A Victorious Draw Chapter 7: Chapter 6

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Chapter 6

A Victorious Draw

Chapter 7 of 11

nastygrl

After the war, Hermione needs help, and Ron cleverly enlists Severus' help.

Drama Romance Epilogue What Epilogue? Potions Under Duress 20,512 Words 11 Chapters Complete

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A/N: As always, a huge hug and thank you to Wildcatcdc and Sc010f for their fantastic work!

Hermione indulged in a bit of self-mortification and threw her blankets over her head. She’d masturbated had gotten off to a fantasy regarding Professor Snape. Severus! She would never be able to address him as “Professor” again. She wasn’t quite sure she could even look him in the face without blushing.

What was she going to do? How could she face him? She’d had a small crush on him during her last year of school and when they’d learned he was a spy for the Order; and later, when his past had come to light, what sacrifices he’d made, both personally and professionally, she was humbled and inspired by his single-mindedness and cleverness.

Contrary to what the countless newspapers had speculated, she hadn’t been the one to save his life. The Healers and Curse-breakers had healed and brought Severus Snape back to life and back to health. All she had done was sent her Patronus with the message “Follow me to the body of Severus Snape.” He had been dead, or as close to death as possible, only to be brought back by the most powerful witches and wizards in the world. Specialists from all over the world had Apparated to St. Mungo’s to care for and watch over and observe the progress of Severus. She had not saved his life, and he did not owe her a life debt, of that she’d made certain, even before he had regained consciousness. He would be beholden to no one, certainly not to her, if she had any say in the matter.

To that end, she consulted with Professor Dumbledore’s portrait, the most expedient source of information for her specific need. The portrait had told her that, in order for there to be a life debt, several factors must be taken into account, including the intent of the parties participating in the event. Since her Patronus had not been sent to gain aid or to save Professor Snape’s life but rather to merely inform a third party of his whereabouts, her actions alone would not have invoked a life bond, regardless of whether her actions resulted in his life being saved or not.

Another requirement for the invocation of a life bond was the person, in this instance Professor Snape, must accept, either consciously or subconsciously, the reasoning for the action that invoked the bond was life saving. This had proven to be a blessing and a curse; Hermione had made certain Severus was told the truth, a message had been sent, but he was given no information as to why. As a result, Severus Snape, recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class, believed it had been with callousness and disregard for his person but with a begrudging respect for his role in the war that prompted the use of the Patronus for retrieval of his body. He never would know Hermione’s respect and regard for him, therefore he could allow his anger and resentment to override any softer emotion. That is how is should be, how it must be, Hermione often thought. It’s what he deserves.

Hermione never allowed herself to dwell on the sight of him lying in his own blood, the swollen, black puncture holes a grizzly reminder of his service to both causes. She'd believed him to be dead, knew he was dead, and she had felt helpless and heartbroken for the millionth time that awful day. She had been numb by the time she’d sent her Patronus, unable to feel more in that moment, and it was that lack of feeling, that inability to acknowledge any tender feelings that disavowed any life bond from forming.

And now, seven years later, Hermione was thinking perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad, having Severus beholden to her, and wondering if perhaps he could repay the debt with sex.

With a disgusted shake of her head, Hermione finally roused herself from her bed and stepped into the bathroom to take a shower. Stepping under the hot water, she closed her eyes and once again saw herself in his classroom, in his study, over his lap and in his arms. And now she imagined herself under his body, moving in rhythm with him. His body long and lean, his hands whipping her into a frenzy and his mouth covering hers. And later, holding her in his arms like he had not so long ago in her office, when those initial, overwhelming waves of terror threatened to overcome her.

Showered and dressed, Hermione went about her Saturday routine; laundry charms, cleaning spells and dictating a shopping list to call in for delivery. She was no less conflicted about the men in her life, but dwelling on the problem without having time to sit and work on a solution was pointless. That evening, when she had time for thorough, thoughtful introspection, she would sit with a glass of elf wine and puzzle it all out. In the meantime, she thought, best fold the laundry.

Severus was having no easier time. After leaving Hermione’s office, his need for escape was great, so he returned to the one place that had always given him solace when the world closed in, the one place where he could get lost. He’d gone home, home being a nice, unassuming flat, and changed into comfortable, well-worn jeans, a cotton shirt and jacket, and headed to Hyde Park.

He walked for hours, first along Rotten Row then the Serpentine and finally the Foot Path, trying to clear his head and analyze his reaction to Ms. Granger. Hermione, now, he corrected himself. What had started out as a simple favor and a vague feeling of obligation for his former students and fellow Order members has taken a turn, and Severus was not quite sure what he was going to do about it, if he should even do anything.

He’d been wandering most of his life, it seemed. Constantly looking for a home, a place he belonged. He’d found a home, of sorts, in the long-ago playground of his youth. His little shelter he’d made, had hid in, while he spied on the world around him, content to watch and listen and learn that there was more to the world than what he’d suffered at home. Parents and children playing together, nannies taking care of their charges, older brothers and sisters looking after their younger siblings. And it made him realize what he was missing in his life and what he wanted in is life.

He’d found a place for himself with Lily and with Hogwarts, until the day came when Potter disrupted his meagerly laid plans. Even before Lily had walked away from him, he’d been slowly losing her. She’d been slipping further and further away from him, becoming more and more immersed in the house rivalries, excluding him from things when they’d once been partners and friends.

His Slytherin housemates had made him feel accepted and worthwhile. The unity in the House of Slytherin was unparalleled, and it was there, for a time, where he felt he belonged. Joining Voldemort and the Death Eaters had reinforced those feeling of acceptance and brotherhood, and it wasn’t until the murders began that he felt he was beginning to drown under the weight of bad decisions. The final straw had been the death of Lily, and it was then Severus realized, with a biting and stinging reality, that the choices he’d made had had far-reaching consequences.

He’d spent the next twenty years living with the consequences, drowning in them until he found the resolve and strength to walk past his mistakes. He’d done it, and it had been harder than playing the double agent in the Second Wizarding War. He’d had to learn where he belonged in the post-Voldemort world, a world he never thought he’d see. He’d done it by figuring out what it was he wanted and what he didn’t, and then going after it.

Did he want Hermione? Was he ready to grasp the final piece of the puzzle, the one which had been missing?

He didn’t know. He thought, perhaps, he’d like to find out.

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Latest 25 Reviews for A Victorious Draw

169 Reviews | 8.09/10 Average

8/10

libco

Famtastic! I love SS/HG stories where Ron is NOT the bad guy!

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it :)

10/10

breastlady

Quite satisfying. Thank you for not telling me about their children. I always find that part rather anticlimactic in these stories. I really enjoyed Ron's side of the story very much. He's usually betrayed as less intelligent than is in cannon. He's not what Hermione needs though. I always felt that way. They would have held each other back. Thank you for helping George. Of those major characters she actually allowed to survive, I always felt he was the most injured in the war. Of course she killed Severus off before he could have one single solitary moment of peace or happiness. His was the most tragic and unfair life in the story. At least she spurred on a plethora of delightful writers who saw the need to redress his wrongs. It's 2013 and I'm still wallowing in it. Thank God for so many stories and people like you.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thank you for your review! I was heartbroken over the death of Fred and Snape, although I saw the writing on the wall with Severus. Knowing several sets of identical twins, I am aware of the special bonds between twins, and it made sense to me that Fred and George's bond should be magical, as well, since they were wizards. I, too, thank God for all the writers who believe Severus should have been allowed redemption, peace and love after the war.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

10/10

breastlady

Damn, girl! Let's not waste any time being coy, now! He'll find knickers on the bathroom floor before he knows it. It's quite exciting. I hope he likes cats. To hell with courting. Was he a virgin? I'm asking based on what he said to himself in the previous chapter when they kissed the first time.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

I never thought about Severus being a virgin, but I think not. I just don't think he ever formed an instant connection with anyone, given that he's a Slytherin.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

I never thought about Severus being a virgin, but I think not. I just don't think he ever formed an instant connection with anyone, given that he's a Slytherin.

10/10

breastlady

I couldn't find the artwork. : )

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

I don't know if the links work or if the website is still up. I'm sorry - the artwork was gorgeous!

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

I don't know if the links work or if the website is still up. I'm sorry - the artwork was gorgeous!

10/10

breastlady

Did she really think she was going to the Gala with Ron? I thought he'd made it pretty clear that he didn't want to be a couple, only friends. She is in a funk. It was more than a hint as far as I could understand the conversation. Now with Severus, the idea that he could be interested in Hermione has been put into his head by Ron. That could have heightened his sensitivity to the thought. I don't think Hermione heard the hint in their discussion, even though it was there, if she didn't hear him actually breaking up with her. She heard the book part, though. Well, I'm very glad Severus was the person she was with when she realized she wasn't Ron's girlfriend anymore. That ball can't come fast enough now. Of course Ron is right. These two belong together.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Ron knows his strategy! He's a brilliant chess master, and he knows each player and what moves each makes and how to manipulate those players.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Ron knows his strategy! He's a brilliant chess master, and he knows each player and what moves each makes and how to manipulate those players.

10/10

breastlady

Once again, good job Ron!!!! Severus Snape, you are so awesomely brilliant and perceptive! You think about it and you'll know what to do. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thank you for reading and your review!

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thank you for reading and your review!

10/10

breastlady

Good job, Ron!!! That was smooth. I'm impressed! Poor Hermione. She'll thank him later. Now starts the Rocky Music as Hermione starts a new path. Too bad I can't think of a song I actually like to see her off on this new adventure. Obviously, I must not get out enough. Sigh... How about the music in the Lord of the Rings when the flames burst from mountain top to mountain top signaling the call for Rohan. Hermione's epiphanies can be each flame. ...I'm assuming she will have a few now. It just isn't the right song for the actual sentiment. I gotta see more movies. I definitely need to get out more as much as Hermione does, but I don't have the cheerleaders she does. I'm 52 and have no close friends, even though I'm 'perky'. I'm not like other people though, I guess. I just don't have the energy to socialize after I'm done at work mothering moms and dads all day. You'd think I'd have scads of friends. I brace myself, burn as bright as I can all day, then burn out and crawl into my bed. Chronic pain is an uncomfortable companion. Who wants to hang out with someone who hurts like hell all the time. I'm a crusader like Hermione too. I think people at work think I'm not wrapped right sometimes. She's for the elves rights, and I'm for women's rights. These young women have no idea how far we have come and it wasn't easy. If we don't keep fighting it will go backwards. It already is. I've fallen from grace at work for my strong stand on not selling Hooter Hiders. "The Establishment" can't be all, "You're a bad mom if you don't breastfeed, and by the way; could you please cover those things up! You're making us all uncomfortable." "Fuck them all! Tell me what you want to do, Mom! I've got your back! BTW, you can get a gods damned Hooter Hider at a lot of other places, if that's what you want. Here's the website and here's the website for The Badass Breastfeeder if you don't. (Yes. It is awesomely a real website!) You don't want to breastfeed? That's your right!" All apparently, not the appropriate corporate stance. I'm too much of a 60's and 70's style, bra burning, rabble-rouser. I need re-education, I guess. Come on Hermione! Land Snape for the both of us. I'm not going to get any action.

10/10

breastlady

They certainly didn't waste any time. Why should they. They've known each other for years. I suppose one dance fulfills one's obligations to those at the Gala. There will be talk. Hehe! So he made tea just so that he could ask her why she had been afraid at the Gala? A waltz, 5 minutes of conversation is plenty of foreplay when one has been fantasizing for a week, I suppose. On to the more important part! Shall we?

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thanks for your review! Always need to keep the story moving forward, lol

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thanks for your review! Always need to keep the story moving forward, lol

10/10

breastlady

Dreams can be so lovely. I have very vivid dreams and sometimes take a nap so I can dream. I hope Hermione remembers the part with Severus. She's luckier than she knows. ..."melted dark chocolate, thick and rich and deep", indeed!

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

I hope readers read those dreams as lessons for Hermione. Harry has moved on to find a home, and Ron knows how to live in the wizarding society, while Hermione only learned of wizards from Hogwarts - no one has prepared her for life in the wizarding world after school. Thank you for your reviews!

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

10/10

breastlady

I really like liking this Ron. He's usually portrayed as such a prat. I think we SS/HG shippers sometimes forget he's a gifted strategist. I always picture him with George. I think that is what he would have really done. Worked with George and try to help him. Family is everything to him. He might have wanted to be an Auror before the war, but after Fred's death I think he would have given that up for George. Harry would be OK now. And, he never would have ended up happy with Hermione, nor she with him. This feels more right than the book. I don't know where you have this going, but I do picture him with Lavander.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thank you for reading and your reviews! I seem to be responding to them backwards, lolI haven't given much thought to where each character ends up, but Ron and Hermione never felt right. Ron is brilliant, but a bit of a lunkhead, and I could never imagine Hermione having the patience for him in the long run. I'd have liked to see him with someone like Pansy Parkinson - someone who has the same background as he - someone with a common background and sense of belonging. And Pansy would challenge him and his abilities.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

9/10

SakakiFlower

Oooh. What a nice tale.It's always nice to see Nice!Ron and Nice!Harry in this side of the fandom. Lovely. ♥

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! It is much appreciated.There is so much love between the three of them, I needed to be true to that.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! It is much appreciated.There is so much love between the three of them, I needed to be true to that.

0/10

semicharmed

I'm not usually a fan of Ron but I like the way you've written him.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thanks! I'm a big fan of Ron, just not with Hermione. :)

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thanks! I'm a big fan of Ron, just not with Hermione. :)

8/10

courtneyrochelle

Loved the twist of Ron being the level-headed mastermind. It was a refreshing change from the hot-headed ron that is so commonplace in fics. Thanks!

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thank you for your review and comments!I've always liked Ron - just not for Hermione. He's an excellent chess player, which means he sees the "big picture" and plans. I thought he needed to put his skills to good use.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

10/10

deedeebug95

Really wonderful story!! Just long enough to really immerse myself and not so long that I am saying...OMG 25 MORE chapters! Well written thanks!!!!

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Oh, thank you!! It was written for the Hermione BigBang Challenge and is archived here: http://www.hermione.magical-worlds.us/viewstory.php?sid=48&textsize=0&chapter=1Also included is some really wonderful artwork!!

Response from deedeebug95 (Reviewer)

I tried to visit the archive and I can not get to it for some reason. I am going to try again,Thanks!!!!

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Response from deedeebug95 (Reviewer)

I tried to visit the archive and I can not get to it for some reason. I am going to try again,Thanks!!!!

10/10

cottontail

Just a very sweet, lovely, and romantic story. Thank you for sharing. I can now go to sleep with a smile on my face.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

I am so glad you enjoyed the story! Thank you so much for offering a review after every chapter, I've a smile from ear to ear. :)I love Severus and Hermione together. I wrote this story for the HermioneBigBang a couple of years ago, and I'm so pleased that it is still being enjoyed. I don't know how you feel about Lucius/Hermione. Personally, I'm not a huge fan, but I wrote a story, No Looking Back. If you're slightly interested, check it out. Thanks again!! Dari

10/10

cottontail

Perfection.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

I am so, so sorry it has taken so long to thank you for leaving all of these lovely comments!!I'm so glad you enjoyed the story - it was a nail- biter for me; I was so worried I wouldn't do the characters justice!I like Ron - he's funny and smart and honest, I just never saw him as a good match for Hermione. :)

10/10

cottontail

How romantic.. I must finish this story tonight. Well, it technically is no longer the night since it is 1:45 am but I must continue before I go to sleep.

10/10

cottontail

Sigh, to be so close, to share a breath and the slightest of kisses.. Ahhh the fireworks begin. Your take on Fred and George was very heart warming.

10/10

cottontail

"Hermione indulged in a bit of self-mortification and threw her blankets over her head. She’d masturbated had gotten off to a fantasy regarding Professor Snape. Severus! " Your opening paragraph made me chuckle, I don't think I have to tell you why.

I am so looking forward to the first time they see each other again.

10/10

cottontail

Sigh, you are a girl after my own heart, Those old spaghetti westerns with non other than my beloved Clint Eastwood, girl I knew I liked you right from the start.

10/10

cottontail

What a lovely dream. I love how Severus comes up behind her and takes her on to the dance floor. The way he tells her that he is always there, Be still my heart.

10/10

cottontail

Awww, and so it begins. I'm doing my Happy Dance!

10/10

cottontail

How very Slytherin of Ron, he manipulated that scene very well. Ahhh Severus, let us see how you let down your guard. On to the next chapter.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

I'd like to think those seven years spent in school with the Slytherin's weren't wasted, lol

10/10

cottontail

Interesting chapter, I enjoyed the matured Ron. I can't wait to see how H/S relationship developes.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Thank you!

10/10

cottontail

Well, this is a new twist. Ron has never been anything other than annoying at best. I am looking forward to finding out how he will put his plan into action. Looks like your Ron has finally grown up, how refreshing.

Response from nastygrl (Author of A Victorious Draw)

Well, the man had to grow up some time! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review, and please accept my apologies for taking so, so long to do it!