Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, only those that I created
myself. Please do not harm me in any way. I only do this for fun.
A/N's: Thank you to BashfulC for being my 100th reviewer.woo hoo!!!!
RWH
~_~_~_~
A Secret Worth Keeping
Chapter Five: Of Old Friends
"Hermione!"
The young woman looked up sharply as a familiar voice floated down the staircase towards her. She glanced up to see one of her best friends come flying, sprightly, down the steps heading straight for her like an arrow shot forth from it's bow. She took a timid step back and looked back at him wide-eyed in total shock and fear.
"H.. Harry?" Her voice shook as she felt the whole of her body start to tremble. He couldn't be here. Not now, this is to soon. She couldn't.. can't.. She swung around, back to face the man that brought her back to her past, she cast an angry and horrified look to him her eyes accusing him of open sabotage. "You.you liar.You said they weren't. . wouldn't.. be here.. " She hissed angrily feeling betrayed.
Severus watched the man come bounding down the stairs and his brows furrowed together in confusion. "He wasn't earlier.. " He whispered back. "I swear to you, he nor Weasley were here this morning. The last I heard, they were still at the Weasley's. I have nothing to do with this." His words whipped around her as she felt him move back and into the shadows with the baby. Within seconds, she felt arms go around her and she gasped finding herself swung around and enveloped in Harry's embrace.
"Hermione! Gods, where have you been? Ron and I have been searching everywhere for you. Not even your parents knew where you were.. " His voice trailed away as he finally pulled back and held her shoulders at arms length so that he could get a good look at her. He lips turned into a frown as he took in her appearance.
She felt her face flush and her eyes fell to the floor in shame as he took his time to look over her. She knew she looked like hell and felt like a fool in his scrutiny and she flinched when she heard him gasp softly. She jerked her shoulders out of his hands and gave him a glare.
"Harry.. what are you doing here?"
The young man's gaze swept over her sunken and red-rimmed eyes, the pale face, and the unkempt hair which was haphazardly pulled back into a scrunchie at the nape of her neck. This could not be the same woman that had left here in the dead of night almost ten months earlier. Something had to have happened to make her change so much in such a short amount of time. He let his hands fall to his side as she pulled back from him.
"Gods Hermione.. you look like shit. What happened? Why did you leave like that?"
A snort of disbelief escaped from her lips as she shook her head sadly. "Leave it up to you to say what's on your mind, Harry."
"Hermione, look.. you know what I mean." He frowned at her with a sad shake to his head.
"I know Harry.. I know." She raised a hand to his cheek and smiled tightly. "I'm sorry I left Harry, but.. there were circumstances involved that.. made the choice for me. I had to leave. I couldn't stay, not then.. "
"What happened? Are you all right now?" His voice was tight coming from his throat.
His face reflected his concern and she could see that he was resisting the urge to sweep her into his protective arms. Once the knight in shining armor.. always the knight in shining armor.
"It's a long story and I'm not sure you are ready to hear it just yet."
"Try me." The young man's stance said that he wasn't budging until he got the answer he thought he deserved.
Hermione sighed heavily, he wouldn't understand mere words. Harry was a man bent on action more than words so she raised a silent hand up to Harry's lips to stop any more questions.
"Fine, but I can't tell you, best thing is to.show you." She sighed sadly up at him. "Just don't judge me until you hear the truth." She waited until Harry nodded in agreement before turning to Severus who had been watching the exchange silently from the shadowy confines of the wall.
Harry's eyes widened in disbelief when Hermione held out her arms to Snape. Severus approached and without a word handed over a bundle of blankets. What the hell was Snape doing here? Harry's mind tumbled over in confusion until Hermione, gently cradling the bundle in her tiny arms, turned back to him. He watched in surprise when, with delicate fingers, Hermione pulled the blanket away from the sleeping figure of a newborn.
"Harry.. this is Sebastian.. my son." Her words were almost to soft for him to make out and he had to lean closer.
"Hermione.. your.. your son? But when.. who.. " His eyes traveled over the sleeping bundle and cautiously brushed a finger across the baby's head. Many things went through his head after Hermione disappeared without a trace, but this.. this was something he didn't figure on. Nothing could have prepared him for this shock. He finally looked up at her and she could read the question in his eyes before he asked. "Hermione.. who is his father?"
"It's a long story, Harry and one that I would prefer not to go into here in the hallway." She stated simply before she glanced back at Severus. "Can we go to our quarters now?"
"Certainly." Severus nodded in agreement and swept a hand to indicated that they both walk before them. "I believe you know where the dungeon is." His voice clipped as he saw her pull their son closer to her breast. She nodded and turned to follow the staircase down with Harry close on her heels.
"The dungeons? Hermione.. aren't you going to stay in the tower with up anymore? I mean, wouldn't it be better, with the baby and all?"
Hermione shook her head and walked more quickly down the stairs. The sooner they got out of the hallway the better. "Not with this baby, Harry.. Please.. lets just get into our new quarters first, then I.. I will try to answer your questions."
They walked the rest of the distance in silence Harry casting glances between Snape and his best friend. What did Snape have to do with all this? And why in Gods names did she have to live in the dungeon, That was no place for a baby. It was to cold, to damp. It was idiotic, both Hermione and her baby should be with the rest of her friends. Where it was safe and there were no Snape to frighten the poor thing to death. He chanced a glance back at Snape and frowned again. Something wasn't adding up right to him, He didn't have to ace Arithmancy to know that this.. this whatever it was.. was wrong.
This was going to be a tricky situation.
Ron was going to have a cow when he finds out that Hermione left because she was pregnant. He had always been so sure that Hermione had no boyfriend and in point was probably still a virgin. He himself had agreed with Ron on that point. Not one of them could ever imagine Hermione having sex, even if she did look more adult than they did. It just didn't seem like something she would do. She was always the cautious one. The one to weigh her options for days until she made a decision, this simply was not the Hermione he and Ron knew.
In all the years they have known each other, none of them have ever seen her look at a boy, except for Krum during the fourth year, but that was it. That was the last romance she had, well, the last one that they were aware of. Obviously, there was much more to her than either he or Ron thought.
Harry frowned in his thoughts, he just couldn't see how this happened. Through all her studying, he couldn't see how she could have pulled this off. Even as brilliant she was, she couldn't pull off having a lover then a child, not during her second to last year. There was just too much at stake for her to lose.
It just simply didn't add up.
Severus paused them at the heavy wooden door of his domain and whispered the words that would let them in. Once inside he lit the candles to illuminate the rooms before turning to her and indicated the baby.
"Allow me to put him down, Hermione, I'm sure you and Mr. Potter have a lot to.. discuss."
Hermione nodded and moved closer handing the baby over to his father. "I won't tell him everything, not if you don't want me to." She couldn't look up into his face but she felt his words on her face as he answered softly.
"Tell him what you wish, Hermione. Tell him the truth if you feel he can.. or will.. understand."
She then glanced up at him and bit her lip before nodding.
"Thank you, Severus.. for everything."
Severus simply nodded and turned to leave the room. "I will give you the tour of your new home when you are finished here, just call, I will be with Sebastian."
Harry watched the exchange silently, their voices to low to overhear but something in their demeanor had him wondering something. The way Snape took possession of the baby like it.. He pushed the pause button on that thought with a shake of the head.
"Hermione."
She turned to him and noticed an odd look on his face. With that look, she could tell that he had guessed the truth.
"Take a seat, Harry.. this isn't going to be easy to tell."
A/Ns and Acknowledgements:
~_~_~_~_~
I wish to thank you all:
Cynthia90: Hope this wasn't too late for you.
Bashful C Aww, Hon.. I will just have to go and find your story now and reciprocate your kindness. Thank you for being my 100th reviewer. I LOVE YA! And yes you may host this story. Just leave me the address so I can check out your site.
J.S. Sumner Thank you, I'm glad that you like my writing I just happen to put down what pops into my head. It helps that I have a very active imagination. (or fantasy life.. whatever) There is a lot to our Severus than anyone knows I think you and others will be pleasantly surprised at what will happen in time. As to being totally in control, since when has he ever NOT been? Hehe. Severus has to be in control of everything and with that thought, the rape will be revealed in time. With Severus always preferring to be in control, of course he would want to know what happened and with Hermione's help, he will rediscover it. In his own memory as well as those thoughts of Hermione's own POV. I think that will be a bit difficult to write but its something that I am kind of.. putting off.. LOL.. but I will get there. I have a feeling it will be coming up in a chapter soon. So keep reading, and don't worry, I have not abandoned my other story, I'm working on the next part now.
HGWhiteTigerDM: Thank you, and I will.
Athene Saile: Hope you liked the next part.
Dracomio: LOL. I hope you try out others. There are some fantastic HG/SS fic out there.
a wolf of mibu: Thank you and the next one wont be to long getting out.
Silindro: Thanks
keneez: Thank you.
joani: Aw, thank you, and I appreciate your input.
Chantal9: Thank you. I think that a young girl her age would be taking it a bit difficult without her friends and family. At least, It's the way I see it.
Snape_Lover: Thank you, Your words are very kind and I am doing my best to keep the chapters coming. Between work and Real Life, I am churning them out as soon as possible.
princess310889: Thank you, hope you liked it.
dragonbrat: Yes ma'am
Jessica: I plan on it. Have to complete it or I have a feeling that it won't let me live.
Danric-Lover: LOL.. The romance may take some time to come but things will heat up soon, promise.
Potions Mistresss: Yes ma'am, hope you enjoyed this chapter
Anarane Anwamane: Thank you
Tracy3: Here you go, enjoy.
Magdellin: Hey, thanks for the Email. You made my day and I love our interchanges. It's great to meet others from around the world I'm glad that you are enjoying my story and I hope you continue to do so. Love ya bunches.
Cathryne: Cat.Now you know I love ya and I know you love Severus, but come on, who else would you want to see him with, McGonagall? Hehe. You know you love them. ADMIT it! You know you wanna. We will get you just like I told you we would with HP.. give it up! It's a lost cause! Love you Sis.
Nicole: Hope you enjoyed this part.
DragonFireAngelVWP: Here you go, hope you had a nice time away. And welcome back and you are welcomed.
Tracey Claybon: Thank you, I have tried to keep the situation as real as possible without being squicky. The topic of rape is never one that easy to talk about but Hermione and Severus will get through it. Just keep reading to learn how.
~~~
Thank you all, I am very grateful for your comments.
Blessed Be
RWH
A/N's: Thank you to BashfulC for being my 100th reviewer.woo hoo!!!!
RWH
~_~_~_~
A Secret Worth Keeping
Chapter Five: Of Old Friends
"Hermione!"
The young woman looked up sharply as a familiar voice floated down the staircase towards her. She glanced up to see one of her best friends come flying, sprightly, down the steps heading straight for her like an arrow shot forth from it's bow. She took a timid step back and looked back at him wide-eyed in total shock and fear.
"H.. Harry?" Her voice shook as she felt the whole of her body start to tremble. He couldn't be here. Not now, this is to soon. She couldn't.. can't.. She swung around, back to face the man that brought her back to her past, she cast an angry and horrified look to him her eyes accusing him of open sabotage. "You.you liar.You said they weren't. . wouldn't.. be here.. " She hissed angrily feeling betrayed.
Severus watched the man come bounding down the stairs and his brows furrowed together in confusion. "He wasn't earlier.. " He whispered back. "I swear to you, he nor Weasley were here this morning. The last I heard, they were still at the Weasley's. I have nothing to do with this." His words whipped around her as she felt him move back and into the shadows with the baby. Within seconds, she felt arms go around her and she gasped finding herself swung around and enveloped in Harry's embrace.
"Hermione! Gods, where have you been? Ron and I have been searching everywhere for you. Not even your parents knew where you were.. " His voice trailed away as he finally pulled back and held her shoulders at arms length so that he could get a good look at her. He lips turned into a frown as he took in her appearance.
She felt her face flush and her eyes fell to the floor in shame as he took his time to look over her. She knew she looked like hell and felt like a fool in his scrutiny and she flinched when she heard him gasp softly. She jerked her shoulders out of his hands and gave him a glare.
"Harry.. what are you doing here?"
The young man's gaze swept over her sunken and red-rimmed eyes, the pale face, and the unkempt hair which was haphazardly pulled back into a scrunchie at the nape of her neck. This could not be the same woman that had left here in the dead of night almost ten months earlier. Something had to have happened to make her change so much in such a short amount of time. He let his hands fall to his side as she pulled back from him.
"Gods Hermione.. you look like shit. What happened? Why did you leave like that?"
A snort of disbelief escaped from her lips as she shook her head sadly. "Leave it up to you to say what's on your mind, Harry."
"Hermione, look.. you know what I mean." He frowned at her with a sad shake to his head.
"I know Harry.. I know." She raised a hand to his cheek and smiled tightly. "I'm sorry I left Harry, but.. there were circumstances involved that.. made the choice for me. I had to leave. I couldn't stay, not then.. "
"What happened? Are you all right now?" His voice was tight coming from his throat.
His face reflected his concern and she could see that he was resisting the urge to sweep her into his protective arms. Once the knight in shining armor.. always the knight in shining armor.
"It's a long story and I'm not sure you are ready to hear it just yet."
"Try me." The young man's stance said that he wasn't budging until he got the answer he thought he deserved.
Hermione sighed heavily, he wouldn't understand mere words. Harry was a man bent on action more than words so she raised a silent hand up to Harry's lips to stop any more questions.
"Fine, but I can't tell you, best thing is to.show you." She sighed sadly up at him. "Just don't judge me until you hear the truth." She waited until Harry nodded in agreement before turning to Severus who had been watching the exchange silently from the shadowy confines of the wall.
Harry's eyes widened in disbelief when Hermione held out her arms to Snape. Severus approached and without a word handed over a bundle of blankets. What the hell was Snape doing here? Harry's mind tumbled over in confusion until Hermione, gently cradling the bundle in her tiny arms, turned back to him. He watched in surprise when, with delicate fingers, Hermione pulled the blanket away from the sleeping figure of a newborn.
"Harry.. this is Sebastian.. my son." Her words were almost to soft for him to make out and he had to lean closer.
"Hermione.. your.. your son? But when.. who.. " His eyes traveled over the sleeping bundle and cautiously brushed a finger across the baby's head. Many things went through his head after Hermione disappeared without a trace, but this.. this was something he didn't figure on. Nothing could have prepared him for this shock. He finally looked up at her and she could read the question in his eyes before he asked. "Hermione.. who is his father?"
"It's a long story, Harry and one that I would prefer not to go into here in the hallway." She stated simply before she glanced back at Severus. "Can we go to our quarters now?"
"Certainly." Severus nodded in agreement and swept a hand to indicated that they both walk before them. "I believe you know where the dungeon is." His voice clipped as he saw her pull their son closer to her breast. She nodded and turned to follow the staircase down with Harry close on her heels.
"The dungeons? Hermione.. aren't you going to stay in the tower with up anymore? I mean, wouldn't it be better, with the baby and all?"
Hermione shook her head and walked more quickly down the stairs. The sooner they got out of the hallway the better. "Not with this baby, Harry.. Please.. lets just get into our new quarters first, then I.. I will try to answer your questions."
They walked the rest of the distance in silence Harry casting glances between Snape and his best friend. What did Snape have to do with all this? And why in Gods names did she have to live in the dungeon, That was no place for a baby. It was to cold, to damp. It was idiotic, both Hermione and her baby should be with the rest of her friends. Where it was safe and there were no Snape to frighten the poor thing to death. He chanced a glance back at Snape and frowned again. Something wasn't adding up right to him, He didn't have to ace Arithmancy to know that this.. this whatever it was.. was wrong.
This was going to be a tricky situation.
Ron was going to have a cow when he finds out that Hermione left because she was pregnant. He had always been so sure that Hermione had no boyfriend and in point was probably still a virgin. He himself had agreed with Ron on that point. Not one of them could ever imagine Hermione having sex, even if she did look more adult than they did. It just didn't seem like something she would do. She was always the cautious one. The one to weigh her options for days until she made a decision, this simply was not the Hermione he and Ron knew.
In all the years they have known each other, none of them have ever seen her look at a boy, except for Krum during the fourth year, but that was it. That was the last romance she had, well, the last one that they were aware of. Obviously, there was much more to her than either he or Ron thought.
Harry frowned in his thoughts, he just couldn't see how this happened. Through all her studying, he couldn't see how she could have pulled this off. Even as brilliant she was, she couldn't pull off having a lover then a child, not during her second to last year. There was just too much at stake for her to lose.
It just simply didn't add up.
Severus paused them at the heavy wooden door of his domain and whispered the words that would let them in. Once inside he lit the candles to illuminate the rooms before turning to her and indicated the baby.
"Allow me to put him down, Hermione, I'm sure you and Mr. Potter have a lot to.. discuss."
Hermione nodded and moved closer handing the baby over to his father. "I won't tell him everything, not if you don't want me to." She couldn't look up into his face but she felt his words on her face as he answered softly.
"Tell him what you wish, Hermione. Tell him the truth if you feel he can.. or will.. understand."
She then glanced up at him and bit her lip before nodding.
"Thank you, Severus.. for everything."
Severus simply nodded and turned to leave the room. "I will give you the tour of your new home when you are finished here, just call, I will be with Sebastian."
Harry watched the exchange silently, their voices to low to overhear but something in their demeanor had him wondering something. The way Snape took possession of the baby like it.. He pushed the pause button on that thought with a shake of the head.
"Hermione."
She turned to him and noticed an odd look on his face. With that look, she could tell that he had guessed the truth.
"Take a seat, Harry.. this isn't going to be easy to tell."
A/Ns and Acknowledgements:
~_~_~_~_~
I wish to thank you all:
Cynthia90: Hope this wasn't too late for you.
Bashful C Aww, Hon.. I will just have to go and find your story now and reciprocate your kindness. Thank you for being my 100th reviewer. I LOVE YA! And yes you may host this story. Just leave me the address so I can check out your site.
J.S. Sumner Thank you, I'm glad that you like my writing I just happen to put down what pops into my head. It helps that I have a very active imagination. (or fantasy life.. whatever) There is a lot to our Severus than anyone knows I think you and others will be pleasantly surprised at what will happen in time. As to being totally in control, since when has he ever NOT been? Hehe. Severus has to be in control of everything and with that thought, the rape will be revealed in time. With Severus always preferring to be in control, of course he would want to know what happened and with Hermione's help, he will rediscover it. In his own memory as well as those thoughts of Hermione's own POV. I think that will be a bit difficult to write but its something that I am kind of.. putting off.. LOL.. but I will get there. I have a feeling it will be coming up in a chapter soon. So keep reading, and don't worry, I have not abandoned my other story, I'm working on the next part now.
HGWhiteTigerDM: Thank you, and I will.
Athene Saile: Hope you liked the next part.
Dracomio: LOL. I hope you try out others. There are some fantastic HG/SS fic out there.
a wolf of mibu: Thank you and the next one wont be to long getting out.
Silindro: Thanks
keneez: Thank you.
joani: Aw, thank you, and I appreciate your input.
Chantal9: Thank you. I think that a young girl her age would be taking it a bit difficult without her friends and family. At least, It's the way I see it.
Snape_Lover: Thank you, Your words are very kind and I am doing my best to keep the chapters coming. Between work and Real Life, I am churning them out as soon as possible.
princess310889: Thank you, hope you liked it.
dragonbrat: Yes ma'am
Jessica: I plan on it. Have to complete it or I have a feeling that it won't let me live.
Danric-Lover: LOL.. The romance may take some time to come but things will heat up soon, promise.
Potions Mistresss: Yes ma'am, hope you enjoyed this chapter
Anarane Anwamane: Thank you
Tracy3: Here you go, enjoy.
Magdellin: Hey, thanks for the Email. You made my day and I love our interchanges. It's great to meet others from around the world I'm glad that you are enjoying my story and I hope you continue to do so. Love ya bunches.
Cathryne: Cat.Now you know I love ya and I know you love Severus, but come on, who else would you want to see him with, McGonagall? Hehe. You know you love them. ADMIT it! You know you wanna. We will get you just like I told you we would with HP.. give it up! It's a lost cause! Love you Sis.
Nicole: Hope you enjoyed this part.
DragonFireAngelVWP: Here you go, hope you had a nice time away. And welcome back and you are welcomed.
Tracey Claybon: Thank you, I have tried to keep the situation as real as possible without being squicky. The topic of rape is never one that easy to talk about but Hermione and Severus will get through it. Just keep reading to learn how.
~~~
Thank you all, I am very grateful for your comments.
Blessed Be
RWH