Let me start by saying I don't own Harry Potter or the character. The credit goes to J.K. Rowling.
Chapter Fourteen
Hermione awoke the next morning to the sounds of running footsteps and muffled giggles. She smiled and looked at the still sleeping Grace, her thumb in her bow shaped mouth. Stretching one last time, she climbed out of bed, quickly dressed and tied her unruly hair back as she walked to the cradle. Looking down, Hermione watched Grace dream before the baby's tummy decided it was time to wake.
"Good morning, my love. Did you sleep well?" Hermione asked, caressing Grace's soft cheek with a finger.
Conjuring a bottle, Hermione grabbed a spitting cloth before placing Grace in her arms. Making herself comfortable, Hermione fed Grace, humming a lullaby. When the baby was finished, Hermione changed and cleaned her up.
"Let's go see what the others are up to, shall we."
Walking down the stairs, the sounds of running feet and giggles became louder, until Hermione found the source.
The usually immaculate Malfoy dining hall was full of laughing adults all watching the dark man chase a blond whir around the table.
"What in the name of Merlin is going on in here?" Hermione asked, fighting the grin on her face.
"Someone over here does not want to take a bath. She is absolutely covered in maple syrup." Severus glared, daring a comment from the younger witch.
Draco quirked an eyebrow, "Who was it, exactly, who let her have pancakes for breakfast?"
Severus glared, "Stuff it."
Lucius and Narcissa laughed. "Severus, old boy, is that any way to speak to your godson?"
"Stuff it," Severus muttered darkly, his focus now on his quarry. Maggie's giggles faded as she tried to imitate the glower on Severus' face. The men in the room fell out of their chairs, laughing at the image she presented.
Turning to study the adults with a critical eye, she didn't see Severus lunge for her. Shrieking, she started wiggling in his arms, effectively smearing maple syrup over his dark robes.
"There you are, you little monster. It's time for a bath." Severus held her firmly to his chest while her giggles started again.
"No bath. No bath, Papa. Papa?"
Her inquiry came when Severus went still, amazement clear on his face. "What did you call me?"
"Papa," and she clapped her hands in her joy.
Lucius smirked and walked over. "Well, Severus old boy," he said, clapping a hand on his dumbstruck friend's shoulder, "looks like you've got your own little spawn. Congratulations."
"Ol' boy, ol' boy." Maggie added her opinion, hanging suspended in Severus' sinewy hands.
The adults found Severus' silence amusing, James and Sirius especially, but this was not so for Maggie. Kicking her small feet, she landed a shot to her captor's chest. Startled, he glared at her.
"What was that for?"
Giggles abound, she reached both of her maple-covered hands forward and ran them all over Severus' face.
"Now Papa need bath."
"All thanks to you, you little brat!"
"Brat, brat, brat." Maggie clapped and laughed.
"Severus!" Molly exclaimed, walking in with her husband and two elder children. Fred and George were suspiciously absent.
"She started it." Affronted, Severus shook Maggie slightly, causing another round of giggling and laughter.
"Who is the adult?" Molly stood, hands on her hips, glaring at the taller man.
"Brat, brat, brat," Maggie chanted.
Molly rolled her eyes. "Severus, take that child for a bath. She definitely won't go with anyone else, and it's your fault she is a mess. Go."
Severus glared but did as he was told, not wanting to bait the woman's temper.
"Papa, why was Gama yelling at you?"
James and Sirius had to stifle their laughter by biting their fisted hands. Neither saw their wife and fiancée coming up behind them.
Smack!
"Hey!" They cried simultaneously. "What was that for?" James asked.
"Don't laugh at Severus. Need I remind you of the first time you had to give Harry a bath?" Much like Molly, Lily stood with hands on hips.
Sirius laughed at his best friend's misery. Hermione pinched the back of his neck for his efforts.
"What the bleeding he-" Seeing her pointed glare at the young children watching in awe, Sirius quickly substituted his choice of words, "heart was that for?"
"Don't laugh at James. Who was it that bowed under the pressure of an adorable little girl? Or did you really want to sleep on pink sheets last night?"
Both men sank down in their chairs, glaring at everyone else like reprimanded children. Moving around the table, Hermione handed Grace to the outstretched arms of her mother.
"Where are Fred and George?" Ginny asked her mother; content to sit on Harry's lap despite the warning looks thrown their way. "They were supposed to come help us move the Granger-Black brood today."
"They said they had some business to attend to, but they promised they would be here." Arthur replied with a knowing glint in his eyes.
Moving away from a potentially explosive topic, Hermione greeted her parents. "Good morning," she said, kissing both her mother and father's cheeks. "Did you both sleep well?" She busied herself by filling her plate from the platters before her.
"Very. And what about you, Miss Grace?" Mrs. Granger crooned to the gurgling baby.
"Like an angel," Hermione sighed. She grinned at the noises her parents were making. Her attempts at eating, however, were halted by the hands trailing up and down her leg. Hermione had to utilize her foot a couple of times, warning Sirius away.
Arthur provided another distraction. "Hermione, Sirius, have you decided what you want to do about Grace?" Hermione and Sirius stared at each other wide eyed.
"Well, no," Sirius admitted. "Is there anyone who can adopt her?"
Arthur sighed. "I'm afraid not. Especially when Maggie is already going to another home. It was our – mine and Mr. Stone – hope that you would consent to taking her. Maggie seems to have chosen a parent but, as much as I would like to keep the girls together, I don't think Severus could take care of a baby and toddler alone."
"We-" Hermione was cut off by Ginny.
"What about the new nurse in the Infirmary? Madame Pomfrey is retiring, and the young woman Dumbledore brought on as her replacement is just as sweet as can be. They'd be perfect for each other."
"What a wonderful idea, Ginny," Molly beamed. "Oh, we must invite her for supper one night. What do you think, Narcissa?"
The Malfoy matron tapped a finger on her chin, contemplating the newest plot to find her son's Godfather a wife. "It just might work. We'd have to be careful. Severus can spot a set up a mile away."
"And she has to like children and put up with Severus' snarky moods," Ginny agreed.
Lucius groaned. "Hold on a moment. How did we go from discussing what would happen to Maggie and Grace to setting up one of my oldest friends with a wife? You do know he will try to kill you for this?" He asked Narcissa.
She waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense. Once he sees how much he and Miss –. Oh, what is her name?"
"Lizzie Edwards," Ginny supplied. "She came over here from the U.S. to help us with the war and decided to stay. She and Severus have actually met before."
"They have?" Molly and Narcissa cried. Lily wisely stayed out of their matchmaking efforts. She had no doubt that Severus would try hexing all three women into oblivion.
"Oh, yes. Lizzie was working with Madame Pomfrey, helping with the injured soldiers. She was the only one to could keep Severus in the infirmary bed." Ginny grinned.
Amused, Lucius asked, "How did she manage that?"
"With a well placed binding and silencing charm. She put a curtain up around him so he couldn't ask anyone to release him. Remember, Hermione?"
"Oh, yes. He was absolutely livid when he was allowed to leave. However," she added gravely, "I'm staying out of this." She put her hand up to stave off Ginny's protests. "As much as I would like to see Severus in a happy, stable relationship, I don't think forcing him into a meeting with a woman he would rather hex than speak to is a good idea. It is evident that he cares for Maggie. She has a chance for a stable home. I think it would be a better idea to focus your energy on finding a home for Grace. If none can be found, Sirius and I would love to take her."
"We would?" Sirius asked around a mouthful of bacon. Hermione glared at him. "Oh, yes, yes we would. Love to. The more the merrier."
"Well, as much as I hate to say this, you are too late in warning us away." Ginny pretended to be sorry.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at her younger friend and her best friend's fiancée. "What did you do?"
"Mum and I have already invited Lizzie over for supper tonight after we've finished moving you and your family into the cottage. She was delighted to hear that Severus would be in attendance."
This only served to set James and Sirius off into another round of loud laughter. Hermione calmly pushed Sirius out of his seat, causing their young audience to join in the glee.
Arthur, Lucius, Harry, Draco and Remus agreed when Hermione said it best: "We are in so much trouble."
_+_+_+_+_+_+
"Thomas, Andrew… Come on, your room is over here." Hermione called and herded the two young boys to the larger bedroom, done up in greens, browns and a smattering of black, matching the dark wooded bedroom furniture.
Seeing the bunk beds with built in closet space, the brothers made a big show of fighting over who got top and who got bottom. As the older brother, Thomas decreed that he should have the top bunk. Sulking, Andrew agreed and a sort of truce was declared.
Smiling, Hermione shook her head and went in search of Anne Marie. Since Maggie decided she just could not be separated from Severus, Anne Marie was given her own room. Grace would reside in Sirius and Hermione's room until a permanent home could be found for her.
Knocking on the door, Hermione watched Anne Marie jump off of her bed, smoothing away any wrinkles on the quilt. Surveying the room, Hermione had to admit the cream, gold and soft pinks in the room were tastefully done. The bed was a small sleigh, painted a creamy gold with gold and pink accents. The dresser and small desk were charmed to match, as well as the small toy chest sitting in the corner.
Turning, Hermione smiled at the young girl. "Well, what do you think?"
Anne Marie, quiet and somber Anne Marie, lifted her head, tears shining in her eyes.
"What's the matter?" Hermione crouched down to the five year old's level. "If you don't like it, we can change it. You don't have to have these colors."
"It's not that," the little girl sniffed, dragging her arm across her face, smearing tears and snot. "It's just… It looks like my old room," she added softly.
"Oh, honey," Hermione pulled her new daughter close for a hug. "Do you want different colors?" She asked softly.
Anne Marie, pulling way shook her head. "No. It makes me feel better having my old room. Thank you."
"You are very welcome. Are you hungry? We should eat before we go shopping." Hermione stood, holding out a hand to Anne.
"We're really going shopping?" Still shiny from her tears, Anne's green eyes became even brighter with the idea of shopping.
Hermione grimaced, making Anne laugh. Smiling, Hermione replied, "Yes, we are going shopping. Ginny has kindly offered to come with us since she knows I would much rather be inside an apothecary or a bookstore than look for clothes." Anne giggled.
"There you two are," Ginny called, looking so much like her mother Hermione couldn't help but laugh. "Come on, we're going to be late for shopping!"
Hermione groaned and Anne giggled. "Do I really have to go? I would much rather stay here and protect my new home. I shudder to think about the Twins' idea of decorating." She really did shudder this time.
Ginny rolled her eyes, coming to a stop beside her mother, Lily and Hermione's mother. "You worry too much. Besides, Sirius is here. He won't let things get out of hand."
"Yeah, because I really trust him with decorating anything. Have you forgotten his decorating attempts of Harry's birthday cake?"
Ginny waved a hand. "Yes, but that changes nothing. You are still coming with us. Anne, grab your mother and don't let her go. If she tries hiding in a book store, yell."
Anne grinned and did as she was told, holding tightly to Hermione's hand. Hermione rolled her eyes and followed the other women down the stairs to where Andrew and Thomas were already waiting with Severus and Maggie. Luna was there holding Grace.
"Here you go," she said, handing the baby bag to Hermione and the sleeping baby to Lily. "Remus and I will stay behind and protect your home. Can't have any Snarled Tooth Snickle Breaths coming in the night to take the children." Her dreamy eyes flitted around each person before she walked up the stairs probably to look for Snarled Tooth Snickle Breaths. Hermione sighed once again.
"Remus," she threatened, "I better have a house to come back to tonight. If not, Sirius is sleeping in your bed."
"Well, we can't have that." Remus smiled and followed Luna, side stepping Hermione's badly aimed hex.
"Everyone ready?" Ginny ignored Hermione and Severus' looks of dismay. "Let's go."
_+_+_+_+_+
"But why do I need more than one pair of underpants? Nobodies going to see them anyway." Hermione could not for the life of her make Andrew understand that a person did not wear the same underpants everyday. Thomas wasn't much better, insisting he only needed two shirts; one long sleeved and the other short sleeved.
Anne Marie and Maggie were a little better, having way too much fun, in Hermione's opinion, trying on anything and everything the adults gave them. Grace watched from the circle of Lily's arms, not understanding the chaos going on around her.
By the time five o'clock rolled around, the adults and children were exhausted, happy to be on their way home for supper. Shrinking their purchases, Hermione and Severus stuffed their pockets with the clothes, toys and other goodies their children could not live without.
Deciding flooing would be easier and faster than walking all the way home, Severus went through the public fireplace first, taking Maggie with him, followed closely by Ginny and Thomas, Emma and Andrew, Lily and Grace and Hermione and Anne. Molly came last making sure no one was left behind.
Entering the foyer of the small cottage, Hermione was pleased to see that Sirius and his decorating crew had stayed true to her request, making the home light and comfortable. Saddened that there was no time for a proper tour, the young witch was content with the knowledge that her library was done in the rich brown, gold, and reds that she had become so accustomed to in her seven years at Hogwarts.
Running up the stairs, she started baths for Andrew and Thomas in the children's bathroom and a bath for Anne and Maggie in Hermione and Sirius' private bath. She sent Severus out to wait in the adjoining bedroom, seeing Anne wasn't as comfortable with the older male as Maggie was.
Wrapping both girls in warmed, fluffy towels, she sent Severus to check on Andrew and Thomas' progress. She had promised divine retribution if the boys did not get cleaned up. Playtime could come when she was not so harried for time.
Satisfied that all of her charges were clean, Hermione had Severus help Maggie dress in the pink dress the little girl had insisted on buying, while she helped Anne pick a dress out of her new wardrobe.
Settling on a blue jumper and black skirt, Hermione braided Anne's hair, adding a butterfly clip charmed to gently flap its wings. She left the young girl to slip on her shoes and jacket, walking down to see how the boys were faring.
Dressed similarly in tan slacks and forest green shirts, the five and eight year old could have passed for twins. Pleased with their appearance, Hermione couldn't help herself and gave both boys kisses on the cheeks, which they immediately wiped off with the sleeves of their shirts.
Seeing the time, she urged them to grab their jackets and shoes. Returning to her room, Hermione kicked Severus out so she could change into a burgundy dress and black silk wrap.
Descending the stairs, she smiled at her fiancé standing at the door.
"Ready?" He asked, kissing her hand.
"Yep. Are we flooing over or-,"
"Nope, I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes."
Wary, Hermione did as she was told, her hand gripping Sirius' tightly. Making her way off the wrap around porch, she started slightly at the feel of wing beats in front of her.
"Sirius," she said.
"Hush, love. Just trust me." Two steps later he said, "Okay, open your eyes."
Doing so, she wished she hadn't. Standing in front of her was a great big Hippogriff.
"Is that -,"
"Buckbeak. He has kindly offered to give us a ride to the manor house."
"Sirius, I'm going to hurt you slowly and painfully. You know -,"
"That you don't like to fly. Don't worry. Buckbeak isn't giving you a ride. You and the little ones are taking a horse drawn carriage. That is, if Severus doesn't mind." He turned to the dark wizard, "What say you, old man. Want to ride a Hippogriff or a carriage?"
"I'm sure I will be content in a carriage. I thank you for thinking of me." Severus gave a mocking bow, which Buckbeak returned.
"Sirius Orion Black, there is no way you are putting any of my children on a Hippogriff. As much as I love you, Buckbeak, my fear stems solely from the idea of my children so high off the ground." She bowed to the Hippogriff, not wanting to offend him.
"Already thought of that, my love." Moving to the end of the porch, Sirius picked up what looked like a sling. Moving close, he fastened it to Buckbeak's back like one would fasten a saddle.
Glancing at the excited looks in the boys' eyes, Hermione knew any words she had to say in denying them this joy would fizzle before she had the courage to say them.
Looking at Anne, she asked, "Do you want to ride Buckbeak?"
Shaking her head, Anne stepped closer to Hermione, partially hiding behind Severus. Craning her head, Maggie peered interestedly at the large creature, even reaching a pudgy hand out. Buckbeak walked over slowly. Moving his massive head forward, he allowed Maggie to pat his beak, butting her gently when she giggled.
Squealing, she cried, "'Ippogiff, 'ippogiff!"
Moving back a step, Severus bowed, showing his appreciation for the beasts gentle perusal of his daughter. Looking at the little girl hiding behind Hermione, Buckbeak kneeled, waiting patiently for the human child to come forward.
Looking at Hermione, she waited until the older woman walked forward with her. Extending a hand, Anne stood still, waiting for Buckbeak to make the first move. Shuffling his head forward, he rubbed his beak against her hand. Becoming braver, she turned so her palm was down and petted him much the same way that Maggie did.
Watching their sister, Andrew and Thomas quietly walked over, waiting for their turn to pet the Hippogriff. Following Sirius' quiet instructions, the boys were silent and still, hands outstretched, waiting for Buckbeak to make the first move.
Once the children were finished with meeting their new friend, Sirius asked, "So, who's going to ride with me?"
Eyes lighting up, Andrew and Thomas raised their hands, bouncing up and down eagerly. Anne stayed close to Hermione.
"Anne?" Sirius asked after he had strapped her brother's in.
Shaking her head, she shrank close to Hermione's side once again. Sirius smiled, gave both her and Hermione kisses on the forehead and whistled.
From behind the house came a black carriage trimmed in red velvet, pulled by two winged horses.
"Sirius, they're beautiful," Hermione gasped.
"A gift from Lucius." Severus said from behind to the two females. He fought to keep his young charge from breaking free. The little girl seemed to have an enthusiasm for exotic animals that Hagrid would love to feed.
"Oooh… Papa, horsie." She clapped her hands and pointed.
"Very good, Maggie." Severus said, glad she had moved away from the Hippogriff.
The stallion, Ares, standing sixteen hands high with midnight black fur, had intelligent, piercing blue eyes and a mane and tail to match.
His mate, Artemis, a mare of only fifteen hands, was pure white with light blue eyes and silver mane and tail. Their wings matched the coloring of their hide, the feathers tipped in silver.
Helping Anne into the carriage, Hermione looked at her fiancé, kissing him soundly, much to the disgust of Andrew and Thomas. Pulling back, she gave Sirius a brilliant smile. Sirius smiled back and helped her into the carriage next to Anne. Turning to Severus, he glared.
"No funny business. You want a fiancée, go find your own."
Severus smirked, handing Maggie to Hermione, and replied, "You lose either of those boys, I won't have to look for a fiancée. I'll just take yours."
Sirius glared at the smug look on Severus' face. Mindful of his audience, he smirked back, thinking of the surprise awaiting him at the Malfoy home.
Walking over to the Hippogriff, Sirius mounted behind the boys.
Saluting the four in the carriage, he said, "See you at the manor."
Hermione and Severus watched the Hippogriff take flight, worry tensing the younger woman's body. Noticing this, Severus placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"They'll be fine. He won't let anything happen to your sons."
"I know that," she smiled, "I just can't help but worry about all three of them. Come on, we don't want to be late."
Snapping the reins lightly, Severus moved his arm to allow for Maggie's small body pressing tight. Hermione put her arm around Anne's shoulders, smiling when Severus allowed both Anne and Maggie to hold the reins. The Pegasi were tolerant of the small hands controlling the carriage.
Moments later, the small group arrived at the front of the manor. Helping the three females down, he allowed a house elf to take the Pegasi to shelter.
Entering the manor, Severus was less than pleased with the sight of the Malfoy's dinner companion.
"What in Merlin's bloody hell are you doing here?"
Aww, poor Severus. Well, hope you liked it. I'm sorry it took so long, but it's uber long so that should make up for a little of it.
Enjoy!!