"You've certainly bewitched the mind and ensnared the senses there haven't you Severus?"
A large explosion was the tartan woman's response. Minerva smirked slightly, casting a small shield charm to protect herself from the small bits of tree that rained down near her position. Minerva gave the man a few moments to collect himself before taking another step towards him.
"You speak as though I wished for this to happen." Snape turned on his heel snarling with all it was worth at the woman who looked more amused than afraid.
"Oh do relax, as much as it pains me to say, I am happy for you." Minerva let out a soft sigh running her hand down her robes, "Though I must say, I would never have seen this coming."
oOo
"I'm so sorry for what Ron did to you...Maybe my punch knocked what little was in his brain loose." Harry ran his fingers over his still bruised knuckle looking over the table sheepishly at Hermione. "The ministry has offered to give you a restraining order...if you want it."
"You told the ministry?" Hermione curled her arms around her waist conflicted by shame and relief at his words.
"Just Shacklebolt...I wouldn't do that to you..."
Hermione relaxed back marginally into the kitchen chair before glancing out the back window. Snape and Minerva were nose to nose now and it was clear that neither one of them were having a pleasant conversation.
"Where is he now?"
"At the hospital..." Harry looked down at the table unwilling to voice his concern out loud. He was sure, in his heart of hearts, that Hermione wouldn't have cursed Ron but the fear still lingered.
"It wasn't her." Galia set down a cup of tea before the both of them before turning to look out the back window herself, blocking Hermione's view.
"Wasn't her what?" Hermione gave a wary glance to the tea before slowly raising her eyes to Harry's.
"It's not important." Harry caught the corner of Galia's eye before reaching over the table to take Hermione's hand, "You're safe, that's what's important."
"And I've got my mind back, and right now I've got a mind to kick you until you tell me what I want to know Harry Potter."
"Ron...got what he deserved... that's all..." Harry pulled back his hand when Hermione didn't take it and looked down into his tea.
Hermione pursed her lips, "I didn't want him hurt Harry...I just wanted him out of my life..." Hermione pushed herself up turning out of the kitchen.
"That was brave..." Galia's hand came down to rest heavily on Harry's shoulder, "But she will find out. Are you really sure you want to rekindle your friendship on a lie?"
Harry stared down into the swirling colors beneath his nose, "He did it... didn't he?"
"And what if he did?"
"It's not my place to tell her."
Galia nodded her head giving his shoulder a small squeeze. "You should tell her what you know, after that, your responsibility has ended."
Galia turned slowly when another explosion sent dirt and rocks tumbling down against the window, a deep frown curled her lips. "Honestly. How did any of you survive?"
Harry turned his head as Galia made her way to the back door. He winced slightly when it slammed shut before turning his eyes through the doorway leading into the living room. He knew what he had to do, he just wasn't sure if it was right.
Hermione let out a deep sigh curling into the chair Snape had been sitting in, she could already tell it was his by the lingering smell. Her eyes rose up when Harry came around to sit on the transfigured lounge.
"Hermione..." Harry looked down at his hands fidgeting nervously, "I honestly don't know who cursed Ron. All I do know is that he's going to live."
Hermione nodded her head slowly, tracing her fingers down one of the whisps of silver in her dress. The charm on her neck jingled softly and she suddenly remembered that the chain that held it wasn't hers. Her heart sunk low then, "I'm sorry about my party..."
"No, don't apologize...I would have done the same thing if Ginny...well that's not-the point is, everyone who was there loves you and they understand. There will be other special days we can spend together..."
A soft smile pulled at the corner of her lip and she reached up to pull the chain free, "Please give this back to Ginny...she let me borrow it..."
Harry took the chain with pursed lips. "So... you're not going to come home...?"
"Not right now...I...I need space to think about a lot of things..."
"I understand...just...know that there will always be a home for you with me."
"Thank you, Harry."
oO 4 Months Later Oo
Hermione pulled her cloak tighter around her frame. The bag laden with books on her shoulder shifted and she grunted to push it back into place. December had come quickly, quicker than she had even realized. Her life having had taken on new and wonderfully bright outlook.
Though she had stayed in Baile Prionnsa she hadn't been trapped there. She had been able to resume her ministry work after some time, much to the pleasure of her aging boss. She'd moved up in the small department and was even in line to take his place when he retired next year. She would be in complete control of all the records therein and she was looking forward to bringing a sense of balance to the archaic system.
Galia had decided to move out of the home last month and surprisingly into Reglan's home. A love that no one had seen coming had blossomed between the widower Inn owner and the seer. They were even expecting a child to be born in early summer. The news had been a wonderful respite to the small town who hadn't seen a new baby in nearly 25 years.
Severus had allowed her to stay inside the home even after Galia had left and their relationship, as odd as it was, had started to grow as well. She had officially become part of his rooms last week. The room she had taken had been converted into a small office where she was able to bring her work home with her so she could be home before dark. Though the charm she always carried allowed her entrance at night, she didn't fancy the long walk that it required. They were presently working on connecting the fireplace in the living room to allow her to floo to Grimmauld place but it was still a rather complex work in progress.
Presently, she found her nights lying beside the man who had saved her life in more ways than she could count. Though they both were still very shy when it came to actually touching while they slept it still brought her—and him—a sort of comfort no potion could ever bring. Their nights were filled with conversation that only the two of them could comprehend. Their days, when spent together, were used to care for the small farm and take care of any needs the town might have possessed. Between Severus' potion skills and her own at charms and transfiguration, there was almost no need for anyone to venture beyond their borders anymore.
Yes, life had definitely taken a turn, it certainly hadn't been what Hermione had ever dreamed when she thought about her future but she wouldn't have changed it for anything.
A heavy sigh passed her lips as she knocked softly on Harry's door. She had made the decision o stop by his house after work to see what his plans were for Christmas and see if he needed her to do anything for the party. She had received his invitation through the office mail that morning but hadn't been able to talk with him at lunch that day as he'd been out on assignment.
"Hermione." Harry smiled brightly, pulling her into a tight hug. "I should have expected you to be expedient in your response!"
"Hey Harry," Her brow rose at his choice of vocabulary giving him a questioning look as she came inside.
"Got one of those word of the day calendars in the office." Harry confessed with a small chuckle.
"Ah." Hermione allowed him to lead her into the sitting room where she dropped her bag down with a heavy sigh. She rolled her shoulders before flopping down beside her bag, "So was there anything you needed me to do?"
"Actually yea, but there was something I wanted to ask you first." Harry looked down at his hands for a moment before straightening himself in his chair. "Do you think Snape will come?"
Hermione's brows shot up so fast into her hairline that they nearly flew straight off her face. She blinked dumbly for a few seconds before gathering her wits. "Do-Do you want him to come?"
"Kind of...yeah." Harry swallowed down his nerves taking another deep breath, "I mean, I don't know what's going on between the two of you..." His face ticked as though he'd tasted something sour before he quickly schooled his features, "But after seeing his memories...and knowing all that he did for the love of my mother...and for you of course. I just...I want to thank him... personally. I know it's a bit late but..."
Hermione's face relaxed into a soft smile, a kind caring smile. It was amazing to see how much Harry had grown. She could hardly believe she was speaking to the same boy she'd grown up with. "I can ask him, I mean... he's changed a little...maybe I could get him to come."
"Really?" Harry looked beyond hopeful.
"All I can do is ask right?"
"Oh, thank you. This means a lot to me, you don't even know."
"I'll do my best." Hermione leaned forward into his offered hug, smiling into his shoulder.
"Like you could do anything else."
Hermione and Harry shared a small chuckle before pulling apart, unfortunately for Harry, Hermione had caught sight of her watch when she was pulling back. "Oh no! I totally forgot I asked to speak with Galia before dinner!"
"Wait you just got here!"
"I know, ugh I'm sorry Harry, please just send me anything you need me to do through the mail at the office! I'm so sorry, I didn't think I'd stayed that late after work today."
"It's alright, just uh."
"It's okay I've got the portkey." Hermione pulled out her keys from her pocket. She'd converted the small charm into a keychain to make it easier to carry. "I'll talk to you tomorrow okay?" She gave him another quick hug before grabbing her bag.
"Yeah, alright. Tomorrow."
Hermione gave him a bright smile before she pressed her fingers to the glass inside. She was gone three seconds later, a sharp reverting pop left behind.
As soon as the world came back into focus Hermione was moving. The last of the sun was just pulling away from the center square and she thanked her lucky stars that she'd made it before she'd been cast outside of the protections. She pushed her messy hair out of her face and hurried across the square towards the Inn.
"Ah, Hermione!"
"Hello, Reglan. Is Galia here?" Hermione gave the large man a happy if rather tired smile as he moved through serving a few couples who had decided to take their dinner out that evening.
"In the back, mind the mantle, I've got rosemary drying!"
"Thank you!"Hermione moved through the small hallway beside the stairs that led to the back of the inn into the stock room made herb catch. It was a large room cluttered to the brim will all sort of curious things. Hermione ducked under the drying rosemary before she caught sight of Galia meticulously tying some roses up to be dried.
"Sorry, I'm late." Hermione set down her bag beside the door before coming in further.
"It's alright, I knew you would be." Her tone was whimsical, a small smile playing on her lips as she raised the roses up to hang. Her flat chest only accenting her rounding stomach. "Now then, I'm going to pretend that I don't already know what you're here to talk about and let you just get everything out."
Hermione made a small face but let out a grateful sigh nonetheless. "Thank you, Galia..." She moved to the large oversized threadbare chair beside the small hearth and just let herself fold over for a few moments. "Alright...So...I..." Hermione let out all the breath in her chest and rubbed her eyes. She was so embarrassed. How could she even have thought this was a good idea?
Galia smirked softly leaning back just enough to summon her tea from the far end of the table she'd been working at. She already knew what question the young woman had come to ask. It was rather amusing to watch the normally so calm and collected woman attempt to talk about something that she personally found no qualms with.
"Okay...clinical...just..alright. Uh...Is it...normal for men to uh...you know...while they sleep?" Hermione could already feel her ears burning.
"Have erections? Or ejaculations?"
Hermione choked on the air coming into her lungs and actually winced before rubbing her chest to try and get her breathing back into rhythm. "Uh the first..."
"Yes, it's actually quite healthy. Most men have three to five a night." Galia was enjoying herself way too much.
"Do...they have any control over it?"
"No, it's completely reflexive."
Hermione pursed her lips still not able to voice her true reason for asking, "And...the other?"
"That depends on the man, though I don't think it is as common." Galia idly picked at a small bit of dirt that was under her nails. "This isn't about Severus anymore is it?"
Hermione made a small face turning her face away, it was already bad enough that Severus had the ability to see her thoughts when she was looking at him but Galia was just completely in another league. She wasn't sure she could have lived with someone who knew the answer to literally everything. She was now sure their being insufferable was genetic.
"Okay...let's set the later aside, for now... You're saying its normal for men to...get-"
"Hard."
"Right...during the night?"
"Completely healthy." Galia took a slow sip, "Does this bother you?"
"No..." Hermione made a small face wrapping her arms protectively around her stomach. "Severus...usually sleeps on his stomach...but the other night...I um...well we shifted I guess and..." Hermione covered her face mumbling out the rest of her words between her fingers, "Mylegsortofbumpedagainstit."
Galia tightened her lips to keep the grin from spreading over her face, "It's called a penis, and I assure you they're not as scary as you think they are."
Hermione twisted her face up more, it wasn't the man that it was attached to that bothered her. She closed her eyes tight pushing back memories that should have become faded with the passing time, but as they were still 'recent' to her, she was having trouble pushing them down.
"Hermione." Galia's smile faded into one of genuine concern. "It's normal to have a sort of... reservation where this area is concerned. Can I share something with you?"
"Of course..."
"You know Severus would never do anything to hurt you. I know it, the world knows it, and deep down, your heart knows it." Galia waited for Hermione to meet her eyes. When she did, she gave her the kindest look anyone could give another, "I think, one of the reasons Severus sleeps on his stomach is because he knows you're not ready for something more. I also believe the other reason is that he trusts you, completely."
"What do you mean?"
"Have you ever seen that man leave his back exposed? Even in the company of friends?"
Hermione shook her head, her mind turning.
"He trusts you to protect him. He trusts you to, how you say—have his back. I know, he's ever done that with anyone else."
Hermione sat up straighter, the seers' words going straight to her heart. She wanted to believe that she was ready to try and take their relationship to the next step. Merlin knew how much just simple touch of his hand in hers made her stomach burn. She had thought she had been ready, but the event of which she spoke had scared her more than she was willing to admit to herself.
"It's time for you to trust him. He won't hurt you. Listen to your heart and release the chains that your mind has wrapped around it. He is a patient man. He will understand. You just need to talk to him."
oOo
Severus lifted his head from the text resting in his lap, his brow furrowing at the energy wafting in from the doorway. He closed the book softly and came to his feet just as silently. His jaw twitched when the woman he'd been expecting home came into the room unable to lift her head.
"Hermione?"
"Severus...I..." Severus tilted his head trying to catch her eye but she'd long since learned to avoid his direct gaze, "I want to...talk?"
"Of course..." Severus watched her drop her bag onto the floor beside the chair that had become hers and slowly returned his seat as well. He closed down his senses wanting her to know that he trusted her to say what she wanted to say without him having to pull the secret from inside her mind. He was sure she'd come to recognize the feeling over the time they'd spent together.
Hermione rubbed her temple slowly, she couldn't do this. Not now. She took a slow breath forcing her mind to shift gears, "I...I saw Harry today. He-uh is having a Christmas party next Saturday and..." Hermione glanced up at his raised brow and bit her bottom lip, "He wanted to know if you... would come?" Hermione grimaced at the awkwardness of her words before carefully looking up at him through her lashes.
The vein beside his temple pulsed rapidly as he battled with the conflicting emotions threatening to take him under. He very much had become comfortable in his amenity though even he had to concede that the day would come that she'd want to bring him into her circle of 'friends'. Still, it left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Do you want me to go?"
He didn't pull away when she came closer, rather he shifted himself to allow her to sit in the chair with him. A favorite pastime of hers. He watched her guide his hand up to rest over her heart and his other rose to push the hair behind her shoulder, the backs of his fingers raising goosebumps over her skin.
"I...I would appreciate it yes..." Hermione let out a slow breath unable to stop herself from leaning her head down against his shoulder, the hand that she'd held to her chest slowly pulled free to hold her lower back while she adjusted to sit between his legs and put her own over the arm of the chair. "I know you and Harry never got along but...I'd feel a lot better if you were there..."
A soft yawn cut off whatever else she had been working herself up to say. Severus grinned slightly, raising his hand into her hair and watched as her eyes rolled closed. He'd learned how to bring calm to her mind without the aid of magic. It was doubly beneficial when he needed time to think. He didn't want to deny her request for his presence but the idea of sharing a room with Potter after all this time made unpleasant memories resurface. He needed time to think, he needed time to decide.
When her head grew heavier against his shoulder he didn't pause in his gentle ministrations. Hermione let out a deep moan of relief as all the tension that had built through the day came undone. She shifted just a bit closer letting her hands fall down into her lap but didn't dare move out of his soothing grip. She knew what he was doing, but she didn't find it in her to be upset. Rather, she took the silence for herself as well, letting her mind slowly unwind.
"You're evil..." Hermione grinned against his shoulder letting out a deep sigh, "But I forgive you."
"I could be so honored." Severus pulled her head to rest under his chin, "Did you eat?"
"Not hungry..."
"You must eat something."
"I can think of something..." Hermione leaned her head back into his palm reaching up to turn his chin down, a grin growing on her lips. A soft hum and a raised brow was her precursor to a most wonderful feeling in the world.