AN - I own nothing!

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Chapter 40

Hundreds of tents were gathered outside the quidditch stadium, with thousands of people around the area. They were either walking around, or gathered in groups, in their tents, most probably talking about quidditch. There were also a big number of grills and barbeques. Wizards and witches enjoyed cookouts just as much as they enjoyed the quidditch matches.

It was to be the biggest game in history. England versus Bulgaria. For twenty years, England had never made it into the finals. In the semi-finals, they had beaten Ireland, who was their rival since Merlin knows how long.

"I can't believe your boyfriend's coming," Ginny squealed in excitement as she sat next to Hermione and clapped her hands. Mostly everyone was inside the Weasley tent. The other few were gallivanting around nearby.

"I wrote him and told him that I was going to go to the watch the match," Hermione spoke. "And then he said that he wanted to come as well."

A few hours ago when they were still at the Burrow, Arthur came up to her and apologized for Ron's actions. It was Tonks and Remus that told on Ron, and told he and Molly about how he abused Hermione. Both parents were shocked to hear such news. They were very disappointed with him.

Ron, who was seated not so far away with Harry, was angry and pissed off that the idea that Hermione's 'boyfriend' was coming, and arriving anytime soon. The girls kept on talking about the guy, and giggling like mad. "I can't believe you let Hermione invite the sleaze bag Harry. You could have invited someone else with that spare ticket."

"She asked," Harry shrugged. "Who else would have I invited?"

"Anyone else but him!" Ron hissed back. "You could have just thrown away the ticket instead of inviting him. I can't believe it, I thought that you were on my side. You're siding with him, and you don't even know him."

"Ron, I am not siding with anyone. I am Hermione's friend and I respect her decisions. You should also try to do the same mate," Harry said firmly, and gave a pat on his back. He walked towards the twins, not wanting to sit next to Ron and hear him complaining, and ranting.

He had been mad at Hermione for days. His allowance had been cut in half for the entire school year. He was also punished to do more chores when he was around the house. To his conclusion, it was Hermione that had told on him. He wasn't even given the chance to defend himself. It was all her fault really, she was the one that made him angry and started it.

"Excuse me," a deep voice called, as a tall man stepped into the tent. His wavy hair was tied back. Eyes, black and deep. His fair skin completion stood out from the black jeans that he wore along with a grey shirt, and jacket. He looked to be in his late twenties. Very handsome, and striking in his crisp clothes.

"Brandon!" Hermione exclaimed happily as she jumped out of her seat, and headed to him. Her arms wrapped around his neck, as his went around her waist. She kissed him firmly on the lips and then whispered, "I'm so happy that you're here Severus."

"Me too Little One," he replied back. He gave her a small peck on her cheek and then pulled away.

"Everyone, this is Brandon Hughes," Hermione announced.

"He's not even Italian," Ron complained.

"No Ron. You assumed he was Italian. I met him in Italy," Hermione said as she snapped her head at him. She felt Severus's hand squeeze hers slightly, telling her to not get angry.

"Excuse my son for being so rude Brandon," Arthur said as he walked to him and shook his hand.

"No trouble at all," he replied back. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you Mr. Weasely."

"Call me Arthur. This is my wife Molly," he gestured to the woman standing next to him.

"You didn't say he was a handsome catch dear," Molly said as she too shook his hand. She also grinned and winked at Hermione.

All Severus could do was snort and blush. If she only knew who he really was, would she say the same?

"Come, let me introduce you to Ginny and the rest of the gang," Hermione said as she pulled his hand, making him follow.

"Dad," Ron called as he stood from his seat and walked towards him. "Shouldn't that Brandon guy be charged for being a pedophile? He's an old douche bag. He might try to rape Hermione."

"Hermione's is of age Ron, thanks to the time-turner. And please, I do not want to argue again with you about Hermione," he said in a very low and serious tone. "She's happy. Live with it."

Ron grounded his teeth as he watched his father walk away. His hands clenched into fists when he saw Brandon sitting closely to Hermione, along with his siblings and Harry. They were all engaged in some talk. What did Hermione see in the guy? Even his family as well seemed to like him.

"Brandon, why don't you join us later at our home, for a late dinner, after the match?" Molly asked. "We'd love to have you."

"Yeah mate!" both Fred and George said.

Severus looked at Hermione. Her cinnamon eyes shined brightly as she looked at him with plead. The plan was that he was just going to stay and watch the game. He also didn't like the idea of Ron being around Hermione when he wasn't there. He couldn't say no. "I'd love to Molly. Thank you."

Ron huffed as he stormed out of the tent. His family was accepting Brandon with open arms. They haven't known the guy for five minutes. He had to come up with a plan—something to get Hermione back and make her his.

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Ron paid the man behind the register for the popcorn and soda that he just ordered. As he headed to the area in which he was supposed to be seated, he was slammed against the wall. Luckily, he didn't drop his soda and popcorn.

"Just the boy I wanted to see," Severus hissed at his. His arm pinned Ron on the chest, firmly holding him against the wall.

"What the hell is your problem?!" Ron asked aloud. He couldn't push him off. Severus was surprisingly strong.

"You are!" he answered back. "Hermione told me what you did to her. That was a very grave error."

"And who the fuck do you think you are?! You don't scare me! And she isn't yours."

"She is mine!" Severus hissed.

"Really?" Ron asked cockily. "She isn't interested in guys like you. You're just a boring dirty old man. She likes a strong man, an athlete even. You know she used to go out with Viktor Krum, the star seeker on the Bulgarian team? I play on my school team. She'll dump you as soon as she realizes just how boring you are."

Severus shook his head. "Some athlete you are then. You can't even get a girl," he countered back. "Planning to get into the big leagues some day? Good luck. And Hermione will never be yours." He stepped back and grabbed the soda cup from Ron's hand. With it, he poured it on the boy's head.

"Fuck!" Ron said as he stepped away. It was too late though, he was soaked in soda.

"That was just a warning," Severus said in a threatening tone as he threw the empty cup into the trash bin nearby. Before he walked away, he grabbed a handful of popcorn and smirked at Ron. When he walked away, he couldn't help but chuckle as he ate the popcorn. His revenge may have been small, but it was sweet, and dare he say—wet.

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Hermione and Severus stood right next to each other. Her arms wrapped around his waist, as he had an arm and part of his jacket wrapped around her. They were enjoying and watching the game excitedly, and cheered on or booed just like everyone else in the crowd.

"One day," Severus whispered in her ear, "when I am not wearing a glamour charm, I will tell the entire world and show them how much I love you."

Hermione looked up at him, and kissed him on the cheek. "I can't wait for that day to come."

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Across the field, numerous pairs of eyes were watching Severus and Hermione, and most especially Ron. The Malfoys and King Richard, who were seated in separate boxes, could clearly see how angry Ron was. He was too focused on looking at the couple, instead of the game. Hermione could never be alone with him. If looks could kill, he wanted to kill the man that was holding her.

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AN – Who cares about the game when the bashing of Ron could be more fun? Who won the game? England of course! Review!