Severus glided through the dungeon corridor, heading down to his chambers. Being Friday night, the halls were mostly empty. Usually the students found something to do outside or in their common room before curfew. As he entered into his chambers, he saw Hermione sprawled out over the couch. The book that laid open next to the couch indicated she had fallen asleep reading, something she did frequently.
Severus quietly walked over and sat on the couch, he lightly brushed his hand across Hermione's face. Hermione's eyes fluttered open and she smiled tiredly when she saw Severus.
"Are the kids asleep?" Severus asked, quietly.
"Addison is, I don't think Abby is back yet", Hermione replied, as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
"Probably not, it's not curfew yet." Severus flicked his wand, enlarging the couch, and crawling in behind Hermione.
Hermione's and Severus' relationship had been a bit strained since their fight and Hermione's hasty decision to stay in her old chambers for a week. They were managing to get through things though, even with trying to deal with the kids. Abby had been acting strangely since her outburst and destruction of the sitting room. She had been very quiet, but on the other hand she also seemed to be adjusting in a way. Addison had starting crawling on his own, which meant he was starting to get into things. The only thing that was truly getting to Severus was that him and Hermione hadn't been intimate since before their fight.
Severus' thoughts were broken as Hermione leaned back into his chest.
"Did you get anything accomplished in your lab?" Hermione asked Severus as she closed her eyes again.
"Yes, I got quite a few potions brewed for Poppy this evening. I imagine her stores won't need to be restocked for a while."
"Mmm" was Hermione's only response. Severus quickly flipped Hermione so she was facing him. Hermione's eyes were now open and a look of alarm was on her face, but that quickly changed to a grin when she saw the look on Severus' face.
"Going back to sleep so soon?" Severus asked seductively.
"What did you have in mind?" Hermione asked, still grinning.
Severus swooped down and pulled Hermione's lips into a fierce kiss. Hermione immediately responded, she laced her fingers into Severus' hair and wrapped a leg around his waist. Hermione could feel Severus start to harden.
A knock sounded on the door.
"Damn it! Why does that always happen? Maybe if we ignore it they will go away", Severus said with a sigh and laying his forehead on Hermione's.
"Severus? Hermione?" Albus called from the outside of the door, "Harry and I need to speak to you, it is rather imperative."
Severus cursed and started to get off Hermione. Only she grabbed him and kissed him fiercely again.
"We will continue this later." Hermione let her lips lingering a little longer then needed. Severus grinned and got off the couch. He adjusted his robes before he opened the door.
"What is it that is so imperative?" Severus said with a piercing stare.
"Ah, well, there is something we need yours and Hermione's help with", Albus said with a knowing smile. Harry was standing next to Albus, smirking.
"What's going on?" Hermione asked, as she came up beside Severus and leaned on his arm.
"We have gotten word that there is a bonfire in the forbidden forest", Harry answered.
"What does this have to do with us?" Severus asked with a scowl.
"It appears that Abby has organized it", Albus answered.
"Damn it", Severus cursed, as his scowl deepened.
"Ah, Severus, don't get angry so quickly. It's just the rebellious teenager coming out in her. I just thought that if you, Hermione, and Harry went and broke up this little party then it could stay away from the headmasters ears", Albus said smiling.
Hermione smiled, "We'll go round them up and bring them back to the castle."
"I see your black eye has healed nicely", Harry said to Severus, grinning widely. They were making their way through the forbidden forest.
"Shut up Potter, or I'm going to give you a black eye."
Hermione giggled and laced her hand with Severus'.
"How many kids are at this bonfire?" Hermione asked Harry.
"Well, I'm not entirely sure. But, I talked to the other head of houses and there are kids from each house that haven't been accounted for, for hours. I imagine there is somewhere around twenty."
"Great", Severus said sarcastically. "I'm not serving detention with twenty students. Lets just run them off and those who don't cooperate we give them detention with Filch."
"Getting soft on us, Severus?" Harry laughed when Severus shot him a death glare.
"I agree with Harry. If we would have done something like this during our Hogwarts years we would have had detention for a month", Hermione said smiling.
"Well, you three were a large pain in my ass", Severus said with a smirk.
"Can't argue with you there", Harry said.
"How deep in the bloody forest are they", Severus said scowling. The surroundings were growing darker and darker.
"We should be coming up on them soon. Albus said Firenze is watching them from a distance, making sure no harm comes to them while they are out here."
"Stupid kids, how could they think it's safe out here. It's called the forbidden forest for a reason."
"There just kids, love. Harry, Ron, and I use to come out here too when we were teenagers", Hermione replied, squeezing Severus' hand slightly.
A blazing light came into view and the sounds of laughter hit Severus', Hermione's, and Harry's ears.
"I think we found them", Severus said with a sigh.
"This is a diverse group of students", Harry commented. "There are kids out here from every house and every year, I even see some first years."
"And they all seem to be getting along", Hermione said, surprise showing in her voice. The students were scattered around the bonfire, all having a good time. There were no actual groups, all the kids were speaking to each other.
"Maybe this bonfire isn't such a bad thing", Harry commented.
"I smell firewhiskey", Severus stated. "Do either of you see Abby?"
"No", Harry answered.
"Over there, to the right. She's sitting between Matty's legs", Hermione said.
Harry grinned, "Ah, yes. I didn't see her since her face is stuck to Matty's."
Severus scowled, "Damn kids."
"Oh no", Harry said, almost laughing.
"What?" Hermione and Severus both asked.
"Alright, Severus don't get angry. But, Abby and Matty are drunk."
Severus looked at Abby and caught her sluggish movements as she and Matty tried to stand up.
Severus sighed and shook his head, "Lets break this up and get back to the castle."
The three walked forward, none of the students noticed their presence. Severus walked forward, he headed to where all the alcohol was sitting. Matty and Abby were headed in the same direction. Abby reached down to pick up a firewhiskey bottle, but Severus grabbed it before she could get to it.
"Hey!" Abby said sluggishly, giggling. She looked up and saw Severus and her face went blank.
All the students looked up and everything went silent. The only noise that could be heard was the crackling from the fire. Abby stood completely still.
"Shh, maybe if we don't move they won't see us", Abby said giggling, her intoxication obvious. Matty and the other students in ear shot were trying to control their giggling at what Abby said. Harry and Hermione had to hide their grins.
"Nobody move", Severus stated firmly. "Who's been drinking? And do NOT lie, we will easily be able to tell if you have."
Severus watched as all the 5th, 6th, and 7th years raised their hands.
"I can't believe how unbelievably thoughtless you dunderheads are. Do you know how much danger you're in when you enter these woods? You could have killed! Idiots!" Severus' face was firm and his voice was harsh. "Professor Potter will lead the way, myself and Professor Granger will follow at the rear. Once we get back to the castle, if we see any of you out of your common rooms you will receive two months detention with Filch! Now move!"
All the students jumped up and ran to follow Harry out of the forbidden forest. Severus grabbed Abby and Matty by the back of their robs.
"You two will be walking with us", Severus growled. Hermione could tell Severus wasn't really that angry.
Abby tripped over nothing and Severus and Hermione both grabbed her before she hit the ground. Abby was giggling the entire time.
"I should have let you fall and break your face!" Severus sneered.
Abby just made a noise and held on to Matty, who was holding onto Hermione, for support as they walked back to the castle.
"What were you guys doing, Abigail?" Severus asked.
"Er, inner house unity party?" Severus fought hard not to grin at that one.
"Well you inner house unity party has caused you a weeks worth of cleaning my classroom and private lab."
"again!" Abby whined.
"Maybe one day you'll learn not to act like a dunderhead. Besides, this time your dunderhead boyfriend will be helping you." Matty groaned and Abby giggled.
When they escorted Matty back to Gryffindor tower, Abby leaned up against a suit of armor and vomited all over it. She then leaned on the wall and slid down it, claiming she couldn't go any further.
"She's on the verge of passing out, Severus", Hermione commented, as she flicked her wand and cleaned up the mess. Severus sighed and bent down, picking Abby up. Abby snuggled her head under Severus' chin.
"Daddy", Abby said, almost whining.
"What is it, love", Severus said, trying to keep his nose away from Abby. She recked of firewhiskey and vomit.
"I'm sorry, daddy. Are you mad at me?" Abby whimpered and her eyes were fluttering closed.
"I'm not mad love, I'm just worried about you."
"We should get a sober up and hang over potion in her", Hermione suggested as they walked into their chambers.
"How did everything go?" Albus said from the couch. He had stayed in Severus' and Hermione's chambers to watch Addison.
"All the students went back to the castle without argument", Hermione answered.
"Some were to drunk to realize what was happening", Severus remarked.
"Yes, but the idea behind the bonfire was actually a good idea. There were kids from all houses there, just having a good time."
Severus nodded and carried Abby back to her room.
"I see Abby is overly intoxicated, is she alright?" Albus asked Hermione.
"Yes, it appeared she was just having a good time and drank a little too much. Severus is giving her a few potions. Did Addison give you any problems?"
"Of course not. He actually slept the entire time", Albus said smiling, then kissing Hermione's cheek. "I'm going to go back to my chambers now. You and Severus have a good night."
Hermione walked to the back of the chambers, checked on Addison and then headed to Abby's room. Severus was walking out.
"Is she alright?" Hermione asked quietly.
"Yes, I gave her a sober up potion, hang over potion, and a sleeping draught. We shouldn't hear anything from Abby until tomorrow morning."
Hermione smiled and pushed Severus into the wall. Severus' eyebrows raised.
"Well, that's good. Because I believe we were interrupted", Hermione said, fisting Severus' robs and kissing him hungrily.
Severus groaned and wrapped his hands into Hermione's hair, returning the kiss. Hermione slid her hands up and down Severus' chest, massaging lightly. Severus responded by sliding his hands under Hermione's arms and lifting her up, causing Hermione to wrap her legs around Severus' waist.
"Bedroom, Severus", Hermione panted, as she ground her hips into Severus' waist. Severus groaned and fumbled his way to the bedroom door and inside. By the time Severus got over to the bed, Hermione had already gotten his robs off and his shirt unbuttoned.
Severus laid Hermione gently on the bed and began nibbling on her neck. Hermione pulled off Severus' shirt and was beginning to unbutton his pants. Severus was in luck, Hermione was wearing a dress. With one quick tug, Severus had the dress on the floor.
"Take them off, Severus", Hermione said quickly, after tugging his slacks down to his knees. Severus leaned forward and kicked them off, then he let out a low moan. Hermione had slid her hand into his boxers and was caressing his erection
"I'm not going to last if you keep doing that", Severus panted, stopping Hermione's movements. She grinned and pushed him down onto the bed. "Hermione", Severus started but let out a hiss. Hermione was now licking and placing small kisses on his erection.
Hermione slowly teased Severus by nipping and kissing the head of his erection. All of sudden, Hermione devoured it. Severus let out a loud moan and curled his toes.
"Shit, Hermione", Severus breathed and laced his fingers into her hair. Severus' hips jerked and his mouth dropped open as Hermione grazed her teeth along his shaft.
Hermione's moans caused Severus to open his eyes. One of her hands was cupping his balls while her other was down at her core, pleasuring herself. Severus knew if she kept up he wasn't going to last. He gently glided Hermione's mouth off of him.
"Lay on your back", Severus said as he gently rolled Hermione onto the bed. "I don't think I can wait any longer." Severus placed himself at her entrance.
"Good, I can't either", Hermione panted and then moaned, Severus had slowly pushed into her. His pace was slow and hard.
Hermione scissor locked her legs around Severus' waist, urging him to go faster. She let out a moan and shifted her hips up when Severus quickened the pace.
"Faster, Severus", Hermione hissed and leaned forward, biting his shoulder. Severus let out a strangled moan and his movements became frantic. Hermione's mouth dropped open and she squeezed her eyes shut.
"Open your eyes!" Severus said excitedly, as he pumped into her. Hermione opened her eyes and saw Severus' hungry eyes starring into hers. "I love you", he panted.
Hermione bit her lip and her eyes rolled back into her head. Severus started pounding frantically, letting Hermione ride out her orgasm and bringing himself to his.
"I love you too", Hermione breathed and wrapped her arms around him, as they both caught their breath. Severus rolled off of Hermione, bringing her into his chest and tightly holding her.
"I've missed you", Severus said sadly.
"I missed you too, love." Hermione snuggled into his chest and they both drifted to sleep.
Severus sat at his desk, in his classroom. He was marking papers and waiting for Abby and Matty to show up so they could start cleaning out his store rooms.
"Erm, Sir", Matty said hesitantly from the door.
"It's Severus, Matty. And you're early."
"I know, Sir. I mean Severus. But, I need to talk to you about something."
"Alright, Where's Abby?"
"In your chambers, I think, I hope."
Severus raised his eyebrows and sat back in his chair, waiting for Matty to continue.
"I think, that maybe, Abby is getting into something that she shouldn't be. It's not bad right now, but I think it will be if someone doesn't do something. Abby isn't really listening to what I'm saying about things, but I'm positive she will listen to you."
Things started racing through Severus' mind. The one that stuck out the most was his fear that Abby was going to turn into the next Voldemort.
"What is it?" Severus asked, almost afraid to know the answer.
"She's drinking again, kind of a lot. Not as much as she did last year, but it's getting there. She's done some random drugs too, but it's more the drinking I'm worried about."
Severus sighed, he could handle that. "Is that all?"
"Well, no. Erm, well, she's been looking at these weird magic books, one's I've never seen before. I'm not sure if they're dark or not."
"Do you know where she got them from?"
"No, I thought they were yours but Abby said they weren't. I would have came to you sooner but Abby's mood has actually gotten a lot better, since you talked to her last week."
"Really?" Severus was surprised, he thought Abby was getting worse.
"Yes, she seems more happy. It really hurts her when you two fight, I can barely get her to talk about it most of the time. But since you made up with her last week, and she said she had an outburst that you fixed, shes been better."
"Oh, well that's good. Wait, why did you get drunk with her last night then?"
"Well that was an accident, I hadn't intended on getting drunk. Abby isn't an alcoholic or anything, I'm just afraid if you don't find out what's going on she's just going to get worse."
"Alright, thank you Matty. I really appreciate that you came to me", Severus said, standing up and shaking his hand.
"You're welcome", Matty said surprised, unsuccessfully masking his face.
"I have one more question. Is Abby smoking?"
Matty sighed, "Yes, but she only seems to do it when she gets stressed. I figured if that helped her then I could deal with it."
Severus entered his chambers and found Hermione and Addison playing on the floor. Hermione was laying on her stomach and Addison was crawling to his toys, letting out squeals.
"I can hear him all the way in the hallway", Severus said smiling, kissing Hermione on the cheek and laying beside her. Addison heard and saw Severus, he let out a squeal and started crawling toward Severus quickly. Severus pulled Addison to his chest and rolled over on his back, holding Addison on his chest.
"Where's Abby and Matty?" Hermione asked.
"The astronomy tower I believe. I need to go up there and speak to Abby in a little while." Severus starked tickling Addison and Addison started giggling and wiggling, trying to get away from Severus.
"Why? What's going on?"
Severus retold Hermione what Matty had told him.
"I'm glad Matty feels comfortable enough to come to you. But, do you think Abby will get angry when she finds out Matty talked to you?"
"Abby won't know. Matty told me where Abby keeps her liquor in her bedroom, I'm just going to tell her that I found it."
"Oh, I see. You don't think she's doing dark magic, do you?"
Severus sighed, "Honestly, I don't know. I hope not."
"We can help her away from it, if she is."
Severus nodded and then kissed Addison's cheek. "I need to go get the liquor from Abby's room and then go talk to her." Hermione grabbed Severus' arm as he laid Addison back onto the floor.
"Are you alright love, you've just seemed so sad for a couple of days."
Severus nodded, "I just think everything is getting to me."
"It will be alright. Maybe we should think about taking the kids and heading home for the weekend, just to get away from the castle."
"That sounds like a good idea."
Severus quietly walked up to the astronomy tower. The plan was that he would send Matty an owl, saying he was wanted in the headmasters office. Matty would leave and Severus would make his way up to the tower. The plan had worked, Severus passed Matty as he walked up the stairs.
Abby stood by the window, smoking a cigarette. She obviously hadn't seen or heard Severus approach. Severus walked up beside her, took the cigarette, leaned up against the side of the window and took a drag.
"When did you start smoking?" Abby asked, after her shock wore off.
"I could ask you the same thing", Severus replied, calmly.
Abby nodded.
"So, when did you?"
Abby shrugged, "I don't, a while ago. I don't smoke often.....Are you mad?"
Severus shook his head, "No, but I want you to stop."
"It helps with stress."
"Hermione and I were talking, we think you should find an activity to help you outlet your anger and stress." Severus put the cigarette on the ground and ground it out with his boot.
"Like what?"
"I don't know. It's something for you to think about, we will help you brainstorm."
"Well, ok."
"I was in your room earlier, looking for one of my potion books and I found something interesting."
"Really, what's that?" Abby asked hesitantly.
"Two bottles of firewhiskey and a bottle of Vodka."
"Oh....right...T. were for the bonfire."
Severus raised his eyebrows.
Abby sighed, "I'm sorry. It's just easier to be ok and to forget things if I'm not sober."
"I think that's half the problem Abby, is that your trying to forget instead of cope with things. What happened to you isn't something you're going to be able to forget. No matter how much you drink, smoke, or whatever drugs you do. You need to talk about these things to someone. Me, Hermione, Matty, Grandmum, Granddad, anyone."
Abby sighed and nodded.
"I understand teens experiment Abby, but you're going to far. If you don't stop and ask for help now, it's going to be too late and I will lose you forever." Severus pulled Abby into his chest and held her tightly, Abby wrapped her arms around Severus and sighed.
"I'm sorry, dad."
"I know love, we will get you through this. You need to stop with the alcohol, smoking, and drugs."
"Ok", Abby said and nuzzled into his chest.
"There's something else I need to ask you."
"What?"
"A Syltherin came to me the other day, apparently he wanted to brown nose to his head of house. But, he saw you with an odd magic book, one he had never seen before. The student thought it was a dark magic book."
"No, it's not. Well, maybe. I...I...I don't know how to explain it."
"Try, I don't want you getting into anything dark Abby."
"Can we talk about this later? I can show you..."
"Ok, I can agree to that", Severus said, not letting his embrace on Abby loosen. "Let's go down to dinner. Hermione's going to meet us in the great hall. Your grandmum is watching Addison in our chambers."
"Well, can I eat dinner in our chambers? I haven't seen grandmum in a while and I'd like to have dinner with her."
"Ok, I'll walk you down and let you and your grandmum spend sometime together."
"Gods, I'm starving", Hermione said, spooning a fork full of mash potatoes into her mouth. Severus just raised his eyebrows and smiled.
"I think spending next weekend at the beach house would be a wonderful idea", Severus said before taking a drink of his tea.
"So I take it everything went well with Abby? Where is she by the way?"
"Yes, I thought everything went fantastic. She's eating dinner in our chambers with my mum. I will tell you later about mine and Abby's conversation."
Hermione nodded and looked over to Severus' plate. "Oh! Where did you get pudding from!" Hermione grabbed a spoon and started eating Severus' pudding.
"Get your own, women!" Severus said half heartedly. He swatted Hermione's spoon away with his fork.
"Fine, and to think I was going to thank you later for letting me have your pudding."
Severus pushed his plate over and smirked, "Have all you want." Hermione grinned and started eating his pudding again.
A moment later, a seventh year Gryffindor slammed the great hall doors open and then barreled up the isle toward Albus' seat.
"Sir!" The student said breathlessly.
"Mr. Caster, is something wrong?" Albus said, alarmed.
"There's a student on the ledge of the Astronomy tower, she's threatening to jump!"
Albus jumped up, as did the rest of the stuff.
"Who is it?" Albus asked quickly, trying to keep his cool.
"I don't know. I just know it's a Gryffindor!" The student said quickly, still out of breath.
"Fuck, Abby!" Severus nearly spat.
"You said she's in the chambers!" Hermione said, nervously jumping up.
"She was! Gods, please no." Severus was starting to become frantic and his hands were starting to shake. "We have to get up to that tower!"
"Severus!", Albus said loudly and grabbing his arms. "Check your chambers first, I will check the tower. Abby is suppose to be down there with Eileen."
"Albus! Damn it!"
"Just do it, Severus!"
Severus took off out of in a sprint, toward the dungeons, followed by Hermione.
-review please! I am going to try and get another update this week since I wasn't able to update last week. I'm going to start writing the next chapter tomorrow, so hopefully I will get it up in a couple of days. I know this is an awful cliff hanger, but let me know what you think!