A/N: Believe it or not, this story is close to completion….at least, I think it is. It's been a fun ride and I hope you guys will be happy with the chapters to come. Also, this story like many of my others is AU and I'm fudging timelines for my benefit.

-Severus-

Two weeks coming up with the perfect plan to defeat the Dark Lord had passed by rather quickly. Hermione had lived up to her moniker of being 'the Brightest Witch of their Age' and together, she and Severus had created an enemy entrapment spell that would prevent the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters from leaving the ball. It was more than a simple anti-apparition spell because not only was it keyed to those bearing a Dark Mark but it prevented portkeys being used as a means of escape as well. However, all non-enemies could apparate should the need arise even if portkeying was impossible. It was a very clever piece of magic.

The rest of the discussion was focused around their attack strategies. Severus had told everyone about the slaves being present and so a rescue team had to be figured into their war plans. The Dark Lord was currently abroad and so the meeting was held at Snape Manor in his large study. Hermione and Mrs. Weasley had just gone to fetch tea and sandwiches for everyone as it was decided that a break was long overdue. Out of habit, Hermione fixed Severus's tea and his plate and placed both in front of him, mirroring Mrs. Weasley's actions for her husband, Arthur. It was unintentional, but the comparison could not be avoided by those who observed the act.

Very unintended.

Both Severus and Hermione agreed that their relationship would have to remain a secret as the New Order couldn't afford the petty distraction. Plus, there were still a few who were upset at Hermione's continued presence at his estate. After Hermione left to make her own plate, Remus Lupin rounded on him. "I thought you told her that serving you wasn't necessary?"

Severus's lips curled into an instant sneer. "I did."

"Then why has she been waiting on you hand and foot?" Remus insisted.

"Jealous Lupin? Miss Granger just happens to be a caring witch. If she is still serving me as you say it is because she is grateful," Severus hissed.

Remus leaned forward, granting Severus a withering gaze. "Severus, if you think-" A hand on his shoulder halted the wolf's words and both men looked up in surprise to see a frowning Hermione.

"Remus," she said, using a tone she never used when addressing him before. It was a bit like the tone she used when scolding the boys, but less exasperated and more entreating. "I think of anyone else here, you could not begrudge someone their happiness. No one seemed to bat an eyelash when you found Tonks and now," she paused, seeing the flicker of pain in his eyes at the mention of his late wife, "Now you have a beautiful baby boy to be concerned about. What we are planning will directly affect his future. Do you really want to waste time squabbling?"

Just in time for her question, said baby boy began to cry. A young African American witch, Vonn Tage, an ambassador of sorts from the Magical Congress of the United States of America or, MACUSA, was currently holding him. Severus had met her by chance at one of Slughorn's parties. She was pretty, twenty-two years young, and a woman of great intelligence and despite her youth, carried enough weight at the Magical Congress to guarantee the support of their aurors. She was snuck in to take part in these strategy meetings and Severus was impressed to find a keen mind in one so young. He was cut off from his reminiscent thoughts as the foreign witch approached, a fond smile on her lips despite the howling baby she gently rocked in her arms. "Pardon the interruption, but I think Teddy needs his bottle, Mr. Lupin. If you'll hand me one from his bag I can feed him while you talk to your friends."

Snape eyed Lupin warily. He noticed how the man's fists had balled in fury during their confrontation, but the interruption caused by his son seemed to deflate the wizard. "Thank you for looking after him Miss Tage," Remus spoke in a surprisingly calm voice. He looked at Severus and then Hermione before rising from his seat. "My…..friends and I were just finishing up so you needn't apologize. Come, I think I left the bag by the sofa…." He gestured for the young woman, who had managed to quiet his son, to follow.

-Remus-

"I hope my son wasn't too much trouble," Lupin murmured once they were situated on the couch. He was holding Teddy in one arm and feeding him with the other. "You're here to help strategize, not look after a baby."

Vonn shook her head. "I really don't mind Mr. Lupin. He's adorable and you were busy. As was Mrs. Weasley and Miss Granger otherwise she never would have handed her over to me. I'm just glad I could help. He must miss his mom… is she at the safe house?"

Remus tensed, a deep frown on his face. He knew that Ms. Tage had no way of knowing about Tonks death, but it hurt to have her mentioned all the same. He looked away, lest she see the pain in his eyes. "Teddy's mom…. My wife is gone. She was defending her team, making sure everyone else got out. The D-Death Eaters, they...t-they-"

Sensing his pain, Vonn rested a hand on his arm. "You don't need to explain. Forgive me for bringing it up. That was very insensitive of me. If I had thought harder I would've realized. There's no way you'd bring your son here if…" She paused, squeezing his arm. "I'm sorry."

Remus turned back to see the American witch's face shrouded in contrition and sympathy. "It's alright. You didn't know. She's been gone for almost a year now," he added, unsure why he was sharing so much.

"Well, she sounds like a very brave woman," Vonn replied, rubbing his arm gently.

Remus nodded, a faraway look in his eyes. "Yes, she was. She was very brave."