Let It Be Forever

More Than A Word

Ryan would have been quite put out if he'd known that his behavior had only served to help snap Hermione out of her depression. However, Ryan had other problems on his mind. Harry and Ron had taken it upon themselves to check up on Ryan's activities since he obviously had something on his conscience. Apparently, Katrina wasn't the only witch that he spent his evenings with. He had begun to use drugs again and was hanging around some rather unsavory characters. Harry didn't really think it was much to go on, but he took it to the ministry officials anyway. He also informed them of Ryan's threatening behavior toward Hermione and expressed a deep concern for her safety and well-being. Ryan, as a result, was banned from entering Hogwarts or going near the Burrow, Harry's house or Ron's house. He was permitted to inquire of his daughter via owl post, but was forbidden to contact Hermione in any other way unless she allowed it.

Hermione had been very shocked when Harry and Ron had told her about it. She wept tears of relief and hugged them both tightly. "Thank you so much," she murmured. "You two are the best."

"We're just sorry we couldn't get him thrown in Azkaban," Ron grumbled. "Or fed him to Hagrid's blast-ended skrewts."

Hermione laughed softly. "He can't get to Lexie," she said. "That's all I needed. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some work to do." Kissing each of them on the cheek, she said goodbye and dashed off to her office.

Harry grinned. "We've definitely got the old Hermione back," he said.

"I'm so glad she can't make us do homework anymore," Ron said, shuddering.

Severus and Minerva noticed the drastic change in Hermione as well. She threw herself back into her work with renewed enthusiasm. The students were glad to see their Charms professor feeling better, but few of them shared her zest for knowledge. Severus was quite pleased because Hermione seemed to relax more around him. The brilliant smiles she gave him warmed his heart. Minerva constantly watched their interactions with a barely concealed feeling of smug triumph.

At Christmas, they all went to Number Twelve Grimmauld Place to celebrate the holiday. Harry and Ginny had cleaned and decorated the entire house. It was very festive indeed. The entire Weasley clan would be in attendance.

On Christmas Eve, Hermione went to the house with Lexie, Severus, and Minerva. Ginny had prepared rooms for them to stay that night, hoping to keep a closer eye on Severus and Hermione. Minerva had been telling the others that Severus and Hermione were getting on very well and that it was surely only a matter of time before something much more interesting occurred. Ginny was a little concerned that Minerva may just have a tendency to get overly excited and let her imagination run away with her. Severus and Hermione appeared to be good friends, but the relationship seemed to have trouble moving beyond mere friendship. Ginny was sure that the couple needed one last push.

Ginny and Harry exchanged sly grins while Hermione and Severus were busy greeting Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and George. Ginny announced that dinner was ready and began ushering everyone toward the dining room, making sure that Severus and Hermione would get there first.

Hermione looked over her shoulder at the others and was surprised to see that they were all moving more slowly. She waited for Ginny to step closer and began talking to the red-head but became very suspicious when Ginny seemed very keen to keep Hermione in front of her. She noticed the others exchanging glances, but she was puzzled by their expressions. Severus had noticed the odd behavior as well and stopped just outside the dining room.

"What is wrong with all of you?" Hermione demanded. "I thought dinner was ready."

"It is," Ginny responded, motioning for Hermione to continue. "Go on in."