A Victorious Draw Chapter 11: Epilogue

Chapters Menu

Epilogue

A Victorious Draw

Chapter 11 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

Reviewed

Previous Chapter
↓ See Reviews & Actions ↓

A/N: Thanks to my wonderful betas Wildcatcdc and Sc010f for all their hard work and support!

Ron stood near the bar and watched as Severus and Hermione danced their first dance as husband and wife. To the general public and almost all in attendance, theirs had been a whirlwind romance, but for those who knew them, it had been six years as professor-student, followed by seven years as colleagues and war heroes in the making.

Six months after seeing Hermione and Severus arguing in the hallway in the bowels of the Ministry, and five months after Hermione confronted the Minister of Magic, had made her proposal for a new course of studies at Hogwarts. The Minister, loathe to meddle in Hogwarts affairs, recommended that Hermione make her pitch to the Board of Governors at a special session that he would call.

Life for his best friend had taken a turn for the better by then, Ron noted. Harry had stepped up to help both Hermione and Severus, as Ron had known he would. He didn’t feel bad in letting Harry in on the big picture. Harry couldn’t keep anything off his face, and if there were two people on this Earth that could squeeze information from Harry, it was the couple currently indulging in a kiss on the dance floor.

Ron looked across the room and saw George standing in the middle of a group of Ministry officials that had been invited to attend the wedding of the century, and his eyes misted once again, as they always did at the sight of George these past few months. Severus had approached him four months ago, inquiring after George. Ron had been sitting in the bar of a hotel, downing a well-earned pint, when Severus quietly asked if he could join him. Ron nodded and had been surprised when Severus ordered a pint, as well. Sipping slowly and waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop, Ron was startled when Severus instead asked after his brother. Ron, heart-sick over the steady decline in George’s health, answered Severus truthfully, that George was slowly dying.

Instead of rebuking Ron, as so often happened, Severus instead began explaining the tests that had been run on Fred and George back and school, and the results of said tests. Before Ron could faint from the weight of the news, Severus had gone on to explain what the results had meant at the time the tests were taken and the precautions that had been undertaken.

Severus had assumed since Fred’s death, his family would have taken the necessary steps to prevent George from deteriorating further due to the soul wrenching. When he’d learned that nothing had been done and George was in the late-stages of detachment, he’d taken the necessary steps to secure the ingredients needed for the reversal of George’s condition. Severus hadn’t made promises since George had been suffering for so long, but Severus was the pre-eminent Potion masters in all of Britain, and to the Weasleys’ everlasting gratitude, George had been making steady improvements.

And it all came about because George had gone through the Floo to protect Ron from Hermione’s wrath.

How well everyone played this game, Ron thought, a trifle smug. He couldn’t have been more pleased with the results, for everyone involved.

Harry had played his part as Bishop to the hilt, crisscrossing the board, facing off greater and lesser foes than himself, yet managing to retreat for another battle. Foes including Hermione, Severus and Ginny, Ron remembered with a small laugh.

George, as Knight, rushing in to save the damsel, much has he, himself had done all those years ago at school.

Severus, himself played Bishop as the role he’d been born unto, and it was where he exceeded. Together, he and Hermione had seen Hermione’s true place in their world, helping new Muggle-borns become familiar with all things Wizard. For theirs was a greater challenge than those of mere wizards learning Muggle studies.

Hermione was currently writing and overseeing the production of the first three levels of books. Being a Muggle-born witch of exceptional ability, she earned the respect and cooperation of the school’s Board of Governors, including that of Draco Malfoy, the most recently installed board member. After hearing her presentation, the members agreed that it would be to everyone’s best interest for Muggle-borns to learn the most basic of concepts in the Wizarding world, and by doing so, have the opportunity to teach their peers as well of the Muggle world, by comparing and contrasting what they have learned and applying it to real time situations, both in the Muggle world and Wizarding world.

It was a short time later that Severus and Hermione came up to Ron as he was talking with Pansy, his date for the wedding. Severus drew Pansy into a quiet conversation regarding her time on the Continent so that Hermione could speak with Ron.

She and Ron walked arm in arm to the small alcove near a window in the ballroom where the wedding reception was being held. She’d turned to him and threw her arms around him, squeezing hard. Taken by surprise, he could do no more than wrap his arms around her and hug her back. As she drew back, a radiant smile graced her features.

“I just wanted to say thank you,” Hermione said, and for a brief moment, Ron felt as if she knew what he had done, but then realized the foolishness of that thought.

“For what?” Ron asked, amused.

“For pointing out that something was missing in my life. Of course, no one could have predicted that Severus and I would have ever ended up together…” and as Hermione went on thanking him for helping her to see what it was that she needed, and explaining that Severus was looking for someone, and all the rest, Ron thought how incredibly lucky they all were.

The outcome of his game was exactly as he had predicted; Severus and Hermione gaining what they needed, neither losing themselves in the process.

A victorious draw.

Previous Chapter
↑ Back to the Top ↑

Story Actions

To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.

Leave a Review

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!