I feel like such an idiot!! I posted chapter 20 twice! That's what happens when I don't mark what has already been posted.

I don't own anything that is familiar and I'm not making any money from this.

Enjoy.

Chapter 21

Remus

I sat in the now empty room nursing my quickly cooling tea. I couldn't help but smile as I thought back on Hermione's reaction.

"Do- does this mean… You're my father?"

"Yes. Dear Merlin, can you forgive me? If I had known I would never have stopped looking until I was sure you were safe."

"Of course I can forgive you. It wasn't your fault."

I was brought out of my musings by Severus' arrival. "I left Hermione in the capable hands of Charlie. I don't need to ask if you gave your blessing for their union." Sitting across from me, he waved away the offered tea and settled for a smooth malt whiskey.

"How could I say no? If Hermione is anything like her mother, than she will do whatever will make her happy. Layla was disowned because she married me. Her parents hated the thought of a Werewolf for a son-in-law."

Sensing my newfound distress, Severus was quick to reassure. "Dimitri and Lydia had no idea Hermione survived. They didn't even know she was pregnant. The last time any of them spoke was when Layla left the Manor and ran away with you."

"Thank Merlin for that. I don't know what I would do if they knew and somehow found her." I gazed into the fire again, unaware of Severus' pondering look. "I always wanted a daughter. I loved Harry, but I knew I would feel differently if I had a little girl. I'm surprised Albus didn't put a Glamor on her."

Pausing to take a swallow, Severus explained, "He and The Council decided it wasn't needful. She has enough of both of you to make it harder for anyone to know since you both kept the pregnancy quiet. They-"

"What does The Council or The Tribunal have to do with anything? What is their stake in all of this?"

"The Tribunal protects and guides those who have a gift different to our magick. The Council governs those who have both. Our dear Hermione is a Seer, but hers is a magick far older than Wizard kind."

Intrigued, I leaned forward, "What do you mean?"

"She can draw power from that which grows around her. She is bound to the earth. The trees, animals, plants, soil... Even the water can make her stronger. There hasn't been another like her since well before Hogwarts was founded."

"She's the embodiment of Gaeia. She carries the spirit of the Great Mother Goddess."

"Yes," Severus said.

"Who else knows about this?" I asked, panicked.

"Very few outside The Tribunal and Council. Remus, what's wrong?"

"My brilliant daughter will be the end of this war." I sat, stunned for long moments before Severus bid me elaborate. "The wedding is to be held before the Final Battle. Not only is our magic stronger this night hers will be as well. Once they consummate their union, she will be unstoppable. Severus," I grabbed his hand tightly, "We have to watch her carefully. any little thing could set her off and not even Albus could stop her."

"Remus, what are you talking about? What could possibly happen?"

"Just imagine, Severus. Every plant, every tree, even the animals fighting against you without anyone speaking a spell. All Hermione will have to do is stand here, on the grounds. Just think of roots coming up out of the ground, wrapping around your body and squeezing all air from you. The earth will attack anyone, it doesn't matter. Severus, she can rip Hogwarts apart!"

"Come on, we'll go see Albus." Pulling me up, we walked in silence to Albus' office. We were unsurprised to see him standing next to the gargoyle barring his office's entrance. We were, however, surprised to see his companion.

"Ms. Callahan. I apologize for sounding so rude but what are you doing here?"

Shaking my hand, she answered, "Albus and I have a few things to discuss. I believe it would be prudent if you gentlemen joined us."

Following my companions up the stairs, I accepted the brandy Severus put in my hand. Taking a place next to the fireplace, I watched the scene unfold.

"Albus, is she ready? Will she be able to fight?"

"Before we begin, Margaret, I believe you should explain your involvement in all of this." Albus leaned back in his chair, gazing intently at the young woman before him.

Smiling, she turned to Severus and me, "I am a liaison between The Council and Tribunal. I come from a long line of those who take a special interest in those who are so strong they could almost be dangerous. My mother died the night Hermione was born. The Tribunal underestimated her strength."

"She was just a newborn? How could she have caused your mother's death?" I glared at Severus at his callous way of asking such a personal question.

"Don't worry, Mr. Lupin, I'm used to it. In answer to your inquiry, Mr. Snape, Hermione inadvertently drained the life force from my mother. If she hadn't, she would have died herself. We knew the risk but we weren't prepared for what happened."

I drained the glass in my hand and leaned my head back against the wall. I opened my eyes when I felt the small hand on my chest. I looked into the bright eyes of the woman almost a head shorter than me.

"You need not worry for our daughter, Remus. She will restore the balance between our world and hers."

Shocked, I grasped the soft face in my hands. "Layla... How?"

"I asked the Gods' permission to speak with you. Simple really since Salazar threatened them with bodily harm."

I reveled in the sound of her sweet voice, a voice I hadn't heard for so long. Before I could say anything else, she cut me off.

"It's time for me to go. I want you to know that I love you and I'm so very happy for you. Tonks is a wonderful woman. She is your perfect counterpart. Don't worry. I will be with our little girl when the time comes. I love you..."

Her voice trailed off as Margaret slumped into my arms. I didn't notice the tears running down my face. I picked her up and laid her on the couch next to Severus. After tucking a blanket around her, I slumped into a nearby chair with my head in my hands.

I looked up, cleared my throat and suggested, "We should make ready our plans for the Battle and the Wedding. Albus, would you perform the ceremony?"

We spent the rest of the night talking strategy and tactics. I finally fell asleep with the sweet sound of my daughter's voice in my ears;

"Good night… Father."