A/N: OMG! I am so sorry (I know you guys are probably sick of apologies and the same old excuses but) I was having this horrible computer issue that may or may not be fixed. Plus this chapter is giving me major writer's block. I have been forcing it out piece by piece. So hope that my computer continues to listen. Well here's the reception. There's really no spoilers unless you haven't read or seen it. Of course Severus came in knowing it all would happen. How will Hermione react. How will her friends react? And will this set Hermione and Severus back?

Chapter 25

Hermione was happy to be at such a happy event. The atmosphere was light and happy, only weighed down by the fact that a death-eater was present, but his powers being bound made it hardly noticeable. The only problem she had was as Bill and Fleur danced together. It brought flashbacks of her's and Severus' first time, and that made her think of their second time which wasn't any better. Maybe she would feel comfortable sometime in the future. She expected her hormones to make her crazy eventually, and it would be nice to trust him enough.

Bill and Fleur looked blissfully happy. And for the time, Hermione knew why. In this one moment, they could forget about everything bad going on. And she almost could too. Everyone seemed so happy, the music was light and happy, and the food was great. Everything was perfect.

Severus watched Hermione carefully. He saw the light of happiness flicker back and forth from her eyes. He thought that she was probably remembering their own wedding day. He thought, maybe if things went well, he could give her the wedding she deserved. He already had an account opened for her. Whether she married him or another person, she would be able to afford the day she wanted and deserved. He really wanted that much for her.

But after tonight that wasn't going to happen. He decided to enjoy this evening as much as possible, and hoped to give Hermione some enjoyment as well.

"Hermione, would you like to dance?"

Immediately a million things ran through her mind. She thought of their first "dance" and then about how things have changed. She took his hand without speaking and followed him to the dance floor. He held her closely, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. In this moment she felt safe and protected. She watched around the room and tried to keep herself from laughing as she saw Harry getting agitated with some old lady. Ron's glare could have killed her, or at least made her feel guilty, but she didn't. In this moment, she was happy.

And then the song ended, but Severus still held on to her. Knowing what was about to happen, he didn't want to let her stray.

"Severus, if we're not going to dance, we might want to make room for those who want to."

Before Severus could speak up another voice interjected, "Forgive me professor, but may I steal a dance with Hermione."

It was George, or was it Fred, Severus didn't care either way, he didn't want to let her go, but he wanted to keep her happy.

"Only if she has no objections to it."

The Weasley boy didn't bother to wait and instead took Hermione's hand and led her onto the dance floor.

"George, why are you-"

"Hush, Hermione, This is not some crazy attempt to win over your affections, although I'm sure this would totally work."

"Then what is it?"

"You owe me 20 galleons."

"Excuse me?"

"You accepted my bet of 20 galleons. I remember it clear as day. I said 'I bet you 20 galleons that he grows you care for you, and you for him' and you responded with 'you're on.' It is so very obvious that you two have grown to care for each other, so you owe me 20 galleons."

"No. We may have grown to live together comfortably and make things work because whether we like it or not, we're having a child together."

"Because that totally explains the stolen embrace and kiss to the forehead the second you two thought you were alone."

"He was asking me how I was, given that your mother and brother want me dead. I heard from Ginny that your mother even considered poisoning me."

"She didn't consider it Hermione, She actually tried."

Hermione would have stopped dead in her tracks if George hadn't pulled her dancing, "Calm down Hermione. Why do you think Ginny always brought you stuff. She knew exactly what was going on. Threw it out and grabbed you a new plate. I think Ron may have convinced her, because mum wouldn't normally do anything like that."

The song ended and Hermione felt dizzy from the thought of being poisoned. She felt the need for some fresh air and walked out of the tent.

"Hermione."

She jumped from surprise even though she knew it was Severus by his voice.

"Please, Hermione, don't just wonder off like that."

"But we're safe here. There's plenty of people. And more magical barriers than the Malfoy's."

And then it happened. The patronus lit up the sky. "The ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming."

And within moments, death-eaters appeared and attacked. Hermione went into shock and tried to catch her breathe.

"Did you know?" She whispered.

"Hermi-"

"Did you know?"

Severus took a deep breath, "Yes."

And then she was gone. Running into the crowd of chaos.

She found Luna, Harry, and Ron, and disapparate them away. She would live on the run with them. Anywhere but with him. And then her child would have nothing to do with him. She would never look at Severus Snape again.