Disclaimer- Thank you J.K. Rowling for granting this indulgence.

Date Modified-February 5, 2010

Kindling

Seeing Red


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Late summer pollen filled the air in the pleasant lanes of Ottery St. Catchpole. Hermione waded through waist-high dry grasses to reach the Burrow. When Hermione entered the yard, she spied a redhead peeking through the window. Not knowing what kind of reception she was about to receive- Hermione didn't hurry.

The ruddy freckles dotting creamy skin, framed by a great sheet of straight red hair burst into a glorious sunrise. Ginny hurtled out of the dooryard, vaulted the chickens and grabbed Hermione screaming her joy. "I knew you'd come back, I knew it. I told everyone, 'don't worry Hermione will come back to us good as new.' Quite a bit better than good by the looks of you. Let me get a proper look at you." Wiping her eyes, "you look great. You still have the beret I made you, I missed you so much. I can't believe it, everyone one will be thrilled." Hugging her fiercely again, Ginny all but carried Hermione into her third favourite place in the world. Ginny called for anyone in-residence to join them in the kitchen.

Hermione was nearly smothered by all of the red-haired people as they mounted a proper welcome, one by one. The weather was just right for their late tea in the garden.

Hermione caught a look at her frightening reflection in the loo's mirror and decided to call it a night. "Ginny, tomorrow I'm going to see Ron. I have to, surely you realize that." Hermione was relieved to see that Ginny did understand, "afterwards I promised Harry I'd come to see him, if you wanted to be there when I finish my business, I would be happy for the extra company." Hermione hoped Ginny would be there.

"Don't be stupid, of course I'll be there. I can't tell you how happy I am that you are back." Ginny and Hermione hugged once more.

~*~

Hermione didn't say anything when she saw Severus on her return to the castle, she didn't have to. Silently and tenderly Severus made love to her, wanting all of her emotional 'hurts' to go away. She could find comfort in the arms of the man who, time and time again exceeded any and all expectations- real or otherwise.

~*~

"Ronald, I've come to say my peace." Hermione fought the uncertain quaver in her voice, ploughing on in true Gryffindor-fashion. "The day after, do you know that I took a potion to prevent a potential pregnancy. It was easy enough to do at the time. Over the years it became clear to me that I had to come to terms with all of my losses. To get over the loss and pain of betrayal, I named them. I just knew I would have been pregnant with twins as they run in my family as well." Sucking back tears, "I named them Gred and Feorge for your brothers. They would have been mischievous sort, getting into trouble and falling in love with life, and they would have looked like you: too tall, long nosed, freckled and a perfect ginger colouring. I will never get to know them Ronald, which is as much your fault as mine. I lost so much that day, so much. That said, I know that you lost more than me; because I still have Severus, Harry, Ginny and your family and my Mum and Dad and more love than I could hope for; you have nothing. I don't have anything else to say so, good-bye Ronald, rest in peace." Hermione conjured white tulips to grow around the headstone then she left the lonely spot.

~*~

"Oh no." Hermione cursed to herself, obviously Harry and Ginny were tying one on. Wizard Wrock filtered out of the house. Opening the gate and heading straight in, she found herself bowled over upon entering the little house in Godric's Hallow. All of the surviving members of the D.A. were there. Hermione couldn't believe it.

After much toasting, embracing and renewed fellowship, Hermione bid them good-evening. Exhausted from the most important day of her healing process, full of love and forgiveness. Hermione felt whole again.

It was with great ease and a full heart that she held Severus in their warm tangle looking forward to the promise of a shared future.

~*~

The End

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Author's Note Thank you everyone for joining me, I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing Kindling. Be The Peace, Varity Sinning