A/N: hahaha, Sassyluv….Ok, and sorry if the previous chapter seemed filler like...this will make up for it, promise. Ok, back to SSHG!
Chapter 25
The streets of Hogsmeade were littered with wizarding folk. All the little shops, the trees, and the light blanket of snow gave the village a picturesque quality. "Perhaps we could stop by Gladrags for a spell? You do need proper apprentice robes, Hermione," Severus stated as they walked further into town.
"Do you think I can get some robes that look like yours Severus?" Nathaniel asked eyes bright and hopeful.
Severus froze. Why would anyone want to look like the evil dungeon bat? Except, Nathaniel didn't know about that. For some reason the boy chose to admire him. And now he wanted to look like him? It was hard to imagine someone who truly liked him for who he was, not just what he could do for them. Then again, he had thought the same about Hermione. Looking down into the boy's youthful eyes he muttered, "We'll see."
Apparently, Severus had some connections, because when they walked in, they were immediately ushered to the back of the shop. There, Hermione was fitted for her very own apprentice robes, including Severus's mark which she needed in order to be able to purchase a variety of ingredients only available to masters. The best part of the venture; however, had been seeing Nathaniel getting fitted for a miniature version of Severus's robes. It was all the more hilarious when Nathaniel refused to change back into his former outfit. They were now effectively twins, which Hermione thought was too cute for words. "Whereto next, Nathaniel?" Hermione asked as they exited Gladrags shop.
"Do they have any good book stores?"
Severus Snape snorted, "Indeed, a twelve year old boy who likes to read."
"Sound familiar?" Hermione smirked up at him,, with knowing eyes.
"More than you know. Very well, Tomes and Scrolls here we come." Both boys found their books quickly, leaving Hermione to ponder over what she wanted to buy. Meanwhile, Severus took Nathaniel to Dogweed and Deathcap, a Herbology shop, in which the boy promptly became enthralled. Afterwards, they headed back to Tomes, and Hermione finally made her purchase.
"I'm in the mood for some sweets, and besides, a trip to Hogsmeade is not complete without going to Honeydukes," she said as she scrambled out to meet them. Nathaniel instantly brightened at the idea of candy (who wouldn't?). Their noses were blessed with the satisfying aroma of all that is candy. A mixture of color, sugar, and joy. Like every child, Nathaniel ran around looking at all the different types of candies available. However, both adults stayed glued to the spot not wanting to join the foray of customers.
"Yo, Hermione, over here!" said the exuberant voice of Ginevra Potter. Her flaming red hair stood out like a beacon to where she stood with her husband.
"Ginny!" Hermione greeted as she and Severus, approached the couple.
"Where have you been, your supposedly staying with us, but I haven't seen you," Mrs. Potter said actually looking afonted. Hermione grimaced.
"I'm sorry guys. Honestly, so much has happened since Christmas. One, I won't have to go back to America. Dumbledore set it up for me to apprentice under Severus."
"Really?" Harry said a grin beginning to form on his face, "That's great 'Mione."
"There's more," Hermione said casting Severus an intimate smile, "You are looking at the future wife of Severus Snape."
The Potters, who had long since accepted the union, congratulated them thoroughly. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Ginny chastised, "Well, let's see the ring," without further ado she grabbed Hermione's hand.
"Nice." Harry admitted with an approving nod at Severus, which the latter merely cocked his brow at.
"But seriously 'mione, would it have killedya to owl me at least?" Ginny asked not letting this go. Hermione had been one of her few female friends. They were supposed to tell each other stuff like this right away.
"Well the thing is-"
"Mom, look, this one has YOU on it!" and a happy little boy with black hair came to view. He was holding any empty chocolate frog box. And to the Potter's surprise, he was talking to their best friend.
"Mom?" Harry Potter choked out, not really comprehending what he was seeing. Ginny just stood in stunned silence.
"I believe it would be beneficial to conduct this discussion somewhere private," Severus suggested seeing that the situation was akin to a cauldron about to boil over.
"For once I agree with you," Potter said taking a hold of his wife. "See you at Grimmauld."
"Alright," Harry said after they all assembled in the living room of Grimmauld Place, sans Nathaniel who they sent to "Hermione's room" to read his newly acquired books. "explain to us how its possible for you to have a son, Hermione." There was a hard edge to his voice that up until now had never been directed at her.
"First things first, you with quit that tone Harry Potter, and no, he's not Severus's child so you can stop glaring at him."
"I'm sorry Hermione, but you have to admit, it's an easy conclusion to make. Except, that would mean you guys were involved during the school…. year….." He grimaced, "Sorry, I didn't think that through."
"Of course you didn't." Severus snapped.
Hermione took a deep breath. "Anyway, Nathaniel is actually my cousin's son, but she died during childbirth. As you know my parents were dentists and they didn't really have time to take care of a baby so I did. I was only about nine at the time. But, I raised him like he came from my very womb. I love him as if he was my own child. And he is. he's my son. But, when my parents died, the year we went on the Horcrux hunt, Nathaniel wastaken from me." She squeezed Severus hand for support. "I've only just got him back, and its only for three days. He leaves tomorrow."
Her words settled in silence. The occupants all in separate worlds. "Why haven't you told us about him?"
"At the time I couldn't mount my problems on top of everything else. Besides, there was no way you anyone, except Dumbledore, and now Severus, could have helped."
"Wait," Ginevra spoke breaking from her silent state. "I get Dumbledore, but how could Snape help?"
"I knew Nathaniel's father."
"Who was he?"
"Igor Karkaroff."
"The Headmaster of Durmstrang?" Ginny squealed.
"A Death Eater," Harry growled fingers digging into the fabric of his sofa. "But how?"
"Well Potter, when a man and a woman-"
"Stop it Severus."
"Reflex." He merely stated folding his arms together, totally unapologetic.
Harry ran his hand through his hair. "I understand you not telling us during the battle, but it still hurts that we're just now finding out about him. Hell, even Severus knew before us and we've been your friends since forever!"
"Harry, you can not tell me that there aren't some things that Ginny knows about you that I don't." Hermione replied, "And what's more, you know now." Suddenly, Ginny walked to Hermione and hugged her.
"Forgive us for being so selfish and petty. I can't imagine what it must feel like to have your child taken from you," her hand ghosted on top her own belly. "Are you sure there's no way for us to help?"
Hermione gave her a watery smile. " Thank you, Gin. But I'm 'fraid not. But I'm sure he'd love to meet you."
"I'll go get him," Severus volunteered rising from his seat.
And quick as he left he was back, Nathaniel in tow.
"All finished with your 'grown up talk'?" Nathaniel inquired taking a seat by Hermione who along with Severus laughed. The Potters couldn't help but feel left out.
"Nathaniel, I'm sure you remember me telling you all about Harry and Ginny?"
He nodded, moving to shake Harry's hand. He tried to do the same, but just like her mother she pulled him into a hug. "It's very nice to meet you. Mum told me all about your adventures, Mr. Potter."
Harry laughed, "Call me Harry, or Uncle Harry if you like. After all, I consider your mom to be my sister. That makes you family too."
"I guess that makes me Aunt Ginny!"
"So, Nathaniel, are you a quidditch fan?"
"Trust Potter to bring up quidditch," Severus drawled from his spot next to his fiancee.
"Speaking of quidditch, he has to meet Ron. Oh, can he meet the rest of the family too?" Ginny asked the excitement in her voice rising with each word. She gave Hermione her best puppy dog eyes.
Seeing Hermione turn to him with an apologetic expression, Severus groaned at the thought of being surrounded by Weasleys. Worse, a den of Gryffindors.