Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
"Daddy, is Mummy all better?" asked Melee, pulling on her nightgown. It was late and Severus was putting the kids to bed. Albus and Minerva had been watching the kids while he stayed at the hospital. Since Elizabeth was awake and safe, he decided it would be alright if he tucked his little one's in for the night before returning to her bedside. Not that she even knows who I am.
"Mummy's awake baby but she still needs lots of rest."
He motioned for her to climb into bed. Theodore was already tucked in and sleeping in his crib. Melee climbed into her bed and Severus tucked her in tight before sitting next to her.
"Will she be home soon?"
"Tomorrow."
"Will she make cookies with me?" Of all the things the little one missed, she missed being with her mummy the most.
"I don't think so baby." he stroked her hair. "Melee, it's important for us to be patient with Mummy."
"Why?"
"Because, Mummy isn't herself right now." he swallowed. "She might have some trouble remembering you and Theo."
Melee giggled. "Mummy wouldn't forget me and Theo. We're her babies."
"I know but when Mummy hit her head, she forgot some things."
"She forgot?"
"She did love. It doesn't mean she doesn't love you — don't ever doubt that. She loves you very much. She just needs some time to get readjusted. Ok?"
"Ok Daddy."
"I love you Melee." he gave her a hug. Her little arms hugged him back.
"I love you Daddy."
"Grandpa and Grandma Dumbledore will watch you while you're sleeping."
"Are you going back to be with Mummy, Daddy?"
"Yeah baby. I'll see you tomorrow." he kissed her forehead again before he turned the light off. He nodded to Albus in leaving before Apparating to the hospital.
Elizabeth opened her eyes a crack, taking in the form of the man sitting by her bed. She couldn't prevent the stopping of her heart — this man was her husband! Someone she couldn't remember!
She didn't know what to think about this Severus Snape. The only Severus Snape she knew of was a ex-Death Eater, who had spied for Albus during the war. Was this the same wizard? Was she married to a war hero? She also knew that he was the potion master at Hogwarts and the Head of Slytherin. She was married to a blasted Slytherin? What happened to her own House pride?
"I know you're awake."
She opened her eyes all the way, meeting his.
"How?"
He smirked. "You sleep like that — with your eyes slightly open — when you're pretending to be asleep so Theo will fall asleep for his own nap and you can finish grading."
Her brow wrinkled and his face, though showing no emotion, told her this saddened him.
"Theo is our youngest. He's two."
"Theo?"
Severus nodded. "We named him after your brother. Melee, our oldest, is named after my grandmother. She's five."
"Melee and Theo." She said it softly to herself, trying to picture having children. Albus and Minerva hadn't mentioned children to her. Severus had no reason to lie to her.
"They miss you." he whispered. "Me too."
Elizabeth looked away, feeling tired.
"I'm sorry I can't remember."
"You can't blame yourself." he took her hand in his and she stiffened at the contract. A flash of pain crossed Severus's eyes before he released her hand. He settled more in his chair, not looking at her. "You're being discharged this morning. The doctor says that you are fine physically and that your memories... will return in time. He said it best to let nature take it's course, to go about our lives as normal and that it'll help the memory process."
Elizabeth touched her wrapped wrist.
"Tell me about the accident, please."
He rubbed his eyes and she noted how worn he looked. Or did he always look worn?
"One of my students — Mr. Thompson has a horrid habit of blowing things up. You had come down to the dungeons, for whatever reason, during one of my lessons. We were in front of my room about to discuss it — Mr. Thompson's desk is in front — when he added too much worm tail to his potion." he paused. "I wasn't quick enough to get us both out."
She frowned. "You were in the accident as well?"
He nodded.
"The potion, mixed with too much worm tail made a gas that was harmful to inhale. We got the students out before they inhaled much of it but by then... It was the potion that caused you to fall, which in turn caused the head injury that caused your coma."
"Did anything happen to you?" she asked.
"I got a very bad headache."
Somehow she knew, just knew he wasn't be completely truthful with her.
"Get some rest love, traveling home will be tiring on you as well as seeing the kids."
Elizabeth pulled her blanket closer and went into a tired sleep. Severus watched her breathing for the rest of the night.
Elizabeth looked up at the castle before she leaned more heavily into Severus. Side Along had tired her out and she could barely stand on her own two feet. Despite feeling like the man who held her in his arms was a stranger, she allowed herself to believe she loved this man and that was why they were married. Severus didn't seem unaccustomed to holding her either, she noted.
"Our apartments are in the dungeons..."
"The dungeons?" she couldn't hide her distasteful look. Severus's face was blank of emotion.
"You actually like it down there. Trust me."
"Mummy!"
Elizabeth felt something inside her tug her to the voice of the little girl who suddenly appeared, with Albus and Minerva behind her. Her eyes widened, seeing the curly black haired girl that had her own mother's eyes. The little one was rushing forward as if to hug her.
"Melee, Mummy's tired, remember?"
The little girl stopped before actually touching Elizabeth and slowly nodded. It was clear the girl wanted to touch her but Elizabeth couldn't help but stare at the beautiful girl.
"I missed you Mummy. Grandma Minerva doesn't know how to tuck me in like you do."
"Hello...Melee." stammered Elizabeth before she felt even more exhausted. Minerva gave her a small smile.
"She was just too excited to wait for you in the dungeons. Theo's with Poppy at the moment."
"Poppy?" she frowned, turning to Severus. He lowered his face closer to her ear.
"Poppy Pomfrey. That's the medi witch here at the school. She delivered Theo and insists that she's his favorite 'auntie'."
Elizabeth felt she was going to faint. There was a sudden hum and the sound of voices. Severus tightened his hold on her.
"Come Elizabeth. The students are having lunch and I don't think it wise for them to see you yet."
She could only nod and allow him to led her away deeper into the castle. They were almost there when her knees finally gave out beneath her. To her surprise and mortification, Severus scooped her up bridal style with ease and carried her the rest of the way. Melee, who seemed to have a very warm and cute personality, insisted Grandpa Albus carry her like Daddy carried Mummy.
The entrance to the Snape apartments was a painting of Morgan la Fay. The witch spoke a kind greeting to Elizabeth but Severus muttered the password quickly, as the witch was already frowning at Elizabeth lack of recognition and response.
Inside, was a cozy looking sitting room.
"I'll show you around later. I think it best you rest for now." Severus carried her down a small passage that led to the main bedroom. Elizabeth gasped at the room. It was a pretty room — elegant but simple. The four poster bed was made of black wood and the blankets were a mixture of red and black blankets and sheets. The walls were covered in a soft wallpaper and the vanity and dresser matched the bed. On the dresser and the walls, were moving pictures.
Severus placed Elizabeth gently in bed and she stared at the smiling faces. There were a lot of Melee and who she assumed was Theo. Theo looked more like her, as he had red hair but his facial features were more like Severus. He had the cutest baby grin. There was also many pictures of her and Severus together.
"Can I get you anything?"
"No...thank you Severus."
He nodded once. "I'll go check on Melee. Albus and Minerva are covering my classes today and watching the kids so I can stay with you."
She only nodded, still staring at the many pictures of her and a pleased looking Severus. He left the room and she swallowed, taking it all in. It was evidence to her life. A life she couldn't remember still. She turned to the bedside table and picked up the picture that sat there. It was of all of them together. Melee was giggling in Severus's lap, who was tickling her in the grass. Elizabeth sat beside him, smiling brightly as a little Theo smiled happily in her arms. She felt emotion in her throat. They appeared to be a very happy little family.
Elizabeth put the picture back, gave the room one quick scan before closing her eyes to rest.
I didn't think this story was so long, so I broke each chapter into 1,000 words or less then 2,000. I hope you all find that alright because short chapters stink and long ones can give your eyes cramps.
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