Full Summary: Harry and Hermione both need each other. Harry wants access to his inheritance. Hermione needs her wizard citizenship. Both things require marriage. At the urging of Harry's uncle and Hermione's mentor, the two embark on a journey where they encounter immigration officers, awkward living situations, unexpected jealousy, and undiscovered feelings. When did pretending stop being pretending? Read on to find out.

Chapter 1

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

Hermione forced her eyes open. 7:48PM. "Oh shit!"

Hermione had never gotten ready so fast in her entire life. She scrambled all over her room in search of decent attire and her purse. After throwing on whatever she could get her hands on, she left her apartment with a loud slam of the door.

She hurriedly rushed into the bar and was clearly out of breath. Her psycho boss was nowhere in sight. Thank the heavens. She headed towards a middle-aged woman who was gingerly drying off some wine glasses. "Thank you so much Beth! I owe you one, again. I'll take over from here!" Hermione quickly pulled her hair into a tight bun, smoothed out the uncooperative strands, and tied the black apron behind her back. She was running on only 4 hours of sleep because it was finals week at her University. It was tough being a double major, work-study student and intern.

The woman only smiled. "It's alright dear. It was only a few minutes. I really do hate how anal Gerald gets with punctuality. It's not as if the place will spontaneously set on fire if you're just a second late," she said as she shook her head. "Just be sure to take care of yourself okay? I know how your tendencies get when you get swamped with school and work, you forget that you're only human," the older woman said with a raised eyebrow in a clearly disapproving manner. She grew to care a lot about Hermione; maybe because she reminded her of a younger version of herself.

She lifted her face from the glasses that she was drying, but only found herself alone once more. All she heard in response was a faint, "I pinky swear!" as Hermione's shadow disappeared into the nearby room.

On the opposite end of the bar, Harry was on his fourth round of fire whiskey. He had a gorgeous girl on each arm; one was a busty blonde and the other was a bodacious brunette. He actually couldn't care less about either one of them, in all honesty. They were just distractions. All he wanted to do was forget. He didn't want to feel the pain anymore. And for some reason, the only coping mechanism he could come up with was women and alcohol.

He rigidly stared down at his cup and mindlessly traced the rim with his finger, as if it would somehow do the trick and fix his problems. His sharp peripheral vision, a skill that led him to be one of the most sought out Seekers ever, quickly caught the entrance of a new figure to this left. His eyes instinctively shifted towards the movement.

His finger stopped.

He was instantly drawn to the new woman that just arrived behind the bar. Her aura was shockingly alluring to him. He's been through countless amounts of women in the last few weeks, yet none have interested him as much as this particular girl. She was simply… bewitching. He was startled at his own reaction.

He had to talk to her.

He quickly dismissed the blonde to his left, in order to free one of his hands; he's always preferred brunettes anyway. She gave a small pout and dejectedly walked away. The brunette to his right gleamed with triumph as she happily squeezed his arm, completely unaware that she had already lost too.

Harry waved the new bartender over. The closer that she got, the more flustered Harry seemed to get. It stirred different feelings in him that he was not aware of. What is the matter with me?

She greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes read exhausted, and he commended her effort to stay cheerful despite. "Good evening sir, what could I get for you?" Hermione politely asked.

Chocolate met Emerald.

Her heart skipped a beat. She was instantly drawn to him as well and was surprised. Sure she's had her fair share of male attention, however none ever really sparked her interest enough to have her entertain it. Bollocks. This man is extremely handsome. Especially those eyes of his. It's like they're looking into my soul. Hermione thought.

His green eyes playfully danced like a well-fed forest fire.

"Surprise me."

He threw in his signature smirk that made all the ladies swoon. She blinked twice. He could have sworn that for a split second, a look of desire flashed in her eyes. Harry couldn't be one hundred percent sure and thus deduced that she was merely good at hiding it.

His curve ball was easily caught by Hermione. "Coming right up!" Hermione enthusiastically said and quickly put her herself to work. Her hands expertly assembled the complicated beverage together. She gracefully poured in the various liquids and the corresponding amounts required for her concoction. She felt like she was back in elementary chemistry. The look of concentration on her face was extremely attractive to Harry. She topped off the sunset-inspired drink with a colorful little umbrella and a proud smile.

He eyed the orange and pink drink with doubt. "Go on! I promise that it's not too bad," Hermione encouraged. He willingly took a sip.

As part of the game to capture this woman, Harry was going to compliment her drink regardless, however he was surprised to find himself actually being meaningful, "This is splendid! Why haven't I seen this here before?" He took another long sip and enjoyed the new flavors that invaded his mouth.

Hermione gave him a shy smile and was actually really happy that he liked it, "It's actually a personal favorite of mine and not on the official menu of this bar." She proceeded to grab a white towel from under the table. "I came up with it via self-experimentation."

"Well, I personally believe that this should definitely be on the menu." Harry proclaimed. She held back a bigger smile, simply nodded, and kept working.

"You look really worn out, love." Harry observed.

Terms of endearment huh? She raised an eyebrow.

Harry quickly caught himself, "I didn't mean that in a bad way! Your eyes just look a bit down that's all, like it could use some cheering up."

She chuckled, "That's what it feels like to be a broke college student," and continued to wipe down the counter.

The brunette was getting peeved at the excessive amount of flirting that had been taking place. "Harry, let's go back to your place," the girl to his right whined as she tugged at his arm. He shook it off and she huffed.

"Someone as beautiful as you shouldn't be at a place like this," Harry told Hermione as he openly ignored the brunette next to him.

Hermione raised an eyebrow at the girl who kept trying to get Harry's attention. Harry got annoyed at the brunette and turned to her. He let out a frustrated sigh and frowned.

"Look. Rebecca, it seems as though you don't quite… interest me anymore. You can go on without me." Harry said casually. Her jaw hit the floor faster than gravity would have willed. He waved his hand in front of her face.

"What are you staring at me for? Was I not clear? Earth to Bella," Harry said and he took another swig of his drink, "Off you go Belle. Or was it Ana?" Harry was genuinely confused about the girl's name.

She grabbed her bag and hit Harry with it twice, to which Harry only laughed at. The girl screamed as she walked away, "For the millionth time, it's Brittany! Brittany! Asshole!" Harry victoriously smiled as he raised his drink towards her retreating figure, "Farewell sweetie!"

"Women are so dramatic," Harry chuckled and bought his drink to his lips once more.

Hermione's opinion about Harry took a 180 degree turn and she frowned, "That was very, very rude of you."

Harry merely shrugged and raised an eyebrow, "Whatever, there's always more where that came from. I'll miss how she would do all my cleaning though. I think I'll have to rehire a maid…or just use another one of these girls. Honestly, at the rate they throw themselves at me, it won't be too hard."

Hermione was visibly fuming. "Just because you're some apparently, well-known guy back in your town, doesn't give you any right to treat those poor girls like replaceable toys and to use them and throw them away at your convenience."

Harry just rolled his eyes. "Don't you know who I am?" Harry asked arrogantly, allowing the alcohol to finally take full reign.

Hermione lost her cool. "As a matter of fact, no. I do not know who you are nor do I care about who you are. I have a low tolerance for disrespectful people, like yourself, who get pleasure out of degrading others. So, please, do us both a favor and leave me alone."

What a jerk! No matter how handsome he is. She started to walk away, trying to be the bigger person.

"You were better being smiley and obedient. How about we take that fine ass of yours back to my place and you– "

She stopped dead in her tracks.

Hermione's eyes flared with anger. "You insensitive arse!" Before she could stop herself, she grabbed the nearest drink and threw it directly into his face.

The iced drink quickly worked its magic. Harry jumped off of his seat and the shocked look on his face gave Hermione the utmost pleasure.

"This… is… Prada! Do you know how expensive this is? Probably worth your entire paycheck for a month!" Harry cursed some more as he looked down at his tie.

The owner of the bar came out of his office to check out all of the commotion and his eyes widened in horror. He rushed over to the scene and immediately gave Harry his beloved white handkerchief. "Mr. Potter! I am extremely sorry for her behavior! Let me take care of this for you."

He turned toward Hermione and bellowed, "You. Leave your apron on the counter immediately. You are fired! Effective now."

The adrenaline coursed through Hermione's veins and she couldn't care less. She swiftly took off her apron and walked out of the bar, head held high. Her goal of the day was to not get fired for being late, however she got fired anyway, albeit a different reason. Mission accomplished?

TeeRisha

Harry knew that his uncle was one to concoct plans that were sometimes so grand that they were a hair away from absolute madness; who would expect less from one of the infamous Marauders right? He was at a complete loss at what Sirius had planned for him, but he had a gut feeling that it wasn't going to be a good thing. Harry took a deep breath and hoped for the best before arriving at the restaurant.

This was his first time here and was unaware of its practices. The front desk had him check in his coat and wand after which an escort arrived and took him to an elevator that required a number of keys in order to be given access to. Upon arrival at an unspecified floor, the doorman then led him through a secret passageway. As they neared the end of the tunnel, the restaurant's name finally came into full view.

Written in elegant cursive and bedazzled with the most beautiful gems, Allure adorned the front entrance. Harry soon found himself standing before an amazing view. The massive amount of lights that lit up the night sky was simply breathtaking. The restaurant's ambiance set an intimate and romantic mood; from the soft chords of the piano to the silky scattered rose petals to the twinkling champagne glasses. All of the extra procedures were done in order to preserve the beauty of what is Allure.

Sirius saw him and beckoned him over with a welcoming smile. The pair gave each other a hearty hug. "It's been too long! Way too long!"

"Well maybe if you weren't always so busy, you'd care to save some time for your ole uncle," Sirius joked and playfully held his hand over his heart. Harry laughed at his uncle's antics.

Hermione shifted awkwardly, as if she was intruding on a private moment. Sirius noticed. "Oh! Harry, I would like you to meet my best and by far the most brilliant intern, Miss Hermione Granger."

She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and willed herself to calm down. Breathe in. Breathe out. She proceeded to stand up. Breathe in. Breathe out. She opened her eyes.

On the count of three, just turn around. You will be fine. For the most part.

One…

Two…

…Three!

She found herself face-to-face a very handsome man. Despite the suit covering him, she could tell that he was built and toned. His most attractive feature, though, was undoubtedly his eyes. They rivaled the best emeralds money could buy. I feel like I've seen these eyes before. Hermione tilted her head a little and wondered why the raven-haired young man looked extremely familiar to her.

The gears in Harry's mind were also shifting and trying to figure out where he had seen this woman before. Her soft-looking curls were as enticing as a smoothie on a hot summer day. She had a slim body that wasn't just skin and bones. She had a wonderful balance of muscle and fat. It wasn't her breasts or her bum that caught his attention, however. It was her eyes. They were inviting pools of chocolate, where the only coherent thought that came to mind revolved around him taking a dive straight into it.

And then it clicked.

They both narrowed their eyes at each other, both perplexed at how the universe decides to function.

"You again?!" they yelled.

Sirius unexpectedly dropped his glass of water at the outburst. Good thing that each table had a privacy charm whose sole purpose was act like a soundproof wall.

"I have to marry this?" Hermione said disgustedly. "Merlin, all hope is lost. This is horrible. I might as well kiss my memories of the wizarding world good-bye. At this rate, it will be impossible…"

It took Harry a second to process what Hermione started rambling about and then his eyes widened to the size of saucers. "Excuse me?" Harry exclaimed, "Marriage? What in Merlin's name are you talking about?"

Hermione totally ignored Harry and exasperatedly said, "Sirius, you can't be serious!"

"Ha ha, very funny Hermione." Sirius playfully scolded. He noticed she looked livid and shifted his gaze away from her furious glare to try to change the subject.

"So… I'm guessing you two have met before?" Sirius asked as he watched the tension spike a multitude of degrees.

Hermione's glare didn't waver. "Yeah. You bet we did. He was the reason that I got fired from my job back in England!"

"Now hold on a second. Don't try to blame this on me! You were the one that poured a drink, that I also paid for, all over me which ruined my favorite tie!"

Hermione rolled her eyes and scoffed, "Oh boo hoo, little rich boy over here soiled his tie. So what? There are other, more important problems in the world! Like, I don't know, global warming or world hunger?"

"You are absolutely despicable! Do you even have an idea about the sentimental value of that tie?" he sneered.

"Well, you are a total arse!" she spat back.

"Takes one to know one right?" he taunted.

"Oh please —"

"— are stupid!"

"immature! And—"

"Children... children…enough!" Sirius yelled. The pair stopped mid-argument and held their tongues. The fire that burned in their eyes was one strong enough to cause a 1st degree burn on a fireproof appliance.

He took a minute to let things simmer down. He looked between the two and tried to reason with them, "Come on guys. Please, just hear me out on this first. This will solve both of your problems. You get to kill two birds with one stone."

"I don't want to be married to him!" Hermione demanded, "there has to be another way."

Harry scoffed. "And who said that I would ever want to be married to you?"

"Stop this right now!" Sirius ordered. He was getting a headache from their arguing.

"Look, I understand that you may have met each other in… not the best of situations. But you need to see the great benefits if you decide to work together. Just think of this as a temporary partnership, in which the two of you will only gain what you need."

Sirius first turned toward Hermione, "For you, its your permanent residency."

Then he turned to Harry and said, "For you its your inheritance and even your public appearance."

Silence.

"Let us all just calm down and discuss this like the mature adults that we are," Sirius said as he sat down, "Besides, I already paid for all of this, so the least you could do for me as your uncle and as your mentor is have dinner like civilized people."

He played the guilt card on the both of them. It worked, but the two never broke their heated eye contact. Sirius propped open the menu and peered at the two from behind it.

Harry stepped aside and motioned towards the chair, "Ladies first."

Hermione shot him the fakest smile that she could managed. "With pleasure," Hermione said and immediately took her seat.

Sirius looked between the two again and it instantly reminded him of a younger version of Lily and James. Before the two had gotten together, James would always piss Lily off and it was a constant war. It was a sight that Sirius had grown accustomed to in their many years as students at Hogwarts and was a memory that he actually quite appreciated. He gave a sad smile as he reminisced for a second before he was pulled back to the real world with the arrival of the waiter.

"Good evening sir. Is your table ready to order?" Before Sirius could say yes, the two were still heavily engaged in visual warfare and failed to look over their menus.

"Actually, could you give us a few more minutes please?" Sirius asked kindly. The waiter nodded and moved on to the next table.

This is going to be a lovely dinner.

End of chapter 1

A/N: One minute of your time for a review is what keeps me going and steadily chapters coming! I hope that you enjoyed it and join me on this wonderful love story! R&R! 3

xoxo,

TeeRisha