Four

Thanks go to Fizzabella for beta services! You're great, girl. Thanks for all you do for me. I appreciate it immensely.

Waking to a loud banging on the door of her flat, Hermione rolled over to look at the clock, squinting in the bright sunlight streaming through her bedroom windows. "Just a minute," she called out as she sat up to snatch her robe from the bedside chair. More banging sounded as she tied her robe closed.

"I said just a minute!" she yelled, her voice much louder than before. Who would be visiting her flat at eleven in the morning on a workday? Once she got to the door, she ran her fingers through her hair and asked, "Who's there?"

"Ron. Open up."

With a sigh, she unlocked the door and opened it. "Why aren't you at work?" she asked.

"I can ask you the same thing," he said, stalking in and looking around suspiciously.

"I'm not feeling well."

"It's because of me, isn't it?"

"What? No! I just..."

"Then what?" he demanded. "Ginny said she tried to Floo twice this weekend, and you were just moping about and didn't want to talk to her."

"I've just had a lot on my mind."

"You left work early on Friday," he accused, pulling her forward after she'd closed the door. "Sit."

After she sat next to him on the couch, curling her feet up under her, she sighed. "Friday was a disaster. There was so much going on...people for and against the forcing of certain types to use the new department to find spouses...and my mind just couldn't cope with it all, so I left early." She crossed her arms over her chest defensively. "I've not taken a personal day in several months, and today is the first sick day I've used this year."

"Well, what's wrong with you then?" His tone hinted at worry. "All right?"

"It..." she blushed, "it's my period. I'm cramping again...badly this time."

"You need to go to St. Mungo's like I told you last time. That's not normal, that."

"Of course it is," she retorted.

"Yeah? Never heard Mum or Ginny complain about it."

"Well, I doubt they'd want to confide something like that to you," she huffed, then smiled. "It's good of you to check on me, but you didn't have to come down here."

"I tried to Floo first, but I couldn't get through."

"Oh, right. I closed it off after I called in to work this morning. I didn't want to be disturbed and thought Ginny might try to call."

"You don't look like you're in pain right now. Is it done?"

"I took some pain potion and it knocked me right out. Now that I'm up, it's gone." She took Ron's hand. "How was your weekend? Have you done much in the house?"

"Yeah," he said proudly. "Been doing some painting and got rid of some stuff that I don't want. Mum liked some of that rubbish. Lady's things, you know."

Hermione nodded. "Have you thought about us?"

"Of course I have. You?"

"I have."

"And?"

Hermione released his hand and looked away. "I don't know how soon I'll be ready for a family, and you're right. Neither of us should have to put our dreams on hold because of the other."

"I see," he said sadly with a nod of his head.

"It's not about love. I love you, Ron. Always."

His blue eyes lifted to meet her gaze. "I feel the same. You'll always be the one who holds my heart."

"So, maybe we should try to be a part for a while. If you can find... love," her voice cracked, "elsewhere, then I want you to take it. Don't wait for me."

"Wh-what will you do?"

"Same thing I've been doing. Work. It's my main goal right now. You know that."

"Well, if, uh, some bloke catches your fancy..."

"I doubt that will happen."

"All the same, no reason you should sit at home if there's a chance for you to get some happiness." He wiped at his eyes. "Can't believe this. I'm a sap."

"There's nothing wrong with men crying."

"Oi, I'm not crying, just... just feeling a little emotional is all."

She grinned and then sobered. "I've shed more tears this weekend than I ever have before, yet I feel as though I could cry again. Now. This hurts so much." Hermione lifted her hand and slipped her engagement ring off. "This belongs to you."

Ron nodded and took it. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. It's only right."

He went to hug her and stopped, realizing he hadn't the right to do so any longer. "Ah, fuck, this is insane." He pulled her close and held her tightly. "How can I not have you in my life? Sod kids. I can wait."

She laughed and cried, holding onto him tightly. "I'm almost tempted to agree with you, but I won't."

They stayed that way for a long time, both uncertain what the future would hold. Finally, Hermione said, "Want some lunch? I can make some sandwiches."

"Where's Shorty?"

"I sent him over to Mum's old house to do some cleaning. It's probably not collected much dust since his last visit there, but I needed a break."

"All right. Might as well." He stood and stretched. "I'll make tea if you want to go get dressed."

"Yes, I'll only be a moment." As she went to her bedroom to fetch her clothes, she thought, Maybe being friends only won't be so bad after all. The thought felt false even as it entered her mind. How long would she truly last without him? He was her rock, her life.

Severus tossed a handful of Floo powder into his grate. "Malfoy Manor," he called out before sticking his head into the green flames. Lucius' study came into view, and he saw that it was empty. "Lucius? Can you hear me? Bozzy?"

A few moments later, a small house-elf popped into the room. "Master Snape is calling for Bozzy?"

"Yes, is Lucius home?"

"Master is being busy with mistress." The elf's eyes widened, and he smacked himself in the head. "Master isn't taking any Floo calls."

Smirking, Severus asked, "Is Draco home?"

"Young master isn't being here."

"Very well. Have one...or both of them...return my call as soon as possible."

"Bozzy is doing what you is asking of him as soon as he can."

"Thank you."

He pulled back from his grate with a frown on his face. He'd wanted to know if Lucius or the Parkinsons had made any headway in the fight to eradicate the Ministry's latest scheme. Polls in the Prophet showed that the public approved of the new department, saying it could help many find well-matched spouses, and they seemed to also approve of forcing those on probation, parole, or living under supervision to utilize the Geneamorological Agency.

The Ministry's angle was that it would serve several purposes. One, those who had committed some sort of crime against the Wizarding world, which had landed them in such a situation in the first place, would be giving back by starting a family. Severus wondered why anyone would want to have a criminal parenting children. For wasn't that what they were being seen as... if nothing else? They were also saying that it would save the public from paying extra taxes, as the Ministry employees who supervise and meet with said people were being paid to do so...at the public's expense. And the Ministry also claimed that it would free up the employees to dedicate much needed time on more hardened criminals.

Walking over to his desk, he looked down at the recent edition of the paper. Its front page's title seemed to be mocking him.

FOUNDER OF BATH'S YENTA LIVERY COMPANY CONFIRMED IN HEADING NEW MINISTRY DEPARTMENT

He snorted as the writer went on to explain what geneamorology was, calling it the magical study of matchmaking, psychology, romance and geneology. "Romance," he said with a sneer.

"Yes, we've never met before, but we'll be fucking for the next hundred years and producing children while promising to raise them to adhere to the laws and to be better citizens than we ever were," he said out loud, voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Ah, Severus," Lucius drawled from the fireplace, "practicing on how to sweep your new bride off of her feet?"

Severus spun around in embarrassment. "Have you had any luck?" he asked, ignoring his friend's jibe.

Lucius shook his head. "No, they won't budge. I can't even use money to pave the way for Draco and Pansy."

With a sneer, Severus said, "This is a first."

"Indeed." Lucius' voice was no longer light. "Draco, I fear, is considering rebellion."

"That will land him in Azkaban or... living as a Muggle if he's to stay in Britain."

"He's considering a move."

"But his probation..."

"Yes, he'd be a fugitive, never to return."

"Surely, he wouldn't."

"I hope not," Lucius said. "I hope I've raised my son better than to run from his problems."

"Have Pansy fill out the questionnaire with like answers."

"We have asked her."

"And?"

"And she's very upset she'll have to do it at all, but she's considering it."

Snorting, Severus said, "Well, let's hope so, else she must not truly want to win Draco's hand after all."

"I was thinking the same. Had the situation been mine, I would have done so immediately to ensure a pairing with Cissy."

"Ah... maybe this is for the best."

"Perhaps."

"All right. That's all I wanted to know. You may return to your... activities."

Lucius smirked at this, eyes glinting. "Once you're married, Severus, you'll be getting more frequent activities as well." He ducked out of the flame before Severus could toss anything at him.

"Does the man think sex alone can tempt me?" He paused and arched an eyebrow. "Come to that, it would be a plus."

AN: More up soon. :)