Chapter 133: Triumph and Progression
{A/N: I am pleased to report that we are at the end of this sordid little tale...of course I still have plenty of other stories pertaining to our favorite duo...I want to thank all of my readers and reviewers who've helped this story along...especially,Grace my first reviewer on this story despite being a guest, and rivruskende, whom inspired me to find a way to keep our hero alive in a brilliant manner...To Wintersong1954...I am pleased you didn't through your computer across the room...ndavis77 How's this for a Happy Ending?...}
My Thanks To All My Readers And Reviewers...Enjoy-S.S
SIX YEARS LATER...
{"She drives me crazy like no one else...She drive me crazy and I can't help myself...I won't make it on my own...No one likes to be a lone...She drives me crazy like no one else...She drive me crazy, and I can't help myself..."}She Drives Me Crazy, Fine Young Cannibals
St. Mungo's Hospital, Muggle World...
Phaeron Severus Sebastian Snape paced the white washed halls as his stylish dress shoes clicked and clanked against the hard polished hospital floor. The chill of the cool air hung about him as his ebony teacher's robes billowed in the wake of his movement. His lengthy raven hair had been pulled back into a ponytail in a bid to gain some control over it. His pale fingers trembled slightly as he fiddled with his silver wedding band. His obsidian eyes flickering with thought after thought in a bid to get control over his warring emotions. The elevator had indicated a new arrival as the worrisome Snape paced the halls. He was treated to the sight of his mother, the bushy haired witch had been more particular about her appearance these days usually styling her hair in a classic bun and dressed firmly in her usual pair of ebony teacher's robes.
"Phaeron." said Hermione announcing her presence to her worried son.
"Mother." he said rushing over to hug her.
"Has there been any word?" asked Hermione, her amber eyes scanning for any and all indications of information.
"No." replied Phaeron. "Nothing."
Before they could continue their conversation, more ventured from the elevator. Sidney had come dressed in his Hogwarts robes, a big Gryffindor crest etched onto the right of his chest. He had grown rather well for a boy barely fifteen years of age. He had been placing quite well in his classes although he had been well adapted in Charms given his mother had been the professor.
"Is he here yet?" asked Sidney excitedly.
"No." replied Phaeron greeting his younger brother with a hug. "Not yet."
"What makes you so sure it will be another boy?" asked Hermione narrowing her eyes at both her sons.
"Well, Dad's rooting for it to be a boy so I'm siding with him." replied Sidney with a smile.
"No way." replied Hermione. "You Snape men already outnumber us Snape women."
"Technically speaking it's an even tie." replied Phaeron.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at her eldest son.
The elevator brought up more guests.
Albus Severus Potter had been trying his best to get a six year old Shiloh Snape to release his arm. She had insisted on accompanying him to the hospital. Hermione noted the mischief behind her daughter's eyes.
"No pranks young lady." she said catching Shiloh attempt to amuse herself by tormenting everyone else.
The young witch narrowed her obsidian eyes at her mother and a wry smirk filed across her sallow pale face. Hermione sighed. There was no question of whom Shiloh had taken after given her father's nature. The young soon to be Slytherin witch marched toward the empty chairs and sat down with her arms folded across her chest.
For his part, Albus Severus had been pleased to see his tormentor muzzled at least for the moment. He turned his attention to Phaeron.
"How is she?" he asked.
"She was doing fine last I heard...everything looked to be smooth sailing in terms of the birth." replied Phaeron rather nervously.
"Any news on wither it's a boy or a girl?" asked Albus Severus.
"None so far." replied Phaeron. "Although mother is wishing for another girl...and father..."
"Is betting on a boy." replied Albus Severus already knowing the Potions Master's pick.
The elevator brought up the Malfoy clan.
Lucius not looking a day over fifty despite being so, Narcissa equally vibrant and beautiful as she pulled along gifts and her annoyed grandson Scorpius. Draco ventured through the elevator still very much the distinguished Defense Against The Dark Arts Professor he ever was. He had patiently awaited the news of his "little brother's" child as well.
Hermione knew better than to ask what the Malfoys' thought about the baby. They'd side with Severus of course.
"Little sister..." said Lucius with a smirk. "You look rather well...could it be that you retain some hope about this prestigious bet coming out in your favor?"
"Sod off Lucius." replied Hermione annoyed.
This earned a chuckle from the others.
"What's the latest news concerning our girl?" asked Narcissa turning her attention to Phaeron.
"No real news as of late." replied her godson. "But she was progressing rather nicely."
Hermione turned her attention to Draco.
"Where is he?" she asked not needing to elaborate more than that.
"There was a minor scuffle between Gryffindor and Slytherin House." reported Draco with a smirk.
Hermione rolled her eyes.
It had not been lost on her that both she and Draco were the Heads of their respective houses and scuffling was what they had done best in their day.
"It wasn't me this time mother." replied Sidney innocently.
Hermione sighed.
Her only help when it came to her son being assigned to her house was that he had been far less trouble than Phaeron had been when he attended representing Slytherin.
Albus Severus sighed recalling just how much trouble Phaeron had been.
"If it's any consolation, Slytherin is getting a run for it's galleons when Shiloh attends." he said.
Hermione placed her hands on her hips in true Molly Weasley fashion.
"What makes you so sure Shiloh will be in Slytherin?" she asked.
Without a word everyone's eyes fell upon the female mini Snape then went back to Hermione.
"Must we ask that question Mother?" asked Phaeron in a dry tone not so unlike his father.
The elevator brought up more guests.
It was only a matter of time before the halls were filled with red head Weasleys beginning with Molly and Arthur, trailing with their brood followed by their respective children's broods.
Moments later, Ginny arrived with Harry and James II.
Hermione greeted Ginny warmly but ignored Harry and James II. Albus Severus seemed to do the same as he took his seat near the Malfoys. He hadn't spoken much to his father since the incident where James II made a scene at Phaeron and Lily's wedding.
"How is she doing?" Molly asked Hermione.
The older witch had been getting up there in the years but still remained as family oriented as always. Arthur had been pleased to see Hermione. They had seen less and less of the bushy haired girl they once knew and treated as one of the family. Fred and George arrived with arms full of Weasley products. They had not lost their sense of fun given their age nor the smiles that wore when pleased at their mischief or someone else's.
"Mini." said Fred.
"Snape." finished George greeting Phaeron.
"We brought some things for our little niece." said Fred.
"Or Nephew." replied George.
"I'm sure Lily would appreciate it." said Phaeron in a civil tone.
He had always believed Lily's uncles were a few ingredients short of a potion but they were fun to be around.
"Is he here yet?" asked Harry not trying to draw too much attention to himself given that Hermione still hated him.
She had softened a bit given his hand at saving Snape's life but she still couldn't get passed the embittered eleven year separation from her husband due to his cowardly attack.
"No Potter, after all a Headmaster's duties are never done." spat Hermione trying to remain civil. "Anyway shouldn't you be more concerned about your daughter?"
Harry said nothing more as he sat next to Ginny avoiding the murderous glares from the Malfoys.
As the rowdy group settled down a nurse emerged from the room and got Phaeron's attention.
"Could you please join me Mr. Snape." said the nurse motioning for Phaeron to follow.
With one last look at his mother, the raven haired Potions Professor got to his feet and made his way back into the sealed off rooms to have a look at his wife and recently born child.
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Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts Castle, Wizarding World...
As if he needed more annoyances, The Slytherin and Gryffindor students decided to chose to day of all days to stage a dramatic bickering session. The instigators met with the business end of his wand as a result of his infuriated state of mind. It also didn't help that his wife and of course deputy Headmistress had taken off before he could ask for her assistance. Snape ordered the two houses to remain under lock down in a bid to keep order while he went to not the arrival of his new grandchild.
It had been fortunate for him that Albus and Minerva decided to assist him this evening despite their retirement. While Snape had been quite annoyed with many of Albus Dumbledore's antics, he had always thought of him as a father figure.
"What are you waiting for Severus, go and see your granddaughter." said Minerva.
Snape smirked at her assumption.
"You and Hermione...you know I'd say this was a Gryffindor thing if it were only you two Gryffindors rooting for the same thing." he said. "What makes you so sure that I don't have a grandson?"
"Because there are enough junior Snape's running about." replied the elder witch. "Merlin for bid there be another moody, repressive, Slytherin git like yourself unleashed upon the world...give the next few generations a break."
"A pint says it's a boy." said Snape not at all taking her banter to heart. "And be sure to pay up within the allotted time frame."
"Double or nothing." replied Minerva. Her green eyes burning with mischief.
"You're on." replied Snape. His obsidian eyes doing the same.
Dumbledore smirked. If someone would have told him that Severus Snape of all people would live through a bloody and unforgiving war and find himself with not only children but be welcoming a grandchild into the world shared with Harry Potter, he would have laughed himself silly.
"Good luck to you and yours my boy." said the elder wizard, his blue eyes twinkling.
"Don't allow Gryffindor to torch the castle in my absence old man." replied Snape looking over Dumbledore, despite leaving the school in the old man's care there had been a reason for his "forced" retirement.
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After Delivery...
Lily Luna Potter-Snape had been half asleep when the nurses ushered her stunned husband into the room. He had been a twenty one year old Potions Professor, tying with his father to be the youngest Potions Master in recorded history. His obsidian eyes had been filled with worry as he made his way to her beside. She smiled at him. She had only been ninteen years of age and already a mother, no doubt following in the footsteps of her mother and both grandmothers.
"Lily." said Phaeron leaning down and kissing her lips in greeting.
She smiled at him.
"Phaeron." she said pleased to see her husband.
"You did well." he said trying to sound at least on his part supportive despite being in new territory.
"As did you." she replied with a smirk.
The nurse walked in with a small wrapped bundle in her arms. Phaeron could already see the raven hair of the Snape line dominating the Weasely/ Potter traits. Lily removed a little of the blankets and revealed a beautiful baby boy who's looks had been quite the mix of his two proud parents with more of his traits being like that of his grandfather Severus Snape, with the exception of his more fair complexion like Lily's than that of his father Phaeron's pale form.
"Mother's going to be disappointed." replied Phaeron with a smirk noting how right his father had been about the baby.
"She's most definitely going to have to pay up." replied Lily knowing all too well about the bet between her in laws.
"That she is." replied Phaeron with a small chuckle. "Have you thought of a name?"
"Something like that." replied Lily. "I was thinking Sethivas."
"Sethivas Sebastian Snape." said Phaeron with a smirk. "He could have that whole triple S. thing father has going for him."
Lily nodded.
"Sethivas Sebastian Snape it is then." she said pleased that he had been happy.
The proud parents shared another kiss and enjoyed their time with their newborn son.
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The Lobby...
Severus Sebastian Snape made his way inside the lobby of St. Mungo's Hospital. He had a hell of a time getting through all the floo traffic given it had been such a public place. He made his way through the irritating lobby directors and reception clerks until he found the right floor. The Headmaster of Hogwarts stood alone in the elevator patiently awaiting the moment of his arrival to the waiting room. His trademark frock coat and trousers had been a given right along with his dragon hide boots. He kept his hair much neater these days, mostly at the insistence of his wife given her nagging abilities he rather not tangle with her over the children's snickering over his lack of appearance.
She had been quick with her wand these days, taking on Minerva's no nonsense attitude as Head of Gryffindor house. Her adopting a bit of his antics to keep students in line had been fun to watch of course.
When the elevator arrived, Snape stepped out into the waiting room. He could see Phaeron surrounded by Weasleys and Potters. They no doubt had a good look at the wrapped bundle in his arms. Molly looked to be right upset about something but Phaeron ignored her turning his attention to his newly arrived father. Snape noted the Malfoys had been present, every last one of them with the exception of Draco's late wife, it had been a trying thing to see his godson through the death of his spouse but they all managed.
"There you are sir." he said respectfully. "I would have awaited centuries if I had to."
"I don't doubt that you would have." replied Snape with a smirk knowing his boy quite well.
"Since you didn't get to hold me when I was born father, I wanted you to be the first to hold your grandson." said Phaeron. "Excluding Lily and myself of course."
"Grandson?" asked Snape with an arched eyebrow.
His obsidian eyes flickered with heat as they fell upon his wife whom had dreaded this news since his arrival.
"That's right." replied Phaeron. "Headmaster, Severus Snape meet your grandson, Sethivas Sebastian Snape."
The proud father placed his newborn son into his father's waiting arms as everyone crowded around them.
"Can't see a lick of Lily in that boy." said Molly observing little Sethivas.
"That's because he's more Snape than Potter." said Snape with a wicked smirk in Harry's direction.
The green eyed wizard sighed.
Well, he was out 20 galleons this week.
Ginny shook her head. Apparently, she had been the only one with the good sense not to bet against Snape.
Hermione's bet was something more personal as such she was spared the indignity of having to shell out galleons or rather have them cut from her pay check considering her husband was also her boss.
Snape's obsidian eyes went back to his grandson. It had not been lost on him that he had nearly missed the arrival of this little one given his status six years prior. Since that time he had resolved himself to enjoying his life and spending as much time with his family as he could possibly stand.
"Welcome to the family, Sethivas Snape." he said looking into the eyes of his grandson shared ironically, by his most hated enemy.
A mischievous grin filed across his face as he imagined the look on James Potter I's face when he realized that he now shared a grandchild with him. Hermione shook her head noting just what he had been amused by.
The amber eyed witch looked upon her family pleased to have endured all that they had from the wizarding war to subsequent loss and gain..of all the things that she had been thankful for in that moment, having her husband alive and being apart of this joyous occasion ranked the highest. Snape handed her the baby and she noted how her grandson looked an awful lot like his grandfather.
She shook her head.
It seemed the men in the Snape family were always going to outnumber the women, at least until Sidney got married or Lily had another baby.
Later...
Once all the excitement died down. Severus Snape cornered his wife in an empty hall. She had been dreading his arrival knowing full well what he would ask of her given he had won the bet. She tried her best to pout with grace as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in close to him.
"Not so fast Mrs. Snape." he said with an amused tone. "We have to discuss your payment from the bet."
"You've already won." she said annoyed despite falling victim to his trailing fingers.
"Indeed I did." replied Snape with a wicked smirk. "And I will be collecting."
His obsidian eyes flashed with heat once more.
"I didn't doubt it." replied Hermione.
"My Potions Classroom, 8:00 pm." said Snape pressing his semi-erect cock into her thighs.
"S-Severus..." whimpered Hermione. "We have to be at dinner at 8:00 pm."
Snape smirked.
"Do we?" he asked pressing further into her. "You'd better be dressed for the occasion...Miss Granger...I wouldn't want to have to arrange another detention for you."
The amber eyed witch closed her eyes as she combated the images rushing through her head in response to her husband's antics.
"Shameless Slytherin git." she muttered.
Snape laughed.
"And you love me for it." he said smiling as wickedly as can be.
The amber eyed witch sighed.
"I do." she replied. "I really do."
He pulled her into a passionate kiss and they made their way back to the lobby before the staff came to hose them down like a couple of hormonal teenagers. Of course Snape seemed to retain the libido of a hormonal teenager given his school boy antics in the halls of Hogwarts after hours when his wife had been on patrol.
No one could have known what Dumbledore intended all those years ago when he called a certain bushy haired Gryffindor witch into his office and summoned a right snarky git from the dungeons. The Former Headmaster's twinkling blue eyes held many secrets as well as much wisdom that not even Minerva McGonagall understood half the time.
THE END?
A/N: Bonus Chap, in the works as a thanks for the reading-S.S.