DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.
A/N: Thank you for the wonderful comments on the last chapter.
Chapter 16
"My father's eyes
When I look in my father's eyes (look into my father's eyes)
My father's eyes
Then the light begins to shine
And I hear those ancient lullabies
And as I watch this seedling grow
Feel my heart start to overflow."
- "My Father's Eyes" by Eric Clapton
.
December 3, 1995
(three years ago)
Hermione waited behind a tapestry for her secret "boyfriend" to pass by. She had not been talking to him for a week now, since after the Quidditch match of Gryffindor versus Slytherin - since Harry and the Weasley twins got banned from Quidditch by Umbridge for fighting with Draco. It was also the day they first heard of the song "Weasley Is Our King", who was allegedly composed by Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson. Hermione felt so sorry for Ron who wanted to resign as the team Keeper for his 'poor skills' after the match. She was also very, very angry at Draco for doing such things to her friends. So, she did not talk to him. She did not meet him. She never patrolled alone - just in case he would pull her again in an alcove. She ignored his letters of apology which were delivered by different school owls at night, just before bedtime. And to rouse his ire, she kept on comforting Harry and Ron at the Gryffindor table during meal times. She would squeeze her friends' hands comfortingly and she would lean her head on Harry's shoulder sometimes.
Draco had been in a bad mood ever since she stopped talking to him. He nearly lost his temper in some of their shared classes such as Potions and Arithmancy. Even Pansy Parkinson was convinced that 'Drakie-poo' was having personal problems.
But last night, Professor Burbage suddenly summoned her to the Muggle Studies office. She asked why she wasn't speaking with Draco, and she explained her reasons: her friends were hurt and humiliated. Professor Burbage told her that it wasn't Draco who composed the song, and he was forced to show his hatred of Harry because apparently, Umbridge was keeping her eyes on him. Being Lucius Malfoy's son, Draco was expected to please the arrogant ministry worker. Otherwise, his father would hear about it, and the other Death Eaters might question his loyalties. Draco might be murdered in his sleep.
Hermione had been thinking about Draco's difficult situation after the chat with Professor Burbage. She felt less angry and though she did not like what he did, she could understand why he had to do those things. She had to apologize, too, for not letting him explain because deep in her heart, she knew that Draco would never purposely hurt her by taunting her friends.
Hermione peeked again and her heart leaped with joy when she spotted his platinum blond head. He was nearing the alcove. When Draco was finally in front of the alcove, Hermione grabbed his arm tightly and pulled him behind the tapestry.
"What the - " he trailed off when he met her eyes. He pulled his hand from her grasp and crossed her arms over his chest, giving her a calculating look. "What does the Gryffindor princess want with a Slytherin like me?"
Hermione bit her lip and bravely met his eyes. "I'm sorry."
Draco did not say anything. He just continued looking at her, but his expression already softened.
"I was hurt because of what happened to my friends. They did not deserve that, you know," she said softly.
Draco sighed and raked his hair with his fingers. "I know. I'm sorry, too. That was uncalled for," he admitted. "But I should've told you that it was going to happen. I did not want to do it, the song about Weasley, you know. But my housemates were expecting me to lead them. And I did not mean to insult Potter's and Weasley's mothers. But they insulted mine first."
"I don't like what you did, but I can imagine how hard it is to be in your shoes. Next time, can you at least warn me before you do something that would hurt my friends?"
Draco gave her a small smile. "I will."
"I should be mad, you know. I should not be talking to you... But after what happened the past three months, I can tell that you're a good person and somehow, seeing how you reacted at me ignoring you, it tells me that you did not want to hurt my feelings on purpose."
"I don't want to hurt you," whispered Draco, who managed to cup her face and press their bodies closer somewhere in the middle of her speech. "I care for you, Hermione."
She closed her eyes briefly, wanting to enjoy the feeling of his sweet, sweet voice. "I know," she replied when she met his eyes again. "Thank you."
"Thank you," he said. "For giving me another chance."
She grinned. "Of course. Now, are you going to say some more, or are you going to kiss me?"
Draco chuckled but lowered his lips to hers. "Bossy Gryffindor know-it-all," he teased before finally kissing her.
.
December 5, 1998
(the present)
Draco woke up with his beloved and beautiful wife beside him, the ever-compassionate and brilliant Hermione Granger-Malfoy. Just like the past four months, his arms automatically reached out for her. He spooned and pulled her close to him, resting his left hand above her lower abdomen; his right arm was tucked under Hermione's head and the right hand was palming one of her soft breasts.
"Good morning, love," he said, just like always.
He heard her smile. Yes, heard.
Hermione placed a hand above his hand, the one resting on her abdomen. "Morning, dear husband."
He hummed sleepily, kissed and licked his wife's bare shoulder rather erotically; his left hand was traveling south, very, very slowly and his right hand continued to play with her breast. Hermione made a sound of approval and pressed her bum to his crotch.
"Draco, love..." she moaned and begged at the same time.
Draco smiled to himself at the sound of her voice.
"Don't stop, love."
"My love... my Hermione," he whispered rather emotionally. Until now, he could not believe that they were together again, married and their relationship was getting stronger.
Draco shifted a little so he could have more access to the side of Hermione's neck. He kissed and licked her there, knowing that it would turn her on more and more. His fingers found Hermione's weakest spot on the south.
Merlin, she's very wet already! He smirked on her neck. Meanwhile, Hermione's hand reached for something between their bodies. Draco made a sound of pleasure when his dear wife clutched his already hard length. Hermione laid on her back, making Draco release her breast, but she didn't mind. He propped on one elbow to capture her lips. His middle finger finally entered her and he was rewarded with moans of pleasure.
Hermione's hand stopped pleasuring him, but he didn't mind. He was sure she would return the favour later. Hermione first, he thought. He loved hearing her sing his name. He loved watching her come.
"Oh, love, I'm so close..."
"Are you?" he teased, kissing her again and adding another finger inside her. "Yes, you are."
"I love you so fucking much, Draco Malfoy!" she screamed as her walls tightened around his fingers. Draco leaned back so that he could watch her beautiful face while coming.
"Draaaaacooooo!"
"Let go, love. Let go," he whispered urgently.
And then Draco saw it again. The beautiful look in her face as she screamed his name. After a few seconds, Hermione opened her eyes and smiled at him. "Thank you, love," she said, cupping his face.
Draco leaned down to give her a chaste kiss. "My pleasure."
Hermione laughed and they laid side by side, facing each other. Draco pulled her to his arms, running one hand in her soft, brown hair.
"Oh, Draco. I love you so much!"
"I love you more."
"I am going to return the favor now," she whispered with a naughty smile in her face, running her hand again on his crotch, but she was stopped by a loud ringing.
Hermione groaned and Draco laughed. "It must be Blaise." He reached up for the Muggle device he had come to like.
"Tell him to get lost," she mumbled against her pillow.
Draco chuckled and kissed her bare shoulder before answering the call. "But it's not Blaise," he told Hermione before pressing a button on the device. "Morning, Potter."
"It's early, but you're in a good mood," came Daphne's voice. "Urgh, I don't even want to ask why."
"Then don't," he replied. "What are you ringing for?"
"Come to Grimmauld Place for lunch with Hermione. Don't even think of saying 'no'," she demanded.
"Why? Is it Potter's birthday again?" he asked sarcastically.
"Don't be daft. Doesn't suit you."
"It's not your birthday either. Unless... you're pregnant, Daph!"
"I'm not telling you anything. Come for lunch!" And his friend hung up.
He returned the Muggle device on the side table and pulled Hermione to him. "I think they're engaged," he told his wife.
Hermione snorted. "No doubt. Remember last weekend? Harry dragged me for lunch? We bought a ring for her."
Draco pulled her even closer. "She'll be a Potter soon. Damn, I have to stop calling Potter 'Potter'."
His wife chuckled. "We're coming, right? You're not planning on tying me up in this bed, are you?"
He froze for a moment, remembering an incident at Potter's house a few months ago. "If they're announcing their engagement, then we're not the only ones invited."
"Uhuh," she agreed.
"Are you ready to see them?" he asked with hesitation.
Hermione reached up to cup his cheek. "As long as you're with me, I'm ready for anyone." Draco lowered his lips to hers to give her a chaste kiss. Hermione instantly pulled away. "Now, I think you should come, too."
.
July 31, 1998
(four months ago)
"Drakie-poo!" shrieked Pansy Parkinson the moment Draco stepped out of the Floo in Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place's drawing-room. The former Slytherin girl flung her arms around him, like when they were still in the first year and she was trying to impress him. She had been very annoying when they were younger, but now, Draco could only chuckle and shake his head while giving Pansy a brotherly pat on the shoulder.
"Get your hands off my husband, Parkinson," warned Hermione behind him.
Pansy stepped back and rolled her eyes, her hands crossed over her chest. "It's MacMillan now, Granger."
"It's Malfoy now," his wife replied with a smirk. "I cannot believe that I'm saying this, but it's nice to see you."
"Gryffindors," Pansy muttered. "Go and find your friends, Hermione. They've been waiting for you."
Hermione linked her arm with his. "Thanks, Pansy."
"Hermione!" Neville Longbottom showed up at the doorway.
"Neville! Happy birthday!" His wife happily ran and threw herself to Neville, who lifted her off the ground briefly.
"Happy natal day, Longbottom," he nodded to him.
"Thanks, Malfoy!"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "When are you going to call him by his first name, Draco?"
Draco shrugged with a smile. "Maybe once Astoria becomes a Longbottom, too," he smirked.
Hermione chuckled and Neville paled. "That's acceptable, I guess. Where's Harry? And the others?"
"The others are in the dining area, already filling in their stomachs before the game. Harry's in the kitchen with Remus and er, Kreacher."
"I'll greet Harry first," she announced and turned to Draco. "Come on, love."
Draco happily took her hand once more and they went to the kitchen first. They found Harry there, chatting with Remus while Kreacher was preparing desserts with the help of Adele. Hermione went to greet the two wizards and the house-elf, completely ignoring Adele. Draco could only nod politely at Adele while his wife happily joined the conversation of Harry and Remus.
"Where's your friend, Lucy?" asked Harry.
"She's too shy to come here, said that you never really met in person," replied Hermione. "But we'll meet her later at the stands."
"Right. Remus and I were just discussing the invitation he got from Professor McGonagall," Harry informed them (Hermione and Draco). "He's teaching again."
"Wow! That's great, Remus! I am happy for you!" And she stood up to hug Remus. "You're the best D.A.D.A. professor we ever had!"
Remus chuckled. "Thank you, Hermione. I won't be living in the castle, though. I told Minerva that I would still be going home and probably won't have breakfast at dinner with the rest of the staff. She understands, of course. She's also allowing seventh-year and so-called eighth years, to leave the castle on weekends. Now that it's safe out there, students who are of legal age can leave to apply for jobs, or just simply do whatever they want."
"And that being said... Daphne and I have decided to go back to Hogwarts," announced Harry.
Hermione quirked an eyebrow. "Really? But I thought you're planning to take your N.E.W.T.s at the Ministry?"
Harry shrugged and ran a hand in his messy hair. "I don't think I'm ready to be surrounded by ministry employees every single day. And for once, I want to experience a normal year at Hogwarts. No Voldy, no Death Eaters, just Quidditch, and exams."
Hermione smiled and squeezed her best friend's hand. "I'm happy for you, then. We can meet on weekends with Neville, Luna, Ernie and the others. Heard that some D.A. boys signed up for the Auror training program offered by Kingsley to those who fought during the battle."
"And you're not joining them?" asked Harry.
"You're not joining?" Hermione asked. "I thought you always wanted to be an Auror?"
"I still want to be an Auror, but I want to finish my Hogwarts education first," replied Harry and he turned to him. "How about you, Malfoy? Joining the Auror program?"
He scoffed. "Catching dark wizards is not my thing. I'm focusing on the family business."
"You mean, businesses," asked Harry with a chuckle. "Hermione?"
Hermione shook her head. "I'm happy with my work at the Muggle daycare and I think I'll be staying for at least six months. I like it there."
Draco saw Adele stiffen. She gave Hermione a sharp look, but Hermione wasn't paying attention to her.
"So, does this mean that you're not going back to Hogwarts?" asked Harry.
Hermione turned to him first and they exchanged smiles, before turning to her friend again. "Yes. Draco and I are taking our N.E.W.T.s in September at the ministry."
Harry laughed. "But I thought, you, Hermione Granger, of all people, would be the first to accept the invitation to go back to Hogwarts."
"No, I'm a married woman now," she laughed. "What if I get pregnant?" In the corner of Draco's eyes, he could see Adele's unhappy face.
Hermione laughed, probably at Harry's reaction. "No, we're not trying, but we're not using anything to prevent it," she admitted. "So, no going back to Hogwarts."
"But you should go back and finish your studies," quipped Adele sharply.
Draco heard Remus sigh and Harry's smile faded. Hermione turned to the other witch with a raised eyebrow.
"You will not be able to attend the graduation ceremony if you don't re-enroll in Hogwarts," she said again.
"Like what I said, I'm married now, and I don't feel like living in a dormitory anymore with girls my age," she said with a shrug. "I want to be with my husband every night."
"But you and Draco can still spend time on weekends," reasoned Adele. "Finishing your education is more important."
"My marriage is more important now," Hermione countered, giving Adele piercing looks. Draco placed a comforting hand on Hermione's shoulder. "You should've thought about my education before you forced me into this marriage."
Adele gave her a sharp look. "But you're happy now after the forced marriage, aren't you?"
"I am happy with Draco," Hermione corrected, wrapping an arm around his waist. "Even if you did not orchestrate our engagement and marriage, Draco would still marry me. Not sooner, I know. Maybe after a year, but he would still marry me, even without your help. So stop talking like we owe you something. Our marriage is working because of me and Draco; not because of you."
"Adee, that's enough," came Remus's stern voice even before Adele could talk again. "Hermione is old enough to decide on her own."
"But she's making the wrong decisions!" fumed Adele. "First, staying in a Muggle daycare? She's a witch! She's the brightest witch of her generation! She's a war hero! And now, her education? She's not going back to Hogwarts?"
"There's nothing wrong if Hermione wants to stay in a Muggle daycare to work," commented Harry rather indifferently, not looking at Adele. "She's not going to stay there forever. Hermione knows that she's smart; that she's the brightest witch. I'm sure she'll do something more interesting in the future. Maybe, she just wants to take things slow and do things that make her happy."
"And maybe she's avoiding you," drawled Draco, giving Adele a pointed look.
Adele froze and gave him and Harry questioning looks, but before anyone could say anything, Hermione stood up. "Come on, Draco, Harry. I think it's time to leave for the game," she said calmly as if nothing happened.
.
Hermione could already see Lucy at the top box, wearing a navy blue hoodie and holding a Puddlemere United banner. Before she could walk towards her, Draco squeezed her arm. When she turned to him, he was giving him a small smile. "I just want to say... you handled her well back at Harry's place."
Hermione smiled and kissed her husband. "I'm not going to let her ruin my day. But I was correct, right? You'd still marry me even without her help."
Draco gave her a fond look. "Of course," he kissed her forehead. "After the battle, if I did not end up in Azkaban and we were not forced to marry, I would've chased you and beg for your forgiveness. I would've done everything just to be with you again."
Hermione smiled. "Good." Then, with one last chaste kiss, she took his hand and went to the top box. "Lucy!" she yelled.
The other girl turned around and waved when she saw them. "Hermione! Draco!"
Harry followed soon, with Daphne, Luna, Blaise, Neville, Astoria, and Pansy. Hermione introduced her new friend to their former schoolmates and Draco contentedly watched her chat with Lucy.
"Hermione, have you heard? The Chudley Cannons have a new Keeper," asked Harry from behind them.
"Really? Who?"
"Ronald Weasley," he replied, the name sounded foreign from harry's mouth.
"That desperate guy who induced you with a love potion?" asked Lucy incredulously.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yeah, that one."
"I hope Pucey beats him," quipped Harry.
"He will!" exclaimed Lucy. "My darling Adrian is the best keeper, ever," she said proudly, making Harry and Hermione exchange smiles.
"Are you all right?" Draco whispered beside her while Lucy and Harry were chatting about a couple of advertisements on the widescreen.
She smiled affectionately and gave him a chaste kiss. "I am. You?"
Draco snaked an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer, as if not wanting any distance between them. Then, he kissed her forehead. "Fantastic."
.
"Oh, Hermione! Draco! Thank you for today!"
Draco chuckled. Hermione's friend couldn't stop thanking them for the opportunity of seeing Adrian Pucey play. After the game, Adrian went to their box to say hi to him and harry. They did not miss the chance. They introduced Hermione's friend to the Quidditch star before going home.
"You're welcome, Lucy. Dream of Adrian," replied Hermione and hugged her friend. "See you tomorrow."
Lucy waved at the two of them and went to the main road to get onto the Knight Bus.
Hermione and Draco parted ways with Harry and their other friends, before going home to the Granger residence. They were living in Cambridge, but Hermione wanted to see her parents often, so they connected their Floo to her parents' house and they would have breakfast and dinner together, almost every day. With her parents and Draco by her side, Hermione couldn't ask for more.
"Mum? Dad?" Hermione called as soon as she emerged from the fireplace, followed by Draco.
"In here, sweetie!" came her mum's voice from the dining.
They found her parents, seated at the dining table, looking too serious, but the two dentists forced smiles when they say Hermione and Draco. Hermione went to kiss her parents. "Are you both all right? Did something happen?" she asked as she sat across her mother. Draco took his seat beside her.
"We're fine, sweetie," her mum replied.
"We just had an unexpected visitor at the clinic today," her father began.
Hermione turned to Draco and they both frowned. But Adele was at Harry's place earlier...
"It was your old professor and Draco's godfather," William Granger told them.
Hermione's heart started beating faster. She had never thought of Professor Snape since she patched things up with Draco. Deep in her heart, she did not know how to acknowledge or approach him. For Hermione, William Granger was the best father in the world. He nurtured her, loved her and treated her like a princess. He shared his love for reading with her. She never doubted that they weren't related by blood because William Granger had curly, brown hair, too. And when her mother would comment on some of Hermione's habits, he would always say: "Hermione's just like me."
As a child, Hermione and her Dad would wake up early in the morning, just to watch the sunrise in their garden. He used to tell her stories about his childhood; about the grandparents she never met. He told her how he met Helen, Hermione's mother; and how he asked her out. As a child, her parents' love story was the most romantic ever. William Granger was the first man Hermione ever loved; the man who showed her what a perfect husband should be. He was Hermione's hero.
And now, how does Severus Snape fit in the picture? Does he have a place in my life? In my heart?
.
August 4, 1998
(four months ago)
Hermione was nervously waiting for her visitor at the drawing-room of their Cambridge cottage. Draco went to a lunch meeting with Blaise after she assured him that she would be fine; that she could meet Severus Snape alone.
She chose to meet him in private to avoid the media. Almost the entire Wizarding Britain community knew that Hermione wasn't planning on reaching out to her biological parents. When she received the invitation for Order of Merlin Award, she gave a specific instruction to address her as 'Hermione Granger-Malfoy'. She wanted to honour her Muggle parents, even if they wouldn't be able to attend the ceremony next week.
She drummed her fingers at the coffee table and sighed heavily, thinking of the things she was going to say once her visitor arrived. She had been thinking over and over for four days now since her parents mentioned her old professor. Apparently, the reason why he went to the Grangers' clinic was to thank them for giving her a proper home. He also apologized and explained that he didn't know he had a daughter until the end of Hermione's sixth year.
Hermione's dad thought that she should forgive him. He did not force her to marry Draco. In fact, he didn't insist on anything with her. He seemed to be waiting for the right time to talk to her.
"Will you be upset if I forgive him and yet don't really see him as a father?" she asked her dad the morning after. He found her in the garden, waiting for the sunrise.
Her dad placed a hand around her shoulders. "That's sad, but I cannot dictate you what to do. At least, give him a chance to make it up to you."
Hermione leaned her head on his shoulder. "You're the best father in the world, Dad. No matter what happens, I will always love you."
"I love you too, Hermione."
And then she remembered her encounter with Professor Snape the night Headmaster Dumbledore died. He locked her in his office. Draco said it was to protect her from the Death Eaters and to prevent her from seeing what Draco was about to do.
Hermione was distracted from her musings by the roaring sound in the fireplace, announcing the arrival of someone.
Severus Snape stepped into the drawing-room after scouring the swot in his clothes. He was wearing a white Muggle pullover and a pair of denim trousers. His hair was shorter, Hermione noticed, and in her opinion, it suited him. He looked younger and more relaxed.
"Good afternoon, Professor," she greeted politely.
He looked like he wanted to protest at her use of his former title, but decided against it. He nodded. "Hermione. Thank you for agreeing to meet me."
It felt weird for Hermione to call her given name from the Potions Master's mouth. For more than six years, she was 'Miss Granger'.
"Have a seat. I prepared tea," she smiled and gestured at the coffee table. Professor Snape walked into the drawing-room and took a seat. He also prepared his own tea.
Hermione was studying her teacup, waiting for the wizard to start. "Hermione, I'm sorry for how I treated you for six years."
She nodded, finally facing him. "You were a spy."
"Yes. I had to show everyone that I was in favour of the Slytherins, especially those who were on the side of... Tom Riddle. If the likes of Lucius Malfoy heard that I was being nice to students outside my house, they would question my loyalty even more. Dumbledore knew that Riddle was not dead and he would come back one day, so I had to keep the facade."
She nodded. "I understand."
"But I did some things - horrible things - which weren't necessary for my espionage."
Hermione remembered her fourth year when Draco accidentally hit her teeth. "You were horrible," she laughed rather nervously.
Professor Snape smiled a little. "I was. I'm not teaching again."
"But you were a great Potions Master!" she exclaimed.
He shrugged. "I can write new Potions textbooks. I can accept apprenticeships and give lectures from time to time, but there'll be no need for a teaching position at Hogwarts. Spare the new generation from a snarky old man, I told Minerva."
"Too bad, Hogwarts students won't experience how it's like to be taught by the best Potions Master in Britain."
Though Hermione didn't like her old professor personally, she respected him for his credibility, title, and profession. And she truly believed that he was the best Potions Master in Britain.
"Thank you, Hermione."
They both sipped their tea. Hermione nibbled some biscuits before Professor Snape broke the silence again. "I didn't know she was pregnant."
Hermione nodded. "I was told."
"I did not treat her right, that's why she didn't tell me. I can't blame her for keeping her pregnancy from me. I was a very different man back then. I was selfish, insecure and obsessed with my former best friend. I hurt someone deeply and as a result, she had to give you away."
"I was in good hands. Mum and Dad loved me. I never doubted them," she said carefully.
"I honestly think that my actions were unforgivable... and I am not going to ask you to make me part of your life. I know that William Granger has been the best father. I can never be like him. All I am asking is your forgiveness - "
"I forgive you," she cut him off, but not in a rude way. She also did not meet his eyes. Instead, she was focused on her teacup. "You protected and cared for Draco. He looks up to you, you know. He said you cared for him more than his own father did. That's enough for me."
When she met his gaze, Hermione noticed that his facial expression hardened, as is he was suppressing a certain emotion. His eyes were glassy, too. "Thank you, Hermione. "
She smiled. "Thank you for everything you did for Draco and Harry and by extension, to me. Please know that you are always welcome here in our home. That's if you can stand a know-it-all like me."
The former professor laughed rather nervously. For the first time since meeting Severus Snape, Hermione saw a different man - free of baggage and more relaxed.
.
December 5, 1998
(the present)
"May I see the ring?" Pansy Parkinson snatched Daphne's left hand and studied the engagement ring carefully.
"Your nose is already touching the diamond stone, Pansy!" complained Daphne with an eye roll, which made Hermione chuckle.
"It must be very expensive," commented Pansy. "Didn't know that Potter's money could match my family's."
"I don't care how rich he is. I can live in a barn as long as I'm with Harry," replied Daphne.
"You're such a Hufflepuff." Pansy scrunched her nose. "What am I going to wear as your bridesmaid? Astoria is going to be your maid-of-honor, right?"
"You're one of the bridesmaids. With Hermione and Luna," corrected Daphne.
Hermione turned to her best friend's fiancee with a surprised look. "Oh, Daph! Really? Thank you!"
Daphne reached for her hand on the table to squeeze it. "Of course. You and Luna are wonderful friends of Harry. I think Neville's going to be his best man."
Hermione beamed. "Oh, Neville's going to be shocked, I reckon. Have you decided on the date?"
"Next summer, after Hogwarts," replied Daphne. "Adele's helping my mum with the wedding preparations."
Hermione gave a small smile, hearing Adele's name. Daphne suddenly looked hesitant and Pansy looked like she wanted to stand up and leave the dining room, but couldn't find an alibi.
"You know, she's not coming today. She and Harry argued this morning."
Hermione frowned. "Why?"
"She wants Harry to convince you to talk to her again, but he said he will never do that again. He said she needs to give you time. I think she's upset that you already accepted Severus and yet you wouldn't talk to her."
Yes. Hermione already accepted Severus Snape. She still calls her 'professor', not really comfortable calling him by his first name because, in her mind, she was starting to think of him as her father. 'Professor Snape' would come on Sundays at Hermione and Draco's cottage for family lunch with Narcissa and the Grangers. He also tutored Hermione and Draco in preparation for their N.E.W.T.s exams in September. And truth be told, Hermione was starting to get used to her biological father's presence.
"She's still a manipulative old hag if you ask me," quipped Pansy with a bored tone.
"She is," she agreed. "She wants me to accept and just forgive her, but did I hear remorse? All I heard were her reasons why she had to the things she did to save Harry, Harry's father, and me and Draco. But I never heard her say that she regrets leaving a newborn infant on the doorstep of two Muggles, with a note that the infant had nowhere else to go," she said coolly.
Daphne and Pansy gave her empathic looks and she smiled at them. Pansy spoke again to change the subject. Soon, their other friends arrived and the center of attention was on Daphne and Harry again. Hermione somehow forgot about a manipulative and remorseless witch named Adele Fawley.
.
November 6, 1998
(one month ago)
Hermione knocked rather nervously on the first wooden door of an old terrace house in Spinner's End. Draco dropped her in the area an hour ago, but she was curious about the village, so she decided to take a walk. She found a dirty river, old buildings of mills and houses. She also heard some people yelling and cursing in perfect West Country accent.
So, this is where he was raised as a young boy, she thought inwardly, running her eyes in the surroundings.
The door suddenly opened. "Hermione?" came the old professor's voice.
"Hi," she greeted bashfully and raised her hand to show a packed food. "I brought some meat pies."
Professor Snape opened the door wider. "Come on in," he invited, though he still looked surprised. Hermione never visited him. It was always Severus who visit Hermione and Draco. "Have a seat."
She sat on one of the rickety couches and placed the food on the coffee table.
Professor Snape sat across from her. With a wave of his wand, tea appeared. "What brings you here?" he asked casually. "Is Draco all right?"
"He's fine. Everything's all right," she replied with a smile. "I just want to... uh, see the place; your place."
Severus offered a small smile and looked around the house. "I guess, Draco told you that the house is going to be demolished and that I'm looking for a new place."
She bit her lip and looked at him with a guilty face. "Draco thinks it's time to leave the place."
He nodded. "I think so, too. I am not sure why I kept this place. Perhaps, I was clinging on to wonderful childhood memories. Or maybe, I was not really expecting to survive after the war, so I never bothered to find a new place. Though the house I shared with Adele before is still available, I do not feel like going there."
"There's uh... an available flat near my parents' house. Just across the street," she offered. "You might want to check it out."
Severus Snape nodded. "I will. I promise."
Hermione smiled. "One more thing..."
Severus gave her questioning and at the same time encouraging look.
"I applied for the Potioneer Training Program at St. Mungo's Hospital. I need a recommendation from at least two potion masters."
He smiled. "You have me and Horace Slughorn. Consider it done."
"Thank you," she replied sincerely, meeting his eyes. "I hope you don't mind tutoring me again."
"Let me know your schedule. We will see."
Hermione beamed. Severus said he will see, but the way he smiled at her, it somehow told Hermione that he already made up his mind.
.
December 6, 1998
(the present)
"Hermione?" The voice was followed by a knock on the bathroom door.
Hermione, who had just finished vomiting, pointed her wand in her mouth to freshen her breath. She was sure if her mother saw her, she would make a sound of disapproval; but she was currently busy preparing dinner in the kitchen with Cissy.
With one last look at the mirror, she opened the door and saw him. He handed her a potion. "A potion for nausea. Best take it before dinner."
Hermione smiled weakly and accepted the potion. She pulled the cork and drank the fluid. Severus gently grabbed the small bottle from her hand. In return, she squeezed his arm. "Thanks, father. You're the best."
Hermione swore she saw him freeze, but she was too weak to react. When she made it to the dining room, the two mothers were already setting the table while Harry and Daphne were chatting with her father in the drawing-room.
"How are you feeling, sweetie?" asked her mother.
"I'm fine now, Mum," she smiled weakly but with assurance.
"Are you sure you are not pregnant?" asked Cissy.
She shook her head and laughed. "I'm not, Cissy. My stomach is just upset, and my head hurts, but I already took a potion for nausea."
She did not want to ruin the moment. It was Sunday and time for family dinner, plus they invited the newly-engaged couple, Harry and Daphne, so everyone was in a good mood. Draco arrived five minutes later and he took his seat beside her at the round table. He talked about his meeting with some friends, while her mother, Cissy, and Daphne talked about Muggle wedding traditions.
"Have some lemon with ginger, Hermione. It will help you feel better," suggested Severus who handed her a glass of juice.
She accepted it with a smile. "Thanks, father. Pass the honey, please," she replied casually.
Hermione was aware of the surprised faces of her friends, parents, Cissy and Draco. Severus looked rather emotional, but he smiled and passed her the bottle of honey. "Here you go, dear."
She smiled at everyone and turned to Draco. "Eat some more, love," she encouraged and squeezed his hand under the table. Draco squeezed her hand back and grinned.
