Conversations at a Party

Disclaimer: JKR owns it all. I'm just having fun.

Chapter 7

Conversations at a Party

The music blaring from the Wizarding Wireless Network filled the Burrow, and combined with the brightly-coloured lanterns and party streamers, created a festive atmosphere. The small stone dwelling, with its haphazardly added stories, had been expanded upon since the end of the war; Arthur Weasley's status as a war hero had garnered him a higher position within the Ministry and with it a higher salary. Even so, it was a tight fit with all the people presently congregated within the Burrow's walls.

This evening was a special one – they were celebrating the completion of Hermione's university studies. Hermione Granger was now officially a Potions mistress.

Hermione smiled to herself as she looked around the room at the people who had become her surrogate family. She had been pleasantly surprised by the Weasleys' offer to throw her a celebratory dinner, especially under the circumstances.

Molly and Arthur had been disappointed when she and Ron had informed them that their wedding was cancelled, but Hermione had been surprised at their level of understanding. A small part of her had feared that the break-up of her romantic relationship with Ron would also signal an end to her relationship with his parents, as well. After all, Molly had all but disowned her after reading Rita Skeeter's filthy lies about her and Harry during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. However, this time Molly had simply embraced her and let her know in no uncertain terms that she would always think of Hermione as another daughter, whether it was official or not.

And so now, she stood – a proud recipient of her Potions mastery – chatting and laughing in the midst of the lively party celebrating her achievement. The only thing that could possibly make it even more perfect would be if ...

The kitchen door opened and in walked Luna, who immediately located Hermione amidst the crowd. Hermione smiled as her closest female friend made her way across the room to embrace her.

"Hermione! I'm so sorry I'm late! There was a sighting of a herd of stampeding Griffleback Snorflunks and Daddy insisted that we investigate. Turns out they weren't stampeding but were more meandering," Luna said in a rush, her large eyes appearing even larger in her excitement, "but I came as soon as I could. I'm just so thrilled for you!"

Hermione laughed and returned the hug. "Thank you, Luna! I'm so glad you're here – it wasn't the same without you. Have you eaten? Let's get you something to eat and grab some punch. I'm parched!"

The two friends manoeuvred their way to the table, and whilst Luna filled her plate with food, Hermione grabbed two glasses of punch. They chatted as Luna ate, Hermione laughing as Luna regaled her with stories about her "investigative reporting" duties for The Quibbler.

"So then," Luna said in her usual serene way, "I hid behind this really bushy tree – I don't know what kind of tree it was, but it was unusually bushy, with really large leaves that had these strange brown spots with a red centre. I think it was red, it may have been more of reddish-purple colour ... well, that's not important, I suppose. Anyway, I was hiding behind this tree and I thought I saw something move and I heard this really strange sound – 'wackawoo wackawoo.' That's the call of the Griffleback Snorflunk, you know. So I reached down to grab my camera – it was around my neck – only to find that somehow it had become tangled in the leaves of the really bushy tree and ..."

Luna continued to talk about how she had just missed getting a picture of the ever-elusive Griffleback Snorflunk, but Hermione was no longer listening. She had caught Severus' eye from across the room where he was speaking with Draco and Remus. He raised his glass to her, the smirk she knew so well gracing his lips – lips she had yet to feel pressed against her own, although the bastard had teased her by kissing her cheek or the palm of her hand at every possible opportunity. She watched as the smirk eased into a small smile, and he cocked an eyebrow as she brazenly stared at his mouth. Realising what she was doing, Hermione blushed, inhaling softly and returning her gaze to Luna as she shook her head; she had blushed more in the past few weeks than in her entire life. She sipped the chilled punch, hoping it would cool her ardour as well as quench her thirst.

"So," Luna said, her tone nonchalant, "what's going on between you and Mr Snape?"

Hermione choked and sputtered, punch dribbling out of the corner of her mouth. Shocked at Luna's blunt question – although she didn't know why, as Luna often exhibited an uncanny ability to see things that others did not – Hermione wiped her mouth with a napkin, then grabbed Luna's plate and placed it on the table alongside her glass of punch. She pulled Luna by the sleeve into a vacant corner.

"I don't ... I mean we ... I've been ... Is it that obvious?" Hermione couldn't help but sneak another peek at Severus.

Luna giggled. "Probably only if someone were really watching you. How long has this been going on?" she whispered as both girls waved a greeting to Harry and Ron who were passing by on their way to the table of food.

"Not long," Hermione answered, her face aglow with happiness, "a month or so."

"A month!" Luna exclaimed softly, her silvery-grey eyes tinged with hurt. "You tell me right now what is going on, Hermione Granger. I can't believe you've been seeing someone for so long without telling me. Me!"

Hermione had the grace to look chagrined. "Oh, Luna, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you feel badly. Truly! I wasn't sure if anything was going to come of it, and well, with the prophecy and all, I wasn't sure how you would take my seeing someone other than Charlie. The very last thing I would ever want to do is hurt your feelings."

Luna sighed and then grasped Hermione's hand. "The prophecy does make it sound as if Charlie might be your soul mate, but whether he is or isn't, I'll be the first to admit that it could be years or decades before it comes to pass. Who am I to begrudge you whatever happiness you find in the meantime?"

Hermione's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Thank you. Thank you for understanding. I was so worried you would feel I was slighting you in some way."

"I know you love me as if I were your very own sister, and I feel the same about you. Nothing will ever change that. All right?"

Hermione nodded, clutching Luna's hand tightly as she sniffed, then composed herself. She hadn't realised just how worried she had been about offending Luna until now, and she was overcome with relief that her decision to ignore the prophecy did not bother her friend in the slightest.

With a speculative gleam in her eyes and with a nod in Severus' direction, Luna asked, "So ... is anything going to come of it?"

Hermione sighed dreamily and dared a quick glance at Severus. "I think so."

Luna giggled at the uncharacteristic expression on Hermione's face, then matter-of-factly commented, "You're falling for him."

"Oh, it's too soon for ..."

"You are! I can tell. Look! You can't stop staring at him!"

A becoming flush spread across Hermione's cheeks as a silly smile emerged. Wishing to keep the conversation private, she surreptitiously removed her wand and cast a quick Muffliato.

"All right; yes, I think I am. It seems so sudden, but when you take into account that we've been friends for almost four years – well, it just feels right. When I'm with him, I feel completely at ease – completely myself. I feel as if he accepts me just as I am, and it's wonderful!"

Luna smiled widely. "I'm so happy for you! You deserve nothing less, dearest." She paused a moment, her eyes taking on a mischievous glint. "So you've been going out – like on dates?"

A large grin lit up Hermione's face. "Oh, yes! We've been spending quite a bit of time together. We haven't been able to go out all that often due to my exams, but we've been to the Muggle cinema, and last week he took me to a wizarding museum in Edinburgh. He even went on a picnic with me."

"He did not!" Luna gasped before bursting into giggles with Hermione as they huddled together in the corner.

"He did! I swear it! Not that he had much choice, really."

Puzzled by that remark, Luna asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Well," Hermione explained, "we've been going to lunch several times a week – when I'm at work, you see – and then a few weeks ago, he invited me to go with him to visit a Muggle art gallery in London. He agreed that I could pick the next outing, and I chose a picnic."

"And he actually ate whilst sitting on the ground?" Luna was struggling to grasp the concept of the rigid and proper man she had come to know sitting on a blanket in the middle of a field somewhere.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yes, he did. The point is he that didn't have to. He could have refused, and probably would have done if anyone else had asked him."

Luna nodded at that. "True. You had a nice time, then – on the picnic?"

"Oh, yes. It was just lovely. I found an isolated spot at a beautiful tree-filled park – it was perfect for a picnic – and went ahead of time to prepare things as a surprise." Hermione laughed as she remembered the look on Severus' face when he had seen her "surprise."

"Here we are!"

She wasn't at all surprised to feel his fingers wipe away the wetness at her temple; nor was she when his warm hand found hers. Lying side by side, fingers entwined, they watched the clouds together, the rest of the world forgotten.

Luna sighed as Hermione completed her tale. "It's so romantic!" she declared, her own eyes even more dreamy than was usual for the eccentric witch.

Hermione nodded her agreement, her eyes once again seeking out Severus in the crowded room.

"And you're certain you have no feelings whatsoever for Charlie? You know, what with the prophecy and all? I mean, what if Charlie shows up and declares his love for you?"

"For the last time, I have no interest whatsoever in Charlie Weasley," Hermione replied firmly. "Even if he were to appear this very minute and pledge his undying devotion, it would not matter one whit to me. He would only be doing it because of the prophecy. It would be absolutely mortifying to have a man show romantic interest in me only because he believes he's fated to do so." She waved a dismissive hand. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. I'm with Severus now, and the more time we spend together, the more convinced I am that he's the one for me. I don't care what the prophecy says."

***

Severus knew he was staring, but he was unwilling – or unable – to keep his eyes from her. Lupin and Draco had cornered him the minute he entered the room, wanting his opinion on some trivial matter that did not interest him in the slightest. Dragging his gaze away from the object of his newly-found affections, he attempted to concentrate on the conversation at hand, but soon he found himself glancing in her direction again.

Hermione. She was radiant this evening, her happiness readily apparent upon her face. Her hair was down again – she had been wearing it that way more and more often – and her casual Muggle attire allowed him an unhindered view of her seductive curves.

Suddenly, her eyes met his, and Severus raised his glass to her in acknowledgement. He smirked, realising that she was as unable to resist his presence as he was hers. He felt his mouth relax into a smile as he watched Hermione's eyes drop to his mouth and linger there for several moments before her cheeks reddened and she returned to her conversation with Miss Lovegood.

So, she was fascinated by his mouth. Good. Severus was well aware that he had been tempting his little witch, allowing himself only to brush his lips against her cheek or the occasional kiss in her palm. Soon, my dear, he thought, watching as she laughed with her friend. Very soon.

His thoughts were interrupted when Lupin grasped his arm as he moved to pass him, a peculiar expression upon his face. "I'll speak with you later, Severus – when you aren't so distracted."

Severus glared at the back of the werewolf's head as he walked away, his mouth curling into a familiar sneer. He absentmindedly raised his glass to his lips, grimacing at the sickly-sweet taste of the fruity concoction.

"So," Draco drawled, "what's going on with you and Granger?"

Inhaling sharply, Severus aspirated his drink, causing him to cough violently. Draco began pounding him on the back, completely unaffected by the Potions master's glare, his own patrician features smug with the knowledge he had caught his former Head of House unawares.

Once he was able to breathe normally, Severus glowered at the younger wizard, his dark eyes narrowing dangerously. "What are you on about now, boy?"

Draco rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on, Severus. You know very well that those withering looks no longer affect me."

Severus' face relaxed and he snorted. "You have been keeping company with too many Gryffindors, to be so brave."

A deep chuckle escaped Draco before he schooled his features once again into their usual state of indifference. "Too true. Of course, I am not the only one fraternising with Gryffindors lately – although you seem to prefer the company of one Gryffindor in particular."

The Potions master stared at his former student for several moments, then muttered, "You are either far too observant or I have lost my touch."

The blond wizard simply regarded him silently until Severus heaved a dramatic sigh. "Fine. Exactly what is it that you wish to know?"

Draco's stoic expression remained unchanged, but his grey eyes betrayed his feeling of triumph. "You have not been able to keep your eyes from her all evening, and as far as I can see, she can't stop staring at you, either."

Severus arched an eyebrow in response.

"You're interested in her."

A cock of the head.

"She's interested in you."

A twitch of the lips.

"You're courting her."

A smug smile.

"She's letting you!"

A feral grin.

"What about that prophecy and Charlie Weasley?"

Severus scowled. "Charlie Weasley is not a concern."

"He's not? But the prophecy said ..."

Lowering his voice and leaning slightly forward, Severus murmured, "I am well aware of what the prophecy said, Draco. As a Slytherin, you should know that Gryffindors often fail to examine all of the possibilities and jump to conclusions which lead them to erroneous suppositions."

Severus observed silently as the other wizard carefully considered his words, certain that the young man would be able to decipher his meaning. After only a few moments, Draco's grey eyes widened in surprise, his indifferent façade slipping as the implications of Severus' words became clear.

"You!" he whispered. "Does she know?"

"No. Not yet. I trust I can count on your silence in the matter." Severus fingered his wand, a silent threat that did not go unnoticed by the young Malfoy.

"Of course," Draco managed to respond, his voice low to avoid being overheard. "And you actually care for her?"

"I do."

"And she returns your sentiments – even with the prophecy?"

"Hermione has decided to ignore the prophecy at this point in time – a decision that currently works in my favour."

Draco appeared to be puzzled by that statement. "Why? Wouldn't it be easier to tell her that it's you and not Weasley?"

Severus glared at the younger wizard. "Do you think I want a woman to come to me because she believes she has no other choice? No. I will make her mine on my own terms, prophecy or no prophecy."

***

Ron Weasley sat at the small table in the corner of the Burrow's new sitting room playing wizard chess with Harry. The party had started to die down, and most of the guests had either already left or were preparing to leave. Ron glanced across the room at Hermione, who was sitting with Ginny and Luna on the sofa. She seemed really happy, her face all aglow as she laughed and talked. He was glad to see her in such high spirits. Their break-up could have been a complete disaster, but the two of them had been friends for too long to let the end of their romantic relationship end their friendship, too.

"Your turn, Ron."

Ron turned his attention back the chess board and looked to see which piece Harry had moved. "Hermione looks happy," he said as he considered his next move.

Harry looked in Hermione's direction. "Yeah, she does. That's good, right?"

"Oh, yeah. If anyone deserves to be happy, it's Hermione." Ron moved a knight and then sat back in his chair. He watched Hermione hug Luna and Ginny before walking toward him.

"Hey, Ron. I'm going to go say good-bye to your parents, then I'm heading home," she said, giving him a quick hug before turning to her other best friend. "Bye, Harry. I'll see you soon."

Harry nodded absent-mindedly, muttering a good-bye as he studied the board.

Hermione laughed and bent down to place quick kiss on Harry's cheek. "Good luck with the game – looks like you'll need it."

Harry responded with a two-fingered salute, sending Hermione and the other girls into peals of laughter. Ron's eyes followed the girls as they walked to the kitchen. It had been over three months since he and Hermione called off their engagement. He wondered if she was interested in meeting up with Charlie yet. There was only one way to find out.

"I think I'm going to go walk her to the gate. I'll be right back – no cheating!"

Harry scratched his head as he considered his strategy. "Yeah, sure thing, mate."

Ron entered the kitchen as Hermione was speaking with his parents.

"Thank you both so much," Hermione said as she embraced Molly. "This meant the world to me."

"We're just so proud of you, dearie," Molly said, Arthur murmuring his agreement as he received his own hug from the young witch.

Farewells and hugs were shared all around, and the room cleared of all but Ron, Hermione and Luna. He waited as the girls said their good-byes and made plans to meet for lunch the next week. When Hermione appeared as if she were ready to leave, Ron moved forward; he had to talk to her about Charlie.

"Wait up, Hermione, and I'll walk you to the gate," he said, gesturing toward to the door.

"That will not be necessary, Mr Weasley. I will be escorting Miss Granger back to Grimmauld Place."

Ron jumped at the sound of Snape's familiar drawl – the man really did know how to sneak up on people.

"Thanks, anyway, Ron. I'll see you soon," Hermione said, standing up on her toes to place a chaste kiss on his cheek.

"Uh, yeah, Hermione, sure. Bye." Ron's confused gaze swung repeatedly between Snape and Hermione.

Hermione gave a little wave as she exited the Burrow, Snape following close behind. Moving to the window, Ron watched the pair as they walked down the garden path to the gate. His brow furrowed in confusion as he saw Snape place his hand at the small of Hermione's back. Why was he touching her? And why was she looking up at him like that - like she liked him?

"And why is he taking Hermione home?" he wondered aloud, forgetting that Luna was still in the room.

Luna joined him at the window, watching as Snape, who was looking particularly pleased with himself, pulled a smiling Hermione to him and Disapparated. "They're seeing each other."

"What?!"

The blonde witch rolled her protuberant eyes, and enunciating clearly, repeated her explanation. "They're seeing each other – as in dating."

"But the prophecy said she and Charlie ...." Ron gestured, waving his hand back and forth in front of him. "You know."

Luna shrugged. "Hermione said she doesn't intend to live her life waiting around for this prophecy to be fulfilled. You can't fault her for that. She has every right to seek out her own happiness. After all, 'love is a fruit that is always in season.'"

Ron stared quizzically at the loony witch. "Doesn't that mean ... never mind," he said, running a shaky hand through his bright red locks.

He was not swayed by Luna's words. Hermione was seeing someone, and not just any someone, either – she was seeing Snape. "Bloody hell. We'll just see about that," he muttered under his breath. There was absolutely no way this could be allowed to happen. He turned back to the window, glaring out into the darkness. She doesn't want to wait around for the prophecy to be fulfilled. Fine. I'll make sure it gets fulfilled – right now.

Pushing past a confused Luna, he left the kitchen and stormed into his father's new study. He yanked out a piece of parchment and a quill, grabbed a jar of ink, and began to write.

Charlie,

Get your arse to London. NOW! The greasy git is trying to steal away your soul mate ...

A/N: The Griffleback Snorflunk is a complete figment of my Dr. Seuss-influenced imagination.

Luna misquotes the phrase "Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand," by Mother Teresa.

Up next ... Hermione and Severus spend some time alone, and each has a realization about their relationship.

My continued thanks to my fabulous betas!