๑۞ 𝟒:𝟎𝟎 𝔄.𝔐. ۞๑
By the time I'd made it home from the eatery, the ring was too heavy for me to continue wearing. It was as if the weight of Ron, the burden of that entire relationship and of the lie I was living was the substance of which the metal was made.
I stared at the glittering ring sitting on my nightstand, shaking in anger and fear.
I was angry with myself for not having ended things with Ron long ago, for not feeling strong enough to stand on my own, even though I had been for quite a while now. I also hated that Skeeter was right; as Ron proposed, I wished it was Severus instead because no one else would ever be as intoxicating and stimulating to me as he is.
One look or small uttering from Severus's lips and I'd do it, whatever it is and I don't care if it killed me. For him, I'd do anything, and it scared me that I felt so strongly, but I did.
There was a loud knock on the door, and based on the tone; I knew it was Ron and not George.
"Go away!"
"Mione?" Ron's voice carried through my closed bedroom door.
"Not now, Ronald." I was livid that he'd posed for Skeeter - Skeeter!
I'd panicked, knowing this fake news was going to be all over the front page of the Prophet, destroying any possibility of Severus thinking I'm interested in him, even though I'd done my best to make it obvious when I've been in his line of sight. I wouldn't give up because of this possible setback, but I was going to have to deal with that starting tomorrow because it was too late to do anything about it tonight.
Ron spoke again, "I just wanted to make sure you are feeling okay."
"No, I'm not. Please, leave me alone."
"You didn't finish dinner, so I brought it home and put it in the refrigerator."
"Thanks."
"Are you sure you won't talk to me?"
"Ronald!" I snapped, moving the covers off of me to get up and grab my wand.
"I'm going!" I heard his footsteps grow distant and then descend the steps.
I can't believe this is happening!
I laid back on my bed and closed my eyes, remembering my earlier shopping trip.
"Granger, when did you realize you wanted to break up with Weasley?" The Slytherins silver eyes studied me carefully.
"The Holidays."
Draco made a high whistling noise, "That was forever ago!"
I nodded shamefully.
"Why in Merlin's beard haven't you broke it off yet!? I mean, are you waiting until after you're married, have fifty dirty red-headed children and your body's too wasted to attract another man?"
I cringed, "I'll never marry him or have his offspring! I don't want to hurt him or lose my friendships with his family."
He eyed me suspiciously, "I realize the Weasley's are poor, but that hasn't affected their moral compass negatively - they're decent people. As you just pointed out they're your friends, I'm sure if you explained that things aren't making you happy they'd understand and probably respect you for it."
"You think so?" I worried for the millionth time.
"Miss. Weasley would want her son to be with someone that loves him, not someone who is with him because she pities them."
"I don't pity him!"
"Then why haven't you broken up with him?"
"Well, the last time I thought about doing it I decided to wait because didn't want to hang around the Bahamas with a mopey, broken-hearted Ron after dumping him. It would have made for a terrible vacation."
The blonde looked at me as if I'd lost my mind. "Sounds like pity to me. Please tell me you didn't sleep with Weasle when we were there. We shared a hotel room." He looked disgusted.
"No! I haven't had sex with him in months." I huffed, "And that's really not any of your business."
"Month's?" He looked scandalized. "Are you sure you're a couple still? I mean, Harry and I have a go at least once a day."
"I was pulling away from Ron and hoped he dump me. And really? Once a day?" As if I wasn't already jealous of how good of a couple the two of them make, now I knew their sex life was amazing too!
The blonde smiled proudly. "Of course! Harry can turn me on with one look, and I have to keep my man happy, don't I?"
I didn't really want to think about Harry like that, but another dark-haired wizard came to mind that had the same effect on me.
As if knowing what I was thinking about, he asked with a straight face, "So, how long have you wanted to fuck my godfather?"
I sucked in a shocked breath, feeling scandalized and looked around hoping that none of the nearby shoppers heard what he'd said. "Draco!"
"Granger!" He cocked an eyebrow at me, and I felt my face heat.
I looked into his silver eyes and confessed, "Since last summer."
"You're kidding me! Last summer?"
"Why would I lie now?"
"This has to be quite a tale," he lifted a long golden-brown gown and held it up to me. "Go on, spill the Every-Flavour Beans, Granger."
"When I'd saved him and went to take him to St. Mungo's last year he kissed me," I took a deep breath and felt some weight of this secret being removed from my shoulders.
"Wow. Severus kissed you?" he looked impressed.
"He was delirious, and I believe he thought I was Lilly Potter coming to collect him."
"Oh," His disappointed tone reflected my feelings on the situation perfectly.
"What's worse is that somehow, as we were kissing, I saw some of his memories."
"You shared memories?"
Nodding I explained, "Mind you, I'd just kissed Ron for the first time - as I'd dreamed of doing for years. The final battle at Hogwarts had just ended. Fred was taken from us, and here I was having this life-altering moment with a dying man."
"That... sucks. What did you see?"
The memories surfaced, and I shook them away, "That's private."
He wiggled his eyebrows, "Sounds like something I'd want to hear all about. Did you see him naked?"
"I wish," I grumbled.
He chuckled, "If it was such a good kiss, how come you and Severus haven't already hooked up?"
"I don't think he remembers it. Just lucky tortured me."
"You haven't spoken to him about it?" He looked at me like I was a moron before holding a red and gold gown in front of me that looked identical to the last three but was a different color scheme.
"No. When have I had a chance?" Plus, wouldn't that be cheating on Ron a little?"
"Talking is cheating?" He shook his blonde head at me, "Granger for such a smart witch, you're really handling this situation poorly."
"Well, now, I wish I'd never told you the truth!" I huffed even though I was thankful to Draco for being here and talking with me about this.
"I'm going to tell you what you need to hear and that you already know," he winked playfully.
"What's that?"
"Dump Weasley and get with my godfather."
"I'm going to end things with Ron!" I insisted. "But in reality, why would Severus be interested in me when he has tons of beautiful women throwing themselves at him?"
"Why wouldn't he be interested in you?"
I eyed him suspiciously, "The women at his disposal that I just mentioned."
"Well, Severus has dated a lot since first getting Belinda Hooks' help and so far, not a single one of them has stuck around for very long."
"Loretta Shrader." I sighed out, remembering the picture of him kissing her and an article that claimed wedding bells were in their future.
Laughter burst from Draco's mouth, "That crazy Witch was only after the fame and spotlight he now carries with him. What's more important to remember is that he doesn't want her. As a matter of fact, he was so upset about the lies the Prophet printed that he demanded they only publish verified truths about him or lawsuits will ensue."
"Really?"
"Yep, and don't worry about Loretta and the others, you're quite beautiful now. Severus would have to be dead not to have noticed." He scrunched his face up, "Don't ever tell Harry I said that to you, I'd hate for him to get jealous." We both burst out laughing, and I couldn't believe Draco Malfoy had just told me that I was beautiful - weird.
"Well, thanks. Next issue is that there's a bit of an age difference that most people would object to."
"Do you?"
I shook my head, thinking of how the blood had rushed through me, and I'd shaken with desire when he'd said my name at the Ministry. I had to collect myself for a moment before turning and laying eyes on him for the first time in nine months. I was a mess and had to resort to counting so I wouldn't forget to breathe, I mean, who forgets how to breathe properly?
"Nope. As a matter of fact, his age turns me on."
He nodded agreeably, "It's the best way to learn new sex skills. Plus, having someone older want you is such a power trip."
"How many people have you been with?"
He shrugged.
"You don't know?" I shouldn't be surprised by this, but I was.
"I stopped counting a long time ago," He had a half grin and a far off look in his eye that made me briefly wonder what he was thinking about. "Back to Severus."
"I guess those were the only concerns."
"No real issues, in my opinion, at least."
I shrugged, "I have a Ron."
"Granger, you need to end things before he proposes to you," He gave me a funny look.
"He's not going to propose. We've never even discussed it before."
"Don't be too sure. He's dumb enough to think you'd want to be with him forever."
"I used to want to marry him and be a part of the Weasley clan."
"Right up until Severus kissed you." He smiled happily and leaned in closer, "So that you know, I overheard mother scolding him for not trying hard enough because he seemed to be holding onto the hope that someone else would notice him."
"When?" I blushed, "I mean, I doubt that has anything to do with me."
He looked me over with a knowing glint in his mercury eyes, "I've heard this several times, and the last was a week ago. Even Father was giving Severus a hard time about dating all these willing women and not getting any action out of it." He scrunched his face and shook his head in disbelief.
"He's not?" I tried not to smile.
"Nope. The matchmaker has rules against clients sleeping with someone for the first three months of dating, but come on; rules are made to be broken. He hasn't - not once."
"Oh," I was giddy and felt like I was going to burst with the knowledge that no one touched any extra special parts of my Severus.
"I'm willing to bet that it's you."
"I doubt it." I was crossing all my fingers and toes in hopes that he was telling me the truth.
"Don't be too sure. You saved his life, helped keep him out of Azkaban, made sure his health was properly attended to. To top it off you've kept in contact all school year. And you just told me about this kiss. What if he remembers it too?"
"I wish he remembered kissing me! Wait, how did you know that we kept in contact? I never told anyone. "
He cocked his eyebrow at me, "I grew up in a household that had lots of important visitors. As an only child, I became very good at observing and overhearing important business and news being discussed. Trust me."
"You want me to trust a Slytherin?" I joked, trying to ease my tension.
He gave me a smug smirk, "Who better?"
"Okay, but just because of all that, it doesn't mean that he likes me - likes me."
I felt like an idiot talking about Severus Snape like some high school girl with a crush. I was out of school; therefore, I should have slept with him - just before he told me about my parent's. Doors have locks, and there were shutters on all the windows. I sighed heavily, trying to push that reoccurring thought from my mind once again.
"Are you kidding?" He asked, bringing me back from my wayward thoughts and eyed him suspiciously.
"Severus might seem intimidating and be hard to read due to his brilliance and cool demeanor but Granger, I guarantee you've caught my godfathers eye."
I looked around before saying it, "Draco." The blonde looked me in the eye, and I felt relief at unburdening myself of my long-bottled up secret, "I want to be with Severus so much it hurts!"
"Yes!" He laughed in delight, "I knew it!"
"You promise you won't tell anyone, please."
"Don't worry, this bit of information will stay with you, Harry and I."
"You can't tell Harry!"
He shook his blonde head, "Sorry, Harry and I had a bet as to whether you were interested in Severus or not. I just won a prize of my choosing." He rubbed his hands together, excitedly.
"You have bets on this?"
He laughed, "We have bets on all sorts of things. It keeps our relationship from ever getting monotonous."
Draco became serious, "One more thing Granger, I know that you think you didn't break up with Ron because you didn't want to hurt him, but I don't think that's all of it. I think you're afraid of how different life is going to be once you've become just Hermione Granger. Not Harry Potter's friend or Ron Weasley's girlfriend or even part of the Golden Trio, but the Brightest Witch of our age, Hermione Granger. You haven't been just that person for a very long time, and that's scary."
I sighed heavily, "I'd thought of this too and admit I am scared. I don't have my family anymore, so Harry and the Weasley's have filled that role."
"I'm not family, but I am your friend, and as such, I get to be brutally honest. Dump Weasley, stop being dumb about Severus and admit you've fallen for him!"
"I never said that."
"You haven't?"
"I don't know."
"If I were to tell you he died, how would you feel?"
"Ok," I lifted my hands in defeat as my chest clutched tightly and was instantly sad, "Don't say such awful things. I know I have very strong feelings for Severus, I'm just uncertain as to how I should deal with them and what they actually are. Then there's the whole issue with my parents. They're in trouble, need help, and all I keep thinking about is shagging Severus, it's counterproductive and confusing." I ran my eyes over Draco, "Why are you rooting for Severus and I to get together?"
"Remember how you told me you only wanted the best for Harry when I confirmed that I was interested in him?"
I nodded and smiled at the memory.
"I'm returning the favor, and I just so happen to want this for my godfather."
"Why?"
"Take all the reasons you saved him, and based on that he should have some amazing karma coin built up for all the good he did for the world. I think having a wife that's half his age, willing to rock his world in the bedroom, bear his children and is his intellectual equal is an awesome way to redeem those karma coins. Wouldn't you agree?"
My face heated, "You mean to say, you think I'm good enough for him?"
"Yes, and more importantly, I bet he thinks so too." He smiled brilliantly, "Just do as your doctor tells you and let me know how it goes."
"You're not a doctor yet," I teased.
"I will be. That's why we are here looking for ballgowns for you. I have to schmooze with all the hospital administrators and board of directors in hopes of getting into their fine university. Showing off my well-rounded group of friends helps a lot." He tilted his head at me, "Should I invite Severus and tell him to forget to bring a date?"
I smiled, "I'm breaking up with Ron tonight. He wanted to talk about something, and I think it's the perfect time to tell him how I've been feeling."
"You are?" He nodded slowly before grabbing a short red dress and handing it to me, "Wear that and make him feel stupid for not treating you like a Queen."
There was a loud knock at my bedroom door, that brought me out of my thoughts. I felt my irritation grow as it was now dark, I looked at my bedside clock and realized that I'd fallen asleep and I'd have to get ready for work in another hour.
"Ronald it's 4:00 in the morning! Why are you bothering me at this hour," I yanked open the door in anger and froze when seeing Severus standing there looking sexier than he ever did in any of my dreams.
"Miss. Granger," There was a light twinkling in his deep depths.
"Severus!" My heart was doing it's best to break out of my ribcage as it raced excitedly.
Am I still asleep? Severus Snape is standing in the doorway of my bedroom looking like an early birthday present, just waiting to be unwrapped.
He nodded, and his eyes ran over me, "I've received word from my contact."
"My parents?"
He stepped closer, and his intoxicating Severus smell flooded through me.
I am awake! This is happening! Oh... my... GOD!
His dark eyes looked deeply into mine, "First, I'd like to make sure you're emotionally prepared. This is going to be hard seeing your parents looking like they've been through hell, and they have."
"I'm fully aware of that."
"They won't know who you are and may attempt to kill you because you're a threat to them."
"I know. Do you think we will be able to rescue them?" I asked, hopefully.
"I want to tell you, yes, but I can't say something I don't know the answer to. We'll assess the situation once we get there. Also, we have to take both of your parent's or neither."
"Why?"
"Greyback will severely punish the remaining one."
I had no intention of leaving either of them there longer than I had to, and it would be hard for me to not take off with one of them if I had the chance. I nodded my understanding.
"And lastly," his eyes ran over me, kicking up butterflies in my stomach. "I know you're a very skilled Witch, but I can't watch you get hurt, so you'll obey me without question."
My pulse skyrocketed as I began thinking of all the things he could command me to do on my bed right now, and I would do it - anything, anything at all.
His eyes flashed to the object I want to pull him to, and a smile made its way to his lips as if knowing what I was thinking, "Unless you don't want to come."
"Of course, I do!" I looked down at my pajamas and smiled sheepishly, "Let me change."
"I'll be downstairs." He turned on his heal, "Be quick about it, Miss. Granger."
I closed the door and took several calming breaths as I stared at my bed and sighed longingly. I wanted to be focused on getting information on my parents or possibly rescuing them, but right now, I couldn't even remember my parent's names... Severus was almost in my bedroom!
Merlin, Severus smells so good, so edible!
Shaking my head to try to clear my horny thoughts and pushed away from the door. I quickly grabbed my bag, potions and dressed in dark warm clothes and bundled in my winter coat and scarf.
"Ron!" I jumped in surprise when I'd pulled the door open to head downstairs. "Why are you standing in the hallway at this time of the morning?"
"I heard voices, then saw Snape. I take it there's news about your parent's?"
"Yes," I said happily.
"You're running off with him?" He looked green.
"Severus?"
"Yeah, that creepy bloke."
"Ron, you know that he's been leading the investigation."
"Who else is going with you?"
I shrugged, "I didn't ask, maybe the other two Aurors he works with."
"I bet he planned it all out so that he could be alone with you," He accused.
"This is about my parents, and you're acting like an idiot!" I didn't mind the idea of Severus wanting to be alone with me, but this conversation was pointless. "I don't have time for this. Severs's waiting and so is his contact in Australia."
"I'm coming with you!" He blurted out, surprising me.
"This is the first time you've ever said as much." I eyed him suspiciously. "Do you really want to help rescue my parents?"
"Yeah, I'm ready to go." He was still dressed from last nights dinner, and he looked exhausted.
"You're sure that you want to go to Australia in the dead of winter with Severus Snape to hunt and possibly fight werewolves?"
His eyes widened as he nodded, making me positive he didn't plan on coming.
"Fine then, you have five minutes to go change into something warm and meet us downstairs."
"Well, I don't have snow boots," He complained.
"Really, Ron!? You know what, I don't need or want you there!" I slammed my bedroom door closed behind me and started walking away.
"You never answered me."
I stopped walking, "What?"
"At dinner, when I proposed."
My heart sank, "No, I didn't."
"Well?"
I turned to him and looked into the blue eyes that I'd longed for years to look at me with love and make me feel alive. Instead they were filled with pain, sadness and made me feel like a terrible person. However, I hated that he was doing this right now. Now, when I'm walking out the door to find my parent's - what a jerk!
"I don't want to hurt you, but I don't believe we want the same things in life."
"Yes, we do!"
"How would you know? We've never talked about the future until last night where you informed me that you wanted too many children."
"Five or six is too many?"
"Ron, this isn't the right time to talk about this. I need to go and safely collect my parents."
"I love you, Mione," his eyes pleaded with me.
I shook my head in irritation and walked off, "I have to go."
"You know what, it's okay. You get your parents back, and we can talk about this later. I don't need an answer right away." His voice carried after me.
The weight of that impending discussion and the fact that he'd missed that I'd turned down his marriage proposal began crushing me.
I wanted to go back and tell him there was no way I was going to marry him, and our relationship had been over for months, he just hadn't realized it. However, if I did that right, then he'd assume it was for Severus, so I kept walking.
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