Waking the Dead – Chapter 11 – Panic! At the Potters
The Potter's were settling into their new home in Hogsmeade. The school year was about to begin, and since Harry had accepted the post as flying instructor, but still wanted to live with his family, they had moved somewhere more convenient. A floo connection had been established between the house and the school for easier travel. He was excited about his new career. He could be at home with Ginny and the kids and still do what he loved best. He remembered with mixed feelings a time when all he ever wanted to be was an auror. After defeating Voldemort there was no longer a desire within him to chase after dark wizards, defeating the darkest wizard of the century had been more than enough. Quidditch had been the only thing besides defense that had naturally excelled at in school. It seemed logical for him to play for professionally. He was grateful the Ginny had been an enthusiast supporter of the sport as well. Before the children came she had been his constant companion on the road.
His earnings as a player and his inheritance ensured that he would never have to work again, but Harry was not the type of wizard to sit around all day and do nothing. Teaching young witches and wizards to fly brooms would give him something to occupy him and still give him enough time to spend with his family. He decided that moving to Hogsmeade had been a sound decision. It was a wonderful place to raise children. Since they were at peace, and the threat of dark wizards was practically non-existent, and his children would have freedoms that he himself had never had as a child.
Ginny came and sat next to him on the couch after the last of their things had been moved into the new house. "Harry, do you think we should have a birthday party for Hermione?" she asked, leaning against his chest and entwining her fingers in his, playing with his hand. He responded with a squeeze.
"Sure as long as it's a small party. Family and close friends only." he shrugged, moving her head slightly with the rise and fall of his chest.
"Of course, I don't think she could handle another affair like the one we had at Grimmauld Place." Ginny responded, bits of her hair sticking to his shirt.
"What about Snape?" Harry tentatively asked his wife, using his other hand to stroke her hair softly. "Do you think we should invite him?"
"He is Hermione's friend, and she would want him there." Ginny said slowly, pondering the thought.
"Do you think he would come?" Harry asked.
"Dunno," Ginny sighed, nuzzling into her husband's chest more. "You'll have to ask him. You're supposed to meet him again before the school year begins." She paused. "We should invite him. It would make her happy. The way she goes on about him I know that she's very attached to him. Besides, we wouldn't have her back with us if it weren't- Oh my God Harry, you don't think she's..."
"No, she's not, but he is." Harry said shortly, not knowing exactly how to explain to his wife that their former teacher was in love with their mutual friend.
"Poor man seems destined to fall for women he can't have." The redhead sighed before snaking her arms around her husband's waist.
"My mum was way out of his league," Harry smirked playfully, earning himself a roll of the eyes and playful nudge, "but I'm not so sure about Hermione."
"What makes you say that?" Ginny said, looking up at him from her cozy spot on her human pillow.
"I know that she's not in love with him, but there's just something about the way they interact when they're together. You know, kind of like an old married couple." Harry smiled softly, remembering something that had been said the night he met Sirius in the Shrieking Shack.
"They did live together for seven years. People learn to read each other, and added to that it's not like they had anyone else to interfere in their relationship." Ginny said thoughtfully, placing her head back on his chest.
"Well, I know one thing for certain." Harry said, looking down at her.
"What's that?" she asked, looking up again.
"He would love her no matter what. Nothing would stop him, and would give his very life for her love." He replied.
"Can't help but feel sorry for him. So much love to give and no one to give it to. It's no wonder why he was always so bitter and mean." Ginny said, locking her fingers in her husband's once more.
"Hermione managed to break through his defenses." Harry said, still dumbstruck that his friend had managed it. He had known of her genius, everyone had, but this was not your average work of intelligence. This was "Oh gods call the press Snape has a heart!"
"If he could bring her some happiness after everything she's been through, would it bother you?" Ginny asked, wanting an honest answer.
"Truthfully? No. They both deserve to be happy and if they can give that to each other who am I to interfere with that?" Harry said; there was no denying that something was going to happen between those two, for better or worse.
"Well, maybe we should do something about it." Ginny said, jumping up and going into planning mode, walking around the room thinking.
"He'd bite your head off if you even suggested such a thing." Harry said with a smirk, watching his wife as he laid his now free hand on the back of the couch.
"He's not so bad" Harry looked at her in disbelief. "When Luna, Neville, and I broke into his office to steal Gryffindor's sword, I thought we were dead for sure. He didn't even give us a tongue lashing."
"What a disgusting mental picture you've just given me." Harry joked with his wife, who in turn threw a pillow at him. "Look, if you want to play match maker with Severus Snape, go ahead, but don't say I didn't warn you." he said, rising and exiting the room.
"Fine... as long as you don't say I told you so."
~o0o~
Hermione woke unsure what to do about Severus. He was so different from her other friends. She knew that he would see her anger as a rejection of him, not of his offense, as it really was. It seemed so silly now that she thought about it. He had only been doing what he had done since they had all been eleven years old. She never wanted him to feel that way. The poor man had had enough of that in his life. She had to rectify this situation and the sooner the better. In all her years as his student she never could have guessed that they would ever be such good friends. Enough was enough; she had to make this right. She was dressed in record time, and she apparated to the edge of his property. She stared at the country side for a few minutes before venturing past his wards. She admitted to herself that she was a little afraid of stepping through. What if he had banned her from entering? There would only be one way of finding out for sure. So she mustered up every ounce left of her Gryffindor courage and passed through the place where the wards began. Entrance had been granted, and she sighed with relief.
As she approached the house she felt a peace that hadn't been with her since she left him. Coming back here was like a homecoming to her. He was here, she could feel his presence, and she was certain that he could feel hers as well. He had not come out to greet her as he had done on previous visits. He was probably angry or hurt, trying to ignore her for as long as he could. It did not matter, she would see him soon enough. When she found him, under the tree near her dog's grave, the very sight of him saddened her.
He sat on the ground before the grave, kneeling with his hands upon his knees, silent. His head was bowed and his hair hung in his face. His entire body was tense, and not knowing what to do, she called out to him. "Severus."
He turned to her, sadness visible in his dark eyes for a brief moment, and then turned back towards the grave.
"Please don't be angry be with me," she said, walking to his side and kneeling beside him, a hand on his shoulder.
"I am not angry with you." he said softly.
"I don't want to lose you." she said, brushing some of his hair behind his ear.
"You will not. I give you my word." He said, grasping her hand and moving it away from his face, "but I don't think that returning to the world of the living was such a good idea, nor will it be again."
"Why?" she asked as her eyes bright with unshed tears. "You said that you would. Please don't abandon me." Desperation was clouding her ability to reason.
His hand went to hers, resting atop it on his shoulder. "I will not abandon you, Hermione, but I don't know if I can live among other people again."
"Is it because of me?" she asked quietly, horror lacing her voice. "I'm so sorry. I didn't me to be cross with you."
"No, little one, it is not because of you. If I thought I could return, it would be because of you. You have given me something that my life lacked," he said to her, turning finally to face her. Her eyes were glowing with wet shining tears that threatened to fall at any instant.
He wanted nothing more than to live the remainder of his life in peace, but how could he deny her? He knew that he could not. He would give her anything she asked, even it meant his demise. He looked at her wanting to confess everything he felt for her, but instead he said "Very well little one, I will not give up. Don't ever believe that you will lose me. As long as I have breath I will always be available to you." he said, squeezing her hand.
"Thank you, Severus." She said, tears now falling slowly and silently. "After the meeting with Ron, and the way I took out everything on you I... I'd thought that I lost you." She looked away, and stood, wrapping her arms around herself and walking a few steps.
"Perhaps I should have been a little more sympathetic." Severus said, rising to his feet, but staying where he was.
"You've been nothing but that since you found in the park. I can't expect you to change, Severus, and I never will expect it of you! You have protected me since I became friends with Harry and Ron." she stated emphatically.
"Yes, that is true however; our friendship makes me want to protect you even more. I can't help but be defensive of what little I hold dear."
Her heart went out to him. He had received close to nothing in his life, yet he had so much to give. It had been so unfair. For the first time, Hermione truly looked at Severus. She had never viewed him as a man before. He certainly was not the classic idea of handsome, but there were qualities that were quite attractive. His skin was smooth and his dark eyes were astonishingly beautiful when he wasn't glaring menacingly at someone. He was tall and lean. Though he wasn't as muscular as Harry or Ron, she truly could not find fault with his physique. Suddenly she realized that she could love this man, but he would probably laugh at that. She would have to be content with his friendship. There was nothing she would do to jeopardize that.
"Severus friends fight sometimes. I want you to understand that if I become angry it does not mean that I don't want you in my life. I mean Harry, Ron and I disagreed all the time, and well, look at us." She said quietly.
"I understand what you are saying. I see the logic in it. It has never been that way in my experience, but I will trust you." he replied.
"Thank you. You don't know how much that means to me." She said in relief.
She hugged him, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. There was love and feeling of security there that she had never felt with Ron. His arms were strong and it felt so right to be enveloped within them. How could she not have noticed it before? He would think that she was being a silly little girl if he could read her thoughts. He did know legilimency. She never wanted to let go, but she knew that she must. When they both finally pulled out of the embrace he kissed her forehead. Her eyes widened in shock. He had certainly never done that before.
He didn't know what came over him. The look of horror on her face brought him back to reality. He promptly apologized. "I am so sorry, Hermione, I don't know what possessed me to do such a thing."
"Don't apologize, there is no need." It had not been horror as he suspected, just shock. She didn't know what else to say, so she looked up at him shyly and smiled to reassure him. Conversation usually came easily to them but the moment of awkward silence was Hermione's cue to leave. "I must be going now," she said to him without making eye contact. "Will I see you soon?" she asked, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
"Yes," he replied, also avoiding her eyes.
"Good," she responded and then walked away as quickly as she could without actually breaking into a sprint. She felt confused over what had just happened between them. There was no other way to express what she was feeling. When she arrived at her house she tried reading, but she became distracted. Thoughts of the man who had been her world for so long kept creeping in to her mind. Deciding that something needed to be done about it, she took quill to parchment and began compiling a list.
~o0o~
The second meeting between Harry and Severus had been set two days before the school year began. They were meeting at Harry's house in Godric's Hollow. It was not a place that Severus particularly cared to ever visit, but it had been better than the other alternatives. This had been the home that James Potter shared with Lily. Being in the house that his enemy inhabited with the woman he used to love would have been enough to unnerve a lesser man, but Severus understood the necessity of a private meeting place. It was not yet common knowledge that he was alive and they would not want interruptions from unexpected house guests. When he arrived Harry had already been waiting for him.
"How are you sir?" the younger man asked, reaching out his hand.
"I am well," Severus said, grasping it firmly.
"Ginny sends her regards."
"Tell Ms. Weas- Mrs. Potter that I thank her." he replied with a nod.
"I spoke to the minister about your case without getting into the details. I think he believes that I was talking about how Hermione is going to be integrated into our society once again. Anyway, if you will allow me to, I can arrange a meeting with him to discuss your future." Harry suggested.
Severus pondered on what the young man had to say. He didn't like having his life in someone else's hands. He had lived to many years that way, and now that he was free, he didn't want it that way again. Then on the other hand there was Hermione. He had given her his word and could not back out now, no matter how tempted he was to do so. There was so much at stake, serving both of his former masters had been simpler than this. Before this he had never known what true freedom was, giving his life to both of them had not been that hard of a decision to make. For the past eight his life had been solely in his own hands however, that could very well end today.
"Very well, arrange the meeting." he agreed.
"Actually, it's already been arranged. He will be here within the hour." Harry said sheepishly.
"How dare you presume-" Severus said, voice rising.
"I knew that you wouldn't turn away from Hermione." Harry yelled over him, backing down and putting his hands up in defense.
"I still don't like that you came to that conclusion of your own accord." Severus said, crossing his arms.
"It was a chance I had to take and knew that you wouldn't fail me. You never have." Harry said, still looking slightly wary.
"What would you have done if I had?" Severus inquired.
"Well, he is a close personal friend, so meeting with him wouldn't be so unusual." Harry shrugged.
"Of course you would be acquainted with the minister." Severus sneered.
"You are too, at least you were you know, before."
"Tell me, who is the illustrious Minister of Magic?" Snape said mockingly. He had not yet met a minister he approved of.
"Kingsley Shacklebolt." Harry said.
"And that is supposed to help my case? I think not. He would rather see me locked in Azkaban until I rot or go insane." Severus said in despair. He was doomed.
"You're wrong. He did grant your pardon." Harry tried hopefully.
"That is because he thought me to be dead. I fear that it would not be the case if he believed I was alive."
"We will have to see if I am right." Harry said, his nerves now fried. Had this been a mistake?
"This is not a game of wrong and right Potter. This is my life, and while I probably deserve punishment for my crimes, it would not serve my better interests to put my life into your hands in this fashion."
"Sir, I would not play games with the life of a hero." Harry said somewhat defensively.
"I could leave now you know." Severus said challengingly.
"You wouldn't to disappoint Hermione."
He sighed in disgust. When had Potter become so Slytherin? How dare he use Hermione to prove his point? It would have been something that he himself would have done had the situation been reversed. When had he become so damned vulnerable? He couldn't even explain it to himself. The effect that the woman had on him left him feeling quite powerless. Not even Lily had been able to affect him so. Then again, he had never shared his home with Lily. He sat on the couch and waited for the minister to arrive. He crossed his arms over his chest, and decided that the waiting would be done in silence. He might have been coerced into this meeting, but he would not be forced to make nice with Harry- Bloody- Potter.
~o0o~
Ginny had sent Hermione an owl requesting that they meet for lunch. She wanted to suggest her idea about the birthday party, and insisted since they had never been able to celebrate her birthday before since it fell during the school year and she had been gone after that.
"I don't know if it will be such a good idea Gin." Hermione said uneasily as she ran her finger around the rim of her coffee mug.
"'course it is. How many birthdays have you celebrated in the past eight years?" Ginny asked with a smirk, knowing she would win this battle almost before it started.
"None, actually," Hermione said in shock. Had she really not had a celebration in that time?
"See why it's such a good idea? I didn't picture Snape as the type to celebrate birthdays." Ginny said thoughtfully as she took a sip of her tea.
""He's not, but he's never had a reason to celebrate anything." Hermione shrugged.
"So you say." Ginny countered.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"Well it's just that he may have loads to celebrate now." Ginny said, knowing full well that she would be inciting Hermione's inquisitive nature which had been dormant for quite some time.
"I still don't understand." Hermione said, looking as though she was loathing admitting it.
"Are you really that thick?" she said in an effort to provoke her even further.
"When you're ready to explain yourself we can have this conversation. I'll agree to the party, as long as you keep it small. I know that will be a mean feat considering the size of your family. I need to go now." Hermione said rising.
Her frustration was evident. Ginny smirked knowing full well that she had accomplished what she had set out to do. Get Hermione curious about Snape. If she thought that he had feelings for her or anyone else she would want to know. Ginny knew that they were both private by nature and would not discuss their feelings with her, but they would with each other. All they needed was a nudge in the right direction. As far as Ginny was concerned, phase one of her plan had been completed. Nothing could stop it now, or so she thought.
~o0o~
Kingsley Shacklebolt arrived at Harry's house at the appointed hour quite unsure what to expect from his young friend. The story that Harry told him did not make much sense to him. He had reason to believe that Harry had not told him the entire story, but he would soon get to the bottom of it. Harry greeted him cordially as always, but his instinct told him something was amiss. Rather than play the games that were typical for him in his role as minister, he went straight to the heart of the matter.
"Harry, I believe that there is something that you are not telling me." The minister's rich voice was grave when he questioned his friend.
"You're right, Kingsley, you must have guessed that we are not here to talk about Hermione."
"Yes, I have, Harry, and I demand to know this instant who we are actually talking about."
"It is I" said Severus, arms crossed over his chest. His lips were thinned to barely visible line, and his lidded eyes looked down his overly large nose. He had not been willing to wait it out as he had done with his meeting with Minerva. That had been done for Hermione's benefit. He had already decided he would get the upper hand in this meeting from the start. Just because he had been forced into this did not mean that he would allow them to exert control over the situation. While Severus still possessed his freedom, no one would ever control him.
"Severus!" exclaimed the minister, "you're supposed to be dead."
"Well, minister, it's evident that I am not," sneered Severus.
"How do I know that it's really you?" Kingsley asked in suspicion, ever on alert.
"It is," said Harry, speaking for the first time since Severus made his grand entrance.
"How can you be sure?" Kingsley asked. "How do you know he's not a fake?"
"There are things that we have discussed that only he can know." Harry said, the he smirked "Besides who would want to pretend to be him?" Severus raised his eyes to glare at the man for just a moment, and had to fight the childish urge to stick his tongue out at the cocky little annoyance.
"I trust you Harry, but him, that's another matter. Give me one good reason for not having him arrested."
"The same reasons we had for clearing his name. I trust him Kingsley. That's why I called you here today." Harry said in Severus' defense.
"It's quite clear," Severus said to Harry, "that the minister would rather do away with me than to hear you out, Potter."
"You're not helping case" Harry said through gritted teeth.
"What case? It's rather cut and dry" then turning to Kingsley, "is it not minister? I am a very bad man," his tone was extremely mocking, "Truly, do I not deserve to be given over to the dementors to relive every bad thing that I have ever done until I go mad or die?"
"Severus, what happens to you may not be for me to decide. Harry persuaded me that you were a hero. I still believe that, but your being alive changes things. That is something that even you cannot deny."
A more subdued Severus replied "yes Kingsley, I am aware of that."
"I will do everything within my power to keep you from going to Azkaban, but the Wizengomat will have to be informed of your existence. It will ultimately be for them to decide." Kingsley sighed.
"Yes, of course, minister." Severus said.
"There are other matters that I must attend to now, but we will be in touch. Severus, Harry." He addressed each with a nod.
After the minister left, the men remained silent for several minutes, both lost in their thoughts. Harry had been pleased that Severus had remained for the meeting, but he feared for him. He had wanted the man to be free and happy. He had done everything to ensure that he and Ginny had that. Harry was determined that he would have that as well.
"You were half right, Potter," Severus finally spoke.
"I'm very sorry, sir."
"It does not really matter. You were right on one count. Hermione would have been disappointed if I had not attended this meeting."
"Speaking of Hermione, we're having a birthday party for her. Ginny and I would like you to be there, and we know that Hermione would be pleased if you were there as well." Harry said.
He thought about it before responding. They hadn't really celebrated her birthday when she had lived with him. For the first two years she was there he didn't even know when it was. After that they would have quiet dinners and he would always wish her many more, and that would be it. She had so much to celebrate and look forward to. He wanted very much to be a part of that.
"Yes, I will attend." he said aloud to himself, finalizing the decision.
~o0o~
The party was in full swing when Severus arrived. There seemed to be Weasley progeny everywhere he turned. It was Hogwarts all over again! He promptly greeted his host and hostess and took refuge in the kitchen. There he found Molly Weasley. The matron was moving about the kitchen preparing food and drink. "Hello, Severus" she greeted him as though time and circumstances had not passed between them. The she turned to face him and smiled, "Oh, now don't look so shocked. You know that Arthur and I have always respected you."
"But your son... I disfigured him. How can you be so forgiving?" He asked in shock as she continued to bustle about.
"Yes, I suppose you did do that, but you didn't kill him. You certainly could have and for that I will be eternally grateful."
"If it is any comfort to you, I did not want to do it. I always had respect for the twins'... considerable talents." He said. She stopped and rubbed her hands on her apron.
"Fred... died in the battle." She said.
"I did not know. I am sorry to hear that." He said, truly sorry. It must have been a devastating loss on the family; he knew they were very close.
"At least we didn't lose Hermione, like we thought. She was always like a daughter to us, as Harry is a son. We have you to thank for that." she said gratefully.
"You're welcome." he replied.
Severus was thankful that the conversation was interrupted when Arthur came into the kitchen. "What are you two doing in here? The guest of honor has just arrived!" Severus followed the red-headed couple out of the kitchen.
Hermione had arrived and the sight of her took his breath away. Her shoulder length locks were not wild and unruly as it usually was, but had been tamed into soft curls. Her robes were a copper color that reminded him of an autumn leaf, and they brought out the color of her eyes. She looked beautiful, her smile radiant. To Severus she was perfect. She looked around the room, grateful that it was only the Potter's, the Weasely's, and... "Severus!" she ran to him throwing her arms around him. Everyone stopped talking at that moment and just watched them.
"You came." her happiness was evident on her face.
At the first sight of her he had been rendered breathless, now he was speechless. She was holding him in front of all these people, and they were staring. He wanted to hold her but, not here, not like this. He wished that he could just disapparate them both from the spot. She sensed his discomfort and let him go. "I'm so glad that you're here."
"I wouldn't have missed it for all the world." he responded rather sardonically, but gave her a smile to reassure her that he was teasing.
Now that Hermione had arrived the party began in earnest. People were eating and drinking. Children were running to and fro. Severus found a corner in the room from where he watched the festivities. He was glad to see that Hermione was enjoying herself immensely. He was left mostly uninterrupted until Ginny sat next to him holding a black haired baby. "Sir, this is Albus Severus." he turned toward the woman holding the infant. "Would you like to hold him?" she asked. He nodded hesitantly and took the baby from her. Lily's eyes stared back at him. Her grandchild gave him a toothless grin and grabbed his over-sized nose with chubby fingers.
"Young man, that kind of behavior will not be tolerated." Severus said to the baby rather sternly. The baby just giggled in response and grabbed his nose again.
Hermione was watching Severus and the baby from across the room. She had become completely enthralled by the sight when Ron, who had already had too much to drink, came over to her and slurred, "'mione what are you doin' lookin' at 'im like tha'. 's like you're in love wit' 'im or somthin'"
"Come with me, Ron." She was pulling his arm attempting to get him into the kitchen to avoid a scene.
Susan, who had been chatting amiably with her in-laws, sighed with disgust. She hated when Ron drank. Thankfully he didn't do it often, because he really couldn't hold his liquor the way other men could.
Hermione managed to get Ron into the Kitchen without much of a commotion. What neither of them knew was that Susan was standing on the other side of the door. She knew that it was her duty to deal with her husband, not that poor girl's, but she hesitated for a few moments before entering the kitchen and providing the sober up potion that she carried with her just in case. She heard voices and just listened, she knew that Ron and Hermione had been a couple before her disappearance, she was curious about what they would have to say to each other now.
"'mione are you in love wit' 'im? Is that why you turned me away?" Ron asked, barely understandable.
"No, it's not, you know there was no future for us." she said trying her best to reason with the drunken man.
Her words had a sobering effect on him. Her rejection still stung. "I don' regret tha' night, even 'fyou think it was a mistake."
"I can't see it any other way, Ron. Besides I don't think it's wise for us to be discussing this here." she was worried that they would be overheard.
"It was th'mos' passionate night 'fmy life." he said loudly and hiccupped.
Suddenly the kitchen door burst open and an angry blond witch flew at Ron. "What is all this about, Ron? And when did you spend the night with... with her?" she looked at Hermione in disgust.
Her voice carried out into the other room. Ginny came in followed by her mother who demanded to know what was happening. "Susan, what's going on here, and why are you yelling?" the Weasley woman hissed.
"Ask them, Molly." she pointed an accusing finger at Ron and Hermione.
At that moment Ron left the room. He couldn't face both his wife and his mother. The women followed him. Hermione felt a sense of impending doom, her heart was beating furiously. The only thing she could think of now was that she needed Severus. She walked over to him. He was still holding the baby, but handed him over to his grandfather, Arthur. "Hermione, what's wrong?" he asked immediately. She looked distressed.
"Everything. Severus, it's all gone to hell in a hand basket."
He pulled her close. Susan came at her, screaming furiously. "What's the matter Hermione, my husband not good enough for you so you're moving on to the professor?" Hermione tensed in his arms, shaking with silent sobs.
"Mrs. Weasley, you will cease and desist this instant." he hissed, glaring at the woman causing her to back down.
Ron grabbed his wife's shoulders and pleaded, "Please don'do this, Susan."
Ginny sensed that chaos was about to erupt in her home regardless of Ron's pleas to his wife. "Kreacher!" she called quietly the elf and he appeared before her. She took the baby from her father and handed him over to the house elf, and gave him instructions. "Take Al upstairs and keep an eye on him. Come for me if he needs anything."
"Yes, mistress." the elf replied and disapparated with the baby.
The she issued a command "Kids! Outside. Now." They all looked at her before moving, but none dared to question her. She would make sure that they would not have to witness the grievances that this lot was about to unleash.
"Now" Molly demanded "is any one going to tell me was going on?"
"Mum, please calm down." Ginny was trying hard to diffuse the situation, but even her best efforts were unlikely to succeed.
"Susan, 'm sorry" Ron blurted out. "I didn't mean for it to happen. It just did."
"So, you're telling me that you just happened to spend the night in her bed!" then she pointed at Ginny, "and you knew about it!" she screeched.
Harry came to the defense of his wife, enough was enough. He grabbed Ginny's upper arms comfortingly, protectively. Susan had been entitled to her tirade but he would not have her attack his wife in her own home. "Yes, we knew about it, but we didn't want you to be hurt. That's why kept it from you. We really are sorry." he tried to explain.
Harry never finished what he wanted to tell Susan. A furious Molly began yelling at her son. Everyone at the party stopped what they were doing. Nobody ignored Molly when she went on a rampage. "Ronald Weasley how could you do such thing?" and then she turned to Hermione "and you. We loved you like one of our own." Hermione was now hysterical against Severus, who wrapped his arms tighter around her.
Severus stood at his full height towering over the woman, "Molly, your son took advantage of Hermione's vulnerable state. I will not have anyone attacking her, and that includes you."
Arthur who usually remained silent when Molly spoke stood up to Severus, "You will watch how you speak to my wife."
Both men stared at each other, neither willing to back down. Hermione touched Severus' arm. He gave her a small squeeze to let her know he felt it. She shook her head against him. Even in this he could not deny her. He turned away from the man and took her arm. He did not want to do anything that would upset her further. "Come. I think it would be best if we left."
~o0o~
When they arrived at Hermione's house she was completely silent. He did not want to pry, but he was unwilling to take the risk of having her shut down. There was no way that he was going to allow her to have a breakdown. She had come too far, they had come too far. Any possibility he had for a future was because of her.
"Hermione please tell me what happened?" His voice was nearly a whisper, but firm. She refused to answer him. Her eyes were glazed over and she appeared to be in another world. He was tempted to invade her mind, but she would berate him later if he attempted to do so without her permission. So he asked. "If you do not wish to speak about it would be alright if I entered your mind to view it?"
She nodded granting him permission. The trust that she placed in him never ceased to amaze him. He removed his wand from his robes and cast the spell silently. He viewed the conversation that she had in the kitchen of the Potter's home with Ron. Then he was transported to another memory. He thought she had transported him there, since he had not made an attempt to go any further. She was sitting at the desk in her father's study. She had a quill in her hand and was writing something on a piece of parchment. He felt a nudge to go further and to look at what was on the parchment. He saw that it was a list. At the top was written "The reasons why I love Severus Snape" he didn't stay in her mind after reading that. He pulled out rather abruptly, his head spinning with what he had just read.
"Hermione, do you-" No he would not question her now. He would not take advantage of her while she was vulnerable as Weasley had.
Severus I-" but the words failed her. She could not begin to explain what she was feeling for him. Not when she was still confused about it herself.
"I'll go now. We can talk about it another time." He had to go. Staying would have given him hope, and that was something he could ill afford while his life and his freedom were still hanging in the balance.
A/N: I know that Harry actually becomes an auror and Ginny is the one with a professional quidditch career. I didn't know this when I originally wrote the story and changing it now would break up parts of the plot, so for the sake of the story I'm leaving them as is.