It was 7 PM, eight hours had passed since Albus, Remus, Harry, Draco, and Ron had informed Severus that Abby disappeared. Severus had left the infirmary a few times, re-searching the castle. The others were searching the grounds surrounding the castle, Hogsmeade, and anywhere they thought Abby might go.
"I haven't seen Albus since this morning! It's been entirely to long!" Severus said frantically, pacing the infirmary. Eileen and Hermione sat on Hermione's bed with Addison, trying to distract themselves and not burst into tears again.
"Severus", Hermione said softly. "Come sit down for a moment, your making me nervous."
Severus started muttering something and continued pacing, completely oblivious to what Hermione had said.
"He's alright love, Severus has always paced when he's anxious about something. I think it helps him not break down", Eileen replied quietly.
The infirmary door opened and in walked Albus. Severus stopped in his tracks.
"Did you find her?! Where is she, is Abby alright?!" Severus said quickly as he rushed toward Albus.
"No Severus, we haven't actually found her, but she has been seen by some of the people we have talked to", Albus replied, trying to direct Severus to a chair.
"What do you mean, she's been seen?"
"Well, after having no luck with the areas surrounding Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, Lucius and I went to Abby's other grandparents house in the states."
"Was she there?!" Severus interrupted, but Albus put his hand up before Severus could continue.
"Yes, Abby had been there. It appears that was the first place she had went. Abby told her grandparents that you had sent her there for a few hours because Hermione was in labor. They said she took a short nap and then left, claiming to be going back home."
Worry lines were starting to etch out on Severus' face.
"Harry, Ron, and Draco went to the university Abby's friends, Andrew and Aiden, attend. They claim that they haven't seen Abby, but have received an owl from her this afternoon. Andrew showed Harry the letter, but it didn't contain any information on where Abby is at the moment."
"Did someone check the beach house?" Hermione asked, making Severus realize that his mother and Hermione were now standing beside him.
"Yes, that was one of the first places that Narcissa and Minerva looked. They couldn't tell if she had been there, but they cast a spell that showed no one else was in the house at the time."
Severus put his hands into his hair, "I have to go look for her."
"Severus, we still have many people looking for her. I think she will respond to the others better then she will respond to you right now. Just stay here with Hermione, Addison, and your mother. It's for the best", Albus replied softly.
Severus growled and started walking toward the door.
"Severus, I think Albus is right. Abby is going to flip if you approach her", Hermione said walking up behind him.
"I NEED TO FIND MY DAUGHTER", Severus screamed, not at Hermione, just in the general direction of everyone.
Albus flicked his wand, Severus went flying through the air, landing on Hermione's bed. Severus started screaming profanities and obscene words in Albus' direction, as he unsuccessfully tried to get up. Albus calmly waved his other hand in the direction of Addison's crib, casting a silencing spell so Severus' wouldn't wake him up.
"LET ME THE FUCK UP ALBUS, TAKE THESE BONDS OFF", Severus screamed, unable to move on the bed.
"Severus calm down, you need to stay put", Albus said as Poppy entered the room.
"What on earth is going on", Poppy said watching Severus' face turn bright red from anger and still angrily screaming at Albus.
"Could you bring two dreamless sleep potions and a calming drought", Albus asked Poppy quietly.
"Of course", Poppy said, turning and hurrying back toward her supply cabinet.
"Severus", Albus said more firmly.
"WHERE IS MY CHILD! I NEED TO FIND ABBY!"
Albus waved his wand again, putting a mute charm on Severus. Severus glared at Albus when he realized there wasn't any sound coming out of his mouth.
"Severus I will take the mute charm off in a moment, I just need you to listen to me", Albus said tiredly.
Severus starred at Albus, still glaring.
"I know you want to go search for Abby, but I need you to stay here. She may choose to come back and if she does, you will need to be here to keep her from leaving again. Besides, do you really want to leave Hermione and your newborn son here alone", Albus asked, sitting down with Eileen.
Hermione perched herself on the side of the bed. Severus' face soften slightly at hearing Hermione and his son.
"Now, I'm going to take the charm off. Please don't scream, I'm also going to take the charm off of Addison's crib. And, Poppy is bringing you a dreamless sleep potion", Albus said just before he waved his wand, releasing the spells.
"I'm not taking the potion", Severus said angrily.
"What about a calming drought", Albus suggested, knowing it would be easier to get him to take the sleeping potion after the calming drought.
"No", Severus said firmly, clenching his mouth shut.
"Severus, please", Hermione pleaded. "You look terrible and so tired, just take the drought to calm your nerves."
Severus looked at Hermione's face for a moment, noticing her tired and worn out expression. He had let it slip his mind that Hermione had given birth less then 24 hrs ago.
"Severus, I will pry your jaw open if I have to", Eileen said, agitated.
Severus glared at his mother and turned back to Hermione with a soft expression. "I will take the drought if you take the sleeping potion, you look worn out."
"I won't hear Addison if I take the dreamless sleep potion", Hermione said.
"I will watch over Addison while you two sleep", Poppy said, handing Hermione a potion.
"Alright", Hermione said agreeing, so Severus would take the drought and get some rest.
Hermione downed the sleeping potion and cuddled up next to Severus.
"Unbind me, so I can take the potion", Severus said looking at Albus.
"I don't think so", Eileen said walking to Severus with a potion in hand. "Open your mouth."
Severus narrowed his eyebrows, but opened his mouth.
"That wasn't a calming drought! You gave me a dreamless sleep potion!" Severus said angrily, after swallowing the potion.
"You need it Severus", Eileen said as She watched his eyes flutter shut. Albus flicked his wand, releasing the bonds on Severus.
"Well he's going to be fun tomorrow morning", Eileen commented.
"I laced his potion with a calming drought, he should be relatively mellow for a few hours in the morning", Poppy replied.
Hermione woke in a daze. She could tell she had woke up before the dreamless sleep potion wore off, which was odd. Her eyes barely open, she could hear movement near Addison's crib. Managing to open one eye half way, she could see a blury figure standing, reaching down into Addison's crib. Addison was making happy cooing sounds. Poppy was the first person to pop into Hermione's mind, until she saw the shoulder length red hair.
"Abby", Hermione said groggily, trying to reach an arm out to the figure.
Hermione watched as the person yanked their hand out of the crib, glance at her, and then sweep toward the door, out of the infirmary. Addison let out an angry cry.
"Abby", Hermione said slightly louder. She heard footsteps approaching, Poppy appearing from her office.
"You shouldn't be awake already", Poppy said walking to Hermione and rubbing her hands over her eyes, to close them. Hermione drifted back to sleep, to the sounds of Poppy walking over and picking up Addison.
Hours later, Hermione woke again, this time being fully awake. She turned over to look at Severus, he was awake and starring back at her.
"Are you alright", Hermione asked, rubbing his face.
"Yes, I think they doubled up and gave me a calming drought with the dreamless sleep, last night."
Hermione nodded, "I have to tell you something, now is probably the best time."
Severus nodded, waiting for her to continue.
"I'm not sure if I was dreaming, but I don't believe I was. I think Abby was here last night, I saw her standing in front of Addison's crib. I called her name and tried to reach out to her, but I was still under the influence of the potion. She retreated once she heard me say her name."
Severus didn't say anything, tears started to well up in his eyes.
"Severus, it will be ok", Hermione said moving closer, starting to stroke his face.
"This is all my fault. I drove Abby away, I said such horrible things to her. She's never going to forgive me or come back", Severus said calmly, but tears slipping down his face.
"She'll come back Severus, we will get this worked out."
It was now the middle of May, Abby had been missing for a month and a half. Severus sat in a trance in his potions classroom staring at Abby's empty seat. The fifth years were taking their potions portion of the O.W.L exam.
Albus wouldn't allow Severus to take time off from teaching to search for Abby. He was afraid if Abby encountered Severus something drastic would happen. There were always staff members missing from the castle because they were still searching from Abby.
Abby disappearing was kept quiet for the first two weeks. The odd events still occurred, up until Albus announced to the student body that Abby was missing. The entire staff and student body knew that the events taking place couldn't have been Abby, leading them to suspect Graham. Although, the investigation on the events had halted, since the search for Abby was far more important. Once Abby's disappearance was announced to the school, the ministry became involved. Auror's were now aiding in the search for Abby.
Abby had managed to stay away from those looking for her, but she had been seen. She had been spotted in Hogsmeade a few times, almost being captured by one of the shop owner's once. The owner said he had caught her off guard and she appeared to be weak and a lot skinner then the Hogwarts student he had remembered. She hadn't been spotted in Hogsmeade after that.
Severus flooed to the beach house frequently, he could tell Abby had been there. He tried flooing and apparating there in the middle of the night, hoping to catch Abby while she was sleeping. But, it seemed she put some kind of wards on the place to alert her when someone entered the grounds. Severus tried hiding out in the house, but Abby would never return when he did. He wrote a letter to her, telling her how sorry he was and begging her to come home. It still sat, unopened, on the kitchen counter.
Severus was brought out of thought by someone calling his name.
"Professor Snape, are you alright", Matty asked as he stood in front of his desk.
"What do you need Mr. Pierson, I'm in the middle of an O.W.L exam."
"Erm, sir, there's no one else here."
Severus looked around, just now noticing there was no one else in the room. The bell must have rang and he hadn't heard it.
"Professor Granger sent me to see if you were in here. You missed lunch, she was worried about you. I believe she said she went back to your chambers."
Lunch? He had been sitting here that long? His O.W.L exam should have gotten over somewhere around 10:30.
"Thank you, Matty", Severus said standing, heading for his office.
"Wait."
Severus turned and waited for him to continue. Severus had stopped glaring and scowling at people, now he merely wore an expressionless face. Except, sometimes when he would hold Addison, Hermione would see a smile flash on his face, but it was usually gone in seconds.
"Have you heard from Abby yet?"
"No", Severus said sadly, then turning and walking away.
"She sent me an owl", Matty said quickly, stopping Severus in his tracks.
"Did it say where she is", Severus said but not turning around.
"No, but she wants me to meet her in two weeks, right after term is over. Somewhere in muggle London."
The next thing Matty knew, Severus had him by the arm and was dragging him down to his chambers.
"What's going on?" Hermione asked, watching Severus stick his head into the floo and call for Albus.
"Abby's contacted me. I received the owl right after I spoke with you in the great hall. She wants to meet me in a couple of weeks in muggle London."
"Finally", Hermione said sighing and sitting on the couch with Addison. Matty followed and sat down beside her.
Eileen and Albus flooed in.
Severus was frantically talking to Albus, while Eileen sat next Hermione and Matty. Hermione looked around, noticing how equally tired everyone looked. Abby wasn't the only one suffering in this situation.
"This could be the only chance we get to catch up with her", Severus said quickly.
"I agree Severus, but we need to plan this the right way so we don't lose the opportunity to speak with her. I think we should send an Auror with Matty, one Abby doesn't know. So, when she sees him or her in the crowd she will think nothing of it. I know you want to go Severus, but I think the Auror will have a better chance of detaining her."
Severus opened his mouth, but didn't say anything. Hermione handed Addison to Eileen and walked toward him.
"Albus is right Severus. The rest of us can wait at the beach house and the Auror can apparate back with her", Hermione said as she took Severus' hand.
"No, an anti-apparition spell needs to be set so she can't get away so easily. The Auror and Matty will need a portkey."
Albus nodded, happy Severus' had decided to comply so easily.
Severus walked over to the chair that sat diagonal to the couch, sat down and pulled Hermione into his lap.
"Why don't we take Addison with us for a little while and let the two of you enjoy some time alone", Eileen said as she stood up, pulling Albus and Matty with her.
"Don't keep Addison away for too long", Severus called as they shut the door behind them. He looked up at Hermione and gave her a tired smile then a gentle kiss. "Let's lay on the couch for a little while."
They laid in silence for what seemed like hours, but was only minutes.
"What are you thinking about", Hermione asked Severus, as he absently stroked her back.
"Abby missed her O.W.L's."
"I'm sure the ministry will let her make them up this summer."
"She's missed almost two months of school. I wonder if they will require her to repeat any of the subjects."
"I doubt it. I'm sure Abby could test out of the courses if they needed her too. What are our plans for this summer", Hermione said trying to distract Severus.
"I'm not sure. Getting married at some point."
Severus and Hermione's wedding had actually been planned for the weekend after school let out, but with Abby gone they had pushed it back. Neither Severus nor Hermione wanted to get married without Abby being present.
"We should go to the quidditch world cup again. I believe everyone had an enjoyable time last year", Hermione suggested.
"Yeah that would be nice", Severus said tiredly.
Hermione looked up and watched Severus' eyes start to flutter shut. She rubbed his chest, coaxing him to sleep, knowing he needed. Severus had rarely slept this last month and a half, only actually sleeping when his body gave out on him.
Two weeks had passed too slow for Severus. The term had been over for a few days; Hermione, Severus, and Addison had taken up residence in the beach house.
Today was the day Matty was to meet Abby in muggle London. Severus had a full house. His mother, Albus, the Potters, all the Weasleys, Abby's other set of grandparents, the Malfoy's, and a few Aurors' were there.
Matty, an Auror unknown to Abby, and Remus were the ones to go to muggle London. Remus seemed like a neutral person in this situation, so he was sent to help control Abby just in case something got out of hand. Remus was to stay out of sight, knowing Abby may flee if she saw him.
Severus was pacing the sitting room, refusing to leave that room because that was where the portkey was to take Abby, Matty, Remus, and the Auror.
Hermione pulled Severus to the couch, handing him Addison, knowing that would help calm is nerves. "Sit down for a bit Severus. It's still not quite time for them to meet Abby yet."
Severus started feeding Addison a bottle, when Talon flew and perched on his shoulder. Talon had been flying in and out of Hogwarts for the last two months. Albus said that Talon could sense if Abby truly needed him and that's when he would disappear for a bit. Talon's urge to stay in Severus' presence was also an advantage for them, since Abby was drawn to Talon. Talon hadn't left Severus and Hermione since they had gotten to the beach house.
All of a sudden there was a loud crack and Matty was laying on the living room floor, looking confused.
"What are you doing here?! Where's Abby?!" Severus said anxiously, handing Addison back to Hermione.
"Somethings happened where I was suppose to meet Abby. It was chaotic when we arrived. I saw other Aurors apparating to the area, they spoke to Professor Lupin and the other Auror, and then they sent me back here without telling me what was going on."
Lucius jumped out of his seat and was at Severus' side, "We need to apparate there Severus."
Before they could move, there was another crack, Remus and a handful of Aurors were standing in the crowded living room.
"What's going on!" Severus nearly yelled.
"We all need to get out of here now, floo or apparate to order headquarter!" Remus said quickly.
"WHAT! IS! GOING! ON! WHERE'S ABBY!?" Severus screamed.
"I don't know Severus. Fenrir Greyback, Graham's father, escaped from Azkaban. Apparently he was in the area Abby was suppose to meet Matty. Abby nor Greyback are no longer in the area. I will explain the rest once we get to the order, it's not safe here."
-Review please!