All Out Of Love

A/N: All things Harry Potter belong to JKR. I make no money from this.

Many thanks to my awesome beta, Southern_Witch_69! Sun, you're the greatest!

Chapter Six

All Out Of Love

Both couples Apparated back to the school, not speaking as they walked through the gate and began the walk towards the large doors.

Once they'd entered the castle, the men nodded to one another and each went their respective ways with two extremely angry and hurt wives in their wake.

Severus opened the door to their rooms and stood back for Hermione to enter. Once she did, he slammed the door and turned to her. "How could you?" he demanded.

"If you would shut your mouth long enough for me to explain..."

"I don't need or want your ruddy explanations, woman! I have eyes, don't I? I just want to know why you would do this to me...and so publicly!"

Hermione threw up her hands in exasperation. She began to pace the room. "Ginny and I had just finished buying our robes for the party next week when..."

"Save it," he instructed as he went to pour himself a firewhisky. He quickly knocked it back and poured another. He looked up at Hermione to see her eyes narrowing as she glared at him.

Once she was certain she had his full attention, Hermione said, "I have had enough of your rude, barbaric behavior!" When he started to cut her off once more, she told him, "Don't you dare shush me again! I will have my say!"

"You can have nothing to say that I wish to hear! I know what I saw!"

"What you think you saw. You know nothing."

"My instincts have served me well these past years, Miss Granger, so I trust them."

What the fuck? Miss Granger? Oh, merciful Lord!

"Your instincts are always right, you say?"

"More than not." He drank down his firewhisky and placed his glass down. "I am still alive after many years of spying; I think that is proof enough. And I know what my instincts are telling me now."

She determinedly walked to him and grabbed his left arm. Tapping the place where his Dark Mark would be, she asked, "And how did your instincts work for you when you pledged yourself to a mad man?"

He grabbed her left wrist roughly and pulled her ring finger. "About as well as they did here when I pledged myself to you, I'd say."

She couldn't hide the hurt that'd flashed in her eyes. Jerking her hand away from his grip, she asked, "Why are you so determined to believe the worst in me, Severus? There is a valid explanation for this, yet you refuse to listen. I've not done anything untoward!"

"BECAUSE I TRUSTED YOU! You said, 'Let's have a real marriage, Severus. Confide in me, Severus. Trust me, Severus.' I was beginning to! For the first time in a very long time, I had hope for something good in my life! And what do you do the first chance you get? You betray me!" He picked his glass up off of the table and flung it into the fireplace. "Thank God I held off on trusting you completely!" He turned his back to her so that he could watch the flames dancing in the fireplace.

"I. DID. NOT. BETRAY. YOU! You git! Why are you so quick to think that I would hurt you this way? I've done nothing to cause you to think I would even remotely betray you."

A memory of Lily Evans and James Potter flashed in is mind. She was supposed to have met him, but when he'd arrived at their rendezvous, Lily was in the arms of Potter...in an intimate embrace, much like the one he'd found Hermione and Weasley in. He quickly squashed that long ago memory and rounded on her. "Nothing except stand in a very intimate, public embrace with Weasley. I asked one thing from you, Hermione," he said, forgetting he was back to calling her Miss Granger. "One. I asked only that you stop all liaisons with that boy."

"I did! I've hardly been out of your sight since we've been married!" She stomped her foot in exasperation.

He folded his arms across his chest. "Except when I'm teaching, grading papers in the evenings, or supervising a detention. Shall I continue naming the times you've been out of my sight, dear?"

Hermione grabbed the back of the chair and squeezed until her knuckles turned white. Shutting her eyes tightly, she growled low in her throat. "This is the most ridiculous discussion I've had in a long while." Looking up into his eyes, she spoke softly. "Severus, do you honestly, in your heart, believe that I've cheated on you with Ronald?" She held her breath as she waited for him to answer.

His eyes never left her face. "Yes, I do. I am not such a fool as to think you never loved him, and you obviously still do love him."

"Well, of course I do! I will always love Ron. Harry, too, for that matter. But I am not in love with either of them. They are my best mates for heaven's sake!"

"How convenient for you." He started walking towards her, and she stepped back. "Know this. I will not be made a fool of."

She snorted, unable to help herself. "You don't need me for that. You're doing a fine job of acting like a fool all by yourself." She took another step back as he stepped forward once more.

"From this moment on, we are married in name only. Do not speak to me of anything of a personal nature; I won't answer you. Nor will I ask you of anything unless it concerns the baby."

"Severus, don't do this! Listen to me." Desperate, Hermione spoke quickly, wanting to tell him what had happened before he stopped her again. "When Ginny and I got to the alleyway across from the Leaky Cauldron, we saw..."

He began striding towards her again. "I do not wish to hear it!" He suddenly turned and kicked a table, knocking it over. "I have to hand it to you. It's been many years since someone has been able to fool me right and proper as you've done." He started clapping. "Well done! Well done, indeed!"

"All right; THAT'S IT! I'm done here! You refuse to listen to the truth? Fine! I don't give a damn any longer! I don't know who's hurt you in the past, but I do know that it wasn't me! Do you think I can't see that you are punishing me for another's sins?"

"You know nothing about me or my past. Now, you never will. I hope you're pleased with yourself."

"What I am is tired. Like I said, I'm done." She sliced her hand through the air. "Finished. Through. No matter what I say, you're going to believe what you want to. Your assumptions here are wrong, however. I want to make that perfectly clear. And it doesn't take a genius to figure out you've been deeply hurt before. Now, I refuse to listen to your nonsense any longer."

Her hip was beginning to throb greatly with pain, so she wanted to go see Madam Pomfrey. She also needed to make sure all was well with her little one, and she needed to get some pictures for the Aurors. She hesitated as she walked towards the door. Her husband had begun to pace, so she'd have to go past him to get to the door.

Hermione stood staring at the door, trying to decide if she wanted to risk walking by him when a voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Going somewhere?"

"Yes, I need to go see Madam Pomfrey."

He stared at her for so long she was beginning to fidget. "I don't recall your having an appointment today."

Folding her arms and lifting her chin, she informed him, "I didn't. It's Saturday." She refused to offer him anything more. If he wanted to believe she had betrayed him, especially after she'd tried numerous times to explain what had truly happened, then so be it. "This is a different matter all together."

"I see. Is there something wrong with my baby?" His eyes drifted to her belly, full of worry.

"Not that I'm aware of. Our baby seems fine. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go." She strode by him and to the door.

When she reached the door she turned and looked over her shoulder. "Severus? One more thing. I am a Gryffindor, through and through. Do you know what that means? You can count on me to do the right thing."

He rocked back on his heels and studied her. "Right. That's what the Marauders' thought about Peter Pettigrew. They were not able to count on that man to do the right thing, as he betrayed them all."

"See, that's where you're wrong. That rat was counted on all right. It's just that the wrong person had the privilege of counting on him." She turned and left, quietly closing the door behind her.

Severus stood there a long time after she'd left. He rubbed his chest as if it were aching and closed his eyes. "You've gone and done it now, old man. You've fallen in love with another Muggle-born Gryffindor, only this one has the potential to do more than merely hurt you. She could actually destroy you. How the hell could I have let this happen! Damn it all to hell and back!"

He stormed to his study to grade the mid-term exams, slamming the door as he entered.

*** *** ***

As Ginny and Draco were walking to their rooms, she suddenly had to stop and retch. Her stomach was too nervous, and she felt just a tad dizzy from her earlier ordeal.

She was a bit surprised when Draco leaned over her and used his wand to clean the mess. Without saying anything, he turned to go back.

"Draco, seeing as how I'm starting this shite again, and I'm out of Nausea Potion, I am going to go see Madam Pomfrey. I will be back directly, and then we'll talk."

"Yes, do hurry back. I have plenty I want to say to you."

She left without replying. He was back to his old, sarcastic, ferret self she remembered so well from her school days. She didn't understand why he wouldn't let her explain.

Whether it was the fact that he was a Slytherin, man, or just plain stupid, she didn't know. She did know one thing for sure though. She was not going to put up with his arse.

She reached the hospital wing and called out for Madam Pomfrey, as she wasn't sure where the matron was. When she entered, Ginny felt relieved. "Hullo, Madam Pomfrey. I need you to examine me if you have time."

"I do have time. Is everything all right, dear? You're not due for an examination for two more weeks."

"Well, I was attacked today in Diagon Alley. I've been hit with a spell, cut my shoulder, and banged my head pretty hard. Oh, and I will need pictures of the injuries before you heal them. I expect Hermione will be here sometime today as well. She was attacked, too."

"Oh, my goodness!" the mediwitch exclaimed. "Where is Mr. Malfoy? I would think he would want to be here with you!"

"He doesn't know yet. He wouldn't let me explain. Well, it's a long story. I also need more Nausea Potion."

"Surely you don't mean to keep this from him?"

Ginny shrugged. "I dunno. I don't really want to talk about that. My head is pounding, and my shoulder is killing me."

"Oh, right! Of course." Poppy examined Ginny and took the photos required. She had a small, practical camera in the hospital wing for this very thing. It spit the pictures out as soon as they were taken so that they didn't have to wait for them to be developed.

After the photos were taken, Poppy healed Ginny and gave her some Pain and Nausea Potion. "You will be fine, Mrs. Malfoy. Take these only as needed of course." She shook her head. "I wouldn't keep this from my husband, dear. It's bound to blow up in your face."

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." Ginny didn't want marital advice at the moment. "Perhaps I won't strangle him when I get back." Ginny put the pictures in her pocket and started for the door. Just as she reached it, Hermione opened it.

"Ginny, are you okay? The baby?"

Ginny smiled weakly. "We're both fine. Just banged up a bit." Ginny studied her friend. "You holding up okay? What did Snape say when you told him?"

"I never got the chance to! He won't listen to me! So, I decided not to even try." Tears gathered in her eyes. "It just hurts. We've been getting along so well lately."

"Stubborn men! I haven't tried to speak with Draco yet; I came directly here. I was still vomiting. I'm going to go give it a try now."

"Well, I hope you have better luck than I did."

"Thank you. Don't forget you need to get pictures of your injuries."

"All right. I will come to check on you later."

Ginny hugged Hermione. "Okay, see you then."

When Ginny reached her rooms, she found her husband looking out of the window, holding a drink. He turned when she walked in, but didn't acknowledge her.

"Have you finished your temper tantrum? Are you ready to listen to me now?" She stood glaring at him, hands on her hips.

"I don't have temper tantrums. I just don't take kindly to my wife kissing other men on the street. Harry Fucking Potter! Damn you, Ginny!"

"That's preposterous, Draco. Why would I be kissing Harry? He was checking me for..."

"Because you're bloody well in love with that prat! You always have been. Oh, I thought, just maybe, when the spell claimed me to be your soul mate that things would change for you. For us. That I would finally be able to admit that I'm in love with you. But I can see I've been a fool. Well, that's going to change."

"I'm not in love with Harry any longer! I did love him. Like you, I can't change my past. But I can assure you that I no longer love him in that way." She shook her head. Did he just say that he's in love with me? Finally be able to admit it? How long has he felt this way?

"And it's not as if he really wants you," Draco continued as if she hadn't spoken. "He just doesn't want me to have you. It's always some competition with him! If he'd wanted you, he could've had you at any time! But no, he has to wait until you're mine! If I want it, then Potter has to have it!" Draco balled up his fists, becoming angrier by the second.

"Are you mad? Harry doesn't want me, Draco; nor do I want him. What happened was..."

He turned and leered at her. "You know, I never would have thought you'd be..." he looked her up and down, "so free with your attentions."

She raised an eyebrow, forgetting the explanation she'd wanted to give. "What, exactly, is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that only a certain type of woman would be married to one man while she kisses another on the street."

She slowly walked towards Draco, murder in her eyes. "Oh? What type of woman is that? Enlighten me."

"I'd say slut sounds about right. I was thinking while you were off to get your potion that your mum sure has a lot of children. Does it come natural for you then? The sudden urge for sex, consequences be damned?"

Before she thought about what she was doing, Ginny balled up her fist and hit Draco in the face, knocking his head back and against the window. "You shut your mouth, you arse! How dare you speak about my mother, or me for that matter, that way? You know I was a virgin when we got married. I'd say it's hard to be both a slut and a virgin at the same time, you imbecile!" She turned and strode away from him, afraid she might hit him again.

He rubbed his jaw. Narrowing his eyes at his wife, he threatened, "Don't you ever hit me like that again, Ginevra. I won't stand for it."

She whirled around. "Then keep your filthy mouth shut, and I won't have to! I will not stand here and listen to you talk about me and my family that way. I'm trying to explain to you that Hermione and I were att..."

Draco walked up to his wife and bent so that they were nose to nose. "You will not abuse me! Don't worry about explaining things to me. You don't really need to. I get it. I've always known in the back of my mind that it was Potter you wanted. But I let myself hope, you see, because I've wanted you for so long. Well, no more."

"What are you saying?" Ginny was getting a very bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

"I'm saying that I no longer want you. Potter is welcome to you. Oh, don't worry," he said when she started to speak. "I'll not divorce you. I wouldn't do that to my baby. He'll still be a Malfoy heir. But please do use some discretion and keep your affairs out of the street."

"My God, Draco, I wasn't even thinking about money! You have to know that it's you I want! My actions alone towards you ought to make that clear. I DO NOT WANT HARRY! If you would just listen to me! Flint and Nott..."

Draco turned away from her so that she couldn't see what the thought of living without her was costing him. Not only did his heart ache, his whole body hurt. "STOP IT, GINEVRA! I can't talk about this anymore. I need to go."

Ginny was becoming angry again. "Draco, you are the most stubborn man! You don't want to hear the truth? Well, that's fine. I can't force you to listen to me. But you will hear this. I don't want Harry or any other man. I'm trying to tell you that..."

Draco stepped to the door. "I'm leaving."

"Are you coming back?" Ginny asked, a little panicked.

"Yes," was his short reply. "But don't wait up." He slammed the door on his way out.

She rubbed a hand over her jittery stomach. She was hurt, angry, and very confused. Draco's in love with me?

Ginny walked to the sofa and sat down. She had a lot of thinking to do. She needed to figure out exactly what she felt for her husband and how she wanted to deal with it.

*** *** ***

Hermione lay in her bed, wide awake and restless. It was after midnight, and Severus still had not joined her. She was worried. After she'd gotten back from the hospital wing, Severus hadn't been home. It gave her plenty of time to think things through.

She supposed that it did look as if Ron and she had been embracing. That helped her to understand his initial reaction. But why wouldn't he let me explain? Why did he just jump to the conclusion that I would have some sort of affair with Ronald?

The answer was obvious. Someone had done this very thing to him at some point in his life. Did he catch her in the act? It would make sense. But still... to speak to me like he did! I've never done anything to him!

Hermione rolled to her side, punching her pillow. She couldn't get comfortable. Damn stubborn man! A marriage in name only! Oh, that had hurt her. The whole business hurt.

How will we ever get past this? Do I want to even want to try to get past it? Will he always react this way, never even asking me if something bothers him? Hermione sighed, weary. Where the fuck is he?

She turned to her back, kicked the covers off of her, and threw her arm over her head. Chewing her lip, she started rubbing small circles across her belly. He was definitely hurt...I could see it in his eyes. I never knew I could hurt him, that he cared about me enough. I sympathize for him there, but I can't let him treat me like this and get away with it. It's inexcusable. I won't have it!

Hermione felt like she was riding on an emotional Hippogriff, flying up and down so fast that she barely had time to think. She decided to close her eyes and force herself to sleep. There was nothing more she could do tonight.

*** *** ***

Ginny paced her room like a caged animal. Draco had still not come home. Where is he? What is he doing? Who is he with?

She sat back down and jiggled her foot, unable to keep still. Running her fingers through her hair, she thought, So what if it looked like Harry was going to kiss me? Draco could've at least asked me! But no! He just walks right up and punches Harry in the face. Insane, jealous prat.

She put her thumbnail in her mouth and began to nibble. He said he loved me...twice. But does he, or was that just something he spurted out in the heat of the moment?

She jumped up and started to pace again, looking at the door, willing it to open. I can't let him treat me like this. Slut, he called me. Her chest ached when she remembered the way he leered at her. As if he hated her.

How could you truly be in love with someone that you think so poorly of? This is not going to work, she decided. I can't just let him treat me like this, speak to me like this, and then just walk out. Potter can have me, can he? I'm his possession to be tossed aside...given to someone else...when things get too complicated? Well, they wouldn't be complicated if he would've just listened to me!

Suddenly, she felt bone-tired. She walked into the bedroom, found her nightgown, and put it on. After she got into bed, the weight of the day hit her. Putting her hands over her face, she sobbed long and hard. Feeling too many emotions at once. Hurt. Angry. Bitterness. Despair. Scared. But most of all, she felt abandoned. There was nothing else for it. In her time of need, her husband...who claimed to love her...had abandoned her. She wasn't sure if she would ever be able to get past that.

The pill was too bitter to swallow. She deliberately turned away from the door, closed her eyes, and let sleep overtake her.

*** *** ***

Severus sat at his office desk, brooding. He'd left the rooms before Hermione had woken. It wasn't the first time he'd slept on the couch. He didn't want to see her; it hurt too much. He quashed down the guilt he'd felt when he remembered the wounded look in her eyes. It almost offended him that she could manage that look so easily.

He was glad that most of the students had gone home for the holidays. By the time they returned, he would be back to his usual self. He'd gotten through one heartbreak, he could survive another. The only problem was that he wasn't really sure he would survive this one.

She consumed him. His mind, body, and soul. Never had he felt this way. Thank Merlin I never let her know it! He supposed she would think him petty for staying out of their marital bed the night before. That he was punishing her. Perhaps he was. Damn Weasley! I'd kill him if I could get my hands around his throat! But he had to protect himself. He would protect himself...by staying the hell away from his lying, cheating wife.

Severus was brought out of his thoughts by a knock on his door. Scowling, thinking it was Hermione, he barked, "Enter!"

When the door opened, Severus was surprised to see Kingsley Shacklebolt walk through. Rising, he stuck out his hand in greeting. "Kingsley. What brings you here?"

"Hello, Severus." Kingsley shook Severus' hand and then sat in the chair Severus indicated. "How's Hermione holding up?"

Raising an inquisitive eyebrow, Severus said, "Just fine."

"Well, you've got a tough bird, Severus. That's for sure. Not many would've held up half as well. Anyway, you'll be receiving an official Ministry Owl, but I wanted to tell Hermione and you in person. Do you know where she is? I could tell you both together."

Clearing his throat, Severus told him, "If she is not in our rooms, I don't know where she is. I would be happy to relay a message for you if you'd like."

Smiling, Kingsley informed him, "I have good news! There won't be a trial. The sodders confessed. They didn't have any choice, really."

Cocking his head to the side, Severus asked, "Who confessed to what?"

"What do you mean, man? Flint and Nott." He took out Hermione's wand and laid it on the desk. "They've confessed to the attacks: attempted rape, battery, and intentions of kidnapping."

Keeping his face deceptively clear, Severus said, "How did you get them to do that?" He suddenly felt his stomach drop.

"Well, they had the wands. Not to mention, Harry and Ron literally pulled them off while they were attacking Hermione and Ginny. So when we took them into interrogation and presented the evidence stacked against them, then showed them the pictures of the injuries, they cracked."

"You have pictures?" When Kingsley nodded, Severus told him, "I'd like to see them."

"Sure. They told us the whole plan. It was pretty sick. The original plan was to kidnap Ginny, demanding a large ransom. They had no doubt that Draco would pay it. We went to the location they told us where they'd planned to keep her. It made me sick, Severus. It was obvious by the bed and sex toys what they had planned. And let me tell you, those were not normal sex toys. Some of them looked like torture devices.

"Hermione was not really part of the original plan. They just lucked out when she happened to be with Ginny. Well, actually, they lucked out Ginny was there as well. It was a chance meeting that they'd tried to take advantage of."

"I see." Severus quelled the feeling to be sick right there on the floor. What have I done? Oh, I am such an idiot. She'll never forgive me for this, and I can't blame her. Outwardly, he showed no signs of distress.

"Anyway, I need to go. I have a court appearance in a few minutes. I tried to find Draco, but I wasn't able to. Do you think you could pass this on to him? I would like them to know before they get the owl."

"Yes, I will inform him. Thank you for stopping by. I really appreciate it. Hermione will be thrilled."

"It's not a problem. I will see you at the wedding party."

"Yes. Good day, Kingsley." When the Auror shut the door, Severus immediately cast a Locator Spell and set out to find Draco.

*** *** ***

Severus found Draco in the Room of Requirement, punching a bag with a vengeance. Severus knew how the boy felt. He dreaded this conversation.

"Draco? A word, please."

Draco stopped to see Severus looking at him, a foreboding expression on his face. Breathing heavily, Draco stopped and walked away from the punching bag. Suddenly, the room changed, and a table appeared, loaded with refreshments.

Picking up a goblet of water, Draco downed it. After he'd wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, he asked, "What is it?"

"Tell me, did you speak with your wife last evening?"

Draco snorted. "I told her what I thought of her and her public affair with Potter, then I walked out. Went to the Hogs Head and drank my troubles away. Still haven't been back there. You talk to your wife?"

"I accused her; talking is a stretch."

"Well, what did they expect? I can still see that bastard's hands on her, his head leaning towards her." Getting mad all over again, Draco threw his goblet down. "I shouldn't have stopped with one punch. I should've killed his arse, once and for all!"

"Sit down, Draco."

"What? I don't want to sit! I want..."

Pointing to a chair, Severus barked, "I said sit! I have something I need to tell you, and you'll need to be sitting when I do."

"Fine. Whatever."

Filled with dread because he didn't want to do this, Severus said, "I had a visitor today. Kingsley Shacklebolt."

"Oh, what did he want?" Suddenly, Draco jumped up. "If Potter is filing charges against me..."

"No, it's nothing like that." Taking a deep breath, Severus said, "They were attacked by Flint and Nott."

"Who? Potter and Weasley? They likely deserved it."

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Severus said, "No. Our wives. Flint and Nott attacked Hermione and Mrs. Malfoy in Diagon Alley. Potter and Weasley were the ones to find them and pull them off before they could... Well, before they could rape them... attacking them in such a way that they'd likely never get over."

"Are you telling me... You mean to say that... Oh, sweet Jesus! And then I just... accused her of... Oh, no."

"Yes. They've confessed to it. Apparently, those two had originally planned to kidnap your wife for ransom. Had a small place to keep her with a huge bed and sexual torture devices, according to Kingsley."

"How did they know that she would be in Diagon Alley that day?"

"They didn't," Severus informed him. "It was a chance meeting. And just lucky for them that Hermione happened to be there with her. Draco, you do realize..."

"Yeah, I fucking realize. The things I said to her. Accused her of. Called her!" Bending down and putting his head in his hands, Draco said, "She's not going to get over this. Saying I was a jerk is putting it mildly."

Looking off to the side, Severus agreed. "I did much of the same with Hermione."

"What are we going to do?"

"Grovel comes to mind," Severus attempted to joke. "I honestly don't know. If I were in Hermione's shoes, I wouldn't accept an apology."

"Neither would I," Draco admitted. Miserable, he stood and began to pace. "I love her, you know."

"I had thought as much. We need to decide what we're going to do about Flint and Nott."

"Yeah, we do. Something befitting their crime, I'd say. But first I need to make things right with Ginny."

"Yes, I agree, if it's at all possible. Here, Kingsley left her wand."

"You're going to talk to Hermione then?"

"I'm going to attempt it. She thinks I didn't come home last evening." Severus frowned. "For once in my life, I actually don't know where to begin... what to say."

"The truth, I imagine. Although with Ginny, it may not be enough. Granger seems more, um, sympathetic I'd say."

"You didn't hear what I said to her...about her."

Draco growled. "We've really buggered this up, mate. I don't know what to do! How to fix this! I've never been in this position before, damn it! With any other woman, I wouldn't care, but it's Ginevra." Draco sat back down and put his head in his hands.

Sighing, Severus stood. "I'm going to go."

Nodding, Draco ran his hands through his hair and leaned back. "Good luck."

"Thank you. I fear we will both need luck and more." Severus left, and Draco covered his face with his hands. Rubbing briskly, he stood. He felt groggy and tired from his hangover added to his lack of sleep.

He wanted to go to Ginny, but instead, he let the room transfer once more. He set out to beat the hell out of the punching bag. Rather than Potter's face this time, it had Nott's and Flint's.

Christy's Notes: Well, well. Now they know. Let's see how the wives will act when the tables are turned.

All out of Love is a song by Air Supply.

SW69's notes: If I were Hermione or Ginny, I believe I'd make them sweat it!