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Chapter Seventeen

Ron's Plea

RPOV

I turned my attention from Ron back to Albus. "I would rather not." I then turned to leave.

"Please professor." Ron's voice called out. "Please, just-just listen to what I have to say, after that you can leave if you want."

Taking a long deep breath I agreed to hear him out.

"Please Professor. What I did to you, was inexcusable." I crossed my arms and gave him a look as to say 'duh'.

"I don't expect you to forgive me, or Hermione for that matter, but I am sorry for what I did. The moment the curse left my lips I…I felt sick to my stomach, I-I turned myself in right away. I-

"I know all this Mr. Weasley, now can you get on with your question please."

"Um, of course. I-I was hoping, well you see…if you allow me to have the alternative punishment then I won't have to spend the next ten years in Azkaban."

"Alternative." My gaze turned to Albus. "What is he talking about?" I had never heard of any alternative punishment when it came to using an unforgivable.

"Because of Mr. Weasley's role in the defeat of Voldemort the Wizegmont has given him a possible alternative punishment. That is if you agree."

I certainly doubted I would find any alternative punishment suitable. "What is it?"

"Mr. Weasley would have his wand snapped, and would be expelled from the wizarding world for fifteen years. During that time he would only be allowed to contact his family via owl post but would not be able to see them. Furthermore he would also be required to attend mandatory anger management classes for the next five years."

My brow rose, that was defiantly acceptable, but there was a down fall, he could come back. "I don't know." I wanted to tell him to hell with the muggle world, chuck him in Azkaban, but then I could help but think of what Hermione would say. She would have accepted his plea, I know she would have. He was her friend for so many years, her best friend.

"I will allow the plea." Ron's face lit up. "But I would like to add one stipulation to it."

"Anything." Ron said eagerly.

"After the fifteen years is up and he is allowed to purchase a new wand I would like it to have restricted use."

"You mean like a training wand?" Albus asked. I nodded. Often parents will purchase training wands for their children before they go off to Hogwarts, they were powerful enough to do most first years spells but nothing more. "It can of course be upgraded from what most training wands allow, but I think it a fair precaution."

"Fine, I'll do it, whatever you say Professor."

"Very well." I gave a final nod and left the office.

HPOV

I was so proud of Remus. I can only imagine how hard it was for him to accept Ron's request. I know if Bellatrix had asked me I would have told them to lock her up and thrown away the key. Then again Bellatrix LaStrange was a demented nutter, Ron was just…..impulsive I guess is the best way to put it.

Word of Professor Snape and Professor Kingston's marriage hit the gossip chain pretty quickly. I only mentioned it to Harry, but well, you know how juicy gossip flows. Besides, I'm surprised no one noticed the couple was now wearing wedding rings. It was also revealed that Professor Kingston's was pregnant, which I am guessing had something to do with the hasty marriage, but who am I to say.

The months passed and I continued my evening routine of visiting Remus. We would chat about school, wedding plans, and sometimes we wouldn't talk at all. There had been a few nights that I didn't return to my dorm until early the next morning; no one ever said a word. I was asked by Professor McGonagall to take Ron's place as seventh year prefect, actually she didn't ask, she begged. I wanted to say no, I really did, but I had to admit, I missed the title. So I somewhat reluctantly agreed.

Ginny told me her parents had gotten a letter from Ron. He had used the money he had been given by the ministry for defeating Voldemort and purchased a small flat in London. He's working at a grocer bagging food. Without having finished his formal education, it was the best he could get. I guess that's karma.

Ron's arrest did make the front page of the Daily Prophet, but thankfully the fact Remus was the victim was left out. That along the news that Professor Snape knocked up the Muggle Studies teacher seem to dull the news of mine and Remus' relationship. Thank Merlin!

It was the last week in May just two days before NEWTS and I was in the library studying, when a shadow I knew all too well appeared over my table.

"Well Hello." I grinned at my fiancé.

Remus grinned bending down to whisper in my ear. "I have not seen you much these past few weeks. I miss your company." He then kissed my neck just below my ear.

"I don't think it's my company you miss."

He gave a small laugh. "What are you studying?" He asked sitting down beside me.

"Arithmancy." He looked down at the book and then back into my eyes.

"And how long have you been studying for Arithmancy?"

"About two hours." I knew what he was getting at. He wanted me to take a 'study break'.

"Hum, I think your brain needs a rest." He grinned at me in a rather suggestive manor. "I could make you some tea and we could…chat…in my quarters.

"Chat?"

Remus took my right hand in his, making small circles with his fingers in my palm. "Well." He's said softly before entwining my fingers with his. "I sure some words will be exchanged."

"I bet." I rose from the chair eager to take Remus back to his quarters for…eh, tea, when….

"Ahem."

"Oh, hello Severus." Remus smiled at his colleague.

"Remus, Miss. Granger." He nodded as he greeted both of is. "I believe you will require this for tomorrow evening." Severus handed Remus a vial of blue liquid-Wolfsbane. Just because I had brewed him a large supply didn't mean he wasn't about to take advantage of Severus' hospitality.

"Thank you Severus." Remus said taking the vile from him. "How is your wife doing?"

A rare, small smile formed on the corner of Professor Snaps mouth. Come to think of it, I believe that is the very first time I have ever seen him smile.

"She is well. We found out we are having a girl."

"Well, congratulation."

"Yes, congratulations, professor."

"Thank you. Well, I must be off."

I am truly happy for Professor Snape. He has had such a difficult life, so full of hardships, and I'm sure quite a bit of regret and guilt. After decades of war he is finally able to settle down, marry and have children.

RPOV

It's near midnight now. My fiancé is asleep soundly beside me; the only thing covering her perfect naked body is a red, silk sheet. I almost can't believe that in just a matter of months she will be my wife. My wife. Before she fell asleep we ended up in an interesting conversation about baby names. It all started when she pondered a rather random question about what the Snape's will name their daughter. She seems to think it would be something unique, I however, knowing how much Severus was teased about his name as a child, figured it would be rather ordinary. Then she asked me if I had ever thought of any names for my own children. I had always liked the name Regan for a girl. I don't know why exactly, I just do. She said as long as it wasn't Jenny then it was fine with her.

The idea of having a baby with Hermione is very appealing, and t he older I get the more I desire children sooner rather than later; but then I have to remember, she's still young, she'll have only just turned twenty by the time we marry. I wouldn't want to rush her.

Hermione has her NEWTS coming up in just a couple days. I know she'll do fine, but she still worries. Though I doubt be having that reoccurring nightmares about receiving a T in Arithmicy tonight, I'm pretty positive her schoolwork wasn't what was on her mind when she drifted off to sleep.

A/N: Okay, tied up some loose ends there. Next chapter NEWT results and setting up for the future.