Disclaimer: All right, here it is: I'm only writing this once, "I don't own anything that you recognize from the Potterverse!" However, I DO own that which you don't recognize, namely the Tolkien-esque Elf and the Goddess!

A/N: If you did not read Unlikely Partners read that story first! This story won't make a lick of sense if you don't.

Partners Against a Greater Enemy

Part I: A False Sense of Security

Chapter One- When Love Cannot Heal Pain

Severus Snape grimaced upon glancing over Hermione's shoulder to read the headline of The Prophet she was currently reading, as he carried their cups of coffee from the sideboard to the table. He let out an exclamatory snort, his breath tickling the side of Hermione's neck. She'd coiled her hair into a knot at the back of her head, so she felt the movement of air against her skin and turned to meet his gaze.

"I'll never understand why you insist upon reading such utter tripe," he told her.

"Utter tripe, it may be Severus, but by reading it I can get a good idea of what sort of propaganda techniques the Ministry's employing to try to win favor and then possibly speculate on what their true motives for winning favor might be. You know, in Muggle history, periods of war have always been followed by periods of drastic reform. I'd rather try to guess what the Ministry's next move is now and not wait in blissful ignorance for them to pounce on the public with some kind of radical legislation."

Severus eyed the clock on the wall of his office.

"My, you're a bit verbose for it being seven o'clock in the morning, aren't you?"

Hermione gave him a look.
"Oh I do apologise, I accidentally forgot that you're incapable of intellectual discussion before you've received your daily fix of caffeine," the sarcasm in her voice was heavy enough that even an utter simpleton would be hard pressed to miss its presence in her tone. Sarcasm though it was, it was unmistakably light hearted.

"You do find that amusing, though I can't for the life of me think why."

He set a steaming cup in front of her and moved to sit at the other side of the table.

"At least you can be seen in Diagon Alley without having to worry that people will recognize you from the paper."

Severus made a sound in the back of his throat in reply. Shortly after The Order had succeeded in getting Severus's name cleared, Rufus Scrimgeour had publicly renounced all the charges Severus had been facing.

Privately, Severus had wondered what it had taken to get the Minister of Magic to agree to make such a speech. Bribery certainly wasn't out of the question. And a man like Scrimgeour would have a high price.

Remus's wedding was only a day and a half away. It was the reason why Hermione and Severus were going to Diagon Alley that morning. Hermione had scheduled an appointment to have the final fitting of the dress she'd had made at 8 in the morning and if any adjustments needed to be made she'd go back to pick the dress up later on in the afternoon.

There was a period of silence while Hermione waited for Severus to finish half of his coffee. As she waited, her thoughts drifted to Remus.

"Do you think he's all right?" she asked at length.

Severus took another sip of coffee before giving a response.

"Remus certainly hasn't confided in me. And you are, of course, aware that I made no attempt to dredge up any memories of Bellatrix when I told Remus about our relationship."

"Can we really believe that he's still the same man he's always been?" Hermione asked in a quiet voice.

"Given what he went through? No, I don't think we can. The question is whether Remus's love for Nymphadora is strong enough to overcome his pain."

"He wouldn't be marrying her if there was any doubt about his feelings." Hermione said to him.

Severus did not immediately reply.

"What? You don't think he's going to call the whole thing off, do you?" she asked.

"For Nymphadora's sake, and for the sake of her unborn children, I hope that everything goes as planned. But as I've said before, Remus has experienced a horrific ordeal that no man should have to go through. I know you must realize that there are certain types of pain that even love cannot heal."

Hermione blinked, speechless for a few seconds.

"Are you saying that the phrase 'love conquers all' is just something created by hopeless romantics who insist on viewing the world as all sweetness and light?"

Severus let out a light snort of amusement.

"Let me say that there are enough examples that will clearly prove that statement wrong."

Hermione sighed almost soundlessly and took another sip of her drink.

"I hate that we can't be seen "together" at the wedding," she told him, making quotations in the air as she said the word together. "What did you end up telling the Order last night that allowed you to leave our relationship completely out of the story?"

"A very toned down version of actual events. Sheniveer was introduced at the meeting, and I daresay that he was the focus of everyone's attention. They all had read Minerva's highly edited version of events in the report she submitted to the Ministry to get the powers that be to rescind the order for my arrest."

"But surely they asked questions that would be difficult for you to answer without alluding to what really took place?"

"I think Sheniveer's presence prevented that."

"Did you speak to Lily?"

"Briefly. . . James wasn't too pleased that his son lost his ability to use magic as a direct result of my actions."

"Oh no. What happened?"

"James was unable to comprehend the fact that this country would have fallen into Voldemort's hands had I not killed the phoenix, and he sure as hell didn't appear to make the connection between my actions and the fact that he's now alive and not dead like he was two and half weeks ago. Let it suffice to say that there was enough tension between us that I left at the earliest opportunity."

"What exactly did Lily say to you?"

"She wanted to know why I hadn't come looking for her."

At this, Hermione's eyes darkened with displeasure.

"If she lays a hand on you I may have to kill her."

Severus's lips quirked into a smirk.

"You do realize that Minerva is seriously considering the idea of offering her a teaching position this year."

"You mentioned as much to me earlier. Please don't remind me. Did McGonagall give you any idea as to when her decision would be made?"

"No, but I'm sure it will be soon."

"How did you answer her question?"

"I told her I didn't want to intrude on her time with Harry," said Severus.

"Do you think she has an idea of the nature of our relationship?"

"Despite the fact that she might have seen you kiss me, I honestly don't believe she thinks we are lovers."

"She may not now, but what will she think when you refuse to return to her?"

"The Bond we shared was severed with her death. She'll have to understand that, no matter what her current expectations might be."

Hermione let out a short feminine snort.

"It's not difficult to surmise what, exactly, those expectations are. If she knew the truth, I can only imagine her reaction."

"She won't find out. And neither will anyone else."

"I still haven't decided what I'm going to tell people. I thought about creating some story at the beginning of the year that I did something to make you give me nightly detention for an indefinite period of time, but that's not bloody likely is it? I mean what am I supposed to say, 'Oh Professor Snape gave me detention every night for the rest of the year.' What would I have to do to deserve that? The only thing I could think of is that you're punishing me for coming on to you or something and that definitely won't serve. It's too close to the truth."

Severus laughed softly.

"Do you really feel you need to say something to them?"

"If I sneak out and they know I'm gone, they're bound to ask where I've been."

"Well yes, but you wouldn't have to tell them you were with me."

Hermione sighed.

"And then if I told them to shut up and mind their own business they'd think I'm the world's worst bitch."

"I'd suggest that you tell them that we're working on experimental potions, but if they find out you're gone the entire night, it'd be more than a little farfetched."

"I could always say you were teaching me Occlumency," Hermione said with a laugh, bringing a smile to Severus's lips.

"Somehow I doubt any of them would know that there was is a sexual element to that."

"They could look it up in a book."

Severus snorted loudly.

"They wouldn't."

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Yes, I know. Hell would have to freeze over first."

Severus finished the last few sips of his coffee.

"I'll just try my damnedest to make sure no one ever notices that I'm gone."

Though Hermione knew that that was going to be easier said than done.

She flicked her gaze to the clock.

"Are you ready to go?"

Severus, who was staring morosely at his empty cup barely nodded in affirmation. He rose from his seat and Hermione did the same.

A few minutes later the couple exited the castle. It was an unusually bright and clear day.

"I still feel bad about lying to Harry and the Weasleys. And not only because of what they'd think of me if they knew the truth, but also because I'd hate for them to try to reach me at my parents' house and tell my mum and dad that I said I was at home when I told my parents I was here."

Severus breathed a sigh.

"As you are over legal age, I don't see why I can't marry you now and the whole world can go to hell and take their opinions with them. But Minerva made a point to tell me that it's strictly against Hogwarts policy. She also didn't hesitate to say that Potions Master or no, it would look very bad to have it public knowledge that I married one of my students before she graduated."

"We'll still basically be married in all but name."

"Very true, and that my dear, is all that matters."

Hermione gave him a feminine smile.

They weren't very far from the castle when Sheniveer came into view. He had just walked up a small hill and was now approaching them.

"I wonder what he was doing," Hermione said in curiosity.

"The elves have an affinity for the outdoors much like centaurs do,"

"So you think he was going for an early stroll in the Forbidden Forest?"

"Perhaps,"

The two of them continued on their journey across the sloping grounds.

"Good morning," Sheniveer said cordially, as Severus and Hermione reached him.

"Hullo," Hermione told him, trying very hard not to appear to stare at him. The elf truly was exquisitely handsome.

"Can the two of you spare half a moment?" Sheniveer inquired.

"I should think so," Hermione said to him, darting a glance at Severus's face. His facial expression indicated that he was agreeable to whatever Hermione wanted to do.

"Good," Sheniveer replied warmly. He then reached into the white deerskin satchel that rested against his left hip-an item that he certainly hadn't had the first time Hermione had seen him. "I want to give you both something. Consider it a symbol of my gratitude for giving me my life back."

Then he withdrew a gleaming crystal fluted drinking glass, bearing a bright silver eight pointed star in its center that was about the size of a golf ball. He held it out to Severus who took it with grace.

"It's extraordinary," Severus told him with sincere awe. "Thank you,"

"Oh, I rather think it's you who deserves the thanks, Severus. You see, when people of my race die, they simply cease to exist, we have no heaven and hell, no afterlife at all." Sheniveer's face became unreadable. But surely beneath his stoic mask the Elven man was deeply pained.

Hermione wondered first how Sheniveer could possibly know this, and second if was true, why it would be that way. Though of course, she knew it was hardly appropriate to ask.

Sheniveer took out a second glass, identical to the first, and gave it to Hermione.

"It's truly beautiful, Sheniveer. I just don't know what I did to deserve such a gift."

"Severus could not have done what he did if you hadn't helped him,"

"You give me too much credit,"

"I don't think so," Sheniveer told her. "But I've already kept you two longer than half a moment and you have somewhere you need to be. I shall see you later,"

And with that, he walked passed them and continued on his way up to the castle. Holding their glasses, Hermione and Severus looked at each other.

"What do you make of that?" Hermione questioned.

Severus examined his glass.

"Are you asking if I think he knows about our relationship?"

There was a short pause. "Well, yes. The look on his face seemed to say that he had more than an inkling that you and I are lovers."

"But how would he know?" Severus asked her. "We've done nothing in his presence that would make him come to that conclusion."

"No, but can we be sure that he doesn't have some sort of magical intuition? What, exactly, do you know about elves?"

"You may be right. Elves keep a great number of secrets. And I'm certainly no expert on them."

Severus pointed his wand at the glass and shrunk it until it could fit in the palm of his hand. Hermione did the same to hers.

"One thing I do know is that this crystal is unbreakable. The art of the elves is made to withstand countless millennia in pristine condition."

"Give me yours," Hermione told him. "I'll put it with mine in my bag,"

When the glasses were put away, the pair continued on their walk to the gates.

"So," Hermione said, once the Hogwarts gate was in sight. "I know that tomorrow you're going to pretend that we're hardly acquaintances, but if I see Harry's mother bat her eyelashes at you during the reception I don't know if I can prevent myself from vomiting. Do you have a plan? You know she won't let you ignore her."

"When I tell her I'm no longer interested in a relationship with her, I hardly think she's going to make a fool of herself in front of all the guests."

"Let's hope not. But still, you need to be prepared."

"Pray tell, what is it that you think I should say to her to sever all romantic ties between us once and for all?"

Hermione gave him an impish smile.

"You could tell her that you aren't interested in women anymore."

The look that appeared on Severus's face made Hermione burst out laughing.

"Ha, ha. Very funny. Your sense of humour continues to astound me."

"I was only half joking."

They were now at the gates. Severus let out an indignant snort.

"Ah. Now let's say I did tell her that. The statement either implies that I've decided to live a life of celibacy or else I've turned my affections upon men. What would you have me tell her?"

"She wouldn't believe either one, so it doesn't matter. Though, the longer you avoid her, the likelier the chance that she'll reach one of those conclusions on her own."

"Remember what I told you about assumption?"

"Yes, never assume something unless you have substantial proof that it is true."

"I doubt Lily would assume something like that without proof."

"Maybe not, but the thought could still cross her mind."

"If it does, it does. Quite honestly, I don't care what she thinks about me as long as she doesn't realise I'm sleeping with you instead of her."

Hermione didn't even want to think about what Lily's reaction would be if she knew the truth.

"She won't notice the symbol of our Bond on your wrist, will she?"

"Nothing short of holding my wrist up to her face will make her aware of it."

"Good. I guess there's no sense in standing here, wasting time discussing it."

"No, there isn't."

"And I'd rather be a little early in arriving at the shop than a little late."

On that note, Severus and Hermione Apparated to Diagon Alley. Even with it being as early as it was, a good number of people were walking down the main thoroughfare of shops.

"I'll meet you in the bookstore in half an hour or so," Hermione told Severus.

In order to avoid suspicion about there relationship, Severus would not accompany Hermione to the dressmaker's. It was a rule of society that it was inappropriate for a man to enter a dress shop with a woman that wasn't his wife, unless of course, it was plainly obvious that the man was gay. Hermione thought it was a stupid rule.

She left Severus, and made her way to the dress shop. The twinkling of bells sounded her arrival as she opened the door and stepped inside. The walls of the shop were a dusty rose colour and gold framed pictures of various flowers were hung on them. Dresses that were undoubtedly worth several hundred galleons were displayed on mannequins artfully distributed throughout the store. The air smelt of some sort of flowery potpourri. Hermione found it to be a little too cloying for her taste.

She didn't have to wait long for a woman to come out of a back room and greet her.

Hermione gave the woman her name.

"Follow me to the studio," the woman told her, walking back to the door she'd just come through.

A satin strapless dress of pale silvery blue lay out on an ironing board. The woman handed the dress to Hermione.

"Dressing screens are over there. Put it on then come over by the table."

A couple of minutes later, Hermione presented herself to the seamstress. The dress fit perfectly.

"That colour does suit you. With your skin tone and dark eyes, the moonbeam blue makes you look absolutely radiant. Now, raise your arms. No changes in the tightness of the dress?"

"No. It feels good."

"Alright, now bend over."

Hermione did as she was told.

"No appreciable difference?"

"No."

"Good. The hemline is right. And of course there are no sleeves to worry about. Do you want to take it with you now?"

"Yes. I'll go change and then pay for it."

"I'll meet you at the front of the store."

Hermione was more than happy to leave the shop. She breathed in deeply, enjoying the fresh air.

She had a bit of trouble finding Severus in the bookstore for he was not in the potions section. After a bit of searching she found him in the Muggle history section.

"Reading anything interesting?"

"This book's about the Norman Conquest of England and the battle of Hastings."

"In 1066," Hermione told him.

"Yes, that's correct. I wonder if any other student at Hogwarts would be able to tell me that. It's a pity the school doesn't emphasize the teaching of British Muggle history."

"Too bad that can't go in place of Divination,"

"Indeed."

Severus returned the book to the shelf.

"Shall we go find wedding presents, or do you want to look around here for awhile?"

Hermione let out a half laugh. "If I stay, I won't be out of here for at least an hour. We'd better go look for Remus and Nymphadora's presents now."

They exited the store and stopped to stand just outside the entrance.

"Do you still want to get them something that will help with the children?" Severus asked her. "You realise that we could easily give them Sheniveer's glasses . . . it would seem we spent a fortune,"

The comment earned Severus a smack in the ribs.

"I want to get them something useful, not some ridiculous ornamental tea tray or anything of the like that they wouldn't really enjoy. Did Remus tell Nymphadora about us?"

"I have no idea, why?"

"Because if she knows, then we could just get one gift and say that it's from the both of us."

"Unless I ask Remus before tomorrow, there's no way for us to know. We're better off buying separate gifts."

Hermione nodded.

"Right then. Let's go find a baby store."

"Why don't we go shopping in London?" Severus asked her.

"That sounds like a great idea. No one will look at you funny for being with me in the baby department. We can go to Herrod's."

Severus got Remus and Nymphadora a gift certificate so that they could buy furniture for the children's room, namely a pair of cribs, a changing table, and whatever else they thought was necessary.

"I had no idea that so many pounds on hand," Hermione told them as they walked to the clothing department.

"It always pays to be prepared," Severus told her. Knowing that Nymphadora frequently went to Muggle stores, Hermione decided to get her some maternity clothing.

As she was looking through outfits, a pregnant woman with a little boy of about four at her heels came to look at the clothing on the rack behind her. The little boy accidentally bumped into Hermione and she turned around to look at him. Severus did the same.

"Sorry," the pregnant woman said sincerely.

"Oh, no problem," said Hermione with a smile.

"I see you're buying your clothes early," the woman told her. "Let me tell you from experience that that's the thing to do."

She then took her son's hand and walked away.

Hermione was momentarily stunned. And it wasn't because the woman had assumed that she was expecting. It was because when she had looked at the woman and her small child the realization that she would never be able to have her own children really hit home.

"Hermione, . . ." Severus said gently.

She swallowed hard as she felt the first pricking sensations of tears that threatened to appear if she did not immediately quell her emotion.

"I'm . . .I'm fine," she said a little shakily. "Really."

Severus moved closer to her.

"Please don't be upset."

The look of concern in Severus's eyes made Hermione attempt a smile. It was a sad and sorry attempt.

"I'm sorry, it's silly of me. I understand perfectly well that you and I will never be able to have our own children. It's just that the idea never truly sunk in, until now. And knowing that I'll never be a mother"—

"When the time is right we will adopt a child," Severus said softly.

"Yes, but it won't be the same. I'll never get to tell you that I'm pregnant, I'll never get to buy maternity clothing for myself, I'll never get to feel a baby's kick inside my womb, and I'll never get to give birth and bond with my child in the first minutes of their life."

The look of sorrow in Severus's eyes was too much for Hermione to stay in control of her emotions. Tears leaked out of her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

"I'll be okay," she said, as she said in between sniffles. "I can't believe I'm doing this,"

"Shhh," Severus whispered, putting his arms around her. "It's only natural that you would eventually have this reaction."

After several seconds, Hermione pulled away. The smile she gave Severus was a little more confident than the first.

Hermione quickly selected what she wanted to buy for Nymphadora. Ten minutes later, Hermione and Severus were standing in front of the gates of Hogwarts again.

As they walked back to the castle, Severus asked Hermione a question.

"Are you prepared to answer the questions that Potter and Weasley will undoubtedly ask you tomorrow?"

"I suppose," Hermione answered. "But when they ask how you treated me I'm not going to say that you were some kind of horrible beast."

"It might be better to make the pretense of revulsion for me in their presence,"

Hermione let out a feminine snort.

"They sure as hell aren't going to take my saying that you were a decent human being to mean that we had sex, fell in love, and bonded our souls together."

"No, but if you tell them I was my usual cold and heartless self they'll be content to let the subject drop without any further questions."

"Perhaps, but since I don't even think they can comprehend that there's more to you than what they see of you in the classroom, I'm pretty sure they'll reach the conclusion that you were Mr. Callous Bastard all by themselves."

"What a charming appellation."

Hermione gave him a totally feminine smile.

Severus's lips also turned up into a smile. His was a smile that promised Hermione sinful pleasure as soon as they reached the sanctuary of Severus's private chambers.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Hermione was not looking forward to seeing Harry and everyone in the Weasley family. Though she felt badly that she couldn't quite muster up the enthusiasm for seeing her friends for the first time since the end of sixth year, she knew they would dwell on talking about Severus.

She made a face of distaste. There certainly wasn't any way to avoid them. And truly, she didn't want to do that.

Dressed in her moonbeam blue dress, Hermione stepped out of the bathroom to find Severus tying and straightening his most formal neckcloth. He turned as she entered the room. He stared at her without speaking for a few seconds.

"Well? Do you like it?" Hermione asked, knowing what Severus would think of being asked to give his opinion on a dress. She could tell that he was fighting to remain unemotional. His lips twitched into something that could be called a smile.

"It's a dress," he said. "It certainly is a dress,"

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Gee, thanks Severus. I had no idea what it was, I'm so glad you could enlighten me."

Severus's smile became a smirk. He turned back to the mirror to finish inspecting his neckcloth.

"Yes, I do like it," he told her, regaining his serious composure.

"Before we go, there is one thing I need to ask you," she told him, "If I feel the need to speak to you, am I to address you as Professor Snape?"

"I think that would be best, don't you?"

"I do see the point, but what happens when everyone finds out a year from now that we're getting married? Don't you think people will know we lied about our relationship? Just because I call you Severus, it doesn't mean that we're romantically involved."

"If it's that important to you, address me by my first name," Severus told her turning away from the mirror. "But if Minerva gets wind that I let you do that at the wedding, who can say what she'll think will happen once the school year starts."

Hermione sighed in defeat.

"Perhaps the 'Professor' thing is better then. I can't believe how utterly scandalised McGonagall was when she found out what happened. It's like she's viewing the entire situation as if I were still underage. I hate that. She used to be my favourite teacher. But now, I hate to wonder how she'll treat me when I'm in her class this year."

"She won't want to draw attention to you," Severus told her confidently.

"I hope you're right,"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Hermione and Severus arrived at the wedding location separately. The wedding was to be held at a magical park on the English side of the border between England and Scotland.

There was a large lake that was home to a family of sleek majestic looking creatures. Hermione knew they were hippocampi, an aquatic herbivore that appeared to be half horse and half fish and native to northern Europe. They played in the water, whinnying to each other before diving beneath the water's smooth surface.

She watched the animals for awhile, happy to let her mind focus on them instead on who she would soon be meeting and the conversation she would have.

Behind her, a familiar male voice called her name.

Inwardly, she let out a heavy sigh. It was Ron.

She turned to greet him and had no time to even yelp in surprise as the tall redhead launched at her and flung his arms around her in a tight embrace.

"I'm really glad to see you, but I do require air to breathe!" she said quickly. Instantly the youngest Weasley male released his grip and stepped back to look at her.

A second later, Ron hugged her again, this time taking care not to asphyxiate her.

"Hermione, I'm so relieved that you're okay!" he told her happily.

Dear God, was he actually crying? Awkwardly, Hermione patted the boy's back desperately fighting back the urge to push him away from her. That would not be a good move.

"Thanks," she told him.

After what seemed like forever, Ron released her again.

Hermione waited a beat before relaxing, wondering if he was going to hug her a third time. Thankfully, very thankfully, he didn't.

"Where's Harry?" she asked.

"He's with his mum and dad down near the gazebo," said Ron.

"Let's go see him,"

Ron nodded to her, smiling like it was the happiest moment in his life. After a minute his expression became serious.

"I saw Professor Snape talking with Shackelbolt before I left to look for you," Ron told her. "Harry and his dad gave him a couple of right murderous glares I tell you. They both said that Snape killed Fawkes because it was a surefire way of making Harry suffer."—

The appalled look on Hermione's face made Ron stop talking.

"What?" he asked her. "Doesn't it strike you as a bit off that Snape claims that shooting Fawkes was the only way to make Voldemort mortal? Harry was supposed to destroy the Horcruxes, and he would have done so if . . . well, you know."

Hermione gave him a sharp look, and grabbed Ron's arm to get his attention and to make sure her next words truly reached his ears.

"For one, Harry parents would still be dead if Professor Snape hadn't done what he did. Also, did it ever occur to Harry and his father that it is a very egotistical assumption to say Professor Snape thinks about Harry enough to plot revenge on him for the things his father did? I highly doubt that Professor Snape thinks about Harry at all."

Ron simply stared at her, his mouth open like a fish out of water.

"But"—

Hermione let go of Ron and held up her hand to silence him.

"No."

"So after spending nearly a month with the man, are you going to tell me that he's really nice and friendly chap?"

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Let's go see Harry, shall we?"

Ron shrugged and continued walking.

They found Harry and his parents talking to Mrs. Weasley in the middle of the second row of chairs that had been placed in front of the gazebo for the ceremony.

Molly gave her a motherly smile.

"Hermione, dear!" she exclaimed, enveloping her in an affectionate hug. "How are you?"

"I'm good."

"Excellent. I'm sure you must be glad to put that awful situation behind you,"

Hermione gave her a tight smile and nodded curtly.

Harry stood up and hugged her, too.

"I can't tell you how happy I am to see you,"

"And I you, Harry," Hermione told him as he stepped away. "Are you alright?"

"I can still play Quidditch," he told her with a grin.

"So you think you'll go professional then?"

"Perhaps," he said, though Hermione noticed that he said it with quite a confident air. Hermione's gaze turned to Harry's parents and the second her eyes landed on Lily, Hermione actually caught her staring directly at where Severus was sitting next to Kingsley in the middle row across the aisle.

Hermione did nothing. At least on the outside, she appeared totally calm. On the inside. she was livid.

Feeling the weight of Hermione's stare, Lily turned to look at her. The woman smiled at her. Hermione smiled right back. And she knew just how to do it.

Fake, but totally convincing.

Thankfully, everyone was taking their seats, for the wedding was about to begin. James made his way to the gazebo to take his place as Remus's best man.

Hermione sat down between her two best friends and waited for the ceremony to commence.

Hermione looked around at everyone, mainly to get her attention away from Harry's mother. She really didn't want to think about her right now. And as she watched the crowd gather, she suddenly noticed something.

She looked at the gazebo again, just to be sure. Then she looked at the crowd again. Nymphadora had just arrived, wearing a dazzling cream colored dress with flowers made out of opalescent cream fabric stitched to the hemline, skirt, and bodice. Fleur had insisted upon doing Nymphadora's hair and it was intricately braided with sparkling faux diamonds and flowers.

She truly looked amazing.

But Hermione's heart leapt to her throat as her eyes confirmed what she had already suspected to be true.

Remus wasn't there.

And she wasn't the only one who had noticed it.

Molly whispered something to Lily, which must have been about Remus, for the reply was, "He wouldn't do this. There must be a reasonable explanation."

Hermione knew the exact second Nymphadora realized that Remus wasn't present. Her heart went out to the young woman.

Nymphadora's hand went to her mouth and she stiffened at the far end of the aisle. By now, there was whispering amongst the crowd.

Fleur was saying something in Nymphadora's ear, and the bride let out a stifled sob in reply.

Save for Hermione, Severus, and Nymphadora, no one knew what torture Remus had been forced to experience before Severus could kill Voldemort.

Hermione, I think I know where he might be, Severus told her.

Where?

I'm going to the Shrieking Shack. I have a feeling that's where he'd go to get away from everyone.

Is there going to be a wedding? Hermione asked, her surprise at Remus's absence evident in her tone.

I don't know. If he's done this, honestly, I rather doubt it.

Hermione then felt his presence withdraw from her mind as he Apparated away.

Hermione now supposed that what Severus had said the day before was truer than she'd realized.

Sometimes love cannot heal pain.

A/N: Oh, I cheated you out of a love scene, but this will be rated M, so don't worry! There will be plenty of lemony goodness to come. Also, don't get used to chapters being this long. I'll try to update weekly, I'm busy with college though, so please be patient with me if I don't adhere exactly to that.

Thanks! Dafina

I put a lot of effort into this chapter, please review. : )