It was pointed out to me that the section of Cepheus seems like he is much younger than the almost 4,5 years old that he is. That was an accident on my part and I'd like to thank the one who left that comment.

So the chapter is otherwise the same, but the part with Cepheus' thoughts have been matured to some extent. It is the depiction of what I would think a 4,5 year old boy would be thinking based on my own experience. Please do comment if it's still too regressed or advanced in age.

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Chapter 13: Thoughts

Severus couldn't believe he had gone along with this. Furthermore, he couldn't believe he had actually agreed to the plan, let alone the whole concept. He must me mad. No, his wife must be mad. She was the origin of the whole idea. Why hadn't he opposed it?

It was safe to say that even though the man is known as a calm and collected person with a razor wit and a temper to match, nothing scared Severus Snape or riled him up. He had learned to keep a steady hand in all situations. It was vital for a Potions Master of his calibre. He could create the most complicated potions in the most strenuous situations.

The closest he had been to a panic was when little Cepheus had disappeared for hours on end, only to appear safely back to the house in Kreacher's ever-caring arms. The little boy had learned to talk, and as clever as he was, knew exactly how to get what he wanted. Kreacher had later explained that the young Master had called for him wanting to visit his grandmother. Cepheus, being the three year old, he was, hadn't seen it prudent to tell Kreacher to inform Hermione and Severus about the visit. Walburga hadn't even bothered to write an owl.

So, he had never been closer to a panic than right then.

Frightened. Terrified. Paralyzed by fear.

That was another emotion Severus Snape did not at least acknowledge often. In the privacy of his mind, he would tell no one, not even Hermione, that he was constantly scared. Scared of what would happen to Cepheus, to Hermione, how to the unknown future would change with all the changes she was making. He was frightened that she would disappear and never come back in time and meet Regulus and him.

This was never expressed, especially to Cepheus or Hermione.

Severus sighed and went back to ranting about the whole bloody idea in the privacy of his mind.

Hermione was very unsure of how everything would turn out. She had told Severus that she knew it was a fool proof plan, but she knew he didn't believe her. He knew her better than that.

A lot was riding on this. If they didn't succeed than they would have to take Harry back to the Dursleys, but somehow make sure that he came to no physical or severe emotional harm. She could not stomach the idea.

They had to succeed.

The worst case scenario was that they would fail and the future would forever be changed, for the worse more than likely, leaving Cepheus an orphan. Walburga would take care of him, but Hermione knew that the woman was too heartbroken to go on for too long. In her original time line Walburga Black had died in 1985, and Hermione was pretty sure that even Cepheus could not keep the woman from joining her husband and youngest son in the next life.

They surely must succeed.

Cepheus didn't completely understand what was going on, but he did sense that there was something that worried his parents greatly. As a young child, he lived a happy and calm life filled with beautiful days playing on the moors, visiting his grandmother and being loved by Hermione and Severus.

Even though he knew his parents were sad and worried a lot of the times lately, he continued ignoring it, as they were able to forget about whatever was bothering them when they were with him.

And then there was the other boy who was his age though smaller. The boy, Harry, was very shy and Cepheus had had to be very careful in approaching him as Cepheus was bigger and Harry seemed to shy away from him if he moved too quickly. But eventually Cepheus managed to gain the other boy's trust and they became fast friends.

Cepheus was aware that now the thing that was very important and had been bothering his mother and father was going to be solved somehow. His parents thought their silencing charm was impenetrable, but Cepheus had always been able to get through it and eavesdrop on them.

He hadn't quite been able to figure what they had been talking about as they were speaking in disjointed sentences. He did gather that they were going to be away for a while and that he would go to his grandmother Walburga. Harry would stay at the cottage and be taken care of uncle Remus.

As it was time to leave with Kreacher, Cepheus sensed that there was a different kind of gravity to this visit to his grandmother. He ran from Kreacher and hugged the legs of both of his parents saying:

"I love you, mom, dad."

And for some reason that brought tears into their eyes.

"We know, sweetie", his mother answered and crouched down to kiss him on the forehead.

"We love you too."

Cepheus nodded and returned to Kreacher who had been given severe orders not to not return to the cottage until he was called by one of them. He was not to follow Cepheus' orders if he asked to see Hermione or Severus.

Cepheus had not been around to hear those orders. He was disapparated by Kreacher to the hallway of his grandmother's house. There he was immediately greeted by a smiling Walburga and as soon as he saw her, he forgot about the serious expressions and worrying thoughts in anticipation for happy and fun times with her.

Life was never dull with grandmother.

They watch Kreacher apparate away with Cepheus in his arms. The little boy had a confused expression on his small face and it broke Hermione's heart not knowing if she would ever see him again. Severus wrapped his arms around her she rested her head on his shoulder for a moment before pulling away looking at him with determined eyes. The same determination was reflected in his.

It was time.

Sorry about the new cliffhanger. I'm sorry. I moved into a new apartment and have started a new semester at university. Now I've settled, so I promise that the next chapter will finally give you some sense of satisfaction about what I've been referring to.

It'll be out by Sunday.