Yay! I got this done before Christmas ended. Barely, but it still counts for some time zones.
I hope your Holiday went well, and I really hope you enjoy this chapter. It contains Christmas with the couple at some point.
On to the new chapter!
Chapter 28
Severus smiled at the obviously surprised man across from him. The way he had said his name let him know that Lucius wasn't sure of his conclusion. He watched as the other man's face went through so many emotions, trying to figure out how this could be his friend. He had known this man since he was 11 and never once had he seen so many emotions show on his face so clearly. I was a new experience and one he didn't know if he wished to repeat. Eventually, Lucius came back to himself and cleared his face of all emotions but one; confusion.
"How… did this happen? You look like you are 17 or 18 again." Lucius stated with a shake of his head.
"Don't worry. You are correct, I am your friend from school, Severus. It's just a long story. Do you have the time to stay and listen or do you need to leave soon?" Severus asked with a cock of his head in question.
"No. I don't have anything to do today because I canceled all my appointments to come here and find out the identity of the mysteriously familiar 'stranger' I met that day in Hogsmeade. Please, continue." He answered with a wave of his hand. He placed his cane across his lap and got more comfortable in preparation of the tale to come.
"Well, it all started when Hermione was in Divination class and the mirror of Erised was revealed…" Severus began the story. He continued to explain what had happened with a few changes as he didn't want to reveal the fact that they were expecting just yet. He still needed to assess a few things before he revealed that little tidbit. The next hour was mostly him speaking with a few moments in between for Hermione to input some things from her side of the story. They never mentioned the pink orb but they both figured it wasn't really important to the story. When they got to the part where Severus was de-aged, Lucius's eyebrows rose quickly up his forehead. He had obviously not expected that to be the explanation. They got to the end of the story without telling him what kind of bond they had. Severus knew he would either already know or, if he wanted to know, he would ask.
"… Also, when you saw us in Hogsmeade, I was feeling a little playful, which is out of character for me, so I didn't want to come out and tell you who I was. The fact that you were checking Hermione out at that time kind of upset me, so I was also trying to figure out why. We are still trying to figure some things out, but it's been going well, for the most part." Severus finished and then waited for Lucius to process everything. It didn't take him long to begin asking questions.
"This is a soul mate bond, isn't it?" He didn't even wait for them to reply but continued on, "There are only a select few bonds which would cause you, Severus, to de-age in order to keep you at the same age as your mate. Do you know what kind of soul mate bond you have?"
"We didn't know what it was until several weeks after the initial event, but Dumbledore found out it was an Enemy bond." Severus explained, then turned to Hermione with a raised eyebrow. She smiled and nodded, knowing that he was going to tell his oldest friend about their babies. Severus turned to face Lucius and smirked.
"I know that this will come as a real shock to you, but Hermione and I have just informed several people of a new development between us that might require help from others. Maybe you can help us as well."
"I will do what I can. What has happened?" Lucius inquired, leaning forward resting his elbows on the other side of his cane in his lap.
"Well, we found out that we are expecting." This was obviously not what Lucius was expecting because his jaw dropped, and he began blinking quickly. It was almost as if he had been hit by a finem respirare spell, "It was as much of a surprise to us as it has been to everyone we have told. The thing that was the most surprising was this." Hermione placed her hand on top of her distended stomach which brought Lucius's attention to it. "We are expecting 4 babies instead of just one" Lucius gapped for a moment and then seemed to come back to himself, straightening up and reapplying his blank mask.
"May I ask how far along you are, Miss. Granger?" He asked, turning his eyes onto Hermione.
"I am 12 weeks 4 days along at the moment." She answered and then glanced at Draco and Harry whom had been quiet the whole time they had been there after helping her into her seat. Harry seemed to have fallen asleep on Draco's shoulder while Draco was completely focused on what was happening between his father, his godfather, and his new friend. When he saw that she was looking at him, he quirked the corner of his mouth in a small smile.
"Alright, this is… interesting news, but how can I help you? I am not usually at Hogwarts." Lucius said with a slight shrug. Severus smiled and placed his hand over Hermione's on her belly. For some reason, this caused Lucius to flinch, but he quickly regained his composure. Severus could tell that their soul bond aura had appeared. It did that at random times these days, usually when they touched.
"That is true, but you have gone through the ordeal of having a child before and as we haven't, I would like to ask your advice. That is if you would be comfortable sharing your experience. We have been told to expect a lot by Dumbledore and Pomfrey, but neither of them has been through this, so I thought you could provide a little foresight." Severus finished, knowing Hermione was okay with his asking this. He could feel her calming effect on him that he had noticed about a month ago. He hadn't been sure if he was comfortable with it at first, but he gave up about a week ago. It didn't take long for Lucius to nod his agreement.
"Although, things will probably be a great deal different for you two then it was for me. Narcissa and I were only expecting one child and you two have 4 times that to deal with. It will definitely be a lot more stressful." He stated, informing them of something they had already been thinking about. Hermione was used to being under pressure due to her school work and her personality to over do things. Of course, she would never admit that out loud, but she knew how she was and that she used to annoy her friends with her griping on and on about getting their homework done. Severus was used to the added pressure as well because of his spying days, but he was hoping he wouldn't have to be under that much pressure again. Having a child was a big undertaking and they hadn't expected this to happen this soon, or at all to be honest.
"We know that what you tell us will just be the basic frame to work from, but that will give us something to work with from someone who knows what they are talking about with the experience to back it up." Severus informed Lucius, who nodded.
"Alright, so what exactly would you like to know about my experience with pregnancy?"
Hermione leaned forwards as far as she could before asking, "Where did Narcissa have Draco?"
Severus leaned back, "If I remember correctly, he was born at St. Mungo's Hospital, correct?" He asked, knowing the answer. Or at least he thought he knew what his old friend was going to say, but what they were told next surprised them all, mostly Severus and Draco.
"Well, we had planned for Draco to be born at St. Mungo's Hospital, but Narcissa went into labor earlier than expected. As we couldn't apperate anywhere for fear of endanger the baby, we had to use another way to get somewhere she would have the help she needed to have the baby. The hospital had stated that about 2 weeks from the due date, we would be provided with a portkey to make transport easier, but it was still a week left before we could get that. So, as Floo travel was the safest, that is what we tried. Unfortunately, Narcissa went into a contraction just as we stepped into the fire. We somehow ended up at the Lovegood's house. Luckily for us, Pandora was a registered Mediwitch. Draco was insistent on coming at that particular moment. So, he was born in the living room of the Lovegood house after only 4 minutes of pushing. We have estimated that Narcissa went into labor in the early morning of June 5th, but she didn't know what they were until a lot later, so she was in labor for 18 hours total." He finished with a shake of his head. Draco, who had never heard this before was looking at Lucius, his face slack with his shock.
"I didn't know I was born at the Lovegood's home. Why didn't anyone tell me that?" Draco finally asked after he processed the information. Lucius looked over at his son, who was leaning against Harry as if asking for comfort. Harry had woken at some point and was watching Lucius with one arm thrown around Draco's shoulders.
"Yes. Narcissa and I figured that it would be better that you didn't know. Just after you were born, we were able to get to St. Mungo's safely. So, we decided to tell everybody else that you were born at the hospital so we wouldn't be disgraced for associating with people outside our social circle. These days, it doesn't really matter, so now this information is available for me to tell you." He finished with a small curl of the corner of his lips.
The room was silent for a moment as the occupants absorbed this information. Hermione was the first to speak up.
"So… what I want to know next is, how was the pregnancy? Were there any complications or restrictions made on Mrs. Malfoy during that time?" Hermione watched as Lucius flinched, which made her frown.
"Just for future note, my ex-wife has changed her name back to Black." Lucius informed the young woman in front of him. She nodded before he continued, "No complications, but she suffered from morning sickness for most of the pregnancy. Near the end of it, she couldn't move around as much and couldn't climb the stairs anymore. She was very moody and upset about how much weight she had gained, from about 16 weeks until she gave birth. So, Severus, be very careful about that. It looks like Miss Granger is about the same size as Narcissa was at almost 6 months along. You will be having a lot of issues with walking and sitting at this point, correct?" Lucius asked completely glossing over the comment about Hermione's weight. Hermione had noted the comment and wasn't happy with it, but she knew he was just trying to help in his own manner. Silently she nodded. "So as things progress further, it will be almost impossible to get up and down the stairs as well as to sit at any confining tables such as the bench seats in the Great hall. You will need to arrange to have another place to eat until Madam Pomfrey puts you on bed rest, which she will do. I believe she would have already told you this?" Lucius asked. Severus nodded this time. "Narcissa was almost required to do so, but she told the mediwizards that she would be doing no such thing." Lucius's lips curved up at the corners again, but the smile disappeared quickly when Draco pipped up.
"So basically, Hermione needs to expect to need a lot of help and to not be able to do as much as she is used to doing. Hermione, do you think you can relax? Especially as it is getting close to Christmas?" He asked knowing the answer but wanting to rile her up as much as he dared. Hermione didn't disappoint him, her eyes immediately sparking.
"Draco Malfoy, I do know how to relax when I need to, but I don't need to yet." But then another thought seemed to occur to her. "Wait, Christmas is coming up? What day is it?" she turned this question to Severus. He smirked.
"December 13th. I was wondering when you would remember Christmas. I guess, Pregnancy also effects memory." He stated in a mildly questioning tone, looking over at Lucius.
"Yes. Narcissa frequently forgot things and this would just make her more upset." The older blond confirmed with a nod.
Severus and Lucius watched Hermione's facial expression as she got more and more upset. Severus knew it was at herself for not paying more attention to the date, but he also knew it wouldn't be anything to calm her down and make her happy. Lucius suddenly broke the tense silence by standing up.
"Well, I believe I have overstayed my welcome a smidge, so I will bid you both a great day and Christmas." Lucius nodded at Hermione and Severus before turning to face Draco and his… Harry. He still couldn't come to terms with his own son dating another male, especially Harry Potter. "Draco, would you walk with me to the Entrance Hall? I would like to speak with you before I leave." He watched as Draco hesitated to stand, looking to Harry for a moment. "Your… boyfriend… may join us if you would prefer." Lucius said the word with as little disgust as possible for him. Draco winced at his tone but was comforted by Harry standing up and holding out his hand. Lucius walked over to the portrait hole as his son grabbed the offered hand and stood up. Hermione waved Harry and Draco off as they walked over to join the older blond as he walked through the door and down the hall.
Hermione relax into her seat for a moment after they all left, not really wanted to get up. She knew they had to go to Hogsmeade to buy gifts for everyone, but it was really hard for her to walk around. Severus sat back and studied his soul mate. He wanted to help her with her Christmas gift dilemma, but he knew that she wouldn't appreciate his efforts. In the end Hermione made the decision to get the gifts right then. She leaned forward to stand up but after a minute of no success, she turned to Severus. He was smirking at her struggle, but quickly wiped it off his face knowing it would make her mad. She had caught the smirk but let it go in favor of holding out her hand.
"Would you help me up, please? We are going shopping for Christmas gifts for everybody. The faster we get it done, the faster I won't need to worry about it anymore." She stated as he grasped her hand and helped her to stand. She put her hand on her lower back to support herself better. She stood like that until she felt steady, then walked to the portrait hole stopping to get her cloak clasped under her chin. She knew Severus was behind her doing the same as he didn't want her out of his sight for even a moment if he didn't need to.
Their trip to Hogsmeade was pleasant but not super enjoyable for Hermione due to her need to walk everywhere. But it didn't take long before they had gifts for Harry, Draco, Ron, Luna, Neville, Ginny, Molly, Arthur, Jean and Henry Granger. Hermione and Severus had separated for a few minutes to get each other gifts as well to keep it a secret. They made it home safely and wrapped their gifts before retiring for the night.
The next week and a half went by too quickly for Hermione's comforts. She didn't want it to be Christmas yet. She still hadn't told her parents about the babies or about her being the soul mate to her potion's professor. She knew that she needed to go visit them to inform them of the change in her circumstances, so she had spoken to Severus about going to see them right after Christmas. They had then gone to Dumbledore to plan how they would do so in a safe manner for Hermione and the babies. Hermione messaged her parents on the 22nd to inform them of her plan. The letter read:
Mom and Dad,
Hello! I hope things are going well for you. Things have been a bit crazy for me recently which is why I haven't written to you for so long. I am staying at the castle for Christmas but I would like to visit on boxing day so I can see you and inform you of a change in my life. It's nothing to worry about. Things are going great in school and Harry and Ron are doing great. Harry had some surprising news for us earlier this year which I will tell you when I see you. I hope Christmas is a good day and I hope you enjoy the gifts I am sending with this owl.
Can't wait to see you.
Love,
Hermione
P.S. I am bringing someone with me for you to meet. I hope you like him.
Hermione was so anxious about telling her parents, but she knew they needed to know this about her. She just hoped they would support her decision to keep the babies. She also knew they would have a problem with who she was soul bonded with, but there was nothing they could do about that.
Christmas day was, as usual, a relaxed day at Hogwarts. Hermione woke snuggled up against Severus with her belly pressed into his back. She quickly got up to use the rest room, barely able to stand on her own. She really didn't like needing as much help as she usually did lately. She couldn't wait for her babies to be born. She still had 5 months left plus a few days before that would happen safely. Finishing up her backroom routine, she headed back into their room to get dressed. Noticing that Severus was still sleeping, she smiled and headed out into the living area and then to the kitchen to make herself something to eat. She always ended up making more then she needed, so she usually shared it with Severus, but this morning she was extremely hungry. She hummed as she cooked, not caring if Severus walked in on her doing so. After needing to stay calm around him because of the bond, she had pretty much stopped being embarrassed. She still got angry, but mostly at stupid things. The last time she had gotten angry, he had happily kissed her until she had completely calmed and had relaxed.
She went into the living area to eat and read a book she had gotten in the Library the day before. Severus joined her just as she got to chapter 4 and they ate together in silence.
"Happy Christmas." Hermione finally looked up. Smiling when he just huffed in annoyance at the greeting, she patted the empty spot next to her. When he joined her on the sofa, she reached down on the other side of the sofa and picked up the gift she had gotten him. She saw that he was holding a gift as well. She didn't know for sure, but the shape looked like a book. Looking down as her similarly shaped package, she smiled.
"Happy Christmas, Hermione. I guess we had the same idea for gifts, but that isn't so surprising." He smiled and handed her the red wrapped gift even as she did the same with the green wrapped gift. They both unwrapped their new books. Severus's book was titled 'Potions and their counterpart spells: Volume 1'. Hermione's book was called 'Raising children in the Wizarding world'.
"Thank you. I was looking at this when I was in Hogsmeade last time, but I guess that's why you got this for me in the first place." Severus gave her a raised eyebrow in answer to that comment but stayed silent and smiled after a moment. They were both content to lean back and begin reading their books, but the silence of their little world was interrupted not long after by a house elf popping in to drop off gifts from their friends. It didn't take them long before they were done opening all of the packages. Hermione had gotten Chocolate Frogs from Ron, an empty journal from Luna, Droobles best blowing gum from Ginny, a book on herbology from Neville, an 'I owe you' coupon book from Harry, a letter and a new scarf and glove set from her parents, and even a new sweater from Molly and Arthur. Hermione put the letter aside to read later as she took in the few things Severus had received. A special stirring rod from Draco and new set of professional potions robes from Lucius.
Hermione opened one of the chocolate frogs, catching before it could get away and taking a bite. She offered the rest to Severus with a smile.
A/N: Thank you for waiting of me and my procrastination moments… or months, I guess would be more accurate. I hope you enjoyed this Christmas gift to those of you who celebrate. Merry Christmas, Happy yule, Happy Hanukah, or just Happy Holidays.
Next chapter is Hermione and Severus's visit to the Granger home.
Questions I leave you with:
How will Hermione's parents react to the news?
Will Severus be attacked by Henry Granger?
How will the rest of Christmas go?
What is in the coupon book from Harry?
Please review!
