Broken Hearts
The upcoming weeks leading to Andromeda's birthday, Severus avoided Hero wherever possible. He reconciled with Remus; apologising profoundly for his insults about Remus' wife and his own mother-in-law. Andromeda returned to him, and he found Andromeda on the eve of her birthday, snuggled into him. He was as apprehensive as she was. The little girl had began murmuring in her sleep again, Severus thought as he stirred from his shallow sleep.
"You'll be home by my birthday? You promise?" She fought with the duvet. It then appeared she was still talking to Hermione, but in a different tense. "You promised mommy. You promised you'd be back." Severus shot up and listened to his daughters conversation. "Mommy, Where are you?" She question the voice Severus couldn't hear with harshness. "Did you find him? Is that why you are there?"
"Where is she honey?" Severus questioned the girl softly. She hadn't heard him and he was beginning to worry.
"No mommy! Daddy and I still love you; you can't stay there. Please come home. Please come home. Please come home." Andromeda pleaded to the darkness, Severus began shaking her awake. "He's dead. He's dead. He's dead. He's dead."
"ANDROMEDA!" Severus shouted, his daughter in his arms. Her frightened, cold eyes shot open and Severus lit the room with his wand. "What happened?" The girl was drenched in cold sweat.
"Mommy." Andromeda cried. "Mommy is scared and alone. We have to save her. She can't come home."
"Andy, it was just a dream." He held the girls head, forcing her to look at him. "It was just a dream." He cooed, settling her back down on the bed, dulling the light that was being emitted from his wand. "She'll be here in a few hours. I promise." Don't make promises to your child Sev. He warned himself and he leaned over to see if she was still awake. She was asleep. He followed suit. Sleeping until a soft banging was heard on the door. Severus awoke to a sun filled bedroom. He opened the door to greet Draco and his now very heavily, unseen, pregnant wife. She was having twins, she was sure of it. Severus couldn't see her head for the humongous present she was carrying. Draco insisted that he wanted to carry it, but a radiant red head came from behind the present to inform him under no circumstances was Draco getting the credit for the present. Behind them appeared Mrs Lupin, who informed Severus that Remus had a lesson and would be up shortly. He was teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts to fifth year Ravenclaws. Just as he went to close the door a voice stopped him.
"Dear boy, don't think I'm missing this little girls fifth birthday." A rather out of breath Minerva came into view behind the closing door.
"You're back!" Severus smiled hugging the headmistress. "How was it at the ministry." It was the first time he had seen her in a month. At times like these the head was never away from the ministry; talking war tactics, school strategies and at the moment, the disappearance of Hermione Snape. Although Minerva wasn't going to let Severus in on that just yet.
"They are cracking down on everything. We are getting moderators in September to make sure we are teaching the Adults of the Future correctly." She intoned handing Severus her present. He refused.
"She's in there. Give to her yourself."
"Any news on Hermione? Did you finalise the divorce?" He looked to the floor. He didn't want to ruin his daughters day. "I can't believe she is doing this to you my boy. After all you two have been through to get together. I swear to you something's afoot." She began rambling, while Severus ushered her into the bedroom where Andromeda sat shyly on the bed. Staring at the presents before her. This wasn't like Andromeda, she loved to open presents, she loved being the centre of attention. A trait she didn't receive from either Severus or Hermione. It was something that was taught to her; by Ronald Weasley. That man sure had a lot to answer for. Severus took a moment to wish that he was there.
"Well. Go on then. Get opening them." Severus jumped down beside her. She shook her head. "Sweetie. Why not?" He questioned as she burred her head into his chest. If she couldn't see the guests; they wouldn't be there. "Andy, why not?"
"I'm not opening them without Mommy." The air turned icy cold. Andromeda would not have a good day until Hermione arrived. And as soon as Hermione arrived, Andromeda would be taken away and Severus would not have a good day.
"I don't think she'll be here until this afternoon." Ginny assured her. Not really knowing when Hermione would eventually turn up. "She won't mind if you open your presents." Ginny was desperate to see Andromeda open her presents, see her face light up as the wrapping unveiled things that she wanted.
"No!" Andromeda wailed. "NNNNNOOOOOOOO!" She began kicking the bed, screaming at the top of her voice. Andromeda had never acted like this. Severus put it down to the dream she had.
"Stop that." Severus said calmly. "You don't have to open them now." She stopped. "Why don't me and you go into town, and buy you a new dress for when your mum comes home; so you look all fresh and pretty-"
"Are you going to get a dress too daddy? So you look fresh and pretty." His child was being cheeky, she wasn't stupid, she knew only girls wore dresses.
"Why, do you want me to wear a dress?" He asked, grinning from ear to ear. She nodded. He kissed her forehead. "As you wish my princess." She howled with laughter.
"Silly Billy!" She hadn't laughed like that in a long time. She hadn't laughed like that since Hermione had been gone.
"Go get washed and dress." He put her on the floor and she ran into the bathroom. Her grandmother went to go after her. Andromeda stopped her.
"Don't need you Gamma. I'm five. I'm all grown up now. I can get a wash by myself thank you." With that she snapped the door shut. Severus blinked away tears. Tears only Minerva saw. She joined him on the bed.
"We won't let her take Andromeda. She can't put you through this and take her." She whispered into his ear. He nodded to her.
"So Ginny." He stood. "The garden ready?" He asked. They were having a fairy themed picnic out in one of the secret gardens. The one Severus had caught Draco and Hermione in when they were still in school. The one himself and Hermione returned to for many years when they skived off lessons knowing no one would find them.
"Yes. Harry's gone into the woods to invite some fairies, he knows a few" Ginny stifled a laughed. Everyone saw the implication, but they found it inappropriate to laugh when Severus clearly didn't find it funny. It did however, explain his absence, even if Andromeda hadn't noticed. It appeared Andromeda only wanted to see one person. Hermione.
"Do you like this one?" Andromeda appeared from the dressing room wearing a pale yellow summer dress. The skirt stuck out delicately. He adored it. But it made her hair look too harsh. If only she had her mothers hair. The dress would look perfect. However the only colours that wouldn't make the girls hair too harsh were too dark for a blazing sunny day like today. Perhaps he could do something with her hair to tone it down. "Daddy? Don't you like it."
"I love it." He'd gotten lost in his thoughts. "We'll take it." He said to the witch who stood behind her. Andromeda went to get changed. "What do you think you're doing. It's your birthday dress." He stood and hugged the girl. Handing over money at the same time. "You are wearing it all day!"
"Thank you daddy." She hugged him harder. "I love you." It was the first time in a while she had actually he said it. It brought a tear to his eye.
"I love you too my birthday girl." He picked her up and left the shop, only to stumble upon Hero as the stepped out onto the street. She'd been looking for them. Present in hand. "Hello." He regarded her coldly.
"I need to talk to you." She replied hastily before addressing Andromeda. "Happy Birthday. Here's your present. And I would like to buy you an ice cream. If that's ok?" Her attention had returned to Severus.
"Why don't you run over and pick out what you want." Severus nudged Andromeda in the direction of the ice cream parlour, directly opposite were they stood. Once the girl was out of ear shot he turned back to Hero. "What?!"
"First. Ginny's gone into labour. Stupid husband of hers gave her apricots." Hero now, to Severus' eyes, seemed a little out of breath. "It's only just started, so it may be some time before she gives birth-"
"But she's almost a month early. Is there no way to stop it?" Severus asked bewildered. He had never heard that apricots prompted early labour. Hero shook her head. "Second?" Hero looked at him strangely. "You said First. Ginny's gone into labour."
"Erm-" She didn't want to tell him. She wore a glare that told him she didn't want him to shoot the messenger.
"What?" Severus shouted, getting the attention of passers-by. She wouldn't look at him. She feared his response for what she had to say. He feared what she had to say. But he still wanted to know. "Hero?!" He warned.
"Hermione's not coming." There were tears of fear in her eyes.
"Oh God." Severus whispered. His worst fear coming true. Yes, he would get to keep Andromeda; but at the price of her broken heart. Could he really watch that? "How'd you know?" He growled.
"Her mother received an owl, with a present for Andy." Hero explained. She paused giving him time to process this new information. "Er- Severus. Draco is asking for you. I can bring Andromeda home with me?!" She offered. "It'll give you time to think of something. You can't just tell her, her mother's abandoned her."
"That's very nice but we both know you and my daughter-" Severus didn't know how to phrase it.
"-She hates me." Hero finished. "Don't worry. She'll be fine. I'll tire her out, bring her home and come and find you." She left him for the ice cream parlour without another word. He wanted to protest. He didn't trust the woman with his daughter. However, Andromeda seemed happy enough. And if Draco needed him....
"Draco?" Severus skidded to the door of the hospital wing. Draco, Harry and Minerva stood outside. Draco looked terrible. He collapsed into his godfathers arms. His skin was clammy to Severus' touch. "Draco?" He questioned as a scream rattled the door. She was in pain, excruciating, agonising pain. Hermione didn't have this problem when she was giving birth to Andromeda. She was in pain; however she said the pain of a broken heart was much more painful.
"I poisoned her." He whimpered as Severus mopped his brow. "I didn't know. Hero offered me them; I didn't think." Neither did Severus. No warning bells went off inside his head. Hero had said it was Draco's idea; she even referred to him as stupid. However had Hero of know about this reaction, wouldn't she have warned him when handing them over? "I've killed her, I've killed our baby."
"Listen to me- Look at me boy." Severus followed Draco to the floor as he fell. "She will be fine-"
"Before she collapsed- She was talking to Ron. He came to get her Se-" He cried. Harry looked up from his seat at this.
"Hush." Severus rocked the man that was reduced to a small boy. "She's going to survive." He turned to Minerva. "How long?"
"Two hours, but she's only been in this pain for the last hour; that's when we sent for you. Her mothers in with her. The students have been sent to their rooms." Minerva began. "I've alerted the ministry about Hermione. They have recon on the look out in America."
"You shouldn't have bothered, really." Severus answered flatly. "She can rot in hell." Ginny's scream reached fever pitch. Then a miraculous sound was heard; a babies cry. Draco looked to Severus for reassurance. "You're a daddy."
"I'm a daddy! I'm a daddy!" Draco mumbled, his trembling hands raked his hair. "I'm a daddy?"
"Give me a minute." Severus ran off to retrieve cigars. On his way out of his room he ran into Hero, coming from her own. "Andro-"
"She's asleep." Hero tried to keep up with Severus down the main stair well to the main entrance. "What's she have?" She questioned Severus' smile and bounced steps.
"I don't know. But it's loud." He pulled Hero into a passionate embrace, caught up in his own ecstasy. He didn't have a clue why he did it; he wanted closeness, it didn't matter who with. They were only stopped by the loud clang the main entrance door made as a long lost wizard entered the castle. Cradled in his arms was an almost lifeless body, mangled and twisted. Two people Severus recognised instantly, chilling him to the bone. The man collapsed with the barley breathing skeleton falling on top of him.
The last thing Hermione saw before the world melted away was her husband kissing a woman she recognised. Did Severus recognise her and still invite her into their home, their school? Her last thoughts were; Is my darling Andromeda safe? She gathered all her strength to look into Severus, then to the woman and whisper;
"Alisha?" Then the world went black. She became a dead weight in Albus Dumbledore's arms. Frightened she would never wake up again, never to see her daughters face again, for the pain of her, once again, broken heart would surly kill her.
A/N: And here we go, you are up to speed with me. I'm writing the next chapter now... We at 1 am when I get in from a party. lol
QueenBonnie: Nice idea would love everyone to kill her. lol. I think it might have to be Snape though.
MxSRose: There will be big fighting, about and for their love. Next chapter will explain where she was.
: indianoutlawlady: Remus and Elizabeth? hmmmm, soon. lol
poetrychik: I there is going to be a revelation about Hero and Snape's weakness towards her. Mione is back. thank god
strega-in-progress: Hermione is back, but I think its going to be a while before things are ok. Snape's going to have to prove himself. Everything is Hero's fault, anything and everything. lol
Anarane Anwamane: Now it's poor Hermione
PREVIEW
Sat in a shady inn on Christmas Eve was not Hermione's idea of fun. It didn't improve matters that it was an unused shady inn with only Oliver Wood as company. Oliver poked the dying fire, the only source of light, and returned to the rug beside Hermione. She had her feet as close to the fire as she could them. Their trek across Alaska had given them both frostbite. Hermione had caught hers quickly, however Oliver's quidditch career was over if they couldn't get home soon. As Oliver had reminded Hermione every five minutes since they arrived at the Inn.
Soaking in the warmth, Hermione sighed contently. The thought of seeing Severus in a matter of days was enough to keep her happy. She wished she hadn't left with such a cold air between them. However if it wasn't for her leaving they wouldn't be having another child. Hermione thought lovingly patting her swollen stomach. Oliver had noticed.
The upcoming weeks leading to Andromeda's birthday, Severus avoided Hero wherever possible. He reconciled with Remus; apologising profoundly for his insults about Remus' wife and his own mother-in-law. Andromeda returned to him, and he found Andromeda on the eve of her birthday, snuggled into him. He was as apprehensive as she was. The little girl had began murmuring in her sleep again, Severus thought as he stirred from his shallow sleep.
"You'll be home by my birthday? You promise?" She fought with the duvet. It then appeared she was still talking to Hermione, but in a different tense. "You promised mommy. You promised you'd be back." Severus shot up and listened to his daughters conversation. "Mommy, Where are you?" She question the voice Severus couldn't hear with harshness. "Did you find him? Is that why you are there?"
"Where is she honey?" Severus questioned the girl softly. She hadn't heard him and he was beginning to worry.
"No mommy! Daddy and I still love you; you can't stay there. Please come home. Please come home. Please come home." Andromeda pleaded to the darkness, Severus began shaking her awake. "He's dead. He's dead. He's dead. He's dead."
"ANDROMEDA!" Severus shouted, his daughter in his arms. Her frightened, cold eyes shot open and Severus lit the room with his wand. "What happened?" The girl was drenched in cold sweat.
"Mommy." Andromeda cried. "Mommy is scared and alone. We have to save her. She can't come home."
"Andy, it was just a dream." He held the girls head, forcing her to look at him. "It was just a dream." He cooed, settling her back down on the bed, dulling the light that was being emitted from his wand. "She'll be here in a few hours. I promise." Don't make promises to your child Sev. He warned himself and he leaned over to see if she was still awake. She was asleep. He followed suit. Sleeping until a soft banging was heard on the door. Severus awoke to a sun filled bedroom. He opened the door to greet Draco and his now very heavily, unseen, pregnant wife. She was having twins, she was sure of it. Severus couldn't see her head for the humongous present she was carrying. Draco insisted that he wanted to carry it, but a radiant red head came from behind the present to inform him under no circumstances was Draco getting the credit for the present. Behind them appeared Mrs Lupin, who informed Severus that Remus had a lesson and would be up shortly. He was teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts to fifth year Ravenclaws. Just as he went to close the door a voice stopped him.
"Dear boy, don't think I'm missing this little girls fifth birthday." A rather out of breath Minerva came into view behind the closing door.
"You're back!" Severus smiled hugging the headmistress. "How was it at the ministry." It was the first time he had seen her in a month. At times like these the head was never away from the ministry; talking war tactics, school strategies and at the moment, the disappearance of Hermione Snape. Although Minerva wasn't going to let Severus in on that just yet.
"They are cracking down on everything. We are getting moderators in September to make sure we are teaching the Adults of the Future correctly." She intoned handing Severus her present. He refused.
"She's in there. Give to her yourself."
"Any news on Hermione? Did you finalise the divorce?" He looked to the floor. He didn't want to ruin his daughters day. "I can't believe she is doing this to you my boy. After all you two have been through to get together. I swear to you something's afoot." She began rambling, while Severus ushered her into the bedroom where Andromeda sat shyly on the bed. Staring at the presents before her. This wasn't like Andromeda, she loved to open presents, she loved being the centre of attention. A trait she didn't receive from either Severus or Hermione. It was something that was taught to her; by Ronald Weasley. That man sure had a lot to answer for. Severus took a moment to wish that he was there.
"Well. Go on then. Get opening them." Severus jumped down beside her. She shook her head. "Sweetie. Why not?" He questioned as she burred her head into his chest. If she couldn't see the guests; they wouldn't be there. "Andy, why not?"
"I'm not opening them without Mommy." The air turned icy cold. Andromeda would not have a good day until Hermione arrived. And as soon as Hermione arrived, Andromeda would be taken away and Severus would not have a good day.
"I don't think she'll be here until this afternoon." Ginny assured her. Not really knowing when Hermione would eventually turn up. "She won't mind if you open your presents." Ginny was desperate to see Andromeda open her presents, see her face light up as the wrapping unveiled things that she wanted.
"No!" Andromeda wailed. "NNNNNOOOOOOOO!" She began kicking the bed, screaming at the top of her voice. Andromeda had never acted like this. Severus put it down to the dream she had.
"Stop that." Severus said calmly. "You don't have to open them now." She stopped. "Why don't me and you go into town, and buy you a new dress for when your mum comes home; so you look all fresh and pretty-"
"Are you going to get a dress too daddy? So you look fresh and pretty." His child was being cheeky, she wasn't stupid, she knew only girls wore dresses.
"Why, do you want me to wear a dress?" He asked, grinning from ear to ear. She nodded. He kissed her forehead. "As you wish my princess." She howled with laughter.
"Silly Billy!" She hadn't laughed like that in a long time. She hadn't laughed like that since Hermione had been gone.
"Go get washed and dress." He put her on the floor and she ran into the bathroom. Her grandmother went to go after her. Andromeda stopped her.
"Don't need you Gamma. I'm five. I'm all grown up now. I can get a wash by myself thank you." With that she snapped the door shut. Severus blinked away tears. Tears only Minerva saw. She joined him on the bed.
"We won't let her take Andromeda. She can't put you through this and take her." She whispered into his ear. He nodded to her.
"So Ginny." He stood. "The garden ready?" He asked. They were having a fairy themed picnic out in one of the secret gardens. The one Severus had caught Draco and Hermione in when they were still in school. The one himself and Hermione returned to for many years when they skived off lessons knowing no one would find them.
"Yes. Harry's gone into the woods to invite some fairies, he knows a few" Ginny stifled a laughed. Everyone saw the implication, but they found it inappropriate to laugh when Severus clearly didn't find it funny. It did however, explain his absence, even if Andromeda hadn't noticed. It appeared Andromeda only wanted to see one person. Hermione.
"Do you like this one?" Andromeda appeared from the dressing room wearing a pale yellow summer dress. The skirt stuck out delicately. He adored it. But it made her hair look too harsh. If only she had her mothers hair. The dress would look perfect. However the only colours that wouldn't make the girls hair too harsh were too dark for a blazing sunny day like today. Perhaps he could do something with her hair to tone it down. "Daddy? Don't you like it."
"I love it." He'd gotten lost in his thoughts. "We'll take it." He said to the witch who stood behind her. Andromeda went to get changed. "What do you think you're doing. It's your birthday dress." He stood and hugged the girl. Handing over money at the same time. "You are wearing it all day!"
"Thank you daddy." She hugged him harder. "I love you." It was the first time in a while she had actually he said it. It brought a tear to his eye.
"I love you too my birthday girl." He picked her up and left the shop, only to stumble upon Hero as the stepped out onto the street. She'd been looking for them. Present in hand. "Hello." He regarded her coldly.
"I need to talk to you." She replied hastily before addressing Andromeda. "Happy Birthday. Here's your present. And I would like to buy you an ice cream. If that's ok?" Her attention had returned to Severus.
"Why don't you run over and pick out what you want." Severus nudged Andromeda in the direction of the ice cream parlour, directly opposite were they stood. Once the girl was out of ear shot he turned back to Hero. "What?!"
"First. Ginny's gone into labour. Stupid husband of hers gave her apricots." Hero now, to Severus' eyes, seemed a little out of breath. "It's only just started, so it may be some time before she gives birth-"
"But she's almost a month early. Is there no way to stop it?" Severus asked bewildered. He had never heard that apricots prompted early labour. Hero shook her head. "Second?" Hero looked at him strangely. "You said First. Ginny's gone into labour."
"Erm-" She didn't want to tell him. She wore a glare that told him she didn't want him to shoot the messenger.
"What?" Severus shouted, getting the attention of passers-by. She wouldn't look at him. She feared his response for what she had to say. He feared what she had to say. But he still wanted to know. "Hero?!" He warned.
"Hermione's not coming." There were tears of fear in her eyes.
"Oh God." Severus whispered. His worst fear coming true. Yes, he would get to keep Andromeda; but at the price of her broken heart. Could he really watch that? "How'd you know?" He growled.
"Her mother received an owl, with a present for Andy." Hero explained. She paused giving him time to process this new information. "Er- Severus. Draco is asking for you. I can bring Andromeda home with me?!" She offered. "It'll give you time to think of something. You can't just tell her, her mother's abandoned her."
"That's very nice but we both know you and my daughter-" Severus didn't know how to phrase it.
"-She hates me." Hero finished. "Don't worry. She'll be fine. I'll tire her out, bring her home and come and find you." She left him for the ice cream parlour without another word. He wanted to protest. He didn't trust the woman with his daughter. However, Andromeda seemed happy enough. And if Draco needed him....
"Draco?" Severus skidded to the door of the hospital wing. Draco, Harry and Minerva stood outside. Draco looked terrible. He collapsed into his godfathers arms. His skin was clammy to Severus' touch. "Draco?" He questioned as a scream rattled the door. She was in pain, excruciating, agonising pain. Hermione didn't have this problem when she was giving birth to Andromeda. She was in pain; however she said the pain of a broken heart was much more painful.
"I poisoned her." He whimpered as Severus mopped his brow. "I didn't know. Hero offered me them; I didn't think." Neither did Severus. No warning bells went off inside his head. Hero had said it was Draco's idea; she even referred to him as stupid. However had Hero of know about this reaction, wouldn't she have warned him when handing them over? "I've killed her, I've killed our baby."
"Listen to me- Look at me boy." Severus followed Draco to the floor as he fell. "She will be fine-"
"Before she collapsed- She was talking to Ron. He came to get her Se-" He cried. Harry looked up from his seat at this.
"Hush." Severus rocked the man that was reduced to a small boy. "She's going to survive." He turned to Minerva. "How long?"
"Two hours, but she's only been in this pain for the last hour; that's when we sent for you. Her mothers in with her. The students have been sent to their rooms." Minerva began. "I've alerted the ministry about Hermione. They have recon on the look out in America."
"You shouldn't have bothered, really." Severus answered flatly. "She can rot in hell." Ginny's scream reached fever pitch. Then a miraculous sound was heard; a babies cry. Draco looked to Severus for reassurance. "You're a daddy."
"I'm a daddy! I'm a daddy!" Draco mumbled, his trembling hands raked his hair. "I'm a daddy?"
"Give me a minute." Severus ran off to retrieve cigars. On his way out of his room he ran into Hero, coming from her own. "Andro-"
"She's asleep." Hero tried to keep up with Severus down the main stair well to the main entrance. "What's she have?" She questioned Severus' smile and bounced steps.
"I don't know. But it's loud." He pulled Hero into a passionate embrace, caught up in his own ecstasy. He didn't have a clue why he did it; he wanted closeness, it didn't matter who with. They were only stopped by the loud clang the main entrance door made as a long lost wizard entered the castle. Cradled in his arms was an almost lifeless body, mangled and twisted. Two people Severus recognised instantly, chilling him to the bone. The man collapsed with the barley breathing skeleton falling on top of him.
The last thing Hermione saw before the world melted away was her husband kissing a woman she recognised. Did Severus recognise her and still invite her into their home, their school? Her last thoughts were; Is my darling Andromeda safe? She gathered all her strength to look into Severus, then to the woman and whisper;
"Alisha?" Then the world went black. She became a dead weight in Albus Dumbledore's arms. Frightened she would never wake up again, never to see her daughters face again, for the pain of her, once again, broken heart would surly kill her.
A/N: And here we go, you are up to speed with me. I'm writing the next chapter now... We at 1 am when I get in from a party. lol
QueenBonnie: Nice idea would love everyone to kill her. lol. I think it might have to be Snape though.
MxSRose: There will be big fighting, about and for their love. Next chapter will explain where she was.
: indianoutlawlady: Remus and Elizabeth? hmmmm, soon. lol
poetrychik: I there is going to be a revelation about Hero and Snape's weakness towards her. Mione is back. thank god
strega-in-progress: Hermione is back, but I think its going to be a while before things are ok. Snape's going to have to prove himself. Everything is Hero's fault, anything and everything. lol
Anarane Anwamane: Now it's poor Hermione
PREVIEW
Sat in a shady inn on Christmas Eve was not Hermione's idea of fun. It didn't improve matters that it was an unused shady inn with only Oliver Wood as company. Oliver poked the dying fire, the only source of light, and returned to the rug beside Hermione. She had her feet as close to the fire as she could them. Their trek across Alaska had given them both frostbite. Hermione had caught hers quickly, however Oliver's quidditch career was over if they couldn't get home soon. As Oliver had reminded Hermione every five minutes since they arrived at the Inn.
Soaking in the warmth, Hermione sighed contently. The thought of seeing Severus in a matter of days was enough to keep her happy. She wished she hadn't left with such a cold air between them. However if it wasn't for her leaving they wouldn't be having another child. Hermione thought lovingly patting her swollen stomach. Oliver had noticed.