Disclaimer: In my dreams...I own it all. But they're just that: dreams.

One of my reviewers (at the moment, I'm not sure which) suggested a Lucius POV. I thought the idea had merit. We'll see if I'll be able to get it in. Most likely not in this chapter, though. Perhaps at the Malfoy ball...

HBP spoiler. Nothing too big, I don't believe.

Descriptions of houses are not my thing. I kind of skimmed over it, and it still might sound horrible. Forgive me, please!

There should only be about three more chapters or so.

Quick note: I was editing this briefly and I changed something I wasn't supposed to. If you find that mistake, I'm sorry. It's not my beta's fault either; I did it after she beta'd this chapter.

Chapter Twenty-One

I lifted the teacup to my lips and took a sip. The tea was scalding hot, but I refused to let it show that I was being burned. Mrs. Malfoy sat across from me, legs crossed daintily. She looked like the epitome of good breeding - beautiful, confident, and right at home. I knew I wasn't beautiful. I was merely pretty, and I was content with that. So I dressed comfortably, and I sat the way I wanted to, not the way a proper young girl would have. The Malfoys didn't seem to notice, except for Draco, whose eyes flickered to my bare legs before darting away.

I was dressed in a fancy, expensive looking blouse with a skirt that fell to my kneecaps. I'd worn stockings, with three-inch high heels. Nothing too fancy, so I didn't compete with Mrs. Malfoy, but I looked nice enough to be let into their home without embarrassing them. I ignored the House Elves and wished the Malfoys would just hurry up and get to business. I wouldn't be so grumpy if they'd actually told me what shampoo they use. What's with that, anyway? Why couldn't they tell me? Do they have secret shampoo? I snorted, trying (and partially succeeding) to hide my laughter. Nevertheless, the Malfoys had been around Severus for too long, and knew that a snort could represent laughter. Lucius raised a blonde eyebrow, looking politely curious. I looked steadily back, not answering his silent question. Finally, after what seemed forever, Mrs. Malfoy set her cup carefully down.

"We have discussed what course of action should be taken, and we've all agreed. What Severus needs is to realize just how much he cares for you, and to come to his senses. To do this, we need him to confront his feelings," Mrs. Malfoy said in her cultured voice, never speaking above her "indoor-voice". I nodded to show I was following so far.

"Severus has always been possessive. What's his is his, and he's not one to share. We figure that if he sees you with somebody wildly inappropriate, he'll let his true feelings show. He'll demand you leave the boy," Lucius stated. Then it was Draco's turn to speak.

"Of course, he'll be jealous. But hopefully one of us can convince him that what he feels is jealousy, and not just him trying to look out for your best interest and all that. We'll have Professor Carce hounding him as well." I nodded again.

"It's one of those, I don't want to have you, but I don't want anybody else to have you either. But Severus really will want me." The three Malfoys nodded their impossibly blonde heads.

"If that doesn't work, then you'll go on several very public dates with various men. That'll be sure to get a rise out of him," Lucius said, munching on a biscuit. I had the sudden image of Severus storming in the Three Broomsticks, eyes flashing and robes billowing. He'd say in his silky, sexy voice to get the hell away from his woman, scaring the man right off, and then proceed to snog me senseless. I shivered in delight.

"Okay. And then what?"

"Well, hopefully by then he'll know of his true feelings, either by help from us or from figuring them out himself. If not..." Draco said, popping a half of a biscuit into his mouth. His mother shot him a disapproving look and handed him a napkin. He took it with a nod of thanks.

"If not, then you'll just have to look amazing at the Malfoy Ball. You'll receive loads of attention. Perhaps you should even confront him, telling him how you feel. If he still doesn't give in." Mrs. Malfoy said primly

"I refuse to give up on him." I said firmly. I'm not giving him up. He's the one I want, the only one I want. If it takes fifty years, I'll get him. I cleared my throat and smoothed my skirt.

"So that 's the plan then? Good. I want to thank you for your help again. I know I already have, but it really means a lot." The men rolled their eyes good naturedly, and Mrs. Malfoy smiled. She patted my knee, and I grinned over at her.

"Yes, dear. Now, do you have a dress for the ball a month from now?" I shook my head, and Mrs. Malfoy's exclamation of horror made me wince.

"You don't? You must come with me. I'll help you find the perfect dress." I opened my mouth to protest that I didn't have enough money to buy a new dress and I didn't need a new dress, but the male Malfoys shot me a look that clearing said, Shut up, we'll take care of it. I weakly submitted to being dragged off to some fancy, well to do robe shop.

Oh dear god let this agony end quickly.

Two Days Later, Malfoy Tea Party

I ended up with two new dresses - one for the tea party I was currently attending, and one for the Malfoy Ball. Shopping with Mrs. Malfoy hadn't been as horrifying as I had previously thought, and I now had many beauty tips that most Pureblood woman used. I probably won't use them though.

I smiled widely at the various two-faced bitches currently making rude comments while Draco 's back was turned. Draco was my date for the Malfoy tea party - phase one of their plan. I had come with my wildly inappropriate date, and so far, it seemed to be working. It was made no secret that nobody approved. A muggleborn witch dating a Malfoy! Draco had been polite, sweet, and dashing. Every girl in the room was falling over themselves to get near him, but to all appearances, he had eyes only for me. He quirked a smile in my direction as a girl latched onto his arm like a leech. He shook her off gently and politely, and made his way over to me. He leaned over and pressed his lips against my cheek. I smiled up at him like a lovesick fool, when all I wanted was to curl up in Severus' lap.

Severus had stormed into the Malfoy mansion two hours before, a proverbial thundercloud following. He had stopped dead when he caught sight of me. I made sure he could not read my facial expressions, and I only showed emotion when Draco came up behind me and wrapped me in his arms. I had smiled as brightly as I could, and turned to face him so I could brush my lips against his. The sound of a growl made me twist around to find Severus' eyes locked on us, glinting with undecipherable emotions. The emotions seemed to swirl together. Severus' hands were clenched, and his shoulders were tensed. He forced himself to relax when Lucius came up behind him and clapped him on the back. Severus had turned away, moving toward the sitting room. He did glance back just before entering the room, but his face was unreadable.

He hadn't taken his eyes off me the entire time. On one hand, the attention was pleasing. He was obviously jealous, and angry I'd date a Malfoy. At times he seemed to want to say something, or interrupt Draco and I when were getting particularly close. However, he had stayed in his chair, never taking his eyes off me. Several people had tried to engage him in conversation, only to be harshly rebuffed. On the other hand, such attention was making me self-conscious. I had to always show a pleasant and happy face when Draco was kissing me. I had to act as if I enjoyed it. It was rather nerve-wracking.

Draco twirled me around the dance floor, holding me close and whispering into my ear. I laughed softly at his observations of the other couples, and snuggled closer when his arms tightened around me. His hair fell into his face, and I brushed it back gently. He smiled his charming smile down at me, and I couldn't help but grin back.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself much more than the situation calls for, Mr. Malfoy." He twirled me one more time expertly, and then he brushed his lips across my ear. I gave a small shiver, and he smirked smugly down at me.

"It's not everyday a man gets to dance with a pretty, intelligent woman. I'm enjoying myself to the fullest while I've got you."

"Aww, isn't that sweet? Who knew Draco Malfoy had such a soft, romantic side?" I fluttered my eyelashes at him, and it was his turn to laugh. His face sobered as he stared down at me. He seemed pensive all of a sudden, and I wondered why. What's on his mind? Oh my god, he doesn't actually expect me to sleep with him, does he?

"I wonder..." He murmured.

"Wonder what?" I whispered.

"If you had never fallen for Severus first...if we had gotten close...would we of ended up together?" I blinked in surprise, and only the fact that Draco was leading the dance, his arms tight around me, prevented me from stopping in the middle of the hall. The doors were open leading to the sitting room, and I could see Severus and the Malfoys watching us closely. They seemed to know something was up.

If I hadn't met Severus first...If I had discovered sooner that you weren't a bastard, I...probably would have developed feelings for you. You really are a great guy, Draco, and one day you'll make some girl very happy."

"But that girl won't be you?" I was startled, and didn't bother to hide it.

"You' d actually consider me as a prospective wife? Even though I'm muggleborn?" I sounded disbelieving, and for good reason.

"Of course. Mom and Dad have been discussing having another child. They're still young by wizarding years. If they do have another kid, that child could carry on the pureblood family name. Besides, they like you. I'm sure they wouldn't object. But, alas, it wasn't meant to be." He grinned rakishly down at me. I grinned; delighted to know I was desirable enough for a Malfoy.

"Thanks Draco. It means a lot to know I'm good enough for a Malfoy." I stood on my tiptoe and kissed Draco softly. He made a small noise and his hand moved to hold my head where it was. He deepened the kiss, and I responded willingly. As nice as the kiss was, I couldn't help but wish it were Severus kissing me. The sound of a throat clearing pulled me back to Earth, and I banished the images of other things Severus could do with his talented mouth. I was flushed, and my hair was coming out of its pretty arrangement. Lucius stood next to us, his wife nowhere to be seen.

You' re doing a great job, I must say. Perhaps too good of a job. Severus...he's taking this worse than we thought he would. This is good, of course. But he's feeling murderous, particularly towards my son, which isn't good. I suggest you stop before he decides to tear him limb from limb." Draco gulped and nodded, his already white face gone whiter. I nodded in understanding as well, not quite recovered from the memories I'd been reliving. Draco stepped back from me. I met his eyes as he stood there. Finally, he turned and walked away. I sighed and turned towards the front doors, needing some fresh air. I slipped outside without anybody noticing, and leaned against the wall. I took a deep breath of fresh air and felt my muscles relax. I closed my eyes, savoring the warm air and silence.

The sound of the door banging against the wall jolted me from my relaxed state. I stiffened and turned; ready to tell off whoever was so rude as to slam a door. My breath caught in my throat as I saw Severus standing before me. He glowered down at me, and I could feel fury coming off him in waves. I felt a flame of fear start up in my stomach. My heart started to pound, and I swayed towards him. He stood stiffly, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Didn't waste any time finding another lover, did you?" His voice was calm and quiet, which was usually the sign that he was so angry, if he didn't control himself, there would be a few injuries. I mirrored his stance, crossing my arms and standing stiffly before him.

"You' re the one who told me to find somebody my own age. Now that I have, you dare tell me I didn't waste time?" He didn't seem to have any reply to that, so he stood glaring at me.

"This from the woman who claimed to love me." He finally said. I felt tears well up in my eyes, and made sure he saw them before I turned away. I slumped my shoulders.

"I do love you. But you insisted I find somebody else. Damn it Severus, I don't want somebody else. I want you. But no, you don't want me."

Severus was silent. Without speaking a word, he turned and walked away. I watched him go, a single tear escaping as I watched him disappear. I wiped the tear away and went into the bright, warm house, wishing that I had never met the man who took my heart with him as he left.

An Hour Later

"I don 't know if I should keep up with this. If he doesn't want me, he doesn't want me. I shouldn't force him." I stared straight ahead, not bothering to drink the tea in my cup. The three Malfoys sat across from me, doing their best to cheer me up. Cheering someone up definitely isn't something they're good at, or used to, I guess. I set the cup down on the desk and wiped my hands on my skirt.

"Hermione, he's not the most...affectionate of men. Just because he acts like he doesn't want you doesn't me he actually feels that way," Lucius said. I nodded. There 's just no point. He really doesn't want me. "If you give up, you'll never get him. Severus will never come to you, telling you how he feels. You have to keep at him. Don't give him a moment's peace until he stops being so damn stubborn and takes you back. The man believes he's correct, but that doesn't mean he is. Please, Hermione, you'd be so good for him.

Draco cut in. "Where's your Gryffindor courage? Where's that stubbornness for which you lot are famed? Don't let something like Severus' lack of reaction get you down. He was jealous today at the party, you have to admit that." I nodded again. They 're just as stubborn as Severus is. I gave in, deciding that I'd be the one to never get a moments peace if I didn't agree. If they thought there was hope, there just might be. They knew Severus better after all.

Not feeling particularly happier, I agreed to keep trying. The Malfoys relaxed back in their seats and smiled. They offered more tea and biscuits, but I declined it all, saying I was tired and just wanted to sleep. The Malfoys asked me to come back in a week, where they could work on another plan to get Severus to give in. I nodded and said all the right things, but all I really wanted was to get out of there quickly. Finally, I could go, and I went straight to Septimus' summer home.

Mansion is more like it. More rooms than needed and definitely more bathrooms than necessary...Summer home my arse. I wandered the halls until I finally found my room, and collapsed onto my bed. The place was so large. Several times, I had gone looking for Septimus and not been able to find him. I knew he was spending time with Julie, but I couldn't seem to find her either. I had a sneaking suspicion they were holed up in Septimus' bedroom, doing things I'd rather not think about. I sighed and closed my eyes, feeling my tense muscles relax. I gave myself over to sleep.

Three Days Later

I scowled as Septimus' and Julie's voices got louder. They were obviously coming closer, and weren't bothering to temper their voices. I was currently sitting in Septimus' large library at his house. I had been there since I had graduated, waiting to hear back from the various Masters and Mistresses to whom I had sent apprentice applications. I had spent some time with my friends. We had done what we always did - told jokes and stories, and just spent time together. Somehow, the topic of significant others popped up. The boys had met some girls at some sort of club and were enjoying themselves immensely. Everybody seemed wary of inquiring after Severus, so I volunteered the information. I hadn't seen or heard from him in awhile, and I was taking a little break from him before returning to my hunt.

There had been a brief moment of silence before Tabby broke in. "I heard he got drunk in public and acted like a madman. He was really nasty looking. Really dirty, messy, and stinky." I shook my head.

"Severus is too in control. He wouldn't loose it in public." I replied.

"What do you see in him anyway? Even normally he isn't...um..." Jon attempted to say. He didn't have to finish - I knew what he meant.

"Severus might not be conventionally handsome, but there's something about him that draws the eye. He has a commanding presence. Severus has his good points - his voice, his eyes, and his hands. And if his hair isn't the greatest, so what? I have to spend about a half hour on mine if I want to look halfway decent, and most of the time I don't really want to. Of course, he has his bad points as well. He has a temper, is stubborn, a bit too prideful, shy, and domineering." I could feel my eyes glaze over as I thought of him. "But there's nothing wrong with any of that..."

There had been another one of those pauses, and then Julie asked if I was going to attend the funerals at Aries.

"No, I'm not. It's too much."

I had to get away from all the mourning going on. Not that I could begrudge people for their mourning - they had every right to. But after awhile, all the crying and staring off into space got to a person. There were hundreds of funerals taking place at Aries this week - each one was to be attended by the Minister of Magic himself, and I didn't envy him his job. I jolted back to the present when I heard Julie speak again.

"I think we should tell her about Severus. She'd want to know! Maybe she could help him. I've talked to the Malfoys, and they agreed we should tell her. Everybody's worried about Severus. I thought Draco Malfoy was going to go right through the floo connection to see Hermione, but his father grabbed him before he could move. I saw their worry for Severus - according to them, he's depressed. I've never seen that level of worry in them before. They usually just look coldly arrogant and completely uncaring."

I sat up straight at the news that Severus was depressed.

"If Hermione goes and manages to get Severus to realize what an idiot he's being, everything would be fine!" Septimus argued.

"Yes, but if it doesn't work? If Severus decides to be an idiot anyway? She could become depressed as well, Septimus." Julie retaliated. Septimus didn't answer. I got up and moved toward the door, pressing my ear against it and hoping against hope they'd say more.

"You' re right. But I think it should be her decision. We should tell her and let her decide if she should go to him or not." There was another pause, and I waited with baited breath to see if she'd agree. Septimus would confess his knowledge about Severus behind Julie's back, but I knew he'd rather she agreed.

"Fine. Let's tell her and let her decide." Julie said. "Where is she?"

"Library, the last I saw. She was reading a book on the Goblin Wars." He sounded like that was a fate worse than death. While the book was dry in some places, most of it was fascinating. If Professor Binns hadn't taught it, I might've liked history class. Hearing the footsteps getting closer, I backed up a few steps and didn't even bother looking like I'd been doing anything. When Septimus and Julie came through the doorway, they seemed startled to see me standing there, apparently waiting for them. Septimus grinned and Julie looked startled. I settled down on the couch and moved over dutifully to make room. Septimus settled next to me. Julie wandered over to the shelves, browsing through the titles without much focus.

"Hermione, we recently found out..." Septimus faltered. "We found out that Severus has isolated himself at his home. He won't answer owls or floo calls, and he's warded so nobody can apparate in. When he does answer his floo, he's...he's not in the greatest state." I nodded.

"I heard you and Julie talking. I was planning on confronting him, but I wanted to wait until he let his guard down a bit. And..." I could feel my voice shaking slightly. "And I need to spend some time away from him. It hurts so much to see him and not be able to touch him." I looked away, staring out the window blankly. I willed the tears to go away, and after a moment, they did.

"Where does Severus live?"

"Prince Manor." Septimus replied. I raised my eyebrow questioningly.

"Prince was Severus' mother's maiden name. He inherited the Prince manor, and I inherited Carce manor." Septimus explained.

"What happened to Snape Manor?"

"Severus' father sold it to pay for his drinking." I winced. That would have been horrible. No place to stay. Everybody would've known too.

"So where'd they stay?" I questioned.

"With various family members. Eventually the family members wouldn't be able to take the drinking and fighting anymore, and kick them out. Luckily, Severus was only home for the summer." I nodded and brought the conversation back to the original subject.

"Apparently Slytherins aren't very creative. Couldn't they of come up with better names for their homes?"

"People used to identify others with what they owned. Naming a manor after yourself showed you owned it and impressed people." Septimus shrugged. "The names may not have been interesting, but it was what was done." I nodded.

"Right, well, I'll be going. I don't know whether I'll be back tonight or not." Not waiting for a reply, I turned and exited the room, jogging toward the front door. I didn't even wait for the house-elf to open the door for me, I simply threw the doors open and ran to the edge of the Carce property. I closed my eyes and concentrated on the name Prince Manor. With a crack, I disappeared. With another crack, I reappeared.

I was standing on the edge of a deserted dirt road. Trees lined the road, blocking the house from view. Flowers bloomed, birds chirped, the sun shone, and the wind blew. It was lovely here and full of life. Looking around carefully, I noticed a small road branching off the one I was standing beside. I started down the road but couldn't see past the first turn. It was darker here - the trees were so close together they blocked all the sun, although the birds still chirped. Making it to the first bend in the road, I gasped in surprise when I finally caught my view of the house.

It had three main stories and turrets on each corner. It had vines climbing the walls, and there was a sense of age about the place. I was elegant yet simple. It was beautiful, and somehow fit the environment. I moved towards the double doors on the east side of the building. I pulled on the doors with as much strength as I could, but they wouldn't budge. Giving in, I wiped some sweat from my brow and gave the door a push. It popped open easily, and I flushed. Duh, Granger. You can push a door and you can pull a door. Use your head!

The inside of the manor was darker than the outside. No candles were lit, so the only light came through the windows. The windows had curtains pulled across them, preventing most light from making this place seem happy. I stopped in the entrance. This place is huge. I'll never find him on my own.

I grabbed my wand and held it loosely in my hand. "Directus ego ut mei amor." The wand spun around in a complete circle before suddenly stopping. It was pointing towards the stairs. I made my way up them, walking carefully so the wand that rested on my hand wouldn't roll off. I repeated the phrase from before and the wand had the same reaction, this time pointing me down a long hallway. I made my way slowly. The closer I got to the end of the hall the more the wand vibrated. I stopped in front of the last door on the left. The wand swung around to point in that direction and stopped. Taking a deep breath, I entered the room.

A fire was blazing, causing the room to be stifling. I choked on the hot hair and spent a few seconds recovering. Forcing air into my lungs, I looked around with interest. The walls were filled with paintings - paintings of old people with ridiculous hair, paintings of bland moors, and paintings of stuffy, stuck up looking woman. In the center of the room was a faded blue couch. The couch was facing the fire, and the silhouette of a man slumped on the couch. I approached cautiously; well aware the man I was approaching had been a spy for twenty years or so.

I stepped around the couch and stopped as I took in Severus' state. It was just as Septimus said - he wasn't in the greatest state. He was unshaven, and his clothes were disheveled. There were a large amount of empty alcohol bottles littered everywhere. Severus' hair, while never looking the greatest normally, was now tangled and dirty. I sucked my breath in - he reeked of alcohol. Squaring my shoulders, I slid down to my knees and knelt at his feet. I leaned forward and gently touched his face.

"Severus?"

His eyes snapped open, and his hand shot up and quickly grabbed my wrist. Squeezing it painfully, he glared at me angrily before releasing me. I watched as he brushed the hair from his eyes and sat up straighter.

"Miss Granger, what are you doing in my home?" He snapped, sleep making his voice deeper. I longed to brush my lips against his and curl up in his lap. I forced those feelings down and prepared myself for the ensuing argument. I knew he probably wasn't going to give in right now, but maybe I could weaken him a bit to my pleas. Then the next time I confronted him, weaken him a little more, until finally he gives in. I sat back and took a deep breath. Whatever he says, he's only saying it to get you to go away.

"I came to see you. I had decided that enough is enough." Pain flared in Severus' eyes before he managed to conceal it. Thinks I'm giving in, does he? "Severus, I love you. Life without you, as cliché as it sounds, won't be worth living. With anybody else, I'd be bored. You make things interesting with your penchant for causing strife and discord. You're intelligent enough to discuss things that would go over most people's heads completely. You're everything I ever wanted, but didn't know where to find. I need you Severus, and I'm determined to have you. I'm done with hoping your going to come to your senses and approach me. I want you now, and I'm going to work on the goal of having you until I succeed."

Severus sat stunned before me, staring down at me. He had crossed his arms over his chest when I had begun speaking, and now his knuckles were white with the strain of clenching them so tightly. I wonder if his arms will be bruised. I thought idly. He noticed the direction I was looking, and after a brief glance down at his hands, forced himself to relax. He glared at me again, but I caught something in his eyes, something that softened them considerably. His voice, however, belied the softness of his eyes.

"And what, you annoying little girl, makes you think I love you? I can tell you with utmost certainty that I do not, nor shall l ever. Do not tax my patience with words of love - I don't need or want them. I demand you leave, and at once. There 's no point in you staying." He stared determinedly over my head at the fire while speaking. I sighed softly, but stayed where I was.

"Severus, I believe you feel something quite different from what you just stated. In fact, I'm sure of it." He bared his teeth at me and growled.

"Do not presume to tell me what I feel. I assure you, you have no idea." I simply stared at him, unconcerned.

"I love you, Severus. And you love me. Why can't you accept that?" Severus flew to his feet, eyes flashing and his teeth once again bared.

"I DON 'T LOVE YOU, YOU BLOODY COW, AND I WISH YOU WOULD JUST LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!" Breathing heavily, he plopped down on the couch and covered his face with his hands. He continued to breathe heavily, and it occurred to me that maybe he wasn't out of breath at all, but crying. I stood quietly and moved to sit next to him. I pried his hands from his face and caught a glimpse of the wet tracks on his face before he turned away. He attempted to jerk his hand away, but I held on tightly. Resisting only a little, I moved his hand to my face and gently kissed it. I brushed his cheek with my other hand, and he moved his head away from me.

I slid onto his lap, making sure Severus had no way to escape. My legs settled on the sides of his, so I was straddling him. I leaned forward and kiss his forehead, the tip of his nose, and then his lips. I press my body against his and felt his arms, which had been by his sides, twitch. I buried my face in the area where his neck meets his shoulder and breathed deeply. He smelled exactly as I remembered, and I burrowed into him, wishing to be closer. He made a small noise in the back of his throat. I pressed small kisses on his neck and then sighed. Reluctantly, I pulled away.

"Severus, I want you more than anything. I'm going to spend the rest of my years trying to convince you that you love me. Once you finally admit you do, then we can continue this." I felt tears fill my eyes. His dark eyes glittered in the firelight, and I wanted to just climb back onto his lap and never leave. "I love you too much to want anything less than love from you. I won't settle for just respect and admiration. I will marry you someday, Severus. I promise you that." I leaned down and pressed my forehead against his. Curiously, he didn't move away. Perhaps I'm getting to him!

"I love you." With that, I turned and walked away. I refused to give in and go back to him, throw myself at his feet and beg him to take me, to love me. A small sob escaped, and I let them come. Crying isn't weakness if nobody's around to see it, I told myself.

Unknown to me, Severus had followed and watched as I stumbled down his stairs and out his doors, sobbing. Had I seen the expression he had, I would've felt my hope bloom fully.

Direct I to my love. Now, I don't speak Latin. I went online and found an online English to Latin dictionary. I have no idea if that's what it actually translates to, and I the site I went to didn't show any Latin word for "me". So for those of you that do speak Latin, I'm sorry if I totally butchered it and I ask you to forgive me.

Sorry it took so long. I really have no excuse this time, except that I was gone on weekends and too lazy on weekdays. It is currently one in the morning, and instead of waiting for the usual doubts to creep up and consume me, I'm sending this off to my beta. I have no idea when it will be posted, as fan fiction is down.

Please review!