Hermione woke to the light sounds of rain splatting on the window. She peeked open her eyes to a dark and dreary room. Rolling to her side, she saw Severus was still asleep. He was laying on his stomach with his head facing her.
Hermione brushed the hair out of Severus' face, letting her fingers linger on his cheek. She started to outline his jaw and mouth.
"What time is it", Severus groaned.
"I don't know", Hermione replied with a grin.
"I feel like I've slept forever."
"I think you were just over tired, love. You figure right after we got back from Greece we went to the quidditch world cup. Not to mention, our last night of summer get together, that we had last night."
Hermione rolled back over and glanced at the clock. "Shit! Severus, it's almost eleven in the afternoon!"
"What!" Severus hissed and sat up.
"Severus, I'm sure the kids are awake. I can't believe we slept this long!"
Severus and Hermione both got out of bed and hurried into the hallway. As soon as they stepped foot from their room, Addison's giggles filled the air.
"It sounds like he's in Abby's room", Severus said, making his way across the hall and pushing the door open to Abby's room.
Abby and Addison were laying on their backs, on a blanket on the floor. Abby had conjured what looked like mini seekers, as she twisted her hand in the air the mini seekers flew and somersaulted. Addison was giggling and trying to grab them.
"Abby we are so sorry. Your father and I hadn't intended to sleep that long", Hermione exclaimed and sat down beside them, followed by Severus.
"It's alright. I figured you guys were just tired."
"You should have woke us up. How long have you two been awake", Severus asked.
"I've been awake since six. Addison woke up around seven or eight. We were fine, I would have woke you guys if we needed you."
"Awake so early on your last day of summer?"
"I just couldn't sleep. I'm still nervous about going back to Hogwarts."
"I know" Severus said twirling Abby's hair.
"Have you two eaten?" Hermione asked.
"We ate breakfast and I gave Addison another bottle not that long ago."
"Addison's lucky to have such a wonderful sister", Hermione said with a smile. "Severus we should get dressed, so we can get our things to Hogwarts."
"Yes, Albus expects all of us for lunch in the great hall, in about an hour."
An hour later found the four walking through the halls of Hogwarts. Severus was holding Addison in one arm, with Hermione's hand in his other hand. Abby was trailing slightly behind.
"Who's all going to be at lunch?" Abby asked quietly.
"All the professors will be there, along with a few of their spouses."
"Well, it sounds like a professor thing, maybe I should stay back in your chambers."
"No, Abby they are expecting you. Everything will be fine."
They approached the entrance of the great hall.
"But dad, I don't want to go...", Abby started, but stopped when the entrance of the great hall opened and Matty stepped out. "Matty?"
Matty smiled and offered Abby his arm.
"It appears I was correct, Matty. Your assistance is needed", Severus said with a smirk that caused Abby to glare at him.
"I'm not hungry", Abby said still glaring.
"Don't make me hex you!"
Abby huffed and grabbed Matty by the arm, pulling him into the great hall.
Everyone in the great hall was seated at the Gryffindor table.
"Finally, you four have arrived", Albus said walking over and pulling Abby into his arms.
"Give me my grandson, you two enjoy your lunch", Eileen said taking Addison and sitting down with him. A few of the professor's that weren't close friends and had little contact with Addison, started pawing all over him.
"Abby! So good of you to join us", Lucius said with a grin.
"Godfather? What are you and godmother doing here?" Abby said, looking from Lucius to Narcissa.
"Ah, that was my doing. I thought perhaps inviting a few extra people to lunch would help you transition back to Hogwarts."
Abby smiled and sat down in between Severus and Matty.
"Oh, and Abby, a ministry letter arrived for you a few moments ago. I'm assuming it's your O.W.L results", Albus said twinkling, handing Abby the letter.
"Eh, I don't want to open it", Abby said staring at the envelope.
"fine, I will", Severus said smirking and snatching the letter from Abby.
"Dad!"
"No need to worry, I already know the results", Albus said grinning. "Top marks all around, well except for one."
"Divinations", Abby mumbled.
"Yes, that's the one. And if I'm not mistaken you beat your fathers score in potions."
Abby grinned and looked at Severus.
Severus arched an eyebrow, "There is still my N.E.W.T.S score."
"I'll be sure to begin studying for that now."
Severus scowled and threw the letter at Abby.
Towards the end of Lunch Albus stood up to make an announcement. "For those of you who are unaware, we do have a new muggle studies teacher on staff this year. I'd like to introduce Page Summers to everyone."
All the men that were at Severus' bachelor party grinned and looked at Severus. Severus glared and moved closer to Hermione. Hermione, Ginny, Eileen, and Narcissa eyed each other.
"I believe most of you met Ms. Summers a few weeks ago at Severus and Hermione's wedding", Albus added.
"Good to have you on staff", Draco said with a smile. Most of the other staff muttered something of a greeting.
"Thank You, I'm sure I'm in for a treat. I here the staff here is very accommodating."
Harry eyed Severus and grinned. In turn, Severus kicked him in the shin. Hermione glared at the two of them.
"Right, I believe it is time for quidditch training with Abby", Harry said starting to laugh.
"What? I still don't know", Abby said quietly.
"Come on, Abby. Let's just go have a quick match and a few drills and then we will go from there. You don't have to make any commitments right now. But, I'm really going to need to know by tomorrow, that's when quidditch try-outs are."
"Alright", Abby said standing and exiting the room, along with most of the men.
"Severus! We need another player, will you join us", Ron yelled, after sticking his head back into the great hall.
Severus looked at Hermione, "Will you and Addison be alright for a bit."
"Of course. Go get Abby settled back in and playing quidditch again."
Severus smiled and kissed Hermione's forward, then walked out of the room.
"Severus is a changed man", Professor Trelawney said.
"How so", Page Summers asked, trying to join the conversation.
"Severus has never been one to show any public affection. This past year with Abby and Hermione he has turned into what one would call a family man."
"Severus has always been a family man", Eileen added.
"Yes. I think Hermione's and Abby both being at Hogwarts has done wonders for him. And now with Addison", Albus said taking Addison from Eileen. "I don't see Severus resorting back to his bottled up emotions.
"Well that's good. Severus seems like a very wonderful man", Page said smiling.
"Yes, he is", Hermione told page, trying to be nice.
"So, what's the relationship between you and my son?" Narcissa asked Page.
"Right now, we're just friends. Draco and I are still new to each other", Page responded, smiling.
"I believe I am going to retreat to my chambers. I will see everyone tonight", Hermione said as she stood and took Addison from Albus.
"Albus and I are going to drop by later, love", Eileen said with a smile, patting Hermione's arm.
A couple of hours later, Severus was walking in from the quidditch pitch. He smelled of sweat and his robes were dirty. Severus walked in the main entrance of Hogwarts and started toward the dungeons.
"I see you play just as hard as any of the other younger staff or kids."
Severus stopped and spun to his left, Page walked out of the shadowed corner. Severus gave a weary smile and nodded his head.
"Where are you headed now, Professor Snape", Page said, adding a sultry emphasis on professor. She stood as close as she could to Severus.
"Er, I'm going down to my chambers, to find my wife and son", Severus responded taking a small step back.
"Pity." Page ran a hand up and down Severus' chest and then turned and walked out of the castle.
Severus scowled and continued down to his chambers. When he entered, he saw Hermione and Addison sitting on the couch.
"Good, you're back", Hermione said standing. "I need to go do a few things in my classroom." She handed Addison to Severus and then gave him a kiss. "You stink!" Hermione said scrunching up her face.
Severus smirked and pulled her closer to him. "I was hoping you would take a shower with me." He swooped down and pulled her into a seering kiss.
"Mmm. As lovely as that sounds, I will never get anything done if I follow you in there." Hermione pulled away grinning.
"Your lose."
"I'm sure we can make up for it later."
Severus smirked and then turned his head to Addison, "Do you want to take a bath with daddy?" Addison let out a loud squeal, causing Hermione and Severus to smile.
Hermione had been sitting at her desk for a few hours when Ginny, who was holding Lily, and James walked into her classroom.
"Working hard already", Ginny said smiling.
"Just have to get a few lesson plans done. Actually I think I'm about done. How did you know I was here?"
"Severus. Well he mumbled something about you working."
Hermione arched an eyebrow.
"I stuck my head into the floo and called your chambers. Severus and Addison were asleep on the couch."
Hermione smiled.
"I heard you had a reputation for working long hours", Page said from the doorway.
"Just getting a few things done", Hermione said smiling, then glancing at Ginny.
"You're Ginny Potter, Harry's wife. Correct?"
"Mmm hmm", Ginny responded.
"Do you work at Hogwarts?"
"No. James, Lily, and I stay here with Harry during the year."
"Ah, I wasn't aware that the staffs spouses stayed in the castle. Unless they worked here of course."
"It's not uncommon. Eileen stays with Albus a majority of the time", Hermione responded.
"Whatever keeps us with Harry", Ginny said, smiling.
"Yes, I suppose it is nice. The house elves preparing meals and cleaning up, you don't really have to do anything", Page said, with an innocent smile.
"I take care of my children", Ginny said through clenched teeth, face turning red.
"Is there a party in here and we weren't invited!" Harry said happily, as him Abby, Ron, and Draco walked into the room. They had obviously come straight from the quidditch pitch, looking and smelling like Severus. Harry stopped smiling once he say Ginny's face.
"Well, I need to be going. Have some lesson planning to do", Page said starting to walk out of the classroom.
"Do you need some help", Draco asked, not noticing Ginny or Hermione's face.
"Sure."
"Ginny whats wrong", Harry said walking over and wrapping his arms around her. Ron picked up James.
"Nothing! That cheeky cow!"
Harry looked confused and over to Hermione. She was just as angry as Ginny was.
"Whats going on?" Ron asked.
"Nothing. We can discuss it later", Hermione said regaining her emotions, not wanting to discuss it in front of Abby.
"Harry, you stink!" Ginny said making a face.
"You all do!" Hermione exclaimed, grabbing Abby by the arm. "Come, you smell worse then your father did. You need a shower before the sorting ceremony tonight." Abby grinned and let Hermione lead her to the door.
"Wait! Wait!" Harry said running toward them. "Abby, are you going to play for the house team."
Abby looked as though she was thinking it over.
"Pleaseeeeee, we need you. You don't really want Slytherin to beat us and then your dad to rub it in my face, do you?" Abby grinned at that. "Besides, after try-outs, Sebastian Curry is going to be coming to a few of our practices and our first game."
Abby's eyes lite up, "Yes, Healer Bronson told me. I will play and see how it goes.
Harry gave a hoot and high fived Ron.
"What was going on with you, Ginny, and Professor Summers?" Abby asked Hermione, as they walked toward their chambers.
"Nothing for you to worry about. Just some professor issues. Where is Matty?" Hermione responded and then tried to change the subject.
"His dad came to apparate him back home, so he could shower and then take the Hogwarts express."
"I see, and your sure you don't want to join Matty on the train. Your father and I could ride too."
"No, I don't want to. Besides my stuff is already here, I just need to unpack my room."
"And your positive you want to stay in the chambers with me, your father, and your brother. Not in Gryffindor tower?"
"Yes, I'm positive."
Hermione and Abby walked past Severus' potion classroom, stopping at the door to their chambers. Hermione spoke the password quickly and the door unlocked. She pushed it lightly open, Abby followed her inside. Severus was stretched across the couch, with Addison laying on his chest, both were asleep.
"Aw, is this what I get to look forward to when I come home every day?" Hermione said smiling.
Severus peeked open an eye, gave a half smile, and closed his eye again.
"Severus, Abby has something to tell you."
"I do", Abby said confused.
Hermione laughed, "Yes, about quidditch."
"Oh, right. I'm going to play for the house time again."
Severus opened his eyes and smiled, "Good. I think you will realize how much you would have missed it. By the way, You left a package at the house, it's waiting for you on your bed."
"I didn't leave anything at the house."
"Yes you did, it's in your room", Severus said shifting Addison and sitting up.
Abby walked to her room. Hermione conjured a crib out of the chair by the fire, then took Addison from Severus and laid him in it. Abby let out a high pitched squeal from her bedroom.
"I take it she likes the broom", Hermione said smiling and sitting next to Severus.
"Apparently."
Abby barreled out from her bedroom and hurled herself at Severus and Hermione.
"You got me the new edition of the Firebolt!" Abby threw her arms around the both of them.
"Yes, sort of a welcome back to Hogwarts present. I knew you were in need of a new broom for the upcoming quidditch season", Severus responded.
"What would you have done if I hadn't played quidditch?"
"Used it as a bribe."
Abby smirked, "It would have worked."
"Now go take a shower. You smell bloody awful!"
Abby grinned and hopped up, walking to the bathroom. A loud knock sounded from the door.
"That's probably your mum and Albus", Hermione commented.
Severus nodded and got up and answered it.
"We've heard the good news, Abby's playing quidditch again", Eileen said with a smile.
"Have you given her the broom yet?" Albus inquired.
"Mmm hmm, just a moment ago. Abby is in the shower now."
"Ah, So tell me, what do you two think of the new muggles studies teacher, Page Summers?"
Hermione scowled and Severus made a face.
"Well, that can't be good", Eileen remarked.
"Trouble already?" Albus asked.
Hermione sighed and replayed the story of what she said to Ginny.
"Why, that cow!" Eileen said angry. "It's hard work taking care of your children and Ginny is a wonderful wife and mother!"
"Perhaps it came off the wrong way. I'm sure Ms. Summers meant no harm by it", Albus suggested.
"She meant it, I could just tell by the way she said it."
"Maybe she's just jealous that Ginny has a husband and children", Severus added.
"You better not be sticking up for her!" Hermione said scowling at Severus.
"I'm not!" Severus scowled.
"I believe a change of subject is needed. Have you discussed the situation about Carry Higgs, Dorea's sister, attending Hogwarts with Abby?" Albus asked.
Severus sighed, "I had actually forgotten about that. I will tell Abby about it when she's done in the shower, she will need to know before the sorting ceremony."
"I will need to know what?" Abby asked, walking into the sitting room.
"Come, have a seat for a moment", Severus said, gesturing for Abby to sit down. Abby sat. "Tell me, what have you heard about Dorea Higgs since the summer?"
"Matty told me she got really depressed after Graham received the dementors kiss. Something about attempting suicide and she's in St. Mungo's?"
"Mmm hmm. Anything else?"
"No, what don't I know?"
"Well, Dorea has a sister, Carry. She's going to be a first year this year."
"Ok. Matty mentioned that he heard she had a sister, but didn't know her age."
"There is a few other things you need to know, before the students arrive. Over the summer, a few of us had heard that Dorea was making threats, toward you."
Abby made a face at that.
"Well, it wasn't Dorea. It turned out to be her sister. Carry is very upset about Dorea's mental status and is looking for anyone to take it out on. But there is nothing to worry about, your grandfather visited the Higgs home over the summer and found there to be nothing behind the threats. Just a child trying to cope with her sisters illness."
Abby had began to turn pale while Severus was talking. "I-I'm not going to the sorting ceremony. I want to go home!" Abby jumped up.
"Abby, wait!" Severus said grabbing her by the arm and pulling her back, half on him and half on the couch.
"Calm down, love. There is nothing to be afraid of. Even if Carry did try to harm you in anyway, you could easily block her and defend yourself. She's only eleven."
"I don't care, I don't want to be here anymore", Abby replied with tears in her eyes. Talon swooped down and landed on Abby's shoulder, gently nudging her face. Abby instantly relaxed.
"Someone get me a calming drought", Severus said quietly.
"I don't want to deal with this anymore", Abby whispered.
"I know, but it will be fine. Here drink this, it will keep you calm for the rest of the night", Severus said, making Abby drink the drought that Hermione handed him. Her eyes dropped and Severus pulled her up so she was leaning on his chest.
"Do you think she will be alright?" Eileen asked worriedly, watch Abby fall asleep.
"I think after a few days and she gets back into a routine will help her", Albus commented.
A few hours later found everyone sitting in the great hall. Severus and Hermione, along with most of the staff, were keeping a close eye on Abby. All the upper years of Hogwarts were already seated. It was a tradition on the first night for all the houses to leave the upper part of the tables open for the first years. Except this year at the Gryffindor table, Abby and Matty sat all the way at the front, near the staff. Leaving a gap between them and the others in their house.
Abby was weary around the other students. Seeing as last year most of the students in Hogwarts had shut her out and turned their backs on her.
"Abby seems to be alright", Hermione commented.
"Mmm hmm."
"Your new found friend is looking at you", Hermione almost growled.
"What?" Severus turned and saw Page Summers smiling down the table at him. "Oh."
"Here comes the first years", Remus said from Hermione's left, sensing her tension.
"Which one is Carry Higgs?" Hermione asked.
"I'm going to go with the one giving Abby a death glare."
A skinny, average height, brown haired, Eleven year old was starring Abby down.
"Maybe Abby won't notice", Remus suggested.
"Too late", Hermione said.
Abby looked up, seeing Carry glaring at her. She looked away and glanced at Severus. Abby's view of Carry was blocked by someone sitting in front of her.
"Severus, at first year just sat with Matty and Abby", Hermione commented.
They watched as the first year said something, making Abby and Matty smirk. One or two more first years sat down with them as well, the others scattered throughout the front of the table.
"Higgs, Carry", Minerva McGonagall called from the a stool in the front of the great hall.
"Interesting, it seems as Abby and Matty are getting along pretty well with the first years that sat with them", Severus said watching them.
"Well, that's a good thing. Maybe it will help Abby along into getting back into making friends again."
"Gryffindor!" The Sorting Hat yelled out.
"You have to fucking kidding me!" Severus growled under his breath, as he watched Carry Higgs sit down at the Gryffindor table and glare at Abby.
-Review!!! Sorry for the week delay!