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 Secret worth Keeping
Chapter twenty-three: For the love of the Sons
"Hermione..."
She felt a warm, breathed whisper on her neck as she turned her face towards the speaker. Her bright eyes immediately locked with his dark worried ones. She found herself wanting to reach out and smooth back that familiar worried wrinkle from between his brow, but thankfully, she held her hand still. She didn't think he would like her actually touching him among all the rabble-rousers.
"Yes, Professor?" She responded with a small smile. Her tone was lightly teasing although she knew she had to hold onto her decorum in the presence of the others. The situation they found themselves in could ultimately be extremely dangerous, but she wished she could say something to make him less worried. Her teasing expression quickly turned serious when she saw his right eye twitching; his expression screaming that something else was bothering him, perhaps even more so than the DA meeting RAT. "What is it?"
He took her arm and led her into a corner turning her back towards the crowd so her expressions wouldn't give them away. His voice dipped low as so no one could over hear. "Draco has somehow figured out the truth about Sebastian. I must speak to him in private after this meeting is over."
"Oh no!" Hermione's face paled as she turned her head to seek out the familiar form of Draco. She found him standing by the door watching them with too much interest to for her comfort. His arms were crossed across his chest in a mock Snape pose. If this weren't a serious situation, she would have laughed at his feeble attempt to impersonate Severus's trademark stance. As she looked at him, she saw him tilt his head at her, a knowing look on his face. "What are we going to do?" She whispered trying to hold in her panic.
"We, are going to do nothing, You, however, are going to go get Sebastian from Poppy and get to our chambers. I will speak with Draco alone." He raised a hand to thwart her objection before she could even form one. "Harry is summoning the DA. They will be here soon. It is not imperative that you be present during the rest of this meeting."
"But..." She started to protest again but was cut off quickly by a finger tip to her lips. Her body shielded the intimate gesture from the rest of the room.
"Not this meeting. It's imperative that you and Sebastian are safe in your quarters until Draco and I settle this...unpleasantness. I will return to the dungeon soon after and let you know all of what happened here."
She glanced between Severus and Draco, watching the younger boy. He had abandoned his Snape stance and was now resorting to shifting his feet, the look of impatience on his face. She glanced around the room and saw Harry by the fireplace flooing all the members of the DA, summoning them into the impromptu meeting.
"You promise? You will come straight away?"
Severus stood to his full height and rested a hand on her shoulder, in comfort. "I promise. Now go."
She looked once more around her and saw that Dumbledore's office was starting to get crowded as it filled with members of the DA. They entered from the fireplace one by one. Her eyes caught Harry's gaze briefly and she returned a small smile before turning back to Severus. The taller man's eyes drifted between the three; her, Draco and Harry. She couldn't read the expression on his face so she placed a hand on his arm in a small, if intimate, gesture of her own. She was rewarded when his eyes settled back on her, the twitching of his eyes stopping as they found hers. She knew that he was worried, very worried and that scared her. If Draco did know about Sebastian's true parentage, then she and Sebastian would be in dire straights. She had to get to her son before someone else did. "I'll go of course, but please..."
"Go, I promised...hurry." He turned her towards the door and with his hand on her lower back steered her onward. She paused as they passed Draco and his hand reached out to brush her arm in a somewhat gentle caress that sent shivers up her spine, and not the good kind.
"I'm sure we will have some...interesting...conversations after this night, hey Granger?" He gave her a wide smirk and stepped aside at the look of Snape.
"I'm sure we will, Malfoy." She retorted and with a gentle push from behind was nudged out of the door before she could say what she really wanted to. The door closed on her near protest and she was faced staring at the wooden grain of the heavy oak door.
"Damn."
She turned on her heal and headed first to the infirmary.
~_~_~_~_~
"Madam Pomfrey?"
"One moment, Miss Granger." Her voice came from behind a curtained off bed before she emerged with a freshly cleaned Sebastian in her arms. The tiny baby was bundled up happily and he cooed with content.
Hermione smiled and reached out for her son. "Thank you for taking him with you, Madame Pomfrey..."
"He should not have been there in the first place, Child. A baby within all that hatred, It's not healthy." Poppy's face darkened at her apparent disapproval.
Hermione frowned but nodded anyway. She hated it when someone stated the obvious around her. "I know that Madame Pomfrey. I didn't know I was taking him into any danger. They were there when I was summoned. Severus, uh, that is to say, Professor Snape told me to bring him along. I didn't have anyone to watch over him." Damn the woman had a way of making her feel like she was eleven again.
"I would have if you had only bothered to call." Poppy sniffed seemingly actually hurt.
Hermione looked down at her shoes. "I am sorry, Madame. I didn't think."
"Of course you didn't." Poppy sighed and came forward and handed the mother her child. "I just want you to know that I am always available to watch over your son. Night or day, all you need do is floo."
Hermione gave her a grateful look with an apologetic smile. "Yes, thank you. I really do appreciate it."
Poppy gave her a scrutinizing look and indicated a chair. "Sit. There is something more I wish to discuss with you."
"I need to get to the dungeon, Sev...uh...Prof..." She paused. "Oh, damn it all!" Poppy smirked a bit at her exploitative, "Severus told me to go right there."
"That can wait for a moment, you can floo directly from here. What I have to say will be quick." Poppy retorted and indicated for her to take a seat on one of the beds.
Hermione sighed and took a seat with Sebastian nestled against her chest. It seemed that the older woman wasn't going to let her budge without this little 'chat'. She shifted Sebastian slightly as she waited for Poppy to begin.
Poppy sat beside her and took her free hand in hers. Her voice breaking slightly as she spoke. "I don't like what this arrangement can ultimately do to you three, as a family. This false wedding business with Harry is wrong. Its deeply affecting and hurting Severus."
Hermione's eyes began to fill at the words. "I don't...It wasn't my idea, Poppy. I didn't suggest this. It was their idea."
"Even so. It must not last long. You may not realize it, but to Severus, marriage is a very binding institution. He believes in the lifetime commitment. You have to realize that, although I know he has had relationships over the years, marriage had never before been brought up in relation to his name. I don't know if he hadn't ever loved that deeply before or because he couldn't see himself as a husband for life. As his confidant for these many years, I like to think that I know his thoughts and I understand his wants. He wants a family, Hermione. He wants children and a wife. He wants everything that a normal red-blooded man wants, but he also wants you safe as well. I know that. I only say this because I know you care. I can see it in your eyes. You don't want this scam of a marriage any more than he does." Poppy sighs and sets back into her chair. "I just have one question of you Hermione...do you have any feelings for him? Does he have a scant millimeter of hope for a future as a family with you?"
Hermione took in her words staying silent as the older woman rambled on. How was she to know if she wanted the same thing? She knew that she liked him. She felt that she could even be able to grow to love him. Yet, whenever she closed her eyes and tried to imagine making love to him, her rape came flooding back in full force and all she could see was the face of her attacker. Severus.
"I don't know, Poppy." She looked up at the witch and shook her head as she tried to put her thoughts into words that the elder witch could understand. "I don't know how I can overcome what happened in the past. I am trying, I honestly am. I mean...I love it when he holds my hand or when he kisses me so gently and...and when he tells me that he loves me..." She paused here at the sudden intake of the Medi-witch's breath which caused her to smile. "Yes, he says he loves me, Poppy, and I believe him, but I don't know how I can love him back just yet. I mean...I want to. I just look up at him and feel my heart skipping, but the thought of actually being... intimate with him...I don't know if I can do that."
"Then don't." Poppy smiled and reached out to pat her head as if she was still eleven years old. "Love isn't about just sex, Hermione. Intimacy must be earned and developed. Severus knows this, and I am quite sure he would never push you into something that you are not ready for. He loves you and I'm sure he is willing to wait until you say when."
"You really think so?" She raised hopeful eyes to Poppy.
"I know so." Poppy stood and crossed to the fireplace. "Time to get you and yours back to safety. Remember what I said. If you love him, don't let him linger in doubt...tell him."
"I will." She grinned as she stepped to the fireplace but turned to look at the elder witch with curiosity. "You love him, don't you?" She asked with a bit of tepidity.
Poppy smiled and nodded. "Severus is my son, emotionally if not biologically. He would be surprised how many of us here feels that way about him."
Hermione heard the catch in Medi-witch's voice, and without another thought ran over and hugged the older witch tightly. "I'm sure that if he did, he would feel honored. I know I would."
"You, Hermione, are everyone's daughter. You 'should' feel honored regardless." Poppy reached up and wiped a tear from her own eye and pushed herself away from the younger girl with a smile "You and your son are and will continue to be the bright blessings of Hogwart's. Now, go."
Hermione smiled at her kind words and kissed Poppy's cheek. "Thank you, Poppy." She murmured softly and with Sebastian clutched onto her she stepped into the green flames feeling light hearted and hopeful for the first time that day.
~_~_~_~_~
"Tell me what you think you know." Severus had led Draco into an empty classroom and warded the door to avoid any interference from busybodies. He preferred that this conversation be completely between the two. So far as he knew, only Draco knew of Sebastian's real father, and that's the way he would prefer it.
Draco turned away casually and picked up an object from a nearby desk, pretending to examine it. "I don't know for certain, but I think that Sebastian is your son, not Potter's."
"And tell me, pray tell, just how you came by this assumption?" Snape perched on the side of the desk, listening.
"Simple observation, Professor." Draco, losing interest in the object turned to grin at his teacher. "Do you realize that she didn't make one loving remark to her 'supposed' husband? It was still the same simple yet infantile teasing of best friends. Then there's the fact that I noticed that she couldn't stay away from your side. I thought that was a bit odd. Don't you agree? I mean, If your spouse was in the same room with a mortal enemy, wouldn't you be right there by their side? Just in case."
"I would be..." Snape had to agree.
"I know you would, and I know she would...if they were married. Which I don't think they are."
"Meaning?" Severus's eyes darkened as he listened to the boy.
"I know you, Snape, you are as possessive as I am. What's yours is yours. I don't see you letting her marry anyone other than yourself if she had your child." Draco smirked with his supposed knowledge.
"Indeed." Snape crossed his legs at the knee and gave the boy a non- committal look giving off an air of casualty "So, you are now under the belief that Sebastian Potter is mine? How do you come to that opinion?"
"The eyes." Draco simply said with a shrug. "I wasn't sure, but I remember looking into his eyes. They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul you know. Have you seen how black his eyes are? You and he have the same eyes you know. Actually, thinking back, I know I am right. He's yours all right, Snape. He may only be a few days old, but it's noticeable. I'd use a charm to disguise that fact in future, Professor, it you wish to continue this charade."
Snape snorted in response. It would take a Slytherin to point out the one flaw in this plan. His runaway thoughts came back into check at the boy's next words.
"My only concern is how my father would take this news if he ever found out."
"Blackmail?" Snape leaned forward menacingly.
Draco laughed out loud at that and shook his head. "No, Gods no. There is nothing in this world that would drag that bit of information out of me. I don't want anything from you Snape, just your promise that when this war is over and done with, that RAT will not be spurned. We want to be recognized as a part of the Dark Lord's downfall. We have fought for our rights just as much as you and the 'golden trio'." Draco paced the floor of the classroom his hands waving around the air around him. His words rambling on incoherently at times. "Blaise and I founded this team, and he and I will follow it to its full end. Do you even know how hard that was? How cautiously we had to approach members. We had to be careful that we didn't inadvertently invite the wrong people to our group. Despite those of us that are working with you now, there are still those that prefer the darkness. It was a very scary time, Professor, and we are still scared that it could get out. Do you have any inkling what could happen to us if we are caught out? Killing us would be a kindness on their part."
Draco stopped talking to take a deep cleansing breath before turning back to face his mentor. Severus was shocked at the anxiety that he read in the young man's face. The open truthfulness that dwelled deep inside of the young man.
"I want 'my' children to grow up in a good world, Severus. I want Susan and I to be able to have our children grow up in a world without fear."
"Bones?"
"Yes." Draco turned away slightly blushing.
"I had no idea." Severus couldn't stop the chuckling from emerging.
"I had no idea of you and Granger either." Draco frowned.
"Granger and I are...complicated." Severus shrugged slightly. "Sebastian was a...surprise...to me."
"I bet." Draco smirked. "So he is yours then?"
"Yes."
"I thought so." Draco nodded in thought then looked up. "What can I do to help keep this from my father and the other followers?"
Severus stood up and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder in a fatherly way. "Nothing. Don't say anything, don't do anything and most certainly don't think anything about your knowledge. I really should obliviate you..."
Draco threw up his hands in protest.
"I won't say anything, Professor...I swear."
Severus stared at the boy for a few moments before nodding. "Fine, but I insist you take occlumency courses with Harry and Hermione. I don't want anyone accidentally finding out this secret."
"Yes sir." Draco grinned and raised a hand of friendship to Snape. "Congratulations on your son, Sir. He looks like he will be a strapping man."
"Thank you Draco. I hope he is able to grow up to prove you right."
~*~*~*~*~
A/N's and Acknowledgements:
F75: Just found what? :D
Raclswt, Daintress, Akasha Ravensong, alai, antigonesev, Dolores Jane Umbridge 2nd, Anarane Anwamane, SAngel, Dracodolenz, Blood Sucker13, Kursed SeeD, FireValkyrie, bluefruitbowl, coldqueen, Treg: Thank you so much for your input. I appreciate them. More chapters are up and coming.
TimidOne: Nice to see a new name in the reviewers. Thank you for your input.
JeanB: No, there is no love lost between RAT and the DA. However, they will have to learn to get along together to bring down Voldemort. I like Draco as the bad boy, however...I think he may be added to the list of the bad boys that you'd love to hate/love. There wont be an y HG/DM here, but I'm hoping you are enjoying the SS/HG world that I have woven here.
Caffeine: Of course I miss you, how can I 'Not'? No sweat with the hole in the tent, I'm a pretty good seamstress. I can fix it for you. No Problemo! Raccoons? In Las Vegas? Not that I have seen. I'm glad you are enjoying this story so far. Keep reading.
Chibidaima: A mountain full of praise. I like that. Thank you!
Tracy3, Next chapter is up—Enjoy!
theophania: I don't know yet how he will react about his baby brother, we will both find out soon.
RebelRikki: Severus can be proud of Harry, he just likes to keep that silent. Wouldn't do to let others think he has an actual heart you know.
Serena, Li-chan: Hope you liked the chat. I hope your questions have been answered now.
DracoHermioneSupporter: Oh, don't do that...This story will be here AFTER you get back from school. LOL
Embers: I have that already worked out, I hope you like what I have done so far. Oh, BTW...my niece's name is Ember...that's pretty cool.
Severessa: Thank you so much, Your opinion always means a lot to me.
Tubin: I'm glad that you like RAT. I felt that it would make sense that not all the Slytherin's would want to follow in their parent's footsteps. Most kids want a world they can be happy growing up in. I know I was one of them, right?
Emma-Kitty: I hope this chapter answered your question. I think Draco took the news quite well, don't you?
SweetBloom: Its all right. I don't mind your email. I will still respond to them here. In my opinion I don't think they give Draco enough credit. The two groups will work out.
Citrinecastle: I don't know if the Grangers will return, but who knows what the future will bring.
Poisyn: Bright Blessings! I have had that pointed out to me. I have changed that in my original draft. I really should go in and re-upload the correct editing, but in all honesty...Im just too blasted lazy. LOL. It was supposed to be petrifus totalis...and the updated version explained the wand thing...hum...on second thought...I think I will go back and reupload. Thanks!
Maddy-Riddle: Draco is one smart cookie. I know, I know...I cant stand NOT having a cliffie, but I'll try to keep that deal with you, depending on my work load. :D
JosieBelle: I see the trio as a very often bickering group. Like what my friends and I do all the time. You always tease the ones you love. And Draco, in my opinion is always HIGHLY under-rated.
ChangJessica: Here's the next chapter, I hope you haven't waited too long. LOL. I think I kind of explained how Draco figured it out with Sebastian's black eyes explanation. Lame, I know...Uh.
fleria: Thank you. I like making the trio kind of slap happy. I think only really close friendships can handle that kind of relationship. Draco will worm his way in that group somehow. I haven't quite got it completely worked out just yet.
Alanfan: Glad you missed me. I hope you liked this chapter. More coming, don't worry, I haven't abandoned it. I just have so much going on around me I don't have lots of time to write the way I'd like.
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A Secret worth Keeping
Chapter twenty-three: For the love of the Sons
"Hermione..."
She felt a warm, breathed whisper on her neck as she turned her face towards the speaker. Her bright eyes immediately locked with his dark worried ones. She found herself wanting to reach out and smooth back that familiar worried wrinkle from between his brow, but thankfully, she held her hand still. She didn't think he would like her actually touching him among all the rabble-rousers.
"Yes, Professor?" She responded with a small smile. Her tone was lightly teasing although she knew she had to hold onto her decorum in the presence of the others. The situation they found themselves in could ultimately be extremely dangerous, but she wished she could say something to make him less worried. Her teasing expression quickly turned serious when she saw his right eye twitching; his expression screaming that something else was bothering him, perhaps even more so than the DA meeting RAT. "What is it?"
He took her arm and led her into a corner turning her back towards the crowd so her expressions wouldn't give them away. His voice dipped low as so no one could over hear. "Draco has somehow figured out the truth about Sebastian. I must speak to him in private after this meeting is over."
"Oh no!" Hermione's face paled as she turned her head to seek out the familiar form of Draco. She found him standing by the door watching them with too much interest to for her comfort. His arms were crossed across his chest in a mock Snape pose. If this weren't a serious situation, she would have laughed at his feeble attempt to impersonate Severus's trademark stance. As she looked at him, she saw him tilt his head at her, a knowing look on his face. "What are we going to do?" She whispered trying to hold in her panic.
"We, are going to do nothing, You, however, are going to go get Sebastian from Poppy and get to our chambers. I will speak with Draco alone." He raised a hand to thwart her objection before she could even form one. "Harry is summoning the DA. They will be here soon. It is not imperative that you be present during the rest of this meeting."
"But..." She started to protest again but was cut off quickly by a finger tip to her lips. Her body shielded the intimate gesture from the rest of the room.
"Not this meeting. It's imperative that you and Sebastian are safe in your quarters until Draco and I settle this...unpleasantness. I will return to the dungeon soon after and let you know all of what happened here."
She glanced between Severus and Draco, watching the younger boy. He had abandoned his Snape stance and was now resorting to shifting his feet, the look of impatience on his face. She glanced around the room and saw Harry by the fireplace flooing all the members of the DA, summoning them into the impromptu meeting.
"You promise? You will come straight away?"
Severus stood to his full height and rested a hand on her shoulder, in comfort. "I promise. Now go."
She looked once more around her and saw that Dumbledore's office was starting to get crowded as it filled with members of the DA. They entered from the fireplace one by one. Her eyes caught Harry's gaze briefly and she returned a small smile before turning back to Severus. The taller man's eyes drifted between the three; her, Draco and Harry. She couldn't read the expression on his face so she placed a hand on his arm in a small, if intimate, gesture of her own. She was rewarded when his eyes settled back on her, the twitching of his eyes stopping as they found hers. She knew that he was worried, very worried and that scared her. If Draco did know about Sebastian's true parentage, then she and Sebastian would be in dire straights. She had to get to her son before someone else did. "I'll go of course, but please..."
"Go, I promised...hurry." He turned her towards the door and with his hand on her lower back steered her onward. She paused as they passed Draco and his hand reached out to brush her arm in a somewhat gentle caress that sent shivers up her spine, and not the good kind.
"I'm sure we will have some...interesting...conversations after this night, hey Granger?" He gave her a wide smirk and stepped aside at the look of Snape.
"I'm sure we will, Malfoy." She retorted and with a gentle push from behind was nudged out of the door before she could say what she really wanted to. The door closed on her near protest and she was faced staring at the wooden grain of the heavy oak door.
"Damn."
She turned on her heal and headed first to the infirmary.
~_~_~_~_~
"Madam Pomfrey?"
"One moment, Miss Granger." Her voice came from behind a curtained off bed before she emerged with a freshly cleaned Sebastian in her arms. The tiny baby was bundled up happily and he cooed with content.
Hermione smiled and reached out for her son. "Thank you for taking him with you, Madame Pomfrey..."
"He should not have been there in the first place, Child. A baby within all that hatred, It's not healthy." Poppy's face darkened at her apparent disapproval.
Hermione frowned but nodded anyway. She hated it when someone stated the obvious around her. "I know that Madame Pomfrey. I didn't know I was taking him into any danger. They were there when I was summoned. Severus, uh, that is to say, Professor Snape told me to bring him along. I didn't have anyone to watch over him." Damn the woman had a way of making her feel like she was eleven again.
"I would have if you had only bothered to call." Poppy sniffed seemingly actually hurt.
Hermione looked down at her shoes. "I am sorry, Madame. I didn't think."
"Of course you didn't." Poppy sighed and came forward and handed the mother her child. "I just want you to know that I am always available to watch over your son. Night or day, all you need do is floo."
Hermione gave her a grateful look with an apologetic smile. "Yes, thank you. I really do appreciate it."
Poppy gave her a scrutinizing look and indicated a chair. "Sit. There is something more I wish to discuss with you."
"I need to get to the dungeon, Sev...uh...Prof..." She paused. "Oh, damn it all!" Poppy smirked a bit at her exploitative, "Severus told me to go right there."
"That can wait for a moment, you can floo directly from here. What I have to say will be quick." Poppy retorted and indicated for her to take a seat on one of the beds.
Hermione sighed and took a seat with Sebastian nestled against her chest. It seemed that the older woman wasn't going to let her budge without this little 'chat'. She shifted Sebastian slightly as she waited for Poppy to begin.
Poppy sat beside her and took her free hand in hers. Her voice breaking slightly as she spoke. "I don't like what this arrangement can ultimately do to you three, as a family. This false wedding business with Harry is wrong. Its deeply affecting and hurting Severus."
Hermione's eyes began to fill at the words. "I don't...It wasn't my idea, Poppy. I didn't suggest this. It was their idea."
"Even so. It must not last long. You may not realize it, but to Severus, marriage is a very binding institution. He believes in the lifetime commitment. You have to realize that, although I know he has had relationships over the years, marriage had never before been brought up in relation to his name. I don't know if he hadn't ever loved that deeply before or because he couldn't see himself as a husband for life. As his confidant for these many years, I like to think that I know his thoughts and I understand his wants. He wants a family, Hermione. He wants children and a wife. He wants everything that a normal red-blooded man wants, but he also wants you safe as well. I know that. I only say this because I know you care. I can see it in your eyes. You don't want this scam of a marriage any more than he does." Poppy sighs and sets back into her chair. "I just have one question of you Hermione...do you have any feelings for him? Does he have a scant millimeter of hope for a future as a family with you?"
Hermione took in her words staying silent as the older woman rambled on. How was she to know if she wanted the same thing? She knew that she liked him. She felt that she could even be able to grow to love him. Yet, whenever she closed her eyes and tried to imagine making love to him, her rape came flooding back in full force and all she could see was the face of her attacker. Severus.
"I don't know, Poppy." She looked up at the witch and shook her head as she tried to put her thoughts into words that the elder witch could understand. "I don't know how I can overcome what happened in the past. I am trying, I honestly am. I mean...I love it when he holds my hand or when he kisses me so gently and...and when he tells me that he loves me..." She paused here at the sudden intake of the Medi-witch's breath which caused her to smile. "Yes, he says he loves me, Poppy, and I believe him, but I don't know how I can love him back just yet. I mean...I want to. I just look up at him and feel my heart skipping, but the thought of actually being... intimate with him...I don't know if I can do that."
"Then don't." Poppy smiled and reached out to pat her head as if she was still eleven years old. "Love isn't about just sex, Hermione. Intimacy must be earned and developed. Severus knows this, and I am quite sure he would never push you into something that you are not ready for. He loves you and I'm sure he is willing to wait until you say when."
"You really think so?" She raised hopeful eyes to Poppy.
"I know so." Poppy stood and crossed to the fireplace. "Time to get you and yours back to safety. Remember what I said. If you love him, don't let him linger in doubt...tell him."
"I will." She grinned as she stepped to the fireplace but turned to look at the elder witch with curiosity. "You love him, don't you?" She asked with a bit of tepidity.
Poppy smiled and nodded. "Severus is my son, emotionally if not biologically. He would be surprised how many of us here feels that way about him."
Hermione heard the catch in Medi-witch's voice, and without another thought ran over and hugged the older witch tightly. "I'm sure that if he did, he would feel honored. I know I would."
"You, Hermione, are everyone's daughter. You 'should' feel honored regardless." Poppy reached up and wiped a tear from her own eye and pushed herself away from the younger girl with a smile "You and your son are and will continue to be the bright blessings of Hogwart's. Now, go."
Hermione smiled at her kind words and kissed Poppy's cheek. "Thank you, Poppy." She murmured softly and with Sebastian clutched onto her she stepped into the green flames feeling light hearted and hopeful for the first time that day.
~_~_~_~_~
"Tell me what you think you know." Severus had led Draco into an empty classroom and warded the door to avoid any interference from busybodies. He preferred that this conversation be completely between the two. So far as he knew, only Draco knew of Sebastian's real father, and that's the way he would prefer it.
Draco turned away casually and picked up an object from a nearby desk, pretending to examine it. "I don't know for certain, but I think that Sebastian is your son, not Potter's."
"And tell me, pray tell, just how you came by this assumption?" Snape perched on the side of the desk, listening.
"Simple observation, Professor." Draco, losing interest in the object turned to grin at his teacher. "Do you realize that she didn't make one loving remark to her 'supposed' husband? It was still the same simple yet infantile teasing of best friends. Then there's the fact that I noticed that she couldn't stay away from your side. I thought that was a bit odd. Don't you agree? I mean, If your spouse was in the same room with a mortal enemy, wouldn't you be right there by their side? Just in case."
"I would be..." Snape had to agree.
"I know you would, and I know she would...if they were married. Which I don't think they are."
"Meaning?" Severus's eyes darkened as he listened to the boy.
"I know you, Snape, you are as possessive as I am. What's yours is yours. I don't see you letting her marry anyone other than yourself if she had your child." Draco smirked with his supposed knowledge.
"Indeed." Snape crossed his legs at the knee and gave the boy a non- committal look giving off an air of casualty "So, you are now under the belief that Sebastian Potter is mine? How do you come to that opinion?"
"The eyes." Draco simply said with a shrug. "I wasn't sure, but I remember looking into his eyes. They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul you know. Have you seen how black his eyes are? You and he have the same eyes you know. Actually, thinking back, I know I am right. He's yours all right, Snape. He may only be a few days old, but it's noticeable. I'd use a charm to disguise that fact in future, Professor, it you wish to continue this charade."
Snape snorted in response. It would take a Slytherin to point out the one flaw in this plan. His runaway thoughts came back into check at the boy's next words.
"My only concern is how my father would take this news if he ever found out."
"Blackmail?" Snape leaned forward menacingly.
Draco laughed out loud at that and shook his head. "No, Gods no. There is nothing in this world that would drag that bit of information out of me. I don't want anything from you Snape, just your promise that when this war is over and done with, that RAT will not be spurned. We want to be recognized as a part of the Dark Lord's downfall. We have fought for our rights just as much as you and the 'golden trio'." Draco paced the floor of the classroom his hands waving around the air around him. His words rambling on incoherently at times. "Blaise and I founded this team, and he and I will follow it to its full end. Do you even know how hard that was? How cautiously we had to approach members. We had to be careful that we didn't inadvertently invite the wrong people to our group. Despite those of us that are working with you now, there are still those that prefer the darkness. It was a very scary time, Professor, and we are still scared that it could get out. Do you have any inkling what could happen to us if we are caught out? Killing us would be a kindness on their part."
Draco stopped talking to take a deep cleansing breath before turning back to face his mentor. Severus was shocked at the anxiety that he read in the young man's face. The open truthfulness that dwelled deep inside of the young man.
"I want 'my' children to grow up in a good world, Severus. I want Susan and I to be able to have our children grow up in a world without fear."
"Bones?"
"Yes." Draco turned away slightly blushing.
"I had no idea." Severus couldn't stop the chuckling from emerging.
"I had no idea of you and Granger either." Draco frowned.
"Granger and I are...complicated." Severus shrugged slightly. "Sebastian was a...surprise...to me."
"I bet." Draco smirked. "So he is yours then?"
"Yes."
"I thought so." Draco nodded in thought then looked up. "What can I do to help keep this from my father and the other followers?"
Severus stood up and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder in a fatherly way. "Nothing. Don't say anything, don't do anything and most certainly don't think anything about your knowledge. I really should obliviate you..."
Draco threw up his hands in protest.
"I won't say anything, Professor...I swear."
Severus stared at the boy for a few moments before nodding. "Fine, but I insist you take occlumency courses with Harry and Hermione. I don't want anyone accidentally finding out this secret."
"Yes sir." Draco grinned and raised a hand of friendship to Snape. "Congratulations on your son, Sir. He looks like he will be a strapping man."
"Thank you Draco. I hope he is able to grow up to prove you right."
~*~*~*~*~
A/N's and Acknowledgements:
F75: Just found what? :D
Raclswt, Daintress, Akasha Ravensong, alai, antigonesev, Dolores Jane Umbridge 2nd, Anarane Anwamane, SAngel, Dracodolenz, Blood Sucker13, Kursed SeeD, FireValkyrie, bluefruitbowl, coldqueen, Treg: Thank you so much for your input. I appreciate them. More chapters are up and coming.
TimidOne: Nice to see a new name in the reviewers. Thank you for your input.
JeanB: No, there is no love lost between RAT and the DA. However, they will have to learn to get along together to bring down Voldemort. I like Draco as the bad boy, however...I think he may be added to the list of the bad boys that you'd love to hate/love. There wont be an y HG/DM here, but I'm hoping you are enjoying the SS/HG world that I have woven here.
Caffeine: Of course I miss you, how can I 'Not'? No sweat with the hole in the tent, I'm a pretty good seamstress. I can fix it for you. No Problemo! Raccoons? In Las Vegas? Not that I have seen. I'm glad you are enjoying this story so far. Keep reading.
Chibidaima: A mountain full of praise. I like that. Thank you!
Tracy3, Next chapter is up—Enjoy!
theophania: I don't know yet how he will react about his baby brother, we will both find out soon.
RebelRikki: Severus can be proud of Harry, he just likes to keep that silent. Wouldn't do to let others think he has an actual heart you know.
Serena, Li-chan: Hope you liked the chat. I hope your questions have been answered now.
DracoHermioneSupporter: Oh, don't do that...This story will be here AFTER you get back from school. LOL
Embers: I have that already worked out, I hope you like what I have done so far. Oh, BTW...my niece's name is Ember...that's pretty cool.
Severessa: Thank you so much, Your opinion always means a lot to me.
Tubin: I'm glad that you like RAT. I felt that it would make sense that not all the Slytherin's would want to follow in their parent's footsteps. Most kids want a world they can be happy growing up in. I know I was one of them, right?
Emma-Kitty: I hope this chapter answered your question. I think Draco took the news quite well, don't you?
SweetBloom: Its all right. I don't mind your email. I will still respond to them here. In my opinion I don't think they give Draco enough credit. The two groups will work out.
Citrinecastle: I don't know if the Grangers will return, but who knows what the future will bring.
Poisyn: Bright Blessings! I have had that pointed out to me. I have changed that in my original draft. I really should go in and re-upload the correct editing, but in all honesty...Im just too blasted lazy. LOL. It was supposed to be petrifus totalis...and the updated version explained the wand thing...hum...on second thought...I think I will go back and reupload. Thanks!
Maddy-Riddle: Draco is one smart cookie. I know, I know...I cant stand NOT having a cliffie, but I'll try to keep that deal with you, depending on my work load. :D
JosieBelle: I see the trio as a very often bickering group. Like what my friends and I do all the time. You always tease the ones you love. And Draco, in my opinion is always HIGHLY under-rated.
ChangJessica: Here's the next chapter, I hope you haven't waited too long. LOL. I think I kind of explained how Draco figured it out with Sebastian's black eyes explanation. Lame, I know...Uh.
fleria: Thank you. I like making the trio kind of slap happy. I think only really close friendships can handle that kind of relationship. Draco will worm his way in that group somehow. I haven't quite got it completely worked out just yet.
Alanfan: Glad you missed me. I hope you liked this chapter. More coming, don't worry, I haven't abandoned it. I just have so much going on around me I don't have lots of time to write the way I'd like.