Cause and Effect

Chapter Eight:

Prayers and Preparations

The next day, Severus received a message he had hoped he would have never gotten. His in-laws had been attacked! Albus explained that the reason he suspected 'Cherub-girl' (Potter had to have given her such a cute pet name!) hadn't been able to bring the Grangers into the dream – which all, especially so Lupin, thanked Severus and his little family for – was because they were dead. The car had been incinerated by magic and totaled so that no remains were found.

That gave Severus some hope. His people would contact him as soon as it was safe enough to do so, and he explained it all to the Head Master. But, how was he to explain this to his new wife?

Hermione was in one of several a particularly sensitive periods in her pregnancy. Too much stress would cause her to miscarry. But, if he said nothing and she discovered such, he knew the stress and emotional tide would be worse.

He and Albus were still talking low when Hermione walked into the room. "Severus … oh, good morning Albus!"

"Well I see you are looking well, Hermione." Albus' voice was a little toned and there was no sparkle in his eyes.

"I've been lucky. The morning sickness this morning was slight and short, but Poppy told me that it is going to become more severe and persistent as the days pass. Now, who would like to explain to me what is wrong?" Hermione's voice bode no forgiveness for delay.

Severus rested a hand on her belly and his eyes widened with shock. "Hermione?"

She beamed happily. "I found it as I was getting dressed." Looking over at Albus, she had to fight off the chuckle in her throat. "I've started to show a little. But it isn't very much since it is so early."

"That is still wonderful, Hermione. Congratulations. I'll inform Poppy on my return to Hogwarts." Albus' eye partially regained their twinkle.

Nodding, Hermione focused back on her husband. "Now stop avoiding and tell me what's wrong."

At that moment an unknown voice echoed out. "Severus?"

Into the room came a tall, thin, dark haired man with brown eyes. Hermione instinctively curled into her husband's embrace. The stranger raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Ah, so this is the beauty who performs miracles? Have you thought of attempting the old walking on water trick, Lady Snape?"

"Corann Allanson! You forget your manners." Severus snipped.

Corann smirked. "Forgive me old friend, and you too, Lady Snape. After all, any woman who can get Severus Snape – once proclaimed bachelor for life – down the aisle, then you Lady are a miracle worker."

Hermione blushed and chuckled. "It is nice to meet you Corann."

"As it is to finally meet you, Lady Snape."

Politely indicating the chair next to him, Hermione continued on. "Hermione, please."

"Very well, Hermione. And it has been too many years since we last met Head Master." Corann smiled over at Albus.

The older wizard smiled. "Corann, how many times must I give you permission to use my name? You are no longer one of my students."

"But, you will always be a Head Master to me. And how is Professor McGonagall these days?"

Albus smirked at the thought of his wife, who was at home waiting for his return from this unhappy business. How she would be overjoyed if Severus' hopes were prolific. "She is very well, Corann. I know that she will be happy that you still think of her. Yet, I doubt that this is a social call you are making."

Severus was nervous. "True, Albus. Corann about a matter Albus and I were just discussing …"

"What matter, and don't try to avoid my question again, Severus Snape." Hermione was starting to get visibly upset – not good for her or the baby.

"You parents' car was found wreaked and incinerated, but there were no signs of their being in it at the time." Severus tried to explain gently.

Hermione panicked. "My parents are dead? You said they would be safe! That you had friends watching over them!"

"And your husband does Hermione, because I am one of those friends. That is why I am here, to give a report." Corann, already knowing (outside of seeing the young woman's slight bulge as she twisted in Severus' arms to yell at the man) of Lady Snape's delicate condition, pointed out.

Severus was still hurt that Hermione questioned him. Yes, she was going through mood swings and this was upsetting news. Still it was hard to accept she would ever doubt him. Only his tight voice gave his pain away. "What do you have to report Corann?"

"They are well, safe, and were out of the car the moment it hit the guardrail. I suggest that we not only keep them in hiding until the danger passes, but that Hermione be absent from the funeral."

Hermione was still livid, but for some reason went drastically pale. "If my parents are safe and alive, then why do I hear talk of a funeral?"

Severus became worried. If his wife didn't calm down soon it could be disastrous. "Hermione, if mum and dad come forward now, they will be in even greater danger than before."

"You promised me …" Hermione glared harshly at her husband.

While Severus took a moment to keep from snapping, Corann gently spoke. "Severus did keep his vow to you, Hermione. But, to keep your parents safe, my friends and I had to make it seem that they were killed in the wreck. We would have replaced them with false bodies if we had the chance, but the Death Eaters swooped in before we could. We had to wait until just before the muggles came."

Hermione just shook her head and fled the room. A moment later, Severus' parents arrived. Rhiannon was fuming. "Severus, what has Hermione so upset?"

"She just found out about the attack on her parents. We were trying to make her understand that they are not dead, and that I had kept my vow to guard them via some friends. She just had a fit and stormed off." He explained as he fell back hard into the back of the chair he was sitting in.

With a sigh his parent ran up the stairs with their son in the hopes of calming their new daughter before the worse could happen. Hermione was pacing in their bedroom in near panic. Turning around to see the three of them, the young woman blanched as her eyes grew wide. "Not that … please … I'm sorry!" Severus barely got to her side as she fainted.

Rhiannon gasped and covered the mouth. "She thinks we are here to annul the marriage and disown her and the baby!"

Dylan shook his head. "Damn those hormones!"

Then they all heard a soft sobbing filling the air, the sobbing of a little girl. Severus felt his heart twist in grief. He knew that sound … even though he had only heard the tinkle of her laughter, he would never forget the sound of her. He laid his wife on the bed and kissed the small swelling in her stomach. "Baby girl, I know you can hear me and I know you are scared. Please help me take care of mommy. I won't be angry if you go into mommy's dream. If only I could too."

A moment later he slowly dosed off, his head slipping onto the pillow that his wife's head was resting on. Rhiannon looked up at her husband in shock. "Dylan?"

"Our granddaughter obviously wants to help her parents. She pulled Severus into Hermione's dream. They will work this out."

Both still feared their family's safety as they sat there waiting. Poppy came in and checked the couple. She was worried that Hermione was on the edge of miscarrying the baby if she did not calm down soon. She reported her findings to Albus, who excused her to return to Hogwarts to get whatever she needed when Hermione woke.

Hermione held herself in the dark sobbing hard. Her love … he had betrayed her! Severus promised her that they would be safe! Now she was an orphan! Why did she dare let him in her heart? Why did she fall in love with a Death Eater? "Mommy! Daddy!"

Severus rushed to the sound of his wife's sobbing. His heart wrenched at the sound. He preferred to see his love happy and laughing. "Hermione?"

"Stay away from me!" She roared as she scooted away from his reach. "Liar! You promised that they would be safe! How could I have believed you?"

"Love …" He tried to hold back the pain. This was her fear, that she was going to be betrayed by him? How little faith in him she had. "… please, my life …"

"Shut up! You don't love me! You lied to me! I didn't want to believe it … but you are that monster who scared me when I was a first year! The rest was only an act! You never loved me!" Hermione sobbed out.

"No one wants me!" Came a broken hearted sob.

"Baby girl?" Hermione chocked out.

Severus felt his heart sink. "Natasha?"

"Leave me alone! I hate you both!" Natasha screamed as she ran into the darkness.

Hermione's heart sank. "Natasha!"

Severus felt his life end. His daughter hated him. His wife hated him. What did he have left to live for? Seeing Hermione chase after Natasha, he would at least convince that baby stay with his wife … no, his love … but she would soon not be his wife anymore. That he had to accept. He quickly followed them both into the darkness into his worse fear.

Hermione sighed as she looked around. She was in the mists of Death Eaters in full garb and masks! She was right! Severus was still loyal to Voldemort! But then she saw her love on his knees sobbing twice over. This couldn't be!

They were in a dark forest. Mists were rising and it was very late at night. The wind was nonexistent but the air was so cold. Severus had seen what his nightmare's form was crying about. Hermione gasped when she saw her own body lying beneath Voldemort's feet! She was cold, pale, and still! She was dead! Her belly was covered in blood, and a small blue form was on her chest. What was it?

Severus of the nightmare collapsed onto her dead body. "HERMIONE! NATASHA! NO!"

It was her baby girl! Her daughter was so small and blue! The baby wasn't moving or shivering, but was nude in the cold, dark night. Their daughter was dead! No!

His shoulders were shaking so violently with grief. Both men were broken at the sight of her and her daughter. But no one seemed to see them. "Severus?"

"This is my nightmare, Hermione. My worse fear is to lose you and the baby. Now do you see? Do you see that I do love you? I will be a broken man if I were to lose the two of you." He didn't even turn to look at her. He knew there was no hope for him. "But it looks like my nightmare won't come full circle. You are going to take our daughter and leave."

Voldemort stood to his full height as his red eyes flared. "You married and bred this filthy mudblood I promised to my loyal servant's son! I had to teach you a lesson, Severus. You do not interfere with my plans. I am your Master!"

Both Severus Snapes brushed the cold cheeks of both mother and daughter, who had been cut from the mother's womb. The nightmare Snape growled a spat on the Dark Lord's robes. "I loved her and our daughter above all – especially you, Riddle!"

"You are my servant, Severus! Cruico!" Voldemort snapped as he cursed the nightmare Severus, who screamed in pain. "Never forget that again, and never use that name in my presence. You are trying my patience, and you will not be essential forever."

Severus spat out a mouthful of blood and groaned as Hermione and her Severus both heard the death rattle in his chest. "She was my life! I never believed in you! Hear that? It is your end! I led them here to try and save them! I have spied on you for nearly the entire time! And now I will join my family out of your grasp!"

Voldemort roared in anger and hate as he spat out, "Adava Kedavra!"

As the green light filled the air and started to wrap itself around him, Severus sighed and smiled at his wife and daughter's bodies. "I'm coming my angels. I love you Hermione. I love you Natasha."

Hermione shook inside. This couldn't be! She should have known this because of their bond. Now all she felt was cold self-hate from her husband, whom she knew was blocking all her feelings away from himself. "Severus?"

"Say nothing. Let's go find Natasha." Severus snapped. He refused to let her in again. He had been a fool to dare think he would ever be allowed happiness. Once he woke he would free her and turn full custody of their baby to her.

The little girl's sobbing was closer but softer. Hermione tramped after her husband just after she saw the Order come in and destroy the enemy. Then she turned around to face her own worse fears.

Her husband was frozen in shock and disgust. This was how she felt towards him? He had dared to hope she had more faith in him than this! He knew better than to think any good would ever be due him! Yet, he had given into that trap weaklings called optimism. Yes, when they woke he would let the woman free, and turn the child over to her.

He found himself in Albus' office at Hogwarts, only now it was a throne room of some sorts. Voldemort sat on the throne, and he himself smiled at his right side. In the floor was his Hermione, in the process of being raped by Draco Malfoy. Their daughter he could just see playing in Albus' private sitting area playing with a doll. Natasha was dressed very fancily and the doll appeared to be expensive. Giving that the girl was oblivious to the moans and grunts coming from the copulating pair writhing on the floor, he assumed that there was a silencing spell in place.

Voldemort was smiling. "She is quite entertaining, Severus. And when the truth came out of your plans for her, it made destroying the-boy-who-lived all the easier. Well done my favored servant. Enough Draco, time for her to earn my acceptance properly. Come here mudblood whore!"

Severus growled at the scene. "Let's find Natasha." And then he stormed away without turning back.

How could his wife think he would do such to her and their beloved daughter? All this time he had thought that she had believed him … believed in him! How wrong he had been. Their marriage was already widely known in the Wizarding World. She was carrying his daughter. In truth the two of them were stuck together. He cursed himself for it. That 'date' hadn't been planned, but he had wanted time with her. He had wanted to spend their first Beltane as a couple together without having to hide their rendezvous if the media (namely Skeeter) were to show up. She had seemed so happy about it, but in truth she probably had been nervous and worried that he would have forced her into his bed.

He shook his head and turned to tell her off, only to find himself alone. Then he heard their little girl crying again. "They don't love me!"

Severus was calmed when he heard the voices of his in-laws comforting his daughter … their granddaughter. He had to stop thinking of her as his own. No, that would never be again. Then he heard his father-in-law's voice. "Baby Cherub, they just don't understand. Your mum has been through a lot in her life, including one memory she hides from everyone because she hates to think about it. And that is the reason that one word made her break down like she is."

"What word?" Severus came forward, if only to know why his only love hated him so much.

"Sev. Where is Hermione?" Tom didn't look too happy right then, and the knuckle white grip his wife had o his arm told clearly how angry the man was.

"I told her to forget about what I saw from her mind, and follow me to find our daughter." His voice was cold and flat. He refused to ever let anyone that close to him ever again.

Her mother turned Natasha over to her husband and then walked over to her son-in-law. "Severus. All you saw were her deepest and worse fears, just as your nightmare is."

"She doesn't trust or believe in me!" He roared at the woman. It hurt that his love thought so little of him.

Shaking her head, Heather laid her right hand on his shoulder. She noticed how he stiffened, and how he was trying to keep everyone away from him – at least emotionally. He had to know the truth. "Severus, Hermione has been betrayed by her father's family much worse than you already know. You both have one memory you each refuse to face, so the bond did not share it with either of you."

And with that they were all in the past. A very young Hermione was seated on stairs that Severus did not recognize crying her tiny heart out. She couldn't be any older than Natasha was every time Severus had seen her in his dreams – five or maybe six. Looking at Tom, he saw the elder man was looking sick. "This was the day of my mother's funeral. Hermione was shattered when we lost mum. The two of them were always very close in life."

A boy came out with a dirty smirk on his face. "Hey deviant, Grams just woke up and wants you."

"Grammy's okay? Daddy and mummy said she died!"

The little boy shrugged. "Guess no one knew she's okay. Come on. She was tired and laid back down, but you can wake her up – just like all the other freaky stuff you do."

Hermione didn't pay any attention to the rude comment as she followed the boy in and he and a few others helped her climb into the casket. Hermione had such a look of hope on her face as she kissed her grandmother's cheek. "Grammy? It's Hermione. Wake up, Grammy. Please, daddy is sad without you. Me too, Grammy."

The scene froze. Heather sighed. "Tom's mum was the only one in the family who accepted Hermione as we did. In fact, Tom suspects that Gram was a witch."

That shocked Severus. But, then he looked at the dead woman and saw it! The faint glow of magic that was frozen as it left the dead woman and wrapped itself around the little girl! Hermione was not muggle-born at all! In fact he recognized the woman, one of the old gang who had gone into hiding in the Muggle World. "Jasmine Firefox."

"That was her maiden name, but how did you know that and that she was in hiding?" Tom gasped in shock. In fact he had been the only member of their family to be told that secret, hours before this mother died.

Severus sighed. "She was a witch. One of the Order who went into hiding to avoid capture by Death Eaters who were out for those they knew were members of the Order of the Phoenix - the order that worked so hard to bring down the Dark Lord during both of his reigns. In fact she was nearly as powerful as Albus, they were the only two that the Dark Lord ever feared … until Potter came along."

Then the scene returned to normal time and the lid of the coffin slammed shut, the little Hermione still inside with Jasmine. Severus could hear his beloved pounding and screaming from within, it twisted his heart. An upset and angry Natasha looked up at her grandfather. "Why did those boys do that to my mummy?"

"Because her magic had just started to show itself a year before this. It was sporadic and she couldn't control it well before this, but after it was as if she just knew. The boys are muggles, and they thought your mummy was strange." Tom explained. Just as the scene played out he went on explaining. "We showed up a few minutes later. I remember hearing the boys' parents praising them. I was never angrier at my siblings than I was at that moment. We pulled Hermione out of the casket and a few minutes later mum's body turned into ash."

"Tom's sibs blamed that on Hermione and began calling her a demon child. Every time they came around they made a big deal to wear crosses and throw Holy water on her and even made signs with their hands to protect themselves from her." Heather explained as Hermione's childhood passed before his eyes. Severus at last understood what had been the reason for the earlier memories he had gained with the bond.

Tom sighed as he watched. "Hermione never could take the word 'funeral' after that without getting upset. We always said wake or that someone had passed on in front of her."

Severus suddenly understood why his wife broke down as she did. When Corann said funeral … that had been what had created the doubts. Severus had been so wrong … at least he hoped he had been. But, was it too late?

Hermione walked in on them and looked like a shell of the woman she had once been. In fact, she didn't seem to notice that her parents were there. "I'm ready."

"Ready for what, Hermione?" Severus went to pull her into his arms, but she backed away. "For the dissolution ceremony."

He felt his heart stop; his wife wanted a divorce! "Hermione."

"Don't you love me mummy?" Natasha's voice hitched with the tears that filled her eyes.

Hermione's eyes were void of emotion and looked anywhere but at her child and husband. "I'll always love you baby girl. I just hope that your daddy will let me see you now and again."

Natasha broke into inconsolable tears. Tom took control of the situation. "Hermione Elisabeth Marie Snape! Will you look at what is happening to your family because of you simply assuming? I taught you to take in everything before making a decision."

Only then did Hermione really see that her parents were there, her husband was cold and seemed broken, and her baby was sobbing harder than Hermione ever wanted to see. Could she have been wrong? Then a table with a paper appeared before her and her husband. Looking at her hand, Hermione found a quill that was full of ink in it. "What does this mean?"

"You requested a dissolution ceremony. On the paper you set down the rules about contact, money, visitations I might have with our daughter, and anything else that comes to mind." Severus had given up. Again he would be alone. Because he too had assumed the worse.

Hermione dropped the quill in shock. This wasn't how it was supposed to be! "No! I thought you wanted it! You showed up with your parents … that meant …"

Severus had his back to her at this point. He didn't want to see her hand go to the parchment. If he could have his way, he'd be able to tear the document to shreds and tell Hermione that she was his alone. But, that would be the Death Eater he had one time been. "Mother and Father were worried about you and our baby, that was the only reason they were there." He sighed and looked to his child, it wouldn't be fair to her … but this was how life was.

"I DON'T WANT IT! I WANT MY FAMILY BACK!" Hermione screamed as tears poured down her cheeks. "I'm sorry … I'm so sorry."

When he turned back around, Severus found that the parchment was gone and his wife was on her knees weeping. Hermione … she was still his beautiful wife! He wasn't alone. Sighing, he pulled her into his arms and felt her melt into his embrace. Once again he opened himself and felt her fear, pain, grief, sorrow, shame.

"I should be the one to apologize. I never knew you had been so traumatized. I had known through the bond that you're your family tormented you, but not why. I should have asked. Truth is we both have hidden a painful secret from one another." Severus held his wife, and made a choice. "Since I know of your secret, I think the same in kind is due you." Looking at his now still daughter, Severus smiled. "Baby girl?"

The room twisted until they were in a dark room, with a violent storm raging outside. A young boy whimpered as in a shadowed corner a woman cried out as she was whipped. A deep voice roared at the child, "I'll give you something to cry about you little spineless weakling! You will give the Dark Lord a servant to be proud of! Cruico!"

The boy screamed and whimpered as the curse ripped through his body. The lightening flashed for several moments. Hermione's heart stopped for a moment. It was a very young Severus! A heartbeat later a fist connected with his small face. Tears ran down her face. "That can't be dad!"

"Not the Father you know. My mother was in love with this monster's brother, but had been force to marry this fiend by her father, who too was a Death Eater. Mother told him that she was carrying my sister. It angered him that the child was not a boy, so he beat my mother until my little sister was lost. That was why my nose grew as it has; he broke it that night. I created the potions needed to heal my mother, but it was too late to save my baby sister or fix my nose."

Hermione gasped as she fought to stem the tide of tears that threatened to spill over her face. Natasha looked up at her father. "Daddy what happened to the man who hurt Grammy and you?"

"After he forced me to take the Dark Mark at the age of sixteen, he displeased the Dark Lord and was killed. I think that was the one time I was thankful to the you-know-who. Mother got to marry my former uncle, who I, from the moment her proposed to her on, called my father. But, she was barren because of the attack that cost my sister her life. That is why my parents are so fixed on my happiness. They used muggle means to have my sister Helena and our two younger brothers, a surrogate and my parents genetic structure. That was why they came up with me, Hermione – you and our baby are all that makes me happy now, and Mother wanted to calm you down, while Father wanted to keep me calm."

Hermione smiled as she slid into the arms of her husband. "I love you, and I am so sorry for my acting so childish."

"We both acted foolishly. But the hormones of your pregnancy cause most of it with you. Now do you believe me that your parents are safe?" Severus rubbed her cheeks with his thumbs.

Natasha got up and went to her parents. "I couldn't make Grampy go to sleep when he was driving, Mummy."

"Thank you, baby girl. You are the best gift I have ever gotten." Hermione picked up her little girl and kissed her cheek.

Natasha sighed and snuggled in with her mother. "Good dream now, Mummy?"

"Of course, Cherub-girl. And it is Mummy's turn to choose." Severus smiled as he rubbed his little girl's back.

"Well then, how about the place my Grammy used to take me when I was a little girl?" Hermione smiled as their daughter giggled.

Suddenly the scene changed yet again. Now it was an open field with big old trees that were perfect for climbing. It was a warm spring day that was dry and sunny, early in the morning. There were birds singing, butterflies fluttering, and a sweet breeze blowing. Natasha squealed and jumped down to run through the high grasses, like Hermione once did herself at that age. The four adults beamed as they followed the little girl. For seemingly hours they all played and laughed. However, when the four adults woke up only an hour had gone by.

"Hermione, are you alright?" Rhiannon was terrified. She had grown to adore this young woman in a short time.

Dylan sat on the edge of the bed. "Daughter …"

"I know now. I'm sorry for how I acted, I was just … it was all too much on me." Hermione tried to explain. But her husband woke and did it better. "A word was said that Hermione has never been able to handle. Adding on her mood swings and hormones, she was only acting naturally."

"What word was it?" Dylan asked.

Rhiannon saw that her daughter-in-law was shaking just perceivably. "Severus can tell us later, when Hermione's is not around. All right dear? So you are not unsettled again?"

"No, I can face this now. It was the word funeral. I had a bad experience at my grandmother's that has always haunted me." Hermione said and then sighed with relief.

Seeing that whatever had happened to her was worse than he could imagine, Dylan decided to let it drop until his new daughter was ready to talk. "Quite. Well you two rest. Adorabelle and I will see about supper for you both and then visit with you in a few days."

"Thanks dad." Hermione smiled with tears in her eyes. She was accepted and they weren't going to disown her.

Dylan nodded and they left, Adorabelle winking and giving the young couple a smile as she closed the door.

Hermione clutched tight to her husband. "Severus …"

"Shh, it is over with. What is important to me is that after I became angry you still want to remain with me. I will love you forever, Hermione Snape." Severus held his wife tighter slightly and was thankful he had not lost her or their baby.

 "Oh, god!" Hermione sobbed.

Fearing that something was wrong, Severus started to get up. "Is it the baby?"

"No, my little sister! She was staying with a friend since it seems the Dark Lord doesn't know or care about Athena. Mom and dad have yet told her about my being a witch, she only knows that I go to a private school most of the year." Hermione sighed. "There is going to be a huge fight over who keeps her now, no doubt. And if my father's family gets her they will turn her against me and mistreat her because she started demonstrating magical abilities a few months ago."

Severus sighed. He was pleased his wife and daughter were fine, but did not want this load on Hermione. There was only one way to end the problem before it got out of control. "I will contact your parents and we will work this out. You and our baby rest for now, and I will come get you two for dinner later."

Hermione shook her head. "No, I feel better. Besides I want to talk about this. I understand why Corann believes I shouldn't be at the funeral, but it will give my family more ammunition against me … I guess us now."

"That is right, us. Whatever you face Hermione, so too will I. If I allow the idea of you going to the  …" Honestly Severus didn't want to see his wife break down again.

Hermione on the other hand sighed. "I can handle the word better now. There will probably be a wake first, then the public funeral, and afterwards will be the burial."

Severus once again was amazed at how strong his beautiful wife was. True to the house she had been sorted into – Gryffindor proud and courageous. "For all of this I want you to allow members of the Order and Aurors to be there."

"Do you think that it will be necessary?"

Severus nodded. Hermione swallowed and agreed. "At least there will be people there I know will be there. Doubt that my family will do more than hurt me with words. As long as you are with me, I will be fine."

"I will be there Hermione."

Hermione as relieved, as was Severus and their friends, the Grangers had already made that most of the planning for the services when Hermione was a little girl and had kept them up to date with each change in their lives – the birth of Athena, Hermione going to school, Athena showing signs of magic, finally the day before Hermione and Severus' wedding. They were able to send Hermione and Athena a note each to calm and give them strength that the Grangers were certain their daughters would need.

The night after the accident, Harry and Remus went to Hermione's Aunt Martha's to collect Athena. Martha was stern faced withered looking and had her hair pulled tightly back from her face. "Yes?"

"Ms. Granger?"

"Yes."

"My name is Harry Potter. I was asked by my friend, Hermione, to come get Athena for her."

Martha's eyes hardened. "The girl does not need to be with some little devil whore. Living with the she-demon has already rubbed off enough. The girl needs to be brought up in a good Christian household. I have full custody and that is how it will remain."

Remus knew that Harry's temper would not last for very long at this rate. "Ms. Granger, Athena's sister has full custody of the girl. As to your opinion of Hermione, you may believe as you will. I know that she is amazing, courageous, and true – no demon. For now, we will be taking Athena with us. This note from Hermione gives us permission to take the child."

"I don't care about any note from that bitch. Athena is going nowhere. Now leave." Martha spat as she tried to slam the door shut, but Harry was not about to fail his friend. He forced the door open and walked in. "We will not leave without Athena. No where is she, or shall my friend and I begin searching every room until we find her?"

"I'm going to call the police! You have no right to be in here!" Martha shouted.

Harry simply smirked. This Martha was just like the Dursleys, a type of person that Harry no longer feared. "Go ahead. Remus, looks like we search the house. I have the upstairs."

Without a word either way, Harry started for the stairs. But, a soft sobbing near a door to his left at the stairs got his attentions. He was beyond angry now. "I think I've found her, Remus."

One unlocking spell later opened the door to find a smaller version of Hermione crying on the top step. Carefully, Harry knelt down so he wouldn't frighten the six-year-old girl anymore than she already was. "Are you Athena?"

The girl looked up and sniffed in fear, until she saw the scar on Harry's forehead. "I know you. You're sissy's friend, Harry Potter."

"That's right. Your sister is on her honeymoon and asked me to come get you. Why are you locked here?"

With a sigh, Athena looked at the step she was sitting on. "I accidentally moved the sugar bowl closer to me at tea."

"How did that land you here?" Harry was shocked. How strict was this aunt of Hermione's?

Blushing and hiding her face away, Harry barely heard the child whisper, "I did it without touching the bowl at all."

Harry suddenly understood and grinned. So, there were two witches in the family. He wondered if Hermione knew about it. "So, you are a witch like your sister."

"My sister is a witch?" Athena gasped with wide eyes. Oops.

Harry shook his head. "She and your parents never told you?" Harry sat the girl on his lap and sighed. "The school your sister and I graduated from was Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am a wizard and your sister is a witch, yes. And it would seem that you are starting to come into your own magic."

"Does that mean I'm not a little devil that will go to hell?" Athena seemed so relieved.

Harry was angry. His friend and her sister never deserved this kind of treatment. All of the times he figured that Hermione wouldn't understand what he had lived through. Harry regretted not leaning on her more. "No. It also means you will probably go to Hogwarts too. In fact, how would you like to go early and visit the school? Maybe meet the teachers, the different animals, and the ghosts."

"There are ghosts?" Athena's eye grew wide.

"Yes. There are four houses within the school, and each house has a ghost. Of course there are more than four ghosts, and there are some you should stay away from – especially Peeves, the poltergeist. He can be very mean and his tricks often hurt more than feelings. Hey, I'll even take you flying on my broom if you'd like."

Athena beamed. "Yay! I can see sissy and my new bubby too! Will we ride the train?"

Harry knew all too well how enjoyable the train ride was. "We got here by apparating –magic – but I think we will owl the Headmaster and see if we can take the train home, wouldn't hurt to ask after all."

"Owl?"

Harry smiled. "Well, that is how the Wizarding community send messages back and forth. Like the Post. And my owl Hedwig is fast, so it shouldn't be more than an hour before we get an answer back."

Athena squealed with joy and hugged Harry tight. He could see that this kid was going to be fun. Then who walked in with Remus but the Headmaster himself. "Ah, Harry. Good, I see that you have found Ms. Granger."

Athena snuggled closer to Harry in fear. "It's okay kiddo. Athena this is my dear friend, Remus Lupin-Black. He teaches the Defence Against the Dark Arts class at Hogwarts. And this gentleman is the school Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Yes sir, this is Athena Granger."

"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Granger." Remus smiled from the doorway.

Albus knelt near the pair. "A very nice pleasure, I assure you. Did I hear something about the Hogwarts Express?"

Athena took a breath and fought her fear. Harry smirked at the idea that this kids would make a perfect Gryffindor. "Yes, Headmaster Dumbledore. I asked Harry if we could ride the train, and he said that he would owl you."

"I see. Well, seeing as the train has recently had improvements added and needs to be tested, I think a ride to Hogsmeade would not be hard to arrange." Albus smiled as his eyes twinkled merrily.

Athena again squealed and giggled. Remus smiled, wishing that he and Sirius had been given the chance to have children. But at least now he was the man's husband. That alone meant so much to the lonely werewolf. He felt that his mate was close and felt such pride in the moment – pride in him and in Harry. In fact Remus was nearly sure that he could feel the embrace Padfoot was giving him. It felt so good and yet brought him such pain and grief as well. It would take time to accept the way their marriage was. At least they were married.

After altering Martha Granger's memories so that she eagerly gave them Athena, the men and girl headed for King's Cross Station. Athena was beaming as she held tight on Harry's hand. Then she saw how lonely Harry's other friend looked. After a moment she let go of Harry's hand and timidly slid her hand into Remus'. Harry winked with a sneaky smile on his face when Athena looked back at him. The older man had a brighter twinkle in his eyes as he too smiled at the sight. After a beat Remus noticed the small hand in his own.

By then they were at the barrier. First Dumbledore calmly walked through. Harry just smiled at the shocked expression on Athena's face. "This is so Muggles, people who are not really magical, can't get to the platform. I'll show you how."

Harry then ran through the seemingly solid wall. Athena whimpered and looked at the tall man beside her with tears in her eyes. "Are you going to leave me here too?"

"No. I'll wait until you go through and then follow. All you do is run through the wall between platforms nine and ten and not stop running until you make it to the platform on the other side of the barrier." Remus saw that the girl was still worried and scared. He knelt down and brushed away a tear. "Tell you what. How about we go through the barrier together?"

Athena swallowed. "I can't run fast."

"Well, I could carry you. Unless you want to go through alone." Remus softly explained.

"Will it hurt?"

Remus smiled at the innocence that looked up at him with fear and awe. "No. To me it feels like the nice tingling feeling when my arm falls asleep and wakes up, without the pain that is."

Without another word, Athena tightly wrapped her arms around the man's neck. Remus hugged the girl a moment. He felt the smirk and chuckle Sirius was giving. "Ready?"

Once Athena nodded, Remus took off so that she couldn't change her mind. Once they were through, Harry and Albus too were wearing smiles. Athena giggled. "That did tickle! Can we do it again, Uncle Remus?"

Remus was stunned while Sirius joined with Albus and Harry's laughter. "I thought you wanted to ride the Express?"

Athena's eye lit up. "Yes!"

Remus joined in the calmer chuckles as he twisted the young girl so she could see the train. Athena's eye opened with shock. Steam as pouring out of the waiting train that was a beautiful red, shiny and looked so new. There were many cars, an engine, and it was longer than the girl had ever imagined. "Wow."

Harry smiled. "I remember a time that I felt the same way."

They got into Harry, Ron, and Hermione's usual compartment. Athena sat in Remus' lap so that she could look out the window. Harry sat across from them in his usual seat. Albus sat beside Harry. As the train started up, Athena beamed and giggled. For a time everything had the little girl's wonder.

Just as her stomach grumbled, the witch who pushed the sweets trolley showed up. Harry of course found this to be perfect timing. He was out to spoil this girl rotten – perfect practice for when Hermione and Severus' daughter came into the world. "A bit of everything sounds about right, mame. After all, Athena should try everything at least once."

As the treats and drinks were bought, Remus could feel his husband's smirk and sense his eyebrows wiggling. Then he heard the man say, "and go more than twice with what she likes – eh, Moony?"

He wasn't as lonely now that Padfoot was still with him, linked by vows he would never risk breaking. Remus himself ate little, and only because of his husband's nagging about keeping healthy for him. He was pleased at how Athena went for everything with the same thrill her sister showed in his classes.

After an hour, the girl was laying in the seat, using Remus' case as a pillow. Harry was lost in his own thoughts. Albus was happily sucking on a sherbet lemon. Now that things were peaceful, Remus dosed off to his dreams.

In his dreams he woke in a practically empty compartment – it was only he and Sirius. The other man beamed at him, looking healthy and happy. "So, you finally decided to dose off?"

"Dose off? Sirius?" Remus wasn't sure about what was going on.

Sirius patted the space on the seat beside him, and Remus dutifully switched seats to snuggle close to his husband. "Our spirits are linked by our vows, Moony. And the only place the spirit is free in life is …"

"Dreams! Then we did have our honeymoon night?" Remus looked up into the brown eyes that had him from the first moment on.

Those eyes twinkled and sparkled with mirth, glee, joy, and peace. "Yep, just like we will have a long time together each night you slip into your dreams. I'd ravish you now if I could, but it does affect your physical body. Don't want everyone knowing what we're up to, now do we love?"

Remus shook his head and gained more comfort as he rested his head in the crook of his mate's neck. That spicy earthy scent he loved so much wrapped around him and filled him with warmth and a new strength the werewolf had not felt in many years. "Since the full moon's coming soon, I have to get you ready. By resting your body from the nightmares that James, Lily, and I all are upset you didn't confide with us, you are able to let your strength come back."

"Thanks Padfoot. Merlin, you smell so good!" Remus couldn't help it. His senses were acute due to his disease, and with Padfoot holding him tight he couldn't not smell the man, or his obvious arousal. Besides, this close to the full moon always put Remus into heat – that had been one of the reasons for the monthly trips to the Shrieking Shack.

This was not apparent to most, but Padfoot was able to feel and smell it. In fact he could nearly taste it. "Not now, Moony. But you had better put up a silencing charm tonight when you get ready for bed. Because I intend to fully ravish your body the moment we are alone."

Remus let the wolf within him emerge, and Moony got that feral smirk that only Sirius brought out. The smirk that said each was fully taken by the other. "Promise or are you only teasing, Padfoot?"

"Hello dark beauty. And consider that to be a warning rather than a promise. While you are at it put on a few locking spells – the ones we used that first month we were together. I don't want anyone pulling you out of sleep while we are playing."

Both sides of Remus smirked with a twinkle in their eyes. After all, he remembered how wild the two of them had been that first month after they not only admitted how they felt, but also acted on those feelings. How wild and free both side of Remus felt each time he snuck away with Padfoot.

But a whistle blew, and inside Remus knew what it meant. "So little time. Until tonight, my husband?"

Sirius kissed Remus deeply. When they pulled apart, both had a deep dark hunger in their eyes. "I'll be waiting."

After a short nap, Hermione woke to find that she was alone. What could Severus be up to? She slid on her robe and went out into the hall. There was a light coming from under the library's closed door. "Guess I don't have to ask where my husband is."

In a few moments she softly knocked on the door and was pleased to hear Severus on the other side beaconing the visitor in. "Hermione? Love you should be resting. Tomorrow's the wake."

"So should you. I woke up and was wondering what you are up to." She was even more curious that she saw what was on his desk.

There were papers strewn everywhere, and poor Severus looked completely frazzled. He stretched and sighed deeply. "I decided to take your parents' example to heart and go over my will and other final arrangements to be sure that you and our daughter will be cared for if something were to happen to me. I forgot how much I dislike this."

Hermione sat down and smiled at him. Always making a backup plan. She guessed that it was left over from his being a spy for so very long. "I'll help. I'm not really tired, and I think it would be an idea if I got my affairs in order too – just in case."

"It is only in case love. 'Pray for the best, but prepare for the worse' father always told me. It has saved my life more than once." Severus indicated the comfortable couch, and Hermione nodded and went to wait on him.

Originally all of that Severus owned was to go into a trust for his nieces and nephews. Hermione was shocked by how much Severus had brought to their marriage. "Maybe you should have gotten me to sign a pre-nuptial agreement?"

"What for?"

Hermione squirmed a little. She felt so worthless now that she knew how much her husband had. Compared to her, Hermione barely had anything at all. "I have considerably less than you."

Severus shook his head and smiled. "Love that is no longer so. All I have is yours as well. I know that you have not married me for my wealth, just I married you for reasons other than money or status."

It helped a bit, and Hermione was able to just smile. They started out by deciding on their wakes, funerals, and burials. That was a challenge with their different pasts. Next came their wills. "Severus, we've never talked about it. I was wondering if you want more children after we have this one."

He smiled at how careful his wife was with their unborn daughter. He believed that holding back a baby's name until its naming ceremony was mere superstition, yet he wasn't going to test that theory with his daughter. "I grew up alone until my sister and brother came, it was lonely much of the time and I received so much from having them in my life. I would like more children if we are that blessed."

"I always felt a loss for being an only child most of my life myself. So it looks like at least two or three?" Hermione liked planning out their futures like this. But what mattered the most was he was really asking her opinions on aspects rather than just planning everything for her. This showed Hermione that Severus truly loved her.

They revoked all of their previous wills and codicils (thought this was only for Severus, seeing as Hermione had never before felt the need to set her private life in order). Severus insisted that they set that if a second marriage came after the death of either of them that all of the estate be set for the children only. Hermione completely agreed – jealous that any other woman would take over after her, until Severus explained that he had his one wife and would never again marry of his own free will. Hermione agreed to that and felt the same. Then they planned out what would happen if they were to die within 45 days of one another. A no contest clause was put in place, in case someone decided to get greedy and tried to grab more than his or her allotted amount.

The house they were now living in and planned to spend much of their future life together in would be held for their daughter as a trust to never leave the family, as were the house elves. Hermione quickly learned that all of the house elves her husband's family owned were rescued from Death Eaters who were worse than Lucius Malfoy. It made her feel better. But when she found out that Dobby could have been claimed by anyone once Harry freed him, it scared her out of her ideas of free the house elves. She apologized to the elves from the school, but told them that even if they had clothes that this was to be considered their home and family to serve as long as they wished. All of them broke down into tears, but none nearly as loud as Dobby. It seemed that he had nearly been taken on his trip to the village market that day. Hermione's words had now protected him for as long as she felt so. Severus only smiled at his love. Albus and then a friend from the Order were named as Property guardians.

Right then they only had one daughter. That made things a little easier. In the end this was how it read. Harry and Ron were named as their daughter's Godfathers in that order, so both were also named the girl's personal guardians as well as Hermione's sister's – if the girl was still a minor at the time and in Hermione and Severus' care. Albus and then Arthur were named the executors of their estates. It was set so that if one died the now combined estate would go to the surviving spouse. Yet, if they both were to die within one year of one another, their estate would default into a trust for their daughter to be managed by the Godparents as trustees until she turned eighteen AND had graduated from compulsory school. There was a trust set for her to go on to university, a trust for her to live on after the first trust came due to when she turned forty, and finally a trust for one major life altering celebration (wedding, graduation, ect.).

After that their nieces, nephews, Severus' siblings, and Hermione's sister were given trusts as well. A trust was set aside for death taxes and any outstanding debts either or both of the pair ended their lives with. Their familiars were given to Albus or Minerva, followed by Hagrid, unless their daughter said otherwise. Their funeral arrangements were added to their wills. Then Severus called for Kingsley Shackelbolt and Arthur Weasley to come to the house.

Ron too came to visit a bit as the couple went over their wills. It left the young man uneasy that they were talking about this the day before Hermione's parents' wake, but he understood in the long run. Then he felt honored for being chosen to help take care of the little girl all loved so much. They stayed for a late dinner, and then left after Kingsley and Arthur signed the paper work. Severus packed it all up and turned to find his young wife dosing on their couch. It had been much to ask of her, but he knew that this was all better finished now than worried about later.

He settled Hermione in their bed, and then changed before sliding into the bed with her. Now his mind was at peace that his family was taken care of.

The next day Severus wore a dark muggle dress suit, while Hermione wore a black church dress. Walking up to Hogwarts, the pair were already tired. That is until a small girl squealed. "Sissy!"

"Athena! Merlin, I was worried sick about you!" Hermione knelt down and pulled the girl into her arms. Athena too was wearing a black church dress, but was beaming. "Uncle Harry said that mummy and daddy aren't dead, sissy. They were put in hiding to keep them safe from bad people – like hide and seek! But we have to pretend to be sad so just remember its lonely without them here."

Severus barely heard the youngster's mutterings, but couldn't hide his chuckles at it. That was when Athena really took him in. To make it easier, Severus too knelt by the girl. Athena left her sister's arms and stood before him. "Are you sissy's new husband?"

Severus nodded. "And you must be wise little Athena."

Athena blushed very much like her sister as they both grinned. Then the girl clutched his neck tight. Hermione smiled sadly. Yes, she wished her parents were there. They helped her deal with their family every time. Now she had to protect her sister. At least she wasn't alone – and never would be again if she suspected right. But then Athena made both she and Severus laugh. "Sissy should have married you sooner, you give good hugs."

That brought laughs out of everyone who walked up to the trio. Harry helped Hermione stand before giving her a hug. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired, but the sooner we get through this the better I'll feel."

Minerva walked over and hugged her favorite student close. "It will all be over soon, you'll see."

Severus stood, picking his newest sister up in the process. "We had better all go."

"Quite so, Severus. The Order members are already waiting for us and I see the Ministry Aurors are here." Albus spoke quickly as six people – two women and four men – Hermione and Harry did not know walked up, but with the glared in Severus' eyes he knew them all well.

"Why are Hampter and Gnobs doing here, Albus?"

One of the men smirked. "The Minister's direct order, Snape. After all just because the batty nut job and the boy who lived to cry dark wizard think you changed doesn't mean those in power do. Rats don't change their fur."

"Albus, I don't want him there. Dealing with my family is bad enough. But, having to watch out for the family I know loves me and my sister is too much. I don't need the added stress right now." Hermione laid down the law.

Then came Fudge's annoying voice. "Well you will have to deal with it Mrs. Snape. You have no say in who I send. It is all here, or none."

Harry was the one to speak up now. "You know Hermione is having a baby, and you know what stress will do to her and the baby. Now this is my Goddaughter she's carrying, and we don't need those who will disrespect a honored teacher, spy, and a friend of mine while placing one of my best friend and Goddaughter in danger! In short Minister, you and your people are not needed!"

Athena smiled and applauded. That brought Harry back to reality. What was the Professor going to say?

"I agree with Harry that what security measure have been enacted shall be enough. It seems that every member of the Order have volunteered to stand watch the next two days." Albus calmly said as his eyes twinkled brilliantly.

Severus then caught Harry's wary eyes and smiled. "As do I, Headmaster. We all should be leaving now."

With that the group left a speechless Minister and his people at the now closed and locked gates of Hogwarts.

Hermione as relieved when they portkeyed near the church. It seemed that Harry had introduced Athena to the Wizarding World so she wasn't scared or curious at all. When the group made it up to the church doors, her relief was replaced with grief.

Severus saw a man arguing with what appeared to be part of the clergy. Athena, who he was still carrying in his arm, groaned. "That's Uncle Ryan. He's really mean and bossy."

"Athena, what did mum tell you about that?" Hermione was already on a short fuse after dealing with Fudge.

"Have nothing nice to say stay quiet."

"It will be hard, but for now we have to deal with him and the rest. Need you to stay in control, we both know how mean they all can be." Hermione soothed as she tucked a tendril of hair behind the girl's ear.

Hearing Hermione and Athena talking gave the man Ryan was complaining to a look of relief and joy as he walked up to the group. "Hermione, it has been a very long time since I last saw you. You are glowing despite the situation."

"I'm having a baby, so that is helping a bit." Hermione chuckled with tears in her eyes. This was turning out to be harder than she first prepared herself for. "Reverend Daleson, this is my husband, Severus Snape."

"A pleasure, sir. Hermione often told me of you when she and her mother would visit in summer. Just wish this meeting was under a less forlorn situation."

Severus took the man's offered hand and shook it. "Agreed Reverend."

Hermione then introduced Harry. "Reverend, this is one of my two best friends, Harry Potter."

"Yes, the savior of the Wizarding world. I met the Weasleys earlier, and they spoke glowing of you and Hermione." Seeing the stunned looks on all but Athena and Hermione's faces, the pastor clarified. "My cousin and I are wizarding folk. I went to school in America, while my cousin went to school here. I think it was Hogwarts."

Albus' eye lit up a bit. "Ah yes, Miss. Harmony Kedan. How is she?"

"Very well, thank you. I know she is in the church today, somewhere. But, I believe she will come up to you eventually." Reverend Daleson smiled sadly.

"Well Reverend, I suspect that you have at least heard of Professors Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall." Hermione chuckled softly.

"Yes, the school Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress – along with my cousin's Head of House."

That surprised Harry. "Your cousin was a Gryffindor too?"

"Yes. She is getting her teaching certificate right now. But refuses to not be here to support a fellow Gryffindor."

Ryan stormed up with eye glowing with rage. "What are you doing here she-devil?"

"I suggest that you start to speak to my wife with more respect sir, or you will find you will severely regret your choice otherwise." Severus spat with no uncertainties that he hated this man.

"Devil's whore found a mate in devil's ground?" Ryan sneered.

Reverend Daleson had enough of it. "Mr. Granger, if I hear one more slur against your niece I will excommunicate you!"

That shushed Ryan in a heartbeat, but he slinked off to inform the family that the black sheep had arrived. The Weasleys came out at this point. To Hermione's surprise, Percy was with them. Mrs. Weasley took Hermione into her arms. "We're so sorry, my dear."

"Thank you. I'm surprised by how many people are here."

Molly Weasley smiled at that and whispered in Hermione's ear. "With all you and Severus did during the war, I would expect nothing less."

Ron then hugged her. "How ya feeling, 'Mione?"

"Tired, but that's to be expected. Percy came home?"

Ron beamed a little. "Yeah. He overheard Fudge and Malfoy Sr. arguing back and forth. Finally realized that not all wizards do their jobs for the challenge or to do right in the world."

Hermione purposely walked over and hugged the Weasley brother. "Welcome back Percy."

"Good to be wanted back, Mrs. Snape. How's married life?"

"Better than my dreams, until this. Are you and the others in the loop?" Hermione didn't want to risk anything.

Percy obviously saw this. "Yes, just grateful your husband kept his word I understand."

After that she introduced the family to her sister. Athena felt it was like getting another family added onto her own. Severus smirked, thinking how the child would react to his family. At that moment they all came out.

"Good to see all of you made it safe. I thought that you were to have an escort, Severus?" Dylan pointed out.

Rhiannon sighed expressively. "Really Dylan. How are you feeling Hermione?"

"Tired, but that's to be expected. We would have had an escort if Fudge was half the Minister he wants people to believe." Hermione growled. She had nearly forgot the disrespect that slimy git paid herself and her husband.

Dylan pointedly looked to his son for an answer. Once Severus was through explaining what had happened, even Percy was seeing red. Hermione took control at that moment. "We had better get inside. My family's going to be pain enough as is, I'd rather not give them any verbal weapons to hurt me or Athena with."

Everyone agreed. Harry and Remus sat with Hermione, Athena, and Severus near the front of the church. Athena sat between her friend, Remus, and Severus. Remus could see that this was, in a way, closure for Harry as well. The young man had never learned to say goodbye to what he didn't remember really having. He and Sirius agreed the night before that it was time that Harry went to see where his parents' remains had been laid to rest.

Throughout the service, Hermione was holding her husband's hand tight. If it had not been for his taking that old advice of preparing for the worse her parents really would have been laying in the closed coffins. Her face was sober and impassive, but inside she was thanking God for the wonderful man she had beside her. Afterwards everyone was informed that it was requested by the family that Hermione and Athena not go to the family gathering. It was in insult to those in the Wizarding community. No doubt the services were to be in all of the papers, but Hermione had expected it and didn't care.

She and all who were of the Wizarding world went to Hogwarts for the gathering instead. She quickly hated the way people walked on eggshells around her. It got her so upset that she fainted into her husband's arms. Athena agreed to stay with Remus while Severus carried Hermione to their rooms in the school.

It was strange being home again so soon. As he rested his wife on their bed, Severus sighed. This was all too much. He decided that if there would be another gathering the next day after the funeral, he would ask forgiveness that he and Hermione skip it. She needed to rest, not be made more upset than all of this was doing to her.

That night Remus tucked Athena in bed in the Gryffindor guest suite. "Why can't I sleep with sissy?"

"Because she is already out of it, and it was safer to bring you here. Too many reporters want to talk to your sister, but will hound you if given the chance instead." Remus calmly explained.

Athena sighed. "Uncle Harry told me about a mean one who wrote bad things about sissy. The lady could turn into a bug! Do you think she could get in here? I don't like bugs."

Remus smiled, lifting years from his face. "No, Ms. Skeeter will not get in here ever. There are spells and wards up just for you. This way you can say whatever you like in here."

"Good! Are mummy and daddy really okay?"

He knew that this was coming. He had sensed it on her all day – the fear. "They are fine. Severus had friends watching over them. When the car was attacked, they pulled your parents out and put them in a safe place. Is there anything you do when you get ready for bed?"

Athena nodded. "That's why I wanted to sleep with sissy. Someone tells me stories until I go to sleep. Not from books, but from memory. Could you tell me one?"

Remus nodded. "I will tell you about the day that Harry Potter created a patronus."

It and several stories passed before the girl slipped into dreams. Inside Remus felt the pride and adoration held by his husband at the sight. 'You're a natural, Moony.'

'If only. Waiting on me?'

'Of course. Here comes Severus and Hermione.'

On cue the couple quietly slid into the room. "Hey. Did she behave?"

"Of course, Hermione. Took several stories, but she understood you need your sleep." Remus explained. "She also asked for the truth about your two's parents, which I gave her."

"Thank you Professor …"

Remus smiled and shook his head. "Hermione, it is Remus. After all, I'm not a teacher anymore and you are not my student now."

"Hard habit to break, Remus. Thank you for helping with her. Athena is unusually quick witted and strong, until she is on her own. Too much like me, I'm afraid. She'll be a Gryffindor yet, wait and see." Hermione said wistfully. She softly gave her sister a kiss, and tucked her in a little – seeing as Remus had done better than a father's job at it (compliment people!).

The funeral was nearly as bad as the wake, only less people from the Wizarding World. Only those Hermione actually knew were there, close to her. As always, her husband was at her right side. On her left was Kingsley Shackelbolt.

During her eulogy, her birth family pointedly ignored her. But Hermione looked to the wizarding family she had gained and let her heart pour out. Especially when she read the poem, that went to her sister especially.

"Do not stand at my grave and forever weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.
I am not there.

I did not die."

There was not a dry eye in the church, outside of all but one Granger.


"I Did Not Die" by: Melinda Sue Pacho