I have to say I'm so sorry for not updating this in ages. I'll explain my reasons at the end of this chapter and let you know about future updates.

Thanks a million to my beta ObsessedRHShipper. Also, a especial shout out to heronlove for encouraging me to update even if it took time and to new reviewers who said they really wanted to read more

Adstringo Matrimon Part 2

Ron ran to his room at Grimmauld Place and fell limp on the bed. After yet another argument with his mum about the upcoming meeting with the Davies, he needed to settle down. This was really happening now and he couldn't betray his family. So the love that he had confessed to had to end. It had to be over. He lay on his bed and mumbled, "She's going to hate me." He thought of Hermione - their first kiss during the Masquerade, the secret passionate snogging that followed, and the more intimate moments they had shared. It had felt so right to do that with her, so… meant to be.

He didn't know what to do. He couldn't allow his family to suffer the consequences of a broken engagement. They would lose the Burrow and have to deal with the Wizengamot, and it would possibly be Azkaban for him and even for Hermione. Ron didn't want to lose her. He didn't want to let her go. But he didn't want to hurt her either. He couldn't risk having her go to Azkaban because of him. He had to let their relationship go.

Ron grabbed a piece of parchment and tried for what seemed like the millionth time to write a letter explaining what had happened and why they couldn't be together. But, every time he started, he felt like a right bastard. How could he tell her about these things in writing? He couldn't even think of how to talk to her about this in person, much less write about it. But it needed to be done. Estella had threatened him with the worst hexes in history if he didn't let Hermione know about this soon. It had been rather scary to hear her argue with him and George at the twins' flat.

-x-x-x-x- Flashback -x-x-x-x-

"I asked you Ron! I asked you when we were in Myrtle's bathroom if there was anything you needed to say to Hermione and you said no! You said no, so I helped you! Lying prat!" Estella accused.

"I didn't know!"

"Yeah right!"

"He really didn't know love," George added.

"Don't call me that right now! And don't try to lie to me because I'm sure that YOU must have known!"

"I told you when you asked that I wasn't sure! I said that mum and dad usually broke the news when we were fourteen and since that had not happened to Ron, I thought he was free. But now we know mum and dad were just waiting for the Anna girl to move back to England. And I didn't know you were asking because you were playing cupid and lending out my books," George replied.

That was obviously the wrong thing to say because the Slytherin looked like daggers would come out of her eyes. Then she took a breath and venomously answered, "And I'm supposed to believe you because you've never lied about things like this before. Oh no, I forgot, you didn't lie, you just omitted the truth."

"Would you please let that go?" George said.

"I thought I could, but apparently no. I'm done having this conversation," Estella stated before casting a hex that left George unable to talk. "Now you!" she pointed, looking straight at Ron. "You better tell her the truth as soon as possible. If you think that I will take on the task of breaking this news, you are so mistaken. And if I do end up having to do that I will sure as hell make you regret it," she threatened. Then, without further discussion, she dissaparated. Her departure left Ron feeling shittier than before. He not only had to deal with the situation, but now he had caused a row between George and his girlfriend. At least George knew the counter to the hex that Estella had cast and was able to write it down so Ron could fix him.

-x-x-x-x- End Flashback -x-x-x-x-

It had taken over a week and running into a weepy and vulnerable Ginny for Estella to finally believe that Ron had not known about the engagement and to make-up with George. At least now, Ron had someone that would try to help him deliver a letter with the news and talk to Hermione to help her deal with what was happening. But still, even with Estella's help and his brothers' support, this bloody situation was unbearable! Hermione invaded his thoughts every second and having to break it off with her was slowly consuming him. On top of it, he couldn't stand looking at his little sister. Ginny had always been full of life. She'd always had a fighting spirit. But now her spark was missing. He had talked to her and he understood why she was so upset.

"Just the idea of kissing him is weird. Neville is a good friend, like a cousin or even another brother. I just… I can't do this, Ron," she had said.

Another week passed until Hermione was cornered in her room by Estella. It was odd since she had though the Slytherin was avoiding her, but now she wanted to talk. Of course, the first thing Hermione asked about was Ron.

"Well… he's fine," Estella answered hesitantly.

"Is something wrong?"

"He's fine. It's… umm... he… well you… here," Estella stammered as she pulled out a letter from her satchel.

Hermione's face brightened and she tore the envelope like a child opening a Christmas present. The first few sentences puzzled her. Ron told her he loved her, but that he was sorry. He was extremely apologetic and Hermione didn't quite understand until… Merlin!

"Engaged! Who is Anna?"

"Keep reading, please. I really hope he explained more so just finish reading it," Estella begged. Then the Slytherin cast a silencing charm around the room.

At this point Hermione practically lost her colour, but managed to continue to read. She tried to understand what Ron's letter was explaining - the contract, the engagement, the end of their relationship… The feeling that suddenly riled up inside her was indescribable. She felt sad, helpless, angry, betrayed… she didn't even know how she felt. For a moment, Hermione thought she wasn't breathing anymore and then she heard, "Are you all right?"

She turned around and looked at Estella's concerned face. "All right? Am I all right?"

"Yeah, Hermione, are you okay?"

"No! No, no, no! I'm not bloody alright! This can't be real! Ron couldn't do this! Mr and Mrs Weasley couldn't do this! It's a lie! Why would you give me this? What kind of a sick joke is this?"

"It's not a joke. It's -"

"No!" Hermione yelled one last time. Then she sat on her bed and broke down. Estella ran to her, hugged her, and sneakily skimmed through the letter. Then Hermione cried on the Slytherin's shoulder for what felt like an eternity.

"I've never heard of Adstringo Matrimon before. I've lived in the magical world for over five years and not heard of this. How could this be true?" Hermione uttered between sobs.

"It's wizarding tradition."

"But… how? Is everyone married this way? This doesn't make any sense!"

"Most people think it's better to shush it until it's time to deal with the issue. Plus it gives engaged people time to try out stuff with someone else. It's awful. But almost all pureblood families maintain the tradition though no one really likes to talk about it."

"So everyone... Ginny, Fred, George, Draco, you… you are all engaged?"

"Not everyone. Ginny is engaged to Neville and Draco to Pansy Parkinson. I've never been engaged by the contract; and Fred and George are not engaged anymore."

"Anymore… So they were engaged before and broke it off. Ron doesn't have to be engaged!"

"It's not that easy. Fred and George's fiancés both died and that's how they got away with not getting married."

"What about half-bloods? Severus… Tonks… How–"

"Most half-bloods are sons or daughters of purebloods that were never engaged or who managed to avoid their marriage. Severus' mother ran away with that muggle and was disowned. But her family still paid the penalties and bribed the Wizengamot to avoid her prosecution. They looked at her and Severus as a disgrace until they died. And the Blacks disowned my aunt Andromeda but one of her uncles paid the price to stop a full trial. That's one of the reasons Malfoy hates the Blacks and hurt Aunt Cissy… and got the Dark Lord to… do what he did to my mom, and later kidnapped Uncle Ted without any consequences. Once a witch or wizard has been involved in breaking Adstringo Matrimon the wizarding world turns its back on them. Aunt Andromeda couldn't even file a missing wizard report! Tonks became an Auror to find her father and Harry luckily found him. I'm sorry Hermione. I know how you feel-"

"You know how I feel! You're happily dating George, who is not engaged! You have no bloody idea how I feel!" accused Hermione as she angrily stood and moved away.

"I know this isn't easy. But at least Ron has always been honest with you. And I do know how you feel. George was engaged too."

-x-x-x-x-x- Flashback -x-x-x-x-x-

"Stop for a second. About Chloe -" George managed to say before she interrupted.

"I don't care what you do. But I'd rather not have to keep track of which night you get with me, which one you are with Edgecombe, and which one you're in your own bed or with someone else. I don't have time for that, so take your things,"

"Estella please listen t-"

"Don't worry. Everything will be kept a secret because nothing here is your business."

"You are my business!" George answered. "My... business partner," he added after noticing the murderous glare she suddenly gave him.

"Business is over," she said approaching her dresser and getting a velvet bag out of it. "If I haven't paid you enough to cover all the services you have provided, this should do it. You won't get another Knut from me," she added sarcastically as she threw the bag filled with galleons at him.

"I don't want your money!" he said angrily throwing the bag on the floor.

"Right," she answered with sarcasm.

"I'm trying!"

"I'd say you did quite well. You got plenty of money and some hopefully decent shags, and now you can move on."

"I can explain! Chloe is -"

"Not my problem," she said calmly with that horrible empty look of hers.

"But -"

"We're done here," she said as she shut the suitcase and took it out of the room.

"Wait!" he exclaimed, but his plea fell on deaf ears. "Stop!"

He heard her murmur something and then he felt it. A hex that got his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth so he couldn't say another thing. He followed her and they made it to the living room.

George tried his best to scream, but nothing. He made hand signals and even got in her way. But, she cast a weird charm that kept him a good foot away from her. She reopened the case and packed the last of the wheezes, which were on the dining room table. Once done, she shrunk the wooden box and left it by his feet. Then she headed to the exit and said, "Finite Incantatem."

"It's Adstringo Matrimon!" he yelled right as she opened the trapdoor that led to the tunnel.

She stopped dead in her tracks and looked at him with surprise.

"Chloe and I, we're under Adstringo Matrimon."

"You are bonded under the marriage contract?" she asked, for once letting him see a hint of pain in her eyes.

"Yeah."

"That is unbreakable and you cheated on your fiancé."

"No. Chloe and I came to an agreement two years ago right after our parents told us. She didn't even like me then, so we agreed to forget about the engagement until we were of age and had to make it official. I got to do whatever I wanted with different witches while she stuck to her own business."

"Whatever you wanted..." she murmured.

"I meant -"

"Oh shut it. You got Chloe Edgecombe to make a deal with you so you could freely shag whomever you pleased. But you still had her stuck to you with the contract. She's trapped as the one that has to take you in the end."

"It wasn't like that!"

"I don't care!"

He moved closer to her as he tried to explain, "You don't understand, the deal was in part her idea. Chloe had a few boyfriends, so it was all even. I don't know what got into her; she suddenly was interested, and I'd been drinking and you -"

"I was your business associate, nothing more," she added coolly.

He took hold of her and hugged her tightly as he began to speak, "But you and I -"

"We're a simple transaction, let me go," she ordered not returning his hug at all.

"Don't lie. I know I hurt you and I'm really sorry. I -"

"Stop flattering yourself! I told you when this started that it meant nothing! It still means nothing and that's why I'm ending it!" she yelled losing her composure and trying to push him away from her.

"It's alright, gorgeous; I can explain," he said soothingly and then he kissed her.

It barely lasted a second because right away she bit him and followed that with a nasty scream, "Take the money!"

Then she hit him between the legs with her knee. He fell down immediately, taken over by the pain. That was uncalled for!

"You hypocrite," he mumbled in an accusing tone while still lying on the ground.

"What?"

"You get to end things between us because I have to be with someone else. But this is your fault too! I tried to tell you about the engagement after the first shag. I tried, but you wouldn't listen! And what about your secrets? You strut around school pretending to be a loner that has no Slytherin friends. But you simply keep them quiet."

"What are talking about?"

"I saw you with Malfoy!" he argued as he slowly recovered and stood up.

"You know nothing about him! How dare you follow me?" she yelled.

"I didn't follow you! I just checked on the map to make sure you were alright. And what do I get for my trouble? You and Malfoy together in the potion's closet! But I respected our agreement and I didn't make a fuss!"

"Of course you didn't! You were too busy snogging your fiancé practically in my face!"

"Look, I'm -"

"I said I don't care! I'm not your girlfriend! I'm not even your friend!"

"I'm sorry I hurt you I just -"

"Oh please!"

"I know how you feel. I saw you crying on Malfoy's shoulder, you cried over me, and I lo-" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he felt her fist connecting against the right side of his face. She hit him so hard that it left him dizzy. Once the throbbing pain of her punch had diminished, he realized that he was stuck in place and his limbs would not respond.

The she venomously hissed, "You don't get to hurt me. I am the one that used you. I wanted to know about the wheezes because I thought they could be good to use against my enemies. That's why I talked to you. That's why I paid you. And I always found ways to turn your pranks into potential weapons."

"What?"

"I used you for your products. I used you to find better ways to deal with arses like Montague and Bletchley. And your tricks have certainly proven to be useful."

"But, you were a virgin, you couldn't have -"

"Used whatever means I needed to get what I wanted. I'm a Slytherin and I told you it was no big deal. I had to lose it sooner or later and you were good at sex and, as I said, very useful."

"You tricked me?"

"Don't pretend to be upset. But remember that I played you, NOT the other way around."

"That's not true -"

"Why don't you go shag your unknowing fiancé? I'm sure she'll gladly take you again and I don't give a shit. So don't worry about me. Thanks to you, I know how to take it in all sorts of ways, so shagging shouldn't be an issue. I'm sure I'll easily find a willing git."

"Don't say that!" he yelled standing perfectly still because of the hex.

"What I say is not your business."

"It hurts!"

She turned her back on him and they stayed silent for what seemed like forever.

"You should leave. Take your things," she said with a controlled voice that seemed void of emotion. She picked up the tiny box from the floor, approached him, and placed it in his pocket before stepping away. His body suddenly loosened and he was able to move.

"I'm -"

"Go."

"Estella, just -"

"Go find Chloe and leave me alone."

"Please let me explain. I never meant -"

"Leave! If you don't, I'll hex you and then send a Patronus to my cousin saying that you forced me to bring you here," she threatened.

"That's a lie. You can't -"

"Lie or not, I get what I want. Right now, I fancy you gone," she said calmly.

"For Merlin's sake, just -"

"I'll do it. I'll tell Ely that you seduced me, and that you tricked me into having sex with you while you were engaged. Once he's done with you everyone will be able to tell the difference between you and your twin. And when my aunt and uncle find out, their money and power will ensure you spend the rest of your life in Azkaban for breaking the marriage contract," she said in an eerie tone.

"Estella... listen to me, I -"

"Leave!"

"Please!"

"You have until I count to three!" she yelled raising her wand against him.

"One!"

"I love you!"

"Liar! Two!"

"I'm not lying!"

"Three!"

She threw so many hexes in his direction, it was horrifying. George practically flew through the trapdoor of the Shrieking Shack. Estella cast an imperturbable charm and a repelling hex for good measure. Then she sat on one of the couches and finally let out tears.

-x-x-x-x-x- End Flashback -x-x-x-x-x-

"But you're together," Hermione said.

"I eventually forgave him."

"Even though he lied to you?"

"Yeah, well… He was being honest about trying to tell me. But I didn't let him. I wanted things between us to be a fling… to be just about his wheezes and taking advantage of him. So, anytime he tried to be serious and talk, I would stop him. I didn't want to fall in love with him, but I did. Plus I haven't always been honest either and he's put up with it. So I figured we were even. And I just… love him."

"And when Chloe died in the train attack you two were free to be together."

"That sounds horrible, but yeah."

"Did Ron lie to me?" Hermione murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

"No. He didn't know. Honest. I accused him and George about knowing. But, then I talked to Ginny. She was a wreck and told me all about the night Molly and Arthur broke the news to them. I can confirm that Ron didn't know. He's just as devastated as you. I'm pretty sure he loves you."

"It doesn't matter! It doesn't matter if he loves me or if he's being honest! He's engaged!"

"The portkey is set, Ronnie. Are you ready?" Molly asked loudly.

Ron looked at himself in the mirror and yelled, "I'll be right down!" Then he took a deep breath and joined his parents.

The portkey instantaneously took them to Salcombe. The Davies had just moved to a large house in that area. Had Ron been in a better mood, he would have thought the place was brilliant and that the backyard overlooking the ocean would make an excellent quidditch pitch. Instead, Ron experienced a flash of nausea and dread as he walked through the main door.

"Molly!" Ron heard.

"Andrea!" his mother answered as she approached a tall, slender, silver haired woman. Ron correctly guessed she was Mrs Davie.

"It's been ages. I've missed you," she said.

"Me too dear," answered Molly.

"Arthur," greeted a skinny man with light brown hair and a goatee.

"John, it's great to see you."

"You too mate!"

"And this must be Ronald! You've gotten so big," said Mrs Davie tenderly as she approached to hug Ron.

He awkwardly hugged back and said, "Yeah, it's me."

Then, in a way that reminded Ron way to much of his mother, Mrs Davie called her daughter. "Anna, get down here and greet your fiancée! Hurry for Merlin's sake, you look just fine!"

And there she was, Anna Davie, a pretty girl with long blonde hair and large green eyes. Her young face was round, her cheeks rosy, and her smile flawless.

After an awkward greeting, Ron sat between Anna and her father at the dining table. As they ate the feast that Mrs Davie had prepared for the occasion, Anna glanced at Ron and periodically giggled. Meanwhile, the two younger Davie boys made of them with kissing noises.

"Lance! Thomas! Would you desist!" their mother admonished.

"Alright," they said with sad faces. But once their mum turned away, they resumed the mockery with a more muted tone.

"Prats," Ron whispered.

"What?" Anna asked.

"Nothing."

After the meal the younger boys were sent up to their rooms while everyone else walked to a sitting room for pudding.

"Ron, you should walk with Anna outside. The sea looks beautiful," Molly suggested.

"That's a great idea! You two need to get to know each other," Mrs. Davie added.

"Anna, you should show Ron the boat," Mr. Davie recommended.

"Is it a muggle one?" Arthur asked excitedly

"You would love it…" John began to answer.

As the adults became wrapped up in conversation, Anna grabbed Ron's hand and practically dragged him out the door. They walked outside for a bit until they reached a beautiful beach and then Anna began talking nonstop. She described living in France and how she couldn't wait to return to Britain because her mother had described it as a wonderful place where she would meet him and marry him. Then she went on and on about all sorts of things that Ron did not pay much attention to.

They got to the pier, then the boat, and then she said, "I really don't know much about this muggle stuff, but my dad is obsessed by it."

"So is mine," Ron answered.

"Really? Daddy has all sorts of gadgets, a car, and now a boat. Mother feared he would try to get one of those escapators out of the metro in Paris."

Ron couldn't help the small laugh that erupted from him. "My dad has a car too. It's a Ford."

"Daddy's is a Peugeot."

After that, Ron and Anna were able to talk for a while, mostly about their fathers' shared obsession with muggles and their artifacts. Ron had to admit, Anna was not so bad. She was like a somewhat cute younger cousin that got a bit annoying once she talked too much, but not a bad person. Still, she was not a girl he would ever fancy. She was not Hermione.

Two weeks after meeting the Davies, the Weasleys were able to return to the Burrow. It was good to be back home, even if it had changed a bit because of rebuilding. Nonetheless, Ginny and Ron continued to feel like life had been sucked out of them. Molly's constant statements about how great Neville and Anna were had been no help.

"Gin?" asked Arthur as he knocked on her door.

"Yeah."

"How are you?"

"Fine," Ginny stated as she let her dad in the room. "Where is mum?"

"She's out with Ron visiting the twins in Diagon Alley. Now, tell your dad the truth about how your feeling. And remember I know you and right now you look like you did when you were little and Molly insisted on putting you in a dress while the boys got dirty and created some sort of havoc."

"Truth is Fred and George were always at the centre of the havoc."

"You never had any part in it?"

"Of course not," she answered with a bit of sassiness.

"There is my little girl," Arthur stated with a smile as he sat next to her. "Sweetheart, I know you are upset, but why don't you give it a chance?"

She remained quiet for a bit and then answered, "I don't know if I can."

"Why? Have you argued with Neville? Has he been -"

"No, no, Neville is fine. He's… Neville. It's just that… he IS Neville. He's my friend not… I don't know dad."

"Ginny, I had a similar conversation with Bill. He told me he just could not find Lena attractive, but they got married and have been happy for years. Sometimes love doesn't just happen. You have to make it work."

"You and mom don't seem to need that. She always said you two met and knew you were meant for each other."

"Well… we are sort of an exception. I haven't met many people who have a love like we do."

"And now I know I can't be among those people," Ginny stated angrily.

Arthur looked at his daughter with sadness and then said, "I'm sorry. I wish…" But before he could continue he was interrupted by his wife's anxious calls.

"Arthur! Arthur!"

"In Ginny's room," he answered. Molly and Ron seemed to arrive within seconds.

"We have to head to the Snapes! Hurry!" Ron pleaded.

"What is wrong?" asked Arthur.

"Severus is dying," Molly answered with sadness.

Hope everyone enjoyed reading this one. I'll try to update once a month (maybe once every two months if my live continues to be as crazy as it's been lately.)

This brings me to why it's taken me ages to update… I had a baby! He's perfect and I'm totally in love. But, between working full-time, part-time college, and a new born my life became insane. We also had some pretty intense family issues we had to help with and I put anything that was not absolutely essential out of my radar. Things are much better now and all I can say is that my husband is a saint and I adore him more now than ever before.

With that in mind I promise to keep working on this story no matter how long it takes me to finish, who knows I may get a PhD by the time I'm done writing this. JK, I really should be done with this before that

Next chapter: The Snape's Love Story