Another long chapter. Sorry folks, that seems to be all I can pop out lately. First things first, let me apologize for the atrocious chapter you had to read, also known as chapter 6. I wanted to take it down, print a copy, and burn all of the pages. Sadly, I did not. I'd have felt bad for all the trees that were murdered as I printed every page... All 63 of them -_-. I hope I didn't lose too many of my readers. T_T Having one left would make my month really. I am currently hating October with a fiery passion that is, unfortunately, not enough to keep me warm as the weather turns colder.
Anyways, I would like to thank babyscardinal for telling me about the lullaby "Crying for the World". Thank you again! You can find the song on youtube with the extra bit... (/watch?v=1NZsbZ7aLKQ)
To the readers that I have left, thank you SO much for reading this chapter. I would like to inform everyone that there are some... Adult scenes further down, and everything is rather informative. I'm hoping some questions that you have get answered. With that in mind, there is a slight mention of rape, so if that offends you in any way, I hope you can skip it because I don't quite remember where it is... Sorry.
Disclaimer: My usual disclaimer applies. I'm not J.K. Rowling, so I make no money from this story and do not own any of the HP characters. I also do not own "Crying for the World". The copyright is unknown I think, but Eden's Bridge did a copy of the song I think in 98... The other songs featured in this chapter belong to whomever wrote them. (It's a surprise)
/
Everyone turned towards the ringing phone with wide eyes.
The answering machine clicked on and beeped.
"Hey, Hermione. It's Parker. Are you screening your calls again?"
Ginny slowly walked towards the phone.
"Look... You and I need to talk..."
Using her left hand since her right hand was covered in glass, Ginny picked up the phone and clicked it on after walking away from the port. "Parker?"
"You," he said accusingly.
"Forgotten my name already? I'm hurt," Ginny said with a mocking pout.
"Where's Hermione?" he demanded.
"Oh, goodness. You didn't hear?"
"Hear what?" he asked with curiosity.
"She eloped."
Severus began to sputter from his position near Hermione and quickly walked out of the back door, but he left it open.
"Eloped?" Parker cried. "With whom?"
"An old flame," she said in a tutting tone. "Sorry, mate. I suppose you struck out."
"You're enjoying this aren't you," Severus snarled to her.
Ginny nodded vigorously with a smirk as she waited for Parker to talk. "Parker? Are you there?" she asked much too sweetly. "You didn't happen to faint did you? That's not very manly you know."
Lucius rolled his eyes with exasperation as he chuckled.
"She's enjoying this," Draco whispered.
"It seems that way," Lucius agreed.
"Why are you at Hermione's house? I said you weren't allowed near Persephone!" Parker shouted into Ginny's ear.
Ginny winced and pulled the phone away from her face to clean out her ear. "I hadn't realized you were a soprano, Parker. Congratulations! You finally hit that High C."
"Ginevra," he growled fiercely.
"And you're working on your banshee impersonations. I'm quite impressed, Parker."
"Ginevra, I will only ask one time. Where is my daughter?"
"Here with me, of course. Hermione couldn't get her brains fucked out with Persephone around. The poor dear had so much tension in her shoulders."
"I'm going to kill you when you hang up that phone," Severus hissed.
"I'm shaking in my boots," Ginny scoffed with a roll of her eyes.
"I want to speak with my daughter," Parker growled.
"She's asleep. Brian brought over his children and they're all worn out," Ginny said.
"Don't lie to me," he snarled.
"I gain nothing from lying to you, Parker, why would I lie?"
"Where did Hermione go off to?"
"Disney World! He took her to Disney World!"
"Your... Lover, Lucius, is about to breathe her last breath," Severus said in a raspy voice as he bent over while he hyperventilated.
"Disney World?" Parker didn't sound convinced.
"Yeah. You know how much Hermione adores those movies."
"He sounds like quite the man."
"He is," Ginny said.
"Does she love him?"
"More than you could ever guess," Ginny replied quietly.
"I see." Parker sighed. "Are you available?"
"No. I am very much taken."
"I'd certainly like to think so," Lucius said as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"How unfortunate for your man. Tell me, Ginevra, how long did it take you to spread your thighs for this one?"
Ginny flinched as if she'd been slapped. "I have more important things to do with my time," Ginny growled.
"Does this one hit you?" Ginny could hear the smirk.
"No, he does not."
"Pity. You need to lose that wild streak."
"Yes, and you've done such a good job with Hermione's. I really should compliment your methods. Lying to a vulnerable girl for kicks."
"Stop," he said in a warning tone.
"Manipulating her into giving her baby away. Quite clever."
"Ginevra," he growled.
Ginny's voice got sharper each time she spoke. "Getting drunk and breaking in to rape her. It's a shame you were stopped after your cock had just been released."
"Shut up!"
"And if that wasn't bad enough, you paid some fool to break into the house so that you could worm your way back into Hermione's bed."
"What?" Brian growled.
"How do you know that?" Parker asked with a panic filled voice.
Ginny smirked. "To be honest it was just a guess, but I do believe you just proved me correct."
"Ginevra," Lucius said quietly.
"Little whore," Parker growled.
"Such a sweet endearment. I'm touched truly."
Parker huffed into the phone angrily.
"Have you got a cold?"
"I will destroy you, Ginevra," he roared so loud that she pulled the phone from her ear.
Ginny took a deep breath, and pulled the phone back to her ear. "Hit me with your best shot," she said and hung up the phone.
"He didn't even mention Melissa," Brian said curiously.
"He didn't did he?" Ginny arched a brow. "Sephy."
"Yes, Gingin?" Persephone walked out of the hall in her bathrobe.
"What's your dad's number?"
Persephone blinked.
"Not the... Snakeman one... The other one."
"Ooooooh," Persephone said. "I've got it written down in the fridge for Mommy." Persephone padded into the kitchen and wrestled with the handle until she was able to pull it open. She turned to Ginny with a triumphant expression.
"You've become a big strong girl while I was away didn't you?" Ginny leaned against the frame of the kitchen door and smiled, but it slowly evaporated.
"Here it is, Gingin. I keep it in the drawer where Mommy hides all of her beers."
"Brian, go show Draco how to use the phone in Hermione's room." Ginny nodded her thanks to Persephone and called Parker.
"I should fix your hand, kitten," Lucius said as he pulled her over to the table.
"What," Parker hissed when he answered.
Ginny's mouth opened and she found herself speechless.
"Called to apologize?"
"Never... I was curious... Have you received any... Phone calls today... Or yesterday... About... Melissa?"
"No," Parker said becoming immediately confused. "Why? Has something happened? Is she alright?"
Ginny licked her lips.
"What happened?" he asked sharply.
"There were some... Burglars... And she..."
"She's dead?" His voice sounded empty and hollow. "Is Persephone alright? I have to speak with my daughter, Ginevra."
"I can assure you that Persephone is safe... But about your wife..."
"Was it... Quick? She didn't suffer did she?"
"I have not been told many details... I do not know what happened. Persephone didn't see anything."
"That's great... I'm glad she wasn't hurt... Oh my God... Poor Melissa... I... I need to call some people... Thank you for telling me, Ginevra."
"I would like to think that if our places were reversed and it was Hermione that had died you would do the same," Ginny said softly.
Parker remained quiet for a time. "I hope we'll never have to find out."
"Our first agreement."
"Keep my daughter safe, Ginevra."
"She's not your daughter, Parker."
"I adopted her."
"Yes, and we both know how you managed that."
"I know that Persephone will be safe with you... Is there anything else I need to know?"
"Is there anything else he needs to know," Ginny asked Brian.
"Let me talk to him," Brian said and took the phone away.
Ginny's eyes narrowed. "Something is off..."
"Was he not surprised?" Lucius asked as he massaged Ginny's palm.
"He seemed to be, but I didn't sense any mourning."
"It might take a few days for him to realize what happened. Everyone goes through trauma differently, Ginevra."
"But why wait? Why not realize it now and get over it faster?" Ginny didn't understand why someone would want to wait. Dealing with it sooner meant that you would heal sooner.
"Not everyone has your mindset, kitten," Lucius said to her in a gentle tone. "There are some that never get over the loss of a lover."
"I wonder who that could be," she groused, and then jumped when a hand landed on her shoulder.
"Wonder no longer, Ginevra. Did you enjoy your last few breaths of air?" Severus asked from behind her.
Ginny placed her other hand over his. "Shut up and sit down, Severus."
With a bemused frown, Severus did as she told him. "Why am I listening to her, Lucius?"
"Ginevra can be very persuasive," Lucius replied as he smiled at Ginny.
"Do you think Parker paid to have his wife murdered as well?" Severus asked Ginny.
"I'm not ruling it out," she said honestly. "I guess we'll just have to see what happens within the next few days. We need to get Hermione to London. I suggest we begin to pack up her house tomorrow. We've been putting it off long enough, and she honestly won't be anymore comfortable with the idea until she's there, and even then we may have to shackle her to Severus to keep her there."
"Tempting thought," he muttered.
"Gingin," Persephone whispered from the doorway.
"Hm?" Ginny turned towards Persephone.
"Can I sit with you for a minute?"
Ginny pushed the chair back and patted her lap.
"You look different," Persephone said after she got comfortable on Ginny's lap.
"My hair is longer," Ginny supplied. "I'd had it cut short, remember?"
Persephone turned in Ginny's lap and looked into her eyes. Her hands trailed through Ginny's hair. "I think so... It's a different color too."
Ginny nodded. "I had some brown in it. You have quite the eye for detail."
"Brown?" Lucius asked casually.
Ginny shrugged. "A girl I knew through the arena needed some models for her photography portfolio. Hermione put some red in her hair and I put some brown."
"Do you have any of the photos?" Severus asked.
"Yeah... Hermione and I are in our skivvies for some of them, so I moved them." Ginny's face was flushed.
"Something you didn't want me too see?" Lucius asked.
"Well... More like something I don't think Hermione would want you to see..." Ginny broke off with a laugh.
"I'm confused. Talk about something I understand, please," Persephone demanded.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Yes, your majesty." She stiffened like a rod in the chair. "Sephy... How long have you been able to speak to snakes?"
"There's one in Mum's garden that talks to me," Persephone answered very slowly.
"When did this start?" Ginny pressed.
Persephone pursed her lips as she thought. "It was after you came back from your trip. It asked me about you and Mama."
"What did it ask?" Severus asked her.
"Well... It wanted to know if they were happy... Or if they needed something... I think."
"Why?" Ginny asked.
"I don't know," Persephone replied with a shrug.
"How much did you tell it?" Ginny asked urgently.
"All of it," Persephone said softly. "Even that one part that..."
"I understand," Ginny said with a heavy sigh. "Where are Pepper and William?"
"They're going to bed," Persephone said. "I wanted to stay up with you. Is that okay?"
Ginny's gaze focused back to Persephone and she nodded. "Are you still hungry?"
Persephone nodded slowly.
"Do you know what you want, sweeting?"
Persephone nodded.
"Care to share?"
Persephone hid her face against Ginny's chest and mumbled.
"Come again?"
Persephone mumbled again. "Mmees."
"One more time..."
"Did you finish those cookies?"
"Oh... No..."
"Oh," Persephone looked sad.
"Want to help me?"
"Yeah," Persephone said as she hopped off of Ginny's lap and ran to the shelf to grab her stool.
"I thought you didn't like kids," Ron said from the doorway.
"I have a problem with boys. I have no issue with girls," she replied as she rose and walked to the counter that had the tray with the dough balls. She had placed a cooling charm on them before she and Hermione had talked in the kitchen.
"What of our future sons, Ginevra?" Lucius asked from the table with an innocent expression.
Ginny slipped as she grabbed a cup from the cabinet above her and the glass crashed to the floor and broke. When she reached for another her hands shook and she knocked, not one, but two glasses to the floor.
"Oooh, Gingin did a no-no," Persephone said in a chiding voice.
"Blame him," Ginny growled as she jabbed her finger towards Lucius, who continued to radiate innocence.
"Me, Ginevra? But I have done nothing wrong. I have sitting here this whole time," he said with a voice of liquid silk.
"Merlin's hairy arse, you have! You broke them! You fix them!" She pointed to the broken glasses on the floor.
"Technically speaking, my dear kitten,it was you who broke those glasses."
"Lucius," she hissed.
Lucius waved his hand towards the glasses and they repaired themselves and landed on the counter gently.
"Say thank you, Gingin," Persephone said sternly with her hands on her hips.
"Thank you," Ginny huffed towards Lucius.
"Are you alright, Gingin?" Persephone asked after a minute. "Your face is as red as an apple."
Lucius grinned at Severus who rolled his eyes with a smirk.
"I'm going to go and sit back with Hermione," Severus said and rose from the table. "I don't trust any of those dunderheads to care for her."
"My son happens to be one of those dunderheads, Severus."
"Of that, Lucius, I am well aware," Severus said as he walked out.
"Have the mirrors and windows been handled in Hermione's room?" Severus asked quietly.
Draco nodded. "Neville just finished."
Severus looked over at Neville. "Thank you... Longbottom," he said very quickly and immediately regretted his words after seeing a shiny light enter Neville's eyes.
Severus turned to the sleeping girl on the sofa and gently picked her up and slowly carried her down the hall into her room. After he laid her on her bed, he sat beside her and began to remove his stockings and shoes. He unbuttoned his dress shirt and laid it along her dresser.
With a sigh, he moved her to sit up and slowly pulled off her shirt. Running his hands along her back he unclasped her brassiere and pulled it away from her body. Pulling her forward to hold her against his chest, he released a heated sigh when they touched. He pulled down the sheets before he gently laid her back.
Looking down at her denim pants, he hesitantly reached out and slowly unfastened them. Swallowing loudly, he pulled them down and released a groan when he saw bare flesh. "My my, Granger, you're just full of surprises, aren't you?" With a shake of his head he finished ridding her of the jeans and tossed them away.
"I had every intention of leaving you in your knickers, my dear, but you don't seem to be wearing any," he said diplomatically to Hermione's sleeping form. Noting that she was free of hair as well, he felt a coiling low in his belly. "You shouldn't have, my dear. You really shouldn't have."
Severus quickly covered her with the blanket and walked over to the other side of the bed. Unfastening the zip of his trousers, Severus stepped out of them and slowly slid into the bed with Hermione. He pulled her close to him and inhaled the delightful scent of her hair.
"Don't leave me this time, my love," he whispered into the darkness of the room.
Running. Why was she running?
Moist earth sank beneath her feet as she sprinted around trees. Crickets stopped their chirping as she ran past. Bats screeched above her head as they searched for their supper.
In her panic, Hermione failed to consider where she would go. Normally Hermione had a plan. There would always be need of a plan. There would always be a back plan, and a back up for the back up plan. But this was one situation where she couldn't make one.
She wasn't sure how she managed to give the Death Eaters the slip, but she did, and now she was running. Running in hopes that they would give up and leave her be. Unfortunately, Hermione knew that that wouldn't be the case. Voldemort had already made that known to all who dared to defy him.
Hermione looked over her shoulder and let out a scream when she saw a pale face in the distance. How she had been able to see him she will never know. The night had been so dark, and the only light was a glowing full moon.
It was as if she had been trapped in a dark room and the only hope she had of finding a way out was by a lightbulb that kept moving farther and farther away.
"You will not escape me!"
Hermione looked over her shoulder and saw that he was closer. "Leave me alone," she begged as she ran further into the darkness.
Thunder echoed in the distance. The smell of rain filled the air.
Hermione's heart thumped rapidly sending a loud pounding to her ears. This was a fear she had never known, and one that she hoped she didn't experience again.
At first the rain fell in gentle drops. Hermione barely noticed the added dampness to her jumper, but then with a crash of thunder and a bolt of lightning it picked up.
Running became harder as cascades of water fell from the heavens and pelted Hermione. Her clothes became tight restraints and her breathing more labored. It was all she could do to keep her footing as the dirt became slick and muddy.
"You cannot get away!"
Hermione staggered with a cry, and tripped over a rock. Landing on the soaked ground, she slid until she collided with a tree. She turned, and screamed as she watched him descend from the air above her.
Hermione... Hermione...
She turned hearing Severus' voice echo around her. "Severus, help me! I'm so scared. Don't let him hurt me, please!"
"He will not get you Hermione. I am there. Do you not see me?"
His voice was a gentle caress to her frayed nerves.
Frantically, she looked around until she eyed him standing by a tree. His face was paler than usual, which alarmed her greatly, and he looked as if he was in pain.
"Are you hurt?" she asked.
"Not physically, my love. You need to wake up, my love."
"Wake up?" Hermione looked around in confusion and saw that Voldemort had frozen just above her. Hesitantly she reached out her hand and touched his cheek. He evaporated into a swirl of smoke.
Hermione looked around again with a bemused expression. Severus was still frozen in place, a sliver of the moon catching his face to reveal his presence. Turning to the moonlight, Hermione watched as the moon moved through the sky to the earth and landed underneath her. She fell.
"You are fine, Hermione," Severus murmured against her hair as he gently stroked her back. "I am here. You are safe."
"Were you really there?" She had known that he had tried to find her, but she hadn't realized that he had succeeded.
"Yes," he replied in a choked voice.
"But you did nothing?"
"What could I have done? He would have killed me, and then any chance of you having at least one ally at the manor was gone. Do you think you would have survived as long as you had if I had not been there to see you whenever I could?"
There was that. "How long did you stay?"
"Till the end."
"Did it not bother you?"
"My heart had never known such pain. I thought I would die from the sight of him taking you."
Hermione lifted her hand and trailed her palm along his face. "Severus?"
"Yes?"
"Why am I naked?" Hermione whispered with a smile and arched brow.
"Oh..." Severus cleared his throat. "I had every intention of leaving you in your knickers, but imagine my, albeit pleasant, surprise to see that you had none."
"Ah," Hermione murmured as a heated blush spread through her cheeks. "At least your intentions seemed honorable."
Severus trailed his fingers down her side. "I am always honorable, Hermione."
"I suppose you are," she said after a moment of thought.
"You suppose?" He sounded insulted.
"I wish you wouldn't be so honorable right now," she groused.
Severus's brows rose. "Pardon?"
"You wanted to touch me all day, and now that you freely can, you won't. It's rather frustrating, my lamb."
"I enjoy 'lamb' just as much as Lucius enjoys 'peacock'."
"Would you rather I called you 'Doe'?"
"No."
"Then stop complaining and let me call you what I want," she sneered.
Severus snorted a laugh. "So what would you like me to touch first?"
"A kiss would be wonderful."
"With pleasure," he said as he rose above her. But just as he lowered his head to her lips she stopped him. He growled. "Teasing me is not wise, Granger."
"Did you turn off the monitor or silence the room?"
Severus stiffened. "Blast!" He quickly reached for his wand and turned off the hidden mic in the corner and silenced the room. "There! Now I will kiss you!"
"Please do," Hermione purred.
"Minx," he growled as he lowered his mouth to hers.
The moment just before his lips touched hers time seemed to stop. It had been five years since they had touched so intimately. Five long heartwrenching years.
If anyone asked Hermione what happened as his lips touched hers she would be unable to tell them, but it felt like a small explosion spread from their touching mouths and travelled along their bodies leaving a wildfire in it's wake.
Her hand immediately slid into his hair and moved to grasp his broad shoulders. She gasped with pleasure and arched her back as he wrapped an arm around her side and pulled her even closer to him.
"I missed you so much," she sighed against his lips. "Sometimes thoughts of you were the only thing that helped me get through the day."
"Then why did you leave?" he asked as he trailed wet kisses down her neck.
"Fear. Stress. Overthinking and then rethinking what I had been overthinking."
"You've begun to not make sense, Granger, so I'm going to put that mouth of yours to better use," he said huskily as he travelled upwards and captured her lips with his own again.
Hermione moaned when she felt his palm graze her breast. "Severus," she groaned.
"To hear my name from these lips is like a song from the heavens," he whispered against her hair as he held her close again.
Hermione shook her head against his shoulder. He had to be exaggerating.
"Hermione," he murmured against her neck, and smirked when she shivered against his body. "It seems that you feel the same way."
"Just shut up and kiss me," she snapped.
"Whatever my lady wishes," he said huskily as lowered his head to hers again.
Hermione's nails clawed at his shoulders as she felt his hand run along her hip.
"May I touch you?" he asked after pulling away.
"Don't you dare ask me that!" she hissed. "What's mine is yours."
Severus stared down at her before lowering his lips to her and giving her a passionate kiss. After some adjusting he slid a hand along the inside of her thigh and gently cupped her pelvis. "You've given it to others."
Hermione looked up at him. "You expect me to believe that you've been celibate?" she asked crisply.
"No. I wasn't. But now that we are together again there will be no one else touching what is mine."
"The same goes for you," she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"There's no one I'd rather have."
Hermione pulled him down and kissed him savagely, gladly opening her mouth for his questing tongue. She pulled away with a gasp when his finger slipped in between her lips to touch her clit. It felt like a bolt of lightning shot up her spine.
Severus rested his head in between her breast as he frantically rubbed her clit. He inhaled her smell deep into his nose. "I never thought I would see you again. Do you have any idea how worried I've been?" he asked as he nuzzled her flesh.
"You could have looked," she said as she failed to suppress a moan.
"I did. You weren't at your old house. You weren't with Ginevra, Harry, Draco, Luna, or any of your other schoolmates. You only mentioned Brian once to me, and never said his name nor where he lived. It's just as much your fault as it is mine that I could not find you up until now."
Hermione's hips began to rise against Severus' hand seeking friction. "Oh, gods... Severus... Severus, let's talk about this later, please. I need to feel you. I need to hold you!"
"You? What about me, you foolish girl?" he asked as he dropped his lips to hers. He paused above her and gently lapped at her lips with the tip of his tongue. Hearing Hermione release a wanton moan, he chuckled. "Still like this, do you?"
"Oh, gods," she moaned and arched her back. "Oh, my lamb."
"Carnivorous lamb," he muttered as he licked along the seam of her lips.
"Would you prefer that I call you a lion?" she teased.
"Do it once and I am walking out of this room and leaving you like this," he growled.
"I could always call Ginny, I'm sure."
"She's busy with your daughter."
"Ah. No more mention of lions and lambs then."
"Agreed," he growled as he thrust his tongue in between her lips again. After a moment he pulled away and began to kiss down her neck to her chest, and stopped before her breasts. "You are much larger than I recall."
"I breastfed," she mumbled with a blush.
"Did you? That's a good thing, there is no reason to feel shame in something natural. Animals breastfeed their children."
"Did you just relate me to an animal?"
"I do believe I might have, Granger," he said uncertainly.
"And this evening was going so well. What animal were you thinking of? A gorilla?" Hermione's voice was sharper than a blade.
"Hermione," he hissed. "I was saying it is normal and natural. It's much healthier than the formulas that muggles make for their children."
"Severus, stop talking."
"With pleasure," he said quickly and ducked his head down to slowly wrap his tongue around her nipple. Hermione's hands grasped his hair tightly and her hips arched against the hand that was in between her thighs.
"I want to hold you," Hermione said again.
"I'm lying on top of you, girl, what more could you want?"
Hermione laughed. "Give me your penis, Severus."
"You're very forward this evening," he murmured as pulled his hand out from between her legs. He licked the tips of his fingers, and closed his eyes with a moan.
"Damn!"
"What?" Severus looked down at her with eyes full of concern.
"I've got to use the loo," she spat.
"Well go," he said incredulously and gestured towards it. The minute she closed the door, he scrambled off the bed and casually sauntered towards the cd player that she kept in the corner on a table. He looked through the music she had, and grabbed his favorite choice and popped it in. Hermione came out while he was adjusting the volume.
"Trying to set the mood?" she asked as she leaned against the doorway.
Severus turned towards her. "I thought something soft would relax us and help us not go at each other like rabid teenagers who just discovered masturbation."
Hermione laughed. "Very well then," she murmured and walked over to the bed.
Love me tender, love me sweet, never let me go.
"Still an Elvis fan I see?" she asked with a smile.
"Some things never change," he replied. "I must admit my surprise to see it amongst your collection." He raised a brow at her.
"It's not as if I listened to it for hours and cried as I thought of you, Severus," she said with a roll of her eyes as she stood on her knees on the bed.
Wisely, he made no reply and slowly shed his pants.
For my darlin', I love you, and I always will.
"I could be mistaken, but I believe you have gotten even bigger," she murmured as he climbed onto the bed to stand opposite of her.
Love me tender, love me long, take me to your heart.
Severus smirked. "Unlikely, but I do like to hear that."
For it's there that I belong, and we'll never part.
Hermione began to hum along with the song as she slowly ran her fingertips along his shoulders and chest.
Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfilled.
She leaned forward to press a kiss on the right side of his chest, before she nuzzled against him. She smiled when his arms wrapped around her waist and held her close.
For my darlin' I love you, and I always will.
Raising her head, Hermione kissed up his neck and along his jaw. She moved higher and pressed a kiss to both of his brows before kissing the bridge of his nose.
Love me tender, love me dear, tell me you are mine.
Severus released a groan and held her tighter to him.
I'll be yours through all the years, till the end of time.
Hermione gently pushed him back with a smile and straddled him. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his in a gentle kiss. Her hands smoothed back his hair and ran the inky black strands through her fingers.
Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfilled.
Severus' arms moved along the sides of her body and gently ran upwards to trail along her bum. When Hermione tried to pull away he moved a hand to the back of her head and pushed her back to him.
For my darling I love you, and I always will.
The song came to an end, and the machine made a noise as it changed tracks.
Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can't help falling in love you.
The couple rolled until they were both on their sides and Hermione moved one of her legs over Severus' hips. One of Severus' hands cupped her face in his and the other rested on her hip.
Severus rolled them again so that Hermione was lying on her back with him on top of her. He clasped her hands in his and raised them above her head.
Hermione watched as Severus lowered his head to hers again after he settled between her thighs, but froze when she heard a scream coming from the hall. Their eyes met as another one came through the door. Hermione pushed Severus away from her and ran out the door.
"Granger, you aren't-"
Hermione ignored Severus' voice and saw that Ginny was already opening the door.
"Pepper! Pepper, baby, what's wrong?" Brian asked as he followed Ginny into the room.
Pepper and Persephone were sobbing hysterically, and William was pointing towards the corner.
Ginny slowly approached the corner and saw that Persephone's laundry pin was turned over. "What have we here?"
"Persephone, calm down," Hermione cooed as she held her daughter in her arms. Hermione turned towards Ginny when she heard a scream and saw Ginny jump to the side. "What is it?"
"Get the kids out of the room," Ginny cried, and hopped to the side again.
"Ginny?" Brian asked in alarm.
"Now!"
Hermione all but tossed Persephone out of the room and turned. "Nagini?" Hermione froze in the doorway. "Clear the hall, and stay out of the way!"
Brian dashed down the hall with all three children in his arms.
"I'm just going to stay in the loo right here," Severus said very casually and closed the door behind him.
"Incendio," Ginny said as she flicked her wand towards the serpent.
The snake easily dodged and jumped towards her, but Ginny was able to lunge out of the way. The snake slithered by Hermione and out of the room.
"Accio wand," she said and held her hand out towards her room. Wand in hand, she turned and ran into the living room. "Expelliarmus."
The snake flew back into the glass door, and slid to the floor.
"Did you kill it?" Ginny asked.
The snake struck, but Hermione leaned to the right and it missed her. "Let me guess, it's not dead," she growled.
Lucius shot a spell at it and it flew back towards the kitchen, so Luna pushed Brian inside with the children and closed the door.
"What is that thing?" Neville asked as the snake practically flew across the floor.
"Nagini?" Ron suggested.
"No, Nagini is dead," Harry replied.
"Less talking, more spelling!" Hermione shouted.
Draco and Lucius had been able to corner the snake near Hermione's piano, but it definitely wasn't going down without a fight.
"Try and get it into the back," Ginny said loudly.
"Someone will need to open the door," Draco called back.
"Bombarda," Hermione cried as she aimed her wand towards the glass door which quickly shattered.
"Or you could do that," he said.
"Draco," Lucius snapped.
Draco turned and was toppled over by the snake.
Harry shot a flipendo towards the snake and it launched in the air towards the open doorway. "It's almost out! Someone get ready to repair the windo-"
Ginny shot the snake with a reducto and tossed her arm forward with the strongest reparo she could. A loud thud could be heard on the other side of the repaired glass. As she panted heavily, Ginny turned to Hermione, "Now you know why I kept Bastet."
Severus walked out of the bathroom, and stopped in front of Hermione with his eyes wide. "Granger... You're... Not properly dressed."
"Not properly dressed?" Draco asked. "More like not dressed at all..." His voice trailed off when Hermione moved her hair to cover her chest and he saw her backside for the first time.
Everyone was silent.
"Is it safe to come out now?" Brian asked.
"If you want to see me starkers be my guest," Hermione replied as she looked towards the sliding glass door.
"Uh... Er..."
"Here," Severus said and held out his shirt towards Hermione.
Hermione took it, and rolled up the sleeves after she buttoned it up. Several noted that it seemed almost as if out of habit. "We need to check the ventilation and make sure that the snake can't get back in." She turned back to Ginny. "Do you have any suggestions?"
"Yeah, get a cat," Ginny said in a tone that told all that she had suggested it many times before.
"I already told you that I can't. Parker is allergic to cats, and Persephone might never be allowed over if I had one." From her tone everyone assumed that this was a repeated argument.
"You don't find that the least bit suspicious? Parker and Voldemort go hand and hand."
"How?"
"Voldemort dies, and you flee. Who finds you immediately after you arrive? Parker. He had you wrapped around his finger until I got here, and then he started to feel threatened. Why would he be concerned with my presence, hm? I brought Bast here twice before she died and never showed any signs of allergies, but both times she hissed at him not to mention the fact that he kicked her across the room-"
"He said it was an accident."
"Of course he did! That's not the point I'm trying to make. When do you have your interactions with him? Has Parker ever been around?"
"No..."
"Exactly. I tell Voldemort to call the phone. And not three seconds later it rings and it's Parker."
"Coincidence."
"There are no such things as coincidences, Hermione, surely by now you and I have both learned that."
"You're blaming him because Bastet died and-"
"No. Bastet died because of a miscalculation on my part. That's over and done. Parker kicking her had nothing to with how she died. Your husband so 'lovingly disposed of her' when she killed one of his snakes."
"She did?" Lucius asked.
"That's why Bastet stayed with me. She was my protector and friend. She came to my aide during a moment of great need and asked for nothing but shelter in return."
"You make it sound as if she were a person," Neville said in confusion.
"In a way she was." Ginny shrugged. "You may not agree, Hermione, but I smell a snake, and it's not the one that was in the house."
Hermione touched a finger to her lips. "You and I shall discuss everything when there are not so many inquiring ears. You say Parker called?"
"Yes."
"What did he want?"
"To talk to you for something," Brian said. "We informed him of Melissa's passing as well. He's also granted you full custody of Persephone, but God knows how he managed that on such short notice."
"Money goes a long way," Lucius and Draco said.
"He also found out that you and Severus eloped," Luna said with a smile.
"Did we?" Hermione asked with an arched brow in his direction. "Where did you take me?"
"Disney World," he mumbled.
"Sounds fun," she said with a wide smile.
"I will keep that in mind," he said quietly and turned a narrow gaze to Ginny.
"Was anyone bitten?" Hermione asked as she looked from Draco to the still distressed children.
Draco shook his head, and Brian did too after a moment of speaking with the kids.
"Do you have any idea what kind of snake that was?" Hermione looked back at Ginny.
Ginny shook her head. "A very large python. It wasn't as large as Nagini though."
"That's a comforting thought," Severus said with a pale face.
Hermione frowned and rubbed his arm soothingly with the backs of her knuckles.
"Snape is afraid of snakes?" Ron asked with amusement.
"Imagine if you will, Mister Weasley, the last time you are near a snake it is just as big as you, if not bigger, and it tried to eat you. I am allowed to be wary of something in that situation. Just as you fear spiders."
Ron shivered with disgust.
Harry came through the hall. "I saw no holes in the walls, and the vents looked fine. I have no idea how it got in."
Hermione looked back at Ginny. "Did you put the snake in the room?"
"Can I slap you?" Ginny asked very seriously.
"That's a no then." Hermione sighed as she looked at her daughter.
"Sephy, that wasn't the snake that was in your mother's garden was it?" Ginny asked.
"No. I've never seen that one before," Persephone said on a hiccup.
Ginny and Hermione looked at each other. Hermione looked pleading, and Ginny looked almost broken hearted.
"Go and get the cd," Ginny said with a shrug. "Are the candles still-"
"In the closet," Hermione called from down the hall.
Ginny walked into the hall and pulled out a large box.
"Someone help Ginny set those around," Hermione said as she carried her cd player into the living room and hooked it up along the far wall.
"Light them too," Ginny said to Neville as he helped her set candles all over the living room.
"Which track do you want it on?"
"Three," Ginny said with a sigh.
Brian was trying to sooth both Pepper and William, and was having some difficulty.
Hermione cleared her throat and looked from Ginny to William.
Ginny grimaced.
Hermione's eyes narrowed into slits.
Ginny sighed angrily and squared her shoulders before approaching Brian and holding her arms out for William.
"Are you sure?" he asked slowly.
"Just hand him over," she snapped.
Brian's brows rose to his hairline, but after a moment he did.
Hermione rolled her eyes seeing Ginny hold William as if he were diseased and moved to sit on the sofa. She patted her lap and Persephone sniffled over to cuddle in her lap.
Ginny sat very stiffly on the sofa next to Hermione, and patted the cushion beside her for Brian to take. With a sigh, she nodded towards Hermione who magically turned off the lights and turned the stereo on.
Ginny swallowed as the music began. "O my child, you cry so many tears. Seems like you've been crying for the world. O my child, your world so full of fears. Seems like you've been crying for the world."
William paused his sniffles and looked up at Ginny with his thumb in his mouth. Ginny smiled a gentle smile at him and smoothed his hair back with her fingertips.
"I to bear you, I to raise you. Father, give me strength to do it right. I too adore you, be a refuge for you. Father, give me strength to do it right."
Pepper stopped sniffling and nuzzled her father's chest as she listened to Ginny's voice.
"Hush my child, and lay you down to sleep. Seems like you've been crying for the world. Hush my child, your tears that burn so deep. Seems like you've been crying for the world."
Persephone looked over at Ginny and smiled. She turned back to her mother and stared into the flame of a nearby candle.
"I will protect you, guard you and guide you. Father, give me strength to do it right. I will love you more than I have to. Father, give me strength to do it right."
William sighed with pleasure and leaned against Ginny's chest. Ginny's eyes flickered with pain for a brief moment, but then she soothingly ran her hand along his back. She could see his eyelids flutter.
"O my child, I only wish I could. Suffer all your trials in your place. O my child, you know I truly would. Take on all the evils you will face."
Pepper yawned and the grip she had on her father's shirt slackened. Her head began to nod with her fatigue.
"I will protect you, guard you and guide you. Father, give me strength to do it right. I will love you more than I have to. Father, give me strength..."
Persephone's eyes closed and she fell asleep against her mother.
"Does that always work?" Brian asked very quietly.
"Every time," Ginny replied.
"What are we going to do with them?"
"Is Pepper still a light sleeper?"
Hermione nodded. "I'm sure it will be worse now."
"So what do we do?" Harry asked as he looked at the children.
"We could move the sofas and the table," Ginny suggested. "We'll just make a large bed on the floor and sleep out here."
"All of us?" Ron asked incredulously.
"Do you have a better suggestion, Ronald?" Lucius whispered sharply. "I think it is a marvelous idea. Besides, Draco, Luna, and Neville brought all of their bags here this morning."
"There is that," Ron said as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"And this way if the snake comes back in, we'll all be able to manage it," Hermione said practically.
"Very well then, Granger," Severus said. "Rise, and Lucius and I will handle your furniture. I hope that someone will assist you with getting blankets and what not?"
"She's got a big container in the laundry room," Brian said.
Draco nodded and went to retrieve it.
"The sheets are clean, I trust?" Lucius asked.
"I washed them the day before you got here," Hermione said as she rose from the sofa with Severus' help.
"How convenient," he said as he moved to help Ginny.
After the beds for tonight were prepared, Ginny, Brian, and Hermione gently laid down the children. Ginny covered William with his blanket that Neville had grabbed from Persephone's room and turned away to go and adjust the volume of the cd player.
Hermione rose and slowly approached Ginny. She frowned seeing Ginny hunched over the player and covering her face with a hand. "Ginny," she whispered and reached out to place a hand on Ginny's arm. "Ginny, I'm sor-" Hermione cut off with a gasp as a fast moving palm connected with her face.
She turned a bewildered gaze to Ginny, who looked just as bewildered as she.
"You can't keep putting me in these situations with that boy," Ginny said very softly. "You are punishing me for a deed that has long since been done."
"Are we really going to do this now?" Hermione asked as she cupped her cheek.
Ginny shook her head slowly and looked up towards the ceiling. "There's never going to be another time. You've been avoiding it for years."
Hermione looked towards the others and saw them warily watching the scene. "Go into my room," she said to Ginny. "I'll be there in a moment."
"Trained like a bitch," Ginny muttered as she walked around Hermione and into the hall.
"Are you hurt?" Lucius asked her gently.
"Barely stung. I provoked her, Lucius. Don't think she's in the wrong." Hermione turned to look him in the eyes. "I'm sure she and I will be in there for some time, so please help yourselves to anything. We'll be out when we're done."
She walked around him, and trailed her fingers down Severus' shoulder as she walked past him, but then she paused in the hallway. "I ask that you not listen in on this conversation. Ginny and I will tell you everything when we think the time is right. Can I have your word on this?"
"Most assuredly," Lucius and Severus said to her.
Hermione nodded and walked into her room.
Lucius and Severus eyed each other, and then looked back towards Hermione's room when they heard heartbreaking sobs. Lucius fiddled with the snake head on his cane and slowly walked into the kitchen where everyone else had taken refuge.
"Is that Ginny?" Ron asked.
"I believe so, although I have never heard her cry quite like that," Lucius said.
Severus walked over to Hermione's cabinets and began to search through all of the cabinets. "Where did you buffoons put the liquor?"
"It's in the pantry," Draco replied and started levitating tumblers to the table.
Luna released a yawn. "I think I'm going to go and rest, loves." She reached over and kissed Neville, and then turned to Draco and kissed him too.
Draco and Neville stared at each other before Neville and Draco shared a kiss, and Neville retired after Luna.
"So, gents," Draco began as he sat down. "Are we listening in?"
Hermione walked into her room and stared at Ginny who was standing in the middle of the room. Quietly closing the door behind her, Hermione approached Ginny.
"I'm not sorry I slapped you," Ginny said with an empty voice.
"I don't want you to be," Hermione said quietly.
Ginny nodded slowly and swallowed repeatedly. Her face fell and she crumpled to the floor with a sob that broke Hermione's heart.
"I'm so sorry," Hermione said sincerely and leaned over Ginny to run her hand along her back. "I'm so sorry. Let it out."
Hermione smoothed Ginny's hair back. "I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't push-"
"It's completely disrespectful," Ginny hissed. "I deserve better than that!"
"Yes, you do," Hermione agreed.
"You can't keep forcing me to interact with William. You are forcing me to bear something that I can't, and I'm done," Ginny growled as she rose from the floor. "You think that this is easy for me? How do you think I feel knowing that people in the house know?"
"I made no consideration for your feelings, and I apologize for that," Hermione said with an incline of her head, "But you genuinely like William, anyone on the street could see that."
"The matter of me liking him or not doesn't matter, Hermione! I can't bare to look at him! Do you have any idea what that does to me?"
"Yes," Hermione said. "I've seen you go through it for years. If you had listened to me all those years ago this would not be the way things are."
"So it's my fault?" Ginny shouted.
"I'm not saying that."
"Then what are you saying?"
"I'm saying that perhaps you should have considered-"
"Considered? It is my body! I have every right to decide what happens to it!"
"I could have helped you," Hermione said.
"Until Parker took you away again?" Ginny scoffed. "No, there is no way that you could have. I made my choice, and have made peace with it."
"You regret it with every ounce of your being!" Hermione hollered.
"And so what if I do? It doesn't matter now! It's over! Done! Finished! I've moved on, Hermione, maybe it's time that you do too!"
"I wouldn't be forcing it on you if you were over it! I would be understanding!"
"Don't you-"
"Don't give me that shit about how you've overcome it when you haven't. It's a wound that's festering, and you know it! Stop being ridiculous! If you want things to change you have to change them for yourself! There is no one in this house that will help you pave your way, Ginny. Just as there are none that can help you unpave it."
"You did," Ginny said.
"No, I moved you from one fork to another. That was not the right path for you and you know it! It was an entirely idiotic and difficult position."
Ginny nodded as she sat on Hermione's bed. "What are we going to do?"
"Survive. Now tell me, what did my husband say?"
"He was draining you of your... Energy, I suppose. He never got into the specifics of that."
"Do you think he was draining my soul?" Hermione looked horrified at the thought.
"No. I assume he's taking energy. He said that he took too much, and that I was an unreliable source with my drug addiction and alcoholism."
"You've been clean for months," Hermione said and eyed Ginny cautiously.
Ginny stayed silent.
"Oh, Ginny," Hermione groaned.
"Don't give me that," Ginny said sharply. "You did it too not three weeks ago."
"Point taken. So... If he's not draining me, then who is he draining?"
"Just me until you are stronger. I've also been put in charge of your dieting, and I tell you now that there is no diet. You are going to eat a lot. I will as well. We will spar if you wish to keep your gorgeous figure, but no more days of one meal a day."
"That's all that happened?"
"Well... He did ask if we had any other virgins in the house, but when I offered Harry he turned even paler... If that's at all possible," Ginny mumbled.
"He can still make a bond?"
"Apparently," Ginny replied.
"He isn't dead," Hermione said.
"No, no he is not." After a moment she added, "He threatened... Him."
"Oh, dear. What do we do?"
"You're asking me? I've been looking to you for answers for years."
"I realize this, but you have had the bond longer than I."
"If he does try to issue another bond, it will either be with someone very close to us or a complete stranger."
"We would feel compassion either way. Now what about Parker?"
"I told him that I was babysitting for you, I mentioned that Brian was here, and I said that you had eloped with an old flame."
"And he called directly after you told Voldemort to?"
"Not three seconds after."
"Was anything else said to Parker."
"I told him of Melissa."
"How did he take it?"
"Draco was on the phone in here listening in, so you may want to ask him as well."
Hermione nodded. "Will you stay or..."
"I just need a few minutes."
"What if Lucius tries to come in?"
Ginny looked as though that thought hadn't occurred to her. "I don't know... I guess let him decide if he's willing to be around a weeping woman."
Hermione nodded and left the room. As she entered the kitchen she looked around curiously. "Where have Lucius and Severus gone?"
"They're out back," Brian said. "They wanted to make sure that the snake was gone."
"I see. Draco, when I get back in I would like to speak with you."
"Of course," he said with a nod.
Hermione turned and walked out back. "It is gone?"
Severus turned towards her. "Yes, it vanished."
"How is Ginevra?" Lucius asked.
"She is... Emotional. She says that you are welcome to comfort her if you do not mind a weeping woman."
Lucius quickly entered the house.
"I suppose that that answers that question," she muttered.
"He has a... I'm not sure if I'm suppose to tell you or not, but he bought a... He's..." Severus sighed. "Why is it suddenly so hard to speak with you?"
"Because a couple of hours ago you and I were about to... What was the colorful phrase you used...? 'Go at each other like rabid teenagers who just discovered masturbation'?".
"Yes... Well," he said. "Lucius bought a ring today."
"A ring?"
"Yes, Granger," Severus drawled. "A ring."
Hermione gasped. "Really? I'm very happy for him. When does he intend to ask?" she asked with excitement.
"The minute you two stop lying," Severus scoffed.
Hermione deflated. "This is just how things are right now, my lamb."
"But why?"
"Everyone we hold dear is safer that way," Hermione said quietly. "There is so much that I want to tell you, but-"
"He is dead," Severus said firmly.
"No, I don't think he is," Hermione said.
Severus froze. "What makes you think that?"
"If it had been larger I would think that the snake was him... But it was too small," Hermione said in a choked voice. "Something is wrong, Severus. What if he tries to take me? Or what if he steals Persephone away?" She covered her face in her hands and began to quietly sob.
"Oh, my love," Severus cried and pulled her into his arms. "I will not let him get you this time, and I'm sure as hell not letting him get Persephone."
"Do you promise," Hermione asked with a sniff.
"I'll have an unbreakable vow performed if you don't believe me," he said very seriously as he stroked her back.
"Nothing so drastic, lamb," she said. "I believe you." She rose on the tips of her toes and gave him a sweet kiss. "I need to speak with Draco about the phone call from Parker."
Severus nodded thoughtfully. "That should be very informative. Ginny's part certainly was."
"What do you mean?"
Severus' eyes narrowed. "It seems like she forgot to tell you something in the middle of her sobbing."
"Apparently. She was quite distracted," Hermione sighed.
"Lucius and I do not know if you were overheard. We came out as soon as Draco asked."
Hermione smiled up at him. "At least I know that I can trust you."
Severus cupped her face gently in his hands. "Never ever doubt that," he whispered to her before he pulled her up for a gentle kiss. "Before we go in, my dear sweet Granger, there is something I feel that I should remind you of."
"Oh?" Hermione raised her brows at him.
"Yes. Do you realize that for our very first reunion together, rather than taking me in your arms and kissing me silly which is what I expected, you decided to place your albeit shapely leg in an area where it should not have been?"
Hermione froze and pressed her head against his chest to hide her smile. "Oops...?"
"Oops? I fear, dear Granger that 'oops' is not enough to pay the debt that you now owe me," he said in a husky murmur.
"Will you settle for an I.O.U.?" she asked sweetly as she fluttered her lashes at him.
Severus pursed his lips as he thought. "What are your... Intentions for payment?"
Hermione smiled a Cheshire cat grin as she rubbed her pelvis against his. "What do you think my intentions are?"
Severus' mouth immediately became a smirk. "The windows are painted over, Granger, I'm sure no one will notice if you... Kissed and made it better."
Hermione laughed. "Still, I'd rather not take any chances, but I promise you that the first moment that we are alone in your home that I'll pay in full, and with... Interest." She wiggled her brows and turned away from him to walk towards the door.
"Interest? What kind of interest?" he asked as he followed after her.
"I am definitely under the impression that Parker hired the robbers to kill his wife. He has motive-"
Brian cut Draco off with a muttered, "That's for sure."
"So it is likely?" Hermione asked as she sat on her counter with Ginny standing in between her thighs.
"Very, and I'm sure that Ginny agrees," Draco said as he stared at Ginny suspiciously.
Ginny cocked a brow. "Parker had many enemies. I think before we immediately pin him with it that you investigate the others first."
"You're on that list," Draco said.
"Draco," Lucius said sternly.
"He's right, Lucius. I am on the list, but I have already been cleared. Perhaps you should look at someone else," Ginny suggested to Draco. "But I do agree with Draco, and since I know Parker a little bit better than he, I must say that the likelihood of Parker killing Melissa is very high."
Hermione leaned back against the cabinets with a sigh. "If I were Voldemort disguised as a human why would I marry a barren muggle?"
"Another bond?" Ron suggested.
Ginny winced. "I don't know... I don't think Melissa would survive it. Generally the bond is only done on witches as they are the most likely to remain sane and alive."
"You know an awfully lot about the Virginity Bond, Ginny," Draco said curiously.
"I did some research on marriage bonds, and discovered it," she said with a shrug.
"Marriage?" Ron asked.
Ginny nodded. "That's a natural thing to do when you like someone and aren't afraid to tell them."
Ron blushed brightly. "Who with?"
"A gypsy," Ginny said with a shrug.
Draco arched a brow at her.
"I did mention I had tried to have sex before. I've already explained that part to your father, Draco, perhaps you should try something else to make him angry with me."
"Both of you stop," Hermione said when she saw Lucius look between the two. "We have other things to worry about, so you two can fight over Lucius later."
Ginny laughed, but then sobered. "I am curious to see who the snake belongs to."
"Or is," Hermione said with furrowed brows. "We never tried to see if it was a person."
"That hadn't occurred to me," Harry said. "You don't find many snake animagi."
"Perhaps we should check the animagus registry when we return," Lucius suggested.
"Ginny would have to go," Harry said drawing the sharp eyes of Hermione. "She saw the snake when it wasn't attempting to kill everyone. I assume that she knows of any smaller details."
"I can't go into the office," Ginny said.
"Why not?" Lucius asked.
"The sensors," she whispered.
"You're an animagus?"
"I'm still in training. Minerva told me to avoid the sensors that the Ministry has placed."
"We didn't know," Harry said.
"I didn't tell you," she replied with a shrug.
"Why not?" Ron asked. "I'm pro-" Ron stopped talking the minute Harry slapped a hand over his mouth.
Hermione's brows rose and she looked at Severus who winked at her. Did he just...? "I will go and look through the registry if I'm allowed in the office," said in a flustered tone as her face filled with heat.
"Her eye for detail is better," Severus said.
"Much better," Ginny agreed.
"So, let's just wait until we get to London to fret over everything," Hermione suggested. "I assume we're leaving soon?"
"The day after tomorrow at the latest," Harry said with a nod.
Hermione looked over at Brian sadly. "That's... Great," she said softly.
Ginny rubbed Hermione's knee soothingly. "I'm getting a drink. Do you need anything?"
"Are you allowed to drink?"
"I can't get drunk," Ginny replied with a shrug.
"How will you survive?" Hermione said mockingly.
"Coffee, tea, or assorted sweets," Ginny said dryly as she reached up into a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of liquor. "And lest you forget, love, I went nearly two years without so much as a sip."
The ringing of the phone startled everyone in the kitchen.
"A phone call? At this hour?" Brian asked as he looked at his sister.
"Perhaps it is Parker calling again," Hermione said with a shrug.
The answering machine clicked on.
"Ginny," said a deep accented voice.
The bottle slipped from Ginny's hands and crashed to the floor. She turned toward Hermione with wide eyes.
"Ginny, I know you're there..."
Ginny's mouth dropped open.
Hermione cursed. "How does he..."
"Ginny! Get your arse out of the kitchen and pick up the phone," he said in annoyed voice.
Ginny dashed for the phone and picked it up. "Jerome... How did you know I was here?"
/
Hopefully I've redeemed myself in the eyes of my readers. I like this chapter a LOOOOOOT more than the last one. XD So... A lot was learned in this chapter, and a lot will be learned in the next chapter (I hope). Why Elvis you ask? Because I can, and he certainly can set a mood. Really it's because I liked the lyrics. Who is this Jerome fellow? I know. But do you?
