A/N: Hiya, I'm back with another chapter! I want to thank you guys for your favs and I want to thank the lovely guest that left me that review! If I'm honest with you all, ever since I found a beta, I'm much more confident in my writing and I've been writing almost non stop these past few weeks!

I hope you'll all like this chapter.


"My wasn't that an eventful scene I just witnessed?" Lucius commented, giving Severus a smug smile.

After Hermione, Draco and Minerva exited the room; it left Severus alone with Lucius. He knew that whatever the man needed, it would cause him to be absent from the Order meeting. He was secretly glad for it too. This event had completely ruined his mood, and he didn't trust himself to behave adequately when he wanted to throttle his godson after what just happened in his office. In truth, Severus felt furious, and if he was honest about it, beyond jealous. Although he was annoyed with Lucius for deciding to come for Merlin-knows-what, he was curious.

Severus looked up at Lucius and in a bored tone said, "What do you want Lucius? If it wasn't enough with the interruption from you and Minerva, I have somewhere else to be right now." Lucius' closed-lipped smile grew an inch, making Severus more irritable than he already was. He tried to occlude his emotions as he regularly did, but even though the calming draught in his tea was potent, his emotions were still running high enough to make it a challenge to occlude completely.

"You seem rather… annoyed, my friend. Did anything happen with my son and Ms Granger?" Lucius asked, and Severus narrowed his eyes at him.

"Not that it's any of your business, but we were merely having a discussion about… spells," Severus said. He wanted nothing more but to dismiss Lucius and be left alone. He didn't care if he was still Draco's godfather or if Lucius still perceived him as a friend, but Voldemort was long gone, and he didn't need to pretend; yet he was Lucius' best friend or rather, underling.

Severus admitted he favoured the wizard back when they were young, Lucius was in a way, a mentor to Severus for many years, and he was still thankful for many favours he did for him. But that was years ago, and if Severus was honest with himself, after the Second Wizarding War, Lucius had changed. For the worse. The man appeared more power-hungry than when Voldemort had returned, and his hatred towards Muggles and Muggle-Borns had visibly grown. Severus frequented the Manor when Draco was young, but ever since Voldemort took hold of Malfoy Manor, it shattered the friendship he had with Lucius.

Even if he were to deny it now, Severus was almost sure Lucius was still the same as he had been before his first imprisonment in Azkaban. Still, he didn't know with certainty the intent behind his visit, and for the sake of his secret and Hermione's safety, he played along.

"You see Severus, I know we haven't had a proper talk since our New Year's banquet, two years ago. Narcissa is upset you haven't attended our festivities since then. She's starting to think you're no longer enjoying… our company." Lucius said in his usual soft, velvety voice.

"You knew I was away in Romania, I only returned last January, so it was only natural I couldn't make it to any Yule events. Since then, I have had some personal matters that I have had to attend to." Severus said, rolling his eyes. He didn't care if Lucius realised Severus wasn't interested in their so-called "friendship" anymore. Still, he wanted to appear aloof enough about it to not to raise suspicious about why.

Severus diverted his stare to the floor and tried to appear even more annoyed with Lucius' unannounced presence than he already was.

Lucius stood there and looked at Severus with renewed interest. It seemed as if he was looking at him for the first time. Lucius was silent for a few moments before saying, "You've changed, Severus."

"Haven't we all?" Severus retorted with a sneer. "We had a war, less than three years ago. I woke up in a bed in St Mungo's realising I suddenly was this "Big hero" not knowing what the hell happened. So, I do believe it's natural that I've changed." Severus said irritably. Lucius raised his eyebrow at him again.

"Yes. The war changed us all, I admit. But you seem more relaxed Severus, more jubilant if I dare say. I don't know; it almost seems as if you've found something or rather someone that has made you more alive." Severus narrowed his eyes at Lucius and repeated with a snarky tone, "What do you want Lucius?"

"Now don't be like that, Severus. Can't I visit a friend?"

"You're hardly the type to make visitations with no real purpose, Lucius. Besides, why come to Hogwarts on a school day? You could've said you wanted to see me and we could've arranged for something."

"You know me well, Severus. Very well. I've come to you with a matter of business. I know what a skilful Potions master you are, and I wanted to ask you about a blinding potion that has been talked about lately. Thought you might know something about it."

Severus' eyes turned fiercely to Lucius. "What do you know about it? Almost no one knows such a potion exists. Don't tell me…"

"I have nothing to do with it if that's what you're suggesting. But even if only a few know, people talk Severus, and it was only a matter of time before I heard about it. I found a decent proposition in exchange for information, and I wanted to ask what your opinions were about it."

"Then I'm sorry to disappoint you, Lucius, but that's classified information," Severus said, and Lucius looked visibly annoyed.

After some time, Lucius clicked his tongue, and his voice once again said in a velvety voice, "Very well, then I have nothing else to say. I won't keep you any longer for that important matter you have to attend to. I do also hope you resolve whatever quarrel you had with my son and Miss Granger." Severus clenched his teeth and fist unconsciously and said in a lower voice "Lucius if I find that you do have anything to do with the new threats that are going around…" He didn't finish his sentence trying to avoid any threats. He didn't mean to sound as angry as he did, but the encounter with Hermione and his godson was still too fresh, and he was afraid the calming draught wouldn't hold for much longer. He saw Lucius' eye gleam as he noted his physical changes when he mentioned Hermione.

"As I said, I assure you I'm a decent, innocent man, Severus. I'll let you be. I'm looking forward to our next encounter, my friend."

Lucius took one last glance at Severus' office, and he was almost sure the blonde wizards' eyes rested a second longer on the tea set on the table, and how there were only two cups there. With one last coy smile, Lucius left Severus alone. He knew that there wasn't a chance he could make it to the meeting without flipping out and uncovering his secret. He drank the rest of his cup of tea before grading his sixth-year student's homework, his quill finding more errors in his students' essays than usual.


After the Order meeting, Hermione and Draco arrived at 12 Grimmauld Place, worn out from the meeting. There wasn't much progress with the potion case, and it was starting to affect morale. They arrived at the house alone, as Harry had a case he needed to attend to, and was invited to the Burrow to have dinner with the Weasleys. He told Hermione not to wait for him, and as soon as the meeting was over, he and Ron disapparated when they reached Hogsmeade.

Hermione was silent when they reached the old house. She didn't want to look at Draco, partly because he now knew of Severus' intentions, but mostly because she was angry at both of them.

"Granger," Draco started, and she sighed. "Don't, Draco." She said and turned to look at him. "I know I should've said something sooner about Severus, but both your reactions disappointed me. I'm not some prize you can just compete for." Her tone was quiet, and her eyes were hurt. He, too, looked pained.

"Hermione, I know I shouldn't have said the things I said, but please, understand me. I know I "shouldn't" be mad at you for hiding this from me, but what did you want me to do? To sit quietly and accept with a smile on my face that my girlfriend, the woman I love, is slowly slipping away from me? Is this what you want?" Draco was getting angry, and Hermione too could feel her ire rising.

"No, of course not Draco. And I'm not leaving you for Merlin's sake! But please, as much as you are torn, understand that I am too! I wanted none of this! I know I've managed this poorly, but I'm trying!"

"I know. But I gave you the option, Granger. I never forced you to do anything you didn't want to, and I've been patient. I've tried to understand the situation, and even though it pains me, I've tried to respect your decisions about him. I also know I'll never hate you nor stop loving you if you choose him. But I can't deny this isn't slowly breaking my heart, Hermione. To be frank with you, I don't know how much longer I can take this." Hermione looked up sharply at Draco; his eyes held a sorrow that was beyond imaginable. Her eyes started to tear up.

"What are you saying?"

"I have feelings too, Hermione. And even if this situation is unique, I don't think I'll able to stomach the fact maybe you and I will never be truly happy." Draco averted his eyes to the floor, and Hermione walked to him.

"Don't do this, Draco." She whispered, and his eyes bore into hers, a sad smile on his lips.

"What do you want me to do, Hermione? For the past months, hell for the past year, I've been dreaming about marrying you. And I think you know it. I've loved you like no other, and I genuinely believe there's no one else for me.

Believe me, if it wasn't for him, I'd have proposed to you the minute we graduated. That's how much I want to spend the rest of my days with you. But every time I think about the possibility, I just crumble in defeat, knowing what that would mean to my godfather. I've watched our friends get engaged and married, and it pains me to think that may never be us. As much as I've tried to be understanding and patient, I don't share, Hermione; I'm not made of stone. And I believe my godfather will agree on this too."

"I know this situation has been emotionally draining for all of us. But please, give me a little more time, and I promise I'll find a way around this. Please, Draco." Hermione took Draco's hand in hers and looked up at him, her eyes pleading for him to see reason, to make him see she loved him as much as he loved her.

"For how long Hermione? It's been two and a half years since we found out Severus Snape is a Veela and that you're his mate. And let's be honest here, from whichever direction you try to look at this, the only way he won't die is if you surrender to him. You say you want to be with me, but I've seen how you look at him, Granger. I may not know much about Veelas, but I've read enough to know that magical mates are not paired up randomly. I mean, it's fucking nature, Hermione! You say you love me, but maybe you just have a blindfold on your heart, and whilst you don't get to experience what is like to be with him, you won't take it off. Maybe… maybe the right thing to do for me is to let you go." There was sadness in Draco's tone. He caressed her hands with his fingers, and Hermione shook her head.

"No, Draco, please. Don't do this. I love you, and I love no one else but you." Her voice trembled and tears were falling freely down her cheeks.

Hermione felt selfish. Selfish because she knew what Draco was saying was true. All of it. Her heart clenched with agony because as much as she wanted to deny the words his lips had spoken, she couldn't deny what she felt. She had contemplated the possibility before of leaving Draco, give him a happy, healthy chance in love without having the burden of the situation they were in. But every time she thought about it, she would break down crying, knowing she loved him too much to do it. Severus knew, also, how deeply her emotions for Draco ran through her. She buried her face in his chest and held on to him tightly, not wanting to let go.

Draco gently caressed her hair with his hand. "I know you love me, Granger. But it would be selfish for me not to give you the chance to be with Snape. To feel what it's like to be held by him, to be kissed by him." Hermione took up sharply at Draco, her eyes widening. She had to make him understand. "But I have Draco." She said in a small voice, and astonishment took over Draco's features. "Severus has kissed me before. Once. He kissed me on the day we left Hogwarts when we graduated. I didn't tell you then because I thought I'd never see him again. I didn't tell you because when he kissed me, I… rejected him." Draco's features were slowly softening, and Hermione continued, her words rushed, "I thought it would cause you unnecessary pain, and I know that's completely selfish of me and I should've told you. And even though he was the one to kiss me, I feel guilty because yes, it'd be a lie if I say I felt nothing from it. Despite that, I chose you, Draco. I chose you, and Severus knows. Even if I'm his mate, my feelings for you haven't changed Draco.

"These past years have been tough on all of us, and I know that's no excuse. Most of the time, I feel like I don't even know myself anymore. Even if you say none of this is my fault, I know I've behaved badly. And what you say is true. I'm just letting time go by without trying to do anything about the situation. You say it would be selfish of you not to let me go, but in reality, the selfish one is me. It's not fair to you, nor Severus. And I know I can't let this hellish situation go any further. But I want to be with you, Draco. Please don't leave me. I don't think I'll be able to handle it. I love you Draco Malfoy," Her voice broke. "I need you."

Draco looked deeply into Hermione's eyes before grabbing her by the back of her neck and crushing his lips against hers. She felt him moving his feet and with the movement, trapped her against the nearest wall. His thumb gently caressed her hipbone, and it made Hermione shiver. She moaned against his lips as he gently nibbled hers, her fingers gripping the soft material of his shirt, the intensity of the kiss consuming her.

Draco quickly divested her of her jumper, leaving her only in her bra, and before they could go any further, Hermione promptly led them into her room. He quickly closed the door behind them and with a quick motion, carried Hermione to the bed. Seconds passed as Draco quickly disrobed himself before joining Hermione.

"I told you before, and I'll say it again," His teeth nipped her skin and Hermione's back arched with desire. His lips slowly kissed their way up to her ear, and he whispered, " I love you like no one else, Granger. I'll always be yours."

"You'll always be mine, Draco." She said. "Do you mean it?" He replied in a husky voice, his eyes piercing hers.

"Yes." He kissed her again.

"Let me feel you, Granger. Let me show you how passionately I can love you." He said between kisses and Hermione completely surrendered to him. "I want you to only feel this way with me, do you understand?" He said, grabbing her neck. It didn't hurt her, but it was enough to make Hermione gasp at the intensity of Draco's gaze. She softly nodded. "When you touch yourself, and your fingers graze your skin, it'll only be my touch you're imagining."

"Draco," She whispered, and he kissed her neck, her breasts, her scars. His kisses felt like fire, igniting an all-consuming passion and ardour within her. With much impatience, Draco removed her Muggle jeans and lowered his kisses to her navel. His hands, already knowing the way by heart, touched and caressed the curves and valleys from her legs to her waist, up to her breasts.

"Your kisses are the only ones capable of satiating my soul's needs. Your lips hardly touch me, and I'm already aching for your breathless mouth." Draco whispered one last time into her lips before entering her and losing themselves, succumbing to the hidden desire of the flesh. They scratched and kissed each other, lost in ecstasy.

A concupiscence worthy of a lover's madness.


Hermione turned off the kettle and poured the boiling water into a porcelain teapot. After finally admitting to herself she hadn't attempted to contact Fleur because she didn't want to be reprimanded, Hermione took a deep breath and invited her for tea. When Fleur arrived at Grimmauld Place, Hermione noted that although she still looked radiant and beautiful, the young Veela didn't dress as classy as she did before. Hermione guessed that being a new mother and attending to a baby every single hour of the day had something to do with it. Given how vain she knew Fleur was, she decided not to comment on it.

"I went and bought fresh bread and biscuits from the local bakery after you told me you'd come," Hermione said, putting on the table the tea set. "After last time, I wanted to be more prepared."

"Oh, you didn't 'ave to, but I appreciate eet." Fleur said with a smile and grabbed a chocolate digestive from the plate.

"I don't know why, but I had the idea you'd bring Victoire with you. This old house isn't exactly kid-friendly I know, but I just had the feeling." Hermione said, biting her lip. She had at least checked she had juice and milk in the fridge. She didn't know what types of food nine-month-old babies could eat, but at the minimum, she knew she was safe with juice and milk.

"I considered bringing 'er, but she eez very curious and gets restless quickly, and as you say, this place isn't exactly kid-friendly," Fleur said eyeing the kitchen, and Hermione took a sip from her tea, trying to hide her blush.

"Who did you leave Victoire with?"

"She stayed at the Burrow with Molly. Andromeda was there too, so Teddy was excited to see 'is favourite playmate." Fleur smiled and took a sip from her tea. "Even though 'e's almost three, 'e understands that Victoire eez still a baby and plays gently with her. I believe that having 'im over 'as helped Victoire a lot with her development. I've seen 'ow she tries to imitate him, and even though she doesn't walk yet, she's managed to stand by 'erself! Bill already believes that she'll love Quidditch. 'Onestly." Fleur rolled her eyes, and Hermione let out a small laugh. It didn't look as if the French Veela was too keen on Quidditch, and Hermione sympathised with her. She remembered all those years at Hogwarts having to endure long talks of Quidditch with the boys, so she understood what it must be like having a husband and in-laws who were utterly obsessed with the sport.

Hermione noted, too, how Fleur's French accent had decreased a little. She didn't know if it was something new, or if she just hadn't realised it before, but she pronounced better the letter "h" and made less emphasis on the "s". She still had a heavy accent, but after years of living in England, it was only natural she'd grown accustomed to the language.

Hermione was so lost in thought; she didn't notice Fleur was already talking to her.

"'Ermione?" Fleur said a second time.

"Oh sorry, I was lost in thought for a bit. You were saying?" Hermione said embarrassed, and Fleur shook her head in disapproval. But after getting to know Fleur better, Hermione knew she meant no harm by it.

"I asked if your situation 'ad improved since the last time we saw each other. We didn't have any time to talk at George's wedding, but I 'ad the impression you were not well that day." Fleur said in a concerned tone. Hermione nodded and looked down to her cup, thinking about her answer.

"Yes, back in October, I was too distracted; the anniversary of my father's death was coming up, and I admit I was feeling a bit blue back then. Even if I still feel too sad sometimes to get even out of bed, I believe I lived part of my grief before their attack in Sydney. Ever since I cast the memory charm on them, I knew deep inside the possibility of never seeing my parents again, or at least returning to normal was big. They were still alive and well for two years, but my mind had already processed the fact I was practically an orphan. So even though it still feels a little raw, I'm slowly coming to terms with it. It all sounds a bit mad saying it out loud. But I'm trying. " Hermione said with a tight smile and drank from her tea, trying to prevent tears from forming in her eyes.

"Are you better now?" The Veela asked, and Hermione nodded solemnly. "Yes, much better, thank you. Draco took me to see my father's grave and accompanied me to see my mother at St Mungo's. She's a little better, but still much the same, I'm afraid. After that, Harry took me to my favourite French restaurant in Muggle London, so even though it feels grey sometimes, I know I have people I can rely on." Hermione said, a sincere smile on her lips.

After some moments of silence between the witches, Fleur cleared her throat and asked, "So, 'ows the Veela situation coming along?" She wondered, and Hermione closed her eyes, knowing this moment would come, eventually.

"It hasn't changed much since the last time we spoke about it," Hermione confessed with her eyes closed. Some seconds passed, and Hermione opened her eyes, only to see Fleur's frown.

"And why is that?"

"I… haven't been able to decide." Trying her best not to deviate from the conversation, Hermione slowly started explaining everything that had happened after their last meeting. She told her about Severus' "new" personality, the fact he very much still plans to woo her, and how she discussed with Draco that she would no longer continue to visit him, to prevent anything else from developing.

"'Ermione, you know you're only making excuses, am I correct?"

"Yes, I know, but I-" Hermione started saying, but was again cut off by Fleur, "And you know that even though you feel guilty about eet, you're still cheating emotionally, right? From either way you look at it, cheating is cheating, and there's no way around it."

"Yes, I know." Her tone, defeated, Hermione understood what Fleur was trying to say to her, and she agreed. She wasn't being fair, not even with herself and trying to control everything wasn't much help either. "As I was saying, I spoke with Draco about it. I told him everything, and I will talk to Severus and tell him that this can't go on any longer.

"And you're sure that's the decision that you want?" Fleur asked, and Hermione furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

"Whatever do you mean? I love Draco, and that's that. I can't imagine a future where he isn't part of my life."

"Yes, but have you thought about the long term? You still can 'ave Draco in your life without being romantically involved with 'im. Leave aside the fact that Snape's life is on the line 'ere, but have you thought about your feelings for him? You say you want to be with Draco only, but it shows otherwise by the things you're telling me. The best advice I could give you at the moment eez that you're better off alone for a while. I know you've taken forever to sort this out, but I don't believe you've thought this through completely. You need some time alone, to think about what you really feel, what you really want, before you make a final decision. You don't need to "break up" with anyone, but you also don't need to date them. Consider that our relationship with others heavily biases some decisions we make."

Hermione pondered Fleur's words, and if she was honest with herself, trying to stay "single" for a while had crossed her mind before. That would give her some time to think about everything without engaging herself emotionally with anyone.

"What are you afraid of 'Ermione? Breaking someone else's 'eart, or breaking your own?"

"I don't know," Hermione answered barely above a whisper, and Fleur continued,

"So, what will you do, 'Ermione?" Fleur said, her blue eyes piercing Hermione's brown ones. Suddenly, the floo alarm went off, and for the first time, Hermione was glad for the interruption. Politely excusing herself, Hermione stood up, still shaken from her conversation with Fleur, and went to see who had arrived. If she didn't know any better, Hermione almost swore she heard Fleur discreetly curse under her breath. She ignored it and instead went and greeted Ginny, who just appeared from the flames.

"Hermione, hi!" Ginny said excitedly whilst pulling her into a hug.

"Hi Gin, what brings you here? I thought you had practice." She said, hugging her friend back.

"I did. But Valmai got badly hurt trying to catch the snitch, so we had to end practice early. She still hasn't got completely accustomed to being the seeker. Mum told me Fleur would be here, so after a quick bath, I came. Thought you might help me discuss some ideas I had for the wedding." Ginny said with a bright smile, and Hermione couldn't help but smile back.

Ever since Harry proposed to her back in December, it was rare to see Ginny in a foul mood. She asked Hermione soon after if she would be her Maid of Honour, and even though Hermione knew little about weddings, she gleefully agreed. Ginny had told her she wanted something small and simple, as neither she nor Harry felt comfortable with something ostentatious.

"Of course, Ginny, I was just having tea with Fleur. It's been a while since I last spoke to her."

"Oh, sorry, I didn't think at all when I came here. Am I interrupting something?" Ginny asked, taking in Hermione's distracted eyes and the shaken expression on her face. Hermione shook her head, "No, not at all!"

Fleur stayed a little longer after Ginny arrived. She told the younger witches she had to retrieve Victoire from the Burrow and said her goodbyes to both of them. Hermione accompanied Fleur to the fireplace and promised they would continue their discussion soon with an apologetic smile.

"I just want you to know I mean no harm with my words, 'Ermione. I only hope you take care of yourself and take responsibility for the consequences of whatever decision you'll make. I'll write to you soon." And with that, Fleur disappeared into the green flames. Hermione let out a breath she didn't realise she was holding, and promising herself she would speak with Severus soon, returned to Ginny.


Being a Friday, the Leaky Cauldron was much busier than any other weekday. When Hermione and Draco arrived, they saw the others already seated at one of the tables at the pub's far right side. Hermione saw Hannah seated between Neville and Harry, while Ron, Ginny, and Luna sat across from them. She knew Hannah had asked for the day off so that she could properly celebrate Ron's birthday with the others.

"Oh, Hullo!" Neville was the first to spot the pair and waved at them. "Dean and Seamus haven't arrived yet, but we were thinking about moving tables if it becomes too cramped in here," Neville said with a smile as Hermione sat next to him while Draco sat across from her.

"Harry already said we could go back to your place later! Fred and George promised to be there too after closing the store." Ron said happily. He sobered up for a minute and told Hermione in a more serious tone, "If that's okay with you, that is. I know that's also your place 'Mione."

Hermione smiled and shook her head. "Of course, I don't have a problem with it. It's your birthday! That reminds me," Hermione said and turned to her little purse. She took out a small gift, wrapped in bright red cellophane paper, and gave it to Ron. "I didn't want to forget later." She said with a smile and Ron beamed at her. "Blimey Hermione, thank you! You didn't have to." Ron said with a smile, and even if it was quite early in the evening, Hermione noticed that Ron's pint was almost empty.

"Where's Susan?" Hermione asked when she realised she was missing and noticed how Ron's gaze turned to a brunette seated at a nearby table. He returned his eyes to Hermione when she asked. "Didn't I tell you? She and I are no longer dating." Ron replied with a half-disappointed look. He still kept smiling. "It happened a few weeks ago, actually; it was bound to happen, anyway. We never saw each other with my long hours working as an Auror and she's very invested in following her late aunt's steps in the Department of Law Enforcement. So, we hardly had any time together." He said and took a swing from his pint.

Hermione then noticed Hannah's annoyed expression at Ron's words. "Still, I'm not too sad about it, I mean yeah she was nice, but I'm still pretty young, and there were no hard feelings, so I'm quite happy being single at the moment." He said, and Hermione returned her attention to him. It appears he has matured, she smiled. "I'm glad, Ron."

A couple of hours later, they decided the celebration would continue at Grimmauld Place, and all of them, plus Dean and Seamus, travelled by floo from the Leaky Cauldron.

"I'll go and turn on the kettle, in case anyone feels too drunk to travel back home". Hermione told Draco as soon as they arrived, although she highly suspected that more than one person would probably stay the night. Draco nodded and kissed her temple before engaging in a conversation with Harry and Neville. He knew she liked to do as many things as possible the Muggle way, so he stopped commenting on it. She even encouraged him to do the same, and while Draco still refused to wash dishes by hand, it was more often than not that he helped her with dinner or other small chores.

On her way down to the kitchen, she saw Ginny talking quietly with Luna at the end of the hallway, near the stairs that went up to the second floor. She didn't stare for too long, but she managed to see Ginny giving Luna a bear hug. Earlier in the week, Ginny had told Hermione she'd tone down the wedding talk a bit whenever Luna was around. She knew her friend was doing much better, but she also didn't want to rub salt into her wounds and make her feel more miserable. They did all of this without Luna knowing. Both Hermione and Ginny knew Luna would be angry at them if she knew they were avoiding wedding talk as much as possible for her, but she was hurting, and they preferred to keep her as distracted as possible.

Hermione took out some leftover biscuits from Fleur's last visit and put them in a bowl alongside a few apples. Hermione knew it wasn't appropriate hangover food, but Harry's latest experiment at dinner the previous night didn't end well, and they didn't have enough Pepperup and Vitamix potions for everyone. Hermione sighed at the lack of food in the fridge and went to put on the kettle.

The stairs near the kitchen creaked, and Hermione looked up to see Hannah making her way down to the kitchen. "Oh, I was just about to come up with a tea tray and some biscuits for the others," Hermione said in a gentle tone as Hannah sat in one of the kitchen chairs.

"I don't know if anyone upstairs will stomach any food at this point. They've started playing King's Cup, and it doesn't seem like it'll end nicely." Hannah said in an amused tone, and she and Hermione shared a laugh.

"Well, at least Ron's having fun. I hope Draco is also having a good time. If I'm being honest, it's been a couple of rough weeks for him. I mean, I imagine Neville too; they're at the brink of opening the apothecary and all." Hermione said, taking the seat across from Hannah, and she gave Hermione a small nod, accompanied by a sigh.

"What's the matter?" Hermione asked, remembering Hannah's confession that she was frustrated she couldn't spend as much time with Neville as she wished. She didn't know whether he had more time to spend with her now that he was done with his Auror training. Draco told her Neville had mentioned he wasn't in the field as much as Harry or Ron because of his Herbology apprenticeship.

"Oh, it's nothing, it's just," Hannah said, and with a gleam on her eye, suddenly asked, "Has Draco told you anything about Parkinson lately?"

"Pansy?" Hermione asked, utterly confused. She didn't expect Hannah to bring up Pansy at all.

"Yes, she's a recurring customer of Neville's. Apparently, the Slytherin pureblood princess has changed from her idiotic and disgusting ideologies and now is a "good person". Neville told me he has become friends with her, can you believe it?" Hannah said in a distasteful tone.

"I-" Hermione tried to answer, but it left her speechless. She gently shook her head, and although Hermione knew Pansy wasn't as nasty or sarcastic as she once was, she couldn't think of a scenario where she would be friends with Neville.

As impossible to believe as it was, Pansy had changed over the years. Still, Hermione wondered if her icy walls of indifference and antipathy were starting to shatter after what Draco had told Hermione about Pansy's boyfriend and unexpected pregnancy. She felt sorry for her, but she didn't know if given how Pansy was, she'd let Hermione become friends with her.

"No, I… I have talked little with her, but I can agree with the fact she has changed. Still, Draco hasn't told me anything about her being friends with Neville."

"He hasn't? I honestly thought you'd know seeing how close Draco is with her." Hannah said surprised.

"No, I don't ask much about her to be honest. Her baby is due next month I believe? But Draco has told me in the past how secretive she could sometimes be with personal matters. I figured it was a trait Slytherins tended to learn, so I have pried little." Hermione admitted.

In truth, she wasn't that interested in Pansy's life, but she knew Draco cared for her as deeply as Hermione cared for Harry. So even if she wasn't on great terms with the witch, she'd promised herself she'd at least try to be friendlier with Pansy.

"Oh," Hannah said, disappointment apparent in her tone.

"Why? Don't tell me something happened with Neville!" Hermione said, her eyes widening.

"Oh no! It's nothing like that! No, I just… I don't know, now that I think of it, it's rather silly. Probably a load of poppycock. Neville tells me everything, and I'm sure he hasn't lied about anything, but gods, I sometimes hate how nice he can be to people. If you think about it, once someone starts an actual conversation with him, it's almost inevitable they'll get along. I know she's having another bloke's baby, but I can't help but distrust her. It's strange how she keeps coming to Neville for something as simple as a healing ointment."

"Do you think she has other intentions towards him?" Hermione asked, pained to think about how Hannah must feel about it. She didn't know if Hannah knew about Pansy's situation, but it wasn't Hermione's place to reveal that bit of information.

"I don't know, and I know she's going through some things, Neville hasn't told me everything about it, but I know she's not in a good place. And I feel selfish about it because maybe she needs a friend, but I can't help but feel annoyed whenever Neville brings her up or asks to borrow some of my healing spells books. He's inspired you know? Lately, all he talks about is the way he could improve healing ointments, charming objects for protection…I feel guilty for the way I feel, but I can't stand the thought that this is all because of her. I guess I just feel sad I can't spend as much time with him as I want to.

"And now that Harry is engaged with Ginny, well, it makes me feel a little deflated about my engagement. They got engaged months after we did, but they'll get married much sooner than we will. I'm trying to save money so that we can move the wedding forwards, but our professions are getting in the way of the wedding planning at the moment. And he's okay with waiting, and me too, you know? But I don't know. I can't help but feel jealous of your relationships, and the time you can all spend with each other." Hannah said in a sad tone, and with her index finger, brushed away a stray tear from her eye.

"I don't know, with all this time apart; I'm afraid he'll fall in love with someone else. I mean, these things do happen, don't they? I know Neville has promised himself to me forever, but life isn't always fair. I know that sometimes we can't help the way something or someone makes us feel, you know?" Hermione looked away from Hannah, and instead of answering, she stood up and made herself a cup of tea. She knew exactly what Hannah was talking about, and she dreaded being questioned about it, even more so when she knew her answer would bring more sorrow to her already worried friend.

"Do you mind?" Hannah said, taking Hermione out from her thoughts. She saw the blonde witch take a pack of Muggle cigarettes out of one of her coat pockets.

"Oh no, go ahead," Hermione said with a smile as Hannah lit one of her cigarettes. "Want one?" She asked and Hermione politely refused, drifting once again into her thoughts.


A/N: See you soon :)