Disclaimer.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!
Hi guys - sorry I took so long to update but I had computer problems
This chappie is just to get the IRA out of the way - with some fun.
Thanks to my reviewers Vickie, Billiejoe and Mark Darcy Thank you for your encouragement.
If you have not already read it I would recommend you to look at the HG/SS fic
Hermione Granger and the Half-Blood Prince -:- AlienUth that I am beta-ing. on Whispers and Ashwinder
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Sunday morning came too fast for many in the castle and not soon enough for others.
In Gryffindor tower, three people slept soundly, each dreaming of their beloved, while one tossed and fretted before rising with the dawn. Ron had lain awake half the night thinking about what he wanted to say to Hermione's parents. It had seemed so easy when it was all hypothetical but when it came to the real thing, everything he thought to say sounded lame and pathetic. He just knew they would laugh at him and think him a prat. He opened the drawer of his bedside table and pulled out the small box holding what he had saved all summer for. It contained a small silver locket engraved with the entwined initials R H over the sign for infinity; his wish for his love for Hermione. It looked so small now; it had looked perfect when he bought it. Closing the box, he stowed it away in the drawer and warded it. With a sigh, he stood and got his toiletries before heading for the Prefects bathroom for a long soak.
Deep in the dungeons, Phinnius had fallen asleep exhausted after his bouts with the Boggart and the moaning Liam. Liam himself had passed out sometime after his Boggart mother had been put away. The roll of toilet paper serving as a pillow also served to absorb the drool leaking from his gaping mouth, as he leaned against his prison bars, still seated on his porcelain throne from the night before. Shortly after first light, Buggit the elf appeared in the dungeons and inspected his charges. The little creature shook his head and muttered something in Bulgarian to himself before conjuring up a large dinner gong and equally large mallet. With a snap of his fingers, Buggit caused the mallet to begin pounding the gong causing the clashing noise to reverberate about the dungeon. Phinnius sat up on his cot in shock, staring about him before covering his ears and yelling at the elf to stop. Liam awoke from his stupor and shouted, "FIRE, FIRE," jumping up from his perch and falling flat on his face as his pants were still pooled around his ankles.
At the other end of the castle, a couple lay entwined in the late stages of sleep just becoming conscious of the other's presence once more. Phaelan stretched and turned in Severus' arms to face him. She pulled herself closer, wrapping her arm around his waist and one leg over his hip. Feeling her kiss his chest, Severus smiled without opening his eyes and gave a sigh of satisfaction as he stroked the leg straddling him.
Phaelan looked up at his face softly whispering, "Morning love."
Severus answered by moving over her and kissing her neck before making his way down her body. Phaelan hissed his name, "Severus," as she arched her back. Stroking, his hair she encouraged him to continue. Phaelan slid her hands up his chest and pulled him to her mouth for a kiss.
"Severus, I love you so much, you make me feel so good; so wanted." she panted breathlessly.
"Phaelan, my Phaelan; so perfect. How I desire you." he whispered in her ear. "How much I want you, my love." He told her, before he began to move claiming her again in an ancient dance of love.
Phaelan stroked and kissed his chest, taking time to lave and nip his flat male nipples. As he sought her mouth, she pulled her self closer by curling her arms around his shoulders.. As he lowered her back to the bed, Severus brought them both over the edge. Each screamed the other's name at the moment of climax and panted with exultant exhaustion as they waited for their hearts to calm.
Severus came to rest by her side. Phaelan turned to him and felt his arms pull her closer. Wordlessly, he pulled the covers over their damp bodies as they slept once more cocooned in love.
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In rooms not far from Gryffindor Tower, Remus was wakened by Tonks jumping on the foot of his bed and bouncing on her knees.
"Wake up sleepy head. I only have one more day off and I want to make the most of it with you." Tonks announced a little louder than necessary.
A decidedly canine growl escaped from beneath the pillows Remus had pulled over his head. Faster than Tonks could have moved, she was seized and flipped onto her back on the bed. Remus began to tickle her, causing shrieks of laughter to peal from her throat.
"Stop! Stop!" she cried, "I surrender."
Remus laughed and flopped beside her on his bed. "That'll teach you to wake me before it's time in the morning. And where's my morning tea and my paper?" he teased.
Tonks turned to him and kissed him on the nose. "You surely don't think I'm domesticated do you? What with my luck with crockery, me mum wouldn't let me in the kitchen if there were dishes about."
Remus shook his head. "Dora my love, I could never picture you like Molly Weasley, have no fears."
Tonks took that as an opening and screwed up her face changing her hair to the ginger red of a Weasley. "There, does that help?" she asked.
Remus looked on in false horror, "No, no, no, never that my love. You'll give me nightmares. I'm terrified of Molly Weasley."
Tonks laughed and changed her hair back. Leaning over she kissed him lightly on the mouth before he captured her and deepened the kiss.
"It's still early, what say we catch a nap?" he asked her.
Tonks wrapped her arms around him and pulled him over her. "I'm ready for bed if you are, love." She told him before pulling off her robe to reveal her pale body to the air.
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Harry and Ginny made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast. He couldn't remember when she had looked better. Her smile was soft as was her voice. Harry missed the brash outspoken girl but decided that the old Ginny would return when she was ready.
"Where's Hermione, Gin? Ron said he was meeting her." Harry wondered.
"She said something about speaking to the Headmaster." Ginny replied.
Harry frowned. "I wonder what for." He mused aloud before sitting down to a hearty meal of sausages and black pudding.
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"Good Morning children. What brings you to my office on such a lovely morning? Sit, sit, sit." Dumbledore greeted Hermione and Ron.
Hermione nodded at Ron indicating he should go ahead. Ron cleared his throat which had suddenly closed.
"Well, sir.." he squeaked, "Ahem, well sir, Hermione and I have known each other for seven years now and I feel…that is ….we would …..Sir, I love Hermione and I want to court her properly." He finally blurted.
Looking over his spectacles, Dumbledore gave a bemused smile, "A delightful sentiment, Ron, but I am hardly the right person to ask am I?"
Ron blushed, "I know sir but we need your permission to speak to Hermione's parents."
"Ah, I see." Said the old man. "Well Hermione, what do you think, should we seek your family?"
"Yes sir, I believe we should." She replied.
Dumbledore nodded. "Well, that can be arranged but since they shall be incommunicado in a short while, we shall need them to appoint a guardian In loco parentis for a proper arrangement. That is of course if they give permission."
"Could that be you sir?" Hermione asked hopefully.
Dumbledore shook his head. "Unfortunately no, my dear. I hold that office for another but…yes…perhaps. Just a moment." He walked to the fireplace and threw in floo powder to make a fire call. Sticking his head in, Ron and Hermione heard him call out. "Good morning, oops, watch the towel there. Sorry to disturb you but can you stand a few visitors in thirty minutes? Excellent, we'll see you then. Better get a bigger towel."
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"Bloody hell! Why can't the old bastard leave me alone for five minutes?" Severus exclaimed as he returned to his bathroom. "We're having visitors in half an hour."
Phaelan looked up at the dark scowl on Snape's face. "Dumbledore." She summed up in one word.
Throwing aside the hastily wrapped towel, Severus slid in the bath to join her. Phaelan soaped up a loofa sponge and began to rub his legs. The gentle scrub relaxed him enough to share a small smile with her.
"I had better things planned for this morning." He told her as she moved up to his torso.
"It's not like we could stay in bed all day." She told him and was suddenly yanked against him.
She looked up at the sinister grin on his face. "Want to make a wager on that madam?"
"God, you're becoming a sex maniac." She teased.
"Latent powers which have lain dormant awaiting a nymph to release them." He told her.
Phaelan pushed herself up and out of the bath, "Oh really? Well, let me know when she arrives and I'll make room in the bed for her."
Snape threw the loofa at her, as she went into the bedroom to dry and dress.
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Liam and Phinnius were given a shower after their breakfast of porridge and toast with tea. When Buggit had announced their agenda, Phinnius looked around for a bathroom.
"Hey little fella, where is the bathroom if we's to wash like?" he asked.
"You is finish your food?" the elf asked.
Phinnius looked at Liam who had forgone food in favour of copious amounts of tea. "Yeah I suppose we are."
Buggit snapped his fingers to remove the trays of food and snapped again. Phinnius frowned as nothing appeared to happen except the elf smiled in cruel glee as he gazed over their heads. Phinnius followed the elf's eyes and looked above him. As he did a large bucket of cold water was tipped over his and Liam's heads. As they screamed their shock at the frigid soaking, well soaped scrubbing brushes appeared and began to scour the pathetic pair who could not escape the ravages of the implements.
"Stop, make it stop," cried Liam, "I'll go to Azkaban if you want, just make it stop."
A few minutes later, Buggit snapped his fingers again causing the brushes to disappear and a second bucket of water to pour over the hapless twosome rinsing the soap away. The elf then produced two flannel gowns for them to change into.
"Master Dumbledore says you is not catch cold. You is to change out of wet clothes. Now." He told them.
Phinnius lifted the gown which was a woman's fleecy floral night gown with ruffled collar and cuffs. He looked at the elf to complain only to find his wet garments disappear leaving only his goose pimples to warm him in the cold dungeon. Both men quickly pulled the gowns on and scurried to grab their blankets wondering what else was in store.
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"Headmaster, you must be kidding?" gasped Ron when he saw where they were heading.
Dumbledore chuckled quietly to himself. He hadn't told them who he was standing guarantor for and what favour he was about to call in.
"Sir, I don't think the Professor will agree to this." Hermione told the old man.
"Not to worry, not to worry children. I'm sure you can convince him of your true affections and honourable intentions." He told them.
"You mean…you mean…" stuttered Ron.
"Oh no." lamented Hermione. "We have to have his permission too?" she asked.
"Naturally my dear, now come along, we've a lot to do today." He told them as he led them to the dungeon realm of Severus Snape.
Ron turned green and Hermione held in fearful tears of disappointment. They stopped before the entrance to Snape's private domain which neither Ron nor Hermione had seen before. Dumbledore knocked and waited. A moment later, the severe countenance of their Potions Master appeared.
"Headmaster," he greeted while scowling at the appearance of the couple behind the old man.
"Good morning Severus, we have come on a matter of great import to Ron and Hermione. May we come in?" the old man asked.
"Certainly sir," he replied as he stood aside to let them enter, scowling at his two students.
Phaelan was sitting at a table with what appeared to be plans in front of her. She looked up when the threesome entered.
"Good morning Phaelan." greeted Dumbledore offering her a knowing smile.
"Headmaster." Phaelan replied before her gaze turned to the students. "Perhaps I should leave." She offered.
Hermione stepped forward, "NO! I mean no, please stay. We didn't mean to interrupt."
Phaelan was confused but Hermione looked so scared, she thought she should stay for what ever was about to happen.
"How can I help you, Albus?" Snape asked as he looked at the young couple.
Dumbledore settled himself in the comfortable wingback next to the fire. "Well, it appears Ron and Hermione have made a decision about their future together." He began.
Snape snorted and walked to lean on the mantle above the fire. Dumbledore continued as if there were no interruption.
"As Hermione's parents will soon be exiled, they need someone to become her protector when Ronald offers his courtship." Dumbledore finished letting his intention become known without words.
Severus looked at Phaelan who only raised her eyebrows and looked away for a moment before looking back and nodding slightly. Snape closed his eyes. He knew he owed the old man for his blessing on Phaelan but why these two.
Snape approached Ron, "Do you understand the magnitude of your declaration Weasley?" he asked. "Do you understand the consequences of a breach of your oath? For both of you?"
"Sir, I love Hermione and my parents love her. My brothers would protect her as if she were Ginny." Ron looked down to master his thoughts. "I might not be the sharpest of blades in the academic world professor, but I do know what it is to be responsible for my actions regardless of what you might think." He looked up at the dark wizard again, "There is nothing I wouldn't do and nothing I wouldn't sacrifice to protect Hermione. I know I'm not really worthy of someone like her but I make her happy and she makes me happy. The way things are, that's more than most have. Do you understand?"
Severus turned and walked to the fireplace again to stare into the flames. The simple truths as stated by Weasley were what drove him to court Phaelan. Could he deny the boy the same small gift? He turned and looked at Hermione.
"I have always considered you to be fairly intelligent Miss Granger. Why would you settle for the likes of a Weasley and all the peculiarities that come with that alliance? I would have thought you would have looked to a wizard closer to your intellectual abilities." He challenged.
Hermione's cheeks had become pink with her growing anger at the arrogance of her professor. "Sir, Ron is as intelligent as any wizard of our year; his OWL's bear that out. I am proud to call the Weasleys my friends and I'm honoured that Ron would ask me to be with him. I don't give two Knuts about your ancient Pureblood traditions, I am doing this because I love Ron and he wants it."
Bravo Hermione, thought Phaelan, he deserved that. She looked over and saw Severus about to make a scathing retort to Hermione's statement. Standing, she got his attention and gave a single shake of her head.
Turning back to Hermione, Snape looked at her, "Can you accept my will and direction? I will accept nought but your absolute submission when it comes to this court." He demanded of her.
Hermione looked at Ron before answering. "Sir, I love Ron. I will follow your guidance as long as it is reasonable."
He looked over at Phaelan again and saw her silent plea to concede.
"When do we meet with the Grangers, Albus?" he asked.
Standing, Dumbledore walked to pat him on the shoulder. "This afternoon at 2:00 o'clock."
Snape looked at the young couple. "Very well, my final response shall be rendered then." He told them rejoicing in their worried looks.
Dumbledore led them out and paused to look at Severus with a quiet smile.
Severus turned back and looked at the woman who was now approaching him. "She is an impertinent little chit and deserved to be brought down a notch."
"She's a young woman in love who knows her own mind. I'm surprised she kept her temper so well. I wouldn't have." Phaelan told him.
"Be that as it may, I don't think she understands what my role will be." Snape replied with a sly smile. "There can be no secret meetings, no gifts given, no private contact at all without my express permission and I have the power to enforce it."
"Do you need to ask Dumbledore permission every time you have contact with me?" Phaelan asked wondering if the old man knew all about of their private lives.
Severus shook his head, "No, you did not have a guardian or parents. We only needed his sanction as our mentor.
"Thank god for that." She decided. "Just promise me one thing Severus." Phaelan looked at him and narrowed her eyes
"What?" he asked.
"Don't make their lives miserable and don't humiliate them in public? They deserve some respect."
Snape pursed his lips "You really know how to spoil my fun."
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Ginny ran up the stairs to the seventh year dormitory and bounded in. "Hermione Granger, you didn't tell me!" she exclaimed.
Hermione was being brushed and burnished by the in house aestheticians otherwise known as Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil.
"I didn't know till an hour ago Ginny." Hermione told her with a smile.
"Hold still, I need to finish this eyebrow." Parvati told her victim.
"It's not fair; we should be allowed to go too." Lavender complained. "After all, it took us this long to get at your hair and makeup. Six years of nagging should be worth something."
"There's a reason only a couple of friends can go girls, please leave it at that." Begged Hermione. "Shouldn't you get ready Ginny, you are going aren't you?"
"Oh…OH! Yeah of course." She replied before rushing off to dress and primp.
In the boys seventh year dorm a similar scene was happening. Dobby had freshly ironed and pressed the boys' uniforms which they were now dressing in.
"Oi, why can't your friends come to this here party Ron?" complained Seamus.
"Dumbledore said it's a security thing, you know. Sorry mates" Ron told them as Harry fixed his tie for him.
"Just think Ron, no more late nights out with the lads, no more gazing at Rosmerta's backside in the Three Broomsticks." Teased Neville.
Harry laughed, "He's only getting permission to court Hermione properly guys not becoming a flaming monk."
"You wait," predicted Neville, "You might as well be a monk from what I hear."
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It was a strange little parade that wound its way down a deserted hallway to the far side of Hogwarts Castle. Two Aurors, Olwen and Shacklebolt, prodding two men dressed in ladies flannel nightgowns in the back with wands was not a common sight even in the Wizarding world. As they reached a juncture they were met by Dumbledore and Snape.
"I hope you had a pleasant evening Gentleman. All the food and drink to your hearts content? Yes?" asked the Headmaster.
"Yer a cruel man Dumbledore," Growled Phinnius. "Feedin' us all that hearty rich food and bottomless pints o' Guinness to follow; ye've a twisted mind so ye do."
"I'll never sup a pot o' stout again." bemoaned Liam. "And look at the state of us. We're not decent."
"Just so long as you enjoyed your stay," the old man told them with a dead pan face. "Now come along, there are some people I want you to meet."
Dumbledore led the way to the chambers the Dr's Granger were staying in and knocked. The elf assigned to the couple answered the door and bowed the company in before announcing their arrival.
Susan and Geoffrey rose as the small crowd entered the large main room.
"Susan, Geoffrey, I hope our early arrival did not put you out, it being a special day and all." Dumbledore began.
"No, Professor not at all." Geoffrey Granger replied, "We were just waiting for the kids to arrive."
"Good, because I have some people I believe you should meet." He told the couple.
At that moment, Ron and Harry arrived with Charlie. "Hello all, party's larger than I thought." He said smilingly.
"Not to worry, a few will be leaving shortly. Now gentlemen, if you will." Dumbledore beckoned the florally gowned men forward. The Auror's again prodded them in the back with their wands.
"Geoffrey, Susan, may I present the perpetrators of the act which criminally demolished your office." The old man introduced them.
"YOU!" shouted Geoffrey. "You filthy bastards could have killed hundreds of people, children. You put us out of business and hurt god knows how many others. You make me sick. I should…"
He stood glaring at them, his fists balled up at his sides. Only his wife standing beside him kept him from attacking them both.
Liam spoke first, "It was only a job see, we needed the money." He smiled trying to defray the heat in the dentists' eyes.
"To be sure," Continued Phinnius, "It wasn't our idea in the first place. We were just following orders like; 'twas nothing personal against you squire or the missus."
"Really. "said Geoffrey, "Fine." Suddenly his right fist flashed out and connected squarely with Phinnius' nose knocking him flat on his back. "That was nothing personally against you just the filth you represent." Said Geoffrey, before stepping back, rubbing his knuckles. "That felt good."
Ron and Harry had stood back silently watching the scene unfold. Shacklebolt and Olwen picked Phinnius up off the floor as he nursed his bloodied nose.
Ron leaned over and whispered into Harry's ear. "That must be where Hermione gets it." Recalling Draco's run in with their friend in their third year.
"Yeah, I think so." Harry replied.
"Well gentlemen, I gave you the night to think. Is it to be Muggle justice or Wizards justice?" Asked Dumbledore.
The two men looked at each other and Liam nodded.
"We'd rather have a nice comfortable cell in Strangeways instead of Azkaban any day squire." Phinnius told him, talking about the Muggle Prison in Manchester.
"Very well, gentlemen, you may go." Dumbledore dismissed the Aurors with their charges.
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Severus had insisted Phaelan dress in the gown she had worn on the night of the opening feast. She had conceded but had forgone the cap and left her hair down. A few students watched as she swept through the hallways making her way to Gryffindor Tower. She actually enjoyed the sound and feel of the gown, even the corseting had a special feel that made her think of the man who had gifted her. As she approached, Minerva met her at the foot of the stairs leading to the Gryffindor common room.
"Och Phaelan, you look a treat in that dress. You should wear it more often." Minerva told her.
Phaelan smiled, "I think I could get used to dressing this way but who knows where I'll be next year."
"Dinna be silly lass. You've got a home at Hogwarts just like the rest of us. Now, let's get the young maid to be courted." She decided and led the way up the stairs.
Phaelan thought on what the older teacher said. Was she home? Deciding not to ponder that for now, Phaelan concentrated on getting through the portrait hole. A few students were sitting around and were surprised at the Head of House's appearance.
"Would one of you young ladies advise Miss Granger I am here?" requested Minerva.
Three girls ran up the stairs to tell the Head Girl she was wanted. A short time later, Hermione and Ginny appeared followed by a small female entourage calling instructions to them. Ginny was wearing her best robes of dark blue with silver stars on the cuffs and hem. Hermione wore a green silk gown that Molly had sent via floo to Ron to give to Hermione. It set off her eyes and skin tone. Lavender passed school robes to both Hermione and Ginny. Each of them covered their gowns to not attract attention.
"Are we ready?" asked Professor McGonagall with her signature arched brow.
Hermione and Ginny each nodded and followed the professors out.
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Dumbledore was explaining to the Grangers what the courtship meant and asked if they could accept Snape as their proxy while they would be estranged. The couple looked at each other and excused themselves.
"This is the teacher she said hated her Geoffrey." Said Susan worriedly.
"She was just a child then Susan. Don't you remember when he came to put protection on the house? Remember what he said?" he looked into his wife's eyes. "I think he cares about her welfare and that is what's most important."
"I don't know Geoff, he just looks so forbidding." Susan looked at the dour faced wizard who was standing alone at the bookshelves.
Suddenly, a change in his bearing saw him straighten and relax his countenance. Had they not been looking, the Grangers would not have seen it. They looked at who had entered and saw their daughter with two of her professors. The younger one turned and gifted the dark man with a small but meaningful smile. His eyes softened and the corners of his mouth twitched.
"Well now, how about that?" Geoffrey commented.
"Maybe you're right. It looks like he has a heart." Decided Susan.
Dumbledore came to the centre of the room. "Well, it appears we're all here. How jolly." He smiled his twinkling best. "It's been a while since we've had a courtship among our students and I hope perhaps some of our other young ladies and gentlemen might follow this fine example of our culture. Now Ron we'll all just sit while the stage is yours and Hermione's" The old man indicated they should come forward.
Everyone in the room found a seat except Snape who moved to stand behind the Grangers. Charlie nudged Ron forward, smiling at his sudden shyness.
"Go on Ron, you've practised long enough." Whispered Harry.
Taking a deep breath, Ron came and faced Hermione's parents. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath.
"Mister…" he squeaked. "Ahem, Mister and Missus Granger. I have known Hermione since my very first day here at Hogwarts. She was always a bit different than all the other girls. I mean the way she would focus on things was scary…Harry and I used to think she was mental." Ron realized what he had said. "But in a good way, really. I mean she's always been brilliant. I wouldn't have done a quarter as well on my OWLS without her." He swallowed at the blank look her parents were giving him and the glare emanating from Snape.
"I can't imagine Hogwarts or anywhere else without Hermione. She's funny and smart. When I'm around her, I feel happy. When she tells me I can do something, I honestly believe that I can. Now, I would like the chance to tell every one that Hermione is special to me and that I believe she is the most wonderful girl in the world. If you will let me, I will make a promise to Hermione and you, that I will be faithful to her for as long as she wants me to be her boyfriend. I won't let any harm come to her and I will show her how important she is to me as best I can. If you give your permission, I will take an oath with Hermione, if she will allow it."
Geoffrey and Susan held hands and looked at one another. This was so un-Muggle especially for two professionals who had grown up in the seventies.
"Thank you Ron." Said Mr Granger. "Professor Snape, since you will be our representative while we are gone, do you have anything to say?"
Ron's skin paled and he broke into a sweat. He thought he was going to faint.
Snape displayed his trademark sneer, "My, my, what an opportunity; the chance to tell the world how I feel about a Weasley." Snape walked around from his position behind the Grangers.
"For seven years I have had the…pleasure…of instructing the young people in this room in the delicate art of potions. That they are alive today is testament to my patience and excruciating attention to detail. Miss Granger has a keen mind and if it were properly applied, I have no doubt at her ability to become distinguished in the discipline of her choice. Her choice of friends however leaves one to wonder at her sense of priorities." At this, Snape looked at Harry.
"The young gentlemen whom Miss Granger has chosen to call friends are a menace to all when they are let loose with only their imaginations to guide them. Fortunately, they have Miss Granger to rein them in. Their loyalty to her is admirable and to be encouraged if only for the safety of their peers." He paused again and looked at Hermione who blushed.
"While I have little patience for the brash tactics of Gryffindors, I must admit to the valiant hearts that the house has supported over recent years. The unbridled fervour exhibited by the members of this house when challenged is formidable if foolhardy. The Weasley family, Gryffindors all, are not the least of their ilk and their word once given is as iron." Snape turned back to the Grangers. "Your daughter's choice of suitor is not without merit. A Weasley holds his honour above all else and they will defend that honour and those they deem worthy unto death. They have proven this more than once." Snape returned to his place behind Hermione's parents. "Though I have little patience for romantic drivel or sentimental frivolity, I can support and oversee this relationship if you approve."
The students were stunned at Snape's declaration. Ron stood open mouthed and Hermione was moved almost to tears. Minerva held no reservations and dabbed her eyes. Dumbledore smiled while Ginny responded like the Ginny of old muttering "I can't believe the git actually agreed." to Harry and Charlie who both frowned. Phaelan shook her head and rolled her eyes. How Severus, she thought; praise with one hand and insult with the other.
"Well Hermione, it's up to you." Susan looked at her daughter whose appearance reflected the confidence every one knew the young woman to have.
Hermione came forward and stood beside Ron, taking his hand. "Ronald Weasley, you never give yourself credit for anything. You are kind, gentle and most of all there to support me when I need it. Don't for one minute think you are not brilliant for you have the most cunning mind I know of in Gryffindor. You are almost unbeatable in chess and when you put your mind to it, you are as good anyone in our classes." Hermione turned to her parents. "Mum, dad, I would be proud to have Ron as my courtier and I think you would be too. I would be his girlfriend without any oath but if this makes him happy then I will make the promise with him."
Charley came to stand behind Ron representing his parents and Hermione's parent stood behind her.
Taking Hermione's hands in his, Ron began the ritual. "Hermione Jane Granger, I have come to know you and find favour in your company. Knowing you makes my days better and my nights less frightening. You show me that I can be anything I choose and show me a future full of possibilities. Being with you is a gift that I can open again and again and never get tired of. Your smile is my sunshine and your laughter is my music." Ron finished with his reasons to court Hermione and now asked the question.
"With the blessings of our parents, I ask thee, will you speak to me as you speak to no other man? Will you see me with eyes open yet closed to any other man? Will you receive my gifts as I honour you? Will you accept me as your protector and courtier? Speak and I will forswear any woman save you and ask nothing if your heart should falter in our courtship. I speak to the elements that they may witness my truth." Ron almost ran out of breath at the end and now stood nervously for Hermione's answer.
Hermione was awed at the old fashioned promise but Ginny had coached her a little to make her reply. "Ronald, I don't want to speak to any other man as I do with you nor keep company with any other as I might with you. I accept all you offer and I promise always to be honest with you. I choose to be with you but if you tell me you choose not to be with me, I will release you from your oath without resentment for I know we shall ever be friends. I call upon the elements to witness my truth." Hermione finished, now very close to emotional tears.
Snape came forward pulling his wand. He nodded to Charley who placed his hand on Ron's shoulder and then to the Grangers who each touched Hermione. Charley then pulled his own wand and placed it on the couples joined hands. Snape inscribed two circles over the joined hands and placed his wand beside Charley's.
Severus began the incantation, "Expactus fide Ronald et Hermione." He then placed his other hand over theirs, "Con mea fides geall et stuama pro benaphosta. It is done." He finished and stepped back.
The small company applauded the blushing couple. Ron pulled out his gift and passed it to Hermione who opened the box and gasped.
"Oh, Ron it's beautiful. Put it on for me." Hermione passed the heart to Ron with trembling fingers. Ron took the chain and walked around to her back to place the locket around her neck and fasten it. Hermione was now officially crying and turned to hug Ron.
"Come now," began Dumbledore, "We must have a kiss from our young lovebirds." He teased.
Smiling, Ron bent to Hermione to give her a chaste buss but was stopped an inch from her lips by an invisible wall. They stared wide eyed at each other unable to move closer. Phaelan noticed and walked over to Snape.
"Severus Snape you promised!" she hissed at his smirking face.
"Just checking." He retorted innocently before lifting the block with a slight wave of his hand.
Hermione and Ron, suddenly released, banged noses as they finally met for the kiss. Hermione's mother then hugged Ron while her father shook his hand. Charley and Ginny hugged Hermione. Dumbledore snapped his fingers and Dobby, Polly and the Granger's elf appeared with trays laden with refreshments.
Grabbing a butterbeer, Charley raised his glass and announced, "A toast to my little brother and Hermione. The motto of the Weasley clan; Live to love, love to live and be friends forever."
Phaelan raised her glass to toast and noticed Snape did not join in. "What is it?" she asked.
"How naïve they all seem." He told her quietly.
Phaelan shook her head. "Not really Severus. They just know that they love each other and they want to share it. As we do." She reminded him.
He looked at her with a gaze that reached her soul. "No Phaelan, no one could share the love we have. No one could feel the love I feel for you. It has no measure, no scale. I cannot express it enough nor adequately show you. There is no gift that could contain all my passion for you. I cannot speak it properly to you for I have not the words."
Phaelan looked at him stunned at his declaration, "Severus..I…" she could not finish what she had no words to express.
Snape shared his small smile with her. "You see what I mean?"
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A/N
Expactus fide Ronald et Hermione – Roughly- an oath of fidelity from Ron and Hermione.
Con mea fides geall et stuama pro benaphosta –Roughly I promise to protect and steward the young lady
JKR uses latin, gaelic and whatever for her incantations – so have I.