Never Look Back

Never Look Back 06

3 years later...

It was a crisp fall day in New York City. The sky outside was gray and a soft wind ruffled the hair of the pedestrians. Hermione Granger sat in a small Cafe in the wizarding section of Greenwich Village, sipping a hot latte while she watched the world outside the building. Taking a sip of her latte she whipped out an issue of the Daily Prophet and immediately flipped towards the Sports section. The brunette grinned as she looked at the cover story.

The words "Chudley Cannons Win Championship!" flashed in front of her eyes. Lowering her gaze, she saw a picture of her friend Harry Potter, clutching the golden snitch with his teammates all around him. Sighing, Hermione leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, trying to remember the last time she had seen Harry. Maybe some fresh air would help jog her memory. Dropping a few Sickles on the scrubbed tables, Hermione walked out of the quaint Cafe and onto the hectic New York streets.

Suddenly everything rushed back to her in a flood of memories. The last time she had seen any of her friends was on Graduation Day three years earlier. Everyone was so happy and carefree, excited to be leaving. Hermione remembered climbing into her parent's station wagon and seeing everyone's faces for the last time. She hadn't seen Harry, Ron, Luna or Ginny ever since. Nor had she seen the very first man she had loved since that day. She shuddered at the memory. 'No Hermione, let's not think about that.' she chided herself. Solemnly she looked at the leaves drifting in the air and somehow they made her think.

Hermione rarely received letters from her friends anymore. But from what she did know, all of them were very successful now. Harry rarely owled her, but she knew what he was up to after constantly referring to the Daily Prophet or Witch Weekly. Harry was the star seeker for the Chudley Cannons and the media's "it" boy. But his scar had just been the tip of the iceburg compared to what he was up to now. She laughed as she passed a magazine stand with pictures of Harry's face plastered all over it.

Thinking of Harry caused her to remember Ron Weasley. Ron had once been sweet on Hermione a few years back and as far as she could tell, was still dating his girlfriend of two and a half years Luna Lovegood, Ron was a healer at St. Mungos and Luna worked in the department of Mysteries. But how could she forget Ron's little sister Ginerva Weasley? Or Ginny, for short. Oh how she missed Ginny as she was more of a sister and a best friend. Ginny owled her more often then Luna, Harry and Ron combined. According to Ginny, she had hit it big as a model in London and was the head of her own clothing company. Supposedly she was dating the new herbology teacher at Hogwarts, Professor Longbottom.

Hermione sighed as she mentally reviewed all her friends' successes. Three years away from Hogwarts and all she achieved was to be editor in chief for a small magazine called "New York Wizard". Grumbling, she pulled a black ribbon out of her pocket and fastened her chestnut hair. In the last too years she hadn't really changed. Her hair was long and less bushy, more curves had developed when she turned eighteen but her eyes were still brilliantly brown. Now she was twenty one. Pulling out her key to her 25th Avenue apartment she slowly pushed open the door and was greeted by the smell of ratatouille.

"Shantay?" she called out as she threw her keys onto the green couch along with her black coat.

"Yes?" came a voice with a French accent from the kitchen. A tall girl of twenty with golden blonde hair and blue eyes walked into the doorway of the kitchen, carrying a wooden spoon. "Oh hey Hermione. How was work?"

"Fine, the usual. Just a bunch of deranged woman claiming they had Harry Potter's baby. You know." Shantay laughed at this. "Can you get me a cup of coffee? I'm pooped. Thank Merlin tomorrow's Saturday!"

"You mean you're going to stay in all night? I was planning on going down to that new club, Smooth, tonight."

"I see. Well you have fun. I'd just be a drag."

"Aw c'mon 'Mione. You know you wanna come." Shantay laughed and batted her eyes jokingly. "It'd be good for you to get out; you haven't had a date in forever." Hermione smiled because what Shantay had said was true, the last serious boyfriend she had was when she was at Hogwarts. She looked over at Shantay's begging face. Hermione grumbled.

"Fine." Shantay jumped up and clapped her hands.

"Yay! But this time you're letting me pick out your clothes and do your make up. You looked like a nun last time we went clubbing!" Hermione laughed and rolled her eyes. The blonde's eyes lit up in shock.

"Oi! My ratatouille!" and with that she rushed into the kitchen.

Hermione sighed as she savored the smells of the cooking stew. Shantay had been Hermione's roommate ever since she moved to New York seeking work as an artist. They were so different but they became good friends. Both of them, being witches, they had plentiful topics to chat about. Shantay had was born in France and had attended Beauxbatons. She was a near six feet tall and was impossibly thin having long blonde hair that often had paint in it and blue eyes. But what everyone loved about Shantay was her lovely French accent. Sighing, Hermione dragged herself into the kitchen, helping herself to a cup of coffee and a plate of Shantay's famous ratatouille.

"Oh Hermione!" Shantay called out from her room, "Come in here for a moment doll; I have something that would look tres chic on you. Hermione ambled into the room and plopped herself on the bed.

"Wha?" she moaned. Shantay just rolled her eyes and tossed Hermione a shirt. The shirt was a black halter with just enough fabric to give it an odd billowy look.

"Well, go try it on!" Shantay urged, pushing Hermione towards her own room. Rolling her eyes she obliged. Throwing open her closet doors, Hermione grabbed a pair of low rise jeans, hastily she pulled them on.

"I feel naked." murmured Hermione as she pulled the black halter on. Standing up she examined herself in the mirror. Scowling at the low v-neck of the shirt she did nothing about it, she felt so unprotected and naked. Even though she was full clothed. Reaching into her closet Hermione pulled out a pair of strappy heeled sandals and began to lace them on.

"Hermione, let me see you!" Shantay called out from the other room. Rolling her eyes, Hermione strolled into the neighboring room. Shantay's eyes lit up when she saw her.

"Oh Hermione, you look fabulous. You should let me pick out your clothes more often!" she laughed. Shantay herself was wearing a baby blue slip dress with white boots that came up to her knees. The dress itself was fairly revealing, barely leaving anything to the imagination. Her hair had already been done for she liked it down and straight. Muttering a spell, she pointed her wand toward Hermione's hair and it immediately straightened.

"Makeup time!" Shantay shouted, giggling as she applied eyeliner to Hermione's eyes. Moments later she was done.

Examining herself in the mirror Hermione whispered, "God, Shantay, you made me look like a hooker."

"Not quite. Try a look perfect for a night on the town."

"Whatever."

"C'mon lets go."

Moments later the two women had apparated to the club laughing as they went. The bouncer reluctantly let them in and their ears were soon full of the throbbing beats of the club. The neon lights flashed in circles around the club in shades of red, orange, green, blue and purple. Hermione's senses were overcome by the smell of sweat and smoke.

"Hermione! Want a drink?" Shantay shouted, to be heard over the throbbing music.

"Sure!" Hermione shouted back as Shantay disappeared towards the bar. Sighing, Hermione studied the dancers, and waited for her friend. Many men came up to her and asked to dance but she politely declined. 'Hm, maybe I should let Shantay dress me more often' she thought, surprised by all the attention. Almost immediately Shantay was back with two daiquiris.

"Thanks." she said taking a sip of her drink.

"C'mon, let's go dance." Shantay grinned, grabbing Hermione's arm and dragging her onto the dance floor.

It was a bit awkward at first dancing in the mass of strangers, but soon she relaxed into it, getting lost in the music. Shantay and Hermione danced until the two lost sight of each other. So Hermione resumed bumping and grinding with the other dancers. A total stranger walked up to her (actually it was more like he danced) and starting dancing close to Hermione. Smiling, she danced with the stranger and she was having a good time. It wasn't until she looked into his eyes when the night truly became wonderful. Her mystery dance partner was tall and muscular with messy black hair.

"Harry?!" she shouted in excitement, hugging her old friend.

**************

Harry brightened when he heard his name being called. He received the shock of his life when he turned around and discovered Hermione tackling him in a hug. "Sweet Shit. Is this fate?" he thought as he embraced his friend.

"Oh my gosh Harry! I've missed you so much!" Hermione shouted to be heard over the music. Harry smiled as he looked at her. She had grown considerably since they had last seen each other. She was more curvy, her brown hair was longer, and she was very elegant. But she was far more different and beautiful then all the girls he had met in the past two years. Just seeing her tonight took his breath away.

"I've missed you too 'Mione." 'More then you'll ever know.' he thought bitterly as he pecked her on the cheek. "Say, how about I buy you a drink?"

"Sure!" Hermione laughed, swishing her hair as she walked towards the bar. Ordering two martini's for the both of them, Harry spoke.

"So Hermione, what's new with you?" he asked nonchalantly.

"Oh nothing really, I'm the editor in chief for the New York Wizard." she said, taking a sip of her martini, "Of course I know what you've been doing. Mr. Big Quidditch Star." she playfully poked him. Harry laughed and gazed at Hermione.

"Great, say, Hermione, are you seeing anyone at the moment?" he asked nervously.

"No, Why?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to go out for dinner with me tomorrow night."

"Oh Harry, I'd love to!"

"Really?" Harry said as he started grinning.

"Yes!"

"Great, now let's dance." Harry grabbed her by the waist and walked with her onto the dance floor.

Hermione was having one of the best nights of her life. It was almost perfect. Hermione placed her hands on Harry's shoulders and his hand on her hip as they furiously danced, their bodies dangerously close. They were so close, their noses were almost touching as they moved along to the beat.

Suddenly they were interrupted by Shantay tapping Hermione on the shoulder, motioning that it was time to go. Hermione waved goodbye to Harry as she left the club, telling him that she was excited for their date. Harry smiled as she affectionately pecked her on the cheek. The two girl sauntered out of the club, disappearing behind the crowds of people.

It wasn't till Hermione and Shantay got home that Shantay confronted Hermione about Harry,

"Alright Hermione. Who was that guy?" she questioned, her blue eyes demanding answers while she giggled.

"Oh Harry?" Hermione inquired.

"If that's his name, then yes."

"That was my old school chum Harry Potter. I haven't seen him in three years." Shantay's eyes widened at this revelation.

"The Harry Potter? The famous, yet sexy Quidditch star? The boy who lived?"

"Er, yes."

"This is so fabulous! Ohmigosh Hermione!" Shantay said her voice full of enthusiasm.

"Its not that big of a deal Shantay... he's just Harry to me. Besides, I have a dinner date with him tomorrow so we can catch up on everything."

"Oh hon, that's great! You never usually go out on dates." Hermione just shrugged and started microwaving the leftover ratatouille.

"Oh Gawd, I am going to have such a hangover!" Grumbled Shantay as she stumbled out of the room. Hermione laughed silently at her friend as she spooned ratatouille into her mouth. Sighing, she cleaned up the plate and walked into her room, flopping onto the bed.

Hermione woke hours later in a daze and with a pounding headache. Grumbling, she sat up in bed, cursing martinis. Gazing over at the clock on her bedstand she nearly swore at the time. "Oh no! Its 9:00! I'm late for work!" Hermione thought desperately as she stumbled out of bed. Hastily, she ran a brush through her hair as she pulled on a pair of jeans and a black turtleneck. She shouted farewell to Shantay as she dashed out the door and onto the streets of New York.

The moment she walked into her office building at the "New York Wizard" Hermione was assaulted by all the interns and assistants. Fighting them off she strolled to her office to find her co-worker and arch enemy, Jonathon waiting.

"Hello Miss. Granger." Jonathon said.

"Hello Jonathon, Anything good today?" Hermione asked as she hung her coat up.

"Only this." he said as he threw a packet of photos and a magazine on the desk. Hermione raised her eyebrow as she started leafing through the photos. A smug smile was displayed upon his face.

"Oh shit. Where did you get these?" she grumbled as she looked at the pictures. The pictures were of Hermione and Harry dancing at the club from the night before. A caption underneath the photos said: Quidditch Heart Throb,Harry was seen dancing last night with New York Wizard editor Hermione Granger at new Manhatten club, Smooth. Witness say they were dancing together for the majority of the night. Neither party would comment.

"From a little bird called a paparazzi." cackled Jonathon.

"We're just friends you know, I've known Harry since I was eleven"

"Doesn't look that way to me."

"I hate you."

"As do I."

"If you pull another stunt like this again, I will fire you." Hermione glared at him menacingly.

"Whatever." Jonathon shrugged as he sauntered out of the office. Hermione leaned back in her black leather chair, trying her best to contain her rage at Jonathon. Sighing, she rubbed her temples and began a long day of work.