Dare to Dance

Disclaimer: JKR owns all that you recognize. I just like to borrow the characters to play...

A/N: This story is beginning to wind down now. I think there will only be another chapter or two for this one. Although, I do reserve the right to add a sequel to it at a later date.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Chapter 13 – Decisions at Graduation


Hermione arrived in her chambers after the last class of the day in a exceedingly happy mood. She felt sure that the final test had been a success. She had passed it, of course, with flying colors. Her mind raced as she thought of her future plans.

Of course, she would apply to only the best Universities, and she planned to major in Advanced Transfigurations. Then, she wanted to teach. Whether it would be at Hogwarts, or in one of the other schools was something she wasn’t sure of, but she felt confident that McGonagall would want her as her understudy when she completed her term.

Before she had even finished the thought, a frown creased Hermione’s brow. What of Severus? Would he be willing to wait for her? She sank onto the end of her bed at the thought. What if he changed his mind and decided that he didn’t want to bond with her as he had offered earlier?

There was a packing noise at her window, startling her from the thoughts that were beginning to give her a pounding headache. There, at the window was a small owl. It hooted once when it caught her eye. Standing, she moved to let the creature in.

It hopped toward her with it’s claw extended. A small parchment was attached to its leg. Reaching into her pocket, Hermione pulled out a piece if dried meat that was specifically intended to be a treat for the owls. After gifting the bird with the morsel, she relieved him of his burden, and opened the parchment.

My Dear Hermione,

I find that we have perhaps made a most grievous error this morning. I must speak with you as soon as is convenient. I only hope we will be able to rectify this error.

Affectionately, SS


Hermione stared at the message for a moment. She felt at a complete loss. His words still seemed affectionate. But what was it that he considered an error on their part this morning? Her heart sank at the thought.

There was nothing else it could be. He must want to rescind his offer of binding himself to her. That was the only thing she could think of. Squaring her shoulders, she prepared herself to accepting his polite, but sincere denial of what they had shared.

As she opened the door, she was stunned to see Ron standing there, nervously shuffling from foot to foot His eyes grew big for a moment at seeing her there, but he recovered with a weary sigh. “I just wanted to come tell you I’m sorry for what I was doing to you.” He shook his head. “I had no idea what I was doing, honestly.”

Hermione relaxed and smiled. “I know, Ron. It’s okay, I forgive you.”

When she stepped out of the room, he continued. “I’ve come to say goodbye.”

Stopping, Hermione stared at him as if he had grown two heads. “What? What do you mean, goodbye?”

Taking a deep breath, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and stared at the ground before answering. “I’ve finished the last of my studies, and Dumbledore said I didn’t have to come to the graduation ceremony if I didn’t want to...” he lifted his shoulders and met her eyes. “Charlie has offered to let me move in with him for a while. And he’s going to train me with the dragons.” His eyes misted as he looked back at her. “I think that what I need is distance, you know? From both you and Harry. It’ll be better this way.”

She dropped her jaw. When he turned and began making his way from her, she followed. “No! No, I don’t know! What do you mean, you need distance from us? Why? What did we do?”

Ron, turned back to stare at her, tears ran down his cheeks. “Hermione, you didn’t do anything. Don’t you understand?” He placed his hand over his heart. “I still feel it. Whatever it was that took over. It no longer has control, but whenever you or Harry is near me, I can still feel it.” He dropped his hand and closed his eyes as if he was in great pain. “It’s better this way.”

Turning away from her, he disappeared down the steps, leaving Hermione there alone. Confused, she suddenly broke into a run, racing to catch up with him. In the common room, she saw Ron, with his parents. Harry stood there, with his arms crossed and an angry look on his face. “You’re running away, Ron. I can’t believe you’re doing this! I thought we were going to work to be Aurors! I thought that you wanted that as much as I did!”

Ron, stepped between his parents. Molly placed a gentle hand on his shoulder as he turned back to face his best friend. “I want you and Hermione safe, Harry. The last thing I would ever wand is for either of you to be hurt by my hand.”

Harry growled. “Then, let’s fight this thing! Don’t run away!”

Ginny stepped between Harry and Ron. “That’s what he’s doing, Harry. Charlie is going to teach him the control of the Dragon. Dumbledore even agreed that it would be a good way for him to gain control over whatever this is that is tormenting him.”


Ron looked from Harry to Hermione and offered her a sad smile. “I’ll keep in touch. But this is something I do want to do. I’ve always wanted to work with dragons. And to work with Charlie is the chance of a lifetime.”

Turning, he let his parents usher him out of the room. Hermione walked up beside Harry and put a hand on his shoulder. “Are you alright?”

Harry turned to look at her with a vexed expression. “Our best friend is running away, Hermione. Am I alright?” he shrugged her hand off his shoulder. “Are you... alright with that?” he shook his head. “I’m not.”

With a last, accusing look toward Ginny, Harry quit the room, slamming the door in his stead. The two girls exchanged sad looks and Ginny moved to sit in the nearest chair. Hermione watched her, knowing she was going to say something by way of explanation. When she finally met Hermione’s gaze, there were tears gathering in her eyes. “He just doesn’t want to hurt you anymore and he says he can still feel whatever it is inside.”

Moving to sit across from Ginny, she sighed. “So, he’s putting distance between us until he can find a way to control whatever it is?”

With a nod, the red haired girl added, “he really has always wanted to work with dragons. When he was still little, going to see Charlie work with them was his favorite thing to do.”

Hermione nodded. “Okay, then I guess we just have to let him go, then,” not that she liked it, but what else could she do? Suddenly, she felt even less optimistic about going to meet Severus.


*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*


Severus paced the length of the room, waiting. Hermione should be here soon. He wondered angrily what was keeping her? With classes over, all that was left was the Graduation ceremony tomorrow, then the school would be blessedly silent of students for the summer. He still had hope of convincing Hermione to stay another night, but first, he must give her the Next Day potion.” It was the only way to ensure that there would be no child from their unprotected moment.

Not that he wouldn’t relish the opportunity to have children with his beloved witch. But they had to consider her dreams. He was sure that at this moment the last thing she wanted was to jump right into parenthood. Agitated, he glanced at the timepiece with a frustrated sigh.

With each passing moment the power of the potion was waning and there was only so much time before it would be useless. Then, the only other option would be... He shook his head. No, he wouldn’t even think on that option. Taking the potion at first conception was okay, There was no heartbeat yet. But within the week, it would be a spell that would have to be used instead of his simple potion. No, murder of a unborn was not an option he could accept.

When the door opened, he turned to see Hermione walking in slowly, her eyes on the floor. When she didn’t raise her eyes to his, he found himself moving towards her, concerned. “Is something wrong?”

Hermione shrugged. “Ron’s leaving. He still feels the maliciousness, and he’s afraid to stay would be to endanger us.” she said it simply, grateful that she didn’t have to voice her other fears that weighed on her mind of his rejection that she just knew was coming.

Severus squared his shoulders and nodded. “Yes, I was afraid that even though the potion we brewed would give him control, he would still have to deal with the emotion.” I am sorry it is sending him so far away from you both, however.”

Hermione looked up to meet his gaze then. “Well, he’s promised to keep in touch, so I suppose that is something.” Pushing her dread away, she asked, “You wanted to see me, sir?”

Severus quirked an eyebrow at the formality of her address. Sir? “Yes. I’m afraid we made an error this morning. One we must rectify now to avoid the consequences.”

Hermione’s expression became instantly hostile. “Yes, of course. Well, the Graduation ball is tonight. The Graduation Ceremony is tomorrow, so that should be soon enough to never see me again. Or, do you want a farewell shag for old time sake?” She asked angrily.

Gaping at her, Severus took a step toward her holding out the potion. “What are you talking about? I’m simply saying that you need to drink this potion because I forgot to cast the conception spell when we...” he drew back suddenly looking very ill. “You thought I was rethinking our relationship?” his eyes betrayed his hurt. “Do you think I feel so little for you, then?”

Realizing her error, Hermione brought her hands to her mouth and began crying sincerely. “I’m sorry. When I got your missive, I thought... The Ron was there, telling me goodbye...” she crumpled onto the ground and continued sobbing.

With a sigh, Severus moved to sit beside her on the ground with only a slight distasteful look at the floor and gathered her into his arms. “Shhh, I understand. I shouldn’t have worded it in such a way. I can see where it made you think as you did.”

She grasped onto him as if her very life would end if he wasn’t there to hold her. “I don’t want to lose you.” She whispered. “I never knew I could feel this way until there was you.”

Severus pulled back and gave her a soft smile. “I never want to lose you either, Hermione. But I don’t think you are ready to take our relationship to the level of parenthood just quite yet, are you?” He handed her the potion he’d made. “Please take this so you will be able to choose our time for conception at a time that will be more convenient for both of us.

Hermione took the vial from him and stared at it’s contents for a few seconds before looking at his with a small smile. “I think when the time is right, you’ll make an excellent father!”

Returning her smile, he asked. “Are you sure you want this old prat of a wizard to be the father of your children?” At her nod, his breath caught in his throat. “You had better use that potion now, before I take the option away. You still have dreams of schooling and such. It would be much harder with a child.”

Leaning into him, Hermione whispered against his lips. “When have I ever been one to do things the easy way?.” Then she kissed him deeply and he returned her kiss. The potion fell forgotten to the floor.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

A/N: I think this story is about finished. I believe maybe one more chapter, but this is about to come to a close, although I think there is going to be a story with a mature Ron when he finally comes into his own at some point.

Please take the time to tell me what you think of this latest chapter.