*** CURRENTLY BEING REWRITTEN ***
Severus found it hard to continue on. He would see Hermione at meals and the sickness in his stomach kept him from eating. He felt like he was dying, and found himself throwing up yellow stomach acid throughout the day. He needed his Hermione back, but she would never listen to him. How could he have been so stupid? Sure, he was upset that she had not told him at first, but how would he have reacted then? He knew that he would not have his family at the Parlor, or the happy memories they gave him. Severus leapt to his feet with renewed vigor and strode to his desk. He knew what he had to do and, by Merlin, he would do it!
Hermione and Ginny began practicing their routines again that weekend. They had two weeks before their next show and Hermione knew Severus would not be there. Part of her was saddened by this, but the rest of her knew it was the only she would be able to keep her composure. The boys came by several times before Hermione finally spoke to them. It was the Tuesday before the weekend of the show, before dinner, when they came knocking on the frame. Hermione answered the door and Ginny sat on the bed, keeping an eye on them, as the two boys walked in and sat on the comfy chairs that Hermione offered.
"So… what's up?" Harry started after a moment's silence.
"I'm sorry, guys, for everything," Hermione sighed, looking at them both. "It's just been a crazy few months for me and I- I guess the stress just became too much for me. Do you understand?"
Harry raised an eyebrow and Ron scratched his chin before breaking out into a goofy grin. "Sure, I get it!" Ron smiled, obviously very happy with himself. The other three just looked at him strangely for a moment before Hermione turned back to Harry.
"And, speaking of people acting crazy and weird, what the hell has been up with you, Harry? You've been a bit of an ass lately, you know."
Harry's face flushed and he looked up to meet her eyes. "I guess you could say the same… y'know, the whole stress thing. Ginny, I'm really sorry," he looked over at her sadly.
"Yeah, like that makes up for it," she scoffed, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms. "I can't do it, Harry. I can be your friend, but I can't be with you anymore. I- I love somebody else," she finished in a barely audible voice with wide eyes. Hermione could see the stinging hurt in Harry's eyes and knew exactly how he felt.
"I-" Harry's voice cracked and broke, and he quickly swallowed hard. "I understand, Gin," he finally croaked out. Ginny smiled at him sadly and he nodded his head softly. "Okay. Well, we better get down to dinner, mate!" he clapped Ron on the shoulder and they both stood. Hermione hugged each of the boys and led them out. As soon as the portrait closed Hermione whipped around and stared at Ginny.
"What?" she finally asked as Hermione began making her feel nervous.
"You love Draco!" she squealed and broke out into a huge grin. Ginny blushed and smiled back.
"Yes… I do!" Ginny laughed out and fell back on the bed in giggling bliss.
Deciding it was time, the two had Dumbledore announce on Friday night at dinner that anyone aged 16 and above would be allowed to take in the performance the following night. This was met with excitement from the upper classes and they cheered before chattering anxiously. All of the houses were buzzing late into the night; the girls talking about what they would wear and how cute the Parlor boys were, and the boys making lewd remarks and mentally ogling the Parlor girls.
Hermione, Ginny and Draco were the first ones out of the castle the next morning. They reached the Parlor before the rest of the students were even up. Daimion welcomed them all with open arms and led them to the breakfast table where everyone was gathered happily. Hermione had not realized how hungry she was and ate far too much food until she felt like a balloon. They all laughed and told jokes before settling into a game of Monopoly during lunch, the ritualistic smoking drawing out their hunger.
Hermione was happy to be back. She was worried that being there would remind her of Severus, but she forgot how distracting her housemates were. Fred and George were there for breakfast, but had to go open the store. They assured Hermione and Ginny that they'd be back just after closing up at 6 that evening ("Gotta close early tonight!" "Yeah, since this place is going to steal all of our business when the doors open!").
Just before 6 they cleared out and several of them took the party up to the 3rd floor as Daimion opened the door and students began entering. Hermione and Ginny played a game of Yahtzee with the twins when they got back, the two boys sharing hilarious stories from the store as they hung out. As the next hour rang in the two girls tore themselves away to get ready.
Severus looked around the place and relaxed when he saw that Hermione was not present. Daimion walked over and pulled him into a brotherly hug before assuring him that the girls were getting ready. He led the potions master around back and took him in through the secret entrance, sneaking him out and to his own room as the few people in the common room were otherwise occupied.
Daimion had his elf bring them tea; he couldn't chance using any of the other elves in case Hermione found out Severus was here from Kinky. "You sure you can do this?" he asked while stirring sugar into his tea. Severus exhaled a deep breath and nodded his head.
"It doesn't really matter if I can or can't, because I'm going to do it anyway," he stated firmly and shot a small grin to Daimion.
"Well, mate, we're all behind you in this, remember that."
That simple statement heartened Severus and he truly smiled his biggest smile for the first time since he'd lost his Hermione.
A/N: Ooooh! What's our Sevvie gonna doooo? ;)
