Chapter 9 - Prelude

The uncertain glory of an April day,

Which now shows all beauty of the Sun,

And by and by a cloud takes all away

The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Act I, Scene III), Shakeapeare

Love is begun by time,

And time qualifies the spark and fire of it

Hamlet (Act IV, Scene VII), Shakespeare

"Dada?" Cepheus asked her as she was washing him before she would put him to bed. He had been doing that a lot lately, since Severus' last visit a few days ago. Hermione hadn't had the heart to correct him and Severus didn't seem to mind, even though he was still in shock. It was soon Cepheus' second birthday and Hermione had attempted to make up with Walburga after their row. Her son missed his grandmother greatly.

After she had put Cepheus to bed, an owl tapped on her window. It was an unfamiliar, yet regal owl. She offered him some treats and opened the letter.

Mademoiselle Chastain,

I request the presence of Cepheus Orion Black in 12th Grimmauld Place on the first of April 1982 to celebrate his second birthday with his grandmother.

Walburga Black

Regent of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black

As Hermione read she exhaled and felt slightly lighter. Cepheus had not been disowned. Well, they would have lived comfortably regardless. Orion had taken care of that, but it was important in her mind that Cepheus would get his rightful title as Lord Black after Sirius.

On the day of his birthday Hermione dressed her son in his best. He liked any pureblood scion. The thought made her smile wryly at her thoughts. She had always reviled Draco Malfoy and his position, now she was a mother to one like him.

Walburga had made it clear that she did not want Hermione present. Cepheus would be taken there and returned by Kreacher. She shivered in fear. Se hoped Mrs. Black cared for her grandson enough to not harm him, even if he was a half blood. Kreacher came and went. She tried occupying her time. The loneliness was creeping up on her when there was a knock on the door.

"Severus!" she exclaimed in pleased surprise ushering the Potions Master in.

"Good day to you, Hermione," he greeted. "Where is Cepheus here?"

Hermione's smile became troubled. She didn't answer his question immediately, but busied herself making tea for them both.

"At Grimmauld Place with Walburga," she finally said when she sat down. Severus tensed and looked at her bewildered.

"You would trust her?"

"Kreacher is loyal to Ceph and me. He will take care of him," she answered stiffly. "She would not request his presence to hurt him. I think she is lonely. Ceph is all she has left of Regulus, and Orion. He looks more and more like his father every day. Ceph won't know him many more years."

"What do you mean?"

"She will be gone in 1985 when my little boy will be five."

They talked of other things until it was late afternoon and Kreacher returned with a delighted Ceph who had with many gifts.

"Mama!" he cried happily and crawled to where Hermione was sitting. She lifted into her lap.

"Did you have fun, darling?" she asked gently. Ceph nodded and then lifted his head noticing his godfather.

"Dada!" he cried and thrust his arms out to indicate that he wanted into Severus' lap. He was immediately obliged.

"I heard you went to your grandmother's," Severus said and the little boy nodded once more.

"Nana, me, Cissa, Dra... Kreech," the toddler said authoritatively, very proud of himself.

"What to be dones about Master's gifts?" Kreacher asked.

"Take them to the nursery. Thank you, Kreacher," Hermione said and turned to her yawning son.

"I have a present for you," Severus whispered to Cepheus and took a parcel out of his cloak giving it to the tired child. The toddler was excited about his new gift ripping it open carefully. It was a magical menagerie with small magical animals. Cepheus followed the animals raptly for many minutes before he fell asleep. Severus kissed the top of the little one's head and then allowed Hermione to take him to bed.

"He has grown," Severus said when she returned. Hermione nodded.

"I think Regulus would be proud of him," he continued carefully.

"I know," Hermione said with tears in her eyes. Severus came to sit next to her on the settee and gathered the young widow into his arms. She began sobbing and they stayed like that for a long time until her tears subsided. After a while of enjoying the warmth of an embrace she pulled back a little.

"Will you stay?" she asked timidly. Severus felt his heartbeat quicken and kissed her forehead gently.

"If it is your wish," he answered.

That night they slept together revelling in the presence of someone else. In the morning Severus was gone.

This came a common occurrence for many years. Severus was never at the cottage when Remus was, as memories were still painful from their school years. It was remarkable how Cepheus called Remus Uncle Remy and Severus was first dada and when he got a bit older, dad.

It wasn't until 1984 that everything changed.