AN Okay so this chapter is really to let the readers in on the feeling and thought of Hermione and Harry and their reactions to what Ron as done and what they are thinking about. I was also going to throw in Fred and Georges thoughts bu this is alread 4,000+ words so I did not want over kill. Let me know what you all think about this chapter.
Severus apprated to the outskirts of London late Monday night, it was well after eleven and he just left Hermione. He had to lie to her to where he was going, but that would only benefit her in the long run. He got a response from Clara during dinner telling him to arrive at the Ministry and he would be able to have a meeting with Ron who was being kept in one of the chambers on the lowest floor.
The walk to the Ministry was quick. He kept a brisk pace as the chill nipped at his cheeks and nose. He did not know exactly what he was going to say to Ron but he was going to get a few things off of his chest and get cleared up with Ron. He just wanted Hermione to live a happy life without Ron hanging in the back of her head.
He was admitted into the Ministry and took the elevator down to the lowest floor. Clara stood at the desk and greeted him with a smile. "Severus Snape it has been too long." She said walking over to him and giving him a warm hug. "Congratulations on the marriage. Hermione must be one special woman to snag a great guy like you."
Severus welcomed the warm embrace. "It is true Clara it has been too long, what five years?"
"Yes, we did not end on the best terms. But then again that is in the past. And as you can tell I am happy with the life that I have now." She said pointing to the bump in the stomach.
"It is nice to hear that. I am quite happy myself."
"That is great to hear and I am sure that happiness will only increase once this trial is over. How is Hermione? This cannot be easy for her."
"No, of course not. That is part of the reason I am here. I just need to get a few things settled with Ron before she visits tomorrow. That is why I needed it to be late and kept secret."
"I understand, Severus. He is right this way, under maximum security, even though he does not need it. He cannot move. He has lost all use of the legs again and the potion that he was taking seemed to cause some serious damage to the already damaged legs they are talking about removing them." She said walking down the hall to a room at the end.
A guard stood at the door. He looked just like Goyal. Severus looked him over. They guy did not say anything just moved aside. Severus was admitted into a little room the size of a closet. It was dimly lit and only contained a bed, nightstand and a chair. The door closed.
"Hello, professor. To what do I owe this honor?" Ron asked with a sly grin on his face.
"This is not a social call, Mr. Weasley. This is more of a visit to give you a warning. You have ruined Hermione's life enough. I will admit there were good times that you both had but over the past three years that relationship has been smashed and torn to pieces by your actions.
"She has gone through a lot over the past three years and you caused it all. And finally when she was happy for once you made sure that you took that away from her also. She wants to move on but you seem to yet again stand in the way of her happiness. She will be here to visit you tomorrow morning in a few short hours actually.
"The main reason for her visit is to get some answers from you and to get some closure. You will give it to her. You have ruined your life with your actions and I will not allow you to ruin her life in the same way. You will give her what she needs, you understand. I promise that if you don't you will be begging for the Dememtors Kiss when I finish with you."
"Professor, are you threatening me?" Ron questioned.
"Yes, Ron, I am. I tell you now to leave my wife alone. She does not need this stress while she is pregnant." His last words achieved the reaction that he wanted. Ron's face dropped and went pale. "If there was anyway that I could have gotten my hands on you before you were found then you would not have to undergo this trial. I would of killed you with my bare hands hid your body. You never would have been found."
Severus got close to his face, "you will not speak of this to her or anyone. I can promise that you would not like the consequence of that action. You try to fix what you have messed up Ron or I can promise that you life will be a living hell. Once a Death Eater, always a Death Eater, I have friends in high places."
Severus walked to the door and knocked on it. The door opened and he walked out of it, then turned. "You have a nice evening, Mr. Weasley." After exchanging a goodbye with Clara he walked back to the elevator out to London and then back to his bed with Hermione.
()
Hermione did not know what time Severus got home last night but knew that he was not gone for long. She would not question where he went and what he did. She trusted him. When the alarm next to her head whet off at six she did not bother to wake him up. She just pushed his arm back and rolled out of bed and got into the shower.
She had to admit to herself that she was nervous. She was worried what the answers to some of his questions might be. In the back of her head she kept thinking that the past ten years of her life had all been a lie. She knew that she needed this meeting to help her move on, if she didn't Ron would always be there hanging over her head and ruining her life and family with Severus.
Once out of the shower she dressed in a simple pair or pants and a sweater. Then she topped off the look with a thick winter jacket, a scarf , hat and a pair of mittens. Once she was fully ready she walked to the bed and kissed Severus goodbye then left for Hogsmeade.
After a half hour of travel she made it to the Ministry of Magic. She dialed the 62442 and stated the reason for her visit: Hermione Granger, Meeting with Ronald Weasley. The badge stated she put on as the floor dropped. She entered the atrium and gave over her wand. After a quick scan of it she was told the directions to the lowest floor. She followed them just like Severus did the night before. She stopped at a door knocked then walked in.
A witch sat behind a desk. She had jet black hair and medium colored skin. Hermione smiled and walked over to her. "Hello, Clara Redwood I presume. I am Hermione Snape." It was the first time she said that name and even with her nerves she had to smile at it. She was Mrs. Hermione Snape. "And I have a meeting at eight with, Ronald Weasley."
"Yes Mrs. Snape. He is in with his council at the moment but if you take a seat in that chair right there, you can go back and see him once they are finished." She said. Hermione noticed that she was pregnant when she walked to the desk and that also made her smile and place a hand on her stomach. It was nice to think that in a few months she will look like that.
Hermione took a seat and looked at the wizarding magazines that sat on the small table in between the two chairs. Nothing seemed to interest her. She looked around the little seating area. There were a few chairs and a desk. On the opposite wall of her sat a coffee pot and a few Danishes. Behind the desk there were a few halls that ran off of the main room and further then she could see.
Since there were just the two witches in there she decided to make friendly conversation. "If you do not mind me asking how far along are you?"
"Eight months, this happens to be my third child."
"Really? What are the ages of your other two?"
"There is Sabrina who is almost 5, Diego who is three and this one."
"How long have you been married?" Hermione asked. This witch did not seem to be old enough to have a five year old.
"Three years. You actually know or at least came in contact with my husband, Miles Bletchley."
"I do not remember seeing you at Hogwarts."
"That is because I was a student at Beauxbatons. I was at your school for the year of the Tri Wizard Tournament. I was in my final year. I enjoyed your school, meant some great people."
"That is great. So you got married when you were what 20?"
"Yes, but I had my first child two years before that."
"I just got married. Sunday, in fact. I also just found out that I am having a baby."
"Congratulations. Severus Snape is one wonderful man."
They way she said that drew some made something click in Hermione's head. She seemed so familiar with Severus. "I hope this is not too forward, but the way that you said that, do you happen to know my husband?"
Hermione tried to read the girls face. Her face looked guilty in a way. The witch said nothing to her, just looked, she seemed to be at a loss for words. "So you do know my husband. I guess the correct question to ask would be how do you know him?" Hermione snapped her voice sounded defensive. Hermione could tell there was something wrong here.
Before she could ask the girl anymore questions a balding middle aged wizard came over to the desk and said something. "Mrs. Snape you can go back and see Mr. Weasley now, just head down that hall it is the door all the way on the end. George the bodyguard will allow you to go in. When you finish just knock on the door and George will let you out. Have a nice day." Clara said then went back to doing something at the desk.
Hermione was fuming she knew that she was missing something and she was going to find out, just as soon as she finished with Ron. She saw the guard and gave him a friendly smile. He did nothing back except open the door. She walked into the small room, Ron was sitting on a bed flipping through the Daily Prophet his breakfast sitting on his lap. Nothing was eaten.
"Hello, Ron." She said taking a in a chair. "How are you feeling?" She knew this was a stupid question but she felt uncomfortable sitting here talking to her ex love and fiancé.
"How do I look, Hermione? I can assure you I have had better days." He said his face not turning up to look at her. "May I ask how is the new Mrs. Severus Snape?" He spat.
"How do you know that, Ronald?" She asked he voice filled with curiosity. She did not think anyone would tell him.
"I know many things Hermione. Word happens to get around. Just like I know for a fact that you are having a child with Severus and just like I know that Severus and that Clara Redwood used to be together and her oldest child um what is it's name?"
"Sabrina?"
"Oh yes her. Well that child happens to be the child of your husband and that woman. And I also know that he wanted me to tell you everything that you wanted to hear to help you get on with you life and if I did not he said he was going to kill me. Said that he would of killed me if he found me before the Ministry did. He also said that he still resorted back to his old Death Eater ways now and again."
"Why are you lying, Ron?" Hermione yelled at him not wanting to believe anything he was saying, even though things seem to began to fall into place.
"Hermione you should know by now that I would never life to you. I love you. I would not of tried killing Severus if I did not love you. All I wanted my whole life was you and as long as I am still alive I can assure you that I will not give up on getting you back." He put down the paper and looked into her eyes, his face drained of emotion, he looked like a shell of a man.
"Hermione as long as I am breathing it does not matter if I cannot walk, or you are married and have a million kids, I promise that I will never give up on the two of us. I will do everything in my power to make you life with Severus a living hell. You will never be safe, he will most definitely not be safe and those children of you, let's just say you better think twice before having a spawn of you both come into this world.
"You should live in fear, Hermione, I want you to. I have this trial in the bag. My Ministry official just came to me with the results of the entire test that I had to undergo. They all say the same thing; the potion made me go insane. I am a crazy man Hermione, it would bode you well to remember that. And watch your back. I will be out of Azkaban before you know it Hermione.
"See you Friday have a good week."
Hermione could not react to the words that he spoke. Her body was numb, with fear. The words that he spoke as he looked directly into her eyes gave her a feeling in the pit of her stomach. She got up out of the chair and walked to the door. She did not just knock on it she pounded. The door opened, and she walked out. She did not hear George ask if she was alright. She did not know there were tears flowing from her eyes, or that her body was trembling.
Her body went to autopilot as it lead her out of the building. She stood there on the busy London Street not know what to do. Her mind was spinning and she felt like she was going to be sick. She needed to sit down somewhere. There was just too much on her mind to go back to Hogwarts right now. She needed something strong to drink and she needed to think.
She knew that the Leakey Cauldron was around here somewhere. She walked to it and opened the door. It was quite empty. She walked over to a table in the back, and put her face down. Tom the barkeeper walked over, "what can I get you?"
"Firewhiskey, please, Tom." She said without moving her head. He left her and she sobbed into her coat arm sleeves. Tom brought back her drink.
"Miss, are you alright?" He asked.
"Just fine, Tom." She said putting her head up to drink some of the firewhiskey. He seemed to get the idea that she wanted to be left alone so he went back to the bar and cleaned the glasses with a dirty rag. He left shortly then came back.
Hermione did not order another glass of Firewhiskey, she knew that one was harmful to the baby she was carrying. She was not going to let anything happen to it. She always wanted a baby. Ron's words still rang in her head. The look and the words made her sick. She got up from her table and walked to the bathroom. She did not recall how long she was in there for; all she did was sob and vomit. After her stomach felt like everything that was even in it was expelled from her body she got up and walked back to the bar she saw Harry sitting at her table.
She did not have to say anything and neither did he; with just one look they knew what the other was thinking. That is what came with ten years of friendship. He stood up and she ran into his arms. They both sank to the floor crying and holding each other. It did not feel weird in anyway, no one person would be able to grasp what the two of them were going through.
Neither of them could seek refuge in their significant others. Parvati and Severus might be able to say it would be alright and they would get through it but Harry and Hermione both knew that they would never understand what they were going through. This was something that only the two of them shared.
()
Harry was surprised to get a letter from Tom saying that a friend of his was in dire need of him at the Leakey Cauldron. And when it said Hermione he was even more shocked. What would she be doing at the Cauldron at this hour? He dismissed his class a few minutes early and then left right away.
When he got to the Cauldron Tom pointed to the table that she was at. He walked over and found it empty except for an empty glass that he knew contained Firewhiskey. He walked back to the bar. "How long has she been here?"
"Close to an hour I think. She came in crying and went to the back. I got her drink order and then went and sent you an owl. I remember seeing her come in here all the time, not only with you but with Snape as well as Draco. I figured that you would know what to do to help her."
"Thank you, Tom." Harry walked back to the table and sat down he figured that she was in the bathroom. When he saw her walk out he had this feeling in his stomach that left him feeling eerie. And then the look she gave him there was no doubt in his mind that Ron was yet again a cause for this misery. When she ran to him he caught her and held her as she cried. He even began to cry himself.
The realization of what Ron did and what Ron was facing and all of the pain that he caused for Hermione as well as his bothers and himself all hit Harry like a ton of bricks. Ron was forever gone and any hope that he kept to the back of his mind about them all being the trio again left him in that instant.
After what felt like an hour of crying, they both stood up and sat at the table they had their hands entwined sitting on the top of the table, a sign of friendship, understanding and comfort. Hermione smiled at Harry, "thank you."
"For what, Hermione? I have not done anything." He said.
"Harry just being here for me and understanding what I am going through and comforting me is what I am thanking you for. You understand what I am going though."
"You are welcome Hermione. Tell me what happened." Harry said. And he listened as Hermione told him about Clara and Sabrina and how Ron acted and what Ron said and the look upon his face.
"Harry I am worried. It is like he is obsessed with me. He not only threatened my life but the life of my baby and all of the other babies that Severus and I have." Harry choked on his drink when she said her last statement.
"Are you saying that there is going to be a little Snape walking around?"
"Harry promise that you will not tell anyone. We did not want people to know just yet."
"I promise Hermione, but I think you need to share this with Severus."
As if on cue a cold voice from the door area, "I guess you feel more comfortable talking to Harry then to your own husband. I wonder how long this thing has been going on between the two of you? Did it ever really end?"
()
Severus was worried when Hermione did not show up for lunch and he just got suspicious. When he questioned Parvait about it, she said that he got a letter to go to the Leakey Cauldron. He decided to do a little investigation and left for the Leakey Cauldron himself.
Imagine his surprise to walk in and find his wife and Potter, sitting at the table practically falling all over each other. Her clothing was crumpled and her make up was smeared. It did not take an Einstein to realize what took place there. The expression on her face when he spoke just clarified his suspicions.
"I was just coming to check on you Hermione, but it seems like you do not need your husband when Harry Potter is around. That is just fine with me."
"Severus what are you talking about?" Hermione asked getting up from her chair and started to walk over to him.
"I am talking about your little affair with Potter. But then again maybe it is not so little."
"Severus you are talking crazy. There is nothing going on between Harry and I, except for friendship. I could never hurt you."
"Save it, Hermione, I do not want to listen to your babble." He spat back at his wife.
"Severus, she is telling the truth. There is nothing going on between the two of us." Harry said.
Severus did not want to listen to Harry. What he wanted to do to Harry would get him thrown in Azkaban for a long time. "Potter, stay out of this. This is between my wife and I. I suggest that you leave now, Gods help you if you are still standing there in five seconds."
Harry did not say anything he just grabbed his coat and ran out of the pub. "Severus can you just sit and hear me out? You are being as bad as Draco jumping to conclusions without knowing the full story. If you want to ruin our marriage because you saw me holding Harry's hand, more power to you. I know that I was not doing anything wrong."
Being called Draco struck a nerve. He moved his hand to the side of his head and felt the indent from where his head hit the tables a few short months ago. He sat but said no more. Hermione explained to him what happened with Ron and why Harry was there. Anger grew in him, his message was not clear enough to Ron. He would have to do better. Then when she got to the part about Ron killing him and their baby his body went cold.
"Hermione there is no way that he is going to hurt you or our child. I will not allow it. I will kill him first."
"Severus then you would be no better then he is." She took his hand and put it on her stomach, "I do not want this child to grow up without a father or brothers and sisters."
He smiled at the thought of seeing their sons and daughters playing in a big back yard, maybe with a dog, while Hermione and he stood on the porch. "I am sorry; love, for getting angry and jealous. I just love you so much; I never want to lose you."
"Severus you never will have to. I am yours, now, forever, and always."
"Did Ron give you the answers that you wanted?" He said as he got up and handed her coat to her.
"I did not get the answers that I wanted but I did get the answers that I needed. Will you promise me to help get him put a way for a long time, love. I do not want him to hurt you or this baby." She asked him looking deep into his eyes.
Severus could see the fear there and her vulnerability in her eyes. He had never see her look that way before. She looked so small and frail. He wanted nothing more to taker he in his arms and hide her away from the world. He was never going to let Ron or any other person hurt her ever again. "Hermione Jean Snape, I promise you here and now that Ron will never ever be an issue to you again."