Severus and Hermione Meet for Coffee

It didn't surprise Severus that Hermione had arrived at the cafe before him, nor did it surprise him that she'd brought a book to pass the time while waiting; in fact, the only surprise was that she wore reading glasses, although no doubt her job before being Minister for Magic put quite a strain on her eyes. But today, out in busy Muggle public, Hermione Granger wasn't Minister for Magic, nor was she here on Ministry business. She had, fortunately or unfortunately, been convinced by Alice-Marie to reconcile with Ronald, which had unsurprisingly resulted in Hermione growing defensive and taking no responsibility for the part she'd played; Ronald wasn't innocent either, but his current situation had humbled him into a state of introspection.

And this, for some reason, led to Severus of all people being the one to talk sense into her, as Molly had all but disowned her former daughter-in-law and forbidden Arthur from speaking with her.

"Headmaster," Hermione called over, raising her hand as she shut her book.

Severus nodded and walked over, sitting down. "Have I kept you waiting long?"

"Not at all; would you like anything to drink?"

"I'll see the menu." Severus picked up the menu at the table and took out a monocle for his bad eye; he knew it was only a matter of time before it started failing him, given the abuse it had sustained in his youth. "Will we be having anything to eat?"

"The club sandwich is quite good," Hermione replied.

"I'll probably have that, then." Severus set the menu down and put his monocle away. "Shall we get to the point?"

"A-alright."

"Before we continue this any further, I need you to answer these questions very honestly. Are you capable of receiving criticism, and are you capable of introspection?"

"Sir?"

"Because if you're not, then I'm not going to waste our time."

"I don't know what you're implying." Hermione was, for better and worse, Severus's most strong-minded student; in fact, he wasn't even sure her mind could be changed by anyone other than herself (though he doubted she would ever admit it).

"Your marriage failed because of your pride," Severus continued, not mincing words, "and because of Ronald's pride. Are you capable of humility?"

"That depends on if Ronald can do the same," Hermione said stiffly.

"He's gone bald from distress, and his health was entering dangerous territory prior to living in the Glen with Hugo." Severus knew his only real strategy was appealing to Hermione's concern for Ronald's health and well-being; those were empirical signs of unwellness.

"I see. So, he's fine with Miles's 'business', then?"

Severus hadn't forgotten Hermione's objection to the 'exploitation' of house-elf labor, the irony being that it had resulted in an interconnected vivarium beneath the Glen where house-elves could build their own houses and communities while cultivating the Glen's game and produce, not to mention the progress made in house-elf property rights caused by the 'exploitative business'.

"He takes care of housekeeping at Cokey's & Railview," Severus answered. "Snarky pays him well. Hugo's also helped in the restaurant; he's rather good with garnish."

"... Snarky pays him?"

"He's the hotel manager." Before Hermione could comment, Severus added, "Lily has been speaking with Ronald as I am with you. So, if the two of you choose to meet, know that this isn't a one-sided intervention."

Hermione fidgeted with her hands, moving the book to the edge of the table. "Alright," she said, still stiff but somewhat agreeable. "So, where should we start?"

Severus took out a blank sheet of paper and a pen. "When Lily and I started reconciling, we both made a list..."