Chapter Fourteen: Friends and Lovers

Disclaimer : The characters aren't mine, the Potterverse isn't mine, even the prompt is someone else's!

Did I ever tell you that I have the best beta in the world? I'll tell you who she is... ladyinthecloak!

Chapter 14: Friends and Lovers

"Are you sure I am ready?" she asked with trepidation as they arrived at the door of number twelve, Grimmauld Place.

"You are as ready as you are ever going to be. Stop worrying!"

"I hope they don't..."

"Shhh." He took her in his arms and gave her a comforting hug. "They will be so pleased to see you that they won't care about anything else."

He opened the door and entered, allowing her to follow, partially obscured by his robes. The murmur of quiet conversation could be heard from behind the kitchen door. Severus put his finger to his mouth and gestured for her to wait in the hall. As he stepped into the kitchen, she heard those gathered there greet him. He said a few words that she could not make out and then returned to where she was waiting.

"I have told them that I have a surprise and made sure they are all sitting down," he told her. "Now it is time."

She looked at him and realised that despite his reassuring words he was feeling apprehensive as well. Tenderly, she reached up and kissed his cheek. "Now it is time," she affirmed.

As she entered the kitchen, the hum of voices suddenly ceased. Total silence lay heavily upon the room.

"Hermione?" croaked Ron. "Is that you? Oh, Merlin, please say I am not dreaming!" He stood stock-still, staring at her, as if by glancing away she would disappear.

Harry was looking at her incredulously, too afraid to believe she was real.

"Who are you, and what do you think you are doing, coming here and pretending to be our darling Hermione?" an angry Molly Weasley demanded. "Haven't these children suffered enough?"

"Now, Molly, sit back down and we will explain everything," interrupted Severus before everyone started talking at once. "Hermione has been through a dreadful ordeal and needs everyone's support."

He went on to explain everything that had happened, right from the moment she had been taken by the Death Eaters in Hogsmeade. Hermione simply sat, limp with nervous tension, and leaned into his side for comfort. She did not notice Ron's and Harry's expressions as they saw her closeness with their once feared ex-Potions master.

"So, if I understand everything correctly, Hermione was kidnapped, had her powers stripped, spent a month in a Muggle psychiatric hospital, another month alone before you found each other, and the last three months working with you finding the cure. And all that time it slipped your mind to pop in and tell us she was safe?" Harry angrily challenged once Severus had finished. "How could you hide that from us?"

"Initially I was unconscious, if you remember?" Severus was losing patience, but knowing this would be hard for them to understand, he restrained his usually acid tongue. "Once I was awake and had remembered what had happened, I did not want to give you all false hope. After all you had done for me, I could not in good conscience lead you off on a possibly hopeless quest. You needed to get on with living for the future. Once I found Hermione, I'm afraid I became completely involved in researching the problem. It took both of us many weeks of hard work."

Stung to speak for the first time in Severus' defence, Hermione added, "And I wouldn't let him tell anyone until I had regained my magic fully. If the potion we created hadn't worked, I felt I would be better off staying as a Muggle and forgetting about magic. So if there is anyone to blame, it is me, not Severus!"

"Severus is it?" sneered Ron, overcome with jealousy. "And just what else did you and Severus get up to then?"

"Not that it is any of your business, Ronald, but we are just friends, good friends. You should know by now that I stick by my friends," she explained, annoyed at his inference, but aware of how things looked.

Ron settled, with help from George pulling him back to his seat with a quiet, "Not now, mate."

Molly, who had been surprisingly quiet once Severus had confirmed Hermione's identity, took the opportunity to defuse some of the tension, giving Hermione a tearful hug.

"I don't care about all that; the important thing is that Severus has brought you back to us, and we should all be extremely grateful to him. Now would you two like something to eat, as I'm sure everyone has loads to talk about. And of course, it's your birthday!"

Relieved by the distraction, Hermione returned Molly's hug. "So it is. I had completely forgotten in the excitement. What a birthday!" After a celebratory meal, a quickly whisked up birthday cake, and many questions, hugs, and kisses, Severus noted Hermione's wan face.

"Right, young lady, time to get you home to bed," he declared. "You are completely worn out!"

She immediately rose and bid everyone farewell.

As they left, Ron turned to Harry and mouthed, "Home?" Harry shrugged, unsure of the implications, and not sure he wanted to know, despite Hermione's assertion that she and Severus were only friends.

Outside, Hermione turned to Severus, wearily wrapped her arms around his waist, and murmured, "Take me home, Sev."

Later, as she prepared for bed, she fingered the beautiful silver brooch that Severus had given her for her birthday after they had returned home. It was a silver snake with tiny emeralds for eyes, looped into the shape of the symbol for infinity. He had told her it was to represent his wish to be her friend and protector for as long as she needed him.

***

Three weeks later, as is the nature of youth, it was as if Hermione had never been away. She and the boys had regained their easy banter, and she had heard about all their antics since the final battle. After an initial mourning period, there had been victory parties and memorial services to attend. The general mood in the Wizarding world was that of celebration; despite the losses, it was the first time they had been free of the threat of Tom Riddle and his minions for many years. The boys had been awarded honorary NEWTS and had been invited to join the Auror training program. They had accepted, with the proviso that they could have a year off first. They had spent the last four months since Severus' case was closed relaxing, travelling, redecorating the house at Grimmauld Place, and watching Quidditch. The annuity granted to them for their part in the war was more than enough to keep them. Their training started after Christmas, so they had two months before adult life would finally catch up on them.

***

"But, Hermione, why don't you want to come and live here with us?" whined Ron. "You can't be happy living in Snape's old house. What do you see in him anyway?"

"Please try and understand, Ron. We spent months there, working together night and day. We talked about everything and anything: thoughts, opinions, the past, even plans for the future. I think I got to know Severus better than anyone has before, except maybe your mum, Harry! You have to realise he has spent most of his life with the threat of death, or worse, if he said or did the slightest thing wrong. His nasty persona was partly his cover as a spy and partly a defence mechanism. If he didn't get close to anyone, he couldn't get hurt again. Now, although he can still be snarky and difficult at times, I have seen the real man inside, who is surprisingly gentle, caring, and incredibly protective. In some ways I feel the same about him as I do about you, Harry. He is my best friend, but in a different way. I didn't grow up with him; I only knew him as a teacher, and an unpopular one at that. Now I am an adult, he is like a friend, older brother, and protector all wrapped up in one package. I love him, but I am not in love with him.

"I live with him because I choose to. Spinner's End has become my home now, and let's face it, boys, he makes a better housemate than either of you two!" She gestured around the kitchen, where yesterday's dishes were still in the sink and the floor looked like it hadn't seen a cleaning charm since Molly was last in residence.

Ron and Harry looked at each other, suitably embarrassed at their domestic shortcomings.

"But we cook a jolly good pizza!" they declared in unison, helping themselves to a piece each. Hermione laughed and took a slice herself.

"I'll grant you that, but man cannot live on pizza alone!"

After lunch and kitchen cleaning under Hermione's strict supervision, Harry went off to Floo Ginny about their arrangements for that evening. Taking advantage of his absence, Ron turned to Hermione and asked, "Earlier, you said that you felt about Snape as you do about Harry. Er... so, what... I mean, how... do you feel..." He hesitated, unsure how to word the question that was uppermost in his mind.

"About you?" she completed for him. "I'm still confused at the moment, but I have one request. Would you stand up for a moment?" She knew it was a little soon, after all that had happened, but she had to know whether the feelings she'd had for Ron before her abduction were real or just a result of all the stress they had been under.

"OK," he said, standing, with a puzzled look.

She leaned forward and drew his face down to hers. Their lips touched, and she immediately felt a sensation of warmth and homecoming. This was what she had been looking for; this was what had been missing. Things were going to be all right.

"Well, that answers that question," she declared, giggling at the bemused expression on Ron's face.

***

Their courtship was by necessity a drawn out process. The boys entered the Auror program, which was a demanding two-year course, and Hermione, after extensive discussions with Severus, commenced an apprenticeship with a pre-eminent Potions Master in Europe. Of course, her glowing recommendation from Severus certainly helped.

She returned home on weekends to spend her time between helping Severus get his new Potions business up and running and going out with Ron, with or without Harry and Ginny. Harry had invested a substantial amount of capital in Severus' business; after all, if the Half-Blood Prince could get him top marks in Potions in sixth year, he must know his brewing! He remained the silent partner however; he was not that fond of Potions.

Hermione and Ron decided to take things slowly until they were at least spending most of the time in the same country. Severus remained her close friend and confidante, even acting as an impartial advisor at times when she and Ron had the expected bumps in their relationship. Their friendship became stronger every year, and when Hermione finished her apprenticeship, it was inevitable that she became Severus' working partner in the business. Their Potions work together was seamless, each often anticipating the other's needs, and they spent hours in the evenings discussing new avenues of research. She felt very fortunate. She had a caring, protective housemate and colleague, and a devoted boyfriend who understood her love for her work.

Severus escorted her to Australia twice a year to discreetly check on her family's well-being. Her baby brother, Sam, was growing rapidly and, as far as they could tell, was showing no evidence of a magical nature.

***

Three years after her return from the dead, Hermione was escorted down the aisle by her tall, dark, and, at times, charming friend. Severus had offered to give her away in the Muggle style ceremony, much to her delight. She looked every bit the radiant bride in a classic white sheath bridal gown, with a delicate necklace of silver and emeralds given to her as a wedding gift by none other than the man at her side.

As he handed her over to her soon-to-be husband, he reminded her of his earlier promise. "Any time, any place – for any reason. If you need me, I will be there." He kissed her softly and turned away quickly, but not before she spotted a suspicious moistness in his dark eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered, and he knew she was not just thanking him for that day, but for choosing to be part of her life.

After the ceremony, Severus made a point of cornering the slightly tipsy bridegroom. "You do realise, Ronald Weasley, if you harm a hair on that girl's head, there will not be a place deep enough, high enough, or far enough away to hide from me."

"Er... I think I realised that from the moment I proposed, Severus. Don't worry, I have no intention to cause Hermione any pain; she means everything to me."

"Good, just checking. Now I suppose I should offer you my congratulations. For once in your life you have shown impeccable taste." Severus raised his glass to Ron, then quietly disappeared into the crowd.

"I just got a compliment from Severus Snape," Ron said to no-one in particular. "He's not such a bad git after all!"

***

"By Merlin's balls, Ronald Weasley, if you ever come near me again, I will hex you so hard you will wish you had been born a girl!" Hermione shrieked as the next contraction hit her. She batted away Ron's attempt at soothing her and gripped harder on the hand in hers. Its owner grimaced with pain and raised his black eyebrows meaningfully at Ron.

"I think she means it this time, old man. I suggest you wear steel plated underwear for a while." He smirked. "I've never seen her in this foul a temper, and I'm pleased it isn't me who is responsible. Mind you, the time she left the Jabberknoll feathers too close to the burner and ruined a week's work certainly came close."

"You obviously weren't around the day..."

"Shut it, you two! If I want a run down on all the times I've been in a bad mood, I'll ask for it. Now concentrate, another contraction is about to start." Hermione was surprisingly lucid between contractions and was not impressed by the men's attempt at easing the tension.

She didn't notice the shared look and rolled eyes that passed between them. It was just as well, they may not have survived the delivery if she had.

Several hours later, Ron was looking pale and shaky. Seeing his wife in pain, and all the associated body fluids, was really a bit much for one big tough Auror to handle. Severus was equally discomfited, but it was the necessary exposure of certain body parts of his friend that was leaving him more than a little embarrassed.

Hermione looked at their faces. "Oh for goodness sake, pull yourselves together! If you faint, Ronald, I will be seriously considering divorce, and as for you, Severus Snape, just toughen up and get over it. Surely you have seen a naked woman before!" Another contraction struck her forcefully and interrupted what was likely to have become a Class One diatribe on the inadequacies of men.

Thankfully for all concerned, within a few minutes, Rose Eileen Weasley was delivered, much to the nauseated awe of her father. Cradling her in his arms a little later, Ron was foolish enough to be heard murmuring to his daughter, "Now that wasn't so bad, now was it, my little princess. I don't know what all the fuss was about." Severus decided it was time he announced the arrival of his goddaughter to the waiting family and friends and beat a hasty retreat from the room. Conjuring his Patronus, he sent the silver griffin off to deliver the happy news to Minerva, who had been unable to get away from her duties.

Despite inheriting her father's red hair and freckles, Rose was the apple of her godfather's eye. Many an evening he could be seen at the Weasleys' house, having volunteered to babysit, despite all his protestations earlier. They shared a special bond, one which Hermione and Ron were pleased to foster, as they were keenly aware that they were the only family Severus had. And he was part of their family. Despite his outward demeanour appearing just as antisocial and sarcastic to others as always, with this Weasley family he was a different person. He visited often to see his little Rosie, to play an always intensely fought game of chess with Ron, or just to continue a conversation started at in the lab with Hermione. To all intents and purposes, he may as well have lived with them.

The years passed. Rose's brother Hugo was born, and this time Ron managed to last the entire labour without turning green. A discreetly passed vial of antinausea potion, thoughtfully provided by Severus, played a large part in his improved performance. However, both men again nursed bruised hands after the delivery, which led Severus to tactfully suggest a longer acting contraceptive potion this time.

Everyone was happy. Ron was moving up rapidly through the Auror ranks, with several high profile arrests to his name. Severus and Hermione's Potions business, Renaissance, was renowned for providing unique solutions to witches' and wizards' problems, whether they were complex healing potions, cosmetic enhancing gels, or highly sophisticated interrogation philtres for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Business was booming; Harry's astute financial management had their Gringotts vaults looking very respectable, and the children were flourishing. Life seemed to be perfect, that is, until one day when an innocent comment by Hugo, who was three at the time, made Ron sit up and take notice.

"Daddy, why does Mummy always look sparkly when Uncle Sev comes round?"

Ron was no longer an impulsive, hormone-ridden teenager. At thirty-two, he had matured into an intelligent, insightful man, with an incisive ability to cut to the core of a situation and see what was important. He spent the next few months using his carefully honed skills as an Auror to observe and analyse the situation. Then, he made his decision.

***

A/N: See! I told you to trust me.

Based on prompt 93. "Someone has his or her powers stripped away for misuse. Did he/she lose them because of actual misuse or was it a set up? How do they get them back?"