Saying Goodbye To The Past

Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to JKR.

A/N: Many thanks to my wonderful beta, the one and only, Southern_Witch_69. She is awesome.

This is my response to LOTM's YLC challenge. For rules see the end of chapter one.

Chapter Seven

Saying Goodbye To The Past

Hermione stretched and looked at her alarm clock. "Half past nine! Oh, no! I am going to be late!" She jumped out of bed and ran to the shower. She was due at her mum's at ten. They were going to brunch together and to visit her dad's grave. This wasn't only the five-year anniversary of the demise of Voldemort. This was also the fifth year since her father's untimely death.

As she was showering, Hermione thought back on the events of the ball the evening before. She grimaced as she remembered Ron's harsh words. Stupid tosser! Who does he think he is anyway? Something had to give there. She didn't want to continue fighting with Ron and ignoring Harry.

Things with Severus had started out just as bad, but the evening had ended fairly well. Remembering the last few dances they'd shared caused her to slightly blush. It seemed they'd kept getting closer and holding onto each other more tightly. When it was time to go, he walked her to the Apparition point. Hermione could have sworn he was about to kiss her, but then suddenly, he bowed and bid her a good night. Most surprising was her disappointment that he didn't follow through with the kiss.

And shocked was the only word to describe seeing Luna there with Greg Goyle. Her first instinct had been to go speak with her friend, but after watching them a bit, she'd decided Luna seemed quite happy swaying in Greg's arms. Severus had seemed taken aback by them as well. She couldn't wait to speak with Ginny at the Burrow this evening.

Because she was going with her mum this morning, the Weasleys had decided on supper instead of lunch for their weekly Sunday meal so that Hermione could attend. However nice of them it was, she wished they hadn't bothered. She didn't especially want to go, except to see Ginny, but because they had changed their schedule around, she felt obligated. Sighing, she spelled her hair dry and went to dress.

Predictably, her thoughts drifted back to Severus. She wondered if he would contact Hillary Hollingsworth sometime this week and shook her head. Of course he will contact her, you dolt! And why wouldn't he anyway? She is definitely one witch who has everything!

Giggling to herself, she thought she should owl Severus and ask him to introduce them. She sighed as her thoughts became somber. Although she would be honored to meet Miss Hollingsworth under different circumstances, she really didn't think she could stomach Severus doing the introductions.

Best not to think of Severus and Miss Hollingsworth together today. It will be emotional enough as it is. With that last thought, Hermione Apparated to her mum's. It's going to be a long day!

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Ginny stood in the middle of the Quidditch pitch glaring at her brothers. They had so graciously canceled practice today due to the ball the prior evening, but since they'd forgotten to inform everyone, the wankers decided that while everyone was here they could go ahead and draw names for Christmas. It was only a week away after all. Gits! Why do we have to draw names anyway? Team spirit my arse!

Draco Malfoy had been staring at her intently the whole time they had been there. It was making Ginny uneasy to say the least. He started to walk towards her at one point, but she deftly started up a conversation with Angelina. The word coward came to mind, but she brushed that thought away. More like self-preservation.

It hadn't been hard to miss the look in Pansy's eyes when the witch had seen her dancing with Draco. Obviously, she'd felt that Ginny had overstepped her bounds. Never mind the fact that Draco had practically grabbed her as she'd started to walk off the dance floor. The prat! Why had he brought Pansy if he'd intended to harass me all evening? Well, maybe not all evening, she conceded, but that one time was most assuredly enough!

Not having enough willpower to stop herself, she finally looked into Draco's eyes. What she saw there made her gasp and then shiver. Lust. That was the only word to describe his look. After a moment, another word came to mind: stalker. She felt like his prey. Uneasy, she turned to a smirking George, who held out the hat with all the names inside.

She rolled her eyes as she picked one. Because he so badly wanted to see who she got, she purposely waited until her brother walked away until she looked. Draco! No, it can't be! Bloody brilliant! It seems I can't get away from him no matter what I do!

Draco looked down at the little scrap of parchment he drew out of the Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes cap and scowled. Marcus Flint. I wonder who got Ginevra's name? Perhaps I could trade...

Draco's thoughts were interrupted as the Gruesome Twosome dismissed everyone. He smirked evilly as he watched Ginny quickly Disapparate away. You can run, my fiery temptress, but you can't hide!

*** *** *** *** *** ***

The first thing Hermione saw when she appeared in her childhood home was her mother sitting on the sofa crying as she held a picture of her dad close to her chest.

Silently, she walked to her mum, put both arms around her and gently rocked her, allowing her own tears to fall. "Shh, it's okay. I'm here," Hermione cooed.

"I know it's been five years, but it seems like only yesterday sometimes. I miss him so." Pulling herself together, Jane Granger turned to her daughter. "How did the ball go?"

Hermione laughed through her tears. As easy as that, the subject was changed. "Okay, I suppose. I ran into Remus. Is there anything you want to tell me, Mum?"

Staring sternly at her only daughter, Jane said, "Stop skating around the issue. I assume Remus informed you of Phillip?" When Hermione nodded, Jane continued, "Well, I really like him. We have a lot in common, and I plan on seeing him. Does that bother you?"

"No. Yes. I don't know...maybe a little." Hermione sighed. "It's foolish really. I certainly don't want you alone for the rest of your life, but I feel weird about this Phillip."

"Yet, you were okay with Remus? Why?"

"Maybe because I knew deep down Remus was only a friend, and I sense Phillip is more. Don't get me wrong. I am happy for you; it's just... I dunno! I miss dad, and I feel bad for Remus, too."

"I'm sorry to cause you confusion, my darling, but Dad is not coming back. Remus and I are still very close friends. I have not tossed him aside, nor do I intend to."

Feeling foolish and somewhat childish, she asked, "Do I get to meet this illustrious Phillip?"

"Not for a bit yet, love. I have only just started seeing him. When I am sure of where this is headed, we will talk more. Now, tell me about your date. Remus was very taken aback with your partner."

Hermione giggled. She told her mum what the Ministry had strongly suggested her to do, mentioning their outlandish demands, how she felt about that, and why she'd asked...she refused to say forced...Severus to be her partner. When she finished her explanations, she started chewing her bottom lip. "The only thing is..."

"You enjoyed his company?" Jane could tell her daughter was smitten.

"Right," Hermione agreed. "And trust me. The feeling is not mutual."

"From what Remus has told me and from what you just explained as your reason for asking him in the first place, I can say I am somewhat surprised that you would enjoy his company and am quite relieved he does not return your feelings. Why on earth would you want him to?"

"Well, he is not as bad as I'd initially thought. I mean to say that he is different in his dealings with me as an adult than he was when I was his student. He is quite brilliant, too, I daresay."

Jane sighed. There was nothing she could say; she could see it in Hermione's face. She would talk more with her daughter on the subject later. "We had better get started if we are to see your father and make our brunch reservations on time."

With that, they both left for the cemetery, hearts heavy, thinking of the man they both loved and missed so much.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Severus had an early lunch set up in his private quarters as he awaited Draco and Greg. Draco had owled him earlier that morning, asking him if he would mind hosting, as he felt they needed to speak with Greg per his choice of companion last evening.

As he waited, he thought of Hermione. Indeed, she was no longer Miss Granger in his mind. He reminisced, thinking of how snugly she'd fit into his arms. After the awkwardness and the resentment of being forced to escort her fled, he found that he quite enjoyed himself. Reluctantly, he admitted, if only to himself, that he had hated for the evening to end.

It surprised him how badly he'd wanted to kiss her before they parted. He'd checked himself just in time, but not before he noticed the disappointment in her eyes. Smiling smugly, he sat in his favorite chair.

He had nearly owled Hillary earlier to ask her to dinner midweek, but he'd decided against it while writing out the invite. Damn it! He had never limited himself to one witch, and it now seemed as if he was doing so with a witch that he was not even truly dating! All they had was a farce...nothing more!

However, he definitely would not mind bedding the aloof Hermione Granger. Tread carefully there, entered his mind suddenly, but he chose to ignore the internal warnings of his brain. Just because he could not get the woman out of his mind did not mean he was developing any sort of feelings for her. It was only natural for him to want the know-it-all, if only to find out if she truly was one in all things.

His musings were interrupted by a knock on his door. He rose to allow Draco and Greg entrance. "Good afternoon, boys," Severus greeted.

"Hello," Greg answered happily. He was still floating from the previous evening spent with Luna.

"Severus," Draco nodded as they all sat.

Not one to dally, Draco turned to face Greg to address the issue at hand. "I have to ask what the hell you were thinking last night, mate?"

Startled and a bit confused, Greg looked at Draco. "Eh? What do you mean?"

"What Draco is so eloquently trying to ask, Greg, is why on earth would you bring Luna Lovegood to the ball?"

Stiffening in his chair, Greg looked at Severus and then Draco. "Because I wanted to, and I enjoy her company immensely. What's it to do with either of you?"

Draco snorted. "You mean to say that you enjoyed the company of Looney Lovegood? Please, Greg, you are too good for the likes of her." Satisfied his mate would no doubt do his bidding as always, Draco tucked into his lunch.

"I have to agree here, Greg. She is not the right... type for you."

Furious, the bulky Slytherin turned to Draco first, barely able to control the urge to plow a fist in his face. "But I suppose a lowly Weasley would be just fine?" Then turning to his former Head of House, he continued, "Or a Mudblood?"

"That'll do, boy," Severus growled, barely able to control the sudden anger he felt at hearing Hermione called that degrading name.

"Yes," Greg agreed. "It will do. How dare the two of you take me to task for my choice of dates after who your own were!"

"Weasley was not my date last evening; Pansy was. A respectable and acceptable choice, I might add. The same cannot be said for you! Do you want to be the laughingstock among our peers?"

"I could care less what other people think or say! Do you think having a father in Azkaban for being a convicted Death Eater holds me in any kind of esteem? I enjoy her company, and nothing you or anyone," here he looked at the formidable Potions master, "says will stop me from continuing our association as long as she permits it. By the way, Draco, you may have taken Pansy Parkinson to that ball, but you were snogging Ginny Weasley on the dance floor within moments of entering. Bold statement, that."

Draco paled. He couldn't believe that Greg was actually standing up to him and Severus. Looney must mean more to him than I thought. Suddenly, Severus spoke.

"It appears that I owe you an apology, Greg, for my arrogance in speaking of your date in such a manner for one and for not recognizing your feelings and accepting them for another. If she makes you happy, then I wish you the best." How can I be angry with him for calling Hermione a Mudblood when I am treating him no better. It would seem prejudice works both ways.

Greg, still angry, only nodded. Not expecting Draco to speak, he was surprised when he heard, "I apologize as well. I don't understand the attraction, and I wonder if you two have anything in common, but if she makes you happy, mate, then so be it. I was just dumbfounded to see you there with her."

"Get used to it," was the only reply they received.

Both Severus and Draco nodded their acceptance, and Draco changed the subject. He didn't want to think of what people would say if he did actually convince Ginevra to go out on a date with him. What? A date? It's only lust! No need to go on a date before we rut like pigs! He knew Severus was blackmailed by Granger to take her to the ball, so he had no worries there.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Hermione arrived at the Burrow a little early. She wanted to speak with Ginny before the rest of the brood got there. After Arthur let her in, she headed straight for Ginny's room and knocked on the door.

"Come in!" Ginny called out. When Hermione opened the door, Ginny greeted her warmly. "Hermione! You're early, and I am so glad! How did it go today? Are you and your mum okay?"

Laughing, Hermione replied, "It's good to see you, too, Gin. We are both fine. I do have a reason for being early, though. Well, a couple of reasons actually. I think we should speak with Ron and Harry about their behavior towards us, and I wanted to ask if you saw Luna with Greg Goyle last night."

"WHAT? No! I left right after the first dance after the speech. Luna and Goyle? Why?"

Hermione laughed. "I don't know, but I can honestly say she looked quite happy. He did, too, for that matter. Now, what do you think about speaking with Ron and Harry?"

Ginny sighed heavily. "I agree that something needs to be done. It's quite ridiculous actually! I mean, just who do they think they are?"

"I don't know. Let's go find out, shall we?"

"Yes," Ginny agreed. "Let's."

They found the boys in the sitting room playing chess. Luckily, it was only the two of them in there. Hermione started the conversation. "Hello, Ron. Hello, Harry. Might we have a word with the two of you?"

Ron and Harry looked at each other and nodded. They had wanted to speak with the girls as well. "Sure, Hermione," Ron said. "What's up?"

"The behavior of you two towards us for one thing," Ginny said. "And we would also like to make it clear that our love lives are no longer any concern to either of you."

"Right," Hermione agreed. "You both lost the ability to chastise us in that manner when you married other people."

"Oh," Harry started, becoming highly agitated, "so if the two of you are making arses of yourselves, we are to sit by idly and say nothing?" Ron snickered.

Ginny narrowed her eyes, a warning of a huge temper building that all in the room were very familiar with, especially Harry. "YES! I have made mistakes in the past, Harry Potter, and I would like to think I have learned from them."

"By mooning over the likes of Draco Malfoy?"

"Well," Ginny smirked, "he's as different from you as I could possibly get, so that has to count for something."

Ron looked startled. "What are you on about? Draco Malfoy? Ginny, you're not seeing him, are you? Please, no!"

"So what if I am? It's my business."

"Enough," Hermione said. "The who is not the problem, boys. It's the reactions from you that we are concerned with and the way you guys are treating us. What did you expect? For us to be so devastated by your marriages that we would never date again? We had lives enough before you returned, and we'll continue to have them now."

"But, Hermione, are we just supposed to say nothing when we see what terrible mistakes you are making? Despite everything, I still care a great deal for you."

Hermione sighed. "I know, Ron, and I care for you, too." Looking at Harry she added, "You as well. I really miss our friendship." Turning back to Ron, she finished, "But I am going to date, and I would appreciate it if you didn't act like a jealous boyfriend when I do."

"Yes," Ginny said. "Exactly. How could the two of you be jealous after all this time? You each have your own lives and witches to share them with." Looking at Harry, Ginny said, "I know you can't still be in love with me."

"No, I'm not, but I do have these feelings. I suppose they could be called jealousy, for when I see you with someone... I can't explain it. I know I am not still in love with you, but I do still love you. I feel like I want to protect you, and I don't want to see you hurt any more."

"Yes, well said, Harry," Ron agreed. "Those are my feelings as well. We have been through too much together for too long for us to stop wanting to protect you. And even though it's wrong, I have never seen you with anyone else, Hermione, besides Viktor, and I can't help but feel a little put out by that. I'm sorry."

"Well," said Samantha Weasley from the doorway, "that explains a lot." Ron paled.

"Too right," Piper Potter nodded. "I have to admit that we have been wondering what the problem was ever since we came to London. Now, we know." Looking at her husband, Piper asked, "Do you think I am blind, Harry? Do you think I don't see the resemblance between Ginny and myself?"

Having understood what Harry had just admitted to her, Ginny spoke up. "Piper, I don't know the circumstances of how you two met, but I can assure you that you are no substitute for me. We may look somewhat alike, but that is where the similarities end. Harry wanted a homemaker, and that is not who I am right now. Had he stayed and we ended being married to one another, it would have ended in disaster. I can see that now. He wanted someone more like my mum. Someone like you."

"Yes," Hermione spoke up. "Same here. I would have never been content to stay home and look after babies. Ron obviously needs that kind of wife. Not that I am belittling what the two of you do." Hermione smiled at both Samantha and Piper. "I am just saying it's not something I would be happy doing."

Samantha and Piper never took their eyes off their husbands during the speeches being made by Hermione and Ginny. Feeling confused, Samantha asked, "Ron, are you still in love with Hermione? Is she who you want?"

"No, love, I am not. It's you I want."

"What about you, Harry?" Piper wanted to know. "Do you still want Ginny?"

"No, Piper, I love you."

"Then you two stop being jealous, controlling asses and act like it!" Samantha yelled and walked out of the room.'

"I couldn't agree more!" Piper said. Turning to Hermione and Ginny, she added, "Sam and I would really like to have lunch with you two when you get the time. We would like to get to know you better." After saying that, she left the room.

Raising her eyebrow, Hermione told them, "I am guessing this is the end of it then? No more snide or hurtful comments? No more trying to control or dictate what or who, for that matter, we do?"

Both boys cringed, properly chastised. "Yes, it's the end of it. I don't want any more trouble with me wife!" Ron said.

Harry merely nodded in agreement. Then suddenly, he grinned up at Ginny. "I still say he's a ferret!"

Ginny just rolled her eyes. "Cute animals, ferrets."

Ron made a gagging noise, and they all shared a light laugh. He wasn't actually concerned that his sister wanted a Malfoy. How could she really? Must be really wanting to get to Harry by doing that!

"Seriously, though," Hermione said, "I understand how it would be hard for you guys, but all I can say is that you have to get over it or at least keep it to yourself. You need to realize that Ginny and I don't want your opinions on those matters." Ginny nodded her agreement.

Harry sighed. "Fine. No more opinions. Point taken. After all, Ron and I do want to stay friends with you two wenches," he teased.

"Agreed," Ginny said, relieved. "Friends."

After talking, the boys went to try and smooth things over with their wives, and the girls went back to Ginny's room until supper was ready. All in all, they felt it was a good talk.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Hermione was in a good mood by the time she returned to her flat. Feeling a bit reckless, she took out some parchment and a quill and sat down to write.

Severus,

Hermione

Calling Cleo before she could change her mind, Hermione tied the note to her leg and sent her owl to Hogwarts. She would have her answer soon enough.

Severus was making his usual rounds when an owl suddenly swooped down on him. "Merlin! Who the fuck sent me an owl at this time of the evening?"

Grabbing the owl somewhat roughly, Severus untied the note and shooed the owl away. After reading the letter, he smirked. So, she wants me to have dinner with her alone at her flat. Interesting. I won't answer, as she didn't ask me to. She only said to show up at seven should I choose to come. Let the games begin!

Had anyone been watching, they would have noticed an evil grin adorning the Potion master's face as he continued his rounds.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Luna decided to go to her office to write up her piece on the ball. After going over the photos Colin had sent her, she couldn't wait. What in the world was Ginny doing kissing Draco Malfoy in the middle of the dance floor? Luna decided not to post that picture, although she was sure the Daily Prophet would have no qualms about it. The one of Hermione and Professor Snape is lovely though. Perhaps I should post that one.

She was a little disappointed that she hadn't heard from Greg that morning. Luna sighed as she remembered the night before. For the first time since Neville's death, Luna had become attracted to another wizard. Instead of feeling guilt as she always thought she would, she felt extremely happy. Knowing he had to work that evening, she didn't expect to hear from him.

When she walked in her office, the first things she noticed were the twelve, blood-red roses on her desk. Totally surprised, she smiled to herself as she went to read the card.

I miss you. Can hardly wait until Saturday.

Greg

Luna buried her face in the scented flowers and inhaled deeply. Why should he wait until Saturday? Maybe I will surprise him and bring dinner to him later this evening!

With happy thoughts of the ball and Greg, Luna sat down and began writing.

Christy's Notes: Well, not much interaction with our couples, but at least we got Ron and Harry straightened out! Not to mention Draco and Severus!

Southern's Notes: Another great chapter. I am so happy that Greg stood up to his mates. I worried about that. I hope that Snape truly doesn't go out with that playwizard hooch. Can't wait for more.