Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.
This is the sequel to The Secret where Harry and Snape find out they are father and son during Harry's fifth year and defeat Voldemort.
June, 1998 - Hogwarts
"Did you survive?" Snape asked when he noticed his son lying on the sofa in their quarters.
Harry groaned. "I never want to see a test question again. I don't think I'll ever be able to read again, my eyes are ruined. I need to sleep for at least a week. And my brain..." He had just taken his last N.E.W.T. Exam and couldn't even bring himself to walk to his bedroom. He felt mentally and physically drained. "I never want to study anything ever again."
"Too bad for you, an Auror Apprenticeship requires three years of nonstop studying," Snape said a touch snidely. He still wasn't thrilled with his son having such a dangerous career. But he was resolved to be supportive of Harry. At least, mostly.
"Right, I've been meaning to talk to you about that," Harry pushed himself up and yawned.
"You should take a nap before dinner," Snape commented.
"I will," Harry said. A nap sounded wonderful after all the nights he had spent staying up late and studying. He may just sleep through dinner.
"Good. So what did you want to talk about?"
"I don't want to be an Auror."
Snape barely managed to keep his mouth from dropping open "What? Since when?"
"I've been thinking about it for awhile," Harry admitted. "But I didn't want anyone to think I changed my mind because of the hard work involved. Its not that, honest."
"Then what is it?" Snape asked curiously, feeling relief at the news.
"I just...I've had enough with dealing with Dark Wizards to last me a lifetime." Harry said. "And...I've really enjoyed teaching the D.A. the past couple years." Even after Voldemort's death, Harry had continued the club, with Remus watching and encouraging them. "Remus is actually thinking of becoming an Auror, along with Sirius so there might be need for a new professor in the future."
"You want to be a Professor?" Snape felt a feeling of pride. He'd heard from Lupin at how good Harry was with teaching.
"Yeah," Harry said, yawning again. "If I can teach Defence."
"I'm sure Dumbledore will be pleased to make that happen one day," Snape said.
Harry's tired eyes brightened.
"I would be pleased to have you as a colleague," Snape said honestly.
"It would be fun working together." Harry said, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. He laid back down and closed his eyes. "You take points from Gryffindor and I'll be there to give them right back."
Snape rolled his eyes and watched fondly as his son fell asleep.
May 2, 2000 – Shell Cottage
"Merlin, I'm so nervous," Harry said, adjusting his tie for the twentieth time.
"Relax, everything will be fine," Snape said, pulling Harry's hands away from his tie. "I'm sure she'll show up."
"What?" Harry's eyes widened. "She isn't here yet? Do you think she's changed her mind?"
Snape snorted. "I was kidding. You need to relax."
Harry scowled. "You're mean. Didn't you tell me once that you were nervous when you married Mum?"
"I was," Snape nodded. "It's normal which is why you should relax."
Harry nodded. He looked out the window, at the ocean view. The Weasley's had offered Molly's Great Aunt's cottage as a wedding venue. They would be getting married in the garden, it was a beautiful day for a wedding. "I want everything to go right for today."
"It will," Snape said.
"I just love Hermione so much," Harry sighed.
"You have since your fifth year," Snape said. His face softened. "I'm happy for you, Son. I wish your mother was here for this day."
"She is," Harry said with a soft smile. "She's always with us."
"Very true," Snape said, squeezing his shoulder affectionately. "By the way, I'm giving you and Hermione the Manor." He said casually.
Harry's mouth dropped open. "What?"
"It is a big house that I certainly don't need but it is perfect for a young couple starting out," Snape said. "I found a very nice Cottage not too far away."
"Dad, wow," Harry shook his head, a grin on his face. "Are you sure?"
"Very much," Snape nodded. "As for Tru and Zippy..."
"Oh, Hermione won't be comfortable having them serving her all the time," Harry chuckled. "Although she's gotten better at it over the years."
"Yes, they will primarily stay at my Cottage," Snape said. "However, they have lived at the Manor for a long time and would like to be able to check in once in occasionally and give the place a once over."
"I'm sure she'd be fine with that," Harry relaxed. "She likes Tru and Zippy. Wow, Dad this is so amazing. Thank you!" He gave his Dad a hug.
The door opened and Ron poked his head in. "It's time, mate."
"Ready to get married?"
Harry nodded confidently. "I'm ready."
Snape Manor, January 2002
"So what brings you by today?" Snape asked, sitting in his favorite chair. Harry and Hermione had stopped by his Cottage and both were grinning widely. "Why are you so happy? School is starting soon."
"I know, I can't wait!" Hermione said excitedly. It would be her second year teaching Charms and she loved it. Harry had taken over for Defence when Remus had decided to become an Auror.
"We have some news," Harry said, with a glance at Hermione. She nodded. He pulled a box out of his cloak and handed it to his dad.
"A present?" Snape asked in confusion.
"Yup. Open it," Harry urged eagerly.
Giving them a bemused look, Snape opened the box and pulled out a white mug. In green swirling writing it read, 'Get Ready! You're Going To Be A Babysitter...I mean Grandfather!' Snape's mouth dropped open.
"Harry thought the babysitter part was hilarious," Hermione said with a shake of her head, looking amused.
"It is hilarious," Harry grinned.
"You two are -" Snape stood up and grabbed Harry into a hug, and then Hermione. "This is wonderful! Wait, Hermione you should be sitting down. Where are your manners?" He scolded Harry.
Hermione smiled smugly at Harry's affronted look. "Thank you, Severus."
Snape called for Tru to get some herbal tea and biscuits. "My first grandchild," He said in satisfaction. This was a life he once thought he would never have. A son whom he adored, a daughter-in-law who he cared for and now a little one on the way. He had missed out on Harry being a child so he was quite excited to be a part of his grandson or granddaughter's life. "However, I don't think I want to be called Grandfather," He frowned. "To formal."
"Grandpa?" Harry suggested. "Gramps?"
Snape made a face. "Gramps?"
"Papa?" Hermione offered. "That is what I called my mum's dad."
Snape thought about it and then nodded. "Much better."
July 16, 2002 – St. Mungo's
"Ugh, how much longer?" Ron grumbled as he shifted his two year old daughter to his hip.
"You know it takes as long as it takes," Lavender admonished her husband, rubbing her own round stomach.
"Ginny was in labor for a long time with Frankie," Neville said. His wife had stayed home to care for their toddler.
"The babies will come when they are ready," Snape said, though his nerves showed as he kept pacing the waiting room.
"I still can't believe they are having twins," Ron chuckled. "Maybe they will have a Fred and George."
"Merlin forbid," Snape muttered.
The doors burst open and Harry emerged, a huge grin on his face. "They're here!"
"How are they?"
"What are they?"
"How's Hermione?"
"Can we see them?"
"Hold on," Harry laughed. "You can come in for a minute. Hermione's doing great but she's exhausted." He turned to his dad. "Dad, they are so beautiful!" Promising his friends he would be back for them, he gestured for his father to follow him.
"Of course they are," Snape said smoothly as he followed his son to the room where Hermione was. She held two newborns, one in each arm. A gentle smile crossed his face. "Well, look at that."
Hermione smiled, looking tired and happy. "They're perfect, aren't they?" She looked at the one in her left arm. "This is Evan Harrison Snape."
Harry gently took the other baby and handed it over to his father. "And this is Sage Lillian Snape."
Snape looked at the little sleeping face. "Your mother would be so proud and happy right now," He said hoarsely. "I know I am."
"Me too," Harry said softly. He had everything he could ever want. His babies would always know they were loved and wanted and they already had people in their lives that loved them.
March 23rd, 2006 - St. Mungo's
"Enough running around the room," Snape gently scolded his four year old grandson.
"Evan, work on this puzzle with me," Sage told her brother.
Evan sighed and joined her at the small table that had been set up for them. He was too excited, they were getting a little brother! How was he supposed to sit still?
"Thank you," Snape said, looking approvingly at his grandchildren.
Ron and Lavender entered, their kids Indigo and Artie eagerly heading to the table to play with Sage and Evan.
"I wants to color!" Artie said loudly, grabbing a box of crayons.
"Artie, indoor voice," Lavender said with a shake of head, a smile on her face.
"Too bad you aren't getting a little sister," Indigo said to Sage and Evan. "Little brothers can be a pain."
"I'm not a pain!" Artie practically shouted.
Ron rolled his eyes. "Hey, no yelling. Remember? Unless you want to go to Nana's house instead of seeing the new baby."
Artie pouted. "I be quiet."
Snape smirked.
"I'm excited to get a baby brother," Evan spoke up.
"Me too," Sage nodded.
"I suppose they aren't that bad," Indigo grinned at Artie, who grinned back.
"Who is not that bad?" Harry asked as he entered the room, looking tired and proud.
"Little brothers," Sage explained as she and Evan hopped up to hug their dad.
"Is he here?" Evan asked eagerly.
"He is," Harry said. "Would you like to come meet him? You have to be very quiet and no jumping around your mum, she's recovering."
Sage and Evan nodded. "Yes, Daddy."
Harry motioned for his dad to come with him and when they entered the room, Hermione greeted them with a smile as she held her newborn in her arms. "Hey, babies," She said softly to her children. "Have you been good for your Papa?"
"I'd give them an Exceeds Expectations," Snape said. He stepped closer to look at the tiny baby in Hermione's arms. "Hello , little one," He said softly. "Is his name still Gavin?"
"Yes," Harry said. "Gavin Severus Snape."
Snape's eyes widened a fraction and a small smile spread across his face. "Thank you," He said softly, taking Gavin into his arms when Hermione held him up. "Thank you both for giving me three beautiful grandchildren."
"When will he be big enough to play with?" Evan asked.
Harry laughed. "He'll grow in no time," He assured his son, ruffling his hair.
September 1st, 2013
"I can't believe I'm crying," Hermione said as she dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. "We'll see them at dinner."
Harry put his arm around her. "I'm feeling emotional as well," He admitted. "This is a big day. Our oldest kids are officially Hogwarts students."
Gavin was waving at his brother and sister, who were boarding the train. "I want to go on the train too." He pouted.
"You will," Harry chuckled. "It will be your turn soon enough."
"I thought you wanted to help me set up my classroom," Hermione said.
"I thought he was going to help me with mine," Harry said, winking at his wife. Gavin always loved helping them get ready for their classes. He, Evan and Sage had grown up at the castle, it was like their second home.
"I can help both of you!" Gavin insisted excitedly, distracted from his disappointment at not being able to ride the train with his siblings.
"Such a sweet boy," Hermione said affectionately, ruffling his soft curls.
They watched the train move out, waving and then headed to the castle.
TBC:
