Disclaimer: I do not own anything except Sevilen, Ethan, and Lily.

A/N: Well, here's the next chapter. I'm having a hard time with it because my friend no longer works with me so we can only talk over the phone. I hope it makes some sense.

Part II Chapter 15

Where Do We Go From Here?

The next two days proved to be hectic. Hermione thought she would be milling away in her room waiting to leave. Instead, Ethan had her busy finishing up potions, bottling them, and storing away ingredients they didn't need. She had sent a letter out to Ginny to let her know that they were going to be arriving at the Burrow in two days. Everyone was going to meet up there and then head out to Grimmauld Place once Harry arrived. Hermione had found out that Harry and his new wife, Penelope, were on holiday in Italy and would be arriving in England as soon as it was safe. Hermione was nervous for her friends, as she didn't know what was going on in England. She also didn't know how everyone was going to react when they met Sevilen. The only person she had told was Ginny and the younger girl's letters were becoming less and less as time went by. Lily told Hermione not to worry about that, as they knew Ginny was accepted to a healers' program in France. Hermione was happy for her but missed her terribly. It would only be a matter of days before she saw them all again.

Finally, the day arrived when they would be leaving. Hermione had all of her and Sevilen's things packed away. They were going to take an airplane to England as Sevilen had never traveled by floo and he was far too young to do a side apparition. Besides, Hermione wanted him to know about his muggle grandparents. When they arrived at the airport, Sevilen's eyes lit up when he saw the enormous planes on the runway. He ran over to the big window and pressed his nose against it. When Hermione walked up behind him, he turned to her, pointed at the plane, and clapped.

Hermione laughed. "Yes, sweetheart, we will be taking one of those back home." She had always explained everything to him. She knew that it was better to speak to him as though he were older instead of using baby talk. She thought it would help him to start speaking but he had no desire to talk yet. She just hoped it would be soon.

They boarded the plane and Sevilen shrieked with excitement as it took off. Hermione never liked flying but she would rather have steel surrounding her than sitting on a small broomstick. The trip was long and she noticed that Sevilen had fallen asleep. He remained asleep as the plane touched down and Ethan had to carry him through the airport to the luggage terminal. They had to walk a few blocks to the nearest floo network before they could get to the Burrow. Hermione was still unsure about flooing with Sevilen but Lily explained that since he was asleep, he wouldn't notice. It was easier than hailing a taxi as most taxis didn't have child seats.

In a matter of seconds, Hermione was standing in the fireplace of the Weasley's house. When she stepped out, Ron immediately grabbed her up in a huge hug. He spun her around, laughing, and finally let her down. "It's great to see you again, Mione," he said.

"It's nice to see you too, Ron," she laughed.

Ron held her at arm's length. "You look great."

Hermione blushed and looked down. "I'm alright," she remarked.

Just then the floo lit up again and out stepped Lily and Ethan, who was still holding a sleeping Sevilen. "Hey, Ronald," Lily greeted.

"Hi, Professor- er- I mean, Lily," Ron responded. "Who's the cute kid?"

Lily looked from Sevilen to Hermione. "He's-," she started but Hermione cut her off.

She took Sevilen from Ethan and turned to Ron. "There's something I need to tell you but I would rather wait until Harry get here," Hermione explained as she positioned Sevilen on her hip.

Ron looked at her, confused. "Ok, sure. Harry is actually in the kitchen right now. You wanna go there and talk?" Hermione nodded her head. Ron walked towards the kitchen and she turned back to Lily.

Lily placed her hand on Hermione's shoulder. "Everything will be fine."

"I know but they might not understand."

"Hermione, they are your best friends. They would do anything for you and I know they'll believe you."

"Believe, yes. Understand, that's another thing all together." Hermione sighed, grabbed Sevilen's bag, and headed towards the kitchen. When she entered, she saw Ron and Harry sitting at the kitchen table. No one else was in the room so she figured they ushered everyone out.

"Sit, Hermione. Tell us what's going on," Ron asked, nicely.

Hermione sat down and moved her son in her lap so that his head rested against her chest. She steeled herself for this talk many months ago but now that it was here, she found her courage fleeing. "How do I tell you what I need to tell you," she began.

Harry reached out and took a hold of her hand. "Whatever it is, Hermione, you can tell us. We're your mates."

Hermione nodded her head as a single tear fell. Harry wiped it away and told her to go on with just a look. "Well, this is Sevilen. He's my son," she explained. When she looked up, both Ron and Harry had shocked looks on their faces. She wasn't surprised to see that but she was waiting for the shit to hit the fan, so to speak. "I wanted to tell the two of you before but I was afraid of your reaction."

"Wow," Harry finally said, breaking the silence.

"Bloody hell," Ron replied which caused Harry to smack him on the arm. "What? I never thought I'd see Hermione with a kid."

"Don't be so insensitive. And don't curse in front of a baby," Harry responded.

"I'm not being insensitive and the baby's sleeping. It can't hear me," Ron said back.

"For your information, Sevilen is a boy not an it," Hermione almost yelled.

Ron put his hands up in surrender. "Boy, girl, I just never imagined you a mum."

"Thanks, Ron. You really know how to make someone feel better." Hermione took back her hand from Harry and slowly rubbed circles on her son's back. He was starting to fidget and she really didn't want him to wake up yet.

"So, who's the father?" Harry asked.

Hermione was dreading this question. How was she going to tell them? She told Ginny because she knew that the other girl would understand. She didn't think the boys would. She was about to say something when Sevilen stirred and woke up. He opened his eyes, took in his surroundings, and started to bawl. Hermione rocked him, trying her best to calm him down. "Merlin, that kid has got a set of lungs," Ron said, covering his ears.

"He's just scared," Hermione said over her son's wailing. She stood up and began pacing the floor.

"What is going on in here?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she entered the kitchen. She noticed the boy crying in Hermione's arms. "Oh my, who is this?"

Harry looked at Hermione in concern. He had noticed Sevilen's eyes and they looked awfully familiar but he didn't want to say anything. He stood up and pulled Ron to his feet. "Mione, we'll leave you alone. But, promise me that we'll continue this conversation?"

Hermione nodded, still trying to calm her son. Harry and Ron left as Mrs. Weasley walked over to the refrigerator. She took out some milk. "I think he's hungry," she said. Hermione motioned with her foot to Sevilen's bag and Molly retrieved a bottle from within. She filled it with the milk then handed it to Hermione. Hermione was grateful for some help. Molly helped ease the young girl into a seat as the baby fed. "Well, Hermione, it looks like you have been busy."

Hermione looked down. "I wanted to tell everyone before I left for South Africa but-," she started but stopped when more tears fell.

Molly sat down next to her. "Well, no matter. You're here and you're all right. That's all that matters now." Hermione smiled and held Sevilen closer. "I'll have one of the boys bring up an old crib to your room for tonight. We will leave for Grimmauld Place tomorrow now that Harry is here."

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. That would be wonderful," Hermione replied. "I think he may need some rest right now."

"Of course, Dear. By the way, what is his name?"

"Sevilen," Hermione replied.

"He is adorable. How old is he?"

"He's 21 months old. He's wonderful and very smart for his age but he hasn't said anything yet. I'm worried."

Molly put her hand on Sevilen's arm and the boy smiled up at her around his bottle. Molly beamed. "May I hold him?" Hermione handed Sevilen over and the Weasley matriarch smiled brighter. "Aren't you just the most handsome little man," she said to him. Then she looked up. "I wouldn't worry, Hermione. Charlie didn't speak until he was almost 23 months. I'm sure Sevilen will be speaking in no time."

Hermione smiled back at Molly. "Thanks. That means a lot coming from you."

"It's my pleasure. But I'm sure that you are exhausted as well. If Sevilen doesn't sleep, I would be honored to watch him."

"Thank you, again. I haven't had a good night's sleep since we received Professor McGonagall's letter."

Molly stood up, with Sevilen in her arms, and shooed Hermione out of the kitchen. "Updates will be made at dinner tonight. Maybe you could introduce Sevilen then."

Hermione nodded and headed up the stairs to the room she usually shared with Ginny. As soon as she entered, she flopped down on the bed and fell fast asleep. It was nice to be back around her friends again even if it meant answering their questions. She knew she would have to tell everyone who the father was, eventually, but for now, she was content to just get some much-needed rest. She would worry about everyone later.

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Hermione woke a few hours later to the smells of home cooking. She knew that Molly was in her glory being able to cook for a house full of people again. She stretched and slowly made her way down the stairs. She heard voices all over the house and smiled. It was good to be home again. As she entered the living room, she saw Sevilen sitting on the couch in between Harry and Ron. They were trying to read a book to him and he kept on jumping up and down. She smiled at the sight. When Sevilen saw her, he jumped off the couch and ran over to her. She picked him up and he wrapped his little arms around her neck. "Keeping the boys busy?" she asked him. Sevilen nodded.

"Can't he talk?" Ron asked.

"Not yet but the doctor said he could any day now," Hermione responded. Sevilen squirmed in her arms so she set him down. He ran out of the room and towards the kitchen. "Be right back," she said. She chased after him and saw him in Ginny's arms. Hermione smiled. "Hello, Ginny. I see you have met Sevilen."

Ginny let out an excited sound and threw the little boy into the air. Sevilen laughed and clapped his hands indicating that he wanted more. Ginny covered his face in kisses before running over to Hermione and hugging her with one arm. "I've missed you so much," she said as she squeezed the older girl's hand. Ginny smiled at Sevilen and then looked back at Hermione. "What made you come back?" she asked.

Before Hermione could respond, Mrs. Weasley came storming into the kitchen, muttering under her breath. She paused when she saw the girls standing in the kitchen. "Ginny, you're home."

"Yes, Mum, I'm home," Ginny said, rolling her eyes.

"When did you get here?" she asked as she hugged her daughter.

"A few minutes ago," Ginny responded.

"Well, why don't you and Hermione set the table for dinner. It will be ready shortly."

Hermione took Sevilen from Ginny and set him down. "Behave, Sevilen. Mommy and Ginny have work to do." Sevilen smiled and then ran out of the kitchen. The girls set to placing plates on the table.

"So, what made you come back?" Ginny asked again.

Hermione shrugged. "Lily got a letter from Professor McGonagall saying that she needed us to return. So, here we are. You?"

"Same," Ginny responded. "So, what do you think it's all about?"

"Don't know. But we're leaving for Grimmauld Place tomorrow. I'm sure everything will be explained then."

"I sure hope so," Ginny said. "I hate being left in the dark."

"Anyway, how was France?" Hermione asked, changing the subject.

"Awesome. France is beautiful and the program was very educational. I am now a licensed healer."

"Oh, Ginny, that's wonderful! I can't wait to catch up on everything you've been doing later tonight." Hermione smiled at Ginny and the young girl smiled back. A few minutes later, everyone was seated at the massive table enjoying the meal. Sevilen was sitting on Hermione's lap munching on some chips. He was such a picky eater that it was always hard for Hermione to find something for him to eat. But, it seemed as though Molly knew and made him some fried chicken and chips.

When dessert arrived on the table, Fred turned to Hermione. "So, who's Sevilen's father?"

Hermione almost choked on her juice but recovered quickly. She looked like she was about to faint when Lily stepped in. "That is a question that can wait until later when Hermione is ready to answer it," she stated. She looked over at Hermione, who had a relieved expression on her face, and winked at her. Lily knew that Hermione would eventually tell everyone but it was better left alone for now.

Apparently Ron didn't understand. "Come on, Mione. You can tell us. We're family."

"Ronald Weasley, please leave her alone," Molly interrupted.

"But why is it such a secret?" Ron asked.

"Because the father doesn't know yet," Hermione yelled at him. She stood up with Sevilen and stomped out of the room.

Ginny glared at her brother. "You are so insensitive," she muttered as she too left the room. Ginny found Hermione sitting on the front porch, cradling Sevilen and crying. The little boy was sitting on her lap, sucking on his thumb. Ginny sat down next to her on the porch swing and pulled the older girl towards her. "It's ok, Hermione," she whispered. "My brother is a prat."

Hermione stopped crying and wiped her face with her hand. She leaned her head on Ginny's shoulder. "I just don't know how to tell everyone."

"Why is it so hard? You told me."

Hermione sighed. "I knew you would understand. I doubt if everyone would be so welcoming when they find out what happened."

Ginny stroked Hermione's hair. "Everyone in there loves you. But, you should tell them when you're ready."

"I haven't told Snape yet," Hermione confided in her.

"What? Why? Hermione, he deserves to know," Ginny stated.

Hermione sighed and sat up. "I know that but how do I go about telling him? I can't just owl him and say 'Oh, by the way, you're a father'."

"I guess I never thought about that. I wonder where he is?"

"I'm wondering the same thing. If he is meeting us at Grimmauld Place, how am I ever going to face him?"

"So, you're telling me that you haven't talked to him since it happened?" Ginny asked cautiously.

"How could I be in the same room with him after that? It was never supposed to happen in the first place."

"How did it all happen? No details, just tell me the short version."

Hermione looked at Ginny and saw the younger girl's face. She knew that Ginny couldn't fathom having sex with a professor let alone Snape. "Well, I told you that I went to find Draco the day of graduation." Ginny nodded, remembering, so she continued. "Well, Snape found me pacing outside the Slytherin common room and he wondered what I was doing. He pulled me into his classroom and before I could answer him, he kissed me. He told me that he couldn't get me out of his head. I felt the same exact way. I told him how I felt about him and said that if he didn't feel the same to just leave me alone. He then threw everything off his desk, came back over to me, and kissed me again. Well, one thing led to another and before long, it happened. I called him professor and he stiffened up. He moved away from me and dressed. It was so awkward after that that I didn't bother to visit him again. I felt so foolish."

Ginny took this all in. "Well, was it any good?"

Hermione looked at her friend. "What?"

"Was he any good?" Ginny asked again.

"Ginny!"

Ginny giggled. "Sorry, that was uncalled for. Why don't we just go upstairs and get ready for bed. It looks like Sevilen beat us to it."

Hermione looked down and noticed that her son was fast asleep. "Yeah, let's get to bed. I can deal with Snape tomorrow."

The two girls carefully made their way up to their room. They didn't want anyone to come out and talk with them. Once Sevilen was situated and peacefully sleeping, Hermione stripped off her clothes and put on her pajamas. Ginny did the same and they climbed into their beds. Hermione waved her wand, extinguishing the candles. "Mione?" Ginny said.

"Yeah, Gin?"

"I'm glad you're back."

"Me, too," Hermione whispered. They said goodnight and let the lull of the house ease them into a dreamless sleep.

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Hermione woke early the next morning to Sevilen crying. She padded across the wooden floor and lifted him up. "What's the matter, sweetie?" she asked him. Sevilen stuck his thumb in his mouth and rested his head in the crook of her neck. She heard Ginny stir.

"What time is it?" the red head asked.

"It's about 5:30 in the morning," Hermione responded. "Sorry to wake you."

Ginny sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "No biggie. Is he ok?"

"Yeah. I just need to change him and get him something to eat."

"Can I help?"

"Sure. You can change his diaper while I go and prepared something for him to eat."

Ginny scrunched up her nose. "Maybe I can get him breakfast while YOU change him."

Hermione laughed. "Oh, Ginny. What are you going to do when you have a child of your own?"

"Get his father to change his diaper?" Ginny suggested.

"Yeah, I'd like to see how far THAT goes." Hermione laughed even harder as she grabbed Sevilen's bag. She threw a sippy cup at Ginny while she rummaged for a diaper. "I'll be right down." Ginny nodded and left the room. After changing Sevilen, Hermione made her way to the kitchen. When she entered, she saw Ginny staring into the refrigerator. "Lost?" she asked the other girl.

"Hmm?" Ginny responded. "Oh, no. I just don't know what Sevilen likes."

"Just fill the cup with some juice. I think your mum has some cereal here that he can eat." Hermione sat Sevilen down on the floor and rummaged through the cupboards. She found some cereal and brought it over to the table. Ginny had her son in her lap and he was drinking from his cup.

"He is just so cute," Ginny stated.

"Thanks. I wonder when we're leaving?" Hermione asked as she put some of the dry cereal onto the table. Sevilen quickly grabbed it up and shoved it in his mouth. "Slow down, Sevilen. You'll choke."

Just then, Molly entered. "Ah, you're awake. I think Sevilen is doing wonders for Ginny. She never got up before noon when she was home."

"Mum!" Ginny groaned.

Hermione hid her smile. "So, Mrs. Weasley, when do we leave?"

"Harry and most of the boys are already there. They left early to make sure the place was clean. You can leave any time you're ready," she explained.

Ginny jumped up. "Let's go," she said excitedly.

"Ok, Gin. Let me get Sevilen's stuff together and we can go. But Sevilen has never flooed before. Well, he did, but he was fast asleep."

"We have a Muggle car outside," Molly said. "I know I have an old child's seat somewhere. You can take that if you'd like."

Hermione smiled. "That would be great."

Within an hour, Hermione and Ginny were standing right outside Grimmauld Place. Sevilen was jumping around as he saw the house appear. Once the house was in place, Hermione grabbed his hand and walked up to the door. She knocked quietly so as not to disturb the portrait of Mrs. Black. Harry opened the door and ushered them in. "You're here early," he said.

"Yeah, well, Sevilen decided to give us an early wake up call," Ginny retorted.

Harry snorted and picked up the boy in question. "Wish I would have known you back during our Hogwarts days," he laughed. "I could have gotten Ron up and out of bed for classes." The girls followed Harry to the kitchen. "Did you get to eat yet?" he asked.

"No," they said in unison.

"Ok, well, there are some cinnamon buns and coffee. You can help yourself."

"Thanks," Ginny said and practically ran into the kitchen.

Harry stopped Hermione from entering the room by grabbing a hold of her arm. "Mione, I know I have no right to pry but I hope you can tell me."

Hermione sighed and took Sevilen from his arms. "I know, Harry. I'm just not ready yet. I hope you can understand."

"I do. I'm just glad you're ok." Harry hugged her.

"I see that you're married," she said, changing the subject and pointing to his finger.

Harry ran his hand through his hair, messing it up even more. "Yeah, I got married last July on my birthday."

"That's wonderful," Hermione said.

"It was a small wedding. Actually, we eloped to Italy."

Hermione laid her hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to explain yourself. I'm happy for you." Harry hugged her again. Sevilen started to get restless so she put him down. As soon as his feet hit the floor, he was off and running.

"Never stops, I see," Harry commented.

"Yeah. You should have seen him in Africa. It was so hard keeping him in view on the safari. I nearly died when he came really close to the fence where a lion was sleeping."

"Africa sounds really cool," Harry said.

"It was but I really missed home. It's nice to be back," Hermione responded. Harry nodded his agreement. Hermione was about to head into the kitchen when she heard a crash upstairs. "I think my little whirlwind is getting himself into trouble. I better go and see what's happening." Hermione turned and ran up the stairs. In the tapestry room, that's what she called it because the Black family tree was painted on the wall, and noticed a very unhappy Kreacher standing in the corner holding a broken vase. "Um, have you seen a little boy?" she asked.

Kreacher grumbled and pointed towards the other door that led into another room. Hermione quickly left the room and searched around for Sevilen. She couldn't find him anywhere but suddenly heard another crash coming from downstairs, followed by the portrait of Mrs. Black screeching obscenities. She rolled her eyes and ran back down the stairs. She saw Harry and Ron covering the portrait. Harry pointed towards the kitchen before she could ask him where the boy was. She entered the room and saw the refrigerator door wide open.

"Sevilen Camara Granger!" she scolded. "You come here right now!" Sevilen peered around the open door, tears forming in his eyes. He walked over to her with his head down. Hermione knelt on the floor so she could look him in the eye. "You have caused enough trouble for one morning. You will sit on this chair for one minute." Hermione motioned him over to a chair next to the wall. Sevilen pouted and walked over, climbing up on the chair. He crossed his arms and stuck out his lower lip. "And don't give me that look. You have broken two vases and set a portrait screaming."

"Can't control the little beast?"

Hermione froze at the sound of that voice. It couldn't be him. Not yet. She slowly stood up and turned around to come face to face with Severus Snape. She stood there, her mouth wide open. Snape smirked at her and crossed his arms just as Sevilen had done earlier. She blinked then rubbed her eyes at the sight. Her son had mannerisms just like his father and she never noticed it until now. She finally found her voice. "When-," she began but he held up his hand.

"Just arrived when Mrs. Black was screaming," he said. "Who's the kid?"

"Um," she started but then Ginny ran into the room.

"Hermione, Mum needs our help," Ginny said, out of breath. She then turned to Snape. "Oh, uh, hello," she stuttered. Snape merely nodded his head. She then turned back to Hermione. "Come on."

"But what about him?" she asked pointing at Sevilen.

"Snape can watch him," Ginny responded as she grabbed Hermione's hand.

"What?" Severus asked. "I will do no such thing. I am not a babysitter."

Hermione looked at him. "Please?" she pleaded. Without waiting for a response, she quickly followed Ginny out of the kitchen. When they were out of earshot, Hermione looked at Ginny. "You're mum doesn't need us, does she?"

Ginny shook her head. "I saw Snape arrive. I didn't think you could stand being in the same room as him right now. It was the only excuse I could think up quickly."

"But what about leaving Sevilen with him?" Hermione questioned.

"Maybe something will come of it. You can eavesdrop at the door if you'd like."

Hermione smiled and shook her head. "You are evil, Ginevra Weasley." She walked back over to the door and placed her ear against it.

Inside the kitchen, Snape looked at the little boy. "So, what's your name?" he asked. Sevilen didn't answer. He just looked down at his feet, which were dangling over the chair. Snape sighed and sat down. He took out his wand and conjured a steaming cup of coffee. He drank it while glancing every so often at the kid. He couldn't help but notice the color of the boy's eyes. He figured he was just exhausted from getting up so early to be here. Just then, he heard a thud and looked over to find the kid had jumped off the chair and wandered over to him. Snape gave the kid his best "I don't like little kids" look but the boy never flinched.

Sevilen looked up at him and pulled on the sleeve of his robe. When Snape looked back down at him, Sevilen smiled. "Dada," he said.

Just outside the door, Hermione heard her son's very first word. Tears came spilling from her eyes and she collapsed to the floor. Ginny came back into the hallway to see that Hermione was shaking. She ran over to her. "Hermione, what happened?" she asked.

Hermione looked up into her friend's eyes. "Sevilen said his first word," she whispered.

"Really? What did he say?"

"He called Severus Dada," Hermione responded then looked back at the door wondering what she was going to do.

A/N: I figured I would give Sevilen his first word in this chapter. He doesn't know that Snape is really his father but I thought it would give this story a little kick. I hope you liked it. Please, review. We have gotten so many wonderful reviews and they really make my friend and I happy. –Hermisia Draco