AN: Unfortunately, I won't be able to post for the rest of the week. I'm going to be visiting relatives for Thanksgiving and won't have time to update.
If you celebrate Thanksgiving: Happy Turkey Day! If not, have a great rest of the week!
I am thankful for all my readers and for all your support! You really brighten my day!
Why wasn't Hermione happier? This was supposed to be her engagement party, the culmination of a seven year romance. She was supposed to be ecstatic about the possibility of becoming an official Weasley.
Instead, she felt numb.
"Are you ready?" Ron held out an arm to her.
No, that wasn't accurate. She wasn't numb, but nervous. Yes, she was nervous about becoming a Weasley. Marriage was permanent, so some nerves were to be expected. All she needed to do was remember that the ceremony, and ultimately the marriage, only confirmed things as they were now. She was already living with Ron, and their love had conquered so much. The only purpose of their wedding and marriage was to make the present permanent.
Why did the thought of this relationship lasting forever make her want to run off someplace where nobody could find her?
"Ready." She linked arms with Ron, forcing herself to smile. Then, they performed side along apparation.
They appeared before the Burrow. Wooden picnic tables were scattered about the yard. On the tables were a variety of foods, such as meats and salads. Where were the cupcakes Professor Snape had so coveted?
"We finally did it!" Ron raised Hermione's hand, allowing everyone to get a good look at her ring. "We're finally engaged!"
Hermione turned to her fiancee. He was squeezing her arm so tightly it hurt.
"Oh this is so wonderful!" Molly barreled towards them, arms outstretched.
Hermione glanced around. Standing behind the dessert table was a man in black who refused to display any emotion. Her hear fluttered.
Severus had kept his promise.
"Oh this is so lovely," Molly grabbed Hermione and forced her into a hug. "It's about time you become a part of this family."
"Yes, it is," Ron released his fiancee's arm.
"Oh you're going to love being Mrs. Weasley!" Moly held her tighter. "You're going to be such a good daughter-in-law! We're already so close. I can't imagine anyone else with Ronald but you. It's going to be such a pleasure to have you in the family!"
"It's going to be a pleasure being your daughter-in-law," Hermione choked out, trying her best to take a breath.
"What took you so long to put a ring on it?" George patted Ron on the back.
"I was waiting for the perfect moment," Ron said. "I couldn't have anything less than perfection for Hermione."
"Oh?" George asked.
Molly released Hermione. The potions apprentice took a deep breath, thankful for the ability to inhale oxygen once more.
"Yes, I needed to plan the perfect proposal at the perfect time. And it was perfect." Ron gave her a pointed look. "Wasn't it?"
"Yes." She took another deep breath. "It was."
"Welcome to the family, well, almost." George patted her on the back so hard she nearly coughed. "We're thrilled to have you."
"I'm thrilled to be the future Mrs. Ronald Weasley." She turned to the dessert table. Severus met her gaze.
"When's the wedding?" George asked.
"The sooner the better." Ron turned to Hermione again. "Right?"
"Yes," she returned her attention to her fiancee and his family. "Right. We're going to need some time to plan it though."
"Which should only take a few months," Ron said.
"It's going to be a little longer than that."
"Oh no, we can do it all in six months at the most."
Hermione opened her mouth.
"The wedding is going to be so amazing!" Molly clasped her hands together. "We can have it here."
"Actually, I was hoping we could have it in a park," Hermione interjected. "There's a lovely park a few blocks from our apartment I've taken a liking to."
"Yes, but a park isn't special to me, not like this place is," Ron said.
"I know, but it's beautiful, especially in the autumn when the leaves change color."
"Isn't this place beautiful?" Molly asked. "Our leaves change colors in the fall too."
"I mean it is, but it wasn't quite what I had in mind…"
"We can make it what you have in mind, Molly answered.
Hermione bit her tongue.
"You'll see! I'll have this place decorated so that it will be more beautiful than any park you've ever seen. I already got some ideas from Bill and Fleur's wedding. I'll perfect them. Yes, I can make it all perfect. Why, your wedding will look twice as lovely as that gaudy affair the Malfoys put on for Ginny."
"Where is Ginny?" Hermione interrupted.
"Still in Venice." Molly let out an exaggerated sigh. "Apparently she couldn't drop everything to come here. It would only take a couple of hours via floo for her to come, but now that she's a Malfoy it seems she doesn't have time for anyone."
Hermione frowned. In other words, Molly had called Ginny that morning telling her about the party, giving her no time to prepare her husband or son for the event. Knowing Ginny, she'd already had plans for the day, and would not be able to reschedule them.
"Let's forget Ginny," Molly continued. "She certainly seems to have forgotten us anyway."
Hermione bit the inside of her cheek. Don't get into a fight with your future mother-in-law, at least not here...
"Now, I'm thinking we could have cream streamers all around, and an archway filled with white roses."
"I prefer black roses," Hermione interjected.
"Black is such a depressing color! No, we must have white roses, and perhaps some doves flying about."
"Doves?"
"Yes, real doves, just like in a book I read."
"I don't know if we have the budget for this."
"Oh budget isn't an issue because I'm planning the entire thing!"
"Isn't it a little premature to discuss my wedding?" Hermione asked.
"Nonsense, it's never too early to discuss your wedding," Molly continued.
"I vehemently disagree," a deep voice intoned.
Everyone turned to the man behind them.
"Hermione just arrived. At least allow her to have a piece of chicken before you ask if she wants a vanilla or chocolate wedding cake."
Ron glowered at the guest and hissed in Hermione's ear, "What is the greasy git doing here?"
"I invited him," she whispered back.
"Why?"
"Because he's my friend."
"You have enough friends without him being here."
"Mr. Weasley," Severus drawled. "Has anyone ever mentioned how rude it is to whisper about someone right in front of them. Granted, such uncouth behavior is expected from you, but hope springs eternal that you will one day mature."
Ron glared at him.
"Thank you for coming," Hermione began. "It's great to see you."
"Thank you so much for extending me a personal invitation to this luncheon," Severus looked at her. "I do appreciate the chance to indulge in good conversations, and excellent cupcakes."
"Have you had a cupcake yet?" George asked.
"Sadly no," Severus answered. "I believe it is polite to wait until the two lovers appear before indulging in food."
"You're right about that." Ron grabbed Hermione's hand. "Come on, I want to have some of my mother's chicken."
"You go on ahead." Hermione removed her hand from Ron's. "I want to discuss something with Professor Snape."
"What would that be?" Ron's sour expression returned.
"We're running a potions experiment I would like an update on."
"I would be more than happy to update you on its status."
"Can't you stop talking about work for one afternoon?" George asked. "Come on, it's your party. Have fun!"
She plastered a grin on her face. It was becoming obvious this party had little to do with her, other than the fact she was Ron's new favorite prop.
"Do not fret," Severus said. "I will ensure Ms. Granger enjoys herself as soon as I've told her whether or not the potion is at risk of exploding."
"Is it?" George asked.
"That's a complicated answer," Severus looked at Ron. "Once I'm sure Ms. Granger's fiancee will find more than tedious. I would not want to prevent him from receiving sustenance by keeping him."
"I might find it interesting," Ron growled.
"Do you know anything about the magical properties of Procyon lotor saliva?" Severus asked.
Ron gave him a blank look.
"Then I doubt you will find this potion of any interest," Severus said.
Ron made a fist and snarled.
"That's our clue to go," George steered his brother away.
"Yes, you must try my potato salad." Molly followed them. "I found it in a cookbook, and it's just amazing Your father adored it, and I know you will too."
Hermione and Severus watched them leave. When they were out of earshot, he began in a low voice, "I deeply apologize for the intrusion. You appeared as if you could use some emotional support after being swarmed by the Weasleys."
"Thank you." She exhaled. "They came on a little strong, but I suppose I'll get used to that."
"You've known them for fourteen years, and you are still adjusting to their tendency to swarm unsuspecting partygoers?"
"Some things will take decades to adjust to."
"Indeed they do."
A comfortable silence fell between them.
"Who is running the apothecary today?" Hermione asked.
"Do not tell me you wish to spend half your party discussing work," Severus smirked.
"It's not discussing work as much as me assessing how much you're sacrificing to come here."
"I'm sacrificing very little."
"Somehow I doubt that."
He said nothing.
"Please Severus, I can handle the truth. Who is running the apothecary?"
"I closed it for the day."
"You what?" Her voice was louder than she'd intended.
"I apologize if I somehow stuttered. I closed it today," he said.
"But Saturday is a profitable day. Was that wise?"
"Trust me, I can lose a day's worth of profits."
"Won't that cut into your profit margin?"
"My profit margin is high enough." She watched his eyes harden as he raised his Occlumency shields.
"Well, I thank you for coming." She gave him a genuine grin as she relaxed. "I know these aren't your favorite people, and this isn't your favorite place to be."
"You are correct in stating that this is not one of my favorite places to be, but you are incorrect in asserting that nobody here is among my favorite people."
"What do you mean?"
"You seem to be my favorite apprentice. Granted," he said. "You are the only one I've ever had, so the competition is lacking."
"It's sweet to say all the same."
"If you ever call me sweet again, I shall have to release you from your contract. I cannot have someone under the most outrageous of delusions working for me."
"I assure you, I am of very sound mind."
"I am glad to hear it. I was beginning to worry."
"You needn't worry about my sanity."
"Hermione!"
"Minerva." She turned to her former head of house.
"How are you doing?" Minerva embraced her former student.
"I'm doing well." Hermione returned the embrace.
"Congratulations on your engagement," Minerva released her. "I was so pleased to read about it."
"Oh thank you."
"If you will excuse me ladies," Severus interrupted. "I would like to help myself to a slice of chicken before Mr. Weasley devours it all."
"You don't need to go," Hermione said.
"I will not leave yet, but I will allow you ladies to speak."
With that, he left, robes billowing behind him. Hermione watched his exit, memorized by him. She'd always envied his ability to make an entrance and an exit. Perhaps she could ask him how to do so someday. It could be useful should she ever need to make a point to an unsuspecting dunderhead.
"Hermione."
She looked at Minerva.
"I was going to ask how your studies are going, but the way you're looking at Severus tells me they are going quite well."
"Yes, they are." She blushed. "It's been an absolute joy to learn from Professor Snape."
"Well, if it ever isn't a joy, just tell me," Minerva said. "I may not be his headmistress anymore, but I can have a nice, long conversation about how to treat his apprentices."
"That won't be necessary. He has been quite pleasant this entire time."
"So he has been," Minerva muttered.
"'Mione! Come over here!" Ron called. "Mum wants a picture of us before we sit down."
"I've been summoned," Hermione said, with less humor in her voice than one would expect from someone in her position.
"Go to him then."
Hermione began to walk towards Ron.
"Also."
Hermione turned around.
"Congratulations on your engagement," the headmistress continued, "I know you'll be happy with Ronald."
"Yes, I will be," Hermione answered.
Somehow, she would convince herself to be happy, even if it killed her.
Fifty bonus points to the person who knows what a Procyon lotor is!