"How could you do this to me, Hermione?" Harry asked angrily.
"Harry, I swear, I don't love Snape. He forced me!" Hermione said. Harry shook his head and got up from the table, heading for the doors to get out of the Great Hall. He pushed a door open and headed for the Gryffindor Common Room where he could be alone.
A few moments later, there was a gentle knock on the door.
"Go away!" Harry sobbed into his pillow.
"Harry? It's me. Can we talk?" Hermione's voice sounded from the other side of the door. She sounded upset.
"Yeah, come on in," Harry said, wiping the tears away and putting his glasses back on. Hermione came into the room and turned on a light with a flick of her wand.
"Where's Serenity?" Harry asked.
"I left her with Ginny. Why?" Hermione inquired.
"Just wondering," Harry answered, making room for Hermione on his bed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cheat on you. Its just Snape forced me to do something that I really wanted to do with you. I want us to be husband and wife someday, Harry," Hermione said, her voice about to break. Harry sighed and pulled her close. Hermione buried her face in his robes and began crying. Harry scooped her into his lap and rocked her back and forth, not saying anything but just listening to Hermione cry.
"No more talk of darkness
Forget these wide – eyed fears
I'm here,
With you, beside you
To guard you and to guide you. . ." Harry sung softly. It had been the song he sang to her the first night Hermione had morning sickness.
"I l-love t-that s-song," Hermione sobbed.
"I know. I'm sorry I yelled at you," Harry apologized.
"I'll only forgive you if you spend the night with me on the couch," Hermione said, wiping her eyes on the sleeve of her robes.
"Okay. I'll see if Ginny can take care of Serenity tonight," Harry told her. Hermione nodded and snuggled in Harry's lap. He knew she was trying to make herself comfortable.
It was later that night and Harry and Hermione were snuggled on one of the couches in the common room. Hermione yawned and turned over on her side. Since the couches weren't wide enough for Harry and Hermione, Seamus, Dean, Neville and Ron had pushed two of the couches together, making a makeshift bed. He heard Serenity cry in the distance and a few girls groan.
"Ginny. . ." Hermione started, but fell asleep. Harry heard Ginny coming down the stairs of the sixth year girls' dormitory. She was holding a screaming Serenity.
"Hermione," Harry whispered, gently shaking Hermione awake. Hermione woke with a start, but when she saw her daughter, she smiled and held her arms out. Ginny placed Serenity in her mother's arms and headed back to the girls' dormitory, muttering under her breath. When everyone had left, Hermione sighed and fed Serenity.
"Is she okay?" Harry asked, walking over to Hermione.
"Yeah, she's just hungry," Hermione answered as Serenity nursed. Harry kissed Hermione's forehead and touched Serenity's cheek. He waddled over to the couch he and Hermione were sleeping on. As he made himself comfortable, he looked over at Hermione and Serenity. Hermione had fallen asleep and Serenity was fussing a little bit. Harry sat up and held Serenity. He smiled as he rocked his daughter back and forth. Tomorrow, Hermione was leaving Serenity with Dumbledore, so Harry knew that his daughter was in good hands.
"Hush little baby, don't say a word
Daddy's gonna buy you a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird don't sing
Daddy's gonna buy you a diamond ring. . . " Harry crooned softly. Serenity had fallen asleep, so he placed her yet again in Hermione's arms and settled down for a good night's rest.
Harry yawned, stretched, and looked around – the common room was deserted except for the sleeping figures of Hermione, Serenity, Ron and Ginny who were in the armchairs near the fire, which had died during the night. He had no idea when they had come, but he was glad they did. Quietly making his way up the stairs to the boys' dormitory, Harry quickly changed into fresh robes and went down the stairs. By the time he had made his way to the couch where Hermione and him shared, she and Serenity were awake and looking tired – well, Hermione anyway. Serenity blinked her large eyes at Harry and cooed happily.
"Dumbledore wants to see you after breakfast, Hermione," Dean Thomas informed her. Hermione nodded and handed Serenity to Ginny, who immeadtely started to rock Serenity gently in her arms. Ten minutes later, she made her way down the stairs. Harry went to the bottom of the stairs to meet her. Taking her hand in his, they made their way out of the portrait hole when Ron started to follow them, along with Ginny. Hermione looked helplessly at Harry.
"I guess they could come," Harry told Hermione, who motioned with her hand for them to follow. Ron and Ginny smiled as they entered the Great Hall and made their way to the Gryffindor table. Harry sat down and helped himself to a stack of blueberry pancakes, a muffin, and bacon. He poured a goblet of orange juice for himself and Hermione. Hermione sat down next to Harry and smiled at him. Harry returned the smile as he placed his plate of food between himself and Hermione. She immediately scarfed down the food as if she hadn't eaten in days.
A while later, Ron, Ginny, Harry and Serenity were standing outside Dumbledore's office, waiting for Hermione. She had been in the office for a good five minutes already. Looking at his watch, Harry realized that they only had ten minutes left to get to class. Harry sighed and started to pace the length of the waiting area. Ginny, who was sitting on the floor with Serenity in her lap, spoke in baby talk to her and played peek-a-boo. Ron was leaning against a wall and picking at a hangnail on his left pinky finger.
Finally, Hermione emerged from the office, her face red, probably from the heat in Dumbledore's office.
"What's wrong, Hermione?" Harry asked, making his way over to her.
"Dumbledore says that he can't take Serenity today, and neither can McGonnagall, so I'll have to take her to all of my classes," Hermione explained, taking Serenity in her arms. The five – minute warning bell rang in the distance. Harry, Ron and Hermione had History of Magic first thing, while Ginny had Herbology. Harry, Ron and Hermione waved goodbye to Ginny as she made her way to the greenhouses. The trio walked as fast as they could to Binns' class, hoping not to be late. They made it just as the final bell rang for classes to start and took a table in the back.
"Now, from what we learned on Goblin Rebellions, who can tell me what the first Goblin General's name was?" Binns drawled. Hermione's hand shot up, nearly missing the side of Serenity's head.
"Ah, Miss – uh?" Binns called upon Hermione.
"Granger. And the Goblin General's name was Gujarat."
"Correct. Twenty points to Gryffindor. Now, if you turn your textbooks to page. . ." Binns voice was drowned out by Serenity, who had immediately started crying when Ron had slammed his book upon the table. Hermione gave him a nasty stare as she and Serenity made their way to the hallway.
"Ron, you idiot! What the hell did you do that for?" Harry hissed, glaring angrily at Ron.
"Jeez, Harry, I'm sorry," Ron apologized.
"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to Hermione," Harry commanded him.
"Fine! When she comes back in, I'll apologize, if that'll get you off my case," Ron whispered loudly. Right on cue, Hermione walked back into the room, an irritated look on her face. Binns didn't even look up from his desk as Hermione and Serenity walked back to their seats.
"Why did you have to slam that book, Ron?" Hermione said angrily as the bell rang. Binns told the class to read the chapter on Goblin Rebellions and write an eleven-inch report on the chapter. Looking at their schedule, Harry realized that they had Potions next, then a double helping of Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"What's worse – having a baby or seeing Snape and the rest of the Sluterins?" Ron asked as the trio walked towards the dungeons.
"Ron! Language!" Hermione snapped, covering Serenity's ears.
"Sorry. Let me rephrase that – what's worse: having a baby, or seeing Snape and the Slytherins?" Ron inquired. Harry and Hermione smiled at each other and Serenity cooed happily.
"She's beautiful," Harry whispered as he, Ron, and Hermione slid into seats towards the back of class.
"I can't face Snape – after what he made me do," Hermione said, tears coming to the corners of her eyes.
"Don't worry, Hermione. I won't let him touch you or Serenity," Harry told her, taking her hand in his. Hermione smiled and rested her head on Harry's shoulder. The final bell rang and Hermione sat straight up in her seat, an arm wrapped around Serenity's middle.
"Today," Snape drawled, "We are going to be making the Draught of the Living Dead," he tapped the board with his wand. Potion ingredients and instructions appeared before the class. "You have until the end of class. Begin!"
Students rushed forward to get their potion ingredients. Harry and Ron offered to help Hermione as much as possible with her potion because of Serenity. Serenity cooed happily as Snape made his way towards Hermione and Serenity. Oh Merlin! Where are Harry and Ron? I so cannot face this stupid git alone, Hermione thought to herself.
"Why aren't you getting your potion ingredients, Miss Granger?" Snape asked, folding his arms across his chest.
"Because I have my daughter to look after," Hermione answered darkly. Snape glared at her as if she were lying. Hermione looked around for Harry and Ron. They were getting crushed unicorn and bicorn horns as well as other things. Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but her throat was dry.
"Is this your little. . .brat?" Snape asked.
"What are you doing?" Harry's voice came from behind Snape. Snape whirled around to see Harry and Ron glaring at him.
"None of your business, Potter. I think that Miss Granger can work by herself today. Put those ingredients back Mr Potter and Mr Weasley. If I see either of you two helping her, I will give you detention every Saturday until the end of term. Do I make myself clear?" Snape said, a small smirk appearing on his face.
"Yes, Professor," Harry and Ron chorused.
"Good. Now get to work," Snape turned on his heel and headed off towards the Slytherin section of the dungeon.
"What a. . ." Ron began. Harry shot him a dirty look as he knelt beside Hermione and took Serenity in his arms.
"She'll be okay, Harry, and so will I," Hermione reassured him. Harry sighed and handed his daughter back to Hermione, who was close to tears.
"I'll watch her while you get the potion ingredients," Harry told her. Hermione nodded and went to get her ingredients. She stuffed the ingredients into her cauldron and headed back to her seat, realizing that she only had a half hour until class was over. She looked at the table opposite her – Harry and Ron were working on the Draught while Serenity slept near Harry's schoolbag. Hermione smiled and tied her hair back with a ponytail holder around her wrist.
Twenty minutes later, Hermione sighed and poured the clear liquid into a glass container and put it on Snape's desk, clearly labelling it with her name and date in red ink. She saw Ron's and Harry's nearby – Harry's looked like it had baby spit – up in it. Ron's looked a little paler than Hermione's, but it was okay. Making her way back to her desk, she gathered up her schoolbooks and baby Serenity as the bell rang. The bell drowned out what Snape was saying about the homework, but the trio didn't care.
After lessons and after supper, the trio found themselves in the common room, looking at Hogsmeade the upcoming visits – the next one was on Halloween afternoon – after Care of Magical Creatures. Hermione and Harry planned to go to the new baby shop that had opened there to get supplies for Serenity. Ron and Ginny had decided to come with Harry and Hermione to the baby shop.
Halloween morning crept up on Hermione, Serenity, Harry, Ron and Ginny like a cold mist. Hermione woke up with a start and in a cold sweat. She looked at the others around her, sighed and fell asleep.
The four friends and baby were sitting at the Gryffindor table, chatting away happily when Hedwig made a beeline for Harry, an envelope in her beak.
"Thanks, Hedwig," Harry thanked the owl as she nipped his fingers affectionately. The letter was from Hagrid. Harry read the letter aloud:
"Dear Harry, Hermione, and Serenity o course,
Congratulations on being new parents. I couldn't be happier for the pair of ya. Serenity is beautiful, just like your self, Hermione.
To the point, I have something for Serenity. Can you three come around six tomorrow evening? If so or not, send Hedwig back with your reply.
Hagrid"
Harry and Hermione traded terrified looks.
"You know that Hagrid would never give her anything dangerous, right?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Right," Hermione answered, taking the letter from Harry. She scribbled something on the back of the letter and handed it back to Hedwig, who instantly took flight when Hermione gave her the letter back.
"What did you write?" Harry inquired.
"That we were coming and not to give Serenity anything dangerous," Hermione told him. Harry smiled at her and gathered up his book bag.
"I have Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies, Shakespeare, Potions, lunch, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Arathmancy, and Herbology," Hermione read her schedule out loud as she gathered up Serenity and her bag. Ron followed suit. Ginny, however, said she wasn't feeling well and headed back towards the Gryffindor common room.
"Oh, Harry. Do you think you could take Serenity after DADA, please? I have to use both my hands in Arathmancy. . ." Hermione's voice trailed off as Harry raised a hand for silence.
"Sure, I'll take our cute little baby-waby," Harry said in baby talk. Hermione and Ron fought back snorts of laughter. Harry didn't care, though.
It was after lunch and Harry was holding a squirming Serenity in his lap. He was trying to listen to Professor Umatilla explain the difference between two similar charms, but with different effects. One charm tickled you while the other one tore you apart.
"Turn your books to page six hundred forty two and read the chapter. That is all for the day," the witch commanded. Everyone turned their books to the assigned page and read. There was no noise whatsoever, except for Serenity cooing and Harry hushing her. Hermione had fallen asleep in the common room, so Harry was now in charge of his daughter. As he listened to Serenity cooing happily, he thought about Hermione having to go through nine months of pregnancy.
It was after classes had ended for the day. Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Serenity were sitting near the lake, doing homework, except Serenity, of course when Draco Malfoy and his gang of Slytherins headed their way – including Pansy Parkinson, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle.
"What do you want Malfoy?" Harry growled, picking up Serenity in his arms.
"I just came to see the filthy daughter that Mudblood had," Draco sneered, moving closer to Harry. Looking at the baby in Harry's arms, Malfoy rolled his eyes and signalled for the rest of the Slytherins to follow him.
"What an ugly git!" Ron muttered, glaring at the Slytherin's retreating backsides. "If I were you, Harry, I would have told him off."
Harry just shook his head and continued to hold Serenity in his arms. He wondered what house she would be in when she came to Hogwarts. He didn't care what house she was in as long as it wasn't Slytherin.
Gathering up their schoolbags, Hermione, Harry, Ron and Serenity went back into the castle. Reaching the Gryffindor common room, Harry leaned over and kissed Hermione on the cheek. Hermione returned the kiss and took Serenity in her arms. She was happy at the little miracle that she and Harry had created together.
"So, what happened between you and Snape?" Harry asked later that night. Ginny had volunteered to watch Serenity for Hermione.
"Harry, I really don't want to talk about it."
"Well, I do. What happened between you two?"
Hermione took a deep breath. "He drank Polyjuice Potion and I thought he was you. He forced me into a back room and started tearing off my robes. I blacked out for about an hour and when I woke up, I had a huge pain in my head. I had no idea what had happened between Snape and I that night."
Harry turned on his side so that he faced Hermione. She was close to tears and was breathing hard. Harry slid closer to Hermione and held her close. Hermione could hear his heart beating in his chest as she cried into his nightshirt.
"Hermione, it'll be okay. I'll talk to Snape tomorrow after double Potions."
Hermione shook her head and cried even harder.
"H – h – he'll h – h – hurt y –y – you," Hermione sobbed.
Harry shook his head and held her close, rocking her back and forth.
"It'll turn out okay in the end, you'll see," Harry told her, rubbing her back as she slept.
That night, Harry had a strange dream. He was in his fourth year in the Triwizard Tournament and he was with Cedric Diggory. Together, the two boys were in the maze – trying to find the Triwizard Cup. Both Fleur and Viktor had been eliminated from the competition, so it was both wizards for themselves.
Reaching the cup, Harry and Cedric took the cup and were transported thousands of miles away from Hogwarts. Wormtail was there, along with the Dark Lord himself, Voldemort. Voldemort narrowed his snake – like eyes and turned to Wormtail.
"Kill the spare!" Voldemort whispered hoarsely. Wormtail pointed his wand at Cedric. A green light shot from the wand point and knocked Cedric off of his feet. With a sickening thud, Cedric landed in front of a tombstone, his eyes wide and his body limp. Voldemort chuckled evilly as Wormtail rounded on Harry. Harry panicked, tripping over Cedric's dead body.
"You know what to do, Wormtail," Voldemort commanded.
"Yes, my Dark Lord," Wormtail whispered. Taking Harry's left arm, he cut the vein with his dagger. Harry screamed in pain, his scar burning like the many levels of hell. Wormtail put Harry's blood into a cauldron nearby. Harry looked at his arm – blood was running down his robes from a cut that went from his wrist to the middle of his arm. The cut was really deep and it made Harry nauseous just looking at it. Suddenly, wizards in masks appeared from out of nowhere. They wore black robes, pointed hats and masks.
"I expected to find you here, my Lord," a familiar voice said not too far from where Harry was.
"Lucius, my good friend," Voldemort greeted the man. Malfoy senior removed his mask and looked into Harry's eyes.
"Harry. . . Harry. . . Harry! Wake up!" Lucius was saying, but it wasn't his voice. It was Hermione's. Harry panted and sat up, reaching for his glasses.
"Hermione, I just had the strangest dream," Harry told her, drawing her close. Harry quickly looked at his left arm to see if the wound that Wormtail had caused was still there. It wasn't.
"I know. I heard you screaming in your sleep," she informed him, pouring him tea. Harry took the tea and put the cup to his lips.
"What day is it?" he asked, handing the cup back to Hermione.
"Saturday," she said, turning her face away from him.
"Hermione? What's wrong?" Harry asked, swinging his feet over the bed and holding her close.
"Serenity's gone. Someone took her during the night," Hermione sobbed into Harry's robes. Harry rubbed her back and rocked her, not saying anything. What stupid person would take sweet, innocent Serenity?
A/N: I decided that there would be two more chapters after this one, just letting all of you know.