Severus and Hermione sat in worried silence, digesting all they had heard.
"Let me get this straight: the things that are after us, the Abhartach, those are the same things from Irish legend? Basically, vampires?"
"I'm afraid so," replied Sonorous.
"And you're sure Amey is *shudder* The One because we're from Gryffindor and Slytherin?"
Another gentle smirk-like smile grace Sonorous' lips.
"Not only that you are from two Houses that have a history of, shall we say, less-than-friendly interaction, and of course because of her looks... No, there is more."
She stood and went to an alcove next to the fireplace, retrieving a small box.
"In this box is a mirror, passed down for centuries to those women of our family in the bloodline. I have watched and listened to Severus since he was a young child via this mirror, and have had some small hand in keeping him safe through my magic."
Severus looked on her with wonder, and some discomfort.
"Worry not, dear Brother: I have seen the wonderful things you have done far outweigh the damage... but this item is not limited to seeing the present. I have been able to see some spots of the future, which is how I knew to find you at the Mayor's side in time for you to come talk to me, and gather your family in time to escape the Fey."
She went to sit next to Hermione.
"I have also had the time to research your origins, Sister. It seems we were already cousins when you married my brother."
"Wha - what?" sputtered Hermione.
Severus looked grave as he explained: "Hermione, in order for our child to be this 'One', you would have to have Fey blood as well."
"And you do," Sonorous said. "You're a 12th-generation descendant of a human-Fey bonding."
Hermione's head swam as she said, "Which makes my child the 13th... and unbound by the lineage on my side?"
"Exactly. Severus, you have chosen your wife wisely: beautiful and smart."
"Yes, she is," he murmured, still caught up in the tragedy-in-the-making that was his life. Will I never escape? Will my sins continue to plague me, affecting my family no matter what I do?
"Severus," Hermione said softly, going to him and placing her hand on his forearm. "Do not blame yourself for this! How could you possibly know this would happen?"
She took his shoulders to turn him to her, and gazed into his eyes.
"You know as well as I that this could easily be my fault as well... all I did in trying to free the House Elves at Hogwarts during my school days..." She trailed off as his eyes shown with a bit of mirth.
"Yes, SPEW, wasn't it? I think this is just them getting back at you for all those awful knitted caps."
They laughed softly, and clung to each other as they pondered the near future and the uncertain safety of their daughter.