So, its been a while. It's not that I try to be evil, but my laptop is bust. This, I was able to type up because I'm housesitting for my mother. I'd love a review too, even if it's just to tell me off for taking too long!

"A dragon egg? Merlin give me strength," Petunia muttered to herself. She wasn't quite sure if she actually wanted to know the thoughts that flitted through the mind of Albus Dumbledore. She sighed, looking skyward for a moment. "We can't tell, let alone involve, Minerva in this."

"And, pray tell, why ever not? She is the Deputy Headmistress, after all?" Severus asked.

"Exactly that," Harry cut in, surprising Severus. "If we were to be exposed, not only Dumbledore, but Minerva would be questioned…" He trailed off, now that Severus was following the train of thought.

"Adding other avenues of investigation; especially if Veritaserum is used." Severus concluded. "Why not simply have a concerned conversation with the Minister? The man practically salivates at the mere thought of speaking to either of you."

Harry didn't agree with this idea. While it was a good solution, Hagrid wasn't all that culpable. The 'old blood' of the Wizengamot would quickly decide, or Fudge himself would, that Hagrid wasn't mentally capable, being a 'half-breed' and ship him away; it wouldn't be to St. Mungos. Either that or Fudge would begin rail-roading them if Dumbledore wore the Minister down and whispered in his ear once more.

"The question is," Petunia said, throwing down the gauntlet. "Do we still want Albus Dumbledore at Hogwarts?"

. . .

"So, it is true then." The voice croaked. "That turncoat Snape, really is Dumbledore's spy."

"M-master, p-perhaps we should t-t-test Snape?" A servant pitifully asked, or rather, whimpered.

"Test?" The voice mused, "Just when I think, my loyal servant, you were more cowardly and degenerate than Wormtail, you surprise me."

"M-master? Please, I a-apologise for my-"

"Quiet, fool!" The voice whispered, silencing its servant's cries. "I think it is high time we made contact with our slippery friend, Lucius."

"T-to Malfoy Manor?"

"To Malfoy Manor, my dear Aurora."

. . .

Hermione knew she wasn't pretty, and she certainly knew she wasn't a pure-blood, or a half-blood. She was a Mudblood. However, that didn't explain the Gringotts letter sitting on her desk in front of her.

She didn't even have an account at Gringotts.

Why on earth were they writing to her; Hermione Jean Granger? She had only ever spent less than five minutes inside the beautiful bank that seemed to be a marble masterpiece. She hadn't even gone through the golden doors that a goblin had informed her not only led to the vaults, but were worth at least eight million galleons – apiece! She had only exchanged Muggle money for Wizarding with her parents.

No, Hermione knew she wasn't pretty.

But she was smart. Incredibly so. It was only February and she was named the brightest witch of her age by her professors; rivalling Lily Evans. She was certainly smart enough to figure out what Gringotts wanted from her. Even though she had barely visited, she knew from just looking at the goblins' and their bank; they were a warrior race, reduced to waiting on Wizards for business; relying on them to survive. So they prided themselves in their business, made it their own; they made it the only bank in Wizarding Britain.

Her mind wandering with possibilities, Hermione opened the letter.

. . .

Dear Aunt Tuney,

It appears that Hermione is not who she appears to be, at least genetically, after she got a letter from the goblins. She almost told me in the Great Hall, but, being lost for words – something I never thought I'd witness – she shoved the letter at me and I quickly moved the conversation to a room that would have everything we required.

The goblins have raised concerns and require a meeting with her. What is not known, is why my presence is also required. I know for a fact that she is not a part of our linage.

The meeting is set for the first of March, the letter doesn't say that your presence is required but they will know you will be attending anyway.

Also, our friend's problem with his pet has been resolved, although we did earn a detention from Professor McGonagall, she understood the circumstances but rules are rules.

Love,

Harry.

. . .

Petunia,

I believe it is time we had a meeting date befitting our relationship. Meet me at our old haunt, on Friday at 8pm. Please, wear something appropriate; before you set Minerva on me, I have already outfitted myself.

Severus.

. . .

Severus,

You really are pushing the boat out, aren't you dear? I will be there.

Don't make the mistake of wearing god-awful cologne again, like when we were eighteen.

Tuney

. . .

"Here, of all places, Sev?" Petunia asked, fingering the carvings on the tree beside her.

"It seemed fitting." Severus answered, a hint of a smile on his lips. It was time.

Petunia and Severus, the carving read.

Forever

"Forever indeed." Severus said, motioning to the tree, before moving towards the sandpit nearby and removing his shoes.

"You know, Sev," Petunia giggled. "I believe I haven't seen you wear jeans since we were eighteen either." She joined him in the sandpit, leaving her shoes by the tree. "The Spinners End playground at sunset, I've got to give you points for originality, dear."

"The very place we met, so touché." Severus retorted. He rifled through the hamper at his feet and pulled out two sandwiches, handing one to Petunia.

Petunia quirked a brow. "The place where we met and a picnic at sunset? What do you have planned, boy?"

Severus laughed heartily in a way that he hadn't for years, it felt alien to him, yet right at the same time. "Not one bite of a sandwich and you figure it out, there's the woman I love." He leaned over, gliding his lips on hers for a single, electrifying moment. His rough, chapped lips were full of heat that made her breathless. They glided again, until the world melted, before he finally pulled away, breathless himself. Fumbling shakily, he pulled a ring from his pocket.

"Your mother's ring," Petunia whispered.

"Marry me, Petunia. Actually marry me this time." The single second of silence overwhelmed him until he heard that whispered word.

"Yes."