More Ways to Kill A Weasley

“Where is he?” Hermione Granger demanded for what seemed like the twentieth time that morning while checking her wristwatch again.



Her father stopped organizing a shelf in his garage for a moment to reply, “Hermione, you know he always does this. He doesn’t like having to interact with us Muggles,” he spat out bitterly.



“Dad! How can you say that? Of course Ron likes you!” she declared indignantly while snatching up a corn bristle broom from the corner and starting to sweep the floor with a vengeance.



Hermione’s mother, Jane Granger, had heard the conversation as she entered the garage carrying a large box of older dental x-rays to be stored up in its attic area.



Jane snorted. “Hermione, your father’s right. He’s had you spend every holiday at that Bunker of his for the past two years. We barely see you three or four times a year and even then you always seem to have to hurry off because he’s waiting, or you need to do something for him, or some such nonsense. That boy monopolizes all your time.”



Shifting her eyes guiltily, Hermione recalled Ron’s Floo call this morning. He had tried to pressure her into going with him to put his name on the advanced sale list for tickets to the Quidditch world finals over coming over to help her parents.



She shrugged her shoulders and replied, “It’s the Burrow, Mum, and that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to see you both.”



John Granger just rolled his eyes, “Well, it certainly doesn’t show that he’s making any effort to be here or to see that you spend time with your own family. Your mother’s right, he’s trying to lessen your ties to us and to this part of your life.”



“Dad, what has he ever said to make you think he doesn’t like you?” Hermione asked snappishly while disposing of her sweepings.



John furiously wiped away a spider web that had attached itself to his face before taking a few steps up an aluminum ladder to reach the next shelf.



“Okay, you want an example?” he finally said. “Remember when he showed up late last St. George’s Day? I answered the door, he walked in and said, ‘Oi, been to any witch burnings lately?’ He didn’t even try to apologize or offer an explanation for being late. He just strutted in like he owned the place straight to the kitchen and proceeded to stuff his face. Have you ever watched him eat? It’s disgusting! How can you stand it?”



Jane brought her hand to her mouth and choked back a chuckle at her husband’s right-on vocal impersonation of the redhead.



Hermione frowned and said sulkily, “I’m sure he was just trying to be funny.”



“It wasn’t funny. It was rude. And to say such a thing to me only shows that he obviously thinks I’m some sort of savage. What do you see in this guy?” John pressed, amazed that his 24-year old daughter could be so blind.



Jane stacked her box with other items waiting to be brought up to the attic and said, “I can give you one. He once asked me about Muggle funeral rituals, he said he wanted to be prepared.”



The witch just shrugged sheepishly. “He was just curious, Mum.”



“Curious? Be serious! He wants us out of the picture, Hermione!” snapped Jane as she started vigorously unkinking a stray strand of Christmas lights.



“I would have to agree,” intoned a silky voice from the adjoining doorway that led into the house.



John nodded vigorously, “See? Even Severus agrees.”



“He’s biased. Severus dislikes everybody, especially Ron,” replied Hermione.



Severus arched an eyebrow and smirked, “That’s not entirely true.” He walked over to the boxes waiting to be taken to the attic, picked several up in his strong arms and started up the folding stairs. Both women couldn’t help but notice how his muscle fit white cotton tee displayed his muscled arms and biceps to full advantage, as well as his washboard abs. That and the way those low slung black jeans defined his firm buttocks and runners legs. Who would have every thought that he shopped at Abercrombie and Fitch.



Wondering what he had meant, she tore herself away from watching the muscle ripple on his well cut body and asked, “Do you mean you don’t dislike Ron?”



The wizard stopped on the stairs, looked back and replied, “No, you were right about that. I just don’t automatically dislike everybody else.” He smirked at her and resumed the climb to the attic.



When he returned from his trip, he walked around the edge of the garage and peered at the Muggle contraptions lying about with interest. He finally stopped in front of some garden tools.



“Sweet Merlin, John, are you a relation to the Grim Reaper?” he exclaimed.



John glanced at what had caught the wizard’s interest and chuckled. “Oh, I forget that I had that. I haven’t used it in years.”



Severus eyed the large scythe securely resting on hooks against the wall. “Why do you even have it?” he asked, surprised that a dentist would possess something so dangerous.



“When we bought the house it was a foreclosure and the yard had been left to grow wild for close to a year. It was the only way to chop everything back so that I could push a mower over it,” he explained.



Satisfied with the explanation, Severus nodded and continued his perusal of the garage. He was soon looking curiously into a large chest freezer, the lid of which was presently open.



“Does this need to be moved, too” the wizard inquired as he tested its weight. He had to catch the lid when it tried to snap shut from the movement.



“Oh, watch yourself. That think has a hair trigger. We’re throwing it out. I just have to remove the lid before I can leave it by the curb. Safety, you know,” John answered. “I just haven’t gotten around to it yet.”



Severus looked at it curiously for a moment more, and then moved back to the waiting boxes to take another load upstairs.



Watching him as he gathered more boxes, Hermione asked, “Why are you carrying those boxes instead of just using your wand to Levitate them?”



He smirked and said, “You know how much I abhor foolish wand waving, Hermione. Besides, I work out every day. This is allowing me to use different muscle groups. I needed to remain fit when I was a spy for the Order. Even now that the Dark Lord is gone, I like to stay in shape,” he said as he took up the next load.



Hermione nodded her head, her eyes raking over him, silently thinking that the statue of David would envy Severus’ great body.



Soon very little was left to move and the Grangers decided that everybody needed a break. Jane wasted no time leaving the terminally kinked Christmas lights on the stair landing to work on later and quickly joined everyone else, closing the door from the garage behind her.



Seated around the kitchen table, the women were drinking ice teas and the men were each enjoying a pint of cold Guinness while they continued their Ron-bashing.



Pointing at the clock John stated, “You know, this is classic Ron. He was supposed to be here at nine and it’s already past eleven in the morning. Every single time, few as they may be, that he has made an appearance here he’s been late. What does he think? That he’s being fashionably late or something?”



His daughter bit her lip, looking at him pleadingly, “Something must have come up. He’s usually very considerate.”



The other three people at the table snorted simultaneously.



“You couldn’t prove it by me,” her father stated. “If you want to see someone who’s considerate, then look at Severus here. The poor guy showed up right on time and has worked like a dog. Why couldn’t you go out with Severus? At least we like him. He can hold his own in a conversation, too. I’m dying to tryout those herbs he’s been telling me about on my patients with gingivitis,” he said as he nodded to the wizard approvingly.



Closing her eyes she sighed and said hesitantly, “Actually, you should really make a bit more of an effort to get along with Ron. We’ve been talking about marriage on and off.”



“What!” John roared. “Married? You’ve got to be kidding.”



Mrs. Granger glanced at her husband and cautiously said, “Seeing how Ron seems to favor the Wizard world, I certainly hope that if you do decide to marry, he can put his dislike aside for a day and allow us to throw you both a proper wedding.”



Hermione seemed to find her fingernails fascinating as she said brightly, “Well, actually since Bill and Fleur had their wedding at the Burrow, Ron was talking about us doing the same.”



Jane’s eyes widened, “But what about the catering? Surely we can provide for that.”



Pursing her lips, she replied, “Mrs. Weasley did it all for Bill and Fleur. She loves doing that sort of thing. Ron thought that when the time came that his mother would take care of all the cooking and arrangements for our wedding, too.”



All the color drained from her mother’s face. “My only daughter is marrying into the Beverly Hillbillies,” she moaned.



“Will I still be able to give you away,” her father asked tightly.



Hermione cleared her throat and watched the condensation drip from her glass so as not to look into her father’s eyes. She seemed to shrink into herself, but didn’t reply.



Severus came to her aid and in a mild tone said, “Actually John, that’s not part of a handfasting ceremony.”



John Granger was generally known as a calm man, but at that point he lost it. Looking at Hermione he hissed, “What happened to you? You allow this inconsiderate, self-absorbed, uncouth blockhead to alienate you from your parents, tear you away from a world that you are a part of, and brainwash into thinking that every spare minute of your day has to revolve around him.”



Red-faced with anger, he stood and said, “Now you’re willing to let him cut us out of a day that we have dreamed about, planned for, since the day you were born? I don’t understand any of this, Hermione. What have we done that you are willing to cast us out of your life like this?”



“I don’t understand your relationship with him, Hermione,” Jane said. “I’ve never even seen the two of you have a meaningful discussion. Other than mutual friends and fighting in the war, what do you really have in common?” she inquired.



Hermione frowned and stared at her mother for a moment. Finally she answered, “You know, I can’t think of a single thing. That must sound terrible! But Ron doesn’t want to talk about my work yet he doesn’t have a problem talking about his own job. He talks about his day and then goes on and on about Quidditch. He’s mad for it and I’ve grown to despise it.”



Everyone around the table was silent. Severus finally spoke up by stating, “Forgive me for saying it, and I certainly don’t have a lot of experience in this area, but that doesn’t seem like the building blocks of a very healthy or long-term relationship.”



The witch sunk into the chair, her shoulders slumped. “I don’t have a great many friends. Most of the people from school aren’t around or run in different circles now. The people I work with are older and don’t associate outside of work. I know you’re all right. I’ve questioned our relationship more than once myself. I suppose I just stayed with Ron because it was better than being alone,” she said dejectedly.



Hermione sighed and looked up at Severus. “I’m so sorry that you had to be here for this. This must be terrible for you to have to listen to all the pathetic details of my pathetic life. It was so good of you to offer to help when I mentioned that my dad had pulled out his back. I bet you didn’t expect this.”



The Potions Master shook his head, “On the contrary, I’m unbelievably relieved that you have finally realized that Weasley is the wrong man for you. I have feared that you would try to make a life with him and only end up making yourself trapped, miserable and unfulfilled. I’m convinced that Weasley is unable to make you happy. You’re too different. You’re a brilliant witch and he’s always been and always will be an idiot. Breaking it off with him is the right thing to do.”



Catching her husband’s eye, Jane said, “You know, I need a drink. How about we all head down to the pub, it’s almost lunch and I’m starving. It’s just around the corner. The walk will do us good.”



Everyone quickly agreed. Severus left the room and came back in a moment shrugging on his jacket which he had retrieved from the coat rack just outside the door to the garage. He then helped Hermione up from her chair and led the distraught witch toward the front door.



Meanwhile, in the kitchen, John and Jane Granger quickly high-fived each other and joyously rushed to join them.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



At the pub, pitchers of Guinness and strawberry margaritas were hastily ordered along with four orders of fish and chips and appetizers that John had to have.



Hermione seemed to relax into her second margarita and leaned into Severus on the bench. The wizard loved the contact. He had been interested in Hermione for months. Now that the Weasley idiot was finally out of the picture, Severus was free to pay court to the witch. He had every intention of doing so.



“I hope I don’t hurt Ron too bad when I tell him we’re through,” she reflected.



“He’ll be fine, kitten. His family will probably help him out and fix him up with any single women they know. He’ll be back in the saddle in no time,” her father assured her.



Hermione shook her head, “No, you don’t understand. Ron takes things very personal and holds a grudge forever. He’ll go all high dungeon about it. He doesn’t take being wronged very well. He’ll probably turn Harry and Ginny against me, too. I mean, we’ve been in an exclusive relationship for a couple of years. He’s going to be very hurt over this.”



“Ah, Hermione, that’s not actually correct,” said Severus as the waitress brought the appetizers and swiftly left.



“Huh, what part?” she asked in confusion.



Severus glanced at John and Jane, who had both leaned forward on their elbows, watching with interest.



“I am loath to upset you by speaking about this,” the wizard said, clearly uncomfortable.



“No, Severus, please. I need to know. What do you mean?” Hermione pressed.



Severus reluctantly continued, “Very well, but you’re not going to like this. About six weeks ago I went to Grimmauld Place to retrieve a book from the library there. As you know, Lupin lives there now and he met me when I arrived, and then we both headed up to the library. It didn’t take me long to find the book and I was preparing to leave when we both felt the wards being breached. Lupin quickly assured me that no one else had contacted him about visiting the house. Next the front door opened and we heard laughter. When we heard people coming up the stairs, we both quickly Disillusioned ourselves and watched.”



Here Severus paused, but Hermione prompted him to continue.



He took a long drink and went on, “Two people passed the library and disappeared into one of the bedrooms. It was Weasley and a young woman. When Lupin saw them I had to physically restrain him. It was the first time I ever heard him actually growl when still in human form. He was livid on your behalf. I had to take Lupin with me to the Leaky Cauldron for a few hours as I was certain he would have burst into the bedroom and physically attacked them if I left him alone in the house. From what we heard, there was no doubt that they were having a… liaison. I’m sorry, Hermione.”



She didn’t answer, but just stared wide-eyed out the pub window.



“I’ve obviously upset you. I shouldn’t have mentioned it,” Severus murmured.



Hermione shook her head and turned to look at him, “No, Severus. You have nothing to be sorry for. If I know the truth, I won’t have to put up with the emotional blackmail that he’ll surely throw at me to try to make me stay with him. At least now I have something to throw back in his face.”



“Thank God you were there, Severus. Hermione might not have found out about this before it was too late. Can you imagine the nerve of him, talking about marriage with my daughter while skirting around with another woman? It’s scandalous!” Jane exclaimed.



“Ron has always been ruled by his emotions, but it seems so hard to believe that he would be able to hide something like this from me,” Hermione said.



Severus nodded sagely, “You can confirm all of this with Lupin, if you wish. I didn’t see the woman’s face, but I believe he had some idea of who she was.”



“What makes you think that?”



“Lupin made some vague remark about having warned him not to do you wrong. I don’t know the details, but I got the impression that this wasn’t the first time they made use of Grimmauld Place.”



Hermione slugged down her third margarita in a row. “I think I need to speak to Remus. If Ron shows up at the house when we’re there, I’m going to confront him about this. If I don’t have the name of the girl he’ll say it’s all a lie. If I’m going to do this I can’t go in blind.”



“I’ll head out back and contact Lupin. Hopefully he’s free and can join us. I won’t be long,” he said as he slid out of the bench and purposely headed out the back door.



“Are you all right, kitten?” her father asked in concern.



“Not entirely, but I think I will be. I just regret that breaking up with Ron will probably alienate me from the rest of his family. I’m close to all of them.”



“I have a feeling that once they know what Ron has been up to they’ll come around,” Jane said.



“You know, Severus is a good friend,” her father said. “That must have been difficult for him to tell you about Ron. He obviously didn’t want to be the cause of breaking up a relationship you might have been happy in.”



“He’s a good man. I really regret not pursuing a potions apprenticeship with him after graduation.”



“I remember you mentioning something about it at the time. What stopped you?” her mother asked.



“Ron. He went on and on for days. Said he didn’t want me spending my day alone in the dungeons with him. Ron said he didn’t trust him,” she snorted. “Can you believe that crock? He probably just didn’t want me to start comparing him to Severus since he would have definitely come up wanting. I finally couldn’t stand the bickering anymore and looked into something else. I should have told Ron to go to hell and went for the apprenticeship despite him.”



Severus reappeared at the table just as the waitress arrived with their food. Hermione couldn’t help noticing how several women at the pub were giving him the once over, their eyes full of approval.



Hermione scooted over a bit and he sat down beside her. She shot a smug look at the other women. Not that she was interested in him, of course.



“Lupin is on his way,” he said as he straightened his white tee. “Did I just catch you saying something about your having had an interest in an apprenticeship with me?” Severus asked after he had taken a long drink of Guinness.



Hermione nodded as she took a bite of fish.



“And the idiot talked you out of it?”



Hermione nodded again and said, “I’m afraid so. I’ve been such an idiot”.



“Unbelievable. You were my best student; of course I would have accepted you. Considering his exploits, Weasley had some nerve lecturing anyone else on the value of trust.”



Jane spoke up, “Hermione, you’ve mentioned how dissatisfied you are with your position teaching Muggle Studies at Hogwarts. There’s still time to change careers. Is it too late to start an apprenticeship?”



Severus glanced at Hermione, who had just stuffed a chip in her mouth, then back at Jane before he answered for the witch, “No, not at all. I’m sure that we could work something out to accommodate our teaching schedules. My evenings are usually spent brewing, so Hermione could make up for any time she missed while teaching then. Of course, our both living at Hogwarts will simplify things. Should I draw up an agreement?” he asked the witch silkily.



Both her parents turned to look at her hopefully.



Hermione turned to him and smiled brightly, “It seems like my life took a turn for the better the moment I decided to break it off with Ron. Yes, Severus, draw up the agreement. I would love to be your apprentice,” she said happily.



Her father whooped and yelled over to the waitress for more pitchers of drinks and another tray of appetizers. It was time to celebrate.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Remus arrived at the front door of the pub about twenty minutes after receiving Severus’ missive. Looking around uncertainly, he spied the Grangers and Severus seated in a booth toward the back and he hurried toward them.



When the Potions Master saw the werewolf approaching, he slid a bit closer to Hermione to make room for Remus to sit. Hermione thought that this was his way of making the first move and responded by leaning into him and resting her head on his shoulder. Breathing in appreciatively, she was almost sure that the fragrance he was using was Clean Men; it was just so him.



Aware that he was now being methodically sniffed, Severus glanced down to watch a tipsy Hermione with amusement.



As if on cue, the waitress arrived with more appetizers and an extra place setting for Remus that Jane had requested.



“Hello, everyone,” Remus intoned seriously when he reached the table.



“Remus!” cried Hermione as the older Grangers said their hellos. Severus just looked up and nodded.



“I’m so happy you joined us. Have a drink,” said the witch, pushing the Guinness and a clean glass toward him.



Remus glanced uncertainly at Severus. Judging by the message he had received, this was not the greeting he had expected.



Severus shrugged as his eyes met Lupin’s. “She’s moved on,” he purred with a smirk.



Watching Hermione toss back some strawberry margarita, the brown haired wizard rolled his eyes and said, “I would say so.”



Leaning closer, John Granger said to Remus, “We’re having a party to celebrate both Hermione’s breaking up with Ron and her accepting an apprenticeship with Severus. It’s a red letter day as far as I’m concerned. I understand that you might know a little more about Ron’s carousing than Severus here does. So drink up, eat up, and spill all the juicy details,” John urged.



Jane laughed as she looked at Remus’ confused expression. “Remus,” she said as she pushed a tray of appetizers toward him, “Hermione knows that Ron’s been cheating on her. She’s going to have to confront him about it and needs to know who the young woman is. She thinks that Ron is going to deny it and pitch a fit at her.”



“Yes, I can see him doing that,” agreed Remus as he picked up a chicken finger. He munched it down greedily. He had missed lunch.



“Yeah, Remus, who’s the little tart that’s bonking Ron?” a slightly inebriated Hermione yelled, causing a few curious patrons to look their way.



“Hermione!” exclaimed her mother.



Severus just smirked and shook his head.



Draining half a pint of Guinness for courage, Remus said, “Are you absolutely sure you want to know, Hermione? Maybe you should sober up some and then think it over.”



Hermione shook her head energetically, “No, no, no. I’m feeling good, but I’m not drunk. Who is she, Remus?” she insisted, pressing over and further into Severus to speak to the werewolf. Having nowhere to put his arm, Severus hesitantly placed it on Hermione’s shoulder.



“Please, Remus. Tell us what you know,” urged her mother.



“Right,” said John, “wouldn’t you want to know if someone you loved were cheating on you like this?”



“Yes, I would,” Remus said as he nodded slowly. “Well, from what I understand, she’s someone who Ron dated for a bit while at Hogwarts.”



Hermione’s brow furrowed in confusion, “But, we…”



“And she’s said to have been quite good in Divination classes,” Remus continued.



Severus felt her stiffen under his hand, every muscle tense.



Hermione gasped, drawing everyone’s attention. “You can’t be serious!”



“Serious about what? Who is she?” Jane demanded, her eyes moving between them. She hated to be out of the loop.



Turning wide eyes to her mother, her mouth opened and closed without making a sound.



“Kitten, are you okay?” John asked in concern.



Hermione nodded and lowered her hands to Severus’ upper thigh and started to knead it absentmindedly. The wizard squirmed a bit from the placement of her hands. He was starting to get an erection.



“It’s Lavender, Lavender Brown. Isn’t it Remus?” the witch asked, her voice shaky.



“I’m afraid so, Hermione. I can’t tell you how shocked I was when I discovered what Ron was doing.”



Taking a deep breath, she asked, “How long have you known?”



Remus stopped to consider the question for a moment before replying, “I suspected it soon after I moved into Headquarters, that was about nine months ago.”



Hermione winced, “That long?” She wrapped her arms around Severus and held on to him like a lifeline.



“What do you mean that you suspected it? What tipped you off?” John asked as he took hold of the pitcher of Guinness and topped off Remus’ pint.



Looking about cautiously to make sure none of the pub’s patrons were listening to their exchange, Remus eyed Mr. and Mrs. Granger over the table and replied, “You know of my… condition.” They both nodded in the affirmative.



The brown-haired wizard blushed a bit, but continued, “After I had moved in, when I opened the bedroom that Ron normally used, I could smell them immediately.”



“But that could have just meant that they had been there together for some reason,” offered Jane.



Quickly shaking his head, he continued, “I have an extremely acute sense of smell. The scent in the room was… arousal. It was heavy in the room, especially the bed. They didn’t even bother to cast a Scourgify on it when they were done,” he said with disgust.



“Do you have any reason to think something is still going on between him and this Lavender girl?” asked John.



Remus nodded. “About two months after that, I returned to the house after having dinner with Tonks and could tell that they had been there again. Of course, I owled Ron at the Burrow immediately. I quite clearly told him that the house wasn’t his personal brothel and I wanted it to stop,” he said heatedly.



“Oh, good grief!” interjected Hermione. Severus dropped his arm from her shoulder and began to rub her back soothingly.



“I thought that was the last of it, but then they came back again shortly after that while Severus and I were both there. I was enraged, to say the least, that they had the nerve to flout my wishes so brazenly.”



John leaned back in the bench and said, “Severus has already filled us in about that little episode.”



Hermione frowned and murmured, “Honestly, if they wanted each other so badly Ron should have just been open about it.”



“Well, I’m afraid there’s a bit more about that episode which Severus is unaware of,” Remus said matter-of-factly, his eyes meeting those of the other wizard.



“Indeed. What, pray tell?” purred Severus, who had been exceptionally quiet up to this point.



Remus shifted uncomfortably. “The next day I went to Weasley Wizarding Wheezes to speak to him. It was lunch time so I hoped to speak to him quietly. It wouldn’t do to confront him on the sales floor in front of customers while he was working. When I got there George told me that I had just missed him. He invited me to join him for lunch and we chatted a bit while I waited for Ron.”



The wizard picked up his drink and took a long swallow before continuing, “Ron was about ten minutes late getting back from lunch. He reeked of the girl… and sex. It was a good thing that we were in the backroom at the time because I reacted quite angrily and told him in spades what I thought about him. I was surprised when George joined in and was also up in arms when he heard that Ron had been with Miss Brown. It was quite clear that George was aware of his activities and was not pleased about them. To make a long story short, Ron told me to butt out of his business and stomped off,” he said heatedly.



“I don’t understand him,” said Hermione’s mother, “he obviously wants to be with this Lavender person. Why on earth didn’t he just break things off cleanly with my daughter? And what was he doing discussing marriage with her?” she huffed.



The two wizards exchanged glances, but it was Severus who spoke up. “Jane, I don’t think you truly understand your daughter’s standing in our world. She, a Muggleborn, was the creator of the spell that weakened the Dark Lord enough for Potter and I to kill him. She is the definitive proof that all Voldemort’s pureblood rhetoric was a lie. When all is said and done, she is the Muggleborn who killed the Dark Lord and freed our world.”



Remus nodded. “Severus is correct. Although Ron fought in the Final Battle, he wasn’t one of the three people associated with actually bringing down Voldemort. On top of that, it is widely known that he abandoned Hermione and Harry during their search for the Horcruxes. Even though he eventually returned to them, his initial abandonment has tarnished his public image. If he were to marry Hermione, he would regain acceptance and position among his peers merely by association.”



“Are you saying,” spat John Granger, “that he only wanted my girl as some sort of… of trophy wife?”



“In essence, yes,” replied Severus soberly. “Think about it. Hermione finished her education and has obtained a highly sought after and respected position as a professor purely on her own merit. Conversely, Weasley didn’t return to school and ended up taking a low paying job as a sales clerk that was handed to him by his brother. From what I’ve heard from his father, he has never even attempted to better himself by applying for other employment. He is regarded as lazy... slothful, while your daughter is deemed driven and successful. The advantages to such a marriage are all clearly on his side.”



“I think Molly may have played a part in his bringing up marriage,” offered Remus. “On that day that I went to talk to him at the store, while I was talking with George I recall him mentioning that Molly had been pressuring Ron about it since Percy announced his engagement.”



“Oh, sweetheart!” cried Jane. “Thank God that this has all come out. And thank heavens that she has good friends like the two of you,” she said as she eyed them both. “If I ever see Ron, he can count on me giving him a piece of my mind!”



“You’ll have to wait, Jane. That mama’s boy and I are going to have a little talk”, said John ominously as he loudly cracked is knuckles, clearly enraged.



Thinking it was a good time to change the subject, Remus cleared his throat and inquired, “Now what’s this I hear about an apprenticeship?”



Jane smiled brightly, “It’s true. When Severus heard Hermione explaining that she had wanted to apply to apprentice to him, but was talked out of it by Ron, he offered her one. Isn’t that wonderful? She always did so well in Potions class. I understand that there are very few Potions Masters in England.”



“That’s quite true. Presently there are only three, counting myself. Once Hermione completes her training, she will be one of only a handful of witches worldwide to earn the title,” stated Severus.



“Aren’t you concerned about what the Headmistress might say?” asked Remus.



Severus shrugged, “What business is it really of hers? Hermione isn’t a student and professors are able to use their free time as they wish. As long as our teaching duties are not negatively impacted, it’s really none of Minerva’s concern.”



“Actually it’s a benefit to the school. Severus brews all the potions used by the Infirmary. If I’m brewing with him during the evening then two people will be able to supply the school,” Hermione piped in.



“How long is an apprenticeship?” asked John.



“Normally four years, but it really can be stretched out as long as needed. We’ll both need free time to do our grading, make up tests, and such, plus free time to just relax after a day dealing with the hordes of dunderheads,” Severus felt Hermione smile against his chest at his dunderhead remark.



“I suppose that it will just take as long as it takes, Dad,” finished Hermione.



“Hermione has the advantage of having been an advanced brewer while in my classes. While a student she successfully brewed potions that are normally covered in the first and second years of an apprenticeship. I have no doubt that she’ll find a way to transfer her knowledge of the Muggle sciences to make great advances in the Potions field,” said the Potions Master.



“I’ll be nice to have something to look forward to each day that will challenge my mind. It’s so frustrating trying to teach Muggle Studies to someone with no background in the Muggle world. I can’t wait to get back into brewing,” she said excitedly.



“Well, better late than never,” Jane said sagely. She smiled approvingly as she watched her daughter encircled by Severus’ arms.



The waitress picked that moment to stop by. Everyone looked at the meager remains of the food and drinks. “Is anybody up for seconds?” she inquired.



Everyone shook their head. They were stuffed.



“I’ll bring the check then,” the girl said, picking up the empty plates and walking off.



“It’s a good thing we got so much done this morning. I’m too full to do anything but take a nice nap,” John said jokingly as he patted his stomach.



“What were you all doing this morning?” Remus asked the Grangers curiously.



“Severus and Hermione were helping us make some room in our office. John pulled his back about a month ago and couldn’t lift the heavy stuff,” explained Hermione’s mother.



“I hope Ron isn’t there when we get back or things are going to get unpleasant fast,” said John as the waitress appeared. He handed her his Visa card after giving the check a once over and adding a generous tip.



“Perhaps I should accompany you, in case he is. It will be very hard for him to deny his indiscretions with me standing there,” said Remus.



“I think that is a good idea, Lupin,” agreed Severus.



“Come along, Hermione,” called Jane as she stood and tugged on a light jacket.



“Do we have to go? I’m so comfortable,” purred Hermione from where she sat cuddled against Severus.



The Dark wizard smirked as he gently unwrapped himself from a pouting Hermione’s arms and stood up, then helped her out of the bench.



John picked up his Visa card from the waitress as they headed out.



Everyone started the walk to the Grangers house, each unsure of what they would encounter once they arrived.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



While Hermione waited in the driveway with her parents, Severus and Remus walked into the house together with their wands drawn. Severus motioned Remus to check upstairs while he inspected the first floor. After five tense minutes, they appeared at the front door and told the Grangers that there was no sign of Ron.



The Grangers gratefully walked in and soon everyone was seated in the living room discussing the day.



“As long as I’m here, is there anything else that you need done, John?” Severus asked from where he sat with Hermione cuddled up to him on the black leather sofa. His long fingers were absently running through her lush brown curls and she was practically purring from the contact.



“Well, everything has been moved and I can finish organizing the last few things tomorrow. The only thing that really is left is moving a few of the bigger things to the curb for the trash men to take,” replied Hermione’s father. “It’s just that they won’t get here for a few days and I hate having a pile of junk sitting out front all that time. I was thinking of just taking a few items each week to the curb so as not to pull my back out again.”



“Severus looks comfortable, John,” Remus said with a smirk, “why don’t you show me what you have. I might be able to help.”



“Sure,” John said as he shrugged out of his recliner and led Remus to the garage.



Less than five minutes later they were back.



“You two have been handy guys to have around today. He just went in there and pointed his wand at each item and it was just gone!” exclaimed John as he reclaimed his spot on the recliner.



Remus smiled at John’s enthusiasm as he took a seat on the love seat. “It was just a Vanesco spell, Severus,” the wizard explained when he saw Severus looking at him curiously.



“I love magic,” John sighed as he stretched lazily. “It’s so easy on my back.”



“Yes, well that rubbish won’t be bothering anybody anymore,” Lupin said as he smirked at John. Vanesco was a spell that permanently and completely destroyed items without a trace. It was irreversible.



Everyone stayed and talked for a few hours more. Remus was the first to leave, saying that Tonks was probably expecting him since she had invited him to have dinner with her.



The Grangers had Chinese takeout delivered and Severus stayed for dinner, during which they all engaged in a lively discussion about plant-based teeth whitening treatments.



When Ron had still not made an appearance by eight in the evening, Severus and Hermione decided to say their goodbyes and make their way back to Hogwarts for the evening. When Severus turned to wave a last goodbye to the Grangers just before he stepped out the door with Hermione on his arm, he was caught a bit off guard when he saw their beaming smiles and matching twinkles in their eyes that would have done Dumbledore proud.



The couple Apparated directly to the gates of Hogwarts and strolled hand-in-hand up to the castle while talking about the events of the day. Severus accompanied Hermione to her quarters and entered them after her.



After she had hung up her Muggle jacket and lit the fireplace, Severus said, “I realize this has been a long day for you. There are probably things you need to get done before you retire,” he said as he stood watching her toe off her shoes, while mentally preparing to take his leave.



“Well, there is something that I’ve been thinking that I need to do all day,” the witch responded while slowly padding up to him with a glint in her eyes.



“Do you require my assistance?” the wizard inquired, his curiosity peaked.



“Oh, definitely!” Hermione responded as her hands snaked over his abs up to his broad shoulders.



Severus’ dark eyes watched her hands skimming over his chest with interest and purred, “What precisely can I help you do?”



“You,” she responded huskily while watching him like a cat would watch a mouse.



“Me?” he said silkily, his dark eyes focused on her intently.



“Oh, yes,” she murmured as she pulled him down to meet her lips in a kiss that made him tingle down to his toes. His hands rose of their own accord to grip her hips and pull her closer.



Severus threw himself into the kiss enthusiastically. Within moments he decided two things: firstly, Ronald Weasley was the crown prince of idiots for taking such a luscious, passionate woman for granted; and secondly, he, Severus Snape, was no idiot and there was no way that wild Thestrals could drag him away from this witch.



When they finally drew apart, Severus murmured sexily, “What you’re talking about sounds like it will take quite a bit of time. I don’t think we can finish that in one go. It may take numerous sessions to get done to our mutual… satisfaction.”



“Hmmm, I was thinking the same thing,” she responded as she led him unresistingly toward her bedroom like a lamb to the slaughter.



After several ‘sessions’ they were both satisfied as to a job well done, deeply sated, and bone tired.



When not otherwise occupied they spent the entire night enfolded in each other’s arms, which is how, it turns out, they would spend every night thereafter.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



In the weeks and months that followed, it seemed that everybody had an opinion about had happened to Ronald Weasley. As it turned out, the morning of that fateful day at the Grangers was actually the last time anyone had seen any trace of him.



It seems he was last seen in the company of a Miss Lavender Brown at a hotel in the seedier section of Knockturn Alley. That little tidbit was the final nail in Ron’s proverbial coffin as far as Hermione was concerned.



Many articles in The Daily Prophet speculated that Weasley had fallen victim to rouge Death Eaters.



Only one person had an idea of what had really happened to Ronald Weasley.



Severus Snape.



You see, the Dark wizard had suspected that Weasley would eventually show up at the Grangers. And he desperately wanted him out of Hermione’s life.



Before leaving for the pub, Severus had used the opportunity to retrieve his jacket to best advantage.



He had discreetly cast a Compulsion Spell that would lead the red-head into the garage. Once on the stair landing in the garage, it was a simple matter to spell the string of Christmas lights that Jane had toiled over to ensnare the wizard tighter than Devil’s Snare and yank him into the open chest freezer. He counted on gravity to snap the lid shut and seal the wizard’s fate.



Severus had made sure that he was the one who inspected the first floor of the house when they all had returned from the pub. When he saw the open door leading into the garage, he held his breath in anticipation. Seeing the Christmas lights all askew on the garage floor and the closed lid on the freezer had caused him to grin evilly.



He had noticed a bit of blood on the outer edge of the appliance and surmised that Weasley had hit his head when he tumbled in. It would explain why the wizard hadn’t used his wand to free himself. In all likelihood he had been unconscious and the lack of oxygen had finished him off.



Severus hadn’t bothered to check. He had just Scourgified off the blood, removed any incriminating traces of the spells he had cast, and quickly returned to join the others.



It seemed that his plan had worked flawlessly.



Then when Lupin innocently cast the Vanesco spell that disposed of the freezer when he was getting rid of the junk in the garage, Severus had almost jumped up and kissed the werewolf full on the mouth.



Almost.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Eventually the speculation about Ron’s fate died down and everyone just accepted that the wizard was gone.



With Weasley out of the picture, Severus wasted no time actively courting Hermione. They married within a year and were deliriously happy together.



Hermione completed her apprenticeship and became a Potions Mistress four years later. As predicted, she went on to become one of the movers and shakers in the Potions field.



The herbal remedy for gingivitis that Severus had given to Hermione’s father was so effective that John was approached by a pharmaceutical firm to market it. The Grangers made a tidy sum that they used part of to purchase a lovely seaside vacation home in Whitby that was frequently visited and thoroughly enjoyed by both couples over the years.



Severus was considered the perfect son-in-law.



The wizard was adored by Hermione’s parents and the couple was a constant fixture in their home.



And if, by chance, Severus was delayed for any reason when he was expected there, he never made the mistake of being anything but fashionably late.





~ Fin ~