apparate in there and show her a thing a two."
"No we're not Ginny."
"What d'you mean we're not. We're not going to let her get away this?!"
But Hermione was feeling utterly dejected, completely defeated. She'd had less than two sentences worth of conversation with Harry the entire time she'd been here, and it was quite obvious to her who he preferred to be with. 'So much for true love conquers all then,' she thought derisively, 'I don't even rate a decent conversation.'
"You're right Ginny, she's a right tart, but I'm tired. I just don't have it in me anymore." Hermione turned to leave.
Ginny was utterly shocked at the tone of her friend's voice. This was not the same Hermione she knew, the one who doggedly hunted out the solution to every problem. The one who would never, ever, let anyone get the better of her. And yet, here she was, walking down this desolate alley, her head hung low. Everything about her screamed 'defeat'.
"Hermione, wait! What's going on with you?" She was surprised to see tears in her eyes.
"Not here Ginny." She wiped her eyes.
"Alright," Ginny's voice was soft. "I'll..., I'll walk you back."
They took the same route back, not speaking, but walking in comfortable silence.
***
"Oy, Harry, you seen the girls?" Ron shouted over the din of the music.
Harry looked around, straining to pull himself free of Ratia, "No! I don't think I've seen them since we got here!"
"Why, they're over there dears. Dancing with that group of muggles!" Ratia pointed towards a large group flailing about in the back of the club. "It looks like they're having a fabulous time. We should do the same, don't you think?" And with that she pulled Harry out onto the dance floor, and a pretty brown haired girl with a ring in her lip asked Ron to dance.
***
They entered the suite, and Hermione went straight to her room to change. Ginny sat down, unsure of what to say to her friend. She was startled out of her thoughts as the doors to Ron's room opened and Luna emerged.
"Luna? What are you doing here?"
"Hi Ginny! Where's Ronald?"
"Oh," Ginny rolled her eyes, "he's been swept away by the vilest creature known to the wizarding world."
"Do you mean her?" Luna pulled out a copy of that evening's edition of The Daily Prophet that she had brought with her, which currently sported a large photo of Ratia and Harry visiting the Sacre Couer with the headline 'Love Finds Harry Potter in Paris'.
Ginny jumped to her feet and grabbed the paper from Luna. "This is too much! I bet she planned this, that whoring little... hang on a tic, how did you know I was talking about her?"
"Oh, I've met Horatia before, although I doubt she'd remember me. It was during a party when I was much younger. My father had taken me because he was meeting some friends and their children. I don't like to discuss it," Luna stifled a sigh, "but let's just say that I know exactly what she," she pointed at the paper, "is capable of. And the last thing I want is for her to be anywhere near my Ronald!"
"Well, you needn't worry too much there. Seems she has her hooks set well into Harry."
"Yes, but I'm Harry's friend too. I couldn't let that," she motioned to the paper again, "get a hold of him. Ronald would never forgive me."
"Well I'm glad you're set on doing something about it. I think Hermione's given up hope."
"Where is Hermione?"
"In her room. She's quite upset."
"Of course she is," Luna cast a sympathetic gaze towards the room. "Now, where are they?"
"She dragged them off to some muggle club. Oh, but make certain you tell them you're eighteen, otherwise they won't let you in."
Luna was now leafing through Ginny's muggle fashion magazine. "Hmm, I don't think that will be a problem." She found an outfit she liked, set down the magazine, then transfigured her robes to match the outfit she'd seen. She looked well beyond eighteen the way she was now dressed.
"Now why didn't I think of that?"
Luna looked around the room, then spotted a sampler pack from Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. She picked it up and selected a few items. "Is it alright if I take some of these?"
"Take as many as you like." The curiosity was killing her. "So, what are you going to do?"
"I'm just going to let Ronald know that I'm here. I'm also going to Harry know that I'm here, and then I'm going to pry that lethifold off of him. Try and cheer Hermione up. I'm certain this whole nasty business has her quite distraught."
"You can say that again."
"So where exactly is this muggle club?"
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A/N Okay kiddies, this is really where I draw the line. You see, I, like many others before me, have become addicted to feedback, and your request for more has not gone unnoticed. This is why I'm posting this chapter now, rather than when I'm well underway on the next one - which is what I've been trying to do. Unfortunately for you, this means a longer gap before I post the next one. Sorry 'bout that - my humblest apologies. I'm also terrible at writing Luna - I don't think anyone can do her justice like Fenriswolf - so, more apologies there as well. And I promise, Harry isn't being as stupid as you may think - there's actually an explanation, really, but you already knew that. <grin> I'm so bloody obvious sometimes.