An Unusual Solution

The marriage law was official proposed and the backlash was immediate. Protesters came out in crowds and readers wrote letters vilifying the Ministry for trying to take away basic freedoms.



The Ministry would have a tough time on it’s hands defending its potential law and it would have to think about what it said carefully.



Severus and Hermione however were safely out if it’s reach. Since they were married, they could be touched and while they were away from danger, it didn’t stop them from voicing their opinions when asked. Both clearly opposed the law. As two very brilliant and successful investors their voices carried a lot of weight.



They were relaxing late afternoon about a month after they had married. Hermione loved her new life and it was obvious Severus did as well. They were discussing the upcoming press conference about the law when a knock sounded at the door.



Severus answered it and when he saw who it was, took a step back. It worked because his ex girlfriend came forward with open arms and when he moved, look confused and shocked. “Severus?” She asked.



“Cathy, a pleasure as always to see you.” He said, letting her enter completely. “This is my wife, Hermione.” He said closing the door.



“Your wife?” She said looking at him.



“Yes, a month now.’ He said smiling to her.



“Well then congratulations.” She said offering a hand to Hermione.



“Thank you.” She said offering the woman a seat after they shook hands.



“This is Cathy. My former girlfriend.” He said looking her in the eye.



“Oh I see.” She smiled over at the woman. “Severus has mentioned you before.”



“Really, in only a month of marriage?” She asked, still not quiet believing he was married.



“Yes, me and Severus have talked about many things in the month we’ve been married, past relationships included. He mentioned you return to England occasionally, where are you from?” Hermione politeness confused Cathy, but Severus was proud. She wasn’t giving in to prejudgment and she was being very welcoming.



“I’m English naturally, but travel extensively.” She said.



“What do you do?” Hermione asked.



“I’m a travel agent. I arrange vacations all over magical communities in the world.”



“How exciting.” Hermione said with a brilliant smile. “You must have seen some amazing places.”



While they talked, Severus watched his wife. She was in every way the polite hostess but he was watching her body language. Her arms stayed in her lap and her fingers laced. She was controlling herself form what she might consider a threat. Severus wanted to ease her nerves.



“How long will you be in town this time Cathy?” He asked her.



“Only about a week, I’m expected in Cairo after that.” She said.



“The Three Broomsticks is the perfect place for a short stay, the restaurant attached is lovely as well. Madame Rosemerta runs a fine establishment.” Severus told her and watched her give him a strange look, then forced a smile.



“Is there something wrong with the guest room I always use?” She said with an equally forced laugh.



“There no longer is a guest room, we’ve turned it into a potions lab.” Severus told her. Hermione didn’t let her reaction show. The wasn’t a guest room but he didn’t want her in it, so she stayed quiet.



“I see.” It was clear to Severus that she was disappointed but that was her problem to deal with. Hermione was his wife and as such came first.



She rose and Severus and Hermione walked her to the door. Severus stayed behind Hermione because he know what was coming. With his wife between them Cathy would be denied her customary hug.



She left the house and Severus turned to his wife but she spoke before he could. “Why did you do that?” She asked.



“Do what?”



“Tell he we don’t have a guest room.” She said. “Not that I mind, I don’t really want her to stay when she mentioned the guest room, but why did you do that?”



“I knew you wouldn’t like it. I could tell from looking at you as you spoke.” He answered honestly.



“That was the one you usually sleep isn’t it?” Severus nodded. “She was assuming it would happen again when she came here.”



“Most likely she was.” Severus wrapped an arm around her shoulder and they sat on the couch together. “Bit she knows that isn’t going to happen anymore.”



“Thank you Severus.” She said and lifted her lips for a kiss. He obliged his wife in a snog fest on their couch.



“Why did you and Cathy split up?” She asked as Severus climbed into bed with her.



He sighed but if he found the question annoying it didn’t show. “Cathy has trust issues. She always thought I was lying to her about something. She started going through my mail whenever she came over. She would start an argument for no reason. She challenged everything I said.” He shook his head. “I couldn’t take it anymore.”



“Was she mad when you called it off?” Hermione asked wondering about the woman who was in her home.



“She was very angry. She wrecked a set of wine glasses from the table and hurled a bottle of wine at me. Then she claimed I was going to meet a woman and that’s why the wine was out. She left the house and I didn’t see her for almost a year. She said time to grow up and when we talked she was much different. We’ve gotten along fine since then.”



“How long were you together?” She asked.



“Six months, it couldn’t have gone on any longer.” He told her. He settled into bed and lifted his arm for her to nestle next to him.



“You know Severus, you had better watch out.” She told him as she cuddled up next to him.



“Why?” He asked frowning.



“You lied to her about the guest room, she may find out.” She laughed as Severus’s fingers tortured her ribs while he held her down.