The Witching Hour

Chapter 5- I Just Want to Take You Home

Harry distinctly remembered being told to not confront Ron and that sometime in his life, the man would pay for what he had done to her and others. Ron had not only treated his and Hermione’s bond with callous disregard, but also had the gall to lie to the friends and family that had never abandoned him, which was cruel. Before hearing Hermione’s tale, he had thought Snape was just being a bastard because that is all he ever knew the man to be, but in hindsight, Snape was correct. Harry would go one further to not just call Ron a Weasel, but he was also a bloody coward to destroy someone else’s life in order to preserve his own. The situation between all of them was sad; how they could go from the golden trio that were closer to each other than their own families, to warring enemies, he would never know. One thing was for certain, he could not let Ron continue on his current path of making everyone’s lives hell simply because he wanted to have a bit of fun. He felt he owed it to Hermione to be the one to get Ron for the injustices he caused.

The more he thought about what Hermione, Snape, and Kingsley said, the angrier he had gotten; this was just too much for him to handle. He risked his life everyday in his career, but the situation that Ron had started was taking a toll, and today, of all days he snapped. He was up for a promotion today and was on his way to see his boss when he heard yet another of his friend’s lies. He came across two of his fellows, aurors Barron and Nyx who were plainly talking about Hermione, even though she had been gone for months. He was in the middle of giving them a colourful dressing down when the Minister came looking for him.

“Minister... I.”

“Save it, Potter. Barron, Nyx, get back to work.”

Kingsley knew exactly what he had come upon, but did not wish to discuss the issue in front of the auror office. There were too many rumours and lies floating around without adding fuel to the fire, so he and Harry quickly made their way up to his office without so much as sigh between them. Once they arrived in his office, the door shut with a muffled thud, mirroring Harry’s heart dropping into his stomach. He thought that he was in for it this time; the last thing he needed to lose was his job, especially since Ginny was pregnant.

“Minister, I can explain. What you saw...” Harry was just about to attempt to give a plausible explanation, when Kingsley cut his attempt off at the knees.

“It's ok, Harry. You can drop the ‘Minister’, this is only going to be a friendly conversation after all. I can assure you, you are not in any danger of losing your job, in fact, it couldn't be further from the truth. And before you start trying to explain your behaviour with Barron and Nyx, I heard what went on.”

“Whew! I thought I had it there for a minute, Kingsley. You had such a serious look on your face that I was almost certain that I was about to get fired.”

“I am glad that you are relieved. I could not lose my best auror, now can I?”

“Me too. How did you hear the conversation? I didn't see you there.”

“Ah. I have ways that you know not, young Harry.” Kingsley could not help teasing the man after all these years; he was such an easy target.

Harry let out a low chuckle, then said, “I guess not.”

“So, from the dressing down that you gave Barron and Nyx, is it safe to assume that you have taken your head out of your arse and gone to talk to Hermione? If you haven’t, I am going to have to bind, gag, and glue you to a chair in her flat until you listen.”

“Point taken, Kingsley, but I have already been to see her, in fact, I went after our little talk two weeks ago. Needless to say that after our chat, I left outraged. Not at her, but at myself for being a prat, and at Ron for what he has done. I know this sounds bad, but I really want to hit him. I want him to feel some of the pain and damage that he has caused. I want him to see how it feels to be hurt and betrayed.”

“Fisticuffs and enmity will get you nowhere,” Kingsley wisely said. He may not want to see Harry and Ron go against each other, but a small part of him wanted to see Ron pay, and if the world really worked as Hermione said it did, then the weasel would get what he deserved.

---

As soon as Harry left Kingsley’s office, he let out a long puff of air. The visit had not been what he had been expecting to say the least; it was a friendly conversation as far as he was concerned, but he was expecting a real talking to for his past behaviour and Kingsley had caught him off guard by not addressing it. However, what he did do was give him something further to think on, for that was what Kingsley always did. Would it really pay for him to go see Ron and to call him on his behaviour, when he had been nearly as guilty as his friend? If he were honest with himself, it would not, but this was something that went against all reason. He felt he owed it to himself as well as Hermione to confront Ron. He no longer wished for a fight, though he wanted to know the reason why Ron had decided to betray the people that were supposed to be as good as family to him. Just as he had thought to make a visit to Ron’s home, here came the idiot into his office. Secretly, Harry was happy that Ron had come to him publicly, this way he would not be tempted to hex the man. This would also protect him should Ron decide to react violently to the coming confrontation.

“Hiya Harry, you just about ready to get off work?”

“I still have a bit of paperwork to do before signing out for the night, why don’t you come in and take a seat? I have something that I would like to discuss with you.”

Obviously, Ron scented trouble and declined, saying that he ought to be getting home because he was tired. He knew what this was going to be about and he would rather not discuss it tonight or ever. Harry was about to call him on his lies and he needed a quick exit.

“I must insist, sit down. We need to talk, and I will not say it again.”

“Why the tone, Harry? It's just us two friends talking, besides, I have not done anything to warrant a write up.”

“That remains to be seen, Ron, now will you please just sit down? That damn chair is not going to bite you in the arse you know.”

Ron laughed nervously and took his seat. “O... oh ok. What do you want to talk about?”

“Plenty, but mainly just the one thing. Ron, I know.”

“What do you know? Could you explain so that I have a clue?”

“I intend to. I know what you did to Hermione and how you lied to cover it up. To make things clearer, that is not all that you did. Not only did you treat your marital bond callously, but you lied to your family, ruined Hermione's reputation, and you betrayed us. I don't want to start a fight here, but why did you do it? Was your own reputation so important that you had to take her down to make yourself look better? Or, did you think so little of the people that risked their lives to protect you? The ones that loved you as their own blood.”

“I... I... That’s not it at all. It’s...” He was so angry that he did not know what to say. Never did he dream that Harry would catch on and now that he had, he could not think of one answer that would be suitable, not that he really cared anymore. He was beginning to want Harry to shut up and if he did not, he would make him.

“Well, then, what is it? Stop fucking dodging my questions and answer me!”

Ron got out of his chair and was beginning to leave when Harry put his hand on his shoulder to stop him, that is when Ron took a swing and hit him right on the nose, which promptly broke and spurted blood. Harry retaliated and sent a return swing, which landed in Ron’s left eye, and was starting to purple.

“I don't owe you or that bitch any answers and you will not get anything further out of me, now leave me alone!”

Harry was still in close proximity to him, so Ron decided to prove his point by drawing his wand and softly murmuring a spell that sent Harry flying back first into the stone wall at the back of his office. Ron walked over to him to see if he was unconscious, and he indeed was, though there was a little blood that was trickling down the wall beside him. He had not intended to injure him, but the damage was done. As he went to exit the office, he decided to place a glamour over his face so that there would not be any questions. What he forgot to notice was that Harry had left the door open and there were no silencing spells preventing anyone from witnessing the scene that had just played out. Shit, he was in for it now.

---

Standing just outside the door was none other than the Minister of Magic. He had come down to let Harry know that he had indeed been promoted to the head auror position, but he had not expected to come upon what he did. Ron Weasley was standing there with his wand still drawn and just beyond him was Harry, lying in an unconscious heap on the floor. Using his quick wits, he figured that Weasley did not just happen across the scene, but had been the one to cause it.

Kingsley cleared his throat, which drew Ron’s attention, and he automatically started forming a plausible lie to feed the minister.

“Minister, I just happened to come by Harry’s office to invite him to dinner, when I found him like this. It appears as though he has been attacked.”

“I gathered that much, Weasley, but it is clear that you are lying, and I happen to know that you are because I heard you mutter the curse that rendered our head auror in his current state. So, I suggest that you shut your trap and get over here and help me heal him, or you will be in more trouble than you currently are.”

Not daring to further irritate the minister, he obeyed and bent over Harry and said the spell to heal him, and Kingsley muttered a quick “Ennervate.” As Harry awoke, he was a little confused as to what happened and why he was lying on the floor against the wall. It did not seem like it was something that he would do even if he were tired, that is why he had a home to go to. When the fog cleared from his aching head, he remembered why he was on the floor; it had been the fight with Ron that had gotten him here. Now that he was clear enough, his anger at his former friend returned. It was dirty pool for Ron to strike him and now he sorely wanted to see him pay for what he had done. Harry made to get up off the floor, but Kingsley stopped him and said that he would need to sit still for a bit and that he would have to be checked out by a healer before he would be allowed to leave.

“ Would either of you care to tell me what really happened here, or do I need to fetch Veritaserum to get it out of you?”

“It's fine, Kingsley, I can answer you.” Harry piped up.

“Then do go on.”

“Ron had stopped in to say hello and to ask me if I was off work. I declined, and then invited him in for a chat. I wanted to talk with him about why he decided to betray Hermione and I and needless to say, things got heated. He started to leave and I put my hand on his shoulder trying to indicate that I was not ready for the discussion to be over and he took a swing at me, breaking my nose, then I returned the hit and blackened his eye, though you cannot see that because he has placed a glamour over it. The next thing I know, he draws his wand and hits me with a spell that I didn't know. I wish that I could tell you more, but I can’t. Merlin only knows how long I have been out and what he has done since then.”

“If this is true, then I have sufficient grounds to have your job, Weasley, but as this was a personal matter, I will only fine you for fighting on Ministry property, but will not take further action unless, you, Harry, decide that you want to press charges against Weasley.”

---

After the unexpected showdown with Harry, Ron decided that he needed a drink and badly, there were of course local pubs that he could visit, but there had been one in particular that had piqued his interest, The Witching Hour. It had opened about two months ago, but he had been too busy to pay it a visit, and tonight seemed like as good as a night as any. Word had it that this club was the premier spot to be, and always had good bands, well, he would soon judge for himself. He cleaned up a bit, used some bruise balm on his injured eye, and dressed. He wore a light blue button down shirt with the buttons hanging open nearly to his chest, as well as black trousers. He ruffled his hair a bit to give it a wild look, then apparated to the club. The doorman looked at him with disdain, then took his money, and had no other choice but to allow the man entrance. Bruce knew who he was; this man was Hermione’s ex-husband. He wasted no time and promptly sought out his boss and informed her of Ron’s arrival.

Hermione was in her own little world when Bruce’s news struck her. She knew that she would have to see Ron eventually, but damn, did it have to be now? She was so happy, what with the success of The Witching Hour, and her and Severus’ relationship progressing into tempting territory. She finally had what she needed in this life and here he was to muck it up, but she would not allow him to do so. She had too much to lose and she was well and truly over him. She decided to come out of her office and face the inevitable. This was the last of her daemons and she was determined to face it down so that she could truly move on in her life.

Ron was looking around the club, and checking out all of the women and listening to yet another band. It seemed as though what people had said was true. This place was nice, but he still wanted to find out what the food and drink was like and if they passed that, then he would come back. He was walking to the bar when he saw her. She was a beautiful woman, though she looked familiar. The closer the woman got, he figured out who she was, it was his ex, Hermione. Wow, time had done her well; she never looked that good when she was with him, but why was she here? The club scene had never appealed to her, if he could recall correctly. She had finally arrived at the bar and he walked over to her.

“Hi Hermione.”

She heard him address her, but decided to wait a moment longer before paying him any attention. Once she turned to face him, she quirked an eyebrow at him and asked him what he wanted. Sure, it was a little rude, but by all rights, he deserved it.

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Herm. You look good.” He gave her an appraising look that told her all she needed to know; it was obvious from that look that he wanted her, but he would never have her again.

“I don’t know why you would not expect to see me here, after all, I own it. I know that I look good, thanks. My lover thinks so as well.” There, let him stick that in his pipe and smoke it, she thought.

“What? Surely you don't own this place. You always hated going to clubs, so I find it hard to believe that you would own one. Did you say lover? My, you move on fast.”

“Frankly Ron, I don’t care what you believe. It is no longer up to you to decide what is or is not “like” me, and your opinion here is not needed or desired, so shut it. As for me having a lover, of course I do. It's not any of your business if I am seeing anyone, besides, what was your last count? 30? At least I waited until our bond was dissolved before finding another.”

“I suppose so. You still look really good, Hermione. What do you say, maybe you can come back and we...”

Just as Ron was about to finish propositioning Hermione, Severus walked up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her waist possessively.

“Good evening, Weasel. I trust you were not just about to invite my girlfriend to have a rendezvous with you?”

“Oh... I... er.”

“Are you having Problems weasel?”

“No. Gods Hermione, how can you let that greasy git touch you? That's just disgusting.”

“Grow up, Ron; it's as I have said before, your opinion is not needed or desired. If you feel as though you must insult me and my lover, you are more than welcome to leave. The door is that way, kindly show yourself through it.”

---

Ron stalked off and left without another word, though he was wondering what in the hell the world was coming to. Once he made his exit, Severus and Hermione started laughing.

“Sev, you have perfect timing, dear. I seriously thought that he would have a kneazle when you walked up and embraced me from behind. It was priceless, you had him dumbfounded. I daresay that he didn't see that coming.”

“I must admit, it was fun seeing him squirm, it took me back to those memories that I had of him in class, when I could make him cower with just a look. Now, did I hear you say something about lover? I was not aware that we were... yet.”

“Uh... I... er... mean that.”

“Care to change that?”

“Yes.” The look that he gave her made her weak in the knees.

“Good. I want to take you home now.”

---

Severus and Hermione made the short trip to her flat and she let them in. Once inside, she led him over to the couch and sat next to him. He looked at her for a long moment before taking her in his arms and kissing her. It was a slow and gentle kiss; it was his way of telling her that he wanted to savour every moment. He ran his tongue over her bottom lip before taking it between his teeth and gently nipping at it. This caused Hermione to moan and open her mouth further in invitation. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and tasted her; she tasted sweet and tropical, something he could quickly get lost in. The kiss was intensifying and she was returning his fervour; their tongues were tangoing, mimicking the act that they so badly wanted.

Her hands were gently stroking his chest, a sensation that he was greatly enjoying. He took each hand and kissed it, then placed her fingers on the buttons to his shirt, leaving no doubt as to what he wanted her to do. She followed his prompting and slowly unbuttoned each one until his pale chest was exposed and his shirt was lying open. Hermione could not help but to gasp at the sight; he was absolutely beautiful. His skin was the colour of moonlight and his pebbled nipples were dusky and made her want to lick them, which she did. His chest and stomach were toned, but he was not all muscle and she liked that. She pressed her hands to his chest and could feel the heat radiating off him, she ran her hands all over him and began to place tiny kisses across his chest and down his stomach, until she came into contact with the belt to his trousers. She looked up at him and he smirked at her. He knew exactly what she was going to do, and was not going to stop her, but he needed to keep his ardour in check.

She unbuckled his belt, and unfastened his trousers, taking time to gently brush his considerable erection. Once she had his trousers undone, she pulled at his silken boxers and motioned for him to move so that she could slide them down his hips and off. She also removed his socks while she was at it. He was gloriously naked and extremely hard. She let her hands trail down his body until she reached his penis. She gently stroked him and made him moan at the contact. As she worked him a little longer she became bold and decided to lick him. He felt her flick and swirl her tongue over his head then down his shaft until he was filling her mouth. She applied a little pressure as she sucked him, and once in a while she would pause and lick him again. While she was continuing this, he felt one of her hands caress his balls. She was driving him crazy and if she kept it up, he would be coming in her mouth, and he did not want to do that their first time together.

Severus pulled his dick from her mouth and smiled. That had to have been the best oral sex that he had in his life, and as much as he liked her doing it, he wanted to return the favour. He picked her up and took her to the bedroom. He took her dress off and admired her form clad in sapphire blue lace bra and knickers; she was nicely curved and had the body of a woman. He watched her take off her under things, then kissed her once again. He gently laid her on the bed and kissed his way across her chest. He pinched a nipple and made her moan in excitement. Once her nipples were hard, he licked, sucked, and bit each one and she began to writhe in passion, gently bucking her hips into him. He continued to kiss lower until he met neatly trimmed chestnut coloured curls. He slipped a finger into her and felt how hot and wet she was. He slid his finger to her clit and rubbed in small circles, making her elicit the most delicious sounds. He withdrew the finger and dug his tongue into her wet heat, lapping, nipping and sucking, making her come over and over.

All she could do was moan and say “Please.”

“Please, what, Hermione? Tell me what you want me to do.”

“I need... I need you in me, now.”

He placed his huge dick at her entrance and slid in. Merlin, she was tight! His first few thrusts were gentle and he tried to keep them that way, but she moved her hips and met him thrust for thrust.

“More... Severus, please, harder.”

Never one to deny pleasure, he quickened his pace and thrust harder. As he did so, she wrapped her legs around his hips and dug her heels into his arse, urging him onward. He could feel her begin to tighten around him and he knew that she was close, which was a good thing, because he was too. He swivelled his hips and thrust in harder, making her come undone. The tightening of her walls was milking him and just as he was coming, he bent to kiss her sweetly; her name was barely a prayer on his lips as he released into her.






A/N: Many thanks to the wonderful dark night for helping me work out the first couple of scenes in this chapter. Many thanks also go to my faithul fans and reviewers, you guys and gals are awesome!