Chapter 7: Coming to a Realization

Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to JKR.

A/N: Many thanks to my awesome beta, Southern_Witch_69!

Hermione grumbled to herself all the way to breakfast. Didn't feel anything my arse. He can deny it all he wants, but I know he felt something! It couldn't have been only me who felt that!

Her face lightened when she opened the doors to the Great Hall and spotted Neville sitting at the staff table. In her anger at her husband, she'd forgotten that since he was now the Herbology professor, Neville would likely be there! She quickly made her way to him. "Neville! It's so good to see you! How are you?"

"Great! Here," he told her as he reached beside him and pulled out a chair. "Have a seat. I read about your... marriage in the Daily Prophet. What happened?" he asked, surprised. "I thought you were for Ron?"

Hermione sighed and told him of the wine and the charm. "The next thing I knew, we were all at the Ministry at the same time, and since Kingsley was leaving for Italy the next day, we all decided to get married right then."

Neville nodded. "How did Ron and Harry take it?"

"'Bout like you'd expect." Hermione lowered her eyes to her plate. "I'm afraid Ron hates me. Harry and I, well, we made some sort of peace, but Ron..."

Neville placed his hand over Hermione's and squeezed gently. "Don't worry. Ron will eventually get over this mad spell. You know how he is. Besides, I've noticed him watching Luna for some time now. I don't even know if he realized he was doing it, but I've noticed his looks all right."

"Really?" Hermione asked disbelievingly, a little put out.

"Yes," Neville told her truthfully. "I'm not surprised about you and Snape either, truth be told."

"Please! Don't tell me you noticed him watching me or, heaven forbid, me watching him. There's no way."

"No," Neville said, laughing. "I never noticed anything like that, but I know the two of you, and I was just saying that I'm not surprised by it, that's all."

Shaking her head in disbelief, Hermione decided to change the subject. "What about you? Anyone special you're seeing right now?"

Neville blushed. "Well..." Taking a deep breath, he told her, "I've been seeing Hannah Abbot these past few weeks."

"Really? Neville, that's wonderful!"

"She's most certainly wonderful. I ran into her one day when she was buying supplies for a garden she wanted to start at her house. She asked my advice, one thing led to another, and we just really hit it off. It's funny, I never noticed her while we were in school, but the two of us have quite a lot in common actually."

Hermione leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I'm very happy for you. You deserve to be happy." She grinned wickedly. "Especially after saving my husband's life. Tell me, how does it feel to be owed a Wizard's Debt by the snarky Potions professor?"

Neville's eyes widened. "He told you that?"

"No," Hermione laughed. "Minerva did. Tell me all about it," she insisted as she put her elbow on the table and propped her chin on her fist.

He looked at her disapprovingly. "Hermione, I would've expected better from you. I won't talk about that. It's not a joke, you know!"

Sitting up straight, she said, "I never thought it was a joke! I just thought with the way he's treated you all these years, you would like to brag a bit about him owing you, that's all."

"No, I wouldn't. Yes, he treated me horridly. I won't deny that. But let's face it. I'm a klutz when it comes to making potions. He was a spy in the middle of a war between two very dangerous wizards, and he had a lot of pressure on him. So, no, I don't want to brag about any such thing, nor will I talk about it."

Hermione suddenly felt ashamed. Neville was right. "Oh, God, Neville, I'm sorry. You're absolutely right!"

"It's okay."

But Hermione didn't feel okay. She felt repulsed at herself. No wonder the man was so closed off to everyone. If everyone else acted as she did, getting pleasure out of his pain, Hermione really couldn't blame him for his actions towards her.

She vowed to herself right then that however nasty he was to her, she was going to do her best to break through the protective shell he'd placed around himself. No longer would she act in such a childish manner. If she wanted him to treat her like an adult, a wife, then she would behave as one!

She didn't care what anyone said; what Ginny, Luna, and she had performed was a soul mate charm! She refused to believe it was rubbish! Hermione really wanted a chance to discover if it had merit.

"Hermione," Neville said and gently laid his hand on hers. "Really, it's okay. I'm not judging you. Please don't look so put out."

Hermione smiled. "Thanks, Neville. I'm off for work now, but I want to get together for tea sometime soon."

"Sure. Hannah would love to see you!"

Hermione rose and left for the Apparition point, heart heavy and head full of her husband.

~*~

By the time Hermione had arrived at the Ministry, she'd decided to kill her husband with kindness. Not be sweet, but kind words, going out of her way for him, things such as that. Eventually, she would wear him down. Wouldn't she?

She had almost made it to the lift to ride to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures when it happened. She ran right into Ron. Hermione stumbled when they collided, and he grabbed her arms to steady her, then quickly released her and stepped back.

"Ron! Luna! What are you two doing here?"

"It's none of your business!" Ron said while Luna explained, "We had to remarry. Ronald fell asleep last night, and we didn't get to consummate the marriage. We were sent directly to Azkaban. They made us come here to retrieve our wands. They are sent directly here now if you are summoned to the prison."

"Oh, how dreadful! Are you all right?"

Ron sneered. "Why wouldn't we be?"

"It must have been terrible to have to spend the night in Azkaban!"

Luna smiled dreamily, looking off into space. "It was fine once we slept."

Hermione looked at her and drew her eyebrows together, frowning. "Once you slept?"

"Yes. Ron held me in his arms all night. Oh, Hermione, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking..."

"It seems you and your husband had no problems shagging, eh, Hermione? Or would you rather be called Mrs. Snape?"

Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose. "Listen, Ron, I know that you're upset with me, and I understand why, but there's nothing to be done. Couldn't we move past this? I care for you tremendously."

"Get past this? Are you mad? YOU BROKE MY HEART!" he screamed at her while hitting his chest with his fist and had heads turning to see what all the ruckus was about. "You slay me, Hermione. I loved you."

Tears gathered in Hermione's eyes, but she fought them back. "I loved you, too. Ron, can you honestly stand there and tell me that you think we would do well together married? Do you honestly love me enough to spend your entire life with me?"

"I dunno," he admitted. "But that's not really the point, is it? The point is that instead of taking me to the side and saying, 'Ron, I'm having doubts about us, I think we need time apart,' you went and did some charm that not only affected you, but me as well. Without even warning me!"

"I had no idea you would be for Luna! And besides, if I had come to you, you would have argued with me!"

"Yes, I realize I would've argued with you, Hermione, but at least I would've had some warning of your feelings. As it was, I went on holiday with Harry thinking we were great, and suddenly, I get a letter from the Ministry. And me being for Luna is not the point. The point is that your performing that blasted charm while knowing that it wouldn't pick me has most assuredly affected me."

Hermione sighed, tired of going over it. She swore to herself that this was the last time she would. "It. Was. The. Wine. Otherwise, we never would've done it, and I had no idea it wouldn't pick you!"

Unconsciously, Ron grabbed his wife's hand. "Right. We've got to go. We both have to be at work soon. Goodbye."

Ron quickly walked to the door, dragging Luna behind him. She turned back to look at Hermione. "I'm sorry," she mouthed.

Hermione nodded and watched them leave. Sighing again, she thought that this was another relationship she would have to work on. She refused to lose Ron all together.

She made her way to her office, thinking of the latest case she was working on. A werewolf had bitten a thirteen-year-old boy, and people were lobbying to have the boy killed. After learning about Fenrir Greyback, the populace was terrified of anything to do with werewolves.

Hermione shook her head. Not only at the ignorance but also at the unwillingness to learn! All the child needed was the Wolfsbane Potion once a month!

The problem was it was extremely hard to make, and the average person didn't know how to make it every month. She opened the door to her office, promising herself that she would find a solution if it killed her.

~*~

Ginny sat in the stands and watched her husband and soon to be teammates practice. She had to admit, he was magnificent. He flew with such grace, as if he'd been born on a broom. She only knew one other person who flew like that: Harry.

Ginny closed her eyes and shook her head. Whenever she thought of Harry, her chest constricted and her stomach knotted. She had to find a way to get past this! She hated to think of Harry despising her, but there was no doubt he did.

Fighting back the tears, Ginny looked up as a group of witches came barreling up the bleachers and sat to watch the practice. Wondering if it was usual for the public to watch, Ginny turned to the women. "So, do you guys come here often?"

"No, we never did before. We only started coming when Wood started playing for the team. He's gorgeous, he is. We read in the paper where he's gone and got himself married though. Ah, well, that's no never mind to us! He's still just as cute as ever."

"Oh, he is, is he?" Ginny studied the women...there were three of them...and then turned to gaze to her husband. She noticed the change immediately. When he'd noticed he had an audience, he began to perform. Showing off and doing unnecessary stunts.

Ginny shrugged. "A bit of a show off if you ask me."

"I don't recall asking you," one of the women told her. "Besides, we've never seen you about before. Getting a look yourself, are you?"

Snorting, Ginny told them, "Hardly. I just found out that I will be playing for this team in just a few months, so I wanted to watch them in action."

"Right. Whatever you say, dear."

Just then, Oliver flew over to where the group of women sat while watching him. "Ladies," he greeted. "It's good to see you again today."

"Oh, we wouldn't miss your practices, Ollie! Not for anything!"

Oliver winked saucily at them. "Glad to hear it! I play better with my fan base keeping a check on my abilities!" Giving his wife a smirk, Oliver flew to the ground and headed for the locker room to shower and change.

After he left, one of the women sighed. "Ah, I bet he's a complete animal in bed!"

"Naa," Ginny said nonchalantly, "I got a glimpse in the locker room." She held up a pinky and wiggled it. "Some men are great at sports for a reason, girls!"

~*~

As soon as the hotel door closed behind him, Oliver grabbed Ginny and pushed her against it, crushing his mouth with his. "A great practice gets me worked up!"

She shoved at his chest and pushed him off of her. "A great practice, is it? Truly? You're sure it's not your little groupies you're thinking of?"

Oliver cocked his head, studying his wife. "Careful there. Although green usually looks great on you, this particular shade is very unbecoming."

"You think I'm jealous?" she asked incredulously. "As if I'd be jealous over you! I just refuse to be made a fool of, that's all! Those hags were talking about reading of your marriage!"

"So? And I don't think hag is the term I'd use to describe them..."

"You be careful, Oliver Wood! The fact remains that those ladies know that you're married, and you just slobbered all over them, going over there and disrespecting me! I won't be made a laughing stock!"

Oliver cleared his throat to disguise a chuckle. "Yes, dear," he said, placing his hands on either side of her head on the door she was still leaning against. "Although, in my very humble opinion, this is what happens when I slobber all over someone." He leaned in and began nibbling her bottom lip playfully.

"Hmm," Ginny said. "I do see some difference."

"Here," he said as he took her hand and led her towards the bed. "I want to make sure you see all the difference. I wouldn't want there to be any doubts left when I'm through with you."

"All right," Ginny said as she allowed herself to be dragged into the bedroom. "For the sake of comparison, mind." She was laughing when he slammed the door closed.

~*~

Harry sat in his sitting room, gazing into the fire. He'd gotten drunk the night before and was nursing a hangover.

He sighed and rubbed his hands over his face roughly. He should really be at work, but he didn't feel like going in, so he sent an owl saying he was sick. He couldn't do that everyday, especially when Kingsley returned, but for today, he would stay home.

Harry looked at the Charms book he'd thrown across the room the night before. For one brief moment, he considered performing the charm himself, but then decided it wouldn't be fair to ruin someone else's life as his had been.

And that's just what those three women had done. They'd ruined his life. His dream of finally belonging to a family that he loved was shattered.

He sighed when he heard the knock on the door. He decided to ignore it, and after a few moments, Ron walked in.

"Harry! What's going on?"

"Nothing!" Harry said, feeling guilty for staying home from work. "What are you doing here, Ron?"

"I was at the Ministry earlier and stopped by to see you. They told me that you were sick and wouldn't be in today, so I came to check on you."

Harry shrugged. "I'm fine. I don't need you coming over here to baby-sit me. Why aren't you working yourself?"

"Because," Ron said as he smiled, "I came over here to baby-sit you." He put his hands on his hips as he surveyed the messy room, noting two empty firewhisky bottles lying on the floor. "Looks like you really tied one on, mate, and got right pissed."

"So what if I did? It's my business, and I'm entitled after what your sister did to me."

"Hey." Ron threw his hands up in surrender. "I lost my fiancée, too."

Harry guffawed. "Ron, let's be serious. I know that you loved Hermione, and I'll never try to say you didn't. But you know as well as I do that you two wouldn't have lasted."

Ron fisted his hands at his sides while his face reddened. "You know, I'm getting really sick and tired of everyone telling me that Hermione and I couldn't make a go as a married couple. I may not have been her soul mate, but I reckon a lot of people marry someone other than their soul mate. Regardless of what everyone else seems to think, I think we had a shot."

Harry dismissed this with an impatient wave of his hand. "You couldn't go a day without arguing about something. You had no interests in common. If she even mentioned something studious, you lost it, and if you mentioned anything on Quidditch or about the shop, she did."

"Oh, and I supposed you and Ginny had everything in common?"

"A hell of a lot more than you and Hermione did!"

"So you say! I lost as much as you did!"

"Sure you did! I lost a family! You may have lost Hermione as a wife, but she still cares about you! And you have Luna!"

"You did not lose a family! Ginny still cares for you, too! We are still your family and always will be, you git! And I don't want Luna!"

"Liar! You may not want to be married to her, but you sure lusted after her. I noticed, Neville and me both, that last time we were all at the Leaky Cauldron for drinks. Every time she walked by, you watched her."

Ron's face became redder. "I suppose you're going to say that since Ginny you never found another woman attractive?"

"Of course I did. I'm just saying that you got picked. You were still chosen."

"Harry, this is ridiculous. Don't tell me that you're upset at not being chosen."

"I'm upset that Ginny did this stupid charm to begin with!"

"Well, so am I! This is not a contest. We've both been wronged. But, Harry, you have to know, you're always going to be part of our family."

Harry said nothing for a moment, then asked, "Did you see the Prophet this morning?"

"No. Um, I suppose you should hear this from me. Luna and I spent the night in Azkaban last night for not consummating the marriage. I fell asleep, and the next thing I knew, I woke up in a cell with her."

"Ron! How could you do that to her?"

"Geez, you're sure full of judgment today! I didn't do it on purpose, you know!"

Harry just shook his head. "Anyway, the marriages are in there. All three, but Ginny's to Wood is what made the headlines." He nodded towards the paper. "Have a read."

After reading the article, Ron balled up the paper and threw it in the fire. "Sorry, mate. Is there anything I can do?"

"No, not really. Go on to work. I'll be fine."

"You sure? You want to meet me for lunch or drinks after work?"

"No, not really. Honestly, Ron, I just want to be alone for a while. I'll be okay, but I need time. Go on then. Off with you."

When Ron left, Harry got out of the chair and went to lie on the couch. Moments later, an owl pecked at the window. It seemed that Kingsley had sent an owl to the Ministry requesting Harry and a couple other Aurors go to Italy to help on a certain case if they had the time. As his eyes drifted shut, Harry thought that sounded like a perfect idea to him at the moment. He'd look into it when he woke.

AN: We'll be moving forward a month in the next chapter.