Draco smiled as he brought out a plate of sandwiches and crisps, Hermione had gone to reading silently, her arm wrapped lightly around his daughter. Her fingers lightly running through the curls at the ends of dark blond her. Hermione gave him a gentle smile and gently shifted waking the girl in her lap.
"Are you hungry Princess?" Draco asked moving to kneel beside them. Seraphina gave him a sleepy smile and nodded patting her stomach. Draco smirked and held out the plate for Granger to take. He nodded his head to her, "Some there for you too." He glanced at her almost dreamy smile, it still unnerved him how she looked at him as if he'd never committed a single sin.
"Thank you. Is it alright if we stay out longer?" She offered a small sandwich square to Seraphina who took it into her lap opening it up to eat the pickles first.
"Sure, I don't see why not." he flicked his shoulders looking back to the house, "Personally, I don't think you'd wanna come back anyway, he's gotten himself into a right foul mood." he made a bit of a face looking down the arch of his nose.
"You're welcome to join us." She offered, knowing just how foul those moods could be. "I was just moving onto the Serpent and the wandmaker."
"Dat Papa's favo'id" Seraphina supplied stuffing a bit of bread into her mouth.
Draco rocked back on his heels a bit looking between the open door and the book still open in Grangers lap. His daughter patted the grass beside her before taking the meat into her fingers.
"I suppose I could stay for one story." He sighed through his nose taking a nice seat in the shade with plenty of space between him and Granger. The latter chuckled and offered him the plate as he tried to steal a sandwich.
As all parties settled back into place, Hermione turned the book to its proper place. Stifling a yawn before she popped a small sandwich square into her mouth; the combination of the gentle breeze, warm waning sun, and the relaxing story was starting to take its toll.
Her lips curved gently at the girl who came back to press into her side, running her tiny fingers over a slightly moving picture. Hermione swallowed and cleared her throat. Resigned, she nodded and straightened her back to try to keep focused. Her words soft but with inflection, she painted the wonderful scene before them, the magic of the book resonated with her words, turning them into a soft projected picture show. Draco relaxed back idly watching as the images from the story shifted over the tree line.
When the fable slowly came to a close, Hermione couldn't suppress the deep yawn that left her throat. She sniffled just a bit trying to clear her head, her fingers turning to start another story automatically. Her voice had lost most of its enthusiasm but she pressed on. She could feel Seraphina's head against her thigh as she started anew.
"The Elementalist and the Prince.
Once upon a time, there was a powerful wizard, the very first of his kind. He had the amazing ability to control all the world's elements with just his will alone. He hadn't a need for a wand or a staff to do his magic. He had an unimaginable strength and an even kinder heart.
His life hadn't been easy, for you see, he had gifts no one in the world possessed and even though he never used his magical powers for evil, the people of the world just weren't ready for his amazing powers. So, in the dead of night, the young wizard was stolen away from his mother and locked away in a deeply secretive place.
The young wizard cried and pleaded with his keepers to allow him to return home to his family, but they refused. They were jealous of the great wizard's powers and sought to steal his power for themselves. They used his magical abilities to bring their own fame and glory to their conquests. As the boy grew to be a man, he realized all the horrible things he had done.
Filled with remorse, the young man ran away, far away, to a new place, where no one knew of his evil deeds. He sought to start a new life, a better life. But fate would not be so kind, one night while the young wizard was practicing his art, he was spotted by the King's Royal guard and promptly put in chains, marched straight to the king himself.
The King was impressed, but just as those before him had used him, so wanted the King. The King was very clever though and he could see the heavy shadow that hung over the young man's face and offered him a deal. Upon sparring his life, the young wizard would vow to teach his son's his magical ways. The young wizard didn't want to die and so, accepted the King's offer to become a teacher..."
Draco leaned back closing his eyes briefly as he listened to her tell the story. His brow ticked, however, when he noticed Hermione seemed to be having trouble reading, her voice growing softer with each passing sentence. When he opened his eyes and turned he noted too, that she was having trouble keeping her head up. He pursed his lips and turned away from the tree toppling the empty plate from his lap.
"Granger?"
Seraphina too had noticed the change in her companion and was letting out a soft whine begging for her to keep reading. Draco reached out, his palm almost touching her shoulder, when Hermione's voice gradually died away, her head rolling off to the side.
"Sera." Draco reached down picking up his daughter before she could touch Hermione's face. Seraphina squirmed letting out another soft whine. "It's alright, she's just sleeping." He hoped. He held the back of her head to keep her from turning to look. His brow twitched with concern when another shadow joined them.
"She was just reading," Draco offered as he moved out of Snape's way.
Severus ran his eyes over her, pulling the book from her lax fingers. His own came up under her hair pressing into her pulse point while opening their connection. Her mind was quiet but active, she was, indeed, simply resting. He had wondered if she had actually recovered from the night before or if it had been the cocktail of potions.
"She's fine." His voice was sharp but his hands were gentle sliding under, he drew her to his chest.
Draco released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding and moved to retrieve the book. He nestled it between him and his daughter summoning the ball to his hand next. Without a second glance, he followed after Severus into the house.
Snape lead the way moving into the sitting room, he rested Hermione against the lounge gently shifting her onto her side, the way he knew she liked to rest. She gave no protest as she curled her arms up near her chin. With a flick of his fingers, he summoned a throw from beside the fireplace resting it over her. He turned and looked at Draco's sagacious smirk. Narrowing his eyes, he rose to his full height pointing sharply to the kitchen. Draco chuckled in the back of his throat looking down at the quizzical look that his daughter was giving the both of them.
"Di' you see da pre'dy lady too?"
Draco blinked and shifted her setting the book down on the table. He adjusted, sitting her into the chair before putting the ball into the traveling bag, "What pretty lady?"
Snape followed them in sliding the door to the kitchen closed to keep their voices muffled.
"Da one wiff wed 'air?" She motioned around her face trying to show her father that it was long.
Draco's brows furrowed a bit turning his eyes to Snape. He gave him a careless shrug a bit unsure of how to take his daughters observation, "There was no one else out there with us. Granger's got brown hair. We practiced your colors remember?"
Seraphina shook her head, "No' G'an'ger." She puffed up her cheeks, "Youn'er." She was a bit distressed as her father didn't seem to understand. "Ta'er." She raised her arms above her head, "Pre'y dress." She nodded her head with a smile, "Whi'e."
Severus narrowed his eyes coming a bit closer to the girl; tall, red hair and wearing a white dress? "Did she speak to you?" He asked coming to loom behind Draco's shoulder. The toddler looked up into his face and shook her head. "She go shhhhh." She put her small finger to her own lips and nodded her head matter of factually.
"Was that all she did?" Severus seemed very interested all of a sudden and Draco shifted so the toddler had a better view of him.
"I wan'ed play, bu' she go shhhh." She repeated nodding her head, "She sa'ed wiff us...un'er tree." She motioned with her hands.
"She tou'ed G'an'ger." She pointed to her shoulder indicating where she'd seen the woman touch Hermione's shoulder. "Den she falled asleep." She pointed toward the living room before looking back between Draco and Snape.
Snape narrowed his eyes turning his head to the door, it couldn't be possible, surely the child was seeing things or had a very vivid imagination from the fairy tales she had been listening to. Yes, that had to be what happened. Though niggling feeling in his stomach protested otherwise.
Draco nodded his head to placate her, "Is she here now?" He asked turning his head. Seraphina shook her head with a soft pout. Draco gave her a soft pat on the head. He turned to Severus wondering if they should stay or go. He felt that his daughter had upset the elder man in some way. Deciding to leave on a somewhat happy note he pulled the bag across the table putting the book inside. He shifted his weight and leaned down retrieving his daughter from the chair.
"Say goodbye to Grandpa Severus." He didn't move closer, but Seraphina didn't seem to mind. With a soft pout, the toddler mumbled a soft goodbye before asking if she could have a candy when they got home. Draco nodded to her request and slung the bag over his shoulder. He gave one last glance to the silent man before making it through the back door.
Severus turned as Draco made for the back door, he mumbled his goodbye looking down to the band on his hand. He made a bit of a face, giving it a slow turn. He had felt her when it had appeared. He now wondered if he was the only person she had decided to keep an eye on. He glanced through the side of his eyes toward the closed door. It was highly probable. He took a deep cleansing breath letting out a sigh through his nose. Glancing at the clock he decided that it was time for an early dinner. He moved over to his potion stores first pulling out two restorative draughts setting them at Hermione's place setting before moving to start cooking. His mind was in top gear as his hands moved effortlessly around the kitchen. His entire world felt like it was constantly shifting and tilting at new impossible angles. It gave him the most horrid headache and a temper that was rising to match. He sneered to himself as he worked, a simple salad and sandwiches would do.
Hermione found herself inside a dream, but it was odd as if she wasn't fully asleep. Her eyes turned slowly around her environment taking in the soft grass and lone tree whose leaves blew lightly in a warm wind.
"Hello, Hermione."
Turning on the spot to the very new voice, her eyes widened as she recognized her. She had seen her before, in Severus' mind, though she looked older, she still appeared well younger than she. A mere teenager really.
"Lily?"
The younger woman smiled and nodded her head slowly coming down the small ridge.
Hermione's jaw twitched as she watched her approach, she was radiant, truly, it was no wonder that Severus had fallen in love with her. Her hands rubbed themselves as she found herself suddenly nervous to be in her presence, her eyes lowering as if she had stepped into something sacred between them.
"Don't be frightened." Lily's voice was soft, so caring beyond her years.
Hermione felt compelled to look into her face, her fingers lightly turning the band on her finger. "You...you're the one who sent this, aren't you?" She watched as Lily's hand took her own the ring shining brightly in the world around them. Hermione gasped at her cool touch but didn't pull away. Lily turned the band gingerly so that the word that was inscribed became visible.
"Always." Hermione's voice ghosted between them, her heart pounded as she tried to keep herself still. She had wondered what she would be like, Lily, but she had never imagined this. She was so different from herself. So reserved, so graceful, her hair falling beautifully around her shoulders, she was tall, taller than her and her touch was exceptionally light.
"It was a promise I made to him, many years ago, and while I have stood by him every step of the way...I feel...it is time for someone else to take my place." Her beautiful sea green eyes looked directly into Hermione's neither confirming nor denying her involvement with the ring's sudden appearance. Lily knew the older woman understood what she was asking of her. There was a soft pause as Hermione searched the other woman's face for anger, jealousy, regret. Anything, that could possibly turn her away. When she found nothing but a reserved happiness, Hermione felt her heart thump, her brow worried as the weight of her words pressed against her very soul.
"There will come a time, very soon, where you must make a choice." Her voice filled with the sorrow of the knowledge of what was to come, "Between what is right...and what is easy." Lily held her gaze watching the fire light inside the elder's eyes, returning her insightful gaze, with a chin and jaw tight with resolution.
Lily's smile softened and she nodded her head turning away to look out into the horizon. This young woman was no stranger to her. For she had watched her battle the very evil that had stolen her away from the world with such bravery and compassion. She knew the woman had what it took to stand before such insurmountable odds. She had protected her beloved son more times than she could possibly count. Her heart was true and her strength unrivaled.
Hermione watched as the world around her started to fade away, her heart pulsed with a new energy, a strong, unshakable resolve.
Hermione's hand twitched as she woke from her light slumber, the ring on her hand felt warm and she forced her eyes open to try and see, her vision cleared just as the soft light was starting to fade away. Her eyes scanned her surroundings realizing she was inside. Her brain dutifully reminded her that she had been watching over a child and her body jerked. She sprang up into a sitting position swaying as her head went light, she looked fervently around the space before realizing that she was alone. She let out a soft breath and pushed herself up to her feet. Her head gave another swirl of protest before finally settling down well enough for her to stumble her way to the hallway. She blinked and looked in either direction, the kitchen door was closed but she could hear the faint clinking of plates. She pushed herself in that direction sliding open the pocket door.
Severus' looked up as he set the final bowl onto the table. He had been about to retrieve her but the pale look on her face made him pause. His brow ticked as he waited for her to come around, her eyes were still heavily dilated and he could tell she had woken in a rush.
"Where's Seraphina?" Her words tumbled from her mouth as she staggered in looking around the kitchen taking solemn note that there were only two place settings.
"Home."
Hermione looked exceptionally worried and guilty, her breathing grew excited as she tried to recall what had happened before her dream.
"She's alright." Severus urged watching the young woman quickly work herself into a near panic, "She's safe, you've done nothing." He came around wrapping his fingers around her bicep giving her a gentle guiding hand to the chair.
"I didn't...I..." She fumbled before just finally letting the thought go with a heavy breath. "I'm sorry." She lowered her head and her body into the chair rubbing her face as she tried to recollect herself.
"You've done nothing." He restated moving over to his side of the table, He picked up the two potions and placed them near her elbow on the table. "Take these." His professor tone was back in full force as he watched her reluctantly pull one of the vials into her lap. His eyes narrowed as she rolled the bottle in her fingers but didn't move to drink it. Something was bothering her and it wasn't just about her little play date. However, when he tried to see into her mind he found himself blocked by something that definitely hadn't been there before. His eyes narrowed as he tried to push past the small obstacle but the harder he tried the stronger it became. His eyes flicked to her face and he could tell it wasn't she who was keeping him out. Was it the creature? Or something else entirely?
"Tomorrow, right?" Her voice was listless as she ran her thumb over the soft orange potion. Her eyes didn't rise to meet his, though her head did tilt slightly when he shifted to sit down.
"Yes." His voice was firm, resolute.
She nodded to herself slowly pulling the stopper from the vial and tipped the potion back with a harsh grimace. Her stomach roiled in protest from the soft static that rolled over her skin but just as before she pushed the feeling down. She replaced the empty bottle with the next potion and repeated the process her hand coming up to rub the scar along her sternum.
Severus watched her grow uncharacteristically silent, she neither looked to him or raised her head. Her smile had faded away from all hidden places on her face, replaced by something he had seen so many times in his own reflection. He swallowed stiffly as he picked up his fork, his penetrating mind taking to the task of unraveling this new mystery before him.
Hermione could feel his eyes on her, but could not find the will to meet him. Her eyes stayed low and to the side, catching his hands from time to time. She picked up her own fork moving exceptionally slow as she pressed it into her salad. She wasn't hungry, she wasn't tired, she wasn't...anything. She sighed softly and let the fork fall against the bowl, pulling her arms back into her lap. Her fingers sought the cool gold and she turned it slowly, her eyes far away, her thumb running over the promise permanently engraved. Her jaw started to tense as she looked inside for the courage she had used so many times before. Her lips worked but made no sound as she sorted through the empty space that had come to be her inner mind. Her body slowly relaxed back into the chair as her eyes stared, unseeing, at the edge of the table as she allowed herself to slip from reality.
Severus straightened as he watched her fall away, his dinner, also, forgotten. His chest felt tight as he tried once more to reach out, only to find himself similarly barred. A knot formed in his chest and he barely blinked as he watched her fall deeper inside. His eyes twitched at the corners, why had she left him so abruptly?
Hermione walked through the empty space, her eyes half-heartedly sweeping over the white void. Her feet lead her to where she needed to go. As the floor beneath her turned gray and a seeping darkness started to form she felt a pressure grow in her chest. The light still shone through the metal door but there were movements of something lurking just beyond. She didn't dare approach but stayed rather on the graying line where the darkness gave way to the light. Her eyes stared into its veil, she knew all that she was laid just beyond that door. She could feel the memories that had slipped free but they didn't come to greet her as they had before. Something was keeping them at bay. It was then she noticed a soft ring of golden light circled around the crack keeping it from growing, her eyes narrowed as she took in its protective light, and knew, something wasn't right. Her breath shuddered as she closed her eyes, slipping back into the world.
Severus breathed as she did, watching her eyes tense as they came back into focus. His own were wider than normal as he looked for any changes. She was still very solemn but the fire he had seen many times before was flickering inside the corner of her eye. She was ready for battle. She was ready to die. How many times had he looked into that exact face staring back at him? His eyes narrowed slightly at the familiarity of her sudden behavior. Erroneously, his own mind skipped back to what he had read in the journal. He wasn't going to let her do what she had already decided. There was no way, in between heaven or earth that he was going to let her fail. With steady feet but unsure hands, he rounded the table coming to stand as her shadow. She didn't move to his presence but he knew, she felt him. His hand slowly came down, his large fingers wrapping around her own. He gave it a firm squeeze, a silent promise, that no matter what may fall, he would be there.
Her eyes lifted to his then, though still lidded with sadness, she turned her head. He watched her shift and as if compelled by an outside force, reach up to take his cheek. He held his breath as he looked into eyes he had never seen before. This wasn't the woman he had come to know, his eyes widened marginally as she came near, his breath stuck in his throat as she pressed a whispering kiss squarely on his lips.