Sorry about the wait for update, school was hectic. I don't own Harry Potter, I just borrow the characters. Thankz for the reviews guys, they were great!
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Previously-
A scream shook Snape form his thoughts, "Help, somebody HELP!"
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Snape immediately broke into a run. His thoughts were racing as he sprinted down the gravel path, his robes billowing violently behind him. Snape reached into his robes and pulled out his wand. Another scream, but this time it came from inside the Forbidden Forest.
"Please, somebody help me!"
Snape skidded to a stop at the edge of the Forest and raised his wand, "Lumos." Snape took a deep breath to gather himself and started to jog into the forest.
"Hello? ... Can anyone hear me? Miss Weasley?"
No reply, Snape was getting really quite worried. Severus came to a clearing where he saw a limp figure, with long ginger hair, lying face down.
'Shit' was the only word that came to mind. He rushed over to the unconscious redhead and knelt down beside her.
"Miss Weasley, can you hear me?"
A small moan was all of a response he got.
"You've got to stay awake, if you die, Miss Granger will kill me."
This time a snort was his reply.
Just as Snape was about to pick Ginny up, a loud roar accompanied by a hiss came from the surrounding trees. Severus froze, he knew only one animal could make those noises simultaneously, he simply prayed he was incorrect. Still clutching at his wand, the man stood and turned sharply, only to have his realise his fear had been most definitely accurate. A full-grown Chimera stepped out of the surrounding forest and now stood just a couple of feet away.
The Chimera grunted and charged as its loud roar shook the forest. Snape pivoted with great speed, grabbed Ginny and dove out of the way. The professor leapt to his feet just as the Chimera turned and charged again. He raised his wand and cried "Avada Kadavera!" With deadly accuracy, the curse struck and the beast fell to the forest floor, dead.
Severus let out a long breath that he hadn't even realised he'd been holding.
He then turned his attention back to Ginny and with more urgency; he ran over to her and shook her roughly.
"Miss Weasley, can you hear me?"
No response.
"Shit"
Snape sheathed his wand in his robes, picked up Ginny and supported her in his arms as he briskly made his way out of the forest and back to the castle, trying not to look concerned by the wounds the young woman was covered.
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Hermione watched as Poppy attended to Remus who was starting to stir. Hermione sighed in relief knowing that the werewolf would be as good as new soon enough.
However now that her panic had subsided she was aware of a painful throbbing in her arm. Shifting her position on the bed with her legs folded beneath her she pulled up her sleeve only to find a darkening hand shaped bruise on her upper arm.
Poppy who had finished inspecting the unconscious professor turned to see the bruise and eyed it critically.
"Hermione dear, let me have a look at that, it looks bad."
"That's ok Poppy, it's nothing" the woman replied.
"Nonsense let me have a look."
"Honestly, I'm fine."
"I'll be the judge of that, let me have a look or do you enjoy being in pain? Let me see."
Hermione sighed in defeat and let the Medi-witch approach. Poppy examined Hermione's arm, experienced fingers gently handling the abused appendage.
"This is pretty nasty my dear" the woman frowned, inspecting the wound with concern creasing her brow.
"It's nothing serious Poppy, I promise" the brunette soothed.
"Well, if you're sure... Although, Mr. Weasley I know has quite the temper...even if by accident he...," the elder woman said, uncertainty lacing her words but driven by concern she asked the personal question anyway.
"Oh Ron? No no! Of course it wasn't Ron!" the woman laughed, sweeping the preposterous comment aside with a small wave of her hand.
"Well...if your sure dear" Poppy replied, smiling at the woman with some relief. "You just stay put, I'm going to get a few potions and then I'll be right back." Poppy got up and walked off and into her office.
"Urgh... What's going on?" came Remus' groggy voice.
Hermione gasped as she hastily got up and ran over to the man to hug him.
"Remus, you're alright!"
Poppy came running out of her office, "Miss Granger, I thought I told you to stay in bed!"
"Sorry Poppy but Remus just woke up."
"How did I get here?"
"Miss Granger carried you up here from the edge of the edge of the grounds," a silky voice announced as Snape stepped into the hospital wing.
Hermione spun around, only to see Ginny limp and unconscious in Snape's arms. Poppy spun on her heels, walked over to a vacant bed, and beckoned Snape over.
Snape laid the young redhead on the bed and dutifully recounted to Poppy what happened. That done, he turned his attention to Hermione who was trying to get passed the Medi-witch to see if Ginny was ok.
"Thank you Severus, oh dear, Severus can you go into my office and get a blood replenishing potion, a pain potion and could you fetch my wand also," ordered Poppy whilst checking Ginny over.
Severus walked briskly into Poppy's office, acquiring everything Poppy had asked for and returned to Poppy, placing all the items on the bedside table. Severus got out the way and turned when he heard a small voice.
"Gin, Gin... Ginny... What happened to her?" asked Hermione as she made her way to stand beside the bed the younger woman lay on.
Poppy noticed Hermione walking over and quickly signalled Snape to stop her. Snape stood in front of Hermione, which wasn't a problem at first, but when Poppy closed the curtain around the bed Hermione started to panic.
"Ginny... Why did she close the curtains... what's wrong with her?!" asked Hermione who was now on the verge of hysterics.
"Listen, Miss Weasley was unconscious when I found her, Poppy's just making sure that she's alright," assured Severus, trying to keep his face neutral.
"Is she going to be ok, I mean she was covered in scratches, and coated in dirt, I just want to know if she's going to be ok," Hermione was in complete disarray, fighting back tears.
Remus sat up and called for Hermione to come and sit with him. Hermione remained rooted to that spot, gaze fixated on the curtains.
'What's going on, this is all my fault,' guilt was the only emotion going through Hermione. Noticing a silent tear roll down Hermione's cheek, Remus signalled for Snape to move her. Silently annoyed that he had become everyone's lackey, Severus grasped Hermione's shoulder and began to move her away.
"Let me go, no one's answered my question, what happened to her!?" exclaimed Hermione as she tried to shrug Snape's hand from her shoulder and move back to her original spot.
Steeling his grip, Severus moved back over to the distressed girl and started to move her away more firmly.
"If you come over here, I'll explain." Snape stated, his voice as firm as his grip as he put his arm around Hermione's shoulder for a better hold. He went to move her over to Remus' bed but Hermione finally broke down and flung herself into Snape's chest, body shaking with her sobs.
Snape was confused as to what to do, he wouldn't patronise her by patting her on the back. Snape looked over to Remus, and gave him a look to say 'what do I do?' Remus mouthed back to him, 'put your arms around her'. Snape felt the tears on his shirt and reluctantly he wrapped his arms around Hermione's slim frame, resting his hands on her back.
Hermione spoke but her words were muffled in Snape's shirt Hermione said "This is all my fault, I should have gone back to get her."
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Severus was completely bewildered; he looked down at the sobbing woman in his arms, blaming herself for her friend's stupidity.
'How can she think this, surely, she can't believe that this is her fault....Hello! What did she just say? What do I say, or do I say anything!? ...Her hair smells really nice... and it's not as bushy as it used to be...What the hell?!'
The man tried to shake the ridiculous thoughts from his head, until another traitorous voice piped up;
'Well, it does. It smells like cinnamon...Merlin help me, I must be going crazy'.
Snape snapped out of his thoughts when the curtain was drawn and Hermione lifted her head from its resting place on the man's chest. She sniffed and hastily wiped her red eyes as she muttered a sheepish apology.
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Hermione pushed herself away from Snape's arms, sniffing and mumbled a sheepish apology before she walked over to Ginny's bed. She pulled up a chair and sat right next to her friend and reached out to entwine her hand with Ginny's.
Hermione spoke softly "I'm so sorry Gin; I shouldn't have left you there, I was so stupid." A silent tear rolled down Hermione's face just as the Hospital Wings' doors flew open and a sea of redheads flooded in.
Poppy came out of her office to see the invasion and filled the Weasleys' in on Ginny's condition. However, she said nothing to Hermione.
Hermione vaguely noticed that the stoic Potions Master seemed rather uncomfortable and a bit confused as to why no one had acknowledged her presence. Mrs. Weasley just shooed her from Ginny's bedside so Hermione took a seat next to Remus instead, waiting for someone, anyone, to speak to her and tell her Ginny would be ok.
Hermione finally plucked up some courage and walked over to the mass of redheads to look for Mr. Weasley.
"Erm, Mr. Weasley... Where are Scarlet and Sebastian?" asked Hermione as she stared at the floor.
"They're with Minerva, up in her office, go and collect them if you like." Mr. Weasley hadn't taken his eyes off Ginny while he spoke.
Hermione took his response, and the fact that he hadn't looked at her, as a sign for her to leave.
Hermione walked back over to Remus's bed, gave him a hug and kissed his forehead.
She then approached Snape, looked up at him and spoke softly; "Thank you for finding her sir, and I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you earlier it was completely out of line..." Hermione trailed off, not trusting her voice any longer; she was starting to feel overwhelmed, again.
"No thanks necessary, but I will accept your apology if you accept mine, the way I spoke to you, wasn't... justified," Snape murmured the apology quietly, so only Hermione could hear it.
"Sir, before I go, what happened out there?"
"Poppy didn't tell you?" Hermione shook her head. Snape was shocked at this, Poppy never withheld information from, well, anyone unless it was strictly personal information. "Why don't I fill you in whilst we make our way up to the Headmistress' office?" Snape suggested as he motioned for Hermione to walk with him. The woman acquiesced and walked out of the Hospital Wing with Snape. This didn't escape the notice of a certain redhead, a certain young, suspicious, redhead.
As they walked, Snape explained what happened to Hermione, at which she was speechless and even gasped as he mentioned the Chimera attack.
'Bravery is one thing but what he did was just plain heroic...I wonder if he's muscular underneath those robes of his? Wait! Why did I just think that, I have Ron! It must just be the shock of what he did to save Ginny...'
Hermione tried to justify her thoughts, which was rather difficult as she simultaneously tried to shake the images of a certain Professor Snape shirtless and very toned.
Hermione and Snape arrived at the Stone Gargoyle; Hermione looked at Snape waiting for him to say the password.
"Catnip" Snape grudgingly muttered as Hermione fought back the urge to giggle. The gargoyle opened up and they both ascended the stairs. Hermione knocked on the door and a familiar voice said 'enter'.
Snape opened the door and let Hermione enter first. Once inside, two bellows of 'Mummy' greeted Hermione, soon followed by her two children throwing themselves at her legs.
"Did you behave?" asked Hermione, smiling as she looked down at the children now attached to her legs.
"Yes, there was a slight mishap but other than that, they were angels," Minerva stated as she got up from behind the broad desk and approached the woman, hugging her fondly. Once Minerva released Hermione from the hug, she noticed that Scarlet and Sebastian had forgotten their mum was even in the room and were now pestering Snape.
Severus had now sat on the cream couch where Scarlet had wasted no time in claiming the man's knee, and Sebastian the other. To make the sight even more amusing was the endless questions spilling from the twins' mouths. Hermione turned around and burst into a fit of giggles while Snape simply raised his head and scowled at Hermione who in turn stuck her tongue out at him.
"Hey that's not fair! I get a row for sticking my tongue out!" huffed Sebastian, crossing his arms over his chest. Scarlet then leapt off Severus' knee and made a beeline for her mother who now sat in a black, high-backed armchair beside Minerva's desk. Scarlet leapt onto her mothers' knee and gave her a sloppy kiss on her cheek.
"So, what happened?" asked Hermione, eyeing her kids suspiciously.
Minerva walked back around her broad desk and sank into her crimson high-back chair.
"Well, Young Ronald dropped them off and I went to check on Fawkes and by the time I got back these two rugrats had strewn all my paperwork all over the floor!" Stated Minerva, looking at the children with a light-hearted menacing look.
Hermione held Scarlet as she walked over to the cream couch that Severus was occupying and sat down beside him. Scarlet and Sebastian clambered off the adults' knees and stood in front of their mother, both giving her the cutest look they could muster.
"Cut that out the both of you, your father has been giving me that look for years and it hasn't worked once. Now, how exactly did Aunt Minnie's paper end up on the floor, hmm?" Hermione asked her children, glancing between the two doleful kids before her.
"I- oomph" was all Sebastian managed to say before Scarlet's elbow 'accidentally' collided with Sebastian's ribs. Hermione heard a muffled snigger and turned to see Severus with his hand over his mouth.
"Scarlet Kayleigh Weasley, I do not tolerate violence, now apologise to your brother and then tell me why Aunt Minnie's papers were scattered on the floor," said Hermione in a stern motherly tone that could rival Molly's.
Scarlet turned to her brother and snidely muttered "Sorry." Scarlet turned to her mother and gave her a sneer and spat "There, happy?!"
Hermione stunned by her daughter's outburst, looked at her daughter in disbelief. Hermione was livid, that Scarlet had shown her such disrespect in front of Minerva and her old potions professor, and she was going to react when a rather sullen looking Sebastian stepped forward.
"It was my fault mum, I was angry with my sister, while I was angry the papers flew off the desk, it was quite scary, but I should have controlled my temper and I'm sorry." Sebastian climbed into his mother's lap and cuddled into her. Hermione soon forgot all her rage and cuddled Sebastian.
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Severus was shocked at his the way that Scarlet just spoke to Hermione, thoughts flying around his head about how often did she speak like this, and why she was allowed to get away with it.
Snape shrugged out of his thoughts by a woman's voice calling his name.
"Professor Snape? Why are you staring at me?" asked a confused Hermione.
"Hmm, I'm sorry, what did you say?" asked Severus looking rather put out.
"Ah, good, hope re-entry wasn't too difficult," mused Hermione, ignoring the glum looking children before her.
"It was just fine thank you, now if I may I wish to say something to your charming daughter," Severus stated looking from Scarlet to Hermione; he received a nod and turned his attention to the suddenly wary female redhead before him. "Scarlet, I may only have just met you but I must say that, I hope you don't address your mother like that often. It's highly disrespectful, I myself have been exposed to your mother's temper and believe me when I say, that you have not even seen her truly angry. But if you continue to treat her with the disrespect I have just seen then, you will soon face it, now I suggest you apologise right now."
Scarlet was livid, a man whom she had just met was telling her what to do! She was definitely not going to apologise.
"No!" bellowed Scarlet, before she turned and ran out of Minerva's office, slamming the door behind her.
Hermione was utterly shocked at her daughter's behaviour; she very quickly said, "I am so sorry, I don't know what's gotten into her lately. Molly said that it's just a faze but I'm not so sure, she's fine with Ron and everyone else but she seems to be getting really angry at me for some reason and I don't know why." Hermione looked from Minerva to Severus while saying this but her gaze landed on Severus as she finished. "And, I appreciate what you said to her Professor, thank you."
"No thanks necessary, I have a feeling that she didn't appreciate someone to whom she has just met telling her what to do, but it was necessary, she shouldn't talk to anyone like that. Especially her mother, Miss Granger, I do suggest punishing her for this," Severus stated, his eyes not leaving Hermione as he said this.
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Down in the Hospital wing, the Weasley troop was gathered around Ginny's bed when the doors where pushed open and a three year old redhead came bolting in, tears streaming down her face. She made a beeline for Ron.
"Hey, what's wrong sweetie?" asked Ron as he knelt down and gathered his little girl.
"Mummy, yelled at me and then some man with black hair gave me a row," sobbed Scarlet into her father's chest.
"Mum, take Scarlet, I'm going to find Mione and that git," spat Ron, putting Scarlet down and tearing out of the Hospital wing.
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Back up in Minerva's office, Hermione and Severus were now in a discussion about what each of them had been doing with their lives, Sebastian snoozing on Hermione's lap, when Ron burst through the door.
"Mione, why the hell did you yell at Scarlet, she's down in the Hospital wing crying her eyes out!" yelled Ron marching up to Hermione.
"Severus could you take Sebastian, while I talk to Ronald outside, please?" asked Hermione with pleading eyes.
"Of course, I'd be happy to," stated Severus, I mean how could he say no to those caramel eyes.
"No! I do not want him near my children!" shouted Ron even louder, waking Sebastian up.
"Mummy, why's daddy yelling? I'm scared," whispered Sebastian, his eyes conveying terror.
Hermione shushed Sebastian and placed him on Severus' knee before turning her attention to Ron.
"Outside, right now," uttered Hermione in a deadly tone.
"NO! I will not go until my son is not in the hands of that bastard!" yelled Ron.
"I think its best that I leave, I hope to hear from you soon Miss Granger," said Severus placing Sebastian on the couch and getting up.
"Oh, Severus please stay, I was having a nice chat before Ron interrupted and..." Hermione was cut off by Ron's hand slapping her across the face. Hermione fell to the ground.
Severus was on his feet instantly, was in front of Ron before anyone could blink and had him suspended in mind air. Minerva helped Hermione up and led her over to the couch.
Minerva then walked over to Severus, whom still had Ron suspended in the air "Now that will do, Mr. Weasley, you are no longer welcome at Hogwarts, I suggest you leave immediately unless you wish for me to allow Severus to continue," stated Minerva with venom oozing for every word, her voice shrill as she reached the final words. Severus flung Ron to the ground, gave him one final death glare and positioned himself beside the couch
Ron stood and walked over to the couch and grabbed Sebastian by the hand and announced, "Come Sebastian, we're leaving."
Sebastian snatched his hand from his father's and ran over to Severus and reached up to grab the man's arm and said "Please don't let him take me, I want to stay here." Sebastian began sobbing before Severus picked him and said back loud enough for Ron to hear "I won't let him take you."
Scarlet had been standing in the doorway watching the exchange; no one had noticed that she had seen the whole altercation. Upon seeing the red mark on her mother's face she ran straight over and asked "Mummy, are you ok?"
"Yes, Scarlet I'm fine, are you ok?" asked Hermione noticing her tear stained face.
"Yes mummy, I'm fine and I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you and Batman," whispered Scarlet, hugging her mother.
Hermione started laughing when she heard her daughter describe Severus as Batman.
"Honey, I accept your apology, but I'm not sure Severus will, if you call him Batman," stated Hermione, pushing a strand of hair from Scarlet's face.
"I've been called worse, I assure you, however I have no desire to where spandex, that being said I accept your apology Scarlet, and you can call me Severus," said Severus giving her a curt nod of his head.
"Severwus... Sevwus... humph, I can't say it," huffed Scarlet, crossing her arms, Hermione giggled at her daughter and shook her head.
Ron observed the situation, there was no way he was going to get one of his children, so he simply said "Fine stay here, but I will get my children back and I'll make sure they never see you ever again, Hermione." In addition, with that he left.
Severus walked over to the couch and sat down beside Hermione and Scarlet. Sebastian snuggled into Severus' chest, clutching at Severus' shirt. Hermione saw this and laughed. There was an eerie silence in the room the broke when the floo activated, with Poppy stepping through with a solemn look on her face. Hermione took one look at Poppy's face and let out a strangled sob.
"I'm sorry, I do not come with good news, Miss Weasley died round fifteen minutes ago, there was some extensive damage to some of her internal organs, and also she suffered from various bites from a snake I believe but by the time we noticed this it too late." Poppy spoke to the room but her eyes landed on the red mark upon Hermione's face, she immediately ran over. "Miss Granger, what happened... is this related to what happened to you arm?" asked Poppy turning Hermione's head to get a better look.
"Poppy, I already told you Ronald did not hurt my arm, it was an accident caused by a mere misunderstanding earlier, but Ronald did slap me a minute ago," said Hermione a-matter-of-factly although there was a strong tremor in her voice and her eyes were unnaturally bright.
Severus paled at the mention of her arm, as he remembered how tightly he had gripped her arm earlier.
"Well, you left without taking the potions I gave you and now you tell me that it happened earlier today, are you going to tell me who did it?" asked the Medi-witch impatiently.
"No Poppy, I'm not, it was an accident and I know the person is quite sorry and that's enough for me, so I would appreciate no more inquiries," replied Hermione quietly yet firmly, followed by a small sniff.
Poppy left quietly, her need for gossip unsatisfied but she was more respectful for those who had just lost someone dear to them. Minerva decided to get straight down to business, despite the sadness welling in her chest.
"Right now, Hermione, the reason I called you here was to ask if you would be willing to take on the role as Transfigurations Teacher, will you take the job?, after all you seem like the perfect candidate, your marks were astonishing, " asked Minerva with a newfound certainty, that she would accept.
"Yes, of course, thank you Minerva," replied Hermione allowing the little excitement to enter her voice, giving a watery yet proud smile.
"Well, now that's settled, I shall show you to your rooms, seeing as both children seem to have fallen asleep, along with a certain potions master," Minerva replied getting up, gazing at the sleeping infants cradled in the arms of Hermione and Severus.
Hermione giggled when she looked to her right when she saw a sleeping Severus Snape cradling a sleeping Sebastian.
"They both look so peaceful it seems a shame to wake them, I mean I don't think I've seen a cuter sight, since these two were born," mused Hermione, looking at the sight before her wishing that it could become a reality.
'No, stop it. It's never going to happen.'
'Well…a girl can dream.'
'There are more pressing matters, like Ginny…'
Hermione stood, clutching Scarlet tightly, and crouched down to Severus and Sebastian. Hermione shook Severus' shoulder and whispered "Severus, wake up."
Severus jerked awake and looked around before muttering, "Why am I still in this damn office?"
"It seems my son seems intent on using you as a pillow, but I need to get him to bed. So can you help me get these two down to my new chambers?" pleaded Hermione, her voice laced with exhaustion.
"Yes of course," whispered Severus, looking briefly disorientated. Yet cradling the young boy in his arms, he stood and looked at the women expectantly.
Minerva motioned for them to follow her, and with that, she left the office, with Hermione and Severus trailing after her.
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After following Minerva for what felt like forever. She finally stopped and announced that this was the entrance to Hermione's chambers, and turned on her heel and walked away.
"I have to set a password now, erm... bezoar," stated Hermione as the portrait flung open.
Both walked inside and managed to find a bedroom with a set of bunk beds.
"Severus could you put Sebastian in that bunk bed there, and I'll put Scarlet in this one," whispered Hermione just loud enough for him to hear. Hermione pulled back the covers, slipped Scarlet in, and then went over to help Severus. They left the children's room and walked through to the living room; Hermione sat down in an armchair, and motioned for Severus to sit down, if he wished.
"Thank you for all your help today Severus, it is much appreciated," stated Hermione raising her head to look at Severus.
"I want to apologise for what I did to your arm earlier, I didn't realise how hard I was gripping it, I'm sorry," said Severus averting his eyes.
"There is no need for your apology, if you listened to what I said to Poppy, then I already knew that you regretted it, especially when I saw your face, so consider it forgotten," replied Hermione trying to get Severus' attention. "You know it's rude not to look at someone when they're talking to you," joked Hermione.
"Very well, but it's late enough, so with that I'll let you do whatever it is you do at..." Severus glanced around the room for a clock and found one, "half past nine, goodnight Miss Granger." Severus stood and nodded his head and walked over to the portrait.
Hermione stood and walked over to the portrait, opened it for him, and said as he walked out "Thanks again for your help Severus, goodnight." Hermione gave him one last smile and then retreated inside her chambers.
Severus turned and walked away hearing the portrait close behind him, then whilst walking a smile snuck onto the sour potions master's face.
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Hey guys, sorry for the long delay, so I made it longer.
Let me know what you think of Severus, and the kids.
And thankz to my wonderful Beta, Silverlynxcat, *Hugs*