A.N:
I am sad to say that this my friends, is the end of Part II...I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this fic and I hope you have equally enjoyed reading it. I am more than overwhelmed by the amout of support and reviews I have recieved from you guys and I can't thank you enough for that.
By the mid September I should hopefully have had the baby, so it'll be around about that time that I'll begin writing Part III. It's only half a month for you to wait, so I hope dearly that you stick by this fiction like you have thus far.
Finally, I would just like to tell you all that I am seriously considering writing a short Lily/Severus backstory for this fiction, in which I will elaborate on what you already know about the Snape and Lily in my story. It'll be called "What If?" so if your interested look out for that.
Thanks again for all of your support and reviews xx
Chapter Fifty One: Just Another Day at Hogwarts
Merriment and excitement coursed though the bustling Great Hall as students sat at their appropriate tables, sipping pumpkin juice and chatting noisily to their friends. At the head table there was a similar mood of exhilaration, as the Professors and staff of Hogwarts sat lost in polite conversation, all of them waiting for the Headmaster to stand and deliver his customary end of year speech so that they could leave the castle for their family's summer homes.
Another year was over, and although another was waiting in its wake, there was a six week gap in between to be spent idly with families and friends, enjoying the momentary release from hard work and schooling. It was clear from the jubilant aura of the castle, that there was not a single being who was not looking forward to the summer break, and people made no secret of the fact that they were eagerly anticipating the feast to begin so that they could leave.
All fell silent as finally Albus Dumbledore made his move to stand, his vibrant purple robes hugged around his body and his grandfatherly beard falling to his naval. The Headmaster was a man who demanded respect and attention with his mere presence and appearance, so no loud clapping of the hands or a clearing of the throat was needed in order for all eyes to fall upon him.
"The time has come for us to say our goodbyes," he began sadly, letting his bright blue eyes roam around the room. "For some, this farewell is only temporary and I will be greeting those of you once more come September, but for others, this is possibly a permanent farewell. At this melancholy yet joyful time of year, I wish only to pass on my best wishes to you all…for those of you in our seventh year who more than likely sit in this hall for the very last time, I wish you all the luck in the world for your future endeavours, and on behalf of all of the staff here at Hogwarts, I wish you wealth, prosperity and eternal happiness. May you all embark on a road that suits you most, and as prepared as possible for whatever you may face."
A series of sobs, mainly from seventh year girls, echoed around the room and so Dumbledore resumed his speech quickly in order to lighten the mood a little and deter their upset.
"For others, and those whom I look forward to seeing next year," he continued more joyfully, "I bestow upon you my best wishes for the summer break, wherever you may spend it. Most importantly, I urge you to keep safe, hale and hearty, whist at the same time making the most of your time away from our demanding work ethic here in the castle. It would be prudent for you all to remember that we are still, unfortunately, living in dark times. Extra care must be taken and your wands carried with you at all times."
"Finally," Albus said as he tried to catch his breath after his long speech, "I would like you all raise your goblets and put your hands together for Professor Lucius Malfoy, who is leaving us after a year as our Defence Master, to spend more time with his family."
The crowd, especially the Slytherin table burst into massive applause for Lucius who was now on his feet, and even those of Gryffindor house (led of course by Septima) were all clapping furiously and whistling.
After basking in his newfangled popularity for a moment, Lucius Malfoy sat reluctantly and the noise gradually died down once more into nothing. For the final time before the start of the feast Albus Dumbledore stood…
"Now another announcement that I have to make before we can indulge in our mass of food and drink, is one of which even the staff, are unaware of."
The entire body of personnel turned to look at the Headmaster with incredulity playing about their faces. Hermione glanced towards Severus for an answer but he just shrugged in reply, before turning back towards the Headmaster who was revelling in the air of mystery, his blue eyes twinkling knowingly.
"For over fifty years, one particular loyal and inimitable member of staff has worked alongside me and a countless number of other Professors without reservation or trepidation. She is the most hardworking, unfazed woman I know, who is not only loved by her colleagues but also, and more uniquely, by each and every member of the student body. Her work is, and always has been, flawless, the respect we all have for her immeasurable, and we as a school and individually as privileged human beings, owe an awful lot to her."
"So," he continued just as he could almost hear the almost inaudible whispers and theories begin to unfold, "I hope you can all comprehend just how much of a loss it is to this school, that the wonderful Professor McGonagall has decided to retire after over half a century of teaching here."
Gasps of shock and horror filled the room, and even Severus Snape felt his heart sink in disappointment. Minerva was not only like a Mother to him, but also a friend who had helped him settle into his role as Potion's Master when he was only twenty one, and to see her leave would be a massive disadvantage to both he and Hogwarts.
"Can I have your attention for a few more moments please!" ordered Albus, cutting through the thick conversation of both students and teachers alike.
"Thank you," he said with an exasperated sigh as the conversation ceased finally. "Now, on behalf of you and all of those who have had the fortune to have been taught by Professor McGonagall in the past, I would like you all to raise your glasses once more, to the finest woman Hogwart's has ever seen."
Instantly and with an enormous ferocity everybody in the room stood. Gryffindors took to their table top and roared with appreciation for McGonagall who was in floods of tears. Taking note of the Gryffindor's support for the old witch, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and a handful of brave Slytherins leapt up onto their tables and began to chant her name.
At the staff table all were clapping, Hermione, Hooch, Pomfrey, Trelawney, Vector and Flitwick were all on their feet (even though Flitwick looked as though he was still sitting,) and with tears in their eyes. Those members of staff who were not yet standing soon did so, before cheering noisily and showing no reserve with regard to their respect for the retiring Deputy Headmistress.
Even though they were also clapping furiously, Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape however showed much more composure than the rest, (as would be expected from Slytherins) and the latter of the two eventually broke their façade and placed a loving kiss upon the old woman's head.
It took almost twenty minutes and a lot of hard work on Albus' part to resume a moderate degree of silence.
"With Professor McGonagall's saddening departure," he said finally, "there now becomes an opening in her position as Deputy of this school. For me, the replacement of a woman who is so respected and loved by so many is not an easy one, and the said replacement needs to be an equally respected and looked up towards human being. The only person whom I think will fit into Professor McGonagall's large shoes is the finest Potions Master and Dark Arts specialist this world has ever seen."
"Of late this man has become the proud father of his third child, and with that one would like to think that he has become a more…approachableProfessor." Albus heard Severus snort loudly behind him but he swiftly continued anyway. "So, with all that in mind I'd like to introduce you all to the new Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts…Professor Severus Snape!"
For the final time that night Hogwarts burst into a hearty round of applause, this time led by Slytherin house.
Hermione and Severus were lying in bed later that night with Milo squirming happily in between them.
"Did you know about Minerva's retirement?" Hermione asked as she tickled Milo softly, earning a soft chortle for her troubles.
Severus turned on his side to face his wife who was also lying on hers and leant over the baby. "I honestly never," he replied. "It's come as a bit of a shock to be honest."
"You deserve that position of Deputy Headmaster Severus," she said earnestly as she reached out and tucked a stray hair around his left ear.
"Somehow I don't think I do."
"Minerva wouldn't have retired unless she knew that Hogwarts was in safe hands, she said so herself at dinner."
"Yes but by accepting the position I now run the risk of placing Hogwarts in a greater danger than it already was. The Dark Lord will expect me to supply him with even more information now that I am in a higher position of authority and closer to Albus."
"We will cross that hurdle when it comes Severus. Just for once can you focus on the here and now?" Hermione looked down at Milo and his now pink hair.
"I'm a lucky man aren't I?" he asked rhetorically as he picked Milo up and lifted him onto his chest.
"Yes you are," she replied, "and we're lucky to have you too."
"Do you love your Daddy?" Severus asked Milo, ignoring the baby's dribbling onto his bare chest.
"Oh I think he does," Hermione said with a smile and a soft squeeze of Milo's chubby cheeks. "I think we've got another Daddy's Boy on our hands."
"Do you think he looks like me?" Severus asked, looking over his son's features.
"Oh yes," Hermione said with sarcasm, "I can see that he gets his pink hair from you rather than me!"
"Ha bloody ha," Severus chided jokingly, "very funny. I meant when he's tired and his hair turns black."
"Ah well that changes things," she said whilst snuggling into Severus and Milo, who was still lying on his Father's hair graced chest. "You see, Milo's Daddy has the most beautiful raven eyes that one might just say are my weakness," - she traced her fingers softly around Severus' eyes - "and if you look at Milo's he too has his Daddy's beautiful eyes."
"And what else?" asked Severus, who was in need of a compliment or two.
"Milo has terribly soft skin, and so," she whispered, running her fingers down the inside of Severus' thigh, "has his Daddy."
"And as if by magic Milo's fallen asleep," Severus said with a sultry smile. "Which means," he continued, "that by the time his Daddy's gone into the other room to put him to sleep, Milo's Mummy better be sprawled out across the bed and waiting for me to return."
"I think I can manage that," Hermione replied with a suggestive raise of her eyebrows. "Now go and put him down for the night and hurry your gorgeous self back in here."
Severus returned swiftly and was soon cuddled back up in bed with his wife who was more than happy just to lie there in his arms and run her fingers lazily across his chest.
"I did it Hermione," whispered Severus arbitrarily.
"I'm confused…you did what?"
"I used magic again."
Hermione sat bolt upright and placed a passionate kiss onto his welcoming lips. "Well done!" she squealed. "I'm so proud of you."
"Not as proud as I am of you," he replied modestly as she settled back down. "I never quite appreciated you as the mother of my children until the other day when I saw you with them. You didn't know I was there in the hospital wing just watching you all, but I was."
"You're a fantastic Mother Hermione," he continued earnestly, "and the children all love you so very much. You're always there for them no matter what, and you seem to have got the balance of parent and friend down to a tee. It's a scary thought but Sebastian would give his life for you."
"And he would for you…"
"No Hermione," he corrected, "what you have with our children is different to what I have. The love every bone of your being, just like I do, and they look up to you greatly. I just thought that you should know that really…"
"I do Severus," she replied softly, "and I just want you to know that they love you too. I was watching you with Milo earlier, and it was clear to see that the boy already worships the ground that you walk on. He watches everything you do with such intensity it's surreal."
"I don't know what it is but we just seem to have clicked."
Hermione smiled and leant up to kiss him lovingly.
"Severus," she whispered softly as she traced the outline of his jaw, "promise me you'll never leave me."
"Never," he whispered in reply. "Never..."
