Happy Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling, therefore nothing is mine.

Many thanks to my Beta, Snarkyroxy, for keeping me on the straight and narrow and sorting out my erratic punctuation.

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Hermione was dreaming. She was in her parents' back garden, watching a little girl playing in a sand-pit. It was a lovely summer day; she could feel the warmth of the sun on her cheeks. The little girl ran up to her, laughing as she said, 'Come and play with me.' She tugged Hermione's hand, but Hermione could not move. The little girl tried again then gave up and ran to the garden shed. She stood by the door and waved to Hermione before going inside. Hermione tried to move once more but could not. She looked down to see a black serpent coiled around her feet. The snake raised its head and regarded her before slowly uncoiling and winding its way up and around her body. It flicked its tongue as it moved, smelling and tasting her until it drew level with her neck. Hermione stared, mesmerized, into its black, glittering eyes before it bared its fangs and lunged to strike. She screamed.

Hermione woke with a start to feel something wet in her ear.

'Awake at last, I see,' said Severus, removing his tongue. 'Good morning, my love. Happy Birthday.' He licked the shell of her ear again and gently fondled her breasts.

Hermione felt Severus' morning erection pressing into her back as he spooned her. 'What time is it?' she asked sleepily whilst rubbing her bottom against him.

Severus moved his hand lower to caress her belly. 'Early,' Severus replied. 'Would you rather sleep? I'll stop if you like.' He cupped her mound and slipped two fingers inside her pussy.

'Mmm? Don't you dare.'

Severus whispered huskily, 'You're lovely and wet. Been having wicked dreams?' He began to slowly circle her clit.

Hermione moaned. 'That is sooo good.'

There was a loud banging on the door.

Severus slumped back on the pillow, defeated. 'I will slip something in their pumpkin juice, I swear it.' He took the wards off the door while Hermione hurriedly put on a nightgown.

'Surprise!' Albus ran into the bedroom carrying a bundle of envelopes and parcels. He jumped on the bed in excitement. 'The post has been. Can I open some for you, Mummy?'

'Is it your birthday, Albus?' Severus asked sternly.

'You can help me, darling,' Hermione intervened, seeing the pout on the little boy's face. 'Come and sit next to me.'

Katy followed Albus into the bedroom, struggling under the weight of an enormous breakfast tray. Winky brought up the rear, anxiously watching the tray in case she dropped it.

'Happy Birthday, Mummy,' said Katy. 'We made you breakfast.'

'Thank you, my darlings, what a lovely surprise. Did you do this all yourself?' Hermione grabbed her wand quickly and floated the tray over the bed.

'Well,' Katy replied, looking at the house-elf, 'we ordered it from the kitchens, and Winky brought it.'

Winky bowed and vanished.

Katy gave her mother a kiss and a hug before clambering on the bed. 'Morning, Daddy.' Severus got the same treatment.

'Good Morning, my Two-Eyes.' Severus kissed his daughter affectionately.

'Shall I pour you some juice, Mummy?'

'Please, sweetheart.' Hermione, with Albus' help, started to tackle the pile of cards and presents that were on the bed, nibbling some toast as she did so. There seemed to be a fashion this year for cards which, when opened, burst into a hearty rendition of 'Happy Birthday to You' then exploded and rained down anything from rose petals and sweets to squashed tomatoes and stew, depending on the feelings of the sender for the recipient. They were, naturally, creations of the Weasley twins and a profitable sideline in their ever-expanding empire.

The children, of course, had made their own cards, and Hermione cooed over their artistic efforts in the appropriate manner. The card from the Potters contained a cryptic note from Ginny which simply said Be ready by 10.

'What's this?' Hermione asked, looking at Severus.

'As much as I would like you all to myself today, my dear, Ginny has persuaded me to let you accompany her to a health spa for a - how did she put it - ah, yes, a girly treat.' Hermione squealed and hugged him. 'It's their present to you, not mine.'

She kissed him anyway. 'Are you sure you don't mind? I mean, I thought we'd all be spending the day together.'

'Yes, I mind, but a determined Mrs Potter is not a witch to be trifled with,' Severus said with mock severity. 'Besides, I'm sure I can think of some way you can make up for my... disappointment.'

Hermione gave him a 'not in front of the children' look.

Severus smirked. 'I've booked a table for us tonight at Equinox.'

'But, Severus, that's really smart. I haven't a thing to wear.'

'I somehow knew you'd say that,' Severus said sardonically, 'which is why I've made an appointment at Madam Malkin's for you. Now, go and get ready,' he kissed her, 'you don't want to be late.'

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

After three hours of pampering, Ginny and Hermione were relaxing in the spa's café-bar, enjoying a glass of sparkling pumpkin juice and catching up on some gossip. Hermione felt like a million galleons.

'Thanks for this, Ginny. I really appreciate it. I feel ... invigorated.'

'My pleasure.'

'I can't remember the last time I had a facial or had my hair done.' Hermione was pleased at how wonderful her skin felt. Her hair, though, was a different story. Despite the best efforts of the spa's hair stylist, it was already starting to frizz. 'I've been thinking about getting a new look, Gin. I'm fed up with this mop. What do you think?'

'My hairdresser's pretty good,' Ginny replied. 'He's a bit expensive but, if anyone can tame that shrubbery of yours, he can.' She grinned. 'Seriously, though, we both thought you needed a bit of spoiling. You've been looking tired lately.'

'I've been having a lot of sleepless nights,' Hermione reluctantly admitted.

'Any particular reason?'

'None I can think of. I feel tired a lot of the time, but when I go to bed, I'm wide awake.'

'Have you seen Madam Pomfrey?'

'No, I'm sure it's just a phase. It'll pass. Now tell me,' said Hermione, 'how are the kids?'

This was usually guaranteed to change the subject. Ginny was becoming more and more like her mother as she got older and her brood increased. She and Harry now had five children, all of whom she quite naturally adored. When not playing with them or fussing over them, Ginny would talk about her children ad infinitum to anyone who would listen. Today, though, she would not be sidetracked. Ginny looked at her friend closely.

'What's worrying you, Hermione? Is it the children again?'

'The children are fine.'

Ginny inclined her head.

'Oh, don't give me that look, Ginny Potter.'

Ginny remained silent.

'All right, all right, I admit I've been feeling a bit bored and restless lately. Perhaps it's something to do with turning thirty. Satisfied? Now, can we talk about something else? Please.'

Ginny let it pass. She knew that Hermione never felt comfortable talking about her children and usually avoided the subject.

Since the birth of her first child, Hermione had feared that she was not cut out for motherhood. When Katy was born, Hermione had gazed at the screaming bundle of humanity Madam Pomfrey had plonked in her arms and had felt – well, nothing. She had looked at the smiling faces around her and the baby. What were they expecting her to do? She had handed Katy to Severus saying she was really tired and wanted to sleep.

Severus, on the other hand, had looked into the face of his first-born and seen his own eyes looking straight back at him. He fell hopelessly in love. 'My Two-Eyes,' Severus said in wonder, and from that day forward, it became his term of endearment for his daughter.

Severus turned out to be a loving and indulgent father, much to the surprise of everyone except Hermione. He adored Katy and Albus unconditionally and involved himself with their upbringing from day one. It was Severus who delighted in getting down on the floor to play with his children, while Hermione usually left them to it so she could catch up with some reading.

Over the years, Hermione had tried to analyse her sense of detachment by looking at her own childhood experiences. There had been two major female role models with children in her life. The first was her own mother, a high-earning professional woman who had always worked, even when Hermione was small. There was never any doubt that Hermione had been loved and wanted, however, despite the fact that her mother wasn't there for her all the time. The second was Molly Weasley. Molly's family was her life. She always put the needs of her husband and children before her own, and had been satisfied to stay at home even though she was a formidable witch in her own right. Hermione's childhood had, therefore, been a largely happy and secure one; she saw no reason why she should be incapable of being a good mother herself.

Naturally, Hermione worried if there was something the matter with her. She felt no real link with either child; in fact, sometimes they seemed like total strangers. No matter how hard Hermione tried, she could not see anything of herself in either of them. Katy and Albus were both the image of Severus. She thought, dispassionately, that they were both rather sullen children. Not that they were naughty or anything – far from it; they were mostly quiet and studious. It was just that they rarely laughed or did anything with great joy. They were dutiful and obedient as you would expect any child of Severus Snape to be. It was just that they didn't seem to have any spark in them.

Hermione had eventually confessed her concerns to Ginny.

'It's not that I don't love them or anything, Ginny. It's just I've never felt that overwhelming sense of motherly love I was led to expect. When I look at you and your kids, I feel cheated, somehow.'

Ginny had looked at her strangely. 'Hermione, I would die for my children, wouldn't you?'

Hermione had thought about it. Of course she would protect her children, but would she throw herself in front of a Killing Curse for them, the way that Harry's mother, for example, had done? Then it hit her. Lily Potter had given her life for Harry without thinking about it. It was purely instinctive – a mother's instinct to protect her offspring even if it meant sacrificing herself.

That's what is missing in me; I have no maternal instincts whatsoever, she realised with horror. God, I am a terrible person. I don't deserve such beautiful children. She had broken down and wept in the knowledge that whatever it was Lily and Ginny had, she, most definitely, did not.

* * *

When she got home, Ginny Flooed the Burrow. 'Mum, I've been talking to Hermione.'

'How is she, dear?' asked Mrs Weasley worriedly.

'I'm not sure,' said Ginny, 'but I think it's starting.'

Molly looked even more anxious. 'I'd better let Minerva know.'

'Can I do anything, Mum? Anything at all?'

'No, dear, I'm afraid not. All we can do now is wait and hope.'

* * *

The doorbell tinkled as Hermione entered Madam Malkin's. A young shop assistant emerged from behind a rack of dress robes and greeted her.

'Good morning, madam, how may I help you?'

'I'm looking for an evening robe,' replied Hermione.

The girl looked her up and down. Scrubbed face, no make-up, wild hair and a cloak that had seen better days. Not couture material, she surmised. 'Our off the peg items are over there, madam,' she said snootily, 'together with some end of line items at bargain prices.' She turned to walk away.

Snobby cow, thought Hermione. 'Excuse me, but I believe Madam Malkin is expecting me.'

The young woman thought this unlikely. 'She's with a client at the moment, madam. What is your name, please?

With that, Madam Malkin appeared. 'Madam Snape, how lovely to see you! I haven't seen you for such a long time, how are you?'

'I'm well, Madam Malkin, and you?'

'Mustn't grumble,' she replied. 'Now, what are you looking for today?'

'I need an evening robe. Severus is taking me out to dinner tonight.'

'I may have just the thing,' she enthused. 'Our new Paris collection has just arrived – you'll be the first to see it.' She picked up a box of pins. 'I won't be a minute; I've nearly finished with my client. Would you like some tea while you wait?'

Hermione was about to politely decline when she realised who would have to make it. 'That would be lovely. I'm a bit parched, to tell you the truth.'

'Very well. Mirabelle, escort Madam Snape to the red fitting room and bring her some tea.'

'Certainly, madam,' said Mirabelle, wondering why this scarecrow deserved such special treatment. The red fitting room was reserved for their best clients.

'Well, hurry along, girl. Madam Snape doesn't have all day.'

'She's French,' Madam Malkin said to Hermione by way of explanation. 'Beauxbatons.' She raised her eyes heavenward.

'Oh, I thought I didn't recognise her,' Hermione replied.

Mirabelle showed Hermione to the fitting room. 'May I take your cloak, madam?'

Hermione unfastened her cloak and handed it to her. Mirabelle held it up by her thumb and forefinger as if she might catch something from it, draped it over the back of a chair, then turned to leave. 'Please make yourself comfortable.'

'Thank you,' said Hermione as she sat down on the plush red sofa. 'Oh, and Mirabelle?'

'Yes, madam?'

'It's milk and no sugar.'

Nearly an hour later, Hermione had chosen a dark sage green velvet robe with golden embroidery on the bodice. It was sophisticated without being matronly and pretty without being overly fussy. The robe emphasised her bust and drew attention away from her hips and bottom, which she thought were way too big. It fell softly to the floor and seemed to ripple like water when she walked.

'I think it is just perfect, my dear,' said Madam Malkin.

'Yes, I think so, too.' She looked at herself in the mirror one last time and was pleased with her reflection. 'I'll take it. Please charge it to Severus' account at Gringotts.'

'Will there be anything else?'

'I really need some new teaching robes, but I haven't time to try anything else on today. Perhaps next weekend?'

'Of course,' said Madam Malkin. 'No problem at all. I look forward to seeing you then.'

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

When Hermione got out of the shower later that evening, Severus was waiting for her in the bedroom. He had laid out her new robe on the bed together with a suspender belt and black stockings. On the top of the dress was a box wrapped in gift paper.

'This is for you, my love.' Severus handed her the box. 'Happy Birthday.'

Hermione opened her gift. Inside was an emerald necklace set in filigree gold.

'Oh, Severus. It's beautiful.' The workmanship was, indeed, exquisite.

'So, you like it?'

'Of course I do.'

'It's goblin made. Would you like me to help you put it on?'

'Please,' she said, then added, 'Does it have any, um, magical properties?'

Severus looked at her suspiciously. 'It is intended to give the wearer a sense of wellbeing. You have been looking tired lately. I thought it would be a welcome gift,'

'It is, Severus, it was very thoughtful of you.' She smiled. 'Emeralds for you, gold for me.'

'Indeed,' he smirked. 'Lift your hair out of the way.' Hermione pulled her hair up, dropping the towel to the floor as she did so. Severus removed the locket Hermione always wore, put the necklace around her throat and fastened it. Hermione felt her spirits lift somewhat.

Hermione touched the necklace as she admired it in the mirror. Severus stood behind her and smoothed her hair. 'It's truly lovely, Severus, thank you so much. I will always treasure it.'

'My pleasure,' he put his arms around her waist and kissed the top of her head. 'I'd like that to be the sum of your attire tonight, my dear, but it might cause a commotion in the restaurant. Now, let me dress you. Stay there.' He walked over to the bed and picked up the suspender belt and stockings. Kneeling down, he put the belt around her waist and fastened it. He sat back on his heels and rolled up a stocking.

'Foot.' Hermione placed her toes inside the stocking and rested her foot on his thigh while he rolled the stocking up her leg, smoothing it and attaching it to the suspenders.

'Now the other one.' He repeated the procedure, rubbing his hands over her thigh more than was strictly necessary. Finally satisfied, he got up and brought her robe over to her.

'I need a bra, Severus.'

'Not tonight,' he said. 'A lifting charm will do just as well.' He helped Hermione into her robe and fastened it. Hermione took her wand and made the final fittings to the dress, cast the lifting charm and tightened the bodice for good measure.

'You look ravishing,' Severus said admiringly.

'You don't look so bad yourself,' she replied. And it was true. He was wearing very dark green dress robes and had tied his hair back. 'In fact, you look incredibly sexy.'

Severus smiled. 'Are you going to be much longer?'

'No, I just need to do my make-up, and I'll be there.' Hermione stepped into her shoes and began to rummage in her cosmetics bag.

'I shall summon Winky and wait for you in the living room.'

Hermione quickly applied some make-up and pulled a brush through her hair. Deciding it would be too much of a fiddle to put up, she fixed the sides back with a pair of combs. 'That will have to do,' Hermione sighed, looking in the mirror at her wild mane in exasperation. For the second time that day, she seriously considered getting it cut.

Ten minutes later, Hermione emerged from the bedroom wearing her best travelling cloak. 'I'm ready,' she said, walking towards the children's bedrooms. 'I'll just say goodnight to the kids.'

'Hurry up, Hermione. We're going to be late.'

'You be good for Winky, Albus,' Severus heard her say, 'or next time I'll ask the Bloody Baron to babysit.'

'Don't fuss so much, Hermione. They'll be fine. Now are you ready?'

'Yes, I'm ready.'

'About time. Accio broom'

'Broom? We're not flying to the restaurant? Severus, you know I hate to fly.'

'I know, but you've never flown with me.' Severus looked slightly embarrassed. 'I never got the chance to take a girl for a broom ride when I was a teenager, and I believe no one asked you, either.'

'That's true,' she said.

'So, do we have a date?'

Hermione laughed. It was probably the silliest, most romantic gesture he had ever made. 'It's a date,' she said.

* * *

Equinox was an exclusive restaurant and hotel set in its own grounds about ten miles the other side of Hogsmeade. It had been recommended to Severus by Draco Malfoy for its cuisine. As they touched down, a young wizard was waiting to take their broom. Severus declined the offer, shrunk it and put it in his pocket. The broom had been his seventeenth birthday present from his mother. Merlin only knew what sacrifices she'd had to make to buy it for him; he had never asked, but it was precious to him and he never let it out of his sight. It was not nearly as fast or as comfortable as a modern broom, but was nevertheless considered a classic model, and Severus would not have swapped it for the world.

'It looks very posh, Severus,' said Hermione as they approached the reception desk.

'It is,' he replied, 'but the food is said to be excellent. Otherwise we would not be here. You know how I hate pretentiousness.' He addressed the receptionist, 'Table for two in the name of Snape.'

'Ah, yes,' said the witch behind the desk, 'I believe sir requested a private dining room?' She looked Hermione up and down.

'No, I did not,' replied Severus. 'There must be some misunderstanding.'

'I assure you, sir, there has been no mistake,' said the receptionist, checking the reservation diary. 'It was booked and paid for by a Mr. Malfoy.'

'I see,' said Severus.

'He must have intended it as a birthday surprise,' said Hermione. 'That was kind of him.'

The reception witch summoned a young waiter. 'Jonathan, show this lady and gentleman to the green dining room.'

'Certainly,' said the young man, 'follow me, please.'

They walked through the main foyer where Hermione had the uncomfortable feeling that she was being watched. Although she was well known in the wizarding world, Hermione's picture hadn't appeared in any newspaper or magazine since Albus was born, so she was hardly flavour of the month.

Why are people staring at me? she thought.

'I will kill Draco,' Severus hissed.

'Whatever for?'

'I will tell you later.'

Jonathan led the way to their private room and sat them at their table. 'Would you like to order some drinks, sir?' he asked.

'Yes, replied Severus, 'we would like some champagne to celebrate my wife's birthday.'

'Of course, sir.' With a swish of his wand, a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket appeared together with two champagne flutes. The waiter opened the bottle and filled the glasses. 'I will leave you with the menu, sir. Just touch your wand to the meals you require, and they will arrive. You will not be disturbed again until you ask for the bill.'

After he had left, Hermione could see that Severus was quietly fuming. 'Out with it,' she said, 'what's the matter?'

'These private dining rooms,' he almost spat, 'are usually reserved by wizards who want to take their mistresses somewhere, well,private.'

'Oh, my God,' said Hermione, giggling. 'That's why they were staring. They thought I was some... some floozy!'

'I fail to see what is so amusing. We are a respectable married couple. I am not some desperate old man trying to seduce some young chit of a witch!'

'Oh, this is priceless,' gasped Hermione, laughing even harder. 'Just wait until I tell Harry and Ginny.'

'You will do no such thing,' said Severus crossly.

'Oh, please, love, try to see the funny side of it.' Hermione got up, walked over to him and put her arms around his neck. 'The waiter said we wouldn't be disturbed. Perhaps we should take advantage of that, hmm?' She kissed his cheek.

'Just what are you suggesting, Mrs Snape?' Severus asked, starting to cheer up a bit.

'Why don't we pretend that you are, in fact, my rich, um, benefactor, and I am an impressionable young witch who knows a good thing when she sees it?'

'That has possibilities,' he purred. 'Why don't we order something to eat? Sit down and look at the menu.' Hermione returned to her seat. 'What would you like to eat, Miss Granger, or may I call you Hermione?'

She smiled flirtatiously. 'Oh, I don't know, sir. The menu's all in foreign, and this fancy food is all new to me. You choose.'

'Certainly, my dear. How about some oysters to start?' Severus knew she loved them. 'They're very good for the, uh, blood.' He looked her up and down in what he hoped was a suitably lascivious manner.

'Ooh, sir,' Hermione said, sipping her champagne, 'you're spoiling me, and I think them bubbles 'ave gone to me 'ead.' She giggled prettily, hiding behind the menu. The oysters duly arrived and they tucked in. Severus watched as Hermione sucked them off the shells and drank the juice, which inevitably ran down her chin.

'Let me get that, my dear,' said Severus, getting up and dabbing his napkin to mop up the spillage. 'You don't want to ruin your lovely new robe now, do you?'

'No, sir,' Hermione replied. 'I don't.'

'Perhaps it may be safer to remove it?'

'Ooh, but sir, I'm not wearing any underthings.'

'How careless of you.' Severus unfastened her robe and pushed it down to her waist. 'Much better. Now, continue.'

Hermione picked up another oyster and slurped, making sure that some of the juice spilled on her breast. 'Oops,' she said, 'how clumsy of me.'

'Indeed. Let me attend to it.' He licked it up greedily. 'Mmm. Perhaps we should skip to dessert?'

'Oh, no, sir, I wants a proper dinner, I do. A few oysters ain't gonna fill me up.'

'I may have the very thing for that,' Severus said, sucking one of her nipples.

Hermione lifted his chin up with her thumb and forefinger. 'Food first, afters... after.'

'Minx,' he said, going back to his seat. Severus sat through the main course looking at his wife's breasts and trying to ignore his throbbing erection. Hermione took great delight in eating everything as suggestively as possible. Paying particular attention to the baby vegetables, she speared a carrot on her fork, sucked it gently, and then bit off the tip. Severus winced.

He had planned on having an evening of debauchery, but hadn't expected to start quite so early. He had to pace himself; he wasn't a young man anymore, and he hadn't taken an endurance potion. So when Hermione said she would like some strawberries and cream for dessert, Severus almost groaned. She was trying to kill him; he was convinced of it.

'Remember our honeymoon?' said Hermione, picking up a dollop of whipped cream with a spoon and placing a bit on each nipple. She then put half a strawberry on top of that.

'Come here,' he growled.

Hermione stood up, stepped out of her robe and walked around the table. She sat astride Severus' lap and began to dry hump him while he licked the strawberries and cream off her breasts. Severus gritted his teeth. He didn't want to come, not yet, not like this.

Hermione, however, was going for gold.

'Yes, oh, yesss.'

Severus held her hips on target as she ground herself against him. Licking and sucking each nipple alternately, he prayed she'd come soon before he lost all control.

'Don't stop...so close...' Hermione held his head in a vice-like grip against her breast.

He sucked harder.

'Oh, gods. Oh, yess, oh, SEV-ER-USSSSS.' She came, shuddering, on his lap. Hermione kissed him, licking some stray cream off his lips.

'Do you want coffee?' Severus asked, massaging her buttocks.

'No. I think I'll pass.'

'Very well, get dressed, and I'll get the bill.' Hermione looked disappointed. He kissed her soundly. 'The night is still young, my love.'

A little later, they had kicked off into the starlit sky and were heading back to Hogwarts. Despite the fact she hated flying, Hermione was starting to enjoy herself. Severus was an excellent flyer, and she felt very safe riding tandem with him.

They had passed Hogsmeade and were making their way over the Forbidden Forest when Severus slowed down and began to circle. He whispered in Hermione's ear, 'Ever wanted to do it on a broom?'

'What? No, it's too dangerous.'

'Scared, my dear? What happened to all that Gryffindor courage?'

'Are you daring me, Professor Snape?'

'I believe I am, Professor Granger,' he said nibbling her ear lobe.

'All right,' she agreed, 'but we do it naked.'

'What? It's freezing!'

'All or nothing,' Hermione insisted, 'and there are such things as Warming Charms. Oh, and you can keep your wand holder on.'

'Deal,' he said, banishing their clothes, 'now lean forward a bit... yes, and... oh, yes, like that. Just. Like. That.'

A roosting hippogriff looked up and surveyed the broom flying erratically around its tree. Deciding the crazy humans did not pose a threat, it tucked its great head under its wing and settled down for the night. Their cries of ecstasy ringing out through the quiet of the night sky was the last thing it heard before falling asleep.

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

Hermione was staring at the canopy of the bed, holding the golden heart of her locket close to her chest. Inside were two photographs. On the left, a Muggle photo of her parents, and on the right, a wizarding photo of the trio taken after the Triwizard Tournament in their fourth year. Hermione bit back the tears as the memories came flooding back. 'Mum, Dad, Ron' she said to herself quietly, 'I'm thirty now, and I still miss you all.'

Hermione's parents had been killed in a Death Eater attack in the January following her eighteenth birthday. Mr and Mrs Granger had known of the danger they were in but had refused to be intimidated. After a mass breakout from Azkaban at Christmas, Hermione had been worried sick and had begged her parents to go into hiding, but to no avail. Her worst fears were confirmed when a Death Eater, with the aid of some Polyjuice Potion, disguised himself as the postman and managed to fool the Aurors who were guarding the house. He rang the bell on the pretext of delivering a parcel and forced his way inside when Mr Granger answered the door. The Aurors rushed to their aid, but the murderer had cast the Killing Curse twice and Apparated before they could stop him.

In a few short months, Hermione's world had been turned upside-down twice, initially by Severus' betrayal and later by the death of her beloved parents. Ron had been like an anchor in a storm on both occasions.

Still reeling from the shock, Hermione had leant against Ron at Dumbledore's funeral and wept at her lover's treachery. Ron had stroked her hair as she sobbed on his shoulder.

'I trusted him, Ron. I trusted him.'

'I know. I know,' he replied absentmindedly. Despite having the witch of his dreams leaning her head on his shoulder and looking to him for comfort, Ron was not happy. Apart from the horror of the last few days, something was bothering him. Things just didn't add up. He knew it in his gut, and if there was one thing he had learned in all his years at Hogwarts, it was to trust his instincts. All the pieces of the puzzle were there, he was sure; it was a question of making them fit.

Best leave it stew a bit, Ron decided. These things have a habit of working themselves out.

Ron had loved puzzles of any sort since he had been a small boy. He remembered being given a wizarding jigsaw of his favourite Quidditch team one Christmas. He spent hours lost in concentration putting it together, looking forward to the moment when the completed picture would animate. However, much to his annoyance, some of the pieces just didn't seem to belong. This was because one of the twins, as a practical joke, decided to substitute some of the pieces with ones from a different puzzle. It drove Ron mad with frustration until his mother, realising what had happened, sorted it out.

Is that what's going on here? Ron mused, Are things not making any sense because the pieces are jumbled up with a different puzzle entirely that we know nothing about? His brain hurt thinking about it. He needed to discuss his misgivings with Hermione, but not just yet.

'Hermione.' Ron held the distraught witch closer to him. 'We have to be strong for Harry's sake. He needs us. We can't afford to fall apart now.'

Hermione's crying began to subside as a thought suddenly occurred to her.

My loyalties will remain the same.

'You're right, Ron, as usual.' She sat up, wiped her eyes and gave him a wan smile. 'But you and I need to talk. There's something I have to tell you.'