Hey Guys, thanks for the reviews, they inspire me to write more; corny I know but hey, if u want me to right, review. Sorry it's taken so long, I have to study, stupid prelims, they're so inconvenient.
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Hermione woke up the next morning, her back aching. Sleeping in a chair might not have been the best decision she ever made. Hermione stood and stretched hoping that today would be much better than last night, with that more positive outlook; she went through to her room and looked around.
"Hmm, not bad, Minerva has good taste," mused Hermione looking at the furniture and taking in her surroundings. Whilst meandering around her new home, the events of yesterday came flooding back to her, assaulting her serene mindset.
"Oh Gods...Ginny...I need to go and visit the Burrow, I'll ask Severus or Minerva if they can watch the kids," Hermione continued to plan silently while walking through to her children's bedroom. She opened the door quietly to find Scarlet tucked in beside Sebastian.
Hermione walked over and knelt down beside the bed and whispered "Scarlet, Sebastian, it's time to get up."
Sebastian was the first to stir, "Mummy, I don't want to get up."
"Come on sweetie, you need to get up, I'm going to get some of our things from the Burrow and you two are going to spend the day here," Hermione spoke softly to her children hoping that would entice them out of bed. Scarlet's eyes shot open and she leapt out of bed, knocking Hermione onto the floor.
"Really, we get to stay here?" asked Scarlet, bouncing up and down.
Sebastian rolled over and asked, "Can we visit Batman today? He seems really nice?" the boy looked at his mum with pleading eyes and a quivering bottom lip.
"'Bastian, he told us to call him 'Sevwus', not Batman!" moaned Scarlet, annoyed by her brother's abysmal attention span.
"It's Severus, now I'll have to ask him, try not to be too disappointed if he says no, ok? He's a very busy man," explained Hermione getting up off the floor and prompting her children up before leaving the room to give them time to dress.
A knock came at the portrait; Hermione got up off the couch and went to answer it. When she opened the door, she really wished she hadn't.
"Molly, how are you?" asked Hermione trying not to let her displeasure enter her voice.
"I'm fine, but I came to ask why you and my grandbabies didn't come home last night, hmm?"Molly pressed, letting every bit of irritation enter her voice. However, despite the tone of the other woman's words, Hermione could tell she was trying to fill the void left by Ginny with herself, Scarlet and Sebastian.
"Molly I wanted to come back but was extremely tired and the children fell asleep on our knees..."
"'Our knees' whose knees? Ronald wasn't there with you" interrupted Molly, confused.
"Severus and I were sitting in Minerva's office having a nice conversation, when Ronald barged in and started throwing accusations. Not only did he insult Severus numerous times he then hit me, after which he stormed off, lea-
"-He hit you?" Molly gasped, shocked by the report of her son's violent outburst.
"-after which he stormed off, leaving Sebastian on Severus' knee and Scarlet on my own. I don't want to be near him just now Molly, I want to be there for you all but Ron being near me will just set me off," stated Hermione, letting remorse enter the last sentence.
"My dear, I understand your anger but Ron is sorry for what he did, and he needs you. He went and told Harry and he's distraught, he's so upset that Ginny's gone and now he's terrified he'll lose you too," assured Molly, letting her grief penetrate her voice, which only made Hermione feel worse.
"I know...I'll try to come over later, if I can get someone to watch Scarlet and Sebastian, ok?" asked Hermione
"You should bring them with you, they need to be there just as much as you do," replied Molly.
"I know, Molly, I do, but I think it's best for the children to stay out of the way until this all dies down. I mean, it's a difficult time and I don't want the twins upset, it's going to be hard enough when they realise they're...they're never going to see their aunt again...." the woman said quietly.
Molly faltered, "Hermione dear, are you alright? You've gone slightly pale..." the woman queried, despite the obvious reason for the change in demeanour.
"I'm fine" she replied. "Look...I'll see what I can do, if no one can look after them, I'll bring them along" Hermione promised.
Molly frowned but seemed complacent with the woman's response. "Ok then, see you later then pet" the Weasley matriarch said with a smile, albeit a weak one.
With that, Hermione waved as the elder woman turned and left, emitting a small groan as she closed the portrait behind her and sagged against it.
Once she's composed herself, Hermione called to her children to ask if they were dressed. She got an eager reply followed by the twins sprinting out of their room, Sebastian tripping over the rug as Scarlet sat down on the couch giggling at her brother's misfortune.
Hermione stifled a chuckle and she watched her children play, silently amazed how they looked so similar yet acted so differently. She stood and trudged over to the couch trying to look happy by plastering a stupid smile on her face.
"Now that you're both up and dressed, I need you both to behave whilst I go and visit Aunt Minnie, will you do that for me please?" asked Hermione as she stood by the coffee table, watching them both nod enthusiastically. "Good." She then snapped her fingers with an almost grudging manner and a house elf instantly appeared.
"Greetings Miss, I be Eli. Miss called?" squeaked the female house elf as the creature's large eyes drifting to the young children who were peering the elf with curiosity.
"Hello Eli, call me Hermione, can you see to it that Scarlet and Sebastian have some breakfast and make sure they stay out of trouble. You can find me talking to either Headmistress McGonagall or Severus Snape," the woman instructed. With the instructions safely with the house elf, Hermione turned to leave before she stopped mid-step and looked back. "Oh and Eli, please don't let anyone in unless they work at the school."
With that, Hermione beckoned her children to come hug her. They did so and then turned their attention back to Eli whom was asking them what they wanted for breakfast. Hermione took one fond last look over her shoulder before she grabbed her wand and strode out of her chambers.
Hermione walked calmly through the halls on her way to visit Minerva. Once she'd passed the stone Gargoyle and climbed the numerous stairs, she stopped and knocked on the large wooden doors.
"Enter" a female voice came from within.
"Hello, Minerva, could I ask a favour of you?" asked Hermione as she entered the warm office and approached the broad desk.
"Of course my dear, what is it?" asked the older woman whilst straightening up in her chair.
"I need to go to the Burrow quite soon and I really don't want to take Sebastian and Scarlet with me. So, I was wondering if you could watch them," queried Hermione, looking directly at the Minerva.
"What time at my dear?" asked Minerva cheerfully, her eyes brightening at the mention of the children she thought of as her own grandchildren.
"In about two hours, is that ok?" asked Hermione, but knew it wasn't when she saw Minerva's face fall.
"I'm sorry my dear, I'm away at the Ministry then, visiting Albus and collecting apparition licences for the Seventh years. You know the Ministry doesn't like children in the building if it can be helped" replied Minerva with a fading smile.
"That's ok, I'll just ask someone else, can you give Dumbledore my best?" Hermione requested, trying to keep a look of indifference on her face. "Well, Molly will be expecting me soon, so I must be off. Thanks anyway Minerva."
Hermione was on her way to ask Severus if he could watch Scarlet and Sebastian, she had only just finished descending the stairs leading into the bowels of the dungeons when a hand grabbed her forearm and whirled her around.
"Mione, can we please talk, I'm really sorry?" pleaded the male redhead. It was obvious the man was trying to convey how sorry he really was, but he was failing. His expression simply looked frazzled and his eyes didn't look at all that apologetic.
"Ron, I'm busy. Please let me go." Hermione said firmly, trying to free herself from his grasp.
"Mione, please we need to talk about this," replied Ron, slowly becoming even more desperate as his grip tightened a little more.
"Ron, I'm busy! We'll talk later, but I need to go and see someone," stated Hermione as she yanked her arm free and turned to walk away.
"You're going to see that git aren't you!? 'Mione I don't want you anywhere near him!" Ron shouted.
Hermione stopped dead in her tracks and rounded on him, voice raised.
"Ronald Weasley! You have no say in whom I visit or befriend and he's not a git, he's a nice man and that's the end of it!" With that, she turned and stormed off only to be grabbed from behind yet again.
"Hermione! He's a nasty git, you just don't see it! He's been nothing but a git to everyone so I don't want you near him!" Ron insisted, strengthening his grasp on Hermione's wrist.
Draco was at Hogwarts to visit his godfather, Severus Snape. It was on his way down the nostalgic path to the Potion Master's chambers that he came across the intriguing sight of Ron and Hermione arguing.
The man stopped, curious as his keen eyes took in the scene before him. It didn't take a genius to put the pain on Hermione's face and the Weasley's beefy fist around the woman's wrist together to realise the redhead was hurting her.
In a surprising display of gallantry, Draco bolted down the steps and grasped Ron's wrist tightly in his hand, forcefully pulling the man's hand away and shoved the bulky redhead back.
"Oi Weasley! Isn't domestic abuse too valiant for a noble Gryffindor?" the man sneered. "Just because your married doesn't mean you can push her around."
"Piss off Malfoy, it's none of business, get lost!" Ron snapped, his face turning red with anger.
"Ronald, don't you dare speak to him like that! In fact don't talk to any of my friends like that," the woman said coldly.
"Since when were you friends with Malfoy?" asked Ron venomously.
"Draco and I have been friends since the final battle, he accompanied me to visit my parents graves and has done so every year, so don't you dare speak to him like that. He's been there for me more than you ever have!" shrieked Hermione, her voice echoing through the corridor.
Ron's face was nearly as red as his hair as he screamed "Hermione, you can't be friends with the ferret and that greasy haired bastard! It's not right!"
Draco's patience was wearing thin and he suddenly spoke up in a deadly low voice. "Don't speak to her like that, never speak to her like that again and if I ever hear of you speaking ill of my Godfather you will have me to deal with."
"You don't scare me ferret, now piss off!" Ron hollered as he grabbed Hermione by the arm and made to drag her away.
Hermione desperately latched on to Draco's arm, holding on for dear life as hurriedly mouthed 'help' to the man.
Ron turned around to see Hermione clutching Draco's arm and went berserk. "Hermione we are leaving now!" he snarled with a forceful jerk.
"No Ronald, you are leaving!" Hermione stated in defiance as she wriggled out of Ron's grasp and tried to take refuge behind the Slytherin. But before she could, Ron let out a yell of rage and lashed out and struck Hermione, this time with his fist.
Hermione fell to the floor unconscious; she would have looked unconscious if not for the red mark darkening on her cheek.
Then the redhead turned on a shocked and enraged Draco. But before the man could strike, the blond pulled out his wand and yelled a sharp "Stupefy!"
The spell struck Ron in the shoulder and sent him spinning backwards through the air where he landed several meters away, unconscious on the floor.
Draco sheathed his wand and after a second to gather himself, he dashed over to Hermione and knelt beside her prone form. He shook her gently, trying to get a response and he swore when he received none. "Damn it"" he whispered harshly through gritted teeth.
"Right…I know! I'll take her to Severus. Then I'll deal with Weasley!...or should I take her to McGonagall? Not that would take too long, right, Severus it is."
Plan decided, Draco gathered Hermione into his arms and stood carefully and made his way as fast as he could towards Severus' quarters.
Severus was seated in his armchair watching the fire as Lucius paced the floor, ranting as he did so.
"-I mean I don't know what's going on in that head of his! I've set him up with lots of women -tons- and he just sends them away." Lucius stopped and fixed his gaze on the distant looking Severus. "Severus! Are you even listening to me?" Lucius got no response. "Severus!"
"Hmm? Oh, I apologise Lucius, what were you saying about Draco?" the man drawled.
"He's turned away over fifty women and shows no interest in any I recommend for him. I simply do not understand that boy!" Lucius cried in aggravation as he flopped ungraciously onto the dark green leather couch and let out an explosive sigh. "The only woman I've ever seen him with is that Granger girl and when I ask about her he simply says 'we're just friends, father'. Not that I'm complaining about that, In all truth that's how I want it to stay! What am I to do old friend?" the man asked at a loss.
"I have a feeling that it won't matter how many women you set him up with," stated Severus his gaze leaving the fireplace.
"What in the name of Merlin are you saying Severus?" asked Lucius, irritated by his friend's lack of interest.
"I mean I think he is interested in men not women, are you blind, Lucius?" snapped Severus turning his head sharply and homing in on the Malfoy Patriarch. "Have you not seen the way he looks at Potter? He's smitten!" Severus was furious and perplexed at how Lucius seemed to pay no attention to his own son.
"My son is not gay!" retorted Lucius, livid his friend would say such a thing.
"Why don't you ask him what he wants and think of him and not you goddamn lineage for a change!?" bellowed Severus, he was about to continue shouting at Lucius when there was a knock –of sorts- at the door.
Draco looked down at the unconscious woman occupying his arms and then to the door of Severus' chambers before looking back at Hermione. With no other option Draco silently prayed his Godfather was in a good mood before he roughly booted the door.
After a few kicked and a pause, he was about to kick it again when it flew open and stood in the frame was Severus, looking unfortunately quite thunderous. However, when his eyes landed the limp figure in Draco's arms his expression changed dramatically.
"Come in," said Severus as he retreated inside. "Lucius get up." Severus left his living room in search of his wand, leaving a bewildered Lucius and a slightly apprehensive Draco.
He re-entered the room to find Lucius had not moved and Draco had sat in an armchair cradling Hermione in his arms, brushing strands of hair out of her face. He stormed over to Lucius and yanked him onto his feet before he turned to Draco "Draco lie her down on the couch and tell me what happened."
Draco did as he was told. After lying Hermione down, he reiterated the events to his father and Godfather.
At the end of the tale, Lucius spoke. "That's appalling; a man should never strike a woman, least of all his wife!"
Severus' had a murderous expression, he livid at the young Weasley. He stood and said "Lucius come with me, Draco you watch her, we'll be back soon." The two blonds nodded silently at the instructions, knowing better than to argue. With that Severus and Lucius left, leaving Draco seated in the armchair.
After a moment of silence where all the adrenaline left him, Draco glanced at Hermione before he picked up a nearby potions book and started to read.
Scarlet and Sebastian were colouring-in at the coffee table in the living room. Eli was watching them as she tidied the room with a smile on her face.
Suddenly banging sound came from outside and Eli stopped and squeaked a firm "Stays here children, I goes and see," before she disappeared with a crack.
Severus and Lucius marched through the halls and rounded a corner to find Ron trying to break through the wards on Hermione's chambers. They stopped and looked at each other and then set off in the direction of the unsuspecting redhead.
Lucius reached the unfortunate young man first. He grabbed him and flung him aside as if he weighed nothing and seethed "You have a lot of nerve to come here Weasley!"
Severus walked to the blonds' side and sneered at the crumpled body "She's not home you dunderhead, she's down in my chambers with Draco, unconscious after you attacked her."
Ron's face fell but turned bright red in split second "Why is she with him, she's my wife!"
"Your wife? More like your punching bag! Lucius could you watch this worthless excuse for a man while I collect Hermione's children?" asked Severus, smirking at the livid redhead.
"You will not go anywhere near my children!" hollered Ron as he tried to get up but was effortlessly kicked back to the floor by Lucius.
"Leaving so soon Weasley but the fun's just started," Lucius said in a sickly sweet voice then beamed like a Cheshire cat.
They all jumped when a loud 'pop' came from behind them, Severus whipped round, wand drawn. As he saw who it was, the man sighed and sheathed his wand before addressing his house-elf.
"Eli, what are you doing here?"
"Master! Eli is heres because Headmistress assigned Eli to Miss Hermione too," said Eli as her ears drooped and lowered her head. "Is Master angry at Eli?" asked the elf timidly.
Lucius chuckled at the house elf but heard a movement at his feet and kicked Ron in the ribs as he turned too glowered at the groaning man.
"No Eli, I'm not mad." The house elf's head sprang up. "Eli, are Sebastian and Scarlet inside?" asked Severus changing the topic swiftly.
"Yes they is, does you wish to see them?" replied Eli.
"Yes Eli, I do, can you let me in?" asked Severus, getting impatient.
"Eli doesn't know, she will has to ask Miss Hermione, Sir seems angry" stated the house elf still confused but scared as she knew her master was getting angry.
"Eli, I need to get in, Hermione is unconscious but safe and I'm taking the children to her," explained the potions master irritated by the elf's attitude.
"Oh!" squeaked Eli. "Then Sir can enter," said Eli hurriedly, she motioned for Severus to go in as with a snap of her fingers, the portrait swung open. She was still unsure about his mood but relinquished.
"Thank you Eli, can you fetch the Headmistress and ask her to meet me here please?" inquired Severus.
"Yes, Master, Eli will do just that sir" she responded and then was gone with a 'pop'.
"Lucius, I'm going to get Scarlet and Sebastian, make sure he doesn't get away," instructed Severus disappearing through the portrait hole.
Scarlet and Sebastian looked up as they saw the portrait open and the space filled by a tall, slim, black haired man who stood looking at them for a few moments.
Sebastian recognised the man instantly and ran over to him with a joyous cry of "Batman!" before he wound himself around Severus' legs.
Scarlet moaned "'Bastian, I told you he's called Sevwus!"
Severus chuckled and scooped the brunet up before saying "My name is Severus, but I suppose you can call me Batman…tell anyone, I'll have to kill you" he said dryly.
Sebastian turned his head to Scarlet whom was still standing by the coffee table and retorted smugly "Ha!"
Severus smirked at his response; it reminded him of Draco at that age, although Sebastian was substantially less arrogant.
Scarlet stuck her tongue out at her brother and ran over to Severus.
"Can I have a hug too?" She asked hopefully, using her puppy-dog eyes on him, hoping he would give in to her.
Severus sighed –whilst trying to prevent a small smile escaping- and nodded; he turned to the boy in his arms and spoke softly "I have to put you down, your both to big to hold at once."
Sebastian just smiled and nodded. He was grateful for the hug, as he knew nothing about his new friend.
Severus put the boy down and scooped Scarlet up into a slightly awkward hug.
"Better?" he enquired.
"Yup" the girl replied snuggling into his neck.
Severus felt a strange wave of warmth wash over him, here he was holding a child for the second time in five minutes and it felt right. He felt someone tugging on his sleeve it was Sebastian.
"Batman, where's my mummy?" he asked, gazing at Severus.
"She's down in my chambers, I was just about to suggest we go down and see her," replied Severus. "Sebastian could you grab something for you and your sister to do please?" he asked the small boy still staring at him.
"Yeah sure!" he exclaimed.
Sebastian grabbed the colouring books, the potions book his mum would read them and Scarlet's blanket. He packed these things into a green rucksack and ran back over to Severus, with a panted "Done!"
"'Bastian did you grab my blankie?" asked Scarlet, lifting head from Severus' neck to look down at her brother.
"Yup and the book mummy reads us," stated Sebastian proudly.
"So are we ready to go then?" queried Severus looking to each child.
Both nodded as Sebastian picked up the rucksack and slung it over his shoulder and Scarlet snuggled back into Severus' neck.
As the portrait opened Severus extended his hand to Sebastian, the young boy smiled and took Severus' hand before they walked out the portrait hole.
Severus looked over to Lucius and saw that Ron was still on the floor but when he looked around Minerva was nowhere to be seen.
Ron caught sight of his children and screamed "I thought I told you to stay away from my children!"
Sebastian looked at his dad, then to Severus and asked "Batman, why is daddy on the floor?"
Severus considered his answer before he spoke "He was very nasty to my friend, so Lucius hit him."
Scarlet looked at her dad and then said "Well, it must have been bad 'cause he looks really mad at Lusis."
Severus chuckled and said, "Yes he does and it was a really bad thing your daddy did."
Lucius smirked and looked at Severus and laughed, "Batman?" he queried in a teasing tone.
"Yes. They can't pronounce my name so I told them they could call me Batman since Scarlet gave me the name in the first place," explained Severus, smirking as he did so.
Ron laughed dryly "Batman? Well she pegged you; now get away from my kids!"
"Daddy, stop shouting at Batman, he's nice," argued Scarlet, scowling at Ron.
Lucius was shocked and could only say "She looks so much like Granger when she does that, it's positively frightening."
"Scarlet, your father is entitled to his opinion of me as are you," explained Severus, defusing Scarlet's anger. "Now, Lucius, where is Minerva and Eli?" he enquired.
"I'm not sure, Eli hasn't come back yet," explained Lucius, frowning at the absence of Eli and Minerva.
Just then the woman in question stalked briskly around the corner and froze as she looked at the sight before her. She looked at Lucius who was still towering over Ron and then to Severus whom had Hermione's children.
"Would someone care to explain what on earth is going on?" she asked shifting her gaze from each adult.
"Minerva, can I explain later as I want to get Sebastian and Scarlet to Hermione and I believe you should get the whole story. To get it however, Hermione needs to be conscious, so we'll have to talk about it later. But I suggest that we do not let Mr. Weasley go home," clarified Severus.
"Very well, Mr. Weasley you will be staying with your wife-
"No Minerva, Hermione, Sebastian and Scarlet will be staying with me until this situation is resolved," interrupted Severus.
Lucius had let Ron stand up but wasn't letting him anywhere near his children. "No you don't, get over there," instructed Lucius, pushing Ron in Minerva's direction.
"No, my wife and kids will stay with me, Snape!" Ron spat Severus' name as if it were poison.
"Severus why would Hermione and her children be staying with you?" asked Minerva, confused by the man's insistence.
"Because Minerva, it's the best solution for this very serious predicament and I don't think Hermione will want Weasley anywhere near her or her children," explained Severus whom turned his attention to Sebastian. "Sebastian, are you alright? You're shaking."
"No, I want my mummy," whimpered Sebastian hiding his head in Severus' robes.
"Come on then," gestured Severus as he knelt down and pulled Sebastian in for a hug. "Minerva, these two are getting upset so I'll talk to you tomorrow." With that Severus left, leaving behind a livid Ron, a bewildered Minerva and Lucius, who left a minute after.