The response I got was overwhelming. Thank you all so much! I am sorry that the updates have been slow going. I recently got a new job and I've been so crazy running from place to place. I would like to thank everyone who sent me a message asking about the story. They kept me motivated to keep writing.
Also, as a reminder, Hermione is nearly 6 months out of university at this point. Severus is 40. The year is 2000. I also realized that I never specifically said what month this all started in. Looking back in my notes from when I started this story, everything was to start in May. This means that it is now mid July.
Hermione stood in front of the mirror, smoothing her long gown with a wave of her wand. It was the closing night of the conference, and they were having another large dance type event. Severus had told them that there would be awards handed out at the end for the potions presented at the conference. Even patients were up for awards, and Hermione was looking forward to seeing if she and Severus had placed.
Britney came out of the bathroom, her own dress on, but unzipped. "Damn, Hermione. Do you want Severus to drop dead?"
"What do you mean?" She looked down at her dress. It was a strapless mermaid cut gown, in an emerald green. Her hair was curled, once more, and she had pinned it up out of the way.
"Hermione, you look great and he has a thing for you, which I called." Britney waved her wand and the zipper of her silver gown closed around her, encasing her in tight fabric. "He's going to take you right in the hotel hallway." She fell into a pit of giggles, landing on her bed, trying to catch her breath.
"You're awful!" Hermione slipped her feet into her heels and grabbed her clutch. "Let's go. Get your shoes on or we're going to be late."
Britney, still laughing, put her heels on as well, and they went across the hall to the men. This time, Severus opened the door, and his eyes raked Hermione up and down before he shook his head and stepped back to let them inside the room.
"Hello girls" Guðnason came out of the bathroom, downing one of the vials for his cancer. "Don't you both look stunning!" He sat heavily on the bed to put his shoes on.
"Thank you Master Guðnason." Hermione smoothed her dress and turned her head slightly to catch Severus staring at her once more. As the Icelandic man was readying himself, Severus took Hermione by the arm and excused the pair, telling the two in the room that they would wait for them at the train station.
Hermione wrapped her arm around Severus', her hand coming to rest on his forearm. "So why couldn't we wait with the other two before heading to the train station?"
"Well, I wanted to ask you…. That is, if you want to," he cleared his throat. "If, when we got back, if you wanted to, maybe, go to diner with me."
Hermione laughed and laid her head on his shoulder. "I would love that. But you could have just asked me in the room."
"I don't think I would have been able to with the others in the room." He shook his head. "It was hard enough asking you alone."
"Maybe you should have slipped a note under my door?" Hermione joked, lifting her head as they walked out of the hotel. "That would have been very sneaky."
"Ha-ha. You know I haven't had any experience with this. I just want to do it right and not muck it up."
Hermione smiled, a little sadly at first, before she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "I doubt you could have mucked up asking me to dinner. After all, we've had many meals together before."
"We had meals in my kitchen, Hermione."
"And that's wonderful, because I know you can cook and take care of yourself. Ronald refused to cook or do laundry. His mother used to tell me to not do anything for him, so he would get the hint, but you know me…"
"You have a large heart, Hermione. You care about everyone and everything. I can't fault you for that. Now, I can tell you that I can cook for myself. I can do my own laundry, and clean my own house, and work for a living. I have been doing so since I was 9." He shook his head. "However, what I thought would give you pause is the age difference. You deserve to be with someone young and full of life. I am bitter and old and- "
Hermione put one finger on his lips. "Hush. I want to be with you because you can take care of yourself and you're smart and driven. I want to be with you and only you." She removed her finger from his mouth.
He smiled a little, patting her hand a little. "I find that surprising every day."
Hermione beamed at him, before fluffing out the bottom of her dress, which caught on the sidewalk as they walked to the train station, which was down the street from their hotel. "So, do you have any big projects planned for after we return to England?"
"The addiction potion we talked about is on the top of the list. I've received several letters about it from apothecaries throughout the U.K. Then I want to focus on developing an elixir for children's fevers because for some reason there isn't a good version of the fever reliever. Parents have just been watering down the potion before giving them to their kids."
"That doesn't seem too smart." Hermione furrowed her brow and shook her head.
"No it doesn't. We were giving half doses at Hogwarts until everyone was the age of 13, but even that is a gamble."
"So no one has ever tried to make a potion for children?"
"No, not ever."
"Well that just seems to be wasteful. If anything, there should be a whole line of potions for children." She shook her head and then lit up. "Severus! There should be a line of potions for children!"
"That's not an awful idea." Severus rubbed his chin in thought. "Parents would buy that up as quickly as we could make them." He nodded. "I know my mother would have bought them for my sister and I. Hell, my sister would love them for her kids. I've been the one to mix their potions and bring them to her when they are sick. She's not a potions head like I am. Like you are, you know? There was always a fear for me that I was doing something wrong, the fear that I was going to poison them, or that the dosage won't be enough."
Hermione nodded and she smiled, amazed that Severus was being so open with her. She had never thought that he would admit his fears to her, especially knowing that she herself knew his sister and his nephews and niece. It wasn't like she had no idea who the family was, so knowing her and the children had to be a difficult hurdle for Severus. Hermione often would tote Lucas around the Ministry, the boy perched on her hip during the lunch breaks. Edward, the eldest at six, would follow behind her, holding her hand, excited to show his mother the snacks Hermione bought for them at the snack stand or the tea biscuits that sat in a tin on Hermione's desk.
Rebecca loved that her children were comfortable with the staff in the ministry and that she could rely on them to help her out every now and again. Sometimes, Edward would camp out in Hermione's office, coloring for Hermione and Rebecca. Hermione's office was littered with all his paintings and coloring pages, to the point where those who were new to the ministry thought she had a son herself.
Severus had no idea that Hermione was that close with his family. He hadn't been to her office since she had moved, since she had to pack up her things and move. Now, her much larger office was covered by a wall of bulletin board, where she pinned up the drawings she received. He didn't see that she was often on the floor in her skirt and heels, playing quidditch matches with Edward, using the little game set he had gotten for Christmas or that she had a sensory pit for Lucas, with sand and toys. There were bubbles for both boys and a small refrigerator with juice and fruit for the children.
The pair made it to the train station, going to stand off to the side to wait for the other two. Severus moved his arm to weave around her back as they stood, and Hermione was quick to notice that. She refused to call attention to it, knowing he might not do it again.
After about ten minutes, Britney and Master Guðnason walked into the station, with him leaning on his cane and clinging to her arm. The pair were smiling but Guðnason looked tired. Severus' brow furrowed, but he didn't say anything about it. Hermione was not sure what to do. She could see that the condition of Guðnason was hurting Severus, but she didn't want to bring attention to it, as she didn't want to make the man next to her upset. She could see there was something wrong, but there was very little that she could do to help now.
Britney held her hand out to Hermione as they passed, giving her hand a squeeze, which made Hermione think there was something desperately wrong. She had a feeling it had a lot to do with Master Guðnason, but there was a part of her that also thought something had happened in the hotel after she and Severus had left. Perhaps it was Britney and Master Guðnason was feeling empathetic for her. Hermione knew that Britney's mother had health problems in the past and something could have happened while they were at the conference. While Britney had been in Iceland, Hermione had taken over the task of taking care of her, making sure she had groceries and her medication. Hermione was not sure what was wrong with Mrs. Mitchel, but she was weak and frail. She had a strong spirit and at 45, there was no reason for her not to be in good health. Britney had not looked like she was in good spirits, but if something had happened to Mrs. Mitchel, she would not be.
Britney and Guðnason went ahead of Severus and Hermione, who trailed behind, each concerned by the behavior that was shown to them.
"Severus, are you alright?" Hermione whispered to Severus, who was looking at the back of the older man.
"I think Þórarinn might be hiding the nature of his cancer. He's tired today, and he hasn't been tired this entire trip. I have a feeling that he hasn't been taking his potions, or that they haven't been working as well as they could. I know his wife has his will, in case he dies on this trip. They, his family, are very nervous for him."
Hermione nodded in understanding. "That's no good. I thought it had to do with Britney's mother. She's been ill since I met Britney and we're always worried she's going to take a turn for the worst when we aren't there."
Severus looked at the two, as they bought the four of them tickets. "I have no idea. But I do know that I will be questioning him when we get back."
*S*S*
Hermione was seated next to Severus and Britney, the latter refusing to release Hermione's hand under the table. She was used to this, however. In school, when things got bad for either one, they sought comfort with the other in this way, to show support without drawing attention to the other.
Prime rib was served to the guests and wine was poured. Hermione had never drunk so much in one week in her entire life, but here she was, indulging every single night. Severus was sitting particularly close to her, but not close enough for others to notice, only Þórarinn And Britney if they were looking closely enough. Hermione was just thankful that the distasteful young man from the first night was not at their table, nor were his friends. Tonight, they dined with Masters' Conifer and Sheppard, two cousins who opened an apothecary together 12 years before.
"All I'm saying, Severus, is that we should be partners. We stock our shelves with your product, and you take 40% of the profit." Wyatt Sheppard waved an asparagus spear on his fork in the air as he talked.
"And I am saying that I need to look at my clientele list and get back to you. We already have St. Mungo's on our list as well as four other private businesses. Adding a fifth might not be beneficial to us at Prince Potions." Severus cut into his meat, cubing the beef with surgical precision.
"What's one more client?" Sheppard shrugged. "You've already proven to be the best in the business, and we want the best. We want to promise our customers quality potions and our other dealers aren't up to snuff."
"With all due respect," Hermione interjected. "We are only staffed with two people, Severus and myself. One more client means more back orders and St. Mungo's is the priority for us. We would need to hire someone new and new good employees are hard to come by."
"If I may be so bold," a familiar voice drifted over to them from the next table. "I have a student who is graduating in two weeks, with a full master's in potions. I could send her your way, perhaps?"
Hermione and Severus wheeled around in their chairs to see Professor Nickleson seated behind them.
"Professor!" Hermione got up to hug the man. "How are you?"
"As well as an old man can be. So what say you? I can send Vanessa to you two on Friday of next week? I also have a young man, Benjamin who needs work as well. They both are quite gifted."
Severus thought for a moment and nodded. "Sounds alright. So, tomorrow is Saturday. We get back around 12. Send us a letter on Monday with their resume and credentials so we can look them over. A week from today, we can meet with them around 1. Tell them to wear business casual clothing and to bring a sample of their work."
The older man nodded and reached out to shake Severus' hand as Hermione went back to her seat. "I'll make sure they do. Thank you for giving them this chance, Severus."
"Of course, of course." Severus turned back to the table and looked at Sheppard. "Perhaps you will hear from us then." He returned to his meal, allowing his leg to brush against Hermione's.
"Thank you for the consideration. But if we had known how understaffed you were… we wouldn't have even asked." Wyatt apologized, a little red in the face. "We can all understand how stressful running a business is, right lads?" He addressed the table. "Excuse me, and ladies."
Hermione and Britney nodded, squeezing their hands once more.
*S*S*
After dinner was cleared away, the band came out, playing a lively tune. Severus wiped his mouth cleaned and stood, holding his hand out to Hermione. "If you'll excuse us," he took her hand and led her to the dance floor, twirling her around before assuming a waltz position.
"May I be the thousandth person to tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" He said as they glided around the polished floor.
"Oh stop it." She blushed, nevertheless.
"Its true, my dear. Though, I will admit that I am surprised to see Slytherin green on the perfect example of a Gryffindor. They're going to take away your credentials."
"Ha-ha, Severus." She rolled her eyes. As Severus twirled her round the floor, her skirt fanned out, brushing the floor around them.
He pulled her close, closer than the other couples around them were dancing, but she found she hardly minded. It was a shock to her that he was being so open about his feelings. From what she had heard from his sister, he had a few relationships that hadn't gone very far, and she was not sure how she felt about that. On one hand, she felt that it was a good thing, as there would be very little that he would expect. On the other hand, he had very little experience and there would be very little experience and therefore he would have a lot of nerves around the relationship.
She didn't want to feel like she had to walk on eggshells, and she didn't think she would, but the two were both going to have to feel out the relationship. For her, he had no real romantic relationships in his life and for him, there would be the fear of distrust after what had happened with Ron. If this would become a real and healthy relationship, they would have to sit and talk about what they wanted from the other.
She pulled herself from the sour mood she was putting herself in and forced herself to focus on the moment. Right now, this was the moment that needed to be focused on, and she would be damned if she would ruin it. Right now, she would focus on the man who was spinning her around a dance floor in a foreign country, one she had never been in before. The man who had pulled her out of depression, the one who helped her fund her life, the one who made sure that she had a good job. She didn't know how much longer they would be in each other's lives, but she would be damned if she let it go without a fight.
Severus was feeling the same way. He hadn't been in a long-term relationship and while that was scary enough, he was fearful that he would turn out like his father. He didn't think he would have the heart to ever cheat on the beautiful woman in his arms, but what if he lost his temper? Would he lose control? Would he hit her? What if he was so angry, he hit her and had no clue? He had raised his voice at his nephews before and that scared him enough. Would he turn out like Tobias?
"Hey, are you alright?" Hermione rubbed his shoulder a little to get his attention.
"Of course. Why would I not be?" Severus pulled himself from his musings to focus on her entirely.
"Well, for starters, you're gripping me a little too tightly." She patted the hand that was on her waist, as his fingers were digging into the soft skin.
"Oh Merlin, I'm so sorry!" He instantly relaxed his grip. "I didn't realize. I was just a little too lost in thought."
"I am too tonight."
"Knut for your thoughts?"
"Isn't it supposed to be a penny? It is an American phrase, is it not?"
"It is an American phrase; however they don't use pennies in Wizarding America." He quickly dipped her before she could protest.
"Severus!" Hermione's face was red when he brought her upright once more.
"What?" He kept an innocent face, but his eyes were light.
Too soon for Hermione's liking, the waltz was over, and although she knew he would no do more, she could not help but be disappointed when Severus raised both her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles. The pair went back to the table where Britney grabbed Hermione and dragged her to the bathroom.
"Okay, you are so lucky, alright?"
Hermione raised her eyebrow. "I'll bite. Why am I lucky?"
"Hermione, Severus is such a catch! He only had eyes for you, even though a lot of women here have been eating him like a piece of meat. He's the most famous potions master at this conference. He's the youngest with the most patients and credentials and he has all that fame from being a spy for the light for nearly 20 years. You are the most eligible bachelorette in the Wizarding World at the current moment, though the press doesn't know that yet. But I think that's going to change pretty soon."
Hermione frowned. "Why is that going to change?"
"The Daily Prophet is here taking photos. And I think they took pictures of you and Severus. Good news is, Rita Skeeter no longer works for the paper, so it won't be a biased article."
"Still, I have to warn Severus."
"They're going to interview everyone here 'Mione. You'll be able to explain your side as they pull you aside. They already interviewed Master Guðnason and myself. I think you and Severus are next."
True to Britney's words, when the girls came put of the bathroom, a reporter was waiting for her with Severus.
"Hello, Master Granger. I'm Grady Bly and I'm a reporter for the Daily Prophet. We're doing a spread on the conference and I would like to ask you and Master Snape here a few questions, if that's alright."
"Yes, of course." She followed the two men and the photographer into a smaller antechamber where they had already set up lights and a few chairs.
"Please, have a seat."
Hermione and Severus sat next to each other on one side of the table while Grady set up on the other. "So I have a set of questions I'm asking everyone, and then I have a few tailored for each of you. So, if you two are ready we can begin.
Severus nodded, and with that, the reporter began. "So Master Snape, it is common knowledge that you worked at Hogwarts, but we don't know what prompted you to start your own business. As far as we all know, you have had no prior knowledge about how to run a business, but not 5 years into the life of Prince Potions and you're already hold the title of the 'Most profitable business in the Wizarding World.' How did you accomplish this?"
Severus leaned back in his chair and places his fingertips together. "I have worked with small business before. I held a job from the age of about 10 to the time I left Hogwarts. Once I reached 14, I was working in the office, manning payroll and aiding with the payment of orders and bills. When I opened Prince Potions, my ex-boss returned the favor and helped me keep the place afloat for the first year."
A quick quotes quill jotted down everything that was being said, and Hermione noticed it wasn't the same acid green that Skeeter was famous for using. This was a bright blue and was low enough that the pair could read everything that was being scribed.
"Now, Hermione, you and Master Snape were not close during your school years, being teacher and student. How did you find the job? How has your relationship changed since your school days?"
"Well, for starters, I saw the want ad on the bulletin board that Flourish and Blotts has in the back near the Potions books. So, I took a chance. Many potions internships don't offer pay and this one did. About two weeks after applying, I got the job. I would say we weren't too fond of each other in the beginning, but after the month-long trial, we have developed a friendship that I wouldn't be able to imagine six months ago."
"Have you advanced at all in your time there?"
Hermione looked at Severus, not sure if she should announce the official partnership before she signed paperwork.
"I have offered Hermione an official partnership with Price Potions, splitting the company 50/50."
"Really?" Grady raised his eyebrows a little and nodded. "Congratulations. That's quite the accomplishment." He flipped through his papers. "Now Hermione, we have noticed that you and Master Snape have been spending a lot of time together, particularly at the dances. There have been rumors of a split from you and Ron Weasley. Is this true?"
Hermione sighed. "Yes. Ron and I have decided to break up. He is currently dating Lavender Brown."
"Are you seeing Master Snape now? How long have you been split from Ronald?"
"Severus and I are coworkers currently. Ron and I have only been apart for a about a month. I think that's a little soon to jump into a new relationship."
"There have been rumors of unfaithfulness in your relationship that you had with Ron. Would you like to elaborate on those?"
She looked at Severus for help. He looked at the reporter and nodded. "Ronald and Miss Brown were seeing each other the last 6 or so months of his relationship with Hermione. However, we do not wish for the boy to get hate mail or threats of any kind."
Hermione nodded furiously. "I think Ron and I rushed into a relationship because it was sort of expected of us. Harry and Ginny were together, and it seemed that Ron and I should as well. Yes, I did love him. Yes, I have love for him now. I'm hurt by his actions and confused but I hold no ill will for him. But I do not think or see any hope of reconciliation in the future for either one of us. I don't want that, truth be told. I think the relationship ran its course and it's done. I wish him and Lavender the very best, and I hope they have a good life together. At the end of the day, Ron, Harry and myself will always be best friends no matter how stupid we act toward each other. We've been through too much to abandon each other now."
*S*S*
Hermione tossed her luggage onto the floor of her living room, Saturday morning, yawning as she moved to the couch. Crookshanks jumped up next to her, purring like mad as she scratched his ears. "You miss me, Crooks?"
She was considering making herself a cup of tea when the mail came into her home, the latest Daily Prophet in the owl's beak. She gave the creature a treat from the table and flipped to the spread about the conference. Smack in the middle was a large photo of her and Severus. They seemed to have been watching them for a while and they got the moment he dipped her on film. She smiled and moved to the article, glossing over the interviews that weren't her's and Severus'.
Finally, after 10 years of waiting, Master Severus Snape of Cokesworth has granted the Daily Prophet permission for an interview. The man who has evaded fame for years bears it all, at least for him anyways.
Currently, the owner of Prince Potions has been working with 4 private companies and the hospital St. Mungo's, which is no shock to anyone. He also has been providing Hogwarts with their trickier potions for many years, and for the last 5, has not asked for any sort of recognition.
Prince Potions opened its doors November 8th, 1995, the year we all remember as the year You-Know-Who returned. During its first year, Master Snape revealed that he received aid from his first boss, who's name the man would not reveal.
"I have worked with small business before. I held a job from the age of about 10 to the time I left Hogwarts. Once I reached 14, I was working in the office, manning payroll and aiding with the payment of orders and bills. When I opened Prince Potions, my ex-boss returned the favor and helped me keep the place afloat for the first year."
Master Snape also has taken a new apprentice, none other than 1/3 of the Golden trio, Hermione Jean Granger. Master Granger has received much criticism for refusing interviews as well, not choosing to speak of the war she valiantly fought alongside her fellow students.
Granger broke her silence of the war for the first time since 1998, stating,
"Of course it was hard. We were running from Snatchers, Death Eaters and Voldemort. Harry was public enemy number 1 and Ron and I weren't far behind. Death was everywhere. We had no contact with family or our other friends. There was no way to know if they were alive or dead. It was the hardest thing I've ever encountered in my life."
She went on to say:
"At one point, Ron left, and we couldn't even go after him. That feeling of dread and loss followed us [Mr. Harry Potter and Granger herself] for 6 weeks. It was almost more torturous than the actual torture we faced. When you love someone that much, and you can't save them, or know if you successfully hid them, that's the true cruciatus. Because you're helpless."
On a more positive note, Snape revealed that he has officially taken on a partner for the business for the first time. It was no surprise when he announced Granger as the partner in question. There is alleged talk of new hires being interviewed for the company, but only time will tell.
On the topic of love lives, with the lack of new photos of Granger and rumored ex-boyfriend Ronald Billious Weasley, the silence has also been broken.
"Ron and I have decided to split." Hermione said. "I think Ron and I rushed into a relationship because it was sort of expected of us. Harry and Ginny were together, and it seemed that Ron and I should as well. Yes, I did love him. Yes, I have love for him now. I'm hurt by his actions and confused but I hold no ill will for him. But I do not think or see any hope of reconciliation in the future for either one of us."
The reason for said break up? Master Snape cleared it all. "Ronald and Miss Brown were seeing each other the last 6 or so months of his relationship with Hermione."
Both Snape and Granger would like to make it known that no ill will is held for Mr. Weasley or Miss. Brown. Miss Brown, being Lavender Brown, who Ronald Weasley had previously dated during their sixth year at Hogwarts.
Granger wrapped up her statement on the matter as follows. "I wish him and Lavender the very best, and I hope they have a good life together. At the end of the day, Ron, Harry and myself will always be best friends no matter how stupid we act toward each other. We've been through too much to abandon each other now."
Both Masters Snape and Granger would like to make it known they are currently not dating but are open to the possibility in the future.
"When did we say that last bit?" Hermione glared at the newsprint. The article had been quite good, up until that point. It wasn't false but she never said it to that reporter. As she tried to remember, her fireplace roared to life and a small child ran into her legs.
"Auntie 'Mione!"
Hermione looked at the raven-haired boy and stood, hoisting him onto her hip. "Lucas Ryan what are you doing here? Where is your mummy?"
"Right here and wanting to ask you about the article in the Prophet." Rebecca came into the living room, Edward clinging to her hand and a car seat with Abigail in the other.
"You and me both." She led the group to the kitchen where she waved her wand, summoning a booster seat and high chair for the two younger children. "Have you eaten lunch today?"
"No we were planning on going out for lunch." Rebecca pulled her daughter out of the car seat and into the high chair. "We can always make this a quick visit and you can come with us if you like.
"Oh, go on without me. I'm wiped from the trip."
"Nonsense. We can order in." Rebecca went to Hermione's kitchen phone and called the local Chinese restaurant. When Hermione tried to pull out her wallet, Rebecca waved her away. "This is my treat."
30 minutes later, two large bags of food were on Hermione's kitchen counter, and the younger woman was pulling out her set of children's dishes.
"When did you buy these?"
"When your son first came to my office and I had no dishes for him to eat from. I have this set with the cartoon dragons for here and I have a set with wands for my office. They both have matching cups and utensils. I also got the booster seat and the high chair for the same reason. They just live in the closet until the kids are here. The plates and cups have their own cabinet, so I don't use them as cat plates."
"Ehhhh, what's a little cat food. My kids have eaten dirt before." Rebecca put some chicken on her sons' plates and cut it into manageable portions. A little fried rice for Lucas to try and a full spoonful for Edward. Hermione had rice cereal for the baby and put a little in a cup for Rebecca to portion out.
Once everyone was seated, the children served with juice for Edward and milk for Lucas, Rebecca gave her younger friend a look.
"Alright, what's this business of you seeing my brother?"
"Nothing, right now. I have feelings for him, but we aren't together. It's too soon after Ron."
Rebecca nodded, taking a bite of rice. "Does he have feelings for you?"
"Yes. We talked about it on the trip. We need to get the company affairs in order first, get new people hired and such, then we can worry about us. He wants to do this properly."
"That's very much like my brother." She tucked her long black hair behind her ear. "Our upbringing wasn't the best. Our father was abusive and a cheater, all I'm sure he told you already. Right before my father kicked me out for a few months, he beat my mother so badly she nearly died. I was 6. Severus was about to go to Hogwarts."
"Where did you live?"
"My old neighbor, Mrs. Beetwell. She took care of me for 8 months." Rebecca smiled fondly. "Her and her husband were God sent. Often, she left out food for Severus and myself in the winter. We used to scavenge for food, but in the winter, it's so hard to find food. I owe her my life."
"Severus mentioned to me a few weeks ago that your father left when he was 12. He didn't mention you though."
"I'm not surprised. I left the house around the same time, I was around 7. My mother's sister took me in after I contacted her. I didn't reach out to them again until I was 16. It was easier for my mother to just look after one kid." She looked out Hermione's kitchen window. "I regret it now, but we can't go back in time."
"We all have done things we regret." Hermione patted her hand and places another spear rib on the 6 year old's plate as he reached for one. Hermione herself started eating her own meal, grateful for the woman bringing an afternoon out to her.
"I have been feeding him too, you know." Hermione laughed with Rebecca. "I make so much food and freeze it. I've just been bringing him food so he doesn't have to think about dinner. It just needs to be reheated.'
"You're too good to him."
As the group continued to chat and eat, the floo activated once more, and Severus stepped out into the living room.
"Hermione? Are you home?" He rounded the corner into the kitchen and pulled up short at the sight of his sister and romantic interest having lunch with his nephews at the table as well. He then looked at the high chair next to Rebecca, trying to recall the one she had at her own home.
"Becca, why are you here?"
"The Prophet, Sev. Did you read the last line?"
"Yes, I did. I should know what it said. I told them that before we left." He came onto the room fully and conjured a chair for himself. He wedged the chair next to Hermione and Lucas, ruffling the boy's hair as he sat.
"Uncle Severus!" Edward cried, getting rice on the table as he cheered.
"Hey buddy." Severus started as a plate landed in front of him with a tall mug of tea. "Hermione, I'm not hungry."
"I don't care. Eat." She doled a big spoonful of rice onto his plate, adding an eggroll and shrimp, along with a small cup of sauce on the side.
"You're so bossy."
"And you are unbelievable. We completely outed Ron as a cheater and then you say, 'oh we're going to be dating soon so it's alright.' I know Ron is going to see it. I know he's going to start so much drama in the press. I'm going to be dragged through the mud because of this."
"And if that happens, we will take care of it." He took her hand over the table and gave it a squeeze.
"Auntie 'Mione? Can I have more chicken please?"
"Auntie 'Mione?" Severus raised an eyebrow. "Since when have you been that to my nephews?"
"since I started working, I think. You should see my office now. It's covered in drawings."
"What? Why don't I have drawings for my office?" Severus looked at both of the kids at the table.
"We didn't know you wanted any, Uncle Severus." Edward took a large bite of noodles.
"I always want drawings for my office. I'll never say no."
Hermione and Rebecca looked at each other with a smile.
So I am so sorry for the long wait! This chapter didn't end the way that I originally thought, but its okay. I have recently gotten word on my phone so I can finish these chapters a little faster.
