Chapter Sixteen: Oh, those Weasleys!
What Is This Thing Called Love?
Chapter 16 of 26
kittyperryRon and Ginny hatch a diabolical plan. They do not, however, think it through.
Reviewed(i) Thank you everyone for the kind reviews. Please do continue to let me know what you think. I do like hearing back from you.
(ii) The characters and world of Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this. Pity, I could use a bit of cash right about now.
(iii) And last but by no means least, a big thank you to my lovely, amazing beta, Queen_of_Stars.
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Ron and Ginny were furious at the way in which everyone seemed to fawn over Hermione and Snape. They were especially annoyed when they heard the stern warning their mother had received from both Kingsley and Minerva over her accusations and treatment of the heroes. If Snape and Hermione were heroes, what were the rest of them, chopped liver?
Thus, Ron and Ginny cooked up a plan to humiliate and discredit Hermione. They wanted to drag her name through the mud, and they decided to use Muggle technology to get back at her. It seemed to Ron to have a kind of poetic justice to use Muggle means to slander the Muggle-born know-it-all. Using many of the old photographs that he had accumulated through their long friendship, which had been taken at the Burrow, at parties, outings and activities over lazy summer afternoons, the diabolical duo decided to leak scandalous photos to the wizarding press.
Ron had, over the course of his time working at George's shop, made friends with a Muggle who was an expert in graphic design. Mike Perry ran a small, privately owned company that designed many of the logos and stationery for George's shop. Being a Muggle, he thought it was purely a joke shop and found the challenge of designing wild and wonderful things a hoot. He was told by Ron that they were doing a fun gag for a close friend, as a sort of tongue-in-cheek gift for her recently announced engagement. Mike, poor ignorant soul that he was, was easily influenced via a bit of magical fascination by Ron, who had now completely slipped into his dark side.
Thus, photos were altered to show Hermione in skimpy attire, arms wrapped around Ron and other hapless Muggles whose photos Ron had taken randomly while out and about in London. Mike was a talented chap, and his Photoshopped pictures were like the real thing. The blending of fact and fiction was seamless, and the pictures...to a wizarding audience that had no experience with altered, Photoshopped photography...looked totally authentic. Some even showed Hermione in what appeared to be the throes of passion with multiple partners.
Once the photos were done, they were handed over anonymously to Rita Skeeter. When they hit the press, the uproar was instantaneous. Never had something so scandalous and therefore front page worthy ever appeared in the wizarding media. Photos of a known heroine of the Battle of Hogwarts, now teaching assistant at Hogwarts and supposed fiancée of the dashing spy and double agent and current Headmaster of Hogwarts in numerous relationships and poses, was too much for the Victorian morals of the wizarding world to take.
The first Hermione and Severus heard or knew about the scandal was when they opened their copies of the Daily Prophet at the Head Table over their eggs and toast. Hermione was having a wonderful morning thus far. She had spent the night in Severus' rooms and was basking in the afterglow of their shared love. But upon opening the newspaper, the shocked gasp that escaped Hermione was followed by the most awful silence the hall had ever known. Then as people began to look, the twittering, the giggling and the muttering began. Hermione did not know what to do. She sat there, looking at the lewd images, dumbfounded.
It was Andromeda and Fleur who came to her rescue. With a firm yank, Andromeda removed the offending newspaper from Hermione's hand and burnt it with a flourish of her wand. Then, she and Fleur simply continued speaking to her as if nothing had happened.
Not even taking the time to examine the article accompanying the photographs, the Slytherin immediately said, 'The photographs have obviously been tampered with.' As the Muggle Studies Professor, she knew enough about Muggle technology to realise what had been done.
Fleur was equally calm. 'If anyone took ze time to look closely,' said Fleur wisely, 'zey would realize zat your body looks nothing like zose of ze women in ze photoz. Why, it iz obvious zat ze bodiez don't even match from one picture to ze next.' Looking closely at her own copy of the newspaper surreptitiously Fleur went on, 'Zis woman haz much larger breasts zan ze ozer one, and look, zis one haz got a mole on her shoulder and zis one doezn't.'
Hermione nodded. 'No one's going to listen to reason though,' she said sadly. Hermione's despair was palpable. Looking over to Severus, who seemed to be unable to tear his eyes away from the immobile images in the newspaper, she said, 'Everyone's going to believe this. Poor Severus, the scandal is going to give him so much grief with the Board of Governors.'
Andromeda grimaced. 'Don't you worry, my dear, about that,' said the woman wisely. 'Have you forgotten that Lucius is on the Board? He will see to it that this is taken care of. I know a friend of Ted's who is a superb barrister. He works in both the Muggle and Magical worlds. I'll get him to send the Prophet a strongly worded letter, threatening to sue them for publishing something that is obviously a falsely produced bit of slandering. We'll see how long it takes before they retract the pictures and write a well published apology.'
Hermione smiled and hugged Andromeda gratefully. 'We are so lucky to have true friends like you,' said the young woman softly.
Then without fear, she reached across the table and took hold of Fleur's copy of the Prophet. Looking at them closely, she finally said, 'Actually, I recognise some parts of these photos. I think I have the originals from which these have been altered. The other copies must be with Harry and Ron.'
Fleur's face soured. 'Don't you worry,' said the French woman. 'My Bill will check with hiz family. If it iz Ronald who iz responsible, we will deal with him. Zis iz outrageous, and if it iz 'Arry, zen Kingsley will take care of it az ze Head of ze Order. We cannot have thingz like zis being done to our memberz.'
While Hermione had been scrutinising the photographs, Minerva and Severus had been paying close attention to what was being said by Fleur. Minerva, too, looked thoughtful. Then, standing up, she approached the Gryffindor table, where Ginny was holding court with the photos of Hermione prominently displayed. Her face stern, Minerva said authoritatively, 'Miss Weasley. Would you please see me in my office in ten minutes time?'
Everyone at the Head Table watched as Ginny's face showed her alarm at this very public of summons. Almost instantaneously, the entire hall broke into loud gossiping as they watched Minerva's Patronous erupt from the end of her wand before pouncing off.
Severus and Hermione looked at each other curiously. Returning to her seat besides Severus, Minerva whispered in explanation. 'I sent that to ask Ronald Weasley, Harry Potter and Kingsley to be in my office immediately. We will get to the bottom of the matter now. No time like the present. If they are the culprits, as the Head of the Order, Kingsley has every right to question them, even under Veritaserum.'
Severus sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. 'All right, then, Minerva. I shall go gather some Veritaserum from my personal potion stores and meet you in your office. Bill, Fleur, Andromeda, as members of the Order, you all had better be there as well. We can't have any mention made of conspiracies.'
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Ginny had aided and encouraged Ron in his efforts to slander Hermione. She had even dug around Gryffindor Tower and commandeered photos from people in her year to aid in the plot against the so-called Gryffindor Princess. Ginny had, however, not thought of the repercussions of her actions. The two Weasleys had not thought of anything beyond hurting Hermione. Thus, to be publicly asked to the Deputy Headmistress's office brought the young woman hurtling back into reality. As she walked to the appointment on the first floor, she wondered what was in store for her.
On entering McGonagall's office, Ginny was surprised to find, not only Bill and Fleur, but also Snape, Hermione, Andromeda, her parents, Ron, Harry and Kingsley. They had all Flooed in at the urgent summons of the Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress.
Once everyone was seated around the magically enlarged coffee table with conjured up straight back chairs, the interrogation began. It was led, unsurprisingly, by a furious Minerva. 'I've called you all today to discuss a most horrendous piece of slandering of Hermione. To have something of this nature published about a celebrated member of the Order of the Phoenix casts a shadow and a stain upon us all. We need to get to the bottom of this scandal immediately so that we can mitigate the damage it causes us, the Order, Hogwarts and of course, all Muggle-born innovations and cooperation.'
Ron and Ginny stared at one another. They had not given any thought to the far-reaching repercussions of their actions. Ron was starting to sweat under his collar, and Ginny had an unbecoming flush on her face.
Severus, who had spent more years than he wanted to count watching people for obvious signs of guilt, immediately spotted the guilt in the two Gryffindors.
Kingsley, too, as an Auror, was not slow in missing the obvious signs of fear on the faces of the two youngest Weasleys. Kingsley realised that he now needed to take over. 'Thank you, Minerva, for laying out the problem before us so clearly,' said Kingsley by way of introduction. 'As the Head of the Order, it is my duty to ask each of you if you know anything at all about these photographs.'
There was a hushed and dreaded silence. Then, Andromeda spoke up. 'Jeremy Hughes is a barrister and a good friend of Ted's from his Hogwarts years. I will contact him to begin the legal paperwork required for taking the Daily Prophet before the Wizengamot for publishing such false and slanderous pictures. We, as the Order, need to be strong and demand a retraction and a very public and obvious apology for something that is obviously engineered and doctored.'
Even as Minerva and Kingsley nodded in agreement, Molly spoke up. 'How do you know it is false? Hermione is a Muggle. This kind of behaviour is part of her culture.'
Hermione was furious. 'I am not a Muggle,' said the young woman in a steady tone. 'I am a Muggle-born witch. There is a clear distinction that I think you, Mrs. Weasley ought to realise. Moreover, your obvious prejudice and ignorance of the Muggle world is clearly showing, if you think behaviour of this sort is acceptable in good Muggle society.'
Severus was proud of Hermione for standing her ground and answering her detractors. 'Indeed,' added Severus clearly. Reaching over to stroke Hermione's hand, he said, 'As her fiancé, all efforts to slander Hermione affect me personally as well.'
Kingsley went back on the offensive. 'Hermione here states that she recognises some of the elements in some of these photographs. Since the only people to have copies of many of these pictures are Hermione, Ronald and Harry, I would like to ask you all if you have had anything to do with these being released to the press.'
Harry had spent the time since entering the office in shock. However much he may have disliked Hermione taking up with the Greasy Git, he knew his friend well enough to know that she was not in the least bit promiscuous. Hadn't Ron complained long and hard that she never put out? Unable to contain himself, Harry said, 'Well, these photos are obviously fake. Ron, you kept complaining that 'Mione was not willing to sleep with you. So if there's a photo of the two of you in what is obviously a compromising position, it's got to be a forgery. Right, mate?'
Ron stayed silent. Inside though, he was furious that Harry had pointed out his lack of success in bedding Hermione.
Kingsley frowned. 'Right; if no one has anything further to add, Severus has some Veritaserum here to administer. It will allow us to all speak the truth, even the unconscious truth about the matter at hand. Since we are all members of the Order, I trust you all to not question anyone on anything other than this subject matter. Severus, if you will, will you begin with our youngest members first? Once they have been questioned, we can then move on to the older members.'
Bill immediately stood up to assist Severus in the administering of the three drops needed for the interrogation. Moving to stand before Harry, Bill said, 'Harry, shall we begin with you?'
Harry nodded. He had nothing to hide. 'Sure, Bill, let's get this thing over and done with.'
Because Harry had not refused, Ginny could not refuse either when Bill stood before her. Ron, however, looked most uncomfortable and tried to squirm out of the way when Severus approached him.
Kingsley's eyes were like those of a hawk. 'Is there a problem, Ron? Is there something you would like to tell us?'
Ron gulped. 'Um... no,' he said finally.
Severus smirked evilly and administered the three drops carefully. He then approached Hermione and stroked her cheek softly before administering the three drops to his beloved. 'It will take about five minutes for the drug to be effective,' said Severus quietly.
Bill nodded. 'I've been counting the time since Harry had the dose administered.'
Minerva added, 'And I've been timing Miss Weasley.'
Soon enough, the five minutes were up. 'I shall ask the questions as the Head of the Order,' said Kingsley in authority.
'Ginny, what do you know about these photographs?'
And so began one of the most revealing and telling narrations in Hogwarts history. Ginny Weasley could not stop speaking. Her family and her beloved Harry listened in horror as the young woman spoke of her hatred and jealousy. She told of how she had encouraged and, indeed, pushed her brother into finding a way to destroy the reputation of the woman Ginny saw as the bane of her existence.
Ginny had so thoroughly incriminated Ron that it was a matter of seconds after she finished her long tirade against Hermione and Severus for Kingsley to ask Ronald the very same question.
Ron, too, was incapable of resisting the effects of the truth serum. His resentment at Hermione's success, his jealousy of her good standing in the magical world, his dark need to dominate her sexually, and his fury at her rejection of his advances poured forth without restraint. He could not stop his own glee from manifesting itself as he narrated how he had fascinated Mike Perry into using Muggle technology to create incriminating photographs, and how he had then sent the images to Rita, who he said hated Hermione, almost as much as he did.
Stunned, everyone in the room listened to the diabolical duo's narrative. Once the recounting of facts was complete, absolute silence filled the room.
Finally, after a lengthy pause, Kingsley spoke. 'As Head of the Order, I am appalled at this vindictive and petty behaviour. As a friend of Hermione and Severus, I am saddened that those who have known how hard these two have struggled for the Light have been treated. Ronald, Ginny, I cannot speak for the rest of the Order, or indeed, Minerva and Severus, as administrators of Hogwarts, but I do know that what you have done is a criminal offence in the Magical world. If Hermione and Severus wish to prosecute, I shall stand by them publicly and give evidence both verbally and via my memories of this discussion to the Wizengamot. Not only have you hurt Hermione, you have hurt the integrity of Hogwarts and the Order. These are much bigger issues than what was done to Hermione and Severus personally.'
Andromeda added. 'With this evidence, we can force the Prophet to retract their story and apologise publicly. Miss Skeeter will probably lose her job for writing the article that accompanied the photos.'
Minerva sighed. 'Mr. Weasley, Miss Weasley. I am more than disappointed. As the Head of Gryffindor, I find this behaviour despicable. Miss Weasley, until the Board of Governors meets to ratify the decision, I am suspending you indefinitely, with a pending expulsion from Hogwarts. You are not worthy of being a student at this institution of learning if you can conspire to destroy with false testimony the reputation of one of its professors.'
Molly gasped out loud. To be expelled from Hogwarts was serious. Very few students were ever expelled. To be expelled meant that no other magical institution of learning would accept a student for any course of study. If Ginny had any hopes of sitting for her NEWTs, her only recourse now would be to find private tuition and try to sit for the exams as a private candidate.
Harry sat through the narration of Ron and Ginny in stunned silence. Hearing the verdict of people he trusted and watching Arthur's pained expression, Bill's angry countenance and Kingsley's disappointed visage made the young man question his beliefs. Even though he, too, had disliked Hermione's behaviour of late, Harry was not a vindictive, jealous, or indeed, a malicious person. He could not understand the sentiments expressed in such a detail by Ginny and Ron. Harry realised that he would need to do some extremely in-depth soul searching. If his girlfriend and best mate were of that nature, what did that say about him?
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Latest 25 Reviews for What Is This Thing Called Love?
261 Reviews | 6.91/10 Average
Loved it :)
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Thank you. I'm so pleased you did.
Another great story. Thanks for the wonderful read.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and leave a review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. xxx
Great story! I just have one question. Did Ginny, Molly and Ron ever truly find peace? I loved how everyone came together at the end. It was a really nice touch. Thank you for sharing your talent with the rest of us!
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. I love hearing from someone who has read and enjoyed my story. As for Ron, Ginny and Molly finding peace, I think they will, but it will take time and it won't be easy. They really need to face their own weaknesses and they don't want to. But I think eventually they will.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. I love hearing from someone who has read and enjoyed my story. As for Ron, Ginny and Molly finding peace, I think they will, but it will take time and it won't be easy. They really need to face their own weaknesses and they don't want to. But I think eventually they will.
This was such an absolutely amazing story. It has become one of my most favorite tales of the love between Severus and Hermione. Thank you for writing such a wonderful story.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
You are very welcome. I am so pleased to hear from you and to know that you enjoyed the story. I had a marvellous time writing it.Can I ask you what you found special about the story?
That's right! Stop being snobs you Gyriffindore! Stop the bigotry you Slytherin! Now lets all sing some Bob Marley tunes, smoke the peace pipe then knock down the fences. Just don't lick the toads or eat any shrooms until you're home with friends who can help you know what's real and what isn't. Any of you uncomfortable with that come over here and have a nice cup of tea and eat some magic cake.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Ha, ha, ha. You are so funny. You and I need to become friends and tear other fanfiction to shreads :) Seriously :) Look me up on facebook if you are on it. I'm the only Tasneem Perry there is in the whole world :)
Response from breastlady (Reviewer)
I would love to be friends! But I'm not on Facebook.I can't figure out how people have time for Facebook! I can hardly get all my email read. Second, I don't trust myself not to say something that goes viral and that I'll be sorry for later. I'm rather out spoken and silly sometimes. I've heard that people have lost their jobs or not been hired for having incredibly stupid moments on Facebook and twitter. I could easily end up being that person. I've been in the same profession, in the same town for 20 years and too many people here know my name! I work for a huge health care organization. I could just see one of our pediatricians or a patient looking me up and finding out what I'm really like when I'm not at work. About 10 years ago I remember a job evalution where my supervisor said, "I gave you exceeds expectations on almost everything, but there's one problem....I never know what you're going to say!" She doesn't think I'm very funny. I'm much better now, as long as I have my white coat on. I try very hard to be good. But when the white coat comes off....there's no telling what I'd say. Feel free to contact me from my profile and I'll give you my personal contact info!
I'm really glad Snape wasn't there. He has to act right all the time because he's the Headmaster and my be politic. Hermione couldn't have hexed Ronald. I think Snape would have stopped her. The Headmaster of Hogwarts can't go around hexing people just because they piss you off. I'm glad Percy has come to his senses. I don't think Severus is going to be very happy with the situation. I hope the party at the Malfoy's goes better.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Thank you for another review. I am loving these little conversations we are having. Yes, Severus couldn't have done anything overt to Ron, but don't let that stop you from thinking that he could have done something that no one would have noticed.But yes, it was good for Hermione to handle it on her own. She needs to show the world that she can defend herself, that she is not just Severus' woman, or Harry's side-kick or whatever.
I'm happy for Harry and Hermione. Thanks for making him sweet again.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
I love Harry, and I would never have left him to suffer and be mired forever in Darkness. But, I did want to explore what could send someone as good as him, as pure as him into the pit of Darkness. Not all bad people are born bad, things happen to bring out their inner darkness.
How many Slytherin were driven to Voldemort by Dumbledore's out right dimissal of them as someone of value? It's a wonder he wanted to save Draco. He had done nothing to save Severus. I wonder why Draco was different than the other Death Eater's children?
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Excellent point. I think Dumbledore was coming to realise that the Malfoys were critical to the balance of the war. He must have finally realised that if he was sending Severus off to die, that he needed another tool to use. I dislike and mistrust Dumbledore, so I am giving him the most draconian and cynical of reasons.
The little speech Snape made about Hermione surely knowing Severus chuckled. ‘Silly woman,’ he said, stroking her horrid hair. ‘I’m sure she knew that I would make sure that what she gave you was safe and proper for you to use.’As Hermione prepared to tell him off, he gentled her by placing his hand across her mouth. ‘I don’t mean to suggest that I don’t trust you or her, my dear, but I’m a naturally possessive and cautious man. Surely, you must have suspected that Gunananda would have shared with his wife his knowledge of me and my methods. Thus, surely you must have known that they would have expected me to fully peruse everything that you were given in Sri Lanka.’ reminds me of The Princess Bride I love that movie!
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Not really got into Princess Bride and don't think I really paid attention to the dialogue. I shall have to watch it again this weekend or something.But yes, it is foolish to imagine that Severus doesn't go through all her things and knows all she does. I mean, that's why she had the mail for the surprise birthday party go through Minerva, because she would imagine that he does scrutinise her correspondence. He is that kind of man and only someone like her who is strong enough and tough enough can handle him.
Good animagis choices! To register or not to register, that is the question.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Ha, ha, ha. Thank you. Choosing the owl for Hermione was not hard. It was linked to her bookworm and wise woman image. Severus was much harder, something magestic, but not lion-like :P
I think this is my first Longbottom's get healed story. Will the healers at St. Mungo's realize that they don't have the same magical strength required like Hermione and Severus? Maybe since it seem the Longbottom's were the worse case, the others won't require such strong magial power. I don't get Harry's lingering problem with Snape? He knows Snape had no choice in killing Dumbledore. What happened to "the bravest man I ever knew"?
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
I think the healers and Severus too will document this, but you're right, the Longbottoms' were the worst case, the other will still benefit from the research being done. And now that Severus and Hermione know what needs to be done, they can find other ways for Healers working together to raise, and combine their magic, if not for long, then for at least small bursts of energy flow. I think Harry intellectually knows that Severus is the bravest person he ever knew, but it's easy to revere someone who is dead, it is much harder to deal with a living hero, one who loved your mother and hated your father and your god-father, both who you love.
What's keeping them from getting married? And what happened to Rita Skeeter? I guess great minds think alike when it comes to my questions in earlier chapters about Arthur Weasely. I am very glad Harry wasn't involved. He had already had to learn how to deal with Voldemort inside him so his darkness probably isn't as out of control. And he's always been a good boy.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Yes. Harry's always a good lad and he always tries to do the right thing.As for getting married, I think Severus doesn't want to rush Hermione. I think there's a part of him that's still worried that she is too young to know her mind.
Wow!! Ginny: "You bitch slap that little whore!" Ron: "Yeh, that's right! What? She thinks she's too good for this cock?" Jerry: Miss Granger declined our invitaiton to this sorted low class show. Ginny:"Who you callin low class, you wanker! She gets up and starts pulling Jerry Spriner's hair and is tackled by two large men who drag her off stage as the camera's follow them and she yells obscenities...Ron jumps up yelling "You take your hands of my sister, you buggering ass hole!" and runs at the large men. He is then tackled by two more large men and some big bald guy is yelling in his face only a haf inch from his nose, "You gonna calm down, or do we take you to muggle bootcamp you sleeze!" Jerry:"Well, that's all for our show today. Join us tomorrow as Ron, Ginny and Molly Weasely have their wands taken from them for a day and they experience Muggle Boot Camp!"
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Never watched Jerry Springer, but yes, perfect narration of what could happen.
Response from breastlady (Reviewer)
You're not missing a thing! It is total crap with low class people who, interestingly, always end up in a physical altercation with hair pulling and name calling. I'm sure it's not rigged or anything. It's like, "Tina has a secret for her husband today. Let's call Dan out here. Alright Tina, tell Dan your secret." "Well Dan, I've been sleeping with your dad for two years and your son is really your half brother." Then Dan's mom and ex wife of Dan's dad, who happens to be married to Tina's dad, comes out and tells Tina what a little whore she is, then Tina runs over and starts pulling her out of the chair by her hair, until they are separated by the bald bouncers and the audience is screaming like it's the best thing they've ever seen. The show is partially responsible for the destruction of our society here! The kids watch this crap every afternoon for years when they get home from school and their parents are at work. Then the kids turn into teenagers and young adults who think these trashy, vulgar, toothless, drug addicts, who sleep with 13 year olds and are covered in badly done tattoos are normal people. Jerry Springer is just the worst one of these kinds of popular afternoon television shows. He actually used to be a United States Senator. Just kill me now!
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Ah, the beauty of American politics and your system of goverment. Here you need to go to public school [that's private school], have a spotless reputation [if at all possible] and be a toff or a toff wanna be to get into parliment. Seriously though, I do agree. I think trash has been given too much of a public/media viewing and so people think this is the way to act/behave. Before, we would hide in shame, now we lap it up and then complain that children have no moral compass. Duh. This is why we don't have a TV and don't watch TV. I've not seen any TV since 2000. That's 11 whole years of listening to BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 3, Classic FM and reading. My evenings are so much more interesting. I have time to paint, to actually do arts and crafts with the radio on for news, music and entertainment.
Totally dig the incantation and magically induced orgasm. I want what she's having, thank you very much! It seems strange that the Malfoys are being more civil than the Weasely's. I suppose that the Malfoys are used to the good manners and graceful behavior expected with their status and the Weasely's have always been ruled by their emotions. I'm sure if the Malfoys were bitter that Severus was with a Muggle born they would have found a way to show their displeasure. They wouldn't stoop to something as vulgar as a howler in front of the entire school, though. I'm sure you'll clear this problem up by the end though. Weasely's
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
You're spot on. The Malfoys I think realise that they have managed to survive the war by the skin of their teeth. They need to be on the good side of Severus as a war hero and now Headmaster. If he took up with a troll, they would accept the troll. They can't be seen to be biased now. The political climate it so volatile. The Weasleys on the other hand have had their first exposure to Dark Magic. They have no control over their emotions, they have no fall back option of knowing how to conduct themselves in society. So it's like many things influencing both parties and their behaviours.
For once I don't have to say "poor Severus" Sounds like you are very familiar with Sri Lanka. Personally, not a spicy food person but it sounded wonderful.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
I was born and spent the first 25 years of my life there :) So yes, adore Sri Lanka food. The thing with Sri Lankan spice though is that while it's hot, it's not just hot, there's a proper blend of spicy with creamy coconut, and sweet sour [i.e. the mango] so that when you mix it up on your plate the flavours evolve and become something much more than the individual dishes.
I don't think their New Years celebration was pitiful at all. I think it was wonderful! I did think how creepy it would feel to be the only 3 people in the entire castle, besides house elves and ghosts. I understand Ron being an ASS, but I don't understand Molly. She'd surely seen the pictures in the Prophet! She wouldn't condone Ron's womanizing. Her darkness could be directed at he an Ginny just as well as Hermione. Maybe it already is. I would think Mr. Weasely would at leat listen to Bill and support the family admitting this could possibly be true. Molly has always been hot tempered, but Mr. Weasely has always been measured. I would imagine that the kind of darkness he would experience would be directed at himself. I could see him being beset by guilt for not protecting his family from these consequences of using dark magic. Others surviving Order Members must be suffering too.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Yes, I think the problem is that Arthur is suffering from guilt and doesn't want to admit that even more is wrong. How can he forgive himself for losing Fred, when he himself survived. I guess the whole family is in need of actually doing something about their darkness, just as many in the order are. I think with Arthur it is a case of buring his head in the sand, hoping things will go away.
I'm so happy for Severus and Hermione. I hope this wonderful chapter doesn't forshadow the obligitory "now they have to have something bad happen" thing. Have they been taking precautions regarding birth control? How does Severus know that that ring may not do all of those things at the same time? It's too soon for a baby. They ruin all the fun. I also don't want anyone to think that Hermione is only marrying Severus because she has to.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
No worries, don't you think that as a Potions' Master he's not on some kind of birth control. I mean, he's likely to have taken something for long-term protection if he was being forced to rape during the Voldemort war years. He was a product of parents being forced to marry, he is the last person to take any kind of risk.
Hermione's parents surprised me with the amount of virtol and anger they had. I am so glad Severus went back to tell them what he really thought about them. It was such a knee jerk reaction they had. I understand some upsetness regarding not asking them but don't they remember how much they used to love her? Needless to say, she's so better off with Severus and he wouldn't have to share her affection with anyone else.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Yes, I do agree. I was just listening to a radio programme on BBC 4 this morning about parents who told their daughter she was dead to them because she refused to marry the man they wanted her to marry. This kind of thing is so common. It is as though parents forget how much they love their children, they only think about what they want, what their standing is in the community, when really, the community probably doesn't give a damn, and if it does, then it is just the small-minded, petty parts of it that do care.
Well you answered my worry about rules. Ginny is sure being a little bitch! It would be so tempting to get her off by herself and tell her what a I thought about her and that she'll be sorry someday. I'd be hard pressed not to pass her in the hall and say, "Hi Belatrix, I mean Ginney." I'm so glad I'm such a mature old hag. After I actually thought about it I probably realize it would just lower me to her level. I think Bill should be notified that Ginny is having side effects from her use of dark magic. It is his sister after all. Maybe he could work with her. Severus isn't embarrassed that she publicly admits her feeling for him. So now we just have to deal with his misplaced idea that she will change her mind. I'd tell Ronnald and Harry to fuck off! quietly though. Don't want to end up in the papers. There must be a fuck off hex. They could mysteriously break out with pus boils on their foreheads that spell out ASS HOLE! Can just you imagine road rage in the wizarding world?
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Ha, ha, ha. I enjoyed your review. Yes, I think reacting to Ginny would only make her feel validated, and you don't want to give her that kind of satisfaction. I think Bill knows his sister is in a mire of Darkness, but he can't really do anything at the moment because Arthur is still trying to deal with the changes to Molly. Besides, the whole family needs to work on this together.
They had better be careful if they want to keep this under wraps until she is not taking any of his classes. I don't care what anyone else thinks about her, she doesn't care what anyone else thinks about her, but we can't have the school board imagining a scandle, now can we? Breath.. Take some deep breaths... and wait until you are in his chambers before you shag like the animals, kids.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Oh, totally. They just can't afford a scandal, or even a whiff of a scandal really. They've bought worked too hard to let their reputations suffer because they lost control in a public spot.
It's about time! I'm glad their first time wasn't with Severus in his cups. He would have believed he had practiclly raped her once he was himself. If Hermione had been an old broad like me, she would have ask him if he had any sobering up potion around, then see if he still wanted to bed her. But this gives us more plot to continue the story with, more time to draw out the sedution.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
You'll hate me drawing out the seduction soon :) But Hermione isn't as bold, and I don't think I thought of her asking for some sober-up.
They are spending a great deal of time together. Does she wonder why he is being so nice to her? Also, I have always tried to imagine that Severus had found a way to avoid straight out forceful rape. How does one do that if they find it extreamly distasteful. Wouldn't it be difficult to perform? It is a wonder he did not lose himself during his time as a spy and truely become a Dark Wizard. What kept him wanting to be one of the good guys? What prevented him from giving in to the lure fo dark magic if he had turned off empathy, pity or desire to be good? What kept him from rationalizing he wasn't actually becoming a dark wizard and that he could control it.?
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
I think the thing that saved him was that he could never forget how much it pained him to see Lily's rejection. However much I dislike Lily Potter, she was the one thing that he clung to. He may have totally reinvented her, but she was useful, because he knew that she would never ever tolerate him being a Dark Wizard. Also, I think he was just too intelligent to lose himself to the Darkness completely. He could see what it did to people like Riddle and Bella, and he was stronger mentally. As for being able to rape people even when he didn't want to, I can't believe that he didn't have a lust potion or a viagra type pill of his own to help him perform.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
Thank you for the review
Finally! I really wouldn't think ice on ones clitoris would be condusive to orgasm in that it would act as a vaso contstrictor rather than increasing blood flow to the area. I would think one would have to remove the ice after the woman was aroused, to finish the deed. But she had been pretty desparate. Maybe anything that touched her would have cause an orgasm.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
I think at this point, any attention from Severus would have made her come. He's been so restrained for so long. And he does like the power games he plays.
I wouldn't really think of the 7th years as her peers except for the the few who had come back to finish their NEWTS. The other children would have all been year behind her and she has a naturally bossiness to her, that I'm sure she had admonished those kids during her time as Head Girl. Anyway, if she choses to be part of the staff, she will eventually need to realize it is not relevant whether students "like her". She's no longer a peer of any of them, not even the returning adults. She is in a position of authority. It has advantages but it also means saying good bye to making friends at school. The staff are her friends, now. Severus must truely be lonely not to fight this more. How long can he hold out before he desires to truely seduce her. Not long, I hope.
Response from kittyperry (Author of What Is This Thing Called Love?)
You're right, of course, and I think Hermione is coming to realise this. But it is a change, and she's seen so much change that giving up everything else she knew to be true is much hardner now. But she will get there. Severus is playing a waiting game, the seduction will take place at a slow pace :)