"Its terrible, just terrible, did you hear Albus?" asked Professor Minerva
Magonigal as she walked in to a teachers meeting clutching a copy of the
daily prophet, "yes, Minerva, it is indeed a great shock" answered Albus
looking at her through his half moon glasses.
Professor Magonigal put the newspaper down on the table and helped her self to a cup of coffee, "poor Beth" she said to Albus, "yes indeed" replied Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts head master.
Professor Severus Snape, potions teachers at Hogwarts picked up the newspaper and read at the front cover.
Death Eaters Strike Again.
He Who Must Not Be Named, has struck again, through his death eaters he has claimed another life, to add to his long list of victims, which includes, Lilly and James Potter, and the young Cedric Diggory.
Daniel William Harris, aged 33, was added to the ever-growing list, when the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, confirmed his death this morning.
Daniel Harris was executed to death in front of the eyes of his wife, Elizabeth Jane Harris, aged, 32 on the eve of September 12th 2003. Details of why the killing occurred are unknown, but He Who Must Not Be Named, has never had to have a reason to kill people.
Son of William Robert Harris famous for his work with Giants, Centurers, and hippogriffs, to name but a few was informed of his son's tragic deaths moments before the Ministers announcement. He was quoted saying "the loss of my son brings great pain to my heart, I will be accompanying my Daughter in law, to her residence until she no longer needs my assistance, I plead with you not to bother her, or any of our family during this trying time" of course his request will be honoured.
Daniel Harris was well known for his works with the ministry of magic, helping with many different departments, making a great number of friends as he went, his wife, Elizabeth, once a teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and wizardry, was an example of some one he met through his work, Mr Harris was quoted in saying "I am in love with Beth even more, every time I see her" just months after there meeting, it was rumoured that Elizabeth had her eye on Mr Harris for a while before hand.
But according to many of Daniels admirers she was the one to take him from the availability shelf, and changing him from "most sought after bachelor," to "the most romantic family man"
Any words of condolence for Mrs Harris should be sent via us and we will pass them on to her.
Our thoughts are with Mrs Harris and the Harris family in this time of great sadness.
Months after reading the newspaper article which Snape had taken and kept, Beth was still in the back of his mind, "how was she, how was she coping" many thoughts of her being alone crossed his mind. Only when he laid eyes on her, sitting alone in a park 200 yards from Hogsmead, did he think his questions could be answered.
Beth sat alone in the park watching some children play on swings and running around on the damp grass.
She was wearing a long black cloak, a black skirt, with black boots, and a white shirt. A small black shoulder bag was on the ground next to her feet. She looked sad, but what could Severus expect, she had recently lost her husband, and seen it to make matters worse.
He walked slowly over to the bench but stopped before sitting down, "is this seat taken" he asked looking down at her. Beth slowly turned her head looking up at him, she turned her head again and looked back at the playing children, "what are you doing here?" she asked quietly, "hogsmead trip, I come here some times to get away from the students" he answered sitting down and crossing his arms over his chest.
"How are you?" he asked looking out into the park, "ok" she replied leaning back on the bench, but still not looking at him.
"I read about what happened in the newspaper, I'm sorry" he said looking at her, "Everyone's sorry" she said, "I can imagine" he said, "can you?" she asked "can you really imagine watching your husband or loved one dying, knowing your never going to see them again?" she said looking at him, Severus didn't answer, "I didn't think so, so please I don't need any more of peoples sympathy" she said getting up and walking towards to playing children.
"I didn't mean to say any thing to upset you" said Severus walking beside her, "no one ever does" she said as she stopped by a tree.
"is it time to go mummy" said a little boy who ran up to her from one of the swings, "sure is" replied Beth smiling at him.
He had Daniels mussed up hair and facial features, but Beth's deep green eyes. Severus watched him as he ran back to the swings and picked up a small cloak and walked slowly back, "Mummy" smiled Severus, "how old is he?" he asked Beth, "5" she replied, "what's his name?" asked Severus, looking at her, "Jamie" she replied, as the little boy came back to her, and she bent down putting the cloak over his shoulders and pulling the hood over his head. She picked him up and began to walk back towards hogsmead, Severus walked along side her.
"He looks a lot like Dan" said Severus looking at the boy, "yeah" replied Beth.
They got back to hogsmead to see the busy streets filled with students, Beth had hoped she missed them so not to have to talk to any one else. Talking to Severus was hard enough. But thought it might do her some good if she did meet some familiar faces from Hogwarts.
"Hey look, its professor Johnson" called Lee Jordan who had just emerged from the joke shop with Fred and George Weasly, the walked over to her, being followed by a small group of students, who had emerged from the Weasley's new joke shop. "Alright professor" said George smiling, "hi George" she replied putting Jamie down who was squirming around as the group came closer.
"Come and have a drink professor" urged Fred and he linked her arm and walked towards the 3 broomsticks, "I don't know" she said looking at Jamie who was holding her hand tightly, "we'll buy" smiled George, "than you have yourself a table guest, well 2" she smiled looking at Jamie, "cool" said Fred and George as they opened the door for Beth, Jamie and Snape.
They sat down at a table, and George brought over 11 Butter Beers for the people around the table, Himself and Fred, Lee Jordan, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell, Hermione Granger, Harry potter, their brother Ron Weasley who had been visiting Hogsmead to see Fred and George, Beth, Professor Snape, and Jamie.
"is this your son professor" asked Hermione looking at the little boy sat on her lap, "sure is, this is Jamie" she answered pulling his hood down. "say thank you to Fred and George for your butter beer" she said as she watched Jamie take a mouthful from his glass, "thank you" he said quietly, "he's so cute" said Hermione, with Angelina and Katie agreeing. "Mummy I want to go to the sweet shop" said Jamie looking at her, "in a while" answered Beth, "we'll take him Professor" said George and Fred smiling, "are you sure?" she asked looking at him, "sure we're sure, he seems like a cool kid" smiled George, "ok, but no corrupting him, I know what you two are like" said Beth smiling and putting Jamie on the floor.
"Jamie, you can go to the shop with Fred and George ok, no running off" she said as she adjusted his cloak, she handed some money to Fred, and George and Fred took Jamie's hand and walked out of the bar, followed by the other students who wanted to play with Jamie, which left Severus and Beth at the table alone.
"He seems like a fun loving kid" said Severus breaking the silence, "yeah he is" replied Beth looking out of the window and watching all the attention the students were giving Jamie.
"He doesn't really understand why his dad isn't around any more" she said taking a mouthful of butter beer, "he's to young I guess" said Severus, "yeah" replied Beth, " but he will be loving the attention he's getting especially from the girls" smiled Beth. Severus smiled and he looked out at the boy in the sweet shop who was being picked up by Fred Weasly so he could see the higher shelves.
"So how is everyone?" asked Beth, "fine, fine, Filch is always complaining about the students, but theres no real change there" smile Severus.
There was a silence again, Beth and Severus were watching the people in the pub, laughing and drinking different, drinks from butter beers to Beth's once favourite, Fire Whiskey.
"So do you still play Quidditch?" asked Severus, again breaking the silence, "not really, I take Jamie flying a lot, he loves it, he plays the with the Quaffel some times, and the snitch, but can never find it once its been let out, but he try's" smiled Beth, "ah, maybe a future Seeker" smiled Severus. "Yeah maybe" replied Beth.
"So where are you living now?" asked Severus, "London, but we have a holiday home, in Hogswood, the next village over" she replied, "nice, you like it in London?" asked Severus, "its home, and closes enough to the ministry for Dan to get to work, that's why we chose it" she replied hoping he would change the subject.
"Do you work?" he asked, trying to get a decent conversation going, "not since Jamie was born, I worked at a muggle school for a while, but it wasn't something I wanted to do for a career" she replied "at least you were still teaching" he smiled, "yeah I guess" she said still keeping her eye on the sweet shop across the street.
"any way its getting late" said Beth standing up, "you should come up to the school I'm sure the teachers and other students would like to see you, and Gryffindor are playing quidditch against Huffelpuff tomorrow" he said following her through the door, "I don't know, Jamie looks a bit tired" she said waiting out side the shop "I'm sure he would love to see where his mother used to work" he said smiling, "besides, I'm sure Albus, wouldn't mind you using the guest chambers over night if you didn't want to get a ride back to Hogswood to night" he said hoping she would say yes.
"I don't know, I mean it would be a bit weird" she said, "what have you got to loose, Jamie seems to enjoy the Weasly's company, why he would I don't know, and I am sure Albus would love to meet him" he said bumping her gently with his arm, "ok, but just tonight, William wants to spend some time alone with Jamie" she said, as Jamie and the small crowd of students came out of the shop, "Mummy look what I got" he said excitedly, as he clutched a bag of assorted sweets, "yummy" she said picking him up.
"How would you like to go to the Hogwarts school to watch some Quidditch, and meet some of mummy's friends?" she said as she kissed him on the head, she ran her hand through his hair. "Ok, but can I walk with Fred and George" he said looking at them "ok" started Beth, "I'll carry him professor" said Angelina. "Ok, one less thing to carry" she smiled handing, Jamie over to Angelina.
They walked slowly back to the school, Jamie was opening a chocolate frog and looking at the card, "ah you have to keep those, we have loads, you have to make a collection" said Fred, Jamie smiled as he looked at the card.
They walked towards the school, I was already dark out, but the streetlights kept it light enough to see the road.
"So, how you holding up? It must be really hard" said Severus, "I'm ok, it gets harder all the time, but I always thank god when the day's over and we're at home" she replied.
"so why are you in Hogswood, and not in London?" asked Severus, as Beth linked his arm. "Dan and I bought the place here a year after we got married, we wanted some where, which was away from muggles and stuff, and the place is really nice. After the funeral I took Jamie here, we've been here about a month already" she answered, "why, I thought the family was all in London" said Severus looking forward at the students, "Dan's family are, my are closer to here, but I thought and feel that I needed some time by our selves, try to get used to being alone with Jamie" she replied. "William was great when he found out, he took Jamie places, and spoiled him rotten, same with Dan's sisters, in the end I felt as though people were trying to keep him away from me, I know it isn't true but its how I felt" she said. "I guess they were just looking out for you" said Severus, "I guess, but I was driving my self mad at home in London, I got to the point where I hated people picking him up and stuff" continued Beth, "but then I had a long talk with my mum about everything, and she suggested getting away, and I guess I've dealt with the whole taking Jamie away thing, you know its nice when people take him to play and stuff, gives me time to think, he's a really active boy" she said as they entered the gates to the school, the walked up the long path towards the main entrance.
"you seem to be coping ok though" said Severus as they continued to walk a little way behind the students, "I have to, if I cry Jamie wants to know why, so I guess you just deal, but it wont go away" she replied.
They reached the stairs and walked through the doors, the familiar smell of burning candles the same as it was when she taught and went to the school.
"Welcome back, welcome back" said a voice from the stairs, "ah we have extra guests" he said as he walked down the stairs, "Beth, its wonderful to see you, I'm sorry to hear about your loss" said Dumbledore as he hugged her, "thank you" replied Beth, "what brings you to Hogwarts" he asked as the students went straight into the great hall, Angelina put down Jamie who came running back, and pushed his face into her robes, "Severus invited us back, we were in hogsmead for the day" she replied picking Jamie up who buried his head in her shoulder.
"Ah, a new member of your family" he said looking at Jamie, "yeah this is Jamie" she said, "Jamie, meet Professor Dumbledore" she said turning him round so his back was against her chest, "ah Jamie, it wont belong before we see you in this school" he said patting his head, "shall we" said Albus as he lead them into the great hall.
The students stared, at Beth as she walked in, greeting her with waves, and smiles, and Hellos, Severus made his way to the teachers table, and Jamie began to fuss when he saw Fred and George Weasly, "is it ok if we sit here, Jamie's, kind of attached to the Weasly twins" she smiled.
"Please sit where you like" said Albus making his way back up to the table. Beth sat down on he bench at the Gryffindor table, and sat Jamie next to her, and Fred Weasly.
The feast began and the hungry student started to eat, Beth put some food on a plate for Jamie, who made a point of eating the same things as Fred.
"she's in great pain" said Albus to Minerva Magonigal, "she hides it well" replied Minerva, "indeed she does" said Albus, "what are we going to do?" asked Minerva, "theres nothing we can do, unless she asks for the help, we can lend ears for talks, and be the best friend one can be in this situation" he replied looking at Beth who was hardly eating a thing.
Dinner in the Great hall finished and the students began to filter out, Beth and Jamie had said good bye to the students and joined the teachers in a room just of the great hall where they talked, Jamie watch the teachers fascinated by Hagrid who was enormous compared to the small boy.
As Hagrid played with Jamie on his lap, the remaining teachers, Professor Dumbledore, Professor Magonigal and Professor Snape talked, "he looks just like his father" smiled Albus, "yeah the spitting image" smiled Beth as she looked at Jamie.
The night moved on, Hagrid had left to get to his hut to feed fang, Jamie had climbed onto Beth's Lap and was lying against her chest trying to stop him self from falling asleep, but with in moments he was sound asleep on her lap.
"I should get him into bed" said Beth Standing up and lifting Jamie up so his head was leaning on his shoulders and his arms hung by his sides, "of course, if there's any thing we can do at any time, let us know" said Albus as he and Minerva left the room, "I'll take you to the guest chambers" said Severus escorting her and Jamie into the corridor.
They arrived at the guest chambers, and walked inside closing the door behind them. "I had one of the house elves bring something for you both to wear to bed" said Severus picking up 2 T-shirts, "thank you" she replied, laying Jamie down on the bed.
She sat next to Jamie's Feet, and began to unlace his shoes, Severus sat on a chair, watching.
"It suits you, you know" said Severus smiling, as Beth pulled the T-shirt gently over Jamie's head, making sure she didn't wake him. She picked him up and rolled back the covers, she gently lay him in the bed, and pulled the covers up to his stomach. "What suites me?" she asked as she folded Jamie's clothes and put them on the table. "Being a mother, you have this motherly glow about you" he replied, "its hard work I can tell you that" she replied as she pulled the curtains around the bed and sat down on the sofa in front of the burning fire place.
There was an ever-familiar silence, the sound of the fire crackling and Jamie's shallow breath filled the room.
"I wish there was something I could do" said Severus as he sat next to her on the sofa, "I wish I could take the sadness from you" he said putting his arm around her shoulders, "that would leave me with anger" said Beth, "what do you mean?" replied Severus, "if you took the sadness away, that would leave me more angry at Dan than I am right now, the sadness kind of makes me less angry, coz I'm trying to be strong for Jamie, so I forget about any anger I have towards Dan" she said looking into the fire.
"Why would you be angry with him?" asked Severus. "Because, because he left me, he left me alone in a world which used to feel complete, I'm angry because he let work run his life" she said tears in her eyes. "I'm angry that he wont see Jamie grow up, play his first game of quidditch, cast his first spell, and I'm angry he left me to raise him alone" said Beth as tears rolled down her face.
"I wish I could have protected you" said Severus bring Beth closer to him, "I'm sorry" he said kissing her head.
For the 1st time since Beth could remember her emotions ran her, instead of the other way around. She could blame it on the situation they were in, or because she was mourning the loss of her one true love. Either way, despite everything Severus spent the night with Beth.
He lay on the coach watch the flames dying with Beth sleeping naked on his chest. He stroked her face until he fell asleep.
When Severus woke seeing Beth was standing by the window, it was late in the morning, and Severus hardly ever slept in. he stood up and wrapped a sheet around his waist, he walked over to the desk and perched on the end. "Morning" he said rubbing his eyes, "where's Jamie?" he asked looking at the empty bed, "I asked George and Fred to take him for breakfast" she replied, "their in the courtyard now" she said, as she turned around and looked at Severus.
"Last night doesn't change anything" she said to him, "I'm sorry, maybe it shouldn't have happened" she said looking away, "what do you mean?" he asked as he got up and walked towards her, "I feel like I cheated on Dan again, and I hate myself for doing that, I love him with all my heart, and I don't think I could ever see my self with some one else" she said wiping a tear from her eye, "I understand, maybe I should have stopped it before it happened, but I care about you, I didn't want to se you in pain any more" he said sitting back on the table, "I don't want you to care, everyone who does care about me, or I care about dies, and I don't want that to happen to you" she said looking at him, "ok, but I will still and always will be your friend. And if theres ever anything you want, you just have to ask and I'll be there" he said as he began to get dressed.
Although Severus felt hurt that again Beth was making decisions which involved his heart, what could he do, she was a widower, single mother who was trying to keep a memory of the man she loved alive for herself, but even more for her young son. He couldn't expect her to simply fall into his arms, declare her love for him and them to live happily ever after, if that was going to happen, the decision she made about leaving Hogwarts 7 years ago, wouldn't have been made, she would proberly still be a teacher, single or maybe in love with him. But as it was she wasn't, it was clearly obvious she loved him no more than she did the day she left. But her love had groan for another person, her son.
Beth and Severus made their way to the Quidditch pitch, and saw Jamie with Fred who was waiting for her with Jamie who was wearing Gryffindor colours, proberly Fred's scarf and was looking excited.
"Thanks Fred," she said as she picked up Jamie, "go Gryffdor" he shouted as he, Beth and Severus made their way to the teachers stand.
The game had begun, Jamie sat in between Beth and Albus looking amazed as the players flew over head, calling "Go Gryffdor" when he saw Fred and George walk into the rows of seats opposite them.
Professor Dumbledore seemed to enjoy the company, Jamie was talking to him about Fred and George, and making him cheer for Gryffindor, although some how Albus had managed to get Jamie to cheer for Huffelpuff too, saying that they were playing a great game. When Albus pointed out a Huffelpuff player Jamie stood up and cheered, "Go Hufflypuff" causing some of the teachers to laugh.
When the game had finished, Beth didn't waste any time in leaving. She had to get back to London so that William, Dan's father, could spend some time with his only grandson.
She said goodbye to the teachers, hugging Albus, Severus, Hagrid and Minerva, and saying good bye to the students, letting Jamie hug Fred and George, and give little kisses to Angelina, Katie and Hermione. Hagrid walked them down the path to a carriage, with Albus had arranged to take them back to Hogswood.
"You take care little man, and look after your mummy" Hagrid said as he picked Jamie up and put him in the carriage, "thanks Hagrid, see you soon ok" said Beth hugging him again, "now don't you be a stranger ok" he said as he closed to carriage door, "you come back soon and bring little Jamie too" he said as the carriage began to leave.
Things moved along as usual at Hogwarts, although Severus felt as though something had been lifted from his shoulders after seeing and spending the night with Beth.
He couldn't say he wasn't surprised when he found out the Beth had a child, he was, he thought Beth marry Dan was bad enough, but having a child with him was worse to him, although he had to keep reminding him self that he shouldn't speak ill of the dead.
Severus received the occasional letter from Beth, although he wrote to her when ever he could. Her replies were short normally saying that she was fine, so was Jamie, and that she wasn't sure when they would next been in Hogswood. But Severus just thought he should be grateful that he is getting a reply, after all he spent 7 years with out knowing where she was. So even though the letters were short, not even long enough to fill a piece of parchment, he was happy he had word from her.
Beth had been spending a lot of time in her family home. Jamie hadn't really spent much time with his Uncle and Grandmother, and Beth thought it would be the perfect opportunity to spend some time with them, and to get away from London.
When they got back to London after spending a night in Hogwarts, William Harris, had taken Jamie for some alone time. Returning a week later with Jamie hooked on Quidditch, along with new toys, cloths, books and posters of teams for his bedroom.
She appreciated the help, but she felt out of place, even in her own home. Jamie was more family to the Harris's despite Beth being married to William's son, Jamie was blood family, and was treated as such. Although Beth wasn't treated badly, she knew William wanted to make up some time with Jamie that he had missed when Dan was growing up.
Back at her family home in Little Hampton Beth sat out in the garden watch Jamie playing with his Uncle rob, Rob didn't have any kids him self so enjoyed his time with his nephew.
"So are you going to tell him" said Beth's mother June, as she came out holding to glasses of water, and kissing her on the head, "tell who?" she asked taking a glass, "who ever the father is" she said sitting down.
"Mum, its complicated, I don't even know if he wants children" she replied looking at him. "Liz. He has a right to know. And you have to tell him. You can leave Jamie here if you like and meet him in Hogsmead I am sure they have a school trip planned soon" said June as she held her daughter's free hand.
"If and when I do it, I think Jamie will come with me, gives me an excuse if he reacts badly" smiled Beth. "So your going to tell him?" asked June "most proberly" she replied looking at Jamie.
It had been 7 months since Beth had seen Severus, making it 14 months since Dan had died. Jamie was now 6 years old, and she was 7 months pregnant with Severus's child, the out come of their night together.
"Maybe I shouldn't tell him, just move on, me Jamie and the baby" she smiled looking at her mothers, who suddenly didn't have a smile on her face, "Elizabeth Jane Harris, well I never" she replied, "I'm joking mother" she said smiling, "you better be missy, because if I find out you haven't told him I will" she said softly hitting her hand, "mother, you don't even know who he is" she replied "I can find out" replied June.
Beth had written to Severus asking for a meeting on the next hogsmead visit, which turned out to be 3 days away. She had already packed and gone to the house in Hogswood when she had the reply.
Severus couldn't wait until Hogsmead, he had rushed the Slytherin students out of the common room so that he could get to Hogsmead faster.
Beth walked slowly down the street, Jamie holding her hand, trying to catch site of his friends Fred and George Weasly.
Beth wore a long black Jacket, which came to her knees hiding her growing bump on her stomach. She waited outside a café, with Jamie eagerly looking around.
Suddenly Severus came into view, he waved at Beth, who slightly smiled before putting her eyes back on Jamie.
"Hi" he said when he got closer, "hi" she replied as they set of walking down the street. They walked to the park where Severus had spotted her 7 months ago.
"Off you go" she said to Jamie letting go of his hand as he ran to the swings.
"He's gotten bigger" smiled Severus, "that's not the only thing" replied Beth, "sorry?" he asked looking puzzled. "Nothing" replied Beth as she looked at him.
"I'm glad you asked me to meet you" said Severus leaning back on the bench, "I missed you" he finished looking at her.
"I asked you here for one reason" she said taking her eyes of Jamie, "oh what's that?" asked Severus looking at her.
Before Beth could answer Jamie came back over and hugged Beth, "what's up" she asked looking at him "nothing I just wanted to give the baby as kiss" he smiled kissing her stomach, "baby?" said Severus, "yup, mummy's giving me a new brother" he smiled before running off to the swings, "Jamie" said Beth angrily. Maybe bring Jamie along wasn't such a good idea after all.
"your having a baby?" asked Severus looking at her, not believing what had just come out of Jamie's mouth. "yeah" she replied looking at him. "So you met some one?" he asked, "not exactly" she replied, "what do you mean not exactly?" he asked "how far gone are you?" he asked looking at her stomach, which he couldn't really see because of her jacket, "7 months" she replied looking at him "well it cant be Dan's so." started Severus, "so. that would make it." prompted Beth, "mine?" he said looking at her. "Give this man a medal" she said sarcastically, "I cant believe this" said Severus looking pale, "you better because its true" said Beth as she stood up and took of her coat revealing a large bump on her stomach.
Beth sat down and put Severus's hand on her stomach to let him feel the baby move, "I cant deal with this" he said as he got up and left the park, "Severus, come back, where are you going?" called Beth. Severus didn't answer.
That was the stupidest thing Severus could have done. It haunted him from the moment he heard Beth calling him back. His thoughts were always filling his head, "she's having your baby" "why did you leave that could have been your chance" how was he supposed to react. She had waited until 2 months before the baby was due to inform him he was going to be a father. But he couldn't help feeling guilty about waking out on her.
Severus had written so many times to Beth all of the letters had been returned unopened.
Beth was hurt when Severus had walked out of the park. She was alone again.
When Severus finally received a letter it wasn't from Beth, but her mother June. Informing him that she had given birth to his child. It was so impersonal it made him feel a million times worse than he already did. He had missed the birth of his only child.
He had been sent a single photograph of the new baby, with a note saying, "baby girl, born August 7th at St Mungo's hospital London. Mother and baby are fine" he looked at the picture of his daughter she looked beautiful. For a moment his guilt went.
Over the next years, Beth had never met with Severus, and Severus never met his daughter, he had received pictures from Beth on birthdays and Christmas, and Severus had sent presents for Jamie and the new baby, which he never the new name of, but they were returned unopened.
When Severus realised the only time he would be able to talk to Beth and see his daughter, it had been 5 years. And he knew exactly where they would be.
"Mum, its here its here" called a boys voice as he ran into the room, "your letter's arrived?" asked Beth, the boy, now an 11 year old Jamie, opened his letter, "Mr Harris, you have been accepted the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" he read trying to hold in his excitement, he handed his mother the school list, and grabbed his jacket from the rack pulling it on, "you want to go now" asked Beth, "yeah its only 10, come on" he said grabbing a long black Jacket and a small blue one, he threw his mother his jacket and knelt down on the floor and began to put the small blue jacket on his sister.
They were ready. They stepped to the fireplace, and Jamie stood in impatiently, "ok you know what to do" said Beth holding a small pot of floo powder "Diagon Ally" shouted Jamie clearly as a huge flame of green smoke covered him, and he disappeared. Beth picked up the small girl who was looking up the chimney, she still didn't understand how floo powder worked but loved travelling that way. Beth put the school list in her pocket and held tight to her daughter, as she threw the powder on the fireplace shouting "Diagon Ally" and she too disappeared.
Diagon ally was full of new students buying their supplies for their new term as well as older students buying new supplies. "Come on mum" said Jamie pulling her along. They headed down to Gringots wizard back to get some money.
When they emerged Diagon ally had gotten busier. Jamie had walked off towards 'Olivander's' wand shop, and was waiting impatiently outside. Beth followed holding her daughter tightly. As she came to the shop she saw Jamie talking to a tall dark hared man. As she got closer she noticed it was the man she hoped it wouldn't have been, Severus Snape.
Beth stopped before Severus could notice her, and put her daughter down on the ground, "go into that shop there, where Jamie is and wait for me, don't talk to any one ok" she said touching her head. The little girl nodded and walked to the shop, she was small enough to walk straight past Jamie and Severus and into the shop with out being noticed.
Beth walked over to the shop, "Jamie, go inside and get started I'll be in there in a bit ok" she said as Jamie looked at her, and walked inside closing the door behind him.
"What are you doing here?" asked Beth angrily, "I wanted to see you, and my daughter" he said looking at her wondering where the child was. "Why? You didn't want to know when you found out I was having your child. Why would you want to know now?" she said looking at him, "I'm sorry, I was a bit shocked that's all" he said, "you never gave me a chance to make it up to you" he finished, "I'm sorry if I didn't let you, I didn't think you deserved it" she replied coldly.
"I didn't think it would be the right message to put out to my son having a man around who thinks it ok to leave the person he got pregnant in the 1st place" she said about to turn away, "please, I'm sorry, but you cant stop me from seeing my child. I'm regret walking away, I made a mistake, you have to" said Severus looking at her.
"This isn't about me, this is about a little girl, who because of you has spent 5 years of her life with out a father" said Beth.
"Its bad enough having one child with out a father, I didn't expect to raise another child with out a father" she said turning away, but Severus grabbed her arm and turned her around. "Please let me make it up to, I'm sorry and I want to be there for you'll, I want to do my bit in raising our child, I'll give you back child support.." he started, "this isn't about money, Dan and I have enough for me to raise both kids" she said, "I'm sorry, just don't walk away, or wont be any better than me" said Severus as she put her hand on the door handle.
Beth stood staring at the door, "I don't want to take away your chance to be the father I always thought you would be" she said turning to him, "but I cant stand being hurt again, and I wont let my children be hurt by any one, not even you" she said looking at him, "I wont hurt you I promise. I'm in love with you" he said.
"Severus, we're doing this for Danielle" she said looking at him, "Danielle" he repeated, "yeah" she replied, expecting him to say something about it being a girls version of her late husbands name, "I like it" he said smiling.
Beth lead Severus into the shop where Jamie was waving a wand around, "this is it mum" he said smiling and handing the wand back to Mr Olivander who put it back in the box and placed it in a bad, "10 inch oak wood, with unicorn hair" said Mr Olivander looking at Beth, Beth walked over and paid for the wand.
A small girl with curly black and green eyes, sat on the floor in the corner looking at a book, "Danni" called Beth, and she looked up and smiled, walking over and getting picked up by Beth. "This is your Daddy," said Beth as she pointed to Severus, "Severus, this is Danni, your daughter" she said smiling.
Severus looked at the girl in Beth's arms who looked a bit puzzled, "hi" he said looking at her, "hi" she replied in a soft voice, "ready mum" said Jamie as he stood by the door, "yeah" she replied as they left the shop. "can I hold her" asked Severus, looking at Danni, "sure" she said handing her over, Danni still looked puzzled she looked at the man holding her, and put her small arm around his neck, she smiled, she looked just like Beth, which he thought was lucky, as he wouldn't wish a little girl to look like him!
They walked into Florish and Blotts book shop, and follow Jamie as he proceeded to pick up his books listed on the parchment he got with his letter.
"I'm 5" said Danni as they waited for Jamie to finish getting his books, "I no" replied Severus looking at her, "how old are you?" she asked innocently, "Danni" smiled Beth, "old" he replied looking at him, "what's your name?" she said looking at him, "Severus" he replied, looking into her green eyes, "mmmm, I don't like it" she replied, making Beth and Severus laugh, "can I call you dad?" she said looking at him, Severus looked at Beth, who gave a slight nod, "sure" he replied, "ok dad" she said smiling.
Beth went and paid for Jamie's books while he waited with Danni, and Severus, for her to get back. When she did she handed the books over to Jamie, who looked at the list for the next shop they had to go to.
By the time the day had ended, Jamie had all his school supplies, and they managed to pick up some new clothes and things for Danni.
"Well, that's it then" said Beth as they walked out of the last shop. "Yeah I think so" replied Jamie, checking his list, "check it when we get home if we forgot anything we'll come back" said Beth messing up his hair.
"I think we're going home now" said Danni who was holding onto Severus hand while they walked down the street, "I think you are too" he replied looking down at her. "you can come over, I don't mind" said Danni as they came to the place they arrived at earlier that morning, "Mummy, can daddy some over for, for, to see our house?" asked Danni as she let go of Severus's hand, and was picked up by Beth, "if he has nothing else to do" she replied, looking at him, "no, I'm free till school starts" he said smiling, "ok then" Beth said, she had a weird feeling in her stomach, but walked towards the large fire place and got in the small queue.
"Jamie you go first" said Beth when Jamie was finally at the front of the line, "see you in a bit" he said standing in the fireplace, taking a handful of floo power and shouting, "7 Granville place, London" and he disappeared, Beth stepped into the fireplace, Danni in her arms and the rest of Jamie's things she took the floo powder and shouted "7 Granville place, London" and she to disappeared. Severus followed suit, and was engulfed in a big green flame. Before his eyes, the rooms changed and he was suddenly in a large living room, with a few dolls on the floor and computer games stacked in the corner, "sorry about the mess" said Beth as she put Jamie's things down on the table, and Danni down on the sofa, she started to pick up the dolls from the floor.
"Jay, take this stuff up stairs, and we'll look at it properly tomorrow" said Beth, as she closed the lid to a large wooden toy chest, "k" replied Jamie, as he grabbed his stuff and left the room.
"Wanna see my room Dad" said Danni, who was now next to his leg, "sure thing sweetheart" he replied as Danni took his hand and lead him out of the room.
When he got into the hall way, the wall which lead up stairs was covered with family pictures, pictures of Beth and Dan, Beth and Jamie, Dan and Jamie, Jamie and Danni, Danni and Beth, and a few others of the kids with various members of the family, Danni pulled him up stairs and along a corridor.
"this is my room" she said as they walked past Jamie's room which was covered in posters of the Chudley Cannons a various Muggle music bands.
Danni pushed the door open to a fairly large room, the walls were a light shade of pink with pictures of unicorns and fairies painted on. Her bed was in the corner, with pink bed covers, and a few white teddies sat on the bed, which was neatly made.
There were a few toy boxes, with toys hanging out, small book shelves with a verity of different books. And there were framed pictures along the walls, with a small coat rack in the shape of a pair of fairy wings.
Danni ran over to her bed and pulled a teddy off, and ran back, "this is snappy" she said showing him, "wow he's nice" replied Severus taking the bear from her and looking closely. He walked over to the bed and sat down putting the teddy bear back in place.
"And this is my cupboard with all my, my, my clothes" she said running over to a wooden cupboard opening the doors, to reveal 2 racks of different clothes, skirts, dresses, shorts and trousers. With a rack of small shoes on the bottom.
"this is a great room you have here" said Severus as he looked around, "yup, mummy did it when me and Jamie was at our grandma's house" she said standing still and looking around, "this is a picture of me and Jamie, when I was still a baby" she said showing him the picture, "this is a picture of Jamie and my other daddy" she said pointing to a picture of Jamie and Dan. Severus got up and walked over looking at the picture, "yeah Jamie's Daddy" he said picking her up, "yeah but mummy said he's my daddy too" she said smiling at him, "any way this is.." She started, "hey why don't we got back down stairs and you can show me the rest later" he said as they walked down stairs.
When they got down stairs Severus heard voices coming from the living room, Danni had wormed her way down and was running around the corridor jumping and 'playing fairy'
"I wish dad was here" said Jamie who was sat on the couch leaning against him mother, "yeah me to, but he's watching us, and I bet he is so proud of you going to Hogwarts, and the way you've looked after me and your sister" she said as she kissed him on the head, Severus walked in quietly and sat down on a spare seat, and smiled at Beth and Jamie, who smiled back. Danni came in shortly after and started getting toys out.
"so what do you guys want for dinner" she said looking at Danni who was pretending to read a book, but it was up side down. "Pizza?" replied Jamie looking at Beth, "Danni do you want pizza tonight?" asked Beth as she looked at Danni.
Danni ran over and climbed on to Beth and Jamie, "yeah but no bits on, just cheesy with red juice" she said smiling, "ok, plain it is" replied Beth, "Severus, you want pizza?" she asked "sure" he replied smiling back, "plain cheese or Italian sausage?" she said looking at him, "either I don't mind" he said looking at Jamie, Danni, and Beth, "ok settled, Jamie, if you call the pizza place, and order 1 plain cheese, and one Italian sausage" she said as Jamie got up and went to the phone.
"mum, Danni wont leave me alone and I'm trying to order the pizza" shouted Jamie from the hall way, "Danni" shouted Beth, she looked at Severus, "she thinks its funny to mess around when your on the phone" smiled Beth, "Danni" she called again but still no answer, "mum" shouted Jamie, "Danielle Marie Harris, get your tiny butt in here now" she said with a smile on her face.
"Danielle Harris?" said Severus looking at Beth, "yeah, you didn't want anything to with us, so I made the decision for her to have the same name as Jamie and me" she said looking at him, "yeah, I proberly would have to" replied Severus smiling, "sorry" said Beth getting up and walking into the hall way.
She returned moments later with a laughing Danni who was being held up side down by her ankles, Beth dropped her gently on the sofa and began to tickle her, "what have I told you about annoying your brother when he's on the phone" she said over the load laughing.
It was beautiful. Watching a mother playing with her daughter and Severus being in the same room to watch it. It felt like a family. One yesterday he didn't have.
While they waited for the pizza to arrive, Beth offered to take a picture of Severus and Danni for him to keep, he agreed and they had their first picture together, "Jamie you wanna get in to?" asked Beth, "why he's not my dad" replied Jamie who was involved with a muggle computer game. "Jamie" said Beth with the sound of amazement in her voice. "what its true" he replied not looking at her.
"Its ok" said Severus as Danni jumped down from his lap and walked over to Jamie smacking him over the head, "ow" said Jamie as he turned around, "what was that for?" he said getting up. "your being horrible to my dad" she said looking up at him, "go away" he said pushing her gently, "Danielle, come here" said Beth pulling her arm, "don't smack your brother" she said looking angrily at her, "he didn't do anything to you" she said letting go of her arm, and Danni went into the corner and sulked. Jamie sat on the sofa next to Beth, and Beth put her arm around him and hugged him kissing his head.
"You ok?" she asked. Jamie didn't respond.
The Pizza arrived shortly after and they began to eat. Danni was showing off in the middle of the floor, but manage to keep the pizza to her face and hands.
Severus watched and laughed when ever she did something cute or funny. While Jamie stayed sat next to his mum not saying anything.
Beth was always reminding Danni to chew, and to make sure she didn't drop any pizza any where.
By the time 10pm came, Danni was asleep on the sofa, and Jamie was still lent against his mum who still had her arm around him.
"I think its time for bed" she said tapping Jamie on the shoulder, "you wanna take Danni?" she asked Severus, "sure" he said getting up and following Beth and Jamie up the stairs.
"Go wash up" she said to Jamie as she switch a small lamp on in Danni's room. Beth started pulling the bed covers back and putting the teddies apart from snappy on the floor. She took out some wet cloths, and wiped over her face and hands once more, to get any dirt of them after the pizza. "We better get her changed" she said looking at Severus. "Its ok I'll show you" she said smiling.
Jamie stood in the doorway, but he wasn't noticed. Beth pulled out a pair of pyjama's from the dresser and walked back over to Severus. "Just lay her on the bed" she said sitting next to her, "she's a pretty heavy sleeper so she shouldn't wake up" smiled Beth, "just take of her shoe, you can do the other one" she smiled as she watch Severus slowly take of the small shoe and sock and place them on the floor.
"then do her top" she said lifting Danni up so that her head was on her shoulder, Severus gently undid the buttons which were down the back of the small white shirt, "ok, now take her, and pull it of" she said as she handed Danni to Severus and pulled she shirt away from her body.
She continued to show Severus how to put her pyjama top on with out waking her up, and then her pyjama bottoms. "and there you go" she said handing Danni over to Severus, "just tuck her in and make sure she has snappy" said Beth kissing Danni on the head and walking towards the door, which no longer had Jamie leaning against it.
"Hey" said Beth as she knocked and entered Jamie's room, he was already in bed.
"You ok babe?" she asked sitting next to him and putting her arm around him, "yeah" he replied. "Fancy telling me what down stairs was all about?" she asked, "why should I have a picture with Severus, he's not my family" said Jamie as he leant his head against Beth's chest, "yeah I no, but he's Danni's family" started Beth, "and she loves him" she said.
"How can she love him, she only met him today" said Jamie, with a slight sound of anger in his voice, "yeah but you know Danni, she's a loving person, she loves your dad, and she hasn't met him" she answered, "I wish dad was here now" said Jamie, "me too babes me too. And I know its rough growing up with out a daddy, but we have to try hard for Danni, because I know you don't want her to grow up the same" she said kissing his head, "no, I want her to be happy" he said, "and Severus makes her happy, so we have to try ok, coz your going to be seeing him more at school and around here" she said.
She got up and walked to the door, "night Jay" she said standing by the door with her hand on the light switch, "night mum, Night DAD" he shouted as he looked up at the ceiling. Beth switched the light of and closed the door. Severus was stood in the hall way waiting.
"Danni get on ok?" she asked, "yeah fine, Jamie?" he asked as they walked down the stairs. "Look at this already acting like an old married couple" said Beth as they walked into the living room.
"sorry about Jamie" said Beth as she dropped onto the sofa, "its ok" replied Severus sitting in the arm chair, "he misses his dad" continued Beth, "understandable" replied Severus.
At around 1 am, Severus was about to return to Hogwarts via Floo Powder, "you know tomorrow is Danni's birthday right" said Beth as she sat on the sofa looking at Severus, "yeah, its ok that I come over yeah?" he asked getting into the fireplace, "yeah around 9?" she answered, "see you then" he replied, calling "Hogwarts" and throwing the floo powder down, and he was gone. Beth picked up the last of the toys before going to bed.
It was 6am when Beth woke up, she walked quietly into the hall, hearing Danni playing with some toys. She continued to walk down stairs and into the living room.
It was August 7th, Danni's 6th birthday, and 3 weeks until Jamie went to Hogwarts.
The room was quiet, all though later that day it wouldn't be, they were expecting family, both Beth's and Dan's, friends from the ministry, a few friends of Jamie's who would be attending school with him. And a few people with kids for Danni to play with. After all it was hard to let Danni make friends with muggles, with out thinking that Danni would start taking about the floo network, post arriving with owls, magic wands and Diagon Ally.
It was around 7am when Danni made her way down stairs, expecting to see Severus still there. But he wasn't. she walked over to Beth and climbed onto her lap "here's my birthday girl" said Beth giving her a huge kiss, "happy birthday babe" she said hugging her tightly, "where's daddy" said Danni looking around, "he went home last night, he'll be back later" replied Beth picking her up and walking to the kitchen, "how about some breakfast?" she said smiling, "why isn't daddy here" said Danni, as Beth sat her on the counter top.
"Because he doesn't live here, now what do you want for breakfast?" she asked looking at Danni, "but Jamie's daddy lived here, why cant mine" she asked as she got up and walked along the counter top pulling out a box of cereal, and gave it to Beth.
Beth sat down on a stool and put her hands on Danni's knees. "Jamie's daddy, and me were married, so people who are married live together, that's why he lived here" she said looking at Danni, "what's married, and why aren't you married to my dad? If you were married to Jamie's you should be married to mine" said Danni looking at Beth.
"See this ring here" said Beth pointing to her engagement ring, "I like that ring" replied Danni touching it, "this is called an engagement ring, and Jamie's daddy gave it to me because he loved me and wanted to be my husband. He wanted to live with me forever and ever" said Beth trying to make it so Danni understood, "and this ring" continued Beth pointing to her wedding band, "I like the other one better" said Danni. Beth smiled.
"this one shows people that mummy's married to Jamie's dad, and it tells people that mummy cant go out with any one else but Jamie's dad" she said. "but why?" asked Danni.
Just then the kitchen door opened and Jamie walked in, "Because my dad loves mum, and even though he's not here, she is married to him and doesn't want to be with anyone else" said Jamie as he walked over to the fridge, Danni poked her tongue out at him. "Morning" said Beth, "hi" replied Jamie as he sat on a chair next to Beth.
"Happy birthday Danni" he said as he kissed his sister on the cheek.
After breakfast they went into the living room, where Beth gave Danni her birthday presents, and Jamie gave her, his.
By the time, Danni was dressed in a new dress and shoes, and was down stairs showing Jamie, all her things, even though he had already seen them.
At around 8:45am people had started arriving, bringing more presents. So by the time Severus had arrived, the house was buzzing with kids running around, cards every where and people talking and laughing. "Daddy!" shouted Danni, as the same Severus appear in the fireplace, "happy birthday darling" he said kissing her on the cheek and putting down a bag of presents. "these are for you" he said smiling and putting her down, and watching her opened each one revealing something cute, pink, or cuddly. "Thanks" she said getting up and kissing him, after she had taken 15 minutes opening presents, she ran to show Jamie what she got while, Severus went to find Beth.
"Good morning" Severus said to Beth when he finally found her, "hi" she said smiling and excusing herself from the people she was talking to.
They walked into the living room from the kitchen sat on the sofa watching Danni showing Jamie her things. "Your going to one of those dads who spoils there kids" she said smiling, "and Dan wasn't?" he replied smiling, "yeah, I guess its fair" she replied looking at her kids.
"Beth darling William has arrived" said Beth's mother as she came into the living room, "ok," she replied getting up, "mum, this is Severus, Danni's father, Severus this is my mother June" she said leaving the room to greet her father in law.
"nice to meet you" he said holding out his hand, "you to, what exactly is it you do?" she asked taking a seat next to him on the sofa, "I'm a professor at Hogwarts" he replied, "ah that's right potions teacher, Beth did mention it" she said looking at her grandchildren.
Beth came back into the room with William Harris, Dan's father, "Severus this is Jamie's grandfather, William Harris, Will this is Severus Danni's father" he said introducing them, "good to finally meet you" said William.
"Jamie, Grandad's here" she said getting his attention, "about time" he smiled getting up and hugging his grandfather.
"Now where's my granddaughter" said William messing around, "I cant see her" he smiled at Jamie, "I'm here" said Danni, "No that cant be Danielle, your to big" he said picking her up and hugging her tightly.
It was pretty uncomfortable for Severus during the day when the family and friends were around, every one knew him as not wanting to be involved. William, Dan's father, gave the impression he didn't like Severus, but then the man getting his daughter in law pregnant other than his son wouldn't go down to well with the family.
Jamie spent most of the day trying to teach William how to play the muggle computer games, while Danni spent the day running around playing with her friends and showing Severus different things which she couldn't show him yesterday.
Over all the day was a success. The family loved being over and seeing the kids, Jamie loved being around his dad's family, especially his grandfather, and Beth loved having other people to talk to other than an 11 year old, and 6 year old.
Severus also enjoyed the day, spending a whole day with his daughter on her birthday was something he never thought he would be able to do, it was a dream come true.
The weeks after Danni's birthday saw Severus more and more involved with his daughter, taking her places, and spoiling her rotten. Jamie was preparing to leave for school. And Beth was trying to prepare to be in a house with out the one person who she could look at and see two people instead of one, her son, and her husband.
"Get up Jamie, get dressed we're going to be late" said Beth opening Jamie's door. She walked into Danni's room, she was on the floor playing with toys, and Beth thanked god that she had bathed her the night before, she picked out her cloths and laid them on the bed before rushing back to make sure Jamie was awake, he was and was changing into his Muggle cloths.
She rushed into her own room, and got dressed into a pair of jeans and a T- shirt, and hurried into the bath room to put her make up on and do her hair. She had showered, and brushed her teeth, before waking Jamie.
She ran into Danni's room who was still playing with her toys, "Danni, come her let get you dressed we have to get Jamie to kings cross" she said sitting on her bed.
She got Danni dressed and went down stairs to give them breakfast, while Danni was eating she did her hair, and while Jamie was eating she made sure everything was in his trunk as well as a picture of herself and his dad. She locked the trunk and walked behind the counter and pulled out an large barn own in a cage.
Jamie was shocked, "you needed one, and we didn't get on in Diagon Ally I thought I would surprise you" she said smiling, as Jamie just stared, "your dad always said he wanted you to have an owl" she smiled kissing Jamie on the head, "what's his name" he asked taking a closer look and stroking its feathers, "Harris" she replied, "but if you don't like it you can change it" she replied "I love it thanks" he replied hugging her tightly.
"right lets get going" she said grabbing Danni from the stool and walking into the hall way, Jamie put his owl on top of his trunk and grabbed his coat, handing Danni's over at the same time. Beth put her jacket on and Danni's and grabbed the other end of the trunk and lifted it out into the car.
"times like these you just need your dad around" Beth smiled looking at Jamie, and Danni.
They set of the kings cross. They arrived and got a trolley to put Jamie's stuff on, and made their way into the station, walking towards platform 10.
Professor Magonigal put the newspaper down on the table and helped her self to a cup of coffee, "poor Beth" she said to Albus, "yes indeed" replied Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts head master.
Professor Severus Snape, potions teachers at Hogwarts picked up the newspaper and read at the front cover.
Death Eaters Strike Again.
He Who Must Not Be Named, has struck again, through his death eaters he has claimed another life, to add to his long list of victims, which includes, Lilly and James Potter, and the young Cedric Diggory.
Daniel William Harris, aged 33, was added to the ever-growing list, when the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, confirmed his death this morning.
Daniel Harris was executed to death in front of the eyes of his wife, Elizabeth Jane Harris, aged, 32 on the eve of September 12th 2003. Details of why the killing occurred are unknown, but He Who Must Not Be Named, has never had to have a reason to kill people.
Son of William Robert Harris famous for his work with Giants, Centurers, and hippogriffs, to name but a few was informed of his son's tragic deaths moments before the Ministers announcement. He was quoted saying "the loss of my son brings great pain to my heart, I will be accompanying my Daughter in law, to her residence until she no longer needs my assistance, I plead with you not to bother her, or any of our family during this trying time" of course his request will be honoured.
Daniel Harris was well known for his works with the ministry of magic, helping with many different departments, making a great number of friends as he went, his wife, Elizabeth, once a teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and wizardry, was an example of some one he met through his work, Mr Harris was quoted in saying "I am in love with Beth even more, every time I see her" just months after there meeting, it was rumoured that Elizabeth had her eye on Mr Harris for a while before hand.
But according to many of Daniels admirers she was the one to take him from the availability shelf, and changing him from "most sought after bachelor," to "the most romantic family man"
Any words of condolence for Mrs Harris should be sent via us and we will pass them on to her.
Our thoughts are with Mrs Harris and the Harris family in this time of great sadness.
Months after reading the newspaper article which Snape had taken and kept, Beth was still in the back of his mind, "how was she, how was she coping" many thoughts of her being alone crossed his mind. Only when he laid eyes on her, sitting alone in a park 200 yards from Hogsmead, did he think his questions could be answered.
Beth sat alone in the park watching some children play on swings and running around on the damp grass.
She was wearing a long black cloak, a black skirt, with black boots, and a white shirt. A small black shoulder bag was on the ground next to her feet. She looked sad, but what could Severus expect, she had recently lost her husband, and seen it to make matters worse.
He walked slowly over to the bench but stopped before sitting down, "is this seat taken" he asked looking down at her. Beth slowly turned her head looking up at him, she turned her head again and looked back at the playing children, "what are you doing here?" she asked quietly, "hogsmead trip, I come here some times to get away from the students" he answered sitting down and crossing his arms over his chest.
"How are you?" he asked looking out into the park, "ok" she replied leaning back on the bench, but still not looking at him.
"I read about what happened in the newspaper, I'm sorry" he said looking at her, "Everyone's sorry" she said, "I can imagine" he said, "can you?" she asked "can you really imagine watching your husband or loved one dying, knowing your never going to see them again?" she said looking at him, Severus didn't answer, "I didn't think so, so please I don't need any more of peoples sympathy" she said getting up and walking towards to playing children.
"I didn't mean to say any thing to upset you" said Severus walking beside her, "no one ever does" she said as she stopped by a tree.
"is it time to go mummy" said a little boy who ran up to her from one of the swings, "sure is" replied Beth smiling at him.
He had Daniels mussed up hair and facial features, but Beth's deep green eyes. Severus watched him as he ran back to the swings and picked up a small cloak and walked slowly back, "Mummy" smiled Severus, "how old is he?" he asked Beth, "5" she replied, "what's his name?" asked Severus, looking at her, "Jamie" she replied, as the little boy came back to her, and she bent down putting the cloak over his shoulders and pulling the hood over his head. She picked him up and began to walk back towards hogsmead, Severus walked along side her.
"He looks a lot like Dan" said Severus looking at the boy, "yeah" replied Beth.
They got back to hogsmead to see the busy streets filled with students, Beth had hoped she missed them so not to have to talk to any one else. Talking to Severus was hard enough. But thought it might do her some good if she did meet some familiar faces from Hogwarts.
"Hey look, its professor Johnson" called Lee Jordan who had just emerged from the joke shop with Fred and George Weasly, the walked over to her, being followed by a small group of students, who had emerged from the Weasley's new joke shop. "Alright professor" said George smiling, "hi George" she replied putting Jamie down who was squirming around as the group came closer.
"Come and have a drink professor" urged Fred and he linked her arm and walked towards the 3 broomsticks, "I don't know" she said looking at Jamie who was holding her hand tightly, "we'll buy" smiled George, "than you have yourself a table guest, well 2" she smiled looking at Jamie, "cool" said Fred and George as they opened the door for Beth, Jamie and Snape.
They sat down at a table, and George brought over 11 Butter Beers for the people around the table, Himself and Fred, Lee Jordan, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell, Hermione Granger, Harry potter, their brother Ron Weasley who had been visiting Hogsmead to see Fred and George, Beth, Professor Snape, and Jamie.
"is this your son professor" asked Hermione looking at the little boy sat on her lap, "sure is, this is Jamie" she answered pulling his hood down. "say thank you to Fred and George for your butter beer" she said as she watched Jamie take a mouthful from his glass, "thank you" he said quietly, "he's so cute" said Hermione, with Angelina and Katie agreeing. "Mummy I want to go to the sweet shop" said Jamie looking at her, "in a while" answered Beth, "we'll take him Professor" said George and Fred smiling, "are you sure?" she asked looking at him, "sure we're sure, he seems like a cool kid" smiled George, "ok, but no corrupting him, I know what you two are like" said Beth smiling and putting Jamie on the floor.
"Jamie, you can go to the shop with Fred and George ok, no running off" she said as she adjusted his cloak, she handed some money to Fred, and George and Fred took Jamie's hand and walked out of the bar, followed by the other students who wanted to play with Jamie, which left Severus and Beth at the table alone.
"He seems like a fun loving kid" said Severus breaking the silence, "yeah he is" replied Beth looking out of the window and watching all the attention the students were giving Jamie.
"He doesn't really understand why his dad isn't around any more" she said taking a mouthful of butter beer, "he's to young I guess" said Severus, "yeah" replied Beth, " but he will be loving the attention he's getting especially from the girls" smiled Beth. Severus smiled and he looked out at the boy in the sweet shop who was being picked up by Fred Weasly so he could see the higher shelves.
"So how is everyone?" asked Beth, "fine, fine, Filch is always complaining about the students, but theres no real change there" smile Severus.
There was a silence again, Beth and Severus were watching the people in the pub, laughing and drinking different, drinks from butter beers to Beth's once favourite, Fire Whiskey.
"So do you still play Quidditch?" asked Severus, again breaking the silence, "not really, I take Jamie flying a lot, he loves it, he plays the with the Quaffel some times, and the snitch, but can never find it once its been let out, but he try's" smiled Beth, "ah, maybe a future Seeker" smiled Severus. "Yeah maybe" replied Beth.
"So where are you living now?" asked Severus, "London, but we have a holiday home, in Hogswood, the next village over" she replied, "nice, you like it in London?" asked Severus, "its home, and closes enough to the ministry for Dan to get to work, that's why we chose it" she replied hoping he would change the subject.
"Do you work?" he asked, trying to get a decent conversation going, "not since Jamie was born, I worked at a muggle school for a while, but it wasn't something I wanted to do for a career" she replied "at least you were still teaching" he smiled, "yeah I guess" she said still keeping her eye on the sweet shop across the street.
"any way its getting late" said Beth standing up, "you should come up to the school I'm sure the teachers and other students would like to see you, and Gryffindor are playing quidditch against Huffelpuff tomorrow" he said following her through the door, "I don't know, Jamie looks a bit tired" she said waiting out side the shop "I'm sure he would love to see where his mother used to work" he said smiling, "besides, I'm sure Albus, wouldn't mind you using the guest chambers over night if you didn't want to get a ride back to Hogswood to night" he said hoping she would say yes.
"I don't know, I mean it would be a bit weird" she said, "what have you got to loose, Jamie seems to enjoy the Weasly's company, why he would I don't know, and I am sure Albus would love to meet him" he said bumping her gently with his arm, "ok, but just tonight, William wants to spend some time alone with Jamie" she said, as Jamie and the small crowd of students came out of the shop, "Mummy look what I got" he said excitedly, as he clutched a bag of assorted sweets, "yummy" she said picking him up.
"How would you like to go to the Hogwarts school to watch some Quidditch, and meet some of mummy's friends?" she said as she kissed him on the head, she ran her hand through his hair. "Ok, but can I walk with Fred and George" he said looking at them "ok" started Beth, "I'll carry him professor" said Angelina. "Ok, one less thing to carry" she smiled handing, Jamie over to Angelina.
They walked slowly back to the school, Jamie was opening a chocolate frog and looking at the card, "ah you have to keep those, we have loads, you have to make a collection" said Fred, Jamie smiled as he looked at the card.
They walked towards the school, I was already dark out, but the streetlights kept it light enough to see the road.
"So, how you holding up? It must be really hard" said Severus, "I'm ok, it gets harder all the time, but I always thank god when the day's over and we're at home" she replied.
"so why are you in Hogswood, and not in London?" asked Severus, as Beth linked his arm. "Dan and I bought the place here a year after we got married, we wanted some where, which was away from muggles and stuff, and the place is really nice. After the funeral I took Jamie here, we've been here about a month already" she answered, "why, I thought the family was all in London" said Severus looking forward at the students, "Dan's family are, my are closer to here, but I thought and feel that I needed some time by our selves, try to get used to being alone with Jamie" she replied. "William was great when he found out, he took Jamie places, and spoiled him rotten, same with Dan's sisters, in the end I felt as though people were trying to keep him away from me, I know it isn't true but its how I felt" she said. "I guess they were just looking out for you" said Severus, "I guess, but I was driving my self mad at home in London, I got to the point where I hated people picking him up and stuff" continued Beth, "but then I had a long talk with my mum about everything, and she suggested getting away, and I guess I've dealt with the whole taking Jamie away thing, you know its nice when people take him to play and stuff, gives me time to think, he's a really active boy" she said as they entered the gates to the school, the walked up the long path towards the main entrance.
"you seem to be coping ok though" said Severus as they continued to walk a little way behind the students, "I have to, if I cry Jamie wants to know why, so I guess you just deal, but it wont go away" she replied.
They reached the stairs and walked through the doors, the familiar smell of burning candles the same as it was when she taught and went to the school.
"Welcome back, welcome back" said a voice from the stairs, "ah we have extra guests" he said as he walked down the stairs, "Beth, its wonderful to see you, I'm sorry to hear about your loss" said Dumbledore as he hugged her, "thank you" replied Beth, "what brings you to Hogwarts" he asked as the students went straight into the great hall, Angelina put down Jamie who came running back, and pushed his face into her robes, "Severus invited us back, we were in hogsmead for the day" she replied picking Jamie up who buried his head in her shoulder.
"Ah, a new member of your family" he said looking at Jamie, "yeah this is Jamie" she said, "Jamie, meet Professor Dumbledore" she said turning him round so his back was against her chest, "ah Jamie, it wont belong before we see you in this school" he said patting his head, "shall we" said Albus as he lead them into the great hall.
The students stared, at Beth as she walked in, greeting her with waves, and smiles, and Hellos, Severus made his way to the teachers table, and Jamie began to fuss when he saw Fred and George Weasly, "is it ok if we sit here, Jamie's, kind of attached to the Weasly twins" she smiled.
"Please sit where you like" said Albus making his way back up to the table. Beth sat down on he bench at the Gryffindor table, and sat Jamie next to her, and Fred Weasly.
The feast began and the hungry student started to eat, Beth put some food on a plate for Jamie, who made a point of eating the same things as Fred.
"she's in great pain" said Albus to Minerva Magonigal, "she hides it well" replied Minerva, "indeed she does" said Albus, "what are we going to do?" asked Minerva, "theres nothing we can do, unless she asks for the help, we can lend ears for talks, and be the best friend one can be in this situation" he replied looking at Beth who was hardly eating a thing.
Dinner in the Great hall finished and the students began to filter out, Beth and Jamie had said good bye to the students and joined the teachers in a room just of the great hall where they talked, Jamie watch the teachers fascinated by Hagrid who was enormous compared to the small boy.
As Hagrid played with Jamie on his lap, the remaining teachers, Professor Dumbledore, Professor Magonigal and Professor Snape talked, "he looks just like his father" smiled Albus, "yeah the spitting image" smiled Beth as she looked at Jamie.
The night moved on, Hagrid had left to get to his hut to feed fang, Jamie had climbed onto Beth's Lap and was lying against her chest trying to stop him self from falling asleep, but with in moments he was sound asleep on her lap.
"I should get him into bed" said Beth Standing up and lifting Jamie up so his head was leaning on his shoulders and his arms hung by his sides, "of course, if there's any thing we can do at any time, let us know" said Albus as he and Minerva left the room, "I'll take you to the guest chambers" said Severus escorting her and Jamie into the corridor.
They arrived at the guest chambers, and walked inside closing the door behind them. "I had one of the house elves bring something for you both to wear to bed" said Severus picking up 2 T-shirts, "thank you" she replied, laying Jamie down on the bed.
She sat next to Jamie's Feet, and began to unlace his shoes, Severus sat on a chair, watching.
"It suits you, you know" said Severus smiling, as Beth pulled the T-shirt gently over Jamie's head, making sure she didn't wake him. She picked him up and rolled back the covers, she gently lay him in the bed, and pulled the covers up to his stomach. "What suites me?" she asked as she folded Jamie's clothes and put them on the table. "Being a mother, you have this motherly glow about you" he replied, "its hard work I can tell you that" she replied as she pulled the curtains around the bed and sat down on the sofa in front of the burning fire place.
There was an ever-familiar silence, the sound of the fire crackling and Jamie's shallow breath filled the room.
"I wish there was something I could do" said Severus as he sat next to her on the sofa, "I wish I could take the sadness from you" he said putting his arm around her shoulders, "that would leave me with anger" said Beth, "what do you mean?" replied Severus, "if you took the sadness away, that would leave me more angry at Dan than I am right now, the sadness kind of makes me less angry, coz I'm trying to be strong for Jamie, so I forget about any anger I have towards Dan" she said looking into the fire.
"Why would you be angry with him?" asked Severus. "Because, because he left me, he left me alone in a world which used to feel complete, I'm angry because he let work run his life" she said tears in her eyes. "I'm angry that he wont see Jamie grow up, play his first game of quidditch, cast his first spell, and I'm angry he left me to raise him alone" said Beth as tears rolled down her face.
"I wish I could have protected you" said Severus bring Beth closer to him, "I'm sorry" he said kissing her head.
For the 1st time since Beth could remember her emotions ran her, instead of the other way around. She could blame it on the situation they were in, or because she was mourning the loss of her one true love. Either way, despite everything Severus spent the night with Beth.
He lay on the coach watch the flames dying with Beth sleeping naked on his chest. He stroked her face until he fell asleep.
When Severus woke seeing Beth was standing by the window, it was late in the morning, and Severus hardly ever slept in. he stood up and wrapped a sheet around his waist, he walked over to the desk and perched on the end. "Morning" he said rubbing his eyes, "where's Jamie?" he asked looking at the empty bed, "I asked George and Fred to take him for breakfast" she replied, "their in the courtyard now" she said, as she turned around and looked at Severus.
"Last night doesn't change anything" she said to him, "I'm sorry, maybe it shouldn't have happened" she said looking away, "what do you mean?" he asked as he got up and walked towards her, "I feel like I cheated on Dan again, and I hate myself for doing that, I love him with all my heart, and I don't think I could ever see my self with some one else" she said wiping a tear from her eye, "I understand, maybe I should have stopped it before it happened, but I care about you, I didn't want to se you in pain any more" he said sitting back on the table, "I don't want you to care, everyone who does care about me, or I care about dies, and I don't want that to happen to you" she said looking at him, "ok, but I will still and always will be your friend. And if theres ever anything you want, you just have to ask and I'll be there" he said as he began to get dressed.
Although Severus felt hurt that again Beth was making decisions which involved his heart, what could he do, she was a widower, single mother who was trying to keep a memory of the man she loved alive for herself, but even more for her young son. He couldn't expect her to simply fall into his arms, declare her love for him and them to live happily ever after, if that was going to happen, the decision she made about leaving Hogwarts 7 years ago, wouldn't have been made, she would proberly still be a teacher, single or maybe in love with him. But as it was she wasn't, it was clearly obvious she loved him no more than she did the day she left. But her love had groan for another person, her son.
Beth and Severus made their way to the Quidditch pitch, and saw Jamie with Fred who was waiting for her with Jamie who was wearing Gryffindor colours, proberly Fred's scarf and was looking excited.
"Thanks Fred," she said as she picked up Jamie, "go Gryffdor" he shouted as he, Beth and Severus made their way to the teachers stand.
The game had begun, Jamie sat in between Beth and Albus looking amazed as the players flew over head, calling "Go Gryffdor" when he saw Fred and George walk into the rows of seats opposite them.
Professor Dumbledore seemed to enjoy the company, Jamie was talking to him about Fred and George, and making him cheer for Gryffindor, although some how Albus had managed to get Jamie to cheer for Huffelpuff too, saying that they were playing a great game. When Albus pointed out a Huffelpuff player Jamie stood up and cheered, "Go Hufflypuff" causing some of the teachers to laugh.
When the game had finished, Beth didn't waste any time in leaving. She had to get back to London so that William, Dan's father, could spend some time with his only grandson.
She said goodbye to the teachers, hugging Albus, Severus, Hagrid and Minerva, and saying good bye to the students, letting Jamie hug Fred and George, and give little kisses to Angelina, Katie and Hermione. Hagrid walked them down the path to a carriage, with Albus had arranged to take them back to Hogswood.
"You take care little man, and look after your mummy" Hagrid said as he picked Jamie up and put him in the carriage, "thanks Hagrid, see you soon ok" said Beth hugging him again, "now don't you be a stranger ok" he said as he closed to carriage door, "you come back soon and bring little Jamie too" he said as the carriage began to leave.
Things moved along as usual at Hogwarts, although Severus felt as though something had been lifted from his shoulders after seeing and spending the night with Beth.
He couldn't say he wasn't surprised when he found out the Beth had a child, he was, he thought Beth marry Dan was bad enough, but having a child with him was worse to him, although he had to keep reminding him self that he shouldn't speak ill of the dead.
Severus received the occasional letter from Beth, although he wrote to her when ever he could. Her replies were short normally saying that she was fine, so was Jamie, and that she wasn't sure when they would next been in Hogswood. But Severus just thought he should be grateful that he is getting a reply, after all he spent 7 years with out knowing where she was. So even though the letters were short, not even long enough to fill a piece of parchment, he was happy he had word from her.
Beth had been spending a lot of time in her family home. Jamie hadn't really spent much time with his Uncle and Grandmother, and Beth thought it would be the perfect opportunity to spend some time with them, and to get away from London.
When they got back to London after spending a night in Hogwarts, William Harris, had taken Jamie for some alone time. Returning a week later with Jamie hooked on Quidditch, along with new toys, cloths, books and posters of teams for his bedroom.
She appreciated the help, but she felt out of place, even in her own home. Jamie was more family to the Harris's despite Beth being married to William's son, Jamie was blood family, and was treated as such. Although Beth wasn't treated badly, she knew William wanted to make up some time with Jamie that he had missed when Dan was growing up.
Back at her family home in Little Hampton Beth sat out in the garden watch Jamie playing with his Uncle rob, Rob didn't have any kids him self so enjoyed his time with his nephew.
"So are you going to tell him" said Beth's mother June, as she came out holding to glasses of water, and kissing her on the head, "tell who?" she asked taking a glass, "who ever the father is" she said sitting down.
"Mum, its complicated, I don't even know if he wants children" she replied looking at him. "Liz. He has a right to know. And you have to tell him. You can leave Jamie here if you like and meet him in Hogsmead I am sure they have a school trip planned soon" said June as she held her daughter's free hand.
"If and when I do it, I think Jamie will come with me, gives me an excuse if he reacts badly" smiled Beth. "So your going to tell him?" asked June "most proberly" she replied looking at Jamie.
It had been 7 months since Beth had seen Severus, making it 14 months since Dan had died. Jamie was now 6 years old, and she was 7 months pregnant with Severus's child, the out come of their night together.
"Maybe I shouldn't tell him, just move on, me Jamie and the baby" she smiled looking at her mothers, who suddenly didn't have a smile on her face, "Elizabeth Jane Harris, well I never" she replied, "I'm joking mother" she said smiling, "you better be missy, because if I find out you haven't told him I will" she said softly hitting her hand, "mother, you don't even know who he is" she replied "I can find out" replied June.
Beth had written to Severus asking for a meeting on the next hogsmead visit, which turned out to be 3 days away. She had already packed and gone to the house in Hogswood when she had the reply.
Severus couldn't wait until Hogsmead, he had rushed the Slytherin students out of the common room so that he could get to Hogsmead faster.
Beth walked slowly down the street, Jamie holding her hand, trying to catch site of his friends Fred and George Weasly.
Beth wore a long black Jacket, which came to her knees hiding her growing bump on her stomach. She waited outside a café, with Jamie eagerly looking around.
Suddenly Severus came into view, he waved at Beth, who slightly smiled before putting her eyes back on Jamie.
"Hi" he said when he got closer, "hi" she replied as they set of walking down the street. They walked to the park where Severus had spotted her 7 months ago.
"Off you go" she said to Jamie letting go of his hand as he ran to the swings.
"He's gotten bigger" smiled Severus, "that's not the only thing" replied Beth, "sorry?" he asked looking puzzled. "Nothing" replied Beth as she looked at him.
"I'm glad you asked me to meet you" said Severus leaning back on the bench, "I missed you" he finished looking at her.
"I asked you here for one reason" she said taking her eyes of Jamie, "oh what's that?" asked Severus looking at her.
Before Beth could answer Jamie came back over and hugged Beth, "what's up" she asked looking at him "nothing I just wanted to give the baby as kiss" he smiled kissing her stomach, "baby?" said Severus, "yup, mummy's giving me a new brother" he smiled before running off to the swings, "Jamie" said Beth angrily. Maybe bring Jamie along wasn't such a good idea after all.
"your having a baby?" asked Severus looking at her, not believing what had just come out of Jamie's mouth. "yeah" she replied looking at him. "So you met some one?" he asked, "not exactly" she replied, "what do you mean not exactly?" he asked "how far gone are you?" he asked looking at her stomach, which he couldn't really see because of her jacket, "7 months" she replied looking at him "well it cant be Dan's so." started Severus, "so. that would make it." prompted Beth, "mine?" he said looking at her. "Give this man a medal" she said sarcastically, "I cant believe this" said Severus looking pale, "you better because its true" said Beth as she stood up and took of her coat revealing a large bump on her stomach.
Beth sat down and put Severus's hand on her stomach to let him feel the baby move, "I cant deal with this" he said as he got up and left the park, "Severus, come back, where are you going?" called Beth. Severus didn't answer.
That was the stupidest thing Severus could have done. It haunted him from the moment he heard Beth calling him back. His thoughts were always filling his head, "she's having your baby" "why did you leave that could have been your chance" how was he supposed to react. She had waited until 2 months before the baby was due to inform him he was going to be a father. But he couldn't help feeling guilty about waking out on her.
Severus had written so many times to Beth all of the letters had been returned unopened.
Beth was hurt when Severus had walked out of the park. She was alone again.
When Severus finally received a letter it wasn't from Beth, but her mother June. Informing him that she had given birth to his child. It was so impersonal it made him feel a million times worse than he already did. He had missed the birth of his only child.
He had been sent a single photograph of the new baby, with a note saying, "baby girl, born August 7th at St Mungo's hospital London. Mother and baby are fine" he looked at the picture of his daughter she looked beautiful. For a moment his guilt went.
Over the next years, Beth had never met with Severus, and Severus never met his daughter, he had received pictures from Beth on birthdays and Christmas, and Severus had sent presents for Jamie and the new baby, which he never the new name of, but they were returned unopened.
When Severus realised the only time he would be able to talk to Beth and see his daughter, it had been 5 years. And he knew exactly where they would be.
"Mum, its here its here" called a boys voice as he ran into the room, "your letter's arrived?" asked Beth, the boy, now an 11 year old Jamie, opened his letter, "Mr Harris, you have been accepted the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" he read trying to hold in his excitement, he handed his mother the school list, and grabbed his jacket from the rack pulling it on, "you want to go now" asked Beth, "yeah its only 10, come on" he said grabbing a long black Jacket and a small blue one, he threw his mother his jacket and knelt down on the floor and began to put the small blue jacket on his sister.
They were ready. They stepped to the fireplace, and Jamie stood in impatiently, "ok you know what to do" said Beth holding a small pot of floo powder "Diagon Ally" shouted Jamie clearly as a huge flame of green smoke covered him, and he disappeared. Beth picked up the small girl who was looking up the chimney, she still didn't understand how floo powder worked but loved travelling that way. Beth put the school list in her pocket and held tight to her daughter, as she threw the powder on the fireplace shouting "Diagon Ally" and she too disappeared.
Diagon ally was full of new students buying their supplies for their new term as well as older students buying new supplies. "Come on mum" said Jamie pulling her along. They headed down to Gringots wizard back to get some money.
When they emerged Diagon ally had gotten busier. Jamie had walked off towards 'Olivander's' wand shop, and was waiting impatiently outside. Beth followed holding her daughter tightly. As she came to the shop she saw Jamie talking to a tall dark hared man. As she got closer she noticed it was the man she hoped it wouldn't have been, Severus Snape.
Beth stopped before Severus could notice her, and put her daughter down on the ground, "go into that shop there, where Jamie is and wait for me, don't talk to any one ok" she said touching her head. The little girl nodded and walked to the shop, she was small enough to walk straight past Jamie and Severus and into the shop with out being noticed.
Beth walked over to the shop, "Jamie, go inside and get started I'll be in there in a bit ok" she said as Jamie looked at her, and walked inside closing the door behind him.
"What are you doing here?" asked Beth angrily, "I wanted to see you, and my daughter" he said looking at her wondering where the child was. "Why? You didn't want to know when you found out I was having your child. Why would you want to know now?" she said looking at him, "I'm sorry, I was a bit shocked that's all" he said, "you never gave me a chance to make it up to you" he finished, "I'm sorry if I didn't let you, I didn't think you deserved it" she replied coldly.
"I didn't think it would be the right message to put out to my son having a man around who thinks it ok to leave the person he got pregnant in the 1st place" she said about to turn away, "please, I'm sorry, but you cant stop me from seeing my child. I'm regret walking away, I made a mistake, you have to" said Severus looking at her.
"This isn't about me, this is about a little girl, who because of you has spent 5 years of her life with out a father" said Beth.
"Its bad enough having one child with out a father, I didn't expect to raise another child with out a father" she said turning away, but Severus grabbed her arm and turned her around. "Please let me make it up to, I'm sorry and I want to be there for you'll, I want to do my bit in raising our child, I'll give you back child support.." he started, "this isn't about money, Dan and I have enough for me to raise both kids" she said, "I'm sorry, just don't walk away, or wont be any better than me" said Severus as she put her hand on the door handle.
Beth stood staring at the door, "I don't want to take away your chance to be the father I always thought you would be" she said turning to him, "but I cant stand being hurt again, and I wont let my children be hurt by any one, not even you" she said looking at him, "I wont hurt you I promise. I'm in love with you" he said.
"Severus, we're doing this for Danielle" she said looking at him, "Danielle" he repeated, "yeah" she replied, expecting him to say something about it being a girls version of her late husbands name, "I like it" he said smiling.
Beth lead Severus into the shop where Jamie was waving a wand around, "this is it mum" he said smiling and handing the wand back to Mr Olivander who put it back in the box and placed it in a bad, "10 inch oak wood, with unicorn hair" said Mr Olivander looking at Beth, Beth walked over and paid for the wand.
A small girl with curly black and green eyes, sat on the floor in the corner looking at a book, "Danni" called Beth, and she looked up and smiled, walking over and getting picked up by Beth. "This is your Daddy," said Beth as she pointed to Severus, "Severus, this is Danni, your daughter" she said smiling.
Severus looked at the girl in Beth's arms who looked a bit puzzled, "hi" he said looking at her, "hi" she replied in a soft voice, "ready mum" said Jamie as he stood by the door, "yeah" she replied as they left the shop. "can I hold her" asked Severus, looking at Danni, "sure" she said handing her over, Danni still looked puzzled she looked at the man holding her, and put her small arm around his neck, she smiled, she looked just like Beth, which he thought was lucky, as he wouldn't wish a little girl to look like him!
They walked into Florish and Blotts book shop, and follow Jamie as he proceeded to pick up his books listed on the parchment he got with his letter.
"I'm 5" said Danni as they waited for Jamie to finish getting his books, "I no" replied Severus looking at her, "how old are you?" she asked innocently, "Danni" smiled Beth, "old" he replied looking at him, "what's your name?" she said looking at him, "Severus" he replied, looking into her green eyes, "mmmm, I don't like it" she replied, making Beth and Severus laugh, "can I call you dad?" she said looking at him, Severus looked at Beth, who gave a slight nod, "sure" he replied, "ok dad" she said smiling.
Beth went and paid for Jamie's books while he waited with Danni, and Severus, for her to get back. When she did she handed the books over to Jamie, who looked at the list for the next shop they had to go to.
By the time the day had ended, Jamie had all his school supplies, and they managed to pick up some new clothes and things for Danni.
"Well, that's it then" said Beth as they walked out of the last shop. "Yeah I think so" replied Jamie, checking his list, "check it when we get home if we forgot anything we'll come back" said Beth messing up his hair.
"I think we're going home now" said Danni who was holding onto Severus hand while they walked down the street, "I think you are too" he replied looking down at her. "you can come over, I don't mind" said Danni as they came to the place they arrived at earlier that morning, "Mummy, can daddy some over for, for, to see our house?" asked Danni as she let go of Severus's hand, and was picked up by Beth, "if he has nothing else to do" she replied, looking at him, "no, I'm free till school starts" he said smiling, "ok then" Beth said, she had a weird feeling in her stomach, but walked towards the large fire place and got in the small queue.
"Jamie you go first" said Beth when Jamie was finally at the front of the line, "see you in a bit" he said standing in the fireplace, taking a handful of floo power and shouting, "7 Granville place, London" and he disappeared, Beth stepped into the fireplace, Danni in her arms and the rest of Jamie's things she took the floo powder and shouted "7 Granville place, London" and she to disappeared. Severus followed suit, and was engulfed in a big green flame. Before his eyes, the rooms changed and he was suddenly in a large living room, with a few dolls on the floor and computer games stacked in the corner, "sorry about the mess" said Beth as she put Jamie's things down on the table, and Danni down on the sofa, she started to pick up the dolls from the floor.
"Jay, take this stuff up stairs, and we'll look at it properly tomorrow" said Beth, as she closed the lid to a large wooden toy chest, "k" replied Jamie, as he grabbed his stuff and left the room.
"Wanna see my room Dad" said Danni, who was now next to his leg, "sure thing sweetheart" he replied as Danni took his hand and lead him out of the room.
When he got into the hall way, the wall which lead up stairs was covered with family pictures, pictures of Beth and Dan, Beth and Jamie, Dan and Jamie, Jamie and Danni, Danni and Beth, and a few others of the kids with various members of the family, Danni pulled him up stairs and along a corridor.
"this is my room" she said as they walked past Jamie's room which was covered in posters of the Chudley Cannons a various Muggle music bands.
Danni pushed the door open to a fairly large room, the walls were a light shade of pink with pictures of unicorns and fairies painted on. Her bed was in the corner, with pink bed covers, and a few white teddies sat on the bed, which was neatly made.
There were a few toy boxes, with toys hanging out, small book shelves with a verity of different books. And there were framed pictures along the walls, with a small coat rack in the shape of a pair of fairy wings.
Danni ran over to her bed and pulled a teddy off, and ran back, "this is snappy" she said showing him, "wow he's nice" replied Severus taking the bear from her and looking closely. He walked over to the bed and sat down putting the teddy bear back in place.
"And this is my cupboard with all my, my, my clothes" she said running over to a wooden cupboard opening the doors, to reveal 2 racks of different clothes, skirts, dresses, shorts and trousers. With a rack of small shoes on the bottom.
"this is a great room you have here" said Severus as he looked around, "yup, mummy did it when me and Jamie was at our grandma's house" she said standing still and looking around, "this is a picture of me and Jamie, when I was still a baby" she said showing him the picture, "this is a picture of Jamie and my other daddy" she said pointing to a picture of Jamie and Dan. Severus got up and walked over looking at the picture, "yeah Jamie's Daddy" he said picking her up, "yeah but mummy said he's my daddy too" she said smiling at him, "any way this is.." She started, "hey why don't we got back down stairs and you can show me the rest later" he said as they walked down stairs.
When they got down stairs Severus heard voices coming from the living room, Danni had wormed her way down and was running around the corridor jumping and 'playing fairy'
"I wish dad was here" said Jamie who was sat on the couch leaning against him mother, "yeah me to, but he's watching us, and I bet he is so proud of you going to Hogwarts, and the way you've looked after me and your sister" she said as she kissed him on the head, Severus walked in quietly and sat down on a spare seat, and smiled at Beth and Jamie, who smiled back. Danni came in shortly after and started getting toys out.
"so what do you guys want for dinner" she said looking at Danni who was pretending to read a book, but it was up side down. "Pizza?" replied Jamie looking at Beth, "Danni do you want pizza tonight?" asked Beth as she looked at Danni.
Danni ran over and climbed on to Beth and Jamie, "yeah but no bits on, just cheesy with red juice" she said smiling, "ok, plain it is" replied Beth, "Severus, you want pizza?" she asked "sure" he replied smiling back, "plain cheese or Italian sausage?" she said looking at him, "either I don't mind" he said looking at Jamie, Danni, and Beth, "ok settled, Jamie, if you call the pizza place, and order 1 plain cheese, and one Italian sausage" she said as Jamie got up and went to the phone.
"mum, Danni wont leave me alone and I'm trying to order the pizza" shouted Jamie from the hall way, "Danni" shouted Beth, she looked at Severus, "she thinks its funny to mess around when your on the phone" smiled Beth, "Danni" she called again but still no answer, "mum" shouted Jamie, "Danielle Marie Harris, get your tiny butt in here now" she said with a smile on her face.
"Danielle Harris?" said Severus looking at Beth, "yeah, you didn't want anything to with us, so I made the decision for her to have the same name as Jamie and me" she said looking at him, "yeah, I proberly would have to" replied Severus smiling, "sorry" said Beth getting up and walking into the hall way.
She returned moments later with a laughing Danni who was being held up side down by her ankles, Beth dropped her gently on the sofa and began to tickle her, "what have I told you about annoying your brother when he's on the phone" she said over the load laughing.
It was beautiful. Watching a mother playing with her daughter and Severus being in the same room to watch it. It felt like a family. One yesterday he didn't have.
While they waited for the pizza to arrive, Beth offered to take a picture of Severus and Danni for him to keep, he agreed and they had their first picture together, "Jamie you wanna get in to?" asked Beth, "why he's not my dad" replied Jamie who was involved with a muggle computer game. "Jamie" said Beth with the sound of amazement in her voice. "what its true" he replied not looking at her.
"Its ok" said Severus as Danni jumped down from his lap and walked over to Jamie smacking him over the head, "ow" said Jamie as he turned around, "what was that for?" he said getting up. "your being horrible to my dad" she said looking up at him, "go away" he said pushing her gently, "Danielle, come here" said Beth pulling her arm, "don't smack your brother" she said looking angrily at her, "he didn't do anything to you" she said letting go of her arm, and Danni went into the corner and sulked. Jamie sat on the sofa next to Beth, and Beth put her arm around him and hugged him kissing his head.
"You ok?" she asked. Jamie didn't respond.
The Pizza arrived shortly after and they began to eat. Danni was showing off in the middle of the floor, but manage to keep the pizza to her face and hands.
Severus watched and laughed when ever she did something cute or funny. While Jamie stayed sat next to his mum not saying anything.
Beth was always reminding Danni to chew, and to make sure she didn't drop any pizza any where.
By the time 10pm came, Danni was asleep on the sofa, and Jamie was still lent against his mum who still had her arm around him.
"I think its time for bed" she said tapping Jamie on the shoulder, "you wanna take Danni?" she asked Severus, "sure" he said getting up and following Beth and Jamie up the stairs.
"Go wash up" she said to Jamie as she switch a small lamp on in Danni's room. Beth started pulling the bed covers back and putting the teddies apart from snappy on the floor. She took out some wet cloths, and wiped over her face and hands once more, to get any dirt of them after the pizza. "We better get her changed" she said looking at Severus. "Its ok I'll show you" she said smiling.
Jamie stood in the doorway, but he wasn't noticed. Beth pulled out a pair of pyjama's from the dresser and walked back over to Severus. "Just lay her on the bed" she said sitting next to her, "she's a pretty heavy sleeper so she shouldn't wake up" smiled Beth, "just take of her shoe, you can do the other one" she smiled as she watch Severus slowly take of the small shoe and sock and place them on the floor.
"then do her top" she said lifting Danni up so that her head was on her shoulder, Severus gently undid the buttons which were down the back of the small white shirt, "ok, now take her, and pull it of" she said as she handed Danni to Severus and pulled she shirt away from her body.
She continued to show Severus how to put her pyjama top on with out waking her up, and then her pyjama bottoms. "and there you go" she said handing Danni over to Severus, "just tuck her in and make sure she has snappy" said Beth kissing Danni on the head and walking towards the door, which no longer had Jamie leaning against it.
"Hey" said Beth as she knocked and entered Jamie's room, he was already in bed.
"You ok babe?" she asked sitting next to him and putting her arm around him, "yeah" he replied. "Fancy telling me what down stairs was all about?" she asked, "why should I have a picture with Severus, he's not my family" said Jamie as he leant his head against Beth's chest, "yeah I no, but he's Danni's family" started Beth, "and she loves him" she said.
"How can she love him, she only met him today" said Jamie, with a slight sound of anger in his voice, "yeah but you know Danni, she's a loving person, she loves your dad, and she hasn't met him" she answered, "I wish dad was here now" said Jamie, "me too babes me too. And I know its rough growing up with out a daddy, but we have to try hard for Danni, because I know you don't want her to grow up the same" she said kissing his head, "no, I want her to be happy" he said, "and Severus makes her happy, so we have to try ok, coz your going to be seeing him more at school and around here" she said.
She got up and walked to the door, "night Jay" she said standing by the door with her hand on the light switch, "night mum, Night DAD" he shouted as he looked up at the ceiling. Beth switched the light of and closed the door. Severus was stood in the hall way waiting.
"Danni get on ok?" she asked, "yeah fine, Jamie?" he asked as they walked down the stairs. "Look at this already acting like an old married couple" said Beth as they walked into the living room.
"sorry about Jamie" said Beth as she dropped onto the sofa, "its ok" replied Severus sitting in the arm chair, "he misses his dad" continued Beth, "understandable" replied Severus.
At around 1 am, Severus was about to return to Hogwarts via Floo Powder, "you know tomorrow is Danni's birthday right" said Beth as she sat on the sofa looking at Severus, "yeah, its ok that I come over yeah?" he asked getting into the fireplace, "yeah around 9?" she answered, "see you then" he replied, calling "Hogwarts" and throwing the floo powder down, and he was gone. Beth picked up the last of the toys before going to bed.
It was 6am when Beth woke up, she walked quietly into the hall, hearing Danni playing with some toys. She continued to walk down stairs and into the living room.
It was August 7th, Danni's 6th birthday, and 3 weeks until Jamie went to Hogwarts.
The room was quiet, all though later that day it wouldn't be, they were expecting family, both Beth's and Dan's, friends from the ministry, a few friends of Jamie's who would be attending school with him. And a few people with kids for Danni to play with. After all it was hard to let Danni make friends with muggles, with out thinking that Danni would start taking about the floo network, post arriving with owls, magic wands and Diagon Ally.
It was around 7am when Danni made her way down stairs, expecting to see Severus still there. But he wasn't. she walked over to Beth and climbed onto her lap "here's my birthday girl" said Beth giving her a huge kiss, "happy birthday babe" she said hugging her tightly, "where's daddy" said Danni looking around, "he went home last night, he'll be back later" replied Beth picking her up and walking to the kitchen, "how about some breakfast?" she said smiling, "why isn't daddy here" said Danni, as Beth sat her on the counter top.
"Because he doesn't live here, now what do you want for breakfast?" she asked looking at Danni, "but Jamie's daddy lived here, why cant mine" she asked as she got up and walked along the counter top pulling out a box of cereal, and gave it to Beth.
Beth sat down on a stool and put her hands on Danni's knees. "Jamie's daddy, and me were married, so people who are married live together, that's why he lived here" she said looking at Danni, "what's married, and why aren't you married to my dad? If you were married to Jamie's you should be married to mine" said Danni looking at Beth.
"See this ring here" said Beth pointing to her engagement ring, "I like that ring" replied Danni touching it, "this is called an engagement ring, and Jamie's daddy gave it to me because he loved me and wanted to be my husband. He wanted to live with me forever and ever" said Beth trying to make it so Danni understood, "and this ring" continued Beth pointing to her wedding band, "I like the other one better" said Danni. Beth smiled.
"this one shows people that mummy's married to Jamie's dad, and it tells people that mummy cant go out with any one else but Jamie's dad" she said. "but why?" asked Danni.
Just then the kitchen door opened and Jamie walked in, "Because my dad loves mum, and even though he's not here, she is married to him and doesn't want to be with anyone else" said Jamie as he walked over to the fridge, Danni poked her tongue out at him. "Morning" said Beth, "hi" replied Jamie as he sat on a chair next to Beth.
"Happy birthday Danni" he said as he kissed his sister on the cheek.
After breakfast they went into the living room, where Beth gave Danni her birthday presents, and Jamie gave her, his.
By the time, Danni was dressed in a new dress and shoes, and was down stairs showing Jamie, all her things, even though he had already seen them.
At around 8:45am people had started arriving, bringing more presents. So by the time Severus had arrived, the house was buzzing with kids running around, cards every where and people talking and laughing. "Daddy!" shouted Danni, as the same Severus appear in the fireplace, "happy birthday darling" he said kissing her on the cheek and putting down a bag of presents. "these are for you" he said smiling and putting her down, and watching her opened each one revealing something cute, pink, or cuddly. "Thanks" she said getting up and kissing him, after she had taken 15 minutes opening presents, she ran to show Jamie what she got while, Severus went to find Beth.
"Good morning" Severus said to Beth when he finally found her, "hi" she said smiling and excusing herself from the people she was talking to.
They walked into the living room from the kitchen sat on the sofa watching Danni showing Jamie her things. "Your going to one of those dads who spoils there kids" she said smiling, "and Dan wasn't?" he replied smiling, "yeah, I guess its fair" she replied looking at her kids.
"Beth darling William has arrived" said Beth's mother as she came into the living room, "ok," she replied getting up, "mum, this is Severus, Danni's father, Severus this is my mother June" she said leaving the room to greet her father in law.
"nice to meet you" he said holding out his hand, "you to, what exactly is it you do?" she asked taking a seat next to him on the sofa, "I'm a professor at Hogwarts" he replied, "ah that's right potions teacher, Beth did mention it" she said looking at her grandchildren.
Beth came back into the room with William Harris, Dan's father, "Severus this is Jamie's grandfather, William Harris, Will this is Severus Danni's father" he said introducing them, "good to finally meet you" said William.
"Jamie, Grandad's here" she said getting his attention, "about time" he smiled getting up and hugging his grandfather.
"Now where's my granddaughter" said William messing around, "I cant see her" he smiled at Jamie, "I'm here" said Danni, "No that cant be Danielle, your to big" he said picking her up and hugging her tightly.
It was pretty uncomfortable for Severus during the day when the family and friends were around, every one knew him as not wanting to be involved. William, Dan's father, gave the impression he didn't like Severus, but then the man getting his daughter in law pregnant other than his son wouldn't go down to well with the family.
Jamie spent most of the day trying to teach William how to play the muggle computer games, while Danni spent the day running around playing with her friends and showing Severus different things which she couldn't show him yesterday.
Over all the day was a success. The family loved being over and seeing the kids, Jamie loved being around his dad's family, especially his grandfather, and Beth loved having other people to talk to other than an 11 year old, and 6 year old.
Severus also enjoyed the day, spending a whole day with his daughter on her birthday was something he never thought he would be able to do, it was a dream come true.
The weeks after Danni's birthday saw Severus more and more involved with his daughter, taking her places, and spoiling her rotten. Jamie was preparing to leave for school. And Beth was trying to prepare to be in a house with out the one person who she could look at and see two people instead of one, her son, and her husband.
"Get up Jamie, get dressed we're going to be late" said Beth opening Jamie's door. She walked into Danni's room, she was on the floor playing with toys, and Beth thanked god that she had bathed her the night before, she picked out her cloths and laid them on the bed before rushing back to make sure Jamie was awake, he was and was changing into his Muggle cloths.
She rushed into her own room, and got dressed into a pair of jeans and a T- shirt, and hurried into the bath room to put her make up on and do her hair. She had showered, and brushed her teeth, before waking Jamie.
She ran into Danni's room who was still playing with her toys, "Danni, come her let get you dressed we have to get Jamie to kings cross" she said sitting on her bed.
She got Danni dressed and went down stairs to give them breakfast, while Danni was eating she did her hair, and while Jamie was eating she made sure everything was in his trunk as well as a picture of herself and his dad. She locked the trunk and walked behind the counter and pulled out an large barn own in a cage.
Jamie was shocked, "you needed one, and we didn't get on in Diagon Ally I thought I would surprise you" she said smiling, as Jamie just stared, "your dad always said he wanted you to have an owl" she smiled kissing Jamie on the head, "what's his name" he asked taking a closer look and stroking its feathers, "Harris" she replied, "but if you don't like it you can change it" she replied "I love it thanks" he replied hugging her tightly.
"right lets get going" she said grabbing Danni from the stool and walking into the hall way, Jamie put his owl on top of his trunk and grabbed his coat, handing Danni's over at the same time. Beth put her jacket on and Danni's and grabbed the other end of the trunk and lifted it out into the car.
"times like these you just need your dad around" Beth smiled looking at Jamie, and Danni.
They set of the kings cross. They arrived and got a trolley to put Jamie's stuff on, and made their way into the station, walking towards platform 10.