As Severus woke up the next morning, he immediately felt that he was alone in the big bed. He stretched and putting out a hand next to him, found that the place beside him was still warm.

"Hermione?" He called.

He waited but she seemed to have left their rooms. He stood up and took a quick shower before he dressed, putting on his usual black clothes. He stood before the mirror and took a long look at himself. He hadn't changed much over the past twenty years. He was still muscular and his face had only a few more wrinkles. He was still vital. Well yes, he had gained a few pounds but he was still in very good shape. His hair was still black except for a few gray strands.

Severus sometimes worried what might happen the day Hermione would wake up to discover that he was an old ex- Death Eater. He still wondered why this beautiful, talented young witch had chosen him.

"You are still the only man who makes my knees go weak by just looking at him."

Severus whirled around and saw his wife leaning against the doorframe, watching him. He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

"Why are you watching me, woman?"

Hermione smiled. She could see that he was lightly embarrassed about her remark.

"I just couldn't help myself," she said, before she walked towards him to kiss him on the lips. He returned the kiss and embraced her. His hands traveled under her robes and caressed her breast through her clothes. She moaned deeply but pulled away.

"We don't have time for this. The kids will be here any minute."

He kissed her quickly before he released her.

"I will see that we can finish this later, my lady."

She smiled and together they walked into the living room.

It was tradition that the family had breakfast together every Saturday. Since their children attended Hogwarts, they just saw them during classes and sometimes during the meals. So they had decided to spend at least Saturday mornings together. Hermione requested breakfast from the house elves just before Arden and Payton entered the room.

"Good morning, Mum." Arden went towards her and kissed her on the cheek.

"Good morning , Arden."

Payton went immediately towards her father and embraced him. Severus returned the hug.

"Hi, Dad."

"Good morning."

They sat down and enjoyed a cozy meal. After they finished, they moved to the living room and sat down on the couch.

"Anything new from these universities you applied to?" Severus asked Payton.

She nearly choked on her pumpkin juice. She had avoided the subject further education during breakfast.

Severus smiled when he saw her reaction. Payton stared at him. Did that mean that he was giving her his blessing? She looked over at her mother, who nodded before she stood up and threw herself into her Father's arms.

"Oh, thank you so much. I love you, Dad!" She kissed his cheek before she sat down again.

"I may not be happy with your decision but I respect it. If you want to go to a muggle university, then for Merlin's sake, go. I just want to see you happy," he said sternly.

"Congratulations, Sister," Arden said, before he hugged her. He was happy for her. But he himself would have never thought that his mother would be able to influence their father that much. Hermione smiled.

Severus liked his nasty, grumpy, potions master image but she knew that he had also a soft side. Of course, this side was reserved for herself and their family.

"So, Arden. Have you decided yet what you are going to do after your NEWTS?"

"Yes. I think I'm going to study. I want to teach. I already spoke to Dumbledore and he said I cold make my apprenticeship here in Hogwarts."

Severus nodded in approval.

"That's a wise choice my son."

Arden smiled before he took another sip of his drink. Hermione watched her son closely. She could tell that something wasn't right but she couldn't put her finger on it. While Severus had a closer relationship to Payton, Arden was closer to Hermione. She reached out and tucked a lock of his hair behind his ear. She would find out what troubled her son. She just needed a bit of time.

----

One week later

"I can't believe that this will be our last test." Savannah said.

The trio was walking towards the potions classroom to attend their last test. Severus Snape was already waiting, and gave Arden a short nod as he entered the room. Arden nodded back and smiled. After the room was filled, Snape closed the door. The students immediately shut up and waited for the Professor to begin.

"Good morning, students. As you know this is your last test. However, I will not tolerate any mischief. Each and every one of you will work straight and fair. Every attempt to cheat will get you excluded from this test and as a result of it your NEWTS will be declared null and void. Any questions?"

He raised his eyebrow and waited patiently for about five seconds before he continued.

"I will now divide you into pairs of 2. I'm going to read your names and you will pair up with your partner before I assign your tasks."

He went towards his desk and unrolled a piece of parchment, reading from it.

"Winter - Pryce, Barden - Kent, Snape ,Payton - Lee, Snape, Arden - Malfoy, Bauers - Crane, Foster - Smith and Solan - Chang. Now I'm going to give you your assignments. You will begin and I don't want to hear anything from you unless you have a question or comment to your partner. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Sir." the class spoke in unison.

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Okay the next part will play in the past…

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