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.
RWH
~_~_~_~
A Secret worth Keeping
Chapter Fifteen: Curiosity and old friends
After Severus had left their chambers, Hermione found herself finally finding the time to explore the adjoining rooms that had been assigned to her. She knew that her chambers had been linked to Severus's and she was eager to do some snooping now that she had some free time to herself. Before now, she only had two things on her mind, Sebastian and Severus, exploring didn't even come into mind then.
She stopped at the crib and smiled down into her sleeping son's face. Sebastian had fallen back into sleep after he ate, a happy contented look on his face spoke volumes, as she knew he was sleeping soundly and probably wouldn't waken for a good couple of hours, plenty of time to explore her surroundings. She crept quietly from the nursery and scanned the various doors that aligned the walls. Two doors she knew of where they led, one, at her back, led obviously to the nursery and the one to the left led to the bathroom. Two other doors begged for her attention. She crossed to the first mysterious door and opened it cautiously sticking her nose inside.
It seemed to be a very big closet. But at this very moment, it was bare of many garments. Her meager possessions hung from a pole nearest the door. Funny, She could have sworn she put her things in the small dresser by the nursery door.
She let her eyes trail over her diminished wardrobe and sighed sadly. How was she supposed to get her things for school? She had to have all new things and she really didn't like the idea of Severus buying them for her. It just felt wrong. First, it felt to domesticated, and not in the good way either. It felt more like her father buying her the essentials she needs not like a.. a.. promised paramour wanting to give her everything she ever wanted, which, if she thought about it seemed to be what Severus would more likely prefer to consider.
She smiled slightly at that while closing the closet door. Severus wanted so much to do what he can for her, who was she to deny herself that luxury. Its not that she needed much, Sebastian's needs was of more importance.
They would have to go shopping soon anyway, Sebastian was already growing out of some of his things already and she needed to get a few things to help when she was in classes and had to leave the baby with someone.
Oh Gods, she would have to leave Sebastian with someone. She hadn't thought of that until now. What would she do then? Who could she leave the baby with that wouldn't take advantage of the situation? This was definitely something that she would have to discuss with Severus tonight. Perhaps he had already thought of that little problem and had an answer on hand. He seemed to be the answer man so far.
Hermione stood silently staring at the last door that led to the back of the adjoining living area. Her curiosity peeked. She approached the door, sure of what lay beyond. She fully expected wards to have been placed on it but to her amazement the door swung smoothly open at her touch. The view that hit her stunned her.
Severus's own bedroom
Not that the bedroom itself stunned her but the décor. She paused at the doorway and cocked her head, listening for any signs of approach or whimpers from the crib. Hearing nothing, she moved further into the bedroom. She stopped just inside of the door and allowed her gaze to wander the furnishings. Severus had magnificent taste, she concluded. Plus it was most definitely a bachelor's pad.
It was an overtly large room. Dark mahogany wooden furniture with deep hunter green upholstery and accessories were scattered throughout the room. The walls were bare of wizarding portraits yet to her amazement various muggle paintings were up in their stead all coddled in the same rich dark mahogany wooden frames as the furniture.
A three-piece entertainment suite adorned the western section of his chambers. Plush, deep green upholstered sofa and matching chairs with ottoman accentuated the vibrancy of the room. Matching mahogany tables gave off the proper touch, lending an air of class.
She padded, bare foot, across the room and her gaze was pulled to the giant painting adorning the head of his bed. It was a simple picture of a meadow encircled with trees with a herd of grazing horses, or were they unicorns? She squinted, looking closer. No, there were no such things as black and brown unicorns. She was certain, well fairly certain, she'd have to ask Hagrid about that one. He would know. Although she could most definitely see what appeared to be horns sprouting from the foreheads, even at the distance that they were painted.
She pulled her gaze away from the painting and let her attention wander to the bed. It was king sized like all the beds in Hogwarts. The sleigh design made her smile. She had loved this style as a child and grew to love it even more as an adult. Her own bed in her old room back in her parent's house was of the same design.
Thinking of her parents, she felt the burden in her chest once more and she sank onto his bed. She missed them, missed her family. She missed everything about being in a family. They have never seen Sebastian and would probably never will. That made her sad, made her mad and made her ache.
Severus was doing everything in his power to make her feel at home. He was trying to form their own little family and she felt something swell. Not love, she was sure, but perhaps more like gratitude. She needed someone to need her, to want her and she knew that Severus did, without a doubt that he wanted her. He had told her so repeatedly recently.
Her eyes gazed to the side table and smiled at the books littered there with a pair of reading spectacles lying on top of one book. She picked them up and placed them on her nose, giggling slightly. She never thought of him wearing glasses. She thought he would probably look adorable in them.
She removed the dark rimmed glasses, replaced them onto his book, and removed herself from the bed, straightening out the wrinkles she had made and moved about his chambers again. There was a large desk against a wall and she went over to get a closer look. Piles of papers adorned the top, scattered in an untidy arc, so unlike Severus. He must have been looking for something hurriedly and didn't take the time to straighten it back up before he left.
Taking a quick look at the papers, she smiled, recognizing various potions and assignments that she took during an earlier year. He would probably need these, but she didn't think he would approve of her bringing them to him. That would only prove that she had been snooping around in his chambers without his knowledge.
She shook her head at that and almost grinned. No, he had purposely left his door unwarded and he knew that to a Gryffindor, that was an open invitation to snoop. She bent to pick up the papers and as her hand brought the papers up from the desk she knocked something over and bent to retrieve the wooden object but stopped halfway, her eyes catching on a piece of parchment half buried underneath the schedules.
'Dear Professor Dumbledore.' It read. 'Forgive me for not keeping in touch since my abrupt departure last September.'
Her breath caught as she realized it was her first letter to the Headmaster. She reached out and picked up the parchment allowing her eyes to wander over the words.
This was the start of it all.
There were the other replies as well, which she also allowed to look through. The final reply of hers caught her attention when in the space after she signed her name was the words.
'Sebastian Samuel Snape.. my son.. and heir.'
She felt her eyes fill with tears at the words printed in black and white. He didn't know the truth of how their son came to being at that time, yet he already took full responsibility for the child. What kind of man would do that?
Severus would. He was just that kind of man.
She sniffed back her tears and replaced the parchments before deciding that she would take them as well. She really wanted to talk to Severus, to figure out for herself where this relationship was heading. He was quickly growing in her heart but she was afraid of letting him in. She was terrified of having feelings for him, terrified of losing herself if she allowed herself any emotions.
He loved her and that emotion was not practical in any sense of the word. That one emotion terrified her. That one emotion can be his downfall. She worried that he would die because of his love for her and she didn't want to think about that. If Voldemort ever found out about her and Sebastian...
She shivered.
A sound reached her ears breaching her thoughts and she quickly scooped up the work papers but deciding to leave the letters for now. She would come back here with him later and talk to him then.
Straightening the schedules she quickly made a retreat from his rooms and closed the door behind her. A knocking at their door brought her around and with a quick look in at the baby, she went to answer the persistent knocking.
"Oy! Open up in there will ya?" A familiar voice cried out impatiently and she forced down a laugh, throwing open the door she was immediately encumbered with a bone crushing hug and flung around.
She allowed his embrace as he swung her around giggling in joy at seeing him.
"Hey, you're getting me dizzy. Put me down." She giggled as she found her footing and grinned up at a very tall Ronald Weasley. "When did you get in?"
"Just now." His grin widened as he pointed a thumb behind him, she only then noticed that Harry stood quietly in the corridor. "Harry owled me last night about you being back and I had to come. I couldn't wait to see you." His eyes narrowed with concern. "Are you all right? Where have you been? Do you know how worried we all were?"
"Ron, It's a very long story."
The tall redhead rose a hand to silence her and glanced around the room with a shudder. "Come on Hermione, let's get out of here and back up to the common room. I don't like being down here if I don't have to."
Hermione gave Harry a look and he simply shrugged his shoulder. "You didn't tell him?"
"No, I didn't think it was my tale to tell. I thought you should be the one to explain." Harry replied.
Hermione looked up into the eyes of her best friend and nodded. "Thanks Harry." Turning back to Ron, she reached out a hand to him. "You had better come in, but you have to be quiet." She spoke stepping back into the room allowing them both to enter. Ron took a tentative step inside with a shiver.
"I don't like being in the dungeon on the best of days, let alone now, its creepy." Ron growled as he stood in the middle of the room gaping around.
"It's not that bad Ron, it's really very homey. I like it here."
"Its better in the Gryffindor tower, why are you here anyway and not up there?"
Hermione ran a nervous hand through her hair and looked at Harry for a boost of confidence. He nodded once to indicate that he was on her side. She then turned her eyes back to Ron and held out a hand to him. "Come with me, there's someone I want you to meet."
Ron took her proffered hand and gave them both a confused look. "Meet who? Not Snape, please, It's to early to go face to face with that man."
"No, not Severus.. " She ignored Ron's look when she mentioned their professor by name. "It's someone else."
She led the two to the doorway that led to her sleeping son before pausing at the door and turning back to Ron. "Promise me you will not blow your cool when you see him."
"Uh, Hermione? What is this all about? You're starting to worry me."
"Just promise me you will listen and not judge." She demanded, her hands resting on the doorknob.
"All right, 'Mione, I promise." Ron's worried glance went from her to Harry then back.
Harry nodded to him then stepped up to touch her shoulder. "He will be fine, Hermione, just show him."
She nodded and turned the doorknob pushing the door inward. The room was cast in shadows as they stepped inside. A soft sound of breathing coming from across the room was the only sound from within.
"Hermione?" Ron's eyes fell to the crib and he froze.
"Come on Ron, I want you to meet him."
"Who.. " His eyes widened as she took his hands and led him over to the crib and he stood, silently, in shock, staring down at the sleeping baby.
"This is Sebastian.. my son."
"Who.. " His hand reached out to touch the dark fuzz of the baby's head pulling back uncertainly as the baby moved at the touch. His mouth gaped open in disbelief as he stared down at the baby.
"Ron?"
He jumped at the hand on his back and turned to look at the other two. "Who is the father? You Harry?"
Harry chuckled and shook his head. "No, not me."
"I just assumed.. he has very dark hair like yours."
"Yes, he definitely has his father's hair." Hermione smiled down at her son.
"Who is his father Hermione? Is he the reason you ran away?" Ron's voice wavered with emotions as he gazed down at the baby lying asleep, oblivious of his visitors.
"Yes, and no." She sighed and tucked the blanket up over the baby's shoulder. "Come back into the other room and I will explain everything."
Ron followed them both back into the living area silently, still dumbstruck with the fact that Hermione, his Hermione, was a mother. He fell heavily onto a chair and shook his head slightly in disbelief.
"I can't believe this." He muttered softly as he watched Hermione cross to a bar and pour a shot of something and passed it to him.
"Here, you're going to need this." She smiled down at him and watched him as he downed the drink in one go. His face screwed up at the taste before handing it back.
"Okay.. I think I'm ready now."
"Maybe you need to give him another, 'Mione. I don't think he's ready to hear the whole truth just yet."
"I don't like the sound of that, guys. Is it that bad?"
Hermione and Harry exchanged glances.
"It's not to me, least not now. It was at that time.. but.. but things have changed since Sebastian was.. conceived." Hermione fiddled with the empty glass in her hand. "I'm learning to adjust to my new life. And.and I think with everyone's help. I think that things can somewhat return to normal."
Harry snorted. "Normal? Since when have we had a 'normal' life?"
"True." Hermione smiled softly at him. "But it's as normal as we are going to get."
"You didn't answer me, 'Mione, who is Sebastian's father?" Ron interrupted.
She sighed and indicated the area with a wave of her hand. "Why do you think I am living here Ron? The only reason I was allowed to return was Severus. Without his support."
"Snape?" Ron's one whispered word broke into her speech.
"Yes." She closed her eyes expecting the tirade that she knew would come. When she didn't hear anything she slowly opened her eyes and shivered. Ron's face was red and his eyes flashed.
"I'll fucking kill him." He growled standing slowly to his feet.
"Ron! You promised you would hear me out." She protested moving to stand before him.
His eyes rounded to Harry and threw a finger up at the other man accusingly. "You knew? You knew what he did to her and that mother fucker still lives?"
"RON!" Both shouted.
The angry man turned on his heels and pelted across to the exit door hell bent on finding Snape.
"STUPEFY!" Two voices called out simultaneously and Ron fell to the floor, immobile. A abrupt cry drifted from the nursery and Hermione glared down at the prone man.
"Now see what you have done? You've woken your nephew." Hermione tossed her wand angrily to the floor and rushed to gather her bawling baby.
Harry knelt down next to his best friend and shook his head at the other's angry gaze. He knew Ron wouldn't take this easily. He was just as angry when he learned of the situation but running out on her was not an option. He had to get the fact drilled into his friend's before she returned to the room.
"He loves her, Ron.. " Harry spoke softly. "He told me so himself and I believe him."
The young man closed his eyes in response.
"I'm going to release you, but you are going to calm down. You are going to listen to the facts and you are going to be supportive.. do you understand?"
Ron reopened his eyes and Harry muttered the spell that released him.
"Nephew?" Came his tired, emotional voice.
"That's what she wants."
"She and.. Snape?" He shook his head still disbelieving what was before his eyes. "In.. love?"
"Not quite. There's more to it that that."
"Such as?" Ron still hadn't bothered to sit up.
Hermione then emerged with a bundle of wiggling blanket clutched to her chest. "Is everything.. all right now?" She asked watching the looks crossing Ron's face.
"Tell me what happened." He finally spoke.
~_~_~_~_~
Ron sat quietly as he took in everything that she spoke of. He felt waves of emotions. Disbelief, anger, pain, disbelief again, fear then finally acceptance.
"So what are your plans now?" He asked as he watched her bounce the baby in her arms.
"Severus wants us here, so this is where we belong, I don't want to take Sebastian away from his father, and.. and Severus has really been wonderful about all of this."
"Do you love him?" Ron asked leaning forward and pulling the blanket away from the baby's face, gazing down at the bundle.
"I assume you mean Severus? I.. I don't know. I think I can, if given time. He has shown me a completely different side of him that I.. I really like."
"Can I hold him?" Ron asked suddenly, and Hermione smiled, carefully transferring the baby to the arms of her best friend. Showing him how to hold him and support the head. "He's beautiful, It's hard to believe he's Snape's offspring."
"Indeed." Came a silky voice from the doorway. "Neither can I."
~_~_~_~_~
Thank you all so much for your time and compassion.
aragornluver821, Lasaire, someone28, Kashii, wild child, Thalya: Thank you all so much.
FEAngel258: I promise things will heat up between the two, but that will be a little while yet.
Mickat: Okay, to answer your questions. Hermione was in her 6th year, which would have made her 16, but with the use of the time turner, she was actually 17 at the time of her rape. She is now in her 7th year and making her 18. Okay?
Raclswt: Term will be underway soon. Its coming up.
Tracey Claybon: A wet super dad is exactly how I picture Severus. And I know what you mean, shows the tender side of them when they are holding a tiny newborn.
d26: More is upcoming soon.
Tanya: I loved that image too. Hehe.
Anarane Anwamane: Yes he is.
Baboon: Severus has called her 'my love' before and the kiss is because he's still showing her that he still loves her by the small demonstration. He didn't grope her or give her a passionate kiss, he knows she's not ready for that.
spaz141: Thank you.I know what you mean about seeing your name. Gives me a thrill as well.
PinkChubbyMonkey: Here you go.
Rosmerta: LOL. Thanks, I just wanted to show the tender side of Severus, I'm glad it worked.
RebelRikki: So do I. I love him too.
ChangJessica: I don't mind, add away. I hope you are really enjoying this story and my others. Much Love!
AltoSaxyGal: Hermione will be giving him a lot of second thoughts and second looks in upcoming chapters keep reading. I think she is going to have a big breakthrough in her emotional feelings towards him.
angel of darkness 4585: I'm glad you have discovered the fantasy that is our world. I hope you enjoy your stay. Blessed be.
AnnabelleElizabeth: I can't help it. 'Hands over a mop' It's my visage of him. 'Helps to mop up melted heart.'
Sara D: Thank you hon, and I'm glad I didn't miss it. I like to keep you all with me. Much Love!
Lightning Rain: That's what I try to do, get the imagery going and the ol' imagination. Thanks.
Redone: Well, two of the men in her life not counting Ron and Harry, of course.
Emma-Kitty: I will go and read it now after I get this post up. I'm sure I will love it.
Christieblue: Draco will have something to do with the upcoming chapters, don't worry, I wont keep our favorite little Slytherin out of this story. He will comprise of a very important part of this story. Keep reading.
Magdellin: aww, give Addy a kiss from me. I bet she is growing like a weed. And.yes, Severus is getting a bit domesticated. And I love it.
Snickerdoodle: Man, you must have had one numb butt when you finished. :D. I'm so glad that you liked my story and I hope you continue to like it. I hate to disappoint anyone.
Theophania: Buttraped by bears? Hum.there's an idea.off to think on that one.
Maddy-Riddle: I cant believe all the reviews this little idea had warranted and I am so very grateful to each and every one.
Lazy: I think his and Poppy's relationship is a very close one, she has been there through all his worst times after his visits with Voldemort. I think she would be the first to speak her mind to him. I have them at a very close friendship.
Silent Cobra: Well, I can pass the syrup next time, no real lost, the milk was still good. Perfect for the cookies.thank you.
Blue eyes19: Love will take some time getting there, but I have it on good authority that they will make it there.
Akasha Ravensong: I thank you for your comments. I have a hard time NOT delving into their psyches. I am grateful that you think I am doing a good job, thank you so much.
Banana Flavored Eskimo: 'Cute name' but.you had better NOT have failed that test. I will have to personally tutor you if you did. Uh.just not to hard stuff if you please.
No Name: Thanks, more is upcoming, glad to have you on board.
JustJeanette: I don't know how OCC he is, but I think it seems to fit. I tried to keep him as close to character as I could. Love ya!
KES: feed me Seymour! Hope this next part fulfilled your appetite.
Taya: Be happy to add you to my email list. Thanks for letting me know you are enjoying this fic of mine.
Claire: Here you go, and more coming up soon. Blessed be and walk with grace.
DragonRose4: Thank you so much. I try to do my best with keeping Severus in as much character as I can. I hope he isn't to much off mark. Blessed Be.
Romm: Evil plots are upcoming. Harry and Ron will most definitely be pulled into the foray, willingly I'm sure. Revenge is sweet or so I am told.
Kalkaros: Thank you. I know a lot of people think the same way as we do. Severus is a good guy, just have to look a bit deeper to see it.
Blessed Be
RWH
RWH
~_~_~_~
A Secret worth Keeping
Chapter Fifteen: Curiosity and old friends
After Severus had left their chambers, Hermione found herself finally finding the time to explore the adjoining rooms that had been assigned to her. She knew that her chambers had been linked to Severus's and she was eager to do some snooping now that she had some free time to herself. Before now, she only had two things on her mind, Sebastian and Severus, exploring didn't even come into mind then.
She stopped at the crib and smiled down into her sleeping son's face. Sebastian had fallen back into sleep after he ate, a happy contented look on his face spoke volumes, as she knew he was sleeping soundly and probably wouldn't waken for a good couple of hours, plenty of time to explore her surroundings. She crept quietly from the nursery and scanned the various doors that aligned the walls. Two doors she knew of where they led, one, at her back, led obviously to the nursery and the one to the left led to the bathroom. Two other doors begged for her attention. She crossed to the first mysterious door and opened it cautiously sticking her nose inside.
It seemed to be a very big closet. But at this very moment, it was bare of many garments. Her meager possessions hung from a pole nearest the door. Funny, She could have sworn she put her things in the small dresser by the nursery door.
She let her eyes trail over her diminished wardrobe and sighed sadly. How was she supposed to get her things for school? She had to have all new things and she really didn't like the idea of Severus buying them for her. It just felt wrong. First, it felt to domesticated, and not in the good way either. It felt more like her father buying her the essentials she needs not like a.. a.. promised paramour wanting to give her everything she ever wanted, which, if she thought about it seemed to be what Severus would more likely prefer to consider.
She smiled slightly at that while closing the closet door. Severus wanted so much to do what he can for her, who was she to deny herself that luxury. Its not that she needed much, Sebastian's needs was of more importance.
They would have to go shopping soon anyway, Sebastian was already growing out of some of his things already and she needed to get a few things to help when she was in classes and had to leave the baby with someone.
Oh Gods, she would have to leave Sebastian with someone. She hadn't thought of that until now. What would she do then? Who could she leave the baby with that wouldn't take advantage of the situation? This was definitely something that she would have to discuss with Severus tonight. Perhaps he had already thought of that little problem and had an answer on hand. He seemed to be the answer man so far.
Hermione stood silently staring at the last door that led to the back of the adjoining living area. Her curiosity peeked. She approached the door, sure of what lay beyond. She fully expected wards to have been placed on it but to her amazement the door swung smoothly open at her touch. The view that hit her stunned her.
Severus's own bedroom
Not that the bedroom itself stunned her but the décor. She paused at the doorway and cocked her head, listening for any signs of approach or whimpers from the crib. Hearing nothing, she moved further into the bedroom. She stopped just inside of the door and allowed her gaze to wander the furnishings. Severus had magnificent taste, she concluded. Plus it was most definitely a bachelor's pad.
It was an overtly large room. Dark mahogany wooden furniture with deep hunter green upholstery and accessories were scattered throughout the room. The walls were bare of wizarding portraits yet to her amazement various muggle paintings were up in their stead all coddled in the same rich dark mahogany wooden frames as the furniture.
A three-piece entertainment suite adorned the western section of his chambers. Plush, deep green upholstered sofa and matching chairs with ottoman accentuated the vibrancy of the room. Matching mahogany tables gave off the proper touch, lending an air of class.
She padded, bare foot, across the room and her gaze was pulled to the giant painting adorning the head of his bed. It was a simple picture of a meadow encircled with trees with a herd of grazing horses, or were they unicorns? She squinted, looking closer. No, there were no such things as black and brown unicorns. She was certain, well fairly certain, she'd have to ask Hagrid about that one. He would know. Although she could most definitely see what appeared to be horns sprouting from the foreheads, even at the distance that they were painted.
She pulled her gaze away from the painting and let her attention wander to the bed. It was king sized like all the beds in Hogwarts. The sleigh design made her smile. She had loved this style as a child and grew to love it even more as an adult. Her own bed in her old room back in her parent's house was of the same design.
Thinking of her parents, she felt the burden in her chest once more and she sank onto his bed. She missed them, missed her family. She missed everything about being in a family. They have never seen Sebastian and would probably never will. That made her sad, made her mad and made her ache.
Severus was doing everything in his power to make her feel at home. He was trying to form their own little family and she felt something swell. Not love, she was sure, but perhaps more like gratitude. She needed someone to need her, to want her and she knew that Severus did, without a doubt that he wanted her. He had told her so repeatedly recently.
Her eyes gazed to the side table and smiled at the books littered there with a pair of reading spectacles lying on top of one book. She picked them up and placed them on her nose, giggling slightly. She never thought of him wearing glasses. She thought he would probably look adorable in them.
She removed the dark rimmed glasses, replaced them onto his book, and removed herself from the bed, straightening out the wrinkles she had made and moved about his chambers again. There was a large desk against a wall and she went over to get a closer look. Piles of papers adorned the top, scattered in an untidy arc, so unlike Severus. He must have been looking for something hurriedly and didn't take the time to straighten it back up before he left.
Taking a quick look at the papers, she smiled, recognizing various potions and assignments that she took during an earlier year. He would probably need these, but she didn't think he would approve of her bringing them to him. That would only prove that she had been snooping around in his chambers without his knowledge.
She shook her head at that and almost grinned. No, he had purposely left his door unwarded and he knew that to a Gryffindor, that was an open invitation to snoop. She bent to pick up the papers and as her hand brought the papers up from the desk she knocked something over and bent to retrieve the wooden object but stopped halfway, her eyes catching on a piece of parchment half buried underneath the schedules.
'Dear Professor Dumbledore.' It read. 'Forgive me for not keeping in touch since my abrupt departure last September.'
Her breath caught as she realized it was her first letter to the Headmaster. She reached out and picked up the parchment allowing her eyes to wander over the words.
This was the start of it all.
There were the other replies as well, which she also allowed to look through. The final reply of hers caught her attention when in the space after she signed her name was the words.
'Sebastian Samuel Snape.. my son.. and heir.'
She felt her eyes fill with tears at the words printed in black and white. He didn't know the truth of how their son came to being at that time, yet he already took full responsibility for the child. What kind of man would do that?
Severus would. He was just that kind of man.
She sniffed back her tears and replaced the parchments before deciding that she would take them as well. She really wanted to talk to Severus, to figure out for herself where this relationship was heading. He was quickly growing in her heart but she was afraid of letting him in. She was terrified of having feelings for him, terrified of losing herself if she allowed herself any emotions.
He loved her and that emotion was not practical in any sense of the word. That one emotion terrified her. That one emotion can be his downfall. She worried that he would die because of his love for her and she didn't want to think about that. If Voldemort ever found out about her and Sebastian...
She shivered.
A sound reached her ears breaching her thoughts and she quickly scooped up the work papers but deciding to leave the letters for now. She would come back here with him later and talk to him then.
Straightening the schedules she quickly made a retreat from his rooms and closed the door behind her. A knocking at their door brought her around and with a quick look in at the baby, she went to answer the persistent knocking.
"Oy! Open up in there will ya?" A familiar voice cried out impatiently and she forced down a laugh, throwing open the door she was immediately encumbered with a bone crushing hug and flung around.
She allowed his embrace as he swung her around giggling in joy at seeing him.
"Hey, you're getting me dizzy. Put me down." She giggled as she found her footing and grinned up at a very tall Ronald Weasley. "When did you get in?"
"Just now." His grin widened as he pointed a thumb behind him, she only then noticed that Harry stood quietly in the corridor. "Harry owled me last night about you being back and I had to come. I couldn't wait to see you." His eyes narrowed with concern. "Are you all right? Where have you been? Do you know how worried we all were?"
"Ron, It's a very long story."
The tall redhead rose a hand to silence her and glanced around the room with a shudder. "Come on Hermione, let's get out of here and back up to the common room. I don't like being down here if I don't have to."
Hermione gave Harry a look and he simply shrugged his shoulder. "You didn't tell him?"
"No, I didn't think it was my tale to tell. I thought you should be the one to explain." Harry replied.
Hermione looked up into the eyes of her best friend and nodded. "Thanks Harry." Turning back to Ron, she reached out a hand to him. "You had better come in, but you have to be quiet." She spoke stepping back into the room allowing them both to enter. Ron took a tentative step inside with a shiver.
"I don't like being in the dungeon on the best of days, let alone now, its creepy." Ron growled as he stood in the middle of the room gaping around.
"It's not that bad Ron, it's really very homey. I like it here."
"Its better in the Gryffindor tower, why are you here anyway and not up there?"
Hermione ran a nervous hand through her hair and looked at Harry for a boost of confidence. He nodded once to indicate that he was on her side. She then turned her eyes back to Ron and held out a hand to him. "Come with me, there's someone I want you to meet."
Ron took her proffered hand and gave them both a confused look. "Meet who? Not Snape, please, It's to early to go face to face with that man."
"No, not Severus.. " She ignored Ron's look when she mentioned their professor by name. "It's someone else."
She led the two to the doorway that led to her sleeping son before pausing at the door and turning back to Ron. "Promise me you will not blow your cool when you see him."
"Uh, Hermione? What is this all about? You're starting to worry me."
"Just promise me you will listen and not judge." She demanded, her hands resting on the doorknob.
"All right, 'Mione, I promise." Ron's worried glance went from her to Harry then back.
Harry nodded to him then stepped up to touch her shoulder. "He will be fine, Hermione, just show him."
She nodded and turned the doorknob pushing the door inward. The room was cast in shadows as they stepped inside. A soft sound of breathing coming from across the room was the only sound from within.
"Hermione?" Ron's eyes fell to the crib and he froze.
"Come on Ron, I want you to meet him."
"Who.. " His eyes widened as she took his hands and led him over to the crib and he stood, silently, in shock, staring down at the sleeping baby.
"This is Sebastian.. my son."
"Who.. " His hand reached out to touch the dark fuzz of the baby's head pulling back uncertainly as the baby moved at the touch. His mouth gaped open in disbelief as he stared down at the baby.
"Ron?"
He jumped at the hand on his back and turned to look at the other two. "Who is the father? You Harry?"
Harry chuckled and shook his head. "No, not me."
"I just assumed.. he has very dark hair like yours."
"Yes, he definitely has his father's hair." Hermione smiled down at her son.
"Who is his father Hermione? Is he the reason you ran away?" Ron's voice wavered with emotions as he gazed down at the baby lying asleep, oblivious of his visitors.
"Yes, and no." She sighed and tucked the blanket up over the baby's shoulder. "Come back into the other room and I will explain everything."
Ron followed them both back into the living area silently, still dumbstruck with the fact that Hermione, his Hermione, was a mother. He fell heavily onto a chair and shook his head slightly in disbelief.
"I can't believe this." He muttered softly as he watched Hermione cross to a bar and pour a shot of something and passed it to him.
"Here, you're going to need this." She smiled down at him and watched him as he downed the drink in one go. His face screwed up at the taste before handing it back.
"Okay.. I think I'm ready now."
"Maybe you need to give him another, 'Mione. I don't think he's ready to hear the whole truth just yet."
"I don't like the sound of that, guys. Is it that bad?"
Hermione and Harry exchanged glances.
"It's not to me, least not now. It was at that time.. but.. but things have changed since Sebastian was.. conceived." Hermione fiddled with the empty glass in her hand. "I'm learning to adjust to my new life. And.and I think with everyone's help. I think that things can somewhat return to normal."
Harry snorted. "Normal? Since when have we had a 'normal' life?"
"True." Hermione smiled softly at him. "But it's as normal as we are going to get."
"You didn't answer me, 'Mione, who is Sebastian's father?" Ron interrupted.
She sighed and indicated the area with a wave of her hand. "Why do you think I am living here Ron? The only reason I was allowed to return was Severus. Without his support."
"Snape?" Ron's one whispered word broke into her speech.
"Yes." She closed her eyes expecting the tirade that she knew would come. When she didn't hear anything she slowly opened her eyes and shivered. Ron's face was red and his eyes flashed.
"I'll fucking kill him." He growled standing slowly to his feet.
"Ron! You promised you would hear me out." She protested moving to stand before him.
His eyes rounded to Harry and threw a finger up at the other man accusingly. "You knew? You knew what he did to her and that mother fucker still lives?"
"RON!" Both shouted.
The angry man turned on his heels and pelted across to the exit door hell bent on finding Snape.
"STUPEFY!" Two voices called out simultaneously and Ron fell to the floor, immobile. A abrupt cry drifted from the nursery and Hermione glared down at the prone man.
"Now see what you have done? You've woken your nephew." Hermione tossed her wand angrily to the floor and rushed to gather her bawling baby.
Harry knelt down next to his best friend and shook his head at the other's angry gaze. He knew Ron wouldn't take this easily. He was just as angry when he learned of the situation but running out on her was not an option. He had to get the fact drilled into his friend's before she returned to the room.
"He loves her, Ron.. " Harry spoke softly. "He told me so himself and I believe him."
The young man closed his eyes in response.
"I'm going to release you, but you are going to calm down. You are going to listen to the facts and you are going to be supportive.. do you understand?"
Ron reopened his eyes and Harry muttered the spell that released him.
"Nephew?" Came his tired, emotional voice.
"That's what she wants."
"She and.. Snape?" He shook his head still disbelieving what was before his eyes. "In.. love?"
"Not quite. There's more to it that that."
"Such as?" Ron still hadn't bothered to sit up.
Hermione then emerged with a bundle of wiggling blanket clutched to her chest. "Is everything.. all right now?" She asked watching the looks crossing Ron's face.
"Tell me what happened." He finally spoke.
~_~_~_~_~
Ron sat quietly as he took in everything that she spoke of. He felt waves of emotions. Disbelief, anger, pain, disbelief again, fear then finally acceptance.
"So what are your plans now?" He asked as he watched her bounce the baby in her arms.
"Severus wants us here, so this is where we belong, I don't want to take Sebastian away from his father, and.. and Severus has really been wonderful about all of this."
"Do you love him?" Ron asked leaning forward and pulling the blanket away from the baby's face, gazing down at the bundle.
"I assume you mean Severus? I.. I don't know. I think I can, if given time. He has shown me a completely different side of him that I.. I really like."
"Can I hold him?" Ron asked suddenly, and Hermione smiled, carefully transferring the baby to the arms of her best friend. Showing him how to hold him and support the head. "He's beautiful, It's hard to believe he's Snape's offspring."
"Indeed." Came a silky voice from the doorway. "Neither can I."
~_~_~_~_~
Thank you all so much for your time and compassion.
aragornluver821, Lasaire, someone28, Kashii, wild child, Thalya: Thank you all so much.
FEAngel258: I promise things will heat up between the two, but that will be a little while yet.
Mickat: Okay, to answer your questions. Hermione was in her 6th year, which would have made her 16, but with the use of the time turner, she was actually 17 at the time of her rape. She is now in her 7th year and making her 18. Okay?
Raclswt: Term will be underway soon. Its coming up.
Tracey Claybon: A wet super dad is exactly how I picture Severus. And I know what you mean, shows the tender side of them when they are holding a tiny newborn.
d26: More is upcoming soon.
Tanya: I loved that image too. Hehe.
Anarane Anwamane: Yes he is.
Baboon: Severus has called her 'my love' before and the kiss is because he's still showing her that he still loves her by the small demonstration. He didn't grope her or give her a passionate kiss, he knows she's not ready for that.
spaz141: Thank you.I know what you mean about seeing your name. Gives me a thrill as well.
PinkChubbyMonkey: Here you go.
Rosmerta: LOL. Thanks, I just wanted to show the tender side of Severus, I'm glad it worked.
RebelRikki: So do I. I love him too.
ChangJessica: I don't mind, add away. I hope you are really enjoying this story and my others. Much Love!
AltoSaxyGal: Hermione will be giving him a lot of second thoughts and second looks in upcoming chapters keep reading. I think she is going to have a big breakthrough in her emotional feelings towards him.
angel of darkness 4585: I'm glad you have discovered the fantasy that is our world. I hope you enjoy your stay. Blessed be.
AnnabelleElizabeth: I can't help it. 'Hands over a mop' It's my visage of him. 'Helps to mop up melted heart.'
Sara D: Thank you hon, and I'm glad I didn't miss it. I like to keep you all with me. Much Love!
Lightning Rain: That's what I try to do, get the imagery going and the ol' imagination. Thanks.
Redone: Well, two of the men in her life not counting Ron and Harry, of course.
Emma-Kitty: I will go and read it now after I get this post up. I'm sure I will love it.
Christieblue: Draco will have something to do with the upcoming chapters, don't worry, I wont keep our favorite little Slytherin out of this story. He will comprise of a very important part of this story. Keep reading.
Magdellin: aww, give Addy a kiss from me. I bet she is growing like a weed. And.yes, Severus is getting a bit domesticated. And I love it.
Snickerdoodle: Man, you must have had one numb butt when you finished. :D. I'm so glad that you liked my story and I hope you continue to like it. I hate to disappoint anyone.
Theophania: Buttraped by bears? Hum.there's an idea.off to think on that one.
Maddy-Riddle: I cant believe all the reviews this little idea had warranted and I am so very grateful to each and every one.
Lazy: I think his and Poppy's relationship is a very close one, she has been there through all his worst times after his visits with Voldemort. I think she would be the first to speak her mind to him. I have them at a very close friendship.
Silent Cobra: Well, I can pass the syrup next time, no real lost, the milk was still good. Perfect for the cookies.thank you.
Blue eyes19: Love will take some time getting there, but I have it on good authority that they will make it there.
Akasha Ravensong: I thank you for your comments. I have a hard time NOT delving into their psyches. I am grateful that you think I am doing a good job, thank you so much.
Banana Flavored Eskimo: 'Cute name' but.you had better NOT have failed that test. I will have to personally tutor you if you did. Uh.just not to hard stuff if you please.
No Name: Thanks, more is upcoming, glad to have you on board.
JustJeanette: I don't know how OCC he is, but I think it seems to fit. I tried to keep him as close to character as I could. Love ya!
KES: feed me Seymour! Hope this next part fulfilled your appetite.
Taya: Be happy to add you to my email list. Thanks for letting me know you are enjoying this fic of mine.
Claire: Here you go, and more coming up soon. Blessed be and walk with grace.
DragonRose4: Thank you so much. I try to do my best with keeping Severus in as much character as I can. I hope he isn't to much off mark. Blessed Be.
Romm: Evil plots are upcoming. Harry and Ron will most definitely be pulled into the foray, willingly I'm sure. Revenge is sweet or so I am told.
Kalkaros: Thank you. I know a lot of people think the same way as we do. Severus is a good guy, just have to look a bit deeper to see it.
Blessed Be
RWH