AN: This is dedicated to my mom, who watches soap operas with me, as well as to my grandmother, who did not. I am blessed to have my mom in my life, and was blessed to have such a wonderful grandmother. I'm also very fortunate to have readers such as you too!

Thank you for all the support! It is always very deeply appreciated!

A relationship with one's grandmother was sacred, something Violet Snape knew all too well. There were things only Grandma Muriel understood which her siblings and parents did not. They had conversations which few other people could follow, and had inside jokes which only they found amusing. It was special for a witch to have a muggle grandmother with whom they were so close. Violet was a lucky twelve year old indeed.

This was not to say her siblings had a bad relationship with their grandparents. Hermione and Severus' other two children wrote their grandparents while at Hogwarts. Still, their letters were written once every few weeks. Violet on the other hand wrote her grandmother at least once a week, sometimes more. It was an impressive feat for a twelve year old who claimed writing papers was her least favorite aspect of school.

Those letters to Grandma were not short either. Hermione and Severus were never quite sure what Violet said in them, but she received letters just as long as those she wrote. A few times when she was home, Violet would lock herself in her room and giggle upon reading the letters. Other times, she would step outside her room frowning as if she'd lost her best friend. When asked what was troubling her, she would always give an answer such as, "Oh nothing, sometimes things don't work out like they should. That's all."

"Is there something wrong with your grandmother?" Severus asked one evening when Violet had been more glum than usual.

"No," she answered as she sat at the dinner table across from him. "At least, nothing you would consider important."

"How could you think such a thing? What's happening to your grandmother is always important to me." He folded his hands.

"I know she's important to you, and that you care about her, but sometimes things upset us that you wouldn't understand."

"How could I not understand what's wrong?"

"It's just, private, that's all."

"I love both you and your grandmother. If there's something upsetting both of you you can tell me. I may not be able to help, but I can at least listen."

"I know you want to help, but you can't help us. Nobody can control this except some dunderheads in Sydney."

"What dunderheads in Sydney?"

"They're nobody you'd care about," she replied.

"You are beginning to scare me," Severus leaned forward. "You are being vague, and I'm not sure why you won't discuss your emotions with me."

"I don't mean to scare you," Violet argued. "I'm just stating facts. You don't care about some of the things Grandma and I care about."

"Is your grandmother well?"

"Of course she's well," Violet relaxed. "If she wasn't well, you would know about it before me. She would never keep being sick from you."

"But she's told you something upsetting, and somebody from Sydney is involved."

"Yes, but it doesn't affect our family directly. The people from Sydney aren't dangerous or anything. It's just," Violet twisted her lower lips. "It's just Grandma's dental practice ran out of laughing gas."

"It did?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, and the manufacturer in Sydney won't give them more. It's depressing because I wanted to have some when I went to the dentist next."

"Violet, you know that laughing gas is only for people who are afraid of the dentist and for those who are coming in to get cavities filled."

"True, but now they're sad that it's gone, as am I."

Severus stared at his daughter. She wasn't as great at deception as she thought she was. Still, it was clear he wasn't going to get anything more out of her. Whatever was bothering her was probably not something he'd consider life threatening. For all he knew, her grandparents' internet had gone out and Violet feared not being able to go on her favorite websites when they next visited.

Instead of pressing her further, he changed the subject, deciding some things would need to stay between grandmother and granddaughter. Provided nobody was hurt and his family was not in danger, nothing more needed to be said.

Severus had never had a grandparent in his life, so it was a joy to watch his children interact with two loving grandparents. Hermione was just as happy with the relationship her children had with them. She had a few memories of her grandparents, but they were lived across Britain. All of them died before she went to Hogwarts. They were also less than willing to help out her parents when needed. If there was one thing Hermione would always be grateful for, it was her parents' willingness to help provide childcare, even if she did not always approve of their methods.

It had been months since Hermione had gotten a good, long nap in. Violet's colic kept the Snape family up most nights, and it took her forever to settle her down in the daytime. At the end her rope, Hermione asked her mother to watch the children so she could take a nap. Muriel agreed, claiming to know the perfect way to calm a four month old Violet.

Though Hermione had been skeptical that her mum could do anything she hadn't already tried, her doubts were proven wrong. After three blessed hours of sleep, she approached the living room, wondering how she could ever thank her mother for giving her a much needed break, and if she could borrow her method for calming Violet. Merlin knows she'd need it in the upcoming months.

"So after divorcing Delois, Stanley had two children with Leah: Robert and Laurel. Laurel was the one you saw kissing Lucas."

"Oh," Violet's eyes were wide, as if this story was the most fascinating one she'd heard.

"Yes, Laurel was falsely accused of killing Leah's protégé, so she went on the run. Kin needed to find her and bring her back."

"Ooh," Violet muttered.

Hermione raised an eyebrow. She had never heard this story before. Whatever it was didn't sound like the most child-friendly tale. Still, if it silenced Violet she should take it as a blessing and hear it out in case she needed to retell it.

"Anyway, Kin and Laurel married, but Jackie, Kin's ex, was devastated she'd lost him. So, she enlisted her cousin Lucas' help in making it look like Laurel was cheating. Like all good plans though, it went sideways when Lucas saw Laurel and fell in love with her at first sight. His feelings for her were genuine, and they only grew the more they interacted."

Violet cheered.

"So now, Lucas and Laurel are on the run from the evil Franklin Smythe. Lucas has some information on him that if released, could cost him his life. So, they need to stay hidden until they crack a code which will put Franklin in jail for the rest of his life. You saw Lucas and Laurel hiding in a department store from Franklin's evil henchmen. Of course Lucas is in love with Laurel, but she doesn't want to break her marriage vows to Kin, so they have to wait before acting on their feelings. Don't worry though, tomorrow they're supposed to have a very romantic dance with each other."

"Mum?"

Muriel turned to her daughter. "Hermione, I didn't hear you come in."

"I just woke up," she stretched. "Thank you so much for allowing me to take the nap. It's just what I needed."

"I'm glad I could help," Muriel looked down at Violet. "I needed a little time with my grandchildren anyway. It was nice to play with them."

"Where are Rose and Victor?"

"They went to the hardware store with your father. They were supposed to be looking for new wrenches, though I suspect they've made a stop at the candy store."

"That's nice," Hermione ran her finger along Violet's cheek. "What story were you telling Violet?"

"I was giving her a rundown of the history of Stanley's Corner, and how it relates to the episode we just saw."

"Stanley's Corner?" Hermione exclaimed. "The soap opera you liked so much?"

Muriel nodded as Violet cooed.

Hermione's eyes were wide.

"She was very fascinated by the episode, so I thought I'd fill her in on everything. She was so riveted she didn't make a peep for hours," Muriel continued.

"Mum, I love you, but do not watch that show around my children. Soap operas are a waste of time. I mean, how can you watch such mindless dribble, much less while holding my daughter?"

"It kept her quiet for three hours, did it not?"

"True, but please, don't get her hooked on them. There are much better uses of her time, and much more intellectually stimulating activities she can partake in than watching a ridiculous soap opera," Hermione replied.

"Fine, I'll keep my love of Stanley's Corner to myself," Muriel answered, trying to hide the hurt swelling in her chest.

"Mum? Dad?"

Severus and Hermione glanced up from their bed.

"Violet?" Severus answered in a groggy voice.

"Yeah, I uh…"

"Excuse me?" He gave her a pointed look. Just because it was six in the morning did not mean she was excused from using proper English.

"I mean yes, I'm going to grandma's house now."

"Again?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," Violet replied.

"But you've been there every day for the last three weeks."

"I know. We're still working on that Muggle Studies project, and I need to be there soon to do it correctly."

"How soon?" Hermione asked.

"In five minutes."

"Okay," Hermione yawned. "But if they're busy, don't get in their way. Don't be afraid to go home if they're in the middle of something."

"Trust me," she grinned, "They aren't in the middle of anything they don't want me involved in."

Before Hermione could say another word, Violet darted off into the other room to floo to her grandparents' house.

"She's been at your parents' house quite a bit recently," Severus noted.

"Yes," Hermione muttered. "Ever since summer began, she's been obsessed with this Muggle Studies project."

"I only wish she had become this obsessed with potions, charms, or anything else she didn't already know."

"I'm more concerned that her newfound obsession is annoying her grandparents."

"What do you mean?"

"My parents despised the Weasleys because Arthur would always ask about their things and tinker with their technology. They felt as if he didn't treat them like people because he was so obsessed with how they lived their lives. He saw them as depositories of information, not as people with their own thoughts and feelings," Hermione propped herself up on her pillows.

"You don't believe Violet is doing that, are you?" Severus asked.

"No, Violet would never treat anyone that way. It doesn't mean she isn't coming off that way though."

"Do you think you're parents feel as if she's being too intrusive?"

"I don't know," Hermione exhaled. "But I intend to find out soon."

It was a relief that Hermione's parents were such willing babysitters. Sure, the Mafloys didn't mind watching the Snape children when necessary, but there was something special about their grandparents babysitting them. Hermione's parents had always wanted grandchildren, especially because her mum could only have one child. It was touching to know she'd made one of their dreams come true.

When she'd returned her parents' memories to them, she had feared their rejection. It had been a violation to mess with their minds. They may not have understood the need for protection, and may have been upset that she'd kept so much from them. Their memories could return, and they may tell her they never wanted to see her again. Yet, they accepted her again with open arms, claiming they could never abandon their child, no matter how much they disagreed with her actions. Having children of her own had only strengthened their bond.

That being said, conflicts still arose over what kinds of things were and were not acceptable for her children to see.

Hermione strolled into the basement, where her eight year old daughter and mother were watching television. To be honest, Hermione was a bit hurt that when she strolled through the floo to her parents' house after her conference, her mother and Violet had said their hellos, said they were happy she'd returned, then retreated to the basement. Now that her older children were indulging in ice cream along with their grandfather, it was time to check on what was so important that they needed to leave so soon.

"So Brenna doesn't know that Michael is a master jewel thief?" Violet asked.

Hermione stopped on the third step from the bottom to listen in.

"No, he's been keeping that from her," Muriel answered. "All she knows is that people are spreading rumors that his profession involves illegal activity."

"But she doesn't believe them."

"No," Muriel answered. "She only believes Michael. It hasn't occurred to her that he could ever keep a secret from her."

"Just like we're keeping a secret from Mum," Violet giggled.

"Yes," Muriel chuckled, "just like this."

"What are you two keeping secret from me?" Hermione finished her descent.

"Oh, hi Mum," Violet squirmed. "What are you doing here?"

"Seeing what you two are doing and," Hermione turned to the TV, where a man and woman were kissing each other, and ripping each other's clothes off. She turned red. "What on earth is this?"

"Stanley's Corner," Violet answered as her grandmother gave Hermione a sheepish smile.

"What on earth makes you think this show is appropriate for children?" She exclaimed as the man's shirt was tossed onto the floor.

"In my defense, they weren't doing this before you walked down," Muriel answered.

"Well they're doing it now."

"I know, and I don't let Violet watch those parts," Muriel changed the channel to a cartoon.

"How can you keep these parts hidden from her? This is a soap opera. Adult situations are a part of the show. The whole reason people watch these shows is to see romance and scenes like that."

"I like it because it's really romantic," Violet piped in. "Michael says some really sweet things to Brenna, even if he's lying to her about his job."

"Who are Michael and Brenna?

"My favorite couple. They're really hot together."

"How does she know what the word, 'hot' means?" Hermione glared at her mother.

"I may have used it a time or two around her," Muriel admitted.

"What's wrong? I like this show. It's fun," Violet cut in.

"Violet, this is a very adult show that children have no business watching. In fact, your grandmother has no business watching it. It isn't appropriate for anyone."

"Why is the show bad?" Violet asked. "Is it the kissing? You and Dad kiss all the time. The only difference is that when you take off his shirt, you two close the door and won't let us in."

Muriel burst out laughing as the color drained from Hermione's face.

Hermione waited another week before deciding she was going to discuss Violet's visits with her mother. In order to avoid a scene, she waited until the weekend to announce everyone was going to see Grandma and Grandpa. Nobody objected, and all seemed eager to go. Now all Hermione needed to do was wait for an opportune time to speak with her mother about her being allowed to back out of whatever project Violet had planned.

That time came when Wilford challenged everyone to a Pacman tournament on their new computer. The children all agreed to it. Although Severus did not play, he agreed to watch and be a referee. Before he left, he gave his wife a supportive glance.

"I swear your grandfather spends too much time on that computer playing those games," Muriel took a sip of her tea as she sat at the table. "He takes an obscene amount of pride in that high score, more than he should."

"He certainly does enjoy that new computer."

"I think he enjoys time with his grandkids just as much, if not more, than any game he could play," she grinned.

"Yes," Hermione sat beside her and held up her tea cup. "I wanted to discuss one of your grandchildren with you, namely Violet."

"Oh," Muriel swallowed. "I see."

"I know she's been coming over here a lot this summer. If I'm correct, she's been here almost every day since break began."

"Please, don't judge her too harshly for coming here."

"I'm not judging her at all, but I do want to give you a way out of whatever project she has planned."

"Way out of what plan?" Muriel quirked an eyebrow.

"Mum, I know you love your grandchildren and would do anything for them," Hermione took a sip of tea. "Still, I know how hurtful it was for the Weasleys to only focus on your possessions and ignore your thoughts and feelings. If Violet is doing that, if you're uncomfortable with her coming over every day and asking about your possessions, please tell me. We will find a way to work through this in a way where she doesn't feel embarrassed for coming over."

"Wait," a grin crept across Muriel's face. "You think she's doing schoolwork here?"

"I don't know if it's schoolwork, but she has alluded to a Muggle Studies project. I assume that's what is occurring," Hermione took a sip of her tea.

"And you think she's pestering me about my possessions the way Arthur Weasley did?"

"If she is, I'd like to know so we can work through this."

Muriel laughed so hard she almost fell out of the chair. A few times she looked at Hermione, only to burst out laughing again. Hermione stared at her, unable to formulate any words, or settle on any emotion towards the situation.

"I apologize," Muriel caught her breath. "But what Violet is doing is so far from schoolwork it is amusing to think the two could be related."

"What is she doing?" Hermione demanded.

"That," Muriel exhaled and grew serious. "That is for you two to discuss."

"But you know about these absences."

"I do, but I'm not her mum. This is for you two to deal with, not me."

Hermione bit her lower lip.

"I promise you," Muriel took Hermione's hands. "Violet is in no trouble. There is no illegal activity, and no boys involved. She's with me the entire time, so she is not sneaking off anywhere without permission."

"I know she's in no trouble," Hermione relaxed. "You would be the first person to tell me if Violet was engaged in any true mischief or was dating someone behind our backs."

"I would because I understand that it's important for you to know these things. I won't keep secrets about important things, and my grandchildren know that. They know that if they are engaged in any behavior you would find objectionable or ever felt unsafe in any way, I would be the first to tell you. I do not keep such secrets from you."

"Thank you," Hermione exhaled.

"You're an amazing mother." Muriel squeezed her daughter's hands. "I'm so proud of who you are and how you've raised my grandchildren. They're happy and healthy, which is all I could ever want. I could not be more proud of the kind of mother you are."

"Thank you."

"That being said," Muriel released her daughter's hands. "Any child wants to please their parents. They do not wish to be judged, especially by a parent with strong opinions on certain matters."

"What strong opinions?" Hermione asked.

"That is for you and Violet to discuss. All I ask when you have this discussion is to remember this," Muriel continued. "I've always felt close to you, but there are things I wanted to do that you never indulged in. This is fine since you are your own person. My interests are not yours, and I accept that. Rose and Victor didn't want to indulge in these kinds of things either, which is fine. They are who they are, and I love them as they are. Violet however, does enjoy doing things with me that nobody else in the family does. It means something to me that she wants to share in an activity with me that few other people do."

"I appreciate your special bond with her," Hermione answered. "I know you love all my children, but I am thrilled you and Violet are so close. It warms my heart to know that she has you to talk to, and you will always love and support her."

"Then please, keep it in mind when you speak with Violet."

"I will," Hermione promised, wondering how her mother could make something sound so ominous, yet so benign.

"Also, please have this discussion after she returns home from our house. She doesn't have as much time to come here as you think."

"I'll keep that in mind," Hermione promised.

"Violet?"

"Yes Mum," Violet strolled into the library.

"How did things go with your grandma today?"

"Great," Violet beamed. "Our project is going along nicely."

"Sweetie," Hermione took a deep breath. "I know you aren't working on a Muggle Studies project."

"Y-you do?" Violet gulped.

"I do," Hermione gestured for her to sit on the sofa next to her.

"So uh, what did grandma tell you?" Violet sat beside her mum.

"She told me that you were in no danger and breaking no rules, so I needed to discuss your trips to Australia with you without her input."

"Oh."

"If you tell me why you're spending so much time with your grandparents, I promise not to judge you."

"You promise?"

"I do."

Violet fidgeted. "I'm going over there to watch Stanley's Corner."

"Excuse me?" Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"I'm watching Stanley's Corner with grandmother," she continued in a louder voice.

"I see."

"Are you upset?"

"No," Hermione gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm not."

"But, you hate it when I watch that show."

"I hated when your grandmother allowed you to watch it when you were eight because it was not appropriate for children."

"She always changed the channels when the kissing began, I promise."

"I know, and I was harsh on her for liking it," Hermione shook her head. "Much harsher than I should've been."

"I know you think the show is inane, but I enjoy it. I think it's fun, and it's nice to spend so much time with Grandma. I like writing to her about it. She tells me what happened, and I comment on it."

"So that's why your letters to her are so frequent and long."

Violet nodded.

"And the people from Sydney you discussed with your father?"

"Are the writers and producers. I thought they were writing off my favorite character, but I was wrong. They just offered the actor a new contract, and he signed it. Everything's great now."

"Well then," Hermione relaxed. "I suppose I should stop being so judgmental and ask what your favorite part of the show is."

"You really want to know?" Violet's eyes lit up.

"I do."

"Okay," Violet's eyes glistened. "I love all the characters, but one has really made me excited. They have this new character on named Alex. He is accused of murdering General Wilson, though he didn't do it. Still, he got scared and convinced Paige to pretend to be his hostage so he had a chance to drive from Stanton to Perth without anyone pursuing him. He then planned to fly to Bangkok."

"Okay," Hermione answered.

"Anyway, Alex was about to board the plane when he realized he loved Paige and couldn't live without her. So, he took a plane back to Stanton to be with her. Now she's trying to convince him to turn on the people who really killed General Wilson. In the meantime, her friends are beginning to suspect Alex came back to Stanton, so they're trying to find him so they can turn him into the police."

Hermione grinned and followed with as much enthusiasm as possible. Truth be told, this sounded like inane drivel. Still, it made Violet and her grandmother happy. For all the soap opera's faults, it helped strengthen their bond, and gave them joy.

In the end, love is always a story worth sharing.