Yay! Finally an update for this story! Sorry it took me so long, but for avid followers, you all know my strategy with my stories, so it's expected. Anyways, a little tidbit here; my girlfriend just read What Goes Up, and is very much rooting for Fleur and Jade to be together, soooo readers who have read that story, I am going to ask you what you think the pairing should be. Keep in mind the story is meant to be Hermione/Jade, but my love brought up an interesting idea that it should turn into Jade/Fleur. Either way that story will continue to be a love triangular plot, so I'm going to take a vote, pm or review with your opinions! Enjoy this chapter :D

Chapter 5: Ex's and Oh's

It was dark when they arrived in Jade's flat a moment later and with a snap of the lycan's fingers, shadows lit up and Hermione's eyes looked around the room curiously. Another snap and a fire erupted in the grate while the blue eyed woman set Hermione's bag down on the couch and set Rosie down, face up on the recliner before pulling the foot rest up so she wouldn't roll off.

"You have a nice place." Hermione whispered as she inspected the faded leather furniture and light grey colored walls. Jade chuckled as she shed her cloak and hung it on the back of the couch. "Do you have a crib for Rosie?"

"I figure I can conjure one or extend the bed." Blue eyes looked down and smiled at the sleeping baby on the recliner. "Or I can move this recliner upstairs." Hermione smiled as she sat down on the couch and released a sigh. Jade glanced over and walked towards her before kneeling down in front of the brunette with a small smile on her face. "How are you doing?"

"As well as someone who just admitted to cheating on her boyfriend with a trusted friend and then got bitch slapped can be," Hermione inhaled deeply and then chuckled quietly before a smirk crossed her lips. "But being here with you makes it quite a bit better."

"I'm sorry that all of this happened." Jade sighed as Hermione sat forward and gently took the lycan's face in her hands. "I feel like I was the cause of all of it."

"Ron would've cheated on me even if we hadn't slept together." The brunette whispered as she rested her forehead against Jade's and gently pecked her lips. "It all would've happened even if you hadn't stayed with me the past few weeks. So don't feel bad, it wasn't your fault." Jade smirked before leaning up and kissing the younger witch with passion, then pulling away reluctantly, just enough so their lips were barely separated. "Did you mean it?" Blue eyes looked up into brown with a confused look. "When you said you love me?"

"Of course I did," The lycan answered softly as she wrapped her arms around Hermione's waist and pulled her to the edge of the couch before affectionately brushing her nose against the brunette's softly. "I wouldn't tell you otherwise."

"I love you too." Hermione sighed as she rested her arms on Jade's shoulders. "I never answered last time."

"Well," Jade's voice was barely a whisper as she leaned up so their lips were barely touching and smiled. "You were rather occupied kissing me."

"Mmmm…" The brunette hummed as she kissed the corner of the lycan's mouth. "Right before you pushed me away and disapparated."

"Which I thoroughly regret." Jade's lips pressed gently against Hermione's before she deepened the kiss and parted her lips. "And I fully intend to make it up to you." The brunette smirked against the kiss as Jade's hands slipped under the hem of her shirt and blazed trails of fire up her sides slowly. "But maybe not tonight after all the excitement." The brunette nodded as she gently grabbed the blue eyed woman's face again and pecked her on the lips one last time before Jade smiled and stood up. "Come on, you can put your things in my room." Hermione nodded as the lycan offered her hand and easily pulled the shorter witch up off the couch. Jade gently lifted Rose off the recliner and led the way up the stairs to her bedroom. There were only three rooms on the upper level of Jade's flat, a full bathroom with shower, a spare room and then her master bedroom. Hermione gasped quietly as Jade flicked on the lights of her bedroom to see it was very large with an adjoined bathroom. There was a king sized bed against the far right wall and a large bay window in front of them. The brunette set her bag down at the foot of the bed before admiring the view from her window. With a wave of her hand, Jade conjured her desk chair into a crib and laid Rose down before running a hand through her hair and sighing.

"Your room is huge." Hermione teased as she sat down on the ledge of the window and the lycan chuckled as she looked around the room as if seeing it for the first time. Coming to the conclusion that the lights in her room were far to bright to get a good view out of the window of the London nightlife, Jade waved her hand in the air and slowly lowered it with her palm facing down, and the lights dimmed significantly, but still enough so the women could see where they were going.

"I suppose it's rather large for one person." Blue eyes glanced sideways at the girl next to her and winked. "If you'd like to sleep in the spare bedroom instead I would understand. Although, I don't think we'd both fit in that twin bed comfortably."

"I'm sure this over-sized bed will do fine." The younger witch smirked as she went to her bag and grabbed some clothes before heading to the bathroom. "Do you mind if I shower?"

"What's mine is yours now, Hermione." Jade answered politely as she swept her arm in front of her and bowed slightly. The brunette smiled before making her way over to the lycan and kisssing her lips before rubbing her fingertips along her cheek.

"I'll be out in a minute." A bright smile spread on Jade's face as she nodded as Hermione turned and disappeared behind the door of the bathroom. The lycan sighed heavily as she began shedding her clothes and throwing them into a hamper by the bathroom door. The moon was shining bright in the cloudless sky, shedding cooling light into her window and Jade stood there for a moment just taking in the night scenery. After releasing a heavy sigh and changing into some gym shorts and a tank top, Jade proceeded to change Rose's diaper and laid her back down to sleep. Hermione's humming could be heard over the spray of the shower and a smile spread on the lycan's lips as she sat down on the bed with a contented sigh. She pushed the covers back and slid in on the right side of the bed before waving her hand, dousing her ceiling lights. As her head hit the pillow, it seemed as if all the exhaustion from the past two days finally rested in her body and she let out a soft sigh at the comfort of her own bed. Jade was so relaxed that she didn't hear the door open from the bathroom or Hermione's feet padding across the ground until the brunette was working her way under the covers.

"I'm exhausted." The brunette sighed as she rolled over and watched as a smile crossed Jade's lips while her eyes remained closed. Hermione smirked as she scooted closer to Jade and wrapped her arm around her waist before the lycan opened her eyes and turned her head towards the younger woman.

"You smell," Jade took a deep breath in through her nose as her eyes fluttered shut and she released it again slowly. "Really good." Hermione began to blush, thank goodness for the dark as she cleared her throat and smelled her hair.

"It's your shampoo." She answered softly as she felt Jade shift and suddenly a warm hand was sliding slowly up her hip. Hermione shuddered slightly as feather soft finger tips ran lightly up her smooth skin under her night shirt.

"It smells much better on you." The lycan whispered huskily as she buried her nose in Hermione's hair which prompted her to moan softly as she moved into Jade's lips. Hermione sighed as she felt silky smooth lips brush down along her neck and scatter soft, lingering kisses on her shoulder. "Come here." The brunette squealed softly as Jade wrapped her arms around her slim waist and pulled her close until her face was resting against the lycan's chest. "I love you."

"I love you too." Hermione whispered against the soft skin of Jade's collarbone. She felt lips press softly against her forehead before she nestled herself into her lover's neck and drifted off to sleep.

x-x

"I can't believe you, Ron." Ginny sighed as her brother sat at her and Harry's kitchen table. It had been two days since Hermione had left Ron and he had been with his sister and best friend since, moping around like a puppy who'd lost its master. "Seriously, I don't even know how I should feel about this besides angry." Ron just groaned as Ginny sipped on her tea, not looking at the red headed man.

"Don't rub it in Ginny."

"Oh, but I feel like I should." She retorted angrily as she narrowed her eyes at her brother. "If anything, just so you understand the seriousness of what you did to one of your best friends." Harry sighed as he sat down next to his wife and gave her a pleading look that caused Ginny to roll her eyes. "Fine, I'll lay off, but you better apologize to Hermione AND Jade. She rescues your daughter and how did you repay her? Did you even say thank you?"

"I don't really remember." Ginny groaned as she shook her head at her brother's lack of perception. "Look I wasn't really focusing on thanking her since she was the one that got Rose kidnapped in the first place AND she shagged my girlfriend."

"While you were off shagging every other girl across the world" His sister shot back as Harry sighed heavily, he should know by now that stopping Ginny from arguing with someone when she knew she was right was fruitless. "Have you even tried to talk to Hermione?" Ron shook his head. "You should try."

"Start with," Harry intervened as he tapped his finger against his chin. "'I'm sorry Hermione, I didn't mean to blow up and punch Jade or smack you'. Oh and don't forget to apologize for cheating on her too."

"It's not that easy." The red head groaned as he let his forehead fall against the wooden table with a thud. Ginny closed her eyes calmly before getting up slowly, walking over to the stove and grabbing a wood spoon. She then walked back over to the table, sat down and proceeded to whack Ron on the back of the head. "What the bloody hell, Gin?!"

"It's not that easy?" Ginny repeated smacking her brother on the head again. "What's so hard about it Ronald? What's so hard to look a very good friend of yours in the eyes and say sorry? Especially when she rightly deserves a bloody speech of apology from you."

"I know, Ginny," He sighed heavily before rubbing the spot on the back of his head where the spoon had made contact. "I just can't face her. I feel awful, really, but how can I just owl her up and say sorry? She probably won't even talk to me, or McHale won't let her near me."

"Understandable." Harry added calmly as he sipped his tea and Ron shot him a glare. "Look, I'll talk to McHale at the office this morning and we'll figure something out. She's a very reasonable person when you're not acting like a git." Ron rolled his eyes and huffed as Ginny took her cup to the sink and sighed.

"I don't know if I can fully trust Jade yet." She added calmly as she ran a hand through her hair. "I saw her at the club the other night with Fleur, didn't they date before?"

"You dated Dean before." The bespectacled man said as he took a bite of his toast and looked over his shoulder at her. "Does that mean I shouldn't trust you if I see you and him in the same establishment at some point?" Ginny rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Good. I'll talk to Jade today then."

x-x

Jade was sitting in her office with Rose in a bouncer next to her, giggling away as she worked on her reports for the day. The lycan had offered to watch the little girl as Hermione recovered her things from her old place and get some work done in her office. The lycan knew that the brunette would bury herself in work to try and forget about the events of the past few days, so she made Hermione promise that they'd meet up for lunch today. She was signing some forms when there was a knock on her door and blue eyes snapped up.

"Come in," She said as she turned her attention back down to her work and her door creaked open. When she looked back up, Ginny Weasley-Potter was gently shutting the door as she walked towards Jade. "Mrs. Potter, is there something I can help you with?" Jade set her pen down and folded her hands on the desk as Rosie cooed quietly next to her.

"There is actually." The red head said calmly as she walked forward and sat down in one of the chairs in front of the lycan's desk. "Are you and Hermione involved?"

"I think that's a rather personal, yet obvious question." Jade said flatly glancing up at the red head before putting her attention back on her work.

"Well you are babysitting my niece." Ginny retorted as she glanced down at Rose. "Hermione's daughter, so I think I can ask a personal, obvious question." Jade lifted her head and sighed before rubbing her temples.

"Hermione and I are together." The lycan answered finally as she looked into caramel colored eyes and sighed. "Why do you ask?"

"Because she was recently with my brother," The red head said firmly as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Who, I agree, is a complete arse, but he's still my brother. Also, I saw you with Fleur at the club and I want to make sure you're not going to lead my friend on."

"What I do on my own time with my friends is none of your concern," Jade said professionally as she straightened up and narrowed her eyes slightly at the fiery red head, not pleased with the accusation. "I don't feel I need to prove my feelings for Hermione to you or defend my friendship with Miss Delacour."

"Well you do." Ginny stated as she met Jade's gaze and held firm. "She's one of my best friends and I'm just as mad at Ron as you are."

"I don't think that's possible." The older woman chuckled softly as she stood up and placed her hands on the desk. "Listen, I understand you're coming from a good place to try and help Hermione, but I assure you, I'm the very last person you need to worry about. Fleur and I are friends, good friends and that's all you need to know on the subject."

"If there's more to know then I think that's not all I need to know." Ginny stood and clenched her hands into fists as the two women continued their stare down. "Hermione is family since she is the mother of my only niece and I will not have her get hurt again because you seduced your way into her bed while Ron was away."

"Like Ron didn't leave me an open door." Jade hissed as she tightened her jaw, annoyed at the fact that this girl would come into her office and accuse her of seducing the brunette. "He practically left his own house in shambles for me to clean up and I did. I kept Hermione and Rose safe, I don't see him knocking on my door to see his daughter. Instead I see his sister where he should be. You're more of a man than he is."

"You two used to be friends," The red head was getting frustrated. This woman was almost as sharp as Ginny herself and that was saying something since she didn't really care whose feelings she would hurt to make sure things were set right. "What happened to that? I understand Ron cheated on Hermione while he was gone, but you didn't know that and you still went after her."

"I felt guilty about it when I didn't know of Ron's infidelity," The lycan sighed before standing up straight and running a hand through her hair. "I did, truly, but after finding out what he did to her and then seeing for myself what he could do, I have no remorse or guilt for taking Hermione away. She needs someone that is trustworthy and reliable and we both know that that someone isn't Ron. Hell, he can't even get to work on time! So, if you're trying to make me feel guilty for 'stealing Hermione away from him', as he so puts it, it won't work. She deserves someone better than him and if not me than it surely would've been someone else. It only would've been a matter of time." Jade sat back down with a calming breath before closing her eyes and collecting herself. "Visit her, see for yourself the difference that being away from him has done. She glows now. She was being suffocated there and with me she can breathe, so if you don't mind, I appreciated your visit, but it's time for you to leave." Ginny didn't really know what else to say. Jade was right, on all accounts and she knew this, but would never admit it. So instead, the red head nodded and stood up silently before turning towards the door. "If you ever want to visit Rose you can, you are her family after all." Caramel eyes glanced over at the infant and then to Jade who was staring calmly back at her.

"I think I will." The youngest Weasley nodded her head slightly before opening the door, letting in the chatter of the people outside of Jade's office. "Thank you for your time, Miss McHale." And with that, Ginny closed her door again and walked away. Jade groaned as she leaned forward and held her head in her hands. She didn't know dealing with Ron's sister could be so intense and she found herself slightly drained from defending herself. Either way, Rosie demanded her attention as she started banging on the trashcan next to the lycan's desk and squealing loudly. Blue eyes glanced at the wall clock to her right and smiled at the demanding child.

"Bored already?" The lycan smirked as she rose and lifted the baby out of the bouncer. "You didn't find that conversation entertaining with your aunt? Well, why don't we get you something to eat and then find something that will keep you occupied." Another knock on her door made the lycan groan in frustration as she set Rosie on her knee. "Yes?"

"Ma'am?" Harry poked his head in and Jade released a sigh of relief as she motioned for him to come in. "Sorry if I'm disturbing you, but can I talk to you for a moment? It's…well it's about Ron."

"Please do," Jade sighed again as Rosie squealed and smiled brightly at Harry, showing off her two new teeth that were sprouting up. "I seem to be getting a lot of chatter on the subject as of late. Go ahead, say what you need to say."

"Well," Harry shook his head slightly and took a deep breath. He had worked with Jade for two years now and had always been intimidated by her talent and gaze. Now that she was his boss, it made her that much more threatening. "I just wanted to ask if you and Hermione would be open to having dinner with Ginny, Ron and I at my place? He would really like to apologize, but is afraid Hermione wouldn't even see him."

"Harry," The lycan said calmly as she held her hand up and silenced him. "I've always admired your loyalty to your friends and your moral fiber, but you and I both know that if he wants to apologize to Hermione, you shouldn't be here talking to me. He should be asking Hermione herself. I can't make decisions for her and I certainly won't be making one about this." Harry nodded, as much as he wanted this to work out, Ron had to suck it up and ask Hermione for her forgiveness. "All I can do is bring it up to her, but from there it's all her. So why don't you talk to Ron and see if he'll contact her. You've known her for years, Harry, so you must know that she holds her friends close to her. I don't think she'd ever completely shun either of you forever."

"I know," The man adjusted his glasses before a small smile spread on his face. "Do you remember, in your seventh year at Hogwarts, the Triwizard Tournament?" Jade nodded as Harry continued. "Ron and I were fighting because he thought I put my name in and didn't tell him, he thought I wanted all that attention. And that whole time we weren't talking, she never picked sides. She's always tried to be fair with us whenever Ron and I would get in a row, but this, this is different. I don't know if she'll ever forgive him."

"He can only ask," Jade lifted Rose and rested the baby on her shoulder as she walked towards the man and put a calming hand on his shoulder. "She's your best friend Harry, and no matter what happens between her and Ron, I hope you don't pick sides either. If Hermione chooses to never speak to Ron again, he'll need you to eventually rebuild that bridge because she will try and burn it down." Harry nodded as he smiled sadly at the lycan before taking a deep breath and exhaling loudly.

"Thanks for your input," He said finally as he turned back towards the door and opened it. "How is she doing, by the way?"

"Why don't you go ask her yourself?" A smile spread on the lycan's lips as she saw Hermione walking towards them with a bright smile plastered on her face. Harry waved at his friend who smiled back and then took Rose from Jade's arms. "Ready for lunch?"

"Of course," Hermione answered as she kissed her daughter on the forehead. "I'm starving. Hey, Harry, will you be joining us?" Green eyes glanced at the lycan who just nodded.

"S-sure." The man stuttered as Jade shut her office door and locked it. "As long as I'm not intruding."

"Not at all, Potter." Jade said calmly as Hermione slipped her hand into hers as they began making their way down to the lobby. "As long as Hermione doesn't mind, then I don't."

x-x

"So," Jade said calmly as she rocked a sleeping Rose in her arms. It had been a few hours since Harry had mentioned that Ron wanted to apologize to both of them and Hermione had answered the way that Jade thought she would. "How do you feel about the whole thing?"

"I just want Ron to come to me about it." The brunette said with a sigh as she sat in Jade's leather chair behind her desk. "Why does it always have to be Harry or Ginny that brings the peace offering? Why can't he ever live up to the mistakes he's made and initiate something for himself?"

"Well you are kind of scary when you're mad, love." Blue eyes smirked as Hermione scrunched her face at the pacing lycan. "Honestly though, I've only known Ron for two years, but he seems very…well, prideful."

"You hit the nail on the head." Hermione sat back in the plush office chair and groaned. "I'd have more respect for him if he'd respect me. What do you think I should do?" Jade smiled lovingly at Hermione before making her way over and gently pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"This is something you need to decide." She answered quietly as the brunette took her daughter so Jade could have a break. "I personally don't think I will ever forgive him for laying a hand on you, but he's not my good friend anymore, he's just Ron. So that's up to you. If you think you can forgive him, then I suggest you give it a shot. Lay down your terms, tell him if he really wants to be forgiven then he needs to make a real effort to contact you. Not through Harry or Ginny either. Which reminds me, she stopped by and we had a rather exhausting chat."

"Really?"

"Apparently, she seems to believe Fleur and I have something going on." The lycan sighed as she sat down on the couch and Hermione sat down next to her. "She saw her and I at the club the other night and I guess that means we were dating."

"Ginny always did jump to conclusions." The brunette murmured as Rose crawled over her and onto Jade's lap. "What did she say? Nothing got out of hand, did it?" Jade smirked and shook her head before wrapping and arm around her lover's shoulders.

"Nothing violent, if that's what you mean." Brown eyes looked up at her questioningly as she raised her eyebrows, pressing for more information. "She just wanted to make sure I wasn't leading you on and whatnot, she's very fierce." Suddenly there was an owl pecking at the office window that Hermione recognized as Pig, Ron's owl. The little owl was flitting back and forth on the window ledge impatiently as Hermione rose and opened it so the bird could hop in. "What a flighty little thing." Jade commented as she stood and placed Rose down in her play pen.

"It's Ron's owl." Hermione went over and tried to catch the erratic bird to take the scroll that was attached to his leg. "Ruddy pigeon, stand still!" The brunette finally snatched the little bird who was hooting happily as Jade chuckled behind her while watching the amusing scenario. Brown eyes shot her a warning glare as she unrolled the parchment and scanned the letter. "Ron wants us to go to Ginny and Harry's for dinner tonight."

"Well, that's a start isn't it?" The lycan mentioned as Hermione sighed and set the not back down as Pig was hopping around the Jade's desk animatedly. "What are you going to reply?"

"I think we should." She answered finally as the brunette turned the paper over and wrote a response before reattaching it to the flighty owl. "Do you think it's a good idea?" Jade sighed before wrapping Hermione in a tight hug and kissing her forehead.

"I think that it's wise for you to at least give him a chance at making amends." Jade leaned back slightly and gave the witch a small smile. "You've been friends for years and even though what he did is unforgivable in my eyes, I haven't known him since he was eleven." Hermione nodded before resting her head in the crook of Jade's neck. "I think you two will be happier as friends." Hermione nodded against Jade's neck before the lycan pulled away and leaned down to press her lips against the brunette's softly. Jade's hands rested on Hermione's hips as she felt hands tangle gently in her hair.

"You're very insightful," Hermione whispered as she looked into bright blue eyes. "Did you know that?" Jade just shrugged before the brunette leaned up and gently took the lycan's bottom lip between her teeth. "It's nice to be around someone who has an opinion on what I think." The blue eyed woman chuckled before leaning down and smothering her lover's lips with her own and lifting her slightly until she was sitting on the smooth surface of the office desk. "You'll go with me, won't you?"

"Of course." A small smirk as she leaned up and kissed the brunette again before Hermione's arms wrapped around her neck.

x-x

"What should I do?" Ron said as he paced in Harry's living room nervously. "I mean, how should I go about it? Should I say it right away? Or should I wait till after dinner?" Harry sighed as he set the table and Ginny was finishing up the meal.

"Just apologize, Ron." The man said as he finished placing glasses in front of the plates and then stood up to face his friend. "Probably before dinner so it's not awkward, though I guess it could be awkward either way, but the soon the better, right?."

"Right," The red head said as he ran his hands through his hair. "I'll do it right when she gets here."

"Then you better get your speech ready." Ginny called from the kitchen as she wiped her hands and turned towards her brother. "She and Jade will be here in like five minutes."

"Bugger."

"Just say sorry," Harry said calmly as he put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "And make sure you mean it." Ron nodded as he ran his hands through his hair nervously and sighed. Harry shook his head and walked into the kitchen to assist Ginny. "How do you think it's going to go?"

"It's hard to say," His wife said calmly as she washed her hands. "Jade is very political and slightly intimidating, even to me, but Hermione I'm sure will be reasonable. He just needs to mean it and keep his temper under control." Suddenly there was a soft crack and then a knock on the door. "Sounds like they're here." Harry smiled and slipped out of the kitchen to open the door, as if on cue, Rosie began cooing happily and Ginny went out to greet their guests. "Hermione, Jade, good to see you." The red head smiled as Hermione hugged her while Rose was gently pulling on Jade's hair.

"Hello, Gin." The brunette smiled as she pulled away and took the baby from Jade's arms, then passing the squealing little girl to Ginny who was more than happy to hold her. The lycan held her hand out and Ginny shook it awkwardly as Harry stepped forward and embraced the elder woman. Jade stood there for a moment before smirking and patting the man on the back.

"Hey, Harry." Jade greeted quietly as the man pulled away and smiled at her. "It's good to see you." Ron was standing awkwardly in the corner of the living room wringing his hands together before Ginny gave him a glare and he stepped forward.

"Hi, 'Mione." He said leaning down and giving her a hug that lasted a bit longer than Jade would've liked. "McHale." Ron pulled away, his hands lingering on Hermione's shoulders an awkward nod was all Jade gave the former friend.

"Well this is comfortable, isn't it?" Harry clapped his hands with an uneasy smile on his face. "Why don't you two ladies have a seat, would either of you like a drink?" Hermione smiled at her friend before sitting down on the sofa and motioning for the elder woman to sit down next to her.

"Thanks, Harry." Hermione added as Jade sat down next to her, still eyeing Ron closely as if waiting for an outburst. "Tea is fine for me." Green eyes looked expectantly at Jade who merely shook her head.

"I'm fine, thank you." Jade answered, Harry just nodded as he walked off into the kitchen and Ron sat down in a chair next to the couch and stared at Hermione. "Instead of staring, why don't you say what you want to say to Hermione? I'm pretty sure you're not psychic and she can't read your mind, so stop all the creepy staring." Pale blue eyes just glared as the man growled and then his eyes went from rage to pleading as he looked at the brunette. The elder woman had told herself she was going to choke down her temper, but as soon as she laid eyes on the man, her anger reared its ugly head.

"Could we just talk?" Ron asked quietly as his eyes exuded sadness at the brunette who glanced at Jade and then nodded. Jade continued to glare at the red head and he sighed, seeing that Hermione didn't understand what he had meant. "Can we talk alone?" The lycan growled deeply before Hermione put a gentle hand on her shoulder and bright blue eyes glanced down at the witch who gave her a reassuring smile.

"It's all right, Jade." The brunette whispered as she leaned up and gently placed a lingering kiss on the older woman's cheek. "I'll be ok." Jade's gaze softened as she looked into gentle brown eyes she conceded to her lover as she stood up after placing a soft kiss on Hermione's forehead.

"I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." The lycan shot one last look at Ron before making her way into the kitchen. Hermione crossed her legs and sighed as Ron ran his hands through his hair and gave the woman a sheepish look.

"Well, Ron?" Hermione asked expectantly as she looked over towards her ex and he flinched slightly under her gaze.

"Listen, Hermione," Ron said finally with a huff as he leaned forward so his elbows were resting on his knees. It was clear to the brunette that he was nervous and rightly so since she didn't have any sympathy for the man, but she was ready to put the confrontation behind her and get back to being friends. "I'm very, truly sorry for how I've been treating you lately and for…for cheating on your while I was away, but I want to put this behind us and I want you to come back." Hermione tensed slightly as she looked at the red head and he stared at her with pleading eyes. "Please, 'Mione, I miss you and Rose, honestly, I do and I want you both to come back home." A heavy sigh escaped the brunette's lungs as ran a hand through her hair to push stray curls behind her ear.

"I appreciate your apology, Ronald." She chimed firmly before locking eyes with the man. "But I'm not coming back, we both know you're not ready to be a father and our relationship is very much over."

"But I can change!" The man shouted as he stood up and took a step towards Hermione who just folded her arms over her chest. "I can Hermione! I'll be a better father and I'll be a better boyfriend to you! We…we can start over and…and get married!"

"Are you serious?" Hermione leaned forward suddenly, anger coursing through her body as she glared at the Weasley man in front of her. "You'd think I'd want to marry you just because you apologized?! Because you're spitting out empty words? Ron, even if we did get back together I would not marry you! You cheated on me with three different women!"

"You slept with that lycan whore!" Blue eyes were blazing as his rage flew out of control and his hands clenched tightly into fists while Hermione flew to her feet, meeting his blazing glare. "But you'll go shack up with her instead of staying home with me!? I'm Rose's father, she belongs with me!"

"Don't you dare bring Jade into this like it's her fault!" Hermione's patience had run thin as she stared off with Ron, her teeth clenched tight as he rolled his eyes. "If something hadn't been lacking from my life maybe I wouldn't have gravitated towards Jade's kindness while she was here taking care of Rose and I when you were away, but she did not initiate anything between us, Ron. I did, I kissed her because she was fulfilling something that you left void even when you were home and it just felt right. She cared about me, showed me I wasn't just another notch on her bedpost and she showed me what life with someone I love should be like and it's certainly not with you!" In Ron's rage he turned and knocked a vase off of the fireplace mantle and within seconds Jade was in the room standing between her lover and the taller man.

"Take a breath, Ronald." Jade hissed as she blocked Hermione protectively, blue eyes glowing dimly as her muscles tensed involuntarily. Harry and Ginny were standing in the threshold of the kitchen and watching closely as the enraged red headed man's eyes narrowed at the lycan in front of him. "You know damn well that I could put you down without any effort, but we should have respect for Ginny and Harry's home." Jade's voice was level and firm as she glared at the man and suddenly Ron felt ashamed as he looked down at the broken vase. The fact that he had once again lost his temper with Hermione and that someone had to intervene to keep him from possibly hurting her again was terribly sobering as he sat back down in the chair.

"I love Jade, Ron." The brunette spoke quietly as she stepped around the raven haired woman and looked down at her ex with conviction. "It was sudden and unexpected, but after I stopped fighting my attraction to her it was very evident. She takes good care of Rosie and I, and I'm not going to leave her to come back and try and fix things with you just because you're Rose's father. You have to understand and accept that fact right now or I doubt we will be seeing each other again." Her words fell heavy on Ron's ears as he closed his eyes and his jaw tightened visibly before silently nodding. He knew Hermione was right, if she would've come back, sure he would've tried to make things better, but the truth was that he would probably falter and betray her again.

"Well," Harry said trying to break the tension that was thick in the atmosphere. "Why don't we eat, hm? Sometimes a full stomach can calm one's nerves, yeah?" Rosie cooed happily in Ginny's arms as Hermione turned towards her friend and the baby practically launched herself towards her mother. Rose instantly put Hermione at ease as the baby smiled brightly, showing off her new teeth to everyone who was willing to look, it was as if she was trying to pull their attention away from the stressful situation.

"She's such a people pleaser." Jade smiled as she put an arm around her love and placed a gentle kiss on the top of the strawberry blonde's head. "Come on, Hermione, let's see if Harry's thoughts are correct and food will diffuse this ordeal." The brunette nodded as she walked into the kitchen with Jade's hand on the small of her back protectively. Ron just sat in the living room with his head in his hands. In less than a month his life had been torn apart and it was his fault. He had betrayed his best friends and hurt his girlfriend out of rage, and now he was suffering for it. Karma sure did know how to kick someone when they were down.