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Chapter 22: A day with the godfather

Minerva smiled happily as she held her daughter in her arms. After three sessions of therapy, both Albus and herself thought that Hermione was ready to take the next step in meeting the staff and much to their delight, Hermione agreed. She had met some of them before in her kitten form but today was different. Today she was going to meet them as she was. In her kitten form, she remembered a few of them tried to pat her but she was never very interested...up until now.

Albus had decided it would be the perfect opportunity to bring Hermione with them to the staff meeting to formally introduce her. Within an instant of being there, all eyes were on the small family with Trelawney's coffee cup shattering to the ground in shock as she gaped at the family.

"Everyone, this is Hermione Eileen Dumbledore-McGonagall" Albus pulled the young girl onto her mother's lap as she sat in Albus' usual seat. The real throne of all the chairs at the wooden table.

Hermione felt a very nervous at all of them staring but it was soon smothered as all the staff took to her in awe as she cuddled into her mother's arms trying to hide herself. Minerva shushed her before pulling her forward to introduce her to the staff.

A small man called Filius Flitwick introduced himself to her as the head of Ravenclaw and the Charms professor. He smiled and happily showed the young girl a few spells to impress her, one being to create bubbles shaped as animals before showing her some shooting stars. Hermione couldn't help but giggle as she watched on, earning an eye roll from Severus as he stood leaning against a wall away from the shocking display of affection.

Pomona introduced herself to the girl next, her gruff voice and large hands covered Hermione's as she shook them. Hermione could smell the dirt and slight smell of manure that was coming off the woman. She remembered her godfather talking about her one day. She handled the plants at Hogwarts, Herbology was it. Horace Slughorn next approached, he had been taking over the Defense Against the Dark Arts position for the remainder of the last few years seeing as how everyone thought the position was cursed.

He was still holding the title of Head of Slytherin but new the next in line was of course Snape. He sort of liked the boy of course but never paid much attention to him considering Minerva practically treated him like one of his cubs. He smiled gently as he pulled out a small flower to present to the girl much to her delight. She smiled and thanked him for the flower before placing the white and purple mixture in her hair.

Hooch also came by and said a quick hello to the small family.

"She's quite a small thing, perhaps she'll be the next Gryffindore seeker" Hooch smirked and gave a friendly shove to Hermione. The girl stopped and stared in the distance for a second before her mother kissed her head and rubbed her arms. Hermione was still recovering from her trauma and was still very frightened. Minerva couldn't help but tuck her in her arms a bit more protectively to offer her some small shred of comfort. Filch stumbled over to them next with Mrs Norris in his arms. The cats red daring eyes stared into the small girls, who couldn't help but try and pat the cat.

"Kitty" Hermione smiled happily trying to touch her much to Filch's silent disagreement. He pulled Mrs Norris from his arms to allow the young girl to pet her.

As soon as her small fingers made contact with the cat, Filch wanted to bite back but hesitated in front of his boss, Albus Dumbledore who stood by his wifes' side.

He chuckled nervously allowing the small girl to continue patting the cat before pulling Mrs Norris away and cuddling her in the corner near to the Potions Master.

Hagrid couldn't help but come around and pick the girl up in his arms before spinning her around. Hermione chuckled and giggled happily as the half giant cooed and cuddled her.

"Ay, Fang's been 'ead over heels wanting to see ya'" He smiled at her before carrying her around the room telling her all about the types of creatures himself and Silvanus had been looking after lately.

Severus sipped on his morning coffee as he watched the scene play out. He had only really seen his goddaughter at meal times as of late since Albus had picked up his responsibilities as a parent. Recently, Dumbledore had taken her to the Ministry of Magic disguised as a kitten in order to have a meeting with Cornilius Fudge. Hermione had spoken to her godfather about the quiet game they played. Much to Minerva's and Severus' annoyance about their child being dragged to such a place.

"She's trouble!"

Severus didn't need to guess who had said that. He simply rolled his eyes as he sipped his coffee.

"Sybil" He greeted plainly.

"The girl has a bad omen about her. I saw it in the tea"

He flicked his eyes towards the woman noticing her cradling her mug. Severus swore she was a drunk and didn't understand why Albus had hired her. She had one decent prediction out of all of her career.

"And she doesn't look a thing like her parents at all" She whispered a hint of jealously at the affection being shown towards the small girl.

"I believe the headmaster had brunette hair when he was younger and his mother had brown eyes"

"That doesn't explain hers. Her's are practically golden"

"Perhaps," He shrugged his shoulders taking a sip of his coffee as Sybil clicked her tongue obviously wanting attention.

"I should see to my goddaughter"

Sibil's eyes lit up in shock at the realisation that the great giant bat of the dungeons had something to do with something so...so small, giggly, bright and happy.

"God daughter?"

Severus placed his cup down before walking over to Hagrid who immediately took site of the new professor.

"Good morning, professor. I suppose you wanted to say 'ello to 'ermione" Hagrid smiled toothily towards the dark man. He nodded gently before being passed his goddaughter who happily lept towards him.

"Oof" He groaned as Hermione clung onto him as tightly as a Koala to a tree.

"Sev-wus!" He rolled his eyes at her pronunciation before pulling a chair out and sitting down with her in his arms.

"When are we going to play together again, god-daddy?" Hermione smiled happily towards him as she played with his one thousand shirt buttons.

"I will speak to your mother and father about you coming around later this evening" Hermione couldn't help but nod.

"Can I watch you make potions again?"

Severus couldn't help but notice the off-handed look Minerva gave him. He shot a look back at her to state that he obviously wasn't allowing the girl to brew. Hermione couldn't help but cuddle up in her godfather's arms and suck on her thumb as he held her. It was true, Severus felt uncomfortable being near all these people in such a vulnerable position. He had no interest in getting to know these people apart from his family. Apart from Poppy, Albus, Minerva and now Hermione and it was only because they had been so persistent over the years and worn him down to the point where he had no choice but agree to be apart of their family.

"Why don't you take Hermione out to the park today, Severus?" Minerva smiled and whispered to him knowing it was the man's afternoon off. Severus looked down at his goddaughter and noticed her large, innocent golden eyes staring deep into his begging to spend time with him.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair before turning back to his 'adopted mother'.

"Are you quite sure, Minerva?"

Minerva smiled down at her daughter and gently pinched the girls' cheek.

"I think you both need to get out of the castle for a bit. Take her to a park. I'm sure she would love that" Severus nodded in agreement, knowing that Minerva likely had to deal with the funeral arrangements.


Severus, playing baby-sitter again decided to take the girl away to a local muggle park. He assumed it would be an okay place to take her, considering the fact that there wasn't many people around for Hermione's social anxiety. The Potions Master sat down on the bench with a small brown paper bag of pastries, his coffee and a hot chocolate for Hermione. He told her she could play on the grounds ensuring that she stayed within his eyesight. She agreed quickly looking forward to playing on the swings and going down the slide. She bet it would be even better in her tiger form and the park had a small water fountain that she could play in as an otter.

This would be amazing!

"Thank you, Sev-wus" She hugged his thigh before taking off towards the play ground. He smirked before placing on his black aviator sunglasses and taking out a book. Hermione wasn't likely to run away after everything she had been through and Severus did trust her enough not to break anything.

He sat there for almost an hour watching her play until she called him over. He stood up, placing his coffee in the bin and his book back into his pocket before he walked over to the small girl on the swing trying fruitlessly to push it back and forth with her legs.

"Will you pweeze push me, Sev-wus?" She asked turning back to him as he stood in the sand-pit. He sighed but nodded taking a hold of the chain and pushing her forward. He was apprehensive on touching her back for the mere sake of it being so damaged and opted for the chain. After a few more pushes, the small girl was up high and giggling. Severus couldn't help but curl his lips up. The girl's laughter was just infectious. He did truly like her...maybe he'd grow to love her eventually. She was after all his godchild.

"She's pretty!"

His lips faltered in their smile as she turned back around to see a tall slender woman with white hair and a dark stripe running down the side of her long hair.

"Narcissa" Severus greeted before grabbing hold of the chain and ceasing the small girls movements.

"Hey!" She grumbled at her godfather before noticing the other woman who was next to him. She took in a gulp of air before getting off the swing and walking over to her protector.

"H-hello" Hermione greeted the older woman, trying not to show her fear. She couldn't help but notice there was someone a lot smaller behind the woman.

"Hello dear," The tall woman gently smiled before looking up at Severus.

"And who is this?" She asked wonderously. Severus arched his eyebrow, curious but then figured out why the woman was so interested in the small girl.

"Narcissa, the is Hermione Eileen Dumbledore-McGonagall"

Her eyes alit in shock.

"Y-you mean Albus and Minerva's daughter?"

Severus nodded as the girl stared wide eyed up at him.

"She looks the same age as Draco... Draco come say hello. It's rude to not introduce yourself" She tugged her arm forward pulling a young boy with short, white slicken hair wearing a posh suit and tie out from behind her. Hermione gulped in shock, she hadn't met anyone near her age in so long.

"Mother" He complained before shoving his coat down from the bottom and staring at the girl.

"Draco Malfoy" He extended his hand.

"H-Hermione Gra-...Hermione" She bit her lip before shaking his hand. Severus placed both hands on her shoulders before looking over to the woman who had the biggest grin on her face.

A playmate for Draco no less. Severus didn't even have to guess what the woman was thinking. Draco was as much rugged up by adults as Hermione was, granted she had the Weasleys to play with.

"And how old are you Hermione?" Narcissa asked curiously. The small girl looked up at the woman and attempted to smile, "I'll be six in two weeks".

"Six? Just like my Draco here. He's been dying for a new friend"

"Mother!" Draco muttered embarrassed.

"Why don't you two go and play while your godfather and I catch-up" Narcissa said to her son before kissing him on the head. He blushed but nodded before moving over to the golden eyed girl.

"Do you like Quittage?"

"What's Quittage?"

Severus scrunched her shoulders before pushing her over to play with Draco.

"Children" He rolled his eyes as Draco pulled her away to talk about the wonderous game.

"Where did she come from? I didn't even know Minerva was pregnant. I thought-" Narcissa had suffered a similar instance to Minerva in the fact that both woman had difficulty getting pregnant. Whilst Minerva had suffered three miscarriages, Narcissa had suffered five and one stillbirth before having Draco. As a result, Draco was precious cargo to the over-bearing mother who constantly coddled her son. Minerva was no different in her stance towards Hermione who seemed to allow the girl very little in the way of leniency.

"She's been over in France with her grandmother to avoid the war. It wasn't until earlier this year, the girl fell ill and Albus and Minerva felt the need to take her home"

"Is she still ill?" Narcissa wondered whether or not to allow the girl near her son. Severus instantly took note of her heightened voice and calmed her.

"She's a little underweight from the fever but is getting better. She's not infectious, Narcissa" He calmed her. She couldn't help but smile at him.

"So, they've finally decided to take her back then?"

"They thought it was the right time since the last of the Deatheaters have been charged and taken to Azkaban"

Narcissa looked over to the girl noticing similar features to her and her father.

"She looks a bit like Albus, I suppose"

Severus nodded his head, continuing to lie to the woman.

"How has Draco been?" He decided to take the topic elsewhere. Narcissa could never bother to talk about anything else other than her boy so when the opportunity arose, she took full advantage of it.

"He's good, Lucius has been taking him to some of the court room hearings which I'm not happy about. Lucius has been trying to arrange play dates with Crabbe and Goyl seniors son's. They really aren't good for Draco. I think he needs another friend" She flicked her eyes to the girl as she and Draco played in the sandpit. She couldn't help but notice the smiles both shining on their faces.

"I'm sure I can arrange a play date for the two of them"

She couldn't help but smile at him, "please do. I would speak to Minerva myself however, her and I have never really saw eye-to-eye but I'd do anything for Draco's happiness and he does seem rather happy with her which is more than I can say for his playdates with Goyle junior" She couldn't help her eyes that strayed over to both children.

"It shouldn't be too hard to convince either of Minerva or Albus. Granted her parents aren't too taken with Lucius" He muttered truthfully. Narcissa couldn't help but agree, they had both seen Lucius take Voldemorts side during the first war and knew that trusting their daughter to an ex-Deatheater such as Lucius was a very bad idea.

"Perhaps around yours or at Hogwarts"

Severus nodded. He knew it was only a matter of time before both his godchildren had met one another. He was just surprised it happened so soon.

"Aw, they are quite cute together"

"Indeed. I should really take her home. Her parents will be wondering where she is"

"Oh please, Severus just another couple of minutes. I'm sure you and I can get a coffee whilst they play"

He sighed but agreed, he couldn't help but agree to the fact that Hermione needed someone else to play with other than the Weaslys and he'd rather see his goddaughter have a good effect on Draco.

He gently took his goddaughter's shoulders again and told them that they were getting a coffee and to stay at the park before heading off to the nearby coffee shop.

Hermione turned back to Draco who had been telling her all about Quittage.

"I can't believe you haven't heard of it. You're a pure blood aren't you? You must have heard of it"

Hermione felt somewhat insulted by Draco. What on Earth was a pureblood?

"One of my aunties told me that Quittage involved brooms and that you fly around on them and score points some how" Hermione scratched her chin.

"But you are a pureblood aren't you?"

Hermione opened her mouth before closing it. She really didn't know what to say, rather she accused him.

"What does it matter if I am?" She crossed her arms in stubbornness.

His eyes widened for a second before being gobsmacked.

"What does it matter? It means the whole magic world. Purebloods are the greatest and most powerful wizards and witches out of all"

"Out of all?"

"Yeah, purebloods, half bloods and mudbloods"

"What's a mudblood?"

"Father told me that they are people who have stolen magic. They don't have any magic in their blood line so they stole it from us pureblood wizards and witches instead"

Hermione's eyes lit up in shock.

"H-How do they steal magic?"

"Well...they...Well I'm not too sure"

"Not too sure?"

"Yeah, well it's difficult to explain. In any case, they're still rotten thieves"

Hermione shook her head at the strange accusation. It sounded so wrong!

She wondered if Severus knew anything about it. She'd have to ask later. She pushed the sand around beside her as Draco changed the subject back to Quittage and his father allowing him to ride a broom with him and feel the wind rush through his hair. She looked up at the sky watching a few birds fly past.

"B-But wouldn't you fall?"

He scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous; father would never allow me to fall. He was the all time greatest Slytherin Quittage player Hogwarts had ever seen"

"Slytherin, Sev-er-wus is Slytherin" She smiled happily knowing they at least had something in common. He smiled toothily, my father and godfather went to Hogwarts together. I think father's a few years older than godfather"

"...But godfather said he never played Quittage. Father said that Godfather was more interested in his books" Hermione could only nod at that statement. Most of the time she spent with Severus was either reading or watching him make potions. Though, she did love those two things equally...well learning in general. She smiled at the thought of her god-daddy having something they both loved. Maybe he'd like her more.

"...He used to take me to see London at nighttime"

She couldn't help but think from the birds perspective, "...but it's so high up"

"It's freeing"

Hermione arched her eyebrow at him. Freeing? She licked her lips wondering how free it would be to fly on a broom or better yet...

She watched as the birds breezed by before hearing the crunching sound of two people's footsteps.

Hermione smiled before standing up and hugging him, "god-daddy!" she giggled. Narcissa arched her eyebrow at the couple as the girl latched onto the man's leg.

"Your her godfather?" Narcissa questioned. "Minerva and Albus thought it be pertinant that the girl have someone to raise her in case anything happens to them"

Narcissa smirked seeing the girl's bright eyes staring up at the man with nothing but unconditional love and affection. She knew Severus to underplay things for Lucius.

"You're going to make a great god-father to both Hermione and Draco"

Draco immediately stood up brushing the sand off his clothes before coming over to them, "Does that mean we're related? I don't want a sister!" Draco crossed his arms before stomping his foot in anger.

"It makes you cousins" Severus rolled his eyes at the boy, seeing his face tinge mildly red. Narcissa chuckled before wrapping her arms around her son in comfort.

"No, my precious boy, but you will be seeing each other more often than naught and I expect you to act like a proper gentleman"

"Yes mother" Draco looked at Hermione in embarrassment.

"Good, Severus please try and arrange something soon. I can't have my Draco being too lonely" She bent down kissing her sons cheek earning an even bigger blush.

"Mummy!" He complained running a hand over his cheek and trying to wipe it off.

She chuckled before looking over at the two, her long time friend standing stoically and the small bright girl who still had an arm wrapped around his leg.

"I'll see you two in a fortnight" She stood up and moved to apparate off.

"Of course, Narcissa" They watched as they disappeared


Severus sighed tiredly as he ran a sponge over her back staring at all the scars that laced her small body. Once they were back at Hogwarts, Albus had asked for the Potions Master to continue to look after the young girl until tomorrow as the couple had too much paperwork and duties to attend too. He cooperated with them, taking Hermione back to his quarters realising that he would have to transfigure one of his couches as a bed for the young girl. He groaned, knowing the girl needed a bath for this evening after playing in the dirt.

So, that is where he ended up for the rest of the evening. Bathing his young god daughter in his large bathroom as he knelt down beside her, sleeves rolled up as he held the sponge under the extremely bubbled water.

Every time he couldn't help run his eyes along her small, scarred body wondering what type of monster could do this to a child. Oh yes, he should have cruicioed the man into oblivion after viewing all his memories of the girl. He could only wonder what type of severe fear the child was facing being under that roof everyday.

Majority still looked rather angry and aggrevated whilst others had faded into simple white lines. The back of her hands, forearms wrists were covered in triangular shaped scars from the fire. He moved the soapy sponge down her right arm and under her arm-pit before moving across to the rest. Several scars on her face, whip marks and knife marks on her front. He sighed in anger at what cost the girl had suffered simply to be with them. He wondered what her family would have been like if they had not died and had remained with the living.

"...And then gwandma cuddled me and teddy for the rest of the evening before tucking me up and weading me a storwy" Hermione finished chuckling reciting her day yesterday as her wet hair sunk into the bubbled water. Severus gently nodded in acknowledgement before taking hold of her right foot. She jumped back forcing the man to release her. He stared down at her wide eyes filled with pictures of horror before licking her lips and slowly coming to the realisation that this was someone completely different.

"Sorwwy god-daddy"

He smiled hesitantly at her before extending his hand to allow the girl to place her foot into his hand. More scar tissue laced her feet, white lines with some aggrevated red ones.

"Do they still hurt?"

"S-sometimes" She thought, "When they're touched"

It had taken a while to get Hermione to allow someone to touch her feet seeing as how sensitive they were to be touched. He remembered the struggle Poppy had had when originally trying to bathe the small girl.

"H-He w-wouldn't let me wear shoes and I a-accidentally stood in glass. He had to pull the glass out and it wrewwy hurt" She admitted having learnt to talk about what had happened to her. It had been helping a little. She had been experiencing less and less night terrors and sometimes would feel better when she spoke about it. She found that she had been given more hugs as a result of talking about her problems which only incentivised her.

Severus looked down at her seeing the quake and shiver in her voice.

"Really"

"R-Real-ly"

He nodded.

"Your therapy sessions sound like they are working very well" He commented as he wiped her cheek with another cloth. She grinned toothily before nodding. He scratched his chin as he grabbed a fluffy towel from the rack and passed it to the small child as she got out. Her long sleeved, pink silk shirt and pants were thrown towards her as Severus drained the bath.

"Can we wead, the potions book tonight," she pleaded as she pulled her shirt over her head before quickly pulling her pants on.

"That depends on whether you wanted to look at Amortentia or the Polyjuice Potion" He picked her up into his arms as he walked towards the kitchen to take her medication.

"What are they?" Her eyes glistened with interest as he uncorked each vile and handed them one by one to her.

"Amortentia is a powerful love potion whereas Polyjuice simply allows you to take the form of someone else"

"Can we look at both"

"We will only have time for one tonight. You need your rest" He placed the last vile into her hands and watched as she drank the vile in one gulp, groaning in disgust, "...or your mother will have my head" He muttered under his breath as he walked into the lounge room to transfigure a bed for the girl.

"I want to wead about the Amor...Amor-t-t..-"

"Amortentia" He corrected, grabbing his transfigurations book and finding the correct page, "blasted Minerva"

"Mimi" She smiled hearing her mother's name as Severus removed his wand and swished it at the couch transfiguring it into a bed. He'd have to ask Albus to ensure a room is made for Hermione around his.

The girls smile was lowered slightly, not that Severus saw as he went about getting an appropriate book for her.

"Is there any particular reason you would like to read about this potion this evening?" He glanced at her, knowing she had a dire need to prove herself as a part of the family so she wouldn't be abandoned or beaten again.

"Nwo," She muttered climbing up onto the bed.

He pulled his chair over to her and sat down before pulling on his glasses.

""Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in the world. It is distinctive for its mother-of-pearl sheen, and steam rises from the potion in spirals...What is wrong?" He glanced up at her noticing her discomfort.

"Nothing, it's just mummy, daddy and gwandmummy usually cuddle up to me when they wead me a story before I go to bed"

"As you can see, the bed is too small for me to fit"

"Then can we wead on your bed"

"I have told you that my private quarters are prohibited"

"But-"

"This will not be up for discussion, Hermione" He growled feeling like he was telling off one of his students.

Returning back to his book he began to continue reading to her hoping to send her off to sleep early. That was before he heard her sniffle. He glanced up again, sighing at seeing the small girl rubbing her tear filled eyes.

He groaned rubbing his face of tiredness before placing the book down and taking her in her arms, "I will take you to my rooms on the condition that you stop crying"

She nodded furiously wiping her face rigorously with her hands as he took her to his room and tucked her up in his black silk sheets.

"Now, where we were we..." He grumbled as he laid down on the bed.

"...Amortentia smells different to each person, according to what attracts them..." He stopped feeling a bump touch his arm and shoulder. He looked down at her cuddling up to him as leaning over to see the pictures of the book.

"I know you don't like to sleep alone but you have your teddy and you will be perfectly find sleeping in the bed in the lounge. I will give you a dreamless sleep to get through the night"

She shook her head, not wanting to leave his side, "pweaze. I'll be quiet. You won't even know that I'm here"

"I assure you. I will"

"Nu-uh"

"As I have said previously we are not having a discussion about this, let alone an argument. Now take your potion and sleep. I will continue to read to you until you fall asleep"

She crossed her arms in anger, "this isn't fair".

He sighed as he removed the dreamless sleep from his pocket before passing it to her to take, "no, you are very much taking after Minerva".

She glared at him as she downed the last of the potion before cuddling back to him. Within half an hour she was asleep and drooling on Severus' lap. He decided now would be the best time to take her back to her bed. Tucking her up and kissing her goodnight, he completed his night routine and fell asleep just before 9PM. No wonder parents were always exhausted, no wonder Minerva and Albus had asked him to babysit.


"We don't want you; you are nothing but a traitor and a freak" Minerva spat at her as she pushed her onto the streets of London.

"Albus and I no longer want you, you are too much trouble to deal with. No wonder your parents left you. They would rather die than spend another second near you" She raised her hand at her ready to hit her-

She woke up in a sweat, panicking and breathing heavily as she sat up in bed. Nothing but the small roaring fire and her teddy was present to keep her company. Tears stained down her face as she removed the covers. She wanted to see her mother and papa so badly. She wanted a hug and to be wrapped up in someones arms.

Anyone's!

Severus!

Her small feet padded over to his closed door as she held teddy tightly in her arms.

"Sev-wus" She knocked on the door, hoping he would hear her.

"God-daddy" She tried again, her voice cracking as tears ran down her face.

He door cracked open as she knocked again, as she pushed the door open a bit more she heard the light sounds of snoring from the large, king size bed. She crept in calling his name one last time but stopped. He would kick her out and she wouldn't be cuddled. Instead, she climbed onto the bed and grabbed hold of the blanket and pulled it round her. She smiled as she saw his relaxed features sleeping away the night. She rested her head on the dark pillow before closing her eyes to sleep.


Severus groaned as his wand vibrated under his pillow. It couldn't be 6:30AM already, he felt as though he had only slept an hour. He reached behind his pillow grabbing his wand and switching off the alarm but something was off. He squinted, trying to open his eyes but was met by complete darkness.

Darkness?

"Puh!" He sputtered as something thin and fluffy hit his mouth. That was when it occurred to him. Something fluffy was laying on his face.

He growled in anger as he grabbed hold of the tigers small body and pulled it off and onto the pillow next to him.

When did she get into his rooms?

He sighed, as he watched her sleep. He could see the exhaustion written on her face and knew she needed the extra rest. Today was the funeral. Today she would get to see her parents graves and be properly able to mourn. He could only hope she would be able to mourn. At least that was one kindness he could give her...that and let her sleep in.


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