Disclaimer: Absolutely nothing that is even kind of familiar to you outside of this story line belongs to someone else.
A/N: As always, an ever a huge, gigantorific thank you to all of my fantastic reviewers who take the moment at the end of a chapter to tell me what they think, from the simple 'I liked it!' to the detailed assessments of my work, even when they are slightly less than in love with this story. I love to hear the honest opinions just as much (okay almost as much…let's be honest) as the wonderful ego stroking reviews. All are like my caffeine, which seems quite vital to my survival, they energize my writing. Also to all those who add this story to their alerts and favorites…I am stunned and overjoyed that you like what I have created.
Additional thanks to Mababy who took the time to discuss not only this story, but others we find inspiring and have enjoyed over time. For your immense ego stroking abilities I am truly thankful.
So one last little curtsy in thanks. *Curtsies*
Okay, so here it is – The much awaited and hyped funeral services. I must say this was a very difficult chapter to write, it covers a great many emotions and was difficult to find that balance. I also wanted to avoid anything that resembled every funeral I have ever been to, and mourned at. I hope I have done the situation justice.
For those who are unaware, this particular part of the story is deeply personal to me as I have suffered from mid-term miscarriage and know how it does not in fact take hearing the cries of a squishy new born (a moment I have celebrated now three times in my life) to fall in love with a child. I deeply loved the child the I lost, and grieved that death deeply…Fleur's face punch is for every bitch who has ever had the gall to tell me it was no great loss.
For every family who has suffered the loss of a child too soon I wrote this for you. Without further grandstanding on my part: here is the chapter.
.lily
Hermione and Severus disapparated from her yard straight into the back yard at the Burrow and Hermione's hopes of having a moment to compose herself before facing everyone were quickly lost. Charlie had been placing the Faerie Lights throughout the yard and George had been setting up tables in preparation for the feast Molly was surely cooking up for after the burial. Ginny was sitting with Fleur, watching as Teddy and Victoire happily chased garden gnomes. All movement and noise in the yard ceased at the sight of Hermione wrapped securely in Severus' arms, her face buried in the crook of his neck.
Hermione lifted her head to see varied expressions on her friends' faces. George who had, in all honesty had suspicions about her feelings for Severus for months, was grinning broadly and Hermione had to wonder how much money he had wagered on her ending up with the ex-spy. Charlie, who she hadn't seen since Christmas, wore a face that more resembled an amused expression of confused shock. Fleur, who had grown to dislike Ron over the years, seemed positively excited about the possibility of a new relationship, while Ginny sat next to her looking mildly sick to her stomach. The kids just looked a little surprised to see their Auntie Hermione with her arms around a man that was not their uncle.
Hermione groaned lightly and scowled when she heard Severus' laughter. "It is not funny Severus; I didn't exactly think anyone would see us like this now," she hissed.
Severus, who secretly wanted to stake his claim and kiss her there and then, rested his head against her forehead and whispered to her. "On the contrary Hermione. First, it was bound to happen at some point and, while I admit that it is a bit sooner than I had personally thought wise, all anyone has seen is a friend apparating in with another friend who was distraught and not in the best of mind frames to accomplish the task on her own; and two, it could most certainly be worse than it is. It would seem that Molly is busy elsewhere and so you have managed a temporary reprieve from her well-meaning questioning and interference," he reasoned with her, "Besides, is it so horrible a prospect that they suspect there is something going on between us? It is not as if their assumptions would be terribly off base. And I promised you I would be by your side as long as you needed me tonight and that is not about to change because a few Weasley's are watching. You have done nothing wrong and nor have I, so you have nothing to be embarrassed about."
Hermione knew he was right; he was always right. It was rather infuriating sometimes. Besides all of that, she certainly wasn't about to pretend she felt nothing for the man who's arms were still wrapped around her waist, offering her much needed comfort and support. "I know. It's just that I don't want to face the questions yet. Though George had already worked out the gist of my feelings and I would be surprised if he was the only one who knew anything. You did, after all, make such a scene at St. Mungo's Severus," she teased, feeling better after his reasoning.
"Yes well, you move me to make a fool of myself perhaps. If you prefer, I could just find a dark corner to brood in and jump out of so that I might scare the children like the old Greasy Dungeon Bat is supposed to do, shall I?" he drawled, his voice mocking and light.
Hermione breathed in deeply, feeling comforted by their typical banter. She was again taken aback at how much of himself he really let her see. She had been shocked at one point to learn that Severus was more than capable of laughing at himself and possessed a dark sense of humor that few really understood. Hermione once considered that before the war she may not have understood either but, going through what she had, sometimes your sense of humor became a bit dark and warped too.
"Yes, yes. I know. You are right, as usual Severus." She told him, with a lightly mocking eye roll. " I suppose I need to go face the masses. At least it is only a few Weasley's; it could be worse. Much worse, really. Come on, at least no one else is here yet. I don't think I would be ready for masses yet," she said, disentangling herself from his embrace and boldly taking his hand in hers for a moment before heading to speak with George. She was a little surprised to turn and see that instead of being right behind her Severus was heading inside. Likely seeking out Arthur. She thought.
Hermione walked over to George who had stopped his preparations and immediately pulled her into a big hug, lifting her off the ground and swinging her around. When he set her down he ran a loving hand through her hair and played with one of her curls. "Love the new look 'Mione, you should have chopped it off years ago. This suits you. Although, is it me, or is there something else different about you?" his voice lifted and mocking as he asked, tapping a finger against his chin exaggeratedly, "Oh I know, I could have sworn you landed here with a bat on your shoulder. Or wait, were you on his? I really don't know but it was just so cute," he said, pinching her cheek lightly before kissing her on the forehead. "Seriously though, you look good. How are you holding up love?" he asked her knowingly. "That looked pretty cozy over there."
She smiled at him; it was funny how Ron's insistence that they move to Diagon Alley had ended with George being one of her best friends, if not the one she trusted the most. She still loved Harry like he was a brother but he was so busy they rarely saw each other and of course at the moment she was rather upset with him. George, on the other hand, was always there and knew just what to say to make her laugh and smile and his compliments never sounded forced or false. She was very happy that she had gotten to know him so much better over the years. She knew that, of anyone, she could trust him to keep her secrets like she kept his. "I'm alright George. I wish things were different, sometimes I don't think I will have the strength to go on this time. But Severus really has been wonderful. I, I don't know what to do about that either. Until yesterday I thought I was married; now it seems I never was." George's expression made her aware that Kingsley was rather adept at keeping secrets too. "I'll tell you about that later. The point is George; I think I uh…well I think I may be in love with Severus Snape and in all honesty I just don't know how to do this." She rubbed a hand over her face, almost not believing she was saying all of this out loud, but knowing that if she could talk to anyone, it was George. "There is this part of me that wants to jump right in." George raised an eyebrow at her. "Okay, so maybe part of me already has," she confessed, knowing that he would understand.
George had often referred to Severus as her secret fancy. They would be out to lunch and the topic of potions would inevitably be brought up, usually by her and he would say 'Speaking of potions, how is your secret Fancy these days?" She would simply smack him on the arm and pass along that Severus was overworking himself as usual but well.
Georges smile was devious and knowing and foretold plenty of mocking at a later date when the mood wasn't so somber. "And tell me love, just how far in have you jumped?" he asked her.
Oh I just jumped right into the deep end without a life boat, or floaties, or a life guard on duty, or any idea how to swim in these waters. Her lip was all puffy from chewing on it. "He might have started to stay with me since I have been home. He has been keeping me sane really," she told him, barely grazing the reality of the situation.
George's smile was bright and understanding. "Oh and I suppose he is staying in the guest room right?" he asked jokingly.
Hermione's smile on the other hand was slightly guilty and smug. "He was staying in the guest room." she said, emphasizing the word was.
"Oh Hermione love, all that matters is you are happy. I can't say much, look at me and…" he looked around to see that no one was listening in. In the Weasley family proximity was not really needed to overhear conversations. "When I knew, I just knew and I went for it. One day we were just friends and fellow Order members; then we were in bed and it was the most amazing thing that ever happened to me." His deep breathing told her that his mind was wandering where she did not want to follow, she had seen what his mind was picturing once and that was more than enough of the two of them naked to last her a lifetime. "I mean really, I'm in love with a powerful, sexy god and am getting so bloody tired of hiding it. Without that kind of love in my life I don't know how I would have made it past Fred's death. If you have a chance for something really good this time don't let my idiot brother, and his mistakes keep you from being happy. Hell, had I known this wasn't just you being a little touched in the head," he said circling his finger by his temple to indicate he thought her maybe a slight bit crazy, "and fancying yourself a little piece of Snape but that you both felt the same way I likely would have told you to shag him ages ago," he told her in typical George fashion, in all seriousness laced with sarcasm and jokes.
"You do know I love you George. And for your information, I am not shagging Severus. Thanks for the suggestion though, I shall take that into consideration you great prat." She slapped his shoulder. "It isn't like that. I have been having nightmares and I can't take more dreamless sleep and well…having him hold me, it helps," she said, leaning her head on his shoulder.
George wrapped an arm around her. "I know love, I know. You'll get no judgment from me. Don't get me wrong, I will never let you live this down and will mock you until you die but I will also be your biggest supporter. After all, you're mine. You're my best girl 'Mione and if you happen to find that the Big Bat gets your knickers all twisted in knots then who am I to judge?" he told her, placing a firm kiss on her forehead.
"Thanks George," she laughed, closing her eyes.
Hermione was startled when she suddenly heard Severus' deep voice beside her. "It is time Hermione," he said, completely ignoring the man with his arm around her.
She smiled as she stepped away from George and towards Severus. "Thank you Severus. Walk with me?" she asked, taking his arm.
And just like that her mood shifted. Gone was the light hearted feeling that came when she had been talking to George. The dread and heart-break was back, her heart was pounding in her chest knowing she couldn't escape this, it was time to say goodbye.
Together they walked towards the small cemetery, roughly a kilometer from the house. Hermione tensed as they neared the large iron gates of the cemetery, her grip on his arm tightening of its own accord. Severus could feel her body going rigid and then shaking. Severus steered her aside so he could talk to her as the others came up behind them and entered through the gates heading to the burial site.
"Look at me Hermione." He lifted her chin gingerly so that she was forced to see the truth shining in his eyes. "I know that this is difficult for you but as I have told you repeatedly; you can do this. You are so much stronger than you know. Those people in there are all here for you. You need to say goodbye, to give yourself that closure. I promise you I will be right there by your side the entire time alright." He tenderly kissed the corner of her mouth, silently offering her his support and anything else she needed and wanted from him.
Hermione took a deep breath and looked at the man who was doing his best at comforting her. How is it I never felt so right with Ronald at my side, after all those years? She wondered, awed by the strength he gave her. "Let's go."
Together they approached the circle that was being made surrounding the grave spot where Hermione's daughter would be laid to rest, right beside the lost daughter of Molly and Arthur. Standing in the center of the circle, directly behind the tiny casket was Kingsley Shacklebolt who was performing the majority of the ceremony, acting both as a friend and as the Minister of Magic who had the ability to perform such sacred ceremonies. On either side of him were Molly and Arthur; the heads of the family. Standing to Molly's right was Bill who was holding little Victoire's hand with Fleur flanking their daughter. Next to her was Neville and Hannah, his wife, who had come to pay their respects. At the end of the circle, standing next to Neville, stood George, standing in as the child's godfather, where Harry would have been standing if he had been there. To Arthur's left, completely surprising Hermione, was Minerva McGonagall, who Hermione had always turned to as a trusted mentor but had not seen in years since failing to attend her scheduled NEWTS. Minerva was standing next to a woman, that Charlie had his arm wrapped around, with curly dark brown hair that was almost black. Charlie's arrival with a steady girlfriend had shocked everyone in the family and led to Molly pressuring George to find some sweet girl and settle down. On Charlie's other side was Luna, who had arrived with Neville and Hannah. She was beside Teddy, who was holding his adoptive mothers hand tight. Ginny rounded out the circle standing in the space of the child's godmother.
Hermione and Severus walked forward slowly and stepped into the opening in the circle to complete it, with Hermione taking the spot next to George, leaving Severus to stand next to Ginny. Hermione had expected some sort of reaction to Severus standing next to her, in the position of the circle that would normally be occupied by the child's father. It occurred to her that while she was talking to George, he had been explaining to Molly and Arthur that he had promised not to leave her side. Hermione lowered her hand from his bicep slowly, running her fingers down the length of his arm, never breaking contact, coming finally to intertwine her fingers in his.
Severus looked down to Hermione who was staring straight ahead to where a small oval casket sat atop a stone pedestal in front of Kingsley. As Severus followed Hermione's gaze he was struck by the beauty of the casket that had been designed to be the resting place for her daughter. The casket was made up of the most beautiful Australian Rutilated Quartz backed by polished Black Onyx. The effect was unlike anything Severus had ever seen. The Rutilated Quartz was mainly crystalline and clear as the purest Veritaserum allowing for the Black Onyx to shine through, but all throughout the Quartz, what truly made it magnificent were varied bars of brilliant gold criss-crossing throughout the Quartz and reflecting the setting sun vividly. It was, in reality, of very simple construction but the materials were chosen for their strength and protective qualities as much as their beauty and Severus could tell from the look on Hermione's face and the tears that glistened in her eyes that she found it as beautiful as he did.
The silence was broken by Kingsley's deep soothing voice. "Today, as the sun sets behind us, we gather to say goodbye to a child lost far too soon. It matters not that she was taken from this world before she could come to be known by it because she was loved by all gathered here tonight. Tonight we lay Baby Girl Weasley to rest alongside those who have gone before her. We are here to offer her our love and everlasting protection as she journeys to join those of her kin beyond the Veil in the next life. Child of this world, child of this land, I offer as my gift, a light to keep the darkness at bay. May you forever be bathed in its warmth." Kingsley withdrew his wand and conjured a large brilliant white taper candle that he set atop her casket.
As he stepped back Molly and Arthur stepped forward and began to speak as one. "Child of our child, blood of our blood, heart of our heart, though you are lost you are not alone. Our gift to you is a guiding light to see you home. May you forever rest among your family and friends." Together they stepped to the casket and took up the candle Kingsley had conjured and pulled. As they pulled the large pillar separated into three smaller candles, two much shorter and thinner than the first they had been split from. After setting the new candles beside the original central candle they stepped back into the circle.
One by one the rest of the circle stepped forward to offer their gift to the lost child and one by one they split apart the candle, creating more and more smaller candles to bathe her casket in soft light.
When it came around to Ginny and George they stepped forward together as their parents had done before. "Child of our Brother, Child of our Sister, as your chosen guardians in this life and the next we offer to you our gift. Baby Girl Weasley, we offer to you the light of the heavens, the light of the gods its protection everlasting. May it see safely through to the next life." They stepped forward and together took the candle from the center and then added their smaller candles to the rest.
It was then that Severus, whose spot in the circle signified that of the father, despite his lack of blood bond to the girl, stepped forward and offered his gift to Hermione's daughter. No one was more surprised by his words than Hermione when he spoke, the deep drawling timbre of his voice carrying the weight of his beautiful words. "Child of my heart, child of my love I offer to you my gift. I offer to you the light of Hyperion the father of the sun and moon and the dawn. May it bring you understanding and reason as you observe those left in this place while you move on to the next," he said, stepping forward to take the candle and split it apart once more, adding his light to the others.
As he stepped back he took Hermione's hand in his once more, quickly giving it a reassuring squeeze as she took her turn to offer a gift to her daughter.
Hermione stepped forward and laid her hands upon her daughter's casket, lovingly rubbing her fingers lightly along the caskets edge. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. "Child of my womb, child of my soul, I offer to you my gift. Baby Girl I offer you the light of the stars. May you dance amongst them for the rest of time; forever loved and forever free. Hermione took the candle from the center and split it one final time. She set the candle down, leaving seventeen identical ivory candles softly flickering atop the beautiful black and gold casket. Hermione whispered her love to the little girl inside the casket and stepped back to rejoin the circle.
Kingsley's voice once again broke the silence as he spoke. "With these gifts we send you onward beautiful child. Baby Girl Weasley be free, be guarded, be always loved."
Then, just as the sun began to set behind him, Kingsley took his wand and waved it while he intoned a spell "ut cavo lectulus sepulchrum." As his spell finished a small grave appeared beside the pedestal the casket was sitting upon. George and Ginny then stepped forward and together levitated the small stone casket off of the pedestal where the light of the setting sun reflected off of the gold in the Rutilated Quarts that made up the casket, shining brightly onto all who were gathered in dancing golden rays of light. Slowly they worked to lower the casket to the earth just as the sun set behind them. As the casket and the sun disappeared at the same time they were thrust into darkness that was only broken by the flickering pale light of seventeen candles.
Kingsley then stepped up beside the grave crating a triangle with the two guardians and once again intoned a spell "reserve flamma" and the flames were protected beneath a sheet of pure crystal, never to be extinguished.
George and Ginny again spoke as one as they said "tego texi tectum in orbis terrarium" and waved their wands in unison sending earth to fill the grave.
As they were thrust into total darkness with the filling of the grave all seventeen stepped forward to tighten the circle around the grave and each lit their wand with a quiet 'Lumos' only little Teddy and Victor were without wands leaving 15 bright spots around the circle.
Minerva stepped forward and offered one last gift. With an intricately waved wand and a silent spell the stone pillar that had held the casket was transfigured into a simple rectangular headstone that was beautifully engraved with the likeness of a child and the words of her heart.
'And though we never got to know you,
To share with you and teach you,
We loved you just the same.
Beautiful Girl – Child without a name.'
Hermione walked to her old mentor and enveloped her in a hug. "It is beautiful, thank you," she said, as tears began to stream down her face. Not able to speak further she turned and walked back to Severus and pressed herself into his arms.
Severus continued to hold Hermione in the growing dark as the rest of the mourners left the cemetery and headed back to the Burrow.
By the time Hermione looked up they were alone next to the grave. "Thank you Severus. For everything. What you said. What you did. It was…I was…thank you," she said, leaning up to place a feathery kiss to his lips.
"For you, those words were true." It was almost a profession of love. Severus stood back and used his wand to place orbs of light around them, lighting the gravesite like he had done her home. "Go, say goodbye. I am right here," he told her, knowing that, while the ceremony had been beautiful, it was not enough.
Hermione squeezed his hand and stepped up to the grave marker running her fingertips lightly over the words Minerva had etched into the stone. It was beautiful; she admitted to herself that she could not have done better. Ronald had planned to name their daughter upon her birth, as was tradition in his family; for the father to name the first born; and Hermione had not been able to give a name to the child she lost, choosing to continue calling her what she had been - Baby. Minerva's words had thankfully served to sooth at least some of the guilt she associated with burying a nameless child.
"Hello baby girl. It's mummy. I will always love you and carry you in my heart. Always." She said, tears welling in her eyes. "Be at peace dear child." She wanted to say so much, to tell her that she was cherished and would never be alone. She wanted to say that she would visit often and bring her flowers and tell her stories but she couldn't find the words. Instead she sat down in the dirt and ran her hands over the mound that marked the grave, leaving a trail of tiny white floral ground cover in the wake of her fingers. She wasn't sure what magic was working but it was beautiful. She continued to move her hands, covering the entire grave with tiny white flowers.
She felt strong hands on her shoulders and tilted her head back to see Severus looking down at her. "Come Hermione. They are waiting for us," he said, knowing that she did not really want to sit with everyone in the Burrow, eating food and laughing like so many holidays and family dinners shared there. She did not want to celebrate her daughter's death, but they were expected and the people who had come to be there and offer her support all wanted to see her and offer their continued support.
Regardless of her lack of enthusiasm towards returning to the burrow she took his hand and stood with his help. He tucked her chilled and goose pimpled little arm into his and led her from the cemetery back to the burrow.
When they arrived back at the Burrow Hermione excused herself to seek out George so she could thank him for stepping in for Harry. Severus watched her go outside and went to speak with Minerva who was talking with several others in the kitchen.
Hermione had found George outside with most of the others who had come to say goodbye to her daughter. She pulled him aside and was in the process of thanking him when Ginny pulled her from George to give her a big hug. "I am so sorry Hermione. Harry too, he wanted to be here but…"
"Just don't Gin. He's been avoiding me for days. It was not an easy task to calm me down when Severus first told me Harry was skipping out on his niece's funeral and I do not want to pretend it was some noble duty. His duty was to the baby girl that I put into the ground without the blessing of her Godfather. So just don't. Don't tell me that he wanted to be here. Just don't!" she cried, pushing Ginny away more forcefully than she had intended.
Fleur tried to step in as a peacekeeper while George wrapped his arms around Hermione. "'Ermionee, she was jus' trying to pass along 'er 'usbands condolences. It eez no reason to be upset," she said, approaching Hermione and trying to lay a hand on her shoulder.
"It is no reason to be upset? I was beaten to bloody hell and left to die and my daughter did. Her husband," she screamed, pointing at Ginny, "was supposed to be here, he owes it to my daughter. He is her Godfather Fleur. How would you feel if it was Victoire you were laying to rest and her Godfather didn't show up? Huh?" Her hysterical cries attracted Molly and Severus who were in the kitchen talking.
"It eez not ze same zing. Victor eez a leetle girl. She eez much loved and while your daughter being lost eez tragic, she was never really zere to begin wiz." Fleur's voice was patronizing as she tried to defend her brother in law.
Georges grip wasn't enough to stop the fist from colliding with the French woman's face. "YOU BITCH!" Hermione lunged at her, all the pent up anger and frustration over what had happened threatening to finally come to the surface in a violent rage targeted at the blonde who was now being held by her husband who didn't know what to say, struck dumb by the words he could not believe his wife had uttered.
She was stopped from her attack when familiar strong arms wrapped around her and pulled her back and away from the other woman. "Sssshh. Shhh. I've got you. I've got you." His smooth warm voice whispered against her ear.
Molly's voice suddenly cut through the air like a shrill blow horn. "What on earth is going on here? Oh Hermione dear, are you alright?" she added distractedly, turning to a sobbing Hermione tucked away in Severus' embrace.
George stepped in to explain the situation, knowing everyone was feeling rather high strung and agitated. "See mum, my dear baby sis here, lovely though she is, decided to bring up Harry, like we had all agreed NOT to do. As you can imagine that did not go over very well and 'Mione got a bit upset and then Fleur decided to step in and help when she should really learn to just put a sock in it-" he was explaining.
"George!" Molly hollered, "I'm sure she was just trying to help, I know we are all upset but that is no reason…"
George gathered up some courage to cut off his mum, knowing she had been on edge lately and wasn't likely to take kindly to being interrupted. "Mum, before you go defending Miss Priss over here you may want to hear what she actually had to say that was supposed to be so bloody helpful. You may not feel quite as willing to jump to her aide in this one," he said, shooting a disgusted glance at his sister in law.
Molly with her hands planted firmly on her rounded hips harrumphed. "Well, is anyone going to tell me why Fleur is sporting a fat lip? Someone had better say something," she shouted.
Hermione, who had been listening to George try to defend her to Molly, whipped around in Severus arms and went in for the attack. "That cow said it wasn't important that Harry wasn't here because my daughter wasn't really alive to begin with and wasn't as important as a real child," she paraphrased. Knowing it would be enough for Molly to understand and take over, she turned back into Severus embrace, which upon hearing why Hermione was so upset had to restrain himself from hexing the blonde.
Severus was rubbing circles on Hermione's back. He was trying to focus on calming her and not attacking anyone who had dared to upset her on the day she was going to bury her child. He vaguely registered Molly's voice scolding Fleur and Ginny as he led Hermione inside the house.
Severus led her to the old couch in the family room and sat with her in his lap, her face still buried in his neck. "Ssssh. My Darling, it's okay. I won't leave you again, I shouldn't have gone. I should have stayed and then perhaps that daft bint would have kept her stupid mouth shut," he said into her hair, placing kisses on her forehead.
Hermione looked up at the man who was holding her so reverently. "Thank you Severus. You know, I like it when you call me Darling." Her smile was enough to make him forget where he was and lean down to capture her lips in a tender kiss.
As the kiss broke, Severus ran his fingers through her hair and whispered into her ear. "Then I shall call you that more often." Severus started placing small kisses along her ear and neck and along the line of her jaw before moving back to capture her mouth in a kiss that quickly turned passionate, allowing her to take all of the pain and emotion she was battling and let it fuel the kiss.
Hermione allowed herself to be swept away with Severus, to forget Fleur's cruel words in favor of memorizing the taste of Severus, sweet and spicy kisses noting the hint of peach lingering on his tongue, and briefly wondered if Molly had made peach tartlets. "Oh Severus," she moaned as he took her bottom lip between his teeth like he had wanted to do for months every time he saw her nervously chewing at it. Without thinking she rearranged herself in his lap so that she was straddling him, letting him dull the pain with his lips and hands. Severus moved his lips down to kiss and nibble lightly at her neck causing her to moan out again.
They were suddenly interrupted by a deep chuckle. Looking up, they were both surprised to see Kingsley standing in the doorway grinning at them.
"I suppose that this means we are even then Hermione," Kingsley laughed, enjoying the smug look on Severus' face and the reddened embarrassed one on Hermione's.
Severus was both surprised and confused by Hermione's reply. "Oh I don't know Minister. I think that knowing about that lovely birth mark of yours gives me the upper hand." She smirked at him as she dislodged herself from Severus' lap to give the other man a warm hug.
Kingsley laughed warmly at her. "Touché."
Hermione looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you for coming and performing the services for me today, Kingsley. You were wonderful; it was such a beautiful ceremony, thank you. I know how busy you are."
"I wouldn't miss it, you know how much I love you," he told her, returning her hug. "I wish things had been easier for you. But it seems that my old friend here has taken it upon himself to take some of the pain away," he said, turning to Severus, "It has been a long time Severus. I would ask you how you have been but it suddenly seems quite obvious."
Severus had been watching the exchange with curiosity. It appeared Hermione had something on Kingsley and he couldn't figure out how or what. He had always assumed that their friendship was just a simple camaraderie from fighting together for the Order. He hadn't realized it went further than that and found himself intrigued and determined to find out what the extent of her relationship was with his old friend. A deeply irrational, suspicious, and slightly paranoid part of him wondered if they had slept together at some point before the war. Immediately realizing the absurdity of that train of thought Severus addressed his old friend. "Kingsley. It's good to see you. It has been a while. I must say, I didn't realize you and Hermione were so close." He said, trying to keep what he knew was an irrational jealousy from showing through in his voice.
"Ah yes my friend, I dare say I could say the same for you. She is a particularly good friend; smart and kind, and trustworthy." He said as he winked at Hermione who was watching the exchange with amusement, knowing Severus must be surprised at how close she was with the Minister. "You are a lucky man Severus," he said, moving to shake the other man's hand. "Now, I was sent in to let you two know that they are ready to serve supper outside. Whenever you are finished comforting one another." He laughed and turned back the way he had come, shaking his head back and forth.
As Severus walked with Hermione back towards the yard he turned to her and spoke "So, Hermione, how is it exactly that you have come to have something have on the illustrious Minister for Magic and just what does it have to do with a birthmark?"
Hermione smiled up at him. "Ah, that. Nothing really, I caught him in a rather, shall we say delicate position a few years ago. I suppose you will have to ask him if you want to know more. Just another secret I have kept for years," she told him evasively.
"I didn't realize you were so close with Kingsley," he said as they walked along.
"Yes well I am full of surprises Severus dear. I tend to have dinner with him at his home at least once a month, I have done for a while now. He is a good friend, nothing more. Trust me when I tell you I have far more interesting secrets for you to discover." she smirked.
"Indeed," he said, kissing her lightly just as they joined the others at the table for what was sure to be a delicious meal.
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. I worked to end it on a happy note.
The next chapter will have more interactions with all those who were in attendance and the varied reactions to Severus' involvement with Hermione. Who doesn't like watching Neville get all nervous and Squirmy around his ex-Potions Master?
So any thoughts? Anything you would like to see soon? A Ron and Verity chapter again perhaps…check in with the destructive and demented duo?
Well, you tell me. Review, review, review…it makes the little girl in me do cartwheels.
PS - The George and Kingsley Romance 'Secret Order Meetings' is posted as well, I will gradually add to that story, as it's timeline will eventually converge with the one in this story. So if you are interested in their story check it out.
parvulus absentis ex is universitas exsisto solvo – child gone from this world be free
parvulus absentis ex is universitas exsisto tutela – child gone from this world be guarded
parvulus absentis ex is universitas exsisto usquequaque repletus per diligo - child gone from this world be always filled with love
ut cavo lectulus sepulchrum – dig a small grave
reservo flamma – preserve flame
tego texi tectum in orbis terrarium – bury in the earth