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Broken Dreams	By : onecelestialbeing Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 34536 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 13
Disclaimer: I make no money from this story, own nothing of Harry Potter, haven't met any of the people (except Alan Rickman and sadly that was brief)

Chapter List
- 22
- 23
- 24
A/N: You all are awesome for the reviews, I appreciate every single one! This chapter got REALLY long so I had to break it up, the next one is nearly done!

"Granger, what the hell is that?" Draco asked from his place next to Ginny on Hermione's sofa, his delicate features crumpled up into a frown.

Hermione distractedly worked her curls back into a ponytail, a hair grip between her teeth as she looked over in his direction. Ever since Draco had arrived at her house, he'd taken to giving random objects that were strewn about a suspicious glare, before demanding an explanation as to what their purpose was. "That's a VCR," she told him, smoothing a few strands away from her face and securing them into place with the elastic. "It plays tapes on the telly."

"What in hell is the point of that?" he pressed on, distrustfully looking at the black rectangular box.

"Oh for goodness sake," Ginny said impatiently, prying her hand out of Draco's and walking over to the television set. She had asked Hermione the same thing on her very first visit to the house, and learned how to use the VCR. Pulling a tape out of its jacket, Ginny popped it into the box and switched on the television. "See? It's not going to bite you."

"Hmm, that's odd," he sniffed, although his grey eyes reluctantly remained on the colorful images moving across the screen.

"Anyway," Ginny began, rolling her eyes as she turned back towards Hermione, "Dad is going to use his wiles and bring Mum over, and Draco is supposed to fetch his parents. Draco, when did you say you expected your father to return home?"

Draco was now reclined all the way back on the sofa, still intently focused on the high-speed chase occurring on screen. The tape had belonged to her father, as he enjoyed what her Mum referred to as 'man-movies' on his down time.

"Draco?" Ginny repeated, reaching over to ruffle his hair when he still didn't turn around. "DRACO, your father, Lucius Malfoy, tall blond wizard with a pompous manner and serpent-headed walking stick, when are you expecting him?"

"You don't need to shout, Weaslette," he grumbled, smoothing his pale blond hair back down. "In thirty minutes or so, I'm going to Apparate back to the manor and bring him and Mum over."

"Thank you," Ginny sarcastically replied just as Luna walked into the front room. "Luna, do you want another Slytherin? Mine's gone deaf and I have no use for him; I'll let him go for fifteen Galleons."

Ginny's comment slowly registered with the distracted young blond, and he shot his girlfriend a withering glance. "I'll have you know that I'm priceless and irreplaceable. Besides, final sale-no refunds or exchanges."

"You two are insane," Hermione laughed as Luna squeezed in next to her on the armchair.

The four were gathered at Hermione's house that next day, everyone silently dealing with their anxiety about the upcoming gathering of parental figures. Hermione had gotten up extra early that morning, favoring cleaning charms to tidy up instead of using the Muggle way. Wanting everything to go over smoothly, she also went to a bakery and purchased gourmet biscuits and cheese. Hermione almost wished that the gathering was late enough to serve wine, knowing that it might help mull over any flared tempers that should arise.

Luna had arrived before Ginny and helped Hermione to sort out the trays of nibbles. At the present time they were waiting for the Weasleys and Malfoys to arrive. Hermione was nervous for her friend, even though Ginny appeared to be calm as she jested around with Draco. Hermione was watching the couple and in the midst of toying with the hem of her dress when Draco announced that it was time to fetch his parents, pecking Ginny's cheek before Apparating out of the front room.

"And so it begins," Ginny murmured under her breath. Ten minutes later a loud crack was heard from the back of Hermione's house. "Hi Mum, Dad," Ginny greeted once her parents stepped inside.

"Ginny, where are we? I thought we were meeting for tea," Mrs. Weasley began just as Hermione stepped into view.

"Err, this is Hermione's house, and we are going to have tea," she cautiously answered, taking both their traveling cloaks.

Mr. Weasley was more affable than his wife as he greeted Hermione and then Luna, and they both sat down on the sofa that Draco previously occupied. Arthur was immediately drawn to the television set that was still on, and Ginny had to give a second demonstration on how to use the VCR at his behest. Molly sat stiffly by her husband, whom was oblivious to his surroundings as he cheerfully pressed buttons on the remote control, grinning each time he hit the rewind and forward button.

"Clever thing this is," he mused, turning it around in his hand. "What else have you got?"

Hermione was about to tell Arthur about the washing machine when Molly snapped at him. "Ginny, tell us the real reason we're here," she stated without preamble.

Saved by a second, loud crack in the garden, Ginny jumped up without answering her Mum, moments later reentering the house with Draco and his parents, both of whom were resplendent and completely out of place in ornate wizard's robes.

"Now wait a minute!" Molly shrilled, jumping up from the sofa and glaring at the Malfoys. "Young lady, I don't know what sort of scheme you kids have worked up, but I refuse to take part in it. Let's go, Arthur!"

Hermione cringed at the sound of Mrs. Weasley's high-pitched voice. Her eyes strayed over to Mr. Weasley, whom looked as if he was disinclined to part from her television set. Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy appeared shocked and a bit affronted at the red-headed matriarch's outburst, but strove to remain calm.

"Arthur," Lucius curtly nodded, tucking his walking stick into the crook of his elbow and offering a gloved hand when Mr. Weasley finally pried himself away from the television and crossed the room. Even though Mrs. Weasley was still glaring daggers at him, Lucius politely told her hello, offering the same courtesy to Luna and Hermione.

"Ginny, you have crossed the line!" Molly angrily continued in a wavering voice, hastily looking around for her traveling cloak. Hermione had purposely put them in the closet in the foyer, and pretended that she didn't notice the way the older witch was gandering about. "Arthur, let's go!"

Hermione gritted her teeth, feeling her level of irritation rising, yet did her best to keep her mouth shut. Right when Molly began stalking towards the front door, all the while loudly fussing, Hermione hastily withdrew her wand and cast an advanced nonverbal spell that Severus had taught her.

"All right, the house is warded and no one is leaving until we settle a few things!" Hermione snapped, finally reaching the end of her tether. Waving her wand about once more, she Transfigured the love seat opposite her into a larger size that would allow Draco and his parents to sit down. "Draco, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, please have a seat. Mrs. Weasley, I would appreciate it if you did the same."

Mrs. Weasley threw Hermione a baleful glance yet sat back down on the sofa. "Young lady, I'm old enough to be your mother."

Then perhaps you should act like it instead of like a spoilt child! she inwardly seethed.

"As I was saying, there is obviously something here that needs to be discussed, although I think that Draco and Ginny are the ones that should do so."

Ginny moved to take the floor until Draco cut in. The younger redhead sat down next to Hermione and Luna, whom were once again squeezed on the armchair. Draco proceeded to tell Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in no uncertain terms how he felt about their daughter, much to Mrs. Weasley's chagrin. Hermione and Luna found his confession sweet but kept their mirth under wraps, biting down on their lip to keep from smiling.

"As I've already stated," Draco continued, "I have no intentions of hurting your daughter nor do I mean her any harm."

"And I suppose we're to believe you, just like that?" Molly scoffed, doubtfully eyeing the young wizard. "Don't think that I've forgotten about your abominable behaviour towards my daughter and her friends throughout your entire time at school."

"Yes, but we were children," Draco replied with forced calmness.

"You still are!" Molly continued, wagging a finger in his direction. "Believe me, you may think that you know it all, but I know how this will turn out. Those prejudices of yours-of course they stem from your parents-aren't going to just disappear overnight."

"Excuse me?" Narcissa drolly retorted, cutting her blue eyes at Molly.

"Wait a minute, Cissy," Lucius interrupted. "I'll have you know that young Miss Weasley over there has been and is still more than welcome in our home. This is the first time we've heard of this-madness, and to be quite frank, I don't see what the problem is. Ginevra and Draco are both of age, and have obviously laid their grudge to rest, so I don't see how this concerns us."

Hermione felt her jaw threatening to fall open, feeling as if she had traveled to some alternate universe. She knew that Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy had no qualms about Ginny spending time with their son, yet she hadn't expected Lucius to come to her defense.

"Well of course you wouldn't, but I suppose if the shoe was on the other foot then perhaps you'd stand to reason. As it is, my daughter's been sneaking around to see your son, and do you know how I found out? Not from my own daughter, but from one of my son's colleagues! I refuse to be made into a fool!"

"Mum!" Ginny sharply cut in, hastily getting up from the seat and causing Luna to nearly topple over from the sudden shift in weight dispersion. "Sorry, Luna. Mum, you behave as if everyone is calculating against you. Draco and I happened to come across one another in Hogsmeade, and we became friends. Then it was obvious that we fancied one another- end of story! Last time I checked, there was nothing duplicitous about our meeting. Besides, didn't you and Dad start dating in your fourth year?"

"Well-" Mrs. Weasley sputtered. "That's beside the point! You're too young for him, and he's too, I can't think of the word I'm looking for, but you don't need to surround yourself with the likes of him!"

"Madam, that is the second time you've insulted my progeny," Lucius icily stated. "I would prefer it if we remained affable, that is, if you're able to."

"That's enough, Lucius," Arthur interjected, beckoning his wife to be quiet. "We're here for the kids' sake, there's no need to get nasty."

"Well, Arthur, clearly we've been trying to do so, yet your spouse has trouble with maintaining a polite demeanour."

"I beg your pardon?" Molly spat, her eyebrows shooting up on her forehead. "What did you just say?"

"I believe you heard my husband," Narcissa smoothly replied. "It appears that you have a problem with keeping a civil tongue."

Molly spluttered in outrage, jumping up in aims of crossing over to the slender blonde witch. Arthur caught a handful of the back of his wife's dress, stopping her in her tracks. Lucius had also jumped up to protect his wife, walking stick clutched tightly in hand.

Bloody hell! I didn't see this happening! Hermione panicked. She, Draco, Luna and Ginny were wide-eyed and tensely huddled around the armchair, watching as the four began quarreling loudly. Right when Hermione saw Arthur and Lucius both reaching for their wands, she jumped up from the chair and bolted out of the room.

Things were fast spiraling out of control. The only words Hermione was able to make out were 'perfidious', 'Machiavellian', and 'overbearing', everything else becoming lost in the cacophony of loud, argumentative voices.

Dashing upstairs, it took her all of two minutes to find Button and Midnight, playing in a pile of fuzzy blue yarn in her box room. "You can come back, just hurry!" she told a wriggling Button, tying her hastily scrawled message to his leg with trembling fingers before practically tossing him out the window.

Running back down to the front room, Hermione yelped loudly when she found Narcissa and Draco both trying to hold Lucius back, and Ginny and Molly standing in front of Arthur. The argument between Narcissa and Molly hadn't tapered off, and they were red-faced and shouting at one another from opposite ends of the room. Luna was backed against the wall, her pale blue eyes round as saucers as she silently watched the tumultuous exchange.

Hermione tried shouting over the din between both families, fervently hoping that their voices weren't carrying over to the neighbors. Luna made her way next to Hermione, calmly slipping a hand into hers. "You're trembling, Hermione," she quietly observed, her eyes remaining on the yelling families.

"I know, I can't help it. Damn, Luna, I didn't mean for them to get into a shouting match! I just wanted to help Ginny. Now I feel as if I've made things worse!"

"You haven't," Luna replied dismissively, her head tilted to the side. With the thoughtful expression on her face, she might as well have been bird watching. "Maybe the best thing for them to do is to get everything out in the open."

"But what if they draw their wands?!" Hermione whispered fiercely, her brown eyes growing wide when her fears came to fruition. Arthur and Lucius had both somehow managed to get out of the tangle of their children and spouses, their wands in hand and heading in each other's direction. They were on the brink of hurling hexes at one another when each length of polished wood suddenly flew towards the doorway.

Hermione whipped her head around, nearly collapsing with relief when she saw Severus’ tall, looming silouette occupying the small space. He was clad in all black with his traveling cloak on, his own ebony wand in hand and an ill-natured expression on his face. His onyx eyes fell upon Hermione for the briefest of moments before moving on to take in everything else.

Molly, Arthur, Lucius and Narcissa had stopped squabbling, all four of them with what looked like utmost shock on their faces, surprised at being disarmed as well as aghast at the person who'd done so.

"What are you doing here?" Molly spat accusingly, still bristling at having her wand taken. Lucius was also glaring at Severus, although his eyes held a slight suspicion, and his fingers tightly clutched around the bottom of his now serpent-headless walking stick.

"Severus, this is a most unexpected surprise," the blond drawled, flicking his disheveled hair back over his shoulder.

Narcissa politely told Severus hello, and Arthur gave him a small nod. Severus completely ignored Luna, Draco, and Ginny, whom were frozen in place with their mouths agape. "Now that I have your undivided attention," he drawled in a deep, authoritative voice as he strode into the room, "Sit."

Severus commanded the attention of everyone in the front room without becoming loud, as the threat was so obvious in his voice that everyone had no choice but to take heed of his words. Luna even snapped out of her reverie, and promptly sank down to the carpeted floor and crossed her legs.

"The last I checked, we'd already surpassed grade school antics," he continued lazily. "But since you all are intent on behaving like a bunch of idiotic first years, you clearly can't be trusted." One by one Severus collected each everyone else's wand, keeping them in a bundle in his left hand. Hermione and her friends, as well as Narcissa gave little protest, but Molly was most disinclined to part with her wand, and treated Severus to a dirty look. "You'll have it back once we're through," he dryly reassured, setting the wands down on the mantle, his curtain of black hair whipping around as he turned to face the group. "Now what is this about?"

Everyone tried speaking over the other again, and Severus glowered so fiercely that they all fell silent. "Miss Lovegood, would you care to explain?" he impatiently asked, looking down at the cross-legged witch.

"Draco and Ginny have been dating for the past few months, and Mrs. Weasley found out about it and was upset. So we thought it would be a nice idea to get both families, you know, in hopes of clearing the air, but Mrs. Weasley kept insulting the Malfoys and them Mr. Malfoy defended his family, and then of course Mr. Weasley had to reciprocate and all of a sudden everyone was at each other's throats and wands were being drawn. More or less. May I please get up, sir? This floor isn't that comfortable."

Severus gave a dismissive wave to the young blonde witch, although he was apparently satisfied with her explanation. "Draco, Miss Weasley. I presume you have something to say to your parents. You will do so and everyone will remain silent and not interrupt, is that clear?"

Molly, Arthur, Lucius, and Narcissa nodded their assent after hearing the adamant tone in the black-haired wizard's voice. Ginny and Draco stepped forward and took their turn speaking, gaining confidence when they reached the end of their speeches. Hermione and Luna were once again on the armchair, Luna soothingly patting the back of Hermione's hand.

Hermione had tuned out the ongoing conversation, the mingled yet now calm voices a dim buzz in her head. Surprisingly her mind hadn't strayed to the argument she'd last had with Severus; the only thing she could think of was how grateful she was for his stern presence, finding that it was a balm to her frazzled nerves. Peeking across at him, she saw that Severus was still in front of her mantle, his posture rigid and perfectly upright as usual. He still held onto his own wand, although it remained immobile in his hand.

He was never one for nervous fidgeting, Hermione mused. She was still trembling herself, and suspected that it would have been worse had Luna not been next to her.

The last thing she wanted was for a brawl to break out in her house. Aurors would have been dispatched, and Hermione had already worked out that Ron and Harry would most likely arrive first. Eager to avoid another catastrophe, her first instinct had been to owl Severus, knowing that he would be able to restore some semblance of order.

Draco soon finished speaking, after which Ginny stated her piece. She was on the tail end of her sentence when Molly cut in, stating that she still didn't understand why her daughter was willingly consorting with the younger Malfoy.

"Mum-" Ginny placidly began, wishing that she could put an end to her mother's rambling.

"Don't interrupt me, Ginevra, you've had your say and I'll have mine. I don't see why you can't-"

"Mum-"

"-things with Harry! Such a good boy, and he clearly doted on you-"

"Mum-"

"I just don't understand what's happened to you, Ginny, why I-"

"MUM!!!" Molly stopped midsentence when Ginny raised her voice. "Mum, Harry broke up with me, not the other way around, and I've accepted it. I can't and refuse to be with someone that doesn't want me. Number two, Draco dotes on me just as much if not more than Harry."

A smug look crossed Draco's features, until his father cast him a sharp glance that made him straighten his face.

"You know what, Ginny? It's your life, do as you like," Mrs. Weasley told her in a voice leaden with irony. "But when things fall apart, don't say that I didn't try and warn you."

Ginny was at a loss for words and stared at her mother. "Why do you need to do that?" she asked quietly, the hurt obvious in her tone.

"The book, Ginny, do you remember that nonsense?" Molly continued patronizingly. "And that's just for starters, shall I continue?"

Draco clenched his jaw as Lucius let out a scoff, making no attempt to hide his disgust. He was about to offer a snide remark when Narcissa's dainty hand came down on his arm. "I thought all of that was laid to rest?" she implored, refusing to back down as she held a direct gaze with Molly.

"Arthur might've spoken to your husband, but Ginny is my only daughter and believe me, it's not so easy to lay to rest as you suggest."

"Mum! Mr. Malfoy apologized to us, Draco's done so as well. What more do you want?" Ginny pleaded. "He can't take it back, and harping on the past will get us nowhere."

"What do I want? I want that young man to stick to his own kind!" Mrs. Weasley shot back. "I don't know why you've chosen him of all wizards!"

"Well after this, you can bloody well expect that he'll want nothing to do with me!" Ginny all but screamed, her face bright red with anger and clashing terribly with her hair. She felt herself on the verge of breaking down, and crying was something that she abhorred doing in front of anyone else.

Hermione immediately rushed over to her friend, fervently trying to pull Ginny to the side. The redhead was trembling with suppressed rage, becoming so upset that she was unable to speak.

"Hermione, take your friends and go for a walk," Severus told her in sharp tone that brooked no argument when he saw a lone tear trailing down Ginny's cheek. "It seems as if the rest of us need to have a little chat."

She was on the verge of asking Severus just where he intended for her to take the other three but refrained from doing so. "Can we have our wands back, at least?"

Severus plucked fours wands from atop the mantle and handed them over. "Half an hour should suffice." Without uttering another word, he turned his back to Hermione and rounded on the four older adults expectantly staring over at him.

As soon as their little group stepped outside, a flood of angry tears poured from Ginny's eyes. She blindly walked ahead of her friends, her long red hair catching the wind and trailing behind her. Draco sped up to fall into step with Ginny, leaving Hermione and Luna behind on the sidewalk.

"This is complete and utter bollocks!" Hermione spat as she and Luna cantered along. "What is the matter with Mrs. Weasley? Does she think Malfoy is still that unconscionable after all this time?"

Luna gave a small shrug, smiling when she saw the two in front of them stop. Draco had both arms around Ginny, and it was obvious that she was sobbing into his shoulder.

"Hmm," Hermione mumbled, awkwardly diverting her attention elsewhere. There were few people out on the street and the embracing couple barely warranted a glance. "Well, I'm glad that you and Blaise didn't have to go through the ringer to be together. We would have all eventually ended up in the mad house if things had gone all pear-shaped when you brought him home."

"Yes. Although Daddy doesn't really get cross that often. The last time he got upset was when I was taken from our home." Hermione was amazed that Luna was able to casually bring up that horrific event, all the while maintaining a smile. "Look, I think Ginny's stopped crying."

Ginny indeed appeared marginally calmer, and was allowing Draco to dab the remaining tears off her face with a handkerchief.

"Oh yes, so collusive," Hermione said scathingly under her breath, looking at the square of starched linen. "I wonder if her mum would accuse Draco of having chloroform on the damned thing."

The four walked around until Hermione looked at her watch, deeming that enough time had passed. They'd ended up rambling aimlessly, doing more walking than talking. The highlight of their trip was when a shiny red, vintage sports car had passed, and Draco immediately pressed Hermione with a barrage of questions.

Vintage cars were not her forte, and she supplied Draco with answers that were feasible at best. Ginny even perked up and laughed, telling him that her father had a thing for Muggle cars as well.

"Your brother too, if I'm not mistaken," Draco grinned, throwing an arm around her shoulder. "Now come on, let's go back and make sure our parents haven't killed each other."

Hermione warily walked back into her house with Draco, Luna and Ginny at her heels. They were greeted with what sounded like pleasantries being exchanged in the front room, even if the conversation sounded a bit forced.

Lucius, Narcissa, Severus, and Arthur were engaged in conversation when the four returned. Molly was sitting silently, looking as if she'd just been chastised. Arthur paused and looked up when he saw his daughter, who was holding hands with Draco and looking less agitated than she had before. "Everything all right?" he asked, giving them both a warm smile.

"Yes," Ginny slowly answered, her brown eyes furtively straying over to her mother. Mrs. Weasley's features were slightly pinched and her jaw firmly set, otherwise she thankfully had run out of biting remarks.

"I'll just...I'll put the kettle on," Hermione said in a feeble attempt to cut through the tension in the air. It was clear that things were anything but rosy between the Weasleys and the Malfoys, but at least they were amicable towards one another. Hermione still thought that the entire situation was ridiculous, as Ginny and Draco had been completely fine with their relationship prior to Mrs. Weasley finding out about it.

"I'll help you," Luna cheerfully volunteered, smiling as she followed Hermione into the kitchen.

Hermione perfunctorily moved about, setting a tray up with saucers and teacups. Her only moment of panic occurred when Luna moved too closely to the hob, the ends of her straggly blonde hair coming in precarious proximity with the flame beneath the kettle. Hastily yanking her friend out of danger's way, she set Luna with the mundane task of arranging the biscuits on another tray.

Luna offered to carry everything out into the front room, to which Hermione happily acquiesced. She was sitting at her counter, nursing a cup of tea when Narcissa walked into the kitchen, her blue eyes lingering upon each surface.

"Did you need something, Mrs. Malfoy?" Hermione politely inquired. The sight of the ornate silk-robed witch standing in her kitchen was nearly comical, and Hermione tried to keep her eyes from widening as Narcissa awkwardly perched on the stool across from hers.

"I thought we could have a little chat of our own, seeing as how you've graciously opened your home to us," she smoothly replied. Just as she parted her lips to speak, the kitchen door swung open and Lucius swept inside, walking stick in his left hand and the right shoving his wand back into its core.

"I don't know who Severus thinks he is, taking my wand and holding it hostage," the blond wizard grumbled, his grey eyes appraising his surroundings. "Very interesting," he mused aloud, his walking stick pinging against the floor tiles as he glided across the kitchen to peer out of the window above the sink. "What's even more interesting are the wards you've placed upon your home. They're remarkably advanced for a witch your age, notwithstanding your already keen intellect."

"Thank you..." Hermione cautiously trailed off, trying to figure out what Lucius was getting at.

His grey eyes were now turned on her, and he peered at Hermione with an almost amused expression. "Well, I suppose it's to be expected; if you surround yourself with like-minded individuals, surely you pick up a thing or two."

"Lucius, Miss Granger and I were in the middle of something. If you feel the need to bait someone might I remind you of-"

"All right, Cissy! I know when I'm not wanted," he retorted, even though he gave his wife a brief kiss before sweeping back out of the room in a blur of black robes.

"Sorry about my husband," Narcissa told Hermione once they were alone again. "Sleuthing is part of his makeup. As I was saying, I'm well aware of our previous...differences, but I do hope that we've moved past them. With the aftermath, it all seems a bit trite if I might be so forward."

"I agree," Hermione said, tracing a finger around the lip of her teacup. "To be honest, Draco and Ginny seemed to be getting along quite well without the interference of...others." Hermione wanted to say 'Mrs. Weasley', but was trying her best to remain tactful.

"I'm not worried about them," Narcissa said, dismissively waving a perfectly manicured hand. "Ginevra isn't a sycophant or a pushover- unlike some other young ladies my son previously chose to consort with. He needs someone that will keep him on his toes."

Hermione politely nodded, chuffed at the praise her friend was receiving from the Malfoy matriarch.

"It seems that Ginevra isn't the only one that's found herself a Slytherin," Narcissa lightly continued, daintily lifting her teacup to her lips.

"Oh, well I assumed you already knew about Luna and Blaise. Draco said that you and Mr. Malfoy didn't mind us visiting the manor."

"Of course we don't mind, you all are welcome to visit whenever you choose. But I'm not talking about Miss Lovegood and Blaise." Hermione had just taken a sip of her own tea, and had to force it down when she saw the knowing look on Narcissa's face. "You and Severus, now that is most unexpected."

Hermione first contemplated denying their relationship but was met with a burning curosity, dying to know how Narcissa had stumbled upon something that only two of her friends were privy to.

"You can deny it if you like," Narcissa continued, unfazed by the startled look on Hermione's face, "But I've seen the way you two look at one another. Very subtle, but I'd noticed it just the same."

Well, I suppose there's no point denying it now, Hermione said to herself. "What exactly was it that you'd noticed?"

"For starters, you looked as if you were drowning in a sea of panic until he showed up."

"That's because I thought everyone was about to start hexing one another," Hermione reluctantly admitted, her eye catching the half-empty box of biscuits that Luna had left behind on a counter. She brought the box over and placed it between her and Narcissa.

"How about the fact that he first looked to see where you were standing, making sure that you were all right before breaking up the row?" She peered into the box, selecting a chocolate biscuit and setting it on her plate.

Hermione was brought up short, and mused over Narcissa's words as the blonde witch broke half of her biscuit and placed it in her mouth.

"These are very good," she murmured, delicately brushing the crumbs from her fingers back onto the plate. "Shall I continue? Or have I proven my point?"

"I think you have," Hermione answered. "You're like Luna; you don't miss a thing."

"Being extraordinarily observant was a means to survival," Narcissa resolutely told her. "Now it's just second nature. But I am curious as to why you're hiding in here instead of socializing with your wizard and friends."

"Well...I hadn't seen or spoken to Severus for three days. We had a falling out. To be honest, I'm surprised that he came straightaway when I asked him to."

"And why are you surprised?"

"Let's just say that the row we got into wasn't your typical, everyday argument."

"I see," Narcissa nodded. "Usually that translates into a couple arguing about financial matters or infidelity. I'm fairly certain you two are both well off in the first aspect, and I know for fact that Severus is fiercely loyal, unless of course there's another wizard in the picture?"

Narcissa eyed her suspiciously, and Hermione immediately became defensive. "What? No! Of course not, I love Severus, I would never betray him like that," she bristled, unable to understand why she was being so forthcoming with Mrs. Malfoy.

"Would you like to repeat that?" a third, flustered voice came from the kitchen door. Narcissa and Hermione turned around to see Mrs. Weasley standing there, her face frozen with shock. "Did you say what I think you said?"

Here we go again, Hermione groaned inwardly. "Yes, Mrs. Weasley, you did."

"You and Severus Snape? Surely you're joking!"

"No, I'm not!" Hermione snapped, feeling the last of her patience dissolving. It was one thing for Mrs. Weasley to repeatedly question her daughter's choices in a mate, but another for her to do the same with Hermione. "Severus and I are an item; I suppose you're going to bombard me with a litany of reasons on why we shouldn't be together. Forgive me if I sound a bit rude, but you might as well hold your breath."

Mrs. Weasley seemed chagrined that Hermione was firmly standing her ground, but amazingly threw up the proverbial white flag. "No...you're twenty years old, and besides, I think I've done enough meddling for a lifetime. But, Hermione, you have to admit that the man isn't exactly someone's first choice when they think of a wand mate."

"And why is that?" Narcissa asked coolly, one pale blonde eyebrow arched as she waited for an answer.

"Well, because he's, so-cold!" Mrs. Weasley snapped, sounding flustered. "Granted he turned out alright in other aspects, but Hermione, really, do you want to waste your sweetness on him? The man isn't exactly a people person."

"Mrs. Weasley, thank you for your concern, but you should know that it's misplaced," Hermione answered tartly. "Despite what you might believe, Severus and I get along quite well. And besides, I'm sweet enough for the both of us."

"All right, Hermione, I'll leave it alone," Molly conceded. "I've already angered my daughter with my overbearing ways."

Hermione was a bit nonplussed at Mrs. Weasley's admittance of her own faults, and felt a bit contrite. "We know you mean well, Mrs. Weasley," she told her. "But we all have to make our own mistakes if we're to learn from them. And besides, you've been like a mother to me. I know you wouldn't purposely let me go astray."

"Of course not," the redheaded matriarch abruptly replied. "Well, if you ever need to talk about things, my door is open. I actually popped in to tell you goodnight. Arthur isn't ready to leave; he and your son and husband are glued to-what is that thing again?" Molly continued, looking from Narcissa to Hermione.

"TV?" Hermione hazarded a guess.

"If you say so. Arthur and his love of Muggle bits and bobs. Anyway, sorry for everything that happened earlier."

"It's all right," Hermione replied. She gave Molly a warm smile, and Narcissa told her goodnight, both watching as she walked out of the kitchen.

"That was very diplomatic of you," Narcissa offered.

"Well, I could have been harsher," Hermione admitted. "I actually thought about it, but I would have been no better than Mrs. Weasley's behavior towards me. In the end, it wouldn't have gotten me anywhere. And besides, she really does mean well, even if her prior delivery was a bit off."

"Just a bit," Narcissa loftily replied, getting down from her stool and smoothing out her robes. "I hope you and Severus sort things out; it would be nice to see our old friend happy for once. Not that he would admit it, but just the same, he can use a little sweetness in his life as you've so aptly phrased."

"I hope so as well," Hermione sighed, sounding a bit forlorn.

"You will," Narcissa told her, sounding completely sure of herself. "Severus has never been one to let anyone in, but I'm sure that's no mystery. Although I can honestly say I've never seen him look at another witch the way he looks at you. Just something to keep in mind. Hmm, I suppose I should collect my son and husband before they overextend your hospitality."

Hermione managed a chuckle and told Narcissa that she didn't mind. Still, she followed her back into the front room, and just as Molly had reported, all the three wizards were sharing her sofa and enthralled with another action film. Luna and Ginny were off to the side having their own conversation, and Severus was sitting in the armchair, ignoring everyone yet acting as an unobtrusive peacekeeper as he quietly read one of his books.

Hermione felt slighted when he never looked up to acknowledge her presence, yet attempted to keep her disappointment hidden. Narcissa was now fussing at Lucius and Draco, telling them to get up and escort her back home. Draco was indisposed to move. Although his eyes were glued to the telly, he secretly wanted Ginny to come back to the manor with him, but knew it would in poor taste to suggest so with her father sitting next to him.

Arthur also stood up at the same time, saying that he should be returning home to Molly. Ginny hugged Draco goodbye, and Hermione walked Arthur and the Malfoys to the back of her house. Once they'd Apparated out of view, she sank down in one of the little chairs, staring up at the dark sky and deeply breathing in the damp night air.
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Broken Dreams