A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews! We're moving on to the next phase…..sorry if it's too short.

Back in England:

Their arrival was hastened by the use of a portkey and the sight of the living room at Grimmauld brought an instant, almost overwhelming sense of nostalgia. That was capitalized by Molly Weasley coming and greeting Hermione with a big bear hug. "It's good to see you Hermione! You too, Professor Snape. I'm glad the boys were able to find you," Molly welcomed, releasing the brunette and allowing her to breathe.

"Thank you Molly," Severus replied. "Weasley and Potter have told us about your daughter…."

"Oh please tell me you'll help?" Molly pleaded.

Severus nodded, "I'll do my best."

"Me too, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione interjected.

The matriarch's weary face brightened. "Well, let's not stand here and waste time. Boys, go get washed up, it's almost lunchtime. Severus, Hermione follow me."

Harry and Ron scurried off to do as they were told and Severus and Hermione followed the motherly woman up the stairs. "Molly, might we put up our luggage before we-?"

"Oh yes, of course!" Molly exclaimed in that way most people did when they got ahead of themselves, "Severus, your room is down the hall, third door on the left and Hermione, yours is-"

"That won't be necessary Mrs. Weasley."

The curly redhead's steps came to a halt. "I'm sorry, what was that dear?"

"The second room. It won't be necessary. Severus and I can stay in the same room," Hermione answered.

Molly waved off her words, "Nonsense, there's plenty of space…"

"I think what my fianceè is trying to say is we'll be sleeping in the same bed," Severus deadpanned.

Molly's reaction was much like her son's, "Fianceè? Severus, you dog!"

"Excuse me?"

Mrs. Weasley grasped Hermione's shoulders, "Are you pregnant? Were you drugge? Is he forcing you into this?"

Hermione forcibly removed herself from the witch's hold. "I'm not pregnant, or drugged and no one's forcing me into anything!" she scolded. "Honestly Mrs. Weasley, I'm disappointed that you would think so little of Severus and me."

"What other conclusions am I supposed to make?" Molly retorted. "He's twice your age and not to mention entirely unsuitable."

"Unsuitable?" Severus echoed. "And pray, tell me who would you define as…...suitable…..for Hermione? Perhaps the youngest Mr. Weasley….? A lad who I am convinced couldn't tell his arse from a hole in the wall."

Molly was fuming. The tips her ears were so red and contrasted greatly with her whitened face. "At least he's not an ex-Death Eater! Really Severus how could you? Preying on one of your students." She shook her head, "So you're serious about this, this….abomination?"

"Quite." Hermione answered thinly, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. She turned to the dark wizard beside her. His own demeanor was one of a tightly coiled snake, ready to spring on its prey. He was clearly just as upset. She clutched his forearm, "Let's just go," she pleaded.

Severus nodded in agreement, but not before stepping toward the judgemental harridan. Said woman scolded darkly, but there was a glimmer of fear in her eyes. "A word of advice, although I doubt you'll be wise enough to heed it," his smooth baritone sounded steely and cold in the rigid atmosphere of the hallway, "when someone comes to help you it is generally anticipated that the recipient is not only grateful, but gracious as well." Molly simply pursed her lips at this and Severus shook his head.

They were walking back down the hall when Severus casually tossed a look back at a seething Molly Weasley, "Give our regards to Miss Weasley, I hope she will not have to pay for your….abhorrence."

At their exit, the door to Grimmauld slammed shut.

Upstairs in one of the rooms they'd rented out from Madame Rosmerta, Hermione was sobbing. And Severus, used to people's disapproval, was cradling his young wife-to-be in his arms. "How could she say such terrible things? Even if she doesn't agree with our relationship, that's no cause for such disrespect."

Severus rubbed her back in soothing circles, "I'm afraid this had more to do with me than you. She clearly thinks I've lured you into marrying me." He kissed her brow, "Don't get too upset over it. It's not worth your energy. Unfortunately, tying yourself to me makes you a target for a never ending parade of idiocy."

Hermione shifted in his hold, "I wish they could see what I see. You're a good man, Severus."

"And you're a very forgiving woman," He cupped her face and gave her lips a swift peck. "Not all that long ago I was cynical, surly, menacing, tyrannical and an all out bastard for years. That kind of memory doesn't just go away."

She nodded slowly, "True, but Molly should know better. The pressures you were under, the torture you endured is no longer a mystery-especially not to members of the Order."

Severus shook his head. "My valiant defender. Molly will come to her senses eventually."

"And if she doesn't?"

"We'll just have to find a way to help Miss Weasley without dealing with her mother."

She still looked worried and Severus knew words alone weren't going to help. But nothing short of a Molly coming to them and apologizing would change things. "How about I take you out for lunch? Get your mind off things?"

"What did you have in mind?" Hermione inquired. Yes, her mood was sour, but she was starving.

Severus grinned. He tilted his head until his lips were level with her ear, "There's this little bistro in muggle London. They happen to carry the most delicious French almond and apricot tart…."

Hermione's stomach growled and she nudged Severus. "Stop talking and take me there." Severus chuckled and led his hungry fianceè out the door.