A/N: Chapter seven is here! And a nice long chapter it is too. My deepest apologies for being so tardy. I hate myself for falling behind like this. It will not happen again! I do think that this chapter will make up for a lot though, if I do say so myself. I'm quite proud of this one. But be warned: If you don't like sweet and adorable this chapter is not for you!
Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING!
Chapter Seven
First Day
Hermione awoke the next morning to a tapping on the kitchen window. Groaning, Hermione rubbed her eyes, peering around at the scene before her. The children remained in the floor, as they had been before she fell asleep. Still snoring, piled together for comfort. Even Scorpius had sought the comfort of the others in the night, squished between Albus and his little sister. Hermione smiled, before her eyes lifted to the opposite couch.
Obsidian eyes blinked at her from the mass of black. It looked as if Hermione hadn't been the only one that had passed out with the children. Severus still wore his teachers robes from the previous night, but he had been covered with a black afghan, and given an equally black pillow. He had obviously just woken up, but his eyes were already bright and wide awake.
Hermione looked down at herself. She had also been given a black afghan and pillow. Apparently Attie had been back to check on them and tucked them in during the night. Hermione looked back over at the dark professor. He had already begun to rise from the sofa, his hair slightly tousled from sleep, his robes wrinkled and in disarray. He ran his hand through his hair and it laid flat again. Hermione couldn't help but stare.
Hermione heard the tapping again and blinked, quickly remembering what had woken her up in the first place. She sat up quickly, barely giving Severus an awkward glance as she made her way sleepily to the kitchen window.
She had never seen the man ruffled before, and it disturbed her, even if it was from sleep. She had always seen him perfectly together. Perfectly dressed, hair placed precisely where he wanted it, emotions in check unless he allowed them otherwise. To see Severus Snape in such a natural state of drowsiness almost alarmed her. It was so different it was strange. Hermione didn't know how to handle it.
Finally making it to the window, she opened it and a Prophet owl hopped in, the paper secured safely on it's leg. Why was it here so early? It couldn't have yet been six.
Yawning, Hermione took the paper, paid the bird and fed it an owl treat before it hopped back out the window and flew away. It only took Hermione a glance before she sank to the table with a moan.
A picture of Severus scowled up at her, and beside it was a picture of Azkaban, the Dark Mark floating above it. The headline read IIIWW ON THE HORIZON?
"What is it?" Severus asked, his voice gravelly from sleep.
Hermione only shook her head, holding up the Daily Prophet for him to see. Severus glided over to her, his eyes narrowed. Scoffing as he read, he sat beside her at the table, taking it from her and lying it on the table for them to read together.
Content enough with the article, Hermione waved her wand, not even bothering to finish reading it and beginning their morning coffee. Severus pushed away the paper, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"You seem unhappy," Hermione noticed, watching him closely. "I assumed that you would be satisfied enough that they weren't fingering you for a traitor. Minerva and Kingsley have cleared your name respectively, it seems."
"Yes, so they did," Severus said, inclining his head.
"And this is bad?"
Severus didn't respond, only watching the coffee being poured into their two cups, before levitating towards them and setting down on the table before them. Severus took the cup between his hands and took a long drag.
He is avoiding the question.
Hermione flicked her amber eyes over to meet his onyx ones as he lowered the cup back to the table. She raised an eyebrow, which he returned. He didn't have to tell her what bothered him.
"You don't give yourself enough credit, Severus," Hermione said, still holding his gaze. "You have been there every step of the way for those children. You have been there every time the Order has ever needed you. Don't sell yourself short."
"You have too much faith in me. I assure you I am not the good man that you portray me to be," he said, his eyes boring into hers seriously. "Don't fool yourself, Hermione, I have done unforgivable things."
"I'm not saying you don't have your faults, Severus," Hermione said testily. "But you were a soldier in a dirty and ugly war. A spy at that. The Order knows how much you had to sacrifice. We aren't foolish. We know you had to do unspeakable things. We aren't children. But it was war. You can't hate yourself forever. You are the only reason we are where we are now."
"It is my belief that you all forget how unspeakable those things actually were," Severus said, his teeth bared. "I am not some hero to look up to. You would do well you remember that, witch."
Hermione let out a low growl of frustration, gripping her coffee.
"I won't argue with you, wizard," Hermione said. "I don't need reminding of what happened back then. My memory is fine, thank you. Fine enough to remember how much you have done for us all." She reached out and grabbed his arm. "I will remind you daily if I have to how grateful I am for your sacrifices. I may not be able to speak for the world, but I can speak for myself. You are a brave wizard, Severus, and the wizarding world is in your debt. Never forget that."
Severus cleared his throat, looking away from her uncomfortably and pulling away his arm.
"At least the children shouldn't have any repercussions on my account from their peers," Severus continued, still not looking at her. "For that at least, I am grateful."
"Yes, instead they will be jealous of them," Hermione said, smiling. Severus looked at her quizzically. "All their friends are going to wish they had you as a godfather."
Severus snorted.
"Godfather," a little voice squeaked behind them.
Severus and Hermione turned. Lucia stood behind them, rubbing her eyes and yawning. The little girl dragged her old blanket behind her with one hand, her grey eyes heavy lidded. She walked up to Severus, and leaned against him sleepily, before reaching up and pulling on the front of his robes. Her signal that she wanted up. Severus pushed back his chair and pulled Lucia into his lap. The little six year old curled against him, her cheek pressed against his chest. Severus draped an arm around the witch to support her, Lucia's eyes already drooping again as she dozed back off. Hermione smiled.
"What was that about being a terrible wizard?" Hermione asked softly.
Severus glared at her over Lucia's white blonde mane.
Hermione laughed. "That's what I thought."
Hermione pushed open the dungeon doors, sweeping in to the Potions classroom regally. She wore a set of black robes today. They were tight fitting, but comfortable, allowing for just the right amount of movement. They had a tasteful v-neckline, and were embroidered with silver Celtic knots. Her cloak swept behind her imperiously, not unlike a certain wizards had her first day of Potions.
The whispers of her first year class ceased the moment she entered the room. Their eyes locked onto her, wide with wonder, waiting for her to speak. Hermione turned just in front of her desk, surveying them with a raised eyebrow.
Severus had warned her that if she didn't gain their respect the first day it would go down hill quickly for her. She needed to establish who was in control of the class and quickly, especially in the Potions classroom. The more they feared her, the less accidents would happen.
Hermione didn't doubt Severus's advice, in fact, she embraced it. But Hermione knew one thing, she wasn't going to terrify her students like Severus did back in her time. Respect, even fear, was all well and good, but within reason.
The students watched her with bated breath, waiting for her to speak, watching her with gaping mouths. Hermione couldn't help but let her the corners of her mouth turn up.
"I have been informed that you all have been under the tutelage of several substitute professor's since the beginning of school year," she began, her voice clear but firm. Not harsh, but not friendly either. "I have reviewed their teaching plans, and have found them...adequate enough..." Hermione let her voice trail for dramatic effect. "That is, for teaching potions."
At the front of the class a hand shot up. Hermione eyed the first year for a moment, before the boy slowly dropped his hand sheepishly.
"But you are not here just to learn potions..." she said, letting the silence drag on, laughing inwardly as she watched with serious eyes as they sat perfectly still in their seats.
"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potionmaking," she began, wrapping her cloak around her tightly. "I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses..." she paused again, her amber eyes flicking over her students. "I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death - if you are actually willing to learn."
Hermione turned away suddenly toward her desk, smiling to herself. If Severus knew she had used his opening speech she would never live it down.
"I can teach you all of these things, but I want to make it absolutely clear that this is a class that should be respected," Hermione said, turning back toward them and leaning against her desk. "One wrong move, one wrong ingredient could have dangerous consequences. And since I am your professor, you and your livelihood are my responsibility, first and foremost. Therefore, you will listen and heed everything I say in this classroom, as if I were Merlin himself. Do we understand one another?"
There was a murmur of agreement in around the classroom as the first years squirmed in their seats. Hermione continued to eye them, only now realizing that she was teaching the Gryffindor/Slytherin class. Her eyes drifted over Rose, Albus and Scorpius, but they didn't linger. They were not mother and daughter, nor godmother and godson in this room. They were professor and student, and Hermione wanted to keep it that way.
"Questions?"
There was a silence that followed, but it didn't last long. A small, dark skinned Gryffindor raised her hand from the back row.
"Yes, Miss-?"
"Lightsey, Professor," the girl said nervously.
"Yes, go ahead, Miss Lightsey," Hermione said, waving to the girl.
"Is it true that Professor Snape used to have your job, Professor," the girl asked.
Hermione eyed the girl before answering. "Yes, Miss Lightsey, he did," Hermione said, not seeing any harm in the girls question. "He taught me Potions when I was a first year."
Another hand shot up, the boy that had raised his hand earlier. He was a Slytherin.
"Yes," Hermione pointed at him.
"Douglas, ma'am," the boy said confidently. "Is it true that you and Professor Snape are godparents of the Potter's?"
Hermione pursed her lips, but answered, the boy. "Yes, we are," she said. "Professor Snape and I are the godparents of the Potter's. He is also the godfather of the Malfoy's, while I am the mother of Rose and Hugo."
Other hands shot up, but Hermione waved them away.
"Unless you have a question about potions, I will not answer," Hermione said sternly. "I understand that you are curious, especially considering recent events, and the fact that Professor Snape and I are the guardians of some of your classmates. However, I want to make it clear, just like the Headmistress did last night. Professor Snape and I are private people, as are our godchildren. We wish to be left in peace. We are just like any of your other professor's and have lives outside of the castle. You just have heard our names prior to our arrival. Understand?"
The students nodded.
"Right. Now," Hermione stood, clasping her hands behind her back. "Who can tell me the twelve uses of drangon's blood?"
The rest of the day went by in a flash. Hermione's classes went smoothly for the most part. The students were eager to listen and learn, and they brewed without a single accident. Hermione was proud of them. They seemed scared enough of her reaction that they all double and triple checked their ingredients before applying them to their cauldron's. All in all, they day went splendidly. Hermione thoroughly enjoyed herself.
There had been a few notable snags, however that Hermione found troubling. She had all Slytherin and Gryffindor classes that day, and besides the first years, they all seemed to be tense and hostile toward one another. She had even had to break up a group of sixth years after lunch outside her classroom. Hermione couldn't remember the rivalry being so bad before, not even in her days. So, in response to the tension, Hermione decided that it was past due to introduce herself to her House as Head of Gryffindor after dinner.
It went well enough. The students still watched her with wide eyes as she talked, but they were otherwise respectful and compliant. She had asked them why the tension with the Slytherin's. No one had an answer for her. All they had said was that it had been a particularly bad day for them. Hermione could understand that. Voldemort had just returned, the rivalry was bound to flare up between them. After telling them she would be there for them in any capacity they needed, she left, leaving them to do what they wished. They seemed to accept her well enough. Hermione was even willing to say they welcomed her with open arms. Then again, she was famous, so Hermione had expected that.
Hermione smiled to herself. At least she knew she was on the right track with her Gryffindor's at least.
I wonder how Severus is doing with the Slytherin's. They always seemed to look up to him when I was in school. Perhaps I should ask him how he does it. It won't be the exact same, of course, but it'll be a start. And I could always ask Minerva-
As if the mere thought summoned her, Minerva stepped out from around a corner, almost bowling Hermione over. Hermione caught the witch by the arms to keep Minerva from falling, quickly steadying her.
"Oh!" Minerva cried, breathing hard. "Oh, Hermione, forgive me."
"It's fine, it happens, Minerva," Hermione said laughing, releasing the older witch. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, quite," Minerva said, gripping her cane tightly as she readjusted her robes. "In fact, I was just looking for you. Severus said you had gone to speak to the Gryffindor's."
"Why, yes actually," Hermione said following the witch back down the hall. "I was just wondering to myself how you managed to keep us in line when I was in school."
"In line?" Minerva scoffed. "You three were responsible for more points being lost than the entire House put together. Or do I remember your school years differently, my dear?"
Hermione smiled brightly. "Perhaps we were a handful."
Minerva snorted.
"Was there something you wanted to discuss with me, Minerva?" Hermione asked after a short pause where the Headmistress only stared ahead of her in thought.
Minerva waved her over. "Shall we retire to your office, Hermione? I wish to speak privately to you."
Hermione nodded. Her office wasn't much farther. She had already been on the first floor when Minerva had cornered her.
"Of course."
Before Hermione knew it, Hermione was getting comfortable in her dungeon office. It wasn't as intimidating as when Severus had occupied it. The jars were gone, replaced with a large black board covered with notes and diagrams of her teaching plans and schedules. She had also been given a new oak desk, and two rather large armchairs. A large fire burned on the far wall in its grate, crackling warmly. It wasn't cold and unwelcome as it had been in Severus's time.
Hermione offered Minerva a seat, which the Headmistress took, leaning her cane on Hermione's large desk.
"Is something the matter, Minerva?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"Not at all, child," Minerva said smiling. "I won't keep you long, I know you probably want to go relax with your family for the night."
Hermione only smiled in return, settling in her chair as Minerva's old green eyes surveyed her.
"And forgive my manners!" Minerva cried, tapping Hermione's desk with a hand. "How was you first day, my dear? Was it tolerable?"
"I must admit, I prefer this to my Ministry job any day," Hermione said. "I had forgotten how much I missed academia. The Ministry never held my heart like Hogwarts did."
"That's good to hear," Minerva said smiling knowingly at Hermione, her glasses glinting in the firelight. "I am pleased that you are enjoying yourself."
"You don't seem surprise," Hermione noted, smirking at the witch.
"I never thought you one to settle at the Ministry, no," Minerva admitted. "I always saw you coming back to Hogwarts or teach at University. I never saw you staying at the Ministry forever, dear. Your mind would have been a waste there."
"Thank you," Hermione said, blushing at her mentor's praise. "You are too kind, Minerva."
"Not at all," Minerva said sternly. "You are the brightest witch I have seen in years. The only student that has ever rivaled your marks was Severus, and he is nearly twenty years your senior. And I have yet to have another student like you since."
Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise. She had never thought about Severus in school before. She could easily see him being an exceptional student. The man was brilliant.
"Now, on to what I wished to speak to you about, and I promise I will be brief," Minerva continued. "I'm sure Severus has his hands full with the young ones all by himself."
Hermione laughed. "I assure you, he will be fine. They keep him on his toes. I think it's good for him."
"Indeed, it is," Minerva said, laughing along with her. "Now, I had a request from you, dear, if it's not to much trouble?"
"Not at all. Any way I can be of help."
Minerva sighed. "I know that you already have so much on your plate now, with the children and Severus and your new duties here, as well as everything that has been going on with the impostor. However, you are one of the brightest and most talented Order members we have, and we need your skills now more than ever if we are going to catch whoever this creature is."
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows, nodding. "In what capacity, exactly?"
"Well, firstly, I will need your help stocking potions for the Order, just in case this does become the kind of war Kingsley and Severus swear it is going to become," Minerva said, looking suddenly tired. "We will need all of the healing potions we can get our hands on, as well as the simple Pepper-Up potions, etc. You know to what I refer. Nothing major, but enough for an emergency."
Hermione only nodded, waiting for the Headmistress to continue.
"It was also my hope that you and Severus would become more predominate members of the Order," Minerva continued. "The two of you are my most gifted, and you are the closest to what has been happening. I assumed that the both of you would wish to have more of an active role in the Order's movements, and be appreciative to know more of what is going on."
"So, you wish for Severus and I to become you left and right hands?"
"Precisely," Minerva smiled.
Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
"I'm flattered, Minerva, but I-"
"You wouldn't be alone in your work, Hermione," Minerva interrupted. "Severus would be there every step of the way."
"You have spoken to him about this?"
"Yes, we spoke at length earlier this morning." Seeing Hermione's confusion, she added. "It was his wish that he not be present when I spoke to you, dear. He didn't want to influence you decision. Plus I will need his expertise on the Dark Arts now with the return of the Death Eaters. That's a sensitive subject for him now, I don't think he would have wanted you to think of him any differently due to his knowledge."
Hermione groaned, biting her lip and sinking further into her chair.
"When will he learn that I understand his past?" Hermione said in frustration. "I know that he has a vast knowledge on the subject. I'm not deaf, nor blind. He always assumes the worst of me."
Minerva only looked at her sadly, before replying, "He will never admit it, Hermione, but he is a sensitive man. In his heart all he wants is for you and those children to continue to look up to him as your protector. He feels if you knew how dark his past is, to what lengths he went to keep us all safe, that you will question his good intentions. That you will see the darkness in him that he keeps locked away."
Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose. "Does he think I am that foolish?" she snapped, not meaning to. "I know what the Dark Arts does to ones soul. I can only imagine how dark it was back before he turned to Dumbledore for help. But he forgets how much he has done to let the light back in. I don't think he knows how much good we see in him. Me, you, Molly, Arthur, we all see it. He is a good man, and the children adore him. I just wish he saw what we see."
"It will take time for him to realize it, Hermione," Minerva said comfortingly. "Those children are good for him, they will bring that light you speak of out of him even farther than it is now. He will come around."
Hermione and Minerva stared into the flames for a moment, taking in the conversation and letting it sink in.
I just wish he wouldn't question himself so.
"So, what will it be, my dear?" Minerva finally asked, breaking the silence. "Will you help us?"
Hermione looked to Minerva with wary eyes.
"I want you to remember that Severus will be helping you with the Order. You both will be given the exact same information so that you may split the work between you if necessary," Minerva said reassuringly. "It's mostly just information, Hermione, nothing that will take much of your time. You will be my...advisers, for lack of a better term."
Hermione bit her lip before speaking. She didn't want to turn the Headmistress down, but she wanted to make sure that the older witch understood her position as well. Hermione was the mother of two, godmother of three, and a maternal figure to two more. Not only that but she was already Head of Gryffindor and Potions Mistress for Hogwarts, as well as an Order member. She understood that catching the impostor was a top priority. Hell, if it weren't for the children she would be out hunting the bugger herself. But Hermione was beginning to feel the weight of everything on her shoulders.
Oh, fuck it all. What's a little more? She is only asking me to brew a little more and become her adviser. What's the big deal, Hermione? Get a grip.
Hermione finally looked up at Minerva, who was waiting patiently with her hands folded neatly in her lap. She watched Hermione with a twinkle in her eyes, as if she already knew what the younger witch was going to say. It took Hermione's breath away how much she reminded her of Dumbledore in that moment.
"I accept your offer, Minerva. However, I just want to make it clear that the children are my first priority," Hermione said firmly. "If any of my work, whether it be Hogwarts or Order business, interferes with them I will only be able to maintain one position."
Minerva smiled widely.
"Funnily enough, Severus said the exact same thing."
Not much longer after that Hermione returned to her quarters, stepping out into the living area with a burst of heat and green light.
"Honey, I'm home," Hermione called cheerfully, dusting herself off.
"What took you so long, mum?" Rose's freckled nose popped up from behind her Charms textbook. Her and James had taken over one of the couches, parchment, quills and books scattered around them in complete chaos. James seemed to be helping his younger cousin catch up on homework. They boy seemed overwhelmed by the amount of notes Rose had taken while they had been away. "You've been gone a while."
"I ran into Minerva on the way back from the Gryffindor meeting," Hermione said, taking off her cloak and laying it over the opposite couch. "We had somethings to discuss."
At that moment two red shocks of hair, closely followed by a blonde, shot towards Hermione, nearly knocking the wind out of her as they collided with her. Hermione giggled, taking the three young ones up in a hug.
"Did you miss me?" Hermione asked, ruffling Hugo's hair and tapping the girls on the nose as they all nodded vigorously. "How was your day? What did you do with Attie?"
"Attie let us practice our reading today, mum," Hugo said excitedly, practically jumping up and down. "And she cooks the best fish and chips I've ever tasted. They were delicious!"
"Oh, really?" Hermione asked, unbuttoning the cuffs of her robes so that she could get more comfortable. "I will have to try them sometime."
"And she let us go outside and play in the courtyard while everyone was in class," Lucia continued for Hugo, her eyes bright with joy. "I think I saw a fairy!"
"I did too!" Lily added, her hair bouncing. "It was so much fun. And Attie is really nice. She even let me play with her ears earlier. Did you know that elf ears were so soft, Auntie?"
"No, I didn't, Lily, but I do now. It sounds like you three had an exciting day," Hermione said, looking up to find Albus and Scorpius at one of the study tables, hunched over a huge tome. "And how about you four? How was school?"
James wrinkled his nose. "They didn't give us any homework today, but Uncle Neville's class about killed us, Auntie. He's making us work with Mandrake's. Those things are so loud. Do we honestly need Herbology? I really don't see the point of it, really."
"I found Herbology quite fun, actually," Rose said, nudging her cousin. "And you should too, Uncle Neville is a brilliant teacher. I love his class, mum. It's fascinating."
"I'm glad to hear it," Hermione said brightly, finally breaking away from the young ones so that she could breathe, coaxing them back to where they had been reading on the floor. "And what about my young Slytherin's? How was your day?"
Scorpius looked up, but Albus only hunched over his book more, turning his face away from Hermione.
"It was alright," Scorpius said. It didn't escape Hermione's notice that the blond boy had moved in such a way that it shielded the other Slytherin from Hermione's view. Hermione raised her eyebrow. "We had Defense and Transfiguration as well as Potions with you today. It went well."
Hermione narrowed her eyes and looked to the other children, who had gone quickly back to what they were doing as if nothing was wrong. Hermione eyed all of her children and godchildren. Even her Gryffindor's had returned hastily to their books. Something was up.
"Albus?" Hermione said, taking a step closer to the young Slytherin. "How was your day?"
"It was fine, Auntie," Albus said, still not looking at her. "I learned a lot."
"So nothing exciting happened today?" Hermione pressed, moving to stand next to the boy, who had gone ridged in his chair. Hermione looked at Scorpius, who looked like he was about to run away, his lips pressed together tightly.
"No, not that I can think of," Albus said, his nose so close to the book now that his voice was muffled.
"Albus," Hermione said lowly. "Look at me."
Albus didn't move for a second, before giving her a quick shake of the head. Hermione furrowed her eyebrows.
"Albus," she said squatting down beside him so she could get a better look. She took his chin in her fingers and turned his face towards hers.
Albus's right eye was a very ugly shade of purple. It was so swollen that it was almost completely sealed shut and seemed to have crusted over. It was a nasty black eye, Hermione had never seen one like it before.
Hermione quickly stood, her face flushed with anger.
"Albus!" she cried, taking the boys face in her hands so she could examine the injury more closely. "Who did this to you? What happened?"
Albus only shook his head, making Hermione turn to Scorpius for answers. She noticed the blond boy had bruised knuckles and had a rip in the front of his robes. Scorpius looked away in shame, shaking his head.
"Tell me at once, boys," Hermione said firmly, taking the two of them by the hands. "What happened? Does Severus know about this?" They nodded. "Where is he? She demanded.
"I'm here," Severus's cool, deep voice growled, as the door to his private quarters came open and the man stepped out. His eyes glinted with anger, his face lined into a deep scowl. He held a jar in his hand, opening it as he strode toward Albus, not looking at the boy. "They refused to tell me as well, if it's any consolation. Apparently we are not..." Severus brought his eyes down to meet Scorpius's and Albus's, dragging his words out for effect. "Trustworthy."
All seven children in the room flinched. Severus Snape was furious, and everyone knew it. Hermione could feel the coolness in the air as Severus stepped in next to her. Hermione had forgotten how intimidating the wizard could be when he lost his temper.
"I never said you weren't, sir," Albus protested, looking to Severus with pleading eyes. "I just don't want any more trouble. I'm sorry, sir, it won't happen again."
"You're right, it won't," Severus hissed, hooking the boys chin with a finger so that he could apply what Hermione guessed was bruise salve to Albus's eye. "Because I am going to find out who did this and have said children expelled."
Albus and Scorpius began to protest but Severus cut them off.
"Well, if you don't want me to find out from other sources, and I assure you that I can and will," Severus continued, his voice deadly. "Then you will tell Hermione and I exactly what happened. Protecting them is so very Gryffindor. The both of you are Slytherin's. Conduct yourselves as such."
Hermione only blinked at Severus, who had finished applying the salve, but still held Albus's chin, forcing the boy to look at him. Severus meant business. He was going to find out what happened whether the boys liked it or not. This left Hermione little room to protest about Severus's methods, however. She thought he was being a little harsh on the two boys, but Hermione couldn't question him now. They had agreed that a united front was best. So united it would stay.
"We promise that we won't get the students that did this expelled if you just tell us what happened, boys," Hermione said, her lips tight with anger. "Now tell us."
Hermione didn't realize until much later how terrifying her and Severus had to have looked to the two Slytherin's. The two godparents were still dressed in their teachers robes, and towered over Albus and Scorpius, who were sitting, casting shadows over them. Their faces were lined with anger, eyes flashing. All in the name of being protective of their godchildren.
Scorpius and Albus exchanged a glance, trying to inch away from Severus and Hermione.
"Well?" Severus snapped.
"It was three fifth year Gryffindor's," Scorpius blurted, wincing at Severus's tone.
"Scorpius," Albus hissed in warning.
"I'm just going to tell them, Albus," Scorpius shot back. He turned back to the two adults. "It was right before dinner and they cornered us on our way there. It just came out of no where. One minute we were walking down the corridor and the next thing I knew Albus was gone. I backtracked trying to find him and they were just swinging at him. I- I didn't know what else to do. I tried to help but one grabbed me and held me so I couldn't do anything. They made me watch..."
Hermione raised an eyebrow as the boy took a breath, knowing there was more to the story. Hermione and Severus exchanged glances. Two fifth years wouldn't have attacked first years without a reason, even if it was buggered.
"Go on," Severus murmured, his voice so low it came out more like a growl.
Scorpius's lip trembled and he shook his head. Severus turned to Albus, who said nothing.
"What did they say to you, Al?" Hermione said quietly, kneeling down in front of her nephew, watching as tears welled up in his green eyes. "Tell us. We promise we won't think any different of you."
"They said that we deserved what we got," Albus cried, his lip quivering. "They said that we didn't deserve families. That I was a disgrace to the Potter name for being a Slytherin. That all Slytherin's needed to die, because we are what is wrong with the world. We are the reason that Voldemort returned and that so many people died. And- And-" Hermione took his hands in hers, squeezing reassuringly. The boy gulped at the air, his eyes darting toward Severus warily before he continued. "They said that they didn't care what anyone said, that godfather was evil. That he killed Professor Dumbledore and Voldemort was his master and that they wished he had died instead of dad. And- And that godfather is probably the reason he is back now."
There was a ringing silence, in which Hermione scooped the youngest Potter boy in her arms, sitting in one of the chairs and rocking him. She held out an arm toward Scorpius and pulled him to her as well. The two boys cried into her chest silently, hiding their faces as they sniffled.
Hermione looked up at Severus. The man stood still as a statue, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes dark as endless tunnels. What unnerved Hermione the most was when she realized that there was no anger in his face. In fact, no emotion showed through as Severus stared down at the two boys unblinkingly. The dark wizard stood perfectly still in what Hermione hoped was his way of gathering his bearings. Hermione winced, he was starting to scare her.
Finally after what seemed like an eternity, Severus took a deep breath and kneeled down in front of Hermione, his movements calculated and controlled. He reached out and touched each boy, who looked to him, their eyes red rimmed from crying.
"You all know my story," Severus said barely above a whisper, his voice low and thick. "I have done terrible things in my lifetime, Albus, Scorpius. I was not a good man back then. Let me make myself clear, however. I would never be responsible for bringing the Dark Lord back so that he could threaten you and the others. I am here to protect you. Do you hear me?"
Albus and Scorpius looked at their godfather in bewilderment.
"We know that, sir," Albus said, wiping his good eye on his sleeve.
"We know you're a good wizard," Scorpius added.
"Why do you think I have this?" Albus asked pointing to his black eye, his bottom lip still trembling from crying. "They kept telling me to say you were a dark wizard, sir, and I refused. I told them that you were a good man. That my father trusted you. That they didn't know what they were talking about and that they didn't know you. I told them that I didn't care what anyone said, that I was proud to have your name."
"We also told them that we would stand up to protect our godfathers name, no matter how Gryffnidorish it was," Scorpius added, thrusting his chin up proudly. "You are our godfather and no one will stand there and insult you in front of us. No one."
With that the boys left Hermione's side and hugged Severus roughly, their arms catching and twisting the dark fabric of his robes. If Hermione hadn't been listening carefully she would have missed the whispers between the three Slytherin's before her, but she was, and their words made her heart clench with joy.
"I love you, godfather," the boys said quietly, tears coming to their eyes again.
There was a flicker of something Hermione had never seen before in Severus's eyes as he clutched the boys to him, as if he let go they would disappear.
"I love you boys, too," the wizard whispered back.
Tears filled Hermione's eyes as she smiled, watching the three Slytherin's fondly. As much as she hated how they had come to this instant, Hermione was glad that it was happening. It was a beautiful, heart-wrenching moment, that the three of them desperately needed.
Minerva was right. These children will make him realize how much light he truly possesses within him. They will be his salvation.
A/N: Okay, someone pass the tissues. The L word has been said by Severus. The feels! So, what's coming up next for our not so little family? What about Severus and Hermione's relationship? Yes, I know it's going slow on that front, but her husband did just die. Can't have her jumping into things to quickly can we? And besides, I think Severus needs a but more time don't you? Hmm... So, thoughts? Review! The next chapter is already written, I just have some minor adjustments to make so it will most likely be up in the next couple of days. So watch out!