The Potter Bride

Chapter Three

THE POTTER BRIDE

By: tweety-src-clt9

CHAPTER THREE

Harry Potter is currently pacing around the main hall of the manor as he waited for his "pretend girlfriend", Hermione Granger. Three days after their talk in his study, they plan to start the charade tonight. It was agreed that she stay at his manor while in Britain, so that their act will be even more convincing. He created a portkey for her the day after their agreement while she settled some of her affairs in Australia. She returned to Britain still via portkey yesterday afternoon on the very same hall he's now pacing in.

Hermione's idea for their first official appearance as a couple is to have a quick dinner in one of the restaurants at Diagon Alley before they leave for muggle London to watch a show. According to Hermione, the subtle outing in Diagon Alley will trigger rumors, showcase them together thereby placating the ministry, and would seem to be an ordinary rendezvous between reacquainted friends turned lovers. She then explained to him that by watching a show in the muggle world afterwards, it would validate the legitimacy of the relationship since it's expected of her to prefer hanging out in places devoid of magic. His pacing along with his musings were halted when he heard someone clear their throat. When he turned around, his jaw dropped.

Walking down the staircase, a sight that gives him a feeling of déjà vu of the Yule Ball, is a version of Hermione Granger that he honestly hasn't seen before. Sure, Hermione was the belle of the ball in their fourth year and she grew up to be prettier along the years. This Hermione though, is a fiery temptress that will have men begging on their knees. She was wearing a spaghetti strapped, figure hugging, black dress. The material clung to her like second skin that the curves of her body were on full display. The dress was several inches above her knees and the neckline was rather daring. Her curly brown locks are left loose to fall down her back. She was carrying a red clutch purse that is a perfect match to her red stiletto pumps. She was wearing barely-there makeup except for her lips that was enhanced by red lipstick. The only jewelry she is wearing is a white gold chain that has a ring for a pendant. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she clutched the ring in one hand, closed her eyes as if to strengthen her resolve, and then looked at him.

"Did I keep you waiting long, Harry?"

"Wow", he whispered which earned a laugh from the temptress standing beside him.

"Are we just going to stand here all night?", she said with amusement.

"Ah, right! Let's go", he finally gathered his wits together. He held out a hand to her which she reluctantly accepted before he apparated them to the area just outside of the Leaky Cauldron. As they arrived, he entwined their fingers and lead her inside the strange inn that is a gateway to Diagon Alley.

"It's Harry Potter!", one of the patrons said out loud.

"Damn! Who is that gorgeous bird with him?", one of the older wizards leered at Hermione. He wrapped a possessive arm around her waist and glared at the men ogling her.

"Hiya, Harry! Who's with - Merlin's beard! Hermione Granger! I haven't seen you for so long!", Hannah Abbot, the new manager and owner of the Leaky Cauldron exclaimed.

"Hello, Hannah!", Hermione smiled at the witch and they hugged each other.

"Merlin, Hermione! I hardly recognize you. You look smoking hot! Whatever factor it is that made you so damn fine, you totally have to share it to me girl!", Hannah giggled and Hermione chuckled.

"Well I will take that as a compliment", Hermione winked at the blonde. Harry cleared his throat to interrupt the chitchat between them.

"Mione, we have to make it to dinner now or we will end up late for the show", he reminded her.