A/N: Reviews are greatly appreciated.

A*A*A

"Hermione!"

And just like that her proverbial bubble had burst. She ran a hand through her hair, "Boys, what are you doing here?"

Harry spoke first, "We came looking for you. We found a letter in your house and Mr. Weasley helped us track you here."

Violet Granger could see that her granddaughter was clearly astonished by this turn of events. "Hermione dear, why don't you and Severus come and have a seat? We don't want your breakfast to get cold."

Ron, being reminded of his former professor's presence, grimaced. "What's Snape doing here?"

"Unlike the two of you, I was invited here personally," Severus answered coolly. Grabbing the apricot jam he spread some over his bread before passing it to Hermione. Their hands lingered a little longer than was strictly necessary and Harry spied the interaction suspiciously.

"I'm Severus's grandfather, Priam Prince. I assume you were students of his?" The graying aristocrat greeted.

"Yes sir. Forgive us for not properly introducing ourselves. I'm Harry Potter and this is Ron Weasley." Ron waved politely although he was clearly confused by both of the other wizard's presence.

"Well gentlemen I can tell you have a lot on your mind. Why don't we follow Violet's advice and eat our breakfast? There will be time to discuss things later." Priam's tone was kind, but firm and the two boys didn't argue with him.

Breakfast was a strained experience. Only the clinking of their utensils broke the tense silence. Finally, when things could be held off no more, the grandparents excused themselves. "So what brings you here? Something happen at the Burrow?"

Harry sighed. "Yes. We need your help Hermione. Ginny's sick and the healers at St. Mungo's are at a loss. We were looking for you too, sir. We….uh, just didn't expect to find you both….together."

"Tell us more about Ginny," Hermione interjected before the boys could dwell too long on that fact.

Ron looked like someone sucked the air out of him, "She seemed fine at first. But then we were busy with Fred's funeral and watching George. It wasn't until about three months passed that we noticed how thin she was getting. The healers suspect it to be some curse from the battle just now taking effect."

"And Miss Weasley, did she give any clues as to what the curse might be?" Severus inquired.

Harry frowned, forlorn. "She…..she doesn't remember."

"Or perhaps the memory is buried beneath the trauma of the battle and the pain of her loss," Hermione ventured. The three men around her recognized the thoughtful crinkle of her brow all too well. "Severus, would it be possible for you to use legilimency to recover her memory?"

The former professor pursed his lips. "In theory yes, but it would be difficult for both me and the patient…"

"No way! I'm not about to allow him to creep around my sister's head like that!" Ron declared standing up and Hermione's empathy for him nearly vanished.

Even Harry snapped rising so quickly that his chair clattered to the floor. "Do you want her to die?! Because that's exactly what's going to happen if you keep up with your childish antics." Ron, was visibly taken aback by the Boy Who Live's outburst. Hermione; however, could see the pain barely hidden under the surface and she knew at once that Harry was in love with Ginny. "Please sir, ignore Ron. Everyone else would really appreciate your help."

Severus looked uncomfortable with the almost tangible cocktail of emotions in the room, and Hermione knew that they needed to talk. Privately. "Boys," she said getting their attention, "Would you mind waiting in the parlour for a minute, Severus and I need to….discuss some things." They were a little reluctant, but they eventually left the breakfast room.

There was a moment of silence and then Severus spoke, "It's…..obvious that they need your help and mine. And…..it's obvious that you want to go back. My question is…..how?"

"I want to go as your fianceè. I don't want to lose this-to lose us, just because we're going back," she replied earnestly.

Severus cradled her face in his hands, "I don't want to lose you either." Their lips joined in a remembrance of what they had shared only hours prior. It was amazing how much things could change in the span of a few moments. He stood and gestured for her to do the same. He gripped her in a loving embrace, "You know, when we step out of this room things are going to get hard. But I know I can endure it because…..I love you."

"And I love you," Hermione reassured. "Hardships or no hardships, I'm here to stay. Now let's go tell everyone the good news."

"Good news" was a rather ambiguous term. For Priam Prince and Violet Granger, it was the answer to their prayers. For Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley…...not so much.

"HER WHAT?" Harry and Ron exclaimed in unison. Harry stood up, but Ron had his wand drawn. Severus drew his wand too, but Hermione placed a restraining hand on his bicep.

"What do you bloody mean by fiance?" the red haired wizard inquired.

"Surely you're not that much of a dunderhead Weasley," Severus drawled. "We're engaged. Now I'll advise you to point that wand elsewhere. My respect for Hermione will only save your hide for so long."

A red faced Ron lowered his wand reluctantly. Harry cleared his throat, "Ron's methods may be lacking, but his question was spot on. What's going on Hermione?"

The wavy haired Gryffindor grabbed her fiancè's hand for support, "I came here a few days ago to reconnect with my grandmother. Turns out that she is best friends with Severus's grandfather. One thing led to another and now we're engaged."

"Just like that?"

"Yes."

Harry rubbed his neck, casting a brief glance at Ronald stewing in his chair. "Forgive me, but this is a little hard to swallow Hermione. But….but I guess if you're happy, I'm happy."

"What? That's it? You're just gonna let her marry Snape?"

Harry looked to his seething best friend, faintly annoyed. "What else do you expect me to do, Ron? I can't force her to leave him. And we have bigger concerns than Hermione's love life-or have you forgotten about Ginny already?"

Ron had the grace to look somewhat sheepish, "Still...I don't like it."

"Luckily your opinion doesn't matter," Hermione replied. Turning to her grandmother she smiled softly, "I know this is all rather abrupt, but I have to go, Ginevra is my best girl friend. I just want to thank you for everything you've done for me."

Violet enveloped her granddaughter in a tight hug, "It's okay 'ermione, I understand. Just don't let this be your last visit."

"I won't." She turned to Priam and was surprised to have him hug her as well.

"Take care of him for me," he whispered.

"Of course," Hermione answered, "I love him very much."

Severus hid a smile, "As touching as all this is, Hermione and I should really pack our things."