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And They Didn\'t Live Happily Ever After	By : ElizabethStump Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 90306 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 88
- 89
- 90
“And They Didn't Live Happily Ever After”

Chapter Eighty-Eight
"Petals, Potions, and Pele"

Disclaimer: Rowling owns Harry Potter, she just let's me play with her characters for fun, and no profit, nor do I claim to own them. Bless her prolific author's heart.

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With one unsteady hand, Hermione tipped the vial of Invigoration Draught back, while holding the Auror's locket Harry had given her in her other hand, rubbing it distractedly like a worry stone. Closing her eyes, she could feel the threads of magic in the potion restore her energy once more.

Now that she was awake, she tipped back the vial of Wit-Sharpening Potion so she could have the focus of mind to get in some studying before she would have to go to the Victory Day ceremony. She was only attending because Harry said he wanted her there.

She only had a couple hours of sleep the night before, staying up late as she was looking through various tomes to see if one idea she had for her apprenticeship final potions project had been attempted before, only to discover someone had already created a potion for that very solution 50 or 500 years ago.

Her hand shook momentarily as her body fought the magic forcing her body and mind to alertness, but the potion won out and she was fully awake and calm once more.

Marf had expressed his concern over the condition of his mistress, since he did give his promise to Master Severus that he would take care of Hermione. However, she assured the house-elf that she was fine and had pushed herself this hard during her Hogwarts days, especially during that year when she had a Time Turner.

Nodding his head with a look of worry still etched on his wrinkled forehead, Marf made Hermione breakfast to ensure she would eat something. She was becoming thin once again, nearly as thin – possibly more so – as when she'd first turned up on Severus' doorstep a year ago.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Entering Bongo's bar for his usual Friday night drinks, Draco by his side, Severus and his friend were hailed by the usual “Aloha” greeting, which Severus returned a bit more cheerfully than as of late.

The American flags along with the stars-and-stripes bunting strung about the bar added to the festive mood, since it was the Fourth of July weekend. The holiday celebrating independence from British rule was observed by American Muggles and wizards alike. At least there weren't any leprechauns and shamrocks decorating the place like during St. Patrick's Day. To Severus, it seemed like there was some sort of holiday to celebrate every month in America.

Ginny was there sitting in her usual spot, as well as Mounga and Rainbow, with the addition of Halulu and Greg.

“Halulu, what brings you to join us for drinks this Friday night?” Severus asked, knowing that the pair were especially busy, as the Pele Festival was starting in a week.

Rainbow was also curious to know why the pair was there, since they had broad smiles on their faces and refused to divulge the good news until Draco and Severus had arrived.

“Yes, please. Now that Severus is here, can you please tell us what has got you as giddy as a schoolgirl on Euphoria Elixir,” Rainbow said with some exasperation, dying to finally know what was going on.

“It's an Elixir to Induce Euphoria,” Severus corrected her smugly, his nose a bit in the air.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” she said, waving her hands flippantly at him, hoping he would shut up and let Halulu spill the beans.

“Well...” Halulu began. “I'm pregnant.'

There was a chorus of female screams from that corner of the bar that made three of the four males wince and flinch. Greg was too elated to be bothered by the sudden noise, joining in the excitement as well.

“And it's all thanks to your advice, Severus,” Halulu said, shaking his hand gratefully.

“That vacation was exactly what we needed to relax and let nature take its course,” Greg added, shaking Severus' hand as well, grateful that he and his wife were finally going to be parents.

Severus noticed the odd tight smile about Rainbow's lips and the fleeting moment of somberness in Mounga's face, but decided to say nothing.

Once word spread to the rest of the bar, there were random shouts of congratulations from other patrons.

Severus offered to buy the next round for their group in celebration of the good news, feeling generous due to his improved mood. Naomi would be leaving in a few days to Portkey to England to run a few errands for him, and he received the July issue of All About Apothecaries, which featured a cover photo of him and Blanche. It was the main featured story, giving a rather glowing, and still accurate, account of how he'd discovered the previously unknown stand of Miniature Man-Eating Masdevallias. It also included a bit of background about his thriving Potions business on Malu Palekaiko and his work tutoring the youth on the island. It was a rather positive article, and not at all like the biased hack journalism he was used to in the Daily Prophet.

Once the excitement over Halulu and Greg's news settled down, Severus shared the copy of the magazine featuring him for everyone in the group to see. Draco had already read it and was proud of his mentor. This was the sort of recognition the Potions master should have received back home for his talents, but was finally receiving in their new home on the other side of the world.

Everyone in the group remarked about what a wonderful photo it was and that his beard looked nice and thick in the photos, with added comments that Severus might win first place.

Draco scratched at his beard a bit meekly knowing that he would probably lose the bet, even if Severus didn't win first place and he'd be forced to make cassoulet the way Severus preferred it. His beard was coming in nicely and it was a more golden blond than his platinum locks, but he could tell that he wasn't going to win, between the two of them.

Mounga read the article aloud to the group of friends gathered around, and a few other bar patrons who knew Severus ambled over to listen in. Mounga's voice carried so it wasn't hard for anyone else in the bar to listen in, even with the dueling piano and harpsichord tinkling away in the corner.

Once done, Severus was clapped on the back and his hand was shaken by many in the bar.

The next round, Severus was treated by one of the other bar patrons, in congratulations of the article. It was a wizard who had commissioned Severus for a Potion that had helped him with a rather personal matter, the same potion Severus once brewed for Remus Lupin years ago for his problem. Many in the town were grateful there was a Potions master in town that was discreet and didn't turn his nose up at tutoring or certain commissions.

There was talk about the upcoming Independence Day celebrations Sunday night, including fireworks with a band playing music during the pyromagic display. Normally for this type of holiday there might have been a parade or community luau, but given that the Pele Festival fell within a week after the Fourth of July, everyone was going to be busy with last-minute preparations.

Even Ginny was helping Halulu, and was too busy to have dinner ready on the table by the time Draco came home from work. For the past week, Draco had been joining Severus for dinner at the various restaurants around town after work. It was during one dinner that Draco convinced Severus to hire a part-time house-elf to clean and cook for him. Severus had been grousing about the drudgery of housework as of late, and having to cook for himself once he got home. As much as Severus didn't mind putting the work into keeping his Potions lab spit-spot clean, he was empathizing with Hermione and the way she used to complain about the copious amount of chores required to keep house in addition to working full-time.

As the Finaus were getting ready to leave, Halulu drained the last of her non-alcoholic drink and asked, “So, off to the hot springs now?”

That is when Severus saw the grim look pass fleetingly between Rainbow and Mounga, who then plastered on plastic smiles, saying they had some matters to deal with at home for some task they had to attend to the next day.

Severus could tell something was amiss. When he'd greeted Akela and Iakona on the street a few days prior, he found Mounga's oldest daughter distraught, her eyes red and face drawn. The pair passed him by with barely an acknowledgment to the adopted family member, the young wizard's arm around his older sister in a supportive fashion.

He wasn't about to pry, as it seemed it was a confidential matter that they did not want to share, but he was concerned. The Finau family had become his family, but he would respect their privacy. Surely this was not a matter they wanted to include him in.

Before they left, Severus put a hand on Mounga's shoulder and said quietly, as an aside, “I know you have people coming to you to unburden themselves, but you can come to me if you need the same.”

Mounga nodded his head, thanking his friend before he took Rainbow's arm to escort her out the door and home.

Though Severus was tired of having people unloading their problems on him over the years as a gigolo, Severus did find in retrospect that unburdening his own secrets to Mounga when he first came to Malu Palekaiko had been a great help towards him emotionally coming to terms with some aspects of his life. Severus wanted to return the favor for his friend this one time.

It was not a panacea for all the emotional and mental scars Severus had suffered over the decades, but with his confession at the time, he was able to recognize some aspects of his life that he had intentionally forgotten or put aside. Finally acknowledging them, he was able to put some of those aspects behind him.

In Malu Palekaiko, Severus found the peace that Hermione had hoped he would find. And with the knowledge that Naomi would be delivering a special bouquet to his love within the week, he felt more at ease and more at peace with himself than ever before.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Naomi was having a grand time. She got to see the crown jewels in the Tower of London, where she laughed that the Star of Africa was “supposedly” the largest flawless cut diamond in the world – well, at least according to these Muggles protecting it with glass boxes and other Muggle security contraptions. Granted, the British Ministry of Magic also had wards around them to add to the Muggle ones, but it amused Naomi that the Muggles thought their security measures were quite stringent. But as for being the largest cut diamond, she had seen larger as a child when she'd accompanied her grandfather to his Gringotts vault in Singapore.

She wished she could have stuck around England long enough to catch a Quidditch game, since they all seemed to be played on the weekend, but she needed to be back in time for the Pele Festival. There were the rumors back home about Ginny's brother being a famous Quidditch player, and she wanted to go see him for herself. But she had her itinerary full, visiting all the great magical and Muggle sites around the country. She even took the Knight Bus, ignoring the strange look from Stan Shunpike when she asked him to take a photograph of herself in front of the bus.

Diagon Alley was really cute and quaint, by her standards. Everything was so tiny and charming and cramped, compared to the broad main street and wide covered wooden board sidewalks of Malu Palekaiko, lined with palm trees and tiki torches. In addition, everything was askew in Diagon Alley, having its foundations settled for hundreds of years until they looked like teetering boxes about to fall over.

Naomi had to buy herself a real woolen cloak, since the cotton one she brought that was suitable for the tropics was not doing the job of keeping her warm enough. Granted this was “supposed” to be summer, but this felt like the dead of winter in Hawaii by comparison. And when it rained, she finally understood why the English could drink hot tea in the summertime. Now she wished she had brought her heavy woolen cloak she had for when she made trips to the top of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea when there was snow atop the Big Island.

Her witch's hat, woven from palm fronds, garnered a few stares, as everyone else wore more formal hats made of velvets, tweeds, and heavy felt. Naomi's clothing – featuring bright colors and bold Hawaiian tropical prints – also added to the odd stares she received now and again. Her sandals added to the disdainful look she received from one wizard in Flourish and Blotts. She distinctly recalled hearing that wizard she bumped into mutter, “Americans,” under his breath disparagingly even after she sincerely apologized.

Severus, Draco, and Ginny, despite their fancy accents, were a whole lot nicer than some of the people she met in Diagon Alley. Based on her impression from Severus and the Malfoys, she was led to believe that most English witches and wizards were as nice as them. It was a disappointment to be met with such chilly hospitality by the general population. At least the witch she came across in the bookstore was really sweet.

Naomi was looking for a tourist guidebook of wizarding Britain. She found the thin witch with the bushy brown hair pulled into a braid to be extremely helpful. The guidebook section was right next to the language section, where the slightly frazzled-looking witch was looking for more books on the Spanish language, muttering to herself about making a Potion in which to literally absorb languages faster while rubbing her thumb on some pendant that hung from a long necklace.

Naomi thanked the helpful witch with dark circles under her eyes for her recommendation on a guidebook and a good place to get some authentic English pub food, besides the Leaky Cauldron, before she went to the front to pay for her purchase. After a nice meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash, she'd go to the florist to order those flowers, then head on over to Knockturn Alley to start looking for that silverware.

'Knockturn Alley. Hmm, wonder if it's as darling as the rest of Diagon Alley. Hope there is a cute shop I can find something to bring back for my mom. Maybe that Borgin and Burkes place will have Draco's silver, like Severus suggested, and a cute little miniature version of the Knight Bus for a souvenir. And maybe they sell some postcards, too...' Naomi thought to herself as she ambled towards the Leaky Cauldron and out into Muggle London for some good Muggle pub grub.

Hermione was finding it hard to focus. The Invigoration Draught and Wit-Sharpening Potions she had taken earlier that morning were starting to wear off. She was so muddled that by the time she realized she wanted to ask the American she'd helped if she was from Hawaii – since her florescent orange muumuu and hat were very tropical, and she had an American accent – the Yank was gone.

“I could have sworn she was just here,” Hermione mumbled to herself, her thoughts scattered like a broken strand of beads rolling across the floor.

“I have got to get back to work,” she continued muttering to herself, knowing that her lunch break was nearly over.

First order of business was another dose of those two elixirs that were allowing her to push on, letting her study and work twenty hours a day.

So lost in thought, Hermione almost walked out of Flourish and Blotts before paying for the book still grasped in her hand. Fortunately, she caught herself and walked to the end of the queue to pay.

With her belly filled with yummy shepherd's pie and a pint of ale that was too warm and flat for her liking, but she'd drank it anyway, Naomi went back to Diagon Alley and straight to the florist.

Entering the shop, she looked about, gazing at the large variety of flowers. She was thankful that they would probably have everything Severus had on his list.

An old witch with a beak-like nose, bulging eyes that looked like they went in opposite directions, a drooping, sagging neck that looked a little scaly, and a mop of wiry and curly white hair greeted Naomi. She looked like a chicken, and when she spoke, she sort of squawked like a chicken too. Naomi wondered if she was a failed Animagus who didn't entirely get returned back to her original human form.

“Can I help you, miss?” The witch cocked her head to the side a bit suddenly, much like when a chicken would determine if it was going to peck at something or not.

“Yes. I'd like to order a bouquet of flowers to be delivered tomorrow.” The Hawaiian witch glanced over the shoulder of the counter clerk, noticing the old witch in the back who was setting flowers into the vase. It was a beautiful composition, and now she understood why Severus insisted she go to this particular shop.

“Excellent. Tomorrow, July 9th, I see will be the date. Anything specific in mind?” she clucked.

“Yes, I have a list right here as to what will be included.” Reaching inside her cloak, she pulled out the small note Severus had given to her with his initials on it. “And this is to be included in the delivery.”

Looking over the list, the witch made a sound as if she was pleased. “Yes, yes, that will make quite a lovely bouquet indeed. So much feeling in this selection.”

The sales clerk drew up a receipt, copying the list of flowers down in addition to the specific direction of no substitutions.

After paying, Naomi asked the sales clerk for directions to Knockturn Alley and couldn't understand why the older witch had a look of horror on her face, before raising a hand and – with a shaking finger – pointing her in the right direction.

As Naomi left the florist, she was nearly bowled over by a very angry-looking young wizard with hellfire in his eyes. He barely apologized to Naomi before walking up to the counter, requiring assistance immediately.

Stephen Stronder was in a snit. He had discovered his fiancée in bed with his best friend, and he was livid. He was going to send her a bouquet in order to break up with her, calling her out on her infidelity.

The witch took down the list of flowers the young man wanted, noting their symbolism aloud.

“Abatina for fickleness, laurel cherry for perfidy, bilberry for treachery, fish geranium for disappointed expectation, and michaelmas daisy for farewell,” Stephen ticked off on his fingers.

“What about yellow roses for infidelity?” the old witch suggested.

“She might misinterpret them as friendship, since it can mean that as well. And she might think that we would be parting on good terms, which we're not.” He crossed his arms before adding, “Some St. John's Wort for animosity would not be amiss. Yes, add that too, please.”

After paying for the bouquet with directions to be delivered the next day, that included a note with his initials on it, Stephen Stronder left the shop and headed off towards the Leaky Cauldron, intending to get right pissed in order to drown his considerable sorrows. No doubt, the Daily Prophet would be posting the breakup of their engagement under the obituary section after his soon-to-be ex-fiancée received her flowers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sleeping peacefully and without a care, Severus was jolted awake by an earthquake. Leaping up out of bed, wearing only his underpants, his heart hammering like a Taiko drum, he felt the whole house shift beneath his feet with a rumble and a brief shudder.

Pele had announced to the whole island she had come back to her other home to observe and bask in the celebration. The island goddess had returned to be present for the festival named in her honor.

The chorus of startled birds died down, but Severus' heart had yet to recover. He had never been in an earthquake before. Granted, he was warned by the natives and long-time residents that Pele always made this sort of little announcement to the island upon her yearly return for the festival, and on a few days in between during the year, but this was far more thrilling than he had expected.

As the shaking in his hands subsided, Severus opened the floor-to-ceiling teak plantation shutters, noting that the sun was just peeking up above the horizon.

“Merlin, I need a cup of tea for my nerves,” he muttered aloud.

It was time Severus got up anyway, as nearly the whole town was going to make the trek up the side of the volcano that morning. There, by the edge of the caldera, Mounga would lead the ceremony thanking Pele for all that she had provided, from the island built from her lava to the magic imbued into the soil that protected all that sought sanctuary.

There was one more mild aftershock, causing Severus to grip the edge of the counter in hopes it wouldn't become more violent while he was waiting for the kettle to boil. Thankfully, he had taken the builder's advice and installed specially-built shelving that would prevent jars from sliding off of shelves in mild to moderate earthquakes. He had even upgraded his own shelves at his shop, being warned how a good jolt would cost him possibly hundreds or thousands of Galleons in lost ingredients, if his ingredients weren't stored properly in preparation of the local geologic activity.

'Thank Merlin I paid the builder for the self-plumbing upgrade.' He wondered how askew his house would become if this was a yearly occurrence. The charm would correct any listing or settling that would occur because of the seismic activity.

There wouldn't be any time for a morning swim, but the hike up the side of the volcano would still ensure he had his morning exercise.

As much as he wanted to eat his breakfast of toast and a heaping pile of fresh tropical fruit, he found he didn't quite have the stomach for it, as if it was twisted in a knot. He figured it was an adrenaline rush from the quakes that had depressed his appetite. Then he went to dress for the morning.

In honor of the goddess and the opening ceremony by the edge of the caldera, the custom was for everyone to dress in their finest clothes, or ceremonial native dress if they had such wear.

English witches and wizards did not have a national costume, nor did the Muggles from that country. Instead Severus would wear his formal wardrobe – starched high-neck collar, buttoned-up frock coat, and boots – but ditching the long black cloak for the long hike. Putting them on, Severus noticed that the trousers' waist was loose, but the coat's shoulder and arms were a bit snugger than he remembered. It still fit, but it should have been taken to the tailor for adjustments before the festival. It would do for now, but next year, he would be prepared to have a better-fitting outfit for the festival.

To keep cool while wearing his full woolen outfit during the hike uphill, Severus had made a potion to keep his body cool. He also added a few charms he'd been taught by the locals, who had their own heavily-layered national costumes they would be wearing during the trek up the volcano.

Standing in front of a non-magical full-length mirror that he'd recently purchased for the house, he gazed at his reflection. It was the same clothes, but it was a different man staring back from the one who used to wear these clothes a mere year ago.

Walking out his front door and down the path, he joined the procession that began in the middle of the main street. Mounga was at the front leading the way, with his family beside him, and most of the island's residents trailing behind. There would be a small contingency of folks who would Apparate or Portkey up to the top of the volcano, but it was only the very old, sick, or pregnant, or mothers with small children who could not make the hike up themselves.

Higher up on the volcano, pathways were shored up, temporarily paved over or broadened with temporary board sidewalks to accommodate the mass of people heading up to pay their respects to Pele. All that could walk were expected to make the trek on foot without magic, a symbolic gesture that the ultimate magical being on the island was Pele herself.

Severus fell in with the crowd, walking beside Ginny and Draco who also were in their full formal wizarding wear they had brought with them from England. Draco was in his long gray cloak and formal suit with cravat, and Ginny in her dark forest-green cloak and a formal day dress that went down to her laced-up boots. Others in the procession wore ethnic costumes, most often indicating their country of origin, or ancestry.

Some, like the Finau family, were dressed in formal Hawaiian ceremonial garb. Mounga was wearing a plumed headdress of bright yellow and red feathers. He was bare-chested, except for the various leis he wore that had been handed down through the generations – leis made with shells, feathers, and kukui nuts, and one that included human teeth. His sarong consisted of hand-dyed fabric and ti leaves. He wore a cloak covered with the same bright yellow and vibrant red feathers as the headdress.

There were people wearing beaded buckskin, indicating some ancestral heritage of one of the Native American Plains tribes. Others wore an Amalía dress, showing their Greek heritage. Some wore sarongs woven with threads of gold and elaborate tiered headdresses, some wore full-length kaftans with a kufi cap. Arnold was wearing a formal black kimono that he'd brought from his home country of Japan when he fled for sanctuary. Ranjit wore a richly hued silk sherwani. Halulu wore a multi-hued chiapas dress, reminding Severus of the story she'd told him about how her grandmother was a witch who had participated in the Mexican Revolution that began in 1910, resulting in her seeking sanctuary nearly a century ago in Malu Palekaiko.

There were some Muggles and Squibs in the group who made the trek, also dressed in their finest clothes or national costume. Severus had come to learn there were more non-magical humans on the island than he'd originally suspected, since there were still a few countries that persecuted or harassed witches and wizards who married Muggles or Squibs. The Muggles blended so well in with the magical society on the island, not reacting so violently or with fear or awe as he was used to back in England, that he'd had to learn to not assume everyone he dealt with socially or in business in Malu Palekaiko was magical. Some of the Muggles and a few Squibs worked on the other end of the island at the Muggle Camp, that was shut down for the week between the Fourth of July and the Pele Festival. Some worked in the restaurants and businesses in town, or on the various farms around the island.

Even the goblins, hags, a few centaurs, and the free house-elves on the island joined in the procession, dressed in their finest clothing, letting Severus finally see just how many non-humans truly inhabited Malu Palekaiko. The few vampires on the island, who had sought sanctuary over the years or retired there by choice, would make the trek to pay their respects to Pele once the sun had set.

During the procession, some had brought guitars and ukuleles and strummed them. People joining in, singing in Hawaiian to pass the time during the long walk up.

Once at the top, not everyone could fit on the flat plateau next to the caldera, but did their best to listen in along the path near the very top. The crowd was over 5,000 in number, as some had come from abroad to witness the opening ceremony for the Pele Festival. Some had grown up on the island and moved away as adults, returning for the yearly festival. Many were from the American mainland, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, along with a few from various South American countries. There were no visitors from any European countries that Severus could spot, only those who had sought sanctuary.

Standing near the edge of the caldera, Mounga used a Sonorous Charm in order for everyone at the top and down the trail to hear him.

He began with a greeting of “Aloha” to which the thousands replied in unison. He welcomed everyone, and gave a brief explanation for the purpose of the ceremony for those who were new to the island or came from abroad.

Once done with the introduction, Mounga ended the Sonorous Charm and sang his prayer in his voice without magic, just as they all had journeyed to the top without magic. Even those down the trail could hear Mounga's voice as it boomed and echoed through the clear morning air.

As Mounga sang, Severus looked about. Ulrich and his new bride, Kiki, Akela's former best friend, stood side-by-side, uncomfortable in each other's presence. Severus had discovered earlier that week that Ulrich had impregnated Kiki, the witch Ulrich had dumped Akela for. At wandpoint, Kiki's father insisted that Ulrich make an honest witch of her so his first grandchild was not born a bastard. The strained look on the Finaus' faces the night at Bongo's bar had been due to the fact that the next day they would be present at the wedding, with Mounga as officiant. Kiki had asked Akela to be her maid of honor, and despite their falling out, Akela had reluctantly agreed. As much as Severus wished to impart some words of wisdom to the young distraught witch, he knew that their earlier encounter – that had led to much shouting and anger – would be cause enough alone to not broach the subject.

He did bet Akela, with great schadenfreude at the time, that if she refused to have sex with Ulrich, the boy would quickly direct his affections towards another young and more foolish witch whom he would bed without a care for her. Unfortunately, Severus had hit the mark.

'Better her than you, Akela,' Severus thought to himself when he saw Akela glance morosely at the newlywed teenagers.

As Severus turned his attentions from Ulrich and Kiki back to Mounga who was still singing prayers in praise, his eye caught sight of an old woman with long flowing white hair. His heart stopped for a moment. It was Pele, and he knew it. It was the woman who had delayed him and Mounga on their journey down the mountainside that one time, long enough for them to avoid being caught in a rock slide.

She had her head tipped up and eyes closed, her face absorbing the sun's rays on her weathered skin, as she drank in the sounds of Mounga's songs of prayer.

Severus turned to get Draco's attention to point out the old woman, but when he turned back, she was gone. The people in the crowd seemed unaware of her disappearance, if they'd even noticed her at all.

“What?” Draco said, noting the slightly agitated quality to Severus tugging on his cloak sleeve.

Shaking his head, Severus indicated it was nothing. He had not told Draco, nor Ginny, about his suspected encounter with Pele. Now, after spotting the same old woman amongst the crowd of people – a woman who had just disappeared – there was no point but to drop the subject.

When the prayer ended, offerings were brought forth and laid near the edge of the volcano. Ohelo berries, lehua flowers, red fish, a variety of produce brought from people's gardens, bottles of home-brewed beers and spirits made from the produce harvested on the Hawaiian island chain, and long strands of leis were set forth. Then Mounga called an end to the ceremony, announcing his hope that their respect and gifts for the goddess would cause her to continue to grant those who lived on the island sanctuary, and grant the town protection from her fiery lava.

People began meandering back down the mountainside to go back home in order to change out of their clothes and get ready for the festivities later that day.

Not only did the Pele Festival serve as an event to honor the goddess with song and dance, but it was also an excuse for the magical community throughout the Hawaiian Islands to hold a sort of state fair. There were to be contests judged, including cooking, arts and crafts, magical talent competitions and gardening, including the beard-growing contest Severus was hoping to win.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It was his parents' fault he had to get a job for the summer. Vradian Bumbershoot wanted the new 2005 Mercury broom, that would be available in August 2004 in time for the new Hogwarts school year. The broom had been modeled by Ronald Weasley in the 2004 Mercury calendar.

Vradian had wanted it so he could have it for Slytherin Quidditch team tryouts that autumn, but since he had the 2004 model, his parents said if he wanted yet another new broom, he could get a job in order to earn the money and buy it himself. They surmised that maybe then he would appreciate the things he had if he purchased them himself. Perhaps, they thought, he wouldn't have chucked his 2004 Mercury broom in the fireplace in a temper tantrum fit if he had spent his own money. Vradian had tried to give his parents a good reason why they should purchase another one for him; burning his old one seemed like reason enough, but it didn't seem to sway his parents to his argument.

Now he was stuck all summer working for these two old witches at the florist shop. Vradian had delayed looking for a job until he realized his parents wouldn't buy him a new broom, and he'd have to work to buy his own. Since coming home on the Hogwarts Express in June, all the other good jobs were nabbed, and this was one of the few left that paid anything above a pittance.

It was Friday afternoon. He couldn't wait to have the day be done and over with, but he had two last deliveries to make before he could collect his weekly paycheck and go home to his “stupid and wholly unfair” parents.

“Please deliver this vase of flowers to Hermione Weasley at The Lovely Lavender Company over on Dorian Loop with this note,” the avian-like witch instructed the delivery boy. “And this vase goes to an Esmeralda Gravenstein in room six at The Leaky Cauldron. And don't forget the note that goes with that one either.”

Vradian took both notes and shoved them carelessly in his pocket. With both vases of flowers in a box charmed to float behind him as he made his way through the magical neighborhood, he went on his way.

Reaching The Lovely Lavender headquarters, Vradian handed the elf at the front desk the correct note to go with the order, but when it came time to hand over the bouquet of flowers carefully arranged in the vase, he couldn't remember which one went with which order. They both looked the same. They both had yellow and blue flowers, geraniums, branches with white flowers, and stems adorned with red flowers and fruits.

“I guess it doesn't matter who gets which one, since they both look the same,” Vradian reasoned to himself as he left the vase meant for Miss Gravenstein at the front desk for Hermione.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Looking over the article in Obscure Oozes & Fabulous Fluids for the umpteenth time that day, Hermione read the story originally featured in the Canadian publication, All About Apothecaries.

It had been waiting on her desk when she arrived at work that morning.

The magazine aggregated potions and apothecary stories from publications all over the world, including this particular one from Canada.

Her hand passed reverently over the photo of Severus, who was standing right next to some blonde in a tank top and shorts. Severus had a beard in the photo, and he looked nearly identical to the version of Severus she hallucinated during her time under the Dionysus Fever potion. His clothing was far different from what she was used to seeing him in.

Severus was wearing what looked like cotton robes. They were black, since black hid potion stains, but the way they hung and the weight of the fabric indicated they were meant for warmer climes. He was wearing full-length trousers, but they looked like they were of a much more casual cut and of a lightweight breathable fabric, cotton or linen most likely. And they were beige. His hair was a bit longer, his face much more tanned, and his eyes just as piercing, but the Hawaiian shirt – dark navy blue with green palm fronds and cream-colored ginger flowers – seemed incongruent to the more formal wizard who had left England seven months prior. He looked positively relaxed, even with his upright posture.

In the photo, Severus and the blonde, a witch he was in business together with, were scooting closer towards each other until the flash went off.

Hermione knew first-hand how photos could capture something at the most inopportune moment and be interpreted wrongly, as she remembered the photo of her and Harry embracing during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Rita Skeeter had spun a tale of romance when it was nothing of the sort. Hermione was sure that the closeness of Severus to this leggy blonde in the revealing top was nothing more than a business arrangement, but that didn't stop the thread of jealousy and doubt take root in the pit of her being, making her stomach clench and her chest burn. The awkward smile Severus gave the blonde in the photograph, after bumping into her, didn't quell Hermione's fears, fed by her guilty conscience, that Severus had moved on and was somehow romantically linked to this witch he was in business with.

Reading the article, Hermione noticed immediately that any time the word “Malu Palekaiko” or “Hawaii” should have appeared in the article, the ink was smudged and letters were scrambled, making the words indecipherable.

Following a hunch, Hermione pulled out a scrap of parchment and tried to scratch out the word “Hawaii”. As soon as she was done writing the word, the ink smeared and letters rearranged themselves so it was unreadable. She then wrote down a list of other islands in the Pacific Ocean. “Pitcairn,” “Tahiti,” “Samoa,” and “Kiribati” remained clear upon the parchment, but when she wrote the words “Oahu,” “Maui,” or “Hawaii,” the ink would instantly smudge and letters scramble as if spelled with an anagram charm once her quill left the parchment.

Hermione was in awe for the fact that Dumbledore had set a charm so powerful it would remain in effect even after his passing. What Dumbledore couldn't erase was all reference to Hawaii from Muggle books in Great Britain. That explained Moody's suspicious behavior upon seeing her pile of travel books to the remote tropical location in her flat where the words would not scramble themselves or smudge.

Before she could talk with Lavender about this publication of the article, which might clue Moody to Severus and possibly Draco's whereabouts, there was a knock on her door.

An elf notified Hermione that a vase of flowers had arrived for her at the front desk, and asked if he should bring them up to her office now.

Wondering who in the world sent her flowers, since she didn’t have the slightest clue who might, Hermione ask for them to be brought up immediately.

As the elf brought the large vase of flowers in, Hermione spotted the note attached to the bouquet, recognizing the initials on the letter.

Before she even looked at the flowers, she pulled the note free and urgently tore open the letter, desperate for whatever news Severus had to impart.

-------

I hope this bouquet can adequately convey my feelings for you.

Severus

-------

Hermione felt her heart swell, elation infusing her body with a sense that she could fly.

Looking at the bouquet, her heart began to sink.

Hermione scrutinized each stem and the message Severus sent to her personally: Fickleness, treachery, disappointed expectation, animosity, and farewell.

She wondered if Severus knew or somehow found out about her regretful encounter with Neville, but she and Neville were the only two people who knew. It was nigh on impossible for Severus to know, especially on the other side of the world.

Glancing at the photo in the magazine once more, Hermione could see just how cozy Severus and his new business partner were, and she felt her heart break into irreparable shards. Collapsing onto the floor, Hermione began to wail. Her hand clutched weakly to her mouth as the tears fell and her cries morphed into a hysterical sob.

Albert burst into Hermione's office, drawn by her bawling, to find the crumpled note still clutched in her hand and the bouquet on her desk.

Seeing the choice of flowers and the state of his apprentice, all Albert could say was, “Oh, dear.”

Albert ran off to fetch Lavender, who waddled as fast as she could, given her rapidly expanding midsection.

Helping her off the floor, Albert guided the shell-shocked witch over to the couch in her office while Lavender ordered tea, and lots of it.

Hermione was inconsolable.

Lavender looked at the note and looked over the bouquet, as she swore under her breath and made plans to personally hex the balls off the bastard. How dare he dump Hermione in such a fashion.

With tea, and the help of a quickly prepared Calming Draught by Albert's hand, Hermione was able to confess that she and Neville had fallen into bed once – and that somehow Severus must have found out about it, given his inclusion of such flowers.

“Maybe this is a bouquet from him saying that he is sorry for his deceitfulness and that he was unfaithful,” Lavender surmised, after seeing the photo of Severus next to the blonde in the article Hermione showed them.

This didn't seem to help at all as Hermione broke into fresh waves of crying and sobbing. The message was clear in the end. It was over.

Noting Albert's calm demeanor, considering that a known Death Eater who had escaped England was in an article and sending a bouquet of flowers to Hermione announcing their break-up, Lavender asked him, “How did you know?”

There was little to explain the highly contextual meaning of that simple question. He knew exactly what his boss meant.

“I began my correspondence with 'Sebastian Delgado' for some time before the end of the war. I also had a correspondence with Severus Snape for many years. Despite charms to hide his true identity, there were things that gave it away. Preferences for certain ingredients and techniques, a turn of the phrase on parchment. Severus may have fooled the Ministry that he and Delgado were not the same person, but not me. I continued to let him believe that I was fooled, out of my respect for a fellow Potions master in need to practice his art, despite politics.”

There was a brief pause before he added, “Besides, I could tell Hermione was heart-sick, and it wasn't her ex-husband that she was mourning for. The timing and everything. I knew. I just didn't think it was my place to pry where it was none of my business.”

Hermione devolved into more sobs, despite the Calming Draught coursing through her veins. It surprised Albert that his draught wasn't as effective as he expected it to be.

Lavender could have waited, but she decided to ask anyway to relieve Hermione of the burden she may have felt out of obligation. “If you don't want to go to Hawaii when your apprenticeship is done and have our Asia Pacific headquarters there, we can always pick another location.”

“No, no!” Hermione shouted bitterly, wanting to show up in Hawaii looking fabulous with her title of Potions Mistress in hand, reminding Severus every day what a mistake it was to dump her so casually and live to regret it. But then again, he was a sarcastic bastard who had hid his heart away so easily for so long, it probably wouldn't matter. Maybe he wouldn't care, since he didn't seem to think much of her feelings to break it off in such a manner. “Yes. I don't know.”

She would need to think about it. It was too soon, but knowing that Lavender wouldn't force her to work in Malu Palekaiko, where she might cross paths with him, eased Hermione's mind. If she wanted to work in a different country and never set her eyes on Severus ever again, she could. She had seen Severus in the Pensieve, which fulfilled the old fortuneteller's prediction she would see him again. There was no prediction that Severus would see her again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Esmeralda was over the moon. Despite fearing Stephen would break off their engagement based on a lapse in judgment and a whole lot of alcohol on her part, his note had said, “I think from this bouquet you can surmise where our relationship stands.” She deduced that he was still deeply in love her and that he couldn't wait to be reunited with her, based on the flowers he sent with the note. She was thrilled that the wedding was still on. She would assure Stephen of how she was very sorry to have shagged his best friend, even though secretly she wasn't sorry since the wizard was hung like a centaur and stellar in the sack.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Changed out of his woolen formal clothes and into some cool cotton shorts and a casual short-sleeved button-front shirt, Severus went to the community center where the beard judging was about to commence. Before he left, he went to his lab and brewed up something to settle his stomach. Ever since being woken up by the earthquake, he hadn't felt quite right, as if there was something amiss. He had discounted the morning's adrenaline rush since that was over and he still felt off.

Walking down the street from his house, he made a mental note to seek out Naomi and ask her if everything went according to plan. Perhaps it was nerves that something had gone wrong, and he was worried. He hadn't seen her and wasn't sure if she had returned yet, but she assured him before she took a Portkey directly to London that she would be back in time for the festival.

Reaching the community center, where the tables were laid out with various items for judging, Severus spotted Naomi who was setting her Hawaiian quilt down for judging just in time. Upon catching her eye, she gave him a thumbs-up and a nod that indeed everything went well.

For some reason, Severus' stomach didn't seem to feel any better, so he chalked it up to possibly some summer flu that had been running around. Even with his tutoring shut down for the week between Independence Day and the festival, he still must have caught something from one of his adult clients coming into his business. A bit of Pepperup Potion might help him get over whatever was ailing him, after the beard-judging competition.

Stepping up upon the dais, along with Draco and all the other men, including a few who were Muggles, Severus waited as the five judges walked by each man and looked about their faces to see how full they had come in for the one month of growth they were allowed. A wand oath from wizards that they hadn't used magic to make their beards grow unnaturally fast resulted in a few disqualifications. The Muggle men took a diluted sip of Veritaserum in order to truthfully answer that they did not knowingly take any potions or have any charms performed on them.

“Can I stay over at your place tonight?” Draco asked in a sotto voce voice.

“Trouble in paradise?” Severus gently ribbed.

“Let's just say I can't wait for this damned festival to be over so I can go back to having my loving wife who has dinner on the table when I come from work, is reasonable and pleasant, and doesn't go off the rails screaming at me for no reason, harried, crying, bone–tired, and working herself into a fretful state over this festival and her dancing debut as Pele,” Draco growled under his breath.

“I don't have the guest room outfitted, but I do have a hammock on the front porch.”

“I can bring over a bed from one of my guest bedrooms, but let's say I don't think I could stand another night of her breaking into tears over the slightest provocation, then slamming the door in my face when I ask her what's wrong.” The younger wizard let a great sigh of exasperation escape as he waited for the judges to approach him and his mentor.

Severus had no idea that things had been difficult between the two, but it explained why Draco had asked to join him for dinners after work recently.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Staring at the dusty tome with the cracked leather binding, Hermione didn't even know why she was bothering to study at two in the morning. It's not like she was in a rush to finish her apprenticeship and rush off to Hawaii to join Severus anymore.

Lavender had given her the rest of the day off and Albert insisted she recuperate, but she could do anything other than what she was ordered. As she had done at Hogwarts, when she was stressed or seeking to temporarily forget her troubles, Hermione shoved her nose in a book to escape. She had tried to sleep, but found it was elusive. Not even a nice relaxing cup of herbal tea from Marf could settle her mind. If she was awake, the least she could do is do something productive instead of mope and cry and waste her tears over Severus, who obviously did not care for her any longer, despite the memory he had left her asking her to join him in Malu Palekaiko.

Her mind grasped onto a thread momentarily, hoping this was some sort of mistake and that Severus didn't send her those flowers, or it was some great cosmic mix-up. The only thing she could think of was that her moment of weakness with Neville had cost her happiness with Severus, though in the photo of the magazine, it looked like Severus had wasted no time in finding a new witch to keep him company in bed.

Glancing over at the bed, she could only think of all the times she’d had sex with him and thought back on those moments with bitterness. Maybe that was why she couldn't sleep. Her history with Severus and that bed made it impossible to sleep in without remembering the feel of his body lying next to her as they slept, exhausted after making love, drifting off to sleep in contentment.

And how could he cast her aside so easily? That's what gnawed at Hermione as well. He had been faithful to Dumbledore for all those years and spent decades mourning his wife, whom he wasn't even in love with. For him to cast his own love for her so easily did not seem like the Severus she knew, yet those flowers said it as plainly as if the words had come from his own lips.

There was another potions master booze-up the next night. She had assured Albert she would be all right enough to go – in order to keep pretending that she could easily move beyond this. She needed to be alert for the booze-up tomorrow, so she took a vial of something to help her sleep.

She would show Severus. And how dare he send her fish geranium for disappointed expectation. Wasn't he the one who gave up years ago of ever proving his own innocence? And to throw it back in her face that she had not found some way to clear his name yet? Hermione would show him, if anything to gloat in his face and prove that she was above his petty bitterness, and that she kept her promises.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Waking to another mild aftershock Saturday morning, Severus still didn't feel any better. Something was wrong, almost like the pit of dread he'd felt in his stomach just days before the Death Eater Decree was announced.

As the kettle whistled, Draco ambled into the kitchen, still rubbing at his freshly-shaved face. Severus had won third prize in the beard competition, while Draco didn't even place. It was a Muggle from Russia who won first prize. Severus decided to keep the beard for a while. He had the good grace not to remind Draco that he was expected to make cassoulet as Severus preferred it, since things were currently strained on the Malfoys' domestic front.

The third place yellow ribbon wasn't the only ribbon Severus had won. He also won first prize for his mango chutney in the mixed-fruit canning competition. And if he was feeling better, he might have placed higher than fourth in the dueling competition.

Draco also walked away with a first-place blue ribbon for his Hawaiian quilt pot holder, Novice Division, surprising Severus as the older wizard did not know his friend had taken up the fiber arts as a hobby. Draco admitted he found it relaxing and was thinking of maybe attempting a quilt within the next year, though that did seem a huge leap from a small potholder.

Tea served, all that Severus could stomach was some unbuttered toast to go with it. Even at the community luau the night before, Severus had little appetite, despite all the wonderful foods that were laid out to enjoy. Draco brought in some oranges to squeeze for fresh juice and a cantaloupe from Severus' kitchen garden.

Severus declined some freshly cut-up melon and forced the toast down.

Even though Draco was looking a bit miserable himself, feeling a bit guilty for spending the night away from Ginny, the distracted quality about Severus did not escape his attention.

“Are you feeling all right? You hardly ate last night, and I know how you enjoy those luaus.” Draco's forehead knit and a small crease marred his brow. He hadn't slept any better last night than his host did, even with bringing a comfortable bed over to sleep in.

“Yeah, probably something going around. I'll be fine.” Severus did the best he could to choke down his tea, hoping to feel a bit better as the day progressed. Maybe it was heartburn, he would brew a quick antacid before they went to watch the hula program.

“Ginny is dancing at noon. I suppose I should be there. This dance has been putting her into a tizzy. And I should be there for support if anything,” Draco admitted reluctantly. “She has been quite the bundle of nerves. Maybe I should have been a bit more understanding to all the pressure she's been under.” Draco looked a bit forlorn. He did promise with his marriage vows to love her through better or worse, and this was a walk in the park compared to the danger and pressures they were under while still living in England.

Severus wasn't about to impart any advice. He would let Draco reach his own conclusions as to how to make amends or patch things up with his wife. He couldn't judge how irrational Ginny had or hadn't been as of late, since he hadn't seen much of her, with her running around with preparations and last-minute late night practice sessions. Draco was known to be a bit dramatic with the hyperbole, but Ginny was known to sport quite the temper at times.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Even after taking an Invigoration Draught, a Wit-Sharpening Potion, and a Calming Draught in order to keep her wits about her, the alcohol was countering everything those potions were supposed to do. She was finding herself tired and nearly falling asleep while in the middle of a conversation with Braxton and another Potions master's wife on best ways to store dried herbs while still attached to the stem. It was all so fascinating, but her eyes felt so heavy.

It didn't help that Royston was still harassing her about Delgado and asked how her Spanish was coming along, with a soft elbow to the ribs. Hermione nearly turned around and hexed the assaulting body part off, then ran off to the loo for a good cry.

Tipping back some Sobering Solution, she felt it take effect. Hermione held on to Harry's Auror's locket, which had become like a talisman for her, rubbing it with her thumb as a meditative exercise and a way to expend nervous energy when her mind was unsettled. Now clear-headed, she took another dose of Calming Draught and Invigoration Draught so she could at least get through the drinking competition games she felt obligated to participate in, to be chummy with these men who were grating on her abraded nerves. She was finding all company a great burden to bear as of late, male or female. There was a brief moment when Hermione wondered if becoming a drunken misanthrope was part and parcel of becoming a Potions master or mistress, which would explain a lot about Severus, she reasoned.

As she reached for the doorknob, Hermione's hands shook uncontrollably. Her body fighting the potions she had taken, but by force of will, she would make her body obey. Since everything in her life seemed to have fallen out of control, this was the one thing she felt she could control.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Draco and Severus entered the community center, which had been enlarged inside to accommodate the thousands that had come to watch the dancing, with the hula dedicated to Pele the highlight of the day. Normally the community center accommodated up to 500 persons, but the pavilion was expanded once a year to hold the many that came to see the two days of dance and music.

Currently, the keiki group was dancing. Small children were doing the hula in ti-leaf skirts and hot-pink halter tops, with crowns of flowers in their hair. The band played while the children did a form of hula that was more contemporary, versus the more traditional hula the older students and adults would soon perform. The songs that accompanied the children often included sing-song lyrics in English about girls in grass skirts, eating fish and poi, playing in the waves on the beach and sunshine. The more serious hula dancing was accompanied by songs only sung in Hawaiian and with great solemnity.

Then some of the youth groups would perform before Ginny and the other adults took the stage at noon.

Around the periphery of the pavilion were booths and tables set up to sell food and crafts. Some food booths were set up where all the proceeds were donated to various charities on the island. One booth Tina and Manny were working at helped fund the Sanctuary-Seekers Fund, a charity that helped those who came to the island seeking sanctuary without any money. Tina had needed the help of that fund herself when she first came to Malu Palekaiko without a single Sickle on her person. Other booths donated all their monies toward Muggle Camp for those children whose parents couldn't afford the week-long program during summer. There were many charities and all were worthy. As much as Severus wanted to try all the different food available, he just couldn't stomach the idea of eating anything, especially if it was fried.

Some of the tables were set up to take orders for the holidays, taking orders for tins of home-baked goods that would be Portkeyed, with sign-ups dated for delivery between Thanksgiving and December 18th. Some sold tins filled with manju, mochi, and other Japanese sweets, while some sold pineapple right-side-up cakes. One table sold rum balls, macadamia nut shortbread, and Russian tea cakes, and another specialized in macadamia nut brittle and pumpkin rugelach. Severus ordered a tin of the brittle for himself for delivery sometime in December. Many of them offered their goods in decorative tins featuring snowmen with sunglasses under swaying palms, little wooden stick arms waving cheerfully. He saw some tins that featured a hula-dancing girl in a ti-leaf shirt, bikini top, lei, and a Santa hat, dancing with her skirt swaying gently to and fro. Those first few weeks they lived in Malu Palekaiko, Severus had wondered why he would see a train of boxes floating by Justina's hotel, on their way to the Portkey office. All the pre-ordered tins of baked holiday goods were the reason.

One Muggle woman was weaving palm frond hats, pointed witch-style and regular Muggle-style, for the tourists, while her husband, a wizard, exchanged coin and helped split the fronds with his wand for his wife. They were doing a brisk business.

Severus and Draco found a spot near the front shortly before Ginny was about to take the stage. Seated and watching the mid-teen girls do a more advanced hula, Draco said quietly aside to Severus, “Rainbow just explained to me why Ginny is so stressed. This is not only a dance performance, but a religious one as well. One misstep, no matter how small, and the whole ceremony will be invalidated. Bad luck and sometimes catastrophes have happened after a ceremonial dance that had has even a small mistake. Ginny's afraid if she messes this up, she'll curse the whole island.”

Draco shook his head and wanted to say more, but the light dimmed as the last of the teenaged hula dancers left the stage to make way for the main performance.

Severus could certainly understand why Ginny had recently turned into a basket case, by Draco's description. He wouldn't want the welfare of the whole island resting upon his shoulders either.

As the light rose, two lines of hula dancers, all adult women, flanked Ginny on either side as the music began to play. The spotlight shone brightly on Ginny in the center in a voluminous and flowing skirt and fitted top costume in red and orange, the crowd making subtle and soft noises of appreciation of this year's choice to dance as Pele. Ginny stood with her arms raised, her hair charmed to fly upwards in soft undulating waves. With her red mane, it looked like her hair was made of flames. She truly looked like fire made into human form.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione felt her eyes roll up in her head as she stood in the kitchen, but she grasped the edge of the counter, willing herself not to pass out. Able to stay conscious, she took deep breaths and felt the world right itself once more.

“Are you all right?” Albert said discreetly, noticing his apprentice looking unwell.

“It's nothing. Just been pushing myself a bit lately. Nothing I can't handle,” she assured her mentor and master.

“You've been here long enough.” Albert put a hand on her shoulder, partly to make sure she wouldn't nearly fall over again. “It's just past eleven, so why don't you say your farewells and go home and rest. You don't have to show up until noon tomorrow, so you can sleep in.”

She wanted to say there was little point in that, since she planned on getting up before dawn to study some more, but said nothing.

“Can you Apparate home by yourself all right?” Albert asked.

Nodding her head, she assured Albert she would make it home fine, and would owl him when she got home if he was that worried she was going to splinch herself. Albert said that wasn't necessary and wished her a good night.

Making the rounds, Hermione said farewell and tried to keep up a bright and chipper smile in order to avoid any questions. The Lovely Lavender Puffy Poof Eye Creme and the Circle of Darkness Begone Miracle Eye Make-up did wonders to hide the tired look about her eyes that night.

Apparating to Le Soleil Levant Mews, Hermione began walking toward the Red Ginseng, eager to take another dose of Invigoration Draught and Wit-Sharpening Potion once she got home. Grasping the Auror's pendant that hung from her neck, her thumb rubbing at it again, her mind was muddled so she didn't hear the footsteps behind her.

“I was wondering how soon it would be before I saw you again,” a voice called out into the night, echoing off the stone and brickwork walls.

Before she reached the threshold of the newly-rebuilt atrium of the Red Ginseng, she stopped and turned around. There was something familiar abut that voice, but she couldn't place it.

Looking into the mist that had settled into the narrow turns and nooks of Diagon Alley and its many side streets, a cloaked figure emerged.

“Albert?” 'No, that's not it. That's the name of my Potions master. God, I can't think. I need more potion.' “Alan?”

“I was wondering if you were going to call me something else, but you finally got it.” Alan sauntered towards Hermione at a leisurely pace.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ginny was magnificent. Severus looked over at Draco's face and saw that it beamed brightly, smiling as the blond watched his wife dance upon the stage. Though Severus was no expert in hula, it seemed to him that there were no mistakes, though if there were, he wouldn't know.

As she moved her hands, hips, and feet following a specific pattern of steps as required with precision of movement and timing, the audience held its breath. Faster and faster she danced, the chorus of dancers moving alongside Ginny in her dance symbolizing Pele's journey and the birth of the Hawaiian Islands.

When the rhythm of drum, percussion, and the chorus of voices ended, Ginny struck her final pose. The ceremony was complete. Severus hoped Pele was pleased.

The crowd erupted in a roar of applause, standing and clapping. Draco and Severus rose and clapped as well, both hopeful that Ginny would be able to relax now that the most stressful part was over. Severus ignored his grumbling stomach.

Before Ginny could step off the dais and take a bow, she collapsed in a heap upon the stage.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione couldn't believe this berk from the Three Broomsticks was still bothering her, and at this time of night stalking about in front of her flat. She was feeling as if she had hit her own personal nadir: unceremoniously dumped by Severus, overworked, exhausted, still feeling guilty about shagging Neville, and now Alan pestering her yet again.

“I'm really tired, Alan, and I really want to go home and rest. I wish you would get the hint I'm not interested in you that way,” Hermione said, her hand still holding the locket, more out of her growing suspicion that something wasn't right than out of habit.

“Once I'm done, you can rest all you want,” he assured her right before the stunning spell hit her and Hermione went down, face first onto the damp and grimy cobblestones.

============

A/N: Yes, I looked it up. England has no national dress. One of the few that doesn't.

Thank you to my hard working betas, JuneW and Hope.

Keiki is Hawaiian for “children” and is often used to refer to small children.

B/N: Hula dancers often wear a skirt made of green ti leaves, which large and paddle-shaped. Once sewn together as a skirt, the leaves can be shredded finely so that the skirt looks like long grass, but there is no such thing as a grass skirt. ~ JuneW
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And They Didn\'t Live Happily Ever After