A/N: I don't have any reasons, just didn't have the muse to write. I've been sick the last few days and that has helped to restart it a bit. This is unbeta'd as almost always because I don't ever have the patience these days to wait. Hopefully it was worth the wait, there are some fun bits in here, I hope you like.

Peace, Love, Slyther,

Gimi aka Jess

"How could you NOT TELL ME?!" Hermione screamed as she threw a vase in Ron's general direction.

"Tell you what?" Ron cried out as he ducked behind a chair. Hermione growled and a tumbler made its way across the room again.

"Tell me, you were leaving town, TELL ME, you were injured, I have to hear from Pansy or TELL ME, YOU WERE OUT OF HOSPITAL!"

"Hermione calm down," Ron bellowed and Harry groaned again as Hermione's eyes grew large. Suddenly four crystal goblets flew out of the cabinet and shattered behind Ron's head. "I thought we were passed this?"

"Don't you tell me to calm down Ronald Weasley! I know we aren't a couple, okay. I get that, but I thought we were still friends. Friends should know these things about each other! At least that you were in hospital and that you were released."

"I was a bit preoccupied with NOT DYING HERMIONE. Or I'm sure I would have told you."

"Don't you dare Ron, you know what I meant! What about when you left town in the first place? I didn't deserve to know that my fiance was leaving town? I mean, I knew it was over, I did, but you didn't give me a chance to really calm down and talk about it, you just took off."

"We couldn't get married! I needed time to process that!"

"YOU needed time?!" Hermione screamed, "My entire LIFE WENT OUT THE WINDOW, BUT MERLIN FORBID YOU STAND BY ME THROUGH IT!"

"What did you want me to do Hermione?" Ron cried out. His face was red with anger, "Stand by and watch you plan your wedding?"

"No, it's better than you ran away," Hermione said viciously, venom clear in her voice, "It's what you are good at."

Ron's face went white, "No matter what I've done, that's all you remember eh? I run ONCE in over ten years, and you can't help but bring it up EVERY BLOODY ARGUMENT? I was seventeen Hermione! I was angry and scared!"

"So was I!"

"So that means I couldn't be either?" Ron yelled a glass behind Hermione shattered making her jump slightly, "Because the Great Hermione Granger was scared, but stayed, I will always be wrong."

"That's no-" Hermione began, but Ron interrupted.

"No, don't backpedal now, Oh Great One! I will always be the screwed up sidekick of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Never good enough, never smart enough! Did you think I never saw the looks on people's faces when they found out you were going to marry me?"

"Ron-"

"No Hermione. I went away because my life was ending too damnit. It might not have been as drastic as yours, but it still changed and I needed to deal with it in my own way. I'm sorry if you didn't approve. But we aren't at Hogwarts any longer and I don't need to run everything by you, especially when you are the problem I'm dealing with."

Hermione began to fall, she would have hit the glass covered floor if Thorfinn hadn't been edging his way over to her slowly during the fighting.

Harry and Ron both ran forward but Thorfinn had already scooped her up and was taking her over to the sofa, sitting her down. Her hands automatically went to her face, elbows on knees.

Ron sighed and sat next to her other side and rubbed her back, "I'm sorry Hermione. I thought we were passed this, you said we were while I was in hospital. You and Rowle seem to be getting along."

"No, I'm sorry Ronald," Hermione said looking up into his blue eyes, dropping her hands to her lap, "I'm sorry for this. For taking my frustrations out on you. I do understand, I do. It's just, I was already so upset over Padma and then you popped in out of the blue. I'm not used to this, after all these months, I'm not used to being the last to know information when it comes to you. I know I don't have any rights, any reason to be upset and I had thought I had worked through everything between us. It hit me by surprise is all, I am not used to not being informed when it comes to you or even Harry. I had no right to take it out on you, you don't owe me explanations."

Ron just nodded, "I have to leave Hermione, I need to head back to The Burrow," he said, a bit apprehensive, "I, uh… I have to go back into the field later this week."

Hermione's back stiffened as she nodded her understanding, "I know, I am sorry Ron, I - I don't know how to keep my, we-"

"I know Hermione," Ron interrupted. His blue eyes were filled with unspoken regret, "We will always be friends, but it will take time to get back to where we were."

She nodded in understanding, "Be safe Ronald," she said, squeezing his hand in comfort, "Don't stay away forever, the family needs you."

Ron nodded, the pain evident in his blue eyes as he took in the sight of Hermione holding on to Thorfinn's hand with the one not holding his own. It was a simple movement, probably unconscious on both parties parts, but it didn't stop a sharp pain within his heart. His jaw clenched uncontrollably as he stood. Giving his sister and their friends a shaky wave of farewell, he turned, caught the blue eyes of the towering Viking and silently communicated all the things he wanted to say.

Take care of her.

Keep her safe.

Never hurt her.

Cherish her.

I. Will. Kill. You. If. You. Hurt. Her.

With a final look to Harry, Ron floo'd away from his friends, his family, and went back to The Burrow. He had needed to see for himself, to see where she now lived, the life she had always been destined to have and he'd have been lying if he told anyone that he wasn't devastated that she had looked good there.

She fit, fit in the pureblood heiress life. It was a far cry from their flat in London where they would eat jam pasties and sipping on cold muggle ales in their skivvies. Hermione Grang— er— LeStrange. She was always high society, even as a Granger. She belonged to a world that he didn't, one that he had once wanted, but no longer. She belonged there and how he longed for the days where she just belonged to him.

OoOoOoO

The group of friends stood there quietly through the exchange, even more silently as Hermione laid her head on Thorfinn's bulging bicep as she had a far-off look on her face, unusual for the normally practical witch.

The former Slytherins all looked around, unsure of what to make of this outburst. While they had all seen Hermione angry, they had never seen this irrational side of her. She and Ron have had arguments in the past, and even squabbles in front of friends, but never as massive as flying china. Though they all supposed after the months the witch had been going through and the upheaval of her entire identity, they could understand it was easier to take out her frustration on someone.

All things considered, Hermione had been handling the dramatic changes in her life fairly easily, she was meant to explode at some point. Probably best it was Ron she exploded at than Padma. No need for rumours to fly about how unhinged the LeStrange heiress was.

Harry and Blaise began repairing all the china as Thorfinn took Hermione back into the dining room to sit. Calling for Cheeks, he requested a damp flannel and some muggle elastoplasts.

Without a wand, there was little help he could do for the cuts he had just realised littered her shoulders and back. Sure, someone with a wand could heal the cuts without blinking, but it was oddly satisfying to be kneeling to the side of his witch and running his fingers against her flesh with the warm cloth.

Hermione continued to stare, this time at her hands, as Thorfinn worked. She could feel his surprisingly light touch, as he wiped the red droplets off her shoulders. She felt her skin begin to prickle as gooseflesh littered her neck and arms at his warm breath against her cool skin, drying the area before applying the plaster. Hermione let out a shuddering breath as Thorfinn presses his lips to her shoulder, she could feel the smirk on his pouty lips and the tip of his nose as he grazed her bony pertrudence, gooseflesh following in his path as his tongue parted those lips, darting out for a taste of her salty flesh.

His lips and tongue did not stop there, continuing north, laying light kisses without much fuss. He felt her fingers gripping his forearms, holding him in place as he travelled up the side of her neck. A soft moan escaped her lips as he reached just below her ear. His tongue danced forward for one final taste, his teeth nibbling at the shell of her ear.

Breathing heavily now, he pulled away to see her blue-grey eyes had gone dark with want and even though he shouldn't, he should have been courteous of her fight with her ex, he couldn't help himself. He had always enjoyed a fiery woman, one that gave as good as she got. While she had no qualms putting him in his place, even defending herself physically if the need arose. He hadn't seen her true temper until that moment. He knew she was capable of it, but to see it in action and not against him. It truly did remind him of the brief moments of Bellatrix he had seen during meetings. While Bellatrix's anger had done nothing but cause him a headache, his intended had certainly had the blood flowing south. Had they been on a more… ah… intimate place in their relationship, he'd have had her naked on the table fucking six ways to cross-eyed. preferably as he sucked on her pert little breast, gently nibbling on those tiny little rosebuds he had begun to fancy dreaming about, as he tugged on his cock in private.

He was not blind, he could tell his fiancée had a tight little body under her layers and he couldn't wait to begin peeling them off. The many dirty things his mind had planned for her, he hadn't even really liked the witch the first time he yanked his todger to her mental picture. His favourite was of her on her knees, choking down his member as if it were her meal. Her hands between her legs strumming her nub and moaning incoherently, then, as she just found her release, he would push her onto all fours and piston his wet prick into her slick hot core and fuck her to completion, her muscles convulsing around him as he pulled her up on her knees and squeezed her nipple with one hand and the other finding her clit again and he'd continue to rub until she begged for him to stop.

Thorfinn shook his head free of the impromptu fantasy, feeling his cock grow within his trousers, he forced his mind to stop picturing this woman bouncing freely, her naked skin glistening with sweat, atop his equally, naked, body. Goddess, he thought as his brain switch over to Hermione's round bottom as he imagined his cock disappearing between the globes of pale ass, his meaty hands grabbing tight to her cheeks, slightly pink from a warm spank. Her words full of More! Fuck! Harder! With each thrust, her own hand playing with her clit and caressing his balls from underneath with each forceful pass. He continued to wonder how much she was willing to explore with him but had to stop as voices became clearer.

Hermione stood up, pulling Thorfinn to his feet and standing in front of him as if she knew what he had been thinking and his very noticeable predicament standing to attention which was now wedged between him and his fiancée's back. He went to take a step back, as to not scare her, as the friends piled back into the room sans Pansy, who was explained as to have to check on some patients. Thorfinn felt himself deflate slowly as he pulled Hermione's chair out for her and sat down.

Hermione looked around, willing her heart to stop racing and said, "I'm sorry everyone. I don't know what has gotten into me. Ron and I have always had a complicated relationship, even as children. I know I have no claims to him and yet, not knowing even the most basic things of his life now seems to stab at me." She explained.

Daphne sat next to her friend and grabbed her hand, "We know Hermione. We understand it can't be easy to go through what you've been through. It's been months of not seeing him and then to have it thrown back at you, it can't have been easy. You didn't really get the right kind of closure so it's not that unbelievable that you would have reacted poorly." Hermione squeezed the woman's hand gratefully as everyone sat back in their seats and continued their meals.

Looking around at the laughing friends, sitting next to a man who was currently deep in conversation with Marcus and Harry about Puddlemere United's chances of going to the World Cup, Hermione felt her heart full with contentment.

When Pansy walked in twenty minutes later looking slightly flushed, Hermione gave her a warm smile. Sitting down next to her hostess, Pansy gave her one in return.

"How is he Pans," Hermione asked under her breath.

Pansy gave her a calculated look, "Who?"

Hermione raised an eyebrow as if to say? Who else?

Rolling her eyes, Pansy gave her a sigh, "He's fine. I went to check on his injuries. He had a few scrapes, but nothing major. Molly was patching him up when I got there." Zeroing in on her grey eyes friend, "How did you know I didn't go to the hospital?"

"Because you are not on call this evening. And the only patient you would have checked on is my— is Bellatrix and you would have told me because I'm executor."

"Okay, you're right," Pansy said with a chuckle, "I just. I worried about him. You have this great support system, rightfully so. Everyone stayed here to make sure you were okay," she whispered quietly to her friend. "But I know he must feel lonely. While he's out doing field work, he's busy, he doesn't have to think about it, but here," Pansy gestured around them, "Here, reminders of the life he almost had, it's all around him. He is trying so hard to be strong Hermione because it was a helpless case, but people automatically gravitate to comfort you, even his family. I just, I wanted him to remember that we are all still his friends too."

Hermione sat still, letting Pansy's words sink in and then threw herself at the black haired witch, hugging her tightly, "Thank you Pans, thank you for everything. I just, I can't believe I didn't think about it. I mean, I knew his life changed, but it never occurred to me that he could be suffering, feeling like the odd one out. Of course he is, I'm so stupid. Thank Merlin for you and don't think I don't see the irony that I am thanking you for making me see reason."

Pansy laughed at her friend, giving her a squeeze back, "Well there was always a first time for everything Mi. It's been a shite situation all around, there is no guidebook to when you find out your life is a lie. We're all just making it up as we go."

Hermione nodded in agreement, as Thorfinn's fingers caressed her leg. Feeling the gooseflesh rise in delight, a feeling that was becoming all too familiar as the weeks went on, she began to see what Pansy meant. There were no clear-cut rules, no black and white, good or evil. There were no plans and backup plans, there was just life. These days, there was no end goal besides staving off her impending death. Marrying a Death Eater, being the child of two others, that was not something she could have ever imagined, but just as sure as she hugged the girl who used to make snide comments about her as children, the world changes, the people in it so as well. All she can do is do the same as to not get rubbed down by it. All of the Wizarding world could think the same as Padma Patil, she was sure most did. But as long as the people in this room treated her the same as they always had, she didn't care. She was Hermione LeStrange after all, she could handle it.

OoOoOoO

"I have to say, Finn," Marcus Flint said as he was sitting in the LeStrange parlour with the wizards of the group, "I have to say, I didn't expect to see you again. Not after your father sold you off to You Know Who. Now you're here, about to marry your long lost fiancée instead of rotting in Azkaban."

Thorfinn chuckled as Harry passed around some of Rodolphus' firewhisky. "Well, finally the Gods were on my side. Bloody fucking prick, my father. If it weren't for Ingrid, I would have shoved off to America the second Hogwarts was over."

Adrian and Marcus both nodded gravely, remembering how good their former dorm mate was at potions.

"What are you planning now?" Adrian asked, "Ingrid never said, what's the plan after the wedding?"

Shrugging, Thorfinn stared into the flames, "Not sure yet, mastery is out of the question. I doubt Hermione would be up to moving abroad even if I could get a master to train me. It's also been years since I've been in a laboratory, I doubt I could whip up potions in books, let alone any drafts." He said, taking a sip of whisky, "We have Hermione's parents to consider as well, as three known Death Eaters, I doubt we'd be doing much of anything."

"You can always talk to my father," Draco said, sitting down next to Marcus, "I'm sure he would have a place for you in the apothecary. Snape used to speak highly of your ability."

Thorfinn contemplated the option as the witches entered the room with wine glasses, "Hermione the dress is fine." Daphne said with a laugh. Hermione has taken her friends to her room to show the dress that Narcissa and Andromeda picked out for her and Thorfinn's engagement party the following week.

"Fine?" Hermione said shaking her head, "The bloody thing has more ruffles than I can count. What were Andromeda and Narcissa thinking? I can't wear that."

Ginny started laughing, "Then why didn't you tell them no?"

"Hah! I dare you to try and tell Narcissa Malfoy no," Hermione snorted, "The woman is scarier than Bellatrix and that woman tortured me."

"I'm sure you'll look amazing in it," Pansy said with a grin, "Narcissa Malfoy knows good taste."

Hermione stared at her friend, "Ruffles Pansy, do I look like a woman who wears ruffles?"

Astoria snorted as she sat down next to Marcus at the thought, "Oh please Hermione, you looked fabulous."

Sitting next to Thorfinn Hermione took a sip of her wine, pulled a face and plucked his tumbler out of his fingers, depositing her glass with him. "I look like I belong on the top of a cake." The room chuckled at the imagery, "Honestly, I love my aunts, but I can't wear that. It's too much dress. No matter what my name or heritage, I will always be a simple witch. The poof is lost on me."

"Mother and Aunt Andie are probably taking a Mickey out of you," Draco said with a grin. "Seeing what you will do by putting you in something ridiculous. They won't expect you to actually wear something hideous to your engagement party."

Hermione glared at him and suddenly smiled, "Well then…"

Draco paled, "No Hermione, remember, this is your engagement party, you can not- they were kidding, I'm sure they have a tasteful and elegant gown for you. It's just, they haven't been excited about anything to do with the Black Family in, well decades, don't do… whatever you are thinking, show up naked or something, just to spite them."

Hermione snickered, imagining the looks on her aunts' faces if she showed up naked, she hugged and said, "Fine, I won't show up naked."

"Or in red and gold," Pansy said, knowing her friend, "You would look horrendous in red now. We all know you're Gryffindor brave, you don't have to wear the colours like a banner any longer."

Harry laughed when Hermione shit her friend a glare, "I agree, don't do anything to ruin your party, Hermione. It's still your party. It'll be a big event, ministry big. The entire Wizarding world will be watching. We will all need to be on our best behaviours. United front and all."

Hermione sighed and drank her, or Thorfinn's rather, firewhisky and nodded, "Fine, you're right. I won't do anything Harry like at the party. But I'll need to find another dress tomorrow."

The group of magi sat around for hours, talking and laughing while Hermione sat there enjoying the banter, Thorfinn's arm around her waist and remembering his lips on her neck, his hands on her shoulders, caressing her arms, his breathing heavy in her ear as he… Hermione shuddered and leaned into him a bit more, enjoying the way his arm tightened around her.

She was no longer upset over Ron, she knew that she had overreacted, egged on by her anger over Padma and his surprise visit. It had been overwhelming and Ron had always been an easy target for her anger, just as she was for his. She also knew she was feeling guilty because she was falling for her new wizard. Not something she had anticipated in the beginning and that fact was weighing heavy on her shoulders. She had loved Ron for almost half her life, and here she was, only months later, having feelings for a man she never thought even had any. The guilt was tremendous.

Hermione stared up at Thorfinn, who was laughing and chatting with Adrian, Harry, and Marcus. She studied his sharp features, his wild hair that had been pulled back for the evening. Studying him a bit more, she began to reason with herself.

A noise at the door alerted her to look up, seeing her father standing there with a small smile on his face. Catching his eye, she stood up and went over to him.

"Andromeda and Teddy are in their rooms," he said to his daughter, "I just wanted to say goodnight before I retire."

Hermione nodded, "Uh, Rodolphus? Would you like to help me pick out a dress for the engagement party? The one Andie and Narcissa picked out isn't really me." She asked on a whim.

Rodolphus' eyes grew wide with surprise. A smile graced his handsome face and he said, "Yes, of course, I would like that very much. But uh, wouldn't you want to bring your friends with you instead?"

Hermione chuckled, "Ah, no. Not this time. I thought you might have a fresh eye."

Rodolphus smiles brightly, understanding the gift being presented to him. His daughter was voluntarily spending a day with him alone. "I would be delighted to help you find a proper dress."

Hermione smiled and did not jump when Rodolphus leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, "Good night Hermione."

He turned and was on the third step when he could have sworn he heard, "Goodnight father," being whispered as she walked back into the parlour. His heart soared, maybe his daughter would be able to say that out loud one day, not today, but maybe someday soon.