AN – I own nothing!

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Chapter 32

Two days had passed. Hermione had enjoyed her stay in muggle London. There were times when she would still feel nauseous and throw up. The potions that Severus gave her had made her feel better, but only for a very short time.

The both of then stayed in the loft the entire time. There was only a moment in which Severus left to buy groceries and stock his fridge and pantry with food. For all the meals that they had, he cooked and sometimes, she would watch him closely. He was very meticulous with his cooking like he was with his potions.

As always, the enjoyed each other's company. They spent their time watching cable and DVDs, and read books a lot. Hermione liked it best when he read to her. The way he had read and narrated, with his voice, was perfect.

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Hermione and Severus walked together towards the Burrow. They weren't holding hands however. Severus was back to wearing his black teaching everyday robes. Hermione on the other hand was wearing casual, designer clothes, as she had been in Italy. She wore a pale pink blouse along with a pair of khaki colored shorts that was just above knee length. On her feet, was a pair of black leather loafers. A pair of Feregamos that she had fallen in love with. On her head, was a pair of sun glasses. In the past, she didn't wear designer clothes except when she was with her family. It's not like she was advertising, except probably for the big Louis Vutton shoulder bag. The others wouldn't notice much she hoped.

Like before, Severus had hidden his wedding bang in his breast pocket. Hermione was still wearing her rings. They were hidden of course. She placed them on a plain white gold necklace chain, and wore it around her neck. They hung beneath her blouse.

"Have fun at Potter's party," Severus reminded her, whispering in her ear, just from behind.

Hermione looked up at him, with a smile. She wanted him to stay, but knew he wouldn't. Her finger went up onto the doorbell, and pressed it.

"Hermione!" Ginny squealed in excitement as she opened the door. She threw herself at Hermione, and the both hugged each other in a sisterly embrace. "I'm so happy that you're here."

"It's nice to see you as well Ginns," Hermione returned.

Ginny pulled away and was a little surprised to see Professor Snape standing behind Hermione. There was the usual scowl on his face. "Hello Professor."

"Miss Weasley," he said flatly. He then turned to Hermione and said, "Miss Granger." After, he left them.

"Everyone, Hermione's here," Ginny exclaimed loudly so that everyone in the house could hear her.

Soon enough the entire Weasely red-headed family, including Remus, Sirius and Harry, whom she greeted happy birthday, came to greet her. Hermione was very happy to see them for she missed them all.

"Nice getup Hermione," Ginny grinned. She was into fashion, just like any teenager and read various fashion magazines. "Oh my God! Is that the new Louis Vutton bag?" she asked in surprise as he placed both hands on the bag and pulled on it a little.

So much for them not noticing, thanks to Ginny. "Yes it is," Hermione answered.

"That cost like five-hundred galleons!" Ginny said aloud. This made a lot of people in the room gasp in shock.

"Bloody hell Hermione," Ron said. "Where'd you get money like that?"

"My grandfather," Hermione shrugged. It was a lie, but partial only. She herself or her grandfather could have very well bought the bag for her. They after all had their own fortune. It was Severus though who gratefully purchased it for her.

"Everyone lunch will be served," Molly announced as she headed off to the kitchen. The others headed to the dining area and sat around the big dining table.

"I missed you Hermione," Ron said as he sat next to her.

Hermione just nodded. She didn't want Ron to sit next to her. To top it all off, he was sitting a little too close for comfort.

"So Hermione," Ginny started as she sat down next to her as well, "how was Italy? We heard that you spent your time there with your grandfather."

Hermione nodded. She was relieved that Ginny had interrupted the uncomfortable moment that Ron probably would make worse. "It was fun. I bought a lot of stuff," she informed everyone as she reached for her bag. She opened it, and started pulling out a bunch of stuff, giving everyone a different item to each person. "Souvenirs."

"Wow!" Ginny gasped. She looked at the very colorful pendant that she held as it hung from a chocker. "This is beautiful!"

"It's Murano glass," she said. "Only made in the island of Murano, just outside Venice."

The twins, Fred and George opened small package together, that had both their names. They each pulled out a red Armani polo shirt. "Whoa!" they both said in unison. "Thanks!"

Ron opened his package and saw that he too got a polo shirt, but it was orange in color. He looked around and saw that all the males around the table, except for his father who got a thick book on Italy's art history, they all got the same gift. Since it was Harry's birthday, he got the top jersey of the Italian quidditch team. Ron was disappointed so to speak. He was expecting that Hermione would give him something a little more personal. "Thanks," he said softly and kissed her on the cheek.

Hermione looked at Ron with a very confused look on her face. It was obvious that he still had feelings for her, she wasn't stupid. However, she didn't want him anymore, not at all. Her heart belonged to Severus as it always had. Never with Ron. How many times did she have to remind him that she was no longer interested in him?

"So Hermione, had fun in Italy?" Harry asked. He could see that she was feeling very uncomfortable with Ron.

"I met someone," she admitted.

"Who?" Ron suddenly asked in anger.

"Shut up Ron!" Ginny yelled at him. She grinned widely at Hermione. "Who? Anyone special?"

Hermione nodded. "Very special indeed. I was swept off my feet when I was in Italy with him."

"I'm so jealous. All those romantic getaways," Ginny said dreamily.

Ron ground his teeth as his face turned red in anger and jealousy. Who the hell was the guy, and who did he think he was? Hermione was his. They were meant to be together. She was supposed to marry him and be the mother of their children, and take care of them at home. "He's an Italian sleaze bag," Ron commented.

"Ooo… lil bro is getting all jealous," Fred teased.

"Fuck you!" Ron yelled.

"Hey, no bad mouthing!" Molly scolded.

Ron grumbled to himself as he remained fuming. He placed his hand over Hermione's and held it.

Hermione pulled her hand away from his immediately, not wanting him to touch her in any way affectionate.

"What the hell is your problem?!" Ron snapped at her.

"What's yours?" Hermione countered back. "For the nth time Ron, I'm not interested and I'm seeing someone else."

"It's just an Italian fling. What we have is something more special."

"Had you mean," Hermione corrected him. "And no, what we had was a mistake."

Others around the table watched. They all knew that Ron still had something for Hermione. This wasn't the first time in which they had fought. Even when they were together, they had fought from time to time.

"How could you say that?!" Ron said. He stood up abruptly and walked away, stomping his feet on the stairs as he ran up.

"Sorry dear," Molly apologized. "He just can't seem to get over you. Are you sure that you are truly over Ron?" In a way, she respected Hermione's decision. In other ways, she wanted Hermione to marry her son. They made quite a couple despite all their disagreements. Ron was immature, and Hermione was the right woman to set him on his feet.

"Molly," Arthur said. "What Hermione does with her love life is none of our concern."

"It's okay, Mr. Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said as she stood up. "I'll go and talk to him." She excused herself and went up to Ron's room.

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AN – I am a Ron-basher. Do not be surprised. I'm sure that you could see a bit of it in the beginning of the story. If not, you just read more bashing. There will be more… Review!