Perfect Storm

Chapter 10

"Nope. Nuh uh, not a chance, Granger. Go change."

Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Don't call me Granger. You sound like Draco."

"Then don't dress like you're heading for a funeral instead of a bachelorette party," Ginny protested.

"There's nothing wrong with this dress," Hermione replied, inspecting her dress. It was white and floor length, with big pink orchids scattered around.

"Pretty sure my Aunt Muriel has the exact same one in her closet."

"What do you think, Harry?" Hermione called to her friend, who was reclined on the couch with his nose in a book.

"I think I should go read under the invisibility cloak and stay far away from this conversation," Harry answered, sinking lower into the couch.

"I am under strict instructions to not let you out of this house tonight unless you're wearing the slinky, black strapless number you're hiding in your suitcase," Ginny said, and pointed to the stairs. "So, get your arse back up there and change."

"Strict instructions from whom?"

"Lizzie," Ginny answered, holding up a piece of parchment. "She also said to tell you that you got the position with the Licensing Enforcement Department."

"Really? You should have led with that information!" Hermione cried, snatching the parchment from Ginny. Her eyes scanned the letter and a smile spread across her face. "Oh, that's such a relief!"

"What's this new position mean, Min?" Harry asked, laying his book aside.

"It means I won't be stuck behind a desk all the time now. I'll go out and track down people that haven't registered their wands with MACUSA. It sounds a little lame, but I'll actually get to work with a team and be out and about in the city. Plus, I'll get a nice raise and be able to get out of that closet I've been stuck living in. It's not something I see myself doing forever, but definitely a step up."

"That's great. Congratulations!" Harry walked over and hugged her. When he stepped back his brow furrowed and he shook his head. "I've changed my mind though. Gin's right, you can't wear that dress tonight. It's like you're your own cockblock."

"For Godric's sake," Hermione groaned, as Ginny gave a triumphant laugh.

"Oh, come on Min! Go change into the slinky dress! For me, please!" Ginny whined and pouted her lips.

"Fine," Hermione conceded, and went back up the stairs. Five minutes later she returned wearing the strapless, black dress that Lizzie had picked out for her, weeks earlier, and a pair of black pumps. "Better?"

"Hell yeah!" Ginny waved her wand and black rectangle came flying out of the hall closet. "This will go perfectly with it," she insisted, pushing a black clutch purse into Hermione's hands.

"Thanks." Hermione transferred a few essentials into the clutch and tucked her wand into the side pocket she had fashioned on the inside of her dress. "Now, are you ready for your last big night out as an unmarried woman?"

"Yes! Love you, don't wait up!" Ginny said, kissing Harry and scurrying for the back door.

"Keep her in line," Harry murmured to Hermione.

"Heard that!"

"I'll try my best," Hermione promised, with a laugh. She waved to Harry and then followed Ginny to the back garden. The two girls linked arms and disapparated with a loud crack. A few quick seconds of twisting and turning and they landed in an alley, one block north of the restaurant. "Ready?" Hermione asked, attempting to tug the hemline of her dress closer to her knees.