Chapter 7 - The Aftermath of War
It had been a hectic four days since Voldemort's fall. Harry Potter had been proclaimed a hero by the magical community and his face had been plastered on countless wizarding newspapers as was expected. Hermione's role in the final battle had also been reported but not on the front page like Harry's was but she was fine with that. The newspapers had also announced her biological father but they were still puzzled as to the identity of her mother. She wasn't quite ready for the magical world to know everything about her but it appeared they would in the near future.
Most everyone had celebrated Voldemort's defeat but Minerva found she could not celebrate when her heart was shattered into a million pieces. Severus had still not woken from the unconsciousness that had claimed him on the battleground. Minerva had been the dutiful wife and stayed by his side for the entire duration. Not even reasonable Hermione could convince her to rest in her rooms for just a few hours.
It was late in the evening at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the occupants of the castle were sleeping peaceful or at least most of them were. Hermione was directly disobeying Minerva's orders by sneaking about alone during these hours but sleep eluded her and had for quite a while. She was currently on her way to the hospital wing to visit with her father and comfort Minerva if possible.
Her eloquent hands push the swinging doors out of her way to reveal the whiteness of the wing. Glancing over to her father's bed, she was surprised to see Poppy standing near to it. Fear for her father's health took root in her heart and she rushed over to the resident nurse demanding answers as she went. She stopped mid-step when she saw Severus' eyes open and a big scowl on his face. "Dad," she breathed unsure.
Severus, who was sitting up in bed, turned towards the soft voice and a genuine smile graced his face. He drew his finger up to his lips in a 'be quiet' gesture before pointing to the soundly sleeping figure of Minerva lying on the couch. Hermione nodded her understanding then softly walked over to her father's bedside. "You're awake," she said in a hushed voice then asked, "How are you feeling?"
Severus, relieved that his precious daughter had taken the time to visit him, answered honestly, "Rested."
"Really," the young girl asked.
"Quite," he replied before adding in his best fatherly tone, "You shouldn't be roaming about this late."
She had the good grace to look ashamed before offering, "I know."
Severus studied her facial expressions and memorized them before inquiring as to the reasons that brought her to the hospital wing. The answer he received was completely unexpected but not unappreciated. It was simple and enduring all in one. She answered, "It was time to come home."
Severus stood up from the hospital bed and drew his daughter into her waiting arms. He had waited so long to hold his daughter like this and now that it was actually happening, he felt elated. As he held her tightly in his loving arms, he softly whispered, "I've waited a very long time for you to return home."
"I'm here now," she answered honestly.
"Good. I have no intentions of ever letting you go," he said good-naturally.
"Fine with me," she asked before asking, "Don't you think you should get some rest now?"
He pulled back, looked into her chocolate eyes, a mirror of his own, and replied, "You're absolutely right."
Severus loosed his grip after he planted a quick kiss to his daughter's forehead and stepped away from her. He waltzed over towards his wife and gently eased her into his arms. Hermione watched confusedly as Severus walked out of the hospital wing with Minerva safely in his arms, still soundly asleep. She rushed to catch up to him then questioned, "What are you doing?"
"I would rest better in private chambers and I'm sure Minerva would agree with me," he answered matter-of-factly before continuing his trek to Minerva's private rooms. Hermione stopped, deciding to give them a bit of privacy. She figured he would summon her when he was ready for their long overdue discussion.
In Minerva's private rooms, he gently deposited his pregnant wife on the large four-poster bed. His long, slender fingers lightly touched her cheek and pushed a raven curl behind her ear. He transformed Minerva's bulky robes into a satin gown that fell short of her knees. Not many people knew Minerva preferred to sleep in short slinky gowns but Severus had learned Minerva's preference in just about everything. Severus pressed a feather light kiss to her nose before dashing off to shower and freshen up a bit for his wife. It had been a while since he had time to wash himself properly.
When he had groomed himself, he changed into a pair of black silk pajamas he had found in a spare wardrobe. He had recognized all of the clothing in that wardrobe as the clothing he had left at his ancestral home. He had found it enduring that his beloved wife had thought enough of him to bring a few items that he would need to Hogwarts with her. He smiled at the thought of her packing his belongings before slipping under the covers with his sleeping wife. He scooted as close as he could to her and tenderly laid a protective arm around her protruding belly before drifting off to sleep.
