Someone You Loved
Chapter One - Discovery
Hermione Granger sat in the Gardens of Hogwarts looking around the place she once called home. Hogwarts had been her home for 8 years, one year longer than intended due to returning to Hogwarts after the War to finish her Seventh Year.
Hermione had not been back 'home' in 5 years. She avoided returning actually due to the memories that she felt so hard not to relive.
Her 8th year at Hogwarts was her best, the more amazing year of her life and Hermione had left Hogwarts at the end of the year with a broken heart. Hermione had found love in the most surprising place in her 8th year and hoped the relationship would continue after her time at Hogwarts however left on her last day, her Graduation day broken hearted and alone.
That was the reason she avoided Hogwarts even though she knew he was no longer living within the castle walls.
Hermione looked around at the gardens taking in the sights of her former classmates with their families. She had practically been forced to attend the summer Garden party at Hogwarts by Harry and Ginny who had helped Headmistress Minerva McGonagall organise the school reunion.
Harry and Ginny had helped Hermione after her heartbreak although originally she had planned to tell no one of her former secret relationship however the relationship became harder to hide after a few short months.
'Mione, can you hold James for me for a second, I need to go help Mum with the picnic.' Ginny asked her best friend.
'Of course.' Hermione said taking the 4-month-old baby into her arms.
Hermione rocked the small baby in her arms taking in the newborn smell. A smell she had not smelt in such a long time. She sat on the picnic bench and looked across the gardens at two dark haired children playing and laughing.
'One day, you will be able to play with Silas and Piper.' She murmured to the small baby kissing his little head. 'They will love playing with you.'
'Finally!' Headmistress McGonagall said as Severus Snape the new Deputy Headmaster approached her. 'I've been waiting for you.'
'I'm here now.' He drawled.
'I can see that and you've brought the Malfoy's.' She said as she looked over to the Blonde Malfoy Family who were making their way over to the Gardens.
'Yes.' He stated as he looked over at the gardens.
'Why don't you go and….socialise Severus.' She said to the tall dark man. 'It will be good for you to see your former students.'
'If I must.' He replied as he made his way over to the Malfoy's.
Severus caught up with his oldest friends Lucius and Narcissa who had found a bench by the roses. His Godson, Draco Malfoy was holding the newest blonde Malfoy Scorpius Malfoy whilst his Wife Astoria sat down on the bench next to her Mother-in-Law.
'Smile Severus.' Narcissa said as she laid a hand on his arm.
'Darling, when has Severus ever smiled' Lucius said with a laugh. 'I see the famous three are here.'
Severus followed his friend's gaze and looked over to the other side of the Gardens. He quickly spotted the famous Harry Potter who was fussing over his wife who was stood next to her older brother, Potter's sidekick.
'It appears Ms. Granger has a baby.' Lucius said as he directed his friends gaze to the young woman holding a small baby.
'Can't be a Weasley, it's not Ginger.' Draco added. 'Could be Wood's. I heard he was sniffing around Granger a few years ago.'
'Maybe.' Lucius replied staring at his dark friend.
'Thanks Hermione.' Ginny said as she took the baby from her friend.
'He's so like you Harry.' Hermione said as the young baby opened his eyes revealing bright green eyes.
'I carried him for 9 long months, went through 73 hours of labor and he doesn't look anything like me.' Ginny griped at her husband.
Hermione smiled at her friends who were sharing a lovely moment.
'Teddy is having a great time with the twins.' Harry said to Hermione who was now looking towards the lake.
'It's lovely that Andromeda let you bring him today.' Hermione replied.
'We've been having him more recently. Andromeda is getting older and she's struggling alone with a 5 year old.'
'I know the feeling.' Hermione mumbled.
'You're amazing Hermione.' Ginny said to her best friend. 'And you do what you do as well as study for your degree.'
'Always an over-achiever our Mione.' Ron said as he joined the group putting his arm around his friend.
Severus Snape sat with his old friends although his gaze found its way over to the brown haired young woman he once loved often. Narcissa and Lucius did not miss their old friend's looks.
'Must be Potter's baby.' Lucius said as Severus' turned towards Lucius in an instant.
Severus merely nodded.
Hermione made her way over to the picnic area with two water bottles in her hand. She needed to start getting some food down the twins before it got to late, she could really do with them going to bed on time.
'Ms. Granger.'
Hermione stopped in her tracks. She knew that voice. That voice had haunted her for the last five years in every dream she ever had.
Hermione slowly turned around and faced the man she had once loved. She gazed up, much taller than she and into the eyes she knew so well.
Before she could speak two dark haired children attached themselves to Hermione.
'Mummy, I'm hungry.' The dark haired boy said to his mother.
'I'm thirsty.' The other child, a little girl said as she wrapped her arms around Hermione's thigh.
Severus stared at the two dark haired children who were wrapped around Hermione's legs.
'I was just getting you both drinks.' She replied patting their heads. 'Why don't you go see Uncle Harry and Auntie Ginny for a second and I'll be right over.'
'Can't you come with us Mummy?' The little girl asked.
'In a second. I just need to speak with Professor Snape.' Hermione said as she pushed the two children off her legs.
'I'm staying with you Mummy.' The little boy repeated. 'And me' the little girl copied.
'I'm sorry Professor Snape, I really must sort out my children.' She said as she quickly rushed away with the two children holding onto her hands.
As soon as Hermione met her friends, she crumbled. Ginny rushed to Hermione not knowing what was wrong.
'He's here. He's back.' Hermione said and with that Ginny knew exactly what she meant. 'He's seen them, he's going to know.'