Chapter 16: What a Party!

Chapter 16: What a Party!

Hermione sat at her desk sorting through the responses for her upcoming ball. She was pleased that the majority of people she had invited had accepted the invitation. Severus had helped with the guest list to ensure that friends on his side of the family were included. She sighed when she read the acceptance from Mr. and Mrs. Fudge. Inviting those two had sparked a rather large debate, unfortunately, Hermione's argument that they were still family had settled the matter.

"Well, my dear, do you have the final count?" Severus asked as he walked into the room.

"Yes. It appears that there will be 150 attending. I can't believe that we know that many people. Of course, some are family, but still, if everyone had accepted, it would have been about 200 people," she mused.

"They just want to see who ensnared the most desirable bachelor of the Season," he said as he kissed her temple.

"Who wants to see me?" a voice drawled from the door.

"Nobody," shot back Severus.

"Draco, what are you doing here?" Hermione asked, walking over to greet her brother.

"Greetings to you too, dear sister," Draco said as he stooped to kiss her offered cheek.

"Of course I am ecstatic to see you," Hermione said, "but I thought you and Severus weren't going to your club until later."

"We are going later. Mother wanted me to ask you what color the linens were so that her dress wouldn't clash with anything," he said, rolling his eyes.

"Oh, I forgot to send her a sample of the table linens. I will get Peeves to send a sample later this afternoon. If you see her before then, tell her they are egg-shell beige."

"Egg. I can remember that," Draco said. "I am off to the park. Severus, old chap, I will see you later."

"Park? Have you decided to find an accommodating dowager?" Severus asked, quirking his eyebrow in amusement.

"Hardly," Draco laughed. "I promised Ginny that I would meet her for a ride. Charming girl. She is just the right height and always seems to wear colors that compliment my own attire."

"Draco! You can't mean to say that you are spending so much time with Ginny just because she makes you look good!" Hermione gasped in outrage. "If you dare trifle with my friend's emotions, I promise to make you regret ever saying that!"

"Now, dear, dear sister. I am not totally without some feeling. I like Ginny. She is a very nice person."

"Nice? You dare describe her as nice?" Hermione was getting very ruffled. "I know what 'nice' means."

"Draco, if you have any hopes of getting out of here unscathed, I suggest you take your leave now," Severus said. A hint of laughter in his voice caused Hermione to narrow her eyes at her husband. "Don't look at me like that, my pet. I know that Ginny is a very intelligent and sensitive girl. I believe her to be more than 'nice.'" He chuckled inwardly at the visible relaxing of Hermione's shoulders.

"Of course, whatever you say. Good-bye, sister dear," Draco said as he attempted to kiss his sister's cheek.

Hermione turned her head at the last moment, and Draco ended up bumping his nose on the back of her head. Rubbing the offended feature, he shook hands with Severus and strolled out of the door.

"Severus, do you think Draco is just being friendly with Ginny, or do you think he has actually started caring for her?" Hermione asked quietly.

"I am not sure. He has never really been in a rush to get settled. Why do you ask?"

"I don't want to see Ginny get hurt," Hermione said, concern for her friend evident in her voice.

"Am I to assume that she has some feeling for your brother?"

"I believe so. He has escorted her to a couple of balls and a musical this Season, and one of our discussions did involve him."

"Well, don't let him know that you are trying to match him up with her. You will just end up scaring him in the opposite direction."

"What do you mean push?"

"Hermione, I know you. A gentle nudge in the right direction from you is like a shove down a steep hill," he laughed. "Don't worry, if it were our mothers giving hints, the banns would already be in the papers."

"Don't you have something else you should be doing?" Hermione grumbled.

"Yes. I will be back later to dine with you before heading out with your unfeeling brother," he chuckled. He went over to her desk and gave her a light kiss before going out the door.

Hermione sighed and went back to the multiple plans she had for her party. She wanted to finalize the menu with her cook. She wanted her table to be above reproach. She had Cook's assurance that only the freshest ingredients would be used. The only things left were the seating arrangements and approving the flowers.

"Hermione, darling! I am so glad I caught you at home. I had to come and discuss the color you chose for your linens. Are you sure it will be a good color? It won't match your dress at all. Oh, you changed the color of your gown, didn't you? I thought we had decided on that beautiful teal color. Do you have any idea how difficult it will be for me to get a new gown made up in time for your party?" Narcissa said as she rushed in an hour later.

"What are you talking about? Didn't you see Draco? I told him to tell you the color of linens, and I was going to send a sample later this afternoon," Hermione said in confusion.

"Draco said your linens were to be egg yellow. It will clash horribly with my gown." Narcissa wrung her hands in despair. She knew her seamstress would not be able to get anything new made in time, especially since all of her friends ordered new gowns for her daughter's ball.

"Mother, calm down! I told Draco that they are egg-shell beige. Obviously, he didn't pay attention to what I was telling him. Your gown will be fine. I didn't change my gown either," Hermione said. She was going to kill Draco when she next saw him. She was sure that he purposely told Narcissa the wrong color. He was too fastidious about his clothing to confuse colors.

"Oh, well in that case, never mind. Do you have everything planned? Did you need any help?"

"No, I only have the flowers and seating arrangements to finish. Peeves will order my flowers tomorrow, and in two days, I will host my first ball!" Hermione exclaimed. She couldn't believe that she was getting so excited; being the center of attention was never something that she craved.

"In that case, I'll take my leave. I will see you tomorrow and be over early on Friday to help you with last minute preparations," Narcissa said as she left Hermione. She had the linen sample tucked safely in her reticule.

By the time breakfast was over on Friday, Severus couldn't wait to get to the relative safety of his mother's house. Hermione was demanding that the servants move the floral arrangements every ten minutes, trying to find the perfect arrangement. Draco and Lucius had fled with Severus after they had been yelled at for getting in the servants' way. Ginny was following the hostess around with paper and pencil, trying to make sure everything on the list was checked off. The hostess rushed around the house, frantic that she might have missed some minute detail.

"Hermione, please. I have got to sit down and have a cup of tea. Besides, all of this rushing upstairs and then back down can't be good for you. Why don't you just let Peeves supervise the servants and you go upstairs and relax until dinner?" Ginny begged.

"Oh, fine. Ring for tea. I have Peeves double checking the china and making sure the rooms are ready for guests. Besides, I need to keep busy. If I could get away with it, I would be in the kitchen. I must let Peeves know that these chairs need to be pushed back a little further. Where did my father and Draco go?" Hermione grumbled, dropping into a chair. She was loath to admit it, but she was tired and needed to catch her breath. Pregnancy was putting certain limits on her energy and that she didn't like.

"They left about an hour ago with your husband. They said something about important business and that they would be back tonight," Ginny said. She wasn't going to tell Hermione that they had said she was bossy and that they weren't going to return until it was time to enjoy the party.

"Did you make that note for Peeves about the chairs? Is there anything that I have forgotten?"

"Yes, you forgot to inform me that you were having tea," Narcissa commented from the doorway.

"I am sorry, Mother. Please, join us for tea."

"Thank you, my dear. After this, you will rest while Ginny and I go to my house and get ready for tonight. You have everything organized pretty well. It is wonderful that you are able to throw your first and last ball before you have to go withdraw from the Season," Narcissa said with satisfaction.

"I feel fine," she started to say. The look her mother shot her made her say, meekly, "Well, maybe I will lay down for a few minutes. I do want to be fresh for tonight."

"There's a dear. Ginny, why don't we stop at your house afterwards and pick up your gown? You can get ready at our house, and then we can all come together," Narcissa said as she led Ginny into the hall after tea.

Hermione shook her head, wondering what her mother was up to. She went up the stairs and lay on her bed. She decided she just needed a few seconds rest and then would be ready to help them. A few seconds later, however, found her sound asleep.

"Hermione," Severus said a couple of hours later. "Are you sure that you should wear something that revealing?"

"What do you mean? Mother helped me select this and she always has impeccable taste." Hermione stood before her mirror, turning this way and that as her maid helped her pull on a thin linen chemise.

"Well, that," he grumbled, waving his hand in her general direction. "And, that." Another hand wave. "And, then that."

"Severus, 'that' is not a very descriptive word," Hermione said primly. "I am guessing by the first that, you are trying to point out my breasts. The second that, means my figure? I am a little confused what the third that is."

"I don't remember your chest being so... voluptuous," he said uncomfortably.

"Severus, I am pregnant. 'That' is normal. Enjoy it while you can." She smiled as he blushed. "After the baby is born, it becomes a source of food." She laughed as he paled.

Hermione thanked her maid and dismissed her. Severus was always making the poor thing turn bright red by walking in and out of her dressing room, disregarding decorum. Her hair had been done earlier and an ivory ribbon was entwined amongst the ringlets. As punishment for embarrassing her maid, yet again, he would just have to help her finish dressing. Since he was so adept at getting her clothes off, he should be just as accomplished at getting them on.

"You do realize that I can see through your dress?" he complained after helping her into it... "If I can see, every other man can see also. And I don't share you with anyone."

"Again, dear husband, enjoy it while you can. This is my shift, not my gown. That wonderful silken confection hanging here is my dress. You do want me to be a credit to you, don't you? After all, a powerful man, such as you, needs someone who is admired by..."

"Which brings me to my third that. That silk thing is so thin. I will be able to see right through it." Severus laughed as Hermione spun around towards her evening gown.

"Oh!" she exclaimed and then started to giggle. "The shift provides enough cover. You haven't noticed my body showing before and you won't this time either. I'll show you," Hermione said as she handed him the gown. Thankfully, the gown was made to slip on easily, and she was so intent on straightening her shift that she started when Severus' hands cupped her full breasts.

"I think, my dear, that our guests will have to wait a few minutes," Severus murmured as he leaned down to kiss her. The sight of Hermione's thinly covered breasts had heated his blood, and without breaking the kiss, he lifted her in his arms and walked to the bed.

Hermione willingly wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. She had discovered that pregnancy definitely made her feel more amorous. Almost an hour later, she stumbled from the bed.

"Severus, please finish getting ready! Mother will be here in a few minutes and I am not ready."

"Yes, Severus. Do go make yourself presentable. I can see that I have a lot to do," Narcissa said, sailing into the room. She chuckled to herself. No matter how unconventional, she had insisted that she help her daughter get ready tonight. She didn't care if she had to chase Severus from his own bed. The joys of being married to such a powerful man, she thought happily. No one would dream of saying anything against me.

"Woman, do you always just walk into a person's bedroom?" Severus glared.

"Yes. I do. Just ask anyone. Now, run along, there's a good boy," she cooed as Severus stormed through the door. "I can see how that happened, my dear," she said, waving at Hermione's gently swelling stomach. "Ginny, you can come in now. I will require your assistance."

Hermione sighed and sat at her dressing table. She smiled as Ginny entered with a slight blush on her face. She watched the younger girl pick up her dress and smooth the wrinkles as her cheeks cooled.

"Young lady, if you want to enjoy your husband, so be it. Just make sure it is two hours before any event so you have time to repair whatever damage occurs. Why, it took me half a season to figure that out. You may not know it now, but your father..."

"Mother! Please! The last thing I want to hear about is you and father," Hermione groaned. She had thought that women from this time period were supposed to be shy about such topics. Obviously, whoever thought that had not informed her mother. Of course, she herself wasn't too shocked, but she also came from a different time altogether.

"Really, how do you think you came about, dear," Narcissa laughed as Hermione blanched. "Oh, fine. Let's get your hair fixed and your gown on. No wonder your maid refused to come up here with us. We could hear you at the top of the stairs."

"Mother!" Hermione was mortified. "Ginny, is that true?" Her face turned bright crimson when her friend refused to meet her eyes and slowly nodded. She silently submitted to their ministrations and was soon ready.

Severus was just turning to remind Hermione of the first dance when Sibyll sailed up to them with her husband directly behind her. Severus raised a brow as he took in her attire. "Cornelius, I see you were able to make our gathering," he said by way of greeting.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. Sibyll, here, made it a point of coming. Even had a new dress made up for the occasion," he said. Severus wasn't sure, but he thought he detected a bitter edge to Fudge's voice.

"Sibyll, what a wonderful color. It matches your skin perfectly," Hermione said, trying not to stare.

"Thank you, my dear. I wanted something special to help make your event memorable," Sibyll preened.

"Ginny, what do you think of Sibyll's gown? She wanted to make tonight special," Hermione said as she grabbed Ginny's arm.

"Oh," Ginny said. She felt her eyes grow round and was helpless to stop them. "It is the perfect skin color, I mean color for her skin," she finished lamely.

"Yes, I couldn't decide what color I liked more and so I just went with something I just knew would match," Sibyll said as she gently flicked her skirt.

"Umm, Hermione. I don't mean to interrupt, but I believe Harry was looking for us. I believe I saw him over by the window," Ginny said. She gently tugged on Hermione's hand as she started backing away.

"Of course, if you will excuse us," Hermione said.

Severus nodded politely, but Hermione was irritated that he didn't even look at her. She was more annoyed when she noticed who, or rather, what her husband was looking at.

"Can you believe that she wore that dress?" Ginny asked as soon as they were out of ear shot.

"No. Memorable my foot," Hermione fumed. She glanced back and was shocked that she could see Lady Sibyll's body outlined through her dress, even in the candle lit room.

"I don't know if you noticed, but if you looked closely, you could even see the outlines of her nipples," Ginny giggled.

Hermione whipped her head around to look at her friend, praying that it was joke. The faint blush and highly amused expression on Ginny's face was evidence enough that she was telling the truth. No wonder Severus wasn't looking at anyone else, she thought. "Well, I guess the only thing to do is just ignore her," Hermione said grimly. "Paying attention to her is obviously what she wants."

"Oh, I know that. I just think you should keep an eye on her because I believe it is your husband she is after," Ginny said as she dipped her head in Severus's direction.

Hermione glanced over and sighed. Lady Sibyll had her hand on her husband's arm and was leaning very close as she laughed up at him. Determined to enjoy her evening, she turned away. "You said that Harry was looking for us. Let us find him and see if we can at least have some fun. Where is Draco? Didn't you come with him?"

"He is currently playing a round of cards. I wanted to see who all were here first. Now, let's have some fun."

"Hermione! Ginny! My two favorite ladies," Harry said as they walked up to him. "Glad you found me. Draco said that Ginny is to wait with us and then we would like the first dance with you ladies." He tucked Hermione's hand into the crook of his elbow and rested his on top.

Hermione glanced back at her husband. She was supposed to dance the first set with Severus, but he seemed to be entirely unaware of the musicians tuning up. Sighing, she turned back towards her brother-in-law and smiled. "I would be delighted to open the ball with you."

Harry smiled and took her hand just as Draco sauntered up and claimed Ginny's hand. Hermione looked up in surprise as Harry pulled her close after the first couple of steps.

He smiled down at her. "It seems to be a bit crowded on the floor."

She glanced around. "You are correct. I trust you won't turn me into anybody."

"You are in good hands," he joked back. "So how are things going between you and my brother?"

"They are fine. We have the nursery furniture ordered and it will be delivered in time."

"Does he still see Sibyll?"

"What?" Hermione raised her brow in confusion.

"Well, I was just curious. They seem very friendly," Harry explained as he tipped his head in the direction of Severus and Sibyll.

Hermione narrowed her eyes for a brief second. Had Harry not been paying close attention, he would not have even noticed. He smiled.

"You do know about their past?"

"Yes, he did mention it. Why the sudden interest, Harry?" Hermione watched his face closely.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that..." Harry broke off uncertainly.

"No, you can tell me. What have you heard?" she asked in a tired voice.

"I don't want to cause you any distress, but I have heard a couple of things around the club. I think you should know what you are up against." He watched her pale a little. "It has been whispered that Sev is the father of Sibyll's baby, not Cornelius. I also had a private meeting with her a couple of days ago. She was distraught and needed a shoulder to cry on. She confessed to me that Sev only married you because of your family connections and that he was still in love with her. I am sorry, Hermione," he finished in a rush.

Hermione closed her eyes and tried to calm her thoughts. "Harry, why did she need to confess all of this to you? I do not believe that my husband is the father of her baby as he has been faithful to me since we have been married."

"How do you know that? Did he tell you? Do you trust him?"

"Yes. Harry, I do. Why would you believe her over him?"

"I am confused. She seemed so believable. If you believe him, then I do," Harry said quietly. "I would never doubt anything you say. If you ever feel you need anyone to talk to, though, I hope you will come to me?"

Hermione nodded quietly. She had much to think on but pushed it to the back of her mind. She was not going to let that woman ruin her first ball in her own home.

"Now, just enjoy the dance and let me lead." Harry grinned. He enjoyed dancing with her. He wasn't entirely concerned that she was his sister-in-law. Just because they were related by marriage didn't mean that she couldn't take him for a lover if she so chose. He was annoyed to feel a tap on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw his brother's dark eyes glaring at him. Reluctantly, he let her go.

"Severus, I wasn't sure you were going to share the first dance in our new home with me," she murmured happily.

"I tried to get away from that woman. Don't ever desert me again like that. Next time, you will be punished," he growled playfully.

"Really?" Hermione felt a flutter in her stomach. "Hmm, I might have to see what you consider desertion."

"Do you really want to try, wife?" Severus wondered how long he had before they could politely kick their guests out of the house. "There are numerous ways of torturing and punishing people such as you. First, there is the traditional spanking. Second, nibbling until you are to the point of insanity. Third, tickling," he continued to whisper into his wife's ear.

He could feel her tremble each time he named off a punishment. He felt himself start to harden with each tremble. By the time the dance was over, Hermione was barely able to hold a coherent thought in her head, and Severus was so aroused, he could barely walk. Hermione's hand was claimed by Harry and Severus sighed when he felt Sibyll place her hand on his arm.

"You two looked lovely out there together. But, I am concerned for you, Hermione, dear," Sibyll said. "I don't want you to over do it? I mean you are starting to show just a little, dear." She dropped her voice to a stage whisper at the last, condensation heavy in her tone.

"I believe I have another week or so. But thank you for your concern," Hermione bit out. She looked closer at Sibyll's very visible curves. "I am surprised you are still attending social events also."

Harry cleared his throat uncomfortably. Severus raised an eyebrow at his wife but wisely said nothing.

"Since I am not yet in my confinement, I believe I will be able to enjoy a little more of the Season. There will be plenty of time for sitting at home," Sibyll said with a laugh. "But don't you worry, dearie. I will make sure that your husband isn't tucked away by himself in a corner while you are at home. There are so many entertaining people around," she said as she patted Severus's arm.

"Who told you I would be going out while Hermione is at home?" Severus asked, annoyed.

"You don't want to get bored staying at home all the time, do you? Besides, how will you make the correct contacts if you don't get out of and socialize? Don't you worry about a thing. Cornelius and I will take you everywhere with us. Hermione, do tell him he must come with us. There's a dear."

"Wonderful. Thank you, but I will decide what I do. There are other ways of staying abreast of current events. I believe my brother and I have a couple of things to discuss," Severus growled. His eyes narrowed as he watched Harry whisper in Hermione's ear the entire time Sibyll talked. He grabbed his brother's arm and headed into the crowd.

"Well, that wasn't very friendly. I will have to see about correcting that," Sibyll said.

"I beg your pardon?" Hermione asked.

"He won't get very far in Parliament if he doesn't have a little more polish. I have such high hopes for him," Sibyll replied.

"Hmm, yes. If you will excuse me, there is a friend that I must speak with," Hermione said as she moved into the crowd.

"All right, little brother," Severus demanded as soon as they entered the library. "What exactly are you up to?"

"Excuse me?" Harry replied in confusion.

"What exactly were you discussing on the dance floor with my wife? I saw you say something that she didn't like."

"I was just offering her comfort and letting my dear sister-in-law know that I am always available should she need a shoulder to cry on," Harry said, looking at his nails.

"Why would she need to go to you for comfort?" Severus asked. His patience was wearing thin.

"Surely you've heard? Sibyll told me everyone knew. That you were the one telling everyone," Harry said in confusion.

"Heard what? Harry, are you sure you are feeling well?" Severus was starting to get worried.

"That you are the father of her baby. I can't believe you would sleep with her after marrying Hermione. She is so much better," Harry said angrily.

"I AM NOT THE FATHER OF THAT WOMAN'S CHILD!" Severus roared.

"Then why would you go around telling everyone you are?"

"I didn't. I love my wife," Severus said quietly.

Harry stared at his brother for a moment. "You what?"

"I said I am in love with my wife. I would never do anything to upset her like that."

"Really?" Harry asked. His mind was still trying to connect what he had been told by Sibyll versus what his brother was telling him.

Severus rolled his eyes. Obviously his brother was not as intelligent as he had thought. "Have you ever thought that she might be jealous and not want to let such a catch as myself go?"

Harry felt his eyes bulge slightly.

"Oh, really," Severus snorted. "She has been trying to get me back into her bed since I broke it off with her. I just never realized how bad."

"Well, that would explain why she told me that you were the father and since you didn't love Hermione, I should try to 'comfort' her," Harry mused. "By the way, I was supposed to give you this note, from Sibyll, of course." Harry withdrew a scented sheet of yellow paper and solemnly handed it to Severus.

Severus took it, read it, and then tossed it into the fireplace. He thought a minute with his brow furrowed. "I believe that it is time to teach our dear cousin a lesson. End this fiasco once and for all. I do not want Hermione to be bothered any further with this nonsense. Harry, I need you to get Cornelius to the gazebo in about half an hour."

"What are you thinking?" Harry was intrigued. He truly had no desire to cause any trouble between his brother and wife, but if the opportunity had presented itself to him, he would not have said no.

"I am going to send a reply to the letter and have her meet me at the gazebo. It seems that she has something very important to discuss. Life changing or some such rot. I want Fudge there to see for himself what his dear wife is up to. I am also going to personally see that they leave for the continent for a very long time and will never again interfere with my family."

"All right. I believe he is still here. We'll be there." Harry couldn't wait to see the excitement.

The two brothers nodded to each other and walked out the door. One turning towards the card games and the other, towards the dancing. Neither saw Hermione emerge from the plants, a slight frown marring her face as she followed the tall figure back towards the dance floor.

"I believe that this dance is mine, cousin," Severus said smoothly.

Sibyll looked up in triumph. She didn't see Hermione anywhere nearby as she nodded her assent. She chatted with some friends for a bit until she spied her brother and his partner across the crowded room. Sighing, she slowly made her way over to them.

"Ginny, I am feeling a slight headache. If anyone asks, tell them I am lying down for a few minutes but will be back shortly?" Hermione requested of her friend.

"Of course. Are you sure you don't need to retire for the evening?" Ginny asked.

"You do look a little pale, Hermione. Why don't I get Mother?" Draco said.

"No, I will be fine. Really. Enjoy yourselves." She looked at the flushed faces in front of her. "Or keep enjoying yourselves," she laughed.

"Thank you, little sister. We will." And with that, Draco whirled Ginny back onto the dance floor.

Hermione looked up in time to see Harry bend down and whisper into Fudge's ear. She narrowed her eyes, and looking onto the dance floor, she saw Severus lead Sibyll out the side doors. More than a little curious, she followed quietly.

In the moonlight, she saw them head for the gazebo in the middle of the garden. From the other set of doors, she saw Harry and Cornelius head to the garden path on the right. She decided to take the path on the left as it was shorter and also led straight to the gazebo. When she was close enough to hear the quiet rumble of her husband's voice, she stopped and ducked behind the bushes.

"I am so glad that you are willing to meet me, darling," Sibyll crooned.

"Yes. I must admit that I am curious as to what was so important that you had to meet me tonight."

"I just wanted to hear you tell me how much you missed me and wanted me back," she whispered.

"I beg your pardon?" came the dark reply.

"Oh, Severus. You don't have to pretend. Nobody is listening. You can now admit your true feelings to me! I know that you still want me!" came the impassioned cry.

"You, woman, are delusional. I have not wanted you for a very long time. When I broke things off with you, that was the end. You can't seriously believe that I would want you back. You are also a married woman. What happened to loving your husband? For heavens sake, you are carrying his child," Severus said in exasperation.

From what Hermione could hear, it sounded like he was shaking his arm or leg.

"For pity's sake, woman. Let go of me."

Arm, Hermione said to herself with a snicker.

"Surely, you don't think that I am truly pregnant with that man's child!"

"Well, I don't care whose it is. I do know that it isn't mine."

"I am not pregnant at all. I just said that hoping you would think it was yours and come back to me," came the angered reply. "Do you know that your own dear brother has been panting after your wife for some time now? Let him have her. It isn't like you love her! You don't love anyone. You told me so yourself when you walked out on me!" she cried.

"I have already talked to my brother. Good attempt, however. He respects her. You really need to stop imagining things. I didn't love her at the time I last spoke to you. However, since then, I have come to discover, that I actually do love my wife..."

"Oh! Severus!" Hermione cried as she ran into her husband's arms. His quick reflexes kept them from toppling over as she enthusiastically kissed his face.

"Oh, this is just sickening," Sibyll snarled. She turned to leave and ran right into her husband. "Oh, darling! There you are. Thank heavens. We are going home."

"Wait," Severus bit out. He tucked Hermione under his arm and looked at his cousins. "I believe that you owe my wife an apology."

"What? You can't be serious," Sibyll spat.

When Severus continued to look at her, she huffed, " Fine. I apologize to you, my dear. Cornelius, I have a headache. Take me home."

"Severus, I do apologize for the way my wife has behaved. Also, to you, Hermione. I am going to take her to the country for a couple of years. She should be able to entertain herself there while you get on with your lives," Fudge said calmly.

"What? I am not going to the country. Whatever will I do there?" Sibyll turned on her husband.

"My dear, I don't care if you sleep with every male you come across out there. But you will be discreet and you will leave Severus alone. I still need his support for a couple of projects I am working on. Am I making myself understood? If not, how about, if you don't behave, you can go visit my other cousins in the colonies?" Cornelius turned to Severus. "Do I still have your support, old chap?"

Severus nodded his head once. Fudge, satisfied, took his wife's arm and led her from the garden. He had such a firm grip that she had no choice but to obey. She was so shocked by her husband's demands that she couldn't think of a thing to say.

"Thank you, Harry. I believe there is a Miss Parkinson that you should meet. Draco will make the introductions if you are interested. He seemed to think you two would hit it off," Severus said as he smiled down at his wife.

"Sure. Sounds interesting. Draco does have good taste in women," Harry laughed as he headed back for the ballroom.

"I am sorry you had to hear all of that. I was trying to keep you from all of this unpleasantness. You do believe me when I say I had and have nothing to do with that woman?"

"I told you before; I believe you and trust you, my dear!" Hermione cried. She stood on tip-toe and kissed her happy husband. Together they turned and walked back to the house. They had the last dance of the evening waiting for them.

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Author's Note: Sorry about the long delay. Many thanks to my beta, Tinnidawg, for prodding me and enduring the many editing sessions!